Category Archives: Mark

There is something in most people which craves status and recognition. We want to be first. We want others to acknowledge our importance. We often think we are better than other people. Jesus’ disciples were no different. They, too, wanted to put themselves first.

However, Jesus taught that true greatness is measured by service and by putting others first. The disciples had a hard time comprehending this, let alone accepting it. When Jesus spoke of His own coming sacrificial death, they did not understand.

In chapter 9, verses 33 through 37 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark writes, “He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?” But they were silent, for they had disputed with one another on the way about who was the greatest. He sat down, and called the twelve; and he said to them, “If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” He took a little child, and set him in the middle of them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such little child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, doesn’t receive me, but him who sent me.””

Why did the disciples keep quiet when Jesus asked them what their argument was about? Perhaps they were afraid Jesus would not select them if they asked Jesus to settle the argument of who was greatest. Perhaps they felt guilty or embarrassed. They might have sensed that Jesus would not approve of their worldly, selfish desires. Though they kept silent, Jesus knew their ambition and so He explained the principle of greatness to them: It is service which makes one great. The more one serves, the greater he is. This principle is diametrically opposed to what the world teaches. Many believe that in order to advance it is necessary to put other people down. They measure how important they are by how many people serve them. This may be true in the eyes of society. It is not true in the Kingdom of God. God measures how great someone is by how well and how many other people they serve.

To illustrate His point, Jesus took a little child in His arms. Those who are truly great pay attention to the concerns of those the world considers unimportant or insignificant. If we are Jesus’ disciples we will care about the people He cares about. By extension, the same people Jesus is concerned about are the same as those God cares for. By welcoming them in Jesus’ name, we not only show them Christ’s love, but also the love of God.

There is another way in which people try to show that they are greater than others. In verses 38 through 50 Mark writes, “John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone who doesn’t follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow us.” But Jesus said, “Don’t forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is on our side. For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ’s, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward. Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if he were thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire, ‘where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.’ If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame, rather than having your two feet to be cast into Gehenna, into the fire that will never be quenched— ‘where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.’ If your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out. It is better for you to enter into God’s Kingdom with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire, ‘where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.’ For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.””

In this incident the disciples made a common mistake. In their pride they thought that since Jesus had chosen them, they were above everyone else who followed Jesus. They forgot that Jesus is the Master and it is He who assigns each person his task. It was not the disciples’ place to tell someone else that he could not serve in Jesus’ name. Do we, like the disciples, become a hindrance to Christ’s work because we refuse to recognize the role He has assigned to others?

Jesus went on to say that any service, no matter how humble is worthwhile. We tend to think that only the highly visible and prominent things are worth doing – most likely because we think that doing the so-called ‘big’ things shows how great we are. However, giving even a simple cup of water for the sake of Jesus will be rewarded. Are we willing to do the humble tasks which receive no public recognition?

Jesus next discussed influence. What we say and do has an impact on those around us. In their desire to prove how great they were, the disciples had not considered how they were affecting others. Their example in seeking to become number one might cause an innocent child to sin. In such case, instead of obtaining the high position they lusted after, drowning would be better than what would happen to them. What is more important – obtaining worldly position or having a place in God’s Kingdom? We should be willing to pay any price to enter the Kingdom of God – even a part of our bodies if that is necessary to prevent us from sinning. It is better to be crippled or maimed and have a place in the Kingdom than to remain whole and be thrown into the eternal fire of hell. If we should be willing to give up a part of our body in order to obtain God’s Kingdom, then how much more should we be willing to let go of status or position to obtain it!

To make His point even more clear, Jesus referred to the sacrifices God required in the Law of Moses. God instructed the people to, “Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.” (Leviticus 2:13 NIV) By telling His disciples that “Everyone will be salted with fire.” (verse 49) Jesus was saying that just as salt accompanied the sacrifices, His disciples would experience trouble, persecution and hardship. Instead of putting themselves first they should sacrificially serve others. Salt also preserves and brings out the flavor of food. However, it is useless if it loses it’s saltiness. By seeking to be first the disciples could lose their saltiness. Instead of arguing about who was greatest, the disciples were to be at peace with one another.

Why doesn’t God grant our requests even when we ask for what is good? One of the reasons is that in our heart of hearts we sometimes doubt that God is able to do what we ask of Him.

Similarly, why do our attempts to serve God sometimes seem so ineffective? Could it be that we are not doing the things required for success? In the Gospel which bears his name, Mark tells of an incident which illustrates these points. Jesus took three of His disciples up on a mountain where He was transfigured before them and they saw His divine glory. In chapter 9, verses 14 through 29 Mark tells us what happened when they came down from the mountain. “Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them.
Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him. He asked the scribes, “What are you asking them?” One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit; and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.” He answered him, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.” They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth. He asked his father, “How long has it been since this has come to him?” He said, “From childhood. Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” After crying out and convulsing him greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead, so much that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand, and raised him up; and he arose. When he had come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting.””

Mark does not tell us what the argument was about or why the crowd was amazed when they saw Jesus. Perhaps they were amazed because Jesus’ very presence was enough to stop the argument. Whatever the reason, it was obvious that Jesus was in total control of the situation. When Jesus asked what they were arguing about a man in the crowd replied that he had brought his demon-possessed son for healing. Presumably the argument was about demon-possession or about healing. In any case, since Jesus was unavailable, the man asked His disciples to cast out the demon. No doubt the disciples thought they were capable of doing so because, as Mark wrote earlier, casting out demons one of the purposes for which Christ chose them (Mark 3:14-15). Jesus not only gave the disciples the authority to drive out demons, they had actually done so during their preaching tour of Galilee (Mark 6:12-13). Thus they had every expectation that they would be able to drive this demon out as well.

However, having the authority and the resources to accomplish the task was not enough. The disciples were unable to cure the man’s son. Jesus was bitterly disappointed when He learned of the disciples’ failure. He was tired of their lack of spiritual maturity and said that the cause of their failure was a lack of faith.

The disciples’ failure holds a lesson for us, as well. Many years later the Apostle Peter wrote, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV) In light of this, when we experience spiritual failure it is not because Jesus has neglected to provide everything we need but, like the disciples, we have failed to use the resources He has given us.

The boy’s father begged Jesus to do something if He could. At least the man was honest. He may have had doubts about Jesus’ ability to heal his son, but when Jesus told him that everything is possible to those who believe, the man confessed his partial lack of faith. Even more importantly, he asked Jesus to help him overcome his lack of faith.

One of the beautiful things about Jesus is that he doesn’t demand perfection before He is willing to help. He knows our weaknesses and is willing to help us in spite of them as long as we are honest with Him. Scripture says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV)

The boy appeared dead after Jesus cast the demon out of him. However, appearances can be deceiving. When Jesus heals, He does so completely. Jesus took the boy by the hand and lifted him up. In this account Mark, in a sense, foreshadows a much greater event: That Christ would overcome death for all people and for all time when He rose from the dead.

Afterwards the disciples asked Jesus why they were unable to cast out the demon. Jesus replied that it could only be cast out by prayer. From this we learn that the disciples had neglected prayer which resulted in their unbelief. Perhaps they made the common mistake of thinking that the power to heal was inherent in themselves and had not called on God. Perhaps they forgot the purpose for healing – which was to authenticate the message that Jesus gave them to preach.

Though Jesus was irritated by the disciples’ lack of belief and understanding, He did not give up on them. He still took the time to teach them. In verses 30 through 32 Mark writes, “They went out from there, and passed through Galilee. He didn’t want anyone to know it. For he was teaching his disciples, and said to them, “The Son of Man is being handed over to the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, on the third day he will rise again.” But they didn’t understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.”

This was the second time Jesus told the disciples about His coming death. The concept was beyond them.

It is often difficult for us to see reality. Sometimes our preconceived notions of how things ought to be causes us to have a distorted view of the actual facts. Sometimes we don’t know crucial information which would change how we look at things. But, most importantly, we often forget that the physical and material world in which we live is not all there is. There is a spiritual dimension to everything we do. There are spiritual forces at work which we cannot see or perceive with our physical senses.

In the Gospel which bears his name, Mark records how some of Jesus’ disciples had the rare privilege of seeing a glimpse of the reality beyond our physical world. In chapter 9, verses 2 through 8 he writes, “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them. His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus. Peter answered Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” For he didn’t know what to say, for they were very afraid. A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus only.”

Not long before this incident Peter had declared his belief that Jesus was the Christ, that is, the One God chose to fulfill His plan of reconciling mankind to God. Now, Peter, James and John received dramatic proof that Peter’s declaration was true – Jesus truly was God’s Chosen One.

Not only did the appearance of Jesus’ face change, His clothes turned a dazzling white, far beyond the skill of a laundryman. Another account of this same incident says that they shone like lightning (Luke 9:29). What was the significance of this? Earlier Jesus had told His disciples that He would come, “in his Father’s glory” (Mark 8:38). No doubt what Peter and the others saw was a glimpse of that glory. For a moment they were privileged to see Jesus’ true nature, the glory He gave up when He left God’s presence in heaven to come to earth as a man. Many years later, Peter wrote, “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16 NIV)

Jesus’ glory was not the only thing the disciples saw. Moses and Elijah also appeared in glorious splendor and spoke with Jesus. Mark does not tell us what they talked about. However, Luke informs us that they discussed Jesus’ departure which would be accomplished in Jerusalem. Elsewhere the Scriptures use the word which is translated here as ‘departure’ to refer to death. However, this same word is used to describe the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. Just as God led the Israelites through the Red Sea in order to bring them out from slavery, so too, Jesus’ death in Jerusalem would enable all people to escape the slavery of sin.

Why Moses and Elijah? Perhaps it was because Moses was the one through whom God gave the Law to the Israelites. By means of the Law of Moses, God entered into a covenant relationship with the Israelites. If they kept God’s expectations defined by the Law, they would live. Unfortunately, no one could meet God’s standards. The penalty for sin is death, that is, eternal separation from God. Though the Law provided sacrifices for sins, those sacrifices were insufficient. Scripture says, “…it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, O God.’”” (Hebrews 10:4-7 NIV)

Many Jews considered Elijah to be the greatest prophet after Moses. His being taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11) certainly was unusual. Also, the prophet Malachi predicted that Elijah would return (Malachi 4:5-6). In light of these things, perhaps Elijah and Moses encouraged Jesus to complete the task which God gave Him. Even their salvation depended on Him doing so.

Upon viewing all this, the disciples, quite naturally, were frightened. Like many people, Peter started talking in order to cover up his fear. When he suggested building shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah perhaps he had in mind the ‘tent of meeting’ outside the Israelite camp where Moses used to meet with God. Whatever he might have been thinking a divine voice from a cloud which enveloped them interrupted. The voice, in essence, told Peter to stop talking and listen. More importantly, Peter and the others were to listen to Jesus, God’s beloved Son. The meaning is clear: Jesus’ message is greater than that of Moses or Elijah. Though both of them were great men and spoke on behalf of God, Jesus is greater still. Is He the One we listen to?

Though God’s endorsement of Jesus could not be more plain, it was not the right time to tell the world what had happened. In verses 9 through 13 Mark writes, “As they were coming down from the mountain, he commanded them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the “rising from the dead” meant. They asked him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and restores all things. How is it written about the Son of Man, that he should suffer many things and be despised? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they have also done to him whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about him.””

Even though they were witnesses of Jesus’ glory, Peter, James and John still did not understand the purpose for His coming to earth. They did not realize that He had to sacrifice His life to save the lives of sinners. This is why they kept discussing what Jesus meant about rising from the dead. To them it was inconceivable that God’s Messiah would have to suffer and die. In response, Jesus pointed out that His suffering and rejection was a fulfillment of prophecy. Also, they had a misunderstanding about the Messiah’s forerunner. Figuratively speaking, John the Baptist was the Elijah who would come before the Messiah. John not only prepared the way for Christ, his suffering was also an indication that Christ would have to suffer.

Glasses enable those whose eyesight is not clear to see plainly. Without them, objects appear distorted and it is difficult to see things as they really are. It is the same in regard to spiritual things. Without a true understanding of who Jesus is, it is impossible to clearly see spiritual reality. Unless we recognize Jesus, we cannot understand God’s will for our lives or for mankind. To illustrate this truth Mark tells us about a man Jesus healed.

In chapter 8, verses 22 through 26 of the Gospel which bears his name, he writes, He came to Bethsaida. They brought a blind man to him, and begged him to touch him. He took hold of the blind man by the hand, and brought him out of the village. When he had spat on his eyes, and laid his hands on him, he asked him if he saw anything. He looked up, and said, “I see men; for I see them like trees walking.” Then again he laid his hands on his eyes. He looked intently, and was restored, and saw everyone clearly. He sent him away to his house, saying, “Don’t enter into the village, nor tell anyone in the village.””

At first, this miracle seems very strange. Jesus could have healed this man instantly as He did many other people. Instead, Jesus chose to grant him sight in two stages. Why? Although Mark does not tell us the reason, we can learn it by recalling the previous incidents Mark recorded. Remember that Jesus had fed two large groups of people with just a few loaves of bread and a few fish. One of these groups contained about 5,000 men, the other 4,000. Even though the disciples witnessed Jesus’ creative act – making more than enough food from almost nothing – they did not grasp the fact that Jesus was far more than a miracle worker. He was actually God in the flesh, come to live among men. Mark records that hardness of heart prevented the disciples from understanding. It was as if they saw a little of the truth, but only dimly. Their vision was distorted by their own preconceptions and ideas of what God’s Christ must be like.

The disciples were not the only ones who had trouble seeing clearly. The religious leaders kept asking Jesus for a sign from heaven. Because they refused to see the signs Jesus had already given, they remained blind to spiritual reality. Jesus’ true identity remained hidden from them. When Jesus touched the blind man and asked whether he could see, the man replied that he could, but that people looked like trees. It was after he admitted that he could not see clearly that Jesus healed him completely. It is only when we confess our spiritual shortsightedness that Jesus will grant us further insight.

After this incident Jesus metaphorically asked the disciples about their spiritual vision. In verses 27 through 30 Mark writes, “Jesus went out, with his disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” They told him, “John the Baptizer, and others say Elijah, but others, one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” He commanded them that they should tell no one about him.”

To their credit, the disciples had a better understanding of who Jesus was than most people. Like many today, many of the people of Jesus’ day were more than willing to acknowledge that He was a prophet. They accepted that Jesus came with a message from God. However, Jesus was much more than that. Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ. For hundreds of years prophets had told the Jewish people that, one day, God would send the Christ to them. Who or what is this Christ? The word ‘Christ’ means ‘The Anointed One’. The Christ would not only be God’s spokesman as a Prophet, He would also act as the High Priest who offered a sacrifice to atone for man’s sin, and God would also give Him supreme authority to rule as King. To put it another way, the Christ would be a person whom God selected for the task of redeeming and judging mankind. Peter recognized Jesus as that person.

Unfortunately, the disciples’ spiritual vision was still not entirely clear, even though they acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ. In verse 31 through chapter 9, verse 1 Mark writes, “He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke to them openly. Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But he, turning around, and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of men.” He called the multitude to himself with his disciples, and said to them, “Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? For what will a man give in exchange for his life? For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him, when he comes in his Father’s glory, with the holy angels.” He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see God’s Kingdom come with power.””

Peter’s idea of the Christ was very different than reality. Like many today, he thought that suffering, humiliation and death was beneath God’s Chosen One. But Peter was thinking in terms of worldly power and wisdom. He did not understand how God works. He did not realize that in order to give us life, it was necessary for the Christ to die. In speaking against the sacrifice which Jesus would make Peter became the mouthpiece of Satan.

Jesus extended the lesson: To seek safety was, in fact, to lose everything. It is possible to gain the whole world and still lose what is most important – your soul. The only way to save one’s life is to give it up for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. The only way to gain heavenly honor is to not be ashamed of Christ in this world. A true disciple must be willing to follow his Master’s example by going to the cross. In other words, he must be willing to sacrifice all for Christ, just as Christ would sacrifice Himself for mankind. Are we willing to give up all, including our life if necessary, in order to save our soul? Jesus began His ministry by proclaiming the Kingdom of God was near. Now He announced that some who were listening to Him would not die before the Kingdom of God came.

As anyone who has studied in school knows, sometimes it is necessary to hear a lesson more than once before a person can understand it. Our minds are not always capable of grasping the material the first time. However, there is another reason why people sometimes do not understand – it is because their hearts are hard. The message cannot penetrate because it is not what a person wants to hear, or it conflicts with what he has already concluded.

Jesus’ disciples were no exception to this. They witnessed the miracle of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish. Afterwards they witnessed Jesus walking on the surface of the Sea of Galilee to the boat in which they had embarked. Yet, Scripture records that, “…They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.” (Mark 6:51-52 NIV)

Sometime later Jesus gave His disciples another opportunity to learn the lesson. In chapter 8, verses 1 though 21 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark writes, “In those days, when there was a very great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to himself, and said to them, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have stayed with me now three days, and have nothing to eat. If I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way, for some of them have come a long way.” His disciples answered him, “From where could one satisfy these people with bread here in a deserted place?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, he broke them, and gave them to his disciples to serve, and they served the multitude. They had a few small fish. Having blessed them, he said to serve these also. They ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over. Those who had eaten were about four thousand. Then he sent them away. Immediately he entered into the boat with his disciples, and came into the region of Dalmanutha. The Pharisees came out and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, and testing him. He sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Most certainly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” He left them, and again entering into the boat, departed to the other side. They forgot to take bread; and they didn’t have more than one loaf in the boat with them. He warned them, saying, “Take heed: beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They reasoned with one another, saying, “It’s because we have no bread.” Jesus, perceiving it, said to them, “Why do you reason that it’s because you have no bread? Don’t you perceive yet, neither understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, don’t you see? Having ears, don’t you hear? Don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They told him, “Twelve.” “When the seven loaves fed the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They told him, “Seven.” He asked them, “Don’t you understand yet?””

Even though the disciples had already seen Jesus use a tiny amount of food to feed a multitude, they failed to understand the significance of it because of their hardened hearts. This is why, when Jesus expressed compassion for this hungry crowd, they questioned that anyone could find enough food to feed the people. The problem was that, in spite of witnessing the miracles, the disciples still did not realize or understand who Jesus was. Jesus was far more than a man who had God’s approval. In reality, as the prophet Isaiah wrote long ago, Jesus was also Immanuel, that is, “God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23) Since God is the Creator, Jesus could have fed the crowd starting with nothing instead of the seven loaves and the few fish He actually used. Later, the Apostle John wrote, “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” (John 1:10 NIV)

Since, at this point, the disciples did not recognize who Jesus really is, they could not draw the logical conclusion from the miracle He performed – that is, since Jesus is God among us, He can not only provide physical needs but He can supply our spiritual needs as well. Many years later, after he finally understood, the Apostle Peter wrote, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV)

The disciples were not the only ones who’s hardness of heart caused them to question Jesus. Some Pharisees tested Him by asking for a sign from heaven. By this they were casting doubt on the source of Jesus’ power. It was a strange request in light of what Jesus had already done. What more proof did they expect Jesus to give? At Jesus’ baptism a voice from heaven had already confirmed His identity. Jesus had already healed scores of people. He had just created food out of almost nothing and fed a huge crowd. If all these miracles were not signs from heaven, then what kind of sign would they accept? No, if the evidence they had already seen was not enough to convince them, then nothing would. Jesus was not a magician who performed tricks on command. He refused to provide a sign for people who would not believe the signs He had already given.

What about us? There are many people today who claim that they would believe Jesus if they could witness one of His miracles. Yet, they refuse to believe the testimony of the people who did witness them. If the written accounts are not enough to convince us of who Jesus is then, just like the Pharisees, we will not believe even if we saw the miracles with our own eyes. What kind of sign will it take for you to believe?

On the way back across the lake Jesus warned His disciples against the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod. The Scriptures use yeast as a metaphor for evil or sin. Like yeast in bread-dough, sin influences others in subtle and unnoticed ways until its effects are unmistakable. By using this metaphor Jesus was waring the disciples not to fall prey to the same hypocritical skepticism the Pharisees showed when they asked for a sign from heaven. To doubt the signs already given would lead to unbelief.

The disciples did not understand Jesus’ warning. They thought He was upset because they forgot to bring bread. Jesus rebuked them for their lack of understanding. A man who can feed a crowd can surely feed a few men! They were in danger of not seeing what was before their eyes.

Many people feel uncomfortable around others who come from different backgrounds than they, especially foreigners. One reason for this attitude is lack of knowledge. We fear what we don’t know or understand and the other person’s habits and ways of thinking are unknown to us. Even worse, however, is the feeling of contempt we have for others because we think we do understand them and have concluded that we are better than they are.

The Jewish people of Jesus’ day felt this contempt for non-Jews. After all, God had given the Jews the Law of Moses. Since God had chosen them as His special people, it meant that everyone else was unchosen. To the Jews’ way of thinking, anyone who was not a Jew was “unclean”. To eat with or even associate with someone who was not a Jew would expose the person who did it to severe criticism. They had forgotten that one of God’s purposes for choosing them was that through them all mankind would eventually be reconciled to God.

Jesus did not share other Jews’ contempt for foreigners. Mark writes about one of Jesus’ encounters with non-Jews in chapter 7, verses 24 through 30 of the Gospel which bears his name, “From there he arose, and went away into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He entered into a house, and didn’t want anyone to know it, but he couldn’t escape notice. For a woman, whose little daughter had an unclean spirit, having heard of him, came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race. She begged him that he would cast the demon out of her daughter. But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” He said to her, “For this saying, go your way. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” She went away to her house, and found the child having been laid on the bed, with the demon gone out.”

Mark does not tell us why Jesus left Israel and traveled to the vicinity of Tyre, which is located in the country we know today as Lebanon. However, he wrote earlier that Jesus and His disciples were so busy that they did not even have time to eat. It is likely that Jesus left Israel in order to get some rest and this is why He did not want anyone to know where He was.

If Jesus’ intention was to get away from people in order to rest, He was not entirely successful. A woman found out about His presence and begged Jesus to heal her daughter. Mark says that she was a Greek – a term the Jews used to indicate someone who was not of Jewish ancestry. Matthew records that she was actually a Canaanite. It is interesting that in spite of being a foreigner, she knew more about Jesus than many Jews did. According to Matthew’s account she called Jesus the Son of David, that is, the rightful heir to King David’s throne. She also accepted Jesus as Lord.

Jesus replied to the woman’s request with a proverb, “It’s not right to take food away from your children to feed their pets.” It is true that Jesus came into the world to reconcile all people to God, whether they are Jew or Gentile. However, it was necessary for His saving work to begin with the Jews. As He said another time, “…salvation is from the Jews.” (John 4:22 NIV) This is why Jesus said it wasn’t appropriate for Him to grant the woman’s request.

Many people would have been offended by Jesus’ reply. “He may be a prophet, but He called me a dog!” However, this lady had a sense of humor as well great faith. Instead of becoming insulted, she pointed out that even dogs have some rights. As a result of her wise answer, Jesus healed her daughter. What about us? When we ask for help do we try to force Christ to give it on our own terms? Do we become offended, or are we grateful for Christ’s willingness to help?

The vicinity of Tyre was not the only foreign area Jesus visited. Mark continues his account in verses 31 through 37, “Again he departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and came to the sea of Galilee, through the middle of the region of Decapolis. They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. They begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside from the multitude, privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was released, and he spoke clearly. He commanded them that they should tell no one, but the more he commanded them, so much the more widely they proclaimed it. They were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!””

The place where this miracle took place is the Decapolis. This is a Greek word meaning “ten cities.” These ten cities were founded and built by the Greeks in the country we know as Jordan. We do not know whether the man Jesus healed was a foreigner or not. One thing we do know is that Jesus healed him because people begged Him to do so. It is significant that they did not ask Jesus for something to benefit themselves but to help someone else. Perhaps one reason we do not see more of God’s work in our lives is because we do not ask and we do not ask with the right motives. James writes, “…You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:2-3 NIV)

We see the love and compassion of Jesus in how He performed this miracle. First, He took the man aside by himself. Because of his infirmity the man, no doubt, had already experienced mockery and suffered from people who wanted to take advantage of him. Jesus purpose was to help the man, not make him a further spectacle.

Secondly, Jesus did not act without the man’s permission. Since the man was deaf and could hardly talk, he would have had trouble communicating and understanding what Jesus was about to do. So, Jesus acted it out before healing him. Jesus touched the man’s ears and tongue and went through the motions of prayer. The man indicated his consent and his faith by allowing Jesus to touch him and not drawing back. A single word from Jesus was enough to heal him.

This miracle amazed the crowd and they kept talking about it even though Jesus asked them not to.

Many religions and systems of belief contradict each other. However, one thing about which most religions agree is the need for cleansing. God is pure and we who are impure cannot worship Him or come into His presence unless we have been cleansed. The question is what makes a person “clean” or “unclean”? An even more important question is who determines whether a person is “unclean” or not. Do we decide on the basis of tradition, or is there another standard?

These questions brought Jesus into conflict with the religious leaders of His day. In chapter 7, verses 1 through 13 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark writes, “Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered together to him, having come from Jerusalem. Now when they saw some of his disciples eating bread with defiled, that is unwashed, hands, they found fault. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews don’t eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders. They don’t eat when they come from the marketplace unless they bathe themselves, and there are many other things, which they have received to hold to: washings of cups, pitchers, bronze vessels, and couches.) The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why don’t your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?” He answered them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ “For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things.” He said to them, “Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother;’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban,”’” that is to say, given to God, “then you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or his mother, making void the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down. You do many things like this.””

Mark does not tell us why the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law traveled from Jerusalem to observe what Jesus was doing. However, as religious leaders they had a responsibility to guard people against heretical teaching. If their purpose was to evaluate whether Jesus’ teaching was true and correct, what they observed distressed them. How could Jesus’ teaching promote purity when His disciples neglected what the tradition of the elders said was necessary for purity?

Jesus turned the tables on the religious leaders by pointing out that they gave a higher priority to their own traditions than to what God said. To make His point, Jesus quoted two portions of the Law God gave through Moses which make it very clear that people are to honor their parents. In spite of this clear teaching, the religious leaders promoted a tradition which excused people from providing for their parents in their old age. The implication of Jesus’ statement is clear: How could the religious leaders claim that they were serving and making sacrifices to God when they were disobeying what God said? They were hypocrites.

The same problem still exists today. There are many people who claim to worship and serve God. They spend their lives in religious activity. Yet, the truth is that they will not obey what God has clearly said in the Scriptures. We need to ask ourselves whether we obey God’s instructions or whether we follow the traditions of men.

Jesus then addressed the issue of purity which the religious leaders raised. In verses 14 through 23, Mark writes, “He called all the multitude to himself, and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. There is nothing from outside of the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” When he had entered into a house away from the multitude, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, “Are you also without understanding? Don’t you perceive that whatever goes into the man from outside can’t defile him, because it doesn’t go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine, making all foods clean?” He said, “That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.””

Contrary to what many people teach Jesus pointed out that it is not what goes into our physical body, but what is in our heart which indicates our spiritual condition. It is true that in the Law of Moses, God forbade the Jewish people from eating certain foods. However, it is very possible for someone to refrain from eating those foods yet be impure. Outward conformity to God’s law is of little value if we are not pure on the inside. Another time Jesus said, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. (Matthew 23:25-26 NIV)

Since it is the things in our heart, not what we eat which makes us “unclean” we can draw the conclusion that no food, in itself, is “unclean”. Whether we eat or refrain from eating does not make us “clean”. Rather, it is our spiritual condition which prompts us to obey what God said about eating or not eating. This is why Mark comments that Jesus declared all foods “clean”.

Like the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, many people have the idea that a person becomes “unclean” from what he does. However, Jesus pointed out that evil actions result from the evil which resides in a person’s heart. It follows that it is not the action which makes someone “unclean” but the inner evil which prompted the action. Nor is action the only symptom or result of inner evil. It is possible for a person to refrain from evil action, yet still be guilty of evil thoughts and desires. In either case, whether we commit an evil act or only think evil thoughts, it is still an expression of evil and it is that inner evil which makes us impure and “unclean.” On another occasion Jesus gave an illustration of this. He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28 NIV)

What about us? Is our righteousness merely outward, or are we clean on the inside?

Everyone needs to rest on occasion. Even God rested after He created the universe. In the Gospel account which bears his name, Mark tells us what happened one time when Jesus wanted some rest. In chapter 6, verses 30 through 32 he writes, “The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught.
He said to them, “You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.”

There were several reasons why Jesus wanted to get away and rest. His disciples were weary after an extensive preaching tour. Also, it was around this time that Jesus received the news that Herod had murdered Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist. No doubt Jesus wanted some time away from the crowds to grieve. A third reason to seek quiet was that the pressure of ministry was so great that Jesus and His disciples didn’t even have time to eat. Their desire to spend some time by themselves, resting, was not to be. In verses 33 through 34 John writes, “They saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him. Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.”

It is a measure of Jesus’ greatness that instead of becoming irritated that the crowds would not leave Him alone, He had compassion on them. Are we willing to follow His example and put the needs of others ahead of our own?

Mark continues the story in verses 35 trhough 44, “When it was late in the day, his disciples came to him, and said, “This place is deserted, and it is late in the day. Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give them something to eat?” He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go see.” When they knew, they said, “Five, and two fish.” He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass. They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all. They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish. Those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.”

Were the disciples truly concerned about the needs of the people, or were they merely playing on Jesus’ compassion in order to get rid of the crowd and get some badly needed rest? If they were using the hunger of the people to manipulate Jesus into dismissing the crowd, Jesus turned the tables. “If you are so concerned about the people why don’t you feed them?” The disciples were incredulous. How could they possibly afford to feed so many? However, at Jesus’ insistence, they finally produced 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. Though this was only a tiny amount of food in comparison to the need, Jesus still gave thanks for it. Are we grateful for what we have, even though it is little? Even a little is sufficient for Jesus. If we are willing to give what we have to Him, He is able to transform it into more than enough. The crowd not only had enough to satisfy their hunger, there was enough food left over to fill 12 baskets.

The disciples wanted Jesus to dismiss the crowd. However, right after feeding the people Jesus dismissed the disciples. In verses 45 through 52 John writes, “Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away. After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray. When evening had come, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them, but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, “Cheer up! I AM! Don’t be afraid.” He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled; for they hadn’t understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”

Why did Jesus insist that His disciples leave? From another account of this incident we know that the crowd wished to make Jesus their king. We also know that the disciples expected to receive places of honor in the Kingdom of God. It is very possible that Jesus stranded them in the middle of the lake so they would not join the crowd in trying to place a crown on Jesus’ head. When we are stuck in an impossible situation, unable to make progress, perhaps God is doing it for our good – removing us from temptation we are not equipped to withstand.

It is significant that when Jesus approached the boat, walking on the water, He identified Himself by saying, “I AM.” Every Jew would have immediately recognized what Jesus was saying because this is the name by which God revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush. Because Jesus is the “I AM” if we belong to Him there is no reason to fear any circumstance. He is in control – even of the wind and waves which threaten to destroy us.

Even though the disciples witnessed Jesus’ miracles of feeding the 5,000, walking on the water and calming the wind, they still did not understand. Another account says that after the disciples took Jesus into the boat they worshiped Him, yet Mark writes that their hearts were hardened. It is possible to worship without accepting. Do we worship God out of fear or from the heart?

There was no rest for Jesus on His return. In verses 53 through 56 Mark writes, “When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick on their mats to where they heard he was. Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.”

Jesus’ teaching and the miracles He performed were a source of controversy. People were divided about where His power came from. They were confused about who Jesus was. The common people were not the only ones who were confused. There was a king who had a special reason to wonder who Jesus might be – and to fear. In chapter 6, verses 14 through 29 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark writes, “King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, “John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “He is Elijah.” Others said, “He is a prophet, or like one of the prophets.” But Herod, when he heard this, said, “This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead.” For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for he had married her. For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him, but she couldn’t, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly. Then a convenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” He swore to her, “Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” She went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” She said, “The head of John the Baptizer.” She came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.” The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn’t wish to refuse her. Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.”

This Herod was the son of the Herod who murdered the children of Bethlehem shortly after Jesus’ birth. He followed his father’s example by dealing unfaithfully with his wife and, then, murdering the innocent. However, there is always a price to pay for sin. Many evil doers live in fear of retribution. When Herod heard about Jesus’ miracles he wondered whether John the Baptist had come back from the dead to haunt him.

It is unlikely that Herod would have bothered John the Baptist if John had not denounced Herod’s marriage to his own niece and sister-in-law. To marry a brother’s wife while he was still living was a clear violation of the Law of Moses. Leviticus 20:21 says, “If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother…” (NIV)

From this we learn that even kings and high officials are not exempt from living according to God’s standards. In fact, Scripture teaches that it is the responsibility of leaders to set an example of godly living.

Another thing we learn is that we have the responsibility to speak the truth regardless of the status of the other person. Leviticus 19:15 says, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” (NIV) Sometimes speaking the truth results in trouble. It cost John his freedom. The question is whether we are willing to pay the price for proclaiming righteousness.

Even though Herod imprisoned John, he still protected him from the rage of Herodias – the woman he had unlawfully married. Herod did this because he knew John was a righteous man and feared him. It is worth noting that wicked people fear the righteous, but the righteous have no need to fear the wicked. Later, the Apostle Paul was to write, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39 NIV)

It is also interesting to note that though Herod liked to listen to John, the things he heard from John puzzled him. He could not understand them. It is always this way with those live for pleasure rather than seek the things of God. Scripture says, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)

The opportunity for revenge came at Herod’s birthday party. Herod was so pleased by Herodias’ daughter’s dance that Herod vowed to give the girl anything she wanted up to half the kingdom. It seems incredible that a ruler would be so foolish as to vow such a thing. However, those who will not be governed by God’s standards often are governed by their own sensualism.

When the girl asked her mother what she should ask for, Herodias told her to ask for John the Baptist’s head. It seems incredible that a young woman would be so callous and unfeeling that she would agree. However, there is no indication that the girl even hesitated. In fact, she even treated it as a joke. She demanded John’s head on a platter – as if it were another delicacy to be served to the guests at the feast. What about us? Do we value human life – or do we find amusement in the death of others?

It would have been easy for Herod to refuse. He could have pointed out that John’s head was worth far more than half his kingdom. But even though he was distressed, Herod gave the order. He did not wish to look foolish in front of his dinner guests. And so, he added to his guilt by committing a crime against and innocent man in order not to lose face. How often do we allow our pride to drive us to do foolish or ungodly things?

We tend to dismiss advice and calls to righteousness from “our own.” Our attitude is, “Who are you to tell me what to do?” It is far easier to accept instruction from someone on the outside than it is from someone we know.

Jesus ran into this phenomenon when He visited the village where He lived as a child. In chapter 6, verses 1 through 6 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark writes, “He went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands? Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” So they were offended at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.” He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them. He marveled because of their unbelief. He went around the villages teaching.”

It is worth observing that very few people remained indifferent to Jesus. Few could encounter Him and remain unchanged. Some became His followers. Others rejected His teaching and became His enemies. At first, the people of Jesus’ home town of Nazareth were amazed. Their amazement turned into incredulity and disbelief. Then, they took offense at Him.

What was the basis for their amazement and offense? We can infer the reasons from the questions they asked. “Where did this man get these things?” This implies that the people of Nazareth thought Jesus was putting on airs and pretending to be something more than He really was. They may also have felt that Jesus was trying to say that He was better than everyone else.

“What is the wisdom that is given to this man …?” Not only did the people question Jesus’ motives, they questioned the source of His wisdom. They could not deny that Jesus had the power to perform miracles, but they doubted whether this power came from God.

“Isn’t this the carpenter…?” In other words they were saying that, surely, God would not select a working man to be His prophet! This not only shows contempt for manual labor, it also shows the ignorance of the people regarding their own history. The truth is that God has often chosen working men to speak to His people. Gideon was a farmer before God delivered the nation of Israel from its oppressors through him. King David was a shepherd before God chose him to lead the nation. Amos tended fig trees before God called him to become a prophet. Even today many look down on those who work with their hands as if they were less worthy or less important in God’s sight. However, this attitude has no place among the followers of Christ. Whatever our occupation, it is a high calling as long as we are serving the Lord. The Apostle Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” (Colossians 3:23 NIV)

“Isn’t this Mary’s son…?” In the Jewish culture this was an insult because people identified one another by their father’s name, not their mother’s. By using His mother’s name the people were implying that Jesus was illegitimate. It is true that Jesus did not have a physical father – he was born through the power of the Holy Spirit while His mother was still a virgin. Perhaps the people of Nazareth were ignorant of this or did not believe it. In any case, the people of Nazareth condemned Jesus for what they thought his parents had done rather than judging Him by His own character and actions.

“Aren’t his brothers and sisters here with us?” By asking this the people of Nazareth were saying that Jesus could not be extra-ordinary because He came from an ordinary family. As the saying is, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” In response, Jesus pointed out that it is outsiders who honor prophets – not their own relatives and neighbors.

Because of the lack of faith and the ill-will of the people whom He had grown up with, Jesus could not do much for them. We like to think of Jesus as being all-powerful – that He could do anything. But there were some things He could not do. One of them was to help people against their will. Their unbelief kept them from experiencing God’s power. That being the case, Jesus had no alternative but to leave Nazareth and teach and minister in other villages.

Jesus not only served, He taught His disciples to serve as well. In verses 7 through 13 Mark writes, “He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there. Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” They went out and preached that people should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.”

In this incident Jesus provides a model for effective leadership. 1) Jesus did not ask the disciples to do something which He, Himself, was not willing to do. The disciples had already witnessed Jesus’ example of service many times. 2) Jesus gave them clear instructions. There could be no question about what He wanted the disciples to do or what they were to preach. The message was the same as John the Baptist and Jesus, Himself, preached – that people should repent. 3) Jesus gave the disciples the authority and ability to carry out His instructions. 4) Jesus gave the disciples the support they needed. He sent them out in pairs – no doubt so they could encourage and help each other. Going in pairs also satisfied the provision in the Law of Moses that facts should be established by two or three witnesses. 5) Jesus trusted the disciples to do the task – He did not accompany them. Further, the disciples also had to have trust and confidence that their needs would be supplied.

As a result of this careful preparation, the disciples had great success in preaching, driving out demons and healing people.