Sorry I have been away for a bit. The storms that we had caused some damage in our area so the church was out helping clean up. Then I went to Michigan to visit my family. I hope you have been well while I have been gone!
Today let us look at these verses in Luke:
Luke 10:38-42
38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
I hope we are like Mary! So many times in life we get distracted and miss what Jesus wants from us most.....worship. Jesus wants us to spend quality time with Him in His Word! That is what Mary was doing. Now Martha thought she was doing what she should be doing. How many times do we do that? God's Word says she was "serving"! Nothing bad about that is there? Well it is kinda like this....Martha was doing a good thing but the best thing was right in front of her...Jesus! How many times do we do the good thing instead of the best thing??? How many times do we look at someone else and say....hey get busy! When maybe they are truly doing the best thing in worshiping Jesus! Martha wanted help but Jesus told her Mary is doing right and I believe hinted that Martha should be doing the same!
So this morning we all need to ask ourselves....have we chosen the good part of worshiping Christ?
Tom
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Jesus Marveled!!!
As we finish our look at Mark 6:1-6, we will look at verse 6 today:
Mark 6:6
6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
Wow! Jesus among His own people and as He leaves them His final thought is....wonder and astonishment at their unbelief in Him! It makes me wonder what He thinks about the unbelief in this nation of ours. There are only two times in scripture that mentions Jesus marveled. One is here of course and the other is in Matthew:
5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”
7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”
8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!
Here Jesus was marveled at belief, in the passage in Mark we are looking at He was marveled at unbelief.
When we encounter folks who reject Jesus, I want us to see what Jesus did... He left and went to others who were teachable! But remember this was his second time back to His hometown, the first time they tried to kill him...but He still went back!
Let us make sure Jesus is not marveled at us this Monday morning!
Tom
Mark 6:6
6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
Wow! Jesus among His own people and as He leaves them His final thought is....wonder and astonishment at their unbelief in Him! It makes me wonder what He thinks about the unbelief in this nation of ours. There are only two times in scripture that mentions Jesus marveled. One is here of course and the other is in Matthew:
5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”
7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”
8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!
Here Jesus was marveled at belief, in the passage in Mark we are looking at He was marveled at unbelief.
When we encounter folks who reject Jesus, I want us to see what Jesus did... He left and went to others who were teachable! But remember this was his second time back to His hometown, the first time they tried to kill him...but He still went back!
Let us make sure Jesus is not marveled at us this Monday morning!
Tom
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Belief has an effect!
As we continue to look at Mark 6:1-5 remember that Jesus own hometown people did not believe He was the messiah. Look at what the consequences of that are in our verse for today:
Mark 6:5 (New King James Version)
5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.
This verse does not say Jesus choose not to or decided not to, it says "He could do no mighty work there". Why is that? I believe it is pretty simple...they did not believe or put their faith in him. If you study scripture you know that many times as Jesus healed folks He told them your faith has made you well!!! Same thing here! I have a good idea that the few sick that He did heal as told in verse 5 had faith in Him!
So this brings us to the question for us this morning. Has Jesus had a mighty work in your life? From what I see in God's Word all you have to do is believe and put your faith in Christ and mighty works will happen! Salvation will be the first mighty work and I praise the Lord for that this morning!!!
Tom
Mark 6:5 (New King James Version)
5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.
This verse does not say Jesus choose not to or decided not to, it says "He could do no mighty work there". Why is that? I believe it is pretty simple...they did not believe or put their faith in him. If you study scripture you know that many times as Jesus healed folks He told them your faith has made you well!!! Same thing here! I have a good idea that the few sick that He did heal as told in verse 5 had faith in Him!
So this brings us to the question for us this morning. Has Jesus had a mighty work in your life? From what I see in God's Word all you have to do is believe and put your faith in Christ and mighty works will happen! Salvation will be the first mighty work and I praise the Lord for that this morning!!!
Tom
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
No honor.
Continuing in Mark 6:1-6. Today we look at verse 4.
After Jesus had taken the insults as we have read the last couple of days, and knew that His own people were offended at Him, this was His reply:
Mark 6:4
4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”
The Messiah, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Savior of the World was without honor among His own people. Have you ever left like that? Are you living for Jesus but your family and friends are not and they are harassing or putting you down all the time. Welcome to Jesus's world. The only difference is Jesus deserved honor...we do not! Although God does tell us if we preserve He has rewards awaiting us in heaven! God's Word warns us many times that following Him would be difficult:
2 Timothy 3:12
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
James 1:2
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
So this morning if you are struggling with rejection from family or friends because of your faith, know you are not alone. Christ has been through it and is by your side this morning!
Tom
After Jesus had taken the insults as we have read the last couple of days, and knew that His own people were offended at Him, this was His reply:
Mark 6:4
4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”
The Messiah, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Savior of the World was without honor among His own people. Have you ever left like that? Are you living for Jesus but your family and friends are not and they are harassing or putting you down all the time. Welcome to Jesus's world. The only difference is Jesus deserved honor...we do not! Although God does tell us if we preserve He has rewards awaiting us in heaven! God's Word warns us many times that following Him would be difficult:
2 Timothy 3:12
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
James 1:2
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
So this morning if you are struggling with rejection from family or friends because of your faith, know you are not alone. Christ has been through it and is by your side this morning!
Tom
Monday, April 18, 2011
Offended at Jesus!
We continue on in our study of Mark 6:1-6. As we seen the last time we were together the slamming of Jesus continues. Check out these verses:
Mark 6:3
3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.
Those that were listening to Jesus,( remember theses were his hometown people), continued to ask questions that were used to question Jesus and make accusations that what He was saying was not true. The first question in verse 3 was "Is this not the carpenter"? Carpentry was a decent job but for these folks it certainly was not the job a Messiah would have. The second question was "Is this the Son of Mary?" This was asked in the form of a put down. You see in the time of Jesus you were referred to as the son of the fathers name not the mother. Next question was "doesn't he have brothers?" Like any of us common folk. Can't you just hear the doubt in their voices? They also threw in the question "are not His sisters here also?" Then the key words that prove Jesus had no honor among His own people...."so they were offended at Him". That sounds so familiar with our country right now. How many are offended at the truths of Jesus? More and more everyday don't want to hear of or about Jesus.
Guess what Jesus told us in the Word that when we follow Him many will be offended but to not lose heart and stay faithful and proclaim the Word! Stay strong my brothers and sisters!
Tom
Mark 6:3
3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.
Those that were listening to Jesus,( remember theses were his hometown people), continued to ask questions that were used to question Jesus and make accusations that what He was saying was not true. The first question in verse 3 was "Is this not the carpenter"? Carpentry was a decent job but for these folks it certainly was not the job a Messiah would have. The second question was "Is this the Son of Mary?" This was asked in the form of a put down. You see in the time of Jesus you were referred to as the son of the fathers name not the mother. Next question was "doesn't he have brothers?" Like any of us common folk. Can't you just hear the doubt in their voices? They also threw in the question "are not His sisters here also?" Then the key words that prove Jesus had no honor among His own people...."so they were offended at Him". That sounds so familiar with our country right now. How many are offended at the truths of Jesus? More and more everyday don't want to hear of or about Jesus.
Guess what Jesus told us in the Word that when we follow Him many will be offended but to not lose heart and stay faithful and proclaim the Word! Stay strong my brothers and sisters!
Tom
Friday, April 15, 2011
Sarcasm!
Continuing in Mark 6:1-6...we will look at verse 2 this morning:
Mark 6:2 (New King James Version)
2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!
Ever been the victim of sarcasm??? I am pretty sure all of us have. As Jesus went to his home folks and began to teach in the synagogue He became the victim of sarcasm. When it says those that were hearing were astonished it was not in a good way. Look at their next words....and I will paraphrase a little bit....where did He get these things??? He is crazy! And what makes Him think He is so wise? Where does this wisdom come from? It's not from God! How does he perform these miracles? Can you hear the sarcasm? Remember folks accused Jesus of performing the miracles by the work of the devil.
We will continue to see more sarcasm in the next verse on Monday. But what I want us to see in this verse today is when you are doing the work of God many will doubt what you are doing and many times it may be those who are most familiar with you...like people in your home town! Keep working anyway...Jesus did!
Tom
Mark 6:2 (New King James Version)
2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!
Ever been the victim of sarcasm??? I am pretty sure all of us have. As Jesus went to his home folks and began to teach in the synagogue He became the victim of sarcasm. When it says those that were hearing were astonished it was not in a good way. Look at their next words....and I will paraphrase a little bit....where did He get these things??? He is crazy! And what makes Him think He is so wise? Where does this wisdom come from? It's not from God! How does he perform these miracles? Can you hear the sarcasm? Remember folks accused Jesus of performing the miracles by the work of the devil.
We will continue to see more sarcasm in the next verse on Monday. But what I want us to see in this verse today is when you are doing the work of God many will doubt what you are doing and many times it may be those who are most familiar with you...like people in your home town! Keep working anyway...Jesus did!
Tom
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Coming home!
For the next couple of days we will look at Mark 6:1-6. Today lets look at verse 1.
Mark 6:1
1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him.
There is nothing quit like coming home is there? After you have been away for some time, it is always a great feeling to come home to familiar surroundings. Jesus had healed toe woman with the blood issue and brought Jairus's daughter back to life. From there He was headed home. For most this would have been a great homecoming but last time Jesus came home this happened:
Luke 4:16-30
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
23 He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’” 24 Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath,in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”
28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.
As you can see it did not go well, they wanted to kill Jesus! So why is Jesus coming back home again? Because He loves his people. Jesus wanted to give them another chance. Would we? This is an example from Christ that we need to try and continue to reach people no matter the cost.
So this morning do we need to go home and tell the gospel???? No matter the cost!
Tom
Mark 6:1
1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him.
There is nothing quit like coming home is there? After you have been away for some time, it is always a great feeling to come home to familiar surroundings. Jesus had healed toe woman with the blood issue and brought Jairus's daughter back to life. From there He was headed home. For most this would have been a great homecoming but last time Jesus came home this happened:
Luke 4:16-30
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
23 He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’” 24 Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath,in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”
28 So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. 30 Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.
As you can see it did not go well, they wanted to kill Jesus! So why is Jesus coming back home again? Because He loves his people. Jesus wanted to give them another chance. Would we? This is an example from Christ that we need to try and continue to reach people no matter the cost.
So this morning do we need to go home and tell the gospel???? No matter the cost!
Tom
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