Lessons of Faith and Fear From Mark 6:45-52.

 

Lessons of Faith and Fear From Mark 6:45-52.

Obedience and Solitude

Jesus sends the disciples ahead in a boat while He goes to pray alone. This underscores the importance of obedience to Jesus' instructions and the need for personal time with God in prayer and solitude.

Jesus' Presence in Storms

The disciples struggle against the wind, and Jesus walks on water to reach them. This demonstrates that Jesus is present in the midst of our struggles and challenges, and He has power over the natural elements.

Faith Over Fear

When the disciples see Jesus walking on water, they are terrified, thinking He is a ghost. Jesus reassures them with, "“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”" (Mark 6:50 NIV). This teaches the importance of faith and trust in Jesus, especially in frightening or uncertain situations.

Recognition of Jesus' Power

The disciples' astonishment and lack of understanding about the miracle of the loaves reflect their growing yet still incomplete understanding of Jesus' divine nature and power. This encourages believers to continually seek a deeper understanding and recognition of who Jesus is.

Jesus is present in the midst of life's storms and challenges, offering reassurance and calling for faith over fear. The journey of faith involves continually growing in understanding and recognizing the power and identity of Jesus.

Sabbath School Lesson 6: Inside OUT

 

The Book of Mark

Sabbath School Lesson 6

Inside OUT

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for Lesson 6 video here.

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> Download  Mark (3rd qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here

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How can We Avoid the Yeast of the Pharisees?

 

Mark 8:15 (NIV) states: 

 "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod."

Yeast is a small substance that causes dough to rise, symbolizing how a small influence can spread and affect a larger group or system.

The Pharisees were a religious group known for their strict adherence to the law but often criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and focus on external rituals rather than inner spiritual purity.

Herod refers to Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, known for his immoral and politically motivated actions. His influence represents secular power and moral corruption.

Jesus is warning His disciples to be vigilant against adopting the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of these two influential groups. The Pharisees’ legalism and hypocrisy can corrupt spiritual integrity, while Herod’s worldly pursuits can lead one away from godly values.

How to Avoid the "Yeast" of the Pharisees and Herod

Stay Rooted in Scripture: Regular study and meditation on the Bible help in discerning truth and avoiding false teachings.

Seek Authentic Faith: Focus on developing a genuine relationship with God, characterized by humility, sincerity, and love, rather than merely following religious rituals.

Practice Discernment: Be aware of the influences around you and critically evaluate them against biblical principles.

Cultivate a Christ-like Character: Strive to embody the qualities of Jesus, such as compassion, integrity, and humility.

Engage in Prayer: Regular prayer helps in seeking God’s guidance and strength to resist negative influences.

By maintaining a strong, personal connection with God and adhering to biblical truths, one can guard against the corrupting influences that Jesus warned about.

Did Jesus Declare All Foods Clean in Mark 7:14-15?

Did Jesus Declare All Foods Clean in Mark 7:14-15?

Here is the passage (NIV):

"14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. 15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” "

As Adventists, we must be very careful on this. We so much tout the 10 Commandments, and claim that other laws were nailed to the cross.

The odd thing here, is that Adventists and other denominations actually agree that laws were done away with at the cross. We just disagree on which ones and how many.

So where does pork fit in? It certainly is not part of the 10 Commandments, no more than circumcision is. Did Paul do away with circumcision?

Paul preached that Gentiles need not be circumcised. Never did he mention Jews. In reality, with all his preaching, he himself had to circumcise Timothy in order for him to be allowed in the temple and synagogues.

We tell people that circumcision was nailed to the cross, as that was a ceremonial law.

When we talk about pork, generally we tell people it is unclean and must not be eaten. We sometimes go overboard and call it a mortal sin and you will go to hell by eating bacon.

Other denominations point out exactly what Jesus said. It is a very dangerous game if we try and twist the words of Jesus.

We seem to have nailed all laws to the cross except the 10 Commandments and eating pork with other unclean foods. If we did that, as part of the Mosaic Law, we would be no better than the Pharisees, picking and choosing which part of the Mosaic Law was still in effect.

We like to emphasize the "unclean" part about pork. Again, we seem to ignore all other laws that called people and things unclean. A woman during her menstrual flow was declared unclean. We don't seem to follow that one, do we?

In fact, we follow none of the health, social, ceremonail, or agriculture laws, but we sure shout about pork!

Here is the reality that we must grasp. We cannot pick and choose what parts of the Mosaic Law to follow, as we will look foolish if we pick one and erase another. We need to rethink what following Jesus means.

Gentiles are not to become Jews. Paul made that clear with circumcision. He also made this statement:

1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV): “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.

Smoking, drinking, circumcision, eating pork, etc., are nowhere in the 10 Commandments. What would Jesus do?

As Christians, we are supposed to keep our bodies as a temple. Smoking and drinking defiles our bodies. It is unhealthy. So is eating pork. Science has spoken loud and clear on this one. Eating pork is very bad for your health.

That's where we would take this. Keeping your bodies as fit as possible. The same people who scream about pork, also probably eat ice cream and other high fat foods.

Out potlucks are full with rich desserts. Are members of your congregation obese? Is the pastor obese? Do we really follow Jesus by keeping our bodies healthy? We cannot tell people to not eat pork and at the same time be gluttons for other things.

We also tell people to tithe, which predates the 10 Commandments like circumcision. We tell them to get baptized and share communion. None of that is the 10 Commandments either.

We imagine some who tell people to not eat pork are also telling people not to bring fish or any meat to the potluck.....and yet, Jesus and His disciples ate fish. And lamb.

Let's not be hypocritical in talking to other people about our health message. Our health message is based on keeping our bodies as clean and fit as possible for Jesus. 

Using any part of the Mosaic Law to do this while ignoring others, makes us as hypocritical as the Pharisees. Choose the right path!

What lessons are there in the feeding of the 5,000 for a church congregation with few resources?

The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 offers several lessons that can be particularly valuable for a church congregation with few resources. 

Faith and Trust in God: The miracle emphasizes the importance of having faith and trust in God's provision. Despite the disciples' initial concern about the limited resources (five loaves and two fish), Jesus showed that God can multiply even the smallest offerings to meet the needs of many.

Generosity and Sharing: The boy who provided the loaves and fish demonstrated generosity by offering what little he had. This act of sharing, even from limited means, can inspire a congregation to give selflessly, trusting that God will use their contributions in powerful ways.

Stewardship and Resourcefulness: Jesus directed the disciples to gather the leftover fragments after everyone had eaten, ensuring that nothing was wasted. This teaches the importance of being good stewards of the resources God provides and finding ways to use them effectively and efficiently.

Community and Collaboration: Jesus involved His disciples in distributing the food and organizing the crowd. This highlights the importance of working together as a community, pooling resources, and supporting one another to achieve a common goal.

Compassion and Service: Jesus was moved by compassion for the crowd and sought to meet their physical needs. This underscores the call for the church to be compassionate and to serve those in need, trusting that God will provide the means to do so.

Faith in Action: The disciples acted on Jesus' instructions despite their doubts and witnessed a miracle. This encourages congregations to take steps of faith, acting on God's guidance even when the outcome seems uncertain.

Multiplication of Blessings: The story shows that when we offer what we have to God, He can multiply it beyond our expectations. This can be an encouragement for congregations to offer their talents, time, and resources, trusting that God will multiply their impact.

These lessons can inspire and encourage a congregation with limited resources to trust in God's provision, to be generous and resourceful, to work together, and to serve others with compassion.

Why Did Jesus' Hometown of Nazereth Reject Him?

 

Mark 6:1–6 describes Jesus' visit to His hometown, Nazareth, where He was rejected by the people. The passage reads as follows (NIV):

1. Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.

2. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?

3. Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

4. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”

5. He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.

6. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.

 Reasons for Rejection:

Familiarity: The people of Nazareth knew Jesus as a common carpenter and the son of Mary. They were familiar with His family, and this familiarity bred contempt. They found it hard to reconcile their image of Jesus as a humble local carpenter with the idea of Him being a wise teacher and miracle worker. This is evident in their rhetorical questions: "Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son...?"

Preconceived Notions: The townspeople had preconceived notions about who Jesus was and what He could do. These notions were based on their long-term knowledge of His background and family. They were not open to the possibility that someone they had known for years could possess divine wisdom and power.

Skepticism and Lack of Faith: Their skepticism and lack of faith prevented them from accepting Jesus’ teachings and miracles. This is highlighted in verses 5 and 6, where it is noted that Jesus could not perform many miracles there due to their unbelief. Their doubt and lack of faith limited the manifestation of His power in their midst.

Offense at His Authority: The people took offense at Jesus’ teachings and His authoritative claims. They were likely offended that someone from their own town, whom they perceived as an ordinary person, was now presenting Himself as a significant religious figure with authority. This offense led to their rejection of Him.

Prophetic Precedent: Jesus Himself acknowledges a broader prophetic precedent when He says, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” This indicates that prophets often face rejection from those who are most familiar with them, as familiarity can lead to a lack of respect and recognition of their divine calling and authority.

 Summary

The rejection of Jesus by the people of His hometown was multifaceted, involving familiarity, preconceived notions, skepticism, offense at His authority, and a general lack of faith. These factors combined to create an environment where the townspeople could not accept Jesus for who He truly was, thus limiting His ability to perform miracles among them. This episode underscores the challenges that come with proclaiming a prophetic or divine message among those who think they know you best.

What Makes Jairus in Mark 5:21-24 Such a Contrast to other Jewish Leaders?

 

Jairus' position as a synagogue leader in Mark 5:21-24 is quite significant for several reasons.

 Religious Authority and Social Standing

High Social Status: As a synagogue leader, Jairus held a position of significant social and religious authority within his community. Synagogue leaders were responsible for the administration and maintenance of the synagogue, organizing worship services, and possibly teaching. This role would have granted him considerable respect and influence among his peers.

Religious Commitment: His role indicates a strong commitment to Jewish religious practices and traditions. Synagogue leaders were expected to be devout and knowledgeable in the Torah, and their responsibilities reflected a dedication to preserving and promoting Jewish faith and customs.

 Humility and Faith

Humble Approach: Despite his high status, Jairus approaches Jesus with humility and desperation. This act of falling at Jesus' feet and pleading for his daughter's life shows a remarkable level of humility, especially considering the potential tension between Jesus and some Jewish religious authorities.

Expression of Faith: By seeking out Jesus, Jairus demonstrates a profound faith in Jesus' healing power. This is significant because it shows that even those within the established religious order recognized Jesus' divine authority and power. His actions imply a belief that Jesus could perform miracles, a belief that transcended traditional boundaries of Jewish religious leadership.

 Contrast with Other Religious Leaders

Positive Representation: In the Gospels, many religious leaders are depicted as skeptical or antagonistic towards Jesus. Jairus stands in contrast to these figures by showing openness and faith. This positive portrayal highlights that not all religious leaders were opposed to Jesus; some, like Jairus, were receptive to His message and power.

Narrative Function: Jairus' story, intertwined with the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, serves to reinforce the themes of faith and divine power. His position as a synagogue leader adds weight to the narrative, showing that faith in Jesus was present even among the Jewish leadership.

Impact on the Community

Witness to a Miracle: The miracle of raising Jairus' daughter would have had a profound impact on the community. As a respected leader, Jairus' testimony about Jesus' power would likely have influenced others and spread the news of Jesus' miraculous abilities.

Challenge to the Status Quo: Jairus' faith in Jesus and the subsequent miracle challenge the existing religious expectations and norms. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' ministry, which reached across social and religious boundaries.

Jairus being a synagogue leader adds depth to his story in Mark 5:21-24. It highlights the themes of humility, faith, and the recognition of Jesus' divine authority by a respected religious figure, contrasting with the skepticism of other religious leaders and emphasizing the inclusive and far-reaching impact of Jesus' ministry.

The Woman who Experienced 12 Year of Illness with an Issue of Blood: Mark 5:25-34

 

In Mark 5:25-34, we find the story of a woman who suffered from a condition causing her to bleed continuously for twelve years. This passage provides a profound narrative that highlights themes of faith, desperation, and divine power. All Bible references are NIV.

 Context and Setting

The story takes place during Jesus' ministry as he travels through the region, performing miracles and teaching. The narrative begins as Jesus is on his way to heal the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader.

 The Woman's Condition

The woman is described as having an issue of blood for twelve years. This condition would have made her ritually unclean according to Jewish law (Leviticus 15:25-27), isolating her from normal social and religious interactions. Her condition is chronic and severe, as indicated by the text:

Medical History: She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better, she grew worse.

Desperation: Her ongoing suffering and the failure of numerous treatments highlight her desperation and the hopelessness of her situation.

 The Woman's Act of Faith

Despite the crowds pressing around Jesus, the woman believes that if she can just touch his clothes, she will be healed. This belief demonstrates her faith in Jesus' power to heal, despite the fact that she approaches him secretly due to her unclean status.

Touching Jesus' Cloak: She reaches out and touches the edge of Jesus' cloak. Immediately, her bleeding stops, and she feels in her body that she is freed from her suffering.

Immediate Healing: The instant healing underscores the power and divinity of Jesus.

 Jesus' Response

Jesus immediately senses that power has gone out from him and stops to ask who touched him. His disciples are incredulous, noting the large crowd pressing against him, but Jesus insists on identifying the person who touched him.

Personal Interaction: When the woman realizes she cannot go unnoticed, she comes forward, trembling with fear, and falls at his feet, telling him the whole truth.

Public Acknowledgment: Jesus' insistence on identifying her serves to publicly acknowledge her healing and restore her to the community.

 Jesus' Declaration

Jesus responds to the woman with compassion and affirmation:

"Daughter, your faith has healed you.": This address not only confirms her healing but also establishes a personal and affectionate relationship. It is the only time in the Gospels Jesus addresses a woman as "daughter."

"Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.": Jesus sends her away with a blessing of peace, signifying not just physical healing but also a restoration of her overall well-being and status in society.

 Themes and Lessons

Faith: The woman's faith is a central theme. Her belief in Jesus' power to heal, despite the barriers she faces, is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of faith.

Desperation and Hope: The story contrasts the woman's desperation due to her long-term suffering with the hope and healing she finds in Jesus.

Jesus' Compassion and Power: Jesus' willingness to heal the woman and his recognition of her faith highlight his compassion and divine authority.

Restoration: The healing goes beyond physical health; it includes social and spiritual restoration, as the woman is reintegrated into her community.

This narrative serves as an example of the transformative power of faith and the compassionate nature of Jesus' ministry. The woman’s story has been a source of inspiration for many, illustrating the profound impact of personal faith and the inclusive, healing power of Christ.

Spiritual Lessons from Mark 5:1–20, Demons into Pigs.

 

Mark 5:1-20 tells the story of Jesus healing a demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes. What spiritual lessons can we see?

 Summary

Jesus and his disciples arrive in the region of the Gerasenes. They encounter a man possessed by many demons, living among the tombs. This man is so uncontrollable that no one can subdue him, not even with chains. When he sees Jesus, he runs to Him and bows down, and the demons within him beg Jesus not to torment them. Jesus commands the demons to leave the man, and they ask to be sent into a nearby herd of pigs instead. Jesus consents, and the demons enter the pigs, causing the herd to rush down a steep bank into a lake and drown. 

The herdsmen run away and report what happened in the town and countryside. People come to see for themselves and find the formerly possessed man now sitting, dressed, and in his right mind. They are afraid and beg Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus is getting into the boat to leave, the healed man begs to go with Him. Instead, Jesus tells him to go home to his own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for him and how He has shown mercy on him. The man obeys and begins to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and all the people are amazed.

 Spiritual Lessons

 Jesus' Authority Over Evil:

   - Jesus has absolute power over evil forces. The demons recognized Jesus' authority and were compelled to obey His command. This highlights that Jesus is supreme over all spiritual forces.

 Transformation Through Jesus:

   - The man's complete transformation—from a wild, uncontrollable state to being calm and in his right mind—illustrates the profound change Jesus can bring to a person's life. It underscores the power of Jesus to heal and restore.

Mercy and Compassion:

   - Jesus' willingness to help the man demonstrates His compassion and mercy. Despite the man's condition, Jesus showed care and offered him deliverance.

Witnessing God's Work:

   - After being healed, the man is instructed to share his testimony with others. This emphasizes the importance of witnessing and sharing the good news of what God has done in one's life. Personal testimony can be a powerful tool in spreading faith and encouraging others.

Fear and Resistance to Change:

   - The reaction of the townspeople, who are afraid and ask Jesus to leave, reflects how people can fear what they do not understand or resist changes, even when they are miraculous and positive. It challenges believers to be open to God's work, even when it disrupts the status quo.

The Role of Faith:

   - The man's faith in coming to Jesus for help, even in his tormented state, is a testament to the importance of seeking Jesus in times of need. Faith in Jesus is essential for experiencing His transformative power.

These lessons collectively highlight the themes of Jesus' power, compassion, the transformative nature of His intervention, the importance of testimony, and the challenge of overcoming fear and resistance to divine change.

How does the picture of Yahweh in Psalm 104 compare with Christ?

 

Psalm 104:1-9 is a poetic passage that praises Yahweh (God) for His creation and sovereignty over the natural world. Here is the passage:

 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul!

 O Lord my God, you are very great!

 You are clothed with splendor and majesty,

 2 covering yourself with light as with a garment,

 stretching out the heavens like a tent.

 3 He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;

 he makes the clouds his chariot;

 he rides on the wings of the wind;

 4 he makes his messengers winds,

 his ministers a flaming fire.

 5 He set the earth on its foundations,

 so that it should never be moved.

 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment;

 the waters stood above the mountains.

 7 At your rebuke they fled;

 at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.

 8 The mountains rose, the valleys sank down

 to the place that you appointed for them.

 9 You set a boundary that they may not pass,

 so that they might not again cover the earth.

 Comparison with Christ

Majesty and Divinity:

   - Psalm 104: Yahweh is described as being "clothed with splendor and majesty" and covering Himself with light, emphasizing His divine majesty and glory.

   - Christ: In the New Testament, Christ is often depicted with divine glory and majesty. For example, in the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2), Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light, reflecting His divine nature.

Creation and Sustenance:

   - Psalm 104: Yahweh is depicted as the Creator who stretched out the heavens, set the earth on its foundations, and controls the waters.

   - Christ: In John 1:3, it is stated that through Christ, all things were made, and without Him, nothing was made that has been made. Colossians 1:16-17 also describes Christ as the one by whom and for whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together.

Sovereignty over Nature:

   - Psalm 104: Yahweh commands the elements of nature, laying the beams of His chambers on the waters, riding on the wings of the wind, and rebuking the waters.

   - Christ: Jesus demonstrated His authority over nature in the Gospels. He calmed the storm (Mark 4:35-41), walked on water (Matthew 14:22-33), and turned water into wine (John 2:1-11), showcasing His divine power over the natural world.

Provision and Sustenance:

   - Psalm 104: Yahweh is portrayed as the provider, ensuring the earth is sustained and that boundaries are set for the waters.

   - Christ: Jesus is often seen as a provider, feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14) and describing Himself as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), indicating His role in spiritual sustenance and provision.

Role of Servants:

   - Psalm 104: Yahweh makes His messengers winds and His ministers a flaming fire, indicating the use of created beings to serve His purposes.

   - Christ: In the New Testament, angels serve Christ (Matthew 4:11), and His followers (disciples) are called to be His ministers and messengers, spreading His teachings and serving His mission (Matthew 28:19-20).

In summary, both Yahweh in Psalm 104 and Christ in the New Testament are depicted as majestic, divine, sovereign over creation, and providers. The descriptions in Psalm 104 emphasize Yahweh’s power and authority over the natural world, which parallels the New Testament portrayal of Christ's divine nature and His miracles that demonstrate His authority over creation.