A few thoughts/reflections on this chapter. 1-Jesus keeps talking about dying and rising again. His followers have no idea what he is talking about. Jesus is really trying to unfold this idea and gets nowhere with his followers. Resurrection is just unbelievable to people - then and now. My prayer is that God would show Himself to us. That he would give us the faith to see his resurrection and new creation. It's hard to believe in resurrection when all you see is death. Yet, still it is the thing we hope for. This life we have been given can be so beautiful, the love we feel so powerful and all the darkness and pain and misery just doesn't seem right. I think there is this longing in everyone that dare I say "knows" there is something more or that we are made for life and not death. What has been so compelling to me about following Jesus is the message of resurrection, even when its hard to believe. Part of Jesus' message is that there is more than death. We are built to be eternal beings. We are not just living a random existence for a little while but we are bodies made by God who breathes life into us, make us in his image and means us to be eternal beings. "Everything dies baby that's a fact But maybe everything that dies someday comes back" - B. Springsteen -"Atlantic City" 2-In verses 19/29 Jesus is getting increasingly frustrated with people's lack of faith and in 29 he talks about this bigger healing faith that comes through prayer. I'm not sure what to make of this because I don't see this play out in my world. I see people with great faith not find healing and though I can't get into everyone's brain I do see sincere faith and God still chooses not to bring physical hearings such as the one's witnessed in Mark. 3-Towards the end of the chapter there are two short scenes. One where Jesus tells people that if they want to be great they must become servant of all. And a second story where he calls us welcome the children in the name of Jesus. - When there are things you don't understand. Keep doing what you do understand- Some parts of the gospel and teachings of Jesus are difficult to understand. The disciples couldn't understand the resurrection for a time. Today, it is hard to make sense of why healing happens for some and not for others. Something that is helpful for me, when I'm having a hard time understanding some things is to commit to being faithful with the things that I do understand. Jesus is clear, that like him, we can be servants of all. So while I wrestle with the ins and outs of resurrection and healing I can keep loving others by serving them. It is clear Jesus wants us to welcome others in - the little children, and we should welcome Jesus into our lives. So while I continue to seek to understand more confusing teachings I can welcome others in to my life, and the community of Jesus.
I think that is goes back to intentions of our prayers. Some people just want to see miracles for their satisfaction. When we truly believe that God can make miracles we pray knowing that it is on Gods time and will to make it happen. Similar to the story of Job
I love this Darren! I'm looking forward to continuing with you in a few weeks. I love that it's the first text message I get each morning! Thank you for doing this.
I love that it’s yeshua talking. His wisdom, yet some parables are still confusing yet they unravel for you when you need it to. Even his disciples had difficulty understanding them. Remember, all they knew was what tradition or culture was in their day. Most Jews today deny yeshua. Most Christians follow a catholic religion that harbours lies. Breaking commandments 2 carved images 4 sabbath not sun-day worship. Even the elect may be deceived. Is your church ⛪️ in line with the heavenly Law?
The following is my understanding of the statement from Jesus regarding all things are possible to him who believes. As believers in God, we know He can do anything . In other words, all things ARE possible. But we often do not know the will of God for the future so we have to trust Him and His purposes in our lives. The following was an explanation online. My thoughts were similar. Quote "Jesus isn't saying that we can accomplish anything we want if we have enough faith. True faith doesn't presume that God will do what we want but that God can do what He wants." ( I'm not sure I said this with real clarity. I was struggling to say it well.)
Sometimes I'm bewildered by the doubt that the disciples show. They have had the benefit of witnessing all of these miracles being performed right before their eyes. They witnessed the transfiguration and heard the voice of God.
Matt - Yeah it's wild. Honestly though, it brings me a lot of encouragement because I have seen God do pretty great things and still have doubts of mine own sometimes.
Darren LeBlanc I completely understand that. I've struggled with disbelief for most of my adult life. I love in verse 24 where Jesus helps the boys father with his unbelief and heals his son. I take it as Jesus saying it's ok to have unbelief sometimes but press on stay faithful and I'll help you.
I ask myself, how can his disciples be so blind to the miracles of the feeding (4000, 5000) with 5/7 loaves of bread. But then reflecting on my own life, I don’t always recognize the miracles in front of me and start to understand the disciples. My mind is so used to believing one thing, that it doesn’t see the other things happening or think it’s possible to happen. It’s my own doubt in the possibility. It only sees things as a one track mind.
Yes, perhaps one of the biggest questions. Even people who have been known to operate in the gift of healing said the one question they wanted to ask when they got to Heaven was “why didn’t everyone get healed?”
Regarding your question. I think God intervenes when he wants to and sometimes he intervenes based upon our request in prayer and sometimes if not most of the time, he just lets things go. It is not possible that the good Lord is manipulating every single thing that is happening in this world but rather by allowing it he is exercising his will
Lord I believe please heal my unbelieve🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 I'm having a bleeding disorder right now but I do believe there's a reason why and I believe no matter how long will I be I believe in your healing Father God🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I thought itbwas interesting that it is said to cut off body parts that cause you to sin. This is a graphic image that makes you stop and think. Thanks for reading, sincerely Dr. McShan
I’ve actually been wrestling with the concepts of healing, faith and belief. I don’t have a perfect answer but no, I don’t believe that God heals on account of our faith- that puts the responsibility on us I.e. someone wasn’t healed because we didn’t have enough faith. We exercise faith and belief when we ask Him for healing. Faith comes by hearing the Word. When God speaks, it is done.
Sort of. I'm copying 2 clips from the Pillar commentary on Mark to answer for you: "The disciples’ question in 9:11 about Elijah’s return (see at 8:28) appears to be offered in order to counteract or even rebut the implication of suffering in v. 10. The gist of the question in v. 11 is more subtle than Peter’s blatant attempt to rebut Jesus following the first passion prediction (8:31-32). Nevertheless, the question “ ‘Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?’ ” is a leading question, the intention of which is to suggest that Elijah’s return to restore all things should obviate the need of the Son of Man to go to the cross. The reference is to the final verses of Malachi, where Elijah is sent by God before the “great and terrible day of the Lord” to restore righteousness and harmony in human relationships (Mal 4:5-6; also Sir 48:10)." AND "Finally, Elijah, too, must suffer. “ ‘Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished.’ ” This statement surely sent a shock wave to Jesus’ hearers, for they were as unprepared for the suffering of Elijah as for the suffering of the Son of Man. Apart from only vague references (1 Kgs 19:2, 10), there was no hint that Elijah would suffer before the Day of the Lord. The reference to the suffering of Elijah is, of course, a reference to the death of John the Baptist, as Matt 17:13 makes explicit (followed by Justin Martyr, Dial. Trypho 49.17). If Herod had dealt severely with the forerunner of the Messiah (6:14-29), should there be any surprise about the fate of the Messiah?" Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 275). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
YOU SHOULD KNOW THE ANSWER WITHOUT FAITH YOU CANNOT PLEASE YAHWEH ! Hebrews 11:6-8 King James Version 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
A few thoughts/reflections on this chapter.
1-Jesus keeps talking about dying and rising again. His followers have no idea what he is talking about. Jesus is really trying to unfold this idea and gets nowhere with his followers. Resurrection is just unbelievable to people - then and now. My prayer is that God would show Himself to us. That he would give us the faith to see his resurrection and new creation.
It's hard to believe in resurrection when all you see is death. Yet, still it is the thing we hope for. This life we have been given can be so beautiful, the love we feel so powerful and all the darkness and pain and misery just doesn't seem right. I think there is this longing in everyone that dare I say "knows" there is something more or that we are made for life and not death. What has been so compelling to me about following Jesus is the message of resurrection, even when its hard to believe. Part of Jesus' message is that there is more than death. We are built to be eternal beings. We are not just living a random existence for a little while but we are bodies made by God who breathes life into us, make us in his image and means us to be eternal beings.
"Everything dies baby that's a fact
But maybe everything that dies someday comes back" - B. Springsteen -"Atlantic City"
2-In verses 19/29 Jesus is getting increasingly frustrated with people's lack of faith and in 29 he talks about this bigger healing faith that comes through prayer. I'm not sure what to make of this because I don't see this play out in my world. I see people with great faith not find healing and though I can't get into everyone's brain I do see sincere faith and God still chooses not to bring physical hearings such as the one's witnessed in Mark.
3-Towards the end of the chapter there are two short scenes. One where Jesus tells people that if they want to be great they must become servant of all. And a second story where he calls us welcome the children in the name of Jesus.
- When there are things you don't understand. Keep doing what you do understand-
Some parts of the gospel and teachings of Jesus are difficult to understand. The disciples couldn't understand the resurrection for a time. Today, it is hard to make sense of why healing happens for some and not for others. Something that is helpful for me, when I'm having a hard time understanding some things is to commit to being faithful with the things that I do understand. Jesus is clear, that like him, we can be servants of all. So while I wrestle with the ins and outs of resurrection and healing I can keep loving others by serving them. It is clear Jesus wants us to welcome others in - the little children, and we should welcome Jesus into our lives. So while I continue to seek to understand more confusing teachings I can welcome others in to my life, and the community of Jesus.
I don't understand so much but I know that even so I can still trust God.
In God we always can trust.... Thank you Jesus.
“Jesus replied, ‘you do not realize now what I am doing but later you will understand.’” - John 13:7
I think that is goes back to intentions of our prayers. Some people just want to see miracles for their satisfaction. When we truly believe that God can make miracles we pray knowing that it is on Gods time and will to make it happen. Similar to the story of Job
I am so glad that you take time and read the Bible for us. I have read the KJV and hardly understood what I read. Thank you, I love you guys.
I love this Darren! I'm looking forward to continuing with you in a few weeks. I love that it's the first text message I get each morning! Thank you for doing this.
I love that it’s yeshua talking. His wisdom, yet some parables are still confusing yet they unravel for you when you need it to. Even his disciples had difficulty understanding them.
Remember, all they knew was what tradition or culture was in their day. Most Jews today deny yeshua. Most Christians follow a catholic religion that harbours lies. Breaking commandments 2 carved images 4 sabbath not
sun-day worship. Even the elect may be deceived. Is your church ⛪️ in line with the heavenly Law?
The following is my understanding of the statement from Jesus regarding all things are possible to him who believes. As believers in God, we know He can do anything . In other words, all things ARE possible. But we often do not know the will of God for the future so we have to trust Him and His purposes in our lives. The following was an explanation online. My thoughts were similar. Quote "Jesus isn't saying that we can accomplish anything we want if we have enough faith. True faith doesn't presume that God will do what we want but that God can do what He wants."
( I'm not sure I said this with real clarity. I was struggling to say it well.)
Sometimes I'm bewildered by the doubt that the disciples show. They have had the benefit of witnessing all of these miracles being performed right before their eyes. They witnessed the transfiguration and heard the voice of God.
Matt - Yeah it's wild. Honestly though, it brings me a lot of encouragement because I have seen God do pretty great things and still have doubts of mine own sometimes.
Darren LeBlanc I completely understand that. I've struggled with disbelief for most of my adult life. I love in verse 24 where Jesus helps the boys father with his unbelief and heals his son. I take it as Jesus saying it's ok to have unbelief sometimes but press on stay faithful and I'll help you.
I ask myself, how can his disciples be so blind to the miracles of the feeding (4000, 5000) with 5/7 loaves of bread. But then reflecting on my own life, I don’t always recognize the miracles in front of me and start to understand the disciples. My mind is so used to believing one thing, that it doesn’t see the other things happening or think it’s possible to happen. It’s my own doubt in the possibility. It only sees things as a one track mind.
Thank you
Yes, perhaps one of the biggest questions. Even people who have been known to operate in the gift of healing said the one question they wanted to ask when they got to Heaven was “why didn’t everyone get healed?”
Regarding your question. I think God intervenes when he wants to and sometimes he intervenes based upon our request in prayer and sometimes if not most of the time, he just lets things go. It is not possible that the good Lord is manipulating every single thing that is happening in this world but rather by allowing it he is exercising his will
I WOULD LIKE THESE EPISODES BETTER IN KJV BIBLE. BUT STILL, WELL DONE. GOD BLESS YOU
Lord I believe please heal my unbelieve🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 I'm having a bleeding disorder right now but I do believe there's a reason why and I believe no matter how long will I be I believe in your healing Father God🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
hey !How are you feeling now ?I hope you get better.Keep trusting in God even when it feels like there’s no hope !!☺️🙏🏽🙏🏽
🙏
"Prayer and fasting" says in my bible
good morning everyone.... God blesse you all
I thought itbwas interesting that it is said to cut off body parts that cause you to sin. This is a graphic image that makes you stop and think. Thanks for reading, sincerely Dr. McShan
I’ve actually been wrestling with the concepts of healing, faith and belief. I don’t have a perfect answer but no, I don’t believe that God heals on account of our faith- that puts the responsibility on us I.e. someone wasn’t healed because we didn’t have enough faith. We exercise faith and belief when we ask Him for healing. Faith comes by hearing the Word. When God speaks, it is done.
Hey Denise. I posted a paper I wrote here that may answer some of your questions. It's rather long, but the topic is important and complex.
When Jesus says Elijah already came, he's referring to John the Baptist?
Sort of. I'm copying 2 clips from the Pillar commentary on Mark to answer for you:
"The disciples’ question in 9:11 about Elijah’s return (see at 8:28) appears to be offered in order to counteract or even rebut the implication of suffering in v. 10. The gist of the question in v. 11 is more subtle than Peter’s blatant attempt to rebut Jesus following the first passion prediction (8:31-32). Nevertheless, the question “ ‘Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?’ ” is a leading question, the intention of which is to suggest that Elijah’s return to restore all things should obviate the need of the Son of Man to go to the cross. The reference is to the final verses of Malachi, where Elijah is sent by God before the “great and terrible day of the Lord” to restore righteousness and harmony in human relationships (Mal 4:5-6; also Sir 48:10)."
AND
"Finally, Elijah, too, must suffer. “ ‘Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished.’ ” This statement surely sent a shock wave to Jesus’ hearers, for they were as unprepared for the suffering of Elijah as for the suffering of the Son of Man. Apart from only vague references (1 Kgs 19:2, 10), there was no hint that Elijah would suffer before the Day of the Lord. The reference to the suffering of Elijah is, of course, a reference to the death of John the Baptist, as Matt 17:13 makes explicit (followed by Justin Martyr, Dial. Trypho 49.17). If Herod had dealt severely with the forerunner of the Messiah (6:14-29), should there be any surprise about the fate of the Messiah?"
Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 275). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos.
YOU SHOULD KNOW THE ANSWER WITHOUT FAITH YOU CANNOT PLEASE YAHWEH !
Hebrews 11:6-8
King James Version
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
🤔
Thank you