Mark 16

How many Marys are there in the New Testament? Let me know your guess. Or better yet your research. Two are listed in Mark chapter 16. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James(not Jesus' half-brother) & Salome. They were on their way to preform a difficult task: to anoint Jesus' body with spices. Spices were poured over a dead body to counteract the oder of decay and as a symbolic expression of loving devotion. They never got the chance! Instead they saw an angel who told them the exciting news of the resurrection. They were then issued the command that we are still called to carry out, "Go, tell." SWC

Mark 15

Bound
Questioned
Accused
Scourged
Purple Cloak
Crown of Thorns
Strike
Spitting
Mocked
Stripped
Crucified
Derided
Wagging Heads
Mocked
Reviled SWC

Mark 14

And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:72 (ESV)

All of us would like to think that in Peter's place we would NOT have denied our Lord. But in a way we do every time we fail to share our faith. We all rationalize that we are waiting for the perfect time. But that elusive "perfect time" rarely shows itself. Peter did one thing right when he denied Jesus...he broke down and wept. SWC

Mark 13

Have you ever tried to stay up all night? It's hard. We'll, it's easy at first, but then suddenly at around four in the morning our bodies take a physical and mental dive. To stay awake beyond that is a difficult task. In Mark chapter 13 Jesus challenges his disciples to, "Stay awake" so that they are ready when he returns. This a difficult task. It takes a disciplined spiritual life to stay on top of our game. It easy to drift. It's easy to fall asleep at the wheel.

Am I living moment by moment in a way that will honor God when he returns? SWC

Mark 12

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on." Mark 12:41-44 (ESV)

The text states that Jesus watched people as they put their offering into the box. I'm pretty certain that Jesus watches our giving too. The amount (based on our means), the quality and the condition of our heart. Am I giving my best in these areas? SWC

Mark 11

This morning when I arrived at church, there was a news crew (NWCN) in the parking lot covering our local election. They stayed until about 7:30AM to cover the opening of the polls. When Jesus entered Jerusalem there was a group of people waiting to receive him as King. The bigger story was going to be at the end of the week when some of the same group would agree to his crucifixion. And then, the resurrection! One day soon Jesus will return and that will be news worth covering! SWC

And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Mark 11:8-10 (ESV)

Mark 10

And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Mark 10:32 (ESV)

This verse seemed a bit strange to me so I looked it up in a couple of commentaries. Evidently it was traditional for a Rabbi to walk in front of his disciple. As they followed him, we are given an inside look into their thoughts. Some are amazed and others are afraid, or perhaps all of them are a little of both. They are obviously amazed by his teaching and miracles. But why are they afraid? Probably two reasons. First, this is the third time that he predicts his death so they are concerned for him and for their future. And second, they are probably a little bit afraid of his power. What they had seen him do was awesome! And this is the power of God that works for us! SWC

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (ESV)

Mark 9

Are your white clothes white, or are they a shade darker than they used to be? I bleach and bleach and bleach (reducing the life expectancy of my clothes by tenfold) and they still are not quite right. When Peter, James and John saw Jesus in his glory at the Transfiguration, they noticed that his clothes were whiter than any on earth.

And his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. Mark 9:3 (ESV)

Often we make fun of Peter for desiring to build tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, but I think that this passion resulted from Peter's excitement over this experience. How awesome it will be when we see Jesus face to face! PS

Mark 8

Following my dental appointment yesterday I went to WinCO and turned in two coupons that were given to me for a FREE gallon of milk and a FREE loaf of bread. It's kind of cool to get something for free and I'm thankful for the family who passed the coupons on to me!

When Jesus fed the four thousand as recorded in Mark chapter eight, I noticed that there is no mention of anyone, except Jesus, being thankful. The same goes for the parallel account of this story in Matthew. Now I assume that some were probably thankful for the food, the Gospels just don't mention it. Then again I know how ungrateful people can be--I have a mirror :). Let's be thankful today for the things, no matter how big or small, that people do for us. And then tell them, "Thank you." You can tell God too. SWC

Mark 7

I'm going to the dentist today (Thursday) to get my teeth cleaned. The Dental Hygienist will probably not be happy with my lack of flossing--I can only make up so much in the last two days.

The Pharisees didn't like the hand washing habits of Jesus' disciples. It had nothing to do with personal hygiene, nor was there a commandment from the Law. It was a tradition they liked to follow. It made them feel... holy, but they were far from it. Holiness begins in the heart, then outward service and actions that honor God follow. SWC

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7:6-7 (ESV)

Mark 6

Mark chapter six also focuses on faith...

Lack of Faith in Nazareth (Mark 6:1-6)
Faith needed by Apostles as they are sent out (Mark 6:7-13)
Faith demonstrated by John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)
Faith to feed five thousand (Mark 6:30-44)
Faith to walk on water (Mark 6:45-52)
Faith to heal the sick (Mark 6:53-56)

Jesus shows us what faith is when he sends out the Apostles and commands them to take nothing except a staff, sandals and one tunic. No money. No bread. No bag. No extra clothes. Am I trusting in God or am I trusting in stuff? SWC

Mark 1-5

For me one word sums up Mark chapters 1-5. Faith. Jesus trusted God as he healed the sick, cast out demons and stood up against the unrighteousness of the religious leaders. Every move he made he made in God. He asks us to live the same way. I need to increase my trust in God and step out in faith expecting Him to make a way! SWC

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5 (ESV)

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? " Mark 4:39-40 (ESV)

And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” Mark 5:34 (ESV)