THOUGHTS- MARK-CHAPTER WISE
Mark 1
At the baptism service of Jesus in river Jordan, three persons of trinity were visible. Jesus in the water, Holy Spirit descending down and the voice of the father. Trinity is the essence of God and not man made theology.Immediately after the glorious experience at the baptism service, Jesus was led to be tempted in wilderness. Time of godly fellowship, fasting and prayer and outstanding ministerial experience does not guarantee temptation free life. Even though we can pray to lead us not into temptation, we ought to be prepared to face and overcome all type of temptations.Jesus set an example in prayer life. Despite busy and tight schedules, Jesus maintained the discipline to be alone with God in prayer. The preachers who gain mighty results for God are the men who have prevailed in their pleadings with God. The preachers who are the mightiest in their closets with God are the mightiest in their pulpits with men. (E.M.Bounds)
Mark 2
Jesus seeing the faith and efforts of those carrying the paralytic in unusual way, appreciated them and answered their request. They did not wait for the crowd to dispose to bring the needy to Jesus. When we see those in need we have to make every effort to bring them to Jesus without delay (for the saving of their souls and the healing of their body). God will honour our faith and will reward publicly.Pharisees separated themselves from the tax collectors and publicans. Jesus mingled with them. His holiness and purity did not stop Him to associate with sinners. He has condemned the sins not the sinners. We also have to be compassionate and merciful upon those whose are condemned and considered less privileged
Mark 3
God created Sabbath for our own good to rest from the routine work and to be restored physically and spiritually. When we apply a law to other people we must ensure that we do not make harmful or inappropriate judgments.Anger is a emotion created by God. Jesus was angry because of the uncaring attitudes of Pharisees. Anger by itself is not sin. The intentions behind anger and its consequences would decide if the anger is sinful. Our anger has to be for constructive purpose and should not cause any negative impact.Evil spirits confessed that Jesus is the son of God, but His family members remarked that Jesus is out of mind, while the teachers of the law stated that Jesus is possesed by Beelzebul. Deliberate ongoing rejection of the work of the Holyspirit is blasphemy and the person who commits it guilty of eternal sin.
Mark 4
Jesus taught many things in parables. One of such parable of the sower. Through the parable of the sower He outlined the reasons for our unfruitfulness. The same seed (Word of God) is sown to all the hearts but in most cases we could not bear fruit because of the following reasons- Not understanding the word of God, lack of spiritual discipline/strength to withstand persecution and suffering, Worries, Deceitfulness of riches and the lust for worldly pleasures. Jesus expects us to hear the word of God, make it grow in us and to spread out to others like a mustard seed.
Mark 5
The demon possessed man surprisingly found a new life and new hope after meeting Jesus. Jesus healed him from Legion of demons attack. The intervention of Jesus in our lives would bring new rays of hope and happiness. The delivered person clanged to Jesus and wanted to be with Him, but He sent him to his own community to witness what God has done to Him. He obeyed and the result is Decopolis (10 cities) came to light. Each one of us is unique in His sight. Let us resolve to be willing and obedient to do what God wants us to do in His way in His time. Jarius loved his daughter very much. The news about her death brought him grief and depression. In the hopeless situation, Jesus asked Him not to be afraid but to believe in God. He did obey and trusted the words of Jesus and he could see the miracle of God. It is impossible to please God without faith.
Mark 6
Despite Jesus doing mighty and miraculous works, he selected 12 disciples and delegated works to them. He did not depend on the individual work but on the team work. The significance of team work in the kingdom of God cannot be understated and is acknowledged by Jesus by sending two-by-two for ministry and by delegating various responsibilities. Team work would strengthen, encourage and edify each other in times of trouble and difficulties.On seeing the multitudes, he had compassion and taught them many things related to their spiritual life. When they are tired and hungry, He wanted to feed them and entrusted the responsibility of feeding the 5000 plus to His team. Disciples reacted to that as an impossible task. When faced with impossible tasks, we can to do our best and leave the rest to God. He can make the impossible possible.
Mark 7
Pharisees and the teachers of the law (religious leaders) stressed the traditions for the elders and religion. Jesus observed their life styles and commented “you set aside the commands of God in order to observe your own tradition” Jesus explained the importance of purity in our thought life. Evil and sinful actions stem from Sinful and evil hearts. Allowing our thoughts to dwell in lust, envy, hatred or revenge will lead us astray and make us useless. Traditions in our religion are good but should be a substitute for the command of God and holy life
Mark 8
After teaching and preaching for long hours, Jesus understood the tiredness in the delegates and asked His disciples to feed them. Jesus was not only concerned about the spiritual aspect of our life but also about our physical needs. When we fear and obey Him, He will guide us and meet our needs in time.Jesus is more interested to know “What do you say who Jesus is?” rather than “What do people say who Jesus is?” .Can you acknowledge that Jesus is truly the Lord, Christ and Savior in your life?Christian Life is always about making the right choices. How is your life—World Centric or Christ Centric? What good is for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit His soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mark 9
Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in us. Effective prayer needs both complete dependence and asking. Prayer shows our reliance on God. There is no substitute for prayer. Victory over sin and temptations comes through faith in Jesus Christ not only through our own efforts.Jesus told to cut off hands, pluck out eyes, cut off foot etc., if they cause us to sin. He used this startling language to stress the importance of cutting sin out of our lives. Painful discipline is required. Giving up a relationship, job or habit that is against God’s will seem painful but we have to give up to save our lives.Jesus asked His disciples to be salt. Like salt we should make difference in the flavor of the world we live in just as salt changes meats’ flavor. We should counteract the moral decay in society just as salt preserves food from decay
Mark 10
While replying to the queries of Pharisees regarding Divorce, Jesus clarified and stressed the commitment one has to have in marriage. Marriage is an institution ordained by God. Marriage is not an act of convenience. It is covenant (cannot be broken) not contract. Women are often treated as property. Marriage and divorce are considered as transactions similar to buying and selling land. Jesus condemned this attitude and clarified that God’s original intention in marriage is oneness and not separation.James and John came to Jesus with an uncommon prayer request (to grant them sit on both sides of Jesus as a mark of popularity and greatness) Jesus denied their request and made them understand that true greatness comes from serving others. Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.
Mark 11
Jesus saw the fig tree filled with leaves and with no buds. The tree was expected to have the buds during that season. The tree looked promising from outside but no signs for fruit inside. It may happen in our lives as well. We may be looking good outside through our busy schedules and all activities but would have failed to live up to the expectations of God. We need to maximize our efforts to build up the godly characters in us. Next day, when the disciples saw the tree dried up, they have learnt the power in the words of Jesus. Words of Jesus are powerful enough to do miracles in any situation. Jesus reminded that the prayers offered in faith with forgiven heart (also stressed forgiving others as condition to receive forgiveness from God) will bring unusual answers.
Mark 12
Jesus referred to Himself as the corner stone. The corner stone was used to make sure the other stones of the building were straight and level. Like wise, the life and teaching of Jesus Christ should be the foundation of our life and ministry.By Jesus’ time the Jews had accumulated hundreds of laws – 613 by a historian’s account. Some are minor and some are major laws. Jesus summarized these laws in to two – Love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength; Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Let these two laws of Jesus rule our thoughts, decisions and actions.
Mark 13
Every true Christian hopes and looks forward for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. To a question from His disciples about the signs of His second coming, Jesus replied them with few signs and precautionary notes. He advised his followers to be alert about the possible deception to the elects by the false prophets and teachers through convincing signs and wonders. He also exhorted them to be watchful and to be obedient to the written word of God. We are reminded to live a holy and right living in the world where the God is largely ignored.
Mark 14
The woman in Bethany at Simon’s house broke the alabaster jar (cost about one year wages of a person that time) and anointed Jesus. To an outsider (even to some disciples) it seemed like wasting money. But Jesus acknowledged her sacrifice. The essence of worshiping Christ is to regard Him with utmost love, respect, devotion and be willing to sacrifice the most precious things for Jesus Christ.We have in us a constant and consistent battle between the desires of flesh and the willingness of the Spirit. To over- come the weakness of the flesh which pulls us out from God, Jesus prescribed prayer as the solution – the constant and consistent prayer.Peter and Judas, both denied their Lord and leader at the last minute. Jesus forgave both of them. Both of them felt bad for their faults. But Peter bounced back while Judas committed suicide. The way we react to the messages and mercies of God has a long lasting impact in our lives and others’.
Mark 15
During the trial, Pilate asked Jesus many questions. Jesus did not answer to most of the queries. At times, when faced with difficulties, the best way to defend/respond is by maintaining silence.Jesus died like a slave, criminal and cursed. Disciples deserted Him and none came to help Him. The religious leaders have written Him off. But today more than 1/3 of the population confesses the Son ship/Lordship of Jesus Christ. When Jesus died many things happened in this world. One of the significant thing was the curtain (separating the holy God from sinful people) in the temple of God was torn into two symbolizing the removal of mediation between the God and mankind. Everyone have free access to God by the death of Christ. How sad it is to notice that many Christians are still looking for mediums/mediators to approach the living God?
Mark 16
As foretold and forewritten, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. The disciples did not believe the news about His resurrection when the women (who met risen Jesus in the tomb) and two disciples (who met Jesus on their way back to home) told them. But they believed when Jesus appeared to them. Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief. The belief that we confess should have its root in the heart and its fruit in the life.Jesus asked his disciples to go into the entire world and preach the good news. The disciples went out and preached every where and the Lord worked with them. Are you involved in preaching the good news? Is the Lord working with you in the ministerial activities you are involved?
