40 Days Blog - Day 11

Mark 5:21-43 - Faith

 

George Michael sang, ‘You gotta have faith!’  We don’t know exactly what kind of faith he meant, but in today’s passage, Jesus made it clear powerfully, yet gently, what was expected of His followers.

Synagogue leader Jairus was the first of two main people seeking Jesus’ help.  A large crowd had gathered (v21), but Jairus stood out from them because he needed a personal encounter with Jesus.  He faced every parent’s worst nightmare and was desperate for Jesus to come and heal his sick daughter. So, Jesus went with him (v24).

Then, their journey to Jairus’ house was interrupted by the second main person in today’s passage – the woman who had suffered for 12 years from severe bleeding (v25-26). Scripture forbade contact with anyone in her state (Leviticus 15:25-33).  Physical contact with Jesus was the one thing she desperately needed and the one thing she could not do.  Yet she had faith that if she just touched Jesus’ cloak, she would be healed.

Perhaps her instant healing added to her alarm when Jesus knew power had gone out of Him. Jesus insisted that the one who had touched his clothing should come forward.  The fact that she did, and told Him her whole story, meant that Jesus ensured she was accepted into society again. More importantly, like Jairus, it was a very personal encounter.  She was able to look Jesus in the eye, rather than just seek a holy ‘power-discharge’ then quietly slip away.

Meantime, Jairus was watching on.  We can only imagine what was going through his mind whilst his daughter’s desperate plight was put on hold, only to be told the news that it was too late – his daughter had died (v35).  Yet, just as Jesus had said to the woman, ‘your faith has healed you’ (v34); He said to Jairus, ‘… just believe’ (v36).

Faith is not the power to heal, but it lets the power of God in.  Faith played a key role in Jesus’ healing miracles.  In this passage it unlocked healing; later, lack of faith in His hometown restricted Jesus (Mark 6:6).  When faith is in the mix, whether it is the faith of the person who is sick, or the faith of the person who loves them, the atmosphere changes.

As they made the long walk back to his house, Jesus encouraged Jairus to play his part.  The best and only thing Jairus could do, was to put his faith in Jesus.

The same is true for us.

A Prayer

Father, You know what is in our hearts at this time.  Help us not to focus on the problems we or our loved ones are facing.  Help us instead, to remember Jesus’ power to save and to heal, and to focus on His powerful, yet gentle love for us, and His love for the ones we love too.

Help us to be sensitive to the needs of those we meet today: to listen before we speak; remembering that as we go about our streets and our community, we represent Jesus Himself. 

In His name we pray.  Amen.

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40 Days Blog - Day 10

Mark 5:1-20 - Possessed

 

The disciples had had a rough night. They had thought they were about to drown until Jesus calmed the storm.  The last thing they needed was to be confronted by a man in a graveyard overwhelmed by the powers of darkness, but that’s exactly what faced them.

Back in Mark 3:15, Jesus had commissioned His friends to deal with demon possession, but the challenge in this passage was so great that only Jesus had the power to deal with it.  He faced the fight right at the heart of darkness and won.  This is something we all need to remember when we feel overwhelmed by life.

Today, our culture has different ways of describing the phenomena we read about here e.g. mental illness, victim of abuse etc.   Undoubtedly, these are reasons behind many mental health issues, and it would be foolish of us to try to explain away every mental health problem as demon possession.  It is equally foolish to deny that demon possession exists. I witnessed a minister perform an exorcism on someone clearly possessed and the person concerned was instantly calm and sane. I will never forget it.

However, explaining and labelling such disturbing behaviour is one thing; overcoming it is quite another.  Jesus brought peace to this man in Mark 5 just as He had brought peace to the storm.

Let’s not miss the fact that another darkness lurked in the events described here.  It was the darkness of a community which cared more about their economy than about this man.  The townsfolk had failed even to contain him and had written him off.  Yet when they saw Jesus was more powerful than the forces controlling this man, the people were terrified.  They did not welcome Jesus but begged him to leave. It was clear which side of the battle they were on.

What about us?  Do we prefer a faith following a nice, comfortable, safe Jesus where we don’t have to think about the existence of evil?  Or do we need One who is so powerful, that no darkness will ever extinguish His light?

A Prayer

Heavenly Father, facing the darkness of the powers of evil can seem an overwhelming challenge. In those times when we are threatened by fear, help us to trust the One who has overcome death itself.  There is no situation we face, which Jesus has not faced too.  There is no darkness which He cannot overcome; and no hurt which He cannot heal.

Grant us faith, hope and love in every circumstance.  Help us to reach out to others with that same faith, hope and love.

In Jesus name. Amen.

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40 Days Blog - Day 9

Introduction to Mark Chapters 4-6

 

Following Jesus is both very straightforward and remarkable challenging! Just when we feel we know Him, our ignorance is exposed.

In these chapters, we continue with the disciples in following Jesus.   We have the advantage of knowing how the story ends, but we need to remember at this point, the disciples didn’t.  Before we judge them (or others!) too harshly for their ignorance, inconsistency and frailty, truth be told - they are not so different from us!

We’ve already learned that most commentators think Mark used the first-hand accounts of Peter to write his Gospel. He was also writing for the persecuted church in Rome where any failure to ‘follow Jesus well’ would have severe implications for all the believers. In the same way, our discipleship affects everyone with whom we are connected in our community today.

We begin with the incredible calming of the storm at the end of Chapter 4. From there, and throughout Chapters 5 and 6, Mark gradually reveals more and more about who Jesus is.  This is in stark contrast to the disciples’ lack of understanding.  May these notes help us to follow Jesus with greater clarity.

Mark 4:35-41 - Be Still

Wouldn’t you just love to get to know someone who could still the storms in our lives?  Jesus can!

So far in Mark’s Gospel, we’ve read of the incredible things Jesus did: dealing with demon possession (1:21-28); healing sick people (2:1-12) and proving He was Lord over religious rules and regulations (2:23-28).  Today’s passage is a climatic (in both senses!) hinge point in Mark.  Jesus led His friends into the middle of the Sea of Galilee, knowing He was leading them into a storm (v35).

How do we respond to a Jesus who leads us into storms?  The answer to that question is the focus of today: ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ (v40)

Jesus’ disciples, who had seen Him do the unbelievably miraculous, still had not grasped the truth that the Kingdom of God was breaking into the world.  If they had, they wouldn’t have asked one another, ‘Who is this?’ (v41).  Nothing was going to stop the Kingdom of God: not Jesus sleeping (v38) and not even a storm so fierce that hardened fishermen were terrified (v40).

Perhaps some of us are facing a storm right now: not a ‘Met Office named storm’, but one which is turning life upside down for us: serious illness; financial concerns; family worries; or the ache of bereavement.  Jesus knows; Jesus cares; Jesus will guide us through it, just as He did with His disciples on the Sea of Galilee.

But like He said to the wind and waves, He requires us first to ‘Be Still’.  And then, even when the odds seem against us, He calls us to trust Him.

A Prayer

Father, forgive us for the times in life when we are so fearful, we forget Jesus is right here beside us in every circumstance life can throw at us.  Forgive us for all the times we seem unable to be still and seek His presence.  Forgive us for our lack of trust.

Whatever we are facing today, be it a storm in our own life, or a storm in the life of someone we love; help them and us to first ‘Be still’, and then simply to trust Jesus.  We ask Your Holy Spirit to fill us with the assurance of His presence, right now, as we pray. 

In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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40 Days Blog - Day 8

Mark 4:1-34 - Life Lessons

I spent several years in ministry connecting with people who had returned to regular church worship or who had come for the first time. I ran membership courses which resulted in almost every one of the attendees becoming church members.  They stood in front of a Sunday morning congregation and professed their faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour.  Yet I found myself depressed by the results as time went on.  A quick survey of all those who had finished the course – and follow-up meetings – showed that only 25% of them kept coming on a regular basis and showed commitment to the life of the church family.   ‘Why, Lord?’
 
The answer to this question came in reading today’s passage. Although I’d read it many times before, on this occasion it was like a direct answer from Jesus Himself. Just as He’d explained it’s meaning to His baffled disciples, He enlightened my thinking too. My statistical calculations fitted exactly with Jesus’ parable!
 
We are all called (not just ministers) to share the Good News of Jesus’ love with others. We are not called to be responsible for their response.  This famous parable of Jesus illustrates a Kingdom of God principle which works like this. The Father (the sower) has sown the Word (Jesus) onto all kinds of ground (humanity). Most of the ground is resistant to Jesus for various reasons (vv4-7). But those who respond and bear fruit are the ones whose hearts are open to Jesus and choose to follow Him. They allow the Holy Spirit to work in them, so that, ‘I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.’ (Ezekiel 36:26).
 
The parable of the lampstand (vv21-23) illustrates the light that pervades the Kingdom of God, overcoming the darkness of sin and injustice, pain and tears – even death itself. It will not stop until the whole world is lit up with the glory of the Lord under the rule of Jesus: ‘The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.’ (Revelation 21:23)
 
The parables of the growing seed (vv26-29) and the mustard seed (vv30-32) prove further than nothing will prevent the Kingdom of God from growing – not our resistant sin nor the attempts of powerful world leaders full of their own self-importance and pride. Ultimately God is in control.
 
Of course, it doesn’t always feel like that – but thankfully the Kingdom is never dependent on our feelings. It is all down to God Himself.  So, if watching the news or social media leaves you with the impression that everything is out of control, remember this fact. A fact which the media rarely, if ever, reports:
 
Today, there are approximately 2.38 billion Christians in the world – one third of the entire human population, far larger than any other faith.
 
Now – doesn’t that lift your spirits?
 

A Prayer

Father, help us to trust You even when we cannot see the way ahead. Help us to keep our eyes fixed firmly on Jesus, upon whom our faith depends from beginning to end. Then His love will continue to work in our hearts, reaching out to others. But help us to remember, that it is not we who change peoples’ lives, but Jesus Himself. Use us as You will.
 
Amen.

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40 Days Blog - Day 7

Mark 3:20-35 - Who Really Is Jesus?

Our passage today contains a number of difficult encounters and pictures to grapple with. We see Jesus’ family trying to ‘seize’ Him, saying “He is out of His mind”. We read about demons and we hear Jesus telling parables about breaking and entering to steal. We read about the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. We read of an unruly crowd mobbing a private home. And we hear Jesus putting His followers ahead of family. How are we to make sense of all of this? I can’t pretend to fully understand these difficult questions and pictures, but I hope these thoughts are helpful.

The first thing to bear in mind is that Jesus is surrounded by tumult at this time. The people of Galilee (and further afield) are flocking to Him for healing. Many are being physically healed and we also read of many being freed from ‘unclean spirits’ (Mark 3:11,12). There are so many coming to seek healing – and perhaps just being nosy! - that Jesus couldn’t even eat in His own home (v20). When His mother and brothers came, they can’t get near the place! They have to send a messenger to get a request to Him. There are Pharisees questioning and scribes coming from Jerusalem with evil intent. In the midst of all this, Jesus has taken time out to appoint His Twelve Apostles (vv13-19). The dialogues we have recorded in our verses for today take place in the context of all these events and discussions.

When the mother and brothers of Jesus stand outside the house, calling for Him, they had lost sight of who Jesus really was. They thought He was destined to carry on the joinery business of His earthly father, Joseph. They didn’t understand what Jesus had really come to do! They didn’t realise that He had come to be about ‘His Father’s business’ (Luke 2:49). They were looking to return Him to the joinery shop, send Him back to the ‘9 –5’ grind of making doors and windows. When we don’t understand what is happening in our lives- what Jesus is doing – let’s pray that we can trust Him to lead us on an adventure of faith. Or are we like the family, who try to take control and put Jesus into a nice, cosy box?

When Jesus confronts the foolishness of the scribes, He does so very directly, referencing the power of Satan in a way we find deeply uncomfortable- it sounds as if Jesus is condoning house-breaking! The parable of verse 23 tells a truth that will one day find fulfilment at the Cross. Jesus will soon ‘descend into Hell’ (1 Peter 3:19, Ephesians 4:9) and lead the captives free. Jesus will prove who He really is by His Third Day victory. He will rise from the dead on Easter Morning, He will prove His triumph over the strong arm of Satan. When we feel discouraged by our weakness and frailty, let’s pray that we can trust Him to strengthen us and protect us.

When Jesus talks of the sin against the Holy Spirit, He is truly revealing who He really is. Who else would have the temerity to even mention such an appalling thought or action? I know that this statement of Jesus has caused huge concern and troubled many spirits- maybe even yours! Is this a specific sin I have been guilty of? Have I committed this sin, perhaps unawares? There have been many learned debates over this, without definite answers. But what we can be definite about is that Jesus is the Saviour of men, women and children. He has promised that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). If we feel despondent or defeated by wrong-doing or sin, let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will give us grace and power to turn in repentance and seek a closer walk with God.

When we read those sobering words of Jesus about His mother and brothers, we may feel that Jesus seems to be harsh by putting His followers ahead of family. When we feel this, I wonder if we realise who Jesus really is? His statement is in the context of Jesus teaching those who He has chosen to be apostles. They are the ones who have been ‘chosen to be sent out’ with the Good News of salvation. Is there anything more important? Today, there will be many people in prison for their Faith who are separated from their family. However heart-broken they are, these folk know they have put Jesus first. Let’s pray today for justice to prevail and for the release of these captives for sake of Jesus.

A Prayer

Dear Father, there are many things in the teachings and sayings of Jesus that are difficult to understand. Help me to worship Jesus as King in my life, whatever sacrifice may follow. Help me to rejoice in the victory of Jesus over sin and death. Give me strength to follow Him more closely in my words and actions today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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40 Days Blog - Day 6

Mark 3:7-19 - Followers Build

Healer, Son Of God Or Master?

In November 2011, the annual Oban fireworks attracted world-wide media attention. There was a malfunction which set off the entire firework display in one go! Thirty seconds and the entire display was over! One man said he went to the toilet and missed everything! Another said, “I thought to myself; if that was the introduction, what will the finale be like!” Others grumbled and complained that the night had been ruined.
 
Here we are at the start of chapter three and already there have been sparks flying as we have read of healings, exorcisms and conflict. People have responded in different ways- we even see the religious leaders beginning to plot the death of Jesus. As we move on from the previous narratives of conflict, we now see crowds of people being magnetised towards Jesus. They are crowding Him so much so that He now has a boat handy in case things get out of hand. And once again, we see impure spirits identifying Jesus as ‘the Son of God’ and we read of sick people desperate to touch Him.
 
The popularity of Jesus with the crowds and His power over the demons sets the stage for this passage. We see a more focussed action as Jesus calls an inner group to be with Him in order to extend His ministry. The calling of the Twelve offers us both comfort and challenge. Ordinary fishermen, sinners and tax collectors were invited by Jesus to be His disciples. They were not religious experts and they did not yet understand the ways of the Kingdom. Nor were they were skilled in ministry. Yet Jesus called them as they were. We also see the challenge Jesus lays before them as He sends them out into the unknown to take risks and act boldly which they willingly did
 
It is not enough to recognise Jesus as the Son of God. Even the demons did that! It is not enough to be attracted to Jesus as a great Healer. The desperate crowds did that. No, Jesus came to call ordinary people like us into the challenge of following Him where only He can lead!
 
A few questions to consider:

• Have you put off following Jesus as His disciple because you don’t think you’re good enough? Remember, He called the disciples as they were and then changed them!

• Are you content in simply acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God? Remember, the impure spirits did this - but that didn’t make them followers of Jesus!

• Are you ready to not only proclaim Jesus as Lord but also to follow Him to people and places that you would not otherwise have chosen for yourself?

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40 Days Blog - Day 5

Mark 2:18-3:6 - Challenge Of Real Faith

The Same Old Story!

There are situations in life when you sit in a meeting, and it feels like Groundhog Day! The same people are grumbling and complaining. Whilst the circumstances may be different, underneath it is the same old story; the same people are not happy, and the same people are looking for reasons to voice their negativity!
 
This is how it was with the Pharisees and Jesus. Today our text points to three different situations. But within each one, it is the same old story. The two key points of conflict consist of insistence of Jesus about grace before rules. And His claims as to who He is! In this passage, He claims not only to be the Son of man but the Lord of the Sabbath!
 
The Pharisees operated like referees monitoring the failures of others. In sport there is nothing worse than a referee who is filled with self-importance and constantly stops and starts the game with pedantic decisions! All freedom and joy is sucked out of the game. That is exactly what the religious leaders were doing in the time of Jesus.
 
There are important lessons within each one of us in these three conflicts:
 

• Rejoicing in Jesus is more important than rule enforcement. The Pharisees asked why the disciples did not fast – Jesus replied saying that His presence is a time for celebration not mourning! Jesus brings freedom and joy. 
• The Sabbath is a time to be blessed, not to be burdened. The disciples picked grain on the Sabbath, yet another rule violation in the eyes of the Pharisees but Jesus asserts, “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” 
• Compassion is more important than legalism. In the third situation Jesus defends healing a man on the Sabbath by challenging the hard heartedness of the Pharisees. He asks them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath; to do good or to do evil, to save or to kill?” 

As we think about these events, we see clearly that the Pharisees came with burdensome bad news. Jesus comes with life-freeing Good News! I wonder if there are times when we have presented the bad news of legalism rather than the Good News of grace?
 
Jesus wants you to:

• live in the freedom and joy which is found in Him
• bless others, not burden them
• be blessed by Sabbath rest
• be transformed within, as inner change is more important than external conformity. 

A Reflection

 
As you go about your life today, will you operate as a referee seeking to criticise and focus on the flaws of others?
 
Or will you play the game of life with freedom and joy, seeking to bless those around you with the love of Jesus?

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40 Days Blog - Day 4

Mark 2:13-17 - Jesus' Purpose

Dining With Grace

A favourite ice breaker question is this – “if you could have five famous people around for dinner, who would they be and why?”
 
The answer to this question tells you a number of things about the person. The company you keep (or would like to keep) is highly significant. Motivational speaker Jim Rohn states that, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” I’m sure that when you were growing up one of your parents would have told you not to hang around with a certain person because they were ‘a bad influence.’
 
In biblical times the people you hung around with spoke volumes as to your standing in society. Particularly in the religious world where certain individuals were labelled as ‘unclean’. As ‘unclean people, they were to be avoided! Eating was seen as an important ritual. When you ate with someone you fully identified your life with them. So, you can imagine the outcry when Jesus was spotted eating at a tax collector’s house with numerous sinners. This was completely baffling to the self-righteous Pharisees and teachers of the law. They avoided unclean tax collectors and sinners at all costs. What was going on? Was Jesus a self-respecting rabbi or not? It did not make sense!
 
The point of conflict in our text is found in this contrast between rules and grace. The religious leaders label people according to their rules of cleanliness, whilst Jesus reaches out to all people (including the unclean) through grace. He spends time with sinners and tax collectors because His love over-throws class systems, religious barriers and socially constructed dividing walls. In another passage in the Message translation Jesus says, “I’m after mercy not religion. I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders!” (Matthew 9:13)
 
A rule-keeping approach to faith leads to failure or pride. On the other hand, grace is all about receiving that which you do not deserve. Here’s the dichotomy; grace breaks the rules! This will provide the basis for numerous future conflicts between Jesus and the religious leaders.
 
Perhaps in the past you have been damaged by rule keeping religion within the church? Maybe you have been guilty of judging others harshly according to rules?
 
Today be reminded of the wonders of the grace of Jesus that He would stoop down to meet with you. We all need to come to a realisation that, before our Holy God, we are sick tax collectors and sinners in desperate need of the Good Doctor. Good news! Jesus “came for the sick not the self- righteous.”
 

A Prayer

 
Lord, I come before You today aware of my sinfulness. I confess my sin to You and thank You that through grace You are willing to not only forgive me but lead me throughout all of the days of my life. Today I want to praise You for the wonders of Your grace.
 
Amen.

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40 Days Blog - Day 3

Mark 1:21-2:12 - The First Miracles

Show Us What You've Got

If you are involved in a recruitment process, you might come across the paperwork of an outstanding applicant. Now you simply want to meet them face to face.  Are they as impressive as their application form has stated?  Is the person as intelligent as their qualifications suggest?  In short, you want them to show you what they’ve got!
 
We have read of the statements of Mark, John the Baptist and God the Father pertaining to the unique identity of Jesus in previous verses. We now get to see Jesus in action and there are three special abilities that He displays:
 

• Power to heal – Jesus heals all of the sick and demon possessed in Capernaum. After doing that, He deals with two irreversible conditions of leprosy and paraplegia.  These amazing actions attract crowds of people as interest grows.  Notice also that even the demons identify Jesus as “the holy one of God.” 
• Ability to preach with authority – we are told that people were amazed by the teaching of Jesus “because He taught them as one who had authority.”  Whilst the crowds are attracted to the healings, Jesus is clear about the importance of the Good News message He brings.  After healing all of the sick in Capernaum He states that they must move on to nearby villages so that He can preach there, as “that is why I have come.” 
• Authority to forgive sin -  as Jesus encounters a man who is lowered through a hole in the roof He spoke five words that shocked everyone present that day, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”  These words could be spoken by anyone but when they come from One who heals the sick and preaches with authority, they are words that ought to be heeded!  When He is faced with a paralysed man, Jesus deals with the sin issue as the FIRST priority. Then He revealed His authority by healing the paralysed man.  

What a picture we are given here!  Forgiveness of sin is even more radical and powerful than a paraplegic getting up and walking!  Whilst healing of the body is a wonderful gift, the greatest miracle is forgiveness of sins. This lasts forever and leads to heaven.
 

Reflect

 
Have you personally received forgiveness from Jesus? – if so, take time to praise Him and reflect on the radical nature of this gift (more amazing than a paralysed man walking!)
 
If you have not yet received His forgiveness, you simply need to confess your sin and place your trust in Jesus, looking to the Cross where He paid your price.
 
“In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
Ephesians 1:7

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40 Days Blog - Day 2

Mark 1:14-20 - First Disciples 

Unexpected Happenings

There are some places in life where you expect things to operate in a predictable manner.  Places we might describe as ‘business as usual’ places. Places like supermarkets, schools, banks and big offices.  In our text today we hear of two such places; prison and the Sea of Galilee.  One would expect to hear news about evil criminals being put in prison and fishermen working hard by the sea. However, this is not what we read about today.
 
John the Baptist lived a life of complete dependence upon God, a man described by Jesus as the “greatest.”  We are told of his amazing ministry in verse 5 – ‘…the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him.’  Thousands upon thousands confessed sin and went down into the waters to be baptised by John.  His ministry was truly blessed by God, but today we read, ‘after John was put in prison.’  You do not expect to hear news about a widely respected servant of God being thrown into prison, especially in the aftermath of him leading a nation-wide baptismal movement!  However, this is the reality of the Christian life.  After blessing, there is often persecution, following progress there is often pushback.  Why is this the case?  Answer, because we are engaged in a spiritual battle. This is a reminder that the Christian life is not a walk in the park and as such we need fellowship, prayer and the Word.   If you are going through hardship which is difficult to understand know that many in the Bible - including John - endured unjust persecution. Like them, you too can know the powerful presence of God holding and sustaining you.
 
The second unexpected happening takes place by the sea of Galilee amongst lowly fishermen.  On this particular day, there was a highly unusual sight - fishermen laying down nets and leaving their work behind in order to follow Jesus!  These hard-working, no-nonsense type of people must have seen and heard something so powerful from Jesus that it caused them to act in this unusual way.  What on earth could entice fishermen to stop working so abruptly?  At the start of our text today we are told that Jesus came with a powerful message, “Repent and believe the good news.” 
 
In a world that seems hopeless we love to experience and share good news stories of a child born, exams passed, or a job promotion gained.  Good news fills us with joy, warms our hearts and makes us smile.  Today we are reminded of the best news which is found in Jesus, news of sins forgiven and eternal life.  It was this good news that sustained John in the hardship of prison and caused fishermen to lay down their nets and follow.  What is your response to the good news today?  Is there something or someone God is asking you to lay down?
 

A Prayer

 
Lord Jesus, I thank You that You came into our world with good news which can shape my life today.  I pray for all who are experiencing persecution and I ask that You would give me strength to stand for my faith today and to follow You above anything else.
 
Amen.

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40 Days Blog - Day 1

Mark 1:1-13 - Baptism of Jesus 

Unquestionable Accreditation

There is an old saying about public speaking – and it is still very good advice!
 
‘Tell them what you’re going to say; say it; and then tell them what you said.’
 
At the start of Mark’s gospel there is a sense in which our author bursts out of the starting blocks, wasting no time in telling us exactly who Jesus is. After doing this, he then lines up other witnesses who do likewise so that we are left with an unquestionable understanding of the identity and accreditation of Jesus.
 
On a number of occasions after having attended an event or conference I have returned and been less than clear as to the background and status of the key-note speaker. Mark wants us to have no doubts whatsoever as to the standing of Jesus.
In our text today we have three important witness statements about the identity of Jesus;

• Mark tells us that this is ‘the beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah the Son of God’ - this is a power packed statement! The name communicates a purpose – in Hebrew Jesus means ‘God saves.’ He is also the ‘Messiah’ the one who is the fulfilment of the Old Testament. In terms of His standing, this Jesus is the very ‘Son of God.’ 
• John the Baptist is then introduced and is linked with the prophet Isaiah (revealing his own accreditation). John tells us that, whilst he baptises with water, Jesus will baptise with the power of the Holy Spirit. John then describes the unique identity of Jesus, explaining that he is not worthy to untie the straps of His sandals (a task that was seen as beneath a Jewish servant and was reserved for the gentile slave). 
• God the Father then proclaims, “This is my Son with whom I am pleased.” There is no higher accreditation than this! 

Pause for a moment and take on board each one of these statements concerning the Lord. Once you have taken a moment to reflect on the Holy, unique, unparalleled, identity of Jesus, notice the simplicity in these words, ‘at that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.’
 
John says that he cannot reach up to untie the shoelaces of Jesus, yet Jesus stoops down to be baptised by him! When we put these verses together, we have before us the full accreditation of Jesus. He is the Promised One with all authority, power and position who willingly stoops low in the fullness of humility….what an amazing combination!
 

A Prayer

 
Lord, as I reflect upon my own frailties and failures, I give thanks that You are willing to stoop down to my level and meet with me today. As I look to You, I bow in Your presence, recognising that Your name is above all others and You are worthy of all that I have and all that I am.
 
Amen.

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