The Authentic Servant by Victor Maxwell

THE AUTHENTIC SERVANT

in Mark`s Gospel

by Victor Maxwell

I really enjoyed this book so much that I think I am on my third reading!  The author Victor Maxwell has a very simply style in approaching the book of Mark.  It is like sitting in church on Sunday listening to a wonderful sermon!  For that is what each chapter consists of - individual sermons on the words written in the book of Mark!  The author states in his introduction that this book is as a result of studies within the book of Mark shared in ministry at Templemore Hall.  I don`t think I have ever really studied a Gospel writer before in such depth and detail.  I remember years ago when as a new Christian I was grappling with the basics of the Bible and was encouraged to read John`s gospel from the perspective of using it to present the gospel to another by way of evangelism.  I tended to think that Mark was like snippets of Jesus` life, it was fast in its pace but was not convinced it told the "whole" story of Jesus.  I mean where are the details of his birth?  It was as if Jesus just suddenly burst on to the scene and we have a glimpse of his many miracles.  Mark certainly tells of those individuals who came into contact with Jesus and as a result their lives were changed.  I slowly began to realise that Mark was actually one of the first written accounts of Jesus` life and death and was there long before the other 3 Gospels.  I never really understood who Mark was until Victor Maxwell pointed out that he was the John Mark of Acts of the Apostles, Barnabas` nephew - to some that sounds stupid but honestly I never thought of the writer.  I remember someone saying to me that when you read the Bible you should always ask the "W" questions - who, what, where, why and when.  That is true for Mark as there is so much contained in short paragraphs of each story.  To then find out that Mark was probably taking his account from Peter was a new realisation and it made sense because how else could Mark have recorded all those stories and have Peter featuring in each of them!  I read this book initially to learn great biblical truths but my approach was wrong - it only too until nearly the end of the book that I realised this!  Victor Maxwell approaches each chapter as a sermon in its own right and I need to look at it in the same way.  That is why I have set out my summaries with this in mind - his sub titles for each chapter are amazing as they make so many clear points about what is being read.  There are some sections within the book of Mark that Victor skims over but I don`t mind that as there are other books I could read that would help me understand those parts.  I have found this a fascinating read and to be honest whilst I took a couple of weeks from beginning to end I just did not want to miss out on the content and applying the lessons to my own life!

Chapter 1 - The Gospel According to Mark

The first written record early Christians had of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ was from the pen of Mark for his was the first of 4 Gospels to be written.

Mark not only wrote this first Gospel in Rome but also addressed it to the Romans who were increasingly influenced by the missionary endeavours of the early Church.

Mark pointedly set forth Jesus Christ as the Servant, not the servant of men, but rather the Servant of God and the Saviour of men.

Early church fathers inform us that Mark actually gave Peter`s account of the Gospel.  Some tell us that he got the facts of the Gospel from Peter`s preaching but his insights and explanation of the Gospel came from Paul.  Mark was not an apostle (one who was personally called and taught by Jesus Christ) himself but was closely involved with both of these great apostles of Jesus Christ.

Mark tells of more events and miracles in the life of Christ than the other Gospel writers.  His use of the words "immediately" and "straightway" occur 42 occasions, adds urgency to the action.  Mark uses the little word "and" 1331 times in 16 chapters.

Matthew - wrote to Jews.  He emphasised Jesus Christ as the Messiah and King of the Jews.  To affirm the credentials of the Saviour`s Kingship and Messianic role, Matthew began his gospel account with a genealogy.

Luke - "beloved physician" like Mark was not an Apostle.  He travelled extensively with Paul and wrote with the people of the nations in mind.  He began his account of the life of Christ with a case history of the Saviour`s birth and went on to highlight the flawlessness of Jesus Christ as the Perfect Man.

John - beloved disciple and fisherman from Galilee, wrote at a time when the Church was assailed by heresy from Greek philosophers who would have robbed Jesus Christ of His essential deity.  He reached back to begin with eternity and presented Christ as the Everlasting Word, the Creator of all things with God and equal to God for He is God.  John, having initially affirmed his position, proceeded to confirm the statement by setting forth the sayings and signs of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Mark - young friend of Simon Peter, addressed the energetic and active Romans.  He began his account of the Gospel with Christ`s activity and put the spotlight on the toil and travail of the Saviour as the Servant who came to do His Father`s will.  This emphasis is well expressed in Mark 10 verse 45 and is key verse which summarises the message of the whole book "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Mark became a servant of Christ.  Servants did not speak much of themselves; they spoke of the one whom they served.  This is what Mark did.  Courageously he took the initiative to do something that no one else had done at that time - provide a written record of the good news of the Saviour.  Millions have been blessed because Mark wanted to be like Jesus, a faithful servant.

Chapter 2 - Mark According to the Gospel

Mark 14 verses 51 - 52 - was this Mark himself?

Mark`s name reflected a blend of the cultures in which he lived.  "John" was his Jewish name which is derived from the Hebrew name "Jacob".  He lived in a Roman society and "Mark" was his Latin surname by which his influential family was known - Acts 12 verse 12.  His mother may well have been a widow, but the repeated hospitality she gave to the early Church is evidence that Mark came from quite a wealthy family.  This was further confirmed when his rich Uncle Barnabas, his mother`s brother from Cyprus, sold some land and brought the money to the Apostles for use of needy saints.
It was because of the influence of this generous uncle that Mark joined Paul and Barnabas after their visit to Jerusalem and accompanied them on Paul`s first missionary journey.  Sadly Mark could not stick the pace and rigour of the work, at least not at this stage.  Acts 13 verse 13 after an eventful visit to his uncle`s native island of Cyprus and after crossing the narrow strip of rough sea to Perga, John Mark could face no more and returned home to Jerusalem.

Mark`s desertion was obviously a very sensitive issue between Paul and Barnabas.  Later when Uncle Barnabas insisted on John Mark being given a second change, Paul refused point blank to let the young nephew join them.  The controversy generated over Mark was so acute that these 2 great men parted company.  Barnabas ever the encourager took Mark back to his home in Cyprus.

Maybe Barnabas advised Mark to spend some time with Peter.  1 Peter 5 verse 13 affectionately referred to as "Marcus my son."
Papias, the second century bishop said that many begged Mark to write down in order all that Peter told the congregations and his friends about the Lord.

Paul had known Mark from early in his own ministry and had not been too patient with him.  It is both to the credit of Paul and of Mark that when the ageing apostle wrote to the believers in Colosse, he recommended that if Mark was to come to them they were to receive him. (chapter 4 verse 10)  The last recorded words of Paul written from death row in a Roman prison referred to Mark "Take Mark and bring him with thee; for he is profitable unto me for the ministry" 2 Timothy 4 verse 11.  For Mark, failure was certainly not final.

Chapter 3 - Let`s Start at the Very Beginning - Mark chapter 1 verse 1

With constantly changing scenes and a rapid succession of events, we are conducted right through the ministry of John the Baptist, the baptism and temptation of our Lord, the call of the disciples and the first year of the Saviour`s public ministry.

Mark presented the credentials of Jehovah`s Servant Jesus Christ with a statement where each word was brimming with meaning - "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."  This dates the beginning of the earthly ministry of our Saviour.  This is the time when He entered those 3 vital and final years of His incarnation.

The word "gospel" was well known word in Roman times, for when a ruler began to reign or a son was born to the emperor`s family the announcement was called gospel - good news.

Mark gives the full title for credentials of our Saviour - "Jesus Christ the son of God."

The gospel is all about Jesus.  Jesus is the name that gives His identity.  He was always known as "Jesus of Nazareth".  He was a very historical person.  Mark gives us the unfolding drama of His life and work.  His words of sympathy and forgiveness and above all, His suffering and death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead by which He has provided salvation for us.

Mark further indicates that this Jesus is also the Christ.  "Christ is the Greek word for "the anointed one" which is a translation of the Hebrew word "Messiah".  This name indicates His authority.  Anointing in the Old Testament was a frequent practice.  Priests, prophets and kings were anointed at the inauguration of their office.  However, Israel had long waited for "the Anointed One - the Messiah" whom God had promised to send as a Priest like Melchisedec, a Prophet like Moses and a King like David.  Mark declares that the long awaited Anointed One, the Messiah is Jesus Christ.

Mark climaxes the credentials of the Lord Jesus by indicating that Jesus is the Son of God.  This clearly indicates His divinity.  There is no doubt that to Mark, Jesus Christ, was the Son of God, the Creator of all things, the Sustainer of all things, God manifest in the flesh.
1 Timothy 1 verse 15 "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief."

Paul spoke of the credentials of the Saviour.  He expressed what the Gospel was.  That is good news.  He then spoke of his experience of the Gospel in his own life, for the Gospel had changed him from a blaspheming persecutor of the church to make him the foremost preacher of the Gospel.  On this basis Paul exhorted others to prove the Good News for it "is the worthy of all acceptation."  This had given Paul a new beginning.  It did the same for Mark.

Chapter 4 - All about Jesus - Mark chapter 1 verses 2 - 13

The last chapter of Malachi speaks of the "Anointed One`s" coming will be preceded by the sudden arrival of the prophet Elijah (verse 5).  Jews today still believe that Elijah will come before Messiah.

Mark with characteristic suddenness presents John the Baptist as the fulfiment of that promise.

Jesus Announced by John the Baptist - verses 1 - 9  John the Baptist bursts unto the NT page with dynamic freshness.  He stood alone and aloof from all other men.  He was the last of the OT prophets and the first of the NT evangelists.  He emerged in the wilderness of Judea.  It seemed to be the worst of times.  The voice of a prophet had not been heard for 400 years.  God was silent.  The austerity of John`s life seemed to set him against the materialistic and ritualistic spirit of the age.  His clothing, his diet, his location and his powerful preaching shook the whole of Judea and beyond.  When he preached everyone listened!

John prepared the way for the coming of the King.  He predicted the emergence of the Messiah.  With the zeal of an evangelist he pointed sinners to the Lamb of God.  With the humility of a servant whose work was accomplished he was content to be eclipsed by His Master.

The authority of John`s ministry was the authority of God`s Word.  The utility of John`s ministry was to be what God wanted him to be.  The humility of John`s ministry was the abasement of himself and the aggrandisement of the Saviour.

Jesus Anointed by the Holy Spirit - verse 10  God broke through the heavens to identify Him as the Messiah (the Anointed) of God.  "The heavens opened" same word as was used for the "opening of the veil of the Temple, it was ripped, torn, rent."  God tore the heavens open as the Holy Spirit came upon the Lord Jesus with power.  In both cases it was God`s testimony to the work of His Son.  The first breakthrough would be as God came to earth.  The second would clear the way for man to go to God.  When God ripped open the heavens, He testified to the start of the Saviour`s ministry.  When he rent the veil of the Temple he testified to the success of that ministry.

The baptism of Jesus is clear demonstration of the activity of 3 divine and distinct persons.  The Son/Servant standing in the water, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descending out of heaven and the Father speaking from heaven.

This anointing is the fulfilling of Isaiah`s prophecy.  Isaiah 61 verse 1.  Everything the Father sent the Son to do He did by the Holy Spirit who is also known as the Spirit of Christ:

Matthew 1 verse 20 Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin.

Acts 10 verse 38 He was anointed by the Spirit coming out of the waters inaugurating His earthly ministry.

Mark 1 verse 12 He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

Hebrews 9 verse 14 He offered Himself through the Spirit as a spotless sacrifice to God.

Romans 1 verses 4, 8 and 11 Jesus Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1 verse 2 By the same Spirit he taught his disciples.

Today the Saviour still works in us through the same Holy Spirit whom He has given us.

Jesus did not call any disciples nor do any ministry until after the Holy Spirit anointed Him for the work.

Jesus Approved by the Father - verse 11  3 times in the ministry of our Lord the Father`s voice declares the Father`s delight in His Son and each time it was in relation to the Cross.

First His voice was heard on the banks of the Jordan as the Servant of Jehovah identified his sin-bearing death in the Baptism of Repentance.  This was the Father`s testimony to His pleasure in the Saviour.

Atop Mount of Transfiguration where Moses and Elijah had discussed the Saviour`s decease.  The Father`s testimony on the mountain was to the pre-eminence of His Son (Matthew 17 verse 5).

Finally the Father` voice was heard when our Lord, just days before His crucifixion spoke of the death He would die (John 12 verse 28).
God`s final and powerful declaration of approval of Jesus Christ was the resurrection from the dead when He was declared to be the Son of God with power.

Jesus Attacked by Satan - verses 12 and 13  The Holy Spirit drove Christ to the wilderness to be tested by Satan.  This was a serious test for the Son of God.  It not only proved that He did no sin, it also proved He could not sin for He was God.  The time of temptation was immediately after heaven`s approval.  The place of the temptation was in the solitary desert where only God would see.  The nature of the temptations struck at the deity of our Saviour, the authority of His Word and the glory of His Cross.  The result of the temptations of Christ vindicated the worthiness of Jehovah`s servant.  He was well able to accomplish all the Father asked Him to do.

Jesus Aided by angels - verse 13  The temptations of our Lord teach us that temptation in and of itself is not sin.

Angels are but God`s messengers who minister.  They served at Jesus` birth, now here in the desert, later at His tomb, at His ascension and will come with Him in glory at Christ`s return.

Chapter 5 - Then came Jesus - Mark chapter 1 verses 14 - 45

John the Baptist was seized and imprisoned, thus his short but effective ministry was terminated.  With John gone, Mark simple states "Jesus came".  After John the Baptist had fallen to the tyranny of Herod Tetrarch, it was then that Jesus came to Galilee from Judea.

Jesus came as the Master to call His disciples by the shore, as the Holy One to cast out demons from an unclean man in the synagogue, as the Healer who touched multitudes in Peter`s home making them whole as the intercessor who spent time on the mountain alone with God in spite of His busy ministry, as the sympathising Saviour preaching throughout Galilee and the Friend of all friends who touched and cleansed the despairing man who had been afflicted with leprosy.

This chapter gives us a picture of a typical Sabbath in the life of our Lord.  On the Sabbath morning He went to the synagogue where he read the scriptures and cast out demons.  After the service He was the guest in Peter`s home where He ministered to the family.  As the sun set multitudes gathered at the door of Peter`s house and Jesus healed them of various diseases.  After such a busy day many would have been exhausted, not so with our Lord; early the next morning He left the house and went to the mountainside to be with His heavenly Father.

Jesus called disciples to follow him - verses 14 - 20  The first title the Lord gave His disciples was "fishers of men".  Not the first encounter these disciples had had with the Lord.  They had previously been introduced to Him and believed on Him because of the witness of John the Baptist.  This was different - a subsequent call to service which underlined the supreme nature of their calling.  It was also a surprise choice.  These were ordinary fishermen.  Not been to the best rabbinical schools of that day nor did they have clout in the religious world.  They had been engaged in ordinary work, washing nets, mending nets and at times casting nets.  These are the men whom God called.  Accompanied by the sublime promise - "I will make you."  The word translated "make" is actually the word "create".  Jesus Christ, the great Creator promised to remake each of these whom He had called.  John 1 verse 42 "thou art Simon ... thou shalt be ... Peter."  Jesus transformed the life of John, a "son of thunder" and made him the apostle of love.  Jesus laid down one solitary condition - "follow me".  To follow Christ involves the forsaking of our own will.  It demands that we put Christ first in all things and then we simply follow Him.

Jesus cast out demons in the synagogue - verses 21 - 28  Capernaum was where Christ centred His Galilean ministry and it was there He attended the synagogue.  That day he spoke with authority and the common people heard him gladly.  He cast demons out of an "unclean man".  The authority and action of our blessed Lord was met with an attitude of critical and hypocritical unbelief.  These critics of our Lord had heard His word; they had seen His work, but the Word was not mingled with faith.  They were so blinded by prejudice, demons recognised more than they did.  Casting out the demons was the first of 5 great miracles Jesus did in Capernaum.  Special condemnation was reserved for that town because they refused to believe in spite of the miracles done there.

Jesus cured diverse people of different diseases - verses 29 - 34  Peter took the Saviour home.  Peter`s home was the home in which God worked.  First the blessing was felt by the family, for the mother-in-law was healed.  Second the blessing of His presence was felt by the friends as multitudes were healed at the door.  "they brought ... He healed".

Jesus communed with his Father on the mountain - verses 35 - 39   Jesus not ony had a busy day behind Him but another full day of preaching lay ahead.  Jesus made time to pray.  His prayers were in the solitary place.  Jesus prayed alone, early and often, why He prayed - his humanity, He prayed for Peter and others.

Jesus cleansed a despairing man from leprossy - verses 40 - 45  This man with leprosy not only met the Saviour but was also cleansed from his leprosy and asked to keep quiet about it.  It seems he could not keep quiet for He disobeyed the Lord and blazed the news abroad.  As a result of the man`s testimony Jesus removed to the desert place where the people came to Him from every quarter.

Chapter 6 - The Son of Man Hath Power - Mark chapter 2 verses 1 - 28

The most important thing about our Saviour is Who He Is.  Unless we have a right view of Who He Is, then what He did and what He said will lose their value.  With unclouded simplicity Mark simply displays Who Jesus Christ is.  Our Saviour perceived the need of a paralytic; He saw the faith of his four helpers; He read the thoughts of His critics and was attacked because He exercised His divine right to forgive sins.  He called Matthew to the Kingdom and declared Himself to be Lord of the Sabbath.

Raising the roof - verses 1 - 12  Mark uses the conjunction "and" to introduce this chapter and thus give continuity from the previous events.  The Saviour had withdrawn from Capernaum into the desert places because of the publicity spread by the cleansed leprosy victim.  When Jesus returned Mark said "He was in the house".  This was Simon Peter`s house.  The news of His presence had spread quickly and the house had soon been crowded to the door.  But the crowded home had not stopped the sick man.  His friends had taken him onto the roof, removed a few tiles and let the man down in a stretcher to the feet of Jesus.  In that home Jesus had engaged in His primary ministry; preaching and teaching the Word of God.  The principal ministry of the Lord was not to heal and work miracles; these helped authenticate His approval by God as the Servant Prophet.

The power of the Lord was in Simon Peter`s house.  This power was manifested in 2 great miracles.  The first was the miracle of raising a paralytic man. 

Reflect on the weakness of the sick man - 5 times we are told he was paralytic  - his condition was helpless and hopeless and while others could go to Jesus he had no physical strength to do so.  Our Lord later likened to the Great Physician, diagnosed his greater problem.  The man was a sinner.

Consider the willingness of his friends - 4 friends possibly neighbours were moved when they saw the paralytic`s need and they volunteered to take him to Jesus.  They were not only prepared to take the man to Jesus but to use innovative means to do so.  When there was no way in through the door and no entrance through the window, they broke the roof of the house to get the man to Christ.  Having got him there, they believed that Jesus was able to heal and forgive him.  The Saviour saw their work and honoured their faith.

Ponder the word of the Saviour - "Son thy sins be forgiven thee."  Jesus struck at the root of the man`s disease - his sin and forgave him fully and freely.  To the Jewish scribes this statement was a blasphemy and was punishable by death.  They had listened with embittered and hostile ears.  The danger of criticism and cynicism is that it tells more about the critic than about the person criticised.  To the paralytic Jesus` statement was a blessing and changed his whole future.  Jesus not only saved the man`s life but also forgave his sin.  Besides, the men who raised the roof soon praised the Lord.  The Son of God was present; the Word of God was preached; the power of God was evident; the grace of God was abundant and the glory of God was sounded.

Publicans, sinners and the Great Physician - verses 13 - 22  The call of Matthew was simple yet sublime - "Jesus saw Matthew".  He saw all of Matthew`s past.  He saw that Matthew was a publican.  Publicans were hated for 2 reasons - they fleeced the people and they represented Roman authority.  Jesus simply said "follow me" and these 2 words changed his life.  His was a life of faith, a life of following the Saviour and a fruitful life in which he blessed the world as a writer of the Gospel.  What a challenge to reach the lost as he opened his home and brought in publicans and sinners - none of the noble men of the town were there.  Notice the words "publicans and sinners" are used 3 times.  There was not a religious man among them.  Jesus said "they that are whole have no need of the physician but they that are sick. 
Repentance may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it leands to the forgiveness which brings great relief.

The Saviour and the Sabbath - verses 23 - 3 verse 6  2 Sabbath day events in the life of the Lord.  The first was a secular matter which concerned the disciples plucking corn in the fields.  The second was a sacred matter when Jesus healed a man with a withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath.  In both events Jesus Christ displayed His deity but also engaged the fury of the religious zealots and legalists who held the people in fear and bondage by their traditions.

In the Jewish Mishnah there were 1521 laws relating to the Sabbath.  The Pharisees frequently clashed with our Lord on 2 matters, the first being that Jesus Christ claimed to be God and the second concerning His actions on the Sabbath.  On the Sabbath our Lord healed many sick; His disciples plucked corn on the Sabbath.  This violated the traditions of the Pharisees.

Concerning work on the Sabbath, He gave them a lesson on liberty.
As regards the word of the law, He gave them a lesson on His Lordship.

By doing good to a poor lady in the synagogue, He gave them a lesson on love.

Chapter 7 - Tough but Tender - Mark chapter 3 verses 1 - 35

Religious Pharisees and political Herodians formed a convenient coalition to plot the destruction of the Lord Jesus. At the same time the popularity of the Saviour extended beyond Galilee and He appointed 12 apostles whom He prepared for the work of the Gospel.

Observing Pharisees in the synagogue - verses 1 - 6  Jesus healing the man with the withered hand probably not only took place on the same Sabbath as at the end of the previous chapter but there is a hint that the legalistic and devious Pharisees actually planted a man with a withered hand in the hope of bringing accusation against the Lord. 

The atmosphere was tense as Jesus entered the synagogue and knowing the hearts of all men, He censured the hypocrisy of the wicked hearts and cured the man with the withered hand.

This man must have gone to the synagogue many times and remained virtually unnoticed and little helped by the religionists.  They probably had tried to analyse the reason for his handicap but had no power or concern to help him.  Only when it served their evil intentions did thy make the man a ploy in their sinister plot.

Mark tells us "they watched Him" but there is an even more piercing comment which Mark wrote "And Jesus looked round about on them with anger."  Mark recounts 7 looks of our Lord in his narrative:
look of anger - chapter 3 verse 5, look of appraisal - chapter 3 verse 34, look of awareness - chapter 5 verse 32, look of accomplishment - chapter 6 verse 41, look of acknowledgement - chapter 7 verse 34, look of disapproval - chapter 8 verse 33, the look of affliction.

Jesus posed a question that highlighted the contrast:

He planned good - they plotted evil.  He had come with compassion in His heart - they came with criticism in their hearts.  He gave them the truth - they clung to tradition.  He came to give life - they sought to take life.  Jesus was never angry with publicans or sinners whom the Pharisees despised.  What Jesus saw angered Him.  He saw the hardness of their unfeeling hearts, the blindness of their bigoted hearts, the hatred in the wicked hearts.

Opportunities at the Seaside - verses 7 - 12  Mark shows that the impact of our Lord`s reputation was such that although He withdrew from the Pharisees.  He drew the crowds from ever more distant places.  Where did they come from?  Bible geography helps us uderstand they came from Galilee in the north, from Judea and Jerusalem in south, from Idumaea in the east and from Tyre in the west.

To Whom did the people come to?  Jesus Christ attracted needy people.  As the news of His miracles spread, people brought all their sick relatives to meet Jesus and to receive a miracle.  So great was the number of those who jostled to touch Him that they pressed in upon the Saviour and He withdrew again to the safety of a borrowed boat.  Here His deity and humanity flowed together.  The people did not come so much for the great words Jesus spoke; they were more interested in the great works He did.  He gladly received sinners; He healed the afflicted and liberated those who were possessed by demons.

Jesus withdrew to a mountain to spend time with His Heavenly Father.
Ordination of  Jesus` followers on the mountain - verses 13 - 19  Jesus spent a night in communion and prayer with His Father, then he enlisted 12 ordinary men for a very extraordinary purpose; to be His sent ones.  He called each one by name and He knew them through and through.

Simon Peter - a married man was mostly at home with boats and nets for he was a fisherman.  He was foremost among the apostles and was their spokesman.  His life ended when he was crucified upside-down in Rome.

Andrew - Peter`s brother and he brought Peter to Christ.  He was always bringing others to the Saviour.  He was martyred in Greece.

John - like Peter and Andrew was a fisherman from Bethsaida.  Probably the youngest disciple and was closer to the Lord than any other apostle.  He outlived them all and died a natural death although in exile on the Isle of Patmos.

James - John`s brother and partner in business.  He and John were nicknamed "Sons of Thunder", he with Peter and John was one of the inner circle of disciples near to the Lord.  James was the first apostle to die, beheaded by Herod.

Philip - close companion of Andrew.  Practical man and always calculating what was needed.  He was hanged in Asia

Bartholomew - also called Nathaniel, always had 2 opinions about most subjects.  He was flayed and beheaded at Armenia

Thomas - also called Didymus means twin, known for his doubts.  Became a missionary to India where martyred.

Matthew - tax collector.  His literary skills enabled him to chronicle the life of the Lord.  He was killed by sword in Ethiopia.

James - son of Alpheus, also known as James the Less.  He was of great importance to Jesus.  He was sawn asunder in Jerusalem.

Judas Thaddeus - distinguished from Judas Iscariot  Always pulled his weight and was faithful to his Lord.  Sharp arrows made him a martyr in Iraq.

Simon Zelotes - had been political activist.  His fiery nature was harnessed and changed by the Lord.  He was killed by an angry mob in Persia.

Judas Iscariot - treasurer and probably best educated in group.  Our Lord knew him and said he had chosen a devil.  He was called the son of perdition and Judas Iscariot is the traitor who betrayed our Lord.  He hanged himself.

Acts 4 verse 12 the Council at Jerusalem took note that these men had been with Jesus.

The Saviour also employed them as messengers to preach.  He endued them with power and sent them out.  Not to be confused with great commission of Mark 15 verses 15 and 16.  On this occasion when Jesus sent them out He did not go with them.  In the "great commission" promised never to leave the messenger.

Opposition of his foes - verses 22 - 30  Professional scribes had been sent from Jerusalem to investigate Jesus of Nazareth who had obviously created a stir in Judaism.  As they studied the wonders and miracles He had done and the lives He had changed, they slanderously concluded it was the work of Beelzebub, the Prince of Devils.  At this false and villainous accusation our Lord called his accusers and posed a frank question which proved to be unanswerable "How can Satan cast out Satan?"  The Lord enlarged on the absurdity of their charge and then thrust a 2 edged word "verily I say unto you, all manner of sin shall be forgiven unto the sons of men."  Jesus spoke the Gospel when He spoke of unmerited forgiveness of all manner of sin to men.  However, the Saviour confronted them with the unpardonable sin, the sin of persistently charging the witness and work of the Holy Spirit and the divinity and Saviourhood of our Lord as the work of Satan.  These scribes were in danger of this very sin.

Object Lesson with Jesus` family - verses 20 - 35  Mark underlines the pressure of the busy life of our Lord by saying "And the crowd came together again so that they could not so much as eat bread."  His friends thought He was cracking up and sought to take Him from the crowd.  His foes schemed to accuse Him.  His family came to call Him home.  But finally, Jesus emphasised His appraisal of the fellowship that transcends all earthly relationships - the fellowship of God`s family.

His physical family - from the periphery His mother and brothers called for Jesus` attention.  In response to this call He made a startling statement "Who is my mother or my brethren?"  Our Lord was not being disrespectful to his family - think of what he said to his mother from the cross.

His spiritual family - looking around Jesus pointed at his disciples and said "behold my mother and my brethren!"  He now accounted his spiritual family of greater importance to his physical family.  Belonging to the family of God is the holiest calling in life.

Chapter 8 -  Heavenly Stories - Mark chapter 4 verses 1 - 34

The Galilean shore was crammed with those who gathered.  Jesus was at the height of his ministry and it is thought this was the biggest crowd he had addressed until this point.  He borrowed a fisherman`s boat and used it as an improvised pulpit from which He taught by parables.  The weight and impact of the stories that Jesus told had a profound effect on his hearers.

Of the many parables that Jesus told to the assembled multitude, Mark carefully selected 4.  The most famous is the first, the parable of the sower, the seed and the soil.

The Identity of the Sower - Matthew 13 verse 37 "Son of Man" and reinforces Mark`s portrayal of Jesus as Jehovah`s Servant.  Jesus commanded us to go into the field with the objective of sowing the good seed of God`s Word.

The Diversity of the Soil - In the parable there is but one sower and only one type of seed but the soil is diverse.  What was the reason for the diversity?  It reflected how people hear God`s word.  Mark 4 verse 24 "And he saith unto them, take heed what you hear."  Jesus Christ placed great importance on how we hear.  13 times the word "hear" is used in Mark 4.  The various soils mentioned in the parable of the sower were probably representative of the hearers in the congregation who listened to the Lord on that day.  Hearing the word of God is the most important thing which can happen to human beings.  Jesus wanted the crowd then and us now, to ask the question "How do I receive God`s word?

Some seed fell on the trodden pathway - how easily this happens with the human heart and mind - when the seed does not penetrate the soil and seed is soon stolen away.  The devil uses doubts and distractions as well as many other ploys to steal away God`s word.  A trodden pathway person is not necessarily opposed to God`s word; indifference allows the enemy to steal God`s word.

Some seed fell on thin soil - quickly scorched.  A shallow superficiality in how they receive God`s word.  There is remorse without repentance, emotion without conversion, feeling without faith.

Some seed fell on thorny soil - in time it was strangled too.  Too often we allow the weeds of worldly care and doubt to take a deeper root than God`s word and soon the seed is crowded out.  These weeds soon choke the good seed.

Some seed fell on trustworthy soil - seed was successful.  On prepared soil the seed was productive.  We need to prepare our hearts to hear what God is saying.  Where the good seed is sown in good soil, there is always a good harvest.

Be careful not only what you hear, but also how you hear.  God gave us 2 eyes to see, 2 hearing ears that are always open, and 1 tongue that is housed in a closed mouth and guarded by a set of ivory teeth.  Could it be that He wants us to put double emphasis on seeing and listening and much less on speaking?

Chapter 9 - The Saviour and the Storm - Mark chapter 4 verses 35 - 41

Jesus had had a long day. He had taught the crowds at the shore until the long shadows began to gather and darkness hastened.  As the sun set behind the Galilean hills our Lord invited his disciples to pass over to the other side of Lake Gennesaret.  He had taught them lessons in parables during the day on dry land; now he was to teach them by experience in a storm at sea in the middle of the night.  They did not know at the time, but the oncoming storm was to prove a most effective lesson about the life of faith.

The Master`s Presence on the Ship - verses 35 - 36  Jesus was the one who gave the invitation for the disciples to cross on the other side of the lake.  He said unto them "let us pass over unto the other side."  Jesus was tired.  He withdrew from the multitude.  Mark then adds "They took Him even as He was in the ship."  The most important decision taken that night was to make sure Jesus Christ was on board.  Mark further adds "And there were also with him other little ships."  Our Lord had not only pointed the direction in which they were to go, but he also guaranteed their safe arrival at the destination.  God is the author of our salvation and our salvation was accomplished by the work of Jesus Christ.  He gave the invitation and with Christ on board he guides us in the direction we are to go and guarantees the destination - the Father`s House.  He never loses his own.

The Menacing Peril of the Storm - verses 37 - 38  The storm that rose was both sudden and severe.  Sudden storms were not unusual for Sea of Galilee.  Sea of Galilee is just over 600 feet below sea level.  It is surrounded by high mountains with deep valleys channelled between them.  The hot air rising from the sea can create a powerful turbulence on contact with the colder air of the hills.  The turbulence of the different pressures produce the winds which are a feature of Galilee.

The disciples learned lessons they would never forget.  They learned that although this storm was sudden to them, it never took the Lord by surprise.  The storm was so severe that seasoned fishermen were sure they would die.  If these experienced men of the sea feared because they had never seen the like of this, how much greater was the fear of those who were not fishermen?  The sense of death seemed imminent and doubts filled their hearts.  Nothing sifts out our faith like a storm.  The measure of our faith can be gauged in the crisis of a storm.  Their faith was measured in the storm, and it registered zero.  Jesus knew this would teach them that no storm is ever greater than the Saviour.

Jesus slept during the storm.  This showed he was indifferent.  We all have times when we think heaven is silent.  Driven to the point of despair they did something the wind could not do - they woke the Saviour.  They cried in their unbelief "carest thou not that we perish?"  The disciples learned that even when it seems heaven is silent.  Jesus still cares for us.

The Miraculous Power of the Saviour -  verse 39  Mark shows us an eloquent display of humanity and deity combined in the Saviour.  He laid his head on a pillow at the rear of the boat and slept such a deep sleep that not even the storm could waken him.  On the same night he stood to command the wind and the sea as the mighty Creator.  What a lovely picture of meekness and majesty combined in our Lord Jesus.  One minute we see him being so human; the next minute he is so divine.

Jesus muzzled the wind - When the Saviour was wakened he arose and spoke to wind.  "He rebuked the wind."  The word "rebuke" means to muzzle.  The wind and waves obeyed his command.  In the storms of life we also need to hear the word of the Lord.

Jesus Christ mastered the sea - at Galilee Jesus did many miracles.  He performed miracles beside the sea, in the sea, on the sea and with the sea  These waters recognised the footprint of their creator, and immediately as they heard his voice they subsided.

Jesus marvelled at the disciples "why is it that you are so fearful?"  This question was sharp and must have pierced the disciples through and through.  No one disciple was singled out.  They had started the night with faith, but that faith was soon lost overboard in the storm.  When faith is jettisoned, then fear reigns.  Faith and fear cannot co-exist.  They forgot what Jesus had said to them earlier "let us pass over to the other side."  Fear loomed large because they forgot where Jesus was.  He was with them in the boat.  Frequently we are aware that he is in the boat, but we feel he is asleep, or that he is not aware of what is happening.  Not so, Jesus slept confidently knowing they were all safe in the heavenly Father`s hand.  We also need faith to help us to confidently rest in the storms.

The disciples learned that faith is the antidote to doubt.  That night Peter and the other disciples had thrown faith overboard.  Doubt brought fear, it always does.  Jesus had given them a promise; His presence was with them, and they had seen his power  over the elements.  Peter learned the lesson of faith, for later he wrote "the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried by fire" 1 Peter 1 verse 7.

The disciples had rashly charged the Saviour wth not caring for them.  In the light of the day they were embarressed to realise He constantly cared for him.

The marvellous peace on the sea - verses 40 and 41 "And there was a great calm" in the cool light of the next morning there was much discussion.  Mark adds "And they were exceedingly fearful and said one to another "What manner of man is this that even the wind and the sea obey him?"  The fear they had in the storm was fear because of the absence of faith.  The "exceeding fearful" after the storm is that of admiration and reverence at who Jesus Christ is.  What manner of man is this - he is human; therefore He understands us.  Even the wind and sea obey him - he is divine; therefore he undertakes for us.

Chapter 10 - What a wonderful change in my life - Mark chapter 5 verses 1 - 43

Until chapter 5 Mark has portrayed the ministry of our Lord among the multitudes.  This chapter teaches us how important individuals are to the Saviour.  He purposely pointed the boat in the direction of the Gadarenes and travelled through the fury of a midnight storm just to set one man free who had previously been demented by an army of demons which possessed him.  Later in the midst of a crowd he took time to heal a desperate woman who had touched the edge of his garment.  Finally, at the request of a distraught father, he took time to go to the house of Jairus and call a little girl back from the dead.  Each case was one of sheer human tragedy, but on each occasion Jesus saw individuals who were precious to him.

Humanly speaking all these cases are hopelessly impossible -
impossible that is without Jesus Christ.  Against this back drop of human plight we see the might of the Saviour.  With him there are no impossible situations, he stilled the storm in an hour of danger.  With him there are no incurable people.

He set a man free from demons
a woman was healed from disease
and a child was delivered from death

Only the Physician could have make a difference in these 3 incidents.

Jesus` power over demons - verses 1 - 20  The story of the demoniac of Gadara illustrates well the saying "God forms a man; sin deforms a man; society informs a man but only Christ can transform a man."

Leaping from rock to rock he came running down the barren hillside to where Jesus was and fell down at his feet to worship him.  Even as the man cried out Jesus commanded the unclean demons to leave him.

Satan tried to ruin him with demons - the root of the man`s problem was the devil`s work.  His life had become the battle ground for demonic objectives.  These demons declared their number as being Legion.  Legion was the biggest unit of Roman soldiers and generally numbered 6000.

When Jesus commanded the demons to come out of this man, he called them in the singular because he knew them every one.  He not only knew their number but also their nature, for he described them as "unclean demons."

Society tried to reform him with chains - the Galilean region of Decapolis was made up of 10 cities under Roman rule.  Unloved and unwanted, a menace to himself and the community, they finally made him an outcast on the hills of Gadara.  He was separated from family and friends.  Society could not help him.  They saw him as a maniac.  Jesus saw him as a man.

A sad insight was given to the twisted values of that society when Jesus cast the demons out of the man and sent them into a herd of 2000 pigs.  In the city there was no great rejoicing for                            the deliverance of the demonised neighbour.  They were too blind to recognise that this was the greatest thing which had every happened in their community.  Rather, they lamented the loss of the pigs and subsequently asked Jesus to leave their region.

Society saw the wretch as a maniac; Satan had made him a demoniac, but Jesus saw him as a man.

The Saviour came with the purpose to redeem this one man and change him.  6000 could not withstand the Saviour.  Not only was this man changed, Jesus commissioned him to go home and tell the family and neighbours what great things had been done for him.  Could it be that because of the influence of this one man`s testimony that when Jesus came to the coasts of Decapolis later in His ministry, over 4000 people came to hear him?

Jesus` power over disease - verses 25 - 34
The lady`s hopeless plight - the woman with the issue of blood.  Her touch was the touch of faith which brought healing virtue from the Saviour.  In the pursuit of a cure she had been left financially destitute.  Worse still, it seemed that she was socially isolated and because of her disease she was religiously unacceptable and unclean.  No health, no help and no hope made her a woman to be pitied.

The Lord`s heavenly might - the desperation of her plight led her to Christ.  She pushed through the crowd from behind and touched him.  What she heard was mingled with faith and that faith activated her hand to reach out to touch the Lord.  That contact brought health to her body, help and peace to her soul and hope for her future.  His power had transformed her plight from hopelessness to happiness and peace.

The miracles of the Lord Jesus are but reflections of our need of him and what he can do in our lives.  He still effects miracles in lives that have been marred.  The lady`s physical need exemplifies our condition without Christ.  We are the helpless victims of our own sin. 

Many in vain attempt to rid themselves of their sin have tried the various doctors of the soul to no avail.  Reformation and religion are but a few of the vain and futile remedies we try.  Jesus Christ alone is the Great Physician.  He can open eyes that have been blinded; he can change hearts that are hard; he can cleanse the guilty conscience and turn feet to the road of righteousness and heaven.

Jesus` power over death - verses 21 - 25, 35 - 43  In every incident in this chapter it is striking that each person who came to Christ did not come because of their admiration for him.  Their need compelled them to seek the Saviour.  Our need is often the forerunner to grace.  That was certainly the case in the home of Jairus.

The father`s request - Jairus is only one in whole chapter who is identified by name.  He was a well known official of the synagogue in Capernaum where Jesus attended.  He probably made up part of the crowd when Jesus cured the man with the withered hand.  It is amazing, and yet it is very human that we often solicit help from the Lord only when we are in dire need.  He forsook his watch at his daughter`s bedside; he forgot his high rank at the synagogue and disregarded the comments of the crowd and quickly rushed to the shore where he found Jesus.  Revently and unashamedly he bowed before the Lord and passionately he prayed the Lord to come with urgency and save the life of his dying daughter.  This man had a conversion experience which was evidenced by his changed opinion about the Saviour.

The family report - Jairus had just witnessed the restoration of a woman who had been ill for 12 years.  By this miracle Jesus gave him hope when all seemed hopeless.  Jesus told him to have faith when fear seemed to be justified.  The trial of our faith works patience and patience works experience.

The final result - Jairus had asked for restoration.  The Saviour purposefully delayed his answer and brought more than restoration. 

He brought resurrection for even death could not obstruct his authority.

Jesus spoke to the dead.  Two delighted parents were overjoyed as the little girl rose from the bed and became an active 12 year old again and found her appetite.  What sounds of joy and sense of love must have filled that home.  Not danger, demons, disease nor death can oppose the command of our sovereign Saviour.

Chapter 11 Jesus At Home and Abroad - Mark chapter 6 verses 1 - 29

In no other place was he received with such doubt and disdain as in his own home town of Nazareth.  In spite of their persistent rejection, the Saviour with loving patient and tender persistence, came back home again.

This second longest chapter of Mark`s Gospel hold some of the hardest and darkest episodes in the life of our Lord.  It is a chapter which is characterised by hardness of heart and unbelief both by family, friends, foes and even by his followers.  The scepticism and unbelief of the Nazarenes bound the Saviour`s hands so that he could do no mighty work.  The scheming and conniving of a dancing damsel resulted in Herod taking the head off John the Baptist, and later, doubt and fear again gripped the hearts of the disciples in the face of what seemed to be insurmountable difficulties.

Jesus spoke at home - verses 1 - 6  Jesus took his disciples to his home town of Nazareth but there was no red carpet treatment waiting for the greatest citizen of this sleepy Galilean town.

Jesus returned home - "He came unto his own and his own received him not" said John the apostle.  The rejection felt by Jesus Christ was never more painful than in his hometown of Nazareth.  Of al the people, the citizens of Nazareth should have known who Jesus Christ really was.

Mark registers yet another attempt by our Lord to reach out to the people of his own home town in spite of their repeated rejection.  He came back because there was still someone in the town who needed him.  Undoubtedly these repeated visits were a factor in the later conversion of his own brothers, James and Jude, to whom he appeared after his resurrection.

The Jews resisted Jesus` honour - Jesus said "The prophet is not without honour, but in his own town."  Although the prophet may be robbed of his honour, the prophet is still the prophet.  Public opinoin is not what makes the man.  Public opinion in Nazareth was prejudiced against this prophet who was like unto Moses.

The people of Nazareth were too near to see him as he was - when they saw his works and heard his wisdom they questioned "Is not this the carpenter?"  They were sceptical of how a carpenter could do such mighty works.  When they heard his wisdom, they continued "is not this the son of Mary?"  A Jewish son was remembered and respected because of his father`s standing.  When they referred to him as a "son of Mary" it was a deliberate insult suggesting that the father of the child was unknown and questioning the integrity of the mother and the legitimacy of his birth.  They poured derision on him for not being the product of a rabbinical school.  In almost the same breath they further belittled him "he is the brother of James."  Jesus was robbed of honour in Nazareth because they were too near to see him as he was.

The people of Nazareth were too blind to see who he was - unbelief caused spiritual blindness which robbed them of an appreciation of who Jesus was and how much they needed him.  Their blindness had robbed them of a recognition of his worth and of their own need.

The people of Nazareth were too proud to admit how great he was - "They were offended at him" the people of Nazareth were too proud to admit how great he was.  Jesus had become a rock of offence upon which they stumbed, for they saw him only as a carpenter and judged him to be no greater than themselves.

The Jews restricted Jesus` help - "And he could do there no mighty work ... and he marvelled because of their unbelief."  Jesus Christ either marvels at our faith or at our unbelief.  Now he marvelled at the faithlessness of the hard hearted Jews who had been his neighbours.

Because he was unrecognised Jesus Christ remained unhonoured in Nazareth.  He was its greatest Son and bore the name of Nazareth to the cross.

Because of their unbelief He who had been a carpenter in the town was unable to do any mighty work amongst them.

Because they limited his power, they in turn limited the blessings they received from his ministry.  Unbelief was the greatest robber in Nazareth.  Unbelief had insulated them against the power of the Saviour.  Jesus would have done mighty works but was not able to because unbelief tied the hands of omnipotence.

Jesus sent apostles away - verses 7 - 13  When Jesus enountered disbelief in his home town he left with his disciples to preach in the small villages.  The only time the word "apostle" is used as a noun in Mark`s gospel is in chapter 6 verse 30.  "Apostle" refers to the office occupied by the 12 whom Jesus had chosen.  However the same word is used as a verb of the Lord when Mark wrote "He began to send them."  As an action word apostello means "to send someone with special authority, on another`s business, to accomplish his work.  As such, an apostle was not his own; he represented another.

They did not go at their own authority.  They were especially commissioned by the Saviour.

They did not go to fulfil their own ambitions.  They were under the control of the Saviour.

They dared not go in their own ability.  They were given power from the Saviour.

When the mission was finally completed, they were fully accountable only to the One Who sent them.

It is interesting that the Saviour told the apostles to shake the dust from off their sandals where they were not well received.  This was a custom observed by Jews as they travelled.  When they had passed through a Gentile area, they would shake off the Gentile dust.  Jesus taught His disciples to shake off the dust of the unbelieving Jews of the House of Israel.  Their minimum provision which Jesus ordered them to take was designed to bring out the maximum faith in their journey. 

The Saviour still works through those who are weak enough to prove Him, willing enough to obey him and simple enough to trust him.
Jesus` fame spread abroad - verses 14 - 29  Story of Herod Antipas is the story of the life and death of a conscience.  He sinned against his conscience.  Herod was a flamboyant lover of pleasure with little thought for morality, God or eternity; however, sharp shooting John the Baptist had confronted him about his licentious living.  For reasons both personal and political Herod put John into prison to try to silence the man who troubled his conscience.

As a birthday honour Herod threw a banquet for the entertainment of his male friends.  When the evening was in full swing, Salome, the daughter of King Herod`s lover, Herodius, danced to entertain the king.  Gratified with Salome`s charm he roared "Ask of me what you will, and I will give you up to half of my kingdom."  Inspired by her infamous mother, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.  Conscience tore Herod apart as he was distresed.  He complied with the girl`s request and executed John.  Herod`s conscience was seared.

When he heard of Jesus, Herod`s conscience was stirred again.  He believed John had been raised from the dead.  Sadly the stirring of the conscience was not followed by repentance and faith in Christ.  Later, Herod summoned Jesus to his presence before he was crucified.  The Saviour stood before him, but Jesus` voice was silent as was also Herod`s conscience and the immoral king was forever lost.  John the Baptist lost his head but kept his conscience.  Herod lost his conscience and with it he lost his soul.

 Chapter 12 - Does Jesus Care?  Mark chapter 6 verses 30 and 31

Jesus cared for harassed servants and their work - the disciples returned from their mission with great enthusiasm and excitement for all which they had witnessed and done.  At the same time the Saviour recognised their need for relaxation and renewal.  For this reason Jesus invited them to a deserted place away from the stir of the crowds and the flurry of activity.  For the Christian, God`s word is our delight and duty, but it is also demanding and at times draining.   

Engaging in Christian work is not only physically exacting, but often it is emotionally and spirtually draining.  He knows our limitations.  We all need time to relax.  God`s people are not of this world but they live in the world.  The Christian must be on his guard lest he is flooded by the tide of moral permissiveness and spiritual decadence that prevails today.  We all need time to be refreshed.  We cannot go far on a dry tank, an empty stomach or a barren soul.  We all need time for renewal.  He still invites us to spend time alone with him.  Doing God`s work is important.  Being effective in God`s work is paramount.

Jesus cared for hungry souls in the desert - verses 32 - 44  The feeding of 5000 is one of greatest miracles that Jesus ever did.

What Jesus saw - Jesus saw the lateness of the hour for he said the day was far spent

Jesus saw the emptiness of the place for it was deserted

Jesus saw the weakness of the people for some faint.

He saw the pitiful people as sheep without a shepherd and had compassion on them.  To the shepherd the sheep were both valuable and vulnerable.  The Pharisees were not shepherds to the distressed people.  Jesus came as the Good Shepherd and gave his life as a ransom for many.

What Jesus said - Jesus told the disciples "Give ye them to eat" the disciples had come up with their answer to the problem of coping with the crowd.  Some said send them away to buy their own bread.  Philip suggested if the apostles had equal to a year`s salary in their purse they could feed such a multitude.  But Jesus cut right through their human solutions and challenged them to minister to the crowd. 

The challenge to the church today is to feed the multitudes.  Alas, we still come up with our lame excuses and human solutions to the global problem of reaching the masses with the Bread of Life.

What Jesus used - Andrew found a boy who had brought his 4 barley loaves and 2 small fishes.  Barley bread was a poor man`s picnic lunch.  The rich lives off the finest wheat.  The boy surrendered it all to Jesus and miracle of feeding the 5000 is the rest of the story.  Jesus can use the poorest morsel if yielded to him.

Jesus satisfied them all - "They all did eat and were filled"  There was not just a little for each; they all received just what they needed and were filled.  It is likely that many had not been filled or satisfied before.

Jesus surpassed their expectations.  After the contented crowd had departed, the disciples picked up 12 baskets full of fragments that were left.

Jesus cared for helpless sailors at night - verses 45 - 54  Another great storm on Galilee which brought the fear of death to Jesus` disciples. 

The scriptures speak of many storms which were just as great as those on Galilee - storms of grief and guilt that assail heart and soul.  There are some parallel truths that are a comfort for us in the storms that strike us.

The storm was in his plan - Jesus constrained them to enter the ship then sent them to Bethsaida in the night.  He knew the storm was coming.  Quite often God`s vehicle to accomplish his purpose for us is to let us pass through a storm.

While they journeyed, he prayed - tossed by angry waves, alone they faced the height of a gale.  Meanwhile, Jesus was face to face with his Father on high, praying for them.  When Satan seeks to sift us or to swamp us, we have a Saviour praying for us and the Holy Spirit interceding for us.

When they were in peril, his presence was near - He came when they needed him most - in the darkest and most dangerous hour of the night.  He came the way they needed him most - walking on the water.
His peace filled their hearts - "Be of good cheer: It is I am."  He is the great "I AM".  He not only stilled the storm on the sea but also the storm in their hearts.

Jesus cared for the hurting sufferers of various diseases - verses 55 - 56  As soon as Jesus arrived in Genneserat he was recognised and word spread that Jesus had arrived.  Those who were able-bodied filled the region with the news that Jesus was present.  Perhaps they had been prompted by the news of what had happened to the woman who only touched the hem of his garment and had been made whole.

Those who had gone running with the news of Jesus` arrival must also have returned carrying the sick, the lame and the needy to the Saviour.  How blessed we would be if able bodied Christians would fill our communities with the news that Jesus is here and is able to change lives.  If only we would seek out the needy and bring them all to the Saviour.

While the helpers brought many to Christ, only those who reached out and touched him were made whole.  Those who were unwilling to reach out remained with their infirmity.

Chapter 13 - Hypocrisy Versus Reality - Mark chapter 7 verses 1 - 37

The development of Jewish history during the Israelites` exile and eventual return to Israel, gave rise to many religious groups and various political alliances.  Best known among these were the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Saducees and the Herodians.  All of them felt that they were guardians of the Mosaic Law and protectors of the promised land.

Scribes - founded by Ezra and set up use of synagogues for reading and exposition of the Law, however by the time our Lord had come, they had denerated to be propagators of error by which they held to the traditions of the "Oral Law", that which tradition said was handed down from Moses but not written in Scriptures.

Pharisees - beginning sought to protect Judaism from foreign influence and infiltration.  Their strict adherence to their interpretation of OT Law and their strong nationalist aspirations motivated them to try to establish a Messianic Kingdom on earth.
Saducees - elite and liberal group of the time who dispensed of the supernatural factor in religion and had little regard for tradition.
Herodians - political activists who wanted to promote a Jewish kingdom under the rule of the Herods.

From the time of their inception until the crucifixion of our Lord, all of these groups played an increasingly active and vocal role.  When the genral populace heard the Saviour, opinions were formed and these opinions flowed in the 2 extremes of popularity and hostility. 

Some wanted to crown him as King, while others planned to crucify him.  To the needy he was a hero, but with the religious legalists his rating was worse than 0.  Early in this chapter our Saviour faces the
religious group head on, toe to toe and eye to eye.

Jesus and the holding of traditions - verses 1 - 13  A special delegation of Pharisees and scribes had been sent from headquarters in Jerusalem to further check out about this Galilean.  With their biased minds and critical spirits, they censored and accused the disciples of our Lord of eating with unwashed hands.  Mark explained some of the Jewish traditions which these groups held.

Mark makes reference to tradition 5 times.  Tradition played a big part in Jewish life then and still does today.  There is nothing wrong with traditions in and of themselves providing the traditions do not oppose God`s word.  However the Jews had created a system whereby they had countless laws and rituals which had taken the place of a person and real relationship with God.  They majored on that which had been passed down as the Oral Law, that which had come by word of mouth reputedly from the time of Moses.  The observance of their traditions and esteem for the Oral Law had displaced their obedience to the written Word and made voice the Law of God.

These traditions regulated national, social, religious and domestic life.  It was all an outward expression of their religion, yet it had no corresponding inner-experience of God.

The accusation against the disciples was that they ignored and disobeyed the traditions of the elders and neglected the ceremonial washings of hands and pots etc.

An example of tradition - Jesus reprimanded their hypocrisy, highlighted one of the inconsistencies of these legalists and exposed their fraudulent behaviour.  Moses in the Law had commanded both negatively and positively about the honour and welfare of parents.  These legalists escaped their responsibilities by conveniently claiming the law of "Corban" and tried to circumvent the law of Moses.  "Corban" was a vow which released a person from giving money for the support of parents if they dedicated the money as an offering to the temple.  It seemed a worthy action, but the vow was never intended to be used to the neglect and disregard of parents.  There was more prestige in giving to the temple; therefore these rascals indulged in religious trickery by dismissing their responsibilty at home to gain prestige in society.  Jesus said this was hypocrisy.

The effect of tradition - a hypocrite is just a play actor.  He acts on the outside what he is not on the inside.  A hypocrite is a person who pretends to be what he is not.  Jesus Christ reserved his greatest condemnation for those who traffic in hypocritical religion.  The Pharisees had worked a system of their own traditions and rituals and had substituted these external trappings of religion for a personal and experiential relationship with God.  The outward form gave the appearance of godliness to these Jews but inside they were empty.  Jesus said they were whitewashed sepulchres.

There is a lot of hypocrisy in fundamentalist circles today.  Some are only going through the ritual of giving consent to truth with little of no corresponding experiences of God in their lives.

We are in danger of being hypocrites when we pay more attention to our reputation that to our character.

We are in peril of hypocrisy when we traffic in the external forms of our profession while our hearts are distant from the Saviour we profess to love.

We indulge in hypocrisy when we major on virtues and fail to expose vices.  There is nothing more obnoxious than fraudluent religions.
Jesus and the heart of our troubles - verses 14 - 23  "For from within out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries."  He pointed out the difference between external ritual and internal reality.  By their empty formalism the Jews had focused on man`s work and not on God.  Outward religion pays attention to the fruit of sin, our sinful actions, but not to the root of sin which is the human heart.  Our troubles are not physical; they are spiritual.  Our need is not for external washings but for inner cleansing.

Jesus struck at the root of the matter.  The Bible says: "He was manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  He bore our sins on his own body on the tree.  He was made sin for us.  The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.  The blood of Jesus Christ goes to the root of the matter.

Jesus and our human tragedies - verses 24 - 30  Of the thousands of named and unnamed people in the bible, few had the distinction of being commended by the Saviour for their faith.  More frequently people were rebuked for their unbelief.  It is refreshing to read of this unlikely lady who showed exceptional faith in the Lord Jesus.  He said of her "O woman, great is thy faith" Matthew 15 verse 28.  Mark reminds us that in the Gentile coastal territory of Phoenicia the Saviour could not be hid.  It was here an unnamed woman in desperate need sought the Saviour and exercised great faith in him. 

Why was her faith called "great faith"?

Her faith showed great concern for her daugther - this was a distraught mother, maybe a widow, breaking her heart for her little daughter.  A demon held the girl tormenting her and obviously causing havoc in the home.  Her need became a platform for faith.
Her faith conquered great difficulties in her way - there were many obstacles this woman had to overcome.  She had the disadvantage of race, for she was a Canaanite.  She had the disadvantage of being a woman.  Only 4 of the 38 miracles of Christ recorded in the bible involve women.

Her faith was confident in Jesus` great power - she had the disadvantage of location for she lived outside Israel.  Did her faith bring Christ to Tyre?  She was humble enough to take the place of a Gentile "dog" at Jesus` feet.  This woman looked on his miracles as a mere crumb from the table.

Her faith was greatly commended by Jesus Christ - exceptional faith brought an exceptional reward.  The mother was rewarded and the daughter was restored.  Great faith sees God and God sees great faith.  Was it for her only that the Saviour stepped outside the bounds of his own land and his own people just to honour great faith?

Jesus and his hand of triumph - verses 31 - 39 - Decapolis was not 1 city - name means 10 cities.  It was to this region the delivered demoniac had returned and told the great things the Lord had done for him.  Now another great miracle followed; by the touch of the Lord and authority of his command, a deaf and dumb man received his speech and hearing.  The first words he heard were from the voice of the Saviour.  Although Jesus told him not talk about it, the man could not keep quiet and his first words were to tell everyone what the Lord had done for him. 

Chapter 14 - It is No Secret What God Can Do - Mark 8 verses 1 - 38

At beginning of chapter 8 we find that not only did people flock in the thousands to hear the teaching and preaching of Jesus but they hung on his every word for 3 days.  They were so intent in listening that they missed their meals for those 3 days.  Their rapt attention underlines the fact that no man spoke like this man.

This chapter emphasises the busyness of our Lord doing his Father`s business as he travelled by boat from place to place around Galilee and then on foot ascended into the modern day Golan Heights with his disciples.

Jesus responded to the distress of the multitudes - verses 1 - 9  Feeding of 4 thousand - a different miracle - different loaves, people, location.  This miracle happened at southern end of the lake as opposed to 5000 at north shore of Galilee.  2 large baskets for fragments were the type used by Paul to escape from Damascus.  He ministered to the assembled people by his teaching and preaching but he was not unaware of their physical needs.  He noted many were far from home, they had fasted for 3 days and now at point of fainting.  Not only was he moved by their spiritual impoverishment but he had sympathy with their physical and social needs.  The multitude may have included Jews but was predominately Gentile.

His supply again exceeded their need - the Lord does not limit his mercy according to our needs; he is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think.  Jesus` followers must have gleaned some lessons from that miracle.  He taught them to love and sympathise with those to whom they minister.  He instructed them as to the source of his power, for again he looked to heaven and blessed the bread.  He showed them he was sufficient for every situation.

Jesus refused the demands of the Pharisees - verses 10 - 13  Having met the need of the hungry crowd, Jesus left the area in a boat.  He disembarked in Dalmanutha where he was confronted with the menacing Pharisees who pestered and tempted him with fruitless questions.  Mark highlights the motive that was in their hearts - they tempted him.  Argument is fruitless if it is motivated by prejudice and bitterness.    Every day the Saviour had been giving irrefutable signs, but they credited these to Beelzebub.  They were not really interested in signs and much less interested in the Saviour.  They attempted to trick the Saviour into making a mistake or to deviate from doing the Father`s will.

The Saviour, now moved with compassion or the needs of the crowds, now groaned, for He was hurt at the hardness of heart and unbelief of blind and prejudiced religious leaders.  It was sad when Jesus turned his back and departed.  It was the Saviour`s judgement on the Pharisees` continuing unbelief.

Jesus rebuked the dullness of his disciples - verses 14 - 21  15 questions asked in this chapter.  Jesus posed soul-searching questions to his disciples.  "Do you not understand?" "Is your heart still hard?" "Do you not see?" "Do you not hear?" "Do you not remember?"  How could his disciples experience so many of Jesus` miracles and hear his words yet doubt him?  The answer to that question is found in ourselves, for often we doubt him too.

Jesus removed the darkness of a blind man - verses 22 - 26  Jesus performed another wonderful miracle near to Bethsaida, the home town of some of his disciples.

The manner Jesus employed - Jesus took the man by the hand and led him out of Bethsaida.  This is the city which Jesus reproved for its unbelief, and perhaps like Nazareth no great work could be done there.  The man was not a native of Bethsaida for Jesus told the man not to return to the town.

The means Jesus engaged - The friends of the man had asked for Jesus to touch the blind man.  Jesus applied saliva to the man`s eyes and touched them with his hand.  The bind man could not see Jesus but the Saviour communicated with the man and encouraged his faith. 

There were 7 blind men healed in the gospels and Jesus approached each one differently.  He comes to us in just the way we need him.

The miracle the man experienced - the amazing thing about this man`s healing is that it was gradual.  He passed through 3 stages - no sight, partial sight and perfect sight.  A picture of our experience in Christ - once spiritually blind, now we see in part and when Jesus comes we shall see him face to face and see all things clearly.

Chapter 15 - Who is Jesus Christ?  Mark 8 verses 28 - 38

Jesus revealed His identity to his disciples - verses 27 - 33  Caesaria Philipi was on lower slopes of Mount Hermon which today forms part of the Golan Heights.  To Jews it was the outer boundary of their region for it was there that the Canaanites worshipped Baal and the Greeks erected a shrine in the grotto to their god, Pan.  Herod Philip, son of Herod the Great erected a white marble temple to honour the deified Emperor Caesar Augustus.  All this made Caesaria Philipi a conflict of false deities.  Appropriately Jesus posed the question "Who do you say that I am?"

Who Jesus is is of supreme importance.  At this point in time he had been approved from heaven as God`s son and recognised by demons as the Holy One.  To his disciples and to the people abroad he was Jesus of Nazareth - no one could understand who he was.

Who was Jesus according to people`s opinon - Some heard and concluded he was John the Baptist.  Others witnessed his miracles and were sure he was Elijah.  Still others were impressed with his compassion and saw in him the weeping prophet Jeremiah.  To many today he is a great human teacher, the Carpenter of Nazareth, the founder of Christianity, a Jew who claimed to be the Messiah, a martyr who died for a noble cause.  All of these are flawed - what do the scriptures say?

Who was Jesus according to Peter`s confession - Peter spoke with courage and conviction as he openly confessed "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Peter`s response was based on revelation that God the Father had given him.  When the disciples understood and acknowledged he was the Christ the Saviour spoke about the cross and the purpose for which he came:

"The Son of Man must suffer many things" - obedience of Jesus to the Father`s will

"must be rejected" - opposition to Jesus as predicted by prophet Isaiah
"and be killed" - offering of Jesus on the cross.

"after 3 days rise again" - overcoming death by resurrection

3 times the Lord revealed to his disciples details of his coming passion and on each occasion they failed to understand how the Messiah must suffer.  Peter soon made a confrontation against Christ and his passion.  Not only did Peter not understand, he probably did not really listen to hear the end of the statement.

Who is Jesus according to your personal confession - Although Peter is one who responded each of the disciples were asked the same question "who do you say that I am?"  Each one had to give their own answer.

Jesus required devotion from his disciples - verses 34 - 38  The Saviour spelled out the terms and the demands of discipleship.  The disciple is not greater than his Lord.

A disciple is one who forsakes and forgets his own will - the denial of self is not easy but it is the first step and then a pattern for life.  It is the crucifixion of self-life.  The follower of Jesus must learn to deny himself with the same strength that Peter denied his Lord.

A disciple is one who fulfils the Fathers will - the Father`s will was ever uppermost in the mind of Jesus and the will of God for Jesus led to the cross of Calvary.  Cross-bearing for the Christian is doing what Jesus did - he did the Father`s will.  A surrendered will is an imperative for a disciple of Jesus Christ.  A disciples is one who follows Christ wherever he leads.

A disciple is one who follows Christ wherever he leads - the disciples learned this process and it did not come easily.  Soon they left him and were scattered.  All but Judas returned to follow him until death.

Jesus concludes his discourse on discipleship by showing the alternative lifestyle to that of a disciple.  To indulge in the self-life is to lose the life.  To gain the world only is a bad investment.  To be ashamed of Christ now will result in being ashamed to meet him when he comes.

Chapter 16 - The Shining Son - Mark 9 verses 1 - 50

Spiritual growth is never instant, even with the very best teacher and teaching.  At the time of this chapter the disciples had been with the Lord for over 2 years.  It all had been an education and they were growing in the knowledge of the Lord.  Since the Saviour had begun to speak of his future suffering, death and resurrection, the disciples found it difficult to understand where it was leading them.  Jesus allowed inner 3 disciples - Peter, James and John to join him on the summit of a high mountain where they experienced something they would never forget and which would greatly add to the growth of their souls.  2 Peter 1 verses 16 - 18 "we were eye witnesses of his majesty, for he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory.  This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.  And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount."

The glory of Christ on the mountain - verses 1 - 13  Each gospel writer gave a different view of the Transfiguration.  Matthew, who viewed Christ as the King, emphasised the countenance of the Lord as shining like the sun and gave a parallel of John`s vision of the Saviour in Revelation 1.  Luke who displayed the sufferings of Christ the sinless Man, majored on the topic of the conversation about the forthcoming death of Christ.  Mark who portrayed Christ as the active and able Servant of Jehovah showed he had garments that were whiter and brighter than anything imaginable on earth.  This was a glimpse of the Lord from glory.  "fuller" was simply a launderer or a bleacher who dyed the garments.  "His garments became shining and exceeding white as snow as no fuller on earth can white them."

On the Mount of Transfiguration took place the greatest conference of history - on Mount of Transfiguration 2 visitors from heaven were there.  Moses as testimony of the Law and Elijah as representative of Prophets.  The countenance and clothing of the Saviour shone with the inner glory of the Lord Jesus.  The Father`s voice was heard. 

Galilean fishermen were present and felt so good about it they did not know what to say.  They learned that Jesus was the Lord of glory as he shone in his brightness.  They also learned that the saints in heaven share in the glory of their Lord and that he maintains communion with both those in heaven and those on earth.  They further learned that saints in glory of different ages are instantly recognisable.  They were overcome by this occasion and soon fell asleep.

On the Mount of Transfiguration took place the greatest conversation of history - they talked about the Saviour`s exodus - his departure.  Moses had led an exodus out of Egypt after the sacrifice of the pascal lamb which was a foreshadow of Jesus Christ, God`s Lamb.  Elijah had a personal exodus from earth to heaven when he was caught up to heaven and this was a likeness to the foretold resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Now he would make his exodus through the death of the cross and rise again to pass into the heavens.  Peter realised that the death of Christ was the greatest theme of heaven.

On the Mount of Transfiguration was a great contrast to Calvary - Mount Hermon was the mount of glory - Calvary was the place of grief.

Here was the outshining of his light - at Calvary there was the outpouring of his life.

Here his clothing did not hide his glory - at Calvary clothing did not cover his shame.

Here Jesus stood between 2 worthies of history - at Calvary he was crucified between 2 thieves of infamy.

Here his brightness outshone the sun - at Calvary the darkness hid the sun.

Here was heard the Father`s voice of approval from heaven - at Calvary was heard the Son`s cry of abandonment from earth.

Mark gave great details of the disciples reaction to the transfiguration  Peter addressed the Saviour "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here."  He wanted to erect 3 tabernacles, one each for Jesus and the 2 visitors from heaven.  He wanted to put Jesus on equal par with Moses and Elijah and wished to remain on the mountains of glory and bypass the suffering of which the Saviour had spoke.  It was then they were enveloped in a cloud out from which they heard the affirming voice from heaven, This is my beloved Son, hear him.  When they lifted their eyes again they saw no-one but Jesus.  God had taken the patriarch and prophet back to heaven and focused the disciples` vision on Jesus exclusively.

The gloom of the Christless in the Valley - verses 15 - 29  The story of a father bringing his demon possessed boy to Jesus` disciples.
Satan cast the boy down - The boy was a pathetic spectacle.  A demon seized him.  Demons are real and are the emissaries of the devil to destroy lives.  This foul demon made the boy scream, grind his teeth and foam at the mouth.  He often fell into fire and water and even worse the demon had struck him deaf and dumb so that the boy could not even verbalise his need.  It was Satan`s design to destroy this boy.

The disciples let the boy down - "I spoke to thy disciples that they would cast him out; and they could not."  The boy`s father was greatly disappointed with the disciples.  Without the Saviour they could do nothing.  The disciples had no vision of what Jesus could do.  They had no faith in the power that Jesus had given them.  Added to this, there was no prayer for the boy nor sense of urgency for his condition.  The Saviour taught them afterwards that power to expel demons in this way comes only by prayer.

The Saviour lifted the boy - Jesus came down from the mountain to rescue both the embarrassed disciples and the demon possessed boy.  The father, who had been disappointed in the disciples now doubted the Saviour.  He questioned if Jesus was able to do anything.  It was not the Saviour`s abilty that needed to be called into question; it was the ability of the man to believe.  The father prayed for faith in spite of his unbelief.  Jesus spoke to his disciples about their unbelief.  He spoke to the father about his faith.  He commanded the foul demon to depart.  His action spoke louder than words "And Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up and he arose."

True greatness for those who are climbing - verses 30 - 50  Jesus speaks to his disciples about the essentials for their growth and development.

The certainty of his sacrifice - he taught his disciples "The Son of Man is delivered."  Second of 3 occasions when he predicted his suffering and sacrifice and always with the promise of the resurrection.  They did not understand the lesson, and after Peter`s rebuke they were afraid of their own ignorance or even of suffering the same death.

The sincerity of true service - the disciples should have been ashamed of their behaviour, for while the Saviour spoke of his death, the disciples disputed who would be the greatest among them.  Did Peter, James and John feel that as they had ascended the holy mountain they had an advantage over the others?  The Saviour exposed their private struggle and tenderly took a little child in his arms and taught them that the secret of greatness is servanthood.  This is a lesson that Jesus repeated many times and even prior to his crucifixion the sense of rivalry was so great amongst the disciples that the only one who took the place of a servant was the Saviour with a basin and a towel.

The severity of all sin - with the child still in his arms Jesus spoke of sin and hell in a radical way.  No one preached more about sin and hell than Jesus.  He said it would be better to eliminate hand, foot or eye than to persist in sin and be in danger of hell.

Chapter 17 - All in the Family - Mark 10 verses 1 - 52

The question of marriage and divorce - verses 1 - 12  The Pharisees pursued the Saviour in a vain attempt to trap him.  They questioned him about divorce not because they required an answer, they had already formulated their own opinions, but in order to trick the Saviour.  John the Baptist had lost his head because he dared to speak out against Herod for divorcing his wife and committing adultery with his brother`s wife.  The Pharisees obviously calculated that if Jesus spoke against divorce it would appear he not only contradicted Moses but would also set him at variance with Herod.  If he approved of divorce they would have accused him of lowering his standards.

Jesus came back at them with another question "What did Moses command you?"  Back to Deuteronomy 24 verses 1 and 2 - from there Jesus turned the discussion from one on divorce and laid down the original plan for marriage which still contains Gods formula for a lasting relationship.  Divorce was not in God`s original plan.

God`s plan stresses the severance of family ties - "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother"  The marriage bond is strongest and closest bond known in the human family.  In marriage all other ties are to be loosed to allow for a lasting relationship.  Until we are joined in marriage we are members of one family with particular responsibilities and loyalties.  At marriage we sever some of those ties and with our spouse we become a separate unit.

God`s plan focuses on the importance of loving commitment - love in scriptures is an act of will.  In the vows at the marriage ceremony the couple pledge their "I will" to each other.  Many who say "I don`t love him any more" have simply lost the will to love.  It has been said that our will is often in conflict with our won`t.  The "I will" of the marriage vow often becomes the victim of the "I won`t" of convenience.

God`s plan emphasises an acceptance of each other - "And they shall be one flesh" When God provided Eve for Adam she was designed as his help meet, his auxiliary without whom he was incomplete.  Mutual acceptance is important for a couple to adjust to each other.  As they fulfil their roles in marriage they compliment and supplement each other.  They are 2 people bound in one union.

God`s plan insists on the permanence of the marriage bond - "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder"  The marriage bond is "glued" by God.  However, a man and woman must work at making sure they stick together.  Divorce was not in God`s plan.

Jesus` blessing on children - verses 13 - 16  "And they brought young children to him"

Consider the mothers who brought their children - Did these mothers read how Isaac, Moses, David and other great men were all brought to God as children?  Parents are not only their children`s first teachers, they are their children`s most effective teachers.

Consider the men who blocked the children - sadly the disciples became obstacles to these anxious mothers when they really should have been helpers.  Perhaps their reasons seems legitimate but they displeased the Lord.  "He took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them and blessed them."  His arms were outstretched to embrace them, his hands to touch them and his heart to bless them.

The truth for youth - verses 17 - 31  "And Jesus beholding him loved him and said unto him one thing thou lackest."  This young man came running to Jesus in the pursuit of eternal life.  This life is something he did not have and something he could not buy.  The fact that he ran to Jesus suggests not only his desire for real life, but also his disillusionment with the life he was living.  His had been a life characterised by riches, religion, being a ruler and having a good education.  Early he discovered that none of these could fill the emptiness of his heart to satisfy his soul.  He was so right in what he said yet so wrong in what he did.  He was so good in the eyes of men, yet he was as bad as all other men.  He was so near to finding life in the Saviour, yet he was so distant for he preferred his own possessions.  He had been so wise to come to Christ, yet so foolish to reject the Saviour who loved him.  The young man embraced his riches and neglected the One he needed most.

The model for servants - verses 32 - 45  "The Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes and they shall condemn him to death ... for even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many."  Mark draws attention to the recurring prediction of our Lord about his coming death which stands in stark contrast to the ongoing discussion of greatness and position among the disciples.

Consider the selfish petition - when Jesus spoke about his passion and death at Jerusalem, Salome`s 2 sons James and John asked him to grant their desire and give them seats of prominence in his kingdom.  Their request was for what they wanted rather than what God willed. 

Selfishness is like that.  It over-estimates self-importance and under-estimates the importance of others.  Their request incensed the other disciples and caused sharp division.

Observe the sacrifical pattern - Jesus dignified servanthood by indicating that he also was a Servant.  By his life and death he elevated service and sacrifice to its rightful place.

Ponder the Saviour`s prediction - our Saviour courageously and confidently foretold his betrayal at Gethsemane, the mocking at the hands of the Jews.  His scourging, spitting and crucifixion by the Romans and his resurrection on the third day.  Jesus was in control of these events.

Mercy for a blind beggar - verses 46 - 52  When Jesus passed through Jericho 2 people were converted.  First was Bartimaeus who was probably poorest man in town.  He was blind, a beggar, sat in the way as pilgrims made way to Jerusalem.  The second convert was Zacchaeus who was probably the richest man in town.  He came to the Saviour from the sycamore tree and took Jesus home.  As soon as Bartimaeus received his sight he followed Jesus - all his life he had sat in darkness until he met Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Blind Bartimaeus had good vision - that day he took his place at the old familiar spot in a forlorn hope that the passing pilgrims might toss him a coin.  People spoke of Jesus of Nazareth passing by.  What he heard was mingled with faith and out of a needy heart he repeatedly cried "Thou Son of David have mercy on me."  Although he was blind he could see his need.  Although he was blind he recognised that Jesus was the Messiah and King.  The worst blindness of all is spiritual blindness.

The beggar Bartimaeus found great treasure - all his life he had known nothing but begging.  He had been living on the scraps and leftovers of other people.  That day was different.  Jesus said "what will you that I do for you."  Jesus had opened the treasures of heaven to Bartimaeus.  He asked for what he needed most - his sight. 

Normally beggars had nothing to give away but as soon as he received his sight he threw away the beggar`s garment - he did not need it anymore.  He received something that money could not buy and he received Jesus as well.  For Bartimaeus throwing away the cloak was an act of faith; the word Jesus spoke to him was the assurance of faith; following after Jesus was the adoration of that faith.

The believing Bartimaeus exchanged Jericho for Jesus - when he was miraculously healed Bartimaeus did not follow the crowd.  He did not return to Jericho.  The first face he saw was the face of the Saviour. 

The first thing he did was follow the Messiah.  The road ahead led to the cross and shame, but Bartimaeus followed all the way and he probably saw the Saviour on the cross.

Chapter 18 - The Servant King - Mark 11 verses 1 - 33

Jesus presented as the Messiah to Jerusalem - verses 1 - 11  The chapter begins with the Saviour coming to Jerusalem.  In the last week of his ministry Jesus came to Jerusalem at least 3 times.  The first occasion was here at the beginning of this chaper when he came riding on a donkey and was hailed as a King coming in the name of the Lord in fulfilment of Zechariah`s prophecy - Zechariah 9 verse 9. 

The following day he exercised the authority of a chief priest when he returned to Jerusalem from Bethany and entered the temple to cast out the money changers and those who commercialised the temple - chapter 11 verses 12 - 15.  On the third occasion he came to Jerusalem as the weeping prophet who at the end of 3 years of ministry wept over the city - verse 27.

The week began with Christ riding on a colt; it ended with Christ carrying the cross.  The crowd shouted their spontaneous acclamation of Hosannas; soon they showed how superficial was their adoration and shouted their hatred.  The disciples flocked to him; soon they forsook him.  He rode as a victor, soon they made him a victim.  He came as a king to the coronation; soon they crowned him with thorns; they showered him with their praise, later they anointed him with vulgar spittle and cruelly nailed him to the cross.

The Saviour`s might in reserving the colt - in the action of reserving the colt the omniscience of the Saviour shone through.  Jesus told the disciples where to go and how they would find the colt.  He knew the past history of the colt on which no one had ever sat.  He foresaw what would be asked of His disciples when they untied the colt and told them how they should reply.  The 2 disciples found all things to be exactly as the Saviour had predicted.

The Saviour`s majesty in riding the colt - the Romans were famous for the pomp and ceremony of their victory parades.  The coming of the Messiah to Jerusalem was in great contrast.  The mount of a horse and tens of thousands of captives were not for him.  Instead the humble colt was prepared; the crowd, mostly Galileans covered the animal with their garments the Saviour descended on the Mount of Olives on the donkey.  Prophecy of Zechariah was recognised - Zechariah 9 verse 9.  Palms, the symbol of Jewish independence were strewn in the pathway  The chants of the multitude echoed across the Kidron Valley "Hosanna, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."

The Saviour`s meekness in requiring a colt - entering Jerusalem on a donkey was not just the symbol of humility, it was also a symbol of peace.  The mssion of our Lord was not finished when he rode the colt.

The Saviour`s mission in returning the colt - the mission of our Lord was not finished when he rode the colt.  No one noticed too much about the colt, their attention was to the one who sat on it.  Finally the colt was returned to the man who had first loaned it.  If a cup of cold water given in his name shall not lose its reward, what must a colt be worth?  What must a life be worth when it is fully given to God?

Jesus proclaimed a curse on the fig tree - Verses 12 - 14  "He found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet."  Jesus was a great story teller.  Mark set forth the miracles of our Lord as parables in action.  We find the cursing of the fig tree set alongside the cleansing of the temple.  The reason for this is because the cursing of the tree is related to the cleansing of the temple which followed almost immediately.

The fig tree was mentioned as a symbol of Israel was more productive than any other tree.  It gave a large quantity of fruit twice a year and the fruit normally grew at the same time as the large fig leaf filled out.  Where there was no fruit, the leaf grew more lush, but the tree remained barren.

This was a parallel to what the Saviour found in Israel.  The Israelites were pretentious in their appearance of worship and ceremony but these like fig leaves used by Adam and Eve only covered the shame of their barren service and naked religion.  At Christ`s command the fruitless fig tree withered.  It was divine judgement.  So also the pretentiousness of Israel withered; Jerusalem was destroyed; the temple was burned; the sacrifice ended and the people were scattered.  This was divine judgement.

This miracle should be looked upon as practical in its application.  The Lord still looks for fruit in our lives and for that purpose we have been chosen - John 15 verse 16.

Jesus purged the temple - verses 15 - 21  The Saviour had cleansed the temple at the beginning of his ministry but again it had been polluted.  He entered Jerusalem and found the temple to be a den of commerce and extortion.  The temple authorities refused to use the coinage of the Roman Empire which bore the image of Caesar so they produced their own temple coins for use in offerings etc.  To purchase these coins the money changers charged a costly exchange rate
whereby the worshipper lost and the merchant fattened his purse.  It was sacrilege and daylight robbery in the guise of religion.  The temple was meant to be the house of prayer and the palace of the living God.  With righteous anger, our Savour overthrew tables and chased the money changers out as he purged his temple.  The temple was under the judgement of God for its service had failed.

Jesus` promises and principles for prayer - verses 22 - 26  During the last week Jesus and his disciples commuted between Bethany and Jerusalem.  Early on Tuesday morning they came to where the Saviour had cursed the fig tree and found it withered.  Peter seemed to express surprise that the tree had indeed died.  At that very spot Jesus taught his disciples 3 crucial lessons.

A lesson on fruitfulness - the fig tree had been a sham of hypocrisy.  It was a symbol of sterile religion without substance and empty faith without works.

A lesson on faith - the Lord Jesus also taught them a lesson on the assurance of faith.  The Saviour continued to speak of faith as being active in prayer.  Spurgeon "The limit of faith is the will of God; our guides to that limit are the promises of God and the faith which we are enabled to exercise."  "What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe."  What great latitude we have when we desire the will of God and the glory of God in prayer.

A lesson on forgiveness - Jesus taught his disciples "when you stand praying forgive".  We are to forgive because we are forgiven.  We are to forgive in the same way we are forgiven.  We are to forgive that we might be forgiven.  We also are to forgive for our own spiritual growth.  Faith and forgiveness are essential to fruitful praying.

Jesus perplexed the Pharisees - verses 27 - 33  Questions are the grappling hooks by which we scale the summits of truth and explore the revelation of God in the scriptures.  The chief priest, scribes and elders who came to Christ formed the "Council of Jerusalem" and as such were guardians of the Law.  If anybody claimed Messianic authority they had responsibility to investigate the claim.  For this reason they challenged the Saviour "By what authority doest thou these things?"

The question had been prompted because of the events of this chapter.  Jesus had demonstrated his authority by his entrance into Jerusalem as a king, the cleansing of the temple as a priest and the cursing of the fig tree as a prophet.

Jesus answered with a question "The baptism of John, was it from heaven or of men?"  The right answer to this question would have answered their question but they were caught on the horns of a dilemma.  To admit what was true was to concede their unbelief.  To answer what was untrue was to condemn themselves.  They were caught in their own craftiness and opted to keep silent but their silence condemned them.

Jesus showed that it was not only a matter of his authority but of their accountability to him.  The finite minds of men may yet ask many questions but Jesus is still the only answer to our need.

Chapter 19 - Christ is the Keystone  Mark 12 verses 1 - 44

Mark brings us to a point where his account of the miracles of our Lord stops and the action changes.  He moves more slowly as he approaches the climax of our Lord`s ministry and sets the scene for the hatred of the religious leaders which would lead to the death of our Saviour.  This hatred was not recent or sudden.  From the early days of his ministry, the religious leaders rejected him and his teaching and Pharisees and Herodians combined to plot the destruction of Christ. 

Later after the Saviour cast out money changers from the temple, the chief priests and the scribes consulted with each other how Jesus could be destroyed.  This antagonism of the religious leaders against the Saviour not only continued, it intensified.  He met it head on in this chapter - "And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people; for they knew he had spoken a parable against them." 

Although surrounded by those who were opposed to him, Jesus boldly countered their hostile questions and exposed their hypocrisy by highlighting their responsibiltiy and ours.

Jesus taught our responsiblity to the Gospel - verses 1 - 12  The parable of the vineyard was familiar to these Jewish leaders.  In Isaiah 5 verses 1 - 7 Jehovah likened Israel to the vineyard God had chosen and planted in fertile soil.  Jehovah asked "what could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?"  Ungrateful Israel had turned her back on God, and because of this, judgement followed.  The Saviour took up the same theme and set forth all the elements of the Gospel story.

The parable clearly sets forth the moral attributes of God.  As the owner of the vineyard, there is an overflow of God`s love, his goodness, faithfulness, patience, forebearance and grace which are shown to those who repeatedly rejected him.  Likewise emanating from the same owner is a demonstration of the holiness of God expressed in his righteousness and justice towards those who disobeyed the owner and rejected his son.

The Saviour summed up the parable by asking if they had not read the final words of the Jewish Hallel which was soon to be sung at the Passover Feast - "The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner." Psalm 118 verses 22 - 23 is alluded to, not only by our Lord but also by Paul and Peter in relation to Christ as the chief cornerstone.  The cornerstone determined the accuracy of the rest of the building.

Jesus taught our responsibility to government - verses 13 - 17  Again the Pharisees and the Herodians combined and sent their most accomplished interrogators to try to trap the Saviour with a question. 

They came up with what they must have thought was a master piece "Master, we know that thou art true."  They then got to the burning issue of the day "is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar?"  The question was loaded with flattery and designed to ensnare the Saviour in a vexed issue of that time.  The Herodians supported the Roman Poll Tax and the Pharisees opposed it as being disloyal to Israel.  Cunningly they tried to corner the Saviour.  To endorse the tribute was to support the Emperor.  To oppose it was to rebel.

Jesus reply - he asked for a coin.  One side bore an image of Caesar and on the other an inscription of the attributes by which the Emperor claimed to be divine.  Jesus asked whose image was on the coin and they replied "Caesar`s".  Jesus replied "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar`s and to God the things that are God`s."  The Lord taught the following through this:-

The responsibility of government - God is in favour of order and he founded government which is a proper administration of responsibility.  He established the home and appointed government in the home.  He bought the church and established government in the church.  God also founded society and established government and rule in the land.  Governments are responsible to God.

Our responsibility to govenment - as the Emperor`s image is on the coin, so there is a responsibility to Caesar.  We are to pay for our government by the taxes we owe.  We are to pray for the government to which God has made us responsible.

Our responsibility to God - we are God`s coinage and we bear his image; therefore, we should render to him what we owe him.  He gave his all for us.  Too often Caesar receives what is his due, and God is neglected in our responsibility to him.  Under the same token we should never give to God and rob Caesar.

Jesus taught our responsiblity to God - verses 18 - 40.  When the Pharisees and Herodians had spent their cunning skill, Mark reports that the Saducees came with their astute question.  The Saducees were probably the most influential.  They were Zionists who considered themselves to be the brains of society and they were liberal in their theology.  Although they accepted the book of Moses, they discounted the prophets and had little place for the traditions of the Pharisees.  As the Pharisees had tried to ensnare Christ, so the Saducees tried to embarrass him with a well rehearsed question which had confounded theologians for years.  They proceeded to tell the story of 7 brothers who married the same woman.  They followed it with a question "In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife will she be of them?  For they all had her to wife."  Jesus indicted these smart Saducees as being the victims of their own ignorance.  They were ignorant of the scriptures which teach the resurrection, ignorant of the strength of God which accomplished the resurrection and ignorant of the Saviour who secured the resurrection.  Not only is the God of Abraham alive, but because He is the living God, Abraham also lives.

Asking questions and discussing deep theological matters was a popular pastime with the people.  The Commandments were high on the agenda, and discussing which commandment had priority was a popular point of debate.  One scribe who perceived that Jesus answered with great wisdom addressed his question to the Lord "Which is the first commandment of all?"  Jesus quoted the Shema which is the Jewish creed from Deuteronomy 6 verse 4 and linked it with Leviticus 19 verse 18 "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart ... thou shalt love thy neighbour ... there is none other commandment greater than these."

The Saviour has taught that our love is not for the law but for the Lord, not for the rules and ritual of religion, but for love which is based on relationship to God.  Jesus linked our vertical relationship to God with our horizontal relationship to men.  We do not live by rules, we live by relationship, and out of the relationship should flow love for the one to whom we are related.  He loved us first and loves us longest.  Our love is but a response to that heavenly love.  Jesus showed that the greatest thing a man can do is to love the Lord with all that he has.

Love is the sum of all God`s law - when God gave the law, he gave it for man`s good because he loved us.  All sin is not so much against the law, it is against the Lord and against his great love.  We best express our love for the Lord by keeping his word.

Love is the standard for all living - where love is lacking there is the empty sound of a hollow life  Love will regulate our behaviour, dictate our motives and motivate our service.  When we lose our love for Christ, we also lose our love for the scriptures, for prayer, for souls and for other Christians.  Stay in love with Christ, then living for him will follow.

Love is the strength of all our labour - love is the root of fruitful service for Christ.  Love for God in our vertical relationsip will be evident by our labour for God on the horizontal and human relationships.  Our love for Christ should be the motivation of all our activity and the solution to all our apathy.

Jesus showed our responsibility in giving - verses 41 - 44.  "But she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."  The story of the widow and her 2 mites is one of the most beautiful and touching stories in the New Testament.  It stands in utter contrast to the rest of the chapter.  Of all the nameless women in female biography this lady is one we would love to know more about.  Yet she is only one of many anonymous people who were prepared to give to Jesus.  There was the boy who gave his lunch, the man who gave his boat, the man who gave his colt and the man who gave an upper room.  These all stood as challenging contrasts to others.

Mark produced a rare diamond with which to crown this chapter in which there is so much antagonism against the Saviour.  In it he showed the Savour`s  attitude to our offerings to him.

Jesus` warning to wealthy professors - Pharisees loved the preeminent place.  They were proud of what they wore, where they stood, the works they did and the wealth they owned.  They were interested in what they got.  The widow was interested in what she gave.

Jesus` witness to the woman`s offering - Jesus saw the sadness of her widowhood.  He knew all about her loss and loneliness.  He knew the social difficulties facing a widow in society.  He recognised her sacrifice.  It would have been a sacrifice to give one mite.  Out of love for God, she gave all that she had.  Sacrifice is not an attractive word in an affluent age.

Jesus` word to his own disciples - by what Jesus said to his disciples, we note where the Saviour sat - near the treasury.  I am sure Jesus paid more attention to the treasurer than the offerings.  He still does.  What Jesus saw is equally important.  He not only saw the amount given but the attitude and circumstances out which it was given.  He still does.

Chapter 20 - Jesus is coming again - Mark 13 verses 1 - 37

The second coming of our Lord is one of the greatest themes of the bible.  In 260 chapters of the New Testament there are 300 references to the second coming.  The Olivet discourse of our Lord is the greatest exposition Jesus gave outside of what we generally call the Sermon on the Mount.  It all began when the disciples asked the Lord about the great stones and the magnificence of the temple.  According to Matthew, on the way into the city Jesus had predicted the destruction of the temple.  Such a thing seemed unlikely to the disciples who were overwhelmed with the grandeur and seeming permanence of the temple structure.  Jesus reassured them that as he had pronounced, so not one stone would be left standing on another in the temple.

They left the temple and crossed the valley to the Mount of Olives where 4 of the disciples came privately and asked about the signs and times of the Lord`s prediction.  Their questions gave rise to the Saviour`s predictions and admonitions in this chapter.

Be sure of sudden destruction - verses 1 - 4

The temple was the glory of Israel and one of the wonders of the world.  The destruction of such an edifice seemed inconceivable. 

Within 40 years of the Saviour`s prediction the unbelievable actually happened.  The sack of Jerusalem in AD70 is one of the great dates of history acknowledged by Jew and Gentile.  Titus, a Roman General led his armies against the city.  The temple was plundered and burned and in the ensuing search for melted gold, the soldiers literally pulled one stone down from the top of the other so that temple area was flattened.

The destruction of the temple and Jerusalem was God`s judgement on the dead system of Judaism.

Beware of spiritual deception - verses 5 and 6

Great delusion and deception are characteristic of our times.  The warning against false Christs was not only sounded by our Lord but also by John, Paul and Peter.  There has never been a shortage of antichrists, for the spirit of the age is antichristian.  These only pave the way for the coming of the Antichrist.  Presently we contend with the antichrists of liberalism and modernism who speak of a Christ which is foreign to the scriptures.  Their Christ is neither virgin born nor divine in his nature.  They say there is no efficacy in his blood and deny the resurrection.  This is antichrist.  We also encounter the false christs of many cults.  Russelites, who wrongly call themselves Jehovah Witnesses, propound a Christ who is less than God.  Mormons speak of a Christ who is a figment of Joseph Smith`s imagination.  Roman Catholicism presents a Christ who is reduced to a wafer in the mass.  Under the cloak of evangelicalism many arise with a false Christ in the gospel of the new prosperity of health and wealth.  Jesus Christ said, "take heed lest any man deceive you."

Behold coming developments - verses 7 - 28

The Saviour spoke of the developments in coming times.  God`s calendar and clock are accurate and he set the agenda of the prophetic programme.

Developments in the world - a study of the Olivet discourse touches on national developments with war between nations, physical developments with earthquakes and tragedies, commercial developments with seeming prosperity as in the days of Noah and moral developments with the breakdown of morality.

Developments in the church - the church will be marked with a departure from the truth - the great apostasy and the doctrine of demons which will be acceptable to many (1 Timothy 3 verse 1, 2 Timothy 4 verse 3).  The love of many saints will diminish and faith will be greatly tried.

Developments in Israel - during the Great Tribulation period the abomination of desolation will occupy the holy place and Israel will embrace the Antichrist.  Great war and destruction will follow before the great revelation of the Saviour.  All of this infers the re-establishment of Israel as a nation, the rebuilding of the temple and reintroduction of temple worship.

Believe in sure deliverance - verses 29 - 32

The bible teaches us that first Christ will come for the saints in teh great day of the rapture of the church when the Lord hiself shall descend from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God.  We shall be caught up to be with Christ.  This will be a time for rewards at the Judgement Seat of Christ and a time of rejoicing at hte Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

The bible then teaches that Jesus will come with his saints, and every eye shall see him.  Israel shall be delivered and judged; the nations of the earth shall enter into judgement and Jesus shall establish his great reign.

Be ready for soon departure - verses 33 - 37

The servant who loves his Lord is not the one who is able to say how far off or how near the coming of the Lord may be.  Rather it is the servant who is ready for the Master`s coming.  What is important is that we be ready for the coming of the Lord.  The word our Saviour repeatedly used in our readiness for his return is the word "watch".

It is the look of a servant who is praying - verse 33

It is the look of the servant who is working - verses 34 and 35

It is the look of the servant who is awake  verses 36 and 37

Chapter 21 - Memorable Hours - Mark chapter 14 verses 1 - 72

Bethany - small village on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives.  In Bethany Jesus often resided at the home of Lazarus and his 2 sisters, Mary and Martha.  In Bethany Lazarus was raised from the dead.  At Bethany some of the greatest expressions of love were shown to the Saivour and by the Saviour.  Jesus is the Lord of glory; it is symbolic that he came to Bethany, which simply means the "house of the poor".  Bethany may have borne the name of the poor house but it was a rich place indeed.

An extravagant love - verses 1 - 9

When Mary broke her alabaster box and poured the ointment on her Saviour`s head she did it as an expression of sincere and sacrificial love for Jesus.  For this the Saviour not only commended her but also commanded that wherever the gospel is preached in all the world, her action should be spoken of as a memorial to her.  This commendation was not only that her act be recorded for posterity but also that those who would take the gospel into all the world must be prepared to perpetuate the principle of sacrificial love for Christ.

What did she do?  She did something which was expensive.  She broke her alabaster vial of precious ointment and anointed the head of the Saviour.  Her action was considered expensive, for it was equal in value to one year`s wages.  However, it was a full expression of her love for him.  She might well have done it for her brother when he died, or she could have sold it to give to the poor of her town.  But what she did was done exclusively for the Lord.  What she did was extravagant for she irreversibly broke the seal of the box and poured it all on the Saviour`s head.

Where did she do it?  She did it in the house of Simon the leper in Bethany.  Bethany was Mary`s home town and she honoured Christ just where she lived.

When did she do it?  It was near to the Passover and within hours of the passion of the Lord.  The enemies plotted and planned with malice against him how they might destroy him.  His disciples murmured about what Mary did and considered it to be the waste of good money.  When the world hated him most and the disciples were speaking against Mary, it was then that Mary loved him most.  The magnificence of her deed is only matched by the malice of his enemies and the murmuring of his followers.

Why did she do it?  An appreciation of his worth.  She realised this was not just a man, this was the God-Man.  An act of her worship and done out of a full heart of gratitude and love.  This anointing anticipated his work on the cross.  Jesus said it was done against his burying.

An evil betrayal - verses 10 and 11

Judas` betrayal stood in great contrast between the display of love for Christ in a home in Bethany and the demonstration of the Saviour`s love for us at the passover table in Jerusalem.

The prophecies that predicted Judas - the Psalmist foretold that a near friend would betray the Lord - Psalm 41 verse 9 as well as the loss of his office - Psalm 109 verse 8.  Zechariah predicted the price paid would be that paid for a crippled slave.

The privileges that were poured on Judas - the honours he enjoyed and the privileges he received threw his treachery into greater disgrace.  He was a follower of Christ, called to be an apostle, a preacher, the treasurer of the 12, had his feet washed by the Lord and was made an honoured guest at the table with the 12.

The plot which was planned by Judas - he planned and executed the plot to betray the Lord. Sadly it had never cost him anything to follow the Lord and he was a covetous and greedy man - he did the devil`s work.

The price that was paid by Judas.  He followed the Light of the world yet walked in darkness.  He kissed the Gate of Heaven and went to Hell. He sold the Saviour and his soul and paid his own way to hell.  Wasted privileges and lost opportunities may never return.

An Enduring Memorial - verses 12 - 25

The Lord`s Table instituted at the Passover feast in a borrowed upper room, is the touch stone of our faith.  The symbols Christ used were symbols of Jewish deliverance out of Egypt in the Passover Feast.

The Bread - these were simple symbols then and they are still symbols now.  Bread was always a sumbol of life.  The Saviour gave the bread indicating he was giving his life for them.  His life was a sinless life and his death was a sacrifical death.  As we partake of the bread we identify our faith in the sufficiency of that sacrifice which was made once and for all for us.

The Cup - 4 cups in the Passover meal.  The Cup of Sanctification - remind the Jew they were a chosen and sanctified people.  The Cup of Blessing - cup of gratitude for the blessing God had given to the family over the preceding year.  The Cup of Redemption symbolised the price which was paid by the blood of the Pascal Lamb for their deliverance out of Egypt.  The Cup of Hope was to look forward to the coming of Messiah.  It was precisely at the Cup of Redemption that Jesus instituted the Lord`s Supper.

This Cup of Redemption became the symbol of the New Covenant and our Redemption in the blood of Christ.  The rich redness of the wine reminds us of his atoning and precious blood.  The pouring of the wine reminds us he poured out his life unto death.  We drink the wine and remember his blood was spilled for us.  The memorial feast continues until Jesus comes again "I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine until that day that I drink it new in the Kingdom of God." 
Soon we shall drink of the Cup of Hope at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

An Evening Song - verse 26

"And when they had sung a hymn they went out into the Mount of Olives" (verse 26)  The name Hallel is the name given for the Psalms sung during the Passover Feast and are made up of the Psalms 112 - 118.  The hymn sung by our Saviour and his disciples before they went out into the clear night on the way to Gethsemane - Psalm 118.  The Saviour often referred to this Psalm and the final verses are filled with poignancy and meaning when considered they were the final words the Saviour would sing before going to the cross.

"This is the Lord`s doing" - Psalm 118 verse 23.  Having finished the supper in which the symbols of death and sacrifice were shown and before He stepped out into the night of anguish under the eastern sky, our Lord sang with confidence that this was all God`s doing.

"This is the day which the Lord hath made" - Psalm 118 verse 24. 

Within 12 hours he would be whipped, spat upon, crowned with thorns and nailed to a cross.  Yet he joined the the others to sing.
This is the Lord`s devotion - "Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar" Psalm 118 verse 27.  Ahead of him was the cross.  He saw it as the altar where he would die as our substitutionary sacrifice to bring us to God.  Although nails pierced his hands and feet.  He was bound with the cords of love and devotion on the cross.  He sang all this within the shadow of Calvary.

An Extreme Agony - verses 32 - 52

Jesus` birth at Bethlehem was a mystery to heavenly angels as they beheld the Son of God incarnate.  His years of obscurity in the carpenter`s shop in Nazareth were a mystery for he was God incognito - hidden from human view.  His life was an enigma to his contemporaries.  However at his passion and death it was as if holy angels hushed their voices and heaven waited in silence to witness the great finale as Jesus perfected the work of our redemption.

Gethsemane - an appropriate place.  Gethsemane means "oil press" - here olives were crushed to pulp so that the rich oil could be extracted.  Jesus was crushed between the severe mental anguish as a man facing the hellish malice of Satan as well as the Father laying on him the sin of the world.

Gethsemane - agony in this place.  Disciples accompanied him to this final place of prayer, but the Saviour was alone when he cried in agony to the Father.  The place of prayer became the place of pain.  In this garden our Lord resisted unto blood and in agony of soul the monstrous assault of the devil.

The Effective Prayers - verse 39

"And again he went away and prayed."

His prayers were offered with great suffering - "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he was a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." Hebrews 5 verses 7 - 8.  In the garden Jesus faced Satan who tried to put the Saviour to death some other way than the cross.

His prayers were short, simple and yet so strong.  Our Lord`s prayers were "prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears."  Prayer must not be measured in the immensity of words but in the intensity of heart.  Many times the disciples had heard Jesus pray but never had there been prayer like this.  Strong praying resisted Satan.  His fear was not the fear of death but the fear he might die before the cross.  It is not just that Jesus died that mattered, but that he died the death of the cross.

His prayers were with complete surrender - "Not my will but thine be done."  The Saviour spoke in his prayer of "the cup" and "the hour".  These are terms he had used repeatedly in anticipation of Calvary where he would be made sin for us.  Jesus held nothing back.  He fully surrendered and fully submitted himself to the will of the Father.  Our sins were the burden he bore at this pinnacle of prayer.

His prayers were always successful.  The prayers of Jesus were always in accord with the Father`s will.  The history of the human race all began in a garden and history will finish in Eden above.  The Saviour prevailed in his great work in the Garden of Gethseman.  In the first garden, Adam was in rebellion against God.  In this second garden the Saviour was in submission to God.  In the Garden of Eden Adam lost all because of his disobedience.  The tragedy that was sustained in Eden was reversed in Gethsemane.

An Example of Failure - verses 66 - 72

Peter was open and honest about his own flaws and faults while he exalted his Lord - he never forgot the hot tears when he wept at having failed his Saviour in the hour of rejection.

Often failure in our lives is not the act of a moment.  It is the erosion of our devotion and the drift of self indulgence and then we suddenly find we are far from our Lord.  Mark traced the drift in Peter`s downfall through a series of steps:

Peter boasted too early that he would never forsake his Lord - verse 29

Peter slept too easily when it came to the watch and pray in the garden - verse 37

Peter acted too hastily when the soldiers came to arrest the Saviour - verse 47

Peter with the other disciples, forsook his Lord too readily at the hour of the Saviour`s passsion - verse 50

Peter denied his Lord so insensibly with oaths and curses - verses 66 - 71

Peter wept bitterly when he realised how far he had drifted - verse 72

Chapter 22 - The Mistrial of Jesus Christ - Mark 14 verses 53 - chapter 15 verse 15

A notorious unusual alliance forged in the final days of our Saviour`s life.  Those who had been arch enemies of Christ formed an uncommon and unholy alliance against him.  Individualy the participants of the alliance were easily identified.

The religious conspiracy of the Jewish Council - motivated by fear and envy, the elders of Israel plotted against the Saviour.  He did not conform to their traditions and his authority in word and deed threatened their power.  He had exposed their hypocrisy, condemned their empty formalism and cleansed the temple.  This was their hour as they punched him, spat on him and falsely accused him.
The intellectual contempt of the learned scribes.  Jewish life was shaped and regulated by the Mosaic Law as interpreted by the Talmud.  Scribes knew the Law and the Talmud, yet Jesus was railroaded to rough justice with their consent.

The political conduct of Pilate - before the Jewish court, Christ was charged with blasphemy and was without guilt.  Before the civil court the charge was treason and Pilate could find no fault in him.  There were strange allies in Jerusalem when Jesus was tried.  Sadly his own had forsaken him and fled.

One such partnership already existed between the Pharisees and the Herodians since the early days of the Saviour`s ministry.  Herod supported Rome and all things Greek: Judaism opposed all foreign influence.  Again unholy hands joined in a conspiracy to annihilate our Lord.

First there is the coupling of Herod and Pilate who had been avowed enemies of each other but here they were made friends.

Caiaphas joined with Caesar and declared publicly "We have no King but Caesar!".

THE JEWISH TRIAL

We are struck with the whole atmosphere: the fear of the Jews, the treason of Judas, the panic of the disciples, the treachery of the High Priest and in the midst of it all, the serenity of Jesus.

700 years earlier Isaiah said "He was despised and rejected of men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  He was led as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth."

The injustice and hatred against Jesus - no person was ever more innocent.  No trial was ever so false.  No crime was ever so wrong.  Jesus faced 6 trials:

3 religious trials - one before Annas, one before Caiaphas and one before the Sanhedrin

3 civic trials - one before Pilate, one before Herod and then back to Pilate again.

Before the Jewish court the charge was blasphemy but before the Roman court the charge was treason.

Under Roman law the Jews were not permitted to administer capital punishment.  For this reason the Jewish authorities turned Jesus over to the Romans and Jesus was crucified under Roman law and not stoned as in Jewish law.

Jewish law and tradition had been moulded and regulated by the Mosaic Law as interpreted in Talmud.

Arrest for a capital crime must be made in broad daylight and not at night

Arrest for a capital crime could not be made on the information of a follower because his follower could be counted as an accomplice to the crime

No Jewish trial was to be held at night, from dusk to dawn and no trial for a capital crime was to be conducted during a feast

Members of the Sanhedrin after hearing testimony regarding the one accused of a capital crime were not permitted to give an immediate verdict.  Justice demanded they first return home for 2 days and 2 nights.  Only then should they hear again the testimony against the accused before given their verdict.

Sanhedrin members must only vote one at a time beginning with the youngest.

All witnesses against the defendant had to be questioned separately and all must agree in detail before the evidence is admitted.

No one person could act as judge.  A verdict could only be reached by a court of at least 3 people, 23 people or 73 person.

The Sanhedrin kept breaking their own procedural laws in what became a gross miscarriage of justice.  Annas was the father-in-law of the current high priest whose name was Caiaphas.  He had served as high priest for 17 years.  He was undoubtedly the wealthiest and most influential man in Israel.  He owned and operated the money changing system which was corrupt to the core and ever since Jesus upset his business in the temple court yard, Annas had a personal vendetta against Jesus.  Even in the rending of his garments the priest disobeyed the Law.

The insult and humiliation of Jesus - the crowd was guilty of making the wrong choices and they had to live with those choices.  The blood of Jesus was on their hands.  It was really the Pharisees who were on trial.  Their choices sealed their fate.

The injury and the hurt of Jesus - all through the humiliating trials of our Lord, his qualities shone through.  There was always evidence of his innocence.  When false witnesses were brought before him at the High Priest`s palace they only indicted themselves, for one witness contradicted the other.  Even Pilate was forced to confess that he could find no fault in him.

Added to his innocence was the Saviour`s silence.  He never cried out in defence of himself even though he had every right to.  By every step to the cross he left us an example of how to bear up under suffering unjustly imposed on us.  His silence and serenity were the products of the confidence he had in the Father`s plan.

Chapter 23 - The Cross of Christ - Mark 16 verses 6 - 37

"And they bring him unto the place of Golgotha" verse 22

Earth had never witnessed a scene like this before.  Never had so many ever poured such hate and contempt on one who was so innocent.

They hounded him like baying dogs hunting for their chase.

In their frenzied hate they surrounded him; they mocked him and demanded he be made the victm of the most barbaric death.

Their hideous and grinning faces spelled out their scorn.
Their mocking eyes stared at him as they hurled their cruel words of scornful taunts.

So detestable was the spectacle that heaven woudl not endure the scene.  At high noon the sun suddenly hid its face and for 3 long hours the wicked crowd groped in the darkness of midnight at midday.  The earth convulsed beneath their feet; rocks were rent; graves were opened and an invisible hand rent the veil of the temple.  It was a day of infamy and a day of shame, yet for all believers, Golgotha is the cross-roads where time and eternity meet.  Here heaven met earth and here God still meets the repentant sinner.

Calvary was God`s masterpiece.  The scenes must have been horrific.  But the cross was the altar.  Jesus was the Lamb. The blood was the price of redemption.  We are the benefactors.  Mark writes of Calvary not to appeal for pity but as a call to faith in Jesus.

The path that led to the cross - that path to the cross started long before Jesus left Pilate`s judgement hall.

The commencement of the pathway - Calvary was no accident of history.  It was no invention of the devil nor the after-thought of God.  In the plan of the God`s eternal counsel, Christ was sent forth for this very hour.  Golgotha was by divine appointment for "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain."

The course of the pathway - Christ`s death is the great theme of the ages.  It was first taught to Adam and Eve before they left Eden when their shame was covered by the sacrifice of animals.  Abel learned about the death of the sacrificial lamb in his time.  Noah and Abraham, the Passover and the Tabernacle - yes the cross threw its shadow over every page of history.

The cruelty of the pathway - "And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas until them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him to be crucified."  Never before had there been such a display of human guilt.  Never before had there been such a manifestation of divine grace.

Roman scourging was terrible torture reserved for the worst criminals.  The Saviour`s hands were tied behind his back and he was tied to a block which forced his back upwards.  The whip was a long leather tong studded with sharp pieces of bone.  39 lashes were then applied to the back and every lash shredded the flesh and reduced the body to raw bleeding pulp.

Having survived the scourging, Roman soldiers thought nothing of mocking a Jew.  They laughed him to scorn because he claimed to be king.  They stripped him of his clothing, robed him in purple and then crowned him with plated thorns.  He was worthy of diadems but he took the thorns of our sin.

They took rods and beat him, undoubtedly puncturing the brow where sharp thorns pierced through.  They plucked the hair from his face.  He knew the name of every soldier and soon he would bear their sin to the cross.

Having crowned him and robed him, there was no oil to anoint him as king in the mocking game.  Instead of oil, mocking soldiers displayed their own depravity as they emptied their throats and spat upon him. 

All his suffering was not designed to arouse our pity but to assure us of the extent of his love for us.

The climax of the pathway - Jesus said "The hour is come that the Son of Man should be glorified."  He spoke of being crucified as equal to being glorified.  This was the way our Lord had to come, and he endured the cross, despised the shame and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The people who came to the cross - a range of people stood around the cross that day.  There were mourners and mockers, soldiers and civilians, religious zealots and rebels, women weeping and many mocking.

Simon of Cyrene carried the cross for Christ - he was compelled to come to the cross - verse 21

The soldiers brought the nails, the board, the paint.  It was their duty to be at the cross - verse 20

2 thieves brought their sins to the cross.  From the cross one died in faith and went to Paradise.  From the same execution the other died in sin and went to hell - verses 27 and 28

The scorners brought the vinegar and the sponge to add to the suffering of the victim - verse 23

John the Apostle brought Mary the mother of the Saviour to the cross
The priests and scribes brought their insults to the cross.  When all rational argument was exhausted and found wanting, insult and scorn were the only means left - verses 31 and 32.

The people watched him as a spectacle on the cross and passed by pouring out their scorn - verses 29 and 30.

The centurion brought the spear which punctured Christ`s side.  At the cross he discovered that Christ was God - verse 39.

The sympathetic women brought wine and myrrh.  They came to stay at the cross - verses 40 - 47.
The Person who died on the cross

It was a mystery that he could die - he was the Son of God, the Eternal Word who had created all things and given life to every man.

It was a mystery that he would die - "Scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5 verses 7 and 8

It was mystery that he died as he did - crucifixion was an ingenious and horrible death cruelly devised by the Romans and one of the crudest forms of death every contrived.  Even in the Roman world it was reserved for only the worst criminals of the time.  In his death he joined in the company of common thieves and took the place of a certain Barabbas who was worthy of the cross.  Even while on the cross, he prayed for those who nailed him to the cross and instructed John to care for Mary.

The Price that was paid on the cross

Jesus Christ gave all for us and did everything necessary for our salvation.  He is therefore worthy and we in return give all to him.

Chapter 24 - Dealing with the Dead - Mark 15 verses 38 - 47

The Lord Jesus was not only in control of his own death.  He made his own funeral arrangements.  John was the only disciple who stood at the foot of the cross.  The events which surrounded the death of our Lord were quite remarkable; the darkness, the rending of the rocks, the raising of the dead, the cries in the darkness.  Yet of all the events that surrounded the death of our Lord, the most devastating to Judaism was probably the rending of the veil in the temple.

The damaged curtain in the temple - verse 38

The rending of the veil - Mark gives details of the Saviour`s death by "the hour".

The Saviour was crucrified at the third hour - 9 am

Darkness came on the scene at the sixth hour - noon

It was the ninth hour that Christ cried out with a loud voice "It is finished" - 3 pm

In that precise moment the ninth hour, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom.

It was precisely at this hour that the priests were ministering in the temple.  Imagine as they stood before the altar of incense, suddenly and dramatically, they heard an almighty roar as the curtain, the thickness of a hands breadth, 60 feet high and 30 feet wide, was ripped in 2 from top to bottom.

The Hidden Hand that tore the curtain was also significant.  The timing reminds us that God was watching every detail of the drama on Calvary and when the work was completed, God testified from heaven by rending the veil in 2.  Mark used the terms "from the top to the bottom".  This hidde hand could not have been that of a man.  Only God could have torn it from the top to the bottom.  That it was ripped right to the bottom indicates how severe and complete was the rending.  It was not a partial tear but a total severing of the curtain.

The temple priests were divided into 24 courses, each one ministering for one week at a time.  For 23 weeks they had no temple duties until the cycle of 24 weeks came round again.  During Passover week all 24 courses were in full attendance at the temple.  This meant that when the veil was torn and the mercy seat became visible, many priests looked on it for the first time.  Is it any wonder that when the apostles preached in the power of the Holy Spirit that many priests believed the messsage of the gospel - Acts 6 verse 7.  They had seen the effect of the finished work of Christ.

The requirement of the veil - only one way to God and that way was through this veil.  It was the final separation between God and man. 

The temple contained a whole series of barriers and restrictions. 

There was a wall which limited Gentiles from approaching even as far as the Jews.  Yet another wall restricted the approach of Jewish women.  Another division at the entrance to the Holy Place kept Jewish men out and only priests were admitted.  The last barrier was this veil which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies where only the High Priest could enter once each year on the Day of Atonement.

The removal of the veil - when the veil was torn, there were no more barriers to God.  No more veil or separation existed.  No priest was needed; there was no more need for an altar of sacrifice; no more lambs needed to be slain; no more blood needed to be spilt.  God put out the flame of judgement which had burned on the altar.  A new way was now opened by which men could come to God in Jesus. 

Even we have the blessed privilege of approaching God and "where e`r we seek him he is found and every place is hallowed ground".  He is the priest, the altar the sacrifice and all we need.

The discerning centurion at the cross - verse 39

We know little of the centurion - not his name, how old he was or if he was married or single.  We do know that he was a soldier in Caesar`s army but we do not know if he was a seasoned campaigner or novice, a volunteer or a conscript.  The only distinguishing thing about him is that he is the man who crucified Jesus.  At least 2 men trusted Christ at the cross.  One was a Jew who cursed him and the other was a gentile who crucified him.

That day the centurion crucified Christ.  He had never met such a person as Jesus.  Never had he witnessed such derision against a person and yet such devotion to the same person.  When the sun darkened and the earth shook, he stood amazed at things which he had never witnessed before.  Often he had heard curses, blasphemies and all sorts of threats from screaming victims, but never had he ever heard a person pray on the cross.

That day the centurion was converted to Christ.  Within hours of commanding soldiers to drive in the nails to crucify the Saviour and watching his men gamble for Christ`s garment, something happened in the life of this centurion.  He made one of the clearest statements about the identity of Jesus for he openly confessed that the Christ of the cross was the Son of God.

Mark had good reason to include the account of this centurion - he was addressing his writing principally to Romans who were commanded to reverence the deity of Caesar.  Many perhaps had asked questions about the deity of Jesus.  Mark presented a Roman Centurion who gave the answer.  Here was a seasoned soldier in the Imperial army who had seen Jesus close up, and even though he was a Gentile, yet he was convinced who Jesus was and he was converted to Christ at the cross.

The distressed company by the cross - verses 40 and 41

Around the cross were some friends of Jesus.  The majority of them were women from Galilee.  They came to weep because of the Saviour but they also came to be witnesses to the fact that he really died.  The very women who lingered at the cross and witnessed his death also helped in his burial and were witnesses of his resurrection.  The funeral was simple - his body was wrapped in linen cloths; spices were placed in this cloth, and he was buried the same day he died.  A very small number attended the funeral service, probably only 6 - Joseph, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, Mary his mother, Mary the wife of Cleophas and John.  To attend to the remains of a person who had been crucified as a person guilty of sedition was to jeopardise one`s life.  That is one of the reasons why the disciples had distanced themselves from the Saviour once he became a prisoner and was charged with an offence.  The small company had their own service in a Garden.  No songs were sung and no one gave an oration. Those who loved him went home broken hearted.

The distinguished citizen who took Jesus from the cross - verse 43
Joseph of Aramithea was a rich man and undoubtedly a religious man.  He was a companion of Nicodemus and both of them were members of the Jewish Parliament, the Sanhedrin.  He came from a little town of Aramithea just 6 miles from Jerusalem.  We are not told when or how he came to Christ but the bible does inform us that he was a disciple.  He with Nicodemus appeared to have been secret believers.  We do not read any words he ever spoke, but his actions speak eloquently of his love and devotion to Jesus.

He was constrained enough to persuade Pilate to deliver the body of Jesus to him

He was committed enough to pay for the expensive spices with which they embalmed Christ

He was courageous enough to dismiss public opinion and when friend and followers forsook the Saviour, he laid Jesus` body in his tomb.
Was he confident enough to lend the tomb to Jesus?  According to the Saviour`s promise, He would occupy the tomb for only 3 days.

Chapter 25 - Jesus Christ is Alive - For Us and Forever - Mark 16 verses 1 - 20

The news of the living, risen Saviour is the climax of Mark`s gospel.  It is also the centre of the church`s creed, comfort in her sorrow and the inspiration of her conflict.

Only a living Saviour is able to save us.

Only a living Saviour can comfort troubled and grieving hearts.

Only a living Saviour can give strength and power to his people.

Only a living Saviour can give us hope and assurance for the future.

The first news of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead was given that first Easter morning by an angel to 3 devoted women.  Mark draws attention to the role of women in the final days of the Saviour`s life and then in the first hours of his resurrection.  Here at first light on the resurrection morning 3 devout women came to the tomb to anoint the body of our Lord.  In doing so they were exposing themselves to repimand by the Roman and Jewish authorities for associating with the body of one who had been crucified as a criminal.  Their devotion to Jesus Christ is still a challenge to all Christian women in their consecrated service to Jesus.

A series of surprises and shocks awaited these ladies that morning.

First out of devotion they came to the tomb but were preoccupied about how they would gain entrance to the burial chamber because of the heavy stone which blocked the entrance.  They need not have worried for the stone was already rolled away.

Second on entering the tomb they were surprised and frightened to meet with an angel who had the appearance of a young man dressed in a white robe.  His appearance and clothing were startling but the message he gave was even more surprising and sensational for the women.  The women might well have been surprised to find an angel attending to the Lord after the crucifixion.

They were also shocked to find the body of the Lord missing.  "Do not be afraid; ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.  He has risen.  He is not here; see the place where he lay.  Go and tell His disciples and Peter that he is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him as he told you."  The angel`s words were designed to calm their fears.

First the angel spoke to comfort them in their distress and sorrow.

Second the angels assurance was designed to instill confidence where there had been doubt, for he announced to them that Jesus Christ was risen from the grave even as he had promised.

Third the angel commissioned them to go and tell the disciples and Peter that he was alive and was going before them to Galilee.  This message summarises what in effect happened in the rest of the chapter.

Comfort for Mary Magdalene - verses 1 - 9

If ever a woman loved the Lord it was Mary Magdalene.  The Lord had transformed her life.  At one time she had been possessed by 7 demons which led her into all manner of sin and wickedness.  Jesus had set her gloriously free.  In the New Testament there are 5 occasions in which Mary Magdalene was in contact with the Saviour.

The despondency she felt - as far as Mary was concerned Jesus was dead.  In him she had placed all her faith, all her hope and all her love.  Now he was dead.  She could not see beyond the tomb.  The darkness within her was greater than the darkness around her in the pre-dawn of that day.  She was in the depths of despair.  Life is only worth living when there is something and someone to live for and the person for whom she lived was gone.  She had lost the purpose for living.  Things could never take the place of the Saviour.

The difficulty she faced.  "Who shall roll us away the stone?"  Burial chambers were caves, stones of various sizes were rolled over the arched entrance.  The Pharisees had appealed to Pilate to secure the grave.  Who moved the stone?  "And behold there was a great earthquake, for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it." (Matthew 28 verse 2)

The discovery she made - "they saw the stone was rolled away."  Not only did she discover the stone was removed but also the Saviour was missing.  She did not realise the significance at the time but it would have been disastrous for her and for all of us if she had found the body of our Lord.

The stone was rolled away not to let the Saviour out nor to let an angel in.  It was removed that they might discover that Jesus had risen even as he had promised.  Mary had arrived in the darkness of her despondency but had stayed long enough to find the full blaze of glory on that resurrection day.

The final verses of Mark offer the triumph of the resurrection.

The glory of that Easter morning changes hopelessness to blessed hope and Mary`s gloom and despair to the glory of the living Christ.
Confidence for the disciples - verses 10 - 14

The attitude of the disciples was characterised by stubborn unbelief.  Not only had they forsaken him and fled prior to his death but they had no faith in the repeated promise he had given them that after his death on the third day he would rise again.  Twice Mark reminds us that they refused to believe either the message of the woman that Jesus had risen or the testimony of 2 who had met with the Lord in the way.

Mark permeates the account of the resurrection of Jesus by 3 strands of infallible proof.

The absence of the body of the Lord - "He is not here!"  The only thing the tomb could say was that he was not there.  Some would afterwards invent that Jesus had swooned in the weakness of his suffering and when he was revived he rolled away the stone.  Such a thought was absurd, for the stone was sealed from the outside.  Others would allege that his body was stolen by the disciples.  Would they preach with such fervour afterwards and die as martyrs for a cause they knew to be a lie?  If the enemies of the Lord had been able to produce a body, they would have done so to destroy the forthright testimony of the apostles about the resurrected Christ.

Although no-one witnessed the moment when God raised Jesus from the dead, yet the silence of the empty tomb declared that Jesus had conquered death and had been raised from the dead.

The assurance of the angel`s message - his message was brief, startling and yet very specific "Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified; he has risen, he is not here."  This message was crucial.  Without it they would have known that he was not there, but they would not have known he was risen.

The appearance of the Saviour - 11 appearances of our Lord yet Mark limits the appearances to 3.

First he appeared to Mary in the garden.  Mary had lost the one she loved.

Second he appeared to the couple on the way to Emmaus.  The couple had lost their hope.

Third he appeared to Peter and the disciples.  The disciples had lost their faith.

The disciples had been totally devastated with the events of the week.  They had started out so confidently with the Saviour`s entrance into Jerusalem and all the promise of the coming kingdom.  It all seemed to go so wrong with the arrest, trial, suffering and death of the Saviour.  Mark said that they were weeping because of their dashed hopes. 

When Jesus appeared, he reprimanded their unbelief and proved to them that he was alive even as he had promised to be several times before he died.

The resurrection substantiates that Jesus Christ is the Son of God - the empty tomb could not be accounted for apart from it being a mighty declaration that Jesus was the Son of God - Romans 1 verse 4.  Beyond the empty tomb, there was also the testimony of all who met him in his post resurrected state.  They saw and testified that he was the Son of God.

The resurrection authenticates every claim Jesus ever made.  The resurrection is the touchstone of Christianity.  If there were no resurrection then the Saviour who promised and predicted that he would rise again from the dead fooled us and we are liars.  But Christ is risen indeed -  1 Corinthians 15 verses 12 - 20.  His word was true and we preach the gospel of a glorious resurrection.

The resurrection demonstrates that all power belongs to the Saviour.  The Saviour defeated Satan in the desert when he was tempted and in Gethsemane when he resisted Satan unto blood and with earnest pleading.  Finally in death Jesus destroyed him who had the power of death.  All power in all the universe belongs to the Saviour.

The resurrection corroborates there is a resurrection for us - 1 Corinthians 15 verses 20 - 23.

Commission for the church - verses 15 - 20

Although they failed miserably yet Jesus employed the very same men for the greatest mission on earth - taking the gospel to every creature.  This was only a small band of frightened disciples.  They had no political influence, no religious clout, no financial base and no academic prestige.  They were up against the political might of Rome, the bigotry of the Jews and the scepticism of the Greeks.  This command of our Lord is called the Great Commission.

It is great because it fulfils the greatest mission.  Jesus said "Go" and a couple of verses later we read "and they went forth."

It is great because it is fuelled by the greatest motive.

It is great because it furthers the greatest message.  The gospel of Jesus is the good news of great salvation based on the greatest sacrifice ever made - the atoning blood of Christ by the greatest person who ever lived - Jesus and it gives the greatest hope to men in their greatest need.

In the first chapter Mark spoke of "the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ" with the coming of the Saviour to the Jordan River.  The Gospel ends with his church going into all the world and the Lord working with them.