Mark 9:36-37 - September 1, 2010

Mark 9:36-37 “He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Jesus places value on everyone! That is one of the things that I love about Jesus! There is no person young or old, sinner or saint, Jew or Gentile whom Jesus does not love and value. This truth is at the heart of everything that God does. So much so that Paul states in Rom 5:8 “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The love of God is consistently on display through the life and ministry of Christ. His actions while alive, the death that He died and the message that He brings to us in His resurrection all speak to us a message of enduring and sacrificial love.

Mark 9:36 displays this message in a moving image of Christ’s tenderness as He takes a little child and has him stand amongst the group. Jesus does not merely bring this child into the group as an illustration and leave him standing cold and alone while everyone stares at the child and listens to Jesus. Jesus takes that child in His arms and holds him close! Jesus embraces this child and then uses that embrace as the teaching point. The embrace IS the message! Jesus holds this child close and says “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.” As He states these words He demonstrates in that embrace what it means to welcome that child. To give the love that is Christ’s love is to see the heart behind the physical needs and to reach into the needs of the heart. Jesus saw this child as more than an illustration for His sermon. Even while reaching His goal of ministering to the people Jesus tenderly cares about the emotions of this child. In this same way as Christ displays this sensitivity He turns to those present and encourages them to open their hearts to people.

“Welcome the weak one and you welcome me. Welcome me and you welcome my Father!” At times Jesus made things so simple. “Treat other people; even the ones that you feel may not be able to make a major contribution, as though they were valuable to God!” This is a powerful lesson, and of equal importance is the connection to the principle that to love them IS to love God. They are all interconnected. When we place value on the things that matter to someone, we place value on them through that action! And God values people! He values them so much that He died for them! In John’s Epistle to the church he states this principle very directly in 1 John 4:20-21 by saying “If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” If we want a deeper revelation of God one of the quickest paths to encountering His love is to find it through loving others!

Sturbridge Worship Center Church Transition

Due to our church transition, the daily devotional will resume after Labor Day. Thank you for your understanding.

Mark 9:35 - July 7, 2010

Mark 9:35 “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

Jesus has set the stage for a personal confrontation with the ego problem that He sees at work in the hearts of His disciples. They have just arrived in Capernaum after a long walk where they passed through Galilee together. As they had been traveling Jesus became aware that the disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest amongst them and so He brings them aside to speak into this philosophical flaw in their thinking.

This passage from the training of His twelve key men carries within it an insight that is often overlooked in regard to what Jesus is actually teaching. Many times people relate to this passage as if it teaches that we are not to desire to be first. That is not what this passage actually communicates. The message of this passage in reality redefines what it means to be first and the true path to greatness. The implication found in both Christ’s teaching here and the actions that follow is that service IS greatness – real greatness. He does not imply in His actions that we should put up with people with patient suffering for the sake of some future greatness. The message in its reality is that a leader in the kingdom of God actually values and enjoys people!

The culture of that day was filled with examples of greatness that were based upon an abusive love of power for the rewards and self-indulgence that it made available to the ones who possessed it. In Luke 22:26 Jesus referenced the kings of the Gentiles and their habit of exalting themselves over the ones whom they led. Jesus reverses the entire cultural trend that has been seen by all of them with this one simply teaching; “lead from an opposite spirit.” The privilege of leadership is the opportunity to serve, to help, to be entrusted with making life better for those we lead.

Mark 9:35 is one of those verses that needs very little interpretation. What is really needed in understanding this passage is faith! For so many people the thought of possessing the power that comes with leadership their minds are immediately filled with the benefits that can be gained personally by this position. In verse 35 Jesus turns the attention of those who would lead to thoughts of what they can give! Serve everyone you can! Take the last and lowest place! In Luke 22:27 Jesus identifies the contrast between His leadership style and the common thinking of the day. He asks His disciples which is the common action of the greatest one, be served or to serve, knowing that their response will be that the greatest should be served. It is then that He draws their attention to His life by saying “I am among you as one who serves.” Leadership redefined is service with humility. Leadership redefined is valuing people and seeking to meet their needs. Leadership redefined takes faith!

Mark 9:33-34 - July 6, 2010

Mark 9:33-34 “They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.”

Have you ever been asked a question that you didn’t really want to answer? Jesus had an interesting capacity to ask questions that would provoke issues or bring topics to the surface in very revealing ways. In these times He did not resort to manipulation, nor pressure them for answers. He simply asked questions that if answered truthfully were sufficient to expose the heart of a matter.

On the road to Capernaum the disciples had been arguing amongst themselves regarding who was the greatest and it is clear from the way that this question was staged that Jesus already knew both the answer to His question and was prepared with the teaching points that He would give once He found the right setting to address the issue. The Lord’s patience is clearly seen in this situation as He restrains His response. The nature of the leadership style that He is seeking to instill in His disciples is foundational to the kingdom that He is bringing forth and the subject of their debate must have been of great concern to Him. Because of this the restraint He showed in responding to it was remarkable. Many leaders would have discerned the nature of the discussion taking place around them and quickly brought a strong rebuke to confront such wrong thinking. Jesus however, waits patiently until He finds the right setting for a thought provoking exchange rather than just blasting away at an area of wrong thinking with direct confrontation and rebuke.

The timing and nature of Christ’s confrontation displayed such great patience and care as He turned to them upon arriving quietly at the house where they would be staying. It is only then, in the solitude of this secure setting that He now turns to them, not with an explosive rage, or even a condescending tone. He simply turns and asks “what were you arguing about on the road?” He knew that all of the disciples were involved in this carnal discussion and so He turned the conversation into a confrontation born of the conscience not of personalities! It is certain that the disciples for the most part were not men who would attempt to lie to the Lord and therefore His question left them with only one evasive response available, and that was to give no response! His very question silenced them in conviction!

This is such a powerful lesson in bringing conviction into the lives of those with an area that is out of order in their lives. A well timed and direct question can in many cases apply more pressure to the conscience than a direct rebuke or confrontation. To rebuke there is often excuse making, to confrontation there is often defensiveness but a question leaves us with no one to argue with. It is our own answer, our own conscience that brings the correction. It is only when the disciples give no answer that Jesus concludes that they are now ready to receive instruction without the defensive presence of their egos. No one is singled out because they were all involved. Jesus calmly teaches them a higher way, a better way; the kingdom way! Lord teach us timing, restraint and wisdom in dealing with the needs in the lives of those we are responsible for, whether they are children, students, employees or congregation members! Lord give us your heart!

Mark 9:30-32 - July 2, 2010

Mark 9:30-32 “They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.”

Mark 9:30-32 is an insightful lesson in leadership and mentoring. In this passage Jesus continues to demonstrate a powerful commitment to making time to train his key people on a deeper level than the rest of multitudes that are attracted to His ministry. Many leaders get caught up in the business of success and fame and lose sight of the long term goals of what they are leading. It would have been very easy for Jesus to focus solely on the crowds, the miracles and the opportunities to enlarge His following but throughout the pages of scripture it is clear that Jesus consistently makes time for two primary things; His personal relationship with the Father and the development of the team of people that will someday soon take over the primary leadership of His organization.

In verse 30 Jesus one of the more subtle sides of Jesus is seen. There are only a few references in the gospels to this aspect of Jesus’ ministry but it is thought provoking to read “Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because He was teaching His disciples.” Jesus understood the need to make Himself inaccessible to the needs and the demands of the crowds that were around Him. He displays a tremendous capacity to restrain passion for the sake of wisdom. Many people get caught up in their zealous energy. Yet Paul wrote a very balancing statement to the Romans when he exhorted them Rom 12:11”Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Simply put his point was Keep the passion but keep it yoked to the purpose! A similar phrase heard commonly in the workplace today is “work smarter, not harder!” And it is this that Jesus is demonstrating.

Based upon the disciple’s reaction to the news that He will die and be raised from the dead Jesus has recognized the need to invest more deeply in their preparation. He sees that they do not really understand what He is trying to prepare them for and so He is has set aside time for a deeper investment to teach them more thoroughly.

There is, however, a secondary and yet common problem that is seen in this little passage. Even though Jesus is making this focused investment in helping them to grasp what He has been trying to say it simply is not getting through. It is in the midst of this that the disciples make a key error because of their fear. They do not ask any more questions. Whether to protect themselves from rebuke or out of pride or simply because they are intimidated by the things that He is saying to them, the disciples miss the opportunity to search out the matter. Jesus has created an environment where they are alone, and He is available and yet they still do not seize this chance to seek understanding because of their fear. This condition is far too common even in today’s workplace. As a result many of the things that could have helped the disciples through their transition to the primary leadership had to be learned on their own. Perhaps this is part of what Jesus meant when He said to them in John 16:12-13 "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.”

Mark 9:28-29 - June 30, 2010

Mark 9:28-29 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 29 He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."

Where do you go to for answers? Mark 9: 28-29 presents to us a tremendous picture of the search for understanding. The disciples have just been faced with the reality of the great distance between the authority that they are experiencing and the authority that Christ walked in and it is perplexing to them. They have just encountered a need that left them feeling helpless because they could not cast the demon out of this child and yet Jesus came onto the scene with such confident ability and displayed no struggle in evicting this demonic oppressor. The tension of their very public failure within the context of Christ’s seemingly effortless and faith filled demonstration seems to have left them perplexed and confused as to what it was they were lacking that left them unable to meet the need.

This condition seems to follow the lives of all of those who take up the yoke of Christ and say yes to His calling to a life of serving. We are chronically met with situations and needs that are seemingly greater than we have the capacity to respond to. Like the disciples we are faced with the great distance between the example of Christ that we see in the word and the measure of our own wisdom and power. And it is for such a time as this that Mark 9:28-29 is waiting for us!

What is it about Mark 9 that speaks to us with such simple clarity? The disciples take their uncertainty over the outcome they have just experienced to the best possible place. They go inside with Jesus and ask Him privately! There is no place better for finding answers than inside the secret place of God’s presence. When you are perplexed about the outcomes in your life there is no better course of action than to have a private meeting with the Lord Jesus Christ! But, if you are going to seek Him out, if you are going to ask for understanding from the Holy Spirit there must also be a willingness to accept the answers that are given. Truth can at times be diluted by an unwillingness to embrace it! When what we here in the presence of the Lord lies contrary to the desires of our heart a struggle of the will can erupt within us.

In the case of Mark 9:28-29 the answer is foundational. Jesus responds to the inquiry of the disciples with a truth that goes to the very core of their lifestyle. He does not explain some mystery that they needed to understand. He does not teach a formula that they had never heard before. Nor does He instruct them in a technique or method that would have helped them. Jesus addresses the foundation of their spiritual life, “this kind can come out only by prayer.” Some translations include in this passage the phrase “and fasting.” To some this is the missing ingredient but whether we are talking about prayer and fasting or simply prayer the answer of the Lord is quite simple. His answer to His disciples is at its essence the Lord saying “Your spirit man is not mature! You need to dig deeper into your spiritual relationship with the Father.”

This reality is powerful in its message about the ministry of Christ. Through this one short answer Jesus is saying to His disciples “my public ministry is a reflection of the inner life that I have developed before my heavenly Father. If you want to do the things that I do in public, first do the things that I do in private.” The needs of the world are awaiting a generation of people who will develop a secret life in God that will leave them powerful in their public ministry. Shut the door to your secret place of prayer and let your life be empowered by encountering God!

Mark 9:25-27 - June 29, 2010

Mark 9:25-27 “When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.”

Welcome to deliverance 101! This passage is a continuation of this powerful lesson on deliverance ministry as Jesus casts out a spirit that was beyond the measure of what His disciples were able to perform successfully. In this instance Jesus is compelled to immediate action by the growing crowd that is headed His way. He recognizes that there will soon be a level of chaos gathered around Him that could make this time of ministry more difficult. Or, was Jesus allowing the crowd to gather so that the impact of the miracle was greater.

There is no way to know for certain what was in the mind of the Lord at this moment but the thought of a large crowd arguing, debating, and just the general chaos of the moment would seem to be a motivator to end this dramatic scene quickly and move on. In particular the pain that this father and this son would have both been experiencing emotionally would have seemed to indicate the Lord’s desire to spare them from any further emotional suffering at the hands of a thoughtless and calloused crowd. When interpreting the actions of Jesus and applying their lessons to our own lives it would seem safe to always assume that the love of Jesus would compel Him to minister in such a way that protects the person who is the center of the actions taking place.

As Jesus directs His energy towards setting this boy free He wastes no time in addressing the demonic spirit that is behind the boy’s condition. He now demonstrates the outcome of His diagnosis and discernment as He identifies a deaf and dumb spirit as the source of the boy’s condition. By this fact we can once again learn that in many cases demons are specialists. This demonic spirit’s function is specifically to bind people with deafness and muteness, but it is educational to realize that the impact of this spirit goes beyond simply the realm of speech and hearing. Even though this is the dominant condition being generated by this demonic presence it also is able to so overcome the boy that he is convulsed and thrown into the fire or water.

The scope of Jesus’ authority is also on display in this passage and we are given a small glimpse of Christ’ dominance over evil spirits. Not only does Jesus command the spirit to leave the boy, He also commands the spirit to never enter him again! This principle by implication carry over to us in that we have been told that we will do greater works than Christ because of His heavenly intercession and the victory of the cross. When this is considered in the context of His teaching that those who believe will cast out demons how can we not assume that the scope of authority that can both evict and regulate this demonic interference extends to the believer as well.

This powerful lesson in spiritual authority and personal ministry continues as the demonic spirit is expelled. In this case the demon does not leave quietly but rather with a measure of drama as it compels a shriek from the boy upon exiting and then the boy’s physical reaction comes in the form of one great, violent convulsion and then the boy is left lying on the ground as if dead from the intensity of this experience. How are you prepared to react when the Holy Spirit comes upon someone that you are ministering to and they are set free but with external manifestations that might even seem contrary to your expectations?

The visual impact upon those observing is so great that many assume that the boy has died in this encounter. Jesus however is not disturbed and simply takes the boy by the hand and helps him to his feet, restoring him to his father completely free. This passage is a great lesson in perseverance as Jesus resists the discouragement created by His disciple’s failure. It is also a tremendous lesson in walking by the Spirit not judging by external manifestations. Though it seemed very messy and quite dramatic it was very much the work of the Holy Spirit, not the work of the devil as at times some of the spiritual leaders of the day accused the works of Jesus as being. Inside every one of Jesus’ encounters with hurting people there is a depth of wisdom and insight waiting to be found by those who will search for this precious treasure. Take up the search and let your heart grow rich in the revelation of Jesus Christ!