Good Friday, March 29 - Luke 11

Prayer

   What is prayer for you, a duty or a privilege?

   For many, it is the hoop one must jump through in order to get God to notice your need.  It is something they do out of obligation -- because it is commanded by Christ.

   There is, of course, something to be said for simply obeying Christ's commands because He is God and we are not.

   Nevertheless, Jesus encourages His disciples, in this section (vv. 1-13), to thinkof prayer in the context of their earthly fathers and their desire to provide good things for their kids.  God, as our Creator, wants what's best for us;  and He longs for us to show our love for Him by communicating our thoughts, desires, feelings, and opinions.  Prayer is not His "hoop" but is, instead, His call to faithful conversation.

   How great a privilege it is that the King of All Creation, the Lord of the Universe, wants to hear about all the things we face -- even the most insignificant things.  Imagine how great a task this would be for us!!  (see this funny clip from the movie Bruce Almighty with this in mind:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0cG11lTS1E).   But for the All Powerful Loving Father, it is just one more example of His willingness to be a part of our lives.

Maundy Thursday, March 28 - Luke 10

Good Samaritan

    Recently I read the story of a Nursing Home in California that refused to assist a resident with CPR due to the danger of litigation.  The 911 operator literally begged the nurse on the phone to do something so that the woman wouldn't die.   But the Nursing Home's protocol prevailed and they waited for an ambulance instead.   Sadly, the woman didn't survive.  (see the story and hear the 911 call here:  http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2013/03/04/06/18/nurse-refuses-to-perform-cpr-on-dying-woman)

   It made me think about Jesus' great parable here in Luke 10.  Imagine if the Samaritan hadn't come along, and only the priest and Levite happened across the wounded man.  They were so worried about ritual uncleanness and getting too involved that they would have let the man die.

   Jesus was not so much a human driven by protocol and His own protection.  As the Son of God, He wasn't consumed about His rights and the honor that was due Him.  Quite the contrary.  He was so driven by our need that He allowed Himself to be beaten, mocked and crucified.  He died so that we might live and He rose from death so that we might live forever.

   Are you driven by human need?  Are you ready to get your hands dirty in compassionate care and generous self-sacrifice?  Or are you sometimes like the priest and Levite -- so consumed by anxieties about your own protection that you walk by on the other side?

   May the Jesus who offered you His own body and blood on this Holy Thursday enable you also to give of yourself to others -- perhaps even in spite of the inconvenience, expense, or danger.

Wednesday, March 27 -- Luke 9

Running on Empty  9:10-17

   We all know those days when we feel depleted, tired, worn out -- when the cares of life have worked their way into our system so much that we practically don't know where the next breath is coming from.  It's a bit like driving a car and running out of gas -- there is hesitation, sputtering, weakness, and eventually things come to a standstill.

   Jesus faces such a moment at Bethsaida.  He and His disciples withdraw from the crowd for some much needed hours of rest, but the people seek Him out.  Soon He is surrounded.

   Jesus welcomes this crowd and speaks to them about the Kingdom of God.

   But soon, emptiness prevails.  No food for all these people.  The disciples are perplexed.  They declare:  "send the crowd away."

   But Jesus accomplishes the impossible.  He takes five loaves of bread and two fish and manages to create enough food for the 5000 plus their wives and children.

   And what we learn is that, even when our resources are depleted, Jesus' resources are unlimited.  And He can help us make it through whatever challenges we may face.   Busy-ness, sickness, pain, -- hard exams, a nasty boss, foreclosure, a son who must do a tour of duty in a dangerous place -- all of these events are in His capable hands.  He is powerful, He is faithful, and He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Tuesday, March 25 - Luke 8

Demons  (Luke 8:2 and Luke 8: 26-39)

 

I saw it with my own eyes.  A person who admitted to me that much time was spent communicating with (or attempting to communicate) the dead.  This person's face was drawn, hands shaking, eyes filled with a look I had never seen before.  I could sense a presence beyond this person -- a presence that did not like my attempts to steer this person away from what was thought to be "friendly" spirits and back to the Word of God.

 

Can I say with certainty that this was an evil spirit, a demon, a force of Satan?   Could it not have been some type of psychological disorder, hallucination, a cry for attention?

 

All I know is that there was serious delusion going on -- that by setting the heart to go places where God's people are not supposed to go, this person was opening up a foothold for the Prince of Lies to deceive.  And, whatever his method, the Tempter was using it.

 

Evil spirits do exist.  I believe it.  Old Testament and New Testament references to them are not anachronisms.  Jesus really did drive them out.  In Luke 8 we see both Mary Magdalene, (from whom seven demons had been driven out), and the Gerasene man (who is possessed by a legion).

 

To deny this real phenomenon, would be to dismiss something the Lord wanted us to know about.

 

From my perspective, then, it is important to keep our guard up.

 

How?  1) By staying away from spiritual forces that are not of God -- such as soothsayers, clairvoyants, necromancers (those who say they can conjure up the dead), fortune-tellers, horoscopes, and other mystical forces.   2) By not welcoming into our lives any persistent sin that keeps chopping away at our faith.   3)  By filling our spirit with the blessing of God's Word -- as part of our regular diet.    4)  By nurturing ourselves on the knowledge that we are God's children through baptism, and that He comes to us as we receive His body and blood.   5)  By prayer -- for ourselves and others.

 

The United States has built up its Armed Forces to stave off any attack from our enemies.  It's important for God's people to know that God is ALWAYS more powerful than the Evil One, and that God's strength will prevail for all who place their confidence in Christ alone.  To fortify ourselves with the tools that God's has given us, is a blessing that pays many dividends.

 

We need to respect the power of the Enemy, but, as long as we are in Christ, we need not fear him (the Tempter).  He was defeated on the cross of Calvary, and as we are linked to our Savior, the Enemy will continually lose the war for our soul.

 

 

 

 



Monday, March 25, 2013 - Luke 7

Doubts

   The Apostle Thomas has always been dubbed "doubting Thomas" because of the story where he doubts that Jesus has risen from the dead.  This short section from Luke (7:18-35) displays another believer who needed some reinforcements for his faith.

   Having been imprisoned for speaking the truth, John the Baptist sends messengers to ask Jesus "Are you the one who was to come, or should we be expecting someone else?"

   John had earlier showed great faith in Jesus, declaring Him:  "the One whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."  But now, after languishing in a cell for months, he desires a word of encouragement from Jesus.

   There are those days, aren't there -- when we are at our wits end and just need a nod from God that we aren't placing our hopes in the wrong place?

   Jesus doesn't answer the question directly, but instead points John to promises being fulfilled:  "the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

    Jesus calls John back to his roots -- back to the Word of God, where all these activities were predicted of the Messiah by the prophets of old.

    When we get discouraged, that's the best place for us to go too.  We should immerse ourselves in the "things" of God, get in-tune with Him mindset by filling our minds with His promises, and eventually God will reveal Himself and satisfy our longing heart.

   Doubts are sure to come, but God is faithful and eventually opens His palms for Thomas' fingers, declares to St. Peter that his denial is forgiven, encourages St. Paul to keep preaching the Word.  He'll do the same with us as we anchor our hopes on Him.

By the way:   looking for good reading material for days of doubting.  Try Tim Keller's, "The Reason for God" or Lee Strobel's "The Case for Christ." 

Friday, March 22 - Luke 6

Love Your Enemies

   When Jesus says, "love your enemies -- bless those who curse you -- turn the other cheek," His words strike a blow.  It's hard enough to always be kind to the people who love us.  It's even harder to show love to those who seem indifferent or somewhat disinterested in us.  But our ENEMIES!?  Wow.  These are the people who seem intent on hurting us -- determined to undermine us -- who are hostile, negative, and spiteful to us.

   You've probably heard me tell the story of the family that moved in next to my house when I was a boy.   These were folks, it seemed, who had some kind of ax to grind against us and, for reasons unknown to my family, were angry and unkind to us.  Sometimes they would just stand on their adjacent land and mock us.  Other times they might purposely play loud music or bang on our adjoining wall just to annoy us.   If a ball went over the fence into their yard, it was gone.  Our parked car might get scratched.

   The thing a person most wants to do in this situation is to get revenge -- to pay them back with an unkindness that corresponds to what we've experienced and hope that they suffer.

  Imagine, however, if Jesus had followed this philosophy.  Where would we be?  The lightning bolts of God's wrath would have consumed us long, long ago.

  Thanks be to God that His mercy extends even to those who continually fail Him, ignore Him, betray Him.  Thanks be to God that He does not treat us as our sins deserve.  Instead, Jesus took our place and paid the price that no one else could.

   How should this affect us as we deal with our enemies? 

   One thing I learned by dealing with these nasty neighbors was that it helped to try and see them through the eyes of Christ.  That is, it helped me to view them as troubled folk who, more than anything, need love, encouragement, and mercy if they are to escape the trap of hatred.   So each act of friendship I showed, in response to their hatred, became my personal way of trying to help them.

   Of course, many times I failed.  But I must say, in general, that God helped develop my character through these people.  And since those days, long ago, its been easier for me to let go of my anger against others.

   Do you have such a person in your life?   Do you believe that God can free you from the trap of retribution?    Can God enable you to show mercy, forgiveness, and grace even when they still seem intent on your pain?

  The cross, an emblem of torture, is the symbol of God's love.  May such love enable you extend His forgiveness for you even to the others that hurt you.

Thursday, March 21, 2013 - Luke 5

Called by God

  Yes, I was made a child of God through Holy Baptism in October of 1960.  My second cousin and her husband served as my godparents.   The Creed was spoken on my behalf, some vows were made, and I was blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

  But God had a lot of work to do in me.  As I learned the Christian faith, I had many questions and doubts.    As time progressed, there would be days that I would almost be convinced that Jesus Christ was nothing more than a man -- a good prophet, teacher, rabbi -- but nothing more.  I didn't let people know on the outside, but on the inside I was often a jumbled mess of uncertainty.

  But God was faithful.  He continued to nurture me through a fine pastor, faithful youth group leaders, my parents, my brother, and numerous others as the His Word was proclaimed in their conversastions and actions.  Soon, my heart wasn't tugging against God in the same way.  The faith in my head became the faith of my heart.

  In Luke 5 we see that Jesus knows how to deal with doubts.  He showed Himself to Peter, James and John in the miraculous catch of fish.  He manifested His power to a leper and a paralytic.  He displays God's mercy to a tax-collector.

  He knew each of their needs, and came with the exact prescription for each one.  His loving actions pulled their doubting hearts out of the mire and gave them the confidence to serve Him.

  Are you struggling with doubts -- anxieties -- uncertainties?  Pray for God to help you.  And keep your eyes open.  You may be surprised at what He might do as you look for a stronger faith.

Wednesday, March 20 - Luke 4

Temptation

 

   Tug-o-war  is a game that most of us have played at large picnics and family gatherings.   One group of people uses all its energy to pull the other group over a line (and sometimes into the mud).

   

    Have you ever considered that tug-o-war is what's going on spiritually with us every single day of the week?    Satan tugs in one direction, the Holy Spirit tugs in the other.  And the result is either a yielding to temptation or a victory against sin.

 

    But it never lets up.  There is a constant spiritual warfare going on.  We must always be on guard.

 

    To me, it is helpful to see that Jesus also experienced this tug-o-war.  The temptation for Him to give up His mission as our Savior was intense -- every single day.  Why should He bother to care for a people who honored Him not?  Why should He give up everything for sinners like us?

 

   But He did.  And because He did, we can be sure that He adds His omnipotent hands to our battle with the Evil One in the seemingly endless tug-o-war.  He fights for us.  And He wins every single time!

 

    Oh, don't get me wrong.  Sometimes we yield to temptation and sin against God and against others.  Nevertheless, because He is on our team -- because we trust in Him -- because He paid the price for our sin and suffered its punishment on the cross, FORGIVENESS rules the day.

 

   And so, even when we lose the tug-o-war, the ultimate victory is still ours in Christ.

Tuesday, March 19 - Luke 3

Tuesday, March 19 - Luke 3

 

 

John the Baptist

     Occasionally, I'm sad to say, I get cavities.  Perhaps it's because my dental hygene has sometimes not been up to par.  Maybe it's because there's some weakness in my enamel.  It doesn't really matter.  My cavities need to be filled by my dentist.

 

    In order to fill the cavity, the dentist needs to prepare the tooth.  Doing so is the hard part.  The dentist must drill away all the areas of decay so that the filling stays in.  Then she can push in the amalgam, shape it, and let it set.

 

   John the Baptist came to prepare the world to receive its Savior.  His job was to begin making everyone realize that sinful hearts needed to repent.  And when God's people fell on their knees and knew they needed help, then they were ready to receive Him who would bring God's grace and mercy.

 

   If John were to come today and say to you, "Hey brother/sister, Jesus is coming to visit your home tomorrow and there's some things I think you ought to address before He enters."  what would be the persistent sinful areas of your life where you would ask for some special help?  What areas need the "drill?"

 

   Fortunately for us, God's grace is not dependent on our perfection, and even if that persistent struggle continues to follow us all our days, Jesus still offers us a forgiveness based on His obedience and perfection.  And so, God declares to us even amid our daily struggles, "Your sins are forgiven."

 

   May the Holy Spirit bless you to keep on flossing your life with His Word.  And one day, the journey will be over and, because of Jesus and His work of rescue, He will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Monday, March 18 - Luke 2 (From Ryan)

Monday March 18^th- Luke 2

Why do you think Luke includes the historical context that he chooses to use?

 

Bethlehem is the city of David. What about Jesus makes us think back to the greatest earthly king of Israel?

 

Why announce the message to shepherds? Why not kings and queens? Why not Herod, the king of the Jews?

 

Imagine how awesome this announcement was. If you were a shepherd and this happened to you, what is your reaction?

 

Note Simeon’s sense of peace in his impending death. Why can he be so peaceful at this end of his life? Can we have the same peace?

 

How will Jesus cause the falling and rising of many in Israel? What is Simeon talking about?

 

Verse 52 says that Jesus grew in many ways. Is this something you think about? Jesus grew up just like you and I did.

Friday, March 15th - Mark 16 (from Ryan)

Friday March 15^th- Luke 1

 

Luke, being a Gentile, was not present when these things occurred. He says in his introduction that he consulted many eyewitnesses in order to write this account. We know that Luke was a physician and a very well-educated man, which is reflected in his unique vocabulary.

 

It’s very easy to be like Zechariah in unbelief when we are presented with God’s graciousness. In what way can we too be Marys, who say “May it be to me, as you have said?”

 

Compare and contrast the prophecies about John and Jesus, as well as the account of the announcements and births. What is similar, and what is different?

 

What does it mean for John to go “in the spirit and power of Elijah?”

 

Notice that Elizabeth, through the Spirit, recognizes the incarnate Christ almost immediately after the Announcement by the angel.

 

Examine Mary’s song, the Magnificat. Who is it addressed to? Who/what does it talk about?

 

Examine Zechariah’s song, the Benedictus. What does Zechariah say about his son’s role in the salvation plan?

 

Where does John live before he preaches the coming of Christ? Is there symbolism in that?

Thursday March 14th- Mark 16 (from Ryan)

Thursday March 14^th- Mark 16

16:1-8     Did you ever wonder how the women planned to move the stone, which Mark says was very large? They even ask this question themselves in v. 3

 

The women speak with an angel, who proclaims that Christ has risen. They are told to go tell the disciples and Peter. Is there a reason for separating Peter here? What special concern does this show, in light of recent events?

 

 16:9-20    These verses are not included in the earliest manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark.

 

Notice who Jesus first appears to. Why is this significant? Who could He have appeared to, and why didn’t He?

 

Verses 12 and 13 are an abbreviated version of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24).

Verse 14 mentions the Eleven. Who are they, and what happened to the 12^th?

 

The following verses are a version of the Great Commission. What does Jesus say about baptism and faith? Is baptism necessary for salvation?

 

Do we still see these signs today? Which is more important: the signs, or what the signs point to?

 

 

March 13, 2013 - Mark 15

Mark 15 - Wednesday, March 13

 

 

Devotional Thoughts for Today:

 

Barabbas

 

Barabbas (vv. 6-15) is a great analogy of a Christian.   Each one of us is like Barabbas in that we are guilty and deserve God's punishment and wrath.  But because Jesus is our substitute, He replaces us in the punishment stage of sentencing. 

 

In this section, Jesus, the Innocent One, stands trial for our sins, and the man who symbolizes us, Barabbas, is set free.

 

Did you ever wonder what Barabbas did with this second lease on life?  Did he go back to his life of crime, or did he live a life of gratitude in honor of the One who set him free?

 

Are you living a life of gratitude?

 

 

Compassion

 

v. 22  Though Jesus is thirsty, He rejects the wine mixed with myrrh.  Did you ever wonder why?  Most would acknowledge, I think, that Jesus had every right to let His human body slip into unconsciousness with whatever helps were out there for Him.

 

But He doesn't.

 

That's because when He walks in our shoes, He doesn't just want a little "taste" of our temptations, pains, and trials.   As our compassionate God, He wants to know it all -- every last struggle -- so that He can help us in our time of need.

 

When it comes to compassion, do you walk with others?  Are you able to "taste" their pain because you have considered every angle of what they're going through?  Or do you just want to consider it "a little bit" and be done with it?

 

 

Where is He?

 

v.  46   The lifeless corpse of Jesus is placed in the tomb, but in reality the Christ shut His eyes in death and woke up the next moment (in spirit)  ready to keep on doing the work of our salvation.

 

His next visit will be upon the One who was bent on tempting.  Jesus will descend into Hell to proclaim His victory over every evil force.  He will show them that there is nothing that can keep Him back from the work of reconciliation.

 

When the day comes and you know your eyes are soon to close in the moment of death, remember that Jesus Himself had to face that day.  But He did so with the firmest, fullest confidence that His eyes would soon be open again because God is victorious.

 

"Where, O Death, is your victory?"  "Begone, Satan."   Nothing can keep me from the love of God.

March 12, 2013 - Mark 14

March 2, 2013 - Mark 14

 

 

Some scholars believe that the Lord's Last Supper may have been eaten at the home of John Mark's parents.  Mark would have been just a teenager or young man at the time;  perhaps he even waited on Jesus and the disciples during the meal.  Having witnessed those events, he may have followed them to the garden where he saw Jesus arrested and was the young man in the linen cloth (verse 51).

 

 

14:1-9    How do you think this woman felt about Jesus?   Do you think she, perhaps, understood where Jesus was headed?  If you could, how might you show your feelings of gratitude toward Jesus?

 

 

14:17-26  The Last Supper was the celebration of the Passover commemorating the time when the angel of the Lord passed over the homes of the Hebrews rather than killing their firstborn sons, as the angel did in the Egyptian homes (see Exodus 12:1-14).  How does Jesus change this meal to create a new relationship between God and Jesus' disciples/   When you receive the Lord's Supper in worship, what emotions do you experience?

 

 

14:32-72   Have you ever failed Christ, like Peter did?  What emotions did you expeirence!  How did you experience forgiveness and strength?

  

 

When have you had to wrestle between your will and God's will?  How did that experience affect your relationship with God?  What did you learn about yourself?

Monday, March 11 - Mark 13

Monday, March 11 - Mark 13

 

 

This discourse falls into five sections:  1) prediction of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem (which did occur in the year 70 AD) and the question of the disciples  2) warnings against deceivvers and the signs of the end  3) the return of Christ, 4) the lesson of the fig tree, and 5) a call to watchfulness.

 

 

13:5-23   What things do you hear in today's world that suggest Christ will return soon?  For what things does Jesus say to watch out (vv 5, 9, 23, 33, 35, 37)?  Can you think of any examples of these kinds of things?

 

 

 

13:12-13  Have you seen families divided over faith in Jesus?   What will help believers stand firm in their faith?  Can you think of anyone in your life that needs some help in this area?

 

 

 

13:32-37   If you knew Jesus was going to return tomorrow, what would you like HIm to find you doing?   Why?  Is it different from what you would normally be doing?  What changes might you make in your life so that each day you might be found doing what pleases Him?

Mark 12 - March 8, 2013

March 12, 2013 - Mark 12

 

 

In this last week of Jesus' life He tells numerous parables to describe what is about to happen to Him.  He aptly answers the hard questions of those who try to trap Him, and shares further teaching for His followers about how they should live.

 

 

12:1-12 In this parable, the owner of the vineyard is God and the servants first sent are the Old Testament prophets.  Who is the son and who are the tenants?  Why does this story cause the religious leaders to desire Jesus' arrest?

 

 

12:13-17    How was this a trap for Jesus?  What responsibilities do we have to our government that do not infringe upon our responsibilities to God?   What governmental rules is God calling you to challenge?

 

 

12:18-27     The Pharisees believed in resurrection, the Saducees denied it.    Why do you think the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage?   Do you think this speaks to a transformation in relationships in heaven?

 

 

12:28-34   Write down the two parts of the Great Commandment.  How does this commandment encompass all of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 or Deut. 5)?  Which part of the Great Commandment is harder to follow?

 

12:35-37    Another claim of pre-existence by Jesus.  He was before King David.

 

12:38-41    Why does Jesus warn against the Pharisees?   How might their actions lead people astray?

 

12:41-44    Why does Jesus find the widow's small offering orthy of praise?  Why might such a poor woman give anything?  Are you giving out of your poverty or out of your wealth?

 



Mark 11 - March 7, 2013

March 7, 2013 - Day 39 - Mark 11

 

 

 

An important theme in Mark's gospel is that Jesus' death was his own will, that He was not a helpless victim to the powerful Romans.  Keep this in mind as you read the next few chapters which record the final week of Jesus' life before the crucifixion.

 

 

11:1-6    Note Jesus' omniscence - He tells His disciples what they will find in Jerusalem, and things take place exactly as He said.   What has Jesus revealed to us about the future?   What confidence does this give us?

 

 

11:10    For what kind of kingdom were the people in Jerusalem looking?   What kind of kingdom was Jesus offering?   How would you personally define the "kingdom of God?"

 

 

11:12-18     Pilgrims coming from great distances would need to change their foreign currency and purchase animals for the temple sacrifice  The moneychangers and sellers charged unfairly high fees. 

 

Would Jesus' action against the moneychangers have made him more or less popular?   Might people have felt differently about it depending on how they felt about religion?   Can a church get caught up in buying and selling?  In what way?  What might Jesus want to overturn in your life to cleanse you?

 

 

Why were the chief priests and teachers of the law afraid of Jesus?

 

 

11:20-26    How did the dried up fig tree represent the city of Jerusalem and its faith?

 

 

11:24    Why is it important to believe that God will answer our prayers?   Why is it important to approach God with a heart that forgives those who have hurt us?

 

 

11:27-33   The religious leaders question Jesus' authority.   Jesus challenges their question with a question of His own, and soon they walk away not knowing what to say.   What might Jesus say to us when we question why He permits certain things to happen or acts in ways contrary to our thinking?

 

 

 

 



Wednesday, March 6 - Mark 10

Wednesday March 6th

Mark 10

 

10:1-12      Is divorce part of God’s original plan? Why is it allowed?

 

What are Jesus’ views on marriage? Are there grounds for divorce?

 

 

10:13-16    What does it mean to become like a little child? How is this done?

 

Notice Jesus is indignant at the disciples. Why? What are they doing?

 

10:17-31    What is Jesus’ approach with this man: loving or judging?

 

Cherish the beautiful truth that is verse 27.

 

In what capacity can we expect blessings from God in this life, according to these verses?

 

10:32-34     Imagine that your boss or superior says similar words to you. How would you react? Does your reaction line up with that of the disciples?

 

10:35-45      Can you describe what James and John wanted in one word?

 

What is the cup that Jesus is being baptized with? Can the brothers drink it? Will they?

 

What is the measure of greatness for Christians?

 

10:46-52      What is significant about the city of Jericho? Think back to Old Testament events…

 

What is the natural response of one who has been touched by Jesus’ healing power? Do you see this response in your own life?

Tuesday, March 5 - Mark 9

Tuesday March 5^th- Mark 9

 

9:1-13   Why does it fit so well that the account of the Transfiguration comes less than a week after v. 1?

 

Why are Moses and Elijah the perfect people to appear with Jesus?

 

What do Peter’s words and actions convey about his attitude?

 

Who is the Elijah that is to come before Jesus?

 

 

9:14-32     Why can the disciples not drive out the demon?

 

Notice how evil spirits react in the presence of Jesus

 

Think about the father’s faith. What does he believe, and what does he still have trouble believing?

 

 

9:33-37     Capernaum functions as the home base for Jesus and His disciples

 

What does it mean to welcome a little child? In what ways is this easy? In what ways is it hard?

 

 

9:38-41    What do these verses say about making faith and the Church an exclusive group?

 

 

9:42-50      Does Jesus encourage self-mutilation in these verses? What is the point?

 

How can your saltiness be maintained in your own life?

Monday, March 4, 2013 - Mark 8

Monday, March 4 - Mark 8

8:1-10    As in the feeding of the 5000, in this story Jesus is approached by the disciples with meager food rations and miraculously provides in abundance.  Yet the disciples do not seem to approach Him with great faith.  How ready are to to believe that God will perform a miracle as you approach Him in prayer?   What miracles has He done for you?    Have you attributed them to Him or to "chance?" 


8:11-13   When the Pharisees come and demand a sigh of Jesus, He refuses to give them one.  Why is it important to have a faith in Christ that is not dependent of His performance of miracles in our midst? 

8:14-21   How is Jesus using "leaven" as a comparison to the evil of the Pharisees and Herod?   What is leaven?  How does it affect bread?   How were the Pharisees affecting the faith of the Israelites?


8:22-27    Again Jesus chooses to heal someone using means.  He spits on the mans eyes and eventually they are healed.  Why do you think Jesus chooses to heal in this manner?    Why do you think the man did not see clearly at first?   What different methods of healing does Jesus use today?

8:27-30  Peter offers his great confession that Jesus "is the Christ."  Have you ever been tempted to simply think of Jesus as a good man or powerful prophet, but not the Son of God?  When has this temptation challenged you the most?


8:31-33    Just a short time after Peter makes his great confession, his voice is used by the Evil One to tempt Jesus to give up His mission.  Can you think of an instance where someone's well-intentioned words might have been a temptation to you?


8:34-38   Following Christ as His disciple means putting His plans for you above all others.  How do our personal plans sometimes get in the way of God's plans for us?  How difficult has it been for you to get your priorities straight?

Friday, March 1 - Mark 7

DAY 35 -  Friday, March 01, 2013 -  Mark 7

 

7:1-13    The Pharisees stressed the keeping of not only the scriptural laws, but also the religious traditions of the day.  What traditions in churches today have, in some ways, become laws?  How might that stand in the way of accomplishing God’s plan and purpose?

 

7:6    What is the difference between “lip faith” and “heart faith?”   Are there people you know whose hearts seem far from Christ but who talk a good line?  Have you ever found yourself in this position?   How did you get out of it?  How can you help others?

 

7:11    Some Jews found loopholes in the law so that they could avoid helping their parents as they grew older.  Do people do this today?  What is your role in helping your aging relatives?

 

7:14-23    Are there any unclean things that you are saying or doing from which you would like to be free?  How are these things separating you from God?

 

7:24-30     Jesus ministers to a non-Jews in this section.  Why do you think He challenged this woman with such harsh words?  How did He encourage her faith?  Why was he pleased with her faith?

 

7:31-37     Jesus heals the deaf man with His own personal touch.  Why do you think He chose this method rather than just using His words to heal?   Why do you think He wanted the man not to tell about the healing?