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Mark 13

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Vs. 4, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”  Jesus had just finished telling the disciples that the Temple and it’s beauty would soon be destroyed (vs. 1-4).  It was almost impossible to believe and the Temple was the sign of God’s presence for them.  But, there would be a new spiritual temple in the church that would be coming soon.  Jesus now spends the next section of our chapter addressing signs both good and bad that will come (vs. 5-23).  I want to preface something important: Jesus does not give us any specific dates for a reason.  Biblical scholars are divided when it comes to the interpretation of Jesus’ signs.  Some believe it only applied to the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.  Others believe that it has a dual meaning that applied for the disciples during the temple destruction but also for future believers during the Tribulation in Revelation.  Differences in interpretations should not divide the church.  The general principles of being watchful apply to all generations until Jesus returns!  We are in the birth pains (vs. 8) and the signs should be obvious just as a fig tree is about to bloom (vs. 28).  Even Jesus does not know the time or date of His own return, only the Father (vs. 32).  We must be ready to live in difficult times.

Regarding application…Be Watchful!  Vs. 37, “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!”  Jesus reminded us of one major criterion: The Gospel must be preached to all nations (vs. 10) before Jesus returns.  Wycliffe Bible Translators estimate that only 209 million people have yet to have a bible translation in their language.  Brothers and sisters, we are so very close!  With the continued efforts of preaching, missions and global technology, we are almost at the end of the race!  Like the doorkeeper (vs. 34-36), let us be ready when the owner (Jesus) returns.  There are times when I selfishly wish it were now.  But there are also times when I forget about Jesus’ warnings when my own life seems to be too difficult to handle.  I remember when I was a little kid, I was so excited to go visit a big city with tall buildings.  No matter how long the trip, I would fight to stay awake so I could see the first glimpse of the approaching city!  Likewise, let us be always watchful and alert for the day and hour when Jesus will return.  Lord, please come soon!

Mark 12

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Vs. 6, “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.”  You may recall previously, we are traveling with Jesus in His last days during the Passion Week.  Jesus is in the temple courts with the crowds, but also with those who were against Him (Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, teachers of the law).  The Parable of the Tenants illustrates the nation Israel and the violent hypocritical acts they administered to the owner of the vineyard.  Those against Jesus were incensed for they knew Jesus was speaking of them (vs. 12).  The enemies of Jesus who were normally opposed to Him, collaborated together to try to trap him.  The Pharisees and Herodians who did not agree politically on their view of Rome’s role with Jews, conspired together to ask how taxes should be properly handled (vs. 13-17).  Paying taxes to Caesar was a hotly debated issue amongst the Jews.  But Jesus with wisdom above all others, share with us how we can give to Caesar (current government) and give to God at the same time (vs. 17).  The Sadducees now come into the picture.  Though not popular among the masses, they controlled the priesthood.  They only adhered to the Pentateuch (the first five books) which limited their understanding of Resurrection.  They come to challenge Jesus on marriage at the Resurrection (vs. 18-27).  The Sadducees come up with a ridiculous hypothetical situation but Jesus again puts them His detractors in place.  But the enemy is persistent, and again they send a teacher of the law to challenge Jesus about the most important commandment (vs. 28-34).  Bear in mind, there were 613 commandments that were in the OT Law.  Jesus infuses two OT references (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18) and this pretty much silenced everyone (vs. 34).  It’s interesting to notice the teacher of the law was impressed and Jesus comments about how close He is to the kingdom of God.  Jesus now takes the opportunity to ask his own question (vs. 35-37).  He points out Psalm 110:1 where David’s future son (descendant) would also be David’s Lord.  This points to the doctrine of incarnation (God becoming human in Jesus).  Jesus also warns us against desiring or looking up to the religious leaders of their day.   Many of them fell into the trap of the “Honor/Shame” culture and tried to look good on the outside.  And lastly, I find it interesting that Jesus watches closely the people placing money in temple treasury (vs. 41-44).  It is a sobering reminder of how giving should be a sacrifice.  The widow’s two copper coins had the least value, but she gave it all to the Lord.  It is a picture of Jesus who would give much more in the days following.

Regarding application…True Sacrifice.  Vs. 44, “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”  As Jesus watched the crowds put their offering into the temple treasury, it’s important to note that it wasn’t the issue of giving.  It was Passover festival time, so there were people of all backgrounds and financial means giving into the temple treasury.  Let me stop here for a moment…God’s will is going to be accomplished no matter how much we give or keep.  The issue here is this understanding of giving that is truly a sacrifice.  If we were to strictly follow the OT tithe, it is far more than just 10%.  The issue isn’t how much we give.  The issue is, is what we give an appropriate sacrifice to the Lord?  When we give to the Lord, we should do it cheerfully (II Corinthians 9:7).  There is always going to be opportunities for us to give and help each other out.  Because the church is God’s gift to us and we see how the Apostle Paul had a burden to collect funds for the church in Jerusalem to meet the needs of the poor, I believe we should continue that spirit of giving.  Tithe to your church.  If can give 10%, wonderful.  If less or more, do so according to what you can give.  And if God has blessed you beyond that, look for ways to give additionally to others like the Good Samaritan did.

Mark 11

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Vs. 7, “When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.”  Jesus’ ministry is now coming to an end.  In our opening scene, Jesus is getting ready for the triumphal entry in Jerusalem (vs. 1-11).  We see another example of Jesus’ omniscience as he directs the disciples to go and retrieve a colt.  In the Gospel of Matthew, he records a colt and a donkey (Matthew 21).   Jesus rode in on a donkey as prophesied by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9).  It’s important to note that the donkey was in fact an animal that was very appropriate for a king to ride on (I Kings 1:33).  The people initially welcomed and praised Jesus as many thought He was coming to help overthrow the current Roman regime.  However, this triumph of Jesus would not be with pageantry and festivities, but it would be shown on the cross.  The next morning, Jesus would reenter Jerusalem (He was staying in Bethany during the night) and come to clear the temple (vs. 12-19).  There are many factors involved in understanding this, but it’s important to note that the temple and OT practices would soon be obsolete after the Roman destruction in 70 A.D.  There was much corruption in the temple sacrifices and selling of the animals.  There was also the impediment of preventing Gentiles from being able to worship because of all the commotion (vs. 17).  The cursing of the fig tree (vs. 12-14; 20-25) illustrates not only the nation Israel, but the lack of spiritual fruit from the temple worship.  And lastly, we se another scene of the chief priests approaching Jesus to corner Him into blasphemy (vs. 27-33).  Jesus masterfully turns their question with His own question that dumbfounds them.

Regarding application…Faith in God?  Vs. 22, “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.”  It’s important to see the context of Jesus’ example of having faith in God: prayer (vs. 23-25).  The Jews epitome of prayer was a location: the temple.  That would soon be destroyed.  But, faith in God is not in a tangible object.  Having faith in God is shown in our dependence upon Him through our prayers.  For many Christians, we eagerly claim that we have faith in God.  But a good litmus test for faith in God is the heart for prayer and doing it.  The more we pray, the more we will be able to confidently do the seemingly impossible.  The more we pray, we will be able to love and forgive others (vs. 25).  The more we pray, our faith in God will be a positive example for the world that needs to know Jesus!  Question: Do you have faith in God?

Mark 10

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Vs. 1, “Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.”  The Galilean ministry is over and Jesus is headed towards Jerusalem.  The Pharisees continue to challenge Jesus and this time they bring up the issue of divorce (vs. 1-12).  It’s no surprise this issue was brought up in Judea, for this was the region where Herod Antipas ruled.  Herod’s divorce and remarriage led to John the Baptist beheading.  It’s interesting that the victims of divorce are often children and the next issue is about them (vs. 13-16).  In Jesus’ indignation, we see the value of children and how important they are in reminding us about our faith.  We also see Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man (vs. 17-31).  It is a sobering story of someone who had so much opportunity, but left with nothing.  The young man seemed to have everything, but lacked the most important one: faith in Jesus.  As they continue their journey, Jesus gives them more detail regarding His impending death; the location and who would crucify Him (vs. 32-34).  Earlier in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 20:20-28), we were given another perspective on James and John’s request to be at the right and left of Jesus in His glory (vs. 35-45).  It was still very hard for the twelve to understand what true humility is.  As came and left Jericho towards Jerusalem, they encounter the two blind men on the road.  Mark focuses in on Bartimaeus for he was the more vocal one (vs. 46-52).

Regarding application…Putting Things Aside.  Vs. 50, “Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.”  Notice that our blind friend Bartimaeus did not shy away when he knew Jesus was coming by.  He boldly called out Jesus’ name and threw his cloak aside when Jesus called him.  I couldn’t help but notice the many who rebuked him when he tried to reach out to Jesus.  In some ways, this is a microcosm of what happens when we do likewise.  Our Christian walk is not a timid one.  There will be naysayers and detractors.  And like our earlier example in the rich young man, we must be willing to put aside all things that could potentially keep us from following Jesus.  Question: What are you putting aside?  This past week, our bible study series challenged us to do a twenty-four hour media fast (no music, no internet, not television, etc.)  I have to admit that it was pretty difficult to set these things aside.  But, we are certainly challenged to set aside much more than just those things.  Our lives were bought at a price and so let us apply what the writer of Hebrews stated, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1)

Mark 9

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Vs. 1, “And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”  Jesus was speaking about the three (Peter, James & John) who would witness the Transfiguration (vs. 2-13).  It is no coincidence that Jesus takes them up to a mountain, for mountains were often the places where God would reveal Himself.  Moses represented the Law and Elijah the prophets and both would point towards Jesus.  There is no coincidence that the Transfiguration followed the events in our previous chapter (Peter’s confession of Christ and Jesus’ prediction of His death).  Therefore the Transfiguration would be a reminder to the disciples Jesus would return in glory!  Upon descending the mountain, there is a encounter with a demon-possessed son (vs. 14-29).  The disciples had already experienced exorcising demons (Mark 3:15; 6:7), but this was an opportunity for Jesus to share with them that prayer was of the utmost importance.  As they continued their journey, Jesus reminded them that He will die, but be raised again in three days (vs. 30-32).  However, the disciples not only didn’t understand, but they were quarrelling about who the greatest was amongst them.  But, Jesus would use this opportunity to teach them what true humility is (vs. 33-37).  The child represented not so much innocence, but the humble state of their social position.  Children were completely dependent and had no power, status or rights.  It’s interesting that the disciples could not cast out a demon earlier and now an outsider had successfully done it (vs. 38-41).  There is power in the name of Jesus and surely this outside person was not against Jesus.  And lastly, Jesus uses this concern about the disciples wanting to stop this man to causing others to stumble (vs. 42-50).  Jesus uses hyperbole (exaggerated statements not to be take literally) with the examples: millstone around neck and cutting off body parts.

Regarding application…Don’t Stumble Others.  Vs. 42, “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.”  Question: How can we prevent this from happening?  Jesus’ use of hyperbole points to an underlying lesson: Be willing to cut off things in your life that can cause others to stumble.  The Apostle Paul also gives us perspective when he refuses to eat meat sacrificed for idols for the sake of new believers (I Corinthians 8).  For example, when I was a Youth Pastor, I knew how influential music is for youth.  So I was very careful about the type of music I chose to listen to.  I didn’t want the youth to be stumbled by this.  Certainly, other aspects of living can also relate (our language, alcohol, entertainment).  Younger believers need to be cared for.  It doesn’t matter what age they are, seasoned Christians should be willing to cut off things in their life so that the church members do not stumble.  I realize this is not a popular notion, but I think that is why Jesus used such extreme examples to make His point.

Mark 8

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Vs. 2, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.”  We come to another miracle feeding of the four thousand (vs. 1-9).  While the first miracle feeding transpired in Galilee, this one is near Decapolis in a predominately Gentile setting.  What a wonderful picture of Jesus’ compassion upon the needs of people!  Traveling back to Galilee, Jesus and the disciples are intercepted by the Pharisees again (vs. 10-13).  Jesus’ healings were not enough for them, for they wanted a supernatural sign.  We can see Jesus’ raw emotion as he sighs heavily in disappointment (vs. 12).  We see another scene with the Jesus and the disciples in a boat (vs. 14-21).  Jesus uses their worry about not bringing enough bread to warn them against the yeast of the Pharisees (vs. 15).  Their lack of understanding still showed that they had much to learn.  Mark expertly gives us an example of Jesus healing a blind man in light of the disciples being spiritually blind (vs. 22-26).  Peter’s confession is similar to the blind man’s initial sight of only seeing people moving around like trees (vs. 27-33).  Peter understands who Jesus is, but does not see clear enough to see Jesus must die first (vs. 32).  Lastly, we see Jesus speak quite clearly about true discipleship (vs. 34-38).

Regarding application…What is Discipleship?  Vs. 34, “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  A disciple is a follower of Jesus.  We just wrapped a 3 part series on Discipleship (see audio sermons).  I love how Jesus cuts through all the tape and gets real with all those who were following Him.  There are three things Jesus demands: We must deny ourselves, we must take up the cross, and we must follow Him.  Discipleship is so tantamount, that it can literally save our life!  Question: Are you “sold-out” for Jesus?  We are more like the original disciples than I think we realize.  It took them time to understand fully what it meant to follow Jesus.  Likewise, each of us are going to have to struggle with letting go of our own understanding and letting go of things we think can help us in this life (money, success, etc.)  Jesus was patient with them and I know He is patient with us.  Don’t grow discouraged if you are struggling.  Struggling is going to happen, but just don’t get separated from the group (church) and completely lose your way.

Mark 7

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Vs. 8, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.”  The Pharisees wanted purity, but were going about it the wrong way (vs. 1-23).  Purity comes from within, but they were more concerned about the outside.  By this time, the Pharisee’s knew quite well the ministry of Jesus and were further incensed on how Jesus and His followers lived.  Question: Why did they care about it?  All the people they were trying to convert were turning to Jesus and they felt undermined.  But, Jesus rightfully condemns their hypocritical ways by brining up Corban: gift dedicated for the Lord and so forbidden for any other use.  Some of the Jews were using Corban as a way to get out of providing care for their aging parents.  As Jesus and the disciples make their journey towards Tyre, He encounters a Syrophoenician (Gentile pagan) woman from a city that had been a past oppressor towards Israel.  Drama ensues as this Gentile woman made a request to heal her demon-possessed daughter (vs. 24-30).  Question: How will Jesus respond to this Gentile?  The Children (Jews) should get attention first than the dogs (Gentile); this is the order of God blessing not only Israel, but the whole world.  But the woman responds with surprising wit and realizes that even real dogs eat spilled crumbs from the children at the table.  The ministry to the Gentiles will soon come, but Jesus gives heals her daughter anyway.  And lastly, in the healing of the deaf & mute man (vs. 31-37), Jesus continues His ministry with the Gentiles in Decapolis (vs. 32).  Bear in mind, Mark’s audience (Roman Christians) would have appreciated this story for Decapolis was a Roman controlled city.

Regarding application…Honoring Your Parents.  Vs. 11, “But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God).”  Interesting timing as we celebrate the national holiday of “Mother’s Day” here in the United States.  Jesus mentions this practice of Corban (mentioned above) as a hypocritical practice to avoid taking care of their parents.  Jesus could have used many examples of the Pharisee’s misinterpretation of what it means to be clean.  But, He made sure that we understand how important it is to honor our parents.  Sadly, our elderly have become minimalized in our culture today.  There is much wisdom we can glean from our older parents.  Let us do our part in praying for our parents.  Let’s do our part in honoring them.  Happy Mother’s Day!

Mark 6

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Vs. 4, “Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”  Jesus returns to Nazareth and we are shocked to see how the people respond to Him (vs. 1-6)!  How sad to think that Jesus desired to love and heal them, but their hearts could not accept Jesus because they looked at Him as a human rather than the Son of God.  They couldn’t get past the fact that they knew Jesus as a man and boy growing up in Nazareth.  Jesus then confidently sends out the twelve apostles in pairs of two (vs. 6-13) to help minister to the growing need of the kingdom of God.  Not only is there safety in numbers, but we must also serve.  Mark then gives us different perspective on Jesus’ growing ministry and how it has now reached the ears of King Herod.  We are sadly reminded that it was Herod Antipas who scandalously had John the Baptist beheaded (vs. 14-29).  After the disciples short missions trip, they gather to report only to find crowds of people surrounding them and Jesus (vs. 30-44).  However, there is an issue that the crowds were so many that now they all found themselves hungry.  It is here that Jesus miraculously feeds the five thousand.  Upon instructing the disciples to set sail to Bethsaida on the sea, Jesus goes to pray. And lastly, we encounter another storm, where Jesus walks on water (vs. 45-56).

Regarding application…Finding Rest.  Vs. 31, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  The disciples had just gotten back from a busy schedule of missions.  They were all excited to share and talk about what God had done through them.  But, Jesus could see the weariness on their faces.  I love how Jesus encouraged them to get some rest!  While we may not all have grandiose opportunities to serve in missions, our workplaces and school environments serve as our own version of missions.  Sometimes we get too busy in our lives.  Jesus not only encouraged rest, but He was the source of their rest.  Question: Are you getting enough rest?  When we come to church, Jesus brings us rest in His word and the fellowship of believers.

Mark 5

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Vs. 2, “When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him.”  The disciples go from a storm on the sea to a storm of evil spirits in a demon-possessed man (vs. 1-20).  It’s important to recognize that the evil spirits immediately know who Jesus is.  How sad that even that the enemy can recognize Jesus, but the hearts of many of us still don’t today.  This event is a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare that is a reality in our lives.  It’s shocking to hear that a legion (many) of demons has taken residence in this man’s body.  The Gentile region of Gerasenes (vs. 1) sadly beg Jesus to leave their region.  Though Jesus healed their neighbor, the loss of their pigs seemed to be more important (vs. 17).  Mark then continues to share two more examples of how Jesus is truly the Son of God; the healing of the bleeding woman and the raising Jarius’ daughter from death to life (vs. 21-43).  Though I’m not a parent, I can only imagine how Jarius would have felt to do anything possible for his dying daughter (vs. 23).  As Jesus heads towards the home of the dying girl, we encounter the faith of the bleeding woman.  Though she was not a synagogue ruler like Jarius, this did not prevent her from making every effort to reach out to Him.  She heard of Jesus the healer and thought at least if she can somehow touch Him she may be healed (vs. 28).

Regarding application…Acknowledging Jesus.  Vs. 33, “Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth.”  Question: Why did Jesus ask who it was?  Of course he knew it was the woman.  But, we see that there was a purpose for this: He wanted her to acknowledge Him.  I think that’s pretty cool.  Jesus didn’t just heal her, He wanted to see her, talk to her, and have a relationship with her.  I wonder how many times Jesus does things for us that we don’t even realize.  The woman teaches us that Jesus will make time for us no matter what our status is.  After acknowledging Jesus, He calls her daughter (vs. 34).  What a powerful reminder when we seek Him out earnestly, we will be found by Him.

Mark 4

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Vs. 1, “Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge.”  Question: Why did Jesus speak in parables?  The purpose of parables were to compare and broaden our understanding.  In Jesus’ parables, they often were used to point out the falsehood of the self-righteous and teach about the kingdom of God.  In the Parable of the Sower (vs. 1-20), it is an allegory to the different responses a person may have; Jesus is the sower, the seed is God’s word (Gospel) and we are the types of soil.  Question: Which soil/heart are you?  The Lamp on a Stand (vs. 21-25), Jesus uses something very ordinary to share how we must be the lamp that gives light to others.  The Parable of the Growing Seed reminds us that we are not the ones who are the source of the growth.  Just like the farmer, he plants the seed, but cannot rightfully understand how it truly grows.  The Parable of the Mustard Seed (vs. 30-32) is a poignant reminder how something so insignificantly like a small seed can grow into a tree.  The growth of the mustard seed compares the growth of the Gospel and the church as the kingdom of God is forcefully advancing (Matthew 11:12).  And lastly, the calming of the storm (vs. 35-41) pictures Jesus sleeping and the disciples thinking they will die from the storm.  It must have been a violent one for seasoned fisherman to be so frightened.

Regarding application…Are You Trusting Jesus?  Vs. 40, “He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”  When things are going well, it’s very easy to claim our trust and faith in the Lord.  It’s the storms of life that will test our true faith.  If we the church on in the storm, we too may think Jesus is sleeping on the job.  Where is Jesus when I lost a family member?  Where is Jesus when I lost my job?  Where is Jesus in my broken relationships?  The disciples thought they surely would perish.  Likewise, there are times in our lives where we feel like it just can’t get any worse.  In this miracle, we are reminded that Jesus has power of any source that can bring us a storm.  It was inevitable, the Sea of Galilee would have its share of storms.  Question: Are you trusting Jesus in your storms of life?