Mark 7:1-23

A few days ago, I was at home and got a little bit thirsty. I opened the cupboard to discover that there were no cups in it. Opening the dishwasher, I grabbed the nearest cup and went to the water spigot to fill it. As I turned the cup to look inside of it, I nearly gagged. At some point past, someone had used this cup for cereal, and there were chunky remnants of that cereal cemented to the inside of the cup. On the outside it glistened with the promise of cleanness and of a good glass of water, but on the inside a completely different reality existed.
In Mark 7, Jesus addresses a similar problem with the Pharisees. These Pharisees had questioned Jesus regarding His disciples’ lack of hand-washing before eating. Now, culturally, what we need to understand is that the hand-washing that the Pharisees were talking about was not as much hygienic as it was ceremonial and religious. They weren’t trying to wash away germs; they were trying to bring on the blessing of God through following a religious tradition of hand-washing. And now, they were trying to indict and accuse the disciples of being irreverent and ungodly because they did not wash their hands before eating.
This was nonsense. The idea that someone is ungodly because they didn’t wash their hands is completely ludicrous. Jesus very quickly revealed the fatal flaw of the Pharisees thinking. In verse 7, He said, “[you] teach for doctrines the commandments of men.” In essence, “you take the precepts that have been conjured up by well-meaning, most-likely God-fearing men, and you make those standards your new law to achieve the favor of God.” This is completely unacceptable.
Christ went on further to reveal the real situation. While the Pharisees strove so hard to maintain a level of outward standard-following, inwardly they were consumed with lust, and pride, and foolishness. God desired that they be clean, but they only washed the outside of the cup.
The danger facing us today, is to walk away from this story and completely condemn those who have outward standards. Outward standards are not the reason that the Pharisees were unclean. The outward standards were ok. It was the lack of personal, soul-deep holiness that made the Pharisees unclean. Be certain to guard your heart, lest you think at some level people with standards are wrong for having extra-biblical standards. But also, guard your mind from believing the fallacy of the Pharisees that extra-biblical standards purchase you a standing with God that the blood of Jesus could not.

Food For Thought: Reread Mark 7:18-23. What does Jesus say will defile a man?

Mark 6:32-56

Following the disciples return to Jesus, they went by boat to a sparsely populated area to rest. Unfortunately, several people caught sight of them as they sailed away. While this was meant to be a secret thing, Mark writes that the people that saw them departing, “outwent” Jesus and His disciples, and were waiting for them on the other side.
No doubt, this frustrated the disciples, who would have been craving physical and spiritual refreshment. Now, instead of resting, they were surrounded by a mob of people that were pushing past them to get to Jesus. Oh, how often the business and exhaustion of life can impede our usefulness for the building of His kingdom.
Jesus, however, never missed an opportunity. One preacher put it this way, “as a fish exists to swim, and birds to fly, mankind exists to give God glory.” Jesus breathed this philosophy and no amount of exhaustion could stop Him from His ministering. He exploited the unexpected to the praise of God’s name and the building of God’s kingdom. He would not end up in frustration, but rather, exhausted, He would end up rejoicing.
Through telling of the feeding of the five thousand, Mark shows in the disciples’ example, what often our natural response to added pressure is. Although they had seen Jesus cast out demons, heal the sick, calm the storm, and much more, when it came time to eat, they reverted back to their natural state of dependence on themselves and on things. “Jesus, we don’t have any food or money,” they said sheepishly to the Master. Their statement lacked faith, but it was not because they didn’t trust Jesus, it was just that they weren’t thinking of everything that He had power over. Distraction and exhaustion had taken its toll on their faith.
Often, we can fall into the same trap of exhaustion or distraction. With life going on around us at such a rapid rate, and with such pounding consequence, we can become overwhelmed by the immediate and forget to trust in the God Who has promised to provide for us all things we need. In moments of fear, we look immediately for resolution instead of the saving hand of an Almighty God. In moments of need, we reach for the pocketbook, and strain and stress, instead of turning to the One who is over all, including necessities and finances. What a wonderful confidence we can have in a God Who is still powerful over all, even though at times, our exhausted eyes may be closed or our distracted gaze may be turned away from Him. He is God, and He is good.

Food For Thought: Read what Paul writes in Philippians 4:19. Take time today to write out some areas that you should be trusting God in.

Mark 6:7-31

The battle lines had been drawn. For weeks, the troops had been training for their first mission. They would not be going out in a group, but rather, two at a time they would wage warfare. The strategy was clear: be bold, and attack. The battle seemed overwhelming, but these soldiers had seen their leader overcome the enemy on more than one occasion. The enemy was frightening. After seeing the arsenal that the enemy used, the troops were fearful.

Jesus armed His disciples as He prepared to send them out. “The unclean spirits will not be able to withstand you in my name.” After promising them victory, He instructed them, “And don’t take with you any extra money or extra clothes. On this trip, everything you need will be provided for you.”

Until now, they had just been able to follow around in His shadow (a very safe shadow to follow around in). But now, He was looking at them telling them that they must go out and minister. They must go out and face down the dark minions of Satan. They must wage spiritual warfare themselves. But even in this challenge, He did not send them alone. No, rather, He sent them out in pairs, that they might be able to encourage one another along the way.  

And the fighting began. His disciples took their first journey, and they turned the region upside down. They preached repentance, they healed the sick, and they cast out many devils. They were now on dangerously invigorating ground. You see, Mark pauses for a moment to tell of John the Baptist who was recently executed for preaching a message of repentance to the King. Now the disciples were out preaching the same message, waging spiritual combat against the darkness of sin and of Satan.

And they prevailed. Through the power of Jesus, they were victorious. Verses 30 and 31 tell of the disciples return at the end of their journeys. All of them were absolutely energized. Jesus knowing the temptation of the heart of man looked to His disciples, and lest they be tempted with pride said, “Let’s go away for a few days and rest.” Rest and separation were needed lest they fall into temptation. Even at the end of victory, there was danger, and the Master knew that. His wisdom and power were immense. Not only could he personally overcome darkness, but even now, he had given his disciples that same power that they might overcome darkness.

Food For Thought: In Matthew 10, we find the parallel account to this story. Read verses 16-28 and write out some of the warnings that Jesus gives about the harrowing trip that lays ahead of His disciples.

Mark 6:1-6

“He’s back in town!” the excited shouts of the little children could be heard in the streets as they told their friends of his arrival. They were always excited to see Him. He lovingly would engage them and ask them “fun” theology questions. He was always concerned with God, and the kingdom, and heaven. And they always enjoyed it when an adult would pay them the attention that He did.

As He trotted down the dirt path, He passed a heavy-set, old man slouching on a hand-carved bench in front of a white-washed house. “So he comes back to town, and he brings a crowd,” the old man said matter-of-factly. Looking at the group of followers, he offered up, “Old-man Joseph’s boy sure can make a plough! I bet he never told you gentlemen that he could make a mean yoke. Whew! Best carver in town!” Truth be told, in Nazareth, population of a couple hundred, that wasn’t too big of a complement. “Matter of fact, this here bench, whittled down by that fella’ there,” at this he gestured in the general direction of the crowd, not really distinguishing which one, though all of them knew.

Jesus just passed on by.

As the Master followed the familiar path down the main street to the house of His childhood, the interactions with those around Him were all very similar. People welcoming Him home. Others bragging of how He had fixed their door, or their gate, or their cart, or their whatever. Nazareth was different than all the other towns. Everybody was just a bit more familiar with Jesus. Perhaps they were too familiar.

Mary had heard all of the commotion and was waiting at the door, beaming with a smile that seemed to say, “I am so glad you are here,” but with a look in her eyes that said, “I still know you are my Special one.” She always looked at Him like that. She never forgot the angels, the shepherds and the magi.

The townsfolk filtered in all night, sharing with Him their sprained knee, or the scarred hand, the hearing problem, or the sore tooth. One after the other, He graciously touched them and healed them. But they wouldn’t hear His message.

This visit home would be His last though. The people there didn’t see Him as Lord. They saw Him as anything but Lord. They would not listen to His message, instead they told Him what He needed to do for them. Sadly, they beheld the face of God, heard His voice, walked with Him, but didn’t even see Him.

Food For Thought: It has been said that “familiarity breeds contempt.” Why do you think that the people in Nazareth had such a hard time listening to Jesus’ message?

Mark 5:21-43

Storms and demons. Nothing could stand against the Almighty. In one hand He brought victory, in the other He brought freedom. There was nothing greater than Him. He held the power of the Creator. As Jesus returned to the other side of the sea, He was met by Jairus, the leader of the synagogue.
“Please come quickly, my little girl is sick,” he pleaded. The news of Jesus’s healing power had spread throughout all of the neighboring provinces, this was no secret, and the heartbroken, desperate Jairus had come for help. “The doctors have tried everything, but she hasn’t responded. Please hurry, Jesus, she might die.”
As they rushed along the way, the masses thronged about Him. A woman with her own issues slinked through the mob, fighting to get within arm’s reach of the healer. As the crowd pushed and shoved along behind Jesus, she reached, but could only reach the edge of His robe. Immediately, the healing took place. She felt refreshed and revived as her disease fled away. But Jesus had felt it too. Instantly, He stopped. Turning to the crowd, He entreated the crowd so that she would reveal herself. Weeping, the woman, now healed, came from the crowd and fell at His feet confessing everything.
Jairus must have been thrilled at this demonstration of the power of Jesus. However, as they hurried down the streets towards his house, men with wet cheeks and long faces stopped Jesus and Jairus. “She’s gone. Your little girl is gone, Jairus.” In a dignified culture, the reaction that was to follow was anything but dignified. As the reality of death set into the mind of Jairus and pressed down on his soul, he reached for the collar of his tunic and grasping it with both hands began to pull with force to tear it in half.
“Stop. Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” Jesus felt the gravity of the moment, and comforted Jairus.
“She’s not dead, she’s just sleeping,” He said, as they entered the house. In the face of ridicule, Jesus had much to accomplish. Whether it was to bring her back to life, or to stop her at death’s door, Jesus had come to save this little girl’s life. “Talitha, cumi.” He spoke gently to the little girl, as if she were His own precious daughter. “Arise.” In amazement, both father and mother watched as their little girl sat up, healed and whole.
The storm, an army of demons, an ailment, and now death, there was nothing that could stop God. Jesus was God. He had come and had revealed Himself to all of mankind. And this was the beginning of His ministry. He had come to serve. He had come to set mankind free. The salvation that He brought with Him would be far greater than hushing some weather, or banishing a demon, or even giving life to the sick and dying. The salvation He was going to bring, brought with it a far greater, eternal hope.

Food For Thought: If Jairus was in such a hurry, why do you think that God allowed the woman with the ailment to stop Jesus?

Mark 5:1-20

Alone. Every time he came to himself, he was alone. There were signs of intervention, like the broken chains that dangled from his wrist shackles. He thought to himself, “maybe if I just end it all, this inner storm will cease.” But as brief as the episodes of sanity were, he never could muster the strength to fulfill the action of what seemed like freedom. He never knew the possibility of true freedom, only the one that a desperate mind had created in moments of dark hopelessness.
While the night wore on, the dark storm clouds continued to role across the sea towards Gadara. Soon the familiar flashing and crackling of the lightning broke around him, and he assumed his perch to watch the sea for desperate fishing vessels. He felt a sense of companionship with those he could see stranded in the middle of storms on that deadly sea. Tonight, the storm was especially hot, and in the midst of the storm, a bright flash of lightning shone a small fleet of ships. He watched as they maneuvered against the wind and over the waves, but eventually the crews showed signs of exhaustion as the massive waves battered their boats. All was hopeless. The drowning vessels were done. The storm was too strong for them.
Then, on the forward boat, something strange happened. A man climbed to the bow of the boat and stared down the storm. In the raging wind-driven rain, he yelled.
It all stopped. Everything. The wind that was sweeping over the rocky crags, the rain, the lightning, in that one instant, everything hushed. The night was eerily silent. The man stepped back from the bow and spoke with those on his boat who were obviously overwhelmed and began muttering with one another.
The maniac watched in disbelief. Something special had just happened, and he had witnessed it. As the boat came ashore the darkness of his next demonic episode swirled into his mind, and his amazement melted as Satanic forces recaptured his consciousness. The demons knew who this was. As Jesus approached the maniac, the grotesque figure shrieked at Jesus, “LEAVE US ALONE!” Jesus was not commanded by demons, but rather, demons obeyed His voice. “Get out of HIM!” was the Master’s firm reply.
In an instant, the man was freed as the demons fled in horror. The same One Who calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, had calmed the storm that raged in this man’s life. The frustration and aloneness were met with permanent sanity. The separation that had been the definition of his life was replaced by reunion and restoration. He had met the Master, and everything had changed. There would be no more “alone.” Jesus had come and had changed that forever. No storm and no army of demons could stand against God in the flesh.

Food For Thought: Reread verse 14-20. What was the visual indication to those around the man at the time that Jesus truly had cured the man of his demon possession?

Mark 4:35-41

The blackened sky flashed as lightning illumined millions of raindrops. The thunder crackled and boomed, and fear swept over the seasoned sailors. The team of boats began maneuvering away from each other lest the massive waves would crash them into each other. Another flash of lightning broke the darkness to reveal the sailors with buckets frantically bailing out the boat. The waves had been crashing into the boat, rocking it and filling it. Now, the sailors stood in knee-deep water, frantically flinging buckets of sea water over the side. But the storm was too much.
In the hold below the stern, Jesus lay fast asleep. The terror of the storm had not roused Him. The drowning waves had not stirred Him. Rather, in comfort and peace He lay, resting.
Overwhelmed, frustrated, and horrified, Peter burst into the hold where Jesus was sleeping. Originally he had gone to warn Him that the boat was about to sink, but upon finding Him fast asleep, Peter’s fiery temper turned to a sneer, “Master, do you not care that we are perishing?!” The fervor of the moment had caused him to say something cutting to the Master. He would no doubt regret that comment shortly, but in the moment it felt justified.
Immediately, Jesus rose from His bed and stepped out into the rain-laden wind. Fixing His eyes on the clouds and the sea, He scolded them as if they were a little child, “Knock it off!!” The raindrops that had been flying through the air fell to the deck of the boat. The massive rolling waves fell flat. The thick, black clouds melted in the sunshine, and the disciples stood staring at the glass-like sea.
Turning to the disciples, Jesus said, “Why were you so afraid? Don’t you have faith?” The mind-blown disciples stood, frozen in wonder at what they had just seen. The wind and the waves obeyed Him. Their rational minds fought against the truth that their hearts were telling them, “He is God.”
He wasn’t even afraid of the storm. He had stared it down as if He were looking at a misbehaving child. He had rebuked the storm. Nobody rebuked storms. It had listened to His voice. He was so much more than a good teacher. He had to be. There was no other explanation. He must be. He was God.

Food For Thought: I am not afraid of a little lady bug because I am more powerful than it. Using this same line of thinking, why was Jesus not afraid a storm?