Mark 10

Scripture

Mark 10: 21

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

 

Observation

Jesus is continuing his travels when one day he is stopped by a “rich young ruler.” He asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, to which Jesus gives a straightforward answer. However, the young man keeps pushing until Jesus then responds like this. Having accumulated a lot of wealth, the young man decides that he has too much to let go of and leaves crestfallen.

 

Understanding

I seem to be picking a theme with my SOUL journals lately. That is, I’m very drawn to the verses that highlight a test or a trial to experience the fullness of God. I picked one that talked about being refined two weeks ago, and today this one caught my eye. Here’s why: Jesus loves him. Well duh! Jesus loves everyone, but this was highlighted as important or else it wouldn’t be there. A lot of times we think that when we say “yes” to giving our life to God that it means every task He’ll have us do will be easy. But as this verse shows Jesus challenges the ones He loves. We aren’t guaranteed to have smooth sailing just because we signed up for a lifetime contract with our Creator. The “fine print” of the contract often highlights trials and tribulations, and challenges to test our heart and motives (which again Jesus shows us here).

Another side note that I think is important to point out: Jesus had already given His answer and the young man pushed even more. Here’s the lesson: when you ask for more of God and His wisdom, expect that you’ll have to leave old things behind, or that He is going to entrust you with difficult tasks. “One thing you lack,” is Jesus’ response. Sometimes the “one thing we lack” is not exposed right away because we are being trained and equip to face what we lack. I know it is a daunting thing to think about, but Jesus promises “treasure in heaven.” I’m pretty sure this outweighs any earthly item we could ever imagine.

 

Life Application

One translation says that young man walked away sad because “he’s was holding on tight to a lot of things, that he was not about to let go.” What are you holding onto that doesn’t serve you anymore? Trust that God will provide, and provide abundantly! Maybe it’s something material, but maybe it’s a toxic relationship, or a horrid habit. Whatever it may be it’s time to come and follow Jesus (no more hiding from Him). And remember: He challenges you because He loves you!

-Allison Khan

Mark 9

Scripture

 

Mark 9:35-37-35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child 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.” Observation-What does it say?

Jesus reproved (corrected) His disciples after they were arguing with one another about who was the greatest. He told them that whoever wants to be first, must be a servant and used children to illustrate His point.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?Jesus loves the little children.I think it’s interesting how Jesus parallels humility and servanthood with children. There are other accounts in Scripture where Jesus had to correct His disciples on their view of children. Actually, the next chapter, Mark 10, shows another example of it. Life ApplicationServe with me and Jen in Kids Church!We must see and value children the way Jesus does. There is power in a child’s prayer, worship and praise (Psalm 8:2). Jesus also uses children to exemplify how we are to accept the Kingdom of God. (Mark 10:15)Why not be part of investing in the lives of our kids, not just at home, but also in our family at DSC? -Michelle Gaddi

Mark__8

Scripture

Mark‬ ‭8:11‬ ‭

“When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived, they came and started to argue with him. Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Jesus had just finished feeding 4,000 men with only seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. Immediately after that, Jesus and his disciples went on a boat, and crossed over to the region of Dalmanutha. There he was met by Pharisees who argued with Jesus and demanded that Jesus show them a miraculous sign to prove His authority. This troubled Jesus’ spirit. Why were these people always demanding a miraculous sign? So Jesus told them that he would not give their generation any such sign. Jesus then got back into the boat and left them to cross to the other side of the lake.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Some people say they must see to believe. But for a Christ Follower, you should believe, then you will see.

 

The Pharisees were jealous and had hardened hearts towards Jesus. They were constantly challenging Jesus and his authority and just waiting for the chance for Jesus to slip so they could pounce on him. They were too busy following religious traditions, waiting for their Messiah, when the actual Messiah was right underneath their noses all this time. Keep in mind that before arriving at Dalmanutha that day, Jesus had already been performing many miracles everywhere he went. He fed the thousands with just a few fish and loaves of bread (twice). He healed the lame and blind. He even casted out demons. Yet this wasn’t enough for the Pharisees. They wanted to see more! Let’s face it, no matter what miracle Jesus performed or how many more He performed wouldn’t change these Pharisees minds. Their hearts were hardened, and they wanted to bring Jesus down. The Pharisees were unwilling to take that step of faith and believe in Jesus and what He taught, therefore they did not see.

 

“Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”” John‬ ‭20:29‬ ‭

 

Life Application

 

Take that leap of faith. See what God can do!

 

Don’t get caught up waiting to see the next miracle before you decide to believe. You may miss out. Instead, I encourage you to take that next step. Trust in Jesus. Trust in His Word. See what God can do!

 

Father God, I pray for people who are struggling with their faith, struggling to believe. I pray for You to soften their hearts. I pray for their courage to believe. Whether it’s some financial hardship, health issue, relationship issue, family worries, or just a straight up faith issue. God, I pray that they would lift up all their concerns and worries up to You. May they put complete trust in You. May You reveal Yourself to them. Open their hearts and their eyes so that they may see all You have in store for them when they follow You. May you bless them with Your peace, comfort, and strength Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

 

-Moses Gaddi