Mark 7 - Esther

It is amazing that Jesus was healing people.

One of the parts that seem stood out was when Jesus kept mentioning to people about not telling others amazing things He has done. Since people were amazed, they were kept talking to others about Jesus. 

Mark 7 - Nathanael

This chapter of Mark has several important components:

1) Mark 7:1-23 - That which defiles

Verses 18-19: "Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?19 For it doesn't go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)

Jesus here declares all food clean, which is an important factor that affects how we eat each day

Verses 20-23: He went on: "What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person."

This is a great list of evil which defiles us.  It is easy for us to feel "good" about ourselves which leads to pride, hypocrisy and more evil.  But Jesus is clear about what types of things are evil and defile us - not just the external acts but the internal thoughts.  The great news is that we can learn that we are indeed sinners in need each day of a savior, and submit and surrender ourselves and our lives to Jesus who loves us and is faithful to forgive and cleanse us of unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  Also as we surrender to him he changes our desires (will) and enables us to act righteous (Phil 2:13).  Now that is great news!!

2) Mark 7:24-30 Syrophonecian woman's faith

There are many interesting aspects but what is standing out to me today is that Jesus' power can heal in person and from far away (as in this case).  He is responding to the faith of the person. Jesus' goal in healing is not just to help people in the temporary situation, but for them to know that he is God and that he loves them.  In this case, the woman's faith is strong and isn't in need of him being there to know that he is the source of the healing.  This is quite contrasted from the next section with the deaf and mute man.

3) Mark 7:31-37 - Deaf and mute man

In this passage, Jesus heals a deaf and mute man by touching the parts of the man that were in need of healing.  So the question is, "why does Jesus touch the man in this case but heal remotely in the prior situation?" In this case, the man could not see nor hear Jesus so he wouldn't even know that he is there.  But the man can feel Jesus touch.  After Jesus touches these broken areas in his life and then he is healed, he would know that there is a direct connection between the two situations.  He then would know that Jesus is the source of his healing and beyond just being healed, he can know the source of eternal salvation and know the God who loves him - the source of eternal healing.

Thank you Jesus because you not only have the power to heal, the love and desire to heal but you also know how we need to receive your healing!!

Mark 6 - Esther

I liked how book of Mark is a bit more detailed than Matthew.

From the story where John the Baptist's head is cut off stood out. Giving words in front of crowd can be tough that King Herod took a huge responsibility. The takeaways are be cautious in giving words with promises and trust in the Lord.

Mark 5 and 6 - Jason

Jesus did so many amazing miracles that are undeniable in their power and their unsurpassed quality. I am amazed that Jesus said that those who believe in Him will do even even greater things than he has done. I can't think of anyone in history who has done greater things than Jesus. Does that mean that none of us truly believe in Him the way that he expects us to? I'm so blessed that God loves us and He is willing to do anything and everything to help us and be with us. Jesus did not have to come and suffer the way He did, and He did not have to help all the people in the way that He did. But it's just amazing that left and right He is healing everyone, teaching everyone, and providing for everyone's needs. He sent out the twelve apostles to preach and teach as well, and I'm sure that they also touched many people, but I wonder if it's possible to do even greater things than Jesus did.

Mark 5 - Esther

One of the favorite verses of all the time.

"Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace. You are free from your suffering." -Mark 5:34

Mark 3 and 4 - Jason

I was touched by how Jesus was so open to all the crowds of people who wanted to touch him. He was openly teaching them and healing everyone who would come to him. It seems like there is not an instance of a person who came to him and asked for help or touched him and did not receive healing or teaching or deliverance. Thank you Lord God for your mercy and patience and love! I pray that I will be bold to come to God with all my needs and be trusting in Him every day for strength and help.

It's also interesting to me how calm Jesus was in the boat while the storm was blowing and the disciples were afraid that they were going to die. Jesus was sleeping until they woke him up and asked him why he was so calm while they were dying! Jesus simply got up and rebuked the storm and it stopped. His authority is amazing, and I take it for granted too many times. I want to learn how to pray bigger prayers and trust is God for the big changes that I need in my life and the people around me.

Mark 4 - Esther

I love the story of the mustard seed where it explains about God's kingdom.

"It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed planted in the ground. But when you plant the seed, it grows. It becomes the largest of all garden plants. Its branches are so big that birds can rest its shade." - Mark 4: 31-32

Mark 3 - Esther

One of the verses that stood out this morning.

"Everyone's sins and evil words against God will be forgiven. But anyone who speaks evil things against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. His guilt will last forever." - Mark 3:28 - 29

Mark 1 and 2 - Jason

I was touched by how quickly the first disciples of Jesus followed him. The Bible says that they were casting their fishing nets. Jesus said, "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. They left their jobs and parents and perhaps wives to follow the Lord. Maybe their wives went with them? Either way, they knew that Jesus would give them a new life, and Jesus was the person to follow. I want to follow him too, and I want to be willing to go the extra mile and do what he calls me to do. I have to admit that being a "fisher of men" sounds like a cool job :)

Matthew 2 - Esther

One of the verses that moved my heart.

"Those who are healthy don't need a doctor. Sick people do. I have not come to get those who think they are right with God to follow me. I have come to get sinners to follow me." - Matthew 2:17

Mark 1 - Esther

One of the favorite verses all the time.

"Come. Follow me," Jesus said. "I will make you fishers of people." - Mark 1:17

It was interesting to see disciples left their belongings and followed Jesus. His Words are so strong that it seemed like disciples felt the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28 - Esther

This is one of the chapters that makes me so excited and happy that Jesus has risen from the dead. All of the disciples seemed excited and felt like they were still dreaming.

I loved when Jesus mentioned to disciples saying, "Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end." - Matthew 28:20

Matthew 28 - Jason

This gospel according to Matthew includes some interesting details about how an angel came and frightened the Roman soldiers that were posted to guard the tomb of Jesus. The angel rolled away the stone and explained to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (is this Jesus' mother?) that Jesus was risen and would meet them soon.

The guards were bribed to say that the disciples came and stole away the body--this would give the people an excuse to believe that Jesus did not rise from the dead. But the soldiers all knew what happened and the priests knew what happened. Why did they still oppose Christ and teaching about him even though he proved he was the Messiah by rising from the dead? This kind of behavior is really crazy to me. I know that the way people behave in the Bible is a lesson to us, and I should not look down on them. But I don't want to ignore the miracles of God in my life and around me the way that these men did. They did not repent, and they even tried to stop others from repenting and believing in God.

Matthew 28 - Nathanael

His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.  The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."  

Matthew 28:3‭-‬7

This is the tremendous climax to the life of Jesus! He is risen from the dead! Just as his birth was announced by angels, so also his resurrection from the dead. 

The angels were so shiny and amazing that the guards passed out. The women also were afraid but the angels told them not to fear. 

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Matthew 28:16‭-‬17 NIV

The authenticity of the Bible shines through in moments like this. It mentions that some doubted. A made up story would not include such points. This is the exciting climax where Jesus meets with his disciples after rising from the dead! A made up story would say that all the disciples believed and lived happily ever after. But the gospel narratives tell it just like it happened: women first saw Jesus and some of the disciples doubted :)

But Jesus didn't rebuke their doubt. He continued to love them and call them to follow. 

Thank you Jesus for your great power and love! 

http://bible.com/111/mat.28.3-17.NIV

Matthew 27 - Esther

Whenever I read this chapter, I believe that Jesus had the greatest pain in the world when He got nailed on the cross that always make me quite emotional and believe in Him deeper. I can't describe in words how thankful and grateful that He took our sins and died for us. I always feel that He loves us so much which I do not deserve.

Matthew 27 - Jason

This chapter about the trial of Jesus with Pilate and then his crucifixion is very emotional for me. I still get teary when I read about this scene. I know that it was God's plan for Jesus to suffer and die in the crucifixion as a sacrifice for my sins and for the sin of the whole world. It is because he loves me and loves all the people he made that he was willing to endure all these terrible sufferings and take the sin of the world on himself and be killed. The verses that make me very emotional are 28-31 when the soldiers are mocking him. It is very humbling to me because Jesus is the King and has all the authority in the universe, and yet these men were beating and mocking him and spitting on him. He did not retaliate, even though he could have killed them all and judged them for eternity, but he died for them too. His love is so amazing!

Matthew 27 - Nathanael

Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."   

Matthew 27:9‭-‬10

It is somewhat interesting to see how much you can buy for 30 pieces of silver. 

After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. 

Matthew 27:31

Jesus was severely beaten and then crucified - his body was broken for us. 

 "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

Matthew 27:65‭-‬66 NIV

It is almost humerous to think that some say Jesus didn't fully die but that he swooned and then just got out of the tomb by himself. Obviously after being broken in body he couldn't push away a stone from inside and then overcome soldiers! That is, not if he were a mere man. But since he was God, he rose from the dead and no tomb could hold him!

http://bible.com/111/mat.27.9-66.NIV

Matthew 26 - Nathanael

"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.  Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?  But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"  

Matthew 26:52‭-‬54

Jesus' relationship to and view of weapons and violence is interesting. Generally he calls for a spiritual response versus a natural response as in this case. One time he did tell them to bring a sword but here clearly not. His comment that he who lives by the sword will die by the sword is quite clear. He says that he instead could call a legion of angels. This is the spiritual response. I guess this is my general response to self defense. 

 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Matthew 26:74‭-‬75 NIV

This situation with Peter highlights something that is true for all of us: we often think that we are more brave and more resolute than we actually are. The good news is that Jesus knows this and still lives is and gives us grace and forgiveness! 

http://bible.com/111/mat.26.52-75.NIV

Matthew 26 (actually 26 this time) - Jason

This chapter is the really difficult to read because the disciples must have been so overwhelmed with grief and disappointment. Judas had betrayed his commitment to Jesus entirely and sold him out. Peter denied that he knew Jesus even though he knew that Jesus was the Messiah, it's as thought in that moment all of his followers doubted him. Perhaps this would spare them from being attacked and killed by the authorities as well. But it just seems like a very dark hour. Jesus still seems relatively calm and in control even though he was praying like crazy and overwhelmed with grief too. I wonder what was making him more sad--the fact that his disciples would fall away and experience the pain of losing him temporarily, or the fact that he would take the sin of the world and be separated from God and punished by God for a time. He knew what the ultimate result would be, but it was very difficult in the moment for Him to go through it. I pray that I will never deny the Lord even if I am afraid of losing my life, my job, my reputation, etc. I pray that I would not boast about how strong I am and then fail in the next moment as Peter did. Peter probably did not expect to be forgiven by Christ for what he did. I pray that I will take my decision seriously and recognize that they have consequences, but also recognize that God is bigger than the consequences and can restore me and deliver me from any problem.

Matthew 26 - Esther

This chapter is so emotional to me because Jesus got betrayed from Judas and Peter said he doesn't know Jesus. We prayed that no matter what happens, our faith will keep staying strong and not betraying Son of Man.