From Jim McGuiggan... Worlds in Collision

Worlds in Collision

Israel was taught to believe that one day God would right all wrongs and publicly show his reign over the world in the person of “the Messiah”. This truth had been hinted at as early as Genesis 3 where we’re told about the “seed of the woman” crushing the serpent; and the promise in that truth embraced more than Israel. But it was in Israel that the hope of a Redeemer was clearly developed so it isn’t surprising that the NT speaks of Jesus as peculiarly (though by no means exclusively) related to Israel (see Romans 15:8-9).

The Messiah appeared as the prophet Daniel had indicated (Daniel 2 and 7), when Rome ruled the world. The empire of Rome was not only “the fourth beast” in which the life of the first three beasts continued (Daniel 7:12 and Revelation 13:2 where the sea beast is a composite of the beasts in Daniel 7), it was the form the world spirit had taken in its opposition to God and his redemptive purposes.

When the Messiah came into conflict with Rome he opposed not only a political, social, economic, religious and military power he opposed the invisible and evil power that expressed itself in that empire. Evil empires do again what Adam and Eve did when God granted the humans dominion in and over the creation—they bring chaos and death. Note that Daniel 2:37-38 is Genesis 1:26-27 language and that God raised these empires up and gave them their dominion (see Daniel 4:25, 31-32 and 7:2-3). These Gentile kingdoms like the nation of Israel did not give God the glory and use the dominion in a way that reflected God’s exercise of dominion. Finally Jesus came and the kingdom of God came into conflict with the kingdoms of the world as seen in and represented by Rome (see Revelation 11:15 and 12:10).

Jesus, as John did before him, proclaimed the arrival of the reign (kingdom) of God and Jesus as the true Adam and the true seed of Abraham (1 Corinthians 15:45, Galatians 3:16) manifested the dominion of God by his own holy submission in his life and by healing the sick, freeing the captives and raising the dead in his Holy Father’s name. He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead, Luke tells us, and then he sends the apostles out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to make people whole. His entire agenda in glorifying his Father is seen in his work of rescue.

Rome’s exercise of dominion was not the kingdom of God (see the contrast throughout Daniel 7); it brought destruction and death. One of Rome’s servants, Herod Antipas, killed John but heard that Jesus was raising the dead (see Luke 8:40—9:9). As N.T Wright remarked, one power met a greater power. Rome could only kill but the Messiah was the Lord of death. Having heard the confused and confusing proposals about Jesus Herod said, “I beheaded John.”

 Oscar Wilde must have read this section and I think offers his own sense of what happened in Herod’s court on that day. In his play Salome, (about half way through the single act) he has Herod saying, "I forbid him to raise the dead. This man must be found and told I don't allow people to raise the dead." He goes on to say he wouldn't mind a few healings here and there (to clean up the appearance of the place, no doubt) but raising the dead—he forbade that.

Raising the dead was the ultimate violation of his authority. The worst he could do was to bring death but Jesus had a word about that—Matthew 10:28!

The raising of Jairus’ daughter, Lazarus and others was the reign of God confronting and overcoming the power of oppressors and these raisings were a prophecy of a final righting of all wrongs. The resurrection of Jesus Christ to immortality and exaltation is the assurance that the kingdoms of the world have been conquered by One who is returning to obliterate the curse and make everything right.

Since the Church of Jesus Christ is the body of the resurrected Jesus Christ it is the Community of Witness and it is to be the vehicle of change in this world in his name. In its gospel, its ordinances, its liturgy and daily life it is to be the visible reflection of his presence and the promise of his return to end injustice and bring about universal righteousness and shalom.

If we believe in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead then wherever we go we will stamp those places with his name and say, "Here all wrongs will finally be righted!" Wicked kings, governments and warlords presently have a derived power but in Christ's resurrection we see a greater power and it is a promise of the coming complete restoration of joy and righteousness; a promise that is as sure as his resurrection is true.

The sovereign God has in every generation entrusted the truth of all this to the "little flock," the church of Jesus Christ.

Is that not astonishing?

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... Beware Of Leaven

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                       Beware Of Leaven (8:14-21)

INTRODUCTION

1. Following the disputation with the Pharisees, Jesus warned His
   disciples...
   a. As they sailed the Sea of Galilee from Dalmanutha to Bethsaida
      - Mk 8:10,13,22
   b. Charging them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of
      Herod - Mk 8:15
   c. Matthew's gospel mentions the Sadducees (often aligned with Herod)
      - Mt 16:6,11-12

2. The disciples at first misunderstood...
   a. They thought it was because they had forgotten to take bread - Mk 8:14-16
   b. Jesus corrected their misunderstanding, reminding them of His
      miracles - Mk 8:17-21
   c. Then they understood that "leaven" referred to "doctrine" cf. Mt 16:11-12

3. Leaven is a good metaphor for doctrine...
   a. Both operate with subtlety
   b. Both are very potent
   c. Both gradually spread their influence

[What doctrines or characteristics of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and
Herodians might Jesus have been warning about?  Are there parallels
today that we would should beware today? Let's start with...]

I. THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES

   A. THE PHARISEES THEN WERE...
      1. A religious and political group noted for its conservatism
         a. They were strict observers of the Law of Moses
         b. They also adopted "the traditions of the elders",
            interpretations of the Law that had been handed down  - cf.
            Mk 7:1-5
      2. Jesus described them as "blind leaders of the blind" - Mt 15:12-14
         a. They made the commandments of God of no effect by their
            traditions - Mt 15:3-6
         b. They were often hypocrites, teaching one thing and
            practicing another - Mt 15:7-8; 16:3; 23:1-4,27-28; cf. Lk 12:1
         c. They did their works to be seen of men - Mt 23:5
         d. They loved the attention and special treatment by others
            - Mt 23:6-7
         d. They wore religious titles - Mt 23:8-10
         e. They prevented others from finding the way to the kingdom of
            heaven - Mt 23:13
         f. They used their religion to make money and impress others
            - Mt 23:14
         g. They didn't make people better, they made them worse! - Mt 23:15
         h. They made distinctions where God did not - Mt 23:16-22
         i. Though sticklers for some commandments, they ignored others
            - Mt 23:23-24
         j. They honored men of God who went before them, but were more
            like those who persecuted the people of God - Mt 23:29-31
      -- They were the more conservative religious group in Jesus' day

   B. THE PHARISEES TODAY ARE THOSE WHO...
      1. Teach and practice traditions of men, instead of the commands
         of God
      2. Teach one thing, while practicing another
      3. Do things to be seen of men, wearing special garments, and
         using religious titles
      4. Do not truly show people the way to the kingdom of heaven
      5. Use religion to make money and impress others
      6. Make distinctions where God has made none
      7. Stress some commands, but neglect others as unnecessary
      -- Religious conservatives are susceptible to being like the
         Pharisees today

[Now let's consider...]

II. THE LEAVEN OF THE SADDUCEES

   A. THE SADDUCEES THEN WERE...
      1. A religious and political group noted for its liberalism
         a. Included many powerful members of the priesthood - Ac 5:17
         b. They insisted only the laws found in the Pentateuch were
            binding
         c. They rejected "the traditions of the elders"
         d. They did not believe in the resurrection, spirits, angels
            - Ac 23:8; Mt 22:23
         e. They did not believe in rewards or punishment after death,
            nor in heaven or hell
      2. Jesus charged them with two faults - Mt 22:23-29
         a. They did not know the Scriptures
            1) Even those scriptures they held to be true!
            2) For Jesus used the Pentateuch to show their error - 

               Mt 22:31-32; Exo 3:6
         b. They did not know the power of God
            1) Like many liberals, they were influenced by rationalism
            2) They assumed that if they could not comprehend something,
               it could not be true
            3) They failed to believe what Gabriel and Jesus both knew:
               that with God, nothing is impossible! - Lk 1:37; Mt 19:26
      -- They were the more liberal religious group in Jesus' day

   B. THE SADDUCEES TODAY ARE THOSE WHO...
      1. Take portions of God's word, but reject the rest; such as those
         who:
         a. Accept the words of Jesus, but not His apostles - contra 

            Jn 13:10; Ac 2:42; 1Co 14:37
         b. Accept the words of His apostles, but hold that ALL of
            Jesus' teachings in the gospels are Old Covenant teaching
            - contra Mt 28:20; Ac 20:35; 1Ti 5:18b; Lk 10:7
      2. Accept human reason over divine revelation
         a. Who will not accept a Biblical doctrine unless it makes
            sense to them
         b. A dangerous position to hold, since God has chosen to
            confound the wise and arrogant with the foolishness of the
            gospel message - cf. 1Co 1:18-31
         c. Some doctrines revealed may contain elements beyond man's
            ability to fully comprehend (such as the mystery of
            godliness:  God manifested in the flesh - 1Ti 3:16; or the
            nature of the Godhead itself)
         d. A child-like trust is more becoming of a Christian - cf. 

            Mt 18:3; Ps 131:1-3
      3. Rule out the power of God
         a. Rejecting any doctrine, any promise, of the Scriptures if
            conceived as not being possible
         b. Such as the creation, the virgin birth, the miracles of
            Jesus, the resurrection of the dead
         c. But once we accept the premise that with God all things are
            possible, we cannot reject Biblical testimony just because
            it does not fit our preconceived ideas of what is possible
      -- Religious liberals are susceptible to being like the Sadducees
         today

[Finally, let's consider...]

III. THE LEAVEN OF THE HERODIANS

   A. THE HERODIANS THEN WERE...
      1. Jews who supported the dynasty of Herod, though it was mostly a
         puppet of Rome
      2. Not a religious sect, but a political party; secular minded
         rather than spiritually minded
      3. They would align themselves with the Pharisees when convenient
         - Mk 3:6; 12:13
      4. They were often interchangeable with the Sadducees - cf. 

           Mk 8:15 with Mt 16:6
      -- They were politicos first, who used religion to promote their
         cause

   B. THE HERODIANS TODAY ARE THOSE WHO...
      1. Believe the solution lies in politics, not the gospel
      2. Are more interested in worldly matters than the kingdom of God
         a. When the kingdom of God should come first - Mt 6:33; Php 3:20
         b. When we are to be pilgrims and sojourners - 1Pe 2:11-12
         c. Where we are to avoid worldly attachments - 2Co 6:14-7:1
      3. Use religion when convenient to get the support of the masses
      -- Political activists are susceptible to being like the Herodians
         today

CONCLUSION

1. The parallels between then and now are striking...
   a. Pharisees - religious fundamentalists
   b. Sadducees - religious liberals
   c. Herodians - political activists

2. Jesus' warning is sorely needed today...
   a. "Take heed, beware of the leaven..."
   b. For it is so easy to become like those who opposed our Lord

How can we ensure that we do not become like the Pharisees, Sadducees,
or the Herodians?  Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
with Jesus and His apostles as our spiritual guides and mentors...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Gary... Now, then and the future

Today is my birthday.  I have reached the 64 year milestone.  The topmost picture was taken last month and the one at the bottom in late 1949 or early 1950.  Like most people, I can remember a few things from very early childhood, but not from this far back.  What were the events surrounding my birth?  Who knows?  Which makes me think of this passage of Scripture from the New Testament...

Luke, Chapter 2

  1 Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.  2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.  4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;  5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant. 

  6  While they were there, the day had come for her to give birth.  7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.  9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.  11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”  13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, 
  14 “Glory to God in the highest,
on earth peace, good will toward men.”

  15  When the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.  17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.  18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.  19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.  20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them. 

21  When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Some of you know me personally, some don't.  But, I can't even imagine someone announcing MY BIRTH.  I am just an ordinary guy, who has done the normal things in life, but thanks to Jesus, I have a happy life.  He taught me all I really know to live and has helped me understand God, The Bible and therefore how to LIVE.  And with his help, I hope to find myself in heaven one day.  My wish for you is that you make it too!!!  God bless!!! Your friend Gary

From Gary... Just like DADDY

The thing about being a parent is that you learn about what you are really like by watching your children.  It is obvious that this little guy has learned something things- just look at him!!! He wants to be "Just like DADDY".  What a concept, what a challenge!!!  Just think for a moment what the world would be like if all of us could turn from our baser natures and be like our heavenly father?  How would we even begin to go about it?  Jesus tells us in what is commonly called "The sermon on the mount".  He says...

Matthew, Chapter 5

  1 Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.  2 He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,  

  3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, 

      for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 

  4  Blessed are those who mourn, 

      for they shall be comforted. 

  5  Blessed are the gentle, 

      for they shall inherit the earth. 

  6  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after      

      righteousness, for they shall be filled. 

  7  Blessed are the merciful, 

      for they shall obtain mercy. 

  8  Blessed are the pure in heart, 

      for they shall see God. 

  9  Blessed are the peacemakers, 

      for they shall be called children of God. 

10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for 

      righteousness’ sake,  for theirs is the Kingdom of 

      Heaven. 

11  “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.   12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

13  “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.   14  You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.   15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.   16 Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 

17  “Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.   18  For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter  or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.   19  Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.   20  For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 

21  “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.’   22  But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna. 

23  “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,   24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.  25  Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.   26  Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.  

27  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’  28  but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.   29  If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 30  If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.  

31  “It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’  32  but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery. 

33  “Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,’   34  but I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;   35  nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.   36  Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can’t make one hair white or black.   37  But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one. 

38  “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39  But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.   40  If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.   41  Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.   42  Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you. 

43  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ 44  But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,  45  that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.   46  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?   47  If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?   48  Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. 

The term "blessed" means- "Oh, the state of the man" and if we just really, really follow the first few verses of this chapter how different our lives will be!!!! Jesus has a lot to say in this chapter and frankly whole volumes have been written on the teachings given here.  BUT, look at verse 48 above.  If I were to paraphrase it after looking at the picture above, I would say... Gary, be a true follower of God in heaven- be like HIM in every way possible!!!!!  Oh, what would my "blessedness" be if I were perfect???  Today, I intend to think about both the picture and the text and really try to both internalize the words and live the truth!!!  Anyone else feel the same way?????  Only thing is... I could never get the Groucho Marx walk to work for me; but hey, anything is possible!!!!

From Jim McGuiggan... With Christ once more

With Christ once more

Due to illness—emotional or physical—life can feel dreary and sometimes we’d be happy to be done with life here. I’m not suggesting that this is a gift from God but I am saying that it’s one of the realities of human life in the world as it is.

I suppose something of that is seen in Paul’s Philippians 1:21-23 (NRSV). "For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you."

To be "with Christ" is to not be "away" from him. While he is "in the flesh" (that is, living in this present phase of human life) there is some sense in which he is not "with" Christ; but were he to die we would be "with" Christ. We’re well aware that even while living in the flesh Paul is with Christ and Christ with him (Matthew 28:20 and elsewhere) but there’s no mistaking his meaning here; dying adds a dimension to his being "with" Christ that he doesn’t experience while he’s in the flesh.

So here Paul speaks of his post-mortem state as "far better" than his present "with" Christ experience. Caution is fine in working with texts but sometimes we try too hard to "prove" what is perhaps plain enough to be rejoiced in. Paul isn’t talking about geography or spatial proximity when he says he wants to go and be "with" Christ. Questions such as, "Would he be sitting next to Christ?" or "Did he think he would be walking around with Christ as the apostles did in the days of Christ’s flesh?" are asking too much. If Paul even thought about such things we have no way of knowing but he clearly wants them to know that his present experience of Christ would be deepened and enriched if he experienced death.

I think there’s more in 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 than appears at first glance, but he does speak of being "away" and about being "at home" with God. And being "at home" or "away" from God is related to his life now in the flesh and to being absent from his body. My suspicion is that Philippians 1:21-23 carries that same sense of "with" and "not with," of being "at home" and being "away".

Now here’s a text that expressly speaks of a post-mortem state for Paul that would leave his readers without his immediate assistance. He’d like to taste the "far better" but is loathe for them to experience loss at his gain. This is not talking about the day of resurrection because his readers would not then be experiencing loss or needing his assistance—they’d be glorified along with him. No, Paul is speaking of an immediate post-mortem joy of deepened fellowship with Christ.

Let me repeat, I think there’s no doubt that Paul has a relational situation in mind where he is "with" Christ in a way that is better than being "with" Christ in this present phase of living. This is a passage that explicitly deals with life after death for a believer and it describes that situation in terms of our being "with Christ." Is that vague? Does it lack assurance and promise? I’d have thought it was the opposite! Clearly the truth isn’t developed in the text but why would that mean it was vague or somehow insubstantial or lacking in warm comfort? He says, "Dying and going to be with Christ is better than this!"

Get a view of Paul’s mind as he speaks of the glory of his ministry, of the joy and satisfaction he now finds in Christ, of the privilege he feels to be a servant of Christ to the world. For all his troubles he thought life in and with Christ even now was awesome, a triumph and a life-filled adventure. In fact, he looks at his troubles and thinks they are part of the glory (2 Corinthians 4, 6 and 11). Did ever a man live such a wonder-filled life? Get a sense of all that he was and did and felt and then hear him say, "It’d please me to die and go to be with Christ. That’s far better than this."

So what do you think he expected when he died? What did that being "with" Christ have that was better than what he now had? Well, he doesn’t say anything about the specifics but we know he knew it was far better than the present! I'd say that being with Christ post-mortem would certaily include the following.

"With" Christ would speak of a felt security.

"With" Christ would speak of a deepened intimacy.

"With" Christ would speak of a deepened sense of fellowship and communion.

We don’t know and don’t have to know the psychological ins and outs of that. We’re assured that "with" Christ speaks of it all.

The word "with" doesn’t stand alone, thank God! With "Christ"—that’s who he’ll be with, so let your reverent imagination get to work on that.

"Where is he?" a beloved mother asked her daughter about the husband she sorely missed since his death. He’s with Christ and now knows that neither life nor death is a threat to him (see Romans 8:38)—security! He’s with Christ and now is closer to him than when he was here—intimacy. He’s with Christ and now experiences a fellowship and communion that is deeper and more immediate than when he was here. (For a little more, click here.)

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... The Savior's Sigh

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                      The Savior's Sigh (8:11-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. Have you ever considered the Lord's reaction to your behavior...
   a. When you refuse to believe in Him?
   b. When you do not follow Him as you should?

2. In this lesson I want us to think how Jesus must feel...
   a. When we put off obeying the gospel of Christ
   b. When we fail to trust and obey Him in our daily walk

[In our text (Mk 8:11-13) we read of Jesus' response to those who came
to test Him.  Let's begin by carefully noting...]

I. THE NARRATIVE

   A. THE PHARISEES' DEMAND A SIGN...
      1. Jesus had just returned to the western shores of Galilee - Mk 8:10
      2. The Pharisees began to dispute with Him - Mk 8:11
         a. They had challenged Jesus before - Mk 2:6-7,16; 3:22; 7:1-2
         b. Matthew adds that they were joined by the Sadducees - Mt 16:1
      3. They demanded a sign - Mk 8:11
         a. A sign from heaven, perhaps like Joshua? - cf. Josh 10:12-14
         b. Had they not seen and heard of the many miracles already
            done?
         c. They were testing Him, perhaps hoping He would fail and be
            discredited

   B. JESUS' RESPONSE INVOLVED A SIGH...
      1. He sighed deeply in His spirit - Mk 8:12
         a. The anguish which Jesus experienced came from deep down
            inside him - Hendriksen
         b. Here the word "spirit" is used in a sense not much different
            from "heart" or "inner being." - ibid.
      2. Similar responses on other occasions
         a. Grieved by the hardness of their hearts - Mk 3:5
         b. Sighed as He healed the deaf mute - Mk 7:34
         c. Groaned in His spirit seeing the grief of others - Jn 11:33
         d. Wept over the city of Jerusalem - Lk 19:41-44

[Because of their hard hearts, no sign such as they were demanding would
be given them, except His resurrection (Mk 8:12-13; cf. Mt 12:39-40; 16:1-4).  Now consider whether Jesus might "sigh deeply in His spirit
today...]

II. THE APPLICATION

   A. JESUS OBSERVES OUR BEHAVIOR...
      1. Just as He observed the behavior of Saul of Tarsus - Ac 9:5
      2. Just as He observed the churches of Asia
         a. He knew their works - Re 2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15
         b. He found fault where it was due - Re 2:4,14,20; 3:2,16

   B. WOULD NOT JESUS SIGH DEEPLY...
      1. When we refuse to obey His gospel, time after time? - cf. Mt 11:28-30
      2. When our conduct is not much different than those of the world?
         - cf. Mt 5:20
      3. When our love is no different than that displayed by sinners?
         - cf. Mt 5:44-48
      4. When the kingdom of God is not our priority in life? - cf. Mt 6:33
      5. When tribulation or persecution causes us to stumble? cf. Mt13:20-21
      6. When anxiety or materialism makes us unfruitful? - cf. Mt 13:22
      7. When discouragement leads us to abandon prayer? - cf. Lk 18:1
      8. When human traditions displace keeping the commands of God?
         - cf. Mk 7:7,9
      9. When denominationalism defeats His prayer for unity? - cf. Jn 17:20-21
     10. When love of the world replaces love for His Father? - cf. 1Jn 2:15-17

CONCLUSION

1. From the Savior's sigh we learn that Jesus cared deeply...
   a. For those He was willing to heal (e.g., the deaf mute)
   b. For those He was willing to save (e.g., the Pharisees)

2. In similar fashion, Jesus stands ready...
   a. To save us from our sins
   b. To heal us of our souls' diseases

How will Jesus react to our response to Him?  Will it be with great joy,
or a deep sigh in His spirit...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Gary... CRAZY

"CRAZY"

I imagine that many people today have never heard of Patsy Cline.  She was a country western singer from the 1950's and died in a plane crash in 1963.  Some of you might remember the biographical 1985 movie "Sweet Dreams" starring Jessica Lange and Ed Harris.  I always loved Patsy's deep, resonate, passionate voice.  Listening to her always evoked emotion; she sang with all her  heart.  As I listened to the above link, I asked myself: Why would anyone think themselves "Crazy" for what they do?  I guess you could substitute the word "pointless", but somehow is just has no punch to it. Anyway, have you ever found yourself in a situation where those around you thought you were "crazy" for doing what you are doing?  Here is an example from the old testament...

Job, Chapter 2

1 Again, on the day when the God’s sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh.  2 Yahweh said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” 

Satan answered Yahweh, and said, “From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” 

  3  Yahweh said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against him, to ruin him without cause.” 

  4  Satan answered Yahweh, and said, “Skin for skin. Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.  5 But stretch out your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face.” 

  6  Yahweh said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life.” 

  7  So Satan went out from the presence of Yahweh, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to his head.  8 He took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with, and he sat among the ashes.  9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still maintain your integrity? Renounce God, and die.” 

  10  But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” 

In all this Job didn’t sin with his lips. 

Now, I know the word "crazy" isn't in the text, but it could be.  Job's wife obviously thought he was nuts for maintaining his integrity in the face of his horrible affliction.  Likewise, Job thought his spouse was foolish for her statement.  Crazy?  I don't think so!!!  But some today will think you CRAZY for believing in God; especially if you fall upon hard times.  Job eventually realized that compared to God, HIS righteousness was nothing and he needed to repent (change his mind and life) from his self-righteous attitude.  Humility goes a long way with God- repentance goes even farther.  Consistent obedience from the heart to the will of God as found in the Scriptures will do the most!!!  Really knowing and being known by Jesus WILL DO IT ALL!!!!  Don't be CRAZY, BE A CHRISTIAN!!!  Only A CRAZY PERSON WOULD TURN DOWN THE FREE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE!!!