Dana Hagstrom – Page 446

Mark 2:13-17 – Let’s Party!

Have you ever heard of a “Matthew Party”? This is something we always wanted to do intentionally. However, there were many instances when it happened naturally.

A Matthew Party is designed to be a gathering of believers and non-believers. Loosely based on today’s text, the idea is to be welcoming to the non-believers while surrounding them with believers. No “preaching” goes on, only fun. It allows the non-believers to connect with believers. If conversations go in the spiritual direction, that’s the Holy Spirit!

In our text, Jesus had just selected another disciple to follow him. This time it wasn’t a fisherman but a tax collector. In those days, tax collectors were often swindlers and extortionists. People feared tax collector because they were ruthless and not honest in their dealings. They were often rich, made so by taking money from over charging people’s taxes.

What was Jesus thinking? Why in the world would he associate with someone like that? And now he’s at a party with this sinner!

Perhaps we have judged someone based on their appearance, yes? Or maybe we questioned someone’s morals or life choices, even their employment? I know I’m guilty, but I’m not proud of it. Even worse, how many of us have avoided people who are different from us because we were “better than them”? Ouch!

Next time you see someone that looks or acts different than you, remember Jesus’ words, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Jesus came for us all, we are all sinners. It is not our place to judge or avoid those we don’t understand. Jesus loved them all, so must we.

Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me for those times when I look upon another with some disdain for their dress, their demeanor, their attitude. Help me to remember that you love them, too. I am not perfect either, Lord, and I ask for your help to work on me. That is something I can do. Show me those that are looking for you so that I can show them the way. Use me to be their beacon in this scary world. Thank you for using me to share and giving me the words to say.

Mark 2:1-12 – Paralyzed

Read Mark 2:1-12

There is so much going on in this passage, I don’t know where to begin. I love how Mark uses words here to help us picture the scene. We can almost insert ourselves right along with the paralytic at the feet of Jesus.

Word has definitely spread about Jesus and the miracles he has been doing. Did you notice what happens in this account? We are expecting him to tell the paralyzed man to get up and walk, to pronounce the healing. What does Jesus do instead? He tells the man his sins are forgiven.

I didn’t see that coming, did you? What do this man’s sins have to do with him being paralyzed? Have you ever thought about that? I imagine a hush went over the room at his words. The teachers of law that were present probably exchanged a knowing glance. Jesus was fully aware of the situation. Of course he was. Jesus used this as a teachable moment to show his authority.

And then, as expected, Jesus tells the man to get up and go home. The man leaves as he is instructed. How did the man feel? Was his gratitude overflowing? We read that he “jumped up”. That sounds pretty ecstatic to me. He, like the crowd, was likely stunned and amazed. Do you think he expected healing?

Think back a moment to the four men that brought this paralyzed man to Jesus in the first place. This is a miracle in itself to have maneuvered him to the roof, digging a hole big enough in the thatched roof, and having the tools, rope or whatever, to lower him down at just the right spot. This didn’t “just happen”. There was thought, intention and strong faith inspiring these men. They were no doubt friends of the paralyzed man. There was a lot of caring going on. Was there anticipation? What about adrenaline? Do you suppose fear? And, after it was all over, who was going to repair the roof for heavens sake?

I may often let myself get caught up in details. I shouldn’t let myself be paralyzed by wanting to know all the facts. I need to walk by faith and be confident that God is going to show up. Just as these men were confident and driven by their faith. That is the message I need to hear today.

What spoke most to you? Reflect on that message today.

Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you that you are the one in control of my life. Forgive me when I forget and push forward on my own. Thank you that you are calming my spirit to not need to know every detail, every answer, every truth. I put my trust in you and your provision. May my faith heal me and make me whole. May my faith be large like the men in our passage today. No obstacle is too big. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 1:29-45 – Healing Touch

Read Mark 1:29-45

I’m curious – what verse in today’s reading really spoke to you? There are so many that spoke to me. Feel free to leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you.

So it seems like today’s reading picks up immediately following the last where Jesus has encountered an evil spirit and called him out. Now it appears that Jesus’ disciples are going to take a bit of a rest at Simon and Andrew’s home. I note that there are only four disciples at this point: James, John, Andrew and Simon (Peter). We also learn here that Simon has a mother-in-law, which would mean he also has a wife. She is not mentioned.

I have always been tickled when I picture the mother-in-law being healed and instantly responding by making a meal. Does this resonate with anyone? Are you the meal provider in your house? What happens when you get sick?

For anyone wanting to count the number of miracles or healings that Jesus performed, this passage makes it nearly impossible. Apparently word spread quickly about the happenings in the synagogue, as Jesus was bombarded with sick and demon possessed people. What was his response? Heal them and make them whole.

Another nugget for me in this reading starts in verse 35 when Jesus gets away from it all for some quiet time. We are told from the time we are children that we should “be like Jesus”, and this is one great example for us. Find a quiet place where you are able to shut out the world and all distractions and spend time with God. If Jesus needed it, we must all the more need it. I know my days are so much better when I am grounded first. Some people have their quiet time at night – how much better their sleep and rest will be. The key – spend quiet time away from the noise of life.

Finally, what do you think about Jesus’ words to the man healed of leprosy? Jesus told him “sternly” not to tell anyone about this, and gave him the requirements that needed to be done. Did the man listen? Apparently not as it says he went out and spread the word, telling “everybody” what had happened.

Why do you think he didn’t listen to Jesus’ instructions?

What he did do is something we have a hard time doing. That is telling everyone about what Jesus has done for us. Why is that? Do we think we don’t have a good enough story? What is your story?

The important thing to remember is who the subject of our story is. It is Jesus. It is what Jesus did, not what we did. We got the benefit of what Jesus did, but the hero is Jesus. Sometimes when we frame it like that it is easier to say because we can take a little of the attention away from us. Jesus loved us and died for us. He is the one living in us and changing us from the inside out. Does that help?

Let’s pray. Lord I thank you for how you have changed my life. You amaze me every day with your goodness and mercy. I don’t know that I deserve what you promise me, but I am grateful that you find me where I am. Thank you for the restoration you are bringing to my life. I thank you for the boldness and assurance I am feeling when I share your good news. May your grace and mercy abound for those who are walking in darkness. May they feel you knocking on the door of their heart. Thank you for the quiet time we have and the refreshment you provide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 1:21-28 – Exorcism in Capernaum

Read Mark 1:21-28

This must have been quite a scene. What strikes me most is how Jesus handled the disruption, yet we can’t overlook what was disrupted. Jesus was teaching. It was not just another ho-hum day at the synagogue. Jesus was preaching with authority.

We hear those words, teaching with authority, and we may want to gloss over them to get to the juicy part of the passage. That would be a mistake. Take a moment to imagine how Jesus would preach. What would it be like to hear a sermon coming directly from God? To hear Jesus preach is to hear the words of Scripture come alive. Jesus was God, and who better to help us understand the meaning and significance of Scripture. It says the people were amazed. This was good stuff!

Have you ever heard a sermon that rocked your world? I don’t know how many times I’ve felt like my husband (a pastor) was speaking right to me. Over the years, I’ve heard many people tell him that very thing. It’s in those instances I am certain God has been using him to pass on the message someone needed to hear. In our reading today, it was God, himself, bringing authority and passion to the people.

I picture the people hanging on to every word that Jesus was teaching. I certainly would be. They didn’t know who they were listening to. But the possessed man did. The evil spirit inside the man was trembling in Jesus’ presence. The encounter did not surprise Jesus. He didn’t skip a beat when he spoke the command, “Be quiet! Come out of the man.” Jesus knew he was speaking to an evil spirit. He was going to use this disruption, and the people witnessed a miracle.

We don’t know how long this man had been afflicted, nor do we know if he was even aware of his possession. Those details aren’t important here. But evil knew that Jesus was the “Holy One of God.” Evil did not win.

This is one passage that really hits home for me when I think about what I believe. Many people say, “I believe in God.” That’s a wonderful thing, but even the evil spirits believe in God. I want my faith to go deeper. I want a relationship with the God who created me, the God who saved me, the God who is living inside me giving me power.

How about you? What do you believe? Are you like the possessed man, recognizing there is a God? Do you want to know that God more intimately, too? What evil spirits are working in you to keep you from this relationship?

Let’s pray. Father God thank you for making me the person I am. It is such an honor to be your child. Forgive me when I let the distractions of this world keep me separated from you. Spending time with you makes me happy, and I want that blessing for everyone. I know your heart longs for relationship with all your children. Use me to bring that awareness of your love and authority to others. I am listening for your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 1:16-20 – Are You a Disciple?

Read Mark 1:16-20

Have you ever wondered about the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Would you have been as bold as the four men in today’s reading? They just walked away from everything and everyone. They were all in for Jesus. There was no hesitation, they followed “at once.” What was it about Jesus?

Can you imagine that happening today? We are positioned such that we know how the story unfolds. We know how Jesus lived the life of a servant king and while sinless, died a sinner’s death. We have read the account of his life, and we have worshiped him. For us, it would be understandable to be in awe and leave everything behind, yet how many of us would?

Despite being well informed, I can’t imagine many could just walk away. There would be thoughts of needing to say goodbye to loved ones, settle accounts and pay bills, quit our jobs, hire someone to take care of assets, i.e. house, car, pets, etc. Do you agree?

If we were to leave immediately without hesitation – what freedom that could mean for us. Take a moment to truly reflect on being an all-in disciple. We’d be following Jesus, leaving behind our temptations, our distractions, our idols. We don’t have to physically leave, but how we spend our time, how we think and how we act will all be affected.

Are there obstacles that stand in your way of being all in for Jesus?

Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me for my fears and doubts that often stifle me and keep me from living the all-in life you planned for me. I ask you to help me break the cycle and give you my full attention. I know in my heart that you are my savior. Help my head to agree and let go of the distractions that keep me from fully engaging. You are great and worthy to be praised. I am in awe of you and what you have done for me. Use that awe to bring me closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.