Mark 6

 Good morning and welcome back! I hope you all had a relaxing weekend and had an opportunity to bask in the limited sunshine that we had!

There are some tough stories in this chapter with some difficult outcomes! Hope you're ready!

First story- Jesus left Nazareth as a carpenter and returns a while later as a rabbi with his own disciples and preaching about God's kingdom and healing! No wonder people were talking about him! The comment (v 3), "He is just a carpenter..." illustrates the people are really wondering how he got his theological training! Many people, especially in Rome, point to Jesus' occupation as a discredit to the message Jesus was teaching. Does it matter that Jesus was a carpenter or not? How do you feel about the statement of discrediting his message? They way I see it-- God was a builder, a creator, and so was Jesus!"The son of Mary" (v 3) is also a slam against Jesus; men were never referenced as the son or their mother- they were always referenced as the son of their father; plus, the rumor mill had been active that Joseph wasn't really the father, so she must have had an affair! There is then a listing of brothers and the comment of sisters; the author of Mark definitely puts out the question of Mary's permanent virgin status. Some denominations hold this (perpetual virginity) to high standards. Does the fact that Mary had other children bother you? Should it?

The town basically rejects Jesus and Jesus comments with (v4), A prophet is welcomed every where except his hometown." Jesus accepts the rejection as the price a prophet must pay. Look back at other prophets from the Hebrew texts- many of them were rejected for their words' people don't want to hear what God has to say! A surprising comment for me was that Jesus was unable to perform miracles- and only was able to do a few healings! The final statement (v 6) is that Jesus was amazed (some translations say marveled) at their lack of faith. Would Jesus marvel at your faith or your "un-faith"?

Jesus picks up and doesn't let this incident bother him. He goes to others towns to teach and heal. He has a mission and that mission is very obvious in Mark's gospel.

Jesus sends out the twelve in pairs, reminding them to take nothing. There was a rule for rabbis that when they entered the temple or synagogue, they were to have nothing with them. The idea was to avoid the appearance of being pre-occupied with anything other than God. I know the feeling. When I am at church prepping for the beginning of worship, I like to have just my Bible and notes out, so that when people come in, they see me working for God, not for something else. The disciples were told to take nothing and be dependent on God for provisions (v 8). How would it look if even the preachers doubted God would provide! The goal of the disciples was persuasive teaching, and if people listened, the disciples would stay and teach more. If the people didn't listen, they would leave-- no harm, no foul. How does that settle with you? Would you expect them to try harder? How do you respond when people don't agree or people don't listen to your witness of God?

The next story (vv 14-29), about the death of John the Baptist- is a great story, although it seems odd to have it in this sequence other than to bring up Herod and the mystery of Jesus! Jesus is becoming well known, but people are confused as to who Jesus is-- Elijah, just a prophet, John resurrected. Herod is surprised that hey say John, because Herod had John beheaded!

The disciples come back (we don't know how long they were gone) and they are excited to talk with Jesus but the crowds are too extensive. Jesus invites them to go to a quiet place with him so they can eat and rest and talk, but the people ran after them (vv 30- 34). I like this commentary about how Jesus cared for his disciples and wanted them to rest. What does that say to us about rest? Jesus recognizes the people were like sheep without a shepherd (v 34) so he begins to care for them as a shepherd would care for sheep. It was late and the disciples said we should send these people away (v 35- 36). How many times do we hear that when we have a ministry/ mission idea! Does that bother you that the disciples wanted to send the people away? Does it bother you when people in the church want to send others away? I like Jesus' response- "You do something about it!" (v 37). You do it! How many times have you heard this from Jesus? From others? The disciples questions Jesus' request (I don't know if it was a snarky response or a legitimate question, v 37b). Jesus asks them to gather the bread and fish that are in the crowd and have the people sit in the grass (like sheep waiting to be fed).  Jesus then looks to God (as in our communion liturgy) and blesses the food and gives it out to all the people. And they were fed until they were satisfied (v 42, some translations say full). Not just a snack, not just something to hold you over until you get home- but satisfied! That's how Jesus is- fills us until we are full or satisfied, Jesus doesn't leave us hungry!

Jesus ultimately sends the crowds home and the disciples to the boat to start their journey to Bethsaida (v 45). Jesus then goes to a quiet place to pray (v 46); a busy, exhausting day with thousands of people, and Jesus takes time to pray. I know I have had days that are so exhausting that I don't feel like reading the Bible or praying! Jesus' exhaustion sent him to pray not away from prayer! The disciples are struggling to get across the sea because of the winds. How many times have you struggled because of the "winds" going against you? Jesus comes to the rescue as He walks across the sea and gets into the boat with them (in Matthew 14:28-31 we know Peter walks out to Jesus). Jesus will come to the rescue!

Back in Gennesaret, people recognize Jesus (from the demons named Legion in chapter 5). Their response seems different now. They bring people to be healed, just to touch Jesus. How has our interpretation/ understanding of Jesus changed throughout your years?

Some really great stories! Glad we are doing this.

I hope you have a good day and find peace.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 5

 The first story today is one we have heard several times, I'm sure! The demon possessed man has been shunned to the caves far outside of town but when Jesus came the man came immediately- Jesus didn't seek him out. So, does Jesus seek out people or does Jesus wait for people to come? The demons address Jesus with "Jesus, Son of the Most High God" (v 7); in ancient times- there was an idea that if you knew and said an individuals entire name- you could gain spiritual control over them. In essence, the demon was trying to control Jesus! Oh was Legion in for it! (a Roman Legion is 6000 troops- not that the man had 6000 demons inside, but there were many). Think of the "demons" that we have in us! The demons wold rather be in pigs than be sent into the abyss and not have any effect on anything (vv 10- 13); the pigs eventually ran off the cliff- showing us the destructive power of Satan. The man was "cured" and the people of the town were afraid of Jesus (v 17). People are more afraid of what Jesus would do to them than a crazy, demon possessed man living in the caves near their town! What does this say about the nature of people? The man wanted to leave with Jesus, but Jesus refused. The man had a more important ministry to do- go to town and report what had happened and declare the greatness and mercy of God (vv 18- 20)! We all have that important ministry- to witness to God's mercy and grace- are we doing that?

Jesus returns to the other side (the Jewish side) of the Sea of Galilee and is met by Jairus, a temple leader (like a priest). The request is to heal his daughter. Jairus had faith that Jesus could do it, but that Jesus needed to be present in the house for the healing to happen. They are interrupted by the woman with the hemorrhage issue. Due to her issue, she had been ostracized from the community and was unable to worship; she had no touch (if she touched anyone, then they would be unclean too), and we remember from Luke's interpretation that she had spent all her money on physicians. The woman thought that if she could just touch Jesus' clothes that she would be healed. What does that tell us about her faith? What about our faith in light of this story? She was healed and cold feel the difference in her body (v 29). Jesus has the ability to heal us inside- our spirit, our soul, our entire being. Jesus then calls her out. Imagine the fear that she might have felt,; she didn't ask permission, she didn't acknowledge Jesus, she was somewhat subversive in her actions. Jesus used this moment as a teaching moment about faith and what faith can do. How does this make you feel in our recent discussions about faith and how shaky our faith is at times? In my translation, Jesus calls her "dear woman" (v 34), but some translations say "Daughter". How would this have made her feel?

Bad news follows for Jairus-- his daughter is dead. Imagine his anger at Jesus for "wasting time" with this woman; imagine Jairus' possible disgust at the woman for interrupting their travel to his house to heal his daughter. Jesus responds with "Don't be afraid; just believe." (v 36) How many times has Jesus said this to you? Have you done it?! They get to the house and Jesus takes his "inner circle" of disciples (Peter, James, John) and mom and dad to the girl's room. Why only Peter, James, and John? Jesus revives the girl. Interesting point that I just noticed-- the girl was 12 years old (v 42) and the woman had a bleeding problem for 12 years (v 25). Notice the differences (yet similarities) in these two stories: Jairus- well know, priest; Woman- ostracized from her community. Jairus- probably wealthy; Woman- probably poor. Jairus- publicly asked Jesus to help; Woman- secretly obtained help from Jesus. Jairus' daughter- healed in secrecy; Woman healed publicly. Jesus responded to Jairus after a delay; Jesus responds to the woman immediately. Jesus' work is the same for both people- yet different. If Jesus can touch each need personally in these stories, Jesus can touch our needs too!

It has been a good week. Thanks for the comments and keeping up with the readings; I know it may be tough, but we are doing it! Remember- we are taking weekends off from the reading plan. Enjoy the weekend and I will talk with you all on Monday when we discuss chapter 6!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 4

 Jesus often used a boat as a pulpit; it gave him space away from people, the acoustics were probably heightened, and the view for the people watching would have been great! I imagine some of the religious authority were having a fit because Jesus was doing something that just wasn't supposed to be done! We hear our first parable (vv 3- 8), an intimate weaving of  daily life with spiritual truth. The parable of the sower- or maybe more correctly- the parable of the soils (as it is the soil, not the sower, that determines the harvest). I think we can all identify people that correspond to the different soils that Jesus talks about. I know I can! What type of soil are you? What is your harvest like?

It seems like the disciples didn't get the point of the parable (v 10). I wonder if the people understood? When I am teaching/preaching, I often wonder, "Are they getting this?" Jesus' parables can be taken in at many different levels; depending on your career/occupation- you hear different aspects to the parables, but to really understand the spiritual aspect, you need to dig deep and think about the "key" Jesus gives you. V 14- Jesus says, "The sower is like a person who plants God's message in people." Ah-ha! Now the lights come on! Jesus uses parables so the hearer can dig deep and find truth-- or turn away (v 12). Do you always understand the parables the first time you hear them?

As Jesus explains the parable to the disciples, I look at his explanation through the lens of preacher/teacher. Preachers are often critiqued for "not doing a good job" in explaining or sharing a message, but maybe it is how well the congregation listens, not how good the preacher preaches! On a typical Sunday, I can see who gets it, who is struggling, who has too much on their mind, who is still tired from a late Saturday night, who is attending to get their check mark...I, as a preacher, am in each of those categories at different times too!

The next story is somewhat of a follow-up to the parable of the soils. If you have the Light, don't hide it; put it out there (vv 21- 23)! By its nature, Light is hard to contain- so let it out! Do we sometimes keep the Light hidden or do we always let that light shine? When we understand God's word, we then become accountable to it (v 24), passing it on to others. Are you good at passing on the message of God to others? And our spiritual growth gathers momentum (v 25), The more we know, the more we understand, the more we get to tell others! How does that fit in your life?

In the next commentary about seeds (vv 26- 29), the way the seed grows is like the kingdom of God and our faith. Seeds just seem to grow, God's kingdom and our faith "just seem to grow" with care and nurturing by those around us. Those seeds of faith are planted in us and it is the work of the Holy Spirit that causes them to grown and develop and mature into seeds for others. I have used John 12:24 in some of the funerals I have officiated: "I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat." (Contemporary English Version). How is your harvest going? How is your sowing going?

It seems like Mark adds a disclaimer after the mustard seed parable (vv 33- 34) Jesus uses parables- sometimes people get it, sometimes they don't but Jesus always explains the parables to the disciples when they are alone. I wonder why Jesus doesn't explain the parables to the people?

I just noticed an interesting statement that Jesus used (v 35); Jesus says to the disciples, "Let's go to the other side of the lake..." Jesus doesn't say "Let's get caught in a storm and perish." Jesus'promise to us its, let's go and survive! In addition, the author says (v 36), "They took Him just as he was." Tired, dirty, sweaty after a full day of preaching, probably hungry, maybe a little cranky from being so exhausted. Do we take Jesus as He is, or do we tr to fit Jesus into some kind of human-made mold of who we think Jesus should be? The storm kicks up, and Jesus is asleep. He is exhausted and even though he had things to worry about (Pharisees are angry at him, worry about the crowds and their needs, worry about what the future brings, etc), Jesus grabs a nap! What signal does that send to us?! It was the voices of the disciples that woke Jesus, not the wind, not the water crashing over the sides of the boat, not the rain, not the rocking of the boat...the voices. Similar to a sleeping mom (or dad) that nothing can awaken them- except the voice of their child in the next room! We are always on Jesus' radar! It seems like the disciples are angry with Jesus (v 38) saying "Don't you care?" How often do we use those same words, Jesus, don't you care about us? The final commentary by Jesus is about his friends, not the storm (v 40). Jesus could have commented, "Yikes, that was a crazy storm!" but comments "Do you still have no faith?" The most disturbing part of this story (for Jesus), is the lack of faith of his disciples! How would Jesus respond to us? Does Jesus use the same commentary... "Do you still have no faith?" We may feel like we are in a small fishing boat in the middle of a great storm; we may feel like we are on the Titanic, going down; we may feel like we can't make it-- but Jesus is there in the boat with us!

Chapter 5 tomorrow- short- but two very important stories for us to unpack!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 3

 I really like how Mark starts with "Another tie when Jesus went to the synagogue..." (v 1), indicating to us that Jesus was a regular for attendance at worship! I sometimes forget that point! Jesus meets the man with the withered hand, but God's grace/ mercy allowed him (the man) to use his feet to get to worship! How many times do people not attend church for something minor, and this man still comes even with a bad hand! The religious authority knew Jesus was going to heal, that's why they were there! They were watching carefully, so they had expectations of healing-- they knew about Jesus but they didn't know  him. Are we like that sometimes-- we know about Jesus, but don't know Jesus? Then Jesus comes out with "the question"- Should I do good or do bad on the Sabbath?! John Wesley ("founder" of Methodism) is attributed to saying, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can..." I think Jesus would agree! We see a side of Jesus that people don't often think about (v 5), Jesus was angry, probably at the hardness of the hearts of the men that were watching Jesus. Jesus was trying to change their hearts and get them to understand, but they refused. Does Jesus get angry at us because of our (sometimes) cold hearts?

The crowds came; many towns in the list of places are from a great distance, possibly indicating "the entire world" came to see Jesus. Did they come to hear him or did they come for healing and miracles? It is good to come and be healed, but, like the religious authority from the first story, we need to know Jesus too! The demons knew Jesus, and by calling his name "Son of God" they are attempting to control Jesus! Jesus responds "Don't tell them who I am" (v 12) Jesus wants people to know his message before they know who he really is (my thoughts).

Aside from the crucifixion and resurrection, the selection of the 12 disciples is probably Jesus' most important act. These are the people that would carry out Jesus' message after Jesus' ascension. Jesus' inner circle would be with him at all times listening and learning about God's kingdom- more so  than any other person. Out of the 12 men selected (12= number of tribes of Israel), we know and hear much about Peter, James, John, and Judas; we know some about Phillip and Andrew; the rest of the disciples we don't really now much about. I am sure they did great works, but we don't know about them. Their recognition came in Paradise, I am sure! My personal belief is that I don't need recognition here on earth for something that I should be doing. Many times I have said, "Just doing my job" with the idea that we all should be doing good, it is expected and I don't really need recognition for something that is expected from me! Some people question why Judas was chosen, if Jesus knew the ultimate "goal" of Judas. My question would be, why was I chosen?!

Jesus performs another exorcism, and the Pharisees respond (v 22) with "He must have Beelzebul living in him." Jesus responds with (my translation), "If I were Satan, why would I force out demons from others- that defeats my purpose!" A house divided cannot stand. Abraham Lincoln used this verse in his June 16, 1858 acceptance speech as Illinois Senator. How does this relate to our current political division in the country?

Why did Jesus' mother and brothers come (v 31)? Maybe to see Jesus? Maybe to take him home, thinking he really was possessed (see Mark 3:21)? Where was Joseph? We don't ever hear of Joseph again after Jesus' birth. How did his brothers respond to Jesus' "fame" and "mission"? Did Jesus have sisters? Some theologians question if Jesus had siblings, to maintain the perpetual virginity of Mary. Whatever the case, it seems like Jesus' family had no special privileges compared to the other people gathered. How does this settle with you? Then a huge sweeping invitation to all gathered there, even the Pharisees..."Whoever does what God wants is my brother and my sister." (v 35) Many clergy address their people as "brothers and sisters" Does this statement from Jesus help you understand that? Do you feel as sister or brother to Jesus?

Chapter 4 is next- and we will see/hear some of the familiar parable that Jesus uses in the other Gospels. 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 2

 I love the first story of this chapter- the paralyzed man and his four friends. I have read this a few times, but V 5 really sticks out to me. It was the faith of the friends that Jesus noticed first. and the author uses the words "When Jesus saw their faith..." Do we live our faith bold enough that people can SEE it? Do you have friends like the man had...ones that would lift you through a roof for healing? Are you a good friend like the men mentioned? Willing to do something great for another? And the other words Jesus said were to the man, "Your sins are forgiven." Jesus knew that the sins of the man were in greater need of "repair" and forgiveness than his inability to walk. The man's real problem was the sin, not the inability to walk. The Pharisees have a fit (v 6-7) and ask, "Who is this guy- only God can forgive sin!" Umm...yah...that's the point here! Only the second chapter and the Pharisees are already starting to question Jesus!

Jesus selects Levi/Matthew as his next disciple (vv 13-14). Levi was a tax collector and for him to follow Jesus was a big deal. Tax collector positions were very difficult to obtain, they paid good money (although many people disliked you and didn't trust you), and you had the backing of the Roman government. Compare to Peter, James, and John-- they were "just" fishermen- a job they could easily regain if Jesus failed. How much are you willing to give up (or did you give up) to follow Jesus? Have you ever thought of following Jesus in these terms?

Jesus really upsets that apple cart by eating with the tax collectors and sinners (vv 15-16). I mean, really? How could Jesus do that?! I love Jesus' response (v 17)...the healthy people don't need the doctor! I have had several people in my time at Little Meadows respond to me (after I invite them to join us), "I could never go to church- I am too bad!" My response is usually something like, "The church is full of sinners!" What do you think about Jesus' response to the Pharisees? Jesus eating with the tax collectors and sinners is a signal for us to build friendships and relationships with "those people." Have you done that? Can you do that?

The story of the wedding guests and the feast (vv 18- 20) has so many levels to dig through. Traditional wedding feast were up to a week long (or more). Lots of food, dancing, wine, fun. For Jews, joy during this week was more important than following the law, so rabbis would exclude wedding guests from fasting and other dietary laws during their celebration. That is what Jesus is talking about in v 19. This is also a reference to the next story about new cloth and old cloth. Jesus will establish a new covenant with people (more on that in a bit). On a second level, Jesus is talking about himself and the church. Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom and the church is often referred to as the bride. So, in v 20, when Jesus talks about he bridegroom being gone- the reference is to himself at the crucifixion. I assume the people didn't understand the second deeper meaning of this story- but do you think they may have reflected on it after Jesus' death?

The nest brief story, about new cloth and old cloth (vv 21-22) is similar to the story in Luke we read. Again, this is a reference by Jesus to the new covenant that will be established. The old Levitical and Mosaic laws will no longer be important; the new covenant will take priority. People wouldn't understand that, so Jesus uses the clothing/ wineskin repair example. If anyone has patched clothing, you know you never use new material because it will shrink and change shape as it is washed- in comparison to the old material it is attached to. This will be my message on January 17- "Something New" Part of a series I am doing called "What I learned from Luke."

The last set of verses in the chapter are a common theme that we will see throughout the Gospels. The Sabbath was a holy and sacred day of rest and recovery. Jesus will be called out several times, by the Pharisees, for healing and helping people on the Sabbath. Jesus will always respond (my translation), "Help people when they need help- show mercy at all times."

Enjoy the day and the readings. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 1

 No birth narrative! No family history! No deep philosophy about the Word and the Light! Mark starts immediately with Jesus' baptism (history suggests Jesus was about 30 when he was baptized). Baptism was a ritual performed by Jews, typically when Gentiles converted to Judaism; when a Jew was baptized, in essence they were saying "I am as far away from God as a Gentile is and I need to get right with God." The Jewish faith has many ceremonial washings, so this baptism was not unique to this story. The uniqueness is when the dove descends form heaven and God's booming voice says "This is my Son, whom I love!" (1:11) Jesus was baptized not because he was a sinful many, but because he was identifying with the sins of man. Christians have adopted the act of baptism as we invite members to be part of the body of Christ and the redemption that Christ has to offer. I have had the opportunity to baptize many people in my tenure at Little Meadows; I cant begin to explain the feelings I have when I perform the baptism liturgy-- warmth, God, peace, calm, love-- it is such a great feeling. Do  you remember your baptism? How do you feel when you witness a baptism? When is the last time you looked at the baptismal covenant in the UMH (or whatever book of worship you use)?

After Jesus' baptism, the Spirit drives Jesus into the desert (v 12), but there is no story about what happened (typical of Mark- we are left to think about what may have happened). Jesus was in the desert 40 days (40 symbolic of testing or judgement- Noah's flood was 40 day and 40 nights, Moses kept sheep for 40 years, Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years...). If you didn't know of the temptation story in the three other Gospels, what would you assume happened to Jesus with just Mark's commentary?

John is imprisoned (v14), again no story why, and Jesus goes into Galilee to preach (also v 14)! We don't often hear Jesus as preacher- we hear him (in the other Gospels) as healer and as teacher, but not as preacher. Have you ever thought of Jesus as preacher? The people were looking for a kingdom (v 15) to replace the Roman empire, but that wasn't the kingdom Jesus was preaching about- Mark says that Jesus was preaching about "the Good News!" The people had to change their ways (repent) to be admitted to this kingdom. How might the people have responded to Jesus saying this? How do we respond when we hear this?!

Jesus selects Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, and John to be the first disciples (vv 16- 20). Common people, hard working, ordinary-- and then Jesus comments, "I will make you fish for people." Jesus equips those selected; Jesus didn't pick the best, those that already knew how to fish for people-- Jesus picked the people and then taught. We use the same statement often "God equips the chosen." You have been chosen- do you feel equipped? How has God equipped you to do ministry?

The men move to Capernaum and Jesus "amazes" the people by his teaching-- he taught like he had authority (v 22)! Jesus did have the authority to teach! He knew what he was talking about  and he believed in what he was talking about-- not like the teachers of the day! Examine your "teachers of the day"-- do they teach with authority or conviction? Do they seem to be dedicated and committed to their teachings?

Immediately (typical of Mark...and then this happened...), Jesus heals a demon possessed man, and the people were amazed (vv 23- 28). The demons knew Jesus, they even called him out by name (v 24) calling Jesus "God's Holy One" (New Century Version). Do we recognize Jesus as God's Holy One? All Jesus has to say is "Be quiet and get out of the man." No elaborate rituals, no hocus-pocus like the exorcists of the day, no long liturgy, no magic- just "Get out!" People were beginning to see something different about Jesus that they hadn't seen in other religious leaders of their time. 

"As soon as Jesus left the synagogue...(v 29)" (again, immediacy in Mark), Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law. The words used in my Bible (New Century Version) describe basic, simple mechanics: 
walked to her, took her hand, helped her up-- and the fever left" (v 31). Jesus cares about the individual and doesn't need the crowds around to promote himself. She then begins serving him. Do we do that when we are healed by Jesus-- immediately begin serving Him-- or do we just go on with our life?

Early the next morning (v 35) Jesus goes to a solitary (or lonely) place to pray. Even Jesus needs time with God. What does this verse say to us? How often do we start our days with prayer? Real prayer? Do we do it in a solitary (lonely) place or is it in the middle of our chaotic world?

The disciples come looking for Jesus; the crowds want more. Jesus responds- "let us go to another town so I can preach there." (v 38) Two points here-- Jesus cares about getting the word out and cares about others, and Jesus didn't want to ride the tide of popularity. He could have well stayed there and did lots more work, but decided to go somewhere else and spread the news of God's kingdom. Why do people like to ride on the tide of popularity? 

Leprosy is an awful disease, basically starting out as small red spots that turn white as your skin starts to slough off, followed by hair loss, followed by rotting away of skin, muscle, teeth, etc.. The man begs Jesus for healing, with the honest statement- "If you will." (v 40). People avoided lepers as much as possible, ignoring them and shunning them to the outer gates of the towns. Jesus, with compassion, reaches out and touches the man and he is healed (vv 41- 42). What does this say about Jesus? He could have just used words, but he touched this hideous man. Touch is an important sensation, and with the advancement of the man's leprosy, he probably hadn't been touched in a long time. With all our COVID restrictions, can you begin to feel how the man must have felt, to have a simple touch from Jesus! Jesus has the man go to the priest a present himself. The priest would have had to look up the ritual from cleansing a leper, as they were never healed from leprosy. This would have been a great witness to the authority of Jesus. How do we witness to the authority of Jesus? Jesus requests that the man not tell anyone of this, but of course he goes out and starts telling. What might be called "Well-intentioned disobedience" really was a hindrance to Jesus as he was now becoming overwhelmed with people! Have you ever thought of Jesus becoming overwhelmed?

So, to recap chapter one of Mark. John, Jesus' baptism, temptation from Satan, picking disciples, preaching in the synagogue, an exorcism, healing Simon's mother-in-law, healing may others, time for prayer and then healing the leper! I am exhausted just from this-- but very typical of Mark's style!

Have a great day, enjoy the beauty of the snow we received last night and enjoy the beauty of God's words to us!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Some Background on Mark

 Good Morning and welcome to our new and exciting journey-- reading the New Testament in a year! I am looking forward to this and I hope you are too. I will provide some background information for each of the books we will be reading; that may help understand why certain material was written- or why some material was not written! Remember, especially with the Gospels, each of these manuscripts were written with a specific purpose to a specific audience at a specific time. The events of the day and the culture of the time was very important to the authors and we need to try to understand that as well.

Mark was probably the first written Gospel, around 65 to 70AD; the Jews were at war with the Romans; Roman persecution of "Christians" was rampant and Peter, Paul, and several other prominent leaders had been executed. We are not really sure who wrote this Gospel; Mark was a very common name, but there is some strong indication that the author was a Mark that associated with Peter and much of these writings are actually interpretations of Peter's account. There are some indications that the author was a good friend of Paul, as much of the verbiage used is similar to many of the Pauline epistles.

Regardless, what we do know is Mark was a devout "Christian" and is writing to people who already know the basic message of Jesus and Christianity. His audience is probably Roman Christians. Mark probably didn't know Jesus personally, but wasn't too far removed from those who did know Jesus. 

Mark's Gospel reads like an evening newscast-- many stories, told very quickly, with a great sense of urgency. Mark's writing is quite simplistic and not very detailed, unlike Matthew and Luke, and certainly not as philosophical as John's Gospel. Much of Mark is duplicated in Matthew and Luke.

A great deal of Mark is the account of Jesus' passion. The 19th century scholar Martin Kahler described Mark's Gospel as "a passion narrative with an extended introduction."The cross is central to the work of Mark and this seems to be a central underlying theme to the book. Jesus was active in ministry, but Mark's ultimate goal for Jesus is to give His life as ransom. 

Let's get started!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

(Reference: Introducing the New Testament, Mark Allan Powell; Baker Academics, 2009)