Category: Bible Studies

Bible Studies

“But Who Do You Say I Am?” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 8:22-38 NLT – Jesus Heals a Blind Man – When they – Bible Gateway

“Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, ‘Who do people say I am?’  ‘Well,’ they replied, ‘some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.’ Then he asked them, ‘But who do you say I am?’” Mark 8:27-29 NLT

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We ended last week’s Biblical Insights with Jesus on another trip across the Sea of Galilee, and once again teaching the disciples what they didn’t get the first time. From this point on, Jesus’ teaching will be direct and plainly spoken not speaking in parables or using comparison examples. The disciples will be given a clearer understanding of Jesus’ teaching but will still have some trouble as we will see.

Jesus and His disciples arrived at Bethsaida, a fishing town and home to Peter, Andrew, and Philip. Soon after arriving some people brought a blind man to Jesus begging to heal him. Once again Jesus led him out of town not to draw attention to the miracle He was about to perform. The Bible says Jesus spit on the man’s eyes and laid His hands on him asking, ‘Can you see anything now?’ The man responded he could, but not clearly for the people he saw looked like trees. “Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.” (Mk.8:25 nlt) This was gradual healing. Sceptics may say Jesus failed the first time, or didn’t quite have it that day. But it was his method in this case. Jesus healed a blind man once again. Jesus then told the man to return to his home and not go back into the town.

Jesus then left Galilee with His disciples for Caesarea Philippi, twenty-five miles to the north, a town at the foot of Mount Hermon. Along the way Jesus asked, ‘Who do people say I am?’ The disciples said some say Jesus was John the Baptist, or Elijah, and others said He was one of the prophets of old who had come back. Jesus then asked them who do they say He is. At this point, Jesus was more concerned what His disciples believed than the public. Peter answered for the group by saying, ‘You are the Messiah’ (or Christ). This is the first time ‘Christ’ is used in the book of Mark, and it marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus hardly used the name ‘Christ’ in reference to Himself due to the association with the political and national interests at the time. But He will now teach His disciples the mission of the Messiah, the anointed one, the Christ. Jesus will begin to tell of His forthcoming suffering, His death, and His resurrection as they travel down to Jerusalem.

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Jesus did warn His disciples not to tell anyone He was the Messiah as He told those that He healed not say anything to not attract a crowd. But in this case, it was more than that, Jesus did not want the political nature of the promised Messiah to take away from His true mission. The Christ will establish an earthly kingdom and rule from Jerusalem, but that time is not now. Jesus’ mission can only be understood through the cross, something His disciples did not yet fully understand, as we will see. Jesus now begins to explain the true meaning of the ‘Christ’ and His mission.

“Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead.” (Mk.8:31 nlt) This is another first. Jesus is predicting His suffering, death, and resurrection for the first time and he is speaking clearly. He is speaking it as a matter of fact using the word ‘must.’ These things ‘must’ happen. They were prophesied in the Old Testament and must take place as part of God’s plan of salvation for sinners. The Messiah will suffer and die on a cross for sinners but will be raised to life defeating death and guaranteeing eternal life for all who believe in Him.

But again, we see, the disciples fell short, well at least Peter did, by reprimanding Jesus that this would never happen on his watch. To be fair, Peter didn’t get it, but his reaction does show his deep love he had for Jesus. What is so damaging in Peter’s actions is his thinking being contrary to God’s plan. Peter could not visualize His Messiah dying on a cross, and in attempting to persuade Jesus away from the cross is line with Satan’s past attempts. This explains Jesus’ words to Peter, ‘“Get away from me, Satan!’ he said. ‘You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.’” (Mk.8:33 nlt)

“Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.’” (Mk.8:34 nlt) Jesus explains the criteria for following Him. It really comes down to this in simple terms, anyone unwilling to deny himself can’t be a true follower of Jesus. To take up your cross is a willingness to suffer and die for Christ. A man who was already condemned to death was forced to carry his cross. When Jesus says, ‘follow me’ He is indicating ‘in His death.’ Tough words. Jesus says in trying to hang on to your life, you will lose it. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, the person so focus on the protection of this life will miss the second. You can save your physical life by denying Christ, but eternal life will be lost.

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Jesus then asks a question to all those around Him, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Mk.8:36-37 nlt) No monetary value can be placed on one’s soul. Acquiring all the wealth the world has to offer and achieving success beyond measure cannot match the value of a soul. The soul is the real you! Don’t lose it to the influences of this world. In closing Jesus predicts His coming back again. He notes, those who care more for this present generation by denying Him will find no place in the kingdom of God upon His return. “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mk.8:38 nlt) So, we all need to answer Jesus’ question. ‘But who do you say I am?’

“The answer every person gives to this question will determine his or her eternal destiny.” John MacArthur

Bible Studies

Repentance is the Way to Life  

Loring Schultz

Read: Ezekiel 18:30-32 NASB – “Therefore I will judge you, house of – Bible Gateway

‘“For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,’ declares the Lord God. ‘Therefore, repent and live.’” Ezekiel 18:32 NASB

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The prophet Ezekiel prophesied to the exiled Jews who were in Babylon before the destruction of Jerusalem. Ezekiel himself was taken captive in the second invasion by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 B.C… His message was ‘repentance is the way to life.’ Ezekiel prophesied the future destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem was coming. Those who were already in exile would not be going back anytime soon and others would be joining them after the third invasion of Judah. So, Ezekiel’s message was to repent.

Ezekiel relayed the Lord’s message of judgment upon them for their past sins, urging them to repent as they are already in exile. “Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ez.18:31 nasb) The Lord God did not want any individual of the house of Israel to die in their sins, but to repent and get a new heart.

The Lord God does not want anyone alive today to die in their sins, that includes you and me. The Lord says He takes no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies. Here, He is referring to those dying without receiving forgiveness for their sins. Therefore, God is telling us as He told Israel, ‘Repent and live.’ To repent and live means to give up your old way of living which may lead to an early physical death, and more importantly to save you from eternal punishment to eternal life. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2Pt.3:9 nasb) Yes, repentance is the way to life!

Bible Studies

“Beware of Persuasive Influences of Sin” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 8:11-21 NLT – Pharisees Demand a Miraculous Sign – Bible Gateway

“As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, ‘Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.’” Mark 8:15 NLT

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Continuing with our series in the book of Mark on Sunday’s Biblical Insights this week we see Jesus on the move again. After miraculously feeding another large crowd of almost 16,000 with seven loaves of bread and a few fish, Jesus leaves the Decapolis region and heading back across the sea to the region of Dalmanutha.

 Once again people are waiting for His arrival. This time it is the Pharisees who have not given up questioning Jesus but continue to harass Him demanding proof of His deity. They were demanding Jesus show them a sign to prove the divine authority He is claiming. The Pharisees have seen His previous miracles but wanted more. They were looking for a convincing celestial event to prove His power over the heavens and the earth. When Jesus heard this, he sighed deeply. Last week we noted Jesus’ compassion by sighing at the healing of the deaf and mute man, this week He sighs in grief for their refusal to believe. Jesus refused to give in to their demand knowing that the Pharisees really didn’t believe He could perform such a miracle. Their intent was to keep on trying to discredit Jesus and deflate His popularity.  

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Jesus left Dalmanutha after this confrontation with the Pharisees. “So he got back into the boat and left them, and he crossed to the other side of the lake” (Mk,8:13 nlt) Jesus went back to the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee arriving at the fishing town of Bethsaida on the northern shore, the home to Peter, Philip, and Andrew. During the trip Jesus’ disciples were taught an important truth, although they were unaware of it at the time. ‘Beware of Persuasive Influences of Sin.’ “As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, ‘Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.’” (Mk.8:15 nlt) The disciples’ minds instantly went to the fact they forgot to take food along for the trip. Whether they thought Jesus was referring to this or something else is not clear, but “At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread.” (Mk.8:16 nlt) How often we’re quick to jump to conclusions thinking we know why something is occurring. It’s usually not the case, just our minds feeding our self-serving attitude. These were the disciples on the boat that day.

What Jesus told His disciples went right over their heads. Jesus was referring to the yeast as a symbol of evil or corruption. A tiny amount of yeast can ferment a large amount of dough. A little yeast of sin in our lives will ferment into a large lump of uncontrollable sin leading to disaster. The Pharisees had the yeast of hypocrisy. This was seen by their earlier demand for Jesus to perform a sign when they didn’t believe He could perform one. Herod’s yeast was secularism and worldliness. A little influence in these areas is all that is needed to quickly rise the temptation of sin. This is what Jesus was telling His disciples back then and to us in our day. Beware of persuasive influences of sin.

Jesus knew the disciples didn’t get it and knew what they were arguing about. They were missing a vital spiritual point because they were focusing on their material needs, namely food. “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in?……Don’t you remember anything at all?” (Mk.17-18 nlt) The disciples witnessed Jesus feeding 4,000 men plus women and children just days before and saw Him feed 5,000 men plus women and children before that, and yet they’re worried about what they will eat when the miracle worker is right in front of them. So concerned they were that they missed His important teaching about the influences of sin.

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Christians today have the same problem of deciphering what to beware of in all the influences in our lives. Herod’s yeast of secularism is likely the most influential to beware of. Living in the world and not being part of the world is a daily struggle. It’s easy to succumb, that is why Jesus gave us the warning, beware. The Pharisees yeast of hypocrisy should not be dismissed as if it can’t be applied to us. It can. It’s too easy to say one thing and do another. We live in a world where it is very easy to be persuaded by all that is around us. We should not be naive in thinking we can always discern if the persuasive influences in our lives are of a sin nature or not without the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells to beware, and He has sent His Holy Spirit to help us beware and live a life free from giving in to the persuasive influences of sin.

Bible Studies

“The Compassion of the Savior” The Gospel of Jesus Christ” the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 7:31-8:10 NLT – Jesus Heals a Deaf Man – Jesus left – Bible Gateway

“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.” Mark 8:2 NIV

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Jesus, the healer and miracle worker, continues His ministry departing Tyre in the Phoenician region, and heading back to the Sea of Galilee. Jesus and His disciples traveled 20 miles north passing through Sidon, then traveled southeast to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee to the area of the Decapolis. As always, when Jesus arrives, a crowd forms and the sick are quickly brought to Him.

“A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him.” (Mk.7:32 nlt) Jesus wanted some privacy with the man and led him away so they could be alone. Mark records Jesus put His fingers into the man’s ears. The reason for this is not given, but a good indication maybe He was letting the man know he would soon be able to hear. The next sequence seems strange to us for our times as Jesus spits and touches the man’s tongue and, “Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, ‘Ephphatha,’ which means, ‘Be opened!’” (Mk.7:34 nlt) The man was healed instantly. He could hear and speak plainly. Mark adds that Jesus sighed while performing this miracle, perhaps a display of His compassion for the man and what he has gone through. We would be careful to note that Jesus’ physical actions played no part in the healing, it was His miraculous power that opened the man’s ears and loosened his tongue.

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Again, Jesus tries to maintain a low profile during this phase of His ministry, but it isn’t possible as the news of this healing begins to spread. The people once again responded in amazement of one who could heal a man who was deaf and mute. Isaiah, in his writings, prophesied about the coming Messiah and what He will do. “And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!” (Is.35:5-6 nlt) The people were witnessing the unveiling of Isaiah’s prophesies.

Soon another large crowd develops, grows, and begins to follow Jesus for three days seeking healing and desiring to hear His teaching. After three days whatever food everyone had was now depleted and they were far from home. Notice Jesus’ compassion for the people as he speaks with His disciples. “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance.” (Mk.8:2-3 nlt) When Jesus looked upon the crowd at the feeding of the 5,000, we looked at a few weeks ago, He stress His compassion for them as sheep wandering around without a shepherd. This time Jesus is stressing His concern for this crowd’s basic need of food, nourishment to sustain them physically. This a lesson all Christians and the church need to heed. Yes, we need to preach the gospel to them, but it goes a lot better when the people are fed and are not hungry.

The disciples, sensing Jesus’ compassion, respond in a manner of concern but failed to remember His previous miracle of feeding the 5,000 plus women and children. They were slow to learn, but so are we at times. Jesus doesn’t criticize them for their lack of faith at this moment, but He will address it later with them. For now, He simply ask them what they were able to find, knowing what He could do with what they brought Him. The disciples had seven loaves of bread and Jesus went to work. Jesus had the people sit down. He then took the loaves, gave thanks to God, started breaking the bread into pieces giving them to the disciples who distributed it to the crowd. Jesus was given a few small fish, but a few small fish is plenty in the Master’s hands. The disciples gave these out with the bread and the Bible says, “They ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.” (Mk.8:8 nlt)

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Jesus met their physical need of nourishment for the way home, and most likely sent the leftovers with them. This crowd could have been close to 16,000 people when including the women and children. No one went home hungry that day. Jesus’ compassion for them is the same He has for us. It covers our whole being, body, soul, and spirit. He cares about our physical needs, our basic needs of food, clothing and shelter, and most of all our spiritual needs in providing the way of salvation through His shed blood on the cross at calvary.  We have a compassionate savior. Have you met Him yet or are you still searching for Him? He’s not hard to find, just follow the crowd.

Bible Studies

“A Mother’s Faith” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 7:24-30 NLT – The Faith of a Gentile Woman – Then – Bible Gateway

“She replied, ‘That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.’” Mark 7:28 NLT

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This week in our Sunday Biblical Insights we stumble across a difficult passage mostly misunderstood, or at least hard to understand. But in the final analysis it is the gospel of Jesus Christ available to all people through the faith of everyone who believes as exemplified through a mother’s faith. We left Jesus last week as He was again answering questions from the Pharisees who had come from Jerusalem to the Gennesaret region. Crowds were following Jesus everywhere He went, and this was unsettling for the religious rulers of the day. After answering the Pharisees and teaching the crowds Jesus leaves the area going north to the region of Tyre.

“Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret.” (Mk.7:24 nlt) Jesus’ goal for this trip was to get some much-needed rest by getting away from the crowds and the Pharisees and to have quality time to teach His disciples. Tyre was 30 miles Northwest of Capernaum in Phoenicia, which is modern-day Lebanon. As is the case, wherever Jesus traveled, even into Gentile territory, it could not be kept a secret for long. Soon, people knew He was in town. Scripture says a Syrophoenician women who had heard about Jesus came and fell at His feet. She was a Gentile of Syrian descent, a descendant of the Canaanites, who spoke Greek. Her daughter was possessed by an evil spirit, and she came begging Jesus to cast it out.

The woman was begging, repeatedly asking Jesus to cast the demon out of her daughter. Jesus’ answer to her was, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” (Mk.7:27 nlt) On the surface, this sounds like a derogatory remark. Many Jews of that day would call Gentiles ‘dogs’ out of disrespect, but that is far from what Jesus was saying. The term for ‘dogs’ that is used is a little dog, or household pet. This was not a reference to the wild dogs that roamed throughout the region. What Jesus is saying is He came to reach His own people, the Jews, first. As we have seen throughout this gospel Jesus had been going mainly throughout Jewish territories. This is the deepest He has gone into a Gentile area, but as was noted His popularity always precedes Him. There would be day when God’s blessings are also extended to the Gentiles as well. Jesus was testing the mother’s faith. He was comparing the ‘little dogs’ to Gentiles. Jesus’ imagery of the food table within a home point to salvation is of the Jews and the Gentiles are part of the household and are not excluded. The mother got it, and it is displayed in her answer to the Lord.

“She replied, ‘That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.’” (Mk.7:28 nlt) The mother responded with a worshipful attitude calling Jesus, ‘Lord’. This is the only time Jesus is addressed as Lord in the gospel of Mark, and it comes from a Gentile woman. She had faith in Christ for who He is, and what He can do for her daughter, realizing she herself was sinful and unworthy of blessings. All she asked for were the scraps and the crumbs that fell from the children’s hands. This mother knew she and her daughter were included in God’s salvation plan and Jesus can heal her daughter.

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Jesus commended her for her answer and sent home saying. “‘Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.’ And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.’” (Mk.7:29-30 nlt) When this mother heard about Jesus, she had faith that He would be able to cast out the evil spirit from her daughter. May this mother’s faith be our faith. She had faith in the only one who would be able to heal her daughter and her own soul. It is Jesus Christ the Son of God who came not only to cast our demons but to save both Jew and Gentile who put their faith in Him by accepting Him as Lord and savior.

Bible Studies

“Age-Old Traditions Won’t Save You” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 6:53-7:23 NLT – After they had crossed the lake, they – Bible Gateway

“So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, ‘Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.’” Mark 7:5 NLT

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Jesus and His disciples arrived at Gennesaret on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee after a windy night walking on the water and calming the wind. The disciples were amazed of what they just witnessed even though they have seen Jesus perform many miracles, but they were slow to learn, as we all are at times when we should already know the truth. A familiar scene develops as Jesus and His companions brought the boat to shore. Immediately, the people recognized Him. The word spread, good news travels fast! Soon people were coming from all over the area when they heard Jesus was in the Gennesaret region. They heard of Jesus’ miracles of healing and were rushing to get near Him. “They ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was.” (Mk.6:55 nlt) As Jesus walked through the countryside and in the marketplaces of various villages, people would bring their sick begging Him to let them touch the fringe of His robe. Mark records that all who touched Him were healed. The news of Jesus was once again rapidly expanding forcing another visit by the Pharisees from Jerusalem.

“One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus.” (Mk.7:1 nlt) They got right to work observing and taking notes of Jesus’ activities and those of His disciples. The Pharisees took notice that the disciples did not perform the ceremonial hand washing before eating. This was a tradition of the elders. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary explains, “The tradition of the elders was the unwritten corpus of commands and teachings of honored rabbis of the past, a body of 613 rules designed to regulate every aspect of life.” (1) The Pharisees considered these commands binding, and the people were to obey. They questioned Jesus why His disciples did not observe the traditions of the elders. What they were really saying was ‘why are you teaching your disciples to disobey the traditions of the elders?’ This command had nothing to do with dirty hands but was a ceremonial rinsing if one became defiled by touching a Gentile or an unclean person while out in public. They were claiming an inward cleansing by outward action, which they made up. Jesus tells the Pharisees they have it all backwards.

Jesus calls them hypocrites, and then quotes Isaiah the prophet, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ (Mk.7:6-7 nlt) Jesus notes how they deliberately ignore God’s laws to elevate their own laws. He uses the example of those who refuse to honor their parents by not caring for them, claiming their income has been vowed to God. The Pharisees ruled that money given to God could not be used for any other purpose. They used Numbers 30:2 as their defense, “A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do.” (nlt) The traditions of the elders were overriding God’s law to apply their law. Jesus then tells them this is only one example of the many non-binding laws they have over the Lord’s binding laws in Scripture.

Jesus calls the crowd to Himself to bring them back into conformity with Scripture. People in our day, and sadly some churches need to bring back what the Bible teaches. There are misguided souls who follow the traditions of churches and the oracle preachers with a present personality because it requires only a mechanical response. No change of heart or lifestyle is necessary, just follow the rules and whatever feels good. Jesus tells the people, “All of you listen, and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” (Mk.7:14-15 nlt) He explains deeper to His disciples that food consumed with or without dirty hands cannot defile you for it goes in and comes out. That does not defile you. It is what is lying inside your heart that defiles you. Jesus says, “For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.” (Mk.7:21-23 nlt)

Age-old traditions will not save you if they are man-made laws added throughout the course of history with no Biblical support or reference. Added prophecies and teachings not included in Scripture preached by popular ministers today will not save you either. It is only what God recorded in His Holy Word. The saving redeeming grace provided by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins and acceptance of that by faith is the only age-old tradition that will save you.

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“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Eph.2:8-9 nlt)

(1) The Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1990. Pg 1002

Bible Studies

“Jesus Walks on Water” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 6:45-52 NLT – Jesus Walks on Water – Immediately – Bible Gateway

“Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.” Mark 6:47-48 NLT

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If you have just witnessed Jesus’ feed 20,000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, would you be amazed if you then saw Him walking on the water hours later? His disciples were. Now before we criticize the disciples, let’s jump in their sandals on their boat and experience the ride. Jesus tells them to go ahead of Him to Bethsaida planning to meet them there later. As they set sail, another windstorm developed as is common on the Sea of Galilee. A short trip is now 9 hours old and instead of hugging the coast along the northern end of the sea, they are being driven farther out into the middle. And then they think they have seen a ghost!

We start this week after Jesus’ miracle of feeding the multitude. He insisted His disciples leave for Bethsaida ordering them into the boat. He would then send the people away and head up to the hills to spend time with His Father in prayer. Jesus being a miracle worker and the Son of God in the flesh still needed a time to rejuvenate physically and spiritually with His Father. How much more do we need it and yet neglect to do it. Jesus needed this time alone in prayer and the top of those hills was a perfect setting for it. The eastern side of the Sea of Galilee was a mountainous region with slopes leading up to a plateau. It was a good place to be alone and away from the crowd. Jesus would also have a good view of His disciples crossing the sea.

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Jesus saw the disciples were in serious trouble as the winds were pushing them out into the middle of the sea. The Bible says Jesus went out to them during the fourth watch of the night which is somewhere between 3am-6am. We may question why Jesus waited so long. Matthew Henry offers this comment, “If Christ’s visits to his people be deferred long, yet at length he will come; and their extremity is his opportunity to appear for them so much the more seasonably.” The time spent with His Father was important and Jesus wasn’t about to forget His disciples. He did go out to them walking on the water. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Jesus would be able to perform this feat. He is the Lord of the Sea. Paul writes in the book of Colossians, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.” (1:15-16 nlt)

As Jesus got closer to them, they became frighten and thought they were seeing a ghost.  Jewish superstition said appearance of spirits during the night would bring disaster. The disciples should not have been swayed by a superstition, but how would we react in the darkest part of the night if we saw someone walking on the water in a windstorm. And Jesus was not only walking on the water but at a steady pace not affected by the wind. The Bible says He was walking on the water as if He intended to go pass them. Jesus was testing their faith to see if they would recognize Him and His miraculous powers and overcome their fear and invite Him into their boat. “But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage! I am here!’” (Mk.6:50 nlt)

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When Jesus entered the boat without saying a word the fierce winds stopped. The disciples were amazed. Were they more amazed that the winds suddenly stopped or that they had just witnessed Jesus’ walking on the water? As this point, we don’t know, but we do know the disciples’ hearts were still not sensitive to who Jesus is. They weren’t grasping all that Jesus was doing and showing them. The disciples were fascinated by His miracles but couldn’t put two and two together. The world is amazed by any attesting miracles they see today by the hand of God. They may say, ‘it is a miracle’ or ‘only by God’ but there is no real understanding of who the true God is. The true God is the creator of heaven and earth. He formed us out of the dust of ground and gave us life. He provided a way of forgiveness for sinning against Him. Jesus Christ, the holy one of God, came to earth to die in our place for the punishment of sin providing the way of salvation to all who believe. Jesus also walked on water. Don’t be amazed. Understand who Jesus is with the help of the Holy Spirit and accept Him as your savior.

Bible Studies

“The Shepherd Feeds the Sheep” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 6:30-44 NLT – Jesus Feeds Five Thousand – The – Bible Gateway

“Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Mark 6:34 NLT

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This week in our study of the book of Mark we see Jesus as the good shepherd. Leading His disciples to a place of rest which they all desperately needed, Jesus is met by people who had followed Him around the Sea of Galilee to be near Him. Jesus didn’t get upset that His plans were ruined but looked on the people with compassion. He saw them for who they were, sheep without a shepherd.

Our story begins with the disciples returning from their preaching tour Jesus had sent them on. Jesus, naturally, would want a full report of their mission. Recapping their tour of duty was met with constant interruption that Jesus finally said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” (Mk.6:31 nlt) The Bible says the disruptions made it impossible even for them to eat. What is needed most after a long time spent on the road in your job is a good meal when you arrive home. Jesus knew this and suggested they get away from the crowds. “So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.” (Mk.6:32 nlt)

Their destination was the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee near the city of Bethsaida. Their departure didn’t stop the people from following Him. They took the long route walking eight miles along the shore arriving before Jesus who was cutting across the lake which was only four miles. It is possible the disciples’ boat incurred headwinds slowing them down, and it could have been the people were in a hurry not to let Jesus get away from them. Jesus met them as He came to shore with His disciples. Seeing the size of the crowd, the Bible says, “(Jesus) had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” (Mk.6:34 nlt) The rest and quiet time they were anticipating would have to wait, the sheep need a shepherd.

Jesus was teaching well into the late afternoon when His disciples came to Him saying, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” (Mk.6:35-36 nlt) Jesus was aware of the hour and it was now time to turn His teaching specifically to the disciples. He told them to give them something to eat. The disciples gave Jesus a logical answer back up by numbers that it would take eight months of wages to feed such a crowd, also calculating the size of the crowd. The Lord was about to test their faith and teach them valuable truths about Himself. ‘“How much bread do you have?’ he asked. ‘Go and find out.’ They came back and reported, ‘We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” (Mk.6:38 nlt) Then Jesus told them to have the people sit down, it’s supper time!

It would do us well to picture the scene of this miraculous feeding of this large group of people. Jesus instructs the people to sit in groups on the green grass. The place is on the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee. The grass is green signifying it is in the spring after the late winter and early spring rains. Grass in that area becomes dry and brown during the hot summer months. Having them sit down in groups of fifties and hundreds shows an orderly process. Our Lord always does everything in an orderly fashion. It would be smart for us to follow His example in all our endeavors. Jewish festivals in the day used a symmetrical seating of 50 semi-circles of 100 people for easy food distribution. So, this wasn’t uncommon. The Greek word used for ‘groups’ is prasia meaning ‘a garden bed or plot.’ The Wycliffe Bible Commentary describes the place as, ‘a picturesque scene, like beds of flowers with the different colors from all the clothing sitting in groups that can be seen from a distance.’ Yes, Jesus certainly does things in order and in splendid color.

“Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share.” (Mk.6:41 nlt) In the preceding verse the words ‘took’ ‘looked’ ‘blessed’ and ‘break’ or ‘breaking’, are in a simple past tense in the Greek, whereas ‘gave’ is in the imperfect tense meaning ‘kept giving’ as in our text. Here is the miracle occurring. Jesus kept on giving the bread and fish and kept on giving until everyone had something to eat and were satisfied. There were also leftovers which Jesus had the disciples gather up. Twelve baskets in fact, one for each disciple so no one would miss out on their teacher’s lessons.

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They learned Jesus is the good shepherd who feeds His sheep. Jesus taught them He was able to feed thousands of people with five loaves and two fishes. The major lesson here is He can supply every need for His sheep. This miracle fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament concerning the Messiah shepherd. Ezekiel 34:23 says, “And I will set over them one shepherd, my servant David. He will feed them and be a shepherd to them.” (nlt) Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah who was to come. And Isaiah the prophet wrote, “On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines.” (Is.45:6 niv)

Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the shepherd who feeds His sheep, protects His sheep and died for His sheep. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (Jn.10:11 nlt) The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news about the good shepherd who came and laid down His life in order that we may have eternal life by believing in His name. Yes, it’s supper time!

Bible Studies

“Don’t Neglect the Spirit” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 6:14-29 NLT – The Death of John the Baptist – Herod – Bible Gateway

“For Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.” Mark 6:20 NLT

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This week in Sunday’s Biblical Insights we have a story not for the squeamish, the brutal beheading of John the Baptist. The tragic event will unfold against the backdrop of bewilderment, superstition, immorality, resentment, and neglecting the Spirit. The gruesome act against John the Baptist is matched by Herod Antipas’ cutting away his soul by not responding to the conflict within himself. Human beings created in the image of God have an innate instinct to know right from wrong. When the spirit convinces us our way of living is wrong and we do nothing about it, we set ourselves up for a tragic end, even hurting other people in the process. Herod Antipas neglected the spirit, and it cost John the Baptist his life, and cost Herod his eternal soul.

We begin with the breaking news around Israel of reports of a man performing miracles of healing, casting out demons, causing concern among officials in the mixed reactions of the people. It didn’t take long for the news to reach the ears of Herod, who was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Herod’s first reaction to the news about Jesus was “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.” (Mk.6:16 nlt) Being riddled with a guilty conscience and prone to superstition, Herod thought John the Baptist had come back to haunt him. Some of the people agreed with Herod’s assumption about Jesus. Many others thought Jesus was Elijah who was prophesized to appear before the Messiah would appear. Others supposed Jesus to be another one of the many prophets who had come in the tradition of the Old Testament, and still others presumed Him to be another Moses who had come to lead the people.

The seed to John the Baptist’s demise was planted by John himself as he continually called out Herod Antipas for his infidelity. He not only put Herod on notice, but Herodias as well, who left her husband for an adulterous affair with Herod. In fact, the whole Herodian dynasty was the subject of John’s continual rebukes. Herodias married her half Uncle Philip who was Herod Antipas’ brother. Herod was married to the daughter of Aretas, king of Arabia, but divorced her and sent her away. John’s rebuke was straight to the point, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” (Mk.6:18 nlt)

Herodias was filled with resentment towards John and wanted him killed for his non-stop criticism of her relationship with Herod. Herod had John arrested and put in prison to satisfy Herodias, but more importantly to protect John. It was here where Herod and John had more hard conversations. Herod respected John, knowing he was a good, decent, and holy man. Scripture says Herod was greatly disturbed (perplexed) when he spoke with him.  The Greek word for ‘perplexed’ is ‘aporeō’ meaning ‘doubt’ or ‘to be without a way.’ Something triggered Herod’s conscience that he kept going back to John and enjoying the time with him. John, no doubt, left Herod with internal moral conflict.

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The grudge against John the Baptist Herodias held did not subside. She cunningly and patiently waited for the right time to put a decisive plan in place to kill John by having Herod order it himself. The occasion was a birthday party for Herod with his high ranking civil and military officers in attendance. Herodias’ daughter performed an exotic suggestive dance before Herod and his guests. It was highly unprecedented for a princess to perform such a dance but was reserved for servant girls to perform. Herod’s moral lapse from his drinking and the dance led him to offer a pledge to Herodias’ daughter, “Ask me for anything you like, and I will give it to you. I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom” (Mk.6:22-23 nlt) Of course giving away half the kingdom is a figure of speech not to be taken seriously, but Herodias’ plan was about to be signed, sealed, and delivered.

“She went out and asked her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ Her mother told her, ‘Ask for the head of John the Baptist!’” (Mk.6:25 nlt) The girl callously came back and said, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!” (Mk.6:25 nlt) It was now too late now for Herod to change his mind. It would have been better to give her half the kingdom. With all his guests looking on, Herod would not refuse her and immediately sent an executioner to carry out his order to behead John the Baptist. We question why Herod would go through with her very savage request. Several reasons come into play. An oath was considered binding and unbreakable in those days, no matter how cruel or unsensible. Again, his guests just witnessed the dance and the pledge he made to his satisfaction. And perhaps a bigger reason was Herod’s failure to allow the spirit to work in him as he spoke with John many times.

Herod Antipas, being grieved deeply regretted his actions of promising to give Herodias’ daughter anything she asked for and then carrying out the request. Spur of the moment decisions are never good, even worse when our heart and mind is not right with God but centered on our own lusts and desires. Herod lived such a self-centered life, but God gave him plenty of opportunities hearing John the Baptist’ rebukes to correct the wrongs in his life. May we not neglect the spirit when He points out anything in our lives that is not pleasing to Him. We can be sure God will make it known to us because it displeases Him and He wants us to make it right. Don’t neglect the spirit as Herod did but listen to His voice when it comes to you from wherever and whoever.

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Bible Studies

“Rejected by those who knew Him best” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 6:1-13 NLT – Jesus Rejected at Nazareth – Jesus left – Bible Gateway

“A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” Mark 6:4 NLT

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There have been many hometown heroes throughout the centuries. Famous artists have painted their priceless artwork in familiar surroundings of their neighborhood. Renown composers from Bach and Beethoven to Lennon and McCartney started composing the world’s masterpieces in their small rustic villages and small towns. Many Presidents and foreign leaders have been memorialized in their hometowns. People from all walks of life who made a name for themselves have been recognized and hailed in their communities as achieving great success. Not so with Jesus of Nazareth. He was rejected by those who knew Him best.

Last week in our Biblical Insights in the book of Mark, Jesus was back in Capernaum where He performed two miracles. After raising Jarius’ daughter from the dead, “Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown.” (Mk.6:1 nlt) Jesus was about to begin His third and final tour through the Galilean region. He returns to His hometown of Nazareth 20 miles southwest of Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee. This is not a planned family visit but a preaching ministry event. It is the start of Jesus’ and the disciples preaching tour through Galilee.

As was Jesus’ custom, He observed the Sabbath by attending worship services in the local synagogue. While there Jesus began to teach, and the on-lookers were astonished. Never did they hear such teaching and from someone who they knew but knew Him as a local carpenter. Even though they heard Him with their own ears, they found it hard to believe. “Then they scoffed, ‘He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.’ They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.” (Mk.6:3 nlt) The people took offense that Jesus would elevate Himself to such a high position with no formal religious or academic training. He was on their level, a local layman, ‘how dare He raise Himself above us.’

The peoples’ reference to Him as the ‘son of Mary’ could very well have been an insult to Jesus. It could be possible that Joseph passed away, as he is not mentioned, but it may also be a shot at the legitimacy of His birth. To say that one is the son of the mother is to say we don’t know who the father is. The townspeople in their ignorance and snippy remarks missed an opportunity to get to know the Jesus they thought they knew. Jesus was amazed at their unbelief and did no miracles in Nazareth except for a few people He healed. (Mk.6:5) It was not that He couldn’t perform any miracles, but in an atmosphere of such unbelief Jesus didn’t have many opportunities as most people were offended by Him. John MacArthur notes, “Miracles belong among those who were ready to believe.” There were many who simply would not believe. It must have hurt the Lord Jesus to announce, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” (Mk.6:4 nlt)

Jesus did not let this interrupt His mission or the mission He was about to send the disciples on. Neither should we let the way we are received by those closest to us to influence whether we continue to live the Christian life. Jesus knows what it is like to be rejected by His own family for the sake of the gospel, so He knows how you feel if it happens to you. Jesus continued going from village to village reaching out to people. We shouldn’t allow anything to slow us down, but to continue with the mission He gave us.

 “And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits.” (Mk.6:7 nlt) Jesus gets His disciples involved to go out on their own and preach the gospel. He has taught them as they gathered around Him. They have observed His preaching and the miracles He performed on the road, now it was time for them to get some on-the-job training. This was a big step for them, and the Lord emphasized how big a step it was in the instructions He gave them.

Jesus told them to take nothing along with them except the common walking stick in case attack. That alone calls for tremendous faith. Whatever God calls us to do requires faith on our part to be successful for the task. We shouldn’t doubt thinking we can’t do it. If the Lord is sending us out, we can do it. The disciples were also told not to take any food, no overnight bag or extra clothing, and no money. Jesus did allow them to wear sandals for their feet. The Lord Jesus was training them to increase their faith for future days when they would go out preaching the message of salvation after His death, burial, and resurrection. They were to trust God completely to meet their needs.

The disciples were instructed not to be fickle with the accommodation provided for them, but to show appreciation and stay in that one place as long as they were in that city. Jesus gave them one final important instruction, “But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” (Mk.6:11 nlt) Strict Jews in that day shook the dust off their feet whenever they left a pagan territory. Rejecting Jesus’ gospel of salvation is equal to a pagan society who rejects the only true God. Shaking off the dust is certainly in order. It also absolves them from any further responsibility after making known the manner of salvation.

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Jesus did not say following Him would be a cakewalk. There will be hard times, long roads ahead to travel, rejection even from loved ones, but it is a life of tremendous joy when following Him in obedient faith. Jesus guarantees it.