#Mark14 - Lavishly Loving and Notably Naked

Click here to read Mark 14:

1. What stood out to you from this chapter?

I suppose the title of this blog sounds like some scandalous romance novel, but I assure you it has nothing to do with romantic love. In fact, the title describes two separate incidents in this chapter - one inspiring and the other just plain funny. The first is the incident of the woman pouring a jar of expensive perfume on Jesus. In a normal setting, this would be seen as excessive and wasteful (which some of the disciples, clarified as Judas in other gospels were quick to point out). But this lavish and "over-the-top" expression of love for Jesus was not wasted at all. In fact, Jesus commended it. It's funny how Jesus pointed out the faith of a Gentile as being greater than any he had seen in all Israel, and how it is this "wasteful" act of a woman that Jesus says will be remembered whenever his story is told. The second part of the title happens when the disciples flee. Mark is a brief gospel and doesn't include a lot of the details that Matthew and Luke do, so it is funny that he takes the time to make note of this one disciple that was not wearing much to begin with and then had to flee away naked. :)

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

In the garden, as Jesus is praying, his words reflect an incredible surrender of his life to God's will. He wasn't afraid to ask God to make a different way, but in the end he submitted to God's will and plan, knowing it was the best. In James 4, we receive similar instructions even about making plans for tomorrow. "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"

3. What does this mean for my life?

I often feel like Peter, quick to speak of loyalty and faithfulness (which are true) but prone to temptation when it comes to choosing the right thing. It is so easy to give in to the "little" temptations, the things that don't really hurt anyone: pirating music or movies, speeding, viewing inappropriate movies or websites, crude humor or swearing. It is really easy to deny God in those moments, even after we have just participated in a great worship service or Bible study. For me, it's even more reason to keep my guard up against temptation, and to rest in God's mercy and forgiveness when I do fall.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

What role did Judas play in this whole scenario? In some ways it seems like he is almost a "pawn" of God's plan. Since prophesy had to be fulfilled, someone had to betray Jesus. In other ways he seems like he is a pawn of Satan's plan (Luke 22:3 and John 13:27 both tell us that "Satan entered Judas"). It wasn't like Judas was at a seance with devil worshippers inviting him in. But ultimately it is still clear that Judas was the one whose heart was hard and chose to betray Jesus.

Those are my thoughts for the day. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you, and KEEP DIGGING IN.

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark13 - No One Knows, But Everyone Will

Click here to read Mark 13:

1. What stood out to me from this passage?

In this chapter Jesus speaks of some signs of the end of the age. The disciples ask a very important question: "When will these things happen?" With a lot more detail Jesus replies with an answer very similar to this. "Nobody knows when I'm coming back. Not even me. If you have to ask if it's me returning, it's not me returning.  When I return, everyone will know. There will be no mistaking it. I'll be the one riding on the clouds with great power and glory when you hear the thunder and loud trumpet blasts." :)

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

Because the second coming will be swift and totally unexpected, Jesus teaches us that we are all supposed to be alert. Be ready. This kind of language reminds me of another Scripture verse in 1 Corinthians 16:13, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. " It also makes me think of the armor of God passage in Ephesians 6, where we are also told to be alert, stand form, and be ready.

3. What does this mean for my life?

When Jesus asked Peter James and John to pray for him in the Garden of Gethsemane, they each fell asleep. Jesus wasn't furious, just mostly disappointed. But I don't want to be like those disciples any more. I don't want to fall asleep and let down my guard in pursuing Christ.

4. What questions do I have about this chapter?

I have a lot of questions about the end times, but that's okay. My biggest question is will this happen before you come back, Jesus?


Those are my thoughts for the day. I'd love to hear yours. God bless

In Christ,
Dan

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#Mark12 - Tax Season For Jesus Too

Click here to read Mark 12:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

Two different parts of this chapter deal specifically with money. The first is about paying taxes. The Jews hated the Romans and the oppression brought on by empire. Even though they enjoyed some religious freedoms, they still had hopes that the Messiah would come and rescue them from the Romans and their other enemies. So when the leaders ask this question about taxes, they are either hoping that Jesus will say, "Yes, you should pay taxes to Caesar," at which point he would lose favor with the people, or "Give your money to God instead of Caesar," at which point the Roman guards would arrest him and deal with him as an insurrectionist trying to rebel against the Emperor. The answer Jesus gives is not just a way to dodge a tough situation. Instead he addresses it very truthfully, biblically, and practically that nobody could argue.

2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?

The parable of the tenants has always been striking to me ever since I understood the meaning of it all. The political leaders, religious leaders and teachers of the law are the tenants that God has placed on earth to "take care of the church." And the prophets are the messengers he has sent. But almost none of the prophets were taken seriously, and many were beaten, mocked, and or hanged. When that "didn't work" he sent his Son. But just like they mistreated the prophets, they mistreated the Son too. This reminds me of Hebrews 1:1-2, "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son..."

3. What does this mean for my life?

I am humbled when I read the story of the Widow's Offering. It is so special. I just picture Jesus hanging out, seeing what he saw, and jumping to get his disciples, "Look! Look! Come see this!" Jesus was not resentful or negative about all the other gifts, but he recognized that though the others were giving large sums of money, the woman's offering was the largest. I need to remember that I should be giving not just what is easily planned, but regular offerings with some of it being sacrificial in some way.

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

Does Jesus negate the possibility of recognizing loved ones in heaven? I don't think so, but he is definitely saying that things will be different and we won't have need for formal marriage relationships then.

Those are my thoughts. I'd love to hear yours. Until then, keep digging in.

In Christ,
Dan

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