You Hypocrites
In Mark 7:1-13 Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for replacing the truth of God’s Word with the traditions of men. Their rules and rituals reflected a desire to put forth a show of outward purity rather than the cultivation of a heart which inwardly follows the truth of scripture. Let us never neglect the Word of God and always worship God in Spirit and in truth.
The Beatitudes - Portrait of a Christian
The Beatitudes are a portrait of what a Christian should look like. Each quality listed should apply to every believer, and each leads to the approval of God. Although righteousness leads to persecution (v. 6, 10) it also allow us to be blessed in persecution (v. 10-12)
Boasting in the Cross
The world counts as folly what we count most precious: the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:14 exhorts us to make the cross our exclusive boast – what we joyfully exalt in, what shapes and molds our lives. The cross is worthy of our boast because it satisfies the wrath of God (Isaiah 53:6), it secures us in the love of God (1 John 4:10), and it separates us from the grip and influence of the world's priorities (1 John 2:15-17).
Jesus is "I AM"
In Mark 6:45-52, Jesus knows the need of the disciples during the stormy, night sea. He walks on the water demonstrating that He is God. He reassures the disciples, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” using the term for the holy name of God, I AM. In the Bible, the sea represents chaos and evil. Jesus saves us not only from the storms of life but from our sin. (Psalm 130:1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!”
Meeting Jesus
The healing ministry of Jesus in Gennesaret demonstrates His authority, power, and compassion. The people run to all the surrounding areas to find those who need Jesus. Let us also expend our time and efforts so that others may see the Savior. Our compassion and prayers should help the world recognize Christ in and through us.
Feeding the 5000
The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand in Mark 6:30-44 demonstrates that Jesus is compassionate, powerful, and sufficient like no others. Just like the early disciples, let us receive our strength and supply from Jesus and pass it on to others through the Word of God.
God Doesn't Always Intervene
God doesn’t always intervene in difficult situations, but God’s always sovereign over our days. Suffering is not a sign that God is against us. Whether we are delivered from trials like Joseph or endure martyrdom like John the Baptist, His faithfulness and steadfast love remain.
Sent Out by Jesus
In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends out the 12 apostles to preach the Gospel of repentance. They were instructed to travel light, trusting in God's provision, and to travel in pairs, avoiding isolation. We are also part of God's plan to reach the world. Let us be faithful to our calling, not withholding the truth, so that we can declare with Paul, "I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all (Acts 20:26 ESV).
Terrifying Unbelief!
In Mark 6:1-6, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth and is greeted with contempt and unbelief. Jesus limited His miracles there because of the obstinance and cold-hearted indifference of the people. Those who reject Christ miss His blessings and face the prospect of dying in their sins (John 8:24). Following Him in discipleship involves listening to Him, learning from Him, and deepening in our devotion to Him.
Twelve Short Years of Life
Jesus displays His awesome power by raising the daughter of Jairus from the dead in Mark 5:21-43. We can also take hope in the assurance that death has been defeated. Those who believe in Christ immediately go to be with Him at the moment of death, and their bodies will one day be raised when Christ returns.