Our symbol this week is blindness and how He keeps healing it.
We will see how faith leads to seeing and how a lack of faith leads to blindness. We will also study the famous “second touch” of Jesus on a blind man, for at the first touch he only saw
“men as trees walking.”
This is so very applicable to us, for often we see people as trees walking before we allow Jesus to help us see as He does. Whenever I take a spiritual gift test, “mercy” is at the bottom, so to help me, God gave me a husband, and continues to give me friends with the gift of mercy.
When Steve and I adopted 5- year- old Annie, our then 11-year-old Sally went into a deep depression, feeling displaced and unloved. She couldn’t sleep, was losing weight, and weeping all the time. We were showering love on her so I was so frustrated. I told my husband:
“Sally should know how much we love her and snap out of this.”
I needed a second touch from Jesus to really see her clearly.
Steve, a physician, one personally acquainted with clinical depression, and strong in the gift of mercy, said: “Would you tell someone who had the flu to snap out of it? Depression is like that.”
I was convicted. When I responded to Sally with compassion and helped her get help, the depression began to lift. Then she began to see her sister with compassion, and they began to bond. Before Sally left for college 7 years later, Annie crawled up into her bunk weeping, saying, “You are my best friend.” When we ask the Lord for a second touch, we are asking Him to remove the cataracts of sin from our eyes so that we might see others as He does, and love as He does.
I was recently blessed with time in Jacksonville with my friends Ann and Sylvia, who always help me see more. Ann is one who is so good at recording God’s mercies to us so that we remember anew what the Almighty can do.
Both of these very stylish friends like to take me shopping, saying kindly that my wardrobe is “a little tired.” (I’m not a good shopper: worried about my weight, worried about money, and worried about my frequent buyers’ regret. I just don’t have style sense!)
Sylvia insisted on taking me to Talbots. “They are having their 70% off sale!”
Patiently she (and Ann!) kept bringing clothes to my dressing room, insisting I give them a try, completely centering on me. I left with seven articles of beautiful clothing for 110 dollars!
When at the counter, completing the purchase, I was eager to get on to the next thing, but Sylvia was drawing the sales-lady out with caring questions. I was shuffling my feet, thinking the conversation was not about things of eternal significance, so wanting us to move on.
(When the sales-lady mailed my clothes to Wisconsin, she put in a note about how much she particularly enjoyed waiting on us. I thought, Not me! Sylvia was the conduit of God’s love, seeing her as God does.)
I need a second touch, often several times a day, to see others not as trees walking, but as people with hurts and needs whom the Lord loves.
Highlight from Last Week (WOW!)
One of the beauties of the body of Christ is that we can help one another see more clearly. Our own Laura-Dancer often initiates honest discussions by being honest herself. Last week she lamented that she often struggled with feeling loved by the Lord. Sharon responded:
Laura, I so appreciate your honesty and vulnerability…I get caught up in just answering these questions according to what I’ve been told all my life and your responses have really been thought through. I hope I can do that more.
Then Diane mentioned struggling with feeling loved, Lizzy mentioned sensing that deep stain…
I think this is where we often need “a second touch,” to truly believe, in faith, that we are loved, no matter what. Since the default mode of the human heart is works righteousness, we often feel we have lost his love when we don’t measure up, and need to be reminded once again that we can never lose His love. Dawn reminded us of the truth we must constantly hold in our hearts:
I know that God loves me because he conquered death for me and willingly bore all of my sins.
But if He loves us, might that mean He is not disappointed in us? One idea I introduced was that since disappointment has to do with expectations that are not met, and because He knows already knows all our thoughts and what is in man (John 2:24), that disappointment might not be what He feels. But Diane challenged me to look at the context of that of John 2:24, and He does seem to be addressing unbelievers rather than believers. She mentioned Him chastising the disciples with “Oh ye of little faith” — that sounds like more than disappointment. And then I thought of the whole panorama of Hosea, and how sin is like adultery, breaking His heart. Surely that is disappointment! So, I would say, He always loves us, but can still be disappointed in our choices, and it often our lack of faith and lack of trust in His love that causes us to choose to run to our idols.
I love it when you challenge me and cause me to ponder — that you are like the Bereans, who search the Scripture. We all see through a glass darkly and need one another to give light.
I do know with absolute certainty that we can do nothing to earn or lose His love. In response to this healthy discussion, Lizzy posted this on our facebook page:
You are Loved from Jared Wilson
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- Can you share one way Jesus has healed you in an area of spiritual blindness?
Monday: A Gentile Woman Approaches Jesus
3. Read Mark 7:24-30
A. Summarize what happens in this passage.
B. What do you see in this woman that the Pharisees and teachers of the law lacked?
4. Read Chapter 8 in King’s Cross, up to “Accepting the Challenge.” Share your notes and comments.
Tuesday: A Gentile Woman is the First to “Get” A Parable
Here, in Mark, right after Mark has told of the blindness of the Israelite teachers of the law, comes a Gentile woman begging Jesus for help. At first it seems He treats her almost disrespectfully, but instead He is giving her a parable. He has been called to go to the Jews, even though they are not understanding Him. She does not give up, but pleads with Jesus using the very parable He has given her, showing she understands. He commends her reply of faith and heals her daughter.
5. Read Mark 7:24-30 again, only this time, out loud, with expression. If you see anything new, share.
6. Read “Accepting the Challenge” in Chapter 8 of King’s Cross and share your notes and comments.
7. Do you see a link between faith and “seeing” here? How might you apply this?
8.This woman did not give up, and we must not give up in prayer. Perhaps there is
something you have asked for a long time, but it has not been given. Persist — either
privately or here, in prayer.
Wednesday: The Deaf Hear and The Mute Speak
9. What did Isaiah prophesy the Messiah would do in Isaiah 35:5-6?
10. Read Mark 7:31-37
A. Describe what happened here, noting details.
B. How does this reaction of Jesus contrast to His reaction to the Phoenician woman?
11. Read “Accepting the Gift” in Chapter 8 of King’s Cross and share your notes and comments.
Thursday: Ponder Anew What The Almighty Can Do
Now we return to the seeming blindness of Jesus disciples. It hasn’t been very long since He fed 5,000, but now, faced with 4,000 hungry people, the disciples say: “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” They forget what He has done, and so do we. We must ponder anew what He can do.
12. Read Mark 8:1-21.
A. What happens here?
B. What does Jesus ask the disciples in Mark 8:18b?
13. Share three ways God had met you recently, so as to fan the embers of your faith.
Friday: We Need A Second Touch To See Clearly
14. Read Mark 8:22-26 and share what happens here.
15. What do you think the second touch is meant to teach us?
16. Are you upset with anyone? Are you stuck in a sin? Ask God for a second touch to
help you see clearly. Be alert for answers.
Saturday: Reflecting
17. What will you remember from this week and why? Is there an area God is at work in your life?
92 comments
Dee, I am afraid you and I are alike when it comes to clothes-clothes shopping, and light conversation for too long..and $110 dollars for 7 articles of clothing is really GOOD! Your friends know what they are doing and loved you well by getting bargains to boot! Just so you know, I absolutely loved what you wore in the videos of The Jesus Who Surprises, you are SO beautiful.
Oh and when God opened your eyes even more after your shopping adventure-how close you are to Him. I have seen His beauty in you grow and grow.
-I haven’t seen this passage this way before-that He keeps on touching us to help us see clearer and clearer. The first touch to see men as trees walking but we need a second touch to see men clearly -to extend His love and mercy. This is exciting to me this morning!
Oh Rebecca — yes, we are alike that way. The reason I look good in The Jesus Who Surprises videos is because the Southern women completely redid me: they brought the clothes, the make-up, and hair stylist. When my son-in-law Seth watched them he didn’t even recognize me. 🙂
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I see a connection between “seeing men as trees walking”, failing to see others the way God sees them; and failing to see ourselves the way God sees us—loved.
2. Can you share one way Jesus has healed you in an area of spiritual blindness?
I know there is still much more work to be done in my heart on this, but I do feel He has used the past several years of struggle in certain trials, to break me of a default of judgmentalism and pride. The past several years there have been trials that left me feeling like I had a stain on my forehead, for all to see—the ways I have failed, feeling disqualified. But as He has been freeing me of the shame, reminding me it was paid, I have begun to see others’ struggles differently and no longer immediately blame the mom for a screaming child in Walmart, instead I say a silent prayer for her! Having my own weaknesses exposed has been humbling but also freeing. I do see differently. The first cleansing exposed me to my own need of Him, but the second gives me compassion towards others.
I love this:
I have begun to see others’ struggles differently and no longer immediately blame the mom for a screaming child in Walmart, instead I say a silent prayer for her!
God gave me two grand-daughters with amazing tempers so I am now sympathetic to that mom as well!
Thank you so much for your transparency.
🙂
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Two things stood out to me and both are quite personal. The first is that, Dee, you really listened when I “challenged” you. You weren’t threatened and you accepted it as a friend for whom “iron sharpens iron”. That is an amazing gift to me. You are so humble and teachable. I think one of my love languages is to be listened to. And I realize that because you listen so well, I am much more likely to really listen to you and learn from you. God bless you, Dee.
The second one is that you admitted that mercy is not naturally one of your spiritual gifts. I too do not gravitate to drawing others out in mercy. I am shy and tend to be agenda driven. Like you, God has given me a husband who cares deeply about people. He often pauses to talk to cashiers and others often seen as just “service” people, calling them out by name and encouraging them. I too need “a second touch, often several times a day, to see others not as trees walking, but as people with hurts and needs whom the Lord loves.”
Diane–I relate to this too “I think one of my love languages is to be listened to”. I recently told my husband the same thing! It is such a gift to feel heard. And you especially have so much wisdom to share.
Oh Diane — you have so much wisdom! Of course I’d listen to you!
I am reminded there is nothing I can do to win God’s love. He has already freely given it. I must remember that and walk in that truth instead if the lies I tell myself or allow myself to believe. Thank you Father For for Your live and mercy.
Jennifer–such a good reminder for me–“walk in that truth instead of the lies I tell myself or allow myself to believe”
Jennifer — I remember seeing your joy when you first realized this gospel love — and I am praying the enemy will not steal it away!
He will not. I love your love for others. You are such an amazing example. I love you so much Dee. I am seeing God’s love for me more and more everyday and how there is nothing I can do to deserve it. I keep praying and asking for Him to help me love others the way He loves me.
2. Can you share one way Jesus has healed you in an area of spiritual blindness?
In the area of being compassionate to others, God is still working on me. I had an amusing incident in a tiny restaurant washroom this past week. I was standing waiting for a toilet cubicle when another white haired woman (well, my hair is more silver) walked in, looked in the mirror (you couldn’t miss the mirror as it was right in front of you as you came in) and spontaneously said “ugh”. Caught by surprise, I chuckled because I identified with her. It’s hard to look old when you still feel young. Then she said, “I don’t feel like I look.” I didn’t respond as a cubicle became open just then, but went into the toilet and then thought, “I really should encourage that woman. I think she looks fine. She probably thinks I agree with her that she looks old or something.” So when I stepped out of the toilet cubicle, I washed my hands and waited for her to finish as well. Then I told her that I identified with her but that she looked great! It wasn’t a long conversation but I hope I made her a little more confident. We live in such a youth oriented culture where women are often ashamed to go gray or start to age in other ways. We hide it every way we can. It’s too bad! This is yet another way in which as believers, we need to remember that people may look at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. We are beautiful in his sight!
oh Diane! I love this example of you! You purposefully gave up time just to wait for this woman and encourage her . I’m sure your words and your attention touched her heart.
Love this Diane!
I just had this on my heart this morning and wanted to share. Before even coming to the blog post, I was thinking of the gift you all are here, but I want to especially point out Laura (dancer) and Susan. In the 9 years I have been in this group, I have been so blessed by especially Laura’s good questions–her honest and humble heart that is bold enough to ask the questions we all struggle with, and so humble and teachable. And then Susan–I have never seen anyone as gifted in listening. She studies the lessons, she is so careful with her words and deep, thoughtful answers, but she also really listens to the cares of others here. So thankful to ALL of you here and how your commitment to growing in His word encourages, challenges, and blesses me.
Amen!
And has it really been nine years?
Well, I just checked to be sure and actually it was October of 2010 that I first started here. And then I emailed you about Halloween and you were gracious enough to answer! 🙂
Wow. Our ten year anniversary!
Thank you Lizzy. I needed to read this, this morning.
Oh Lizzy…since I’ve been in Florida this week I’ve been absent here but was checking in tonight to read comments. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I truly hope you know how much you contribute here with your tender, play-dough heart…often your heart bleeds through the words you write, and you genuinely care about others! It’s hard to believe this blog has been going for ten years!
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
It’s exciting to me, because like Rebecca, I have never seen this passage this way before! I really enjoyed the article Lizzy posted… “God’s loving intentions for you began before the foundation of the world. From eternity past, he has loved you. Which means he will not stop. For eternity future, his love is yours, never to wane, never to be revoked.” I too understand the “tired wardrobe” comment. I don’t enjoy shopping for clothes but my daughter tries to keep me up to date and in her words, “keeps me from picking out old lady outfits!”
2. Can you share one way Jesus has healed you in an area of spiritual blindness?
I can’t say He has healed me but He has made me much more aware of my cynical attitude. To not worry about others motives but instead pray for them (which helps me too) and know that God sees and knows all. They’re in His hands. I remember that there was a young drug addict that my pastor father-in-law showed a lot of compassion too and it really bugged me cause I knew he was taking advantage of him. I confronted Don about this and I’ll never forget his response…”I know he is but I can’t let that stop me from showing the love of God.”
Oh, I can so hear your father-in-law saying that, Sharon. He and Steve were alike in many ways, and he impacted Steve enormously. When I would question Steve about being taken advantage of, he would say, I would rather err on that side that on the side of being hard-hearted.
And this made me smile:
“keeps me from picking out old lady outfits!”
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I have been feeling a bit out of sorts in my life; the whole idea of God loving me is sad to me because I have struggled to feel Him with me of late. I haven’t been my usual contributor to the blog because I haven’t really desired to be in the Word. Ugh. That’s not where I want to be. I’m distracted. Thank you Dee, for considering my question. I needed to read the answers our wonderful blog sisters gave. Thank you Lizzy for posting the article…it has made me think.
2. Can you share one way Jesus has healed you in an area of spiritual blindness?
I used to be a bit less open (!) to the idea that prisoners could be saved. Dee has taught me otherwise. I am more humble in that respect now.
Oh Laura — thanks for sharing so openly. My dear friend Ron often struggles with “feeling” loved, and I keep telling him that’s when he needs to trust the facts of how Christ demonstrated his love. But I will pray for you.
And yes — on prisoners. Even this time when I went I met 15 new “freshmen” to the faith dorm who were pretty rough and I thought, Lord, can you really do it again? D. U.’s recidivism rate of 3% is pretty amazing — but it keeps happening! Changed lives.
Thanks Dee. Prayers are always welcomed 😊. I meant to mention that I am not familiar with this second touch business in scripture. Love learning new things!
Laura, I’m praying for you!! Please know that your perseverance on this blog has been an encouragement to me!
Thanks Sharon. I appreciate that. I have to remember that to hear God means you have to have skin in the game. I want to have that relationship with Him always.
3. Read Mark 7:24-30
A. Summarize what happens in this passage.
Jesus is trying to hide (again?!); somehow they find Him. A woman, from another country (?) who was a gentile, had a child who was demon possessed. She asks Jesus to heal the child. Jesus responds that He would be taking from His own people (Jews) and giving to a stranger (a gentile) who is not from their land. He equates it to giving to the dogs before the people. She replies that yes, but the dogs are allowed to eat scraps from under the table. He likes her thinking and heals the girl.
B. What do you see in this woman that the Pharisees and teachers of the law lacked?
Definitely FAITH.
Monday
3. Read Mark 7:24-30
A. Summarize what happens in this passage.
Jesus is hiding in a home only to be found. A gentile woman whose daughter was demon possessed heard about Jesus and went to Him, falling at His feet begging Him to cast out the demon in her daughter, His response was that the children should be fed first and it isn’t good to feed the children’s bread to the dogs. She responded in saying that even the dogs under the table feed from the children’s crumbs. Jesus liked her answer and told her the demon has left her daughter. She went home to find her daughter in bed and the demon was gone
B. What do you see in this woman that the Pharisees and teachers of the law lacked?
This woman’s object of faith is Jesus. Whereas the Pharisees and teachers object of faith is religion based on works.
Monday 4. Read Chapter 8 in King’s Cross, up to “Accepting the Challenge.” Share your notes and comments.
I thought she was quite bold in approaching Jesus and Keller says it’s because she was a parent. Which made so much sense to me being a parent…you’ll do anything for your child. I’m glad Keller explains that what Jesus said to her was not an insult but that there’s an order, He was going to Israel first, then the Gentiles later. Her response is saying, I may not have a place at the table but there’s more than enough and I need mine now!! Keller explains what she is not saying…”give me what I deserve on the basis of my goodness” but rather what she is saying, “give me what I don’t deserve on the basis of Your goodness – and I need it now.”
Stood out to me too:
“give me what I don’t deserve on the basis of Your goodness – and I need it now.”
What stands out to me are the visuals, first of Jesus’ touch to the blind man, then the picture of Sally and Annie, so close and loving after a difficult beginning.
I understand Sally’s depression at initially being jealous, but am so touched by Steve’s response that if she had the flu you wouldn’t say, just get over it…Yes, his mercy.
2. Jesus healing for me from spiritual darkness seems to be on a continuum, I had a mindset of doing works, of the need to achieve and have been so blind to it.I know that God’s grace is sufficient, but seem to return to that wrong attitude which hinges on pride. Recently I came to a picture with the topic, Humility. It has a beautiful peacock and a brief statement: Recognizing that God and others are responsible for the achievements in my life. The bible verse under that is I Corinthians 4:7. It is a daily reminder and I feel this is part of my healing process.
I also want to add that I learn something from each woman who contributes to the blog. So many variations on the theme just really help me.
It is good to read the questions and it makes me ponder as I may not have even thought of the question! I always admired those who were faithful. And I miss some. I always loved Deanna’s long reviews as she noted so many details. She must still be blessing others with her sweet spirit.
Shirley — I think we are all on a journey of overcoming that default mode of the human heart — works righteousness. Seeing it is the huge first step. And I will pray basking in His love will bring you out of that gloom.
Yes — I miss Deanna too, but glad for when she was with us!
Mark 7:24-30 Jesus had left and went to an area of Tyre and Sidon. There a Gentile woman came to him,begging for Jesus to heal her daughter from an evil spirit. But Jesus said, It is not right to take the children’s bread and feed it to the dogs. But this did not stop the woman, She responded, But even the dogs under the table eat the crumbs. Then Jesus said, For this statement, your daughter will be healed. Go your way. When she returned her daughter was healed.
This lady had humility to persist with Jesus and knew he could heal her daughter by her faith. The Pharisees were too proud.
4. In Keller’s chapter, The Approach, he tells us that this woman, being a mother, would do what it takes to heal her daughter- even to keep on begging. Yes, a mother’s love motivates her and though she knows she is unclean she pleads with Jesus and won’t take no for an answer. We also think about the reason Jesus went to this area- he needed to rest after the crowds had been following him in the Jewish provinces.
It also sounds like an insult, yet Keller says, It is a parable and the word used for dogs is really “Puppies”. His mission is to the Jews, to fulfill the scriptures. So many details are contained in this brief passage.
4. Read Chapter 8 in King’s Cross, up to “Accepting the Challenge.” Share your notes and comments.
I find this parable SO interesting….the woman was a gentile and Jesus tells her it’s not time for the gentiles to receive Him. She defends herself to Him and He concedes. That is pretty wild that He allows her access to Him; He appreciates her tenacity and heals her child.
I love that Keller explains the using of the analogy of the dogs. He clears up the idea that Jesus isn’t insulting her, calling her a dog, but the word is really “puppies.” That makes the analogy less harsh.
5. Read Mark 7:24-30 again, only this time, out loud, with expression. If you see anything new, share.
Jesus calls and “owns” His “own family,” the Jews…. even though they can’t accept Him as one of them.
“Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.””
Mark 7:27 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/mrk.7.27.nlt
5. Read Mark 7:24-30 again, only this time, out loud, with expression. If you see anything new, share.
The woman’s submission to Jesus is surprising. “Yes, Lord,” she says in response to Jesus’ calling her people “dogs” while the Jews are “children”. This relates to an issue I have been pondering for some months. Women in today’s western culture are experiencing a severe backlash to what we perceive of centuries of abuse by men. (There definitely has been and is a lot of unjust treatment of women.) As a result, we are being told that submission is a sign of weakness. There is a lot of anger out there toward men and, even in the church, toward God. Yet, how do we reconcile culture’s command to demand our “rights” with God’s demand that we humble ourselves before him? Though we equate submission and humbleness with losing our selves, Jesus tells us that in losing ourselves for him we gain our true selves. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39) Submission to Jesus helps us answer the ultimate question “Who am I?”As Joni Eareckson Tada puts it, “But in losing ourselves for his sake, we discover our true identity; we step into the person we’ve been predestined to be.” I have found this to be true, yet I feel inadequate in how to explain this to our “angry” sisters. It’s a complex issue, for sure.
It is a complex issue. And angry people are often not good listeners, so we must bathe it in prayer. I will ponder!
I may be way out in left field but I didn’t see this woman’s submissiveness as weakness but rather meekness. She stood her ground in what she knew she wanted and knew Jesus could give her and kept it under control. My husband and I have had many a conversation about the “me too” movement and I realize that many women have been abused but then I look at the half time show of the super bowl game and wonder what those women do for that movement!! Why aren’t women angry at them…I am!!!
I like your describing her as meek. When doing a Bible study on the Beatitudes called Momentum I learned meekness means submitting to the hand, as a wild horse learns to do as he finally trusts his trainer. I think we covered that here too.
Me too!
Happy Birthday sweet Julie!!!
Tuesday
5. Read Mark 7:24-30 again, only this time, out loud, with expression. If you see anything new, share.
I didn’t think about it before but Jesus went into a gentile home which was considered “unclean “ for a Jew to do and the passage before this deals with cleanness…I wonder if Jesus was making a point with that and not wanting to offend, He was hoping to go unnoticed.
6. Read “Accepting the Challenge” in Chapter 8 of King’s Cross and share your notes and comments.
This small section was an overload for my brain…James Edwards says “she is the first woman to hear the word of Jesus to her.” Keller said this of praying Thomas Cranmer’s prayer (please read it)…when prayed he’s “inviting one to step into this woman’s shoes and approach Jesus boldly, with rightless assertiveness. To take up both the offer and challenge of God’s infinite mercy.”
7. Do you see a link between faith and “seeing” here? How might you apply this?
Not really sure I understand this question? This woman had faith without even seeing the actual healing take place?
8.This woman did not give up, and we must not give up in prayer. Perhaps there is something you have asked for a long time, but it has not been given. Persist — either privately or here, in prayer.
My question was confusing. I was thinking of how faith in God and His Word helps us to see spiritual mysteries and that perhaps that is why she understood the parable of “dogs.”
Thank you Dee, you continue to challenge me!!
3. Read Mark 7:24-39
A. Summarize what happens in this passage. Jesus enters a house to be alone but a gentile woman seeks him out…did many gentiles live among the Jews? I had it in my head that Jews back then sort of all lived together without much diversity in their communities… prob naive of me… Jesus tells her, essentially, that His power is for the chosen people first, the Jews. She responds with understanding that the Jews will not consume all of him and there will be enough left for “the dogs.” Because of this Jesus heals her daughter.
B. What do you see in this woman that the Pharisees and teachers of the law lacked? She seems to understand His power. She also seems to understand that Jesus’ promise is bigger than religion or culture.
I don’t know the answer to your question, but it does appear this was a Gentile home among the Jews.
6. Read “Accepting the Challenge” in Chapter 8 of King’s Cross and share your notes and comments.
“Remember that in every miracle we have witnessed, from calming the storm to bringing Jairus’s daughter back to life to the healing of the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter, there was no arm-waving, no incantation, no mumbo-jumbo. Jesus obviously does not need to perform a ritual in order to summon his power.” This must be something way different than before. He is letting us know it is.
“Because Jesus always gives you what you need, and he knows better than you what that is. He’s the Wonderful Counselor.” Wow. So personal.
”Jesus deeply identifies with this man.” It reminds me of that saying that goes something like this, “if you walk a thousand miles in another mans shoes…”
“He’s deaf, and therefore he can’t produce proper speech. Just imagine the way people made fun of him all his life. Jesus knows this, and refuses to make a spectacle of him now.” I love this because Jesus is being so kind to the man.
“God has come, just as Isaiah 35 promised; God has come to save you. Jesus Christ is God come to save us. Jesus is the King.” I think this is cool because Keller says Mark is giving a signal here… he uses a word only used one other time in the Bible; in Isaiah 35. So neat.
7. Do you see a link between faith and “seeing” here? How might you apply this?
I’m not seeing the link here? She has faith and he is cured from his deafness…? Help?
.
My question was confusing — see my response to Sharon above. Sorry!
Thanks Dee!
9. What did Isaiah prophesy the Messiah would do in Isaiah 35:4-6? (I think you meant for us to include vs. 4 here because Keller refers to vs. 4 in his commentary)
Your God will come with vengeance; with recompense he will come to save us. The Messiah will heal the blind, deaf, lame and mute.
Wednesday9. What did Isaiah prophesy the Messiah would do in Isaiah 35:5-6?
He would open the eyes of the blind, unstop the the ears of the deaf, make the lame to leap like a deer, the tongue of the mute to shout for joy, the wilderness to burst out with springs of water and streams to flow in the desert.
10. Read Mark 7:31-37
A. Describe what happened here, noting details.
Jesus left Tyre and went to Sidon. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to Jesus and the people begged Jesus to lay hands on him and heal him. Jesus took the man off by himself, put His fingers into his ears, then spat on his finger and touched his tongue, looked to heaven with a sigh and said “be open.” Instantly, the man heard perfectly and spoke plainly! Again, Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. They were amazed and said over and over. ‘Everything He does is wonderful! He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.”
B. How does this reaction of Jesus contrast to His reaction to the Phoenician woman?
Jesus doesn’t challenge who this man is and why He should heal him.
11. Read “Accepting the Gift” in Chapter 8 of King’s Cross and share your notes and comments.
Keller says that Jesus did all these things to the man not because He needs it but because the man needs it. Jesus is identifying with him emotionally, all the touching of his ears and tongue is a sign language and He takes him off by himself because Jesus knows the ridicule he’s received all his life. The “deep sigh” that Jesus has is actually “He moaned” and the only other place it’s used in scripture is in Isaiah 35. Mark purposefully uses it so we’d go to Isaiah 35..there is a cost to Jesus healing this man. God is coming just as Isaiah prophesied. Jesus is the King. He didn’t come to bring divine retribution but to bare it on the cross…that’s the cost. One other thing that really stood out to me…Jesus will always give me what I need because He knows better than I do, what that is! He gave to the Gentile woman and the deaf man exactly what they needed and how they needed it.
One thing that really struck me, is that when Jesus would heal someone and then ask them not to say anything they would go out and tell everyone. I myself have done this as well, but even in our disobedience He loves us completely. I am so grateful and it really does help me to have more compassion for others.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above and why? – I feel like I keep saying OH WOW to each week’s opening question, but OH WOW…Seeing people as trees walking. This hit hard. I want to have my eyes looking up and forward and not down that I pass up an opportunity to be kind and loving to someone. To be able to give them grace for an action that they have done or something they may have said that is not so kind. I know God gives me grace and mercy all the time, so I need to be more aware that everyone I meet was created by God. Though some may not know Him yet, I still need to be their jesus at that moment, until they meet the one and only True Jesus. If I’m not acting like Christ, how will they ever want what I have that can only be gotten by knowing Him.
Can you share one way Jesus has healed you in an area of spiritual blindness? – Though I still need work daily on this, I am seeing that I am looking more openly at why someone does a certain thing, that before would really bother me. I’m open to others reminding me that there are circumstances in everyone’s life that we may not be aware of at the time. It’s so much nicer to see the roses than it is the thorns.
OH WOW…Seeing people as trees walking. This hit hard. I want to have my eyes looking up and forward and not down that I pass up an opportunity to be kind and loving to someone.
Me too!
3. Read Mark 7:24-30
A. Summarize what happens in this passage. – Jesus went to Tyre of Sidon and entered a house that he didn’t want anyone to know he was there. A Gentile woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit came to him and begged Jesus to remove the spirit from her daughter. Jesus said to her “stand in line and take your turn. The children get fed first. If there’s any left over, the dogs get it.” (MSG BIBLE) she replied back to him “Of course, Master. But don’t dogs under the table get scraps dropped by the children?” (MSG BIBLE)
B. What do you see in this woman that the Pharisees and teachers of the law lacked? – This woman believed in Jesus and the power and authority he had. Knowing she was taking a chance as a Gentile woman, she had faith that Jesus would not let her being a Gentile woman stop her daughter from being healed of the unclean spirit. Jesus saw her as another child of his.
5. When I read the passage aloud I immediately saw that the Gentile woman called Jesus, Lord. I believe this is significant because he was so important to her and then she said, “Yes, Lord, and even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then her daughter was healed- Jesus said, “For this statement the demon has left your daughter.”
6.Accepting the challenge: The scholar said, This woman seems to understand Jesus’ purpose better than the Israelites! The disciples seem to be dull and uncomprehending. She is the first person in the gospel of Mark to hear and understand a parable. Perhaps because she is not too proud to understand her unworthiness. She accepts what the gospel says. Some feel too proud and others too inferior. “I’m just so awful that God couldn’t love me.” There’s a lot in this short section to ponder.
7. Yes, there is a link between faith and seeing. I guess I feel a little dull at times also. I pray, Lord, I Believe, Help my unbelief. For I see my need.
Yes, I will persist in prayer. For ways to witness- to be attentive and listen to others. I pray for unbelieving family members and also for my church family with many needs, unity being the first.
3. Read Mark 7:24-30 A. Summarize what happens in this passage.
Jesus enters a house and a Gentile woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit came and fell at His feet, begging Him to cast out the demon. He tells her “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs”, she answers that even the dogs have crumbs. At that He tells her the girl is healed.
B. What do you see in this woman that the Pharisees and teachers of the law lacked?
Her faith. She knew Jesus had the power to heal and nothing could stop her from pursuing Him.
4. Read Chapter 8 in King’s Cross, up to “Accepting the Challenge.” Share your notes and comments.
The woman shows “rightless assertiveness”. She asks not for what she deserves, but for what she knows she doesn’t deserve, on the basis of His mercy.
5. Read Mark 7:24-30 again, only this time, out loud, with expression. If you see anything new, share.
The woman did not allow an exclusive doctrine to determine whether she could receive Jesus’ blessing. Rather than believe His healing was only for the children of Israel, she persisted, showing the object of her faith, unhindered by man.
She spoke His word back to Him.
She was bold. Persistent. I give up too easily.
6. Read “Accepting the Challenge” in Chapter 8 of King’s Cross and share your notes and comments.
The woman is not too proud to accept what the gospel says about her unworthiness.
*To refuse to seek God, refuse to come after His mercy, refuse to accept it, refuse to be content with it is as much a rejection of God’s love as to say “I’m too good for it”.
7. Do you see a link between faith and “seeing” here? How might you apply this?
The woman’s faith was unhindered buy culture or tradition. She understood Jesus’ parable because her eyes had been opened to truth. The more we seek Him, the more we trust Him, then the greater, deeper we will know His truth.
8.This woman did not give up, and we must not give up in prayer. Perhaps there is something you have asked for a long time, but it has not been given. Persist — either privately or here, in prayer.
Lord, You know my heart. Sometimes I feel my requests are too small, insignificant and yet they are weighty to me. So I ask, please. Thank You.
9. What did Isaiah prophesy the Messiah would do in Isaiah 35:5-6?
The blind will see; the deaf will hear; the lame will leap; the mute will praise; the water will gush forth as streams in the desert.
4. Read Chapter 8 in King’s Cross, up to “Accepting the Challenge.” Share your notes and comments. – I love how Keller defines this woman to show us she has no right to approach Jesus, yet she does anyway. Her boldness and assertiveness gets her daughter free from the unclean spirit. Also, again I didn’t realize that Jesus was born in to this world to help the lost sheep of Israel and after his resurrection is when he sent his disciples in to all the nations. His main purpose for being born was to help a nation that just did not understand him completely. Their faith and trust in Jesus was not there, but a Gentile woman new just what Jesus could do for her.
5. Read Mark 7:24-30 again, only this time, out loud, with expression. If you see anything new, share. – What stands out this time is that Jesus goes to a Gentile territory and the people there know who he is and crowds him, that he couldn’t even keep his visit a secret. It gives me the picture that they had more faith and trust in Jesus then the Israelites did.
6. Read “Accepting the Challenge” in Chapter 8 of King’s Cross and share your notes and comments. – The two ways that we fail to let Jesus be our Saviour, 1. being too proud, having a superiority complex-not to accept his challenge, and 2. having an inferiority complex-being so self-absorbed that we put ourselves down to the point we think God can’t love us. Also if I’m not seeking Him, to look for and refuse to accept his mercy and to be content with what Jesus hands me, is rejecting the love of God. My relationship with Jesus is not a one time prayer asking Him in to my life. It is a daily prayer asking Him to help me find Him in everything each day.
7. Do you see a link between faith and “seeing” here? How might you apply this? – I’m not sure if this is right or not, but I have to have enough faith in Jesus to know that he will always be there for me and to ‘see’ those God moments that he puts in my life each day. If I see how he has guided and helped me my faith in him will grow stronger with each trial knowing that I will see him in the outcome.
8.This woman did not give up, and we must not give up in prayer. Perhaps there is something you have asked for a long time, but it has not been given. Persist — either privately or here, in prayer. – Lord you know I have been asking for all my children, their wives, girlfriends and my grandchildren to come back to you or to know you for the first time. To find their way back to the cross. I know you will do it, I’ve seen my youngest son going back to church because the girl he’s dating. Though this situation isn’t the greatest, not because of the person she is, but the relationship situation is moving too fast and he’s taking on a lot. I know you have his life in your hands so I’m trying to step aside and let you have him so please guide him down the right path. My bigget concern Lord is my oldest, biological son, Kyle, he knows you, had a relationship with you at one time and needs to find his way back. He has had a lot of bad happen to him that he doesn’t even have faith to do the right thing anymore. Just tonight Lord you saw the text messages, he’s done the right thing and he still doesn’t see how it worked for him. Please Lord, put someone in his life that will water the seeds that have been planted. Someone that he cares for so much that he will start the life change that is needed. I give you all my kids and their families Lord so you can work in their lives as you need to in the way you need to. I will continue to pray for their paths to you, in your name I pray. AMEN
10. Read Mark 7:31-37
A. Describe what happened here, noting details.
Jesus travels around to several cities and regions . A deaf man is brought to Him and the people beg Him to lay hand on him to heal his affliction. Jesus leads the man to a place where they are alone. Jesus puts His fingers in the man’s ears and spits on His fingers and put them on his tongue. Jesus looked to heaven and sighed. He said, “Be opened.” The man could hear and speak perfectly. Jesus asked the crowd to not talk about what happened but they couldn’t stop talking about Him. The news spread everywhere. They were amazed and kept saying how He was wonderful.
B. How does this reaction of Jesus contrast to His reaction to the Phoenician woman?
He accepts her “sassiness” as being okay. He doesn’t even see the girl, much less touch her, and she is healed. He doesn’t tell her to not say anything. In the case of the deaf man, he uses His hands and physical motions to heal him. He tells the people not to say anything.
I forgot number 9.
9. What did Isaiah prophesy the Messiah would do in Isaiah 35:5-6?
The eyes and ears will be opened. The lame will walk and the mute will talk. Water will replenish the dry land.
12. Read Mark 8:1-21.
A. What happens here?
There are large crowds and Jesus is concerned that they are hungry. He doesn’t want them to go away and perhaps become sick on the way home. He asks the disciples what they have to eat and they come up with 7 loaves of bread and a few fish. He uses the bread and fish to feed the 4000 people there and then they went home.
After this event, the Pharisees want Him to perform a miracle so they are assured He is who He says He is. He is annoyed because He just wants them to believe. He says He will not perform a sign to “…this generation.” I’m not sure I understand what He means by the word “generation?” Does that mean the generation of Pharisees?
After this the disciples and Jesus leave in a boat and again they forget food (?!). Not sure how anyone forgets food, but ok…they have 1 loaf of bread and begin to argue. Jesus tells them to beware the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod…I think that means to not fall into the same trap that the “wise” leaders had fallen into about belief. Jesus reminds them that there were PLENTY of leftovers each time He fed the large crowds with small amounts. I don’t remember studying this second story of the fish and bread.
B. What does Jesus ask the disciples in Mark 8:18b?
Basically, He asks where their ears and eyes are.
Wednesday: The Deaf Hear and The Mute Speak
9. What did Isaiah prophesy the Messiah would do in Isaiah 35:5-6? – The eyes of the blind will be open, the ears of the deaf will be unstopped and the lame men and women will leap up and walk, and the tongue of the mute will shout for joy.
10. Read Mark 7:31-37
A. Describe what happened here, noting details. – he left Tyre and went to the region of Decapolis. They brought a deaf man to Jesus to have his hands laid on him to be healed. Jesus took him aside, by himself and put his fingers in his ears and after he spit he touched his tongue with the saliva and looked up to heaven saying BE OPENED. The mans ears were opened and his speech impediment was gone. Jesus told them to not tell anyone but they didn’t listen and went around proclaiming what had happened. They were astonished at Jesus’ power.
B. How does this reaction of Jesus contrast to His reaction to the Phoenician woman? – there was no telling him to wait in line and take his place. No parable was given, Jesus just took him aside and healed him. This man didn’t need to understand anything about Jesus, he just healed him.
11. Read “Accepting the Gift” in Chapter 8 of King’s Cross and share your notes and comments. – Keller says that Jesus doesn’t need to perform rituals to heal us for his sake, but the outward actions he performs are for us. Is it because we have to see things in order to believe that our healing really happened. Are seeing his actions more important to us than just knowing he could speak and we would be healed the same way, this was interesting to me. I also felt a sadness with the line that there is a cost for Jesus’ healing. I don’t like that I caused him pain.
Thursday
12. Read Mark 8:1-21.
A. What happens here?
Another larger crowd of 4,000 men that have been with Him for 3 days are fed with 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish. They ate as much as they wanted and afterward the disciples picked up 7 large baskets of leftovers. Immediately He got in the boat with His disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. The Pharisees came to argue and test Him demanding He show them a miraculous sign to prove His authority. Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit saying, why do they keep demanding this, I tell you the truth I won’t give this generation any such sign. He got back in the boat and crossed to the other side of the lake. The disciples forgot food but had one loaf of bread. Jesus said, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.” At this the disciples argued because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knowing what they were saying asked them why they were arguing about not having bread. Don’t you understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? You have eyes – can’t you hear? You have ears – can’t you hear? Don’t you remember when I fed the 5,000 how much was left over? And how much was left over when I fed the 4,000. They responded with the amount and He said “don’t you understand yet?
B. What does Jesus ask the disciples in Mark 8:18b?
You have ears – can’t you hear?
13. Share three ways God had met you recently, so as to fan the embers of your faith.
1) Each time I clean my home or have people over I am reminded how He carried us through Florence.
2) My daughter texting, saying the difference giving up Facebook for Lent has made in her devotional life…an answer to prayer.
3) Seeing my husband lead a Bible study and the conversations we have in preparation…thankful for a godly husband.
3 absolutely wonderful God hunts!
9.Isaiah 35:4-6 is the passage for my favorite devotional, Streams in the Desert. He shall make the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the mute to speak and the lame to leap like the deer.
10. Mark 7:31-37 A man was brought to Jesus who was deaf and had a speech problem. Jesus put his fingers to his ears and spit on his finger and touched the man’s hand and spoke, Be opened. Then he was able to hear and speak. though Jesus told them to tell no one, they were proclaiming it and saying, He has done everything well!
B. In this situation Jesus did not hesitate to heal this man.
11. Accepting the Gift. Keller states that Jesus knows us and gives us what we need. Jesus deeply identifies with this man. He goes through this process because the man needs it. He uses nonverbal speech that the man can understand! There is a deeper identification here connecting with Isaiah 35. God has come to save you as Isaiah has promised. And on the cross Jesus would identify with us totally. And here is the comparison again with the dogs, Jesus would become a dog so that we dogs could be brought to the table.
8. This woman did not give up, and we must not give up in prayer. Perhaps there is something you have asked for a long time, but it has not been given. Persist in prayer. I have been haunted by Mark’s words that Jesus could do no miracles in his home town… and Jesus marveled at their unbelief, implying that he was willing to work among them but they didn’t let him. And the people in the town of the demon possessed man who begged him to leave because his power scared them. I ask and ask but do I believe that HE CAN?! I pray and pray but am not surprised when all stays the same… God, give me eyes to see, faith to believe, a heart to understand your presence and your ways. Don’t let me be a slave to my expectations but instead give me freedom in faith and peace in accepting the story you write. Change my heart, O God…
9. What did Isaiah prophesy the Messiah would do in Isaiah 35:5-6? The blind will see, the deaf will here, the lame will walk, the mute will sing.
10. Read Mark 7:31-37
A. Describe what happened here, noting details. Jesus came back, and people brought him a deaf man and begged Jesus to heal him. Jesus took the man away privately and healed him. (It was interesting to me that Jesus heals several people with just a word but in this story he does a lot more actions related to the healing, fingers in ear, spitting, touching the tongue. It is also curious that it is observed that Jesus looks to heaven and sighs… why? Is he exasperated? Tired? Just breathing deep in prayer?) Jesus told them to tell no one but this made them tell all the more and people continued to be astonished noting that Jesus had “done all things well.”
B. How does this reaction of Jesus contrast to His reaction to the Phoenician woman? Both parties seem to be persistent. Jesus reacts to the woman with a challenge in conversation and then compassion when she shows unwavering understanding. Jesus heals the daughter from afar with a mere word. Jesus reacts to the deaf man with a “show” and (maybe?) exasperation (the sigh). He doesn’t talk to the man but just gives him what his friends had asked for (it doesn’t say that the deaf man asked to be healed but surely he understood what was happening…). He doesn’t charge the woman to be quiet but charges those around the deaf man to not tell.
I wonder if Jesus charged people not to tell in order to keep the chaos at a minimum… he already had a hard time functioning… and healing people’s temporary ailments wasn’t his true purpose in his life… fulfilling and proclaiming the Gospel was the true purpose…the miracles were an instrument to proclaim His power and identity.
I think that is why he told people not to tell too — but sometimes it is a mystery when he does and doesn’t tell them that.
I was wondering if part of why Jesus tells them not to tell everyone is that He doesn’t want the praise of man for His works, and His physical miracles are not the most important part of His ministry or why He came?
I think so!
It occurs to me this morning that He likely knew which situations would result in just more hype and which ones would spread good seed to good soil.
13. Share three ways God had met you recently, so as to fan the embers of your faith.
He has given me strength to be disciples in my eating/drinking habits this week.
He has given me confidence in myself at work, so I am not as stressed.
He provides for our family ALL the time.
14. Read Mark 8:22-26 and share what happens here.
Some people brought a blind man to Jesus and asked Him to heal him. Jesus lead him outside the village and spit on his hands and place them on the man’s eyes, touched him and asked him if he could see. The man replied that yes he could see, but not very clearly; people looked like trees walking around. Jesus then placed His hands on his eyes again, and the man could see perfectly.
10. Read Mark 7:31-37 A. Describe what happened here, noting details.
A man who was deaf and mute was brought to Jesus. Jesus took him away from the crowd. He put His fingers into his ears, spit and touched his tongue. Then He looked up to Heaven and said “ephphatha”, be opened.The man’s ears were opened and his tongue loosed. Jesus charged them not to tell anyone of His work. They were astonished and told everyone.
B. How does this reaction of Jesus contrast to His reaction to the Phoenician woman?
With the woman, He healed her daughter without even touching her. The conversation with the woman showed her faith, and by His words alone He healed. With the man, He went through a lot of actions to heal.
11. Read “Accepting the Gift” in Chapter 8 of King’s Cross and share your notes and comments.
Jesus always gives me what I need, and He knows better than me what that is. There is a cost for Jesus’ healing. Jesus came to bear divine retribution. On the Cross, He identifies with us completely so that He is thrown away on our behalf, so that we might be accepted as God’s own. I need His healing. I am unworthy. But I am loved.
12. Jesus was teaching the crowd of 4,000 for 3 days and they were without food. He had compassion on them and asked the disciples to find out how many loaves of bread they had. If they were sent home without food, many would faint… The disciples collected 7 loaves of bread, and a few fish. Jesus broke the loaves, they all ate and had 7 baskets left over. Then Jesus sent them away and he went with the di”sciples to the boat to go to Dalmanutha.
The Pharisees wanted a sign from him, to test him, but he said, “No sign will be given to this generation.”Jesus said to the disciples, “Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” They were discussing the fact that they did not bring bread. “Do you not remember how many baskets of bread were left after the crowd was fed?”
B.Jesus asks, Have you eyes and do not see, and ears and do not hear?
13. 3 ways that God has met me recently: I attended a nursing home outreach and a beautiful testimony was given by a man who immigrated from Kurdistan, and his sons(ages about 6 and 3) sang, Sing Hallelujah to the Lord! The residents were so delighted and 4 raised their hands to accept Jesus when Vasily gave an invitation! Last weekend I had a sweet time of fellowship traveling with a Christian friend and we shared wonderful stories, hers was of her brother and his wife coming to the Lord and when they had infertility issues, she prayed with them and God blessed them with a son. Also my friend, Linda, who is dealing with severe backpain and neuropathy to her leg and foot ( and is discouraged) was joyful with my visit and told me I was like her angel visitor. So many sweet blessings, unexpected. Yes, these fanned the embers of my faith for sure!
Wonderful testimonies to fan the embers!!!
Friday 14. Read Mark 8:22-26 and share what happens here.
Some people brought a blind man to Jesus begging Him to heal him. Jesus led the man out of the village, spit on the mans eyes, laid His hand on him and asked him if could see anything. He saw people that looked like trees walking around. Jesus placed His hands on the mans eyes again and he saw everything clearly. He was then instructed not to go through the village on his way home.
15. What do you think the second touch is meant to teach us?
That spiritual blindness can be healed, seeing clearly with a second touch.
16. Are you upset with anyone? Are you stuck in a sin? Ask God for a second touch to help you see clearly. Be alert for answers.
Lord, You know my struggle, I ask for a second touch to see clearly.
Such a good prayer from Sharon we can all pray!
Lord, You know my struggle, I ask for a second touch to see clearly.
Saturday
17. What will you remember from this week and why? Is there an area God is at work in your life?
The story of the gentile woman came to life for me. It always made me mad how Jesus spoke to her but now I understand so much more. I pray for the boldness, wisdom, meekness and faith she had when approaching ”my” Lord.
I know there’s so much more to the second touch than what I stated up above…there are attitudes and sins in my life that cause me to walk around seeing people as trees and I so need His second touch!
An area I feel God is working on is being more sensitive to others in their time of need, reaching out, sending a card etc…my excuse of never being good at that must come to an end!!
Thursday: Ponder Anew What The Almighty Can Do
Now we return to the seeming blindness of Jesus disciples. It hasn’t been very long since He fed 5,000, but now, faced with 4,000 hungry people, the disciples say: “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” They forget what He has done, and so do we. We must ponder anew what He can do.
12. Read Mark 8:1-21.
A. What happens here? – Jesus had another large crowd following him and they had no food. He had compassion for them and he asked his disciples how many loaves of bread they had. They were in a remote place where there wasn’t anywhere to get more. Jesus took the seven loaves of bread and gave thanks and broke it. They also had a few small fish and Jesus took all of that and was able to feed all 4,000 men. Everyone was satisfied and had enough. Then the Pharisees came and started to question Jesus asking for a sign from heaven and he told them there would be no sign. When they left there his disciples forgot to bring bread and Jesus seemed frustrated with them on how fast they had forgotten what he had just done with the 7 loaves. And he questioned them “do you still not understand?”
B. What does Jesus ask the disciples in Mark 8:18b? – he asked them if they remembered
13. Share three ways God had met you recently, so as to fan the embers of your faith. – I can feel a difference in my edginess, sometimes I don’t fee it at all and other times I do but it does not last as long as before. I know this is only God who is changing me from the inside out, I could not do this on my own. I can see a difference in my husband as well. How he is doing more things around the house that he knows I want done. This change in him is definitely a hug from God for me. I can just feel a difference in myself and how I react to things now. It’s more of a peace that I feel over me. Only GOD!
Friday: We Need A Second Touch To See Clearly
14. Read Mark 8:22-26 and share what happens here. – Jesus was in Bethsaida and people brought him a blind man and they begged Jesus to touch him so he could see. Jesus took him outside the village and spit on the man’s eyes. At first he saw but things were bleary and thought he saw people walking that looked like trees walking around. Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes again and his eyes were opened and his sight restored. He told him not to say anything.
15. What do you think the second touch is meant to teach us? – My first thought is that our healing or our prayer for something may not come as fast as we want it to. It is all in God’s timing on when we see what he is trying to show us but we have to have faith to wait upon him. I think sometimes when we get things too fast we just don’t appreciate things as much, but when we have to continue to cry out to the Lord and wait for the determined time he has set for us, we appreciate it so much more. I don’t want to be the spoiled child that expects things right away, I want to be the child that can be content in what I have and where I’m at and just know that God will be faithful to me.
16. Are you upset with anyone? Are you stuck in a sin? Ask God for a second touch to help you see clearly. Be alert for answers. – I have to say I still have resentment toward my youngest stepson. At times I think when he is with my husband, my husband has to appease him and do something that normally we would talk about, or my husband would not do on an impulse. It’s like he is afraid to say no to him or disappoint him, yet for two years my stepson didn’t even talk to us and allowed his wife to publicly bad mouth us. They are now talking to us, but deep down I think I still feel resentment because my husband didn’t stand up for us, he let it go and said if I’m a Christian I need to forgive. My reply to him was I know I do, but I shouldn’t be a doormat either and they need to be held accountable for what they said….Lord, please help me get this piece out of my heart. I don’t want to feel resentment toward him or anyone. Help me to just move on. I thought I had, but when each new thing comes up I go right back to resentment. Give me what I need to truly get this out of me. I know it is not showing kindness or love, and that is truly what I want for my blended family. I want all the brothers to be like a true family and not outsiders. Help me to not be an outsider either Lord. I can’t do this on my own like I thought I could. I need to know what I’m to do to make the kindness and love last. Thank you Lord for your guidance, in Jesus name AMEN!
Saturday: Reflecting
17. What will you remember from this week and why? Is there an area God is at work in your life? – what stands out to me the most in all the verses we’ve read this week, is that I need to have faith and believe that God will come through and provide for me in the way He sees fit. It may not be the answer I’m looking for, but it will be the right answer for my life. My convictions from God are still on my attitude, I know it still needs work, and I feel like I’m improving in this area, but I just pray that God does not give up on me and brings my attitude under control for good. I don’t like when I’m not conforming to God’s fruit of the spirit, but I fall to the ways of the enemies. I don’t want him to have a hold on me, I want only God, holding my hand.
14. Men brought a blind man to Jesus, begging him to touch him. Jesus spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him. Then he asked him if he could see. “I see men as trees walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again and his sight was restored so that he saw clearly. Jesus told him not to enter the village.
15. What does the second touch mean? My guess is that he needed another lesson in order to grow his faith, yet the story doesn’t give me any hints.
16. Am I upset with anyone? Truthfully I am upset with an individual because he is one in authority over me and I am not trusting of his actions completely. I feel upset at times over this, as I feel constrained. I want to show respect, but experience has shown me that in spite of his position, I have been let down. I am not sure how to handle my feeling.
Am I stuck in a sin? Well, I wonder about feelings of self-righteousness. I don’t want to be in that position. Yet when it comes to this individual I am definitely being judgmental. I can agree with Romans 3:10, No one is righteous, no not one.
Remembering this week, with the symbol of blindness, is how this is applicable to my life. I am dull like the disciples so often. Lord, open my eyes. Praying for wisdom and for the fruit to grow in my life.
12. Read Mark 8:1-21
A. What happens here? Jesus feeds the masses again. The disciples forget His power and ability (how often I do the same…I am surprised by His miracles and do not lean on His ability but my own). Their hearts were hardened by the first feeding so maybe there was still a processing going on. Then they went back on the boat to a new area where the Pharisees charged him to prove himself… again there is a sigh from Jesus here. They leave again and find only one loaf of bread for their small group and again the disciples miss who they are with. Also this: at the beginning of the chapter the people stayed and listened to Jesus even though they had no food. They sat at his feet hungry but found themselves satisfied in a different way.
B. What does Jesus ask the disciples in Mark 8:18b? Do you not remember?
13. Share three ways God has met you recently, so as to fan the embers of your faith? I have been convicted that I plead with God but do not fully expect Him to change things. I have tried to approach prayer with a faithful heart not a whiny heart. This week I had one instance that was solved with no action on my part – just received an e-mail saying it had been taken care of. Another instance was a really tough situation but through prayer God changed my heart and gave me courage to both ask forgiveness and healthily approach the conflict (with my manager and assistant manager). The third is that He gave me eyes to see His work so that I could be encouraged to continue to seek Him and rely on his power not my own ability.
14. Read Mark 8:22-26 and share what happens here. Jesus goes to Bethsaida and a blind man was brought to him for healing. He lays his hand on his eyes and his sight is partially restored then he laid his hands on him a second time and his sight was fully restored. Jesus charges him to go straight home and not enter the village.
15. What do you think the second touch is meant to teach us? Did Jesus only partially heal this man for our benefit, to learn from? He certainly was able to do it in a touch. Is this the same as the leper who was healed in body and gave thanks and then was healed wholly? It amazes me that Christ’s miracles vary so greatly in ‘method.” He *must* have been showing us something. Sight can take more than one touch.
16. Are you upset with anyone? Are you stuck in a sin? Ask God for a second touch to help you see clearly. Be alert for answers. I seem to be faced with a habitual sin… I noticed it in full this week. God, change my wiring…teach me a new way…give me the words…press my spirit to stay away! Lord, I serve YOU through the service of others. May I shine Your light and not the light of me,
Jill, I so agree with your statement, “It amazes me that Christ’s miracles vary so greatly in method. He must be showing us something.” To be honest I never realized how much they do vary…interesting.
15. What do you think the second touch is meant to teach us?
I think the second touch message is to give us hope. If we aren’t “awarded” our request the first time, there is still that hope that we may receive it the second time around. It may not come in the time we want it to, but we at least have that hope that it may come.