Tag: Jesus

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

FreeBibleimages.org

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.

FreeBibleimages.org

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.

Bible Studies

“Just Have Faith” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 5:21-43 NLT – Jesus Heals in Response to Faith – Bible Gateway

“And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over’……But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.’” Mark 5:34, 36 NLT

FreeBibleimages.org

Is just having faith good enough? The phrase ‘have faith’ gets tossed around as if it’s a cure-all for what ails you. Seriously, if you are in the habit of using that phrase, what is your basis for using it? Is it hope, a feeling, something mysterious, or is it an assurance you have and if so, what is the basis for that assurance? The world defines faith as complete trust or confidence in something or somebody. I cannot disagree with that for that is what faith is. Now back to the first question. Is just having faith good enough? Well, yes, it depends on where your faith is placed. This week we have two stories were knowing where to place your faith is a matter of life or death.

After Jesus’ short stay in the Gerasenes region where He healed a demon-possessed man He headed back across the lake to Capernaum. As usual a crowd had formed rather quickly on the shore after His arrival with the help of old-fashion social media, word of mouth on foot. A synagogue official, a layman similar to deacons and elders today, was one of first people to greet him dropping to his knees and crying out, “My little daughter is dying, Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.” (Mk.5:23 nlt) The official, Jarius by name, knew his daughter was near death and Jesus was her only hope. Jarius most likely heard Jesus speak in the synagogue when Jesus visited, and he knew of His miracles. Jarius placed his faith in the only one capable of healing His daughter.

Jesus agreed to go with Jarius and so did the crowds as they forced their way to get closer to Him as they traveled to Jarius’ home. In among the crowd was a woman who was severely sick with constant bleeding from an incurable disease. “She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse.” (Mk.5:26 nlt) She too, like Jarius’ daughter was in a desperate situation although her death was not imminent it was certain without help from above. This woman, whose name we don’t know, was one of the many to had seen and heard about Jesus. She knew He could stop the bleeding. Her faith was so strong in Him knowing if she could only reach out to touch the hem of His garment she would be healed. And that is what she did, “Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.” (Mk.5:29 nlt) With so many people crowding around Jesus bumping into Him and touching Him, He specifically felt the power of healing faith go from Him to someone. It was an immediate healing for the woman.

Jesus then asked who touched Him. The disciples must have had a puzzled look on their faces when they answered, “Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” (Mk.5:31 nlt) But Jesus knew someone did and kept looking around until she came forward. Jesus didn’t pursue this to call out the woman, but to afford her the chance to praise God and tell others what God has for her. Jesus was not going to let this opportunity go by without recognizing her publicly. She had been a social outcast for so many years, and it’s time to turn the tables. Those who evade her will now see she is no longer considered to be ‘unclean’ but whole and fully healed. Jesus confirmed this by saying, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” (Mk.5:34 nlt)

I guess you can say in a way, it was a hope, but a hope in Jesus. It was a feeling in that she felt it instantly. It certainly felt mysterious, but it was the power of God touching her and stopping the bleeding. We can say for sure; she based her faith on Jesus, that is where she had the assurance of being healed by putting her trust and confidence in Him.

FreeBibleimages.org

We now go back to Jarius who has just witnessed miraculous healing before his eyes. But as they proceed to Jarius’ home, he received news that his daughter had died. In hearing this Jesus encourages Jarius by saying, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” (Mk.5:36 nlt) Jesus is reminding Jarius of the faith he had when he first approached Jesus about his daughter’s condition. There is nothing impossible for Jesus to do, even raising the dead.

Jesus suddenly stops the crowd from following Him and took with Him only Peter, James, and John the rest of the way to Jarius’ home. They were greeted by weeping and wailing as professional mourners were already called in, as was the custom, when a death occurred. Burial would soon take place in the Jewish culture as it is still practiced today. But Jesus would have no part of it. “He went inside and asked, ‘Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.’” (Mk.5:39 nlt) He knew what He was going to do as the people laughed and ridiculed Him. So, Jesus sent these people out of the house for their unbelief, and took the girl’s mother, father, and the disciples to the girl’s room.

They entered the room and, “Holding her hand, he said to her, ‘Talitha koum’ which means ‘Little girl, get up!’” (Mk.5:41 nlt) The twelve-year-old got up immediately and Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Jesus not only raised her from the dead but made sure she had something to eat. Jesus’ reference to ‘she’s only sleeping’ is used to describe her death was only temporary. He was going to raise her, and the people who laughed will know it is a true miracle because they knew she was pronounced dead and funeral arrangements were being made.

Jesus performed two miracles concerning life and death in which faith was a factor. Not in our faith itself but in having faith in the one who can perform miracles. We may not need to exercise our faith in a life-or-death manner, but if we do, or when we do, it is good to know where to place our faith. Yes, it is OK to just have faith as long as it is in Jesus Christ, God the Son.

FreeBibleimages.org

Devotionals

Your Great Name

Loring Schultz

“And then what will happen to the honor of your great name?” Joshua 7:9 NLT

Photo by Diggity Marketing on Unsplash

Perhaps you have heard the saying, ‘the only Jesus some people will see is the one they see in you.’ It is very true. Those who are lost in need of salvation may have heard of Jesus, even gone to church on occasion, but don’t know Him as their savior. They never had that personal experience that is necessary to knowing Jesus; to know they are lost, a sinner in need of forgiveness, and assurance of eternal life.

Will they be drawn to you when the Holy Spirit begins to convict their heart? Will they see a true Christ follower? Will the name of Jesus you proclaim be evident to the wandering seeking soul by your speech and conduct. Who will they see? Will they see the savior of your soul, the one who changed your life and gave it meaning, or will your demeanor show a passive Jesus, one who is inactive and lifeless? Be careful not represent Jesus in name only, and not His Great name!  If Jesus is alive in you, He cannot remain hidden, or your flesh will take over shading His light from being seen to the world.

The sound of Jesus’ great name is backed up by the evident change in those who have come to know Him. They know not only His great name, but Jesus Himself, who died for them and is their healer, redeemer, Lord, and King. When others see this change in our lives, and it is consistent, never wavering no matter what our circumstances, they will be able to see what a great name is the name of Jesus. Jesus’ name is great, because He is great, may people see His great name in us.

Bible Studies

“Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 5:1-20 NLT – Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man – So – Bible Gateway

“A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid.” Mark 5:15 NLT

FreeBibleimages.org

Jesus and His disciples finally reached the other side of the Sea of Galilee after a stormy night. They arrived in the region of the Gerasenes. This area just east of the Sea of Galilee was predominately a Gentile area. We learned last week of Jesus’ desire for rest. This region, which was not very populated and mainly a Gentile region, would be a welcome break from the large crowds that followed Him. But no sooner was Jesus out of the boat and on to the shore a demon-possessed man recognized Him. It was the demons who possessed him that recognized Jesus, for they knew who He was, the Son of God.

This man had been exiled from the villagers and was living among the tombs, a burial place inside the caves. These burial caves provided shelter to the poor and were frequently used. His demonic condition forced him away from society. He was bound by the people around him for their safety, but it was becoming impossible to restrain him even with shackles and chains. “Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him.” (Mk.5:4 nlt) The man would howl unearthly screams while cutting himself to pieces using flint with sharp jagged edges.

The man came up to Jesus and bowed before Him saying, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” (Mk.5:7 nlt) Again, it is the demons, or the chief spokesman representing them begging Jesus not to torment them. Jesus demanded what is your name, the demons replied ‘legion’. Jesus wanted to draw attention to the condition of the man and the evil he was going to be relieved from. There were many demons inside the man. A Roman legion was 6,000 men. This brings understanding to the strength the man had in breaking the chains from his hands and crushing the shackles on his feet. The horrifying screams from the tombs of 6,000 demons inside the man would, as one commentor put it, ‘destroyed the divine likeness with which man was created. “

The demons knew they were about to be punished. They were standing before Jesus, God the Son, who had the power to destroy them by sending them to their eternal punishment into the abyss. “There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby.” (Mk.5:11 nlt) They requested that Jesus permit them to enter the herd of 2,000 pigs. “So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.” (Mk.5:13 nlt) The amazement just witnessed by the herdsmen caused them to quickly flee and tell what they had seen. People were soon coming from all directions the herdsmen had traveled with the news. Jesus’ peaceful rest was put on hold again.

There may be times when we are looking for that special quiet time only for it to be interrupted. It happens to all of us. It happened to Jesus. When these times occur, we need to consider them as divine appointments, for that is what they are. The Lord knows we need rest, but He also has more important things in mind that He wants us to take care of first. Jesus had a divine appointment to help a man with a legion of demons tormenting him. We may not be helping a demon-possessed person, but to them it may feel that way. So, put your rest on hold and do what is necessary at the moment.

“A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.” (Mk.5:15, 17 nlt) There were several reasons for the people being afraid and asking Jesus to leave their region. The vast number of demons that entered the pigs showed the immensity of what evil was inside the demon-possessed man. They were possibly aware of their own ungodly lifestyle, and were afraid of Jesus’ power, and then there was the financial aspect. 2,000 pigs that were lost equals loss revenue. A side note here; noticed Jesus did not command the demons to enter the pigs, He permitted them. Satan brought about the destruction of the pigs as he continues to work havoc to this day as the Lord permits.

FreeBibleimages.org

The man now freed from the demons asked Jesus if he can go with Him, begging Him. Jesus told him no, but to go to his family and tell them what the Lord had done for him. In telling the man this, Jesus is again claiming His deity as God. The man went on throughout the region becoming the first evangelist to the Gentiles. Another side note as we close: Jesus doesn’t rescue us and deliver us from sin to keep it to ourselves, but to go out telling others the gospel of Jesus Christ.

A Christian Perspective

For it before you were against it

Loring Schultz

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” Luke 11:23 NLT

 
Photo by Tesla Fans Schweiz on Unsplash

Advocating for something before speaking against is known in the political realm as being for something before being against it. The catch phrase dates to a presidential candidate in the 2004 presidential election who made the statement, ‘I voted for it before I voted against it’ in reference to a Senate bill. Ever since, the phrase has been used to display the on-going hypocrisy in politics. A prime example are the recent attacks on Tesla dealerships in the United States and now spreading to other countries. CBS News reports, “Graffiti on a Tesla dealership sign. Molotov cocktails thrown in another dealership’s lot. Tesla charging stations set on fire. Across the country, the electric vehicle company’s facilities and vehicles are being hit with protests and violence over Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration.” (1) From the Associated Press, “Cybertrucks set ablaze. Bullets and Molotov cocktails aimed at Tesla showrooms. Attacks on property carrying the logo of Elon Musk’s electric-car company are cropping up across the U.S. and overseas.” (2)

What was once hailed as a great achievement and supported very passionately for the protection of the environment, is now being destroyed by the same people due to politics. On the other hand, those who adamantly oppose electric cars are now finding a change of heart due to their politics. Hypocrisy knows no boundaries. They were for it before they were against it and vice versa.

Some Christians today have the same mindset. Due to pressure from the culture, what they were once for based on a Biblical conviction and worldview they are now against. Finding it easier to go along with the crowd they are persuaded their beliefs do not reflect the norms of society, are outdated, not respectful of our time, and should be abandoned. A word of caution in support of that kind of thinking; society may have changed, but God never changes. His Word stands alone.

Jesus said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” (Lk.11:23 nlt) When we start to move away from Scripture and Jesus’ words to adapt to the world we are working against Him. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2Tim.3:16 nlt) Jesus, God the Son, used Scripture throughout His ministry on earth to teach us right from wrong. Scripture has not changed, and just because Jesus while on earth did not address certain issues does not mean they are no longer relevant or weren’t relevant in Jesus’ day.

Opposing certain passages of Scripture due to our politics or changing culture is opposing Jesus. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb.13:8 nlt) May Jesus’ followers never be heard to say, ‘we were for it, before we were against it.’

Photo AI Generated wordpress

(1) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tesla-violence-protest-elon-musk/

(2) https://apnews.com/article/tesla-vandalism-musk-trump-domestic-extremism-7576c03393a733eaf34b793e86ad1a6f

Devotionals

The Lord’s Work is on-going…….      

Loring Schultz

“You will always have the poor among you.” John 12:8 NLT

Photo by Timur Weber on Pexels.com

World Vision reports that according to the World Bank, 712 million people live in poverty across the globe. As of 2022, 38 million people in the United States live below the poverty line, and nearly 90% of children living in either sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia live in poverty. (1) There is much work to do in helping the poor. Yes, the Lord’s work is on-going, it never ends.

Jesus Himself said, “You will always have the poor among you.” (Jn.12:8 nlt) He said that 2,000 years ago, and we can see the truthfulness of His words. Jesus spoke those words in defense of Mary who was chastised for anointing Him with expensive perfume. Jesus’ point was, He would not always be with them, but the poor will always be present. There will be plenty of time and opportunities to help the poor, which is also His desire.

We have several examples in Scripture of doing the Lord’s work concerning the poor. Paul was carrying a gift to the poor in Jerusalem collected by fellow believers, he said “I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.” (Ro.15:26 nlt) James, Peter, and John when endorsing Paul’s ministry said, “Their only suggestion was that (they) keep on helping the poor, which (Paul) has always been eager to do.” (Gal.2:10 nlt) And the Lord God said through Moses to the children of Israel, “There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.” (Dt.15:11 nlt)

Our generation has not missed out on helping the poor, nor has any previous generation. We are all required to be the hands and feet of Jesus and do His work. Caring for the poor and less fortunate in our society is caring for Jesus, for He said, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Mt.25:40 nlt) Let’s keep the work going!

(1) Global poverty: Facts, FAQs, and how to help | World Vision

Bible Studies

“More Parables” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 4:21-34 NLT – Parable of the Lamp – Then Jesus asked – Bible Gateway

“Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more.” Mark 4:24 NLT

Photo by Ghanashyam Hazra on Pexels.com

Last Sunday in our study in the book of Mark we looked at one of many of Jesus’ parables, the Parable of the Farmer’s Seed. This week we review three rather short parables, one which is a continuation from lasts week. We noted last week that Jesus’ teaching was to instruct His disciples. His teaching was not revealed to the crowds because they would not understand. But this week, Jesus says after one of His parables, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (Mk.4:24-25 nlt)

Jesus is telling them and us to pay close attention and listen to His words. For us, we have His written words in Scripture to pay attention to. Although Jesus’ teaching may be hard to understand along with the rest of the Bible, we are not to neglect reading it and should take in what we can. Reading carefully, prayerfully, and paying attention to the Holy Spirit’s guidance will reveal truths you haven’t seen before. You can trust Jesus when He says, the closer you listen, the more you will understand, and you will receive even more understanding through the Holy Spirit as you dive into His Word.

The first parable of our three this week is the ‘Parable of the Lamp.’ Jesus asks the question; would anyone light a lamp and hide it so no one would see the light? Obviously, the answer is no. The lamp is to be placed appropriately on the lampstand to bring light into the home. Here Jesus is saying He is the light of the world and will one day be revealed as such. Jesus then says, “For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.” (Mk.4:22 nlt) Who Jesus is going to be revealed. During Jesus’ time on earth many things were not in view but will be uncovered beginning with Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus tells those listening to Him and to us,
“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mk.4:23 nlt)

Our second parable picks up where last week’s left off. It is the Parable of the Growing Seed. The book of Mark is the only place where this parable is recorded. Last week’s parable concentrated on the soil and peoples’ responses to the gospel message. This parable’s emphasis is on the power of the seed which is the gospel message. The seed of the Word of God planted in peoples’ hearts will begin to produce fruit. Jesus’ illustration is as follows, “The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.” (Mk.4:28 nlt) The Word sown in a receptive heart will always grow. The power of the gospel is in the seed. Sometimes growth is slow, but it is sure to produce fruit. It works in a person’s heart through the Holy Spirit until salvation occurs by accepting Christ. (Mk.4:29)

Our third and final parable is the Parable of the Mustard Seed. This parable along with the first two describe bringing about the kingdom of God. “Jesus said, ‘How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?’” (Mk.4:30 nlt) Jesus told a story of the mustard seed in parable form. The mustard seed was one of the smallest seeds in the Palestinian region. The mustard plant will grow to 10-12ft high. It is not unusual to reach a height of 15ft. The point is what is starting out small with only Jesus preaching along with His disciples will flourish and spread rapidly across the world and at rapid speed. “It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” (Mk.4:31-32 nlt)

Photo by Gelgas Airlangga on Pexels.com

Jesus always spoke in parables in His public teaching throughout His ministry. His illustrations were in the simplest terms of everyday life so that the people could relate. They were earthly stories but had a heavenly meaning. As Jesus would say, ‘those with ears to hear, and hearts turned towards God, should listen, pay attention and understand.’ A lesson for us in understanding His Word by having our hearts committed and dedicated to the Lord and His purposes advancing the kingdom of God.

Bible Studies

“Parable of the Farmer’s Seed” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 4:1-20 NLT – Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed – Bible Gateway

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” Mark 4:3, 14 NLT

FreeBibleimages.org

Beginning with chapter four in the book of Mark, Jesus increases His use of the parable method of teaching, an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. The crowds continued to grow around Him, which was good, but it also brought more people who opposed Him, many who were only superficial followers. Jesus’ purpose of speaking in parables was to teach His disciples. The substance of His teaching was withheld from those antagonistic and superficial hearers who would not understand for they were not spiritually discerned. (1Cor.2:14)

In chapter four, we see Jesus once again teaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. As the crowds are pressing towards Him, Jesus retreats into a nearby boat and sits down to teach. With the crowds gathered on the shoreline, Jesus begins to tell them many stories in the form of parables beginning with the parable of the farmer’s seed, otherwise known as the ‘parable of the sower.’

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.” (Mk.4:3 nlt) Jesus always uses illustrations from everyday life to convey His messages. Agriculture was the way of life in Jesus’ day, so all would be familiar with it. Jesus uses four examples of different types of soil in which the farmer planted his seed. The farmer scatters seed on the path, on stony ground, on soil with thorns, and on good ground. In those days seeds were scattered by hand, so it was easy for some seeds to make their way onto a foot path along a field where planting was being done. The path was hardened by heavy foot traffic leaving the seed on the path and the birds came and immediately ate it.

“Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow.” (Mk.4:5 nlt) This is the stony ground, very good soil, but shallow and on top of an underlying stone usually limestone. Heating from the sun caused rapid growth eventually scorching the plant from extreme heat because it did not have deep roots. Jesus then used the example of soil containing thorns which choked the plant by using up all the light, water, and space needed to grow. And then there were seeds that fell into the good fertile soil and grew producing an abundant crop. Jesus then said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mk.4:9 nlt)

The disciples and others who were with them who had a desire to follow Jesus asked Jesus the meaning of the parable. Jesus replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders.” (Mk.4:11 nlt) Jesus begins to explain the parable to them and to anyone who has spiritual faith relating themselves to Jesus and His message.

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?’” (Mk.4:13 nlt) Jesus makes it clear that understanding this parable is essential going forward to understand His future parables. This parable presents the teaching and preaching of the gospel message, the message of salvation, and the acceptance or rejection of it.

Jesus begins to explain the parable, “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” (Mk.3:14 nlt) The seed is obviously God’s word, more specially the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The farmer is Jesus Himself and anyone and everyone who teaches and preaches the gospel. The seed that fell on the footpath was heard by people but immediately taken away by Satan as representing the birds eating the seed. The seed in the stony soil is received enthusiastically and emotionally. There is genuine joy, but they have not counted the cost. Once the heat from troubles and persecution bakes through they quickly fall away. As the thorns choked out the sun, water, and space needed for the plant to grow and survive in Jesus’ example, so to do the three hinderances of anxieties, lure of wealth, and the craving of other things choke out those who receive the word but worry about such things.

The first three examples are given for us to understand that not everyone we speak to, or who listens to our teaching, or sits under our preaching is going to respond to the gospel message the same way. If fact all three end up not accepting it but in different scenarios. But Jesus ends this parable with encouraging words, “And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mk.4:20 nlt) Those whose hearts are receptive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting respond after hearing the message and accept God’s Word for salvation and bear much fruit.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

It is important for Christians to be busy proclaiming the gospel. The Lord God requires us only to be faithful in telling others about Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for our sins. The results are in His hands and in His timing. God will do His work as we do ours. “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mk.4:9 nlt)

Devotionals

The Way of the Cross Leads Home    

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 8:34-38 NIV – The Way of the Cross – Then he called – Bible Gateway

 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34 NIV

Photo by Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash

What does it mean to be a Christ follower in 2025? How does one become a follower of Jesus today? One becomes a Christ follower the same way His first disciples did it. They followed Jesus’ instructions, “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” (Mk.8:34 niv)

The idea of ‘denying ourselves’ is to cease making our lives all about us turning from our selfish ways. We must admit we all have some selfish ways within us. Jesus walked that road of denial and set the example for us. If we are to be His followers, we must do the same.

Taking up our cross is to suffer for Christ’s sake and denying ourselves. It is our willingness to lose our life to save it as Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mk.8:35 niv) You may save your physical life from persecution by denying Jesus and the gospel, but your eternal soul will be lost. Losing your life physically for Christ’s sake, the sake of the gospel, and the cross results in saving your life for all eternity, for the way of cross leads home.

Singer/song writer John Chisum’s recording ‘The Way of the Cross Leads Home.’ include these lyrics:

So I bid farewell to the way of the world

To walk in it no more

For my Lord says come and I seek my home

Where He waits at the open door

Oh, the way of the cross leads home

Yes the way of the cross leads home (1)

So let us deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Jesus by way of His cross leading us home.

(1) Kirk Dearman, Kirk Carroll Dearman

Devotionals

Gateway to Life    

Loring Schultz

“But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:14 NLT

Photo by Kenny Nguyễn on Unsplash

My computer background screen refreshes daily with scenic pictures from around the world. A couple of days ago the Gateway Arch, also known as the Gateway to the West, was displayed on the screen. It is in St. Louis, Missouri at the Gateway Arch National Park. It was built to commemorate President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation by exploring and settling territory west of the Mississippi River. The 630-foot-tall monument is located near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark expedition, their gateway to the west.

Jesus speaks of another gateway that explores new territory, and when found leads to eternal life. The early pioneers and explorers in American history were brave, energetic, and unwavering in their pursuit of establishing a life in the west. The same cannot be said for those looking for eternal life. Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Mt.7:13 nlt)

The gateway to hell is wide and there are scores of people going through it and are on the road to destruction. They are seeking the pleasures of this world by securing a comfortable lifestyle in this life with no concern for eternity. Jesus said, “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Mt.7:14 nlt) Very few find it because of its difficulty; the difficulty of admitting you a sinner and need salvation, the difficulty of accepting Jesus as the only way to salvation, the difficulty of giving up worldly desires, and the difficulty of being shunned by your friends and family.

The gateway to life is very narrow. Jesus said He is the only way to the Father and to eternal life. (Jn.14:6) And yes, the road is difficult for Christians in this world, but they have the Holy Spirit to help them through. Jesus is the gateway to eternal life. Why not start your expedition to saving grace today by going through that narrow gate by accepting Christ as your savior. It leads to the promised land.