Scripture
He did not say anything without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Observation
The kingdom of God is like a seed scattered on the ground. The seed sprouts and grows by itself- first the stalk, the the head and then the kernel.

The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which is tiny, but when planted it becomes the largest of garden plants so that the birds shelter in it.

Jesus taught the word with many parables, but when He was alone with the disciples, He explained their meaning.

Application
God’s kingdom is something that grows without human understanding. Starting with just the seed of God’s word, it grows without restraint.

We can have all the church growth, church planting, evangelisation strategies the human mind can invent, but it is God who causes the kingdom to grow.

From the beginning, the church started with a handful of people and grew to cover the whole earth. Even today, the fastest expansion is taking place in countries considered untouched just a decade ago.

We don’t need to fear the darkness because the light is in the world and has overcome the darkness.

Prayer
How does your kingdom grow Lord? It seems like a mystery. Help me to live in obedience to you every day so that I do my part in your world-changing plans. Amen.

Scripture

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Observation
Jesus sends two of His disciples ahead to collect a colt that is there. If anyone asks, they are to say, “The Lord needs it.”

They go and find the colt. When questioned, they repeat what Jesus had told them. They return with the colt to Jesus who rides it into the city.

As they enter the city, people throw their cloaks and branches on the road ahead of Him, and the crowds call out, “Hosanna in the highest!”

Jesus then goes to the Temple and looks at everything before returning to Bethany.

Application
Many people claim Jesus for all kinds of selfish reasons. The crowds see Jesus as a political liberator. Many are not interested in a Saviour- they just want political independence for the Romans.

Many still claim Jesus for self-centred motives. They might be in church for social reaosns or because the music appeals to them.

These are the same people who quickly turned and called for Jesus’ crucifixion a few days later.

It’s fine and understandable to start with Jesus for the wrong reasons. True disciples move on and recognise that it’s not about me, it’s all about Jesus.

Prayer
Lord show me how to follow you for your glory not my own selfish motives. Amen.

Scripture

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.”

Observation
Jesus begins to tell the disciples that He must suffer many things, that He will be put to death, but He will rise from the dead three days later.

Peter takes Jesus aside and rebukes Him for saying these things. Jesus tells him, “Get away from me Satan!”

Jesus then tells the crowd that to follow Him they must turn from their own ways, take up the cross and follow Him. To try to save your life is to lose it, but to give up your life for the sake of the gospel is to save it.

Application
Jesus turns all of our human viewpoints on their heads. The way up is to go down, the way to life is to surrender our life to Him.

Following Jesus is not about “Your best life now”. It is about His best life in us.

For many christians, following Jesus means literally laying down their lives for the gospel. For all christians it should mean becoming living sacrifices, letting Jesus’ plan for our lives take precedence over our own selfish ambitions.

Prayer
Lord Jesus I take up my cross to follow you today. Take all that I am, take my plans and be glorified in me as I surrender to you. Amen.

Scripture
At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days being tempted by Satan.

Observation
Jesus goes to the Jordan River to be baptised by John. As He comes out of the water, the Spirit comes on Him and a voice comes from heaven confirming Jesus is God’s beloved Son.

At once the Spirit drives Jesus into the desert where He is tempted by satan for forty days. Then He goes to Galilee proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is here.

Application
Jesus goes straight from being baptised in the Holy Spirit into temptation, fasting and spiritual warfare. In fact, Mark says “At once the Spirit sent Him.”

Our spiritual experiences, including the baptism in the Holy Spirit are not about making us feel good. They are to make us strong to defeat the enemy.

Having defeated satan, Jesus sets out on His mission. We don’t have to completely overcome every temptation in our life and get everything perfect before we start working through God’s plan for our lives, but we do need to make progress away from serving satan and towards serving God.

Prayer
Lord give me strength to defeat the in in my life. Show me how to move towards your purposes and direct my steps in following you. Amen.

Scripture

His clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.

Observation
Jesus takes Peter, James and John up to a high mountain. There, Jesus’ appearance is transformed and his clothes become whiter than any bleach could make them.

Elijah and Moses appear and talk with Jesus. Peter talks about building shelters. A cloud comes over and God speaks from the cloud.

Then it’s over. Jesus tells them not to tell anyone until after He has risen from the dead. They don’t tell anyone but they do wonder about what Jesus means by “rising from the dead.”

Application
The heavens break into a normal day.

Peter, James and John go up a mountain with Jesus expecting to get some extra teaching, maybe to pray. Instead heaven breaks in.

The veil is lifted and they see for the first time the true glory of Christ. Then God the Father speaks from a cloud, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to Him.”

Heaven is always just literally a footstep away; the presence of the glory of God constantly surrounds us.

In a sense nothing changed on that day, except that the disciples’ eyes were opened to see true reality.

Christians are charged with bringing heaven to earth, the kingdom of God present in the affairs of men.

We need to pray for an unveiling of our eyes to see what God is really doing around us.

Prayer
Open my eyes Lord that I might see you as you really are. Amen.