Day 11 Monday Mark 11
Today we look at the Palm Sunday passage in Mark. Since we will be covering that later in Luke we will focus on another part of the story. It is now the day after Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. He is going back and forth from Bethany and He comes upon a fig tree. The tree has no figs and so Jesus commands that no figs should grow on it.
There is much taught about the details and meaning of this event. Many equate the events of the faithless attitudes found in the Temple to be similar to a tree that bears no fruit and that this is a teaching about being faithful and ready to serve God.
The next day the disciples and Jesus pass by the tree and notice it has withered. Jesus then gives a wonderful teaching on the power of faith and the miracles it can produce. He connects this great faith with the power of prayer and then suddenly He changes lanes. It is as if He is saying faith can move mountains, and prayer is the connection to this great power from God, BUT …
If you are praying and remember that you need to forgive someone, then forgive them. (v. 25) Why is forgiveness so crucial to God’s power being at work in our lives? Roman Catholic Bishop Robert Baron writes regarding this, “There is something hidden in the deep mystery of God, and I can’t fully explicate it. Somehow, if there is a lack of forgiveness in you, it blocks the movement of God in you. Perhaps it is simply because God is love, and so whatever is opposed to love in us blocks the flow of God’s power and God’s life.”
Jesus then again equates the granting of forgiveness to being necessary to receive forgiveness from God. In this I think it is wise to recognize that as God’s grace gets into us it is to both be treasured and shared. Love, humility and gratitude must be its children. No wonder forgiveness is so essential for other great miracles to occur, it is such a powerful miracle itself. So, if bitterness holds a place in our heart, we all know the best Cardiologist in the universe. Make an appointment to find healing even of this most toxic blockage!
Day 12 Tuesday Mark 12
In today’s passage there are two great points that stick out to me. The first is the confirmation of the two great commandments (verses 29-31). They are to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. In other words, with every part of you. The second is love your neighbor as yourself.
If these two commands were practiced I imagine the world would look radically different. Jesus showed us the marvelous hope of His example. It changed things in an amazing way!
The second part that stuck with me is in verses 41-44 where a poor woman gives with great faith and generosity. Jesus was so moved by her example that He calls “time out” and points it out to His followers. She in fact was graciously living out the two great commandments, even though she was poor she was giving to God and to others. What a special faith to be able to see beyond her own needs and notice the needs of the world around her. What a beautiful example of love!
Mark Twain once said, “There is nothing more frustrating than a good example.” I always have believed he was being facetious. I hope so. Because a good example makes God smile, gives hope and perhaps changes a things one life at a time. What a great goal for today, to be a loving and good example that makes God smile.
Day 13 Wednesday Mark 13
In Mark 13 we find a passage about predictions and things that are somewhat difficult to determine as far as timing and absolute details. It is a passage about the day of His return. Jesus Himself says of that day no one knows the exact timing except the Father. (v. 32). In this statement there is a strange pronouncement of Jesus that He humbled Himself to a voluntary separateness from the Father by way of His incarnation (becoming flesh) (see Philippians 2:5-8).
In the midst of all that is being shared there is one thing that is absolutely certain about this chapter. Jesus is encouraging and warning every human soul to be ready for His return. Jesus calls each person to watch and pray to be ready. The word for watch is one that means to be watchful and to give strict attention to that day. He warns that many will be found not ready, even some that know that the day will come will be caught off guard.
He makes it clear that there will be warning signs and yet some will still not be ready. They will be focused on other things and chasing other goals. The most difficult thing about this is that it appears that it will be very easy to not be ready. The world and its priorities offer so many other distractions.
Many times people read a passage like this and don’t want to think about it or deal with it. That of course is the exact opposite of why Jesus shared this warning. He urgently wants us to deal with it. Ignoring this is like ignoring tax day (April 15th). Not thinking about it won’t prevent it from coming with all of its consequences and tax penalties.
So, as we move toward the end of the first 1/3 of Lent let me ask a very honest question. Are you ready and focused on this most crucial of all times and days, the return of Jesus Christ? Does He recognize you right now as one of His focused followers? He says this is a really big question and a really BIG DEAL. (See John 3:16-21 & Matthew 7:21-27).
Day 14 Thursday Mark 14
Today we come to the passages where Jesus’ life will soon be given on the cross. When we go through Luke’s version in a few weeks we will concentrate more on the time in Gethsemane. Today we will take a look at the trial.
Jesus has been taken before the High Priest in what surely was a prearranged trial, yet it has aspects that seem to be rushed together. First it is a night time trial and most scholars believe that was a violation of the rules of the Council (the Sanhedrin). Many scholars recognize this as a desire to arrest Jesus quickly and privately for fear of His popularity with the people. Many scholars also believe that there was a desire to quickly condemn Him and get Him crucified for the same reasons.
The Council presents witnesses and it is noted that the witnesses did not agree on their testimony. Many scholars believe that this should have caused for a dismissal since the witnesses did not agree in their testimony. Obviously, it did not and those rules were ignored.
We are presented with an abbreviated presentation of the trial but what we see is very little evidence that would have caused a guilty version. It seems the High Priest sensing this problem makes a desperate and unexpected move. He directly asks Jesus, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” Basically, the High Priest is desperately asking Jesus to convict Himself with an affirmative answer.
Had Jesus just remained silent the trial would have been over and He would have likely been released. Jesus had the right to remain silent by their rules and had done so regarding a previous question in verse 61.
The room must have gone absolutely silent. No one expected Jesus to answer. Jesus then responds to the question, “I Am, and from now on you will see Me sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds”. (a reference to the Book of Daniel 7:13). They must have been shocked before their rage broke lose. “What more evidence is needed? Condemn Him!”
Why would Jesus do this? He had said it earlier. He was to give His life as a ransom for many. He would die for the sins of humanity. He died a most horrible death to offer us the GIFT that defeats the power of sin and death. Have you received this GIFT?
Day 15 Friday Mark 15
There was an incredible strangeness to the attitude and actions of Jesus in the last 24 hours of His earthly life. He convicted Himself before the Sanhedrin. He remained silent before Pilate who had seen many a victim swear that he was innocent, but probably never One who refused to defend Himself from crucifixion. Upon the cross He suffered, but not like so many, cursing His enemies, He showed no sign of hate. He refused the sedative offered for His pain and He cried out to God still quoting the scripture even upon the cross.
Then at the moment of His death, He seemed to guide it, command it, embrace it even as His breath heaved upon the cross. It was as if no one took His life from Him but he freely gave it. Even in death He seemed to be the Lord of it all.
As He died, in that moment a veteran of many crucifixions, the Roman centurion, was moved by what he witnessed in the crucifixion of Jesus, prompting him to say, “Surely this was the son of God.” What exactly he meant by that may be debated, but surely something incredibly unusual solicited his reaction. Something about Jesus that could not be faked upon His excruciating death and more importantly His conduct even in the face of death produced this odd testimony from the centurion. For those who would deny the centurion’s response there is the problem of many eye witnesses that were still alive to deny it or confirm when the Gospel was circulated within the span of 30 years.
Given that brevity of time that assured living witnesses and the irrevocable effect upon believers, the facts presented seem undeniable. Something was very strange about this crucifixion and the days that followed. Jesus embraced the cross as though it was the most relevant purpose of His life, and His mission. Despite the embraced agony inflicted upon Him by the empire it was as if the empire were being eradicated through His suffering. It was as if life was birthed from this instrument of death and invincible power from His willing surrender.
All that He had said began to make sense. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” (Mark 9:31) and “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45).
It was if all of time and space paused in silence to consider this ironic reality.
Day 16 Saturday Mark 16
As the Gospel of Mark concludes it contains an Easter story that is abbreviated and ends abruptly (at v. 8). This situation causes many questions, and with many questions there comes many theories. If you look at your Bible notes regarding vv. 9-20 you will find that the most ancient versions do not include these verses. They appear to be a later summary of the other three Easter Gospel accounts.
The content of this possible addition is consistent with the other Gospels and the translators note the fact that 9-20 may be a later addition as a trustworthy sign of the deep integrity of the Bible. So, let us move beyond that to some noteworthy inclusions in the Easter text that add to its authenticity.
It is quite telling to note who is at the empty tomb and who is not. First of all, obviously Jesus is not in the tomb. The angel is there instead announcing that Jesus is risen and that they will see Him in Galilee. Details of the Galilean interaction are included in Matthew and John’s Gospels.
Next, we notice in Mark that the disciples are not at the tomb and no details of their interactions with Jesus are mentioned. A strange absence to not include the disciples who became the Apostles in this text. Obviously, they had the interaction with the resurrected Jesus, for we see elsewhere that the men did not have high regard for the women’s claim of the risen Lord. Something changed them completely from defeated doubters to awesome Apostles who were martyred for their faith. Martyred while proclaiming a risen Jesus, not simply an empty grave.
Lastly notice who is at the tomb. Women! Women? Yes women. This should make one stop in their tracks. The disciples are absent and women are the first witnesses, first dare I say evangelists of our Lord’s resurrection. Women whose witness was less than trustworthy are His first witnesses? There can only be one possible explanation for this. This is exactly what happened and Jesus wanted it this way. Back then no one would have made it up this way. Much like having shepherds be the first to hear that the Christ has come we see that God is full of surprises. In truth it is only surprising to a world that has misguided standards. As has been said many times, Jesus made it clear that all people were significant to Him. Shepherds, women, children, tax collectors, prostitutes, fisherman, Romans, Pharisees and rich young rulers. Remember this, YOU MATTER TO HIM SO MUCH!
Day 17 Monday Luke 1
The first Chapter of the Gospel of Luke can be nicely divided into four brief sections. First what is Luke’s purpose? In his own words to write an orderly account of the life of Jesus. He writes to one named Theophilus (literally one who loves God). Theophilus is also the recipient of the Acts of the Apostles which leads many to suppose that Acts is the second part of the Gospel of Luke.
The next section introduces us to the parents of John the Baptist. Like Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth are old and unable to have a child. The unusual story of their conceiving John includes the prediction of, the name that he shall be called, and the description of his role in calling attention to the coming Messiah. Elizabeth is the Virgin Mary’s cousin, thus John the Baptist and Jesus are also cousins.
The next section is a well known one. The angel Gabriel leaves the throne of Heaven to announce to a young virgin that she will be with Child (Jesus). The Child’s conception will not be of a man but of the Holy Spirit. Even stranger the Child will be called the Son of the Most-High and His Kingdom will never end. Clearly this Child has assigned to Him very clear aspects that no completely human child could ever fulfill. The words of the earliest Christian Creed the Apostle’s Creed sum it up well, “Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary”. So also the Nicene Creed states, Jesus was, “Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not made, of one essence with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.”
Lastly, we have Mary going to see Elizabeth. We find a deep comfort afforded to Mary through this visit that one other human also knows what is going on … the very young Mary is pregnant and yet she has not dishonored her relationship with God, Joseph or her family. It is the miracle of God! In this we hear Elizabeth call Mary the “mother of my Lord” because the babe (John) did leap inside Elizabeth at the sound of Mary’s voice. What a wonderful passage to demonstrate the need for Christian fellowship and support as we too face a difficult world.
May this chapter remind us of the wonder of Jesus Christ and may it guide us to a church where we can worship and join in supportive fellowship with each other.
Day 18 Tuesday Luke 2
In Luke 2 we see three scenes from Jesus’ young days that no other Gospel reveals to us. In all three scenes incredible revelations related to Who Jesus is are given to us.
In what is known as the birth narrative we get the detailed story of His birth. In the midst of this we have the angels appearing to the lowly shepherds and making a great proclamation. “Unto you is born this day in the city of David (Bethlehem) a savior tis Christ the Lord.” (v. 11). A Child Messiah? How can this be?
The second scene is the dedication in the Temple where an aged man has been waiting for God’s promised Messiah. When He sees the Child, he takes Him is his arms and praises God. Saying by revelation of the Holy Spirit, “For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all nations …” An eight day old poor Kid is the salvation for all nations???
Lastly, we see the 12 year old Jesus, accidently left behind by family as they leave Jerusalem. As His parents frantically search in the “big city” for Him over a three-day period they finally find Him in the Temple talking theology with the teachers. His mother both exasperated and relieved, asks the boy, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” (v. 48).
Jesus’ answer probably made little sense at the time. “Why were you searching for me?” He asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in / about my Father’s house / business?” In hindsight this is quite obvious, but on that day, Mama Mia!!!
I must admit sometimes it is difficult to know what God is up to when my finite and frail mind mingles with His perfect wisdom and will. I know too well the feelings of confusion. God knows too well my proclivity to ask questions. Praise God that He is patient and loving. The Coach that never stops coaching, the Mentor that never stops encouraging and the Parent Who proudly chases the bike arms stretched out as we discover the joy of discovering what we might be.
Sometimes I suspect it is just that part of the mystery of God and of discovery in the midst of God’s guidance that is the most important lesson. The learning to TRUST as God’s mystery remains. This being more important than the answers to questions that may only be revealed in heaven. Perhaps that is the point?
Day 19 Wednesday Luke 3
As John the Baptist begins his ministry he preached a baptism of repentance. It is no surprise that repentance was preached because repentance was badly needed. Every human upon internal reflection knows that they need repentance. As repentance was offered there was the correct recognition that changing the way we live is a part of repentance. There was the understanding that sorrow for sin is where it begins and a changed heart is was where it is leading.
The people came to John and asked, “what should we do?” Their question related to living this changed life. John told them things that seem obvious but are countercultural so they needed to be stated. Answers came back regarding charity, honesty, and not abusing power against people that are subject to your earthly authority. This in no way should be seen as an exhaustive list but instead hits the need for a transformed life that is the life that will be displayed by Jesus. The One for Whom John has come to prepare the way. The power of repentance will soon be centered on Jesus instead of the concept of baptism as John will soon decrease that Jesus might increase.
In moments we then see Jesus stepping forward to receive baptism. The baptism of Jesus was not for His repentance as He was without sin, but His baptism seems to serve as a connection to the power of repentance and the connection that the new covenant was being ushered in. In response to Jesus’ baptism we get this powerful moment where the Holy Spirit descends upon Him and the Father states, “You are My Son, Whom I love, with You I am well pleased.”
So, as we move into almost the half time of Lent, a question comes to the surface. Have we received the power of forgiveness by repenting in the name of Jesus Christ? Have we also embraced the power of the Holy Spirit to keep guiding us and changing us in a way that also pleases God? In this remembering that if the Holy Spirit is in us, He is the Spirit that keeps moving us toward holiness that also pleases God? I like to consider the thought, are my actions, words and motivations making God smile today? It clarifies my need for the Holy Spirit!
Day 20 Thursday Luke 4
As we now come to this half-way point in the season of Lent we hear our Lord speaking to His local synagogue in Nazareth. Remember a synagogue is the local Jewish congregation in a town. We might equate it to a local church. Remember also that Nazareth is the community where Jesus was raised. This must have been a dear place for Him.
As we look at verse 16 we find some very specific commentary that I don’t want us to miss. Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath as was His CUSTOM. The Greek word for custom is etho. It means … CUSTOM, habit, accustomed. In other words, Jesus went to church on the Sabbath. If anyone ever says, “that you can be a Christian and not go to church”, this verse should certainly strongly dispute that. Since being a Christian means being a “Jesus follower”, then such a sentiment is simply quite wrong!
In vv. 17-19 Jesus in the congregation reads from the prophet Isaiah (61:1-2 as we would refer to it in our Bible). This passage says of the subject that that one, “came to preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, and the recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free and proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Jesus says that He is this One! Since we know that Jesus also did and proclaimed many other things, I would caution us to view the Isaiah passage alone as the complete goal of the church. But, it is a fine goal to begin with since it is surely a part of what the church, the Jesus followers are supposed to be doing.
I mention that because I believe the more we involve ourselves in these things as Jesus followers, the more power, life, exuberance and transformation there will be in the life of the church as His church. The church that follows Jesus, follows the One who saw the church as a place that worships God, offers salvation in Christ, and also is a place that loves others in service, support and provision in His name. (Mark 9:41)
So, a Christian is a Jesus follower that actually does the things that Jesus did. The church (the Body of Christ) teaches, learns and imitates Him! Would He say that we are following Him? If not, it is time to repent and begin that journey! We