Mark 8:27-9:1 – What Would You Say?

Read Mark 8:27-9:1

Peter was quick to comment, but what would you say if asked, “Who is Jesus?” Have you ever thought about that? It’s a question we, as believers, should be ready to answer at any time. The answer defines us and our relationship with Jesus. It’s okay to be unsure, but it’s an important declaration to have on the tip of your tongue. Jesus’ message to us would be the opposite of keeping his identity a secret.

Next, our reading turns a bit dreary. We already know how hard it has been for the disciples to fully grasp what they are witnessing Jesus accomplish. Now, to hear him speak of his brutal death must have seemed unthinkable. We never want to hear news from friends or family about their death or mortality. Jesus’ departure sounded a lot more dramatic, and I can’t imagine what the disciples were thinking. Were they perhaps in denial? Continue reading “Mark 8:27-9:1 – What Would You Say?”

Mark 8:1-26 – Do You Understand?

Read Mark 8:1-26

Jesus covers a lot of ground in this reading, not necessarily in a “geographic” sense. We should marvel at feeding the multitudes again or rejoice with the blind man who can now see. We could even question what Jesus meant when he rebuked the request for a miraculous sign. But the recurrent theme of the disciples’ hard-headedness cannot be denied.

We might even similarly see ourselves. How often do we find ourselves scratching our heads when it comes to understanding the grace of God or what the kingdom of God means for us. Why do you think the disciples were so oblivious? Continue reading “Mark 8:1-26 – Do You Understand?”

Mark 7:24-37 – Jesus is Present

Read Mark 7:24-37

Jesus encounters many people on his traveling ministry. He’s capturing the attention of everyone, not only those with Jewish heritage. Were you surprised by how Jesus interacted with the Gentile woman? A Gentile is any person who is not Jewish. He all but called her a dog!

That speaks to the separation that existed in those days between Jews and non-Jews. Gentiles would not have followed Jewish laws or traditions, and more than likely did not have any regard for God. Their devotion, if any, would be to many different gods of one sort or another. For her to be seeking Jesus was unexpected. Continue reading “Mark 7:24-37 – Jesus is Present”

Mark 7:1-23 – Defiled or Not?

Read Mark 7:1-23

Jesus is brilliant here, although some might say he was being disrespectful. Jesus had to point out the truth, even to the religious leaders. They were still humans who got it wrong. I loved how Jesus called them out on how their traditions seemed to take precedent over God’s laws. Jesus’ message rings out loud and clear as good advice still today.

Apparently, these ancient “traditions” were man-made and not prescribed by God. However, the religious leaders were enforcing them as if they were holy, being appalled when the disciples failed to comply. Sometimes the source of our traditions can be a bit blurry, and we find ourselves repeating them out of habit because that’s the way “we’ve always done it.” Does that make it right? Continue reading “Mark 7:1-23 – Defiled or Not?”

Mark 6:30-56 – Sheep Without a Shepherd

Read Mark 6:30-56

This change of plans shows Jesus’ perfect way of going with the flow. Two of the most memorable miracles might not have happened if Jesus had been able to successfully retreat with his disciples for the rest they all needed. God had other plans, and the teachable moment would continue.

What got Jesus’ attention enough to pivot like this? It was the crowds of people Jesus knew were lost, “like sheep without a shepherd.” When you look around your community or circle of influence, do you see lost people or do you see people already on a mission for Christ? Continue reading “Mark 6:30-56 – Sheep Without a Shepherd”

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