And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you…Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Mark 10:35,37
 
We can get a picture stuck in our head, often contrary to facts all around us and even messages from God, about what something will look like. We have expectations for how things should be; what we should be.

James and John are looking around at the others in their small circle, and they want to make sure they have places of honor.  The other ten disciples get wind of it, and they are indignant. Competition and comparison kick in, everyone clawing and climbing over each other to try to reach the top. These are people they have walked with, eaten with, worked with, learned with, even healed with… and still, ambition, self-promotion, and competition replace love, humility, the elevation of others.

Jesus, in essence, says, “You want greatness? Serve. Give of yourself. Uplift others.” Self-denial over self-promotion. Sacrifice over self-glory.

Why, when we know what produces pure joy, peace, and contentment, do we continue to look around, compare and compete? It does nothing to draw people to God or glorify Him. Instead, it makes us anxious, unproductive, ineffective, and miserable. It’s the devil’s most potent weapon… “If I could just get their eyes off of Jesus and on themselves and how they stack up against those around them, I could make some headway,” he contrives. We can’t let the devil have this space. We can’t let him dictate where our eyes are focused. We can’t believe his lie that it is all about us and we need to preserve and protect that at all costs.

​The anecdote? Seeking God’s glory always over our own. Serving others. Lifting others up. Denying ourselves for the benefit of others. Giving generously. Focusing our eyes above. Embracing our unique calling and running toward it with passion.
 
Challenge: How can you be great in the kingdom today by serving?

And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Mark 6:4
 
Why does familiarity breed contempt? Why are those closest to Jesus the ones who had the hardest time accepting who He was? Ever been there?

For nearly 30 years Jesus was with them in the small town of Nazareth. They probably played tag with Him as children, ate with His family, worshiped with Him at the Synagogue, possibly even purchased furniture He built. They knew Him. They knew His character, His kindness, His work ethic, His compassion. Surely they saw these things over the years.

And now Jesus returns after a year or so. They have heard rumblings about His popularity and many miracles. Jesus begins to teach in the same synagogue they likely witnessed thousands of teachers share the Word together. They are astonished by what they hear. The wisdom with which He teaches…like no one before Him; the mighty works done by His hands.

But...they know His mother, His brothers and sisters, His aunts and uncles. A family of little social standing or importance. They know His educational background. No formal training. A mere carpenter.

And because of their preconceived notions about Him; because of their insistence that they know Him so well, they miss the most beautiful part of who He is.  Instead of believing, they show contempt. Their wonder based on things they just witnessed turns to offense. How dare Jesus come back here and say things like He is the Messiah? Does He think He is better than us? We know who He really is! It doesn’t make sense.

Jesus, the carpenter, they know. Jesus, the Anointed One, they can’t wrap their head around. It just can’t be this guy we grew up with. Yes, He is kind. Yes, He is a good man. But, He is no Messiah. Familiarity left them blind.
 
Questions: Why do you think those who grew up with Jesus had the hardest time believing He was the Messiah? What beautiful parts about someone close to you might you be missing? What are those nearest to you missing about you?

Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Mark 5:41
 
Two wildly different people, their stories interwoven.
By cultural standards, they never would have spoken.
One has it all: wealth, resources, power.
The other has nothing, barely hanging on hour to hour.
One approaches boldly, in confidence he comes.
The other comes discreetly, hoping to attract the attention of none.
But more in common than any on the outside know;
they are desperate for Jesus and not ashamed to let it show.
No other options, a last-ditch resort,
this Jesus, the healer, to Him they report.
A child, 12, dying; a father’s nightmare,
A woman bleeding, for that many years.
If only a word or even a touch,
We need you, Jesus. WE NEED YOU SO MUCH!
The crowds are so thick, so noisy and pressing.
We have to get through, we have faith in a blessing.
The woman lunges forward before the crowds close in.
She makes contact, though only the hem.
She feels it instantly, fully healed and whole.
By His sudden reaction, she knows that He knows.
“Who touched me,” He asks. The air becomes thick.
To her knees, she collapses. Please, let this stick.
“You’ve been made well on account of your belief.”
She has never known such indescribable relief.
But the joy interrupted with troubling news:
Jairus’ daughter is dead. it’s just no use.
Do not fear, you need only believe.
Come with me, a miracle you will see.
“Talitha cumi.” “Little girl, Arise.” Today is for living, no one will die.
I wonder who else needs to hear these words?
Arise, dear believer. Your faith is a cure.
It makes no difference your family name.
In the eyes of Jesus, we are all the same.
 
Challenge: Read the stories the poem was based on in Mark 5:21-43.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32
 
More clues from Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven…
 
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of a mustard seed. The tiniest, least significant seed that slowly grows into the largest of garden plants. It is like leaven. A minuscule ingredient placed in a large amount of flour that changes the entire composition of the bread.

Our kingdom growth—our relationship and transformation -- isn’t instantaneous. It takes time. It takes abiding. It takes faithful obedience. It takes a humble and open heart. It takes valuing it over all earthly things.

As kingdom people, we may seem small and insignificant according to the world’s standards, but we have great power and potential. We diligently do our thing, then before we know it, we are changed; people around us are changed. That tiny mustard seed is a towering tree, providing resting places and shade. That leaven has altered the bread. Those steps in abiding, faith, and obedience have transformed us; saved us; inspired us to invite others to join us.

​Small but mighty; full of potential and power…a tiny seed, a simple ingredient, a baby in Bethlehem, uneducated disciples, you and me. Waiting to bust out of that small, simple beginning is something incredibly significant. Will we be a part of it or will we let it pass us by?
 
Questions: Have you ever experienced little things making a huge impact? It is encouraging that our Christian walk is intended to be slow and steady? What speaks most powerfully to you about these kingdom of Heaven examples from Jesus?

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field… Matthew 13:24
 
John the Baptist and Jesus both began their ministry preaching, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

In fact, Jesus talked A LOT about the Kingdom of Heaven. It is in the Gospels more than 80 times; a main theme of Jesus’ teaching.

Have you ever stopped to think about it? What is the Kingdom of Heaven? Where is the Kingdom of Heaven?

Matthew shares several parables (stories used to illustrate a lesson) told by Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a seed that was sown. And though the sower and the seed are the same, the soil it falls on is different, producing different results. Jesus, the Word, came in the flesh to sow the seed (Himself) here on earth. The soil preparation and garden tending are in our domain.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a great treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of incredible value. Whether stumbled upon or searched for makes no difference. The difference is in the value placed on it once found; recognizing it is a treasure worth giving up everything to find and keep.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seeds, but weeds infiltrated the field by the enemy; it is like a net thrown into the sea to catch fish of all kinds. The evil and the righteous exist side by side in the present. The devil and sin still have a place in this kingdom era we are living in, but it won’t last forever.  A separation will take place; a time will come when our decisions here will determine our forever future.
 
Questions: What do you think of when you hear “the kingdom of Heaven”? What do some of these parables tell you about it?

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. Mark 4:26
 
There are many ways to receive the Word, but only one bears fruit. The messy, dirty, broken up soil that gladly receives the seed of truth.
 
A seed, securely packed beneath the ground, begins to find comfort. It takes root, the tough shell breaking open as new life slowly emerges. All the hard work underground, in the dirt. Branching out, digging in, absorbing life-giving water. Long, tedious, unseen, messy work. 
 
Then one day, it breaks through the surface. Nothing much to look at some might say, but it’s the start of something beautiful. It craves the light from above, reaching always toward it.
 
Day and night. Day and night. The Creator is doing His thing on the willing creation. Slow and steady. Work underground, branching out, soaking in the living water. Slow and steady. Work above the surface, taking in the light, becoming sturdier, even blooming.
 
The growing never ends. The feeding on the water and sunlight never ends. But something changes. The once small seed becomes a source of comfort for others. Birds build nests and rest on its branches. Children pick from the overflowing fruit it is bearing. Couples sit under its shady limbs.
 
The seed doesn’t desire to go back underground. Once out, the transformed seed never wants to leave the sun. This, Jesus says, is the Kingdom of Heaven.
 
We grow and we glow, all fueled by the living water and source of all light. It is slow and it is messy and underground root-building at times. But it is also hands reaching high out in the open; new life shining to illuminate the path of truth, always radiating light from the Source, while simultaneously pointing others there. 
 
Question: How does our growth in Jesus compare to a seed/plant/tree?

In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her. Matthew 26:12-13

“Why this waste?... For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor,” one of the men with Jesus say as they watch the woman pour precious oil over the teacher’s head. I wonder to myself if this disciple even cares about the poor. Such indignation in their voices. Such a contrast with the woman’s peaceful countenance and the compassion in the teacher’s eyes.

All eyes shift to the teacher, Jesus. What will he say? He seems to hate extravagance and is always quick to remind us to care for the poor.

He surprises us all with His response, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial.”

Prepare me for burial? He isn’t even dead. Is that what she is doing? Oooohhh…now I remember where I know her. Yes, it was her brother, Lazarus, that the teacher raised from the dead. A quick look at her face shows she is as surprised by his words about his burial as I am.

The teacher continues, “Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

What an honor He has bestowed on her. What the others call a waste, the teacher, Jesus, calls beautiful and worthy of retelling. I know I will never forget this moment.

Questions: Why does this woman treat Jesus as she does? How does Jesus respond? What does Jesus say her legacy will be? Why? 

… a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. Matthew 26:7
 
My eyes are fixed on the woman who walked in the door -- the other guests notice her too. All eyes are shifting her way. She has an incredible presence. I should welcome her, but I am frozen.

She confidently walks up to Jesus. His eyes lock on hers. He has a way of doing that; of making you feel like you are the only one in the room. The once noisy space is eerily silent.

She lifts the alabaster jar over his head and breaks the thin glass neck. Instantly I know what is in the bottle. We all do. The room is flooded with the strong aroma. Expensive perfume, dripping over the teacher’s head. Soaking his hair, running down his face, pouring over his clothes, remnants dropping to the table and onto the floor. If I had to guess, at least 12 ounces. I cup my hand over my mouth and nose. The potent smell is overwhelming.

What is she doing? Why would she do such a thing? Tears stream down her face. She is filled with emotion. With love. She drops to her knees. What a display of extravagant worship. She cares not a shred what anyone in the room thinks. I wish I were more like that.

I quickly observe that not everyone is thinking the same. It is acutely apparent from the voices talking over each other.

“Why this waste?” one of the disciples shouted. He has a point. A year’s worth of wages in a pool on my just swept floor.
 
To be continued…

Questions: Why do you think the woman poured the expensive oil over Jesus’ head? Would you have also thought it a waste? What do you think Jesus will think?

Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper... Matthew 26:6
 
I often like to picture myself at the scene of these Biblical stories. I imagine this story went something like this from the eyes of the wife of Simon, the leper healed by Jesus, in this account of Jesus’s visit…
 
I lean against the window soaking everything in. I still can’t believe we are all here. My family back together again. Guests in our home. I wasn’t sure I would ever see this day.

For so long my beloved was shunned because of his incurable, contagious -- flat out gross, if I’m honest -- skin condition. Our family ripped apart, mandatory separation. Of course, I understood. He was unclean, plus we could not risk it spreading to the rest of us. But that doesn’t dull the pain. Then everything changed that day nearly two Sabbaths ago. A day seared into my memory. At the time we didn’t know much about this traveling teacher, but we heard he could heal. That was all we needed to know. Looking back, we were so naïve. He has so much more to offer us, but when you have leprosy, it’s hard to think beyond the scabs and loneliness. I remember my stomach in knots as my beloved Simon approached the teacher, pressing through the shouting crowds. He noticed Simon. I knew he would notice him…and I can’t believe it all at the same time. A word. One word. It only took a word from the teacher, and he was healed. Instantly. Without even a scar remaining to tattoo the pain. I’m not sure I’ve fully wrapped my head around it all.

And now Jesus is here. The teacher is dining with us. The healed and the healer. Our tiny home packed with the teacher’s usual followers and many of our longtime friends.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot her walking through the door. Mary, I think her name is. Her eyes a combination of peace and fierce determination. In her hand, I see a jar. Her fingers are circling the top of the long neck of the bottle. To be continued…
 
Questions: Where is Jesus? Whose home is it? What is the significance?

And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Matthew 11:4-6
 
Going through difficult trials with no end in sight leaves us vulnerable to doubting God’s goodness and provisions. Our limited view of God’s hand at work leaves us questioning and filling in blanks with incomplete information. Outside influences creep in, altering our perception of God and what he should look and act like. Unmet expectations can rock our faith. Like John, we may feel like things are not turning out the way we were sure they would.

Faith is hard in these circumstances. These things can drive us away from God. Most of us probably know someone who is far from God because they couldn’t reconcile their trials, expectations, and other opinions with God’s truth. But these circumstances can also draw us closer to God.

John gives us a great example of what to do when we are in this position of doubt. He doesn’t seek understanding from within or wisdom from others. He goes straight to the source, Jesus.

Jesus doesn’t rebuke John in his doubts. He also doesn’t respond with a simple, “yes, I am the One.” Instead, He responds with Scripture and the prophecies about Himself. Jesus knows John will recognize Him in the Scriptures. It is a reset of his expectations. A recalibration of his faith.

Sometimes we need a recalibration of our faith too. When we have doubts, we should admit it, and then take it straight to God. We should examine the Scriptures about who God is. We should pray for God to reveal Himself to us in our doubts. And like John, this is where our faith will be strengthened. With confidence, we will be able to say, “You ARE the One. There is no other.”

Challenge: Take all your doubts to God today. He won’t rebuke You. He wants you to come to Him. Ask Him for wisdom and revelation.

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” Matthew 11:2-3
 
​Do you ever have doubts about God? Do you ever feel like He isn’t meeting your expectations? Do you ever feel a bit disappointed in how He is working?

If so, you are not alone. God is so good to preserve stories like this in His Word to give us an example of someone else who doubted. To show us that even the most spirit-filled and deeply devoted followers can have moments of doubt. And in this story, we also learn how to handle our doubts.

The doubter in this story: John the Baptist. John, the one who leaped in the womb in the presence of Jesus in the womb (Luke 1:41). John, the one who recognized Jesus as Messiah, saw the Holy Spirit descend on Him, and heard God speak over Him (John 1:29-36). John, the prophesied about messenger who would pave the way for the Messiah. THIS John.

John is in prison, not for any wrongdoing on his part, but for proclaiming the truth and the need for repentance; for living out his calling. Commentators say he has likely been in prison for over a year.

I can imagine John thinking, This isn’t how it is supposed to go down. I thought the kingdom of Heaven was at hand. Jesus, you’re being persecuted, I’m in prison, and Rome is still oppressing us. WHY AREN’T YOU FIXING THIS?

To be continued…
 
Questions: Do you ever have doubts? What causes the biggest doubts? What do you do when you have these doubts?

When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” Luke 7:9
 
Marvel… “a sense of astonishment, whether critical or inquisitive, or admiration with a nuance of awe or fear.”

Marveled is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible, generally concerning the crowds’ reaction to what Jesus is teaching and doing.

But Jesus -- God in the flesh -- marvels only on two occasions: Faith and unbelief.

The centurion – not only a Gentile(non-Jew) but a Roman soldier; the enemy of the Jews – is the one with faith. He believed Jesus would heal his servant and friend, even if Jesus just spoke it to be so. And from miles away, with a word from Jesus, his servant & friend is healed. Unexpected and pure belief. Jesus marveled at his faith.

Contrast that to the Jewish community in Jesus’ hometown – His own people who should know Him the best – they were the ones with unbelief. And very few miracles occurred in their midst. Unexpected and debilitating unbelief. Jesus marveled at their unbelief.

Familiarity can breed unbelief, but unexpected belief can come from anyone and anywhere.

Questions: Is Jesus marveling at you? For faith or unbelief?

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14
 
Pastor Rick Warren says, “If you always feel comfortable reading God’s word, you either aren’t reading ALL of it, or you aren’t letting it sink in.”
 
This is one of those passages. Jesus says that destruction is along the easy path with the wide gate…a path that MANY are on. Conversely, eternal life is found on a path that is hard with a narrow gate…few find it.
 
We have to be careful not to pick and choose ONLY the parts of Scripture that are easy to follow, easy to understand, and feel good to us. John Piper says, “Whatever you do, don’t domesticate the radical teachings of Jesus. If they make you uncomfortable, let them do their work. They are designed to create real disciples who are ready to lose all to gain Christ. The world may call it hate. They may call it foolishness. It is not. It is love. And it is the wisdom of God.”
 
Some parts of the Bible are difficult to understand and make us uncomfortable. In the presence of His holy word and righteousness, we often come face to face with our sin and pride; our desire for control and our desire to conform to the patterns of the world. God knows this about us. He loves us and says, “Come along, I’ve got more to show you; more to give you. Let me transform your mind and give you my peace and power. My ways are always better. Follow me on this path, through that narrow gate. I promise it is worth it.”

Though the wide-gate-culture-preaching of live and let live, make your own rules, believe your own truth is tempting at times, it will never lead us through the narrow gate along the path that leads to freedom, peace, salvation, redemption, and eternal life.

Questions: What kinds of things put people on the destructive path to the wide gate over the life-giving path through the narrow gate? Why do you think MANY are on the path of destruction and FEW on the path of life?

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24
 
Two houses line the tree-canopied streets of the same neighborhood. One a stunning home on a hill with a gorgeous view. Stately, spacious, meticulously landscaped, around the clock attention, no expense spared on the interior finishes and furnishings; a showhouse for sure.

Down the street a pretty house. Nothing fancy, but functional. Built with love. A little messy here and there. Fingerprints of life visible on the walls; subtle scuffs on the study floors. A good home. A solid home.

One warm summer day an unexpected storm blows through. The neighborhood braces for hours of rain, flooding, and heavy winds. But the quaint neighborhood is no match for the powerful storm. All but a few homes demolished. No one saw this one coming and the houses everyone expected to survive are in shambles, while some of the often-overlooked homes are intact. The stately house on the hill: only scraps remaining. The simple, sturdy home: standing tall among the rubble.

The difference? A strong foundation; more attention given to its structure than to the shiny showcase features.

Time and again, Jesus teaches that the inside – the heart and our foundation – is what matters. The outside can be deceiving. The things unseen by man, but seen by God, are what is truly valued.

Working on the foundation isn’t always fun. It is hard work; unseen and unadmired by others. The world tells us to spend our time making the outside look impressive, but this does nothing to shore up the foundation to withstand the trials.
 
A slick image and clean looking façade can take a hit or two but won’t survive the big storms. And one thing we can count on is storms and trials. Only deep roots sown by abiding in Jesus, and a solid foundation built on His truth can help us weather the storms that will inevitably come.
 
Question: What can you do today to work on your “foundation”?

[Jesus teaches us how to pray] Pray then like this:… Matthew 6:9a

Our Father who art in Heaven – God, I acknowledge you as Father…as OUR Father….who is in Heaven, above all; who sees all and controls all.

Hallowed be thy name – holy is Your NAME. It has power. It is worthy of awe and my deepest respect.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done – not my will, but YOURS, God, be done. Let my will be in sync with Yours.

On earth as it is in heaven – and not just your will for us to be with You in eternity, but Your will to be done here and now. On earth.

Give us this day our daily bread – give me what I need today...this day. Let me not worry about more than I need to today. Be my provision in all things today.

And forgive us our trespasses – forgive me, God for [confession time]. Thank you that You forgive time and time again, even when I repeat the same mistakes over and over again.

As we forgive those who trespass against us – God, help me to forgive as You forgive. Help my gratitude for Your forgiveness of me spill over into lavish forgiveness of others.

Lead us not into temptation – God, please help me avoid temptation. Help me to keep my focus on You rather than things that tempt me.

But deliver us from evil – God, deliver me from all evil. Help me to walk in the light. Help me love the things You love and hate the things You hate.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. – Yes, Lord. Yours is the Kingdom I want to be in. You are the power I need. Your glory is unmatched. Now and forever.
 
Challenge: For one week begin each day with the Lord’s prayer, concentrating on each piece of it.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

What do you seek first? What if we always sought God’s kingdom and God’s will first in all things?

You are feeling overwhelmed…but seek first my kingdom.
You have all these ideas of things you want to run and do…but seek first my path.
You are confused by culture’s definition of right and wrong…but seek first my truth.
You are feeling weary and broken…but seek first my righteousness.
You are in need…but seek first a supply of my word.
You are heartbroken…but seek first my comfort.
You have an important decision to make…but seek first my wisdom.
You don’t feel like you are enough or have enough time, energy, resources…but seek first my power.

…and ALL these things will be added to you.

C.S. Lewis says, “Put first things first and we get second things thrown in; put second things first and we lose both first and second things.”

Or as Jesus is saying here, put God first and all these things will be added to you. Seek all these other things first and you will have no time for God…and on top of that, you won’t achieve those things…they will still be there. You lose both.

How often does God take second place to things we think we just HAVE to do first, and then we are left feeling like we have fallen short at everything. Seeking second place things first leaves no time for first or second place things.

Challenge: Make it a goal today to keep pressing on to put first things first; to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness. Reflect on it at the end of the day. How did it impact your decisions and your attitude toward things and people?

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17
 
Jesus’s famous Sermon on the Mount continues, addressing some of the laws. For thousands of years the Jewish people have been chasing after laws to try to be right with God; to please Him. There were laws given to Moses from God, and many more the Jewish leaders created themselves over the years. The law had replaced love of God as THE THING. They believed they could save and elevate themselves if they could just more diligently follow all the laws.
 
Jesus is trying to tell them (and us!) it isn’t about the laws or the world’s definition of blessing; it is about the condition of your heart. It is deeper than commandments written on tablets or paper; it is what is inside you.

You say you haven’t murdered anyone? Jesus says, have you ever been angry with your brother? Same thing.  Uh oh.
 
You say you haven’t committed adultery? Jesus says, have you ever looked at anyone with desire? Then guilty.
 
He tells them to scrap the old ideas of retaliation and instead turn the other cheek. Give generously. Go the extra mile.
 
Jesus tells them that He did not come to abolish the law (“or the prophets,” representing the prophesies) with these words and His life, but to fulfill them. The law isn’t obsolete, but He is teaching a different way to follow it...by following HIM.
 
Jesus is teaching that we need to work on our hearts, not the law. Out of this heart transformation obedience flows. It isn’t about trying harder; it is about loving more...loving God and loving others. Where we could never accomplish truly righteous living in our own power, Jesus came to do that for us. He came to fulfill what no one else could.
 
Questions: What is the difference between obediently following God’s commandments and following out of a pure heart? Do you think it is impossible to consistently follow them if our hearts are not right?

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. Matthew 5:1
 
Jesus climbs up a mountain, sits down, and begins to teach what it really looks like to do life in the kingdom of Heaven. He begins, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” What in the world does He mean?
 
Financial situation has little to do with being poor in spirit. It is an utter emptiness without God. It is a crater that can only be filled with God’s grace, mercy, love, goodness. It is an absence of any sense of control or ability to fix anything on our own.

Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. All of the goodness available when we are emptied of ourselves and open to receive heaven. In that emptiness, that crater, that absence, God comes in and fills it overflowing.

Here is the hard part: Only in the emptying can there be filling. My pastor says he often prays of our congregation, “bless them or break them…whatever brings them to you.” More often the breakings are what bring us places we would never otherwise go. Places where we see God’s face more clearly.

We can’t muster up being poor in spirit and we can’t obtain in by watching others. Yes, we are moved, but we are not emptied. We are still clinging, if only slightly, to a thread of control and trying to make it on our own. All of the counter-intuitive verses about joy in trial and suffering make more sense. Only then are we emptied. Poor in spirit.

The only response is worship in humility and deep gratitude. A realization that something was done to us, in us, for us that we could never do on our own. We truly experience the kingdom of heaven; the rich abundance of a holy God we are emptied of us and filled with Him.

Questions: Why do you think this was the first “blessed” statement by Jesus in this Sermon? How do you see this truth as being foundational to all others? 

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you… Luke 6:27

So how do we get to a place of true blessing with God as the filler of all the holes in our hearts, our lives, our contentment and joy? Perhaps this burning question is why Jesus launches into His next teaching.

Jesus tells us to love. Yes, we love those who love us, that is easy. But Jesus says to love our enemies. And love is an action, not a feeling. Love does stuff. We do good to those who hate us. We bless those who curse us. We pray for those who abuse us. These are HARD words to hear, much less do.

Loving doesn’t mean condoning, and it doesn’t mean passivity, but it does mean responding differently. It is stepping outside of our entitlement mindset that makes things all about us, and moving into reliance on God…His justice, His mercy, His grace. Because when we do these humanly impossible things, it isn’t us doing them. It isn’t our natural inclination. It is all the power of God in us. We have to tap into Him to be able to do these things, and we can do these things until we feel these things. We can act like the person we want to become. It isn’t faking…it is trusting God to come in and change us.

It is about loosening the grip on the things we strive so hard for and cling so tightly to. And in that loosened grip – that poverty, hunger, emptying – we are filled even more with God. Oh boy, how hard it is to make that leap. Honestly, I haven’t fully figured it out. But I want to.

​Oh, God, change my want to. Help me want Your definition of blessing more than I want my definition of blessing. And in the meantime, help me to LOVE as You love. Help me to see people and my surroundings through Your eyes, not my own.  Help me to be the person You see when You look at me. Help me to trust You enough to do what You say, even when I don’t yet feel it.
 
Challenge: Try to go through the day thinking about how Jesus would love in each scenario you are in. What would He do? What would He say?

Blessed are the poor….hungry…those who weep…those hated, excluded, reviled….Woe to those who are rich, full, laughing, well-spoken of… Luke 6:20-26 (excerpts)
 
Our idea of blessed is all backward when define it by things going our way or having beautiful things. But this is how we define it most often, isn’t it? We are blessed when we have food for a nice meal, we are blessed when our social media following grows, we are blessed when we win, we are blessed when we make captain of the team, we are blessed when we get that amazing job and new house and child.

Jesus says otherwise. Not that these are bad things but blessed is not what you physically have possession of, it is when you realize you have nothing of any value at all; when you understand God is what you need.

When we have resources, we may ask God to fill in some gaps, but we still try to take care of as much as we can on our own. We don’t tap into the mighty power of God.

When we have food, we may feast on the bread of life, but only a little because we are quite full of what we already have. We miss out on the fullness of God.

When we are satisfied, we may ask God for those new desires, but we aren’t desperate for them. We are pretty okay. We miss out on the truly abundant life God has in store for us.

When people admire us and speak well of us, we think we are on the right track. We crave more from people and truth becomes blurry. We may be leaning too far into things of the world over things of God.

In story after story and teaching after teaching, Jesus tries to get us to see this truth, but we continue to live according to the world’s definition of blessed. We may get a little of God, but only what fits in the holes left behind by our own filling. As a result, we miss the abundance of God.
 
Question: How do you define blessed? How might this differ from Jesus’ definition? Why do you think that might be the case?

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. Mark 12:43
 
The wealthy are piling into the temple dropping large coins – lots of them – into the treasury. Each donation makes a loud clanging sound as it drops into the trumpet-shaped metal receptacle designed to literally hear the size of the offering. Impressive nods abound as the clanging is louder and more prolonged. A poor widow comes and drops in two small coins, the value of a penny. They make barely as sound as they hit the collection vessel. Small; unimpressive to the watching religious leaders. But not so to Jesus. Jesus says her offering is more than all the others because she contributed out of her poverty where the others contributed out of abundance. She gave everything. All she had to live on.

The King James translation calls the offering the Widow’s Mite. Mite is a very small coin, worth practically nothing. I love this translation because it turns out the widow’s mite was awfully mighty in God’s eyes. And “mite” for us may be more than just money.

Maybe it’s writing, creating, music, teaching, mentoring, leading, encouraging, tutoring, speaking, or any number of gifts. We are quick to be hard on ourselves; critical and insecure about what we have to offer. We think our gifts are merely a mite. Small, unimpressive, insignificant, of no use in the bigger scheme of things. But it’s a lie. A lie that keeps us from putting ourselves in the game.

We may be holding out because we don’t think we have enough, or aren’t ready yet, or don’t feel qualified enough, or are afraid of failing or being rejected. We tightly cling to our gifts and passions, instead of giving them all away. We think they are mite, but God can use them mightily.

The truth is, God doesn’t NEED us. He can make miracles happen with His words alone. He WANTS us. He wants us to step out in faith. He wants us to take what little we have, place it in the receptacle of our God-ordained spaces, and watch Him multiply it.

Questions: What “mite” are you clinging to? What is holding you back?

And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. Mark 3:14-15

Continuing from the previous passage with the different people and beliefs about Jesus, we also meet up with Jesus’ family and childhood friends. People who knew Him before the healing and teaching and fame and following. They can’t reconcile who they knew with who they are witnessing. They have been around Him so long, they can’t grasp the magnitude of who He is. It doesn’t make sense to them. He is misunderstood by those who should know Him best as they proclaim, “He is out of His mind.”

Finally, we see the chosen twelve. He called them and they came. He appointed them SO THAT they might BE WITH HIM and He might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. A new covenant with a new chosen people to carry it into the world. Twelve disciples in the pattern of the twelve tribes of Israel from the original covenant fulfilled by Him. Their first and most important job: to BE WITH HIM. This is foundational for any other calling. They will know Him, learn from Him, become one in spirit with Him, and THEN be equipped to go out and share Him with others.

I heard a speaker once summarize it, “Withness before Witness.”

May we always be in the eager disciple category. Chosen and willing. Never skipping the first and important step of BEING WITH Jesus. And then, fully equipped, being the hands of feet of Jesus to a hurting and hungry world.
 
Questions: Recap these two new categories in addition to the ones from the passage yesterday. How do we see this play out today? Where do you see yourself?

And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” Mark 3:11
 
​Woven in a healing story told in Mark chapter 3 we get a glimpse into many of the wildly different reactions from those who came in contact with Jesus.

The religious leaders watch Jesus closely. They know ABOUT Jesus, but they don’t KNOW Jesus. They stalk Him this Sabbath day, fully believing He will heal the man with the withered hand. We sometimes doubt Jesus will meet our needs or the needs of others, but these religious leaders anticipate it. They are certain He could and would heal this man, but instead of that drawing them closer to Him, they try to use it as a trap. Their net to catch Him? “Working” on the Sabbath.  They accuse Him of doing forbidden labor (healing a man) on the Sabbath as they indignantly storm out of the synagogue plotting His destruction. Rather than seeing the Messiah they have been preparing for and waiting for, they see someone standing in the way of their esteemed positions of power.

Then we encounter the crowds. They follow in enormous masses. They are seeking the miracle; the healing. They too believe He can and will heal if they can just get close enough to touch Him. They follow Jesus for what He can do for them, not who He can be to them. This type of following won’t last long, as they move on to the next quick fix in their lives, never developing a relationship with the healer.

In the midst of the crowds seeking healing are unclean spirits. They know more than any others who Jesus is and what He came to do. They fall down before Him and cry out, “You are the Son of God.” They are the first to acknowledge who He is. But they have no desire to follow Him…they just want Him to leave them alone to their suffering and tormenting. They are content in their evil existence.
 
To be continued…
 
Question: Think about the first three examples of people groups and their reactions to Jesus. Where do you see these examples today?

Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your mat, and walk.” John 5:8
 
Still on the mat, you shift your eyes from the “magic” pool – the thing you thought would heal you, but only left you in the same miserable place -- to the eyes of Jesus.
 
And at once you know you are healed.

Louie Giglio says, “Every day we hold on to something with a clenched fist is a day we miss the possibility of God putting something amazing in our hands. When we let go, we don’t lose out.”
 
What keeps us stuck on our metaphorical mat? Things that keep us hanging out in circles that bring us down instead of lift us up. Things that make us feel unsatisfied, rather than grateful. Things that make us hate things about ourselves instead of realizing God can’t wait to use them for a purpose designed for us. Things that make us keep going back to what we know we shouldn’t do…what we know doesn’t work.
 
What are we looking to as the “magic” pool…the “if only” and “what if” we think is the answer? What if we slowly unclenched our cramped hands from around the edges of the mat and looked instead to Jesus?

And when we turn to Jesus, then we get the power we need to get off our mat. We can do the impossible. We can walk in freedom and healing. We can be who God created us to be.
 
Then we pick our mat up and carry it instead of letting it carry us. We carry it not to shame us, but to remind us from where we have come. And in the same power that got us up off the mat, we never lay back down on that dirty, smelly, wretched, battered mat. God, let it be so.
 
Challenge: Where are you currently feeling dissatisfied with yourself or your circumstances? Think of what you have been trying to do about these things in your own power. Now decide to look to Jesus. Talk to Him about how to help you see the circumstances and solutions through His eyes.

Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.  John 5:2-3
 
​Thirty-eight years lying on a mat, unable to walk. Imagine the things that mat has seen. Though you are desperate to get off the mat, the mat has become quite comfortable to you in a sick sort of way. It is almost part of you now…your identity; who you are. You despise the mat and cling to the mat at the same time.

“Do you want to get well?” That is the question Jesus asks.

Of course!  The impulse reaction. But then you start thinking about life up from the mat. Unknown. Scary. Unpredictable. You start to wonder if the misery of the mat is preferred to the messy unknown. You start to wonder if you will make it apart from the mat. You rationalize that laying by the pool and living off of scraps and handouts isn’t so bad. The real truth is, it seems so impossible.

“I have no one to help me….”      “If I could just….”      “If only….”

The thing that put you on the mat isn’t in your head. It is real. It is hard. It is painful.

You’ve been trying to get off the mat for So. Many. Years. You know what it takes to get off the mat, and you know you don’t have it. You’ve long given up, but yet you keep at it nonetheless.

Are you willing to try something else? To loosen the grip on the familiar and what you think you need to get well? Jesus comes to show us another way.

Questions: What things are holding you back from the things God has for you? What are your “if I could just ____” or “If only I _______”?