Jesus will address issues of tradition and ceremonial uncleanness, which were very important to Jewish life. He will also go out to Gentile areas and begin a ministry to people there.
Mark 7 Verse by Verse
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A Prayer Prompted by Mark 7
Dear heavenly Father,
You are an all-powerful, all-loving, unchanging God. We, however, need to change because without change we will never experience growth.
Help us to see where we have fallen into spiritual ruts. Help us not to get stuck in the patterns of religiosity, in human traditions. Instead, let us learn to draw near to you in all reality, sincerity and truth.
Jesus has taught us by both word and example that our lives need to be grounded in the Scriptures.
Prevent us from either adding or taking away from your word, but rather establish us firmly in it.
And from that foundation, bring us to the place where our faith truly grows.
In Christ,
Amen.
Mark 6 Verse by Verse
This week we will see two parallel themes. First, rejection of both Christ and of John the Baptist; then expansion – of Christ’s ministry by delegating his authority to his disciples.
A Prayer Prompted by Mark 6
Heavenly Father,
We understand that you have called us to lives of ministry, lives of service, here in this world. Though our gifts may differ, our responsibility is much the same. We need to live completely for you.
We also understand that we will continue to learn as we serve. You do not require our training to be complete before you use us, but rather we expect you to train us as we begin to be used.
At the same time we need to count the cost.
Jesus was rejected repeatedly in his hometown of Nazareth. People knew him, but allowed their familiarity to get in the way of seeing who he really was.
John the Baptist angered selfish rulers who engaged in immoral behavior. It eventually cost him his life. We can expect the same kind of rejection as we seek to serve you.
In Christ,
Amen.
Familiarity – Mark 6:1-3
Everyone in Nazareth knew Jesus. The town wasn’t that big and Jesus had lived there most of his life. When he came home and taught in the synagogue, the response might have been positive. I’m the sort that loves it when guys from my hometown of Buffalo, NY, or my current home of Indianapolis make it big in one way or another. Imagine if one of your local boys turned out to be the Messiah!? It doesn’t get any bigger than that.
Alas, that was not the case.
Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.
Familiarity can go two ways. They clearly knew enough about Jesus and his “mighty works” to put two and two together. It was an informed decision. But they also had enough information to imagine that their unbelief was justified. “He’s just a carpenter, right?” “And his mom, brother and sisters are just normal folks. We’ve known them forever.” If they had anything privately against the family, say suspicion surrounding the circumstances of Jesus’s birth, or some minor scuffle with a one of the brothers, these things would not work in Christ’s favor.
They were still wrong. Jesus was and is the Christ, the Son of God (Mark1:1). Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12)
We can make the same mistake today. People reject Christ due to familiarity. They grew up in a Christian home or they know any number of Christians that they find unimpressive. Or they pay Christ a bit of lip service while not accepting the Jesus we find in the Bible, because, well, they know a little too much, they believe.
This also happens in churches to otherwise solid believers. It is more subtle, but the same basic thing. The longer we know a pastor, a worship leader or the overall atmosphere of the church, we are faced with a continuous decision. We can stay faithful for the sake of the relationships and continue to help build the ministry – or not.
Maybe we’re kind of bored with the music. Maybe we wish they would stress our favorite doctrinal stance a little more then they do. Maybe we like the decor of another building or the neighborhood in which another church is located. We can go on.
Familiarity can increase commitment, cultivate brotherly love and build trust. Long, old friendships are usually the best we have. Or, we can collect evidence that something is seriously wrong. If they did it with Jesus, we can certainly do it with other sinners saved by grace.
Mark 5 Verse by Verse
Jesus casts out a “Legion” of demons, then heals a woman who is unclean due to chronic bleeding. Finally he raises a 12-year old girl from the dead. Christ’s power extends over demons, sickness and death.
A Prayer Prompted by Mark 5
Dear Heavenly Father,
There are times when we feel completely helpless, but this chapter shows us that Jesus is willing and able to help us in those times of our desperate need.
As in the case of the demons, we declare Christ’s power over the spiritual realm and any spiritual attack we may undergo.
As in the case of the woman, we believe that there is no sin, disease or condition that we may face that puts us outside of your grace, your love and your ability.
As in the case of Jairus’s daughter, we declare that Jesus has conquered even death.
Teach us to come to him for help, whether our needs are small or great. We understand that we truly depend on your grace and your provision through him, first of all, for our sin. That was our greatest need.
In Christ’s name we pray,
Amen.
