Gtcotr/ss021421
This morning we are going to continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark by looking at three continuing passages from chapters 6 and 7. We will draw a conclusion at the end of each passage and when we finish, we will have put together an action list that is tailor made for the week we are about to enter.
Your challenge this morning is to take what I say personally.
Mark 6
30 ¶ Then the apostles
gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what
they had taught.
31 And He said to them, “Come
aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many
coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
32 So they departed to a
deserted place in the boat by themselves.
33 But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him.
Bless their hearts, these boys were tired. The demands of being sent out to preach and teach and cast out demons along with hearing that John the Baptist had been executed by Herod for doing basically the same thing they were doing was mentally, physically, and spiritually challenging.
Jesus had compassion on His disciples and wanted to find them a quiet place to rest. But multitudes still needed to be taught, given hope, and fed.
There will always be plenty of work for the worker. Almost 40 years ago my brother gave me a bit of wisdom these scriptures confirm. He said:
“Sometimes the Godliest thing you can do is take a nap.” (Roger Hammonds)
Now for the next passage: (Jesus taught the multitudes as the disciples tended to them and then Jesus multiplied the fish and loaves while the disciples served them. In the evening Jesus instructed His disciples to get into the boat and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while He sent the multitude away and found a place to pray. After many hours of rowing hard against a strong wind, the disciples were worn out and still in the midst of the Sea … Jesus came to them walking on the water.)
Mark 6
51 Then He went up into the
boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves
beyond measure, and marveled.
52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.
The disciples were not against Jesus, and they were not in sin. Their hardness of heart was due to their lack of attention and conversation concerning the last miracle. Perhaps their own personal tiredness or weariness led them to go through the motions of serving Jesus and others without realizing what a miracle it was for Jesus to feed 5000 with a few fish and loaves. Here they were worried about a little wind.
So many times we get busy or perhaps tired and forget what we have seen Jesus do in the past. When we get into a situation where we need something, we can feel weary and become afraid.
That’s probably why the first thing Jesus said was: “Be of good cheer … Do not be afraid … It’s Me!” I’m right here with you. Come on … put your happy face on … I can handle this storm just as easy as I multiplied the fish and loaves. I know you’re tired or rowing but don’t let your heart become troubled. I’m here.
The last passage we will consider this morning is just below in:
Mark 7
1 ¶ Then the Pharisees and
some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.
2 Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.
Of course they did … that’s what they do. They found fault because they were fault finders. Look for something you don’t agree with long enough and you’ll find it, even when you are looking at Jesus, or His disciples. It so easy to blame others for our troubles and even our failures.
6 He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.”
The Pharisees claimed to love and worship God, but they hated His Son and everything He stood for. They pharisaical scribes were hypocrites.
In
Matthew 23, Jesus levied 8 curses on those He
identified as:
·
Scribes, Pharisees, and Hypocrites
o Scribe – Someone gifted
and trusted to search out, record and protect the truth.
o Pharisee – A member of the elite group of leaders in Israel.
Jesus spoke so harshly against them, not because they were elite leaders entrusted to protect the people, (Jesus has nothing against scribes and pharisees), but because they were hypocrites.
When the embodiment of Love and Mercy (Jesus) has to tell you something is wrong with you, something is wrong with you, and you need to change. Listen to the people who love you … it’s not easy for them.
The word hypocrite comes from being an actor on a stage, speaking lines that are not your own, portraying someone you are not so to fool your audience as to your real identity. Don’t be a hypocrite.
Jesus loves you enough to be honest with you. Have you had a talk with Him lately?
So,
our tailor-made action list for this week is fairly easy:
1.
Be sure to rest when you need it.
2.
Count your blessings.
3.
Listen to Jesus, He loves you.
