The title I originally wanted for my book, Idol Lies, was The Stonecutter,
based on this verse from Ezekiel:
I believe this act of God turning our heart of stone into a heart of flesh
is both an event, beginning at salvation,
and a process, which continues until we see Him face to face.
Our idols are like stones, as dangerous as cancerous tumors.
Here is how I put it in the promotional for Idol Lies:
Keller does not cover Mark 6 in King’s Cross, but we will. I see two kinds of stones in this chapter: stones of unbelief and stones of idolatry, which exacerbate one another.
The illustrations given in this chapter shed light on how these stones are formed, work together, and bring us harm. I believe this could be a pivotal chapter in our growth.
Congratulations to you who are still in this journey, two months in, for it shows you are hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and Jesus says it is those who will be satisfied. There is something wonderful about experiencing the presence of the Spirit and a new tenderness in our hearts — nothing can satisfy like that.
Our symbol for the week is a heart of stone being turned into a heart of flesh
Our Highlight Of Last Week
Honoring our own dear Mary this week, who, unless God brings a miracle, is very close to going to be with Him. Last week we all discussed how vital it is to trust Jesus when He delays. Mary has certainly been exempliary in this in her long hard battle with cancer. She also has been exempliary in one who has, truly, developed “a heart of flesh.” Lizzy and Mary have become fast friends. Here she is with Lizzy and Philip.
Lizzy says: These words she sent almost a year ago really capture Mary’s heart.
The sooner you can give thanks for something that God has allowed into your life the sooner you arrive at His grace. I can’t tell you, Lizzy what a truly miraculous affect that piece of advice has had on my live over the past 25 years. There are many, many times that I can’t get my heart into it. So then I just say, “I don’t feel like I can thank you for this right now, Lord, because, honestly I’m mad at You right now for allowing this. Please help me to get to the point where I CAN thank You for this.” And then the Holy Spirit does His mysterious work on me. Soon I can think of nothing else, it eats and eats at me. Finally I slightly reluctantly acknowledge God’s sovereignty over all things, good and bad. I’m able to say, “I know You tell me in Your Word that You WILL work everything together for my good and for your Glory.” So, thank you for this (diverticulitis, broken tooth, frozen shoulder, cancer…) for however You are going to use if for good in my life and for Your glory. Be glorified in this, Father. Show Yourself mighty on my behalf in this.
I am helpless to help myself. I’m confused and upset and sometimes mad at You, but I don’t want to be because I KNOW that You are LOVE. I know that Your heart breaks when Your child’s heart is breaking. So, thank You for this.” And by the end I’m no longer choking on those words to get them out. I mean it. I know He is good. I can look out
my window and know that. And I know He is all about putting His glory on display in the lives of His children. Most of the time I never see how he gets any glory from my life and situations and that is okay. I am believing that He is, because He is trustworthy. If He says something, He means it.
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- If you have been impacted by any study on idols of the heart, share specifically a way it has helped you become more of what the Lord would have you be.
Monday: The Stone of Unbelief
Jesus was a puzzle to people, not at all what they expected in the coming Messiah. In his hometown of Nazareth, they scoffed that someone as humble as the “son of a carpenter” could possibly be the Messiah. Luke tells us they demanded Him to repeat the miracles He had done elsewhere. (Luke 4:23) Their stones of unbelief kept even Jesus from being able to perform miracles!
3. Read Mark 6:1-3 and explain:
A. What amazed the Nazarenes about Jesus?
B. What perplexed them?
4. Read Mark 6:4-6
A. What does Jesus say?
B. What does He do that shows kindness despite their unbelief?
C. How is His power limited? Reflections?
Unbelief and idolatry are intertwined. As our own Rebecca put it in her video testimony in Idol Lies, when she faced the choice of giving up her habit of eating pie in front of the news each night, she asked, “Will God meet me — or will He just let me sit in my pain?” If you haven’t seen her testimony, it is on the page on my website with the Idol Lies videos.
5. Is there a sinful habit (anxiety, gluttony, sexual sin, laziness…) you
fall into because of a lack of faith? If so, “mourn your sin.” As we learned in studying the Beatitudes, it is good to confess by telling God how this hurts you, others, and Him. Then ask Him for the faith to trust that He will meet you. You may do this privately or publicily before your sisters here.
6. Read Mark 6:6-12
A. What did Jesus tell them to do, and why, do you think?
B. How was the experience of the disciples different from that of Jesus in Nazareth? Why, do you think?
Tuesday: Herod & Herodias – The Stone of Irreverance
A pattern in Scripture is that those who respond in repentance when confronted with their sin are softened and blessed whereas those who resist repentance are hardened and suffer. Asking God to make us quick and good repenters is a wise prayer.
7. Read Mark 6:14-16
A. Who were people saying Jesus was?
B. Who did Herod think he was and why, do you think?
C. How did Herod’s sin, which he thought would help him,
backfire? Compare this to your heart idols.
He (Herod) feared John while he lived, and now, when he thought he had got clear of him, fears him ten times worse when he is dead.
(Matthew Henry)
8. Read Mark 6:17-20
A. How had John the Baptist shown bravery?
B. How did John initially suffer and yet is eternally exalted?
C. Why did Herodias “nurse a grudge?”
D. Have you ever done this? What does it look like?
E. Why was Herodias not able to have John killed?
F. What conflicting emotions did Herod have in listening to John?
There is a flashy joy, which a hypocrite may have in hearing the word; Ezekiel was to his hearers as a lovely song (Ezek. 33:32) and the stony ground received the word with joy. (Luke 8:13)
(Matthew Henry)
9. Why should we reverence the Lord, according to Matthew 10:28?
10. How could you use what you’ve learned in the Word today as a springboard for prayer?
Wednesday: The Stone of Idolatry
11. Read Mark 6:21-29
A. Summarize in a few sentences what happened.
B. Matthew Henry believes both Herodias and Herod were
looking for an “opportune time to do away with John the Baptist.” Henry believes that Herod knew what the daughter of Herodias would ask for and to protect his reputation made an oath, so that keeping his vow would look like integrity. Do you agree or disagree and why?
C. Meditating on verse 26, what heart idol do you think was
operating in Herod?
Thursday: How To Handle Our Doubts
When the people in His hometown expressed doubt and scoffed among themselves about Him, Jesus was amazed. But when John the Baptist is imprisoned and sends a message to Jesus about his doubt, Jesus responds with compassion and praise. A pattern we see in Scripture, with Job, with David, and with John the Baptist is it is not wrong to lament and ask God questions. God wants us to come directly to Him with our questions and doubts, because He wants intimacy with us, and you cannot be intimate with someone who is dishonest with you. It is confusing when God allows good men to suffer and bad men to escape earthly punishment, but as Asaph realized in Psalm 73, it is important to consider the destiny of each.
12. How quickly, according to Mark 1:14, was John put in prison?
13. Read Matthew 11:1-18
A. What question did John the Baptist send to Jesus and why do
you think he was having doubts?
B. How does Jesus answer John? Why do you think He responds
with compassion to John’s doubts?
C. How does Jesus praise John?
14. Read the following one page commentary on the above.
Comment.
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/john-the-baptists-doubt
15. Where do you have doubt? Go to the Lord about it in prayer.
Friday: They Had Not Understood — Their Hearts Were Hardened
16. Read Mark 6:30-44
A. Summarize what happened and anything that strikes you.
B. What should this have told the disciples concerning the identity
of Jesus?
17. Read Mark 6:45-56
A. Summarize what happened and anything that strikes you.
B. Meditate particularly on verses 51-52. What had they not
understood that led to a hardness of heart?
18. Give praise to the Lord for specific ways the Spirit has revealed to
you that Jesus is the Christ.
Saturday: Reflections
19. What do you think you will remember about this week and why?
136 comments
12. How quickly, according to Mark 1:14, was John put in prison? After Jesus was baptized he went into the wilderness for 40 days, then the text says that after John was arrested Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel. Jesus was baptized in his early 30’s and John was only 6ish months older….
13. Read Matthew 11:1-18
A. What question did John the Baptist send to Jesus and why do you think he was having doubts? John asked if Jesus was indeed the one they were waiting for or if they should wait for another. I am curious as to what John saw/heard when Jesus asked John to baptize Him… John seemed to immediately recognize Jesus as one greater than himself, but they were cousins, did they grow up together? Elizabeth lived far enough away that Mary had to travel to her and stay. Had John learned from his mother who he and Jesus were? Did God give John a revelation when he saw Jesus that day? Then after sitting in prison and having things go wrong did he question it all? Did he wondered if he and his mom had gotten wrong? Did his expectations get in the way of seeing what was really, truly happening as happened with so many others?
B. How does Jesus answer John? Why do you think He responds with compassion to John’s doubts? Jesus answered John’s doubts by recounting the miracles that have been performed…proof that He was indeed Divine and powerful and had authority over creation. I think John’s doubts were from a sincere heart…I think John longed to do the will of the Father and he thought it was going to look different, not end him in prison being ineffectual (by his perspective). Jesus directs John’s focus back to who He is rather than what is happening (circumstances).
C. How does Jesus praise John? He calls him the greatest ever born. He calls him a prophet.He even calls him “Elijah who is to come.”
14. Read the following one page commentary on the above. Comment. The thing that struck me was the going to Jesus when you doubt Jesus. Even in the doubt there is a deep trust that belies your doubts and your true belief…. this is amazing and comforting to me.
So good:
Even in the doubt there is a deep trust that belies your doubts and your true belief…. this is amazing and comforting to me.
16. Read Mark 6:30-44
A. Summarize what happened and anything that strikes you. Jesus helped the disciples take a break. He encouraged them to go to a desolate place and rest because they were so busy they couldn’t eat… people followed then in great numbers and Jesus had compassion on them and taught them. When time came for dinner the disciples told Jesus to make the people leave so they could eat. Jesus instead told the disciples to feed the people. The disciples were incredulous reporting back to Jesus how impossible this was. Jesus then performs a miracle to feed the masses. I wonder about the original owners of those loaves… did they believe?
B. What should this have told the disciples concerning the identity of Jesus? That He is Creator and Authority over all. They still were trying to do things in their own power even after going out into the villages and healing people. They still didn’t truly understand His power.
17. Read Mark 6:45-56
A. Summarize what happened and anything that strikes you. Immediately they left the area via boat. They met another crowd which Jesus dismissed to spend time alone. Somehow the boat went out to sea and was struggling. Why did they not just get off for the night? So Jesus walked on the water to help them… another storm in the boat…had they learned? No. They still feared. Even worse, when they saw Him come to them they again limited their perception of His power by assuming He could not do the impossible. He gets in the boat after reassuring them, calms the sea, again, but they are still stuck on the loaves…. and not understanding the loaves is now a stumbling block to seeing His power in the storm…
B. Meditate particularly on verses 51-52. What had they not understood that led to a hardness of heart? They did not understand the loaves…. did they not understand the how? The why? Their perception was being challenged… to calm a storm is to have authority over creation… to actually CREATE something in front of their eyes, something from nothing, was to BE the Creator! That had to have boggled the mind… but everyone ate it so it was real.
18. Give praise to the Lord for specific ways the Spirit has revealed to you that Jesus is the Christ. God, thank you for your Word that shows Jesus is the Christ! Thank you for the revelation that no matter how the Truth is PRESSED/challenged it still comes out TRUE. Jesus WAS/IS real, accomplished your salvation and is Your love made real to us! Amen, amen, praise you from whom all blessings flow!
12. How quickly, according to Mark 1:14, was John put in prison? – It looks like after he baptized Jesus and after Jesus was tempted for forty days. Right when Jesus started going out and preaching and teaching.
13. Read Matthew 11:1-18
A. What question did John the Baptist send to Jesus and why do you think he was having doubts? – He had them ask him if he was the one to come or if they should expect someone else to come. I wonder if he doubted because of the situation he was in, being in prison, and feeling like he was getting no help from Jesus to be freed from prison. That Jesus didn’t care about him anymore.
B. How does Jesus answer John? Why do you think He responds with compassion to John’s doubts? – he told John’s disciples to go back and tell him what they see and hear. That the blind receive sight, the lame walk and about all the other miracles that Jesus performed. And he said “blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” The way he responds could be to give John hope again, to remind him how powerful Jesus is and that he is not alone in prison. That Jesus can make all things correct again.
C. How does Jesus praise John? – he describes him as more than a prophet, that there is no one greater then him that was born of a woman. That John led the kingdom forward.
14. Read the following one page commentary on the above.
Comment. – the article was good, but still left questions in my mind. I wonder still how as cousins John didn’t know Jesus. Before he baptized him, but I guess if this was all part of God’s plan, the timing for John and the rest of us to find out who Jesus really was, would be in God’s timing. For John to have to sit in prison and wonder in anguish if he led the people down the wrong path, that maybe Jesus wasn’t the Messiah. What a burden it was for him to feel like he had those people’s lives in his hands and may have messed up. None of us want to be wrong when we are trying to disciple and guide someone, and I think because of that fear, I step back and hold back what I really want to say, thinking that my lack of knowledge could hurt them more than my words to help.
15. Where do you have doubt? Go to the Lord about it in prayer. – Lord you know I don’t like confrontation, that I feel I don’t know enough to help someone or to speak what I really believe to be true so I don’t say anything. Help me to be rid of my doubt, help me to be confident in what I say and to know that if I do misspeak, you will still use me to guide those who need guidance. I don’t want to mislead anyone Lord that is questioning, so help me not doubt that you are with me when you place those people in front of me. I pray and seek your name. Amen.
Friday: They Had Not Understood — Their Hearts Were Hardened
16. Read Mark 6:30-44
A. Summarize what happened and anything that strikes you. – the disciples were so excited to tell Jesus what they had done and what they taught. Jesus had compassion for them and had them come with him by themselves to get rest and have quiet time. People saw them and ran ahead and met them at their destination. Jesus then wanted to feed everyone, but the disciples were confused on where they were going to get enough to feed everyone. Jesus then take the 5 loaves of bread and two fish and makes it in to enough food for everyone. What I find amazing is how one minute the disciples were excited to tell Jesus of everything they had done and the power they had through Jesus, but then fall right back in to doubt when he asks them to fee the five thousand. They forget the power that Jesus has and that they would be able to accomplish the feast needed for everyone there.
B. What should this have told the disciples concerning the identity of Jesus? – That they didn’t need to doubt anything. That all they needed was to have the faith and knowledge that Jesus would take care of it and would not have any problems taking care of any situation that came up.
17. Read Mark 6:45-56
A. Summarize what happened and anything that strikes you. – Jesus sends the disciples ahead of him and he goes to pray alone. He can see that the disciples are struggling to row the boat because of the wind and Jesus walks on the water toward them and they see an image and are afraid again. He tells them it is him and to not worry. As they get to shore people recognize Jesus and bring all the sick to him to heal…What stands out to me in these verses is that the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus. If he was going to walk by them was he close enough for them to see who he was? The fourth watch was between 3am & 6am so if later in the fourth watch it may have been getting lighter out. Yet as they docked everyone else recognized Jesus. Was their faith stronger then the disciples even though the disciples were hand picked and following Jesus more closely?
B. Meditate particularly on verses 51-52. What had they not understood that led to a hardness of heart? – they had no faith in the power that Jesus had. They didn’t really know who he truly was yet. They still doubted him and must not have been paying attention to the miracles he had already performed. Their unbelief caused their doubt and hardened their hearts.
18. Give praise to the Lord for specific ways the Spirit has revealed to you that Jesus is the Christ. – Lord many times I have cried out to you, shown you my empty wallet and an empty checkbook. Have given over my child to you, to take care of because I could not do it anymore and every time, you have come through for me. You brought money to me through my nephew who is financially set, but yet ‘frugal’ with his money. That was only you. You covered my son with a hedge of protection and brought him to his breaking point, put him in a juvenile detention center, had him join the army and spared his life and brought him home to us. Though he struggled to see ‘why’ you opened his eyes to the many ‘whys’ he had to go through. These things are only you Lord. I had no control in them and when I let my control go, you took over and handled it. Thank you Lord for getting me to move out of the way, so you could do the miracles in my and my families lives. I praise you for these things and the things to come. AMEN!
Jut really love your praise, Julie! Your faith is beautiful.
So many of us as mothers can identify with this:
You covered my son with a hedge of protection and brought him to his breaking point, put him in a juvenile detention center, had him join the army and spared his life and brought him home to us. Though he struggled to see ‘why’ you opened his eyes to the many ‘whys’ he had to go through. These things are only you Lord
7. Read Mark 6:14-16
A. Who were people saying Jesus was?
People had three theories: Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead, or Elijah, or a prophet like one of the prophets from long ago.
B. Who did Herod think he was, and why, do you think?
When Herod considered these three options, he believed that Jesus must surely be John the Baptist. Herod had John beheaded, so perhaps he believed this out of a mixture of guilt, remorse, and fear. Or, maybe hope that his terrible deed had been undone somehow.
C. How did Herod’s sin, which he thought would help him, backfire? Compare this to your heart idols.
I suppose when Herod had John beheaded, he thought that was the last he would hear or think of John, but it’s clear that his sin and conscience continued to haunt him. He was never really free. In the same way, my idols promise fulfillment of a particular need, but they are not leading me into freedom, but enslavement.
8. Read Mark 6:17-20
A. How had John the Baptist shown bravery?
By speaking openly to Herod about his marriage to his brother’s wife, that it was wrong and unlawful.
B. How did John initially suffer and yet is eternally exalted?
Herod had John arrested and put into prison, and Herodias was wanting to kill him. Yet we are still talking about John today, and in the gospels he is identified as the one who was the forerunner to Jesus, preparing the way for Him.
C. Why did Herodias “nurse a grudge”?
Because her unlawful marriage to her brother-in-law was being publicly spoken about by John; he refused to be quiet about it and so her sin was made public.
D. Have you ever done this? What does it look like?
Have I ever nursed a grudge? Yes, I have. It means that you don’t forget about a real or perceived offense, but you continue to go over it in your mind and find the evidence as to why you were wronged. In that way, you “feed, or nurse it”. Instead of letting it go, letting it die, you continue to give it nourishment. Maybe the term “nurse” is used because in itself, the grudge is like a baby, unable to care for itself, but you make sure that you take care of it, you feed it, you may even make it grow larger like Herodias did. Her grudge turned into hatred, and then wanting to kill.
E. Why was Herodias not able to have John killed?
Because Herod was afraid of John and knew deep down that he was a holy man, and so he protected him. He had him in prison, but he was only willing to go so far.
F. What conflicting emotions did Herod have in listening to John?
John puzzled Herod; he didn’t understand him, and I’m sure he didn’t like it when John pointed out Herod’s sin, yet at the same time, he liked to listen to John.
9. Why should we reverence the Lord, according to Matthew 10:28?
It is the Lord who can destroy both our bodies and souls in hell. He alone has the power to destroy the soul. Man only has the power to destroy the body.
10. How could you use what you’ve learned in the Word today as a springboard for prayer?
Lord, please never let my heart get hardened to where I like to listen to your Word, but like my sin better. Herod wasn’t willing to part with his sin, yet he enjoyed listening to John and appreciated that John was a righteous man. Yet Herod’s heart remained unchanged. There is a sin that I so struggle with, at times, when it beckons me. How can I enjoy it more than You? At those times, please help me to fear and reverence You and turn from it.
11. Read Mark 6:21-29
A. Summarize in a few sentences what happened.
Herodias found her chance to kill John when her daughter danced at Herod’s birthday banquet that some very important officials and military commanders attended. Herod was so pleased with her that he made an oath, promising her anything she asked. The girl asked her mother what she should request, and Herodias said, the head of John the Baptist. Herod was distressed, yet because he had made oaths in front of his guests, he sent an executioner to the prison to behead John. John’s head was brought in on a platter.
B. Matthew Henry believes both Herodias and Herod were looking for an “opportune time to do away with John the Baptist”. Henry believes that Herod knew what the daughter of Herodias would ask for and to protect his reputation made an oath, so that keeping his vow would look like integrity. Do you agree or disagree and why?
I’m not sure. The text does say that Herod was “greatly distressed”, and this seems to me to mean that he was blindsided by the girl’s request. Yet, he was too cowardly to rescind his oath, not wanting to look foolish in front of his guests. On the other hand, how long was he planning to keep John in the prison?
C. Meditating on verse 26, what heart idol do you think was operating in Herod?
Approval and affirmation. It says “because of his dinner guests”. I imagine the entire room went silent, waiting for Herod to speak. At that moment, he wanted the approval of man more than he wanted to do the right thing.
13. Read Matthew 11:1-18
A. What question did John the Baptist send to Jesus and why do you think he was having doubts?
Are the one or should we look for someone else? It was not about Jesus as more John wondering if he himself got it right.
B. How does Jesus answer John? Why do you think He responds with compassion to John’s doubts?
By the evidence of His work through healing, casting out demons and preaching the gospel to the people.
C. How does Jesus praise John?
No one greater than John has ever been born of a woman
16. Read Mark 6:30-44
A. Summarize what happened and anything that strikes you.
Jesus invited the disciples to go with him to rest. But when they got to the place, there were many people there already. They did not eat but He went to teach the crowd and since it was later during the day, the disciples thought the people should leave and get something to eat. 5 loaves and 2 fish that Jesus multiplied and fed 5,000. Jesus spoke to the crowd although He and His disciples needed food and rest.
B. What should this have told the disciples concerning the identity of Jesus?
Jesus can multiply whatever we have when we give it to Him. He has the power to provide for us. He is the Great Provider.
17. Read Mark 6:45-56
A. Summarize what happened and anything that strikes you.
The disciples were on the boat on their way to meet Jesus. They were straining at the oars because the wind was against them. Jesus came along them and they thought He was a ghost. But He told them to have courage and got into the boat.
That Jesus waited to come alongside them before dawn and not at once when He saw them.
B. Meditate particularly on verses 51-52. What had they not understood that led to a hardness of heart?
Maybe they are still figuring things out how Jesus could possibly be doing these things. There is a tendency to find rational thinking amidst impossible circumstances instead of simple faith in the power of God.
Not asking God to open their eyes???
18. Give praise to the Lord for specific ways the Spirit has revealed to you that Jesus is the Christ.
Thank you, Lord, that you have enlightened my mind and given me the truth. Verses in the Bible that brought illumination like I John 5; John 3:16; passages in Romans; fulfillment of all prophecies in Christ; testimonies of other Christians.
Saturday: Reflections
19. What do you think you will remember about this week and why?
The prayers to be a good repenter. It is so refreshing to acknowledge my sin in an ongoing conversation with the Holy Spirit and to be cleansed from all unrighteousness moment by moment. Of course, I need to be in tune with the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I find a closeness to the Godhead than I ever had before when I live my day like this. Such a lightening of the heart, body, and spirit.