Mark 13

 This is a quite difficult chapter to understand with conversation of the rapture near the end of the chapter. It is hard because we don't know exactly when and we don't know exactly how! The events of this chapter are likely happening on Wednesday of Holy week as the next chapter (chapter 14) tells us about the Passover meal.

We begin this chapter with the admiration of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple took Herod (and others) approximately 80 years to construct! It was a marvel for all to see...but that began to be the problem. The Temple itself was becoming more important than God in the view of many people. People began to worship the Temple proper. Do you think people today sometimes worship the church building more than God? Jesus foretells the destruction of the Temple (v 2) which does happen in the fall of Jerusalem by Rome some 40 years later. 

The disciples ask Jesus later in the day when this will happen and what will be signs of this happening (vv 3-4). Jesus doesn't answer their first question (although He does in Luke 21:8-23), and his second answer takes the remainder of chapter 13, using a historical perspective.  Jesus warns of false prophets and messiahs coming- that isn't the sign. Jesus warns of war and impending destruction- that isn't the sign. There will be global pandemics and hunger- that isn't the sign. Many people today are looking at the weather patterns the last year or so and the COVID pandemic as signs of the rapture...but these are not the signs! How does that settle with you? Jesus says the thing that must happen is everyone must know of the "Good News" (v 10). Persecution and hate and mistrust do not exempt you from preaching the Gospel (v 9), you are to go out and tell everyone. Are you? Jesus warns that life will get bad, things will get crazy, families may even turn against each other (vv 12- 13) but of you keep te faith and keep teaching- you will have salvation. 

The sign, according to Jesus (v 14) is the "abomination of desolation" which is referred to in Daniel 11:31, "Forces sent by him shall occupy and profane the temple and fortress. They shall abolish the regular burnt offering and set up the abomination that makes desolate." (NRSV). The essence is that the Temple becomes so desecrated with idols, sacrifices of unclean animals (pigs) and brothels in the courtyard, that the Jews abandon it. When you see that happening-it is time! It is time for the Tribulation (vv 15- 22) - God unleashes God power and anger on the earth, a time period of such great calamity and carnage will occur. The saving grace (v 27) is that Jesus will send angels to rescue those that believe wholeheartedly that Jesus is God. I don't know about you- but this sounds scary!

Once we begin to see these signs of the tribulation (v 29), we will know that the rapture is coming. However, Jesus then goes on to say, "all these things will happen while the people of this generation are still living" (V 30). What generation? People of the day were thinking this return of Christ would happen in their life time...we are still waiting 20000 years later!

Jesus tells the people to stay on the watch, that even he didn't know when this would happen....only God would know (v 32). Does this upset you that Jesus doesn't even know when this will happen? The remaining parable (vv 34- 35) reminds us to stay alert and always be on the watch. Always be ready. Always be on the lookout. Always be doing God's work. Are you ready?

I hope the events and commentary didn't upset anyone too much. Stay faithful to God!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 12

This chapter covers late Tuesday and/or maybe early Wednesday of Holy Week. Remember, chapter 11 started on Monday and went to Tuesday. There is no real clear indication of time in this chapter, but chapter 14 (I know this is only chapter 12) has the story of the Passover meal.

We begin Chapter 12 with a relatively familiar (?) story. Just to clarify: the vineyard is a Hebrew Bible reference to Israel, so the vines were the people of Israel, and the vine-dressers were the rulers of the Israel world. The "servants" were the prophets that came to prophecy (Jeremiah, Isaiah, Daniel, etc) -- but nobody would listen. The son was the Son (Jesus). The vine-dressers could either accept the Son or refuse the Son (which we know they did). The vineyard owner (God), once hearing what happened to the Son (vv 9-11), gave the vineyard to other farmers (the Gentiles). The Jews were the original "chosen ones" but in their rejection of Jesus, the Gentiles became the chosen people. How does that settle with you? What would have happened had the Jews accepted Jesus?

The Pharisees try o trick Jesus to turn the crowd against him (vv 13- 17)...if Jesus agreed with the Roman government, then maybe the people would be upset enough so the Pharisees could arrest Jesus! I really giggle at the statements of flattery (v 14) the Pharisees use to "honor" Jesus! Does flattery work? Are you surprised the Pharisees used that method? People paid many taxes to Rome, and they hated it! They were funding their oppression and the injustices that Rome initiated against (especially) the Jews. "Should you pay taxes?" (v 15) If Jesus says yes, then Rome wins because Jesus would have essentially denounced God's rule over Israel; if Jesus says no, Rome wins again because they find him as an enemy of Rome and arrest Jesus. It seems like Jesus is in a no win situation! I love Jesus' response (v 15b) (my translation) "Come on guys- really?!" Ultimately, we hear the words from Jesus (v 17), "Give unto Caesar.." Jesus is saying we can be citizens of both Rome and God. If we benefit from the government, then pay the taxes, but also do the work for God's empire. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive- government and God. Jesus is saying, "Give the coin to Caesar, give your life to God." Can we do that? Do we do that? The Pharisees walk away grumbling and murmuring (I assume).

Sadducees (vv 18- 27) were well educated, influential and wealthy. They did not believe in resurrection (that is why they were 'sad, you see'), spirits or angels. Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 25:5-6) established lavirate marriage (levir- Latin for brother-in-law); if a man dies before having children with his wife, the brother was to take the wife and create an heir for the dead brother.They ask a somewhat absurd question- expecting maybe to trick Jesus or trip him up. Jesus essentially says (vv 24-27) that heaven and the resurrected world is different than the world we live in. Jesus says that resurrection is real (v 26) (I am the God of... not I was the God of...) but that the new life will be a mystery until we get there.It doesn't answer our questions- but it should help us trust God?

Another question to stump Jesus (v 28) and Jesus responds with the essence of the laws....to love God. From this, we see that what God really wants from us is love. Is that too hard for us to do?

Jesus then turns the tables some and asks the Pharisees and Saducees a question (vv 35-36) , "Do you really know who I am?" (my translation). If the Pharisees and Saducees were as smart as they said, they wold know that Jesus was both the root of David and the offspring of David! I like v 37, "The crowds listened with pleasure..." I see the crowds looking at the Pharisees and Saducees with a "Yah, now how you gonna answer that" face! With a snide smile too!

Jesus moves to "warning" of the Saducees (vv 38- 40). They are disciples who educate and teach. But Jesus warns of their hypocrisy= looking/ wanting recognition, demanding priority, seeking the best, acting as if they were "holier than thou" but they weren't really. It was mostly show. How many people do you know are like that? Are you like that?

The final story is tough for us. The concern God has is how we give, not how much we give. The rich men flaunted what they gave, whereas the widow was meek and mild. In today's standards, a mite (the copper coins)  may equal $1, so the woman gave $2.She gave sacrificially; they gave out of excess. The spirit of the gift is more important than the "value" of the gift. I wonder how many people judge others during the offering when actually cash is put in (rather than covered in envelopes)? God doesn't need our money-- God needs our hearts!

Mark 11

 The chapter begins with Palm Sunday.

Although it may seem like it by reading Mark, this is not Jesus' first trip to Jerusalem. As a devout Jew he was there several other times for Passover and other temple festivals. Notice Jesus has the disciples obtain a colt (v 2) rather than an adult horse. A "real king" would have ridden in on a stallion and be ready to fight. But the disciples don't question his request! The colt was symbolic of peace. Either Jesus had made pre-arrangements or Jesus assumed the town people would know Jesus was asking for the colt (v 3) from his comment "Tell them the Master needs it."Jesus seems so calm; there seems to be little anxiety...if only the disciples knew. 

The Palm Sunday procession begins. This all seems so right after the hate and contempt from the Pharisees (and probably others). If Jesus were to ride through your town today, would he get the same reception? Everyone was shouting and praising Jesus, acknowledging that he was the coming king. For much of Jesus' time, he told people not to call him messiah, not to acknowledge his works- today he is accepting of the praise. This is Jesus' triumphant entry to Jerusalem- triumphant- for a king. People were expecting Jesus to throw over the ruling powers. The reception Jesus received was in preparation for the great battle that was to be fought- after all- Jesus was to save them from the Roman empire! Remember this parade and triumphant entry- as you know...it will change in a few days!

Jesus leaves Jerusalem and goes to Bethany- just outside the city, up on a hill. He looks down over Jerusalem. There are a few summits in the Catskills that you can see the near by town when you are at the top. I have been to a few. It is a breathtaking experience and I often think about the town and what's going on there. This is what Jesus was doing, but also knowing that in a few days he will be crucified. Courage, strength, determination. I wonder what the  disciples are thinking at this point in the day- after all, Jesus was to overthrow the empire...he was a king!

The next morning (Monday) they awaken and we get the confusing parable/story of the fig tree! (We had this story in Luke; I will be teaching on it on January 31). Typically, when fig trees are in leaf, they also have fruits- so this tree was essentially saying "Hey, my leaves are out- so I have fruits" (but it didn't- false advertising!) The tree was cursed for saying one thing (advertising it had fruit) but doing something different (not having fruit). We know people like that- all talk, no action! God desires fruits from good and healthy plants- how are your trees?

Jesus enters the Temple and gets angry with all the profiteering going on- selling animals for sacrifice at an elevated price, exchanging money for high rates. It is like us getting mad when we go to a ball game or event and pay $6 for a bottle of water that should cost less than $1! And this was done in the Court of the Gentiles- the only place where Gentiles were welcome to worship and pray (vv 17). How may this be similar to our churches- not welcoming of outsiders?

The next morning (Tuesday), as they are walking past the fig tree, the disciples notice that it is withered and dead (v 20-21)! The response from Jesus (v 22) is confusing, but is essentially saying- pray with faith in God and the disciples should have that kind of faith. The essence of these verses is to remind us to have faith and trust in God. Remember Mary's prayer- anything is possible wit God! 

As Jesus and the disciples get to the Temple, the Pharisees ask about Jesus' authority (v 27- 28)! Oh no! Jesus responds with "I will answer your question if you answer mine!" Jesus has been quite bold and courageous coming in to Jerusalem and disrupting the Temple- kind of stirring the pot (as the Pharisees see it). Ever have a newer person come to your church and start doing some things that "stir up the pot"? How do you respond? How does the church respond? The Pharisees get caught (v 30+). If John's authority for baptizing came from God, then John was right about Jesus being the Messiah! If John didn't have authority from God then they would have the whole area rise up against them! It wasn't a trap by Jesus- just a thought question for the Pharisees to realize Jesus was the Messiah! I love their response (v 33), "Oh, never-mind!" This is the response when people have to face the truth at times- they don't want to accept the facts and do what they can to look away. I cold just imagine their grumbling and commentary as they left Jesus! If you ask Jesus for an answer/response- you had better be ready to hear it! 

Some great stories- that we have probably heard often- but it does us good to see them and think about hem in the context of the story of Jesus!

I hope you enjoyed your weekend! Keep reading! You're all doing a great job!!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 10

 Good morning!

We start with a tough question for Jesus- can a man divorce his wife?  The question really focuses on Deuteronomy 24:1- A man can divorce his wife if she is found to be "unclean" But what does uncleanliness mean?! Two camps of thought in Hebrew times- uncleanliness meant sexual impurity for one; the other was anything the man didn't approve of (bad dinner one day, dancing in the street, talking to another man...). The Pharisees were testing (v 2) to see if Jesus would go against Moses (and God's laws through Moses). Jesus' response (v 3) is actually a test for them, "What did Moses command?" Moses (God) didn't command anything- God permitted divorce...big difference in terminology! Divorce was permitted due to "hardness of the heart" (stubborn). Kind of confusing, I know...sorry. Jesus then goes to a discussion about marriage- the problem was not that they didn't understand divorce- they didn't understand marriage! God's plan isn't fulfilled in divorce- it is fulfilled in union! I am going to step out and say here...union between all people is part of that fulfillment too. Two people joined together as one should be stringer that the two individuals alone- that's the perfectness of marriage. Verse 9 adds another level of spirituality..."What God has joined together (not what the clergy joins together!)...marriage is a God thing! 

The disciples ask more questions on this confusing topic. We are missing some information here (see Matthew 19:9). In God's eyes, divorce for sexual immorality is permitted, divorce for other reasons is not...and that's what the disciples are asking about. I know this is a difficult topic with the divorce rate in the United States. 

People bring their children to Jesus (vv 13-14) likely for "dedication" purposes. The idea here is that children love Jesus, Jesus loves children! His followers (disciples) try to stop the parents- Judaic law frowns upon children interacting with adults- but Jesus says to stop. Do we know people that try to prevent kids from coming to Jesus (or to church...think about your church and their acceptance of children).

The rich young man addresses Jesus as "good teacher" (v 17- 18). People never addresses rabbis as good, the word implied sinlessness. This is the only instance of a rabbi being called good (as it should be) and Jesus responds with "Do you really know what you're saying when you call me good?!" The man asks "What do I have to do..." as if getting eternal life was earned. "Justification by faith" is taught to us in Romans 1:17...we can't do anything to earn our way...it is belief. Jesus lists the commandments and the man says, I have done all this. Compassion overcomes Jesus- the man is rich, has made it to the top of the ladder, is probably well known- but still has emptiness in him! The man doesn't know God. Do we know people like that?! Jesus responds with...there is only one more thing you must do...follow me. Too difficult- the man walks away. Again, do we know people like that...following God is too tough?

Jesus then goes on to talk about riches (vv 23- 25+). The essence of these words are to say we can have all the money, and things and riches, but if we don't follow God, we have nothing. The rich man had become too independent, and lost reliability on God. Adults are sometimes like that (referring back to the little children); their faith and belief is unquestioning. We need to have the dependence on God like children have dependence on us. 

Jesus continues his walk to Jerusalem (vv 32- 34) and the followers are amazed and frightened. Amazed at Jesus' courage to face his impending death, frightened at Jesus facing impending death. But they continued to follow. Would you have continued to follow? Jesus brings up the betrayal and handing over to the Gentiles (first time Gentiles have been mentioned in this capacity, and this would have been a great insult- rather than being handed over to Jews). Jesus continues with a description of what would happen. Imagine, if you can, being one of Jesus' disciples and hearing this. I have a hard time now with it-- how must they have felt?

The questions that come from James and John (vv 35- 37) are under the assumption that Jesus is an earthly king and will create an earthly kingdom. James and John wanted literal seats of power. This seems to be a continuation of the question- which among us is the greatest. Jesus responds with (v 38) "You just don't get it!" (my translation). It seems like James and John may get something great (vv 39- 41), and the other ten seem to be angry with the possible movement up the ladder of James and John. 

Jesus continues with the statement (v 43) about greatness and servant-hood. In Jesus' kingdom it isn't wealth, popularity, or social status that is important...humbleness is what counts. How does our society go against that statement? Where are you--- popular and great or servant and humble?

Blind Bartimaeus shouts out to Jesus to heal him (v 46+), The people try to silence him, but he continues. Do you have that persistence in prayer? And he doesn't ask for healing- he asks for mercy! Bartimaeus knows what he needs from God- mercy. Ahh...to have that knowledge! Jesus then asks what Bartimaeus needs, and the response is "to see" (v 51). Don't we all have that request- to see? Bartimaeus regains his vision because he believed (v 52) and Jesus says to go on your way. Bartimaeus follows Jesus. Jesus is the way!

Some really great stories today...with some huge implications for us. We get to Jerusalem on Monday (remember- we take weekends off) with Mark's interpretation of Palm Sunday and the next few chapters focus on Jesus Passion. Probably going to be a tough week hearing some of the stories.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Enjoy the rest of the day and the weekend. 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 9

 The story of the transfiguration is a great story. As many of you know, I enjoy hiking the Catskill mountains and especially enjoy reaching the summit a  having the trees open up and giving me a beautiful view of the valley below. But there is something mysterious about the view-less peaks!

Summit of Bearpen Moutain (3603') in the Catskills

Summit of Vly Mountain (3530') in the Catskills

Anyway- Peter, James, and John (either Jesus' three closest friends or the three guys that would get into the most trouble when Jesus is gone!) start out on a mountain retreat with Jesus that turns into something amazing (like some of my Catskill summits- a regular day with amazing revelations at the peak). The sights these three men see (vv 3-4) are the visions of the Son of God that people expected for Jesus rather than the humble human aspect! Agree or disagree? Comments on that? Remember this story follows (6 days later) the story of Jesus telling the people he must die on the cross. The meeting with Elijah (representing the prophets) and Moses (representing the Law) add to the stunning-ness of the transfiguration. All three- the Law, the Prophets, and the New Covenant- together as one. The text says the three talked. I wonder what they said? Were Elijah and Moses asking questions? Was Jesus preaching? Did Peter, James, and John hear and understand? Peter wants to build some shelters (vv 5-6) and stay here. Forget rejection, suffering, and crucifixion- let's just keep this glory here as long as we can! Can you blame Peter? The Cloud of God comes (many stories in the Hebrew texts use a cloud to cover God- nobody could see God's face or they would surely die (Exodus 33:20) and we hear words reminiscent of Jesus' baptism by John. They just heard Jesus say something similar a few days ago- and now God is telling them essentially the same thing. Do you think they got it now? Instructions from Jesus- don't tell anyone! I don't know about you, but I would have a hard time keeping this quiet!

I have to be honest- I don't really understand the Elijah part- will do more wok on that! Sorry!

They come down from the mountain and run into crowds and controversy. Do you blame Peter for wanting to stay on the mountain? I love the mountains or being on the trail in the woods, but I know when I get back to the truck, I will face the regular problems of life again! All the more reason to hike the Long Path, the Finger Lakes Trail, the Appalachian trail-- longer time away from reality!

From the description (vv 17-18) it seems like the boy might suffer from epilepsy. I hear frustration in Jesus (v 19) as he (in my mind) almost aggressively says to bring the boy here. Can you feel Jesus' frustration mounting from the beginning of the Mark text. He seems more and more anxious now. The father almost questions Jesus' ability (v 19b) with the word "if"! Do we question Jesus' ability at times? Jesus responds with the statement about faith and the man responds with help me have more! The man obviously had some faith- but was asking for more! Lessons for us? Ultimately the spirit is exorcised and the boy is well. Then the disciples ask a tough question (v 28)- Why couldn't we do that? Jesus responds with some tough to hear words (v 29)- "That kind can only be put out with prayer" (some translations say prayer and fasting). The idea here is that prayer and fasting draw us closer to God- tough words for the disciples to hear! Do you hear those same words at times- get closer to God?

Jesus ( vv 30-32) wants quiet time with the disciples so Jesus can re-emphasize the points he made in chapter 8- Jesus must die and will rise again. But they still didn't get it. One would have expected Peter, James, and John to have an epiphany after the transfiguration- but there is no indication here that happened (and Peter is likely the source of most of the information for Mark's gospel!). I feel bad for Jesus and for the disciples- Jesus keeps trying and they keep not getting it!

Jesus then has that "teacher quality" come out (vv 33- 34). Many times in my career, I would hear some jabbering in the room when kids were working; I'd go over and ask- "Hey, what are you kids talking about?!" They say nothing! Those of you that have kids or worked with kids- ever have anyone of them ask you, "Who do you like the most?" The disciples were wondering who was going to be second in charge when Jesus overthrew the government- as a new, upcoming king was expected to do!

Jesus sits- an indication that he will be in teaching mode (rabbis would sit when they taught or had an important lesson to say). Jesus challenges them with the least and the most important statement (v 35). Jesus was describing himself when he said the least will be servant to all, so therefore he was the greatest. Where do you see yourself in the least and the greatest story?

John (vv 38) then tries to get another in trouble for doing an exorcism in the name of Jesus. Jesus' response (vv 39- 42) is basically saying- this is not an exclusive club here! You don't need to worry about other people's business- you worry about you. God will settle things out. Do you know people like that in the church- always worried about other people's business? Small acts of kindness will be remembered as much as small acts of evil toward other (v 42+). This reminds me of the song Slow Fade by Casting Crowns. 

Jesus then seems to promote self-mutilation to prevent sin (vv 43- 48), but the point he is trying to make is that leading a sin free life is difficult and full of costly sacrifices. Sin comes from the heart and mind- not the eyes, legs, ears, etc...

I hope you enjoy today's readings and enjoy the day we have been given. Remember- it may be cloudy outside but the SON is always near!

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 8

 We begin with a story very similar to one we just read...a  very large crowd (some translations say 4000 men) that is hungry. Jesus shows compassion (v 2), "I feel sorry for them..." then asks what should we do, hoping that one of the disciples would say, "Hey, you just did this a few days ago, why don't you do the same miracle." But, they didn't! Did they forget? Do we forget what Jesus can do? Jesus asks how much food they (the disciples) have- rather than seeking food from the crowd. They give up the bread, and only after they see the miracle and the bread is distributed- then they give up the fish (v 7). How are we similar-- only giving to God a little bit to see what happens, then trusting with more eventually?

The Pharisees come back, trying to up the ante some by asking for a big miracle- one from God...not the small stuff you have been doing (v 11)! Jesus sighs at their continued unbelief (v 12). Do we hear Jesus sigh sometimes at us? Jesus' response is (my interpretation), "Sorry, no miracle for you! You didn't believe me in the first place, why is one more going to help. Let me go  to the true believers."

Jesus warns of the "yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod" (v 15). In ancient days, a small lump of yesterday's dough was kept and used to leaven today's bread...and the process continued day after day, similar to making sour dough bread. You always keep a small batch of starter for the next batch. Jesus' warning was that the Pharisees and Herod could "infect" the people like the yeast would "infect" the bread dough. Jesus was warning them about the evilness of the Pharisees and Herod toward Jesus. Are we as easily "infected" by evil and unbelief?

The disciples were thinking of the yeast in literal terms "We have no bread"(v 16), rather than i spiritual terms. Jesus then questions their understanding and if they even remember what Jesus did for the 5000 and the 4000. Was Jesus' tone in this question one of anger, frustration, or concern?

Jesus is then presented with a blind man (v 22) and he proceeds to rub spit in his eyes...probably because his eyelids were stuck shut. Jesus progressively allows the man to see...maybe in  the symbolism of how the spiritual eyes of the disciples will gradually be opened. How does that compare with your understanding of Jesus and faith...was it a gradual opening of your eyes or an all of a sudden "miracle"?

Then the "series of questions from Jesus" occur in vv 27- 30. Who do people say that I am? One of the great prophets that would hopefully turn over this oppression and corruption we are living in! Who do you say that I am? That's a tougher question. It is easy to say what others think- but what do you think? Peter comes with "You are the Christ!" (v 29b). The Christ or the Messiah, in ancient times, was a person anointed by God to overthrow the political kingdom that was in current power...not as we think today! Peter, and the rest of the disciples, were partly correct. Who do you say Jesus is?

Jesus then goes on to really explain to the disciples who Jesus is (vv 31-32). Imagine hearing those words...that Jesus was eventually going to be executed but then rise from the dead! How could that be- Messiahs were string and powerful- not to be killed! How would you have responded? Peter tells Jesus to stop talking like that and then Jesus openly, in front of the others, chastises Peter and says "Get behind me Satan!" (v 33). Confusing, but if we look- Peter basically is telling Jesus to stop what he is doing then if he is to be killed. Jesus can't stop his mission; Satan is the one that wants Jesus to stop. Maybe Peter's statement was part of the Pharisee leavening back in the beginning of the chapter?

Jesus ten adds a new caveat- if you want to join me, you must be willing to give up your life. It was bad enough that Jesus says he was to be killed- now he is asking us to potentially be killed too?! (v 34) Take up your cross- meant execution. Crosses were symbols of execution and dominance by Rome- not the religious symbols they are today. Who would be willing to do that-- take up their cross for Jesus? Some "famous" words from Jesus in v 35...the only way to find true life is to follow Jesus into death. It doesn't matter what you have in this entire world- if you don't have Jesus it is all for naught. Tough words to hear, but important! Have faith and believe in Jesus.

Chapter 9 begins with the transfiguration followed by more tough words from Jesus. He is real;y hitting hard his mission and ministry!

Enjoy the day! 

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

Mark 7

 Jesus' ministry is under review! Pharisees from Jerusalem came (v 1)- and this was the second delegation sent (first was Mark 3:22). This was not unique to Jesus. Jerusalem often sent religious authority to investigate/ evaluate "prophets" and those claiming to be "messiahs" with the goal of protecting Israel from hypocrites and false messages. Do we evaluate Jesus today? Do others "evaluate" Jesus' mission and message? There is then a whole discourse on ceremonial washing (vv 2-5)- not washing related to cleanliness (health perspective). Much of these washings were ceremonial and tradition based rather than scripture based, yet the disciples and Jesus were still criticized. Do we do that? "Criticize" Jesus for not following our traditions? Rabbis and teachers if the law had more "seniority" than the scriptures and what they said was deemed super important- even maybe more important that the scriptures! Do we sometimes "make up" things that are "more important" than the scriptures? In the end- it comes down to the words, traditions and rituals of people having more importance than those from God!

Jesus' comeback is from the Hebrew prophet Isaiah (v 6). Some translations start with Jesus saying, "You hypocrites..." The Pharisees get so wrapped up in "People laws" that they push people away from God; people couldn't uphold all the man-made rules - so they walked away from God. You can look like a good person, but are you (vv 6b-7)? You can read the Bible, but do you love God? You can go to church- but do you love God? You can do ministry- but do you love God? You can sing the hymns and say the liturgies- but do you love God? Human doctrine takes the place of God doctrine. How often do we see that in the church? In your home church? In your life?

Jesus then relates back to Moses (vv 10- 13) with the comment- children are to always obey and respect their parents.If your parents need something, the son could respond with- "Well, I have something here, but it is dedicated to God ('Corban')" By being "ultra-religious" the son disobeys God's command of honor. Do you know people that can "use" religion in a seemingly obscure way for their benefit?

Jesus then addresses the crowds and the theme is God is more concerned about how we respond rather than what we consume (vv 14- 23). Jesus basically is saying God wants us to examine our hearts and ask are we doing what God expects us to do? Are we? How are we acting- in public and in private? Does our public life match with our private life? Charles Spurgeon (English Baptist preacher and theologian, mid 1800s) wrote "Sin is not a splash of mud on man's exterior, it is a filth generated within himself." Thoughts?

Jesus travels about 50 miles to reach Sidon and Tyre, Gentile cities! This is unusual, because Jesus' ministry initially was to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24). This story (vv 24-30) is a good continuation of the previous though. It is a Jewish law that Jews cannot and should not ever interact with Gentiles. And what does Jesus do? Goes into the house of a Gentile! Yikes! He wanted to keep it hidden- maybe to stop any rioting that may have happened or not to needlessly offend anyone. But it couldn't stay hidden (v 24b). Isn't that great! Jesus cannot be hidden! At first, Jesus seems to reject the woman saying (v 27), "The children (Jews) should be fed before the dogs (Gentiles)." And the woman's somewhat snarky (in my mind) response (v 28), "Yah, but even the dogs get the crumbs the children leave behind!" Touche, Jesus! Her request is granted and her daughter is healed. Would you have the courage to call Jesus out like the woman did?

Jesus uses a rather unconventional method to heal a man's hearing (vv 33- 35)! The story is reminiscent of Isaiah 35:5-6: "Then the eyes of those who are blind will be opened, And the ears of those who are deaf will be unstopped. And the tongue of those who cannot speak will shout for joy."

The closing verse is really important to hear (v 37). The people were amazed and said "Jesus does everything well." Yes, Jesus does!

Enjoy the day, Get outside and reflect on the readings.

Shalom+
Pastor Paul

6 Then those who limp will leap like a deer,