Our symbol this week is the lightbulb, with a prayer for each of us,
that we will not grope about in the darkness, but that His Word, His parables,
will illumine our way and protect us from danger.
May we pray for lightbulb moments.
I had a lightbulb moment in our passage in Mark this week.
It has always been a mystery to me as to why Jesus would want to hide truth from anyone.
Wouldn’t He want their darkness to be illumined so that they could believe?
Yet, He says “No.” (See Mark 4:11-12)
Hiding the truth from some is the reason He now turns to teaching in parables,
for parables have the power to both hide & illumine.
My lightbulb moment on why Jesus would want to hide came in examinining the context, the incident that happens just before He begins to teach in parables.
He is accused of having a demon.
It is then that He speaks this formidable truth:
N. T. Wright explains that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit can be likened to a conspiracy theory. If, for example, you believe your surgeon is actually a murderer in disguise, you will never let him operate on you. Anything he says or does to try to convince you to trust him will be seen as part of the conspiracy.
In the same way, if you believe the one who claims to be God
is actually possessed by Satan,
anything he says or does will be viewed as part of his conspiracy.
You will reject His Spirit, His Word,
and His lifeline of forgiveness thrown to you from Calvary.
You will also be “evangelistic” in spreading the conspiracy theory,
trampling on the pearl of great price.
In the crowd listening to Jesus, are those like this, so now He turns to parables,
which both illumine and hide.
Keller’s book does not cover this week’s passage, but we will.
Highlight from Last Week:
How I loved your enthusiasm on seeing or seeing again the huge different between religion and the gospel of Christianity. There were so many good thoughts from you — but here are two the show the burden and powerlessness of religion.
If I find that obedience is a burden, an enslavement, or it’s advice, that’s a clue I’m following the paradigm of religion. If I am living the gospel, obedience is a delight, a gift.
Susan
I thank God for freeing me from religion. It’s not easy everyday, but it’s not a chore at all. Thank you Father for Your leading and direction.
Jennifer
Jennifer, who made the above comment last week, just joined our blog and my heart soared to see her. Last year God set her free from the lies of religion and she realized how deeply loved she is. She “happened” to come to a meal that a church in Columbus, Georgia offered to anyone when they announced the study The Jesus Who Surprises. God wooed her to sign up and then set her free. She gave a beautiful authentic testimony in The Jesus Who Surprises video and you can see it by clicking here:
https://vimeo.com/timmahony/deebrestinjennifer
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently?
Monday: Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
As a young Christian I so feared I might commit this unforgiveable sin, and my dear pastor (Sharon’s father-in-law) said, “Dee — if you are worried about it, you don’t have to be worried about it.” That is because if you care about pleasing God, it shows you revere Him. Blasphemy against the Spirit is a rejection of God because you do not revere Him. It is throwing away the lifeline that Christ offers — and there is no other way to be forgiven except to receive what Christ did for you on Calvary.
3. Read Mark 3:20-30.
A. What is the conflict in this passage?
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do
you learn from this?
C. N. T. Wright likens the accusation to a conspiracy theory. If someone believes there
is a conspiracy to make Jesus seem like God, but He is actually a fraud, how will that
affect that person’s reactions to anything Jesus says or does?
4. Read Mark 3:31-35
A. What happens here?
B. How does Jesus challenge idolatry of the family here?
5. Do you have any questions for God (or one another) about the above passages?
Tuesday: The Parable of the Sower
5. Read Mark 4:1-9
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
B. Describe the reason the seed did not take root in each of the first three soils.
C. Describe what happened with the fourth soil.
D. Which of these soils represent a true believer and why do you think that?
6. Read Mark 4:10-12
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
B. What does he tell them about his reason for speaking in parables?
7. When you see this passage in the context of the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” passage,
what light comes to you?
8. What questions, petitions, confessions, or praise does this passage lead you to pray? Do so.
Wednesday: The Parable of the Sower Explained
9. Read Mark 4:13-20
A. What stands out to you from the explanation Jesus gives to his disciples and why?
B. Most theologians believe that the first two soils, and probably the third, are unbelievers.
But there is the possibility thorny soil could represent very weak believers, who are saved
but unfruitful. We really don’t know. But given this, how might you pray for yourself or
others? Do so.
10. How have you seen God in your life recently?
Thursday: With the Measure you Use, it will be Measured to you
11. Read Mark 4:21-23
A. What does Jesus say here?
B. How does this relate to his explanation about speaking in parables?
12. Read Mark 4:24-25
A. What two statements does Jesus make here?
B. Keeping this in the context of hiding or illumining, what might be the correct
application of “with the measure you measure, it will be measured to you?”
N. T. Wright says: “Jesus seems to be telling his followers that the level to which they pay attention to what he’s teaching them will be the level at which they will receive the benefits of the kingdom.”
This reminds me of when I was endeavoring to interest Marty, a friend from pickleball, to come to Bible study. She was hesitant, asking how much homework there would be. Because I so wanted her to come, I said, “Not too much.”
But my wiser friend Twila leaned forward and said, “What you put into it is what you will get out of it.”
13. On the basis of the above, how might you pray for yourself? Do it.
Friday: Two More Farming Parables
14. Read Mark 4:26-29 and describe what you learn from this.
15. Read Mark 4:30-34
A. What is the point of this parable?
B. How might this be different from the way the people expected the Messiah to bring
in the new kingdom?
C. What do verses 33-34 tell us now about how Jesus taught?
16. How has have you seen God in your life recently?
Saturday: Reflections and Review
17. Do you have any questions for the group about the lesson this week?
18. What do you think will be your main take-a-way and why?
162 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above?
Jennifer’s story. I had watched this last year just after Dee’s book was released. Thank you Jennifer for your courage and for your heartfelt words. Keep telling your story, Jennifer, for it is life-giving.
I watched all of the stories, last week, on the Adam’s Road website from the former LDS missionaries and some of their family members. Their stories are meant for any of us that get trapped in any religion. One of the women who shared her story described how she felt “strangled” by the regulations and rules. Here is the link to their truly amazing stories: https://www.adamsroadministry.com/testimonies
Thank you, Nila — this is wonderful!
Nila, you have peaked my interest now to watch these videos as you say “their stories are meant for any of us that get trapped in any religion”.
Thank you for this Nila, I cant wait to check out these testimonies. My daughter here has several mormon friends, we live in Idaho…I don’t even know how you would witness to them as their parents are pretty set on mormonism, nor do I want to cross a line?
Isn’t our witness our story of God rescuing us from sin? We can surely share that with anyone! We don’t need to cross any lines to do so either. The Holy Spirit does the line crossing as He sees fit. Just tell your story and let Him work ❤️
Chris, So true. Our witness is our stories of God’s faithful rescues in our lives all along the way.
Staci,
I know that these stories will be encouraging to you. I grew up in a predominantly Mormon community so many of my friends were LDS. It can be a long and sometimes slow process coming out from under it but as you will hear in these wonderful stories, it is truly possible. And their stories beautifully encourage kind, loving, patient friendship. My dad was befriended by a Lutheran pastor and over a period of a few years my dad came to believe.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? I, too, was taken again with the Gospel. It never gets old hearing of our freedom that is so easily forgotten in our instinct to “do it myself.”
2. How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently? I do not remember ever going so purposefully slowly through Scripture and the richness of it has been beautiful… my focus is usually on reading and understanding as much as I can in the time I have but to sit and ponder has a much different feel and result. I love it.
I’m so glad, Jill — I feel the same. And such a richness in our group!
Jill I feel the same way. I love the slower pace to really grasp what His Word is saying. I was going to do a bible study at our church on ‘Moving Mountains, Praying with Passion, Confidence and Authority’ by John Eldridge, but they are doing 2-3 chapters a week and I decided to not go to the class but to just go at my own pace. I did buy the book and workbook, so dig in on my own. I can’t learn when I have to speed read.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – I love Jennifer’s testimony. The love that Jesus has for her, to stand with her until the time came for her to see the light. Love her tender heart and how she knows with all she has how much Jesus loves her and she isn’t afraid to let others know what he has done for her. I also love the explanation of the parable. I definitely can see now how the wrong thing can be preached from ourselves if you don’t believe in the one speaking/teaching. You will speak negatively about what you are hearing to the point of spreading lies.
2. How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently? – The multiple of prayers that have been given to my husband and to me as the caretaker. What a blessing everyone has been to us. From cards sent to me to help me slow down and breathe to the encouragement from people, the food prepared for us and the love shown is all from knowing the Lord. Everyone of them in whatever way it came is a blessing to me and has helped me see just how much knowing God can make us see others in need instead of our own needs. How they put us before their own is exactly what God has done for me. The love of Christ has really been shown to us this week.
It doesn’t surprise me that you are well loved, Julie.
Love seeing the hands and feet of Jesus being extended to you and your husband and may you continue to feel His arms, His strength and His love lifting you up.
So glad to see you be blessed through this time of your need by those who put you before their own need!
Julie, am glad to hear about many blessing you in more ways than one. It is a tribute to our good and caring God.
Julie, this is so awesome to hear you say about those around you who are covering you and your husband through this trial. I remind myself in those times that there will be an upward swing to the wave, I just have to get through the downward one first. How is your husband doing? Can you give an update?
Thank you Ladies, it is so encouraging to know we don’t fight alone. The doctor felt the surgery went well and that he was able to get everything but of course had to send it out to be examined under the microscope. His pain is tolerable with Tylenol Extra Strength but feels like he has been run over by a truck. He has discomfort of course with the catheter and from his bowel not waking up yet. He needs to move around more and drink more water, but is not listening very well 🙂 I will probably go back to work tomorrow, Tuesday, this will make him have to get up and move for himself. Thank you so much for continued prayers. We really do appreciate them and all of you.
I will pray for his recovery and for you to be at peace when you are at work. Thanks for the update!
Julie, I’m happy you’re surrounded by so many others, loving and caring and being of practical help with meals so you and your husband aren’t going through this alone.
Beautiful how people rallied around you as God’s loving arms, just beautiful!
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The video of Jennifer…I really can’t explain what it means to me but it has shown a need for brokenness within my own life…God has taken me back to the first beatitude . Sometimes when you’ve been a Christian as long as I have you become arrogant in what you think you know and God comes along and knocks you down a few rungs…that’s where I’m at right now and I’m parking myself at the first beatitude for as long as it takes.
2. How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently?
I’m just going to leave this link to the devotional that God used to illuminate what I’m going through above.
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/refresh-your-soul-with-humility?utm_campaign=Daily+Email&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=81980560&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–eFsIUpXpAs5OpBxa8FF0uTxkY3QjVCfxTEnidKvBOWcuJCdv9oSub-lyz3wrwC_RIrTf0sjXRqwrBppdeUnMnyt43ig&_hsmi=81980560
So good, Sharon — what we all need!
Thanks for this Sharon! It was a balm to me this morning. I especially like the “reflection- refraction” analogy.
Sharon, thank you for your honesty here about how you can become arrogant in what you think you know. I’m sure we’ve all been there…I know I have. And then I can be impatient and wonder why someone else doesn’t get it?
Thank you for this Sharon, definitely needed this today and probably many days past and future. I so need God’s wisdom and not what I think is best or my own wisdom…
Sharon thank you so much for that wisdom.
Wow, absolutely Jennifer’s testimony stands out! She shares about having so many misconceptions about God, and now knows how much she is cared for!
Her prayer life has completely changed. Praise God, I am thankful,too, to see the changes in those who come to Jesus with faith and new lives.
How has God’s Word been a light to me? Just today I am reminded of the text in Joshua 1:9. I have been fearful of confrontation by a very few, but I can now stand firm as I am commanded to be strong and courageous, because the Lord is with me wherever I go. I have 2 weeks before a meeting and I will be ready for
what the Lord will do. Even though it may not be easy,I am loved and know the Holy Spirit will go before me. The gospel message is real! I am loved.
Wonderful Shirley — the truth we daily need to tell our souls! “The gospel message is real. I am loved.”
What stands out to you from the above and why?
Your light bulb moment, Dee was a light bulb to me as well! I have often wondered what those verses mean. Somebody probably explained it to me before but what you wrote here really clinched it for me. I do believe that at certain points in time, some things have been hidden from me either because it might have been too much to handle or I may not have just been in tune with the Holy Spirit? That is why I believe that I should always sincerely ask for illumination from the Spirit when I am in the Word.
And this was also formidable (if I can borrow your word) for me: “You will also be “evangelistic” in spreading the conspiracy theory, trampling on the pearl of great price.” I shudder thinking about how the enemy doubles his efforts by using people who reject Jesus to lead others astray.
And I loved seeing Jennifer’s testimony again. She is so vulnerable, honest and her gratitude for Jesus is so evident in her testimony.
Isn’t it fun when our light bulb moments are light bulbs for others too? Thanks, Bing.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
This from you Dee, “ we will not grope about in the darkness, but that His Word, His parables, will illumine our way and protect us from danger.”
I have always struggled with understanding the parables. I am not good with riddles. I give up easily when puzzles are hard. I am finding it interesting that you say he is hiding the meaning for a purpose. I need His truths so am am not in the dark and in danger!
I agree with you about why He would not want everyone to know, but I’m not sure I am following the conspiracy analogy….
2. How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently?
George and I rarely go out alone, but we had planned to go out with a young couple from my MOPS group. We got our tickets but they waited too long and couldn’t get them. We ended up meeting them elsewhere for dinner. But, George and I decided to go for a few hours before we met them. It was an outdoor event and the weather turned bad. While we were there we met a young couple and chatted for a couple of hours with them. For some reason we thought God wanted us to meet them? It was uncanny how much we had in common! Her dad died when she was 14, mine when I was 13, his name is John just like our son AND he’s a chef (just like our John), AND He loves soccer just like our John. My husband found some military connection as well…. it was so weird! We exchanged numbers and plan to get together sometime in the future. I just think we were meant to meet; maybe they need some sort of mentoring? We left and met our other young couple for dinner and had so much fun with them too! I’m sure God was part of this night.
Great God hunt story, Laura.
What stands out to you from the above and why?
I love Jennifer’s contribution and knowing how she came to be on the blog, I was praying this past week and thinking again of how impactful your ministry has been, I thought about what Lizzy shared, about being reluctant to ask for prayer and I thought about how I imagine that Steve prayed for your ministry and how God has richly answered. I want to get better at asking for prayer and at making praying a natural part of a conversation.
How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently?
I appreciated the direction of focusing on the sabbath from last week. I acknowledge how reluctant I am to really trust that God is good and that he is for me, especially in the area of my worldly children. I want to recline in peace on Jesus, I want to trust him more. I want to cease striving, to stop listening to the enemy who plants doubt and saps my confidence in who God says he is.
Awww Chris — thank you, reminding me of Steve’s prayers.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
First, I like our symbol and prayer for the week: the lightbulb, and that may each of us have lightbulb moments to light our way. Jennifer’s testimony is awesome, too…that she was illumined as to how much God cares for her and now she can fearlessly be real with Him! I am also curious to learn more about the “unforgiveable sin”. I’ve heard sermons about it with pastors saying they regularly get asked by people who are worried that they may have committed it. N.T. Wright’s explanation of how some believe in a conspiracy theory is interesting. It makes sense, though, to think that the Pharisees or anyone who believed Jesus was Himself possessed by an evil spirit or Satan would distrust anything He said and never have forgiveness…that kind of puts it back on them, not God, for the reason they cannot be forgiven.
2. How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently?
I was struck by a woman’s humility when she asked for my forgiveness at church yesterday. I was sitting next to a friend from my ABF class in the service, and everyone was standing up for the greeting of each other. This other woman came in past me to sit down; she also knows my friend and she sat herself between us. I really wasn’t bothered by it; I had met her before but don’t really know her. During the service though she apologized for sitting in the middle and said please forgive me. I assured her no offense was taken. Every time I go to church though, it is such a mental battle. Maybe it is the enemy wanting me to stop going to church and be isolated? I think about how I have to go alone, how I’m having contact with others but not deep connection; then other thoughts come that maybe I don’t fit in here and never will…things like that. Something in her kindness softened my heart.
3. Read Mark 3:20-30
A. What is the conflict in this passage?
The crowds keep coming to Jesus, and He and His disciples can’t find time to eat. Jesus’ family hears about it and they try to take Him away, saying that He is out of His mind. The religious teachers’ explanation is that Jesus Himself is possessed by Satan and that’s where He gets His power to cast out demons.
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do you learn from this?
Jesus asks them, “How can Satan cast out Satan?” He goes on to explain how a kingdom or a family divided against itself will collapse. So how can Satan survive if he fights against himself? It’s illogical that Satan would cast out demons who are working for him and in his ‘family’. Jesus also says that only someone who is more powerful and stronger than Satan could tie him up and then plunder his house. Jesus is implying here that He is the One who is more powerful and stronger than Satan. Like in Luther’s hymn; were not the right man on our side, our striving would be losing.
C. N.T. Wright likens the accusation to a conspiracy theory. If someone believes there is a conspiracy to make Jesus seem like God, but He is actually a fraud, how will that affect that person’s reactions to anything Jesus says or does?
They will naturally believe that Jesus is not good and they won’t believe anything He says. They will also believe that He is dangerous to others and want to warn others. Yesterday my husband and I were at Lowes looking in the kitchen section. An older woman struck up a conversation with us; she showed us a business card of a kitchen remodeler and said, “Stay away from him!” She went on to explain her terrible experience with this business and its owner; how he tried to get more and more money from her and didn’t complete work on time or unless really pressured. She wanted to warn us away from him!
The Pharisees really believed that Jesus was a danger to them and to others spiritually, that he would lead them away from God.
I always love your way with words, Susan.
“Something in her kindness softened my heart.”
Testing…hmmm…I had answered and posted on questions 1-3 and saw it post; then I made replies to Julie and Sharon and now I don’t see my post.
I had to approve one — and it is a mystery as to why!
Monday
3. Read Mark 3:20-30
A. What is the conflict in this passage?
I think the conflict was whether Jesus was who He said He was or does He get His power to cast out demons from being possessed by Satan.
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do you learn from this?
He asks them “how can Satan cast out Satan, a kingdom divided by civil war will collapse, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart.” “If satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand?” He goes on to illustrate that only someone stronger than those in the house can plunder the goods as he could tie him up. What I learn from this is that Jesus is who He says He is, the Son of Man…forgiver of sins.
C. If someone believes there is a conspiracy to make Jesus seem like God, but He is actually a fraud, how will that affect that persons reaction to anything Jesus says or does?
They’re more apt not to believe anything He says or does. I think that’s going on in our government which makes it so hard to know who to believe.
4. Read Mark 3:31-35
A. What happens here?
The mother of Jesus and his brothers want to see Jesus and send word they want to talk with Him. Someone in the crowd gives Him the message and He responds “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ He then looks out to the people there and says these are my mother and brothers. “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother, sister and mother.”
B. How does Jesus challenge idolatry of the family here?
God must be first in our lives and that includes family.
5. Do you have any questions for God (or one another) about the above passage?
Does anyone have family members that believe Jesus existed but was only a wise teacher? They think He died like all other teachers but wasn’t God? They know of the crucifixion and resurrection but look at is as a conspiracy theory? I feel these are the hardest ones to talk to.
Dee, I shared with Jim how his father responded to your fear, he smiled and said, “that sounds like Dad.”
Sharon — Jim’s comment makes me smile. So true.
I know — I agree with you on the conspiracy theory believers — I want to ask my sister Bonnie about that if the spirit gives me the sense I should.
They have been lied to!
Sharon, your “C” is an interesting thought….I would agree.
3. Read Mark 3:20-30.
A. What is the conflict in this passage? The conflict is between Jesus and the scribes (from Jerusalem… had they come to investigate?) of whom Jesus got his authority. They claimed He sent demons out by the chief demon’s authority. Christ informed Him that was not true, however He does not inform them of the Truth He merely challenges their claims with good questions and leaves them to wrestle with their own thoughts.
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do you learn from this? He uses a house (and kingdom) divided illustration. I learn that even though Satan’s forces seem chaotic and dark they are united in their purpose.
C. …how will that effect that person’s reactions to anything Jesus says or does? They will likely be suspicious, skeptical, or downright oppositional.
4. Read Mark 3:31-35
A. What happens here? Jesus is (again) crowded in with no ability to get to him. His mother and brothers ask to speak to him and he says no. However there is some context in verse 21 that cannot be missed. His family was probably not there to exchange pleasantries…. they thought He was out of His mind and may have been there to inhibit his ministry (with good intentions).
B. How does Jesus challenge idolatry of the family here? Of course, Christ doesn’t actually mean to hate our mother and brother but comparatively hate them … that He would be loved and cherished above all. Some would even argue that all humans should be as precious to us as our own humans because they all belong to God and they all meed Jesus.
3. Read Mark 3:20-30.
A. What is the conflict in this passage? – They are thinking that Jesus has a demon and is driving out demons, but Jesus is saying that if you are Satan you can’t drive out satan or you will be divided.
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do you learn from this? – He told them that if a kingdome is divided against itself it will fall and if a household is against itself it will not stand, it will also be divided. I think from this, I can see that those that I’m around have to want to get to the same outcome in the end. It’s ok to disagree, but we need to be open and listen to all sides, but in the end find ourselves back at the cross. I can see in my own family, that some don’t believe in having a relationshp with Jesus. I can try to explain or show them why they do, but in the end, they have to want it. So when I’m around them, we kind of stay away from that subject. I’ve tried to help them see the light, they don’t want my help or Jesus’ help, so we don’t bring it up anymore. I’m waiting and willing if that time comes, but I may not be the one to help them see, I may only be the one to plant the seed.
C. N. T. Wright likens the accusation to a conspiracy theory. If someone believes there is a conspiracy to make Jesus seem like God, but He is actually a fraud, how will that affect that person’s reactions to anything Jesus says or does? – If they follow those opposing him and believe the lies said about him, I don’t think they will listen to anyone else say the opposite, I think they will have to come to that conclusion on their own. They may have to hit bottom and have no one to help them, in order to be desperate enough to cry out to Jesus for help. But that will only work if they have a heart that is soft enough to mold.
4. Read Mark 3:31-35
A. What happens here? – Jesus’ family show up and want him to come outside and he explains that everyone around him believing in God are his family.
B. How does Jesus challenge idolatry of the family here? – He doesn’t put his family first, his teachings from the Father are more important to him then is family. He is putting the works of the Father that he was brought to Earth to do first and making that priority.
5. Do you have any questions for God (or one another) about the above passages? – My question is how did his family not know about him. I thought Mary, his mother, knew what Jesus’ life was to hold, so how did his family think he was demon possessed? The side note in my Bible says that his brothers and sisters didn’t yet believe he was the Son of God.
Julie, I think that this is another case of misinformed expectations. Jews thought the Messiah would be a strong military leader who would, essentially, reclaim the Kingdom like in the days of David (this is my own meager understanding) – think about Palm Sunday. His family may have known (and certainly Mary did) but they misunderstood HOW it would look for Christ to become the Messiah and truly save humankind. Indeed, they may have thought they were helping by discouraging this ‘rebellion’ so that He didn’t “mess up” His chance at rising to power through favor with men and success as we humans define it… just my thoughts… it is obvious to us but in His day not even His disciples *who were told* expected what actually happened.
Thanks Jill. That helps some. I sense they had a little bit of unbelief so to speak?
What stands out to you from the above and why? The light bulb, The Word is a lamp unto they feet. So true and religion versus God. Our pastor yesterday gave a story of a meme he saw and it was exactly this. A light bulb went off the meme about relationship and religion, under religion the quote read ” I messed up, Dad is going to kill me…’, and under the relationship quote “I messed up, I better call Dad.” That really spoke to my heart how much God loves us, versus religion and law.
How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently? It’s been awakening me to stop hiding from God things, such as sin, choices or mistakes that I think He will be upset about or won’t love me for…God already sees them anyways, and He still loves me. He just wants me to trust Him to help me let go and move into trusting Him more, all about relationship and not religion.
Staci, I really loved this example…”A light bulb went off the meme about relationship and religion, under religion the quote read I messed up, Dad is going to kill me… and under the relationship quote I messed up, I better call Dad. That really spoke to my heart how much God loves us, versus religion and law.”
Love that illustration, Staci.
3. Mark 3:20-30 the conflict here : Jesus’ friends said, He is out of his mind. the scribes from Jerusalem said, He has Beelzebub, a demon.
B. Jesus gives the illustration that if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom will not be able to stand. “How can Satan cast out Satan?
Jesus had been casting out demons so this is unreasonable. to me.
C. Wright’s comparison to a conspiracy theory-The scribes tried to make him to be a fraud because they could not accept who he said he was.
Because Jesus is who he said he is so he must be the center around which my world revolves.
Mark 3:31-35 Jesus’ mother and brothers came looking for him in this turmoil, but he did not respond to them. He said, “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.
B. So I believe that this shows that our biological family should not take priority in our lives or it will be idolatry. This is hard though. Just one of the hard truths- to see fellow Christians as priority is not always easy especially when we are challenged by differences.
My question is how to love fellow Christians who cause divisions? Pray for forgiveness, but the hurt continues to lurk. Wondering if this is from my hardness of heart, but justify it as injustice?
. Read Mark 3:20-30.
A. What is the conflict in this passage? The pharisees thought Jesus was possessed by demons from the miracles he was performing, but actually it was the Holy Spirit workin in Jesus, to go against what the Holy Spirit was acting in blasphemy. Mark 1:10 we see the Spirit descending on Jesus when he came out of the water.
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do
you learn from this? Basically how can evil drive out evil, it would divide the kingdom of evil and it would be against itself, satan could not stand.
C. N. T. Wright likens the accusation to a conspiracy theory. If someone believes there
is a conspiracy to make Jesus seem like God, but He is actually a fraud, how will that
affect that person’s reactions to anything Jesus says or does? I will be honest, I have a hard time in todays church with so much false teachings and movements and I am pentecostal. But I always pray and seek discernment as there has been so many false movements using Jesus. But here we see this was Jesus, the pharisees were trying to make him out to be false or mimic God. I guess you could say they accused him of what satan tries to do, mimic God.
4. Read Mark 3:31-35
A. What happens here? Someone was sent inside to let Jesus know his mother and brothers had arrived looking for him, but Jesus explained everyone that does the will of God is his mother, brother and sisters.
B. How does Jesus challenge idolatry of the family here? Explaining that everyone that does God’s will is part of the family, not sure I quite understand this.
5. Do you have any questions for God (or one another) about the above passages? probably B, not sure I understand the idolatry of family. I am guessing Jesus meant his mother and brother are not above the rest of us that follow and do God’s will, we are part of Jesus family too because we love God and do His will?
Staci, I think a good example is me and my children; when they were young, I was hyper-focused on them instead of Him. My world revolved around them. Everything from sports to play, to Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts, and more. Oh, we went to church, but that was secondary with respect to our focus. Anything they needed, I was there to fix the problem, apply the salve, and manage them in any way I could. Oh how I wish I had known about idols back then! I would have changed my wicked ways. 😔
I am trying raising our grand babies to know God first. I feel like I have been given a second chance!
Laura–so much wisdom here. I relate to making an idol of kids, of what out family picture looked like to others…I love how you are so purposefully wanting your grand babies to know Him above all else. You have been so faithful.
A great explanation of family and making them an idol. I think as mothers we forget we can do just that. I know I have at times. I have always followed it up with “God you made me a mother…it’s my number one job…but quickly make it number one over Him”. Thank you for this. As I am typing this I reminded of Martha and Mary in the Bible.
I didn’t watch the video of Jennifer’s testimony initially, wow thank you for sharing this. You can see Jesus all over you and in your eyes Jennifer, just beautiful! I think I am going to add another book to my list to read Dee. 🙂
🙂
I thank God for the freedom He has given me. I the past I never had the ability to love others that willfully disobeyed God, but since I have learned His true love for me I can love others because of how much He lives me and I want to love Him in return. Miss See thank you so much for your love and encouragement it means so much to me.
Oh Jennifer — you are such a shining light of the power of God’s love. Thank you for being so vulnerable.
3. Read Mark 3:20-30.
A. What is the conflict in this passage?
The teachers claim Jesus is bound by a demon.
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do you learn from this?
Jesus asks why would Satan cast out Satan? He says kingdoms with civil wars fall, and feuding families fail. I guess He proves His point?
C. N. T. Wright likens the accusation to a conspiracy theory. If someone believes there is a conspiracy to make Jesus seem like God, but He is actually a fraud, how will that affect that person’s reactions to anything Jesus says or does?
I don’t get the conspiracy theory here. I’m guessing the answer is the person would not believe what He says?
4. Read Mark 3:31-35
A. What happens here?
Jesus is in a crowd when His mother and brothers come to see Him. The people in the crowd tell Him His family is there. He asks them who His mother and brothers are? He responds that everyone around Him is His brothers, sisters and mothers. Anyone who does the will of God has that distinction.
B. How does Jesus challenge idolatry of the family here?
Well, to me He kind of disses His family. If I had been Mary I would have been upset. However, I guess He is showing that because we are all family you don’t have to be to attached to your immediate one.
5. Do you have any questions for God (or one another) about the above passages?
Yes, I don’t understand the conspiracy theory bit at all. I also don’t understand this last bit about doing the will of God and being mothers, brothers, and sisters.
Jennifer, I just got a chance to watch your video and I remember it from the first time Dee posted it. Tears…thank you for that testimony 😊
5. Read Mark 4:1-9
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
Jesus is talking to a crowd of people.
B. Describe the reason the seed did not take root in each of the first three soils.
The first seed was too shallow and never took root. The second was burned because it was too shallow and had no roots. The third seed was scattered among the thorns and got choked when it grew.
C. Describe what happened with the fourth soil.
The fourth seed had deep roots and grew tall and plentiful.
D. Which of these soils represent a true believer and why do you think that?
The fourth seed represents a true believer because the true believer has deep roots that carry him through in the most difficult times of their lives.
6. Read Mark 4:10-12
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
Jesus addresses the disciples in this passage.
B. What does he tell them about his reason for speaking in parables?
He says it is to fulfill the scriptures. He says they may know the secrets of the Kingdom of God, but others, who refuse and ignore may eventually turn to Him because they won’t know what else to do.
7. When you see this passage in the context of the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” passage, what light comes to you?
I had to read 4 versions of this get the gist of it. I guess the blasphemy part is the not understanding, so they will eventually turn to Him. I also read the scripture that was fulfilled: Isaiah 6:9-10.
8. What questions, petitions, confessions, or praise does this passage lead you to pray? Do so.
It seems that Jesus is being intentionally mean; that he is purposely trying to hurt those who can’t or won’t(?) understand the parable. Why would He do that to people? I guess I need to try harder to understand His parables now…ugh! I don’t mean to be blasphemous, I’m just riddle deficient 🤷🏻♀️!
Laura — I think if you can understand the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit you will then understand why parables.
Look again at D. A. Carson’s analogy of a good and godly physician being slandered as a murderer. People would not only not want to listen to him or go to him, but they would also spread the word to others that he was dangerous. That is what was happening to Jesus. So he hides the truth from them with parables and reveals the truth to others with parables.
If this still doesn’t make sense, perhaps someone else could help here — and I am praying the Spirit will reveal it to you. I know you are a smart woman — I’ve worked with you, so I think it will come.
3. Read Mark 3:20-30.
A. What is the conflict in this passage?
The teachers of the law are saying Jesus is satan driving out satan
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do you learn from this?
If satan opposes himself he can’t stand, he will fall. That Jesus is the only one who can tie up satan and plunder him. satan can’t overpower Jesus. I am comforted again reminding myself of His power in my life to sustain and protect me. This reminds me of Job where God gave satan permission but satan couldn’t go further than the boundaries God set.
C. N. T. Wright likens the accusation to a conspiracy theory. If someone believes there is a conspiracy to make Jesus seem like God, but He is actually a fraud, how will that affect that person’s reactions to anything Jesus says or does? That person’s eyes will be blinded and heart will turn to stone He or she won’t believe anything Jesus says or does and usually this leads into mocking and hating.
4. Read Mark 3:31-35
A. What happens here? Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived at the place Jesus was teaching and He was told they were looking for Him.
B. How does Jesus challenge idolatry of the family here? Jesus didn’t stop teaching and go to his mother and brothers. He desired obeying God and staying above going to his mother and brothers. He also used it as a metaphor to help those who are hearing learn what is most important. I also like that Jesus included sisters. 🙂
3. Read Mark 3:20-30.
A. What is the conflict in this passage?
The scribes were saying that Jesus is in league with Satan.
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do you learn from this?
“But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house” This means, I think, that Satan is the strong man. Jesus has entered the strong man’s house (earth) to plunder Satan’s possessions (us.)
C. N. T. Wright likens the accusation to a conspiracy theory. If someone believes there is a conspiracy to make Jesus seem like God, but He is actually a fraud, how will that affect that person’s reactions to anything Jesus says or does?
In my ESV study Bible the notes say on a parallel passage in Luke 12:10 “Persistent and unrepentant resistance against the work of the Holy Spirit and his message concerning Jesus … will not be forgiven.” This is exactly what I fear my son and daughter-in-law are doing. They have been blinded and believe the Bible is not true so Jesus cannot be who he claims to be. I fear eternal condemnation for them. It breaks my heart.
However, at church last week, we met a man who is coming out of the depths of alcoholism, who almost died and the doctors believe he should not be living. He had turned his back on God but now is praising God for his rescue. His liver and his brain are recovering amazingly from the effects of severe alcohol abuse.
This comforts my heart. The end of the story is not written yet with my son and family. Even though my heart is breaking and I am filled with fears, do I believe that God is greater that Satan? Do I trust God for the future? As I pray, I need to pray for more faith; not just for their rescue.
4. Read Mark 3:31-35
A. What happens here?
Jesus’ mother and brothers come to “seek” him, presumably to “seize” him (see vs. 21).
B. How does Jesus challenge idolatry of the family here?
Jesus is saying we need to put our Christian family before our earthly family.
5. Do you have any questions for God (or one another) about the above passages?
My question for God is, “how should I deal with my son and his family?” How do I speak the truth to them, yet not damage the relationship? How do I help them to see our love, yet firmly hold to my faith in front of them?
Diane, I have the same situation with my sister and brother-in-law. So hard to see them pull away from God.
Yes — the end of the story is not written. I had nearly given up on my 93 year old mother who had dementia, yet God cleared her mind and she very clearly asked to receive Christ.
9. B. Most theologians believe that the first two soils, and probably the third, are unbelievers. But there is the possibility thorny soil could represent very weak believers, who are saved but unfruitful. We really don’t know. But given this, how might you pray for yourself or others? Do so.
Lord, help me to be fruitful; to not be choked by the cares of the world, by riches or other distractions. And may other Christians who are choking be rescued and become fruitful Christians that we may glorify your name. I especially pray for believers who are running or in political office where they are being pushed to compromise toward the lies of this world. Give them a way to hold to your word and speak your truth against the tremendous pressures to be silent against the evil one.
This brings tears! So amazing that God allowed the salvation of your 93 year old mother with dementia, Dee. This gives me hope.
Oh WOW Dee, what hope this gives me for those I am praying for. Thank you!
Staci,
I know that these stories will be encouraging to you. I grew up in a predominantly Mormon community so many of my friends were LDS. It can be a long and sometimes slow process coming out from under it but as you will hear in these wonderful stories, it is truly possible. And their stories beautifully encourage kind, loving, patient friendship. My dad was befriended by a Lutheran pastor and over a period of a few years my dad came to believe.
P.S. Not sure why this post is showing up in two places. (suppose to be in response to Staci’s comment from my first post of the week ~ )
Thank you for this post, not sure whey either? Ironically mormons are the one group of people I have gotten to attend my church in the past, maybe God will open doors here, but I find it harder, we live in Mormon territory and I think like you said just befriending them is key. Many of my daughters friends do the mormon thing, because they are made to, but sadly they dont live like their mormon values other times, that is what worries me. They dont know the truth about eternity and our choices. My daughter is a Sr in high school and I was shocked when she told me there are 16 year old mormons married in her school…?? Im like why?? It just seems so odd to me, what is the purpose of them getting married why they are still in high school?
5. Read Mark 4:1-9
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
The crowd that had followed him, that were hungry to hear truth.
B. Describe the reason the seed did not take root in each of the first three soils.
Some seed fell along the path, where birds came and ate it up, Some fell on rocky soil, where it did not have much soil to grow, it sprang up quickly because of the shallow soil, when the sun came up it scorched the the plants and they withered away because they had no root to sustain them. Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew and chocked the plants and they did not bear grain.
C. Describe what happened with the fourth soil.
It fell on good soil, It grew and produced a crop, multiplying.
D. Which of these soils represent a true believer and why do you think that?
A true believer would be the last soil, it produced good crops and multiplied. I do wonder if those that were planted along the thorns, eventually maybe got ‘replanted’ or the thorns cut back to where they could see truth and grow? To me this represents the people seeking Jesus, he taught them so they could hear the truth and not be under the law of the pharisees.
6. Read Mark 4:10-12
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage? The passage says in verse 10 when Jesus was alone , the Twelve others(his disciples) is who he was speaking too.
B. What does he tell them about his reason for speaking in parables?
So those on the outside would not understand, the pharisees. I found a link to explain this more, it goes back to Isaiah6:9-10 which helped me understand this better. This is for those that willfully rejected the truth after hearing Jesus speak The Truth to them. ( http://answersfromthebook.net/can-you-explain-to-me-mark-412-i-dont-understand-why-the-lord-said-he-didnt-want-others-also-to-be-converted-and-turn-away-from-sins/)
7. When you see this passage in the context of the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” passage,
what light comes to you? To not doubt God at His word, I think I dont doubt, but yet when I find myself worrying, it is a form of doubt. I am not purposely committing blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, yet I struggle with doubt. I dont even know why, I have never struggled with doubt so much in my walk with God like I have this season and time? I am not rejecting God’s truth like the pharisees but yet I struggle with doubt?
8. What questions, petitions, confessions, or praise does this passage lead you to pray? Do so.
To not doubt, to trust God , to read His word more, step out in Faith and believe in some areas where logically one way seems the answer and the world would agree, but when you read God’s word and literally believe and take Him at His Word…it doesn’t seem so logical to me? Why is that so? I guess that is where my faith has wavered and I was never one to waver in my faith? I wonder at times if God is allowing this because of sin I allowed in my life, am I reaping some of this doubt but God will see me through and make my faith stronger? So many questions I have for God.
I read that article, Staci, and it made sense. It can also be very frightening for us, if our loved ones seem hard-hearted. And that’s when we just have to release them to a merciful and just God, and also know that nothing is impossible for Him. He tells us also that only He can tell the wheat from the tares.
Yes, amen, it is scary and the Bible does say unless He draws them by His Spirit, so that is so right, release them and pray.
Tuesday: The Parable of the Sower
5. Read Mark 4:1-9
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage? – He was speaking to the crowd that was gathered on the shoreline.
B. Describe the reason the seed did not take root in each of the first three soils. – Each of these scenarios the seed did not really get deep down to form a good strong root system.
C. Describe what happened with the fourth soil. – This seed fell on good soil that allowed it to have a deep, strong root system so it was able to withstand the different seasons of its growth.
D. Which of these soils represent a true believer and why do you think that? – The fourth one is what a true believer would look like. If we dig deep into the root of God’s Word we will grow. If we continue to learn, we will be watered so our root system continues to growth and withstand the various storms we may go through as a believer.
6. Read Mark 4:10-12
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage? – Jesus was talking to his 12 Disciples and the other people that were around him.
B. What does he tell them about his reason for speaking in parables? – He tells them that the secret of the Kingdom is given to them, but for those on the outside he speaks in parables so ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’ He is doing this so those that don’t truly believe in Jesus or his ministry won’t be able to steer others in the wrong direction and get the wrong idea of what Jesus is trying to do. I’m wondering though, if those that may initially be on the ‘outside really want to believe and follow Jesus will their minds be open to understanding or will there have to be another process for them?
7. When you see this passage in the context of the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” passage, what light comes to you? – Well I’m not really sure here, but what I see is that those that are on the outside and don’t believe in Jesus and his teachings will never have a chance to understand just like those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.
8. What questions, petitions, confessions, or praise does this passage lead you to pray? Do so. – Lord, I know you don’t give a spirit of fear, but these verses scare me. Help me to always have an open mind and heart that I will always understand your teachings. I don’t want to be out of your will Lord, so please be with me always and guide me. Help me to have my root system planted so deep in your Word that I don’t ever slip away to be one on the outside. Thank you Lord for your guidance. In Jesus Name Amen!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I so love Jennifer’s testimony–her humility, her faith. And this reminder to pray as I read the Word, for “lightbulb moments” that “will illumine our way and protect us from danger.”
2. How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently?
I joined my husband at his counselor yesterday and at one point I was thinking ‘why am I here, this is not really helpful or necessary for me, and I started praying in my head for God to do something with the time…and then there was, maybe it was a “lightbulb moment”, but something the counselor said pierced my heart and my response surprised us all and led to a different path that I can already see has brought His healing…sorry for the vagueness of this, but I am thankful
3. Read Mark 3:20-30. A. What is the conflict in this passage?
Jesus’ family accused Him of being out of His mind, the religious leaders accused Him of being possessed by a demon.
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do you learn from this?
A kingdom, a house, divided against itself cannot stand.
Jesus cannot have the power to cast out demons unless He Himself is God. A demon cannot cast out itself.
4. Read Mark 3:31-35 A. What happens here?
Jesus says “whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”
B. How does Jesus challenge idolatry of the family here?
Jesus prioritizes following Him and the Body of Believers over natural family.
5. Do you have any questions for God (or one another) about the above passages?
This is a hard area for me at times and I don’t think I can make much sense here, but we are not close anymore to most of our biological families, and none of our children share our DNA, so I struggle sometimes with how much to honor certain family simply because they are biological relatives, or to just embrace the “family” God has given us through the Body. Is that enough, or am I not valuing biology enough?
5. Read Mark 4:1-9 A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
Jesus is speaking to the crowd on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
B. Describe the reason the seed did not take root in each of the first three soils.
path-they hear the Word, but Satan comes immediately and snatches it from them
rocky-they receive the Word (seed) with joy, but they are shallow so it takes no root. They endure a bit but when trials come, they fall away.
thorns-they hear the Word, but the cares of the world and their idols choke out the word, and it produces no fruit.
C. Describe what happened with the fourth soil.
The fourth is good soil. They hear the Word, accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.
D. Which of these soils represent a true believer and why do you think that?
I believe the 4th soil represents the Believer because it bears fruit. The other soils cannot bear fruit because the Spirit is not in them. The Spirit in a believer will bear fruit. It can’t not bear fruit, because that is the nature of the Spirit, not dependent on the person.
Your prayer at the counselor’s office was so good!
Lizzy, so glad you had a healing moment at the counsellor’s session. Sometimes I wonder about going to a counsellor but always feel we cannot afford it.
I understand what you mean about family and family members (#5). I have a very small family and don’t know extended family well. My best friends are my sisters (to me). I only really have my sister, as my brother does not keep in touch. I have few to honor. I don’t believe it is wrong to honor your non-biological “family.” If your biological family has let you go and won’t accept your choices, and you have tried to make some sort of amends with them and they still won’t have a relationship with you, then I would say move on. If it’s just as my family is, small or estranged for no reason, then I would say to do your best in honor to them, but recognize that your non-biological family is really your sphere. No fretting; God wouldn’t want that.
thank you Laura, this encouraged me 🙂
Tuesday
5. Read Mark 4:1-9
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
third He is speaking to a crowd of people on the shore.
B. Describe the reason the seed did not take root in each of the first three soils?
The first was dropped on a pathway and the birds ate it. The second fell on shallow soil, sprouted quickly being in shallow soil but wilted under the hot sun and didn’t take root. The third fell among thorns, grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain.
C. Describe what happened with the fourth soil.
The seeds fell on fertile soil, sprouted, grew and produced a crop 30, 60 and even 100 times as much that had been planted.
D. Which of these soils represent a true believers and why do you think that?
I think it’s the fourth soil as it was fertile and ready to receive the seed that was planted and it produced a crop.
How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently?
January is a month that my husband often calls the “month of discontentment”. He said that if we are not careful, the weather, the cloudy days, icy roads, wishes for spring can lead us into the black hole of murmuring and grumbling. Coupled with the seemingly daily mundane tasks, one can see how that can happen to even the best of us.
I admit I have struggled with discontentment this month especially after our trip to see our daughter did not materialize due to bad weather. I went through the week after it kind of in a haze but the Lord was faithful to bring me out of the pit. Romans 8:28 kept coming back to mind, verses that talked about His sovereignty, and of His love for me. And since we were home for 4 days, He provided a much-needed rest from work and a nice pace of getting some things done at home. In hindsight, I am seeing His hand over it all.
Bing–good wisdom from your husband. And I love how you have spoke truth to your soul in your plans not working out and can even see His hand in it all, working all for His purpose.
Lizzy, thanks for the encouragement. I am excited actually to see what the Lord has in store for us when we go in March instead! I pray this time, it will work out and we will see His gracious hand. Whatever He has planned for us, I know it is for our good.
Bing, I am so glad you have a date in March to go see your daughter! I hope this time it works out! God is always working but often we do not see it.
I have been too preoccupied lately and feel so behind but God is helping me by reminding me that I do not have to perform! It is so easy for me to start comparing myself to the speed by which you ladies keep pace! Hah-my idol of approval and comfort.
The parable of the sower was like a deja vu experience for me. At one time or another, I have been all of the three unproductive soil. I am thankful that God did not let me stay in those conditions. I believe I am a good soil but needing continued watering and caring for.
Now, I have to jump to #8.
8. What questions, petitions, confessions, or praise does this passage lead you to pray? Do so.
Lord, I pray that I will seek for a heart that is pliable and illumined by your Spirit. I desire to have ears that hear. And that I would see and perceive and hear and understand what you desire. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
9. Read Mark 4:13-20
A. What stands out to you from the explanation Jesus gives to his disciples and why?
Jesus says if you don’t understand this parable then you won’t understand others. I think this one is easy; I understand it completely, it makes sense.
I love the analogy between potential believers and the seeds. It’s a simple, realistic comparison that anyone could understand because they (at that time) would probably have scattered seeds themselves.
B. Most theologians believe that the first two soils, and probably the third, are unbelievers. But there is the possibility thorny soil could represent very weak believers, who are saved but unfruitful. We really don’t know. But given this, how might you pray for yourself or others? Do so.
Dear Lord, Thank You for leaving us Your Word to help us know who You really are. Help us be just like the seeds that are deeply rooted and produce much fruit because we listen and rely on God. Help us to avoid the tendency to lean on things of this world instead of You, as we know that You are all we need; our King. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
10. How have you seen God in your life recently?
Since I had that incident last week with my principal, I have had a couple of small incidents that have been covered by the administration (again!). I’m SO confused as to why they are caring so much about little ‘ole me right now. I’m thinking God is placing His hand here; it’s the only explanation I can come up with?
I’d say that is the best explanation. 🙂
9a. It reminds me of the scripture that you can’t serve baal and God both. The man who heard God’s word and received it bore good fruit. The others were letting satan in as well and did not produce good fruit.
B. Lord God, I ask that you soften my heart to your word, Lord God please give me an obedient heart. I know that I can do nothing apart from You. I thank you that I am complete in You.
10. God showed me last night that this blog is my church family and that we strengthen, correct and encourage each other. I am so grateful to be a part of this group with such a wonderful group of women.
Jennifer, so glad God showed you this blog is my church family and that we strengthen, correct and encourage each other. Yes, I agree as I feel the same!
Oh Jennifer, so glad you are here too…you have added to the richness with your presence!
Mark 4:1-9 Jesus told about the sower who planted seeds; the first seeds were snatched by birds, the second fell among rocks and couldn’t grow, the third grew but were choked by thorns, and the fourth fell in good soil, grew and produced grain.
The first two could not take root, the third was choked and only the last planted were fruitful.
D. The true Christian is represented by the fourth description, for we need to be ready to absorb Christ’s teaching and let it be nourished through understanding and obedience and do the work given to us of witnessing and loving others in truth to be having the fruit of the Spirit. Hardship comes but we are grounded in the Word and our trust is in Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Mark 4:10-12 Jesus is talking to his 12 disciples about this parable. for they have been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but others would hear the parables and not understand.
The blasphemy of the Holy Spirit seems to apply to this because they (who didn’t accept Jesus) would not be able to understand his teaching, since they didn’t believe he was who he said he was(God).
10. My confession and petition is my prayer, Oh Father God, I love you and I believe your word. When I am threatened by weeds of opposition and feel choked sometimes I feel discouraged and forget that the power is yours, not mine. Forgive my tendency to doubt your promise that all things work together for good. Forgive me for wanting to feel approved and help me to trust that your work is in progress. Grow the fruit of your Spirit in me, patient endurance, self-control and may my words be gentle and kind. Help me to continue forgiveness of those who wrong me, yet give me wisdom to know the difference between truth and falseness. To God be the glory, and I pray in Jesus’ name.
6. Read Mark 4:10-12 A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
The disciples, and others close to Him.
B. What does he tell them about his reason for speaking in parables?
I just looked at this in the Message and thought it was interesting that it says “But to those who can’t see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward receptive insight.” I had never heard the hopefulness of “nudging” them toward receptiveness.
Jesus says He speaks in parables because some cannot hear and understand the Truth.
7. When you see this passage in the context of the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” passage, what light comes to you?
The minds of those who are darkened cannot see or hear the truth. They will twist and misuse, abuse, the Word. Does this go with Matthew 7:6–not casting pearls before swine?
8. What questions, petitions, confessions, or praise does this passage lead you to pray? Do so.
Father, thank You that You have given us the secret of the kingdom of God. Help me to never take for granted the new life You have given. Help me to love others with grace and patience, wanting non believers to have their eyes opened to Your truth. I pray specifically for those that have come to mind now, I pray You will open their eyes, their ears, to the secrets of the Kingdom.
9. Read Mark 4:13-20 A. What stands out to you from the explanation Jesus gives to his disciples and why?
vs. 19 and 20–It is sobering to hear the dangers of getting caught up in the cares of the world and other idols, and it magnifies to me again the power of His grace–that only because of the soil He has given me, I am saved–for on my own I am easily caught in the cares of the world. He has chosen to put in me “good” soil that receives the Word. It is all His work.
B. Most theologians believe that the first two soils, and probably the third, are unbelievers.But there is the possibility thorny soil could represent very weak believers, who are saved but unfruitful. We really don’t know. But given this, how might you pray for yourself or others? Do so.
I feel that believers will bear fruit, because it is the Spirit’s work, not dependent on anything else.
Lord, I lift up my hands to You–open–holding nothing, releasing the cares that swarm in my mind, unleashing my idols, open-hands, to receive Your Word, Your truth. Allow me to bear fruit for Your glory and Your purpose. Thank You.
10. How have you seen God in your life recently?
I had a new friend at church ask me a few days ago if she could come with me to Philip’s next transfusion, just to be with me. It so touched my heart and gave me more gratitude for the family God has provided here.
Like “nudging toward receptivity!” and your God Hunt!
Lizzy, your #10 caught my attention…that is wonderful that your new friend wants to accompany you and just sit with you during Philip’s transfusion!
Wednesday: The Parable of the Sower Explained
9. Read Mark 4:13-20
A. What stands out to you from the explanation Jesus gives to his disciples and why? – Verses 18 & 19 ‘Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.’ These verses are eye openers. It doesn’t take much for our eyes and minds to be filled with the things of this world and not of the things of God. These worldly items can easily destroy us if we aren’t alert to the ways of the enemy.
B. Most theologians believe that the first two soils, and probably the third, are unbelievers. But there is the possibility thorny soil could represent very weak believers, who are saved but unfruitful. We really don’t know. But given this, how might you pray for yourself or others? Do so. – I would agree with the possibility that it could be believers as well. If you have a weak Christian that is very timid or moldable and you have someone of this world start getting in their mind, I can easily see them not taking root. The talk of others that are unbelievers can be powerful, if your relationship with Jesus is not one that is growing. Lord, help us to be strong in our relationships with you. Help us to always be alert and mindful to those around us trying to make us stumble and fall away. Help us to seek you first in all things Lord so our understanding is strong where we won’t be defeated by mere words of an unbeliever. Thank you Lord for always walking with us and guiding us where we need to be. In Jesus Name I pray. AMEN!
10. How have you seen God in your life recently? – I leave very early in the morning to get to work, between 4:45 and 5:00am. My subdivision is surrounded by woods and today as I turned the corner off my street, there was this deer right at the side of the road just watching me go my. Like he was waiting for me. I love seeing them that close up. Though that early in the morning they sometimes scare me and definitely wake me up as they run in front of me. What a beautiful creature God has created for our enjoyment.
Good way to view those deer — and may the Lord protect you both!
Tuesday
6. Read Mark 4:10-12
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
The 12 disciples and others who’d gathered with Him.
B. What does He tell them about His reason for speaking in parables?
Unbelievers and those who are spiritually blind get everything in parables…why? When they see what He does they’ll learn nothing. When they hear what He says, they won’t understand. Otherwise, they will turn to Me from their rejection of the truth and be forgiven.
7. When you see this passage in the context of the “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” passage, what light comes to you?
“Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” is rejection of the truth!
8. What questions, petitions, confessions or praise does this passage lead you to pray? Do so.
I praise You Lord that You have permitted me to understand the secret of the kingdom of God…may You give me a teachable and humble spirit so I can continue to grow in the knowledge of You and be a doer of Your Word.
9. Read Mark 4:13-20
A. What stands out to you from the explanation Jesus gives to his disciples and why?
“…but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” I always need to be on guard because these three things can easily creep up into my life and lead me astray and out of focus. Lord, may the offerings of this world lose its allure and be kept wholly from your perspective.”
B. Most theologians believe that the first two soils, and probably the third, are unbelievers.
But there is the possibility thorny soil could represent very weak believers, who are saved but unfruitful. We really don’t know. But given this, how might you pray for yourself or others? Do so. Lord, for those I love that do not know you or have turned away from you, may you tend the garden once again. Nothing for you is impossible. Where there has been shallow soil or thorny soil, you are the Master Gardener who can re-establish the ground. I pray that they would hear your Word and accept it and bear fruit that would last. I pray too for myself that I will hear your word, accept it and produce fruit that will last.
10. How have you seen God in your life recently?
I find Him steadfast in His love for me. Whatever condition I am in, He has been there for me. Whereas my feelings go up and down, my circumstance happy or ordinary or sad, He stays the same (unchanging) for me bringing encouragement through His Word or through others.
11. Read Mark 4:21-23
A. What does Jesus say here?
No one hides a lamp, that would not be a smart thing to do. The lamp could not do it’s job. I think He is speaking of Himself here?
I first thought that He was saying this with respect to us…”all hidden will be revealed.” I think this means that our secrets and sins will come into the light eventually. But after answering the next question I fuss it refers to Him; He will be hidden from some and revealed to others.
B. How does this relate to his explanation about speaking in parables?
He said that He would hide some things from some people (those given a chance but have always denied Him), and reveal things to those who are His through the parables.
12. Read Mark 4:24-25
A. What two statements does Jesus make here?
We should pay close attention to what we hear because we will learn more and more each time we study. He will ensure that our understanding will grow. Those who have little understanding will not grow and will lose their small understanding.
B. Keeping this in the context of hiding or illumining, what might be the correct application of “with the measure you measure, it will be measured to you?”
Does it maybe mean that when you take a measurement, it should be correct, and therefore you would profit from that measurement? I’m speaking in literal terms taking a measurement of some sort of green coin something like that. No sloppy measuring!?
I think He’s saying the more you put into something (a bigger measure) the more you get out. Certainly applies to time in the Word with a receptive heart!
See Lizzy below!
That should say gold coin not green coin! Ha ha Ha I also meant to say in the not so literal context… That “measuring up” if you will, means a profit for you.
11. Read Mark 4:21-23 A. What does Jesus say here?
Truth is meant to be discovered. “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
B. How does this relate to his explanation about speaking in parables?
What appears hidden is not hidden to those who have the Spirit, eyes to see. It is only hidden to those who are blind.
12. Read Mark 4:24-25 A. What two statements does Jesus make here?
Pay attention to what you hear; With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.
B. Keeping this in the context of hiding or illumining, what might be the correct application of “with the measure you measure, it will be measured to you?”
To the degree that I am receptive and responsive to the Word, He will grant me insight to His Word. He gives more wisdom and insight to those who treasure, obey and value His Word. The greater my hunger and thirst for the Word, the greater He satisfies.
13. On the basis of the above, how might you pray for yourself? Do it.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Give me a growing hunger for Your Word and the discipline to pursue. Open my eyes to more of Your truth and help me to follow You faithfully.
Would love you to cover me with prayer as I leave for prison ministry:
Friday: on-time flight and anointing for speaking to an elderly group in Austin
Saturday-Sunday: powerful anointing for Kathy Troccoli, team, and me speaking in the prisons to both believers and unbelievers
Monday: Kathy and I going to death row to speak to them
Tuesday: I am alone in prisons with believers
Thank you so much.
Father, we ask that You will command Your angels concerning Dee to guard her in all your ways; that they will lift her up in their hands, so that she will not strike her foot against a stone. (ps. 91) We ask Your blessing for safe travels, for You to speak through Dee in Austin and for You to powerfully speak through she and Kathy to the women in prisons. Lord, give them Your protection, strength, and Your words. I pray for the women, that You would softened their hearts and give them ears to hear. Bind the enemy from interfering in Your work Lord. I pray for hearts to be pierced with truth and for women to be saved. In Your Name we ask~
Praying, Dee. May His light shine through you in all you do in your ministry this weekend. May His anointing be on you and Kathy. Amen to Lizzy’s prayer.
Oh Dee! I will pray 🙏🙏🙏. I LOVE Kathy Triccoli! So jealous that you are with her, I mean, I hope all goes as expected. Hahaha! I’m sure everyone (and you) will be blessed.
I saw Kathy Troccoli and Greg Long a very long time ago. Loved them both.
Oh wow Dee you and Kathy have a heavy, packed schedule. I know God will do mighty things through the both of you. You will both have my prayers for this trip to be a powerful Godly meeting between all.
Dee, praying for you and your team, for your time in the prisons!
13. On the basis of the above, how might you pray for yourself? Do it.
Father, help me to not rush through my Bible reading and study, staying on the surface. Help me to ponder, to dive deeply. Help me hold onto you tenderly and fervently seeking the truth and letting it settle deeply in my mind and heart.
I read a rich devotional this week where Charles Spurgeon says, “Let your intellect be exercised concerning the Lord Jesus. Meditate upon what you read. Stop not at the surface; dive into the depths. Be not as the swallow, which touches the brook with her wing, but as the fish, which penetrates the lowest wave.
Abide with your Lord: Let Him not be to you as a wayfaring man who tarries for a night, but constrain Him, saying, “Stay with us . . . the day is now far spent.” Hold Him, and do not let Him go. The word ‘ponder’ means to weigh.” (This Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg, January 27th, ‘The Exercise of Three Powers’)
A. What is the conflict in this passage?
The scribes wanted to find a reason not to believe in Jesus, they were astonished no I imagine, by the miracles, but could not allow that this man who didn’t fit their ideas of what the Messiah would be like could really be from God. What a picture of the snow job the enemy is about. It does fit with the conspiracy theory idea, they were spreading rumors to make people doubt.
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation?
“no one can go into a strong man’s house and steal his property unless he first overpowers and ties up the strong man, and then he will ransack and rob his house.”
What do you learn from this?
I learn that I would like to know more than I feel like I do about this passage 🙂
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
The whole multitude
B. Describe the reason the seed did not take root in each of the first three soils.
Some was devouredSome fell on stony ground and withered when the sun came because it had no depthSome fell among thorns and was choked out
C. Describe what happened with the fourth soil.
It yielded a crop that sprang up and increased
D. Which of these soils represent a true believer and why do you think that?
Definitely the last one, but I wonder about the stone soil and the thorny one, the seed germinated but bore no fruit at all. I am not sure. If the germination was a mark of faith and we are saved by grace? Can someone saved by faith be completely unfruitful?
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
The whole multitude
B. Describe the reason the seed did not take root in each of the first three soils.
Some was devouredSome fell on stony ground and withered when the sun came because it had no depthSome fell among thorns and was choked out
C. Describe what happened with the fourth soil.
It yielded a crop that sprang up and increased
D. Which of these soils represent a true believer and why do you think that?
Definitely the last one, but I wonder about the stone soil and the thorny one, the seed germinated but bore no fruit at all. I am not sure. If the germination was a mark of faith and we are saved by grace? Can someone saved by faith be completely unfruitful?
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?The disciples
B. What does he tell them about his reason for speaking in parables?
So that those “outside” will not understand
7. When you see this passage in the context of the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” passage, what light comes to you?
At the moment, honestly, I feel like my heart is like the thorny soil, I don’t feel much new light coming to me.
8. What questions, petitions, confessions, or praise does this passage lead you to pray? Do so.
I feel the old questions about God’s sovereignty and the bibles clarity about no one coming without God drawing them vs mans responsibility to respond to God’s call and Jesus not being willing that anyone should perish. My own children who have heard and when young professed faith but now live without reference to God as adults…These things are difficult.I confess that the enemy wants me to doubt God’s goodness where my kid’s souls are concerned and sometimes I listen to that voice instead of the Good Shepards voice. I want to trust in all things, to lean on Jesus for repose, I am praying for growing trust and hope
Chris, you worded this precisely and this is my experience with two of my grown children as well: “…and when young professed faith but now live without reference to God as adults.”
10. How have you seen God in your life recently?Last night Bill and I went to our first counseling session, thank you to those of you who prayed for us. It well quite well. I was surprised by how open and positive Bill was about the whole thing. I am hopeful that this will move us to a better place ultimately before the Lord as we learn how to be more honest open and vulnerable with each other.I remembered last night how at one time I desperately wanted to flee my marriage, I prayed and argued with the Lord but he gave me no peace about the idea of leaving.
I see how the Lord has grown Bill and sustained our marriage through some terribly trying seasons over the years, I truly am grateful.Our son Zach is scheduled for hernia surgery this Friday. When the surgeon examined him he was concerned about swelling in his lymph nodes and scheduled a scan to rule out lymphoma. The scan was Tuesday- no word yet. I know it is unlikely that he will actually be diagnosed, but just having that word anywhere near your child is unsettling. I have felt less uneasiness though than I would have imagined under the circumstances. I am more able to put my hand in my Fathers and trust him than I used to be. I had also been praying earnestly for this one, he has made some boneheaded moves in recent months. I am aware that whatever is happening, however difficult, may be answer to prayer.
Chris–praying for Zach’s surgery and for the scans to be clear and not lymphoma. Praying for God to use this for His good purpose and for peace
Chris, I join you in praying for Zach – for his life choices, for his surgery and for the possible lymphoma. Trusting God with our children is so hard. We just want to fix it.
Lord, we lift up Chris, Bill and Zach and the whole medical team that will be assigned to Zach’s case. We know Lord you are the Great Physician and have everything under control with Zach’s body. Lord help them all find peace and comfort in your Word and in your presence and they go through these hard times. We know Lord you have them all under your wing. In Jesus Name I pray. AMEN
Praying for Zach!
Love this:
I desperately wanted to flee my marriage, I prayed and argued with the Lord but he gave me no peace about the idea of leaving.
He knew best!
5. Read Mark 4:1-9
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage? he is speaking to the crowd that followed him .
B. Describe the reason the seed did not take root in each of the first three soils. The birds ate the first seed before it even sprouted in soil. The second seed sprouted quickly but had no depth in the sun scorched it. It had no health or reserves to withstand hardship. The third soil grew among thorns and did not yield grain. It is interesting that the seed could not choose where it grew. Some might argue you shouldn’t “grow” in thorns but there may be a way to nourish one’s self to not get choked by thorns (thinking of missionaries). You could also equate thorns to idols as they sap all our nutrients from the health of our hearts and souls.
C. Describe what happened with the fourth soil. The fourth seed fell into good soil and yielded much.
D. Which of these soil’s represent a true believer and why do you think that? I think that the fourth soil is the most obvious representation of a true believer. I think that the third soil could also be a “true“ believer who fell into hard circumstances and didn’t necessarily produce fruit but the seed also didn’t die, it just didn’t yield. The second soil is harder … it DID grow but did not last….I think most people would say this is not a true believer, I do not know and coming from a judgmental church that liked to label everyone a “true Christian” or “they say they are Christian but…” I really like to leave this to the Lord. The first soil never actually received the seed (like the Pharisees who heard Jesus but were quick to label him demonic) so they are not believers.
9. Read Mark 4:13-20
A. What stands out to you from the explanation Jesus gives to his disciples and why?
The first seed reminds me of people who hear the truth, are intrigued but are still surrounded by non christian friends, or living in the world still and are easily distracted back to their life of sin, they don’t know better. Reminds me of people who only go to church on Easter and Christmas, thinking that is the duty or way of saying they believe in God but are not truly sold out to Him in their hearts. My parents were like this and many family members. They just never knew what relationship was with God. I still have family like this, that think they are good people and do for others and think this is how being a Christian is. They have not realized the truth of surrendering your heart and the beautiful wonder of a relationship with God. That you can actually have just that and be so excited about spending time before God one on one.
B. Most theologians believe that the first two soils, and probably the third, are unbelievers.
But there is the possibility thorny soil could represent very weak believers, who are saved
but unfruitful. We really don’t know. But given this, how might you pray for yourself or
others? Do so. I would pray for the believers to be surrounded with Godly friends and mentors, someone to come along side them and show them the truth and befriend them. For God’s wisdom and truth to unveil maybe blinders they have on to who they are allowing in their lives or even choices of where they go or hang out.
10. How have you seen God in your life recently? I have began to get more plugged in with our church, even though its an hour drive, I have a hunger to be around other believers and I dont mind the drive. Last night I arrived home at 11 from church, exhausted, but was so good to fellowship with other believers and worship with them as well.
An hour drive — that’s hard — but it can be worth it.
Do you have a Bible study nearby?
Im sure there is, but we attend this particular church in Boise, we feel this is where we are to be to grow during this season. This particular night was our Wednesday night service, I go on Tuesday’s for bible study that I so desperately need right now as well. So yes, I drive 2 hours total, but we literally are in a desert where we live and in a small town. So Boise is our goto for shopping and everything else. The prison ministry is in Boise as well, to which I think I am not going to be able to do, it’s in the evenings on Sundays. I did find there is a team that does prison ministry here at our county jail where we live, so I am going to get plugged in with them.
11. Read Mark 4:21-23
A. What does Jesus say here? I think Jesus wants us to let our light shine for Him. Do not hide our gifts he has given us. I am guilty of this, especially in a world where you are trying to not provoke the political side of things, I so hate confrontation.
B. How does this relate to his explanation about speaking in parables?
12. Read Mark 4:24-25
A. What two statements does Jesus make here?
Jesus said to consider what you hear, carefully. With the measure you use it, it will be measured to you and even more. Whoever has will be given more, whoever does not have, it will be taken from him.
B. Keeping this in the context of hiding or illumining, what might be the correct
application of “with the measure you measure, it will be measured to you?”
I think this goes back to the talents, when talents were handed out and some did not use their talents as they were suppose to and they were taken and given to those who did right by the talents God gave them.
N. T. Wright says: “Jesus seems to be telling his followers that the level to which they pay attention to what he’s teaching them will be the level at which they will receive the benefits of the kingdom.”
This reminds me of when I was endeavoring to interest Marty, a friend from pickleball, to come to Bible study. She was hesitant, asking how much homework there would be. Because I so wanted her to come, I said, “Not too much.”
But my wiser friend Twila leaned forward and said, “What you put into it is what you will get out of it.”
13. On the basis of the above, how might you pray for yourself? Do it. I think with the wisdom God gives us, through teaching, preaching and His Word, we are to grow and use this or it can be taken from us. I have seen this happen in my life, when I strayed from God for a season or more in my life, the cares of the world came in and weighed me down. I could no longer hear or see God’s truth, I knew it, but I became so focused on my cares and problems. I wasn’t seeking God or using the truth He had given me. I almost felt like I was drowning at times from the weight of sin and worry. I want to grow and let my light shine for Him. I want to seek Him and be used by Him. I know I struggle with becoming complacent at times or lazy even in my walk with Him. I know God has grace, but my desire is to not become complacent or lazy. I feel at times I rush through my day thinking God will understand and only give him what is left over and sometimes He does understand. But I have no excuse when I am lazy or complacent. This is my prayer to draw closer to God and not become lazy or complacent. To spend alone time with God. I feel the more I seek Him, the more I grow in Him and my light can shine more for Him as well. less of me and more of him, because my light is dim and mucked , but HIS light is soever bright for others to see.