Dana Hagstrom – Page 439

Mark 12:35-44 – Give All

Jesus continues to teach and interestingly he poses a question to himself about himself. The people are on the edge of their seats. They have been waiting for the Messiah. So how can Jesus, the Messiah, be both the son of David and the “lord” of David? Think of this – Jesus is both God and man. So as a man, he is the son of David, that is a relative or descendant. But he is also God and therefore lord of David.

I always like when the Old Testament comes alive in the New Testament. We need to be careful to look for the progression of things. The teachers of the law were so focused on the law that they didn’t see God standing in front of them. Jesus even calls them out and warns the people against them. He says that they flaunt their positions, cheat widows of their property, and then pretend to be pious with long prayers. For these things, they will be punished.

We need to be careful and take heed of this counsel. Are we flaunting our faith? Do we have unclean motives?

Think on this for a moment and then picture the widow giving her offering. Do we give Jesus our all? Do we hold back more than our share? What are we afraid of? What needs to change for us to be like the widow? Now, that’s a challenge.

Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for what you are doing in my life. You are great and worthy of my praise. I acknowledge your hand on the doorknob of my heart and I welcome you in. I ask you to help grow my trust. I want to be like the widow who gives you everything I have. Please heal my brokenness. I want to be unstoppable in my journey to be all you want for me. Give me the courage and confidence I have lost. I want to boldly proclaim that you are my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 12:28-34 – What’s Most Important?

Read Mark 12:28-34

Love is the essence of Christian living. Jesus proclaims it himself herein today’s reading. Love God. Love your neighbor. Period.

This is the final of the four questions posed to Jesus in the gospel of Mark. This particular one is also found in Matthew and Luke, suggesting, of course, the significance and importance. These love commandments are fundamental, but Jesus bring them to the top of the list.

Relationships matter. A loving relationship with God and with each other. What if everyone knew this commandment and lived it out? That’s what I think heaven will be like. Unfortunately, our world seems to thrive on hate, power and greed. Why is that? It is so against what God wants for us.

I suppose we need to do our part to bring light into this world and share with as many people God’s truth and love. We can’t make people believe or trust. God can. He can stir their hearts. We are called to plant the seed of hope, water and nourish, but it God’s hand that will bring growth. God’s grace can wash away many stains when we truly seek his cleansing.

What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” These were words of encouragement, but also counsel that he was close but not there yet. His understanding was headed in the right direction, but there was more to it. Understanding and admiration do not make you a Christian. How do we respond to this?

Let’s pray. Lord I love you with every part of my being. When I think of you my heart leaps with joy. Thank you for what you have done for me and continue to do on a daily basis. I thank you, too, for those many things I don’t even know you have put into play on my behalf. Forgive me for my lack of attention and wayward heart in times of stress. It’s in those times that I need you more than ever. Thank you for always drawing me back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 12:18-27 – What’s Next?

Read Mark 12:18-27

Resurrection. It’s a term we hear in the church as it relates to Jesus. He was dead, and then he was not – he was resurrected, raised from the dead. Jesus has been preparing his disciples for this phenomenon, yet they don’t understand.

We may also think of the story of Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, who was also dead. After Jesus spoke, Lazarus was raised back to life and no longer dead. The difference is Lazarus died a second time but Jesus did not. Jesus ascended to heaven and is preparing a place for us. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

If today’s reading left you puzzled, you are not alone. I, too, was left scratching my head. It’s question three posed to Jesus, and this time by the Sadducees, an aristocratic group of priestly families. They were known to accept as their authority only the written Law in scripture.

We may also wonder about resurrection and what it means for us and for our loved ones who have gone before us. Questions about what happens to us when we die have been asked for centuries. Jesus cautions us, “you don’t know the power of God.” It is true, there are many mysteries, and God’s power and might are right at the top of the list.

We must not limit God to our own understanding. Jesus suggests the possibility of solutions, and a reality quite different from one we could ever imagine. The understanding of Scripture can also unlock a wisdom for us and a glimpse at the goodness of God, the greatness of God, and the grace of God. It is by that grace that we are saved.

Do you want a peace about your life and your after life? Have a relationship with God, know Jesus as your friend, and rely on the Holy Spirit in all you say and do. Focus on God’s word as His message to you. God’s word is alive and powerful, and it will accomplish what it says and sustain all who hear it.

Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you today again amazed at your powerful grace. There is nothing I can do to deserve it because you give it so freely. Help me to get my mind around that truth and give my life to you completely. May it be crystal clear to those I encounter that you are Lord of my life. Thank you that the fear of death for me is only the thrill of spending eternity with you. May I take each day that you give me as a gift and pass that gift on to others. Thank you for the freedom you have given me to dream and to soar. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 12:13-17 – Listening

Read Mark 12:13-17

Today’s reading is question number 2 in a series of 4. You may recall the leaders and teachers of the law tried to trap Jesus in a previous passage when it came to authority. Jesus quickly turned that around. Now they send others to pose question number two. We see supporters of Herod here, so possibly government officials.

As a bit of historical background, you may recall at the time there were uprisings and disputes with paying taxes. Tax collectors were often thieves. So the question of lawfulness, posed to Jesus here, is quite pointed for the time. Note that Jesus never said “pay”. Jesus again displays a teachable moment.

I wouldn’t expect anything less from Jesus than pure tact and wisdom. We should take a cue from this in our own dealings. He doesn’t simply tell us what we ought to do, but he suggests how we ought to think about our decision.

I read something recently that said our problem today is that we don’t listen to understand, we listen to respond. Think about the last conversation you had. Were you listening for understanding, or were you listening and computing the response in your head the whole time? I know I’m guilty of the latter and really hate to admit that. My husband, on the other hand, is much more the understanding guy.

Here Jesus was quick to respond, but he first listened to understand. What did he mean when he said, “give to God what belongs to God?” Everything belongs to God–creation, money, us, everything. We need to be ready to give ourselves to God. That is what he desires. How are you doing at giving God what belongs to him?

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you this reminder and wisdom. I and everything around me belongs to you. Help me remember that and not be so ready to cling to things. May my heart be clean and ready for you. Thank you that you give me ears to listen for understanding first. Help me to work on that. Thank you for the excitement you have placed inside me to share your word with others. Bless my friends and family this day and all those who are suffering and mourning around the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 12:1-12 – Who is in Charge Here?

Read Mark 12:1-12

We see corruption all around us today, and Jesus describes it beautifully here in his example. I suppose the word beautiful and corruption should not occur in the same sentence. But Jesus is warning them and us to be on the look out for evil. It will take on forms we might not realize. It may invest trusted leaders; nobody is immune.

If we have a heart beat, we are a target for Satan’s evil schemes. I posted something recently: Devil says, “They’re all mine.” Jesus says, “Over my dead body.” Think about that for a moment or two.

Today’s reading is thought to happen very soon after the teachers of the law were questioning Jesus’ authority in our prior text. Now they are feeling a bit put in their place as they see themselves in Jesus’ story. They retreat. Do you think the rest of the people understood the significance?

Do you see the players in this story. Just in case, we have the owner of the vineyard (God), the vineyard (Israel), tenants/farmers (religious leaders), servants (prophets), son (Jesus). Reread if you need to for context. The concern here is the tenants’ improper use of their authority. This wisdom is for us today, any of us in church leadership. Pastors are especially suspect. Who are we serving and following?

The quoting of Psalm 118 here. “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” Jesus, the rejected one, is now the cornerstone and foundation for the new Christian church. On Jesus, we build our trust. He is our sure foundation.

“This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.” Anything that the Lord does is wonderful to see. Imagine the brilliance of the sun, or the magnificence of a sunset each evening. The budding of the trees with each new Spring, and the leaves turning at harvest. It is all God’s doing and for that we should be gratefully awestruck.

Have you ever felt rejected? Maybe you’re walking through a time of sadness right now. I don’t know if it helps, but know that you are in good company. Even Jesus was rejected, and from that rejection (the Lord’s doing for us) something beautiful came to be. Think on the price Jesus paid for you. How do you respond?

Let’s pray. Father, thank you for this illustration into your truth. I never want my self ambition to keep me apart from you. I never want to be so focused on the wrong thing that I forget who is in charge and who has my back. I pray for those who are still allowing evil into their hearts and minds, filling them with lies that only keep them from you. Use me Lord to help them realize that they are being deceived by the evil world. Satan is crafty and we must stand strong. You have equipped us with the battle gear we need. May I never forget to arm myself to defend your kingdom and proclaim your great love for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.