Mark 12:28-34 - October 25, 2010

Mark 12:28-34 “One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.   30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'   31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."  32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.”

Mark 12:28-34 is such an interesting insertion by the Holy Spirit because it has an entirely different feel from all of the preceding verses and stories in this chapter. Jesus has been in a series of intense confrontations with skeptics, critics, and attackers and suddenly the entire atmosphere is shifted by the presence of someone with a good heart!

Once again this story begins with a man coming to Jesus with the kind of question that could have been perceived as a test or simply an honest inquiry and it is only through the process of the exchange that the true nature of the reveals the condition of this man’s heart. It is a valuable illustration of the fact that at times we must withhold our conclusions about a matter or an individual until they have been searched out more fully over time! In this case one of the teacher of the law comes with a question to the Lord but the motive of his heart originates in the fact that Jesus had given the other Sadducees a good answer. It seems as if he has been genuinely impacted by the quality of Jesus’ response and as a result his heart is more open to the Lord. His inquiry seems as if it is a secondary inquiry that is filled with hope. Could this be someone he could believe in!?

Jesus’ response to this man’s inquiry carries a uniquely different tone than the responses that He gave to the other leaders. There is no undertone of correction or rebuke. There is only a direct and honest answer. Jesus is able to recognize the difference in the attitude of the inquiry and so He answers in a similar spirit. Jesus encapsulates the commandments of God into two primary themes – love God – love people!

The answer that Jesus provides for this teacher of the law is a response that springs from the scriptures and as a result this man receives it well. It is worth noting that Jesus gave many scriptural answers to many of the religious leaders of the day and yet those whose hearts were not in a right place with God constantly stumbled over His answers even though they were doctrinally sound. This consistent pattern is a continual revelation of the reality that a wrong heart condition can blind us even to clear truth!

Verse 34 begins with a thought provoking phrase; “when Jesus saw that he had answered wisely…” The nature of this exchange is fascinating because each of the two participants is examining the other’s response. It is as if their careful exchange is a series of mutual tests. What makes it so interesting is that in this rare case. Each one discovers that they like the other!!!! This teacher is impressed with the soundness of Jesus’ answer and Jesus is impressed with the heart of this teacher. Unlike most of His encounters with the religious leaders Jesus ends this dialogue with a personal affirmation of the man He is dealing with “you are not far from the kingdom of God.”

This entire season of testing that Jesus has undergone has addressed more than His theology. It has been a season of spiritual warfare as He has triumphed over every trap, test and snare. It reveals that even though the majority of the Sadducees, Pharisees and teachers of the law had a closed heart, there were indeed few leaders who were genuinely open hearted in their relationship to their position and their God! There is a powerful conclusion to this final exchange that seems to put a capstone on the whole season not just this one event. Verse 34 concludes with the statement “And from then on no one dared to ask Him any more questions.” In much the same way that Luke 4:13 concludes Jesus’ exchange with Satan by saying “he left him until an opportune time,” this season of testing is silenced by the wisdom of Jesus’ answers and He is left in peace for a time.

Mark 12:18-27 - October 22, 2010

Mark 12:18-27 “Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 19 "Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and have children for his brother. 20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children. 21 The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third. 22 In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. 23 At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?"

24 Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25 When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 26 Now about the dead rising-have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? 27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!" 

Are you sure you want to be a minister of the gospel!? The life of Jesus was filled with wonder, miracles, personal transformations and moving moments of compassion but it was also a life and ministry consistently faced with opposition, debate, demonic attempts to entrap and ensnare and encounters with the tensions created by human weakness and failings. At every turn there was a new problem to solve, a new snare to avoid, or a fresh doctrinal issue to set right.

Mark 12 is a consistent flow from one conflict or debate to another. The entire chapter is such a demonstration of the emotional stamina of Jesus that it is truly amazing. Jesus does not demonstrate insecurity, nor anger in His responses to the pressure of these traps and debates. Nor does He display any signs that these exchanges have worn Him out and left Him on edge. Instead, Jesus remains consistently focused and firmly rooted in His emotional makeup. The mouth is the window of the emotions and His is under perfect control! His responses consistently reflect His theological integrity, His wisdom, and His emotional composure!

In Mark 12:18-27 Jesus is confronted with another doctrinal issue that the Sadducees bring to Him. This time addressing the issue of marriage within the context of the possibility of resurrection these men present a theological question to Jesus through the means of creating a very complex fictional scenario that contains a difficult theological tension within it. The Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection and so from their perspective this question exposes the conflict between the laws about marrying your dead relative’s spouse so that you can raise up an heir for him and the dynamics that would be created if there is a resurrection.

Jesus wastes no time once again in His response. He immediately addresses the fact that these men are in error. He uses the context of His response to confront them on two distinct levels. Jesus states that the error of their thinking is because they “do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” With this response to the Sadducees Jesus identifies two core areas of understanding that are necessary to comprehend the things of God and are often the source of error even today. These men who came to Jesus had an incomplete knowledge of the word of God and they also had an inaccurate understanding of the power of God. Oh, how this describes the state of so much of the church. We must know the word deeply and possess a right understanding of the power of God to properly interpret the things of God!

At its core the correction that Jesus brings to the Sadducees is one of the foundational truths of who God is. “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” Jesus is aware that the theology of the Sadducees does not support the doctrine of resurrection and so He is addressing this issue from the reality of God’s ongoing relationship with the founders of our faith, the patriarchs. Jesus redefines for them the nature of our eternal being and the reality of the resurrection. Jesus’ redefinition of the problem effectively silences another snare!

Mark 12:14 - October 21, 2010

Mark 12:14 “They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn't we?"

But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. "Why are you trying to trap me?" he asked. "Bring me a denarius and let me look at it."  16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. 17 Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him.

In considering Mark 12:14-17 we are faced once again with a story that contains many layers of insight that can be explored.  Verse 14 is a revelation of insincere flattery that springs from false motives. Jesus is target of an organized, purposeful attempt to discredit Him. It is sad but true that people will operate in this way but this passage is a lesson to us to learn to look a little deeper into the hearts of men when we are dealing with issues of the kingdom of God. This passage demonstrates that not all words that seem sincere and genuine spring from the heart of the Holy Spirit.

These men were trying to trap Jesus and their approach was to seek to put his guard down by speaking in words that were affirming and complimentary yet poison was in their hearts. In their attempts to ensnare Jesus these men appealed to His sense of who he was as a means to draw Him into an error in His response. They sought to veil their attack by affirming His person and ministry before offering a leading question. What is sad and yet fascinating to consider is that the things they state about Him are true, they know it, and yet they still seek to tear Him down. They say to Him “we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.” They affirm His character, His commitment to treating all men equally, and the truth and Godliness of His message and still they attack!

The lesson that this reality needs to teach us is that the enemies of God do not need to find a flaw in us to have a reason to attack. If they cannot find one, they will at times invent one! Satan’s capacity to deceive the hearts of those who should love the work of God is apparent on every level.

The snare that these leaders have set for Jesus is now not one limited to the Mosaic scriptures. They are seeking to find in Him seeds of rebellion against the Roman government so that they can attack Him on a political level instead of a religious one. Their goal is to use His commitment to the standards of God as a means to make Him an enemy of Rome! But Jesus is not ignorant of their wicked motives. Again, Jesus’ response is a powerful lesson in the art of confrontation! Jesus is very direct in dealing with them. He is not fearful, not does He send hints. His answer is bold and direct. “Why do you try to trap me?”

There is a time for confrontation and many people are afraid of it. This is why so many problems exist in both the church world and the business world today. Fear of man limits so many people from saying and doing the things that will resolve the issues and problems that are hindering. Jesus uses such wisdom in His confrontation. He recognizes the root of the trap is centered on the fact that these men are trying to place Him in a situation where His commitment to God is in conflict with His submission to the government. Jesus’ response quickly and powerfully separates the two issues in a righteous resolve. Through the use of a roman coin Jesus effectively teaches the people to honor both the government of God and the government of man. In this response He sets the foundation for Paul’s teaching in Romans 13:1-7 exhorting us to honor earthly governments. Once again Jesus effectively silences the voice of His adversaries with a wisdom that leaves them amazed.

Mark 12:13 - October 20, 2010

Mark 12:13 “And they sent unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.”

The persistence of some people in their sin is truly amazing! Even though directly confronted by Jesus through His most recent parable, told of their sinful heart condition and actions, these men went right out and began to seek for other ways to undermine and hinder the work of Christ! Truly this verse is a powerful picture of the nature of a hardened heart!

The religious leaders were given such a clear parabolic rebuke from the Lord. They were confronted in such a way that earlier verses say that they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. And yet this rebuke was not sufficient to break through the hardness of heart that held these men captive. When a heart is truly bound by sin the power of that deception is a powerful stronghold. These men were given opportunity to repent but instead were on the opposite side of the grace of God!

In considering this reality there are two things that seem to speak loudly from this sad reality. First it is clear that though these men were, in God’s mercy, given a strong rebuke and opportunity to repent, their rejection of this opportunity now positioned them as God’s adversaries and the tools through which He would fulfill His purpose. Just as in the case of Moses where Pharaoh’s rejection of the signs sent to him positioned Him as a tool through which God would reveal His wrath, so the resistance of these religious rulers set them up to be the vessels through which Christ would be sent to the cross. This great act of betrayal on their part became the setting for their own judgment and for the fulfillment of God’s greatest purpose! We must learn to look through the lens of heaven when interpreting the conflict and opposition that we face as we walk out our callings. The very same act that on one hand God uses to train us and to fulfill His purpose concerning us, at many times becomes the setting through which God’s divine justice is set in motion in regard to His dealings with both His enemies and the lost that He is reaching out towards.

The second reality that calls to us through this passage is the power of a wrong heart. At first glance the reactions of these men may seem rooted in a misguided loyalty to the things of God. There is however a deeper reality at work behind the motives that hold these men’s hearts. John 11:47-48 reveals through their own words the true motives of their anger and resistance towards Christ. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Indeed there is no noble but misdirected commitment to God at work in the actions of these men. The true condition of their heart is centered upon their commitment to preserve what they would lose personally if Christ continues to inspire faith in the multitudes. Instead of possessing the heart of John whose reaction to Christ’s growing influence was, “He must increase. I must decrease,” there was only possessiveness instead of surrender to God’s purpose. “Lord give us the heart of your servant John!”

Mark 12:10-12 - October 18, 2010

Mark 12:10-12 “And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: 11 This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?” 12 And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.”

As we have noted in the last two devotionals there is a distinctly prophetic edge to this particular parable and in it Jesus has revealed many kingdom principles while placing a distinct focus on who He is and the death that He will soon face at the hands of the religious leaders of Jerusalem. There is no attempt to change the course of these things only an announcement of the things that will soon come to pass. His words have been direct, pointed and purposeful and He finishes this exchange with a powerful closing statement. He has been speaking to them with parabolic inference as He has confronted these leaders and as a final confirmation of both the accuracy of His parable and the coming events that He has foretold He directs them to a prophetic statement found in Ps. 118:22-23 that confirms the outcome that He has foretold.

There would be a stone that is rejected by the builders but that stone will end up being the chief cornerstone. This is a powerful message concerning the reality that those things which man rejects are often the very things that God chooses. In this case not only is the stone that is rejected by men put into use by God but it will become the centerpiece of God’s plan! Verse 11 of Mark 12 expands in a wonderful way upon the reality of this plan by saying “this was the Lord’s doing, and it was marvelous in our eyes.” Man will not be the one who promotes the Lord. It is God’s doing! Man will simply look upon what God has done and marvel at His glorious handy-work.

What is truly amazing in this parable is that Jesus tells these men through this parable that they have been guilty of a neglectful abuse of God’s vineyard. He warns them of both the certainty that they will betray Him and the judgment of God that follows. Verse 12 tells us that they KNEW that this parable was spoken against THEM! And yet they still left that encounter and immediately began to conspire of a way to kill Him; the very thing that the Lord prophesied that they would do. Truly they heard Him but never really heard Him. Perhaps in this audience there were a few who heard with open ears and withdrew from this course. Perhaps this was even the reason that Jesus spoke it forth even knowing that the outcome wouldn’t change. Perhaps through it’s telling a few men were delivered and the rest were now fully accountable to God for what they would soon do. God is always just in His dealings with man and seeks to give every chance to repent.

Mark 12:1-9 - October 15, 2010

Mark 12:1-9 “And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. 2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. 4 And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. 5 And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. 6 Having yet therefore one son, his well-beloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. 7 But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. 8 And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. 9 What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.”

Mark 12:1-9 is a powerful picture of a neglected and abused stewardship.  Jesus has just finished with a very direct confrontation with the religious leaders of Jerusalem and through this parable He shifts to an entirely different dimension of confrontation. After having silenced the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders, Jesus now uses this parable to speak to their sinful and hypocritical condition. He is not content to simply deflect their attempt to discredit Him. This parable is Christ going on the offensive. This parable is Christ exposing the reality of who these men are before God. They are the neglectful and abusive stewards!

There is very little that is significantly veiled within this parable. The focus of its revelation is the vineyard that the Lord has carefully established and the stewards who have been entrusted with its care. The clear message is that the problems that exist are not because of the vineyard owner but because of the corruption of the stewards. This parable is a distinctly prophetic parable as it reflects that which was, is and is to come. The parable presents the beginning state of the Lord’s vineyard; that it was good and well provided for. However, the story progresses to identify that when the Lord of the vineyard began to look for the return that was due on the investment He had entrusted to His stewards they abused the master’s servants repeatedly and sent them away empty handed even killing some of the master’s servants as they sought to keep for their own benefit those things that rightfully belonged to the master.

In this parable Jesus continues on to make a powerful and revealing reference to Himself in one of His more direct. After describing the mistreatment of the master’s servants, Jesus continues on to speak of the master’s son.  The inferences to Himself are clear as He describes the son. This son is the owner’s one and only son. This son is his well-beloved. This son is the heir of all that belonged to the master. Each of these references is taken up elsewhere in the scriptures in such a way that is clearly pointing towards the Messiah, and in many cases also towards Jesus Himself. Through this parable Jesus clearly identifies Himself as the Son of God for those who have an ear to hear.

As Jesus points the people listening to the knowledge of their condition and who it is that is before them this prophetic parable then predicts both the coming death that He will suffer at their hands and the judgment that awaits those who are guilty of this betrayal. Many parables that the Lord told throughout His ministry convey rich and valuable truths but this particular parable enters into a realm of prophetic declaration unlike most of the others. It is an unveiling of who He is, the mistreatment that He will face at the hands of the people and the judgment that awaits.

Mark 11:27 - October 14, 2010

Mark 11:27 “They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. 28 "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?" 29 Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 30 John's baptism-was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!" 31 They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' 32 But if we say, 'From men' . . . ." (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) 33 So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."



When the kingdom of God is in you even your presence can stir up trouble!!! Jesus has just arrived in Jerusalem and is simply walking through the temple courts when the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to Him. He wasn’t preaching or performing a miracle but the very reality of His presence was sufficient to stir up the harassment of those who were not submitted to the kingdom of God! These men come to the Lord with probing questions concerning the source of His authority. It seems as if their real implication is, “you didn’t receive your authority from us, so what gives you the right to do what you do!”


Jesus was a consistent source of anxiety for the religious rulers of the day. He came with power they did not possess, wisdom that could not refute, authority that could not comprehend and a message that exposed many of their fallacies and as a result His ministry placed them in a context of tension that led them to consistently try to invalidate Him for the sake of their own position and power. Theirs was not a heart in search of the truth of God, but rather focused on defending what they possessed.


As Jesus walked into this setting on this particular day immediately the leaders begin to seek ways to reduce Him and elevate themselves. Jesus demonstrates such a confident wisdom in His response to them. He is not provoked or anxious as He turns to respond to them. Many people would be so threatened by this public inquiry that their insecurity would hinder a clear and composed response. However, the Lord is composed and His reply thoughtful as He is not drawn into their argument but simply answers their question with another question that exposes the reality that they are not actually searching for an answer, but rather seeking for ways to attack Him.


The wisdom of Jesus in the midst of this public confrontation is truly amazing. In the midst of the crowd gathered not only the words of Jesus but His attitude and emotions were on display for all to see. Had He demonstrated defensiveness, insecurity or fear, great damage would have been done to the people’s respect for Him. He was not drawn into the trap that was set for Him. Instead Jesus turns the confrontation around in one strategic sentence and instead of allowing the religious leaders to place Him on the defensive in front of all these people His one thoughtful question now places them on the defensive.


Verse 31 reveals the tension that Jesus has created for these men because they know the opinion of all of the people that John the Baptist was a prophet of God. Jesus has now turned their trap back upon them because if they acknowledge John then they are condemned for rejecting Him and if they deny him they fear the response of the multitudes who did believe in John. The wisdom of Jesus’ response effectively paralyzes these men and they can only respond with an answer that allows Jesus a very quick and public vindication. Oh that the church would walk in this same wisdom!

Mark 11:25 - October 13, 2010

Mark 11:25 “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." 

Mark 11:25 reflects one of the key elements of effective prayer. Simply put it is important for every person who will stand before God in petition and intercession to be careful how you come! This passage in verse 25 communicates an essential principle for effective prayer. When we retain unforgiveness, division, and other unhealthy conditions within our hearts we are bringing forth an unclean offering to the Lord.

In First Corinthians Paul presents the consequences of bringing an unclean heart before the Lord within the context of communion. In this passage he sternly warns the Corinthians 1 Cor 11:27-32 “Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.” NKJV To come before the Lord without having truly examined the condition of our heart in relationship to others leaves a us in a position where at the very least we lose the benefits of our prayers and at its worst our hypocrisy opens the door for the Lord’s chastising judgment to be poured out upon us.

Peter talks about the impact of damaged relationship upon our prayers within the context of a marriage relationship when he says in 1 Peter 3:7 “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” KJV Consider this reality: If we husbands have not honored our wives then our prayer lives are hindered! Forgiveness, self-examination, and honor in relationships are foundational necessities of an effective life of prayer. 

Mark 11:24 - October 12, 2010

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Mark 11: 24 is one of the primary keys that Jesus gave His church for the work of prayer, “whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it!” Belief is the starting place of prayer! Is seeing believing or is believing seeing? Jesus makes it clear in this passage that the birthplace of experience is faith. When we believe the heavens open. When we believe there is a supernatural reaction to our faith!

In the preceding verses Jesus has invested a short teaching into the disciples concerning the authority that is theirs through faith within the context of the authoritative command. The contrast between these verses is an important part of our understanding. One of the clear principles separating our understanding of these two sections is that there is clearly a time to speak and a time to ask! There is a time for the bold declaration of faith that moves mountains and that is rooted in the delegated authority that we have been given. It is a declaration that is rooted in the knowledge of the power given to us. The contrasting expression of this principle is that there are times when we are to turn our eyes confidently towards the Father asking boldly for that which flows out of His throne and will rather than as an expression of the authority that has already been given.

Jesus spoke to the sick and saw them healed and yet at other times He prayed to the Father. In the case of Lazarus He first prayed to the Father, though He confessed that the primary motivation for that prayer was for the sake of His audience making the right theological connections concerning His actions, and then He turned to Lazarus and commanded Him to “come forth.” This model is replicated in Acts 9:40 where Peter first kneels in the corner and prays to the Father and then afterwards turns to the dead woman and commands her to “get up.” (An interesting side light is that in both of these two resurrections where the power of command was applied the one speaking addressed the dead person by name! Perhaps if a general command was issued too many people might have risen up!!)

Jesus commanded waves to be still. He spoke to blind eyes, lame feet and dead bodies. He spoke to the fig tree and it withered. And yet on other occasions the word tells us that He asked the Father to heal and at still other times He healed with a touch and no reference to a word being spoken at all is given. There is a simple principle in this concept, walk in the spirit! Jesus gave us the key to His extensive impact when He said in John 5:19 "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” NIV The power is not in a method but rather in a relationship. Jesus transfers this same key to our lives in John 15:5-8 where He calls us to an abiding place of intimacy by saying, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” KJV Fruitful and effective prayer flows out of an abiding relationship with Christ! 

Mark 11:19-23 - October 11, 2010

Mark 11:19-23 “When evening came, they went out of the city. 20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!" 22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.

Mark 11:19-25 rejoins us to the Lord’s proclamation over the fig tree from the night before. Just the day before the Lord cursed the unproductive fig tree and over the course of the time since then the word has had a chance to work. There was no instant miracle causing the tree to immediately deteriorate but there was a progressive withering that set in of sufficient speed that by next morning the tree had withered completely from the roots. 

This passage demonstrates a significant power principle of the word of God. It is at work whether we see it or not. From the moment the word of the Lord goes forth it is at work whether man can see it or not.  The very nature of the kingdom of God is that the process is not frequently noticed only the fruit of it. Jesus told His disciples Luke 17:20-21 "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation.” Change will be discernable but process frequently goes unnoticed. What can be sure is that when the word of God is spoken forth, it is at work and will accomplish its purpose. Isaiah declared this principle in Isa 55:11 where he prophesied “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

The disciples marveled when as they walked along they passed by the fig tree that the Lord had spoken to only to discover that it had withered completely from the roots. The amazement of the disciples presented another teachable moment for the Lord as He spoke to their surprise. “Have faith in God,” Jesus speaks to them. Layered within these words is the implication “what did you expect?”

Jesus uses this example as an opportunity to enlarge the disciple’s understanding of the authority that comes with faith. The message is simple, speak with faith in your heart, casting aside doubt and your words will come to pass! There is power in this principle. This is the power of the prophetic. This is the principle that is at work in healing and miracles. This is the principle of God! God spoke and the worlds were created. God is still speaking today! In fact Heb 1:3 says “He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power,” NASU. Faith in the Word of God is the foundational principle of successful prayer. When we build our prayers and our speaking upon the word of God there is power. Believe therefore, and speak the word!

Mark 11:18 - October 9, 2010

Mark 11:18 “The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.”

There is one simple and powerful message contained in Mark 11:18 there are many who people who will be unsettled and resistant when a voice for real and lasting change is raised within the culture of the community of God’s people. In its day the temple represented the purpose of God in the earth and this story of the cleansing of the temple was not isolated to Jesus’ day.

Throughout the history of God’s people there were numerous occasions when the house of God had fallen into a place of neglect and disrepair. As a result there were a number of seasons in the life of God’s corporate purpose where a new generation of priests and/or kings arose who called the people back to their foundations. With each of these waves of renewal two distinct focuses accompanied the restoration of a contagious zeal for God. In every case the love and respect for the house of God was renewed and it began with cleansing work. Of equal importance in each case a renewed commitment to embrace the standards of God’s word was awakened amongst the leaders first and then the people of God.

In Jesus’ generation we see his passion for this same work as He raises His voice with a call to repentance and change. He clearly declares the contrast between what God has intended and what the people have settled into as acceptable practice. His words provoke both the moral conscience of the people and remind them of the standard of God’s word. Throughout His entire ministry it is this call to return to God’s true intentions in the things that His words declare that is the true purpose of Christ as He represents the Father.

Many people would look upon this concept and think that it would be the obvious desire of people for positive and lasting change to take place but throughout the pages of history we can see that in reality this is seldom the case. When Jesus dramatically enters the temple with such intensity as He turns over carts and drives people out of the temple courts He is demonstrating the reality of a call for true change… It can be disruptive and confrontational at times. The common place becomes the outcast and at the same time this call for change reveals the lack in the current leadership. It is these things that provoke resistance in many cases.

In these last days of God’s purpose for this age it is clear that there is great need for change once again. The church of today is far from the church of the New Testament. There is much luke-warmness and once again the money changers and those that buy and sell have set up business within the courts of God. It is clear from the prophetic declaration of Christ and elsewhere in scripture that it is only a matter of time before once again the fires of God’s holy zeal burn through the church once again to restore God’s true purpose for His “house of prayer.” With this fire will come upheaval. With this fire will come seasons of confrontation. With this fire will come resistance from that which has settled into a comfortable religious experience. Get ready for the fire!

Mark 11:15-17 - October 8, 2010

Mark 11:15-17 “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: "'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers." 

This portion of Mark 11 is interesting in that it is a series of overlapping stories that are interwoven together and intersect with each other in their telling and fulfillment. In Mark 11:11 as Jesus arrived in Jerusalem the evening before He had stopped into the temple area to assess the situation there. He then made His journey to the place where He would stay but in the midst of all of this He had the brief encounter with the fig tree.

The story now rejoins His mission of confrontation with the environment that He has seen at the temple. Jesus’ heart is grieved by the conditions within the courts of God. Instead of Holy ground the house of God has become a marketplace. It is in this passage more than most others that the true passion of Christ for His Father and for the purpose of God can be seen. John chapter two relates this passion through the eyes of Jesus’ disciples as it says John 2:17 “His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me." The burning heart within Christ has gripped Him as He enters the Temple courts and begins to drive out those who are buying and selling and overturns the tables of the money changers.

Each of the Gospels presents a perspective of this dramatic act and many people believe that the account in John is actually a second time when He performed the same work. The Gospel of Mark is clear in its emphasis upon the House of Prayer! Jesus rebukes the people strongly for their abuse of this Holy setting. His words "'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers” are full of prophetic implication as Jesus communicates the global intent of God and the reality that it is not just one nation but all nations that are the burning concern of the Father. With these same words Jesus also clearly emphasizes the purpose of the house of God. It is to be a place of prayer, a meeting place for God!

I believe that once again the zeal of God is coming to His house through the Spirit of burning. Isa 4:4-6 prophecies this intention in the heart of the Lord; “The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. 5 Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.” This prophetic glimpse of the destiny of the Body of Christ is clear. In the days that are ahead the Spirit of burning will bring forth within the church a glorious manifestation of the presence of Christ within a holy people. The result of this presence filled people who walk in the purity of God will be that the church becomes a shelter and a shade within every community and a place of refuge and a hiding place from the storms of life. Let the church come forth!

Mark 11:12-14 - October 6, 2010

Mark 11:12-14 “The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.”

Mark 11:12 has many different principles contained within it that could be explored but one of the more powerfully apparent insights that is there to see is the power of the spoken word! The motives of Jesus’ heart in this passage could be explored from the perspective of why he cursed this tree but that is not my goal as I consider this passage. In considering the power and nature of the prophetic word and its power to communicate both life and death the story of the fig tree provides a glimpse of one of the unique dimensions of the believer’s authority.

Proverbs 18 contains a verse that seems to be the foundation of what is taking place in this story. Prov 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Jesus’ demonstration of His authority in this passage is a demonstration of the power of life and death. Throughout His ministry Jesus has consistently demonstrated the power of life in the words that He has spoken as He has multiplied the bread, healed the sick, turned water into wine and raised the dead. However, Pr.18:21 contains within it the reality of the power of death as well as the power of life. In the context of His public ministry it seems that there were very few settings where Jesus could demonstrate this context of His authority and the fig tree provided a perfect opportunity for Him to demonstrate His authority to judge as well as His authority to bless. I find it fascinating that this demonstration of Jesus’ power comes forth in the context of a fruit bearing tree that is bearing no fruit. It would seem that even as He speaks to this tree and curses it because it is fruitless that there is a subtle purpose on Christ’s behalf to direct people to this passage in in Pr. 18.

This display of power for cursing as well as blessing is filled with the potential for tremendous misapplication but one thing is clear, there is a place within the context of apostolic leadership for the power to judge as well as the power to bless. Jesus’ demonstration here seems to be the theological underpin that provides context for some of the later corrective judgments of the apostles. The book of Acts demonstrates some of these moments throughout its pages. Both Peter and Paul manifest this authoritative command in their ministries.

In Acts chapter 5 Peter demonstrates this authority in his corrective confrontation with Ananias and Sapphira. He first provides an opportunity for open confession and repentance to each of them separately but the lack of remorse within each of them causes first the husband to drop over dead and then Peter speaks forth the word that assigns to the wife the same judgment that came upon her husband. Later in Acts 13:11-12 Paul demonstrates this same authority with an even more direct proclamation to Elymas the sorcerer by saying “Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun." “Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.”

It is worth noting that in this case there is no discussion, no opportunity for repentance. There seems to be a dramatic difference in context that should be noted as we consider these two events. In the case of Ananias and Sapphira Peter was dealing with two believers who had fallen into a temptation towards the area of contempt for the Holy Spirit and so they were given an opportunity for repentance before the judgment of God was released upon them. In the case of Elymas there is a completely different set of circumstances. Paul is in the midst of a gospel presentation to a leading political figure and Elymas is intentionally hindering this man from receiving the message of the kingdom of God. As a result this sorcerer is dealt with firmly and directly. Paul provides a clear insight into his perception of the situation by declaring over Elymas in “Acts 13:10 "You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!” In the case of this judgment it is not a fallen believer but an evil man with evil motives who is being publicly judged for the sake of the kingdom of God. In both cases their chastisements from the Lord released a powerful measure of the fear of God into the settings where they took place.

Within each of these illustrations there is much to consider and the nature of a proper application of these concepts would require much more time than we could provide in this setting. But what is clear is that there is power in the mouth of the believer for both life and death. There is an apostolic authority unlike that which the world has commonly embraced and understood. I believe that it is the intention of God to restore a true apostolic authority to the church and that in the age that is coming upon both the earth and the church we will see a demonstration of the kingdom of God that causes the righteous to rejoice and the wicked to fear!

Mark 11:11 - October 5, 2010

Mark 11:11 “Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.”

Know the timing of when to start new things and when to change old ones. In this passage Jesus demonstrates the principle that confrontation should not be started within a context that cannot be brought to a healthy point of closure or that by addressing it at an inappropriate time the impact of that confrontation is lost. It is fairly certain that Jesus knew what He was intending to do when He stopped by the temple towards the end of that day after his entry into Jerusalem.  He had the attention of the multitudes and He knew that His time upon the earth was drawing near to a close. It was in this context that Jesus felt compelled by the Spirit to communicate the Father’s heart towards His temple and to fulfill the messianic prophesies regarding zeal for His Father’s house.

What is truly noteworthy in this situation is that in the midst of His zeal and sense of fulfillment He was still restrained enough to not act out of the passion of the moment. Jesus saw the setting, saw the need and yet was able to still recognize the need for proper time and setting. In Mt. 7:6 Jesus references the principle of stewarding our energies and efforts within a uniquely different context, but the message is clear to us; “do not waste the things that you do by a wrong choice of time, place or audience.”

Jesus recognizes the unhealthy condition of the temple courts but does not allow His offense to move Him to actions that will be wasted. Even in His great zeal for change the Lord is able to recognize that the audience available to Him and the remaining time in that day for the impact of His intended actions to have their full effect is not sufficient to accomplish His purpose. As a result we see the Lord come and take a visual review of the circumstances that He is intending to speak to. A portion of His intent is certainly so that as He prays into this situation overnight and considers that actions that He will take in the morning, He is praying and meditating based upon an accurate and current assessment of the situation. 

This principle needs to speak to every servant of God. Paul said something vital in Rom 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Passion is important but so is wisdom.  Paul’s words identify the reality that there are times when we can be compelled by a zeal that does not result in accomplishing the Lord’s purpose. It only vents the passion inside of us but it is not fruitful in its outcome! We want passion but we want fruit! Learn the wisdom of the Lord and let His restraint be a model to us for passion under control.

Mark 11:7-10 - October 4, 2010

Mark 11:7-10 “When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"   10 "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest!"

This passage has within it one of the more symbolic events in the gospels. As I consider this passage and the glory of Christ’s coming as He enters Jerusalem the multitudes have gathered. The Lord is here! The Lord is here! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” It is such a compelling sight and a powerful picture of the impact that the presence of God has on any given setting. Whenever Jesus comes to the church today there is a similar reaction. People are moved, hearts are touched and people are compelled to offer magnificent sacrifices of praise.

As I read this passage however my thoughts are drawn to one of the less noticed characters in the story; the donkey! Can you imagine this beast of burden? He is only a lowly donkey. He has nothing to offer but a willingness to bear the presence of the Lord. What moves my heart is his similarity to every person who has been given the privilege of being a carrier of God’s presence. When God moves people’s hearts move with Him. When God comes, the attention of man is turned in praise and adoration. But can you imagine the mind of that donkey? Do you think he ever realized it was not him that the people were cheering for? They were laying their garments at his feet and lifting up loud cries and cheers of joy as he walked by. Surely he was the one they were praising!

This condition is so like unto the hearts of many who carry the presence of the Lord. Has the realization of our own insignificance ever penetrated through the haze created by the praise of men? When we prosper is it us or is it Him? When we are used by God’s power who is it that deserves the glory! Each person who bears the stigma of the anointing is in reality only a beast of burden in the context of who deserves the praise. Paul said it this way in 1 Cor 4:7 “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” When the Son of God chooses you from the side of the road and climbs upon your back to make His grand entrance into a situation, remember who it is that the people are really praising!

Mark 11:4-6 - October 2, 2010

Mark 11:4-6 “They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.”

Mark 11:4-6 is a small segment of this overall story but there is a little glimpse of the prophetic in action that takes place in this passage. Sent on a mission to retrieve the colt that will be used for Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem, the disciples have been told where to go to find this colt. The only thing that is really required of them is boldness and faith. They are told by the Lord to take this colt without asking permission. They are only given the words to say when they are asked about their actions.

How awkward this may have seemed to the disciples to begin untying the colt without permission. Fear of accusation as thieves may have tugged at their hearts as they went forward, but faith and obedience carried them forward. Their confidence in the prophetic ministry of Christ was sufficient to move them on. They knew from experience that the things Christ foretold would come to pass and so they stepped forward in faith. They find the colt just where it has been prophesied to be and speak the words that the Lord in his foreknowledge gives them to speak. And with these words the disciples find favor and are able to complete their task.

This demonstration of the practical application of the prophetic increases our grasp of the many ways that God uses this wonderful gift. This word does not involve a word to a person. It does not involve the release of some great miracle. This prophetic word simply prepares the disciples to accomplish their task and to find favor with the other people who will be involved in this exchange. This passage gives us permission to expect God’s participation in the practical moments of our lives. He can give us direction that leads to both provision and favor. Our part is bold faith and humble obedience. Take the word of Christ with you and go out expecting God to meet you on the road side!

Mark 11:1-3 - October 1, 2010

Mark 11:1-3 “As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.'" 

Though this passage is the introduction to one of the more celebrated stories in the gospels there is so much to enjoy in it beyond the well-known triumphal entry of Christ into the city of Jerusalem. As the disciples are approaching the area surrounding the Mount of Olives Jesus sends two of His disciples on a mission to retrieve a colt that He will use to ride upon as He enters the city. What is interesting in this passage is the reality of God’s preparation for the fulfillment of His purpose.

Jesus is about to fulfill the messianic prophesy found in Psalm 118:26 and referenced by Him in Luke 13:35 where he reminded some of the Pharisees of the triumphal greeting “blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” The events that are about to take place have been in the heart and purpose of God from ages past. They were declared through the Psalmists of old and here at this moment the purpose of God is about to be realized. In the midst of this setting what is truly amazing is that there, at the crossroads of history, God has already provided a colt upon which the king will enter Jerusalem. He has already revealed to His Son where this colt is waiting and how to go about accessing this resource, down to even the right words to say! This truth needs to speak to every person who will attempt to do the works of God.

What is so evident within these first verses of Mark 11 is the reality that God has already provided for His purposes. Where God ordains, God provides. This story in Mark 11 was the fulfillment of something in God’s heart from the very beginning of His plan and yet there at the appointed time the need was met. This must be the confidence of every person who will do the work and will of God. When we have the need we will find the colt tied at the side of the road and we will be given the right means to access that provision.

The roll of the disciples was simple in its expression. In this situation the disciples were not asked to do anything of great merit. They were simply given the direction of God and asked to walk out the process of acquiring God’s provision. How uncomplicated God made it for them to participate in this miraculous provision to fulfill God’s plan and purpose. Many times we overcomplicate the mission that God has assigned to us. We strive to acquire and to make things happen that would happen with a natural sense of flow and ease if only we would wait on the divine direction that will lead us to what God has already provided. This is not to say that there is no work involved in fulfilling the purpose of God but there is a way of obedience that greatly lessens man’s need to strive and walk in anxiety of heart as we do God’s purpose. May each one of us find that place of restful, attentive obedience that we might find God’s leading as He directs us to the colt at the side of the road!

Mark 10:51-52 - September 30, 2010

Mark 10:51-52 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”

These next two verses in Mark 10 are a fascinating glimpse into the way of Christ. Here He is faced with a desperate blind man who has been crying out above the din of the crowd. There is a multitude of observers who know this man and who have been following after him and as the blind man is brought to Him Jesus does not greet him with any form of assumption. Instead Jesus asks the blind man “what do you want me to do for you?” To us this may seem like a strange question in light of the obvious answer but in the midst of that setting perhaps there was much more going on than the asking of a simple question.

We as modern readers of this story, knowing already its outcome, would seemingly project the obvious onto this situation but our Lord is the master orchestrator of every circumstance. In almost every circumstance the questions of Jesus are provocative. They are searching. They are tests of the heart and revealers of the thoughts of men! As Jesus asks this simple and obvious question the heart and attitude of this blind man is revealed.  There is no attitude of resentment revealed, no criticism of the treatment he has received only a humble cry for help.

It is not only the heart of Bartemaeus that is spoken to by this question. As Jesus inquires of Bartemaeus every person who has judged him as a sinner, every person who has pushed him aside as an outcast receives a new revelation of the love of God. There is no rejection in the words of Jesus. There is only openness. There is only welcome! The question of Jesus reveals the heart of God to a critical society.

The question of Jesus comes seemingly with no limitation. In much the same way that He has taught His disciples that their prayers have no boundary but the will of God, Jesus extends to Bartemaues an open invitation to ask and ask BIG! “Rabbi, I want to see!” Let that prayer be the cry of all God’s people. Open our eyes to see!

There is no hesitation in the response of Christ to the request of Bartemaeus. Jesus’ response is swift and confident as He declares over the blind man “Go. Your faith has healed you!” Jesus answer is an affirmation of Bartemaeus’ faith. There is no profound statement. There is no outward demonstration, only an affirmation of his faith. And that faith was enough. Faith drove Bartemaeus to cry out. Faith drove him to persevere in the face of opposition. Face compelled him to shout even louder in the face of opposition and it was this faith, an overcoming faith that brought forth the healing that he sought! Jesus simply affirmed the work of faith that had already taken place in his heart. The question of Jesus simply put words to Bartemaeus’ faith. It made that faith specific! Perhaps that was the real motive for Christ’s question towards Bartemaeus. Could it be that Jesus was helping him to get specific before God and teaching us that same principle? It is time to get specific as we stand before God. Ask boldly and ask clearly as you stand in God’s presence with a heart of specific faith!

Mark 10:48-50 - September 27, 2010

Mark 10:48-50 “Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.”

Imagine being Bartemeaus on this particular day in his life. The possibility of healing, of freedom is passing by. It is close enough to reach out and touch if only he could be heard above the crowds. He lifts his voice only to be rebuked by the merciless crowds of people who have gathered around Jesus, each with their own agendas for reaching Christ! Here he is, powerless in the natural realm and yet the marriage of faith and desperation that is coming together in his life causes him to cry out! When rebuked he cries out all the more, and his cry is one thing; a cry for mercy!

This prayer is a prayer that moves the heart of God; “have mercy on me!” This prayer is a prayer that penetrates the presence of God. This one cry that could have been so easily overlooked in the midst of such a crowd and such chaos somehow rises up above the confusion of the circumstances and pierces the ear of Christ and His attention is drawn. What a picture of the power of faith! It rises up above all that we are going through to penetrate into the throne room of God where every answer is born!

I love the response of Christ as His attention is drawn towards the roadside and the cries of this blind man. Not only does Jesus make room for this desperately broken soul. He has the very ones who had been seeking to silence him become the ones who are sent to get Bartemaeus. There seems to be a subtle correction present in this action as Jesus demonstrates to the very ones who sought to push the blind man away that this man is welcome and loved by the Father and the Son!

It is apparent from the words of those who come to him that the emotions of the blind man must have been reaching their breaking point. He has cried out. He has been resisted. He has persevered even in the midst of this and raised his voice even louder but these final cries must have been the cries of a heart desperate and in pain. His demeanor was such that when the crowds turned to offer to him the invitation of Christ their words begin with cheer up. How strange that those who sought to silence him are now his comforters. Perhaps there is a lesson for us concerning the attitude of God’s people towards those we perceive as social outcasts and the broken of society. Perhaps those that we have rejected in the attitude of our hearts are the very ones that God is seeking to turn our hearts towards.

As Bartemaeus is called to come to Christ it is with great energy and zeal that he rises to stand before Jesus. There is no casual reluctance in his response to this invitation to come. Bartemaeus leaps to his feet, throwing aside the cloak that he has used to shelter himself from the cold of both the environment and seemingly the hearts of the people. In many ways Bartemaeus seems to be a picture of the harvest. Perhaps the most broken turn out to be the most passionate when they have been welcomed by the grace of God!

Mark 10:41-45 - September 24, 2010

Mark 10: 41-45 “When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Has your boldness ever been offensive to anyone else? Verses 41-45 provide another insightful glimpse into the impact of our immaturity on one another. In the preceding verses James and John have boldly and presumptuously asked to be placed at the Lord’s right and left hand in eternity. With this request they have asked the Lord to elevate them above the other disciples. What follows in the reaction of the disciples is a clear picture of a common condition within the body of Christ; offense! How often the members of the body of Christ become offended when one among them begins to rise up in boldness and ask great things of God on a personal level. It is clear in the response of the disciples that they are all still struggling with the issue of forming their identity on a right foundation.

The offense of the disciples to the request of James and John exposes an underlying tension over the issues of prominence and position that existed within the hearts of many of the disciples. The request of James and John has created an undercurrent of indignation and division amongst the disciples and so Jesus calls them together to confront what has been exposed by this request. (Oh, how wonderful is the Lord’s ability to use our brokenness as His opportunity!)

Jesus begins to address the disciples by giving them an example of the negative within the context of leadership and unity. Jesus points to the leadership style of the Gentiles and their high officials as a model of bad behavior only to turn and say strongly “not so with you!” Once again demonstrating how He can address a multiplicity of issue from the context of one event Jesus now uses the request of the two as an opportunity to confront this root of competition and jealousy in the core of His leadership team.

Jesus effectively lays an entirely different foundation for the leadership style of His people. He completely shatters the paradigm for leadership and power that has been the foundation of the disciple’s lives and personal experience. “Do you want to be great, be the servant of all! Do you want to be first be a slave of everyone!” What a radical shift from what they had always seen and known. Serve one another in love!!!

Jesus has used one incident to confront multiple issues and much shaking is obviously working through the heart of His team as they face their wrong perspectives and the Holy Spirit convicts each one concerning their own need for change. As a capstone to this intense series of exchanges Jesus establishes the standard for them in a powerful way. Jesus points the disciples to the example of His own life and declares “even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." It is as if He is saying “watch me live it!” In this simple phrase Jesus establishes a new high watermark for the Christian life! Serve one another in love. Live sacrificially not selfishly! And with this one concept the world was changed!