Sharing Bread Mark 1:36-39

SHARING BREAD

36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"






38 Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.


Mark 1:36-39 (NIV)

Just as wealth can often be harder to handle than poverty, succumbing to popularity and notoriety over anonymity can often be as difficult. Extremes are never easy to flesh out properly in any life – whatever those extremes may be. Balance is key in the life of a believer and we would do well in successful situations to remind ourselves of Paul’s words to the Corinthians:

7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Cor 4:7 (NIV)


It is no wonder the Bible states:

7 “Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: 8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. 9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Prov 30:7-9 (NIV)



Jesus was riding the popularity wave – people were seeking Him from every direction and in lieu of riding upon men’s shoulders, He spends the night in prayer. What an example! I don’t know about you, but when things are going sweet my prayer life often starts to stink. Not so with Jesus. He knows the risk of popular acclaim. Prayer is for all times - necessary to equip us when life is easy to our flesh as well as difficult. It is not hard to remember to pray in the difficult! Our Lord was well aware it was not yet time for His earthly kingdom to be established. He had a cross to bear. The temptation to shirk the pain would have certainly been palatable to the flesh.



View the disciples in our verses for today. Crowds were gathering, people were seeking and the disciples were lapping it up. All the while the Lord Jesus is praying for strength and protection and standing firm in all the will of God – mature and fully assured. Remember our Lord stated He came to do His Father’s will. Yet Satan bites at the heels of all and particularly the Lord Jesus. I am reminded of the adversary’s foiled temptation of the Christ in the wilderness. He offers Him the kingdoms of the world with all their splendor and notoriety and glitz that were presently his – forgoing God’s plan of the cross – if He would only bow down and worship the created thing – him. A seemingly easy path to power and glory and Jesus nipped it right in the bud by the Word:



8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Matt 4:8-10 (NIV)




Most definitely it was and is God’s design for Jesus Christ to rule the world but it would be through the cross. Jesus knew this yet the temptation to go the easy rather than the hard way remained. Remember the writer of Hebrews tells us Jesus was tempted in every way as we are yet was without sin. As fully God, He never responded wrongly to any yet as fully man He could feel the hard reality of the temptations and is therefore able to sympathize with us in our weaknesses:



15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Heb 4:15 (NIV)



While I haven’t had much firsthand experience regarding notoriety, fame or acclaim I know it is true that how one handles popularity is just as important as how one handles shunning (and that I have had experience with!). Whatever God allows in the life of a believer, He gives them the power to bring Him glory through everything He permits - and the One who gives the power gets the glory. It works wondrously when done in His way – go figure!



Jesus had much work left to do. He came to preach the Good News to the people and present popularity was not going to prevent it. His mission was His Father’s mission and He remained focused on that – resolute. He was committed to carrying out the plan which would include going to the cross.


34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34 (NIV)




4 “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4-5 (NIV)

“Let God do with me whatever He will; whatever it be, it will be either heaven itself or some beginning of it.” William Mountford

What I glean from this:



• Extremes in a life are never easy to flesh out properly – balance is key: The man who fears God will avoid all [extremes]. Eccl 7:18 (NIV)


• Success and notoriety breeds its own temptations.


• I am to focus on God’s perfect will for my life.

Sharing Bread Mark 1:35

SHARING BREAD

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.


Mark 1:35 (NIV)

Our Lord presents us with lots of action in this short sentence, leaving us with plenty examples to follow. Jesus clearly demonstrates the importance of the priority of prayer. He arises while it is still dark; He leaves the house sans Starbucks or bottled water or blanket or light; He goes off to a remote and private place and He prays fervently to the One unseen. He withdrew to His private devotion setting forth for us an example of secret prayer as well as showing us the high priority He placed upon prayer in His life. He was forever getting away to remote places to be alone in conversation with His Father. We would do well to do likewise. I am reminded of Jesus’ Word to us in the Sermon on the Mount regarding this high calling:

5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matt 6:5-6 (NIV)

Jesus shunned and condemned repetitive prayers that were piously presented to impress men’s ears. This appeared to be the habit of the religious elite of His day. Ever wanting to impress men they would stand in the synagogue and on the street corners eloquently espousing religious jargon without heart and primarily for show - the praise of men being their reward in full. Contrast their actions to our Lord who takes great pains to be alone with His Dad – uninterrupted and focused. Alone with his Father, freedom to express His heart fully, Jesus poured out His praise and petitions to the One He knew would hear and respond. Again, we would do well to do likewise. John writes:

14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)




Paul also writes in Ephesians that believers may approach God in this incredibly high privilege of prayer with courage and boldness and freedom at any time. We are the great losers if we shirk this precious benefit choosing rather to go on in our own small strength - working out our own pitiful wills - in lieu of being directed by the God of all Creation – the great I AM – equipped with His all achieving power. He lets us choose. Seriously, what are we thinking?



12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Eph 3:12 (NIV)



The writer of Hebrews adding:



15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb 4:15-16 (NIV)


Prayer is definitely serious business as well as difficult work. Distractions prevail when we seek to take prayer seriously. We oversleep; the baby cries; the phone rings; there are interruptions after interruptions keeping us from God’s best – the tyranny of the urgent. Satan and self will provide intense distractions to prevent a saint from being on their knees. Keep at it – it is not impossible. Interestingly, if you do a study of the saints from the past – your Chambers and Spurgeons and Moodys and Muellers and the like, you will discover the golden thread of the priority of prayer in each life as well as the exaltation of God’s Holy Word. God uses jars of clay greatly who pray and love His Word because when believers focus on God they change – not only themselves but the world around them.

“Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan.” John Bunyan




"The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." Samuel Chadwick

“The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer but unoffered prayer.” F. B. Meyer


16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)


9 It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up. 10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. Isaiah 50:9-10 (NIV)





“You know the value of prayer; it is precious beyond all price. Never, never neglect it.” Thomas Buxton

What I glean from this:

• Jesus modeled for me the priority of prayer. “Our attitude of surrender and dependence upon God is best evidenced by our prayer life.” Chip Ingram “And prayer is a great indicator of where we’re at, because prayer mirrors the condition of our heart – whether we’re surrendered to God’s plan or leaning on our own self-effort for the outcome.” Chip Ingram


• Jesus shunned repetitive prayers piously presented to impress man.


• Earnest prayer is mighty in its working. “Prayer is that mightiest of all weapons that created natures can wield.” Martin Luther

Sharing Bread Mark 1:32-34

SHARING BREAD

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.


33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.


Mark 1:32-34 (NIV)


The end of sunset on the Sabbath finds a deluge of the hurting seeking a healing touch from the Master. Not inclined to break the Law, the people of Capernaum hesitated to bring their sick until after the sun set – Sabbath occurring from sunset to sunset. Rabbinic regulations prohibited bearing burdens on the Sabbath – no matter if it meant helping someone in dire need. Interestingly, in the following chapter of Mark Jesus plainly stated the Sabbath was made for man and not vice versa. Flesh constantly gets things turned around. Remember, Jesus is Lord even of the Sabbath:

27 Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." Mark 2:27-28 (NIV)


God had made the Sabbath for man’s benefit, refreshment and blessing and it deeply distressed our Lord that the religious leaders of His day had turned it into a set of rules that even they were unable to follow. Never being dissuaded over something as trite as popular opinion, we also see Jesus again in Mark performing another healing on a Sabbath. Our Lord always chose the hard right over the easy wrong did He not? Mark records the reaction Jesus received from the religious elite quickly followed by His response to them which pointed to their stubborn hearts – His poignant questions silencing their wagging tongues:

1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone." 4 Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. Mark 3:1-6 (NIV)




In our verses for today, the town had gathered at Peter’s doorstep – as beggars for charity - bringing with them the hurting and the weak and the failing. Could they not all fall into that description – all needing a healing touch from the Master’s hand? Healing covers the great gamut of spiritual, emotional and physical – Hallelujah for that! Isaiah’s words come to mind:



4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4 (NIV)

While surely our Lord healed physical ailments during His earthly ministry – the all powerful Physician compassionately healed many various diseases of the body and spirit in response to human need - Jesus’ greater work on the cross healed the sickness of the soul allowing salvation from sin. He took all of our sins – nailing them to the cross – carrying them away as our great Burden Bearer. He bore the just judgment for our sins on the cross leaving His peace and joy for us in the wake of His intense suffering. Amazing love.

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Col 2:13-15 (NIV)




“Whenever His hand is laid upon you, it gives inexpressible peace and comfort, and the sense that ‘underneath are the everlasting arms’ (Deuteronomy 33:27), full of support, provision, comfort, and strength……His tenderness is inexpressibly sweet.” Oswald Chambers



"Peace is not found when you get into perfect circumstances. Peace is found because Jesus Christ, the Price of Peace, has gotten into you. Joy is the perfect partner to peace and is found in the same way as peace. Joy is never found in what you have or what you do, but in who you have living in you." Roy Lessin



Lastly we see our Lord silencing the demons as they were fully aware of Who He was. Of course they were. Jesus saw Satan and his demonic forces fall like lightening from heaven before Him at the preaching of the gospel. Satan’s power is subject to Jesus’ authority. Our Lord repeatedly silenced their recognition of Him demonstrating they were powerless before Him – how comforting! We find His Words in Luke:



18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Luke 10:18 (NIV)



What I glean from this:



• The Sabbath was made for man’s benefit, refreshment and blessing.


• Jesus is always willing to give a healing hand.


• Christ nailed my sins to the cross.

Sharing Bread Mark 1:29-31

SHARING BREAD

29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.


Mark 1:29-31 (NIV)


Mark quickly shifts the scene and we now see Jesus leaving the synagogue Sabbath service with four of His boys in tow. Our Lord had just taught and healed with great power and authority and now He was welcoming the warmth of Peter’s hospitality. Arriving on the premises of Simon Peter’s home they discover Pete’s mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. Enter the gracious Healer who now demonstrates His concern and care covers not only spiritual healing but physical healing as well. Jesus indeed has authority over sickness – the deaf hear - the blind see - the lame leap – certainly our Lord “hailed” from heaven with healing in His hands. His authority and power rightly extends to every realm of life. Isaiah prophesizes regarding the future Suffering Servant’s job description:

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)


Wherever Christ goes, so also goes good and He leaves behind Him a delightfully fragrant aroma as well. To be sure, all of His ways are loving and kind and all of His paths are peace.

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body. Prov 14:30 (NIV)




“No one has ever lost out by excessive devotion to Christ.” H. A. Ironside



Made aware of the sickness under Peter’s roof, Jesus goes to her, touches her and heals her. His loving touch always heals. She was not only healed but strengthened to serve as well. The Lord never leaves us here powerless and therefore we are not to be “do-less”. Jesus now becomes her first consideration. I wonder, is Jesus our first consideration as well? When we love Him we manifest this by loving and serving others. Service will always be the overflow that pours forth from a life that is filled with love and devotion for the Master. His cure equips us for action. Service is to be a natural part of the believer’s life – we serve Him out of the motivation of absolute love not from the Law. Forced labor fails. Christian service is a love gift from a nature that has heard the call and felt the touch of God.



“Religion is, ‘I obey, therefore I’m accepted’. The Gospel is, ‘I’m accepted through what Jesus Christ has done for me, therefore I obey’. Religion gives you control, that’s why its so popular…If I am saved by what I can do, then there’s a limit to what God can ask of me. I still have some control. But if I am saved by sheer grace, then there’s nothing He cannot ask of me”. Tim Keller



Peter adds that our gifts are given to give – we are to distribute God’s “wealth” of our gifts according to His will and direction with an unselfish love and concern for others – just as Jesus did:



10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)




Paul echoes the same sentiment to us in Romans setting forth for us a perfect profile of the believer who walks by faith – seeking to help Christians to live like Christians. This passage is so eminently practical it is a wonderful one to hide in our hearts:



3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:3-21 (NIV)



“My chains fell off, my heart was free. I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.” Charles Wesley



What I glean from this:



• Jesus is concerned not only for my spiritual healing but also for my physical healing.


• All Jesus’ ways are loving and kind and all His paths are peace.


• I serve Him from a heart of love.

Sharing Bread Mark 1:21-28

SHARING BREAD

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"






25 "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.






27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.


Mark 1:21-28 (NIV)


Jesus spoke and taught with powerful authority - just as His living Word continues to teach believers with like authority through the illumination of the Holy Spirit. He spoke as a Spokesman from God. This Truth should take no one by surprise. The Word made flesh and dwelt among His creation merely spoke forth His Word and quite frankly, blew His hearers right out of the water. Those who heard Him stood astounded - overwhelmed at the manner and content of His teaching - particularly in contrast to their teachers of the Law of Moses who were merely rote robots – sans heart. The contrast between Jesus and the religious leaders of His day was most pronounced. The leaders were simply a reflection - at best - of the authority of the Law rather than Authority Personified. At the closing of the Sermon on the Mount we see the crowds reacting in much the same manner to our Lord’s message:

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matt 7:28-29 (NIV)



It is extremely interesting to me as well that the demonic forces knew exactly Who Jesus was. Indeed, they shriek out quite plainly in our verses for today that He is the Holy One of God and that He has power over them to decimate them. This was continual throughout His ministry – we again discover in Matthew:



28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?" Matt 8:28-29 (NIV)


Jesus not only possessed authority over the demonic world but over nature as well. His wide eyed befuddled disciples stood in awe at His actions when our Lord rebuked the wind and the waves in their presence. We discover their reaction in Matthew:



26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matt 8:26-27 (NIV)




I am also reminded of our Lord’s Words in the Great Commission stating all authority in heaven and on earth are His and His followers are to go forth as His ambassadors on the basis of that authority making disciples of all nations:



18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:18-20 (NIV)



“It costs much to obtain the power of the Spirit: It costs self-surrender and humiliation and a yielding up of our most precious things to God; it costs the perseverance of long waiting, and the faith of strong trust. But when we are really in that power, we shall find this difference, that whereas before, it was hard for us to do the easiest things, now it is easy for us to do the hard things.” A J. Gordon



As disciples of Jesus Christ we are to have a limitless confidence in our Lord – His Authority, His Ability, and His Affection. We are not to lean upon our own limited resources, abilities and understandings – flesh will ultimately fail us. Our Lord continually confronts us with this question in every individual circumstance we encounter – “Do you believe that I Am able to do this?” Our challenge comes from our belief and just as the father with the demoniac child exclaimed to Jesus we too should also exclaim: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”



21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. 22 "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." 23 "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." 24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:21-24 (NIV)



“Only two things have ever changed the human soul: the fall and grace, the power of Satan and the power of God. And God is infinitely more powerful. Nothing is stronger than grace. Satan doesn’t have any. God is defined by it.” Larry Crabb



What I glean from this:



• When Jesus walked this earth He spoke with authority. He still speaks with authority to me through His Word.


• God is in control – I need not be afraid.


• My life will demonstrate it if I believe in Jesus’ power and authority over all.

Sharing Bread Mark 1:16-20

SHARING BREAD

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.



19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.


Mark 1:16-20 (NIV)


Two things stand out to me in our verses for today – Jesus called and there appears to be no hesitation from those He called. Leaving work and family and friends behind these four fishermen began to follow Jesus at His Word – they believed Him. Our Lord begins His selection process of His twelve disciples – His core group of comrades – His intimate circle of friends and followers while His feet walked this dusty earth and He begins with the call of four meager fishermen. How perfect – they had a transferable skill set - switching from being fishers of fish to becoming fishers of men. His Words must have had a wooing and familiar ring to their ears and they readily related. How interesting that Jesus did not go to the “religious” Pharisees and Sanhedrin of His day to gather His inner circle rather He picked precisely from among the nets by the Galilean seashore. He so often chooses the weak and foolish things of this world to demonstrate His power through so that there will be no question from whence the power comes – treasure in jars of clay. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians:

26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 1 Cor 1:26-29 (NIV)


Interestingly, during those days the pupils were the ones to choose the Rabbis they would follow under and glean from rather than vice versa. But Jesus came with a different authority – one where He does the calling. Jesus was constantly shaking up the tradition of man – to say the least! There was and is no relationship with Christ apart from His call and to be sure it was and is no ordinary call. What He invited His original disciples to (as well as every subsequent one) was and is a relationship with Him that is radical in its nature. He wants priority – priority over our friends and families – priority over our careers – priority over our stuff – priority over ourselves - He wants first place - all else is to be second. He will share His throne with no other. Our Lord wants us loosely attached to this world and the things of it – forsaking what is inconsistent to our duty of following hard after Him. Jesus is never tender over anything that will ultimately ruin a man in the service of God. We find Jesus’ Words in Luke emphasizing the correct priority and cost for His followers and it is anything by moderate:

25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-27 (NIV)





This, of course, is no active hate rather in comparison to the love we have for Him all else is to be second. Jesus is to be our passion, our goal, our priority – He is to be our sufficiency and strength. The Gospel, unlike religion is not about following advice but all about following the King. I find it also very interesting the definition of “Followed” appearing in verses18. It is translated from the Greek word “Akoloutheo” meaning: “Attendant, accompany; the individual calling to follow Jesus involved abiding fellowship with Him, not only for the sake of learning as a student from his teacher, but also for the sake of the salvation known or looked for, which presented itself in this fellowship. The first thing involved in following Jesus is a cleaving to Him in believing trust and obedience, those cleaving to Him also following His leading and acting according to His example. Hence the constant stress laid by the Lord Jesus upon the need of self-denial and fellowship with Himself in the cross. Thus following Jesus denotes a fellowship of faith as well as a fellowship of life, sharing in His sufferings not only inwardly but outwardly if necessary.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids.

“The nature of Christ’s salvation is woefully misrepresented by the present-day evangelist. He announces a Saviour from Hell rather than a Saviour from sin. And that is why so many are fatally deceived…there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of fire who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness.” A.W. Pink

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. Matt 16:24-27 (NIV)


What I glean from this:

• When Jesus calls I am to answer immediately.


• Jesus chose the weak and foolish things to show His power through (Hallelujah for that).


• Jesus is to be first in my life – all else below Him.

Sharing Bread Mark 1:14-15

SHARING BREAD

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"


Mark 1:14-15 (NIV)

John’s brief ministry was coming to an abrupt halt. The limelight now shifts from the proclaiming prophet - the one who came preparing the way for the Messiah - the ambassador of the King – and shines brightly on the Lord Jesus Himself. The multitudes that at one time followed the Baptist thus began turning their sights upon the Savior and just as John had preached repentance and faith, so too our Lord. We discover John’s words recorded in Matthew have the same ring to them as Jesus’:

1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matt 3:1-2 (NIV)



This was “good news” indeed. It was news that brought forth much joy. It was history-making, earth shattering, life-changing news as opposed to just the simple, ordinary, run of the mill routine information. The term translated “good news” is from the Greek word “Euangelion” meaning an announcement of something that has happened in history that would change a person’s status forever. And so it did.



Interestingly to me as well, John had a proper perspective of his diminishing popularity giving way to the One he came to boldly announce. Some of our modern day preachers should take heed – it is quite simply not about any of us but all about Him. We discover the Baptist’s response to some of his followers when they questioned why this Jesus was gaining momentum over their leader – John’s last sentence to them being one useful to us all:



26 They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan--the one you testified about--well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." 27 To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:26-30 (NIV)




Our goal is to glorify God - plain and simple. To glorify means to unconditionally serve Him out of love and appreciation for Who He is. We are not to be preoccupied with self or others rather Christ - the all deserving One. Remember the One who gives the power gets the glory. He is to be our focus – He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. When we exalt flesh – either our own or others - we are destined for disappointment. Nothing makes one more miserable or less interesting than being self-absorbed. It leaves us wallowing in a static life rather than a dynamic and abundant one which Jesus died for us to partake of. He equips us to live life to the fullest. We are purposely and purposefully gifted by the grace of God for God’s glory – there remains no room for boasting.



“The true test of a saint’s life is not successfulness but faithfulness on the human level of life. We tend to set up success in Christian work as our purpose, but our purpose should be to display the glory of God in human life, to live a life ‘hidden with Christ in God’ in our everyday human conditions (Colossians 3:3). Our human relationships are the very conditions in which the ideal life of God should be exhibited.” Oswald Chambers



“It is important to understand that fruitfulness and growth are the results of focusing on Christ and desiring to honor Him. When growth and change are our primary goals, we tend to be preoccupied with ourselves instead of with Christ. ‘Am I growing? Am I getting any better? Am I more like Christ today? What am I learning?’ This inordinate preoccupation with self-improvement parallels our culture’s self-help and personal enhancement movement in many ways. Personal development is certainly not wrong, but it is misleading—and it can be very disappointing—to make it our preeminent goal. If it is our goal at all, it should be secondary. As we grasp the unconditional love, grace, and power of God, then honoring Christ will increasingly be our consuming passion…The only One worthy of our preoccupation is Christ, our sovereign Lord, who told Paul, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness’”. Robert McGee, The Search for Significance



Lastly, our Lord gives His hearers a double command – repent and believe. He first calls for our repentance – a turning away from sin to Him – a turning from the error of our ways to His life giving Way. He follows this by calling us in faith to receive the forgiveness He so graciously and freely offers. Christ has joined repentance and faith together and what He has joined together we dare not separate. Interestingly, the wording actually used here means for us to turn away from our existing temporal object of trust – objects that will always prove false in the end leaving us wanting and to commit oneself wholeheartedly to Jesus as the object of our faith – our Surety – One on whom we can fully depend – the Way, the Truth and the Life.

What I glean from this:

• Jesus must become greater, I must become less.


• I am to glorify God in the way I live – do my thoughts, words and deeds bring my Lord glory? As His ambassador on earth, I am to walk as Jesus did. 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)


• I am to repent (turn) from my sins and believe the Good News.

Sharing Bread Mark 1:12-13

SHARING BREAD

12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.


Mark 1:12-13 (NIV)


Still dripping from baptism – so to speak – still wet from the inauguration of His ministry, Jesus immediately, our verses for today state, was driven out by the Spirit into the desert. The desert in Scripture is synonymous with a place of desolation, loneliness and danger. Most assuredly, again and again we discover in God’s Word that Satan does not waste any time and he never stops testing us. He is constantly nipping at our heels – both believer and non-believer alike. Here we see Jesus drop from a high point in His ministry to a low point, almost immediately – at least from our perspectives. Isn’t that the way life normally goes? We can be soaring on a spiritual high and the rug is suddenly jerked out from under us and we are left flat on the floor looking up. Yet, as Ann Voskamp so succinctly and correctly states regarding the child of God – “All is grace”.

Next we see a strong moral compulsion in which the Holy Spirit led the Lord Jesus to take the offensive against evil and temptation rather than avoiding or side stepping those two malefactors. We are to be prepared for battle as well. There are very real forces of evil in this world that are tremendously intelligent and complex. Paul warns us in Ephesians to prepare ourselves by donning the full armor of God in taking our stand against the wily schemes of the devil and his demonic forces:

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6:12 (NIV)

Interestingly, Paul also gives the believers the following valuable Truth regarding the temptations that will most assuredly befall us as we follow Christ – we are given the way to live victoriously through them bringing God much glory:

13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor 10:13 (NIV)


God gives us the assurance that we can stand up under our trials, tempting and testing’s. Jesus causes us to stand because He is faithful and able to cause us to stand – we are to live in reliance upon Him. He is the One that has overcome the world:

33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)




The writer of Hebrews also tells us:



18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Heb 2:18 (NIV)





“No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you.” C. D. Martin



“God is the only One who can make the valley of trouble a door of hope.” Catherine Marshall

The actual temptations are not recorded in Mark but in both Matthew and Luke we are told Jesus’ weapon of choice against the adversary was the Sword of the Spirit – which, of course, is the Word of God. Paul tells us in Ephesians this is also to be the weapon of choice for every believer in Christ:

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph 6:16-17 (NIV)

I find it extremely interesting as well that Satan also used God’s Word albeit in a distortion of the Truth. He is a pro at mixing the Truth with lies. He never seems to change his tactic and why should he? We seem to continue to fall for it since the Garden of Eden – all the way back in Genesis - he tempts us again and again by getting us to question – “Did God really say”. You would think we would finally catch on! We learn from this the importance of the knowledge of Scripture in its entirety – there is to be no picking and choosing a few random verses to build our faiths and cases on – no taking Scripture out of context - a verse here or a verse there – excluding the Truth in others in an effort to allow us to do whatever we choose. We are all individually accountable to know the Truth – the whole Truth.

"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others.

Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian." A.W. Tozer

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV)




“But God didn’t leave us defenseless. God said to Jesus, ‘Obey me about the tree’ – (like he did to Adam and Eve) only this time the tree was a cross – ‘and you will die.’ And Jesus did. He has gone before you into the heart of a very real battle, to draw you into the ultimate reality of the dance. What he has enjoyed from all eternity, he has come to offer to you. And sometimes, when you’re in the deepest part of the battle, when you’re tempted and hurt and weak, you’ll hear in the depths of your being the same words Jesus heard: ‘This is my beloved child – you are my beloved child, whom I love; with you I’m well pleased.” Timothy Keller



What I glean from this:



• Often in life God takes me from the mountaintop to the valley – quickly!


• There is purpose in all He allows me to walk through – always for my good and His glory.


• I am to know God’s Word in its entirety.

Sharing Bread Mark 1:9-11

SHARING BREAD

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."


Mark 1:9-11 (NIV)


Coming out of the obscure village of Nazareth, the unknown to earthlings Jesus now makes His first public appearance by humbly acknowledging God through baptism though sinless. We are told in the gospel of Luke that our Lord was about thirty years old when He began to make His Way known:

23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. Luke 3:23 (NIV)


All four gospels record the momentous occasion of Jesus’ entry into the public limelight found in our verses for today. How fitting for Him to initiate it by baptism signifying His acceptance into His Messianic mission as well as fulfilling righteousness which He came to accomplish. The gospel of Matthew records Jesus’ Words regarding His purpose in baptism:

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. Matt 3:13-15 (NIV)




The sinless, pure, unspotted Savior faultlessly and completely fulfilled all righteousness in order to be the perfect sacrifice for me and for you. He was made sin for us on the cross so that those who would put their faith in Him would then be made righteous – made whole - healed. Jesus’ death satisfied the wrath of God against sin - having paid for it in full by His substitutionary death for us on the cross. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians:



21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21 (NIV)




The Prophet Isaiah had prophesized regarding the Suffering Servant:



5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)




Next we see all three members of the Trinity present at the inauguration of the work of redemption – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The same Three were active in the world’s creation and now all Three are active in its redemption. In his wonderful book King’s Cross, Timothy Keller states:



“Mark is deliberately pointing us back to the creation, to the very beginning of history. Just as the original creation of the world was a project of the triune God, Mark says, so the redemption of the world, the rescue and renewal of all things that is beginning now with the arrival of the King, is also a project of the Triune God.”



The Trinity – one God in Three Persons – is mysterious and difficult (to say the least) for vessels of clay to grasp. The Godhead - Who throughout all eternity past and future - knows and loves and communes with One Another – they do relationship perfectly – I guess you could tritely say. They glorify and love One Another and are of One Will, One Heart, and One Mind – humanly speaking. It is selfless love made manifest – Agape love - Each centering on the other, adoring and serving One another making Them profoundly and sublimely joyful and happy. They are characterized by this self-giving love – Each voluntarily orbiting around the Other. Their actions are indicative of what life is about – relationships of selfless God-like love – capable only for mere man by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit – it’s not natural and it never fails. Paul tells us in Romans:



5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5 (NIV)




“God loved me not because I was lovable, but because it was His nature to do so. Now He commands me to show the same love to others by saying, ‘….love one another as I have loved you’ (John 15:12).” Oswald Chambers



This is not a patronizing love for the unlovable nor will we be able to exhibit it overnight – those who force it will become frustrated and tired. Biblical love is cultivated and nurtured – developed and refined as we grow up in Christ. It does not often miraculously just happen and it is maintained through discipline. It is the joy of life – it is not stationary or static rather dynamic and abundant. It is experiencing life in the full. Who wouldn’t want a life like that? As we ponder how lovingly He has dealt with us we are compelled to go into the world and love the same way.



“God’s love is always supernatural, always a miracle, always the last thing we deserve.” Robert Horn

What I glean from this:

• Jesus began His public ministry by baptism – fulfilling righteousness.


• The spotless Lamb of God died for my sins.


• I am to love as Jesus loved.

Sharing Bread Mark 1:6-8

SHARING BREAD

6 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."


Mark 1:6-8 (NIV)

Obviously, the Baptist didn’t blend with the world – that would be an understatement. His dress and diet surely drew attention not to mention his holy dialogue. Interestingly, the Prophet Elijah – the Baptist’s forerunner - appeared in Scripture garbed with the same attire. When one is desirous of following in the footsteps of another, they walk as they walk. The Baptist walked in the spirit and power of Elijah:

8 They replied, "He was a man with a garment of hair and with a leather belt around his waist." The king said, "That was Elijah the Tishbite." 2 Kings 1:8 (NIV)

Jesus states the following regarding John and Himself in light of the world’s trite opinions and fickle acceptance and popularity – yet wisdom is always proved right in the end:

18 “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."' But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” Matt 11:18-19 (NIV)


That is why the Bible exhorts us to follow wisdom – no matter how costly – which, of course, is Jesus personified:

5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Prov 4:5-7 (NIV)



Sometimes, as diamonds, things come wrapped up in rough packages - such as camel’s hair with leather belts - their value not readily exposed. There was not a glimmer in John’s outward covering that would have given a hint to the precious Holy Spirit he contained. He carried around Treasure in his jar of clay. Remember, John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his birth. The angel Gabriel announced to Zechariah, John’s father, prior to the Baptist’s arrival to earth:



13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:13-17 (NIV)



John the Baptist’s actions were similar to those who took the Nazirite vow – those specifically consecrated to the Lord and set apart for God’s use. John held a fixed focus on his purpose – a made up mindset on his actions as he sojourned here on earth. How refreshing is that? John arrived on the scene fleshing out the Gospel showing denial of the flesh and contempt over the worldly paste gems compared to the diamonds of Deity – he was a nonconformist at best. Most of us follow after the world with its futile pursuit of happiness simply because it’s easier and we want to blend. Unfortunately, as we are all like sheep, we tend to go astray. The more we choose to live above the world, the better we are prepared for the Lord Jesus. When someone stays at a task for the duration in our day and age – particularly when it is not glam or easy or widely acclaimed or accepted by the world, it stands out – just like the Baptist.



“Theirs is an endless road, a hopeless maze, who seek for goods before they seek for God.” Berrnard of Clairvaux



Eugene Peterson renders Romans 12:2 in The Message:

"Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:2


Lastly, the Baptist demonstrated perfect humility in his relationship to the Lord Jesus. Even a menial slave was not required to do the task so low of stooping down and untying the sandal of his master yet John says he was not even worthy to accomplish this work for Jesus. Biblically, humility always precedes exaltation:

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

Jesus sweetly extols the Baptist with His Words making the criticism poured on him by the world pale in comparison to the delight of the Lord’s smile and approval. The things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of Jesus’ glory and grace.

11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  Matt 11:11 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• If I want to stand up and out for Jesus I cannot blend with the world.


• I am to pursue wisdom – Jesus personified.


• Worldly things are cheap substitutes for the Divine.

Sharing Bread Mark 1:1-5

SHARING BREAD

1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.




2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet:


"I will send my messenger ahead of you,


who will prepare your way" --


3 "a voice of one calling in the desert,


'Prepare the way for the Lord,


make straight paths for him.'"



4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.


Mark 1:1-5 (NIV)

Mark quickly jumps into the gospel which bears his name by unabashedly heralding the “Good News” - proclaiming this Jesus to be the Christ – the Son of God. “Jesus” – His Divinely personal Name – the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew word translated Joshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation”. “Christ” - is the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew title translated “Messiah, Anointed One”. “The Son of God” – being a bold claim of His outright divinity – that Truth - the foundation upon which the Gospel is built. The Gospel is trustworthy and as Paul states deserves our full acceptance:

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim 1:15-17 (NIV)

Next, Mark switches gears and refers to Isaiah’s prophetic words regarding the forerunner of Christ - One who would come preparing the way for the glory of God to be revealed. Holiness requires our preparation – we easily fall into sin but holiness must be pursued and perfected:

1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.   2 Cor 7:1 (NIV)



"Excellence is never an accident." Jerold Panas

Mark states John the Baptist came as this forerunner to Jesus - as the fulfillment to the prophecy of Isaiah. He was the one who came declaring to every soul: “make straight paths in the wilderness a highway for our God”. The corruption of the world was so great it necessitated a cleansing and preparation for Jesus – just like our hearts. We are called to cleanse ourselves of all unrighteousness – turning from sin (repentance) – and turning to Jesus. We are to get rid of the chaff in order for the wheat to thrive. When God sent Jesus into the world He took care to prepare the way just as He does for each heart who receives His Son as Savior and Lord – He takes effective care to prepare. The heart where Jesus reigns has been cleansed and the will transformed and rectified. Grace is abundantly bestowed not only to save but also to sanctify – to make us like Jesus. Jesus is grace personified. We are not to remain as we were – we are to be transformed daily by the renewing of our minds. The rough ground of our emotions is made ready to receive the gentleness of His comforts. In our dry deserts we prepare ourselves for the lushness of His love - the sweetness of His Spirit – the fullness of His flowing springs of Living Water – and the all achieving power of His grace. This requires an emptying of self in order to be filled with Him.

“Some people are full of talk against legal doctrines, legal preaching and the legal spirit. Yet they may understand very little of what they are talking against. A legal spirit is far more subtle than they imagine. It can lurk, operate, and prevail in their hearts even while they are inveighing against it. For as long as a man is not emptied of himself and of his own righteousness and goodness, he will have a legal spirit. A spirit of pride in one’s own righteousness, morality, holiness, affection, experience, faith, humiliation or any other goodness, is a legal spirit…It is even possible to have a self-righteous spirit about one’s own humility and to be self-confident about one’s own abasement…But he whose heart is subject to Christian humility has a very different attitude…Christians who are real saints and the greatest in the Kingdom…humble themselves as a little child…They look upon themselves as children in grace..” Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections

The prophet Malachi prophesizes as well regarding the messenger who would come preparing the way of the Lord:

1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty. Mal 3:1 (NIV)





Jesus clearly identifying this messenger as John the Baptist as recorded in Matthew:



7 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.” Matt 11:7-15 (NIV)


What I glean from this:

• Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.


• I easily fall into sin but I must pursue holiness. Scripture calls me to this: 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)


• I must empty myself of all my presumed righteousness and goodness in order to be filled with the righteousness and goodness of God.

Sharing Bread John 21:25

SHARING BREAD

25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.


John 21:25 (NIV)

Jesus was constantly purposely busy - ever focused about His Father’s business – ever doing His Father’s will. John’s ending verse of his gospel presented today is reminiscent of our Lord’s Word recorded earlier in its pages:

17 Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." John 5:17 (NIV)

John ended his preceding chapter as well using similar words as in our verse for today citing his purpose behind choosing what he had included – so that the reader may believe and have life in His Name:

30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31 (NIV)


The records of the works of Jesus are not exhaustive (to say the least) – we have but a mere sampling of our Lord’s accomplishments. Here John breaks out in a fervent declaration of all the wonderfully marvelous things that the Lord Jesus - His Master - had accomplished. Furthermore, all that Christ said and did when His feet walked upon this dusty earth was supremely noteworthy – He never spoke an idle Word nor did He perform an idle work – nothing He said or did was trifling. Sweet Jesus – as the writer of Hebrews describes – from everlasting to everlasting - holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens – an amazing Savior, an amazing Lord as represented throughout John’s gospel.

“This is He who is appointed and given to us by God the Father, as the fullness of all grace and truth, as the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world, as the ladder and door of heaven, as the serpent lifted up to render the poison of sin harmless, as the water which refreshes the thirsty, as the bread of life, as the light of the world, as the redeemer of God’s children, as the shepherd and door of the sheep, as the resurrection and the life, as the corn of wheat which springs up into much fruit, as the conqueror of the prince of this world, as the way, the truth, and the life, as the true vine, and finally, as the redemption, salvation, satisfaction, and righteousness of all the faithful in all the world, throughout all ages. Let us therefore pray God the Father, that, being taught by His Gospel, we may know Him that is true, and believe in Him in whom alone is salvation; and that, believing, we may feel God living in us in this world, and in the world to come may enjoy His eternal and most blessed fellowship.” Bullingers Commentary on the Gospels


Indeed, Christ’s miracles were vast, varied and copious – very copious and all intentional. Some of His miracles were repetitious with differing audiences producing an array of witnesses giving even more proof and credibility to them. As God Incarnate, Christ’s vastness surely knows no bounds. I am reminded of the words penned by the prophet Isaiah:

8 “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”  Isaiah 46:8-10 (NIV)




Interestingly as well, what was divinely inspired to be included in the Gospels was exactly what the Potter wanted the clay to muse – each incident portrayed for the benefit of all mankind. We would have been no more helped or improved or increased in belief if more of our Lord’s actions had been recorded. There is enough presented for the conviction of sinners and the guidance of all who are honestly seeking genuine salvation. What we now hold is sufficient revelation of the doctrine of Christ and the proof of it – if we do not believe and apply what has already been written, more would not benefit us - only cast pearls. We must never prize the Scriptures less for Its economy of words rather we are to meditate upon what God has wisely provided.

"For it is not mere words that nourish the soul, but God Himself, and unless and until the hearers find God in personal experience they are not the better for having heard the truth." A.W. Tozer

29 The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deut 29:29 (NIV)





16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV)




What I glean from this:



• Jesus was and is always about His Father’s business – ever doing His Father’s will.


• The records of Jesus’ works and Words are a mere sampling of all He accomplished and said while on this earth.


• Jesus always gives me exactly what I need – His grace is sufficient to meet my every lacking.

Sharing Bread John 21:24

SHARING BREAD

24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.


John 21:24 (NIV)

Here the Apostle John makes a solemn declaration both of the authorship of the Gospel which bears his name as well as to the Truth contained within its pages. He wanted all to know he wrote nothing but the Truth - his testimony could be implicitly trusted. His efforts stemmed from his great desire to grant assurance to the reader of his credible and dependable record of the things Jesus had both done and said. Earlier in his gospel he writes similar words:

35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. John 19:34-35 (NIV)

John was the one who had leaned upon Christ’s breast, who had heard His sermons, who had been privy to His miracles and to the proofs of the Lord Jesus’ resurrection. His wordings in our verses for today are not too dissimilar to that of his words in First John:

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete. 1 John 1:1-4 (NIV)


John was an apostolic witness who had heard and seen and touched - the Truth of which burned in his soul until he both spoke and wrote. I am reminded of Jeremiah’s words:

9 But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. Jer 20:9 (NIV)




John had a passion for others to believe and experience fellowship with the Father and His Son just as he had. Faith was never meant to be hoarded rather shared. Surely Jesus’ parting Words to His disciples in the Great Commission flash through our minds:



16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:16-20 (NIV)




The Apostles’ hearts were so one with the heart of Christ that their joy was intertwined and bound up in the spiritual well being of those they ministered to – just as Jesus displayed leaping joy when His guys “got it”. John was certainly not alone in his endeavor to spread the Truth regarding what he had lived and experienced. All the Apostles bore the same mission – their hearts burned for others to know that True faith was founded on historical facts – facts they had been privy to be eyewitnesses of. Shouldn’t we as modern day disciple’s burn with like passion for others to know as well? Peter writes:



12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:12-19 (NIV)


“The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.” John Wesley

Indeed, in His High Priestly Prayer Jesus prays for those who would come to know Him through the witness of His Apostles:

20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." John 17:20-21 (NIV)


“We’ve a story to tell to the nations…..” H. Ernest Nichol

What I glean from this:

• We have the Apostles “eyewitness of His majesty” testimony and their witness can be trusted.


• My faith is founded on fact.


• As those who have gone before me were faithful to share the Good News, I am to be faithful.