Jesus Asks an Unexpected Question
In the previous section of Mark, where Jesus encountered the Gerasene demoniac, Jesus acted in ways that were puzzling, even distressing to those who witnessed them. The puzzlement continues in the next episode of the Gospel of Mark, which is a double-healing story, one that moves into new territory because one of the healings is actually a resurrection.
Read ArticleJesus, Go Away!
The story of Jesus and the Gerasene demoniac is full of riddles. Yesterday I admitted my own puzzlement over what motivated Jesus to allow the demons to enter the herd of pigs. Today I want to focus on the response the crowd had to Jesus’ actions.
Read ArticleThe Exorbitant Cost of Wholeness
When I was a young man, this story from the Gospel of Mark disturbed me. I was happy enough that Jesus delivered a man from demonic bondage, but I just couldn’t understand why he let the demons enter the herd of pigs. Moreover, it seemed terribly unfair to the owner of the herd that he lost 2,000 pigs. I fretted about why Jesus did such an odd and apparently unkind thing?
Read ArticleWho Is This Man?
[The disciples] were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him.” Mark 4:41 We don’t…
Read ArticleThe Kingdom of God as a Mustard Seed
“[The Kingdom of God] is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and…
Read ArticleThe Mysterious Growth of the Kingdom of God
In the time of Jesus, many people worked as farmers. But the science of horticulture was relatively primitive. People knew that seeds grew, but they didn’t know what explained this growth. Thus, the farmer who “scatters seed on the ground” knows that it grows, “though he does not know how” (4:27). From his perspective, the soil produces grain “all by itself,” as if by magic (4:28).
Read ArticleA Life of Abundant Fruitfulness
We are wired from the beginning for fruitfulness. It’s part of our psychological/spiritual DNA. You’ll recall God’s very first instruction to humankind: “Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen 1:28). “Be fruitful” – we were made for this and, even though sin has confused our yearnings, we desire fruitfulness nevertheless.
Read ArticleLook Out for the Thorns!
In Mark 4, Jesus tells a series of parables that reveal something of the nature of the kingdom of God. The first of these parables is usually called The Parable of the Sower, though it might well be entitled The Parable of the Soils. It does feature a farmer who sows seeds. Yet the focus of the parable is not so much the act of sowing, which seems rather random, as it is on the various soils onto which the seeds are sown. On hard soil, rocky soil, and thorn-covered soil, the seeds fail to flourish. But on the fertile soil, the seeds grow abundantly, producing a lavish harvest. Jesus interprets this parable for his disciples. He explains the meaning of the different types of soils, which represent people who respond in various ways to the good news of the kingdom of God.
Read ArticleExperiencing the Family of God in a New Way
As we saw in yesterday’s Life for Leaders devotion, Jesus radically redefines what it means to be part of his family. One is a brother or sister or mother to Jesus, not because of blood relationship, but in light of shared obedience to God’s will. Without denying the value of natural families, Jesus opens up a whole new way of looking at what it means to be part of a family, the family of God.
Read ArticleLiving in God’s Family
In Mark 3, the family of Jesus “went to take charge of him” because they said, “He is out of his mind” (3:21). His mother and brothers came to visit him, no doubt to try and dissuade him from continuing his scandalous work.
Read ArticleWhen Those Closest to You Just Don’t Get You, Part 2
In yesterday’s Life for Leaders devotion, we focused on the sad response of the family of Jesus to his ministry of proclaiming and enacting the kingdom of God. I shared the story of my friend Brad, whose family has not supported his choice to follow Jesus in his life. I mentioned that I have been blessed with a very encouraging family, something I too easily take for granted.
Read ArticleWhen Those Closest to You Just Don’t Get You, Part 1
Serve the Lord wherever he has called you, knowing that his approval means everything.
Read ArticleSaying “No” to God
This passage from the Gospel of Mark has worried Christians for centuries. It speaks of a sin that will not be forgiven, often called the “unpardonable sin.” As a pastor, I have counseled with people who feared that they had committed this sin and that God would never forgive them. Today I’ll share with you what I have said to them.
Read ArticleWhat Would Be Jesus’s Nickname for You?
Jesus appointed twelve of his disciples as members of his primary team. Like Jesus, they would preach the good news of the kingdom and drive out demons (3:14-15). Most importantly, as we saw in yesterday’s reflection, they would “be with” Jesus, sharing life with him and learning in relationship with him.
Read ArticleBeing With Jesus . . . Always
This passage underscores the relational core of discipleship. We who follow Jesus are to learn his teaching. We are also to learn how to do his works. But the center of discipleship isn’t gaining theological knowledge or practical ministry skills. Rather, it is being with Jesus.
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