What’s in a name? Well, that depends on whose name it is. Reference to someone’s name will bring a visual picture of them to your mind. Names of well-known people will draw up images both good and bad as to their character, and their achievements or non-achievements. Being associated with a name will likely put you in the same boat of the name in question. It’s called ‘guilty by association.’ So, it is wise to keep our name free from scandals and from associations with those whose names recall bad images.
What about the name of Christ? Luke writes in the book of Acts, “God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (4:12 nlt) His name, Jesus Christ, is the only way of salvation and assurance of heaven after this life. Being associated with that name would be a good thing, and I trust that you are. However, there are people who would disagree that the name of Jesus is the only way to heaven, which puts Christians in a bad light being associated with Jesus’ name. Jesus, Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nlt) Being associated with Jesus may tarnish your name a bit if you’re totally committed to Him and His Words.
But where are we to go as Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (Jn.6:68-69 nlt) Peter held fast and stayed true being associated with the name of Jesus as we see in our reading today in Acts 3. It was in the name of Jesus, Peter was able to heal the lame man, and it is the same name of Jesus that is the only name able to heal our sin sick soul unto eternal life through faith in Him. It’s OK to be guilty by association in the name of Jesus Christ. It is the name by which we must be saved.
“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
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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.
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)
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.
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.
“Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.” Mark 3:27 NLT
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In last Sunday’s Biblical Insights Jesus was becoming a notable popular figure. People were coming from all over Israel and some from outside the nation to hear Jesus teach and witness His healing miracles. Many of them came to be healed themselves from whatever affliction they had. This week the teachers of the Law in Jerusalem, the hierarchy of the religious rulers, have begun to take notice as news about Jesus filtered down to them. They make the trip to Capernaum to defy Jesus. These religious rulers accuse Jesus of being in league with Satan stating it was by Satan’s power He was performing these miracles. Jesus uses a simple illustration to prove them wrong.
But first things first. Our reading this week begins with Jesus choosing the rest of His twelve disciples. “Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him.” (Mk.3:13 nlt) Jesus’ choosing of all twelve was according to His sovereign determined purpose, including Judas Iscariot. These disciples minus Judas would go on to set the foundation of the Christian church.
The crowds were continuing to follow Jesus who is now with His disciples. “One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat.” (Mk.3:20 nlt) Most likely this was Peter’s and Andrew’s home where they often met. The news of Jesus’ activities apparently was heard in Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. Jesus’ family had come to Capernaum to get Jesus away from the crowds for some rest. Evidently, they were concerned for His wellbeing. They had thought He had lost His mind. Unfortunately, this showed an attitude of unbelief from those who knew Him best. New Christians today who come to faith in Christ at times come across as crazy, or not in their right mind by those closest to them.
The religious leaders from Jerusalem having arrived try to reason with the crowd telling them, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.” (Mk.3:22 nlt) Jesus now uses His illustration to disprove the Jewish leader’s theory. Basically, Jesus is saying if He was working for Satan, why would he be casting out Satan’s demons. Besides, He asked them, “How can Satan cast out Satan? A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.” (Mk.3:23-24 nlt) Jesus added Satan would be fighting with himself and could not stand.
Jesus then clears up any misunderstanding there may be in His illustration. He refers to Satan as a strong man in his house (his domain). Jesus asks who is strong enough to enter Satan’s domain to tie him up and plunder his goods. There is only one who is stronger, Jesus, and He has come to do just that. Jesus was declaring the kingdom of God has arrived, and He is plundering Satan and releasing those who are under his control. Jesus is not in league with Satan but in combat with him.
When the religious leaders attributed Jesus’ miracles to Satan and that He was possessed by an evil spirit they were blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Jesus had something to say about that. “I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.” (Mk.3:28-29 nlt) That may sound confusing, after all doesn’t God forgive all sin when confessed? Yes, He does. So, what’s the difference? What Jesus is saying is when one equates spiritual good (the Holy Spirit) with spiritual evil (Satan) it hardens the heart to the point of making repentance and forgiveness impossible. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, “The essence of the eternal sin is the attitude of heart that underlies the act. This is a fixed, unrepentant state of mind that persist in defiant rejection of the Holy Spirit.” (1)
Chapter 3 closes with the changes in human relationships in the kingdom of God. Jesus’ mother and brothers who came to see Him sent word to Him inside requesting to come out and talk with them. Jesus responded, ‘“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ Then he looked at those around him and said, ‘Look, these are my mother and brothers.” (Mk.3:33-34 nlt) Jesus was not showing disrespect for His mother or brothers but was teaching us a very important truth about God’s kingdom. Those who know the Lord and are obedient to His will is God’s family. The relationship we have with Christ in the family of God is more important than our human family relationships. Jesus came to set us free from the power of Satan and provide us with eternal life for all who accept Him as their savior, and we are then placed in God’s family. That’s the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(1) Pfeiffer, Charles F., Harrison, Everett F. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1990. Pg 995
It’s good to assess where we have been as we continue going forward in life. This is particularly true for the Christian who now has a renewed life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2Cor.5:17 esv) We thank the Lord that He has given us a new nature in Christ, a renewed mind, and a place in heaven. But we still carry with us the old nature while we walk on this earth.
The Puritan writers realized this and embraced it as a reminder of where they had been, and what is the true character of their nature. ‘Keep me mindful of my natural state.’ We do not need to worry about our old sin nature showing up reminding us of where we have been, it’s automatic. And I’m sure, the Puritans experienced the same thing, but they strived to keep it from happening by remembering where they had been. They knew it took only a thought in the wrong direction to land them back in that sin pile that caused their saviors death.
Although they wanted to be reminded of their natural state, they did not want to forget who they really were in Christ. They wanted to remember their heavenly title, where they were going, and the grace and forgiveness that is bestowed on them while on earth in the flesh.
The Puritans had a way of keeping it real. They were aware of their sin, and desired to be reminded of it to keep it at bay. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for us to do the same in our day. Being constantly aware of our sin nature will help us in our walk with Christ going forward, and when we do sin may we remember that God forgets and will remember our sins no more.
(1) Bennett, Arthur The Valley of Vision. East Peoria: Versa Press Inc. 2023. Pg. 74
“Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.” Romans 11:33, 26 NLT
It’s hard for the mortal to understand the immortal. For us the God of the universe with unlimited power and knowledge is hard to wrap our minds around. Most of us take it by faith through reading and believing the Scriptures, and some others witness His great power through a life-changing event experiencing firsthand the greatness and power God. Nebuchadnezzar experienced the latter and was able to grasp the power and sovereignty of God in the events found in the book of Daniel chapter four.
Nebuchadnezzar introduces the narrative of his encounter with God saying, “I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders!” (Dan.4:2-3 nlt) Nebuchadnezzar was shown the greatness, power, and sovereignty of God in a most humiliating way. He saw firsthand how great and powerful God was and how small and insignificant he was. God is ruler over all, and all for His glory.
The apostle Paul writes in Romans, “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.” (11:33, 36 nlt) Paul is breaking out in praise for God’s greatness, power, wisdom, and knowledge that brought about the plan of salvation by His sovereign will for all people. We may not be able to wrap our minds around that either, so it’s OK to receive it by faith (Eph.2:8-9), or if you need a Nebuchadnezzar experience the Lord will provide one for you. Just be sure to respond to the call.
“Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him.” Mark 3:7- 8 NLT
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Famous people usually draw a crowd when out in public just by showing up at an event or enjoying dinner out. People crowd around them to say a word, or hope for a longer conversation, or are just looking for an autograph. Imagine if that person, in addition to filling your excitable emotions, could heal you physically of any disease or sickness you had. You would actively seek that person and not wait for a chance meeting. Jesus was such a famous person as he started His earthly ministry as we have been studying in the book of Mark.
Large crowds were beginning to follow Jesus as the news about His miracles of healing began spreading all throughout the region and beyond. People were traveling considerable distances from outside Palestine to find Jesus. He was becoming quite popular and there was much excitement building around Him.
We read today in the first six verses of Mark chapter 3 of another healing performed this time in the synagogue in Capernaum that helped boost Jesus’ fame. This miracle took place on the Sabbath day which boosted the Pharisees disproval of Jesus to the point they were now plotting His death. As Jesus entered the synagogue there was a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees were watching with intent for what Jesus would do. The verb that is used indicates they were observing maliciously waiting to trap Him. The Pharisees were looking for an opportunity to accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath by healing the man. Rabbinic teaching did not allow the practice of medicine on the Sabbath unless the individual was close to death. This man with the deformed hand clearly was not, so the Pharisees watched closely.
Jesus asked the Pharisees, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” (Mk.3:4 nlt) The Pharisees had failed to see the true nature of the Sabbath was to do good. Not healing this man would be breaking the spirit of the Sabbath and would be a sin. The Pharisees did not answer Jesus. By remaining silent they were implying their views on the Sabbath were wrong. They were convinced Jesus could heal the man, yet when He does, they are ready to accuse Him and seek His death. It’s ironic Jesus asked them, ‘Is it a day to save life or to destroy it?’ No wonder they didn’t answer, Jesus was going to save life, and the Pharisees were plotting to destroy His.
Jesus displayed His righteous anger as the Holy One of God and was grieved at their hardness of heart. The Pharisees hearts were growing hard by their pride, and by the prospect of losing their power and positions. Their lifestyle was more important to them than accepting Jesus the Messiah had come. How many people have we in the world today who also love their lifestyle to the point that any mention of Christ hardens their hearts. The Pharisees in Jesus’ day were throwing away the truth of Christ for their own lies.
“Then he said to the man, ‘Hold out your hand.’ So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!” (Mk.3:5 nlt) Jesus performed another miracle of healing increasing His popularity with the people and infuriating the so-called religious Pharisees who wasted no time in gathering support to destroy Jesus. The Pharisees met with the Herodians, a secular political party who supported the Roman government, but opposed the Pharisees. The Herodians also wanted to see the end of Jesus. They feared their political power would be in jeopardy if the region became unstable due to Jesus’ presence. The Herodians and Pharisees had a common enemy for different reasons, but their concern for themselves united them. Our world is no different today. We have so-called religious people where Jesus gets in the way of their programs, and secular political parties where the name of Jesus becomes a distraction. Both avoid any contact with the Christ of Scripture.
No matter the efforts to suppress Jesus in our modern society, His popularity and the excitement He builds cannot be restrained. Large crowds still follow Him today, and they are growing. Just as in Jesus’ day, “They came from all over Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him.” (Mk.3:7-8 nlt) Jesus is not on earth physically with crowds of people ascending on Him just to touch Him that He needed to seek refuge in a boat. But Jesus’ popularity and the excitement He brings is only natural as He is the only hope in this world, and the only hope for our afterlife. He still heals and saves those who come to Him for salvation. Jesus offers us the ultimate healing from the sin of death to eternal life. That’s worth seeking Him.
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.’” Matthew 28:18-19 NLT
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Do you own a ‘red-letter edition’ of the Bible? I have had several over the years. The red letters, of course, are the words spoken by Jesus. It is an excellent edition especially for a new Christian and those seeking to know more about the sayings of Christ, for Jesus’ words are easy to find. A bit of caution though to be aware of when reading a red-letter edition. There is a tendency to put more emphasis on Jesus’ words as being more important than the rest of Scripture. They are not. All Scripture is God’s Holy Word and equally important. What Jesus had to say is very important and should be lived out by every Christian. There is no greater example of living a godly lifestyle than the Lord Jesus. We should heed the words He spoke, all His words, and live accordingly.
Throughout the four gospels Jesus tells us in His teaching why He came to earth. He came to redeem us and restore our broken relationship with God the Father due to our sin. Jesus proved He was God the Son by the miracles He perform, and His love and compassion He had for all. He lived a perfect sinless life and was the only one worthy to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus taught His followers, including us, how we should live and care for others. Christians today are to be the hands and feet of Jesus in all He taught us by His words, His example, and His parting words which are His instructions for us to follow while He is away.
Sadly, I’m afraid there are many Christians and churches who are weighing the importance of Jesus’ words against the rest of Scripture even within the red letters themselves. For example, Jesus taught us how to treat others, how to care for poor and the sick, how to look out for widows and orphans, and visit those in prison, along with loving the Lord our God with all our heart and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus taught us many other things in Scripture, but those mentioned above seem to have priority over everything else Jesus said including, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn.14:6 nblt) and His final instructions, His parting words as he ascended to heaven.
All of Jesus’ words have equal importance and it is not up to us to pick and choose, especially when we ignore the gospel message of salvation. Jesus told us to, ‘go and make disciples of all the nations.’ We are to preach the good news of saving grace and explain why Jesus came. He came to provide our greatest need, forgiveness of our sins and to save us from eternal separation from the Father.
And yes, taking care of social needs in Jesus’ name is also the work of Christians and the church. We should be quick to do this work and never neglect it. It only stands to reason if Jesus instructed us to care for the temporal needs of people on earth, He cares just as much for the more pressing need of saving their eternal souls. That is why Jesus gave us those parting words. Let’s do both!
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23:5 KJV
Being held in a position of honor has always been a bit uncomfortable for me, not that it has happened very often. I’m thankful for the times in my life they have occurred. Some years back my wife and me along with my spiritual mentor and his wife received such an honor from the church we belonged to for we both were moving out of the area. It was a pleasant surprise, a joyous occasion, and a humble experience in the recognition we all received.
On such occasions we may also feel unworthy to receive such an honor. Yet, those providing the festivities have a different opinion. It was based on the love we had for each other in being part of the church family, the family of God. In reality, we are all sinners saved by grace through Christ’s love for us. As He has loved us, we love one another in our church family. The church held this special honor because of their love for us.
The 23rd Psalm, probably the most familiar passage in Scripture, ends with an honored guest experience. The psalm is written by King David, and he reveals that he is the Lord’s honored guest at His table. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” (Ps.23:5a kjv) God is the gracious host providing a banquet and treating David as an honor guest. David was overwhelmed saying, “my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” (Ps.235b-6a kjv)
That same honor applies to us today. If anything should make us feel uncomfortable or unworthy this would be it. The Lord God preparing a banquet for us and seating us as a guest of honor. But it is because of His great love for us that he invites us to His table to partake of His salvation prepared for us. You’re the Lord’s honored guest, don’t decline the invitation. R.S.V.P.
Word for the Soul 