40 Days Blog - Day 40

Mark 16:1-20 - Resurrection

An End And A Beginning

 

I once heard J. K. Rowling discussing how she developed the Harry Potter novels. She said that from the outset she knew that there would be seven novels, and she also knew and planned exactly how it would end. However, having created her characters and her ‘world’ she found that certain things, plot twists and dialogue, just happened along the way, as her characters responded by themselves to events around them. We have reached the end of Peter’s stories as recorded by Mark. Today, we see how God’s rescue plan reaches fruition.

How has your journey been these last forty days? Have you seen Jesus in a new light? Have you felt the excitement as Jesus has been revealed? Have you met with Him in a new way in your times of prayer? Has reading through Mark made a difference to you?

Take some time today to read back over your notes and thoughts.

This moment, the resurrection, is really where we have been heading all along. Mark has put the story together to show why Jesus came. We have seen how Jesus revealed He was the Son of God through His miracles, and He challenges us to believe in Him as Messiah through His words. Halfway through this Gospel we had that pivotal moment when Jesus challenged His disciples to see Him for who He was. He revealed He would suffer, die….and rise again! And He asks us to respond, as He asked Peter to respond, to this question - “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:24)

So what is your response?

Jesus’ resurrection is the final proof of His identity and brings the offer of salvation for those who believe.

Mark’s writing finishes quite suddenly, almost as if a bit of it has been lost. We don’t get much detail about the resurrection at all. But that shouldn’t worry us, for we know Peter was absolutely convinced about Jesus rising from the dead. Just a few weeks later he was standing before crowds in Jerusalem proclaiming that:

“…Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” (Acts 2:22-24).

And Peter staked the rest of his life on that truth.

The last verses of the Gospel (Mark 16:9-20) appear to have been added by another writer at a later date, and they summarise closely what we learn from the other Gospels. Packed with information and challenges they are worth taking time to read a few times. They are about belief and our response to that. Jesus rebuked the disciples for unbelief (v14), but then gave them the charge to take this story into all the World. We may all have periods of unbelief or difficulty in our spiritual life. We have learned to bring these to God. The charge is still for us too, to trust, then go empowered by the Spirit into our community with this amazing story.

This brings us back to the value of reading all four Gospels as a one - to get the ‘big picture’ of who Jesus was. Son of God - Messiah - Saviour of the World - King.

Faced with that we can only stand in awe and consider how we respond.

A Prayer

Lord, as I end these forty days of reading and praying, thank You for what You have taught me. Thank You for coming, for revealing Yourself as God and for giving Your life for me. Thank You that we have this wonderful account of Your life to ponder and wonder at. I pray that You would help me to respond to the challenges of what I have read. I pray for this town and its villages, and for the people in them that they may hear about You and meet You through those who speak Your Gospel today. Bless us as a church family as we meet to worship You, to learn more of You and to serve and proclaim You in these days.

Amen.

A Challenge

Today pray for particular people in your life - contacts, neighbours, friends, family.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 39

Mark 15:40-47 - Burial

If Only We Could Turn The Clock Back

 

It may be hard to think about this. But there are times that we just wish we could undo something. We’d like to unsay a cruel or a cross word or maybe undo something that is embarrassing. And, of course, if we lose someone suddenly, we long that we could turn the clock back to yesterday when all was well.

Today’s short reading brings us into that moment. Throughout these last few days, we have been challenged to think ourselves into the story; to imagine what the disciples and all those involved in the narrative were actually thinking, feeling and experiencing. A lot of this is, of course, conjecture - but the story of the crucifixion is a very real story that actually happened.

Today we have to try and to feel the hopelessness of Jesus’ death. Mark is establishing that there were witnesses to the events that would unfold in the next few days.

Pilate called for the centurion and established that Jesus was really dead. He allowed the body to be handed to Joseph of Arimathea, who, though a prominent Jewish leader, was a secret disciple of Jesus. John Chapter 19 tells us that with Nicodemus, another Jewish leader, they prepared Jesus’ body for burial. That complete, they shut the grave with a stone - and the women were aware of where the grave was.

And that is where humanity would have left it. Mark has told the story of Jesus the expected Messiah. Was that it?

Well, no! We have the benefit of hindsight and know how the story really ends. We shall contemplate that day tomorrow on day forty of our season of prayer. But for now, try and to sense the hopelessness the disciples felt. This is the closest we can get to understanding the great ‘what if?’ What if Jesus had never come and never died for me?

Hopelessness.

A Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for what You have been teaching me in these forty days of prayer. Thank You for what You have done. I understand that I am not worthy of Your love. I understand that You have done this for me. I find it hard to think that not everyone would want to respond to this wonderful gift and promise. But please help me be faithful in living and speaking the Gospel to others.

Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 38

Mark 15:16-39 - Crucifixion

The Darkest Moment That Brings The Greatest Light

 

The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961. For twenty-eight years it had been an impenetrable, physical barrier that separated many families. But it also represented a barrier of fear and control. Such divisions are an insult to decency and justice. The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 led to families being reunited and restored. Today we look at the restoration that results through Jesus.

The account of Jesus’ death is fiercely brutal, and we should not lose sight of its inhumanity. Jesus is violently assaulted, shockingly mocked and humiliated, and then forced to endure the most painful of deaths. The detail Mark gives us is frankly disturbing.

What was the reaction in the crowd that watched? This is the triumphant result of the plot to kill Jesus and silence His movement forever. The leaders had obtained their objective and now many gathered around Jesus, mocking, jeering, insulting Him.

It is hard to recall that it was only two days since He had debated with the leaders in the Temple and only a day since He had arranged for His friends to prepare the Passover meal. It was only hours since His arrest, hurried trial and sentencing. Hours! No justice - no appeal - just a trajectory to humiliation and death. How did the leaders feel? Were they elated by the success of their plot to have Him killed? The mocking of the crowd is perhaps typical of an execution mob.

Amidst this horrific violence and injustice, two things stand out.

First: We see Jesus’ utter separation from God the Father. Never in His life had Jesus felt separated from His Father. As a child (we learn from Luke 2:41-51) He had gone to His Father’s house aware of His relationship to the Father. He had walked with the Father all the days of His life. He knew Him intimately. But now on the cross, He is completely separated from Him. As He cries “My God, My God! Why have you forsaken me”, He is in despair for the first time ever. Separated from God by the weight of our sin, the Father is lost to Him, for God cannot look on Jesus. This is what the crucifixion is all about.

We can never (fully?) understand this. But as we learned yesterday, belief in Jesus is the key that opens the door to forgiveness.

Second: We have the amazing picture of the Temple curtain being torn in two from top (God’s end) to bottom (our end). The division this curtain represented between the Holy of Holies and the rest of the Temple is a picture of the separation sin puts between man and God. But now the separation is gone - Jesus has made the way open.

A Prayer

Lord in the last few days I have read of Your journey towards the cross. Again, Lord, I am sorry that You had to endure this and for my part in it. I long that more people will believe in You and today I pray for this community again. I pray, Lord, that many will come to have faith in You. Help me do my part in sharing this good news with them.

Amen.

How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son, To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory
 
Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there, Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished
 
I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom
 
Stuart Townend

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 37

Mark 15:1-15 - Before Pilate

Justice Through A Miscarriage Of Justice

 

Today try and put yourself into the baying crowd. What would it have been like to be part of it? What would it have been like to be in the press of this mob in the crowded streets of Jerusalem? Is it possible that you would have been swayed by the priests (who were your leaders), or by the will of the crowd, to call out for Jesus’ crucifixion? What do you think?

We have heard a lot about miscarriages of justice in recent years. Misinformation, prejudice or arrogance can lead to evidence being misrepresented. People are unjustly accused, tried and sentenced. Only when their conviction is quashed can they truly be free.

What of Jesus with Pilate, then? Pilate could see that there was no case against Jesus that merited a death penalty. He was bewildered by the ferocity of the charges against Jesus. He offered freedom for Jesus. But the crowd called for Barabbas.

Think of this: Barabbas was a terrorist and insurrectionist. He was in a prison cell awaiting his justice. Likely this was his execution. The crowd called for him to be set free and for Jesus to be executed. Both outcomes would be a miscarriage of justice. A wicked man walking scot-free and an innocent man going to the cross. But this is the perfect picture of what Jesus has done for us. What did Barabbas feel as the cell door swung open and he walked free, stepping into the sunlight as another took his place and took his punishment?

What the Bible teaches us is that we all need to accept forgiveness through Jesus. Our sins are quashed. Their consequence of separation from a holy God is fixed.

Our belief in Jesus, in His words, His promises and what He did, is key in all of this.

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12)

And as Peter later said:

“All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:43)

A Prayer

Dear Lord, I am humbled that You willingly gave Your life for me. Forgive me, Lord, as I think again about the gravity of what this means. I realise that I required Your sacrifice and that You willingly made it.

Thank you. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 36

Mark 14:26-72 - Jesus Arrested

Chaos And Purpose In The Dark

 

As the events now unfold, we might feel that everything is utterly chaotic in the darkness. Friends are making false promises; guards are stumbling about, unsure who they are to arrest; Judas needs to kiss Jesus as a signal; a scuffle; a sword injury; an onlooker running off naked as he escapes capture by shedding his robe to flee; a hastily convened kangaroo court; accusations with no corroboration; a terrified Peter, brave enough at first to follow Jesus into the heart of the enemy, but failing at the last moment to be counted as one of His.

But one thing stands firm. Even in His agony and very human doubt that He could go through with it, Jesus says, “The scriptures must be fulfilled”. This is His destiny. This is His purpose in coming from God. And despite His misgivings, He is obedient to do the Father’s will.

It will be worth reading through today’s passage a couple of times to pick up the detail and the nuance of it.

How do we respond to this? Can we see ourselves in the failure of Peter? Or in the prejudices of the leaders? Or in being ashamed to speak out for Jesus?

The battle is one between darkness and light. There is prejudice, persecution, trouble and wickedness ahead.

(There still is.)

Jesus alone brings context and hope in such darkness. Even amid the fury and anger being hurled at Him by the leaders in the Sanhedrin’s court, He remains silent, only confirming that He is the Messiah. Unable to see the truth of this, they are cast into a paroxysm of rage. The abuse and torture begins.

As dawn breaks, just a few hours after the emotionally charged supper he had experienced, Peter was devastated that he had failed his friend and Lord. A few hours later he would believe that he was lost forever.

This is a moment in the story to stop and to consider what repentance and forgiveness is.

A Prayer

Dear Lord, I am aware that I am a sinner and have failed You. Though I long to do things well I have let You down so frequently. I need Your forgiveness. You know my heart and You know that I want to say sorry, seek Your forgiveness and live my life for You. Thank You, Lord, that You promise complete forgiveness to those who put their trust in You. Thank You that You forgive me.

Please, Lord, help me to live out my life for You. And I pray that we as a church may hold out this message of hope and forgiveness to all those in our community.

Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 35

Mark 14:12-25 - The Last Supper

This Time Tomorrow

 

If you look at the same view every day, you soon take it for granted. It could be the most magnificent backdrop, but you get used to it. Familiarity stops us from seeing all the details. If you are coming to this reading today having known it for years, look out again for the small details. If this is all new to you, maybe you’ll be taken aback at the sudden shift in pace as the reason for Jesus’ mission reaches its climax.

Stop and Pray: Lord, help me to see new things about You in the readings over the next few days and may I meet You in a fresh way.

What do you think you’ll be doing this time tomorrow? Have you plans or a routine that makes it easy to predict? Jesus alone was aware that, for Him, ‘this time tomorrow’ meant betrayal, torture and death. Indeed, by the time they sat down to eat it was already less than twenty-four hours until His death the following afternoon.

Remember, Peter is sharing his memories of these events with Mark. It is etched in his mind.

Jesus clearly had some arrangement with an unknown person about using their house as a venue for His last meal with His disciples. What do you think He might have been thinking as they gathered at dusk to share the Passover meal? If you were one of the disciples, what might you have been feeling? It was a familiar tradition for them, but it was all going to turn dark and confusing.

As they were chatting together, sharing the intimacy of the Passover meal, the sudden prediction of betrayal was shocking. It must have created a terrible atmosphere. ‘Saddened’, one by one they each speak up and say, “Surely not I?” The truth, of course, is that by this time tomorrow none of them would be standing with Him. Eleven of them would be in hiding, desperate, grieving and in fear for their lives. And one was reaping the cost of betraying the Son of God.

It is important for Jesus to link His sacrifice and death with ‘Passover’. The Jewish people gathered annually to remember their people’s escape from captivity in Egypt. Their ancestors had been ‘passed over’ by the angel of death only because of the sign of a lamb’s blood on their doors. (See Exodus Chapter 12). Jesus takes the food and drink and makes them into symbols that are easy to remember.
 
The point is that He is the Passover lamb sacrificed for them.

Would you like to have been part of this celebration meal? How would you have responded if Jesus looked at you and suggested you would let Him down?

Forgiveness will come, but the journey to that is painful, as it always is. We need to recognise our failings and bring them to Jesus. The disciples will have to seek forgiveness - and so do we. The Last Supper reminds us of that.

‘If we tell Him our sins, He is faithful, and we can depend on Him to forgive us of our sins. He will make our lives clean from all sin.’ (John 1:9)

A Prayer

Lord I cannot imagine what You experienced in these hours You spent in the last day of Your life before dying on the cross. As I read through this, please help me to respond in wonder at Your love, care, and determination to go through with the plan. You are holy and worthy of all my praise. Forgive me for all that I do that is against You, that hurts You, that lets You down. I thank You that, since You took my punishment, I can truly have that forgiveness from You. I pray again today that this message of hope will become clear to those I am in contact with and be more obvious in our community.

Amen.

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry, Everything to God in prayer
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry, Everything to God in prayer.
 
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
 
Joseph M. Scriven

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 34

Mark 14:1-11 - Jesus Anointed

Reaction And Response

 

Today we see two conflicting responses to Jesus. The first is that of love, service and an act of devotion. The second is one of hatred, anger and an act treachery.

The Jewish leaders were becoming increasingly afraid of the influence Jesus was building. When Jesus claimed to be God, they were so incensed that they were trying to find a way to kill Him. We end the passage with the response of Judas who, also incensed at Jesus’ behaviour and consumed by greed, determined to betray Jesus.

Right in the middle, between these two dark threats, Mark places the lovely story of the devotion of the woman who makes a costly sacrifice by anointing Jesus with very expensive perfume.

The contrast between these two responses to Jesus is stark. Darkness, hate and killing placed against light, loving devotion and life. The difference we see in the willingness of the woman to give sacrificially from her resources and Judas who sought a short-term pay out entirely for himself, is dramatic.

This is one of these stories where we can try and imagine ourselves right in the action as an onlooker. What do we see, smell and feel? The perfume may well have been her ‘life-savings’. Something put by for security for her future. But in an act of love, it was something she was willing to give unreservedly to Jesus. The discussion about the act is lively, to say the least. Some rebuked her harshly. What did this reprimand sound like? Was it embarrassing? Who was siding with whom? Jesus’ words come with both direction and comfort. He reassures the woman and turns their understanding into seeing it as a sign and confirmation of His impending sacrifice.

I have always loved the affirmation of verse 9:

“I tell you the truth, wherever the Gospel is preached throughout the World, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

How true! Here we are 2000 years later still hearing the story in every corner of the world. Surely, she would not have believed it.

But the passage today must lead us to think about reaction and response. Mark has set up the story to ask his readers how they react and respond. Do we side with the darkness, indignation and hatred of the leaders, or do we see Jesus for who He is, the servant king who gave everything as His sacrifice for us? But it should also challenge us to stop and consider whether we are ever over-critical, unloving and self-righteous in our behaviour, even our life within the Church. That is an easy trap to fall into. Some of the onlookers watched the breaking of the jar of nard but could not see the bigger picture. Jesus challenged their perception of it. And that is the point. Do we bring ourselves into allowing Jesus to shape our daily thinking and action?

Take time today to consider what your response to Jesus is. How near being sacrificial is your love for Him? And continue to pray for the ongoing struggle between darkness and light that there is even in our neighbourhood.

A Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you that I have just seen the fulfilment of a promise in reading this story about a woman so long ago! Thank You for Your sacrifice for me. As I enter this part of these readings, I pray that You will help me see You more clearly and respond anew to Your love for me. I pray again for our town and neighbourhood. I pray that people will respond to You stepping towards Your light and away from doubt or fear or anger about You.

Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 33

Mark 13:1-37 - The End Times

Wariness-Worries-Watchfulness-Witness

 

We now move on to the last scene of this section of Mark before turning to the ‘Passion’ of Jesus’ suffering. The tone changes significantly. Today’s passage might seem difficult but there are still some simple lessons we can draw from it.

Have you ever stood in the ruins of a great city or maybe just looked at Strathaven Castle and wondered what the buildings once looked like? What about the people who lived there? It must have been impressive but now it is silent and derelict.

The disciples leave the Temple after another day of teaching by Jesus. Perhaps buoyed up by the success of His sparring with the various leaders and factions, they refer to the magnificence of the building which seemed to them to be indestructible. Things were going well or so they thought. But now, as they sit with Jesus on the Mount of Olives overlooking the Temple, He teaches them about what the future will look like. He tells them uncertainty and persecution will come in the near future. However, they must remember that there remains the promise of eternity with God over the horizon.

The Temple is not indestructible. It will fall into ruin. This did in fact happen just a few years later in AD 70 when it was destroyed by the Romans.

But there is much more Jesus wants them to realise.

We see Jesus mentioning ‘The Son of Man’ (v26) which is the term used for the Messiah in Daniel’s Prophecy (see Daniel 7:14). Jesus clearly identifies Himself as the fulfilment of that prophecy, so that there can be no doubt about it in the disciples’ minds.

Then He raises themes of:

• Wariness - He warns the disciples to be careful and assess all the things that happen round them. He is at pains to point out that suffering will come their way for the Gospel. At times people will try to destroy or tweak or even rewrite His Gospel. We are to be wary of such people.
• Worries -It seems hard that families will be divided over belief in Jesus. But hostility or persecution in some form is to be expected by any true follower of Christ. We still see that today. The promise that goes with this, however, is that in persevering, “he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (v13).
• Watchfulness - Being ready. J I Packer, the theologian, wrote that we should live our lives firmly rooted in our service in the world right now, but be “packed up and ready to leave at a moment’s notice”. Can you sense that in your life? Are you living your life ready for Christ’s return?
• Witness - Telling others about Christ - Two verses to meditate on today:
  • Verse 11: “Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry about what you’re going to say. Just say whatever is given to you at the time, for it is not you speaking but the Holy Spirit”.  Consider that this is a promise for you at those moments when you feel out your depth in conversation about the Lord.
  • Verse31: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”. Unlike the transient nature of each of us (or even of the rock-solid temple) Jesus’ words, His promises and His truth, endure forever. Therefore, today give thanks for that.

A Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for the promise that You will return for Your people. I pray that I will be ready and be living my life in a way that honours You. Thank You that You promise to be with me in all my situations and trials. And I pray You will guide me in truth as I seek to follow You. In this day and age, when there is so much confusion and misunderstanding about who You are, please make me sensitive to Your real truth and also help me explain my faith to others.

Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 32

Mark 12:35-44 - A Widow's Offering

 

Previously we read of the various religious leaders putting awkward questions to Jesus. Jesus knows that the leaders are plotting against Him, but in today’s reading we still find Him openly teaching in the temple courts.

Jesus quotes from Psalm 110:1 and poses a question about the nature and lineage of the Messiah. He also issues a warning to beware of the religious leaders who seek high places for themselves.

We read the story of the widow’s offering, where the woman gives sacrificially out of her poverty - unlike others, who give out of their wealth. Jesus says “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” In other words, in the Kingdom of God, the normal (worldly) rules of arithmetic do not work! The widow has given more. She has not only given proportionately more, but she has given sacrificially, not thinking of herself. Even more, she has given what arguably she cannot afford. So, she has responded in faith to God, putting her response to God before her concern for herself.

The widow gave altruistically. Jesus gave up His life altruistically and sacrificially, putting our salvation before His own life. As Christians, God calls us to be Christlike. So, we should expect that we ought to respond to God altruistically and sacrificially. And we should do so with thanks and joy that God gives us in this life opportunities to be like Christ.

A Prayer

Lord, help us to be like the widow, recognising the poverty of our being and sacrificially giving ourselves to You from that poverty. But Father, help us also to be like Christ. And help us to recognise the riches that we have in the new life that we have with You, and the wealth of the inheritance that You have for each of Your children in the life to come.

In Jesus name. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 31

Mark 12:28-34 - Jesus Teaches

 

After questions from each of the main religious groups, Jesus is now asked a question by only one person (a teacher of the law – a scribe). Unlike the previous questions, this one is asked sincerely. 

What is the chief duty of each human being, created by God int the image of God? Jesus refers in His answer to Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and the ‘Shema’ which literally means ‘hear’ or ‘listen’. The Shema says: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” 

The Shema was recited as a call to worship. But that call was not to worship ‘something’ or some impersonal ‘higher power.’ No, the Shema was - and is - a call to worship ‘Yahweh.’ A named person. The God of the living.

How can we love an impersonal being? We cannot. But we can love God, Father, Son and Spirit! Why? Precisely because we know the character of God, we know what He has given us and what He has done for us. And also, because we know that He alone is truly good and beautiful.

Does our affection for Him surpass our affection for everything and everyone else? 

Jesus adds to the Shema by saying that we should love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength, but also all of our mind. He calls us to apply our whole being, including our critical faculties, to our love for Him. 

A Prayer

Living God, hear our prayers. Through Your Spirit help us to fulfil our discipleship vows to You. To join regularly with fellow Christians in worship. To be faithful in reading the Bible. To be faithful in prayer. Help us to do these things so that we might know You better, and so that we might witness to You better in this needy world.

Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 30

Mark 12:18-27 - The Sadducee's Question

 

In today’s passage a group, the Sadducees, come and question Jesus about the resurrection. They ask this question even though they (unlike the Pharisees) did not believe in the resurrection. Just before this, the Pharisees and the Herodians had tried to get Jesus to incriminate himself with the Romans by asking Him about paying taxes to Caesar.

The Sadducees differed from the Pharisees in a number of respects. As well as not believing in the resurrection, the Sadducees did not believe in angels. Also, they took only the first five books of the Old Testament (the Torah) as God’s word, but not the rest (the prophets and the writings). As the Torah did not mention the resurrection, so it was not part of their belief. 

Jesus reply to them is pointed. He says that they are “greatly mistaken” and questions whether they “know the scriptures or the power of God.” He does not spare their blushes! His reply:

• affirms the resurrection (so implying that they are wrong),
• compares the resurrected to angels (again suggesting that they are wrong), and
• teaches that in heaven there is no marriage.

Jesus even uses the story of Moses and the burning bush (from the Torah) to explain to the Sadducees why they are wrong.

So, are we like the Sadducees being “greatly mistaken”? Do we understand the power of God at all? Do we seek false comfort in the hopes of our own misunderstandings, rather than trying to gain a deeper understanding of the true life to come? Nothing in this life can compare to the depth of joy and delight that God has planned for His resurrected children. Or as N. T. Wright so often says in the “life after life after death.”

A Prayer

Father, we thank You for sending Jesus to teach us of the resurrection. To teach us that we can have life everlasting with You through Him who is the resurrection and the life.

In His name we pray. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 29

Mark 11:27-12:17 - Jesus' Authority

 

While Jesus was in the temple, the religious authorities wanted to know His credentials. He was becoming more popular with the people, He was performing miracles, His teachings were profound, and He was disrupting a thriving commerce in and around the temple. 

Jesus answers their question with a question. One that He knows they, in their hypocrisy, cannot answer. The passage tells us that they do not want to say John the Baptist’s ministry was from God, but neither can they say that it was not. They should be able to come to the correct conclusion on that question by themselves. But if they cannot do this, neither will they accept Jesus’ answer to their question. Jesus is calling out their hypocrisy, knowing that their hearts lie in the self-interest of perpetuating the temple system.

In the Parable of the Tenants, the analogy is clear. The owner is God, the vineyard is Israel, the workers are the religious leaders, the servants are the prophets, and the son is the awaited Messiah. Jesus finishes the parable with a quotation from Psalm 118:22-23 ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes.’

The cornerstone is the Messiah and the builders are the religious leaders. So, as the religious leaders reject Jesus, the downfall of the temple system begins, with its ultimate destruction by the Romans around thirty-seven or so years later in AD70. Jesus prophesies in verse 9 that the owner of the vineyard will give it to others. So, in the decades that follow, history records the death of the temple system and the birth of the Christian church, first in Jerusalem, and then to all the ends of the earth.

A Prayer

Lord God, we gladly accept Your authority over us. Forgive us for when we forget this and we think that we are answerable only to ourselves. We thank You for Christ, and we marvel at the grace and love that You lavish upon us.

In the name of Your Son. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 28

Mark 11:12-26 - Jesus At The Temple

 

Today’s reading sees Jesus cursing a fig tree and causing havoc in the temple. Is it not all a bit peculiar and perplexing? So disturbing that in his book ‘Why I am Not a Christian’ sceptic Bertrand Russell questions Jesus’ wisdom and virtue. But is it not also psychologically interesting how unbelievers can duck and dive and avoid the truth? How one part of the Gospel can be condemned as ‘literal’ without reflection, while other parts are equally readily dismissed by sceptics as works of pure ‘fiction’? It often seems to be a case of “I don’t really want to believe, so heads I win, tails you lose!” But Jesus tells us “seek and you will find.” So let us seek!

The cursing of the fig tree is the only miracle of destruction performed by Jesus. The Royal Horticultural Society tells us that some species of fig can fruit twice a year, in some young immature fruit show in spring, and others only fruit in spring. So, there are a number of possible explanations as to why this tree ought to have had fruit.

In any case, the fig tree is a practical parable. A stumbling block to Bertrand Russell. The cleansing of the temple, a practical action. A stumbling block to the high priests. And Jesus crucifixion is a stumbling block to many. As Paul says “we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to gentiles.” 

The temple gave the appearance of being fruitful, just like the fig tree. But the temple was rife with hypocrisy, serving man not God. As God’s living temples, are we hypocritical or fruitful? In today’s passage Jesus reveals to us how to bear fruit.

A Prayer

Living God, guide us as to how to bear fruit for You. To pray faithfully, to pray big, and to pray forgiving others and seeking Your forgiveness. We thank You that Your Son has taught us that this is how to bear fruit for You.

Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 27

Mark 11:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry

 

In the reading today, we move into the final third of Mark’s gospel and to an account of the final week of Jesus earthly life.

Jesus fulfilled over three hundred Old Testament prophecies, and we see a fulfilling of some of these here. For example, Zechariah 9:9 ‘Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey’.

Also, the coming of Jacob’s blessing on the line of Judah from Genesis 49:10-11 ‘The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.’

The triumphal entry marks a moment of fulfilment. A moment when Jesus’ true identity is crystal clear to all. A moment, not of self-proclamation, but of public-proclamation and the advent (the coming) of the Messiah. The crowd laid down their garments as in the proclamation of King Jehu (2 Kings 9:11-13), and waved palm leaves (a sign of victory). They shouted ‘Hosanna’ meaning ‘Lord, save us.’ Little did they realise how salvation was to come. And little could they predict that a week later the crowd would be shouting ‘crucify him!’ 

Unlike the passing energy of the exuberant crowd, discipleship is not just a one-time excited acceptance of Jesus. Justification is only a beginning of our path to sanctification. Discipleship means an ever-deepening relationship. Just as one spouse can say to another “I love you more today than when I first fell in love with you.”

A Prayer

Lord, we thank You that You are our Saviour, but also that You are our King and our friend. We thank You that You planned to save us because You love us. Help us to fall more deeply in love with You each day.

In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 26

Mark 10:32-52 - Eyes Are Opened

 

Today’s reading is somewhat of a turning point in Mark’s Gospel. Till now, the text has been much to do with Jesus’ identity. Our reading today opens with a clear statement of Jesus intent. To be condemned by the Jews, to be killed by the gentiles, and to be resurrected in three days.

Jesus had already mentioned twice to His disciples about His death - in Mark 8:31-33 and Mark 9:30-32. On the first occasion, Peter rebuked Him. On the second occasion, they did not understand, but were too afraid to ask. On this third occasion, we find James and John asking for special privileges, and the other disciples becoming annoyed with them. Are the disciples beginning to ‘get it’ about Jesus? They seemed to have moved from an attitude of denial, through fear, and then to acceptance. But the Lord still needs to explain that special privilege is not how God’s kingdom works. God’s kingdom works in opposite ways to our natural inclinations.

We then find Jesus leaving Jericho, when a blind man’s persistence shows faith, and Jesus responds and heals him. This story shows to us that we should persist in our prayers to God. If we persist, then He will respond to our faith. Not always in the way that our human nature may want. But He always responds, always answers. Sometimes we just need to listen for His answer, not for ours.

What was the blind man’s interaction with Jesus? To ask, to receive, and then to follow the Lord (v51-52). What is our interaction? To continue to ask for more and more? To not realise when we have received? To not respond by following? We can too often get caught-up in a cycle of continuously asking God, and too often not recognising God’s answer, or responding in thanks to it. 

A Prayer

Lord of light, we pray for spiritual sight. Hear our prayer, for we know that You respond to our faith. Father, we thank You for responding to our prayers. Help us know Your answer in our crowded minds and fickle hearts. You are the Lord that gives and that takes away.

Blessed be Your name. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 25

Mark 10:17-31 - The Rich Man

 

The rich man calls Jesus ‘Good teacher’. Even today, many who do not identify as Christians call Jesus a ‘good teacher’. But what else? Does it not seem peculiar to try to extract Jesus teachings from the rest of the Gospel? To try to shape some form of Christianity without the cross? To do so surely steps backward into ‘the law’ of the Old Testament rather than forward into the joy of new life that God offers us in the New Testament.

The man was keen - he ran up to Jesus (v11). But he was not capable of committing - he went away sad (v22). He wanted ‘eternal life’ (v11). But was he making the mistake of treating such an amazing gift from God in the same way as any other worldly possession?

Jesus questions why the man identifies Him with the attributes of God. “Why do you call me good? …. No one is good - except God alone” (v18). Do we see in Jesus’ response to the man, our Lord gradually publicly revealing His true identity?

Jesus reminds the man to keep the commands (v19). But Jesus knows these outward rules are not enough, and indeed the man says he has kept them. Jesus then puts His finger on what is keeping the man from ‘eternal life’. His love of this world rather than his love for God’s kingdom.

So, what is it that keeps us as individuals from the Kingdom of God? Jesus’ call is to find our riches not in this world, but in heaven. To commit to the unseen, not the seen; not to the world of the here and now, but to the world to come. Then we will store-up our treasures in heaven, and love God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength.

A Prayer

Father, we love You. Help us to love You more. Help us to love the things of Your kingdom above the things of this world. For we love Your Son, not only as a good teacher, but as our Lord and Saviour.

In His name we pray. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 24

Mark 10:1-16 - Pharisee Questions

 

Question Time is one of my favourite TV programmes. I say ‘favourite’ advisedly – it sometimes seems that the politicians on the panel are answering completely different questions to the one that has been asked.  I feel like shouting at the TV, ‘Just answer the question!’ It’s interesting that the contributors often get themselves into the worst contortions over the social questions of the day. They seek an answer of some kind that might be acceptable to all the various communities that might be watching. In reality, that often means they say nothing of value at all.

These verses are a similar kind of ‘Question Time’. Jesus gives the Pharisees answers to their debate about marriage and social values. The Pharisees come with questions about detailed matters of Jewish custom and law. Jesus answers them by pointing back to core values of the creation narrative. God’s purpose is for His people to be in close relationship with Him and each other. He ordains the marriage relationship to foster companionship and procreation within a family context. We can all give assent to the good intent of the statement that, ‘….what God has joined together, let no one separate...’(Matthew 19:6). The next verses, as Jesus speaks privately to the disciples, are challenging words to read. They are very definite, very clear. Jesus is re-stating an ideal about marriage to the disciples and we accept this truth.

Yet we also know the lived reality of some will reflect something different. Precious relationships have changed over the years. One love has grown cold and another love has grown strong. Always bear in mind that the default position of Jesus is love and acceptance towards all people who seek Him. His interactions with people show His forgiveness and understanding.  As we seek to follow Him, all things – all the varied circumstances of His children – will work for eternal good.

It's interesting that Mark recounts the story of the children being brought to Jesus at this point. We love to tell this story and think of grumpy disciples and cuddly curly-haired kids being encircled by the arms of Jesus, expressing His love to the little ones. But think about this phrase – Jesus was indignant at His disciples.  What were they doing?  Placing barriers in the way of those who wanted to come to Jesus. The obvious question to ask ourselves is – are we putting barriers in the way of people coming to Jesus?  By imposing unspoken barriers on people who aren’t ‘like me’?  By an inconsistent Christian life?  By deliberate sin from which we need to turn away and seek God’s forgiveness? By omitting to be a clear witness to Jesus? May God the Holy Spirit speak into our heart and soul to show us where we need to change. May He give us power to be more effective witnesses to Jesus.

Finally, if you feel insignificant or small today, for whatever reason; thank God that Jesus longs to welcome you, to place His everlasting arms around you and bless you with peace.

A Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You that You welcome me to come to You. I acknowledge I often have questions and I put up barriers against Your work in my life. Sometimes I even get in the way of others coming to You. Forgive me and help me to rejoice in Your welcome, even if it means having to hear uncomfortable truths about myself.

Thank You that, whatever my past, You freely accept me into Your family to share with my brothers and sisters in faith. Strengthen and equip me for Your work in Your world.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 23

Mark 9:30-50 - First And Last

 

We all (I hope!) enjoy the All-Age talks at church, where the children, rather than the adults are the centre of attention. It’s customary for Calum, or whoever is leading the talk, to have an object to ‘show and tell’ or perhaps a series of images on the screen to make a point to the children. To fit the young audience, the point being made is usually very concise and understandable. Perhaps that’s why so many of the adults benefit as well!

In this passage we see Jesus using the same technique to drive home His statement that ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all’ (v35). Only, it is the adults who are being addressed. The child is the one doing the teaching! It’s so easy for us to envision the scene as Jesus takes the child. We don’t know who the child is, or how old they are or even if they are a boy or a girl. But we know the child is invited, welcomed and embraced by Jesus. These are not only warm words from Jesus, but heart-felt actions, a touch from the Master that protects, affirms and comforts. The lesson from Jesus is stark and clear and we can almost hear the embarrassed silence from the disciples. They were arguing like squabbling children as they walked along the road!

The striking words of Jesus in verses 42-50 about our thoughts and actions are also spoken with the child in His embrace. They remind us of the responsibility we have as individuals and as a church organisation to protect the young, the defenceless and the vulnerable. We are rightly ashamed of the failures of some Christian leaders in their care of children and young people. Jesus also warns us about the insidious nature of sin in our own lives. While the solutions offered by Jesus are exaggerated (I hope!) the overall message is quite clear. Don’t allow wrong thoughts a foothold or even a toehold in your life. We need to seek the help of the Holy Spirit to cut out the temptation and tendency to sin. For our own good and the good of others!

The petty squabbles of the disciples and John’s grumbles in verse 38 seem a world removed from the cosmic significance of Jesus teaching in verse 31.

‘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.’

The disciples don’t understand. They are afraid to ask Jesus about what this means. In fear, they turn away from the vast glory of God’s plan to indulge in fruitless speculation about status. Let’s pray today that we will listen closely to Jesus and we will experience with wonder the true majesty of forgiveness through the Cross and new life, the true wonder of resurrection power. When we recognise this and put Jesus first in our life, there is true greatness.

A Prayer

Our Father, thank You that You continue to teach us. Give me the grace and humility to understand something of the wonder of Your death and resurrection. Help me to see where there are thoughts or actions in my life that need to change. Give me strength through Your Holy Spirit to follow the teaching and example of Jesus.

As Jesus welcomed and embraced that child, help me to feel loved and affirmed by You in the same way.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 22

Mark 9:14-29 - Boy With Demon

 

“I have been reading poems, romances, vision literature, legends, and myths all my life. I know what they are like. I know none of them are like this. Of (the Gospels), there are only two possible views…..this is reportage…”

The Oxford academic, C.S. Lewis wrote these words about the narratives of the Gospels in ‘Christian Reflections’. We are now entering into several passages that affirm his view of the truthfulness of the Gospels. Why else would Mark devote so much space in his narrative to reporting about children? As we were reminded in one of Calum’s sermons a few weeks ago, children had very little status worth speaking of in the New Testament world. Over the next few days, we’ll find that Jesus gives children a dignity and status that we should all heed.

We can surely identify with the distress of the father of the boy with demons. After the stress and anguish of years with a troubled child, the disciples of the Teacher can’t seem to help. The situation is now hopeless! A large crowd has gathered. You can imagine the mocking and derision of the crowd and the teachers of the law at the failure of the disciples’ best efforts to heal. The boy’s father is probably filled with despair and doubt. As he turns away, hope bursts back into his heart again as he sees Jesus walking towards the crowd. I wonder if some Transfiguration glory still lingered on the person of Jesus?  In any case, the dialogue recorded for us is quite dramatic and powerful. ‘If you can….’, says the father, meeting a sharp response from Jesus. Under the heart-searching words of Christ, the father responds, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’

The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, ‘He’s dead’. I wonder how the father felt then - did it seem his fledgling faith was completely misplaced? But, instead, Jesus takes the boy by the hand and lifts him up. What a beautiful scene to picture in our minds as the child stands up, freed from oppression of mind and body. Can you imagine the joyful expression on the father’s face and his grateful words? Can you imagine how the crowd would instantly turn from ribald mockery to stunned silence?

The truth of this passage is that Jesus wants us to come with the fragments of belief we have. Come! Let Him take care of our unbelief. It’s what He delights in doing! As we embark on the adventure of faith, we’ll come across situations that will prove that God is faithful. He will never let us down or abandon us.

If you feel weak and unequal to the challenges of the Christian life - like the disciples at the end of our passage – Jesus invites us to bring those doubts to Him. He will sit with us and teach us with love and patience.

A Prayer

Dear Father, as I try to walk the Christian path, I often feel my faith isn’t up to the difficulties I see in the world around me. Help me to seek Your strength and to turn to You in prayer. Give me strength through Your word and through the friendship and fellowship of others in the church.

Show me Your power and encourage me to be bold in the things I pray for and ask for. Work through me to help others so I can show the love and care of Jesus.

In His name I pray. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 21

Mark 9:2-13 - Transfiguration

 

In our reading today, we get a chance to join a very select group of disciples who are going to see something quite amazing! Peter, James and John are the chosen ones who witness this wonderful Transfiguration - we get to join their wonder as they see Jesus change into radiant glory. Not only is He shown in glorious light, but He is also conversing with the greatest heroes of the Jewish faith. It’s difficult to find equivalence for our day – somehow, even the thought of St Columba and John Knox descending to Loudoun Hill doesn’t come anywhere near!

And this is why the reaction from Peter just doesn’t get the point. We can all understand why Peter, startled and over-awed, would seek for something that might be helpful to say. But his hospitable offer to make three equivalent shelters for each of the participants in this heavenly conference completely misses the point. The three on the mountain are not equivalent. Far from it. As the voice from Heaven makes clear, the One who stays on the mountain after Elijah and Moses have vanished is God’s beloved Son. Listen to Him!

Moses gave the Law and Elijah was a prophet. Important as they are, they are not equivalent to Jesus. There is only one voice to which the disciples should be listening.  Jesus has been telling them of the Cross, of suffering and the cost of discipleship. And His is also the voice that is now speaking of ‘rising from the dead’.

I’m sure it’s no coincidence that Jesus tells the disciples about the ‘rising from the dead’ part of the Plan AFTER they saw the transfigured glory of Jesus. Surely this would mean a lot more now that that they had seen His radiant brightness at the top of the mountain! The mountain is a ‘thin place’ where Moses and Elijah can appear, many centuries after their departure to Heaven. What the disciples witness on the mountain points to a Day when a tomb hewn out of rock, sealed with a great stone and guarded by Roman soldiers, will be another ‘thin place’ where the glory of God will be revealed. But that’s for another blog!

I wonder if you can still hear the voice from heaven today that says, ‘Listen to Jesus!’? I wonder if there are concerns or pre-occupations in my life that prevent me from hearing the voice of Jesus? When Jesus says, ‘Follow Me’, we should seek out the way to follow Him. When He says, ‘Take up your cross’, then we should take up the Cross. When He speaks of rising from the dead – believe Him. It will be done, just as He has said.

A Prayer

Dear Jesus, help me to see Your glory. Forgive me when I see You as a something equivalent – or maybe even less important! – than all the other legitimate concerns in my life. Help me to give You first place as my Lord, help me to listen to the teaching of Your scriptures and the leading of Your Holy Spirit.

Thank You for Your promise of everlasting life in Your eternal Kingdom. I thank You for the Third Day proving the certainty of Your promises. Please strengthen me to live in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection each day of my earthly life and for the life to come.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 20

Mark 8:31-9:1 - Prediction Of Death

 

I find binoculars are really quite frustrating things. I find it difficult to get the correct bit of the lens to look through in the right place and then difficult to get whatever it is into focus – usually by that time, whatever I’m trying to look at has disappeared!  But when the image does suddenly snap into focus, suddenly the hassle is worthwhile. I can see things clearly and close up. In the same way, Jesus now begins to ‘speak plainly’ about His future and the Cross is suddenly sharply in focus.

Today’s reading is very short – the significance of these statements is huge. We can see this in Peter’s action – taking Jesus aside to rebuke Him! The hope of the disciples was for a Messiah who would sweep away the hated Roman occupiers, restoring the worship of God to a rightful place for the Jewish people. Surely, the One who had healed the sick, cast out demons, fed the hungry and taught with such authority – surely, He was the all-conquering type of Messiah? Perhaps the rebuke of Peter reflected a ‘human concern’ that he – Peter – might miss out on some of the conquering Messiah’s reflected glory, honour and position. The sobering prophetic words of Jesus must have caused such dismay! The vision that Jesus presents is of a suffering Servant, a rejected Messenger, a broken Reed, a despised Man of Sorrows, anticipating the deep pain and suffering of the Cross.

Jesus spoke plainly to the crowd about the cost of discipleship. You can probably sense how the gathering would be both shocked and worried about their future. If they choose to continue the path of discipleship, it will lead them down the same path of self-sacrifice. Jesus turns the focus wheel into the future and brings into clarity the benefit of this sacrificial discipleship. In the same way that the sacrifice and death of Jesus will result in the salvation of a human race, our own sacrifice in following Jesus will save our own life. It will enable us to be involved in the Kingdom work of saving the lives of many others.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his classic book ‘The Cost of Discipleship’ comments, ‘Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ’. May these powerful words from a man who paid the ultimate price for following Christ encourage us to step up to the challenge of following Jesus more closely.

A Prayer

Dear Father, as we read these sobering words, we pray that You would help us to follow You more closely. Thank You for Jesus, who took up the challenge of the Cross to win our salvation. Thank You for inviting us to be part of the Body of Jesus, part of a community who have decided to take up the Cross and follow Jesus.

Help us to stand together and pray for each other as we face the challenges of Christian discipleship. Help us to support our brothers and sisters if they find that load painful, or difficult, or almost too much to bear. Help us to step in to bear these burdens when we can.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 19

Mark 8:11-30 - Jesus Is Messiah

 

We reflected a few days ago that the questioning of Jesus was hostile - but at least seemed to be genuine. The narrative now shifts a gear and Jesus is being asked questions to test him, to trip him up. Jesus is ahead of their game and responds to them. Again, the words Mark uses are interesting. Jesus doesn’t lose His temper but instead ‘sighs deeply’. It’s the response of a parent who isn’t being listened to, or a teacher faced with a particularly trying class. The leaders are likely puzzled at His response about heavenly signs and simply watch on as Jesus turns away from them, boards a boat and sails away. The disciples who have watched the altercation are also puzzled by the response of Jesus to their own questions and their own need. It seems the twelve disciples jumped into the boat with one loaf of bread between them. On this occasion, it seems Jesus isn’t planning to do a miracle for their tea but instead gives the disciples some puzzling teaching.

On the same theme, we read how Jesus apparently failed in His first attempt to heal the blind man. I wonder what the people who brought him to Jesus thought – perhaps they were also puzzled? We don’t really know why Jesus didn’t give the man his sight back with one word. He had certainly done this before. We don’t know why Jesus decided to spit on the man’s eyes in a way that seems so strange in our post-COVID world.

It’s in this context that Jesus asks His disciples the all-important questions – ‘But what about you?’ He asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’. Peter’s reply is in the context of unanswered questions and unmet needs. But it reflects a place to which all Christian believers have to come. Despite all the questions, despite our doubts, despite the fact that sometimes our needs are not being met, despite the fact we see healing as far away. Despite all these barriers, we can still be drawn to faith and we can still be captivated by Jesus. We read the sweep of the Gospels and we come to understand something of His love, His teaching and His death for us on the Cross.

Despite any doubts we may have, we understand that His love is so amazing and so divine that it demands a response. When we come to a place where we recognise Jesus as the Messiah, then we can recognise that this demands our soul, our life, our all.

A Prayer

Dear Lord, I admit I don’t understand everything about the Christian faith. Sometimes I feel I don’t understand very much at all! But I’m grateful that You don’t condemn me for this but instead continue to draw me to Yourself. Thank You for the teaching I receive through Your church, Your faithful ministers and Your word, the Bible.

Help me to have confidence to declare You as my Lord and Master and to seek Your help in serving You all the days of my life.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 18

Mark 7:24-8:10 - Healing And Feeding 4000

 

Sometimes we get fed up with people coming and asking constant questions, don’t we? Whether it’s the kids asking, ‘When will we get there?’ or a spouse asking where their keys are or work colleagues coming to ask the same question we told them the answer to a few days before! It can get really tiresome. Sometimes in these situations we need to remind ourselves that it’s because these people see us as having the answers! Perhaps we should see it as a compliment rather than a frustration?

In these three scenes of the Gospel of Mark, we see people coming to appeal to Jesus. The woman comes to seek release for her daughter, some people bring a deaf and dumb man and the disciples ask where the nearest supermarket is for the feeding of the four thousand. In each case, Jesus engages with the people and in each case a miracle happens. The demon departs from the daughter, the deaf and dumb man hears and speaks and the four thousand eat their fill and are satisfied. In each case there are lessons for us to learn.

We may feel far away from God, but Jesus is ready to hear us and take our side. Some of our friends may be in a place where they can’t hear Jesus speak or even speak to Jesus. But we can play a part in bringing them to Jesus and He can meet their needs. And when we give up time to listen to Jesus teaching us – whether we’re with others in church, or on our own – then Jesus can feed our spiritual needs and leave us satisfied.

A Prayer

Jesus, thank You that You have the grace and knowledge to answer our questions and the power to meet our deepest needs. Help us to be aware of those who are far away on their journey of faith and be willing to help them. Show us those who need to hear the voice of Jesus and help us to bring them to places where we can speak God’s truth into their life.

Grant that we might be willing to sacrifice ourselves to sit and listen to the teaching of Jesus, knowing that we will be spiritually fed and strengthened.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 17

Mark 7:1-23 - Jesus Teaches

 

Our passage today seems to be strange to our 21st Century Stra’ven mindset. There is a discussion going on here about laws and customs that existed in a different world and different time. Questions from Jewish leaders, responses from Jesus. At this stage, the discussion seems to be genuine. In later chapters, we will see these same leaders setting traps as the downfall of Jesus is plotted. But in these verses, we see Jesus answering questions with a clear knowledge of the Hebrew scriptures and the Jewish traditions. We see His understanding of how these things should work together. The response of Jesus is clear and direct as He speaks truth to the hypocritical powers that be. Yet we also sense He is being patient with those who are asking genuine questions.

As the passage moves on, we find Jesus doesn’t mince His words with the disciples either – He calls them ‘dull’! Despite sounding a bit exasperated with the disciples, we sense He is still showing patience to the disciples. Jesus understands they are also trying to make sense of what Jesus is saying! As Jesus responds, He speaks words that make us all sit up. We’re all aware of the unwelcome thoughts and feelings that come from within. Sometimes, I am appalled at a surge of anger when someone cuts across me on the motorway. I have to resist strongly a dark urge for angry words and a shaking fist! Sometimes, I sense temptation lurking in my heart, just waiting for a careless (or Godless!) moment to emerge and defile myself – and others. Sometimes I find myself actually holding onto wrong thoughts- nursing them to keep them warm when I should be seeking God for help to let these thoughts go.

This passage reminds us that God invites us to ‘reason together’ with Him. There are no questions to which God will not listen. There are no doubts that we cannot bring to Him. He will never mock us for speaking to Him about the dark thoughts of sin we find lurking inside our mind and heart. But we need to understand. If we genuinely seek God, then sometimes we will find ourselves grappling with uncomfortable truths. We may find ourselves on the receiving end of the searching light of the Holy Spirit. Convicting us about our thoughts, our attitudes or our actions. And what needs to change to bring us into a closer relationship with God.

The good news is that a closer relationship with God will bring us into a continuing and exciting adventure – like the adventures we will find in the next section of Mark’s narrative!

A Prayer

Father, thank You that You invite us to speak to You and bring our deepest doubts and questions to You. Thank You that You answer us with patience and understanding. Help us to be patient when it seems Your answer is a long time coming. Please tell me when my thoughts are wrong and my actions don’t honour You. Thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus which covers over all my sins. Help me to live a life more worthy of You.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 16

Mark 6:45-56 - Going Nowhere

 

There’s that word again: ‘Immediately’ (v45).  Mark wasn’t just rushing us from one snapshot of Jesus’ ministry into the next; Jesus needed time alone with His Father (v46).  In making them get into the boat to go ahead of Him to Bethsaida, Jesus had more to teach them about who He was.

Later that night, the disciples had reached the middle of the lake but were straining against the wind and going nowhere fast.  Jesus saw what was happening from up on the hillside (v48), so He went out to them.  He walked on the water!!!!  He reached them just before dawn but went to pass by them.  Why ignore their plight? How could He walk on water?  A wider look at the Bible shows Jesus had a bigger agenda than solving His disciples’ problems. 

God ‘passed by’ Moses (Exodus 33:19-34:7); and Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-12). Jesus did what only God can do.  Only God can walk on water.  Yet, characteristically blind to the revelation in front of their noses, just as they had been when Jesus fed the 5000 (v52), the disciples’ progress was slow.

Today’s passage is a real challenge to us as well in those times in life when we feel we are going nowhere fast.  These are the times when we wonder why Jesus doesn’t deal with the headwinds in our lives that make it a struggle.

We need to remember the wonderful picture of Jesus up on the hillside, seeing His disciples’ struggle.  How much more so does the Risen and Ascended Jesus see our struggles?  Romans 8:34 reminds us Jesus prays for us - ‘Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.’

We also need to trust that when our prayers for immediate help in the struggle are not answered, Jesus has a bigger agenda for us, as He did for His disciples.

A Prayer

Father, You had a plan and purpose for Moses, Elijah and for Jesus’ disciples.  You revealed Your glory when life was challenging for them.

May the Holy Spirit reveal Your glory to us when we are tempted to forget that You have a bigger plan for us than simply making life easy. 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 15

Mark 6:30-44 - In His Hands

 

How often in life do we come across situations when we feel completely out of our depth?

A friend is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, but we hold off phoning because we don’t know what to say.   We take on additional responsibilities at work only to find we lack the resources to meet the new challenges. Rather than say the wrong thing to a recently bereaved person, we cross the street to avoid speaking to them. 

Today’s passage began with an invitation to the disciples for some rest and recuperation with just Jesus and themselves (v31).  It was anything but, as events led to yet another steep learning curve confronting them.

As we’ve seen in our readings this past week, the disciples had learned to trust God would inspire their hosts to provide for their physical needs (v10) whilst they ministered to people spiritually (v13).  But when faced with a hungry crowd of more than five thousand people and Jesus’ challenge, ‘You give them something to eat’ (v37a), they were completely out of their depth.

It may well have been that, as devout Jews; this quandary reminded them of someone else who faced the challenge of providing bread (manna) for another huge crowd of people in the desert whilst teaching the things of God.  Moses knew he could only lead the people so far. He prayed for someone to lead them into the full blessings of God, so the people would not be like sheep without a shepherd (Numbers 27:15-17).  But it was not his successor Joshua who ultimately would do this.  It was God’s own Son, Jesus.  

Even if this biblical knowledge was in their minds, it’s obvious it didn’t help the disciples to learn the lesson Jesus was going to teach them.  They were aghast because they thought Jesus expected them to head to the local shops when it was past closing time, to buy food that would cost six months’ wages (v37b)! 

The disciples had to learn a profound truth of the Kingdom of God: if we give our limited resources to Jesus, they will be multiplied.  Just as five loaves and two fish in Jesus’ hands was more than enough to feed more than five thousand people (v41ff), what matters most is not the scale of our resources, but whose Hands they are in.

So – into whose Hands are we placing the resources God has given us?

A Prayer

Lord Jesus, we place into Your hands our ordinariness, our limitations and our few resources.  Use them today to feed any hungry and lost people we meet. 

In Your name we pray.  Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 14

Mark 6:14-29 - Puppets On A String

 

Why is this gruesome account of John the Baptist’s murder sandwiched between the disciples’ successful outing to proclaim the Good News of Jesus in word and action; and the amazing story of the Feeding of the 5000?

It’s called bracketing – one of Mark’s favourite literary techniques.  It was deliberate on Mark’s part, casting a shadow over the disciples’ mission.  Why?

So many of the events in life which have a lasting and profound effect on us are not caused by well thought out plans but are the result of the capricious actions of very flawed people.  A senior manager’s bad mood, or a leading politician’s opportunism, can have devastating effects.

At the end of His earthly life, even Jesus was affected by this kind of behaviour.  Like John, Jesus was ‘handed over’ (Mark 10:33) when a devious figure behind the scenes found an opportunity to do so (Mark 14:11). Like John, Jesus was executed by a man who made a promise that backfired (Mark 15:9).  Even before all that happened to Him, Jesus warned His disciples that they should expect similar treatment (Mark 13:9-23).

As it was then; so it is still today.  The Kingdom of God breaks through as people respond to the Good News of Jesus and are healed in His name (vv12,13&30).  Yet the shadow of the Cross is a constant presence when the desires of ordinary people are ruled by darker forces pulling their strings like puppets. 

Herod and Herodias may have been a king and queen, but they were human, just as we are. Their actions were shocking, but before we judge them harshly, all of us need to look prayerfully into our own hearts and minds to check that we are not puppets on a string at the hands of wrong influences.

A Prayer

Father, we know, even though often we do not see it, that Your plans and purposes transcend human whims. May the Holy Spirit encourage us as we face any challenges today may bring our way.

May He also guide us in what to say and how best to support those we know, who face challenges of their own.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 13

Mark 6:7-13 - Stepping Out In Faith

 

What’s your household like when getting ready to go away for a few days?  One of my sisters calls it ‘packing tempers’; one of my sons calls it ‘last minute faffing’; before finally getting out the door to drive away.  I’m guilty of both!

By contrast, there seemed to be very little preparation for the disciples when Jesus sent them out in twos to share the Good News and to heal the sick.  Obviously, He had taught them the basics of what to say and what to do, but in terms of taking necessities with them, they had no bread, no money, no spare clothes or begging bowls (v8). 

Of course, hospitality was considered a top priority in Jewish society.  To this day, in many parts of the world, the poorest of people will give their last piece of bread to a visitor.  Yet even with that background knowledge, what the disciples had to go without seems a bit strange to us.  Why did Jesus do this?

Jesus knew the importance of hospitality – his friend Lazarus and sisters Martha and Mary often provided food and shelter for Him (Luke 10:38ff).  So, when Jesus’ disciples were welcomed and hospitality was given, it was clear such caring people would be far more open to the Good News than those who kept both their doors and their minds closed (v10-11).

There is something else in this passage which we could miss if we don’t read it carefully. The disciples’ obvious lack of resources, and being so unimpressive, would demonstrate the power of God more evidently when they preached, cast out demons and anointed the sick for healing. And it certainly was evident (v12-13).

All of us can find it very challenging to share faith with others who seem to have none. It’s clear from today’s passage that we can expect a closed reaction from some – even close family and friends. But it’s also clear from the experience of the disciples, lives being changed through our Christian witness is not about us, but all about God’s power working through us.

Like them, we need to step out in faith and trust the One who gave His life for us.

A Prayer

Father, if there is anyone to whom You want us to speak about Jesus today, may that opportunity become clear.  Holy Spirit, fill us with Your wisdom and power to speak and act as You would have us, giving all glory to Jesus, in whose name we pray. 

Amen.

Listen to toady's reading and blog post below...

40 Days Blog - Day 12

Mark 6:1-6 - Dangerous Over-Familiarity

 

Jesus wasn’t often surprised, but the lack of faith that met Him in His hometown shocked Him.  Dangerous over-familiarity made the Son of God invisible.

People saw the local carpenter; the brother of a large group of siblings; the son of Mary (no mention of Joseph here, so we presume he had died).  ‘We all know Jesus’, the people of Nazareth chimed.  So, they dismissed Him along with what He said and did (v3).

Even a quick read through Mark’s Gospel will show Jesus always resisted self-advertisement.  The fact that He was fully human as well as divine meant that anyone could look at Him and only see ‘just another guy’.  Today’s passage shows us that the problem lay not with Jesus, but with those who watched Him.  When people lacked faith to ask Jesus for help, His true identity remained hidden from them.

Today is western society many people have ‘moved on’ from Jesus, some to try more ‘exotic spiritualities’.  We all know people who grew up in the church but who no longer show any interest in Jesus.  We also know others who just roll their eyes when Jesus is mentioned.  If we are serious about sharing a living faith with them, we need to show in our lives the reality of the Risen Jesus, not just talk about it.  Whenever we are tempted to try to impress; we may end up concealing rather than revealing Jesus’ love.

Jesus knew the real challenge of living God’s way in His hometown (v4).  So, if we find it hard to be Christlike where we live, we can take heart.  Let’s not give up praying for the Spirit’s guidance to show us the way.

The inhabitants of Nazareth let over-familiarity with Jesus blind them to who He was. We need to make sure we don’t fall into the trap of over-familiarity with other people.  If we do, we can end up dismissing them as lost causes when it comes to matters of faith and forget that nothing is impossible for Jesus.

A Prayer

Father, help us to see others as Jesus sees them.  Help us to love others as Jesus loves them.  Open our hearts to the guidance of the Spirit, so we know when to speak and when to listen; we know when to reach out and when to hold back.

Help us to pray consistently for the people we meet regularly where we live, as well as our families and friends.  Work in their hearts and minds and reveal to them who Jesus really is. 

Amen.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

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.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

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.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...

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.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...
 

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.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...
  

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.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below... 

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?

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...
  

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?

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...
  

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.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...
  

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

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...
  

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.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...
  

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.

Listen to today's reading and blog post below...