Scripture

Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power.”

Observation

Jesus tells the crowd that they will see God’s kingdom arrive in great power.

The following week Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain. Jesus’ appearance is changed and his clothes become dazzling white. Moses, and Elijah appear and talk to Jesus.

Peter talks about building shelters to memorialise the event. Suddenly a cloud overshadows them and a voice says, “This is my dearly loved Son; listen to him.”

Then, just as suddenly, everything goes back to normal. They descend the mountain. Jesus tells them not to tell anyone about what has happened.

Application

When Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God coming in power, he was not talking about the end of the world or the Second Coming. This is about an event close in time, so that some of the people standing there would see it.

The two most common suggestions for the event are the resurrection of Jesus and the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D.

When Jesus rose from the dead, he demonstrated God’s victory over death, The pouring out of the Holy Spirit, a few weeks later, transformed the disciples so radically that, within decades, Christians were a powerful voice in the Roman Empire.

When Jerusalem, particularly the Temple, was destroyed in 70 A.D. it marked, the end of the Old Covenant. The sacrificial system and the law were finished, and the death of Jesus superseded the endless sacrifices.

We are blessed to live in this time when the kingdom of God is advancing forcefully across the Earth.

Scripture

then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn fro your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me. If you try to hang onto your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, and for the sake of the good news, you will save it.”

Observation

At Bethsaida, the people beg Jesus to heal a blind, man. Jesus takes the man, leads him out of the village, and then spits on the man’s eyes to heal him. At first, the healing is incomplete, but then Jesus lays hands on him a second time and he can see normally

Jesus takes his disciples to a different region along the way he asks them, “Who do people say I am?” This leads to Peter’s confession, that Jesus is the Christ.

Jesus calls to the crowd and the disciples and says that anyone who wants to follow him, must turn from his wicked ways, take up his cross and follow him. To hang on to our life, we must give it up for the sake of Jesus and the good news. If we are ashamed of Christ, he will be ashamed of us on the day he returns.

Application.

I often feel that the church of the 21st century has softened the gospel and watered down the requirements of discipleship. Here Jesus gives us three steps for being a disciple.

1. We must turn from our selfish ways. Being a disciple means that we give up our old self-centred lifestyle and genuinely repent of our sins. This is not a matter of words, but of changed actions.

2. We must take up our cross. The man carrying a cross was a marked man. He was marked for execution and was already as good as dead. As Christians, we learn to put God’s way ahead of our own desires and ambitions and understand that God’s ways are better than our ways.

3. We must follow Jesus. He has a unique path for every person. For one person the path may lead to overseas missions For another it might lead to volunteering in an aged person’s home. We seek his path, not our own path.

We don’t die to ourselves for its own sake, but for his sake.

Listen

Lord, it seems odd to me that you were unable to completely heal the blind man immediately, What was this about?

Keith, you must remember that in my body of flesh, I was both human and divine. On this occasion, I missed a complicating factor. This man was blind bu both a physical cause, and by an evil spirit, When I first laid laid hands on him, the evil spirit left. But cataracts remained which meant that he could still only see partially

This actually happens quite often. Some illnesses, as you know, have multiple causes, and a quick prayer for healing is not enough. This is why Mark Virkler talks about healing as spiritual warfare.

Sometimes it is straightforward, but other times, there may be two or more steps required.

Scripture

“Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.

Observation

The local Pharisees meet Jesus and demand that he performs a miraculous sign for them. Jesus sighs deeply and tells them they will not be given any sign from him.

They get into the boat again. On the journey across the lake, the disciples discover they only have one life of bread between them. Jesus warns them to be aware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod. They think Jesus is talking about the bread situation, but he reminds them of the feeding of the four thousand and the five thousand.

“Don’t you understand yet?” Jesus asks,

Application

The disciples had experienced these miracles, but did not understand the lesson they taught. There was no need to worry about food when Jesus was around.

People can still worry unnecessarily, even mature, people who have known God’s provision in many situations.

The issue is not that we know God can provide. The issue is, will he meet my needs right now in this situation? We know he can multiply food to feed a multitude, but we fear that he may not multiply this two dollars to provide food and rent for my family.

Jesus, demonstrated and taught that if we seek God’s kingdom first, then he will supply everything that we need.

Can I trust him in that promise?

Listen

Lord, what do you want to say to me today?

Keith, it is all about trust or faith. You are saved through trusting that my death on the cross is enough to set you free. Similarly, faith is needed to activate my promises of provision.

I will supply all you need as you trust me. It won’t always come in the way you expect. I used ravens to bring food for Elijah, Don’t reject my provisions, even when they come to you in strange and unexpected ways,

It is all about trust always. So trust me and all will be well.

Scripture

The disciples replied, “How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?”

Observation

Another large crowd gathers around Jesus, and for three days, they listen to his teaching. Jesus becomes concerned for them. If he sends them home, they will faint on the way.

The disciples ask, Jesus how are they supposed to find enough food to feed them out in the wilderness?

Jesus asks them how much bread they have. “Seven loaves,” they reply.

Jesus has the people sit down. He blesses the bread along with a few fish that they find. Everyone has enough to eat and there are seven large baskets of food left over.

There were four thousand people fed, Jesus sends them home after they have all eaten.

Application

While this story has some similarities with the feeding of the five thousand, there are a few differences to be noted.

In the previous event, they were close enough to farms and villages that the people could have dispersed and obtained food. Here they are in the wilderness.

Just as the Lord supplied food for the people of Israel in the wilderness following the exodus from Egypt, He now provides food for this group.

The previous event had been in Jewish land, but this event seems to have been located in Gentile country, suggesting that the crowd may have been mostly Gentiles.

It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live, God cares for your needs. He will provide everything necessary to sustain you as long as you are seeking His Kingdom.

Listen

Lord, what else do you want to say to me about this miracle?

Keith, you have experienced in your own life how I provide miraculously. When God’s people focus on me there is never anybody left in need, This was a powerful witness in the early church. Pepole’s hearts were so full of love for me and for each other that those who had plenty shared with those who had little.

I reward every act of generosity, with more opportunities to give even more. It becomes a cycle of virtue in which every need is met.

This must be done by grace. When it is commanded or required it becomes legalism, like socialism. The hearts must first be changed, so that sharing comes naturally, and so that those who receive help see it as a gift from me and not as an entitlement. Every man-made scheme will always fall apart Because of unsanctified human nature.

Scripture

They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who who cannot speak.”

Observation

Jesus travels around the Gentile areas including Decapolis, the Ten Towns. A deaf mean with speech problems is brought to him, and the people beg Jesus to heal him.

Jesus takes the man away from the crowd. He’s puts his fingers in the man’s ears and puts spit on his tongue. He looks up to heaven and says, “Ephphatha”, which means “Be opened.”

Jesus tells the crowd not to tell anyone, but they spread the news. The man is instantly healed.

Jesus tells the crowd not to tell anyone, but they spread the news. They are amazed by what Jesus does.

Application

As much as Jesus was happy to heal people, His main concern was to preach the kingdom.

Some of the people were more interested in the wonders of the miracles than in the person of Jesus, or the message of salvation, They worshipped the sign rather than the person the miracles pointed to

We see that in the contemporary church at times. Crowds are attracted to the prophets and healing ministers. They want a “word” or a “miracle,” but they are less concerned with living for Jesus.

Some people, feeling under pressure from other people’s expectations, fake the prophecies and miracles. Then there is a crisis of trust in the church.

That could be avoided If we remembered that it is all about Jesus.

Scripture

She begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter.

Observation

Jesus leaves Galilee and goes to the region of Tyre. Although he tries to keep his location secret, word gets out. Right away a gentile woman comes and falls at his feet. She asks Jesus to cast a demon fomr her daughter.

Jesus teases her by saying Jesus teases her by saying, His first mission is to the Jews.

The woman replies that even the dogs eat the crumbs from the children’s plate.

Jesus commends her faith and tells her the the demon has left her daughter.

Application

Jesus’ authority is over all things and is available to all people.

No doubt this woman thought there was a process to go through. Often exorcisms were lengthy procedures and sometimes involved inflicting great pain on the victim. The idea was, that, by making the body uncomfortable, the evil spirit would be forced to leave.

Here, Jesus doesn’t even speak a command. His promise to the woman carries all the authority, of the Creator of all things including evil spirits, and it is sufficient to cause the demon to leave.

I have found from the times of spiritual warfare that I have engaged in, that a simple command, “Go in the name of Jesus” is enough.

The Holy Spirit in us is the presence of God, the authority of God.

Listen

Lord, is there more you need to say to me about this episode?

Keith, this lovely lady and precious daughter were involved in the making of purple dye, which that region was famous for.

They used dogs to find the snails that were the source of the dye, and these dogs were honoured in that town because they were a source of wealth. I talked to her about dogs, knowing that this was not insulting like it would have been in Israel.

The evil spirit had got in because of a gate way opened by idol worship. After that day, they never worshipped a false god again.

Scripture

“It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”

Observation

Jesus calls the crowd to join the discussion. He tells them that it is not what you eat that defiles you, but what comes from the heart.

Jesus then goes into a house to escape the crowd. The disciples ask him what he meant by this. He explains that food cannot truly defile a person, that is, make them impure, because it just passes through the body. In saying this, Mark adds, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable to God.

It is not what comes from the outside, but what comes from the heart that makes a person unclean.

It is from a person’s heart that come evil thoughts, immorality, theft, murder, and so on.

Application

Jesus wants us to understand that we are not made unclean or unholy by external things like food. It is the heart that is the source of bad things.

Jeremiah tells us that the heart is deceitful above all things.

How contrary this is to the modern day exhortation to follow your heart. If the heart is the source of the sins that hurt us and other people, then following your heart is the last thing you should do.

No, the source of good advice, good behaviour, and good outcomes is to follow the Word, that is the Bible, the written word, and Jesus, the Living Word.

It must be stressed that it is not about legalism or following the letter of the law. No, it is allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts as we read God’s word, and walk in fellowship with him.

That living relationship with God will clean up our hearts so that they become transformed from the source of all evil to a fountain of life.

Listen

Lord, I am reminded right now of the psalm that says “Test my heart and see if there is any wicked thing in me.”

Keith, this process of testing is continuous. Every day, my Spirit warns you of good and evil, taming your thoughts before they run away with you.

The power of sanctification will take your entire earthly life. I will prepare all of my people for heaven, and there will be no unclean thoughts or inclination in any of them.

How can I do this? For people, this is impossible, as unrighteousness begets unrighteousness. But I am a God who makes all things new — not new and improved, but new and perfect.

Scripture

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here.”

Observation

Immediately after the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus sends the disciples to go across the lake to Bethsaida. He goes up into the hills to pray.

Later that night, the disciples are in the middle of the lake, struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning, Jesus walks on the water towards the boat. The disciples are terrified thinking He is a ghost.

Jesus tells them, to take ciyrage and not be afraid. He climbs into the boat, and the wind stops blowing.

Jesus and the disciples Land at Gennesaret. Crowds of people gather around Him, bringing sick people. Wherever He goes, Jesus heals all who are sick.

Application

The disciples were afraid, firstly, of the storm but also because they thought Jesus was a ghost coming to destroy them.

Jesus’ first words to them are words of comfort and encouragement. “Don’t be afraid! Take courage! I am here!”

Fear is closely related to faith, except that fear trusts that something bad will happen. Fear is a kind of negative faith that says, “God will not save us.”

There is a type of evil spirit that thrives on and generates fear in a person. It will cause us to be anxious and lock us up in phobias.

“Take courage” means that we take a big breath and face up to the chaos. We take a hold of faith and declare, “My God is greater than the storm.”

We can do all this because we know that Christ is with us. We are never alone because Jesus is at our right hand.

Listen.

Lord, how, can I learn from this experience to face up to the storms that may come my way?

Keith, you can be sure that storms will come your way. The enemy is always looking for ways to sink you and to destroy your faith.

Know this: I am with you always. I will never leave you or forsake you. When the storm is at its most ferocious, here I am with you.

Trust me. Rest In Me. Do not let fear or stress gain a foothold.

Scripture

They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterwards, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of left over bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves.

Observation

When the disciples return from their ministry tour, Jesus says they should find a quiet place and rest for a while.

They cross the lake on a boat, but the people see them leaving and run around the lake to meet them. Jesus has compassion on them because they are like sheep without a shepherd.

Late in the afternoon, the disciples want to send the people away to get food. Jesus tells them, “You feed them.”

They find five small loaves of bread and two fish, and bring them to Jesus. Jesus has the crowd sit down on the grass. He takes the bread and fish, blesses them and breaks them, giving them to the disciples to distribute them.

After feeding 5000 men plus women and children, they have twelve baskets of leftovers

Application

I marvel at a God who can feed 10,000 or so people with one person’s lunch and have much more left over than what He started with. This is not too hard for the Creator of the universe, but it does boggle our little minds.

For many years I was in a place where we did not have much to live on. Yet, God provided more than enough. While we did not in theory have enough to live on, we were able to thrive and give generously to others.

The key is to be in the place God has called you to be doing the work that he has called you to do.

When we put God’s kingdom first, then He provides all the other things that we need and much more.

Listen

Lord, it really does defy my thinking when I see these miracles of provision, but I know you are willing and able to give all that we need.

Keith, I have always provided more than enough for people who commit themselves to trusting and obeying me.

Those stories of nuns and others who lived just on the communion bread and no other food, these stories are true. Their faith was simple. They knew that I had called them to live this way and they knew that I could supply what they needed.

You have experienced this in your own life.

The key is to keep your eyes on me. Follow my lead and everything will be provided for you.