Today’s Reading: Mark 6:30-56; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-21

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. – Mark 6:30-31

Jesus had just learned of the death of John the Baptist and his disciples had just returned from the villages he had sent them to in groups of two. He needed time away from the crowd to grieve and to reconnect with his team. They were all in need of some food and some quiet time.

But the crowd of people who had come to see Jesus saw him get in the boat with his disciples. They ran along the shore, hopeful to be on the bank where he and his disciples would eventually land. Jesus had compassion on them because he saw they were like sheep without a shepherd. When he stepped onto the shore, he began healing those who were sick.

By now it was getting late, and everyone was hungry, including the crowd. They were quite a distance from the villages, so the disciples encouraged Jesus to send the crowds away so that they could begin their walk back to where they could buy food — This is your chance, Jesus! It’s getting late and the crowd is getting hungry. This is the perfect opportunity for us to lose this crowd and have some alone time.

But Jesus said, “You feed them.”
“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?” For there were about 5,000 men there.
Jesus replied, “Tell them to sit down in groups of about fifty each.” So the people all sat down. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers! – Luke 9:13-17

Instead of sending the people away, Jesus invited them to sit down and allow him to supply their needs. He broke bread and they ate as much as they wanted. The great love of our Savior was displayed that day. At a time when both tradition and human reasoning gave him permission to pull inward and enter a time of grieving, Jesus had compassion on others and thought more of their needs than his own. What a great example for us today. But now that the needs of the crowds had been met, Jesus set another great example for us — he separated himself from the people in order to spend some time alone with his Father.

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” – Mark 6:45-50

Jesus took time to be alone with God but did not turn away from the needs of others. I strongly believe in taking time to grieve; I strongly believe in spending time alone in God’s presence. God calls us to this. But He also calls us to walk away from that time filled with Him in such a way that we are ready to care more about others than we do about ourselves. This is not always easy to do but the response of Jesus to the needs of those around him sets a great example for us.

Then Peter called out to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over to the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” – Matthew 14:22-31

Peter had the faith he needed to step out of the boat and begin walking on the water towards Jesus, but his struggle began when he took his eyes off of Jesus. When we are surrounded by the winds and waves, our focus on the power of Jesus is what keeps us from being overwhelmed by doubt and fear.

Lord, thank you for the compassion you daily show your people. You are a God who supplies our needs and meets us at our time of crisis with the words, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” Only you know what lies before us this week. As we fill ourselves with Your presence, please go with us. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear the needs of others around us. May we focus on you and in doing so see others, rather than focusing on our own needs. In your power, may we experience the kind of faith that has us walking on water – believing that you will supply our needs so that we can turn our eyes off our own situation and see the opportunities around us. Amen.

After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. – Mark 6:53-56

Today’s Reading: Mark 6:7-29; Luke 7:18-35, 9:1-9

As Jesus traveled from village to village, his twelve disciples stayed by his side, but today was different. Jesus gathered his disciples together and sent them out to various places in groups of two. He gave them the authority to cast out demons and heal the sick by anointing them with olive oil. The disciples took nothing with them except the clothes on their back and a walking stick, and Jesus gave them these instructions:

“Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” – Mark 6:10-11

THIS WAS THEIR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE AND THEY CHOSE TO WALK IN IT.

When John the Baptist criticized the ruler of Galilee for marrying his brother’s wife, Herod Antipas threw him into prison. While in prison, John heard about all that Jesus was preaching and doing. He sent his disciples to Jesus to confirm that he was the promised Messiah.

Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.” – Luke 7:22-23

Jesus then turned to the crowd and affirmed the ministry of John the Baptist, clarifying that he was the one the scriptures had referred to as the messenger sent ahead of the Messiah to prepare the way for him. And then Jesus made this powerful statement: “I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!” (Luke 7:28).

Because of John’s preaching, the Kingdom of God was advancing. This was the time all the prophets had been looking forward to; this was the time that the law of Moses had prophesied about. John had fulfilled his God-given purpose. His wisdom was made obvious by the way he lived his life and by the results of his ministry.

“But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” – Luke 7:35

THIS WAS JOHN’S GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE AND HE CHOSE TO ACCEPT IT.

When they heard this, all the people — even the tax collectors — agreed that God’s way was right, for they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism. — Luke 7:29-30

Herod Antipas also rejected God’s plan and the ministry of John the Baptist. He was so angry with John that it was not enough to simply have him imprisoned, he wanted to kill him. But Herod knew that killing John the Baptist would start a riot because the people believed him to be a prophet, so he kept him imprisoned.

At Herod’s birthday party, his niece danced for him (the daughter of his brother Philip, whose wife Herod had married). Her dance pleased Herod and his guests, so he offered her a gift of her choosing. Her mother, Herodias, took this opportunity to seek revenge on the prophet who had spoken so boldly against her marriage to Herod. No one was more surprised than Herod when the girl came back and demanded the head of John the Baptist be brought on a tray right then for all to see. Everyone at the party had heard his promise to the girl, and everyone was watching to see his response. Out of pride, Herod granted her wish and John the Baptist was beheaded that very night.

When Jesus heard the heartbreaking news of John’s death, he got in a boat and sailed to a remote area to be alone (Matthew 14:13). Can you imagine how Jesus must have felt when he heard of the death of his cousin? The man whose purpose in life was to prepare the way for him had just been killed in a brutal and dishonoring way. Jesus, feeling the same emotions any of us would have felt, retreated to an area where he could grieve alone. He had spent so many days reaching out to others and taking care of the needs of many, but now it was time for him to take care of his own needs. Or was it?

But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. – Matthew 14:13b-14

THIS WAS JESUS’ GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE AND HE EMBRACED IT WITH COMPASSION.

Having more compassion for others than he had love for himself, Jesus reached out to others in response to their reaching out to him. This is who Jesus was and this is who Jesus is today. When we reach out to him, he responds to us. When we faithfully fulfill the purpose we are given, he encourages us. When someone seeks to hurt or destroy us because of our faithfulness, he grieves for us. Jesus responds to our needs with compassion, which is exactly what he did next…

Today’s Reading: Mark 1:35-39, 10:17-31

HOW IS JESUS AFFECTING YOUR LIFE? WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO HIM?

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons. – Mark 1:35-39

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon-possessed or epileptic or paralyzed – he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went – people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. – Matthew 4:23-25

Large crowds of people were so taken by Jesus that they were willing to follow him wherever he went! Now that’s passion! Most of us experience this same passion when Jesus radically changes our lives. We fall SO in love with this Jesus — who would heal us or love us or die for us — we would do whatever he asks us to do. We would go wherever he leads us. We give whatever he stirs our hearts to give in order to fund the mission of spreading God’s word. Consider this passage we read last week:

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Jerod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. – Luke 8:1-3

They were so excited about what Jesus was doing that they were willing to LIVE SACRIFICIALLY and GIVE SACRIFICIALLY. As they traveled with Jesus, they heard the same message over and over again and it was changing their lives – the message of the Good News about the Kingdom of God.

HOW IS JESUS AFFECTING YOUR LIFE? WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO HIM?

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. Again, the King of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” – Matthew 13:44-46

To want something so much that I am willing to lose all else that I might gain that one thing.
To value something so much that I am willing to forfeit everything in the pursuit of it.
To care about something so much that nothing else matters except that one thing.
This is what God is calling us to.

Devoted.

Sold-out.

Passionate.

Do I value the Kingdom of Heaven more than my own earthly kingdom?
Do I value heavenly treasures more than earthly treasures?
Do I value spiritual rewards more than physical rewards?
Do I value my relationship with God above all other relationships?

HOW IS JESUS AFFECTING YOUR LIFE? WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO HIM?

A man ran up to Jesus, respectfully knelt before him, and asked him what he could do to inherit eternal life. He had obeyed all the commandments since he was young. He was what the world would define as a good man, although only God is truly good. Out of a genuine love for this man, Jesus told him to sell all of his possessions, give the money to the poor, and then follow him. Only then would he have treasure in heaven. The man’s face fell and he walked away sad, for he had too much of what this world has to offer in order to fully embrace all that Jesus was offering him.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”

Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.

“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” – Mark 10:23-31

Holy Spirit, move in me today. I long to hear from you. Empty me of all that is sin and all that is self and fill me with you. Change me so that I value what you value; change me so that I cannot help but respond to the effect you are having on my life. Help me to let go of anything in this world that I am holding onto too tightly. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 4:16-30; Psalm 118

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. – Luke 4:13-15

After 40 days of being tempted by the devil in the wilderness (4:2), Jesus returned home – not worn out and beat up by the devil’s attempts to destroy him but rather “filled by the Holy Spirit’s power.” I love this! God strengthens us through the power of the Holy Spirit as we go through difficult times. At the end of our struggle, our faith is often stronger than before the hard times arrived.

By this time, word had spread throughout the region about Jesus and everyone seemed pleased with what he was teaching in their synagogues. He was in his homeland, but now it was time to return to the village where he grew up – Nazareth. It was TIME TO GO HOME.

When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Then he said, “You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’ – meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’ But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner – a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”

When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. – Luke 4:16-28

Jesus knew their hearts and their struggle to see him as anything but the son of a local carpenter. They had watched him grow up, watched him play in the streets with the other kids. They were excited that he had come home and amazed at what a good teacher of the Law he had become, but they did not see him as the promised Messiah or the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah.

Jesus laid out his calling for everyone. He was anointed by the Spirit to bring good news to the poor. He was sent to proclaim that captives would be released, the blind would see and those who were oppressed would be set free! The time of the Lord’s favor had come, but Nazareth was not going to experience all that God had for them because they would not accept all of who Jesus was.

I know several people who grew up in the church but who still struggle to fully believe in Jesus. My heart aches for them to have faith – to fully accept Jesus for who He is! They spent so much time in the presence of the church without taking the time to truly seek God. When eyes are focused on religion, we miss out on seeing God Himself revealed.

The village of Nazareth missed out because they wanted to define Jesus one way instead of listening to what he was trying to teach them. How much do we miss out on when we decide to define Jesus from our own perspective and make him who we want him to be? This is who Jesus wants to be in our lives today if we will just stop trying to contain him in a box and truly allow Him to be Lord:

He wants to bring good news to strengthen our faith.
He wants to set us free from the bondage of sin.
He wants to open the eyes of our heart so that we can truly see Him.
He wants us to stop deciding we already understand him.
He wants us to daily open up to what He wants to reveal to us today.

The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Please, Lord, please save us.
Please, Lord, please give us success.
Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God, shining upon us.
Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise you!
You are my God, and I will exalt you!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 118:22-29

Today’s Reading: Mark 6:1-6; Psalm 92

After Jesus left the home of Jairus, two blind men followed behind him shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” They boldly walked right into the house where he was staying, both confessing and demonstrating their faith in Jesus.

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.

When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed.

But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.” – Matthew 9:29-34

Here are two completely different reactions with two distinct endings. The two blind men believed and their faith led to their healing. Once healed, the men who had once been blind had a story to tell and traveled the region praising the man who had healed them. The Pharisees saw God moving in the midst of other people and their jealousy caused unbelief. Instead of praising God, gossip and criticism were on their tongues.

When God’s people have a strong faith in God and spend much time rejoicing and praising Him, He moves in their midst and the evidence of His presence is marked by miracles and healings. When negativity, pride and jealousy are stronger than our praise and faith, we miss out on what God could be doing in our midst.

I CAN CHOOSE TO BE OFFENDED BY OTHERS OR AMAZED BY GOD.

Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. – Mark 6:1-6

It saddens me how often I run into people who are “deeply offended” because I believe it affects their ability to experience what God has to offer them. Their focus turns inward and they spend more energy feeling sorry for themselves and expecting an apology from someone else than they spend focused on God. I know I have been guilty of this myself, and it is a miserable existence.

Today, I choose to praise God and not worry about who has offended me. I want my coffee with a little room – room for faith and praise, not room for self-pity and pride. I want my coffee to be sweet with grace instead of bitter with unforgiveness. Lord, empty us of all that blocks your presence in our lives today. Forgive us for believing in our own rights more than just trusting in you. We love You, precious Father. Amen.

It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening…
You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!
I sing for joy because of what you have done.
O Lord, what great works you do!
And how deep are your thoughts.
Only a simpleton would not know,
and only a fool would not understand this…
“The Lord is just! He is my rock!
There is no evil in him!” – Psalm 92:2,4-6,15

Today’s Reading: Mark 5:1-43; Luke 8:26-56

“Who is this man?”

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.

When he saw the storms, he silenced them.

When he heard their cries, he answered them.

When he saw evil, he commanded it to flee.

As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside of town…This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power. – Luke 8:27,29

This man may have been under the demon’s control, but Jesus had authority over the demons. He cast them out of this man, who had been forced to live among the dead. He freed him from this bondage and gave him a new life. No power was too large for Jesus to control. He had power over the storm, the demons, and even death itself.

When the sick reached out to him, he healed them.

Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him. His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” – Luke 8:41-48

What a lonely, isolated life this woman must have experienced. She was considered unclean for twelve years and “untouchable” during her time of bleeding. Only her bleeding never stopped; that is, until she reached out to Jesus. In the midst of her suffering and sickness, she reached out to touch the hem of her Savior’s garment and her life was forever changed.

When death threatens to undo us, Jesus takes us by the hand and says, “My child, get up!”

While he was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”

But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.”

When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn’t let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl’s father and mother. The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, “Stop weeping! She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”

But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died. Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, “My child, get up!” And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened. – Luke 8:49-56

“Who is this man?”

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.
When he saw the storms, he silenced them.
When he heard their cries, he answered them.
When he saw evil, he commanded it to flee.
When the sick reached out to him, he healed them.
When death threatens to undo us, Jesus takes us by the hand and says, “My child, get up!”

I don’t know what you are facing or the emotions you are struggling with, but my Jesus knows every detail. The One who can heal, who can calm storms, and who can bring back the dead knows. Reach out and touch the hem of his garment. Stretch out your hand and hear him say, “My child, get up!” It’s time to be fed. It’s time to be strengthened again. Jesus is here to restore and it’s your turn to receive.

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25; Psalm 93

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” – Matthew 9:35-38

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.

When Jesus sees our needs he has compassion on us. But how often do we feel like God does not care about what we are going through? How often does it feel like Jesus is in the back of the boat asleep during our storm? We cry out to him — Do you see me down here, Lord? I’m drowning! I’m doing everything I know to do but it’s not working! I need you!

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, DON’T YOU CARE that we’re going to drown?”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” – Mark 4:35-41

When he saw the storms, he silenced them.

The disciples had watched Jesus do many miraculous things for other people. Now it was their chance for Jesus to do something miraculous for them. The disciples thought they were simply crossing the lake but Jesus knew there was more for them to learn. He wanted them to see things from the other side of the lake — to see him from another perspective.

“Who is this man?”

Jesus knew his disciples were not fully aware of who he was, that they still underestimated him. I heard a friend recently say that Jesus probably knew it was storming. He chose to sleep while his disciples tried everything they knew how to do. They were fishermen and had been in storms before. Jesus was simply waiting for them to ask, waiting for them to stop trying on their own and call on him for help.

Oh, how often we are guilty of this! Troubles come into our lives and we try to take care of them in our own strength first. The winds and the waves threaten us and we grab a bucket and start throwing water overboard. When we have tried everything we know to do, we finally fall to our knees and do what we should have initially done – we pray.

The floods have risen up, O Lord.
The floods have roared like thunder;
the floods have lifted their pounding waves.
But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore—
the Lord above is mightier than these! – Psalm 93:3-4

Jesus has power over creation — over the elements and over the storms. Jesus has power over the things going wrong in our lives, whether it is the natural circumstances of this broken world or the consequences of our own sinful decisions. Jesus is bigger than all of it. Let’s not underestimate our Lord today. Let’s PUT DOWN THE BUCKET and stop looking for our own solutions. Let’s make prayer our first reaction to today’s situations.

When he heard their cries, he answered them.

David sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
He is my refuge, my savior,
the one who saves me from violence.
I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.
“The waves of death overwhelmed me;
floods of destruction swept over me.
The grave wrapped its ropes around me;
death laid a trap in my path.
But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
yes, I cried to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry reached his ears.” – 2 Samuel 22:1-7

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:21-34; Luke 13:6-9, 18-21 (what about Mark 4:21-25)

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” – Mark 4:24-25

The closer we listen, the more we will understand; the more we choose to block out or ignore the words of Jesus, the more our understanding will fade away. God is calling us to lean in and pay attention — to be a student of the Word, seeking to understand the Kingdom of God.

Spirit of God, give us a new understanding of the parables Jesus taught his disciples. Open our ears to hear, and give us clarity of mind to grasp the truth of your message. Help us to understand the Kingdom of God.

Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” – Mark 4:30-32

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE A MUSTARD SEED.

The Kingdom of God has the potential to grow exponentially from even the smallest moment of faith or action of obedience. God takes our humble willingness to be used by Him and does things too amazing for us to fully grasp. In fact, we are often oblivious to the ripple effect set into motion when we respond to the nudge of His Spirit to do what He has told us to do or to say what He has led us to say. God takes even the smallest trace of our faith and grows it into something bigger and wider than we can fathom.

He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” – Luke 13:20-21

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE A LITTLE YEAST.

Have you ever tried to make bread without yeast? Have you ever tried to make a cake without baking soda, or cookies without baking powder? Without these key ingredients, our efforts fall flat and our baked goods remain dense. What seems like the smallest ingredient in the recipe is often the most important ingredient of all.

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” – Mark 4:26-29

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE A FARMER SCATTERING SEEDS.

We cannot cause a plant to grow. All we can do is plant the seeds. What God is calling us to do is within our ability, but the result of our obedience is beyond our control. God takes the imperfect words that come from our genuine desire to serve HIm, and He blesses it for the sake of His Kingdom. When a seed begins to grow into a seedling, and then becomes a plant that bears fruit, the glory goes to the God who is able to take a humble prayer of repentance and make something beautiful out of it.

Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’

“The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” – Luke 13:6-9

THE KINGDOM OF GOD REQUIRES LONG-SUFFERING.

Father God, as we see the farmers preparing the fields or as we pull back the dead plants from our landscaping, remind us of our calling. Help us to see that there are those around us who need us to reach out and save them from the influence of this world. Let us not become so comfortable in our own salvation that we are no longer uncomfortable with the knowledge that others are without salvation. As we see winter turning into spring, remind us that you, God, can make great change in the lives of the unsaved around us, just as you are transforming our lives. Thank you for the reminder that you are the One who does something magnificent through us, and that all we have to do is humbly allow you to use us in the lives of those around us. Give us patience and strength to never give up on those who have wandered away or who are struggling to grow in their faith. May we be conduits of your grace and truth today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” – Mark 4:1-9

Consider this. A preacher stepped onto the platform and across the stage. He stood behind the pulpit, looking out at the congregation in the pews. The Lord had given him a message and he was eager to share it with the church family. He knew it would not be an easy sermon to hear, so he had spent hours finding ways to clearly illustrate each point, adding stories and examples. His hope was that the congregation would both understand and accept the message — that it would make an impact on their lives. He had spent all morning saturated in God’s presence and the Spirit was moving through him, giving him the words to say as he stood before his people.

ANYONE WITH EARS TO HEAR SHOULD LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND.

Halfway through his first point, he noticed a difference across the congregation. Some were leaning in, bibles open, responding with amens and head nods. They were taking notes, looking up frequently to make eye contact with him. Others seemed distracted. They were listening some of the time, but also occasionally looking at their phones or whispering to the person beside them. They had seemed engaged during the worship set, but now they looked slightly bored and restless.

There were others across the sanctuary who were completely disengaged. With arms folded across their chest, there was a visible determination not to listen. By all appearances, they wanted to be anywhere but here. He was pretty sure two had fallen asleep, and one seemed to be playing a game on her phone or perhaps filling her cart so she could do a grocery pickup on her way home.

ANYONE WITH EARS TO HEAR SHOULD LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND.

As the preacher came to the end of the sermon, the worship team stepped onto the stage to lead the congregation in a closing song. Some of the team had been listening from the front pew, while others had been out of the room during the sermon. How could they lead the congregation in this holy moment if they were not prayerfully engaged?

As the band began to play, the preacher invited the congregation to respond. As they stood to their feet, he noticed several slipping out their pews and heading to the door. Were they in a rush to get to the restaurant or were they avoiding the conviction they were feeling? Many joined in the singing and a few came forward to kneel at the altar, humbly praying for God to continue the work He had begun in their hearts. Many were aware that the Spirit was working across the room, but it seemed that most were simply going through the motions. The routine of Sunday morning church was winning out over the revival the Spirit was trying to break loose across this community of believers.

ANYONE WITH EARS TO HEAR SHOULD LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND.

The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” – Mark 4:14-20

Father God, forgive us for our lack of preparation to receive your Word each week. Thank you for the reminder today that we are entering a holy space when we unite together in worship each Sunday. Renew a passion within us and give us a fresh expectation that you are working across the room. I want to be the one leaning in and listening to your Spirit’s nudge, as I receive the message prepared by your anointed one. Lord, we pray for a revival to break out across the Church and for your righteousness to be evident in the lives of those who call themselves a follower of Jesus. May our actions plant seeds or bear fruit today, as we allow you to work through us in the lives of others. Amen.

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.

“So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.” – Luke 8:16-18

Today’s Reading: Luke 8:1-3,19-21; Mark 3:20-35; Luke 11:14-32

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. – Luke 8:1-3

From early in Jesus’ ministry, women were taking a role in advancing the Good News. They were leaving their homes, giving of their resources, and responding to God’s call on their lives. Mary was coming in response to all Jesus had delivered her from and Joanna was coming from the political environment in which her husband worked. Some had been freed of their demons and some healed of their diseases, but all of them were coming with a willingness to follow Jesus and to give sacrificially.

But not everyone responded to Jesus in faith. His family tried to take him away, disrespectfully claiming he was out of his mind (Mark 3:21). The teachers of religious law claimed his authority to cast out demons came from Satan himself. Others tried to test Jesus by demanding he perform a miraculous sign for them. Jesus not only heard their words, he knew their thoughts, so he stopped what he was doing to respond to their erroneous thinking.

“Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For when a strong man is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe — until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings.” – Luke 11:17b-22

The crowd of people who watched Jesus restore a man who had been possessed by a demon were initially amazed, but each had a decision to make on how they would respond after their moment of faith. The women who were traveling with Jesus had made their choice to believe, and the religious leaders had chosen unbelief. Jesus pointed out to the religious leaders the risk they were taking by choosing to stand against him instead of believing in him. Let’s consider the contrasting consequences of our decision of whether or not to fully follow Jesus in faith:

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” – Luke 11:23

“I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.” He told them this because they were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.” – Mark 3:28-30

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.”

As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!”

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” – Luke 11:24-28

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn’t get to him because of the crowd. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see you.”
Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.” – Luke 8:19-21

What a privilege it is to be welcomed into the family of God! What a blessing we experience in life when we choose to walk in faith! When we study God’s word, spending time in His presence and allowing God to fill us with His Spirit, we are changed. When we respond to all that we are learning by walking out our faith, we receive the blessing of a full inheritance into God’s family.

Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” – Mark 3:33-35

Those who walk away, because they choose to follow their doubts, are walking away from all that God has to offer them. Those whose desire for the things of this world entice them away from the things of God, are walking away from all Jesus has done for them. What are we risking by choosing faith? We may lose a few friends and we may lose a few invitations, but we have so much to gain. Those who make the choice to walk away from God’s invitation to a personal relationship have so much to lose, but those who accept His invitation have everything to gain.

So how will you respond to the story of Jesus? What will your reaction be to the nudge of His Spirit today? Are you living out a growing faith in Jesus? I pray God makes His presence real to you today as you push away the doubts and choose to fully rest on Him. May your faith continue to grow as you walk in relationship with God.