Text: Mark Chapters 13-14
OBSERVE: Throughout these two chapters we observe the following:
INTERPRET: Jesus’ teaching recorded in chapter 13 is often referred to as the “Olivet Discourse” because Jesus and the disciples are on the Mount of Olives, east of the temple. It is here that Jesus prophesies about the fate of the temple in Jerusalem and of the end times. The parable of the fig tree reminds us that we have all the info that we need to be ready for His return. Even though we do not know the exact moment of Jesus’ return, the disciples can be content that He will certainly return and that we should live our lives in ways that reflect this certainty. Chapter 14 is the final chapter before the crucifixion of Jesus. While the Jewish leaders and Judas prepare for betrayal, Jesus concentrates on teaching the disciples the truth about himself and who/what the Jewish Messiah really is. Jesus spends the final days before his crucifixion just as He spent the previous three years; trying to get the disciples to understand the bigger picture of the Jewish Messiah’s role in God’s plan for the world. The gospel of Mark touches on a few themes in chapter 14 that will prepare the disciples to establish the church. These include: recognizing and honoring God’s work; recognizing the enemy without fearing him; valuing community while together remembering Jesus’s work and leaning on God’s power to be faithful to Him and also, to understand that God is a Father, deserving our honesty, our trust, and our obedience. APPLICATION: As we hear what Jesus proclaims through the Olivet Discourse, Christians should take heart that God is in control. Christ will indeed return to establish His rule and order here on earth. Just as Jesus taught the disciples that He was much greater than the magnificent looking temple, we too need to understand how important it is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than on “magnificent” things of this world. The parable of the fig tree teaches us that we have all the information that we need to know about the return of our King; so we need to make sure we are living in ways that reflect this certainty of His return. We are to be busy serving the Kingdom through our words and our actions until the day of His return. Jesus made it clear that the Scriptures must be fulfilled and that He was prepared to go to the cross. While Peter attempted to use the sword to prevent this fulfillment, Jesus humbly took up the cross to fulfill the final act of His mission. Often we can attempt to serve God recklessly with a sword, rather than humbly following our King in service of Him and others. Even when many were plotting His death, Jesus continued to teach the disciples about the Kingdom. This is a great example for us all to continue the race until the very end. No matter what is happening around us, we need to continue to share the Good news of the Kingdom with others and to reflect the Kingdom in every aspect of our daily living. God will continue to work through us until the very end. REFLECTION: Are your your eyes fixed on Jesus? Or are you easily distracted by other powers? Are you living a life that clearly reflects your confidence in His return? Is it easier for you to carry a sword or a cross in your daily walk? How does this imitate Jesus? Do you live with an urgency to build the Kingdom of God like Jesus did in the face of death? PRAYER: Lord Jesus; you are the King of kings. Thank you for providing a way for me to live in your presence forever and for giving me absolute confidence of your return. Help me to live in ways that glorify you and that help prepare others to be ready for your return. Give me strength and courage to pick up my cross daily to serve in ways that imitate you; until the very end of my life. AMEN. SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYoCRMKj_e0 Observe:
Mark 7 begins with the Pharisees noticing that Jesus and His disciples ate their food with unclean hands and sought to call Him out on these charges. Jesus points to Isaiah, saying “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” He then goes on to point out their incredible hypocrisy. Summoning a crowd, he turns this into a teaching moment, saying that there is nothing that can go into a person’s body that would defile them; rather, it is what comes from a person’s heart that defiles them. Jesus then goes on to heal a Syrophoenician woman’s daughter who had a demon, followed by the healing of a deaf man. Chapter 8 begins with the feeding of four thousand, which again Jesus uses as a teachable moment for his disciples, showing compassion and acting with power on behalf of those who were hungry and far from home. He and His disciples depart to Dalmanutha where Jesus found a group of Pharisees sought to test Him by asking for a sign. With a heavy sigh Jesus tells them that “… no sign will be given to this generation.” They hop back in a boat and go to the other side of the sea. On the way, Jesus tells His disciples to “watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” The disciples start talking amongst themselves, having clearly missed the point of what their master said, and instead worrying about not having brought any bread, as if Jesus didn’t just feed four thousand people with only a few loaves! Another teachable moment follows when Jesus pointed that out to them. In Bethsaida, Jesus heals a blind man, and in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, Peter responds to Jesus’ question of who the disciples think Jesus is. Peter says that Jesus is the Christ (an amazing realization) yet immediately messes it up by objecting Jesus’ plain words that He must suffer and die and rise again to life. Jesus rebukes him and, once again calling the crowd to Him, makes it a teachable moment, saying “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me …” Interpret: Jesus was clearly a man of extreme patience, and in these chapters, you see what He was dealing with! The Pharisees trying to catch Him in some trap or another then demanding signs to prove Himself, crowds that would constantly be following Him around, disciples that just don’t seem to get it, and when they do they get something right it lasts for only a moment! Combine this with the heat of the area in which this all took place, anyone would be forgiven for getting a little cranky now and again. But this isn’t what Jesus does. Yes, He sighs and grows exasperated, but only with those who really ought to know better. With everyone else He gathers them in to hear His words, feeds and heals them, and has the utmost patience. I think the Gospel of Mark slips a little humor in here at the disciple’s expense, especially in 8:14-21. Imagine being around Jesus, having just seen Him feed four thousand people, sailing across to some unknown destination. The thrill of so massive a miracle still surging in your heart as you peer deeper into the hidden truths of the Kingdom of Heaven. He turns to His disciples and tells them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and instead of looking for a deeper meaning (He was always speaking in parables), the disciples start side-eyeing each other as they try to quietly work out whose job it was to bring some bread! Just picture the sigh that Jesus would have given as He listens to their hushed discussion as Peter and Andrew bicker about who screwed up. Or picture the joy Jesus would have felt in the confession of Peter as he acknowledges Him as the Christ, followed by the tsk of disappointment as Peter confidently refused to let Jesus go to the cross, earning him a harsh rebuke. Yes, in everything Jesus was patient with those around Him and always turned His circumstances into an opportunity to tell others about the way God and His kingdom operate. Application and Question: How long have you been following Christ? How often do you read God’s word? The reason I ask is so that we can all check ourselves and see, when held up to Scripture, if there are any major discrepancies in our understanding and walking out of our relationship with Christ. Christ is patient, oh so patient, and though we are sinners until we are taken home, we can always strive to be and understand better so as not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30). Many people followed Jesus around, He was never short of a crowd. Yet only a small handful were actually there for Him and who He was and is. Most followed for healing, for relief, for food, a sign, an argument, a debate, or even good moral teaching. Yet so few stuck by His side for who He was and the joy of knowing the truth about God. Even one those who did stick around denied Him in His greatest hour of need. Let us not grow arrogant or prideful in our walk with Christ, thinking we know it all after so many years of being a Christian. No matter what our experience or title or social status, Jesus has infinitely more to teach us, so let us make good on His patience and always be eager to humble ourselves and listen when we find ourselves in a teachable moment. Prayer: Thank you Lord for being long-suffering for our sake, and for desiring that none should perish. Thank you for loving us and running to us when we were still a long way off, and for making peace between us and God when we were still sinners. Thank you for your immeasurable patience as we stray this way and that on the narrow path that leads to life. Please keep our hearts soft and our eyes open when you teach us your ways that we may make the best of our time here on earth and be a bright and shining city on a hill for as long as you will. Amen! P.s., crank the music! Song: Spirit Lead Me - Influence Music & Michael Keterer Text Mark 5 and 6
Observe Jesus stilled a storm in the previous chapter. Now in the gentile Gerasene region, he immediately [that Mark word!] encounters another kind of storm raging in a soul possessed by a demonic “Legion”. They know Jesus; as He delivers the poor man, the demons, shrieking in protest, madden a herd of pigs into mass suicide. The townspeople come running, seeing their nemesis clothed and in his right mind (5:15). Their response? Go away, Jesus! But at Jesus’ word, the grateful, liberated man immediately becomes an evangelist. Jesus, immediately responding to need, walks with Jairus to heal his daughter. Enroute, a timid woman, shunned for years as unclean, touches Jesus’ hem. Immediately healing her, He commends her mustard seed faith, forgives her and restores her life. But Jairus’ daughter has died. Undeterred, Jesus keeps walking. Dismissing scorn, He enters Jairus’ house. Quiet words and gentle touch immediately restore her. Death to life -- an immense journey for a little girl. Jesus adds a loving detail: she needs food. Back in Nazareth, neighbours fill the synagogue to hear one of their own. Excitement immediately dies. Who does He think He is? His dad’s a local carpenter, His mum and siblings just like them – and He’s preaching to us? His family isn’t impressed either (3:21, 31-35). A prophet, Jesus finds no hometown welcome. He marvelled because of their unbelief (6:6). He sends out His fledgling crew to have authority over unclean spirits. (7b). No luggage or lunch, stay with good people, bless them; if they aren’t so good, the blessing is yours. Heal, anoint, drive out demons, preach repentance – a beginners’ assignment? Ah, but He is with them. A vengeful, twisted woman and her evil consort engineer a grisly execution. John Baptist, forerunner of the Messiah, His witness and baptizer, the first to behold the Lamb of God (John 1:29)… A huge miraculous feast, and after, Jesus must pray. He sends the disciples ahead, into yet another storm. As it rages, a ‘ghost’ walks resolutely over the waves, shouting encouragement, doubling their terror. Jesus gets into the boat -- immediate calm. And they were utterly astounded … but their hearts were hardened. (52) A miraculous feast, and they still don’t get it. But faith-filled responses to Jesus in Gennesaret end Chapter 6. Interpret Touch – Jesus touches the newly-freed man, holds him, helps him to dress (in His cloak?) and sit quietly. The good citizens are not touched by this event, only seeing drowned profits. Fear and anger push Him away. A woman shyly touches Jesus; Jesus gently touches a little girl. Immediately He gives life to both. His touch brings deep, wonderful, effective change. Power – Jesus feels it draining as He heals the woman. He gives His followers power to cast out demons, to discern true hearts, to heal. Jesus’ revealed power over creation follows a night of prayer to His Father. In his family, in his hometown, hard hearts quash His power. God’s power works at infinitely multiple levels; the power of evil is limited to darkness and death. Yet in Jesus, even darkness is as light to [Him]. (Ps. 139:17). Apply Jesus, You make it so hard for us sometimes! No, no, sorry -- we make it hard for us, and You. We want miracles, revival! Immediately! Really? Giving up our selfish selves, yielding completely to Your purposes, seeking Your will above ours – that means change! When in pride or fear we run from Your life-giving demands, we need Your Holy Spirit to soften our hard hearts, for Your Kingdom’s sake. Ask How often have I pushed you away, in fear and selfishness? Is my heart so hard that I can’t, won’t, acknowledge my sinfulness, seek You, and willingly change? Are You in the storm? Pray Lord, give me eyes to see You, faith to follow You, courage to weather hard times, trust to immediately obey You. Bless my believing brothers and sisters, touch with gentleness those who hurt. You are always near. Sing Ps. 111 The Lord Reigns Sons of Korah Ps. 111 The Lord Reigns Ian White “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Mark 3: 35 Mark 3-4 (Psalm 96) Observe · Jesus heals a man’s shriveled hand; the Pharisees and Herodians plot to kill Him (3: 1-6) · Crowds flock to Jesus as He teaches, heals and casts out demons. He then appoints the twelve Apostles (3: 7-19) · His family express concern for Him, as crowds again gather, and the teachers accuse Him of being possessed by Beelzebub. Jesus teaches against this and states that those who obey God are actually His family (3: 20-35) · By the lake, Jesus teaches the parables of the Sower, Growing Seed and Mustard Seed. He explains that the Good News needs to be proclaimed and not hidden (4: 1-34) · As His teaching finishes they cross the lake but are caught in a storm; Jesus quietens the tempest by a verbal command (4: 35-41) Interpret As Jesus brings the Kingdom of God to the world (1: 15), reactions to its Mission of Reconciliation mount and vary. Jesus demonstrates the reality of the Kingdom with His authority over the physical (in healing 3: 1-6, 10) and spiritual realms (by driving out demons 3: 11-12, 20-30). Some praise Him, many flock to Him and others plot to kill Him. His family fear He is losing His mind and the teachers accuse Him of being possessed. He patiently teaches, corrects with authority and calls His followers to Himself. With regards the latter, He appoints the twelve and welcomes those who obey God as His true family. Jesus summarises the reaction to the Kingdom in the parable of the sower. If the seed of the Kingdom is planted it WILL grow (4: 26-29) into the largest of all Kingdoms (4: 30-32, Daniel 2: 44). The truth of the Kingdom must not be hidden but made known; those who engage in its Mission will be fully equipped (4: 21-25). The secret to a successful Mission is faith not fear; faith in the God who is over creation (4: 35-41). Application As Jesus called and designated the twelve as Apostles (3:14-15) so He calls and sends us to be His disciples; to preach, teach and exercise the power of His Kingdom (Matt. 28: 18-20). Obedience to this call ensures membership of God’s family but will bring the full spectrum of response, from rejection and persecution to acceptance and fellowship. We are to carefully listen and understand Jesus’ teaching. We are then meant to apply it, not hide it or keep it to ourselves. If we exercise the power of the Kingdom we gain more of its benefits, if we hide it, what we have will be lost (4: 21-25). Jesus affirms that we are the agents of the Kingdom’s Mission, witnessing in faith, word and deed. The growth of the Kingdom, however, is the work of the Holy Spirit (4: 26-29). The Question of Application Considering the parable of the sower, discern which soil, your heart best represents: the soil on the path where Satan has stolen the truth from you; the rocky soil where you once believed with joy but now in times of trouble you have fallen away; the soil full of weeds where the pressures, concerns and deceit of the world makes you unfruitful in the Kingdom; or is your heart like the good soil whereby you are producing much fruit for the Lord? What will you do now? Prayer Lord of the harvest, your Word finds a home in our hearts, calls us into community, and invites us to generous service within your Kingdom. Bless with courage and spirit your family of disciples, called to full participation in the Kingdom’s Mission. May you so equip us that we overcome fear with faith to proclaim and live out your truth; may the work of your Holy Spirit bring rich harvests. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Praise Here I am Lord sung by Eric Tom Text: Mark 1-2
Observe: Chapter 1 of Mark’s Gospel starts by saying it is the good news about Jesus the Messiah, who is the Son of God as prophesied in Isaiah. We see John the Baptist fulfill his role as the forerunner to Jesus, calling the people to repent of their sins and be baptised with water. He proclaims that one will come after him, who will baptise with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is then baptised in the Jordan River, and a voice from heaven declares’ “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased”. Immediately, Jesus is led into the desert to be tempted by Satan. We then fast forward a bit, and find that John has been imprisoned, and Jesus has begun His ministry, telling the people about the good news of God, and that the kingdom of God has come near. He calls His first disciples with a simple, yet compelling, “Follow me”. Jesus is seen as a man of quiet action, revealing scripture to the people with authority, and healing many people of their diseases and afflictions, such a man with an unclean spirit and a woman bedridden with a fever. Wherever He goes, Jesus teaches, preaches, and heals in every village He travels through. His reputation grows and people gather in greater numbers to hear Him and be healed by Him. People wonder at His remarkable abilities and power. In Chapter 2, Jesus begins to run afoul of the religious leaders of the day. After telling a paralytic man whose friends had let him in through the roof, that his sins were forgiven, the Pharisees declare Jesus a blasphemer for saying that He could forgive sins. No one but God can do that. So He challenges them by asking which was easier to do, to say a man’s sins were forgiven or to tell him to get up and walk. Then to demonstrate His authority on earth, Jesus tells the paralyzed man to get up and walk, which he promptly did, to the utter amazement of the gathered crowd. Throughout this chapter, Jesus continues to astound people with His teaching and unexpected behaviour. He calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him, which he does immediately. Jesus then proceeds to have dinner at Levi’s house, along with other tax collectors and “sinners”. This outraged the Pharisees again, and they demanded to know why He would eat with these outcasts. Jesus responds with one of most telling sentences of His earthly ministry. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but those who are ill. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” During a time of traditional fasting, the Pharisees asked Jesus why He and His disciples were not fasting like everyone else. Jesus responded with an allegory about why a bridegroom’s guests should fast as long as he was with them. There would plenty of time to fast after he was gone. As we close out the chapter, we find Jesus and His disciples walking through a grain field, gleaning some grain heads, which the Pharisees interpreted as working on the Sabbath. Jesus responds by referring to a time when King David took food from the tabernacle for himself and his hungry men, indicating that David broke the rules because of their need. He finishes by asserting that He is the Lord of the Sabbath. Interpret: Mark unequivocally announces that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and shows His authority through His thorough and clear knowledge of the scriptures. He further demonstrates his authority over creation by His ability to heal people and drive out unclean spirits. These are things never seen before and the people flock to Him, recognizing His unique nature and stature. When He called His disciples, all he had to say was “Follow me”, and they did without a moment’s hesitation. The people thronged around Him wherever He went because they knew they could get from Him what this world could not offer. He offered them healing in both their spirit and their bodies, and the people recognized the barrenness of their lives without His presence. It was exactly for that reason that the Pharisees hated Jesus. The people looked to Jesus for understanding and wholeness, not to them. He was a threat to their power and position. He undermined their authority and exposed their hypocrisy. The Pharisees, with their legalism and hide-bound traditions, were leading the people astray. But Jesus showed them the truth, and came to lead them hoe again. Application: Whenever we read the bible, it’s like looking in a dusty mirror. Whether we’re reading about the kings and prophets of old, or reading about Jesus’ confrontations with the Pharisees, we can see something of ourselves in these characters. We are all rebellious in our own ways, and often refuse to accept the authority of the God in our lives. When we go our own way for our own benefit, we are really questioning whether God has our best interests at heart. When we stick so strictly to the rules that we cannot see anything but the rules as they apply to other people’s lives, we miss the mercy that has been extended to us instead of the justice that we deserve. When we feel the tug of the Holy Spirit calling us in a new direction, its Jesus shining a flashlight into our dirty mirror so we can more clearly see ourselves as we really are, and we have to decide if we will accept His invitation to “Follow me”. Questions: If you were fishing along the shores of Galilee and Jesus walked by, do you think you could have dropped everything and followed Him? Do you remember a moment in your life when you felt Him calling you? And did you follow Him? Prayer: Father God, keep us and guide us as we read your Holy Word, and study the example of the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. Keep us from becoming so blinded by the world that we fail to recognize Jesus’ call to us when we go astray. Keep us from becoming legalistic in keeping the rules without applying the same mercy that you have shown us. Help us understand your Words of Life so we may grow in the love and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Song: Nobody: Casting Crowns Text: Matthew (Chapters 27 and 28)
OBSERVE: The following are the main points located within these two very important chapters:
INTERPRET: The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes the earth-shattering implications of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ more than any other gospel. This gospel also brings us back to the central motif of the kingdoms of heaven and earth. The darkening of the heavens, the shaking of the earth, and the resurrection of the dead would have been clear signs to the Jewish people that the present age was ending and the age to come had begun. Jesus’ earthly ministry was coming to an end. This gospel ends with Jesus commissioning his followers in Matthew 28: 16-20 which is often referred to as the Great Commission. Christians today tend to focus on its evangelistic aspect – which is certainly a big part of this sending task. But the commissioning is actually to make disciples, not merely to win converts. This discipleship includes playing a role in bringing others to Christ, helping others to grow in obedience in their faith and to continue this until the day that Christ returns. APPLICATION: How are we to respond to understanding these two very important chapters? We need to respond in faith understanding what earth-shattering difference this makes for us both now and forever. We need to come to the same conviction as the Roman Centurion that “Surely, Jesus is the Son of God”. But we are also need to live obedient lives that are worthy of being followers of Jesus. We also have our marching orders: we are to take the good news to all nations, baptizing those who believe in the good news, and teaching them “to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). The church is called to be a disciple-making machine, and every one of us in the church has been empowered with the Holy Spirit to be a part of this discipleship in some way. We are to do this together. REFLECTION: Are you certain that Jesus is the Son of God? Are you living a life that reflects that Jesus is the Lord of your life? Are you fulfilling your role in the church to help fulfill the Great Commission? PRAYER: Lord Jesus; thank you so much for everything you have done for me. Surely, you are the Son of God! Now that your earthly ministry has been completed, I pray that your Spirit will empower your church to continue your ministry here on earth. Help me to find my role and place in your church to be a part of your Great Commission. AMEN. SONG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od8MEKaYvmU Blog Post 31 - Matthew 21-22
Observe: Matthew 21 begins with Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem during which He humbly entered, a king riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophesy of Zechariah. He enters the temple shortly after and, upon seeing it filled with moneychangers, merchants, and livestock vendors, began driving these people out citing the words of Isaiah “’My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” Jesus then began healing the blind and lame and they cried out His praises. Leaving the city, He took up lodging in the city of Bethany. What follows are the well-known accounts of Jesus cursing a fig tree, the chief priests challenge His authority, the parable of the two sons, and the parable of the tenants. Chapter 22 begins with the parable of the wedding feast in which a king holds a celebration for the wedding of his son. Unfortunately, none of those invited wanted to go despite the incredible extravagance of the meal. The king eventually calls in anyone and everyone his servants can find, the good and the bad, providing them with garments for the feast and taking them in. Only those with the garments are allowed to stay for the feast. After hearing this parable, the Pharisees try to entangle Jesus in His own words with the test around whom to which the Jews should pay taxes. Jesus deftly avoids their trap, saying “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” More testing follows with the Pharisees and Sadducees both trying to trip Him up. Jesus eventually asks a question of His own, for which the religious elite have no answer. Interpret: Malachi is the last prophet before the Intertestamental Gap, and in his book we find at 3:1-3 “… And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.” Well, the day had come when Jesus came to His temple. The way in which He came to His temple is not what the religious elite of the age expected which is why, throughout these two chapters especially, you see them desperately trying to trap Jesus in what He says or by relentlessly challenging His authority. In every way Jesus lives out His own commandments given on the Sermon on the Mount; that is, to live your life for God and to walk the walk. He exemplifies the importance of this yet again in the parable of the two sons. One initially refused to follow the orders of his father, yet eventually thought better of it and did as he asked. The other appeared to be obedient, but his actions didn’t line up with what he said he was going to do. Jesus said these things during his conversation with the elders and chief priests, asking them which son did what the father wanted. They all say the first son was obedient, though initially rebellious. Jesus then slams the elders, saying “truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.” Take a moment to consider the shock to their system this would have been! The elders and chief priests with all their vaunted status and long robes and supposed piety were further from the kingdom of heaven than the lowly tax collector and prostitute. Indeed, it is never the action or words alone that make one right with God but the submission of heart and following in obedience and love. Application and question: The past year and a half have been some of the most trying and difficult months that most of us have ever faced. Upon reflection, how have you noticed your interactions with God and His Word change or evolve? Has this been a time during which you have dug down deep, or has your prayer life and Bible reading been stifled? Has God become more of a priority over this pandemic or less? My friends, there is nothing more important than knowing Jesus. Nothing more important now or later. We need to be honest with ourselves, especially when we read Matthew – where would you stand if you were there when Jesus entered Jerusalem? Would you be praising Him as your Lord, or standing far off with a feeling of self-sufficiency? Jesus addressed the people of His time with stark words and there’s no reason to believe He would soften those words if He appeared in this age instead of that. We need to be clear-eyed about our walk with Christ and ensure that He truly is calling the shots in our lives! Prayer: Thank you Lord for making your kingdom accessible to all people. Thank you for your atoning sacrifice that made the way to salvation for anyone who would call upon your name. We ask you today that, in the power of your Holy Spirit, to convict us who are holding ourselves back from living totally for you. Please crush our pride and self-sufficiency, please refine and purify us, so that we might always be useful to you and a joy to others! Amen. Song: Set A Fire - Jesus Culture Text: Matthew 19 + 20
Observation: The Pharisees test Jesus by asking him if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason and question why Moses commanded that a man could give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away. Jesus points out the historical hardness of their hearts and says “what God has joined together let man not separate.” He says anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery. When people bring children to Jesus, the disciples rebuke them but Jesus says the kingdom of heaven belongs to “such as these” and he places his hands on the children and prays for them. When a rich man questions Jesus about what he lacks after diligently following the laws of God, Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor and follow him. He says then he will have treasure in heaven. But the man left saddened because he was very wealthy and Jesus’ response is that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for rich to enter the kingdom of God (but with God all things are possible). Saying “the first will be last and the last will be first,” Jesus teaches that all who forsake their homes, families and fields for his sake will receive a hundred times as much and receive eternal life. He illustrates his point with the parable of the landowner who hired men for a denarius to work in his vineyard for the day. The workers who only worked one hour were paid a denarius, just as the workers who had been in the field all day long. As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he tells his disciples that when they get there, he will be betrayed, handed over to the chief priests, condemned to die, be crucified and, on the third day, be raised to life. The mother of James and John asks Jesus that her sons sit at his left and right in his kingdom. The other disciples heard about it and got jealous but Jesus said it isn’t for him to grant those positions. He tells Mama Zebedee that she doesn’t realize what she is asking. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” Concluding Ch 20, Jesus gains two new followers when two blind men receive sight after Jesus touches their eyes. Interpretation: Jesus is pressing in hard on people’s perceptions of equality, fairness and greatness as it relates to marriage, wealth, and power and he does so by explaining the upside-down-ness of his Kingdom. He crushes the ideologies of a patriarchal society when he says a man can’t please himself by divorcing his wife for any old reason. God’s purpose is that when he joins a man and a woman, they become “one flesh” and no one should separate what has been divinely brought together. In teaching this way, Jesus speaks counter-culturally and greatly elevates women’s position in society; effectually, his teaching thus made women equal to men. When his disciples are rebuking parents for bringing their children to him, Jesus is quick to make his heart known. He is not too important, nor too busy to pray and bless the little ones. His kingdom belongs to them! Through the account of the rich young man, we see that wealthy people have a hard time embracing Jesus’ kingdom because their wealth has their first allegiance. The generosity of God is off-putting to some, but with God’s help, a person can embrace Jesus and let go of their earthly comforts. With expectations of their Messiah to come marching in to defeat the Roman empire and establish a worldly kingdom, the Jewish people Jesus is teaching would be flabbergasted by what Jesus is saying to them. This upside-down Kingdom is for women and children, the poor, the broken ones on the outskirts of society. These truths Jesus is communicating are difficult for his followers to understand. As they journey toward Jerusalem, Jesus pulls his 12 closest friends aside and explains blatantly to them what will happen. He will be betrayed. He will be handed over to the chief-priests and teachers. He will be condemned to die. He will be crucified. And…he will be raised back to life on the third day! They likely couldn’t see it at that moment, but Jesus was explaining to them his ultimate example of the upside-down-ness of his kingdom. He, the king, the messiah, came not to enjoy wealth, power and the servitude of his followers, no. As king of this twisted kingdom, he came to take on the lowest position possible, that of a servant and to die the most shameful of deaths, crucifixion on a cross. Obviously, this message went way over their heads because the disciples got jealous of James and John when Mama Zebedee asks Jesus to honour them with a royal seat on his left and his right (the other disciples were probably just upset they didn’t think of this first). Though what she wanted was the earthly satisfaction of having her sons exalted and honoured, essentially what Mama Zebedee was unknowingly asking for her sons was that they go through the same humiliation and sacrifice Jesus was about to endure. As the writer of this whole account, Matthew then records the story of Jesus opening the eyes of two blind men. It’s as if Matthew is laying out for the reader two paths…option/path 1: continue in blindness like the disciples who completely miss what Jesus is teaching them and want to be personally exalted in an earthly kingdom…or option/path 2: recognize your humble state of needing a Saviour and call out for Jesus’ mercy to heal you and open your eyes to all the hidden truths of his upside-down Kingdom. Application: How about us? Do we lose sight from time to time about this essential point that the Kingdom of God is an upside-down kingdom? We follow the world in building our own personal kingdoms, striving for wealth, comfort and stability, we work towards positions and places of influence and well-being. But Jesus calls us to forsake our own kingdoms to seek first HIS KINGDOM. Question: How are you seeking first Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom? Prayer: Lord, help us. We ask for mercy to see how blind we are to the ways you work and the true nature of your Kingdom. Shift and align our perspectives and lives to be aligned with your ways that are so much higher than ours. Song: https://youtu.be/-F_W_zl61bI “And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18: 3-4 Matthew 17-18 (Psalm 89) Observe
Interpret The Gospel of Matthew is often concerned with proving that Jesus fulfills the many Old Testament prophecies in relation to the Messiah. Jesus Himself has already taught that He has come to fulfill the law and the prophets (5: 17). In the Transfiguration God’s power confirms this with the physical representation of the Law and the Prophets in Moses and Elijah. His voice assures us of Jesus’ identity as God’s beloved Son and states that we need to listen to Him. The theme of prophecy continues as Jesus affirms that John the Baptist was the prophesied Elijah, the forerunner to the Messiah. Jesus in turn then prophesies about His own death and resurrection (twice). The power of the transfigured Christ over the spiritual realm and the physical world is then demonstrated (the healing of a demon possessed boy and control over the fish in the sea). Jesus has brought the Kingdom of God to the world. He teaches how entry to this Kingdom, and access to its power, is through faith and humble service (17: 20-21; 18: 1-4). Life in this Kingdom and relationship with God will bring about a changed life. A child of God should: be a good citizen of this world (17: 24-27); hate and reject sin in their own life (18: 8-9); not be a stumbling block to others (18: 5-7); care for the family of God (18: 10-14); forgive others in the Church; and adhere to Church discipline (18: 15-20). Application The Church is the body of Christ, home to His Spirit and kin, responsible for His mission of reconciliation. His power enables us in this life, purpose and witness. When we meet together He is present. We are to live out His calling of witness in word and deed; living as good citizens, seeking the lost, rejecting sin and forgiving others as He has forgiven us. A real challenge in our times for many different reasons! Faith though, can move mountains!! The Question of Application Do you recognise the essential nature and purpose of God’s Church? Do you love the Church as Christ does and have you given yourself up for her (Ephesians 5: 25)? Prayer Almighty Father, whose blessed Son before His passion prayed for His disciples that they might be one, as you and He are one: Grant that your Church, being bound together in love and obedience to you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit, that the world may believe in Him whom you have sent, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Praise We are the Body - Brook Hills Music Text: Matthew 15-16
Observe: In Chapter15, we see Jesus challenged three times by different people, in different ways, and we see the unexpected ways in which He responds to each. First, the Pharisees ask Him why his disciples don’t follow the traditions of the elders by not washing their hands before eating. But Jesus rebukes them by asking if it is worse to disobey a human tradition, or one of the 10 Commandments of God. He calls them hypocrites and quotes Isaiah saying, ‘“These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules”. He explains to the people that it is what comes out of their mouth that defiles them, not what goes in. Second, a Canaanite woman who shouldn’t even be talking to Jesus, asks Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. At first Jesus doesn’t even acknowledge her, saying that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. But she persists, and so Jesus says that it isn’t right to take the children’s food and give it to the dogs. She answers yes, but even dogs eat the scraps from the master’s table. At that, Jesus recognizes her great faith and grants her request. Third, after a great crowd had followed Jesus bringing their sick friends and relatives to Him, He performed many miracles of healing and restoration among them, and at the end, they all praised God. But, it was late and Jesus told His disciples to feed them before they went home. They just looked at Him and asked what they were supposed to feed the more than 4,000 people gathered around with. All they had were 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish, but once again, Jesus performed a miracle. After giving thanks to His Heavenly Father, He broke up the loaves and fish to pass around, and there more than enough to feed everyone, with plenty left over besides. In Chapter 16, the Pharisees and Sadducees, ever on the look-out to try to trap Jesus, demanded that He give a sign from heaven. Jesus replied that this wicked generation could forecast the weather by seeing the signs in nature, but refused to see what was in front of them. The only sign they would get was the sign of Jonah. Then later as Jesus gathered with His disciples, he warned them to guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which they immediately misunderstood as a rebuke because they hadn’t brought any bread with them. He had to explain that He meant that they had to be wary of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Later, Jesus asks them who they believe He is, and after telling Him who they heard various people say He was, Peter answers correctly and says that He is the Messiah, the Living God. Jesus tells them that Peter knew this because it was revealed to him by His Father in heaven, and that He would build His church on Peter, the Rock, and nothing would be able to stand against it. Jesus then goes on to explain what must happen to Him in order for all this to take place, including His suffering, death and resurrection. At once Peter says “Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!’” at which Jesus turned to Peter and says, “‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’” The chapter closes with Jesus telling them that if they want to be His disciple, they must take up their cross and follow Him. Interpret: The challenges to Jesus’ teaching and authority are an on-going and constant barrage that He must deal with on daily basis. They are often blatant and obvious such as the conflict with the religious leaders of the day, or more subtle in the form of persistent requests from ordinary people, and even in the misunderstandings of His own disciples. These challenges come from every direction and in every form, all the time. “He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him” John 1:11. But being in nature God, Jesus was always able to give irrefutable answer to the hypocrite leaders of the day. He had compassion on those who were suffering from the injustices and ills of the world who turned to Him for relief. He had patience to explain His ways to the disciples who were steeped in the ways of the world and didn’t always understand the deeper meaning of His teachings. And He displayed His power and authority over creation by performing miracles that healed the sick and desperate people in humility, ascribing all the praise and glory to His Father in heaven. Application: In John 17 it says that though we are in this world, we are not of this world. We are disciples of Jesus Christ, and as such, we are to read and study His Holy Word, spend time in prayer with our heavenly Father, and carry out His will in our lives by spreading the good news of salvation we have been given. But, just like the people of Jesus’ day, we challenge His authority in our lives all the time. Sometimes we challenge Him in bold and blasphemous ways, and other times we challenge Him by ignoring Him and shrugging Him off. When we forget to give thanks to God for our successes, we challenge His blessings in our lives. When we give in to our temptations, we challenge His plan for our well-being. When we don’t seek the wisdom of His Holy Spirit, we challenge His trustworthiness. In so many ways throughout the day, we challenge Jesus. But, being in nature, God, with all the glorious and good attributes of a loving God, Jesus answers our challenges with patience, forgiveness, mercy and grace. When we challenge Jesus, we lose, but when we keep His word, we have His sure promise of eternal life. Questions: What are some of the ways that your behaviours challenge Jesus? Do you spend time with Him daily? Do you seek His wisdom in your daily decisions? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of the divine humility that Jesus displayed in becoming human and living as one of us. Thank you for the sacrifice He made in order to allow us to be called your children. Help us to see the righteousness of seeking your voice and following Your will as He so faithfully did. This we pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. Song: I Will Follow: Chris Tomlin |
Preachers BlogIn 2024, each week's blog is a follow-up reflection written by the preceding Sunday’s preacher to dig deeper into the sermon topic and explore engaging discussion questions. Archives
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