Acts 28

The locals (Malta) treat the people from the shipwreck well. They think Paul is a god when he fails to be killed by a snake. Nothing will keep Paul for carrying out God's will that Paul testify to God in Rome. Paul heals a large number of the islanders.

 Paul reaches Rome and is placed under house arrest. Paul speaks to the local Jews who have no knowledge of what has transpired in Jerusalem. Paul learns, however, that the sect (Christians) are not being spoken well of. Paul preaches and converts some of them to the Way. To those who don't, he reminds them of what God said in their own scriptures (Isaiah ;) that some people will have closed hearts that God will not get into. Paul ends with the fact that Gentiles WILL listen. Paul continues in Rome to tell about the Good News of Jesus.

What is not in Acts, is the fact that Paul will be executed for his faith in the early 60's A.D. by another emperor when Christians are even less thought of.

Acts 27

Paul now sails towards Rome, home of Caesar.  He is with other prisoners under a sort of house arrest. Paul gets to be visited by his friends in the churches he started and local Christians. Notice the trip narrative uses "us." Luke must have went along to tend to Paul even though Luke was not under arrest.

Paul tells the ship crew that they will come to a disastrous end if they continue at sea. No one listens to him.  A storm of hurricane strength comes. The crew throws things overboard and becomes hungry. Hope was lost. Paul, after reminding them that he was right, tells the crew that everything will be okay. Have faith. An angel (messenger of God) told him so. Some of the crew tried to sneak off the boat. Paul tells the ship that all must stay on in order to be saved. In an incredible act of faith (or stupidity,) the crew listens to Paul and sheds the lifeboats.

Paul encourages the crew to eat (some shades of a Eucharist in his meal?) They even threw the extra grain overboard! The ship finally runs aground. Rather than killing all of the prisoners, the crew let's them live. All are saved.

Acts 26

Paul gives his testimony (his "God story") to the king. Paul's Jewish pedigree is impeccable. Festus thinks Paul is out of his mind when he gets to the Resurrection part of the story. The King sees that Paul's witness is meant to encourage the king to become a follower of the Way. Paul never gives up. The king would set Paul free except that Paul appealed to Caesar, so to Caesar he must go.

Acts 25

The new secular leader steps in and is met by the same religious leaders who want Paul tied and would ambush him if he was transported to Jerusalem. Paul, however, appears before Festus (new governor) in Caesarea. This time, in his defense, Paul appeals to Caesar. Being a Roman citizen gave him this right to plea to the emperor. Even the local (puppet) king gets involved. No civil authority finds anything objectionable with Paul.

Acts 24

The Jewish leaders travel to Caesarea to bring their charges to the governor. Note in the proceedings, Paul is seen as part of a Jewish sect rather than another religion. Paul boldly tells the governor that he is a follower of the Way (Jesus) but guilty of nothing.

The governor, Felix, was familiar with the Way and heard Paul outside of court as well. This had more to do with getting a bribe than real interest in faith. Felix lost interest and kept Paul under arrest. Paul remained in prison for more than 2 years.

Acts 23

Paul addresses the Jewish leadership (Sanhedrin) and is poorly received. In a stroke of genius, he gets them arguing with each other, forming two factions. Paul actually belongs to one of the factions. The Roman commander fears the conflict so he takes Paul to back to the barracks.

When the commander hears for a plot to kill Paul, he transfers him (remember, Paul is a Roman citizen has rights) to the governor in another city. The commander sees no legal problem with Paul.

Acts 22

In Acts 22, Paul tells his (Christian) story to the Jewish crowd. He says he was a Jew's Jew and now he sees more in Christ. The crowd was not impressed. The Roman commander takes Paul to be flogged but Paul let them know that he is a Roman citizen (and should be treated differently) and one born Roman (not a paid-for citizenship.) The commander hoped he would not be in trouble for what he did to a citizen. He then assembles the Jewish leaders to find out what's up.

Acts 21

Notice that Acts 21 starts with "We." Luke must have been with them on the way to Jerusalem.  Paul and his group mean disciples on the way back to Jerusalem. Note that the local disciples discern through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go but Paul goes anyway. Sometimes, life in the Spirit is not always clear. Paul felt different promptings from the Spirit. Paul then gets another prompting from others of the danger of going to Jerusalem. Paul says that while there is danger, God's will is that he go.

 

The Jerusalem church praises God when they here from Paul of his work. Note that even though there was a previous agreement not to make Gentiles become Jews first, the local church tells Paul that people will be upset because he brings Gentiles into the Way without any Jewish rituals. People are very much alike over the centuries! The Jerusalem church asks Paul to take his converts (Gentiles) and "fake" there use of Jewish rituals so there will be no uproar!

 

Jews from Asia follow Paul to Jerusalem and stir up trouble. Paul seems caught between two worlds.  A riot breaks out. Paul is dragged into the Temple but the Romans intervene. Paul asks to speak to the people.

Acts 20

With the riot calmed, Paula moves on. Again, threats meet Paul. In a funny moment, Paul's sermon puts a young man to sleep and he falls out a window and dies. Through Paul's theatrics, the man raises from the dead (probably a good thing for Paul.) I am proud to say that, so far, I have not killed anyone with a sermon!

Paul says farewell to the Ephesian elders, saying they will not see him again. What he knows about "why?" he does not say. He only says he must finish his God-Appointed work. The Spirit is guiding him.

Paul tells the elders that conflict will come from outside and, also, from within the church. It is sad that, even then, interior conflict plagued the church. Note here that it is Paul who puts, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " on Jesus' lips.

Acts 19

Continuing from chapter 18, evidently, Apollos never received the Holy Spirit when he converted. What turns out is that Apollos repented like John the Baptist preached but did not commit to the resurrected Jesus. Being good is not enough. Relying on Jesus is the answer.

Paul, back in the synagogue at Ephesus (notice even he makes big statements but does not always mean it,) is rejected again. He is successful outside the synagogue. Paul casts out demons (mental illness or addiction?) and, in a funny interlude, others try to copy him without believing in Jesus. The demons respond, "Who the heck are you?"

Many people become followers of the Way (Christianity.) Some in bold reversals. The local silversmiths see Paul as bad for their idol business. The whole city gets in an uproar. A riot ensues with some involved not even knowing why they are there.  Finally, a local official brings calm and says, "Take it to court."

Acts 18

Paul leaves for Corinth, a port city. He plies his trade of tent making there while he teaching in the synagogue. Once Silas and Timothy reunite with Paul, he turns to preaching exclusively. The Jews gave him grief again. This time, however, he decides to only go to Gentiles. In a vision, Paul is encouraged.

Local Jews try to get Paul arrested but the civil leader sees this as a religious and not secular problem. Paul is beaten by the religious people when no civil help is forthcoming.

Paul then travels a lot, spreading the Gospel. He cuts his hair as part of a vow (probably to serve God or until he has completed a mission.) This time he does visit a synagogue and seems to be revisiting churches and disciples from before offering encouragement.

 The chapter ends on a note about the continual retraining and upgrading that Christian need. Apollos is a great defender of the faith but needs more to grow. Do you need more?  Are you willing to devote to continual growth?

Note, too, that a woman, Priscilla, is not only mentioned as a teacher but is even mentioned before her husband. Today, this seems like no big deal. Then, this was colossal!. The Church was different. All were equal.

Acts 17

In Thessalonica, Paul takes his usual approach and teaches at the local synagogue. Note that Greeks and women are prominent in his ministry. Again, however, some at the synagogue become jealous (notice how many times this happens – jealousy in church creating problems.)  Paul and Silas sneak into the night to avoid arrest and go to Berea.

The Bereans are more open-minded and embrace the Gospel more. But, not satisfied, the Thessalonians follow them to stir up crowds. Paul is whisked away to Athens while Silas and Timothy are helped locally.

In Athens, Paul waits for his friends. Paul doesn't like all the gods they have and the locals want to know more about his God. In a statement dripping with irony Paul notices how "religious" the Athenians are, what with all the gods. He then uses a "unknown god" inscription as a springboard to tell about Jesus. Paul had a way with using the local culture to start a conversation about Jesus and the Gospel. He also uses the kind of logic and proof that would appeal to them.

Acts 16

Paul and Silas meet Timothy on their trip. Everyone knows Timothy had a Greek father and Jewish mother (therefore was not circumcised.) In a strange twist, Paul has Timothy circumcised (in opposition to the intent of the Jerusalem Council) maybe to give him credibility. This is further made strange since their message to the locals was that the Jerusalem church accepted them (Gentiles) fully without Jewish customs.

The Holy Spirit leads Paul, even to the point of discouraging his own thoughts of where to go. Paul has a vision to go over to Greece. He had been in Asia Minor (Turkey.)  Notice the word "we" crops up. Could it be that Luke (Acts' author) was actually present for this trip?

Paul does not go to the local synagogue this time but goes to where people pray on the Sabbath. They wind up at a river and meet some women in prayer. Here, we should note, that men did not interact with women. Paul is doing some new and radical stuff. If letting in Gentiles was big, interacting with women was also big.  Lydia, a business woman, and her household are baptized. Paul and his team stay with her.

Paul casts out a spirit from a woman who follows (bugs?) them. This was a problem because the girl made a lot of money for her owner by predicting the future. Now she couldn't. Paul and Silas are arrested and charged with treason (going against Roman rule.) They are beaten and jailed.

While praying and singing (remember Peter?,) an earthquake comes and their chains fall off and the prison doors open. The jailer gets ready to commit suicide (did he know of the executions for Peter's jailor?) Paul tells him that he is still there in jail and preaches the Gospel to the jailer!

 In the morning, Paul and Silas are ordered to be released. Paul makes a fuss since he is a Roman citizen (by birth) and has certain rights others do not have. The local leaders are afraid because they should not have imprisoned Roman citizens without a trial.  The leaders beg Paula and Silas to leave town.

Acts 15

The message for the disciples gets sidetracked. Some (from the Jerusalem mother church) are teaching that you must become a Jew (be circumcised) in order to become a Christian. Paul and Barnabas take issue with this and are asked to head south to talk to the Jerusalem church.

Christians in Jerusalem had some Pharisees among them. That is, Christians who were once Jewish scholars and leaders. These Pharisees wanted Christians to also follow Jewish customs. Peter speaks up. Remember, he was shown that God shows no partiality. Gentiles are loved by virtue of God's grace. Paul and Barnabas tell of the inroads made with Gentiles in their ministry. James concurs, saying the Old Testament prophets agreed in their prophecies. Funny thing was, the Council's final decree still contained encouragement to follow some Jewish observances. The Council sends out Paul and Barnabas and two of their own to tell the Gentile Christians.

 

Paul and Barnabas are ready to go back out on mission but disagree on John Mark. Barnabas wants to take him but Paul has no use for him since he left the group on the previous mission. Paul and Barnabas part company and go on mission to different places. Disagreements take place but do not become the work of the church. Churches are strengthened and new people hear the Gospel.

Maps for the Readers of Acts

Go here to get some maps to help with your reading of Acts (Paul's Journeys) http://www.biblestudy.org/maps/main.html

Acts 14

At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas go to the local synagogue as was their custom. Again, they were well received by Jews and Gentiles, but a few jealous ones stirred up the others against the disciples again. Paul and Barnabas have their "talk" backed up by "walk." God performs great things through them. Before the dissenting locals could hurt the apostles, they move on. There is more Good News to spread.

In Lystra they heal a crippled man. Remember, healing is a sign of God's power and accompanies faithfulness. Paul and Barnabas are proclaimed God by the locals. They assume the apostles are the Greek gods they know. Paul and Barnabas resist the titles and have difficulty convincing them otherwise.

The local Jews from previous towns stir up the crowd against the apostles and stone Paul, leaving him for dead. He wasn't but leaves town afterwards and heads home (Antioch) still leaving an impact anyway.

 

On the way home, Paul and the rest encourage the local disciples in each town they had been before (and some new ones.) They appoint leaders as well for each church after prayer and fasting (giving up something for a time in order to concentrate on God.) Paul and the team celebrate the successes of the Gospel when they return home and offer their work to God.

Acts 13

Barnabas and Saul start their First Missionary Journey from Antioch, their home base. Notice that their entourage includes a boyhood associate of the recently deceased ruler, Herod.) The Church prays over them and lays hands on them to commission them for their work.

The Holy Spirit leads Barnabas and Saul to Cyprus where they start in work in a synagogue with Mark helping. They get into trouble when a sorcerer tries to turn the local leader (who was of the faith) against them. Saul, now called by his roman name, Paul, calls the sorcerer on his evil intent and says this will cause him to be blind. In an ironic turn, when he becomes blind, the leader has his faith strengthened and not weakened.

In Pisidian Antioch (there are two Anitoch's,) they again teach on the Sabbath in a synagogue after being welcomed by the local group. Paul uses Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament) as a springboard to proclaim Jesus as Savior as God had promised. Paul goes on that Jesus provides what trying to do the Law of Moses could not - a right relationship with God. Just turn (repent) and believe (invest) in Jesus. The people liked what they heard and were invited back.

The synagogue is packed the next week. Unfortunately, this brings out jealousy in the synagogue crowd. They probably felt bad that THEY never filled the place but these upstarts could. They changed their mind and bad-mouthed the missionaries. Paul says, in effect, "Fine, we'll take our business elsewhere (the Gentiles.)" The Gentiles thought this was great.

The jealousy continues with the leaders getting women of prominence to bad-mouth Paul and his group. Paul and Barnabas get kicked out. This made them happy because they were doing God's work. They knew there would be hardships but successes as well. God (the Holy Spirit) was with them.

Acts 12

In this chapter, nothing seems to stop the church. Not death. Not imprisonment. We start with one of Jesus' best friends (James) being murdered by the Roman authorities (Herod.) The local Jewish people who now want no part of the Christians were so excited, Herod prisons Peter as well. That does not stop God. Nor the Church, who keeps on praying.

Peter in chains, is led to freedom by an angel (angelos means messenger.) Even Peter has not idea what's going on, nor does he question it. But he knows that God is looking out for him. He goes to a familiar Christian house where a prayer session is going on. Note that the names being used probably where people known to the original hearers of Acts.

A comedic scene takes place where Rhoda, so excited by seeing Peter free, leaves him outside. People think she's crazy. Pete should be a lost cause! Finally, Peter gets in and tells his miraculous story. Then he asks that they tell Jesus' mom and brothers. He takes off and Herod executes Peter's guards only to die himself while settling a dispute. Even non-Christians should respect God.

There is no stopping the Church. Paul and Barnabas, having brought relief money to the Jerusalem church, take Mark (the house Peter went to and, maybe, the writer of Mark's Gospel) with them.

Acts 11

Now Peter is in hot water with the Jewish Jesus followers back in Jerusalem because he admitted Gentiles into the Church.  Peter explains why. The apostles hear him out and change their minds. Everyone is eligible to turn to God and be accepted!

 

Meanwhile, others who had scattered earlier due to persecutions are also letting Gentiles in n the salvation of Jesus. Many become followers. Barnabas is sent by the apostles in Jerusalem to check out what's going on. He was impress and encouraged them (that's what his name means) to hang in there.

 

Barnabas decides, since he's up there anyway to look up Saul in his hometown, Tarsus. He joins Saul in teaching at the local church (notice it does not say "synagogue." Saul must have been targeting Gentiles, too.) They must have met separately since Gentiles cannot be in the synagogue.  This is the first time people call us Christians (They had to since they were not Jews who followed Jesus. They couldn't be called "Jews.")

 

Some prophets (people who speak God's word to us) came with news that Jerusalem and the area were suffering. The local churches send gifts to the "mother" church.

Acts 10

Acts 10 starts out with Peter visiting a Gentile (non-Jewish person) who is part of the Roman army. Cornelius and his family are followers of God (followed Jewish customs but were not followers of Jesus) and he is also generous in supporting ministry. He has a vision (daydream, dream, thought.) An angel (messenger from God) tells him to send for Peter. Note there is no reason why, just "Do it."

Peter, meanwhile while praying becomes hungry and has a vision also. Peter's vision includes all kinds of food he, as a Jew, is not supposed to eat. He is told to eat them and he balks because he sees it as not right. Three times the vision comes (he was dense?) and he hears a voice saying not to questions what God (rather than people) calls okay to eat.

As Peter is trying to figure out what's up, Cornelius' men come and the voice tells him to go with them. Peter goes. Note again, no explanation, Peter just obeys. Would you obey God without an explanation?

Peter tells Cornelius that Peter is nothing special (Jesus is.) While visiting, Peter realizes that God is saying it's okay to associate with an unclean (Gentile) person. He gets it! God doesn't play favorites. People who fear God are all God's children. Cornelius and his entourage are eager to hear what Peter has to say. Peter preaches Jesus. All are moved by the Holy Spirit, even the Gentiles who praise God in a speech of ecstasy (tongues.) Tongues are a sign of the Holy Spirit but not the only (and, we will see later, not even the most important sign.)

Peter knows, no matter how out-of-the ordinary it is, that these people must be baptized. Since it is the "whole household," it can be assumed that children and slaves were baptized (but it is not outright said to be so.) Peter has now opened up the promise of Jesus to outsiders! (Gentiles.)

Acts 9

Saul continues to threaten the disciples. He asks for letters to introduce him to outlying synagogues so he could arrest more Christians. Notice that they are called "The Way." Isn't that a better name? It implies action.

While on his way north a light flashes and he hears a voice asking why he is persecuting Jesus ("me.") Jesus gives him instructions about going into the city. Seal was taken into town as he could not see. Obviously, he was quite stunned.

At the same time a disciple in Damascus, Ananias, was asked to lay hands on Saul to restore his sight. What a request by Jesus! Go to the disciple killer! Jesus has plans to use his chef attacker as a messenger of his Good News! Ananias goes and Saul's sight is restored and he is baptized.

Saul hangs around and preaches himself. What a surprise it must have been. The man sent to the synagogues to arrest disciples was preaching Jesus instead in the synagogues. The local Jews were baffled by the radical change. They plot to kill Saul who they see as a traitor.

Friends sneak Saul out of town and he goes to Jerusalem to join the disciples. Imagine their surprise (fear?) Barnabas (the rich guy who sold his property for the disciples) vouches for Saul. Saul now goes to Greek people who became Jews (were not ethnically Jewish.) They want to kill him, too. So, the disciples whisk him out of town again to Saul's hometown. Meanwhile, the church in Jerusalem grows.

Now Peter travels and heals a man and others turn to Jesus. He is asked to come to the bed of a woman prone to good works that had died. Her friends were crying after preparing her body. Peter sends them out and prays over the woman. She gets up! She was probably a widow fortunate enough to have money. Still more believe in the Lord. Note that people are convinced by what the see happening as much as what they hear.

Acts 8

Religious leaders start to bring pressure. The Church begins to be seen not as Jews who follow Jesus but something apart from Judaism. The Church in Jerusalem is now persecuted. People scatter after imprisonment starts.

Philip now practices in Samaria, a land north of Jerusalem. Samaria greats him with open arms and he heals many. Even a sorcerer named Simon, powerful in his own right, is baptized after committing to Jesus as a result of Philip's ministry.

Peter and John are sent to Samaria to check out what's happening. They seemed to be needed to complete what Philip did. The new faithful seemed to have the right idea but where not powered by the Holy Spirit. Peter and John lay hands on them and they receive the Spirit.

Simon the sorcerer so impressed with the laying on of hands that he tries to buy the "trick" to convey the Spirit's power. The apostles realize that the conversions are coming too fast because Simon wants the Spirit for the wrong reasons, selfish reasons. The Church is expanding so fast that part of the process is being overlooked. Even today, people think that being a Christian comes from joining a church rather than accepting Jesus and the Spirit into our lives by repenting (changing the direction of our lives.) Repentance is imperative. Simon complies.

Philip then meets a foreign official who is reading the Bible but doesn't understand it. Philip guides him in understanding and the official requests baptism after realizing that Jesus is the person the scripture passage is talking about. Philip immediately moves on. He has the work of an Evangelist (telling the Good News) and has more people to reach.

Acts 7

Stephen is stoned to death but not after preaching one more time. His speech to the religious leaders is meant to show that everything that God has done up till now points to Jesus. But, the leaders are stiff-necked, so tradition bound that they could not hear anything good.

Notice that Stephen experiences God in his witness. He is successful by God's standards and joyful. Note how worldly success does not always coincide with God's brand of success. To be successful, we are to be faithful. Faithful means being true to God and to what God made in us (gifts and circumstances.) This is true stewardship.

 

A religious leader names Saul watches everybody's coats while they stone Stephen. We will see Saul (Paul) again later.

Acts 6

The new Church needs helpers due to its growth. Lots of ministry needed to be done and the apostles realize that people should serve based on their gifts. In other words, the leaders don't do it all.  The gifted do what God shaped them for. In fact, leaders may not be all that good in delivering direct caring compared to the gifted. Gifted "helpers" were called deacons. Seven servants or deacons are chosen. They were commissioned for ministry by the laying on of hands, just like the Bishop does when we are confirmed.

The Church keeps attracting new people. Notice it is not converting people but attracting them. The Good News is attractive. The Church is not an end in itself but a spreader of like. People are following the Way of Jesus, not joining churches.

Stephen seemed to be especially good at preaching and healing. Some religious people are angry and jealous and got people in religious leadership to bring blasphemy charges against Stephen to get him out of the way.

Acts 5

Ananias and Sapphira sell property just like Barbabas only they set aside some for themselves, presumably making it look like the gave it all. Peter picks up that they weren't being honest. They could have done anything but cheated God by lying.

Ananias dies when exposed. His wife gets a second chance to fess up and dies as well. Obviously, people were afraid of this. Cheating God was not a good idea! Do you cheat God by holding back when you say you give it all?

The early Church performs powerful acts because of it faith in God. More people invest in Jesus as a result. Men and women. This is a difference since women would normally not be mentioned. The Church IS a different  group where women have status as well. Crowds press on the apostles in order to get the sick well. Even an apostle's shadow is considered enough! Healing is a sign of power and of belief.

Religious leaders remain jealous. Back to jail the apostles go. This time, an angel (messenger of God) opens the jail doors so the apostles can go back to God's work. God won't let those who spread lie stay down. The apostles go back to teaching.

The religious leaders find the apostles gone from a locked jail. They are puzzled. The apostles are rearrested. They are reprimanded. Peter says that they must obey God and not men. He preaches the Good News even to the religious leaders who stubbornly cling to worn-out ways.

Furious, the leaders want the apostles put to death. A smart religious leader, Gamaliel, reminds the leaders that they could be attacked by the crowds if the harmed the apostles who were very popular. Why not see what happens. If God is with them, we can't stop them. If God is not, this apostle thing will pass. The apostles are flogged and warned again.

Remembering Jesus' words, the apostles are ecstatic that they were disgrace because they believed in Jesus enough to get in trouble. The teaching and healing goes on!

Acts 4

The Sadducees (traditionalist religious leaders who do not believe in "new fangled" things like the Resurrection) get the Temple cops to arrest Peter and John because they are teaching about Jesus and the Resurrection. The Church keeps growing anyway.

The religious leaders ask Peter and John where they get their authority. They are speaking of earthly authority as in, "Who told you that you could work our space (the Temple?) They miss the point that real authority comes from God. Remember the authority Jesus had when he taught?

Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and makes yet another speech. He quotes scripture to the religious leaders in n attempt to get them to see the truth. The religious leaders are impressed with Peter's knowledge of scripture and courage and where pretty impressed, especially with the healed man next to them. It was hard to argue with success even though they wanted to squash this new movement. It threatened the status quo. They told Peter and John to stop.

Peter asked them to look at the fruit (changed lives and healed people) and ask if this really is something you should stop. Obviously, God must approve. They go on that they can't help themselves but teach Jesus and heal. The religious authorities don't get it. They only get their little world. They threaten them and let Peter and John go. How far would you have to be threatened before you would not talk about Jesus and not go to church?

Peter and John return to their friends and offer a prayer to God for God's guiding hand in history and ask for more boldness and power to heal. Healing can be in body, mind, spirit or emotions. God emboldens them. Would you pray for more trouble?

Again we hear of the good stewardship (asset management) of the Church especially in sharing what God has given them. Do you think what you have is God's to share or yours to hoard? No one was needy among this group because of sharing.

Barnabas (who we will meet later) sells property in order to give money to the apostles to use as they see fit.

Acts 3

In Acts 3, Peter is featured, healing as Jesus did and speaking. Remember the power of speeches in Acts.

Peter and John (the close friend of Jesus) are on their way to the Temple. Notice that the early Church kept being a Jew in addition to being a Christian. They meet a man cripple since birth who sits in the same place everyday asking Temple goers for assistance. Most people probably ignored him (would we?)  But Peter and John look him right in the eye and offer to the ability to walk, rather than money, to the man. They invoke the name of Jesus to do this. The man walks, then jumps and praises God. Those present see the change and are amazed.

Once again, Peter uses the occasion to tell about the new life that investing in Jesus offers. He tells the people that the God of their ancestors did this though faith in Jesus. Exactly as Hebrew scripture had said would happen. Peter encourages people to repent for their sins. God does not hold the Jewish people (or anyone) responsible for Jesus' death. God wants to bless everyone. Have you invested in a new life?

 

Acts 2

The Holy Spirit comes to the apostles in chapter 2. The day is Pentecost, a Jewish festival.  Something happens. Notice that the best that could be described uses the word "seemed." A lot of Bible speech uses images to convey an indescribable experience. They all filled with this experience/presence/power and begin to utter ecstatically.

Since this was a time of a festival, Jerusalem was filled with Jews from everywhere making a pilgrimage. The people were amazed that, on this occasion, everyone heard people speaking their native language. They all are praising God. Some asked,   "What does this mean?" People reply that they guess everyone is drunk. Peter gets up and addresses the crowd.

 

It is important to remember that there was no TV or high-tech equipment at the time. Peter's speech was probably recreated as best as could be. Speeches in Acts usually mean to the reader, "Stop, pay attention, this is important. Get it!" Peter tells the crowd that what is happening was foretold in prophecy. This is God's Day, a new day for everyone. Jesus then tells folks about Jesus and how Jesus was expected too. Peter says that Jesus (remember Jesus is risen and ascended now) was made Lord and Christ by God.

 

There is only one thing to do if this is the case, repent and be baptized. Repent means to change direction in life and move back toward God. Baptism is a public sign that we have taken on a new life directed by Jesus. Notice that, at this early date in the Church, people are baptized in Jesus' name and not in the name of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.) God power and presence come to each person baptized in the person of the Holy Spirit. Three thousand people take Peter up on this.

 

The fellowship of these new believers includes (note that it is more than coffee or a meal) learning about the faith, prayers and, probably, the Lord's Supper. People did great, if not impossible things because of their commitment and the power of God. The followers shared things with each other and sold what truly was not needed and shared the proceeds. This was the Church. And in all cases, they gave God credit. Notice that they still went to their Jewish "church" (Temple/synagogue.) As a result of their changed lifestyle, they magnetically attracted more followers. Does our church magnetically attract people? Why or why not? What could you do to make it more magnetic? How would you get God involved with that?

Acts 1

Acts is actually the second half of Luke's Gospel. In Acts, we see the early church in action. Some call Acts the Gospel of the Holy Spirit. Theophilus means "god-lover."

 

Acts starts with the resurrected Jesus being with the apostles for 40 days (there's that "40 days" again.) Jesus tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. The apostles probably are not sure what that means. The apostles still think that the Kingdom of Israel is to be restored.

 

Jesus tells them that the real power will come from the Holy Spirit, which they are about to receive from God. They should take that power and live our Jesus' legacy everywhere. Jesus then is taken up to heaven. He leaves so the power of the Holy Spirit works in his people (the Church) from then on. Jesus will come back again.

 

Matthias is chosen by lots (chance.) Peter begins to become a leader of the apostles. You will note that the list of apostles in the New Testament do not match exactly from book to book. 12 is a biblical number (12 tribes of Israel,) but there may have been more than 12 apostles. Praying becomes a way to prepare for decisions.

Mark 16

The final chapter of Mark features the Resurrection. Some think that verses 9-20 were later additions to Mark.

 

Once the Sabbath was over, the women come to prepare Jesus' body. They need help to roll away the stone that is acting as a door. They meet a young man dressed in white. He tells the women (note that the men are still absent) the Jesus is risen. Note that "is" means that he remains risen. He tells them to go tell Peter and the others to meet him in Galilee, just as he had said before his death. The women run away afraid.

 

The Additions: A happier ending with the risen Jesus sending the guys out to tell others about him.

Mark 15

Now Jesus goes before secular authorities. Because of the religious holiday and probably due to Roman rule, the religious leaders cannot execute Jesus (by stoning him to death). They need to get the government involved. Pilate is the local authority. He questions Jesus.

He asks Jesus if he is a king (treasonous) but Jesus does not answer. Pilate, following the custom of freeing a prisoner for Passover, asks the people who to release, Jesus or Barabbas. Pilate is up to the tricks of the religious authorities. He knows that they are just envious of Jesus power with people. The religious authorities have to work the crowd to get them to ask for Barabbas.

Barabbas is released and Jesus is mocked and tortured before death. Crucifixion is the Roman death for treason. The person dies an excruciating death through asphyxiation.

The Temple (the center of God's presence) curtain tears right at the moment of his death. Bystanders think that maybe Jesus was God's son. Women followers watch. It seems the apostles are absent. One of the religious authorities who was swayed by Jesus, Joseph, asks for Jesus body for burial in order to do it in a religiously proper manner. Jesus is laid in a tomb.

Mark 14

What a dramatic chapter! Jesus has his last days and is arrested.

The chapter takes place at the time of the Passover. This is fitting because Passover marks the Exodus from slavery. Jesus is inaugurating the Final Passover from death to Life - The Resurrection. The religious leaders are still trying to find a way to arrest Jesus. They want him dead. He upsets their system.

 

A woman anointed Jesus. Anointing came at two times in Jewish life; after death and when a king was proclaimed.  The woman makes a lavish act (which upsets others) and Mark shows that Jesus is to die and that he is king. Note Jesus interacts with a woman and is with a leper. He breaks useless traditions, which is why the authorities hate him. They are the caretakers of useless traditions.

 Judas Iscariot enlists, for profit, to betray Jesus by getting Jesus caught away from the crowds who love him.

 Jesus then prepares for a Passover with the 12.  He reserves a large upper room locally.  Remember, Jesus is like a Passover Lamb. He will be sacrificed for the sins of the people.  Jesus tells the assembled that one of them will betray him.

Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives (remember the feeding miracles?) the Passover meal. He says the bread is his body and the wine is his blood. We call this night The Last Supper.

Moving out of town, Jesus tells Peter (his best friend) that Peter will even betray Jesus. Peter disagrees strongly. At a place called Gethsemane, Jesus prays. He is troubled but tells God that, while he doesn't like the thought of death, he wants to do what God's want. His friends are no help. They fall asleep even though he asked for their support.

Judas arrives with a gang of thugs to have Jesus arrested. Jesus shows how weak they look since they could have gotten him any day when he was teaching in town. They had to find him in secret because they were afraid of the crowds who liked Jesus. Upon arrest, all the apostles run away. The one man in linen (who runs away naked!) is thought to be a younger Mark, the Gospel writer.

Jesus faces religious court (not secular.) A comedy ensues. Everyone lies about Jesus but they can't keep their stories consistent so no one can come up with a charge worthy of anything let alone death. Jesus is silent. Then HE gives them a reason for death. He agrees that he is God's son. Blasphemy! Now they have a reason for death.

In the meantime, Peter, the runaway, disowns Jesus three times. He is miserable when he remembers that Jesus said that he would do just that.

Mark 13

Jesus' tone changes as he spends his last days with his disciples and inner circle of friends; Peter James, and John. The disciples are impressed by the Jerusalem Temple. Jesus hints of its destruction (about 70 A.D., Jesus dies in about 33 A.D.) Maybe Jesus is trying to point out that the building is not important, God is. How many times do we equate Church with a building rather than people?

 

The inner circle asks Jesus about the destruction and about sings that will come signifying the end. Jesus warns them that all sort of people will come saying that they know when the end is coming and that they are the returning Christ (Jesus.) Don't pay attention to them. And all sorts of terrible things will happen but they are not the end. No, the end seems to be when each person (Christian) will have to give an account (under threat probably) of their life with Jesus (God.) Even families will rat out each other in order to avoid pain on this earth. The key issue, Jesus says, is to stand firm, let God (Holy Spirit) give you the words to say when things get rough and do not give up till everyone knows about the Good News of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Jesus says it will be well worth it if you stay true. Nothing else is more important than living out the Good News that benefits others. Nothing. Be on your guard. It will be tempting to give up on God. What tempts you to give up on God or just tempts you to give God the short end of your life? This will happen in your lifetime.

 

There must be two "ends." One big one that wraps it all up. Even Jesus does not know what God will do. And a series of smaller "ends" that each person endures in tough times. Jesus' words are clear in either event. He is coming both as judge and helper. No one misses out on the tough times where we will need to speak up about Jesus. No one has the timetable. Everyone should be on guard because the "ends" are unexpected. "Watch!"

Mark 12

Chapter 12 is one of teachings. First a parable (short story with a big point, usually an unexpected one that drives home the point.) The tenants' story seems to point out the frustration and then anger God has when he is continually disrespected. Notice (v 12) that the people figure it's about them and, instead of repenting, they want to kill Jesus. Now that's hard-hearted! Jesus even quotes scripture.

 

Pharisees and Herodians mean "religious and secular leaders." They both want to get Jesus to get his to discredit himself and open himself up to legal problems. They try to trip him with a tax question where he seems to have to choose between God and the Emperor. Either choice, he's a looser with the other side. Jesus sees their hypocrisy and won't play their game. He simply says the Emperor should get what's due him and God should get what's due him. It doesn't say so but I am sure they left angry.

 

Sadducees are very traditional religious leaders, dogged adherents to tradition and privileged their class allows them. Resurrection is a new thought and one they don't believe, so they make a ridiculous question up trying to make Jesus look ridiculous. Once again, Jesus does not answer and turns the questions back on to the questioners. They look ridiculous instead.

 

Finally, they try one more time. This time a Pharisee asks (they don't like Sadducees, so they probably like the last one looking silly.) The Pharisee asks a real, heart-felt question. What's the greatest law? Jesus combines two Old Testament passages about loving God and loving others. The man agrees. This warms Jesus' heart after all the conflict he has seen. Jesus encourages him in his spiritual quests.

 

Jesus now tells folks that the religious leaders are not to be trusted, especially after asking all the questions that have nor real spiritual value while avoiding real spiritual questions that might lead to enlightenment and growth. Even today, people like to argue and nit-pick but not really apply themselves and learn something new from God.  How about you? 

 Finally, Jesus ends with a very practical teaching after seeing a woman give two cents to the offering. She, he says, gave her all to God, while others make a big show of giving more but don't really feel it. They are not the generous ones. God wants equal sacrifices and not equal gifts. People usually only judge the size of the gift. That's contrary to God. Are your gifts sacrificial like the woman's?

Mark 11

Jesus now heads into Jerusalem, the center point of Jewish religious life. When he arrives, crowds greet him with joy and proclamations that the kingdom they once had under David is now on the return. What they get is better but it with not be an earthly kingdom or revolution.

Jesus leaves town for the night and, upon his return, curses a fig tree. This is odd since a) figs were out of season and b) fig trees do not sin or harm anyone. The curse seems odd until later in the chapter, we get a little (and just a little) insight as to the teaching point Jesus makes of the tree. The teaching point seems to be that no matter how cursed someone is, God can turn it around with prayer. Not just "saying our prayers" but the prayer of a believer (faith in action.) With faith, God will answer a prayer. Jesus says that plainly. He does not say that it will be answered in the way we might request. God often surprises us (we may be disappointed at first.) Jesus finishes with a statement that we need to have forgiven others when we pray. Evidently, an unforgiving spirit, blocks our prayers or the ability for our faith to see God's response.

 

Jesus makes his way to the Temple, the center of Jewish worship. The religious leaders had long made a (profitable) industry out of the worship of pilgrims to Jerusalem. Trade was allowed in the worship area. This trade included telling people that their sacrificial animal was not up to par and they should by a new one from (conveniently) their concession. Money needed to be changed for offering as well.

 

These actions enrage Jesus and he disrupts their trade saying that this is not what worship is about. Prayer should be the focal point, not trade. The religious leaders want to kill Jesus to get him out of the way be fear the people because of Jesus' popularity. The leaders want to know where Jesus gets his authority. Knowing that this is a trap (they want Jesus to say something they can use against him,) Jesus asks his own question, knowing that they are too afraid to answer. Jesus' question is similar to the one, "When did you stop beating your dog?" Either way you answer, you are put in a bad light.

Mark 10

Jesus moves back down south to more Jewish territory. Again, he teaches and is tested by religious leaders. They ask about divorce.

 

Jesus takes the current custom of a man stating in writing that he does not want to be married and it happens. Jesus tells the religious leaders that God allows it but it is not God's intention that the people he put together in marriage should be broken up. He further says that any subsequent unions are adultery.

 

Children are brought to Jesus but his disciples find this unseemly. Jesus angers and uses the children as a teaching moment. Only a childlike innocence will allow people to see all God has in store for them and the way God intends life to be like. Cynical people, who have layers and layers of protective habits, miss the show. Jesus ends by make kids more than a teaching moment. He embraces them as well.

 

A rich man comes to Jesus asking a question we have not heard yet. A better order of question. "How can I inherit eternal life?"  Eternal life is life "outside time" or life not trapped by the press of time crunches. This man really pleases Jesus because he not only asks the right questions; he also has kept the 10 commandments. Here is a real prospect. That passes soon. Somehow Jesus knows that material things are getting in the way of this man's claim on eternal life/abundant life. Jesus says to sell what the man has and to follow Jesus. The man can't. The pull of possessions is too strong. Where do your possessions get in the way of following Jesus?

Jesus tells his friends that the accumulation of possessions is a real hindrance in living the great life God has in store for everyone. Maybe even impossible. The disciples are disturbed by this. Jesus reminds them that God, however, can remedy all things. That "trust in God" things comes up again.

Peter must be confused and worried. He reminds Jesus that he (they) gave up everything to follow Jesus. Maybe Peter is having his doubts. Jesus assures all of the disciples that God will return much more than they have given up – now and in the times to come. Jesus reminds them that jostling for first place only put you in last place and voluntarily taking last place is a sure way to first place. Jesus' world (the kingdom of God) does not work like ours does. We must have new eyes in order to see that.

Jesus uses this time to remind the 12 that he will be persecuted, die and rise. Jesus way to the top is through the bottom as well.

In what must have been an exasperating moment, James and John, two of Jesus' closest companions, want to be Jesus' top sidekicks. Jesus tells them that they don't know what they are asking. Remember, the top dogs must work their way to the bottom first! Besides, ranking people is God job, not Jesus'.

This chapter ends with another healing but with a twist. A blind man asks mercy of Jesus. People are embarrassed by his presence and insistence. The blind man runs to Jesus. Jesus asks what the man wants. Notice that Jesus seldom assumes the obvious, he inquires what people want. How often do we assume we know what others need or want without asking? The man wants sight and gets is and, unlike previous times, becomes a follower of Jesus. Maybe Jesus sees that it is of no use to try to keep his work quiet any more.

Mark 9

Jesus spends more time with his disciples. First with his inner circle and then with the larger group. Believing is still the critical topic. Verse one reassures some that they will see what Jesus sees in their lifetime.

 

Jesus takes his inner circle up on a mountain. Special tings and appearances of God happen on mountains in the Bible. Peter, James and John see Jesus' clothes become brilliant white and then see Moses and Elijah with Jesus. Both are long dead. Moses symbolizes the Law and Elijah symbolizes the Prophets. The Law and Prophets are two major parts of the Hebrew Bible – Jesus' Bible. Maybe this says that Jesus "sums up" in a person what the Bible is all about.

Peter is nervous and frightened (who wouldn't be?) at this sight and suggests memorializing it with some tents, sort of like making it a theme park or national monument. Then, just like at Jesus' baptism, a voice (God) says to pay attention to what his son, Jesus, is saying. Then everything disappears. Jesus again tells them not to talk about this to others until he rises. His friends have no idea what he is talking about yet. Jesus seems to end the trip by telling them that John was Elijah returning (Jews expect Elijah to return to usher in the time of the Messiah.) He also reminds them that the Messiah is a suffering person and not a warrior or politician.

Back at the camp, the remaining disciples cannot heal a boy like Jesus does and Like Jesus ordered them to do. Again, Jesus seems exasperated at the unbelief of even his closest friends. The boy's father proves to be a model of faith, picking up on the fact that Jesus expects the father to trust he can heal the boy. The father changes his tune but not without saying that he is a mixture of believing (conviction acted upon) and not-belief. Jesus tells this friends that prayer (being better in touch with God? Giving the healing process more time? Jesus does not say) was the only way to heal this one.

Jesus needs to get away with only his disciples in order to teach them more. He starts again with the death and rising of the Son of Man (Jesus.) The disciples clam up. They have no clue yet. Instead, they argue about who is the greatest (teacher's pet?) of them all. Jesus states very clearly that to be great one must be a servant of God to all people, even kids. Greatness is not about status or lording it over someone. It is about service. Do you expect to be served more than to serve?

Jesus gives status to people outside his inner group of disciples because they beat the fruit of helping people heal. In other words, the fruit is more important than knowing all the facts or saying all the right things. How many times do we see ourselves superior to others because of our church-going when, if we looked at it, they are producing better fruit than we are? Jesus tells the disciples (he is using exaggeration here, he does not physically think our eye is the problem) to not hinder someone doing the work of God (healing or restoring a person to wholeness) regardless of their church status.

Jesus finally ends this time by reminding his disciples that a great fruit is peace or harmony with themselves and others, not worrying about who "has it right."

Mark 8

Chapter 8 is a pivotal and powerful one. Jesus seems to push harder on the meaning of being a follower and the downsides of not being one.

A second feeding story is given. Notice Jesus does what he does out of compassion (willing to suffer with) for people. The disciples are just as dull as the last time, still not getting it. The actions (take, bless, break, give) are ones you will see in the Last Supper (Holy Eucharist) later. Seven is a powerful number, considered complete. 

Again the religious people come to test (trick) Jesus. Jesus is exasperated. They want a sign or miracle. In other words, they want magic. Jesus has said that faith (conviction turned into action) is what opens God's powerful healing love (or what some may call miracles.) But the miracles are not magic. That is, they are not meant to entertain or prove. They are the fruit of faith. No faith, no signs. Hard-hearted religious people are not candidates for signs. Miracles should always point back to God and God gets the thanks.

Jesus, probably out of his exasperation, uses this and the disciples' forgetfulness to bring food, as a teaching opportunity. He tells the followers that one needs to be on guard for the hard-heartedness of holier-than-thou types. Just a little false piety or self-centeredness can ruin a lot. It makes things grow just like yeast does. Only, in this case, what is growing is a monster and not food. The disciples don't get it. They are so worried (self-focused) about their own state (no food) that they act just like the religious people. They go on autopilot and forget what they both saw and heard from Jesus.

Jesus performs another healing. When people believe Jesus can help, he does. Notice that it takes more than one time and Jesus does the help in an unconventional (spitting) way. We who are the Church often become closed to prayer taking a while to work and working in ways we did not expect. God is bigger than we are. Jesus will use whatever he chooses to use and works at the "right time" but not always our time. Again, Jesus wants little attention brought to the miracle or to him. He knows that that diverts attention from the true power – God.

 

Lastly, Jesus sees its time to do a little more teaching and deepen the faith of his closest friends. He asks what others say about him. Then he asks what they say about him. Peter blurts out the right answer – Messiah (meaning anointed one or king.) Jesus says  for them to keep that to themselves because most people expect the anointed one to be a political or military leader who would restore the Kingdom of the Jewish people.

 

Well guess what? When Jesus explains the true nature of his mission (the Son of Man) to be one of suffering (probably seeing himself as one similar to the "suffering servant" in the book of Isaiah,) Peter shows that he had just the WRONG idea of Jesus' mission that others had. Peter has to learn that the Messiah he expects will not be the one who comes. God has something else in mind. That is, a Messiah who suffers (remember compassion?) for the sake of others, die, and rise.

 

Peter tries to correct Jesus. Jesus, in what must have been the most stinging comment – especially in front of Peter's peers – calls Peter Satan because Peter only has earthly things in mind and not God's plans.

 

Jesus then plainly states what will work for people who chose to follow him – Give up your claim on your life and let me (Jesus) lay claim on it. If a person lives for himself or herself, he or she will lose out on God's goodies (healing/life/eternity.) If the alternative route is taken, people will come alive by trading being self-centered for being God-centered. Which are you, self-centered or God-centered? What do you want out of live – power or powerlessness? Jesus hopes we will choose him and power.

Mark 7

In this chapter, Jesus has another run-in with the religious people and also does healing for non-Jews.

The religious folks come to check out Jesus and note that his followers do not do the ritual washings prior to eating that they require. Jesus points out that the religious types make up their own rules that unnecessarily burden people while ignoring the laws (10 Commandments) laid down by God. Jesus is not so much worried about continual washing as he is worried about what comes out of people – what they say and do. He finds that harmful because it has to do with the heart of a person. How many times has church made a big deal of traditions while ignoring how people can hurt others with what they say and do? Jesus even says that God doesn't even pay attention to the worship of people who make up rules in order to ignore God's law. This story ends with yet another stinging explanation to Jesus' followers (who still don't get it) of what he is talking about. Maybe Mark put these stories in because HIS community wasn't getting it.

Jesus is in Gentile (non-Jewish) territory, Tyre and Sidon are the location of miracles of the prophet Elijah. This was probably not unnoticed by people. Jesus seems to say to the woman, "I really have to stick with my own, Jews before I think about non-Jews."  She replies that even dogs get some crumbs. Ouch! Jesus changes his mind and heals her daughter. Who have you written off that deserves a second look?

 

Lastly, Jesus heals another Gentile. Notice that he is trying more and more to avoid the crowds (which are hindering his ministry to people?) Notice also that the more Jesus tells people not to make such a big deal out of his healings, the more they go out and talk about them. Mark has two things that repeat in his Gospel. One is that people cannot help but talk about something life changing. Two, the most religious and closest to Jesus seem to be the hardest sells. Ordinary people "get it" first. Do you give credit to God for anything? So much so that you can't help but say it? Or do you have to be reminded or coerced? What God News do you have that you attribute to God's divine love of you?

Mark 6

Jesus is back home again and the locals are skeptical of his work because they know him. Funny how we write off people because we know about them and make heroes out of ones we don't really know. Even though Jesus spoke with wisdom, he was written off. As a result, the power (healing) did not go along with the teaching. Lack of faith, the unwillingness to act on convictions, inhibits the natural desire of God to heal us and liberate us from suffering. In other words, it is not that God won't heal; it is that we will not allow Him to heal.

 

Jesus decides to send out the apostles (12) in pairs to do what he has been doing. Note here that "church" is not Jesus doing it but us who do it. Christians are never Lone Rangers. We are to work together not solo. Also, Jesus suggests not being burdened down with a lot of stuff. How much stuff do we have that keeps us occupied with maintaining it or getting more of it. Too much stuff is a hindrance to the Gospel and, therefore to faith and the power of God. Lastly, Jesus gives permission to move on from skeptics, not to coerce people to listen. We must witness (tell about the power of Jesus) but the results are up to the other and God. The message is simple "repent" or to turn away from doing without God.

 

Jesus' cousin is killed because of a grudge. Jesus goes on with the inner group of 12. He recommends rest. We all need that and often make excuses for not getting it. Note, however, the need (compassion means to suffer with others) causes Jesus to forgo rest for a while.

 

Well, 5000 men (plus women and children) get hungry. The apostles tell Jesus to stir up some magic and fed them. Jesus turns this back on them and says, "You do it." Jesus has been teaching that the church people have the power. Faith yields power. The apostles still don't get it. Jesus is also preparing them for when he is no longer there. THEY are to be his power after he leaves. Jesus, using the actions of our Sunday Communion service (take, bless, break, give) not only feeds the crowd, but over feeds them. The point? We have all the resources we need if we couple them with the power of God. Faith is power.

 

Jesus needs to pray – to get reconnected with his power – God. He comes to the aid of his friends who are in danger as sea. They still do not get it. They are just scared. Remember fear and power to not coincide. You get one or the other. Hard hearts (unwillingness to let go and believe) keep us from all sorts of blessings from God.

Mark 5

Jesus has a number of healings in this chapter; the demon-possessed man, Jairus' daughter, and the woman with a bleeding problem. In each case faith is at work. Faith is a verb for Mark. Faith is not a collection of thoughts. Faith is the action that comes out of conviction. It is this kind of faith that heals or frees a person. 

The demon-possessed man has been living in the cemetery like a wild animal, often injuring himself. He has all sorts of problems (legions of them!) Notice that the evil spirits recognize Jesus for who he is even though most people do not. Pigs are unclean for Jews so that may explain why the spirits went to pigs. Jesus' healing creates a buzz, mostly fear, even when people are faced with a man who no longer suffers. Even today, people are afraid that Jesus will make them do something or do something to them that will hurt them. Yet Jesus' track record is unblemished. Jesus heals. Note that the man's testimony seems more helpful than Jesus' deed. Those who hear him are amazed. Our testimony also has more power than just talking about God. We need to discover our God-stories and tell them.

 

With Jairus, we now have an upstanding, practicing religious authority believing in Jesus. Not all in authority want to derail Jesus' ministry. People believe the girl is dead by the time Jesus gets to her. He only lets his inner circle of friends; Peter, James and John go in to tend to the daughter. Notice that Jesus states that fear is a deal-killer for faith. Fear blocks all sorts of good things.

 

The woman with the blood illness believes so much that Jesus can help her, she presses through the crowd just to touch him. Jesus' friends find him a bit odd when he asks who touched him in a crowd of people. But Jesus knows the difference of a touch of curiosity or disorder and a touch of faith. Once again, a person's faith heals. Remember, faith is conviction put into action. Where do you need to put your convictions into action?

Mark 4

Another part of Jesus' ministry develops here – teaching. Jesus is not only a healer. He is also a teacher (rabbi.) Jesus teaches through parables. Parables are little stories with BIG points. Often, the point is highlighted in a surprise or tension in the story. Mark shows the apostles as having trouble understanding the parables. Jesus explains the parables to the 12 in private. Sadly, hard-hearted people maybe destined to never get the parables. Notice a few things here.

 

Jesus calls his apostles "little faiths." Parables need the eyes of honesty and faith to see them for what they are. People tend to read into parables too much. Maybe this is because parables sting when we realize that we have something to learn from them. Also, realize that Mark's audience (probably common people) may have had trouble with parables, too. Why not, we do as well. Maybe that is why Mark has Jesus explaining the one on the sower. Let's look at the parables. Remember that parables are about the Kingdom of God or what life is like when God rules our hearts.

 

The Sower – we see different responses to Jesus and God Word. There are many ways to miss out on the Kingdom by getting caught up with the cares of today. But, if we persist, we will get benefits way beyond our imagination.

 

The Lamp Stand – No really a parable. You cannot keep secrets. They will come out. Bad secrets come out but also good one like the Kingdom being right in front of our noses, if we will have faith to believe it is so. And, once you cooperate with Jesus and his Kingdom - you get more. More power, more insight, more faith, more life.

 

The Growing Seed/Mustard Seed – All God needs is just a little openness to Him and that's all it will take to grow in a person. God will produce fruit of good life any anyone with any amount of trust in Him. We don't need to know "How?" or "Why?" God does this. Just enjoy that God does this in ordinary people like us. We need to be careful in our judgments because God uses any moment of openness.

 

Lastly, maybe to drive home the point of Jesus' teaching, Jesus calms a storm. Jesus shows his friends that he has the power of God. This is not showing off but it is showing THAT Jesus has the backing of God. Notice that his friends are terrified, maybe more of Jesus than the storm. They just don't quite get it.