Values of the Kingdom

How important is marriage to God? Is it serious? Its not to be done frivolously. It is something very serious and should be considered wisely. These Pharisees tried to trick Jesus by asking the question of whether or not its lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus’ response was to go to the Word of God, the Torah of Moses specifically. Their reply was Moses gave the option to divorce. Jesus’ reply was that this only was allowed because of the hardness of the Children of Israel’s heart. God’s intent is not for divorce but unity for what God has put together, no man should try to split. The disciples didn’t understand His statement and asked Him privately to expound on it. Its ok not to understand the revelations of God, but it isn’t ok that you don’t inquire if you don’t understand.

Jesus Blesses the Children

Children were not particularly considered viable in society in those times. They were the least of the least. But Jesus turns that concept upside down and says if we don’t accept the Kingdom of God with the innocence, teachability, fragility and dependent mindset of a harmless child, we can’t have access to it.

A Rich Man Meets Jesus

There is no One good but the Father. Our works aren’t enough. Keeping the commandments isn’t enough. Its not the deeds per se but where the heart is seated. The king of the Rich Man’s heart was his money. It is a free thing to come to Jesus, but it will cost you everything. Jesus loved this man and wanted him to see that his heart needed to change and the only way to do so was to remove the distraction of riches. Are you surrendered to Jesus? Its not as though Jesus is telling all of us to sell all we have to the poor. But if He asked us to give something away, could we? It could be the thing that causes you to turn back and prevent you from going to the next level. A test will come upon us and reveal what is truly in our hearts. Will we acknowledge what’s in our hearts and let Jesus heal us, or will we conceal the nature of our hearts and go our own path? Scarcely will a rich person enter into the kingdom, because their possessions have possession over their hearts. The disciples were astonished by this. Well then who can be saved they thought, but the dichotomy of this is that you can be wealthy and have a heart for Jesus, and you can be wealth and have a heart to get more wealth. Its all a matter of the heart.

With God all things are possible. Many people say this but when it really comes down to it, they don’t exhibit that they have that faith. People try to get around things and make themselves comfortable. But to experience this type of faith, you have to get out of that comfort zone. If the rich man would have left his wealth, He would have gained it back as Jesus said in Mark 29-31. God wants to see where our hearts are and He wants us to remove attachments to earthly things that tarnish and perish. Rather, He wants us to us to attach ourselves to something infallible and eternal: Jesus. When He looks into our hearts and discerns with perfect vision that our hearts are truly attached to Him, He rewards us with all that had before and then some as He did with Job.

Jesus Prophecies His Death and Resurrection

Can you imagine having walked with Jesus as one of the disciples and have him tell you in graphic detail that he would die soon?

James & John Ask a Favour

John and James did not fully understand that the baptism Jesus would endure was a baptism of death. Yet, after they were told He would die a brutal death, they asked to be His right hand men. They did not get what He said. There would be death before there would be victory in glory to sit on a royal throne.

Jesus Heals Blind Bar-Timai

Though the crowed wanted to shut the mouth of this blind man, Jesus didn’t not, as many do, assimilate with the mindset of this crowd. He instead acknowledged His request knowing that the man had faith to be healed. Again, faith is all it takes to perform miracles.

Summary

1. Pray and fast so you will last.
2. Never let your gift become your ruler.
3. Don’t let possessions have possession over your heart.
4. Allow God to do the impossible in your life, 27
5. Have childlike faith
6. Strive not to be first but have a heart to serve
7. It will cost you to follow Christ
8. There is communion in union
9. Good works aren’t good enough
10. Follow God’s commandments just as he meant
11. Be careful whom you yoke yourself to
12. Don’t let others silence your faith

The Transfiguration of Christ

Jesus took Peter, James and John up to a mountain. There, Jesus was transfigured into a state of bright glory. There standing with Him were Moses and Elijah, Moses whose body was buried by God Himself, and Elijah who was taken up into Heaven by a chariot of fire. Two men who were close to God in power and might. Jesus had said to the 12 disciples prior to taking these 3 with Him to the mountain that there were some among them that would not taste death until they saw the Kingdom of God manifest with power. These 3 were privileged to see this.

The Disciples Unable to Cast Out a Demon

It seems that age know no bounds when it comes to evil spirits tormenting people. What could have caused a spirit to enter into this boy? We may never know why, but one thing we do know is that Jesus’ question to the Father about how long the boy had been tormented showed Jesus’ compassion. Can demons come in from sin of a parent? A child can see the sin of a parent which will open up the will of the child to accept such sin.

Jesus used the 9 disciples failure, who hadn’t gone with Jesus to the mount of Transfiguration, as a teaching tool. He will send us to do things that we don’t know anything about, knowing that we may fail, so that we can grow. Although the disciples had experience with casting out demons prior to this incident (Mark 6), they came against something that challenged their faith even further. Though they had the authority from Jesus, something prevented them from using it. Jesus rebuked His disciples. Their faith was lacking and that is why they couldn’t cast out the demon. We see that faith is the key to any miracle. Prayer and fasting awakens faith within us, so that when we do confront evil spirits, we will be filled enough to act in Jesus’ authority to send demons packing.

Jesus Again Prophesies His Death and Resurrection

During His time walking with the 12 disciples, He often would mention the true purpose of His destiny as the Anointed One of God: to suffer and die, but be resurrected 3 days later. The disciples response was always indifferent.

The Disciples Argue over Who Will Be the Greatest

Peter, James and John had just witnessed the the glory of Jesus, and returning with Jesus from the mountain of transfiguration, they encountered the other 9 disciples who couldn’t cast out a demon. Could competition have been stirred up among them because of this? They were arguing about who would be greatest. Jesus admonished them that there can be a greater: the one who is not vying for status, but humbly serves others. The disciples later told Jesus that there was someone casting out demons who wasn’t a part of their group, wanting them to stop. But Jesus again admonished His disciples not to think in such a way to degrade someone because as His parable of the milestone says, if they continued in their unnecessary rebuke and denigration of that soul, it would be better to have never been born than to face the judgement that their evil actions deserved.

Jesus spoke of sin being compared to everlasting hell fire if we don’t turn from our sin. He also uses fire to say that everyone will be “salted with fire.” John the baptizer said that Jesus baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire. Fire for the believer is refining and purifying. Fire for the sinner is everlasting torment.

Summary

1. Faith is the key that unlocks doors to miracles, 19
2. Supernatural is natural when following Christ, 3-8
3. Faith tried is faith true, 19, 23, 29
4. It takes real faith to walk in Jesus ways, 18-19
5. Greatness is found in serving others, 34-35
6. Be sure you truly believe you believe, 24
7. Its best to loose a limb today than let you soul be cast away, 43-48
8. Your belief can affect change in others, 23-26
9. Become seasoned in the Lord, 50
10. Be not afraid to ask the Lord of His ways, 32

Jesus Multiplies Food Again

When Jesus looks at a person, He doesn’t just care for them in one way. He cares for the physical needs of the people as well as where they stand spiritually. His heart went out to the crowd who followed Him and again as we saw 2 chapters earlier, He gave bread and fish to people, multiplying food for 4,000 people. Jesus has a heart and He wants us to have a heart. He is so concerned about other people and not Himself. These people were in the wilderness and it shows that Jesus provides in a desert place, no matter if it is a literal desert or a spiritual desert.

Jesus Warns of the Yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod

The disciples forgot to take bread. They forgot to take the things that they needed. We’re not talking about food, but a deeper level of understanding in learning not to be forgetful. We need to know what to do to prepare for the journey ahead of us by spending time with the Lord. The Disciples when Jesus told them to beware of the teaching that come from others, they were oblivious. Its important for us to be covered, prepared and have eyes to see what is around us. We may fall back into what we use to do unaware if were not discerning good from bad and what’s necessary for us personally.

Jesus Heals Blind Eyes

There were some people who brought the blind man to Jesus. People, though they may not have a relationship with Jesus, know where to get healing. There is something about being with Jesus that awakens the inner man’s connection to the Creator. Jesus leads the blind man away and does the miracle in secret. Among teaching the disciples through the miracle of multiplying bread and fish, Jesus was still doing healing miracles.

Peter Receives Revelation from God

Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I AM?” It was unfolded to Peter by divine inspiration that Jesus was the Christ.

Jesus Prophesies His Death and Resurrection

Jesus began to tell His disciples that He was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer, die and be raised 3 days later.

What It Means to Be a Follower of Jesus

Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus.

Jesus Breaks Religious Traditions

The Pharisees and Scribes had a tradition to wash their hands before eating bread and this tradition was so ingrained into their nature, that they passed it off as something of a commandment that had come from God! We know from Jesus admonition of them, that this tradition was not from God and that this tradition caused the Pharisees to look unfavorably in judgment on the disciples. We must be careful that out traditions don’t cause us to treat others without love.

Are traditions good or bad?

If you are holding people to a tradition without allowing others to grow then they are bad. In themselves they aren’t bad. But if they cause you to have control over people or insight judgment of others who don’t participate, if negativity is bred in the situation or puts a rift between you and God then the tradition needs to be reevaluated.

Jesus Explains What Truly Defiles

One of the 10 commandments God gave on mount Sinai was to honor the mother and father that your days be long on the Earth. Part of that obligation is to provide for them whatever was necessary to help them, be that monetarily or with whatever support they needed. The Pharassies and Scribes used a loop whole to get around this obligation by saying that the support that was rightfully due the parents was to be offered to God instead, disqualifying the Son or Daughter from helping their parents. However, the intent behind this would be one of selfishness, greed and injustice. God wants the posture of our hearts to match the goodness of our deeds.

What defiles a person is not what he eats but what comes out of him. We’re dealing with spiritual things and matters of the heart. Whatever we take in in the natural effects our spirit-man. This is why Jesus tells us to guard our hearts. We should guard our eye and ear gates because whatever we listen to and look at will be adsorbed by our hearts and will be birthed within us resulting in us exhibit the characteristics. Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future. You are what you have a constant contact with. You are what you eat.

What areas in your life are you defiling yourself? Are you even aware of them? Are you thinking evil? Do you dwell on that which is sexually immoral? Do you think about gaining wealth to be greedy, do you slander people in your inner most thoughts? Do you think arrogantly and recklessly?

Jesus and a Foreign Woman

Jesus was only going to Jewish people to proclaim the Gospel. However, a woman who was not Jewish came to Jesus for healing for her daughter and Jesus refused to help her. However, when she had faith in Jesus that her daughter could be healed, this moved Jesus. The Jews didn’t associate with non Jewish people, but regardless of this ethnic barrier, this woman’s faith moved Jesus to act on her behalf. Without faith it’s impossible to please God.

Jesus Heals a Deaf Man

Jesus was happy to heal this man, but He did so in a private place, away from the crowds. The way in which He healed was astounding as he put his fingers in the man’s ear and put His saliva on the man’s tongue and then spoke to them both saying “be opened.” Immediately the man was healed and Jesus told him and those around not to tell anyone. However, they publicized it all the more!

Summary

1. Healing comes with revelation, 25-30
2. Don’t let the traditions of men draw you in, 9
3. Honor God with your heart and words, 6
4. Honor your mother and father, 10
5. With Jesus all things are possible, 37
6. Don’t loose your head when Jesus gives you that bread, 36
7. Clean your heart more than your hands, 3
8. Don’t let your worship become a charade, 7
9. Hear God clearly, 16
10. Evil thoughts clutter the heart, 20-23

Jesus Rejected in Nazareth

Jesus was rejected in His own hometown in Nazareth. Their unbelief stopped the flow of healing virtue because they considered Jesus as just a common inhabitant of the town who was common just like them. They could not accept His wisdom and power because they were so familiar with Him, having watched Him grow up in the community.

Jesus Sends out the Twelve Apostles

Jesus gave His 12 disciples power over unclean spirits. Its very interesting how this is placed in the text so abruptly given its importance. Also, Jesus instructed them not to take anything with them as they went. This is so very profound. He sent them two by two in order that they may have a witness, for by the witness of two or three shall a matter be established according to Deuteronomy 19:15. They not only cast out demons, they preached repentance and performed miracles. The fact that the disciples had the same authority Jesus had gives the idea that we today as Christ followers are no exception when it comes to walking in the power that comes with the authority of Jesus. This brings to mind that we should evaluate our current state as we’re walking in Christ today. What are we doing to carry the authority of Jesus so that it manifests to the world around us? Are we content to simply attend Church meetings and not go out into our own communities to witness to others?

Death of John the Baptist

Like John who preached righteousness, he was persecuted to the point of death. It is through much persecution that we enter into the Kingdom according to Acts 14:22, but the one who endures even death for Jesus will obtain riches in heaven and a victors crown of Life just as Jesus encouraged the persecuted Church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:8.

John publicly rebuked Herod who took his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias as his own wife. Simply because John did not relent to promote righteousness, he was thrown into prison as an act of protection by Herod because he thought John was a righteous and holy man. But Herodias was extremely vengeful and wanted him killed and she found the opportunity when Herod asked her daughter, who had danced before him, such an act moving him to vow to give her anything she wanted.

The daughter or Herodias asked for counsel from her mother as to what to ask for. It was in the daughter’s power to choose on her own, yet it seemed she had such a tie to her mother that it led her to sin and further become an accomplice to murder. Her actions should teach us to be leary of the influence that people have on us. Herod liked John the Baptizer, yet because of his vow and the people who were witness of the vow, he had to agree to murder John, just to save face and appease his followers.

Jesus Multiplies Food to Feed Five Thousand

Jesus wanted to be alone with His disciples so that He could simply share a meal with them. Sometimes we have to go away to a different place or break up our normal routine to find something different. However, so, many people were following Jesus and His disciples and Jesus was moved with compassion and taught them. As it was getting late, the disciples urged Jesus to send the people home to buy food, yet Jesus challenged them to get the people food. He simply asked how much food they had. Five loaves and 2 fish fed a crowd of thousands as Jesus broke the bread and the fish, giving thanks to God for it, as it multiplied over and over again to feed them all.

Jesus Walks on Water

While the disciples were rowing against a raging storm, Jesus, having seen them struggling, came walking on the waters of the storm and He would have passed them by in the ship, had they not noticed Him. This is key. Jesus saw them struggling and could very well have stopped the storm by His own power. Why did Jesus will to keep walking past them and why didn’t he stopped the storm to alleviate their toil? He wanted them to realize the power they had to overcome their fear and even calm the storm themselves. The disciples were afraid because as they saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought He was a ghost. Jesus came into the boat and the storm was instantly calmed. The disciples had missed all the lessons of the previous miracles of multiplication of food and the very power He had only just given them to cast out demons and heal the sick. They had even had a very similar experience to this one in a storm in Mark 4:35-41. They were in a tumultuous storm on the lake, but Jesus was sound asleep in the stern of the boat. He simply said to the storm, “peace, be still.” Then He turned to them and said they were gripped so much by fear that they had not yet learned to trust. Neither had they learned then nor had they learned in this instance when they saw Him walking on the water. Their hearts were hard. The scripture says they were “toiling in rowing.” We can often be doing this in our own lives by striving and trying to make things happen of our own power and accord when all we have to do is call on Jesus.

Summary

1. Don’t allow the storms in life to blind you to seeing Jesus Christ
2. There is a lesson in the miracle, 48-52
3. You are qualified by Christ, not the world’s credentials, 2-3, 7
4. Be faithful, even unto death, 27
5. Be careful of whom you allow yourself to be influenced by, 24-26
6. Unbelief kills the anointing, 4-6
7. Count the cost of your promises
8. Christ will answer your needs both natural and spiritual, 34-42
9. Let your compassion move you to action, 34
10. Walk in your purpose no matter the cost, 18-19