The Incredi[B]ible Journey: Recent Episodes
Gary Kent
Join Gary Kent on an incredi[B]ible journey through the Bible book of Mark. In Mark's book, he presents Jesus as a dynamic man of power. Everything in Mark happens quickly and dramatically. Mark has no time for things like family trees and stories about Jesus birth, he focuses on Jesus' power, ministry and death on the cross. — Visual versions of these devotionals can be watched on our website tij.tv/bible-devotional. — The Incredible Journey
Mark has just told us that Jesus has been taken up into heaven and has sat at God's right hand. And now, we come to the very final statement in the Gospel of Mark. And it is the natural and logical result of what he has just told us. "Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it". – Mark 16:20
Jesus has just given his disciples what we call today “The Great Commission,” the instruction to preach the gospel to the whole world. The Gospel of Mark is coming to its dramatic end. "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven, and he sat at the right hand of God". – Mark 16:19
Jesus has just told his disciples to go into all the world and to preach the Gospel to all creation and that he who believes will be saved. What he tells them next is really striking. "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”" – Mark 16:18
Jesus has just told his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. And now he tells them why this is so important. "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned". – Mark 16:16
The risen Lord has appeared to his followers as they are gathered together, and he has rebuked them for their stubborn refusal to believe. Now, he is going to tell them what the next steps are. I wonder what instructions he’s going to give them? "He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation". – Mark 16:15
Mark continues to recount the list of the initial eyewitnesses to the resurrection of Christ. Finally, he appears to the eleven. I wonder what he will say to them. “Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen”. – Mark 16:14
The disciples haven’t believed the report of Mary Magdalene that Jesus is alive. So, Jesus tries again. Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. – Mark 16:12-13
The risen Jesus has just appeared to Mary Magdalene. She is the first to see him, and she returns and tells the disciples. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. – Mark 16:10-11
Mark tells us that when the angel announced to the women that Jesus had risen, they fled in fear and confusion, and they initially didn’t tell anyone. From the other Gospels, we know that there was one exception: Mary Magdalene. She went and told the disciples, and then followed Peter and John back to the empty tomb. When they left, she stayed behind, and that’s when Jesus appeared to her. – Mark 16:9
On Sunday morning, the women have arrived at the tomb to find the stone rolled away, and an angel who has told them that Jesus has risen from the dead. If you had been with the women that morning, how would you have felt? The reaction of the women was only natural. Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. – Mark 16:8
The angel at the tomb has just told the women the incredible news that Jesus has risen. But that’s not all he has to tell them! But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ – Mark 16:7
As the tomb of Jesus came into view, the women had seen, to their surprise, that the massive stone had somehow been rolled away. In shock and confusion, they hurried to enter the tomb to see what had happened. “As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him”. – Mark 16:5-6
As the women had walked to the tomb early on Sunday morning, they were worried about how they would ever be able to roll away the stone. Their steps were slow and heavy. As they approached the tomb, they were naturally downcast, contemplating the sad task ahead of them. Let’s see what happens next.
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. – Mark 16:4
As the women take that long, sad walk to the tomb of Jesus, they have a very practical question in mind. And their question is yet another marker of the authenticity of Mark’s account of the resurrection.
Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” – Mark 16:2
The Sabbath lasted from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. Jesus has been in the tomb from late Friday afternoon and throughout all of Saturday and Saturday night. It is now Sunday morning.
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. – Mark 16:1
The greatest historical claim of Christianity is that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. This was an absurd claim to make in an ancient culture that considered itself highly sophisticated and in which the concept of bodily resurrection did not exist at all.
That’s why the first believers in the resurrection of Jesus were always open to the attack that their faith was based on a lie. And that’s also why the details that Mark adds to his gospel are so important. They highlight the factual authenticity of his account. He has just told us that Joseph of Arimathea has sealed the tomb of Jesus with a large stone. So, now look at what he writes next.
Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid. – Mark 15:47
Joseph of Arimathea has just placed Jesus’ body in a tomb cut out of rock. It’s very important to notice what he did next. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.– Mark 15:46
Now that Pilate has given Joseph of Arimathea permission to have the body, Joseph returns to the place of execution to take charge. He has to move quickly, because the sun is low, and once it sets, the Sabbath begins, during which no work can be done.
So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. – Mark 15:46
Joseph of Arimathea, a leading member of the Sanhedrin has sought an audience with Pontius Pilate to request the body of Jesus. For many reasons, this was a highly unusual request.
Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. – Mark 15:25-26
When criminals were crucified, part of the humiliation was that their bodies weren’t buried. To lie unburied was a matter of great shame in the ancient world. Instead, the bodies of the victims of crucifixion were thrown out into the open among the rubbish, typically to be eaten by the dogs who scavenged among the rubbish heaps and the places of execution. But Jesus had a secret admirer, who decided that Jesus wouldn’t be dishonoured in this way.
It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached,43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. – Mark 15:42-43
Throughout his gospel, Mark highlights how much opposition Jesus received throughout his ministry. And it’s the same at the cross. Mark has already mentioned that the disciples had run for their lives, and we know that John was the only one of their number there. Interestingly, however, Mark doesn’t mention John. Instead, Mark makes a point of highlighting some very important people who were there to support Jesus.
Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. – Mark 15:30-41
We know that the squad of soldiers assigned the task of actually crucifying Jesus consisted of four soldiers, because the gospel of John tells us that they divided his clothes between them. However, there was also a centurion there at the cross. A centurion usually commanded between 60–100 soldiers. And he had been watching, and listening, all along.
And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” – Mark 15:39
Mark has just told us that Jesus has breathed his last. You might expect a deep spiritual reflection or a pause for contemplation. But that is not Mark’s way. He is a man of dramatic action. And Christ’s death was the most dramatic of all actions. That’s why Mark follows immediately with these words, which in their own way point us to the deepest of spiritual truths.
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. – Mark 15:38
While the people mock and ridicule him, Jesus is accomplishing the salvation of the world. These next brief words seem to raise a universe of questions. Yet they represent the heart of the Gospel, the centre of redemption, the very core of the plan of salvation.
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. – Mark 15:37
Jesus has just cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” How you respond to that cry depends on your religious experience. And some of the Jews who were responded in what to us might seem a very strange way.
When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” 36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. – Mark 15:34-36
There had been silence at the cross for three hours amid the darkness. When the darkness lifted, the voice of Jesus was heard again. What he said was his most enigmatic saying from the cross. The stage was set for the final scene. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) – Mark 15:34
While people have tried to explain this darkness as an eclipse or as other forms of natural phenomenon, this was no natural darkness. This was nature itself hiding in the shame of what created creatures had done to the Creator.
This was, in reality, the darkest hour of Earth’s history, when the creatures tortured and killed their Creator. There were in fact, two different things happening at the very same time: what the world was doing to Christ and what Christ was doing to the world.
While the world took Christ’s life, he was giving his life to the world. While the world threw its hatred upon him, Christ showed the world in love. While the world showered Christ in blood, Christ bathed the world with grace.
In terms of what the world was doing to Christ, it was indeed its darkest deed. In terms of what Christ was doing for the world, it was the brightest and most glorious.
Think back on the time of the greatest darkness in your life, for whatever reason that may have been. What did you learn from it? What did you do to hold on to your faith in your Heavenly Father? Think about whether you need to practice these things more in your daily life today.
Traditionally, we think Jesus was crucified between two thieves: a “good” thief and a “bad” thief. However, this is incorrect. Neither of them were “good”, and neither of them were actually just “thieves.”
At the beginning of the crucifixion, Mark tells us that both men crucified with Christ insulted and mocked him, not just one of them.
The Greek words that the other Gospels use for the men crucified with Jesus indicate that they were political-religious terrorists, much the same kind of people that we tend to despise in our own world today. They were both murderous thugs.
This helps explain the viciousness of their insults against Jesus. We can maybe understand why the evil chief priests would insult Jesus, but why would these men who were dying with him do the same? Mark says that they “heaped” insults on him. He wants us to see the depravity of their characters.
There may have been a time in your life when you heaped insults upon Christ, through your words or through your actions. What were you thinking at the time? Were you thinking that what you were doing was right? Or were you thinking about this at all?
If you haven’t done so, confess this before the Lord. And if you have already repented, think about his kind and loving grace toward you.
Here, those at the Cross mockingly call Jesus both the “Messiah” and the “King of Israel.” The Messiah was the one whom God had anointed – the chosen one. The King of Israel was the one whom God had chosen to be his anointed and powerful ruler.
Those at the Cross are throwing both these titles into the face of the Saviour in his darkest hour, telling him that he is neither chosen or favoured by God nor does he have any power whatsoever.
They taunt him with the apparently logical conclusion that if God favoured him and if he had any power, he would come down from the Cross. If Christ were to do that, they say, then they would believe. This was simply the culmination of the Jews’ unbelief. As Jesus had said to them in John 4:48, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”
The Cross crystallises the true basis of faith. Why do you believe? Is it because of the blessings that you have apparently received? Is it because of the evident favour of God upon you? Or because of signs and miracles? Or do you believe, despite the current circumstances, simply because you trust? Do you hold firm to Jesus, even when his power in your life isn’t manifested in apparent glory but in the suffering of the Cross?
The question has to be asked, “Why did the mob demand the death of Jesus?” After all, during the preceding days, the people of Jerusalem had been coming in their hundreds, and perhaps even thousands, to hear his teaching. A few days ago, they had hailed Jesus as their king, and now they called for his execution.
What could have caused this change? The Chief Priests had rounded them up to influence Pilate so that he might condemn Jesus. This is the fickle mob, which always finds it easier to do the bidding of its leaders than to do what is right based on principle. These are the majority, who do the bidding of their political and religious leaders and who always vote along religious or party lines. And so the mob demands the death of Jesus.
Pilate is desperately searching to find a way to release Jesus because he knows that he is innocent. So, Pilate tries to argue with the crowd. But the mob is unreasoning, and the more that Pilate insists that Jesus is innocent, the more that they scream for his blood.
“They” shouted, “Crucify him!” We live under the tyranny of “they” – the tyranny of the crowd. “They” shout into our lives in a million different ways. “They” each have their own reasons for why they choose to crucify Jesus in the way they think, the way they live, and the way they treat others. Stop and take stock of your life. In what ways do you follow the mob?
Roman crucifixion sites were set up on prominent locations along the main roads and entrances to the cities. Crucifixion was a form of propaganda, to show people how powerful Rome was and what would happen to those who did not submit.
As horrific as it may seem to us, as they travelled here and there and went about their daily business, the people of that time would have been very used to walking beside dying men hanging on crosses.
Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” – Mark 15:29-30
The Romans didn’t build the most powerful empire the world had ever seen by being inefficient and wasteful. When they crucified people, they did it in batches. They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. - Mark 15:27
Men who were being led to be crucified carried a placard which announced their crimes, often around their neck. When Jesus was crucified, this placard was then placed on the cross, above his head, for all to see.
It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. – Mark 15:25-26
They crucified Jesus in the morning because the chief priests wanted to try to get it all over before the main event of the Passover celebration, the sacrifice, and certainly before the Sabbath, which began at sunset.
The reason why he was executed was nailed above his head: “The King of the Jews.” Jesus had been designated as the King, not just of the Jews, but of the world, by God himself. For hundreds of years the prophets had announced him as the coming King. The angels had announced his birth. John the Baptist had pointed him out.
During three and a half years of ministry Jesus had demonstrated his royal authority and power. He had told them who he was. A week before the crowds had acclaimed him as their king when he entered Jerusalem. And now, there he was enthroned above them, with his title above his head. And still they couldn’t see it.
They were in the presence of the greatest king who ever walked this earth ¬– the king not just of the Jews but of the universe itself ¬– yet they couldn’t see it.
There on that hill, the king was establishing the greatest kingdom that this world will ever know – a kingdom that will conquer all and that will last for ever and ever. The criminal beside Jesus saw it, even though others missed it that day. Have you had your spiritual vision tested recently? Ask the Holy Spirit to do it.
Jesus has been taken to the place of execution. Now he is to be crucified. Unlike what we might expect, his crucifixion isn’t described in graphic, harrowing detail. Instead, it’s described in a few simple, stark words.
And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. – Mark 15:24
When Mark says, “And they crucified him”, this is what he means. The soldiers took the crossbeam and placed it on the ground. Then Jesus was stripped completely naked. The soldiers then threw Jesus onto the ground with his shoulders across the cross-beam. While the others held him down, one soldier nailed first one wrist, and then the other, to the cross-beam.
The cross-beam was then hauled up to the vertical timber post by ropes, with Jesus hanging from the nails. When the beam reached the right height, it was dropped into a slot in the vertical post. The soldiers then held the feet of Jesus while first one foot, and then the other, was nailed to the cross, possibly through the ankles.
Then the soldiers nailed the wooden tablet that announced his crimes above the head of Christ for all to see. Now that Jesus had been properly crucified, the soldiers settled down to enjoy a more profitable part of the day. You see, they got to keep his clothes as booty.
At the Cross, Christ gave his robe of righteousness to all who would appreciate it and accept it. But the soldiers played while Jesus died. Let that thought sink in, for we all too often do the same today.
Jesus is being led through the streets of Jerusalem to the place of execution. After having been savagely beaten, he is staggering under the weight of the cross. Now we are going to meet one of the really interesting characters in the gospel of Mark. His name is a common one, yet his role in history is anything but common.
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. – Mark 15:21
Condemned criminals were commonly made to carry their own cross, or at least it’s heavy crosspiece. The vertical beam was probably fixed permanently at the place of execution.
The wooden cross-piece which the condemned criminals carried probably weighed around 45 kilos. They were probably tied across the shoulders of the condemned as they were marched to their death.
Having been severely beaten many times since the late hours of the previous evening, is it any wonder that Jesus staggered and fell under the weight of the cross? At this rate, the execution squad would never even get to the place of execution!
That’s why they forced a bystander to pick up the cross of Jesus and carry it for him. It was the last thing this man, a pilgrim from north Africa, had ever expected when he had made his travel plans to visit Jerusalem for the Passover.
What an unexpected privilege Simon had that day! He probably didn’t think of it like that at the time, because right then it must have seemed the most shameful and horrific experience in his life.
But we know that later he became a follower of Jesus. Sharing in the sufferings of Jesus transformed had him, and he came to count that day as the greatest day of his life. Are you willing to carry the cross? Are you willing to suffer with Jesus? Or are you in it just for the blessings?
Every city in the Roman empire had its place of execution. In Jerusalem, it was called Golgotha.
They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). – Mark 15:22
The people of ancient times were careful to keep death out of their cities. If you ever travel and visit the ruins of any Greek or Roman cities, you will see that the tombs are always outside the walls.
In the same way, their places of execution were outside the walls. In fact, the whole point of crucifixion was for the Roman empire to create gruesome propaganda billboards of what would happen to you if you defied Rome. That’s why the place of crucifixion was always right beside the main entrances to the city.
These were truly places of utter horror, where the sights, and sounds and stench were inescapable to all who travelled in and out of the city. The crucified men were left for days on end nailed up on the crosses, even after death. You could always hear them moaning and gasping as they died.
The carrion birds and the dogs were everywhere. And after death, the bodies were just taken and thrown into a pit nearby for the wild animals to devour. That was what Golgotha was like. And that’s why it was called the Place of the Skull.
It’s interesting that Jesus was crucified at the place of the skull. There would have been lots of empty skulls lying around that place of death. There are a lot of hard skulls today as well, when it comes to confronting the Cross of Jesus.
This should remind us to think, think very seriously and to make the right choices in relation to Jesus and the salvation that he offers.
The Jews had a tradition of offering those about to be executed a strong narcotic made with wine mixed with frankincense and myrrh in order to ease the pain. It was probably the women who had followed him to the place of execution who offered Jesus this kindness.
Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. – Mark 15:23
The Jewish tradition of offering those about to be executed strong drink probably comes from Proverbs 31:6, which says, Give strong drink to those who are perishing and wine to those whose hearts are bitter (CEB).
We also know from the written traditions of the Jews that a pinch of frankincense was added to the wine so that the mind of the man to be executed became dulled and insensible.
Furthermore, the tradition was that it should be provided by the honourable women of the city, and if they refused to do it, then it was to be provided by the members of the local synagogue or congregation as an act of mercy.
This wine which Jesus was offered just before his execution was different from what the soldiers later offered him on a sponge, which was vinegar mixed with gall.
Why did Jesus refuse to take this mind-numbing drink? It was because the battle against the sin of the world was being waged within his mind at that very moment, and he could not afford to weaken his mind or his will.
Against the raging sin of all the world he had to hold on to the love of the Father with a clear and steady mind. What are the ways in which you try to numb your mind in the deepest struggles of your life? What can you learn from Jesus at Calvary?
After Jesus had been savagely beaten and brutalised in the early hours of the morning, now it was time for the main event. Then they led him out to crucify him. – Mark 15:20
The Roman garrison is staging a mock coronation ceremony for Jesus because they have heard him called the “king of the Jews.” They placed a purple robe on him and pressed a crown of thorns onto his head. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. – Mark 15:18-20
Now that Jesus has been sentenced to death, he is now handed over to the Roman garrison. But first, they have a little game they want to play. The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. – Mark 15:16-17
Pilate has just asked the crowd what he should do with Jesus. And they have called for him to be crucified. So now, Pilate makes the fatal decision. "Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified". – Mark 15:15
Pilate has just asked the crowd what he should do with Jesus. But it’s never a good idea to ask the crowd about moral issues. “Crucify him!” they shouted. “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” - Mark 15:13-14
The crowd has just asked Pilate to release Barabbas to them instead of Jesus. This doesn’t help Pilate with the problem of what to do with Jesus, and so he asks the crowd. What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. – Mark 15:12
Pilate was a brutal prefect of Judaea. One of his key jobs was to keep the Jews peaceful and quiet, and in this he failed miserably. There were, however, some practices that he supported which aimed to keep the people happy. One of these was the custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover. Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did. “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. – Mark 15:6–11
Peter has just denied knowing Jesus three times, just as Jesus said he would. When the reality of who you really are, catches up with you, it can be a very sobering moment. And so it was for Peter.
Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept. – Mark 14:72
Now that they have their hands-on Jesus, his enemies make their plans for how to kill him. Let’s see what happens next. Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. – Mark 15:1
Very early in the morning, Jesus has been handed over, bound, to Pilate. As the Roman Prefect of Judaea, Pilate was the only person in the nation with the authority to impose the death penalty, so what Jesus says to him is important. Again, we get to listen in. “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied. The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. – Mark 15:2–5
Remember Peter? While Jesus is being tried before the Sanhedrin, and while he is being spat on and beaten, Peter is still there, warming himself by the fire. In fact, it’s probably because of Peter that we know what went on in Caiaphas’ palace, because Peter overheard the trial of Jesus from the courtyard. So, now the story turns to Peter.
The High Priest Caiaphas has just asked Jesus directly if he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and for the first time, Jesus has responded. In his response, he has gone way beyond identifying himself as the Messiah. In using the name, “I Am,” Jesus has unequivocally identified himself as being Jehovah God.
Not only that, but Jesus has identified himself as the divine Son of Man who defeats his enemies and brings about the Kingdom of God in the prophecies of Daniel. Plain truth is often met by pure anger, and that is precisely what happens next.
During his trial before the High Priest Caiaphas, Jesus refuses to answer the many accusations made against him. An infuriated High Priest has just stood up and demanded that Jesus answer the charges. And still, Jesus says not a word. Caiaphas, who is used to being in charge, seems to have completely lost control of the situation. So, now Caiaphas intervenes again. And this time, Jesus will respond.
As a skilled politician, the High Priest Caiaphas knew how to manipulate a situation. During Jesus’ trial, he held back and remained silent. The accusations had all been heard, focusing on Jesus’ statements about the temple. Through it all, Jesus had remained in silent dignity. The High Priest now decides to dramatically intervene.
At Gethsemane, Jesus has just announced that the hour has come, and that the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. He has just told his disciples to get up, because his betrayer has arrived. And at that very moment, Judas arrives leading a large armed mob. Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Mark 14:43
Three times Jesus went to pray alone, and three times he returned. And every time, he found his disciples, who should have been watching and praying, instead sleeping and resting. And now, they were out of time. The hour had come. Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” Mark 14:41–42
Jesus has just been bitterly disappointed to find his disciples sleeping instead of praying. This disappointment is both for their sakes, and for his, because he can barely deal with the anguish and temptation that he is facing. So now, Christ has gone away to continue praying for strength again. Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. Mark 14:39–40
Jesus has been praying in anguish of heart. But he hasn’t forgotten his disciples. He is worried for them, because he knows what will happen. And also, he hopes to be able to draw strength from then. So he goes back to see how they are doing, He is about to be bitterly disappointed. Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:37–38
We have just been told that in Gethsemane, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed to be somehow allowed to avoid what he was facing. We are told this that in the third person. But now, the very words that Jesus prayed are reported to us. In Gethsemane, we are standing on holy ground. Every word of God is pure, so let’s listen in on these words from the very heart of the Saviour. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
The resurrection of Jesus is the central part of this message. We have a living Saviour who has conquered death and the grave. His victory is our victory. Let’s keep our eyes focused on Jesus.
During the years of His ministry, Jesus has largely avoided Judaea and its capital Jerusalem in particular. It’s here where His enemies are: the ones who are out to kill Him. So now, in His final week, right here in Jerusalem, He is walking on dangerous ground. Jesus is surrounded by those who hate Him, and by the traps they set. Here is one of those traps.
Jesus explained why He had cleansed the temple by saying: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of robbers.” The church should be a welcoming place for everyone, where they can connect with God. We turn the church into a den of robbers when we push our own agendas instead of God’s. It’s all about the attitude of our hearts and that’s something to think about.
To some people, what Jesus did in cursing the fig tree might seem petty and unreasonable. But Jesus did nothing out of spite or malice. Everything he did, he did for a purpose.Jesus was acting out what would happen to Jerusalem, for having the appearance of righteousness, but not its fruits: for rejecting him. Without Jesus, there can be no fruit. Fig trees exist to bear figs. We – you and I – exist to bear fruit. The fig tree was all show and no substance. It was covered in beautiful green leaves, but there were no figs there. You can fool others, but you can’t fool Jesus. Jesus is coming to look for fruit in your life. It’s the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy peace and patience. Will he find it? Or will he just find green leaves?
Hosanna! Around 550 years earlier, the prophet Zechariah had prophesied: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” By entering Jerusalem in this way, Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, and He fulfilled the people’s expectation of how the Messiah would enter Jerusalem to claim His throne. And so, the people acclaimed Him as Messiah and King.
“And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, `And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.” – Mark 11:1-6
“So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” – Mark 10:49-52 The healing of Bartimaeus was a challenge for the Jewish religious leaders. They believed that sickness, disability and blindness were a curse from God. However, Jesus turned this idea upside-down that God loves and cares for everyone, even those who are considered most unworthy.
“Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” – Mark 10:46-49 In the culture of the old Israel, a blind man like Bartimaeus was considered to be cursed by God. He had no right to receive honour or blessings. But Bartimaeus calls Jesus by His powerful names: “Jesus, Son of David” acknowledging Him as both Saviour and Messiah.
James and John have just come up to Jesus and asked Him to give them the leading positions in His kingdom. Jesus tells them that the notions of authority and hierarchy that we find everywhere in the world don’t apply in the kingdom of God. Instead, greatness is measured through humble, selfless, sacrificial service. What is He saying? He’s telling them that greatness is measured only in love.
What Jesus is telling His disciples is that the path to greatness in the kingdom of God is the path of suffering. But naively, they don’t understand. They assure Jesus that they can go through whatever Jesus himself goes through in order to get the promotions they’re after.
Jesus is no genie-in-a-bottle. You can’t just rub the religious lamp and ask Jesus to grant you whatever you wish for. It doesn’t work that way. He who knows the end from the beginning. He knows what we need even when we don’t. And He knows how to work in every situation, so that goodwill triumph in the end. Think about an unanswered prayer of yours. Could the reason be that you didn’t know what you were asking?
“And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.” – Mark 10:32-34 The disciples are “astonished.” It means they don’t know what is going on or what to think. Because Jesus keeps telling them that the chief priests and the teachers of the law will hand him to the Romans and that He will be killed, but that isn’t in their script for what should happen to the Messiah at all! Also, when Jesus keeps telling them that He will rise from the dead three days later, that isn’t part of their worldview either, because if Jesus were to be killed, it would mean that He wasn’t the Messiah, and that was it. And everyone knew that people didn’t rise from the dead. That’s why they’re confused and astonished. As they walk behind Jesus to Jerusalem, they don’t know what they’ll find there. It’s all too much.
Jesus had just asked a rich man to leave everything he had and follow him. That’s why Peter says to Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you. ”Jesus’ answer is a powerful one. He assures the disciples that there will never be any loss in following him. He says that whatever apparent value anyone leaves behind to follow him will be repaid a hundred times in this present age. And then you shouldn’t miss what he adds. He says, “along with persecutions.” In other words, anyone who chooses to follow Jesus can expect hardship and persecution in this life. But how his life will be enriched here and now will far exceed the cost. *E. And that’s not the end of the rewards, according to Jesus. He says that we will also inherit eternal life in the age to come. “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.” – Mark 10:28-31
The issue for the disciples wasn’t so much that they were concerned about the salvation of others. They were worried for themselves. They had just seen a man who seemed to meet all the requirements for heaven, according to their religion, be turned away by Jesus. He kept the commandments, and he was rich. The way they understood it, to be rich meant that God approved of you, which is why he blessed you. So, if it was so hard for rich people to be saved – people who had God’s approval – what about them? The disciples were dirt poor. Jesus’ answer to them is straightforward: Salvation is impossible for men, but not for God. All things are possible for God. “And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” – Mark 10:26-27
Jesus has just asked a wealthy young man to sell everything he has, give it to the poor, and then come and follow him. Jesus loves this man, but the man has turned his back on Him and he’s returned sadly to his comfortable home. As Jesus and the disciples are watching in amazement, the man leaves, then Jesus says something even more amazing! “And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:23-25
“Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.” – Mark 10:21-22 Jesus wasn’t saying that in order to be saved that you have to sell everything you have and become a homeless beggar. As with so many of Jesus’ sayings, it’s the principle here that’s important. The principle here is that you cannot let anything stand between you and God if you want to inherit life. Think seriously about this question: If Jesus asked you the same question, is there anything that you wouldn’t be willing to give up for Him?
A man has just come running up to Jesus, and he’s fallen on his knees before Him. And what he’s said to Jesus is revealing. He’s said, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life.”It’s a good question, but it’s wrongly phrased. It contains some false assumptions – assumptions that we often make too – and Jesus is about to unpack them for him.“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honour your father and mother.” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” – Mark 10:18-20
In our last episode, in welcoming the children, Jesus gave an important lesson in what God is like. In today’s episode, Jesus is going to give us an important lesson in how to be saved. As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”This seems to be a pretty straightforward question, doesn’t it? But Jesus knows that for these people, it’s far from simple. This was, in fact, the central question of the Jewish religion, which was all about being worthy of eternal life through doing. The Jewish religious teachers were always arguing about what exactly you had to do, and coming up with lists and rules for things to do so that God might consider you worthy of eternal life. But the problem with this man’s question was that Jesus knew that being saved wasn’t achieved by doing anything at all. It was about believing. It was about trusting. So, it will be important to see how Jesus answers this man’s question – because really, it’s our question as well. Challenge yourself. Where did you get your ideas about salvation from? Do you see religion more as a checklist or as a relationship? Keep watching this series to see Jesus’ important answer to this man’s question.
“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” – Mark 10:13-16 It’s good to know that our God is one Who just loves being with children. In fact, He calls us all His children. Just think about this for a moment. Consider how children naturally behave, and how loving parents respond. What does this mean for how God relates to you and me? This was what Jesus was trying to teach us.
“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” – Mark 10:9 God intended that marriage to be forever. It was to be a lifelong union between one man and one woman in which the two would complement each other and would contribute to the well-being of each other. Now, to his disciples, Jesus reinforces the permanence of marriage.
Human relationships have always been one of the most difficult things for people to navigate. And it was like that in Jesus’ time as well. Today, the Pharisees have a question for Jesus about marriage and divorce. God intends that marriage should be permanent and that He’s all about building relationships, and not about tearing them apart. What about you? Think carefully about your own relationships and interactions with others. Do your words and actions result in building up, or in tearing down?
“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” – Mark 9:49-50
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— where their worm does not die. And the fire is not quenched.’And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ - Mark 9:43-48
If the first law of Christ’s kingdom is love, then to cause another to stumble, no matter how unworthy they may be, is to betray the most central principle of Christ’s rule.Jesus is saying that to treat the unworthy with anything less than love, is to throw away your eternal life. If you have accepted salvation from Jesus, then the result will be a selfless, loving life.
As humans, it’s natural for us to categorise others. It’s how we make sense of the world. But Jesus is telling us that it’s wrong to see anyone as less acceptable to God than yourself.What are the differences you make between people? Where are the barriers you put up? Sometimes they’re based on race or politics, or class, or education, or religious views. Isn’t it time for us to do what the disciples had to do: reconsider? And maybe even repent?
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” – Mark 9:35-37 The core problem in the hearts of the twelve disciples was pride that made them think that they were better than others. This pride in their status had been ingrained in them by their society and their religion. That was just how they saw the world. They were Jews, which made them a special people.
All along the road, the disciples had been arguing about who was the greatest among them. No wonder they hadn’t been able to cast the evil spirit out of the boy after the transfiguration. This issue of “who is the greatest?” has been the greatest curse of the church for more than two thousand years. It causes the followers of Jesus and the church to lose sight of Jesus and him crucified, and it causes the church to not understand the heart of his teachings. It’s the reason for the lack of power in Christianity and the church today.
Jesus wants to spend some time alone with his disciples. I wonder why? What is the most important thing that he wants to teach them? Well, let’s find out by watching this video.
“In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also.” John 14: 1-3
The crowd had witnessed the lack of power of the disciples. They had seen the accusations of the teachers of the law against Jesus. So, now Jesus waits until the crowd comes running to the scene. He wants everyone to see what he is going to do next. And what Jesus does next is awe-inspiring. With his word of power, he commands the spirit to leave the boy and never return. Then, in a dramatic scene, the evil spirit dramatically leaves the boy. Interestingly, before the boy stood up, free from the evil spirit, Mark says that he looked like a corpse. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you allow Jesus to take your hand. Because that’s what Jesus did: he extended his hand and lifted the boy up to his feet. The disciples hadn’t been able to heal a boy possessed by an evil spirit, and their failure had led to an embarrassing public spectacle. Jesus had healed him through His word of power. This program focuses on the restoration of Bible truth and the fact that there are now two Empires vying for our allegiance.
I want you to think of a situation in your life that has brought you to desperation. How strong is your faith, your trust in God, with regard to that situation? Perhaps you’ve even stopped praying about it. Are you willing to pray this Father’s prayer: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief”? I encourage you to set aside a special time to put your problem in Jesus’ hands.
One of the most striking things in this episode is that when Jesus says, “You unbelieving generation, how long shall I put up with you?” He isn’t speaking to the teachers of the law. He is speaking to his own disciples. This whole, sorry situation is their fault. It begs the question, why couldn’t they heal the boy? Then, notice how the description of the boy’s affliction highlights the total grip that Satan had on his young life. Whatever the evil spirit wants to do with this boy, that’s what he does. It’s important to see that, in this story, according to Jesus, the sign of an “unbelieving generation” is spiritual powerlessness. This should be a wake-up call to followers of Jesus everywhere. In this world – a world that needs to see your faith in action, how spiritually strong are you? Could you be part of the “unbelieving generation”? It’s something to think about, isn’t it?
A man had brought his demon-possessed son to be healed by Jesus. But Jesus had been up on the mountain, so instead the man asked His disciples to heal the boy. Watch this Bible devotional to know what happened next.
It’s interesting how Peter, James and John react to having witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus in His dazzling glory on the mountain top. And they certainly couldn’t understand what Jesus meant when He talked about “rising from the dead.” They threw around different ideas of what this could mean, all of them over-spiritualised, because they couldn’t get their heads around the possibility that Jesus meant just what He said.
The religious teachers taught that Moses and Elijah would come to earth to announce the coming of the Messiah. These were the two greatest prophets of their religion. But God the Father is displeased when Peter wants to build places of rest for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. God hides the scene from view and his voice is heard from heaven pointing to His beloved Son, and commanding all to listen only to Him. And then, when the three disciples recovered, Moses and Elijah were gone. They saw Jesus only.
Peter, James and John are part of Jesus’ inner circle, since He makes a point of including them in some very special events. And so they witness Jesus glorified and speaking with Moses and Elijah. We don’t know what they spoke about, but it would have been an incredible conversation to have listened in on.
When Jesus said He was going to Jerusalem, where He would be killed, Peter strongly rebuked Him and wanted to stop Jesus from going because he didn’t fully understand the purpose of Jesus’ mission. And Jesus, in turn, has rebuked Peter for standing in His way with his worldly thinking and lack of spiritual understanding. Jesus wants to explain to His disciples the real purpose of His mission and why He must go to Jerusalem and the cross.
When Jesus announces that he is going to Jerusalem and that He will be killed, the disciples are devastated. Peter is usually the one who says what everyone else is thinking. And so, it’s Peter who takes Jesus aside and starts arguing with Him against going to Jerusalem. Peter never expected the way that Jesus reacted. He called Peter “Satan,” because he was doing Satan’s work. And He told Peter that he was following a worldly agenda and not the plan of heaven.
Jesus has been travelling with His disciples for around three years now. He’s hoping that His disciples have learnt a thing or two in that time. He’s about to make a dramatic announcement, but before that, it’s important that they really know who He is.
Today we’re going to look at a very interesting miracle that Jesus did at Bethsaida. It’s got some important lessons for us.
After feeding the four thousand, Jesus and the disciples travel on by boat. But it seems that the disciples haven’t learnt the lessons of the great miracles that Jesus has recently done. Watch this devotional to learn more about what happened.
There are some people whom no amount of evidence will ever be sufficient to convince them of the truth. The Pharisees didn’t believe in Jesus because of a lack of evidence. There were many strands of powerful evidence that came together to point to Jesus as the Messiah sent from God. The Pharisees knew the prophecies that Jesus was fulfilling, they heard His teachings, and they were witnesses of his mighty works. But they still rejected Him. What important lesson can we learn from this passage of Scripture?
After making the twelve disciples see that they could do nothing to resolve the problem, Jesus now told the crowd to sit down on the ground. All eyes were now only on Him. Do you remember how before the miracle of the Red Sea, Moses said to the people, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord”? So, here is the spiritual lesson. For God to work His miracles in your life, to see His salvation, you have to stop working and let God work. Salvation is through faith and not through your works. So Jesus just told the people to sit down. I wonder, do you need to do some sitting down at Christ’s feet in your life?
A little while ago, Jesus had fed five thousand. They were Jewish people. This time, Jesus fed four thousand. These were Gentiles, not Jews. Jesus did this to show that His love was for everyone; that His blessings were for all.
Again, departing from the region of Tyre and Sidon, Jesus came through the midst of the region of Decapolis to the Sea of Galilee. Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him. And He took him aside from the multitude and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” – Mark 7:31-34
his woman wasn’t Jewish. She was clearly a Gentile. And the way that Jesus treated this woman may seem strange to us. Why didn’t he simply heal her daughter right away? It’s because Jesus wanted to teach his own disciples an important lesson about his love and mercy.
The Pharisees taught that you became a sinner when you allowed what was outside you in the sinful world into your life. But the teaching of Jesus was the opposite. Jesus had been speaking only to the Pharisees, but this was so important that he called the crowd over to him so that everyone could hear what he had to say.Jesus tells them clearly that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them, but instead, the things that defile us come from inside ourselves, from our own hearts.
How can someone nullify the Word of God? Human traditions are much easier to follow than the commandments of God. Because they’re human rules, you don’t risk being unpopular if you follow them. But Jesus taught that we should follow the Word of God and the Word of God alone. And the worst human traditions are the ones that nullify, or cancel out, God’s Word.
A striking thing in what Jesus says to the Pharisees is his definition of hypocrisy. We tend to think that hypocrisy is saying one thing but doing another. More specifically, Jesus says here that hypocrisy is when you follow God but instead follow human traditions rather than God’s commandments.
The Pharisees believed that in order to properly keep the law that is found in the Bible, it was important to keep hundreds of other more specific oral laws that had been handed down from previous generations. This is what Jesus refers to here as the “tradition of the elders.”
Mark wants us to contrast Jesus’ experience in Nazareth with his experience in Gennesaret. Here they ran from throughout the whole region to welcome Jesus. Here, the people had far less knowledge about Jesus, but they had more faith.
“Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn, he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.” – Mark 6:47-52
We often focus on the feeding of the five thousand and not on what was leftover. We do the same things in our lives as well. We are often so fixated on what has happened, good or bad, that we forget about what remains.
When Jesus tells the disciples that they should give the people something to eat, they respond to him with economics! They show him how it’s an economic impossibility for Jesus to feed the people.Economics isn’t the solution to the problems of the world. Neither is politics or anything like that. Jesus asked the disciples to solve the problem so that they could realise how impossible it was for them. And then they gave him what they had, and Jesus worked a miracle.It’s interesting that Jesus didn’t just work a miracle out of thin air. Instead, he expects the disciples to put what they have in his hands. In that way, they learnt to surrender to him. And in that way, they became collaborators with God, partners with Him.What is an insolvable problem that you’re facing in your life right now? Take some time out today to spend it with Jesus, and to put what you have in his hands. Then stand back and watch what happens!
The crowds are hungry. Too often we think there’s a problem when there really isn’t, because Jesus is still in control. And Jesus lets us try to fix it to help us understand that we need to depend on him. It’s one of the hardest lessons to learn.
Everywhere you look today, there is a sense of “lostness” in the world. People desperately seek their identity in temporary, material things that ultimately have no meaning. People are lost in broken relationships, guilt, and addictions of all kinds.
Have you ever been so busy that you’ve missed a meal? Or two? I’ve done it sometimes, and it’s not good! You can imagine the twelve disciples gathered around Jesus, excitedly telling him everything that’s happened during their missionary travels. They’re exhausted from their journey and, together with Jesus, they need to eat and rest and recover their strength. So Jesus says to them, Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.
King Herod was puzzled by John the Baptist, because John challenged his worldview. He was intrigued by John. He liked to listen to him. Deep down, he knew John was right. But still, when it came to a choice between pleasing Herodias or saving John, he chose to have John killed.
The impression we get is that King Herod probably didn’t mind John the Baptist so much. But Herodias hated John the Baptist for publicly speaking out against her adulterous and incestuous relationship. So she needled Herod into having him arrested. Reflect on your own personal life. Have you found this to be true: that often one sin leads to another?
Jesus had his eye on the spiritual lesson that he wanted the Apostles to learn: that when they were on a mission for Him they weren’t to burden themselves down with material possessions. They were to move quickly through the towns and villages, announcing repentance and the Kingdom of God. And just as they had seen Jesus do, they also did.
After healing the daughter of Jairus by the sea of Galilee, Jesus now travels inland to his hometown, Nazareth. When you think of home, perhaps you think of a place of love and acceptance. He’s been looking to rest, and you’d think that he’d find it back home. But sadly, that’s not what happens at all.
Jesus has just arrived at the house of Jairus, where everyone was crying and wailing loudly, mourning his daughter. Jesus spoke with the power of His word. When He speaks, the dead wake up. Death cannot be in the house when Jesus is present. He turns sorrow into joy. What’s your sorrow? Like Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; only believe.
The people at the funeral thought that they knew more about death than Jesus did. And when Jesus confronted them with the truth, they laughed at him. They didn’t understand that when Jesus is in the house, everything changes. Jesus didn’t see death as final, but as just a sleep. This story shows us why we have good reasons not to be afraid of death and that we can believe Jesus just as Jairus did.
When Jesus arrives back on the eastern shore of the Lake of Galilee, He performs a series of powerful miracles. What is so unusual about the request for healing by Jairus? And what does his attitude show about how we can approach Jesus when we need His help?
Jesus has just been asked by Jairus to come to his house to heal his daughter. But on the way, He is interrupted. Who touches His clothes? Why does she do this? And what does this tell us about how to truly trust in God? Find out here!
In this episode, Jesus says three wonderful things to the bleeding woman. The first thing He does is to affirm her healing. The second thing is to give her His peace. And the third thing He does is to give her freedom.
The man who has just been liberated from power of Satan is so grateful that he wants to follow Jesus. What does Jesus tell this man to do? Why does He give Him such different instructions to the man healed of leprosy? And what does this tell us about what Jesus asks us to do with the many blessings He gives us? Find out here!
Jesus has been confronted by a man possessed by many demons in the land of the Gerasenes. What happens when Jesus commands the demons to leave the man? How do the people in the town nearby respond? And what does this show about who is in control of the region? Find out here!
This interesting story describes what the devils experience in the presence of Jesus. The demons cause this man to run to Jesus from a distance, not to attack him, but instead to fall on his knees in front of Jesus. No matter how evil they may be, they cannot help hurrying to bow before Jesus. Find out more of the story here.
Jesus had gone to the other side of the lake to get some rest. But instead, he received a noisy and dramatic welcome. What does the story of the demon-possesed man tell us about the harm our sins can cause? And what does it show about Jesus’ attitude to those who seem hopelessly entangled in sin?
When Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, this told His disciples something about Him that they had not realised before. What was this? And what does this tell us about how we can cope with the storms in our lives? Watch our devotional, “Jesus Calms the Storm” to find out.
With such a hectic schedule, Jesus was in desperate need of rest. But how could He sleep in a boat, while a storm threatened the lives of His closest followers? And what message does this have for us today? Watch today’s devotional to find out!
In today’s episode, we find out that Jesus spoke differently to the crowds who came to hear him publicly, then to his disciples in private. Why was this? And what does that tell us about what will happen as our relationship with God deepens? Watch this devotional to learn more.
Sometimes our problems in life seem so big that by comparison spiritual matters can seem very small and insignificant. I would like to invite you to make sure that you are setting aside time every day to focus on Jesus and His teachings. This will ensure that we receive His blessings as we face the daily challenges of life.
The Word of God is powerful in and of itself. That’s why, once the seed has been scattered, it grows and develops by itself. The lesson of this parable is that if we let God do his work in our lives, there’s no need for us to do the work. If we are willing “the good soil,” then God’s work in our lives will happen “all by itself.”
In this episode, Jesus is still speaking to his disciples about his teachings. He tells them to think very carefully about what he is saying. But, he tells his disciples, you have to do more than just think about his teachings: you actually have to apply them. The more you apply his teachings in your own life, the more that Jesus will be able to teach and bless you. But if you don’t listen to, or apply, the teachings of Jesus, you will lose even the light that you have been given.
Jesus tells the disciples that His parables are actually meant to shine a light on things that are hard to understand. He says that his teachings are like a lamp that needs to be lifted up high, so its light might shine everywhere and illuminate every dark corner of our lives. Watch this devotional to learn more.
The parable of the sower is about different soils that represent different kinds of people, and how they receive the word: the Good News about Jesus. The seed is always the same, but the soils are different. Some soils are unproductive, while other soils help the seed produce a good crop. So, which one are you?
Do you have spiritual understanding – spiritual discernment – in your life? That’s an important question. Take a moment right now to pray that God, through His Spirit, will open your mind to spiritual things, so that you may see and understand the heart of God.
The question that this parable asks is, “What kind of life do you want to live?” Do you want to live merely a small life, or do you want to live a life that’s multiplied a hundred times because of the good that it produces? So, where do you fit into this parable?
Have you ever been misunderstood by your family, or perhaps your friends, for your decision to put Jesus first? I’m sure it was difficult. How did you cope? Watch what Jesus says in this video and ask yourself, how does it encourage you?
Look at the positive part of what Jesus said. Every sin can be forgiven. Some people talk about the “unpardonable sin” but actually this phrase does not appear in the Bible at all. The only sin that cannot be forgiven is the sin that you don’t want forgiven: the sin for which you don’t want to repent.
The teachers of the law can’t deny what Jesus is doing; that he really is liberating people from the power of demons. What is the one area of your life in which Satan attacks you the most? Do you realise that the devil lies bound and helpless at the feet of Jesus? Hand this area of your life over to Jesus and ask for his mercy and power.
Why does it so often feel like those who are closest to us are the ones who know us the least? We’ve all had family troubles at some stage or another. Who do you rely on when no-one understands you; not even your family? Have you learnt to rely on your Father in heaven for your identity and strength?
Jesus didn’t choose people who were qualified. He chose people who were willing to say “yes,” and then he qualified them. How does that play out in your life? Are you waiting to become sufficiently qualified before serving God? Maybe sufficiently holy, or sufficiently educated, or sufficiently wealthy? Jesus asks you to serve him now, and he’ll take care of qualifying you.
Jesus has all power in whatever area of your life you might be experiencing weakness. Think about how you have treated Jesus in the past. Have you neglected Him or treated him carelessly? Or have you accepted him as Lord of All and as the Lord of your life?
Have you ever had a moment or a time in your life when you felt that God was so close to you – as if you were touching Jesus? Is it something that you would want to experience? And if you did experience it, how can you respond to it? Remember, Jesus welcomes your touch.
This is the first time that Mark tells us that Jesus was angry. Jesus’ anger stemmed from the misunderstanding of the Pharisees about the purpose of the Sabbath. Take a moment to think about the things that make you angry. How do those things compare with the things that fire Jesus up?
There are people today who say that the Sabbath doesn’t matter. But Jesus said that the Sabbath has been given to us to meet the needs of humanity, to be a blessing. What are the needs that you think it meets?
As you watch this devotional, reflect on these questions: How do you express your Christian beliefs and values in your life? Is Jesus, the Bridegroom, evident in your life? Do others see the joy that comes from walking with Jesus?
As you watch this devotional, take some time to examine yourself carefully. With which of the two sets of characters in the story do you really identify, the confessed sinners who eat with Jesus or the religious hypocrites who are repulsed by His grace and compassion?
Jesus called Matthew. He was attracted to the presence of Jesus that no fame and fortune can equal. He left everything behind just to follow Him. Like Matthew, Jesus is calling you too. Are you also willing to follow?
Often, in our heart of hearts, we think that it’s more difficult for God to forgive us from our sins than to heal us from our physical illness. That’s because we feel unworthy of His forgiving mercy. The paralysed man received it all. And if you trust in Jesus, you’ll have it all as well.
Take a moment to think about the barriers that stand in the way of your friends meeting Jesus. Do you have the kind of faith that will demolish those barriers and bring them to Christ?
Jesus has just healed a man with leprosy. He gave him strict instructions not to speak to anyone about this, but he did. Think about your own religious experiences. Are you as enthusiastic as the leper to tell others about what Jesus has done for you?
There are many people who want to receive God’s blessing, but they think they haven’t done enough to deserve it, or that they’re unworthy. Are you ready to fall on your knees before Jesus, and just accept his blessing, to let Jesus touch the hidden part of your life: your own leprosy of sin – and cleanse and heal you?
The secret of Jesus’ power was His connection with the Father through prayer. But the disciples were more focused on the work that needed to be done than on the power that was needed for the work. Jesus knew that without a living connection with the Father, he could do no work. How about you? Does prayer come first in your life?
When the demons wanted to publicly identify Jesus, Jesus silenced them even though they were only speaking the truth. The devil speaks to us as well. He whispers to us that we are sinners, that we are unworthy, that there’s no reason for God to possibly love us. When you hear the voice of the devil telling you that you are unlovable, ask Jesus to silence the devil’s voice. Don’t miss this incredible devotional.
Simon and Andrew tell Jesus about their mother’s illness. She was sick with a fever. In those days, without antibiotics and modern medicines, the illnesses that are often only a nuisance to us would kill many people. So this fever was a serious thing. Jesus goes in and takes her hand. Immediately, the fever leaves her. When you have a problem, do you do what Simon and Andrew did? Do you tell Jesus about it? When you do that, He touches you, and that’s when the blessing comes!
Jesus displays His power by casting out a demon from a man. This highlights Jesus’ power over the devil. Do you realise that if devils quake in their boots in the presence of Jesus, then He can do anything? Mark wants to teach you that you can rely on Jesus for strength. You can surrender your area of weakness into His power.
Gary Kent looks at how Jesus called His first disciples. Apostle Mark says that Jesus called them while He walked beside the sea. He barely pauses to call these men, and they follow Him as He walks on. When Jesus calls you to do something, will you respond like the disciples did?
Jesus announced two conditions necessary for us to receive the kingdom of God.He also said the kingdom is near. It’s a simple but powerful message that electrified the world. How near do you think the kingdom of God is in your life? Tune into this incredible devotional to learn more.
Sometimes we think that when you choose to serve God, suddenly everything becomes easier and more pleasant. But Mark tells us that when Jesus was baptised, the Spirit sent him immediately into the wilderness. What do you expect from your Christian walk?
Father said to the Son, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased.” Have you ever considered that He longs to say the very same words to you too?
In our culture, like in Jesus’ day, we tend to show our power and status through external things, by what we wear, where and how often we travel and by the house and car we own. However, true power doesn’t come from external trappings. Watch this devotional to learn more.
The Gospel of Mark starts with a messenger. It also presents us with a challenge. Are you willing to accept it? Watch the devotional to learn more. Join us on a very practical journey through the Bible and discover gems that will bring you closer to Jesus.