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The Book of Mark,
Chapters 1:-16:.
By Darren Johnson
A Commentary on the Book of
Mark, Chapters 1:-16:.
Publisher’s Note:
The Scripture quotations found herein are from the text of the Old King James, 1611 Authorized Version of the Bible.
Any deviations there from are not intentional.
The publisher owns the copyright and hereby gives anyone permission to reproduce or transmit in any form and any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage, retrieval system, multimedia, or Internet system, any part or all of this publication. However, he may not sell any of it for profit.
Matt. 10:8 “…freely ye have received, freely give.”
The Book of Mark, Chapters 1:-16:. ©Darren Johnson 2016.
Table of Contents
Introduction ….…….….….…...........4
I. Mark 1: .………....…............5-9
II. Mark 2: ……….……........10-13
III. Mark 3: ….…….…….......14-17
IV. Mark 4: ….……................18-22
V. Mark 5: …..…..…...……..23-26
VI. Mark 6: …...………..........27-33
VII. Mark 7: ….……..……......34-37
VIII. Mark 8: …..…..….…….....38-41
IX. Mark 9: …...……..….…...42-47
X. Mark 10: …...………..…..48-53
XI. Mark 11: .……………......54-57
XII. Mark 12: ……….……......58-62
XIII. Mark 13: ….…….…….....63-67
XIV. Mark 14: ….……..............68-75
XV. Mark 15: …..…..…..…….76-80
XVI. Mark 16: …...………........81-83
XVII. Salvation Message ……...84-85
Introduction
The purpose of this book is to motivate you to study the book of Mark. The book of Mark occurs during the time of the ministry of John the Baptist to after the resurrection of Jesus. It illustrates Jesus as a servant. Remember that the four gospels picture Jesus in four ways and from four different views.
The Jews are under Roman rule or foreign government in the first century A.D.
The average Christian is ignorant of the many truths found in the book of Mark. For the Bible believing Christian, every book in the Bible is important and loaded with truths and everyday applications(II Tim. 2:15, 3:16-17).
Mark 1:1-6 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
:6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
The gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God(I Jo. 5:20), begins with the preaching of John the Baptist. The Old Testament ended with the nation of Israel, after 6 high priests over the temple with the civil government under foreign rule, going into sin again. Hence there was no spiritual light for the nation of Israel until John the Baptist. After Media and Persia, were the Greece and then Roman empires. We don't hear anything about the nation of Israel during the Grecian empire in the bible, so it is safe to assume that while under Media and Persia, the nation of Israel went bad again, etc.. So a few hundred years have passed since the nation of Israel had a prophet(download, The Bible Time line, Part IV, at ).
In Malachi 3:1(see comments there), the coming of John the Baptist was foretold. Basically, John started his ministry 6 months before Jesus started his ministry. The purpose of John the Baptist's ministry was to prepare the Jews for the prophesied Messiah in the Old Testament, Jesus Christ(Is. 53:, Deut. 18:18, see comments there). John the Baptist's ministry preached repentance of sins(change of heart towards sin(you are guilty of breaking God's law) and a change of heart towards God(believe that God is holy and righteous). Repentance is a change of mind(repentance, no works involved) that leads to a change of action(fruit of repentance, works of a changed heart). Combined with faith in Jesus, a lost person can be saved(Acts 20:20-21, see comments there).
John the Baptist water baptized those that repented of their sin and put their faith in the Messiah to come. All through the Old Testament, the saved Jews put their faith in the future Messiah who would die for their sins(Jo. 1:29). In the tabernacle and temple, the high priest was a picture of Jesus(go to and download, The Tabernacle, Part I & II). Once a year, the high priest offered the blood on the mercy seat in the holy of holies(Lev. 16:, see comments there). After Jesus died on the cross, He offered His blood once for all on the mercy seat in the temple in heaven
(Heb. 7:22-26, 8:5, Rev. 15:).
John baptized his converts that believed on Jesus with a repentant heart(download, Immersion, at ). Remember that water baptism is done after a person gets saved or believes on Jesus. It is separate from the gospel(I Cor. 1:17, 15:2, see comments there). Also, water baptism is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. This is why a person must be put completely under water(submersion) for the baptism to be valid(not sprinkling or pouring). Note, communion pictures the blood of Jesus cleansing our soul and the bread pictures Jesus entering our body(Jo. 1:12). Both ordinances point to Jesus as Savior, like John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as Savior.
Because John water baptized new converts(believers in Jesus), he was called John the Baptist.
He baptized saved Jews in all Judaea and Jerusalem at the river Jordan. Notice that before they got baptized, they confess that they were sinners in need of a Savior(Jo. 1:29). John’s attire was a garment made of camel's hair with a girdle of a skin around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey for food.
Mark 1:7-11And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
:11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
John preached that Jesus would follow his ministry. He was not worthy to untie Jesus’ shoe laces. He baptized with water in symbolism of salvation, but Jesus baptized with the Holy Ghost(Eph. 1:13, see comments there) and gave people salvation(Jo. 1:12). Remember that the Holy Ghost was not given until after Jesus rose from the dead(Jo. 7:38-39, see comments there).
Jesus’ ministry started 6 months after John the Baptist, at the time he got water baptized by John. After Jesus was baptized and he came out of the water, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him. Afterward, God the Father spoke and said from heaven, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. The trinity(I Jo. 5:7, see comments there) revealed itself at the baptism of Jesus. Jesus was born of the Holy Ghost through Mary(begotten Son of God, through the seed of God).
Jesus took on flesh(100% man and 100% God), so He could be the Messiah and sacrifice for mankind’s sins(I Tim. 3:16).
Mark 1:12-15 And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
After the baptism of Jesus, His spirit drove him or led him into the wilderness. By the way, Jesus had a human spirit, body and soul(100% human and still was God, I Tim. 3:16, see comments there). Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness where He was tempted by Satan. Remember that Jesus was born of the Holy Ghost, like Adam(Lu. 3:38) and hence didn’t have a sin nature. He could sin, but if he did he would have acquired a sin nature and disqualified Himself as the Savior of the world(II Cor. 5:21).
After he survived his temptations(Matt. 4:1-11, gives a more detailed account), the angels ministered to his needs(Heb. 1:14).
After Jesus came out of the wilderness, John was put into prison by king Herod (Matt. 2:1, 14:1-2) of Judaea. By the way, king Herod is a famous and well documented person in history. This was done to further verify the existence and ministry of Jesus. With John in prison, Jesus started the beginning of his preaching ministry by saying repent(Lu. 13:3) and believer the gospel(I Cor. 15:1-4). The kingdom of God is God reigning within the Christian(I Pet. 1:22) and the kingdom of heaven is referring to the literal 1000 year reign of Jesus from Jerusalem. As the old saying goes, the kingdom of God is the kingdom of heaven concealed and the kingdom of heaven is the kingdom of God revealed(download, The Kingdom of God & The Kingdom of Heaven, Parts I & II, at ).
Mark 1:16-20 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
:17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
:18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
:19 And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
:20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
Jesus next walked by the Sea of Galilee(where the river Jordan runs into northward(go to to download, color coded maps of the Old and New Testament locations, etc.). Jesus met two fishermen named Simon and Andrew(Simon Peter’s brother). He told them to follow Him and become fishers of men(Hab. 1:14, see comments there, Matt. 28:18-20). Simon and Andrew immediately obeyed God’s command and followed Him(Jo. 14:6). Afterward, Jesus walked a little further and told James the son of Zebedee and John his brother to follow Him. They forsook their net mending to follow Jesus right in front of their father and his servants standing there.
Spiritually, when the God of the universe calls(Col. 1:16-18, see comments there), you obey, follow and fulfill your calling. God called fishermen who were in the midst of their careers and workday. God calls ordinary people to do His will. When called, don’t look back(Lu. 9:62), but believe God by faith and follow Him and His will and plan for your life(Jo. 10:10, see comments there).
Notice that the sons of Zebedee had their family member and coworkers witness the event. A Christian shouldn’t be ashamed of his calling and that he is a saved child of God. E.g. I have a local television and international internet ministry that speaks so loudly, vastly and strongly, I don’t have to worry about having a bad day spiritually when it comes to not witnessing and not being ashamed of Jesus. I am on written and video record of constantly preaching against sin in broad daylight, etc.. In other words, worry about what Jesus thinks, not what your family, friends and co-workers think. If they forsake or shun you because of your beliefs, there friendship wasn’t worth it anyway(addition by subtraction).
Mark 1:21-28 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
:26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
:28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.
From the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and his first four disciples went to Capernaum(city off the north coast of the Sea of Galilee) and went directly into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and taught. Jesus
(Jo. 1:1-2) is the Word incarnate. He wrote the bible(Ps. 119:89) before it was revealed to mankind. Hence, He would know and understand it backwards and forwards in the power of God with authority. The people were astonished(surprised) that he spoke with authority from God, unlike the scribes (religion, Mark 7:6-9).
While in the synagogue, a man possessed with an unclean spirit cried out, “Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. Notice that the man had more than one unclean spirit in him. Unclean spirits, devils and the Devil are part of the kingdom of darkness(go to and download, The Angelic Kingdom, Part I & II). Devils believe in God and tremble(Jam. 2:19, see comments there). Devils believe that Jesus is the Messiah or Holy One of God(I Jo. 5:20). They believe that He is the Savior of the world and one day will cast all the devils into the lake of fire forever(Zech. 13:2).
Devils have nothing to do with God and His holiness. They are real spiritual creatures here on earth that can possess a person and cause him and those around him great harm(Acts 19:14-16). Only Jesus and the power of Jesus can cast them out and drive them away. When you are saved, you are sealed with the Holy Ghost(Eph. 1:13) and the unclean spirits can now longer possess you, etc..
Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and caused him to leave the man. God has power over the Devils and not the other way around. Hence, if you get saved and practice holiness, you will always be under God's protection(Heb. 1:14). The people in the synagogue were amazed at the power and authority of God of Jesus. This was not a new doctrine, but a fulfillment of prophecy of Jesus being the coming Messiah, etc.. Unfortunately, Judaism had gone into spiritual darkness and false religion(Pharisees-make up man made laws(legalism) and claim they are God's laws, Sadducee-Reject God's law by calling it man made laws). When the truth of God finally shows up, it is so far off from what they have been taught. E.g. It is like telling a Catholic that he can't lose his salvation and he can have all of his past, present and future sins forgiven instantly(see Salvation Message at the end of the book).
When God delivers mightily, everyone knows it and it is to the benefit of all. As a result, the fame of Jesus spread like wildfire abroad throughout all the region around the Sea of Galilee. Remember, Christian that God made the universe and has an unlimited supply of power to help you in your situation. It pays to serve the Lord and spread the wealth of holiness and godliness(Matt. 28:18-20).
Mark 1:29-34 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
:30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
:31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
:32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
:33 And all the city was gathered together at the door.
:34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
After the synagogue, Jesus went to the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Notice that Simon(Peter) has a wife. So much for the false Catholic doctrine that some of the apostles weren't married(I Tim. 4:3, see comments there). Simon's wife's mother was sick in bed with a fever of which Jesus cured her of it. Afterward, she immediately ministered to their needs. Note that anon means at once or immediately. Notice that when Jesus cured someone it was instant and complete. Unlike the faith healers of today, who only heal mental issues that can't be quantified and/or use acupressure and chiropractic techniques to give their followers temporary relief, etc..
At even(6 PM), they brought the diseased to be healed and the possessed with devils to have them cast out to Jesus. People came from all around the city of Capernaum to the door of the mother of Simon where Jesus was. Because Jesus had a real solution to the people's physical problems, he gained popularity quickly. Jesus used the physical cure to tell them about the spiritual cure(Jo. 1:29, Rom. 10:13, see comments there).
Once again, the devils knew who Jesus was. After all, Jesus created the Devil and his angels during the first week of the creation(Jo. 8:44, Gen. 1:, see comments there). Remember that God created a perfect adversary with his own army of devils(the devil's angels) to oppose God the Father and his angels. This way man can use his free will to choose between God and the Devil. Only Jesus is more powerful than the Devil(Eph. 2:2, see comments there). The choice is yours to make my friend.
By the way, the whole town knew that Peter was married. The Devil uses centuries to change history(like far left wing revisionist U.S. History) and science(I Tim. 6:20, evoultion) to teach a lie. In the bible, you have eyewitness testimonies of the facts. The liberals have the clownish and propaganda networks like CNN, NBC, CBC & ABC to spread their false rumors. Like Hitler and the Nazi's, they think that the people will believe them if they tell the lie loud enough and long enough. This is why the bible is the final authority on all faith and practice and even God is under its authority(Ps. 138:2,
12:6-7, 19:14)
Mark 1:35-39 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
:36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.
:37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.
:38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.
:39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
Jesus prayed in the morning before 6 AM(when the day starts). He went to a place where there were no distractions so he could be completely focused on making His requests to God(download, How to Get Your Prayers Answered, Part I & II at ). Jesus' four disciples followed Jesus(I Cor. 11:1, see comments there). Because of Jesus' popularity with healing and driving out devils, all men were seeking Him.
Jesus' main purpose was to preach the gospel to the nation of Israel(Matt. 15:24). Therefore, Jesus went town to town throughout all the synagogues of Galilee to preach the gospel and casting out devils. Notice that religion is a place where devils congregate, full of the doctrine of devils and full of people possessed and influenced by devils. This is why the New Testament Church was set up by Jesus(Matt. 16:18) for the Christian to attend and grow(go to and download, The Church, Part I & II).
Mark 1:40-45 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
:42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.
:43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;
:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
:45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
Leprosy is an incurable skin disease that a leper has. A leper came to Jesus to be healed. Leprosy is a picture of sin in the bible. Mankind can’t get his sins forgiven through his own good works(Tit. 3:5). Only Jesus can solve that problem. Physically, only Jesus can cure leprosy. Because God or Jesus had compassion on the leper, the leper was cured and made completely clean. Note that salvation makes the soul completely clean by the blood of Jesus forever(I Jo. 1:7, see comments there).
Jesus told the leper to not tell anyone what happened, but got to the priest and give his offering of cleansing according to the law of Moses(Lev. 14:1-32, see comments there). Remember, that the Jews were under Moses Covenant(law of Moses) up to the time that Jesus died on the cross. John the Baptist and Jesus were also sent to help the Jews make the transition from the Mosaic Covenant to the New Testament Church Covenant(which the Christian is under now until the rapture of the church).
However, the leper disobeyed Jesus’ command and instead told everyone how Jesus healed him. Notice that Jesus promotes holiness or the keeping of the law(Jo. 14:15, see comments there). By disobeying, the priest didn’t get to perform his duties and get a testimony from God that Jesus is the Messiah. Also, because of the masses in their hysteria, Jesus could no longer openly enter the city and do his ministry. Nevertheless, the people travelled and came to Jesus where he was at.
Spiritually, sometimes we think we help the Lord by doing what feels good emotionally in our spirit. As a result, a good gesture in sin hinders the long run effect of the ministry of God. The moral of the story is to always obey God regardless how it looks and/or feels. Your emotions follow the truth and not the other way around, etc..
Mark 2:1-5 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
:2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
:3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
:4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Jesus returned from Galilee back to Capernaum after some days. It was loudly proclaimed everywhere that he was at a house. The multitudes gathered and filled the room and around the door
(overflowing crowd). Jesus preached the word to them(II Tim. 4:2).
One person was brought by four people on a bed because he had the palsy(paralysis) and could not move. Because the door was blocked by people, the four decided to uncover the roof and lower down the paralyzed man in front of Jesus while He was preaching. When Jesus saw the faith of the five people, he told the paralyzed man that his sins were forgiven.
Jesus was popular because he healed people and spoke the truth of God. Notice that Jesus preached the word(the bible literally) and not philosophy, religion, politics, social engineering, etc.. He also had the power to forgive sin(Jo. 1:29). Man can't forgive sin, only God can do that(I Jo. 1:7-salvation,
I Jo. 1:9-consecration, see comments there).
Spiritually, the paralyzed person is a picture of a lost sinner that is spiritually paralyzed by sin. The four people represent the saved of the new testament church working together to reach the lost person with Jesus for salvation. Sometimes direct and other methods of reaching out to certain people are not effective and/or appropriate. Sometimes the Christian has to go outside of the box as they say to reach the lost who otherwise would not have been reached(letting the paralyzed person down through the roof). What counts is that whatever actions the Christian takes, he does it by faith(Heb. 11:6) which God blesses. So the work of God is blessed and the result is a new convert(Matt. 28:18-20). E.g. As an evangelist, I have set up a soul winning booth at Louisiana festivals with a carnival look to my booth. I was truthful with the people, but I reached out to them where they were. I had a box that said 'Where will you be when you look like this?. When the patron looked inside he saw a light inside a skull.
I asked them if you died today are you 100% sure you are going to heaven. I then honestly asked them without pressuring them if they had 10 minutes to see what the bible said about it. I have won literally
thousands of people to Christ doing that(go to and download, The Fair, Festival and Flea Market ministry).
Mark 2:6-12 But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
:8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
:9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
:10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
:11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
The scribes were present at this meeting and witnessed Jesus forgiving the man's sins. They reasoned in their hearts correctly that only God can forgive sins(Col. 1:14), but didn't make the connection that Jesus was the Messiah(I Tim. 3:16) and hence mentally accused Him of blasphemy.
Jesus knew the thoughts of man(Jo. 2:24-25) and therefore could rebuke their sinful thoughts against Him(Ps. 66:18). Jesus asked what was harder, to forgive the past, present and future sins of a man forever or heal him of his paralysis. Obviously, Jesus could heal a person regardless of whether or not they get saved. However, dying for mankind's sin(Jo. 1:29) was the greatest sacrifice and act of courage ever done by anyone in the flesh(Phil. 2:5-9, see comments there). That said, to convince those present that Jesus had the power to forgive man's sins(II Cor. 5:20), he healed the man of his paralysis immediately and fully(Matt. 11:5). Remember that the Jews require a sign(I Cor. 1:22, see comments there), to verify that someone is from God(like an Old Testament prophet, Deut. 18:18. By the way, John the Baptist did no miracle, yet was sent of God(Jo. 10:41, see comments there).
Nevertheless, as a result of the healing, the people were amazed and glorified God. Jesus healed people completely physically and healed people completely spiritually as far as salvation is concerned
(I Pet. 1:24, see comments there). Spiritually, the complete physical healing is a picture of salvation.
Salvation is found in the word of God of which the Christian is commanded to preach(II Tim. 4:2).
Mark 2:13-17 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.
:14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
:15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
:16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Afterward, Jesus went again by the sea side of the Sea of Galilee. There He taught the multitudes that followed Him. While preaching he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom
(station where taxes were collected) and told him to follow Him(Jo. 14:6). Levi followed Jesus(I Cor. 11:1, see comments there) along with many other publicans(tax collectors) and sinners(people who knew they had broken God’s laws, Rom. 3:23).
Evidently Levi was a famous tax collector(perhaps he was the most hated or had a bad reputation). If he was the worst of the tax collectors, then if Jesus could save Levi, he could save anyone. Hence, after his salvation more publicans as well as sinners(who may have been also openly known for their sins) came to Jesus. The point here is that God saves individuals regardless of the sins they have committed. Salvation only requires repentance(a desire to stop sinning or to turn to God from your sin) and faith in who Jesus is(I Tim. 3:16) and what he did for an individual on the cross(Jo. 1:29, see the Salvation Message at the end of the book).
Jesus fellowshipped with sinners who got saved(Jo. 14:15, 21, 23, see comments there). Fellowship with God is based on first getting saved and then obeying His commandments in the power of the Holy Ghost(I Pet. 1:22, see comments there). The scribes and Pharisees however, were not trusting in Jesus for salvation but their own good works and self-righteousness(Tit. 3:5). Hence, they were offended that Jesus would fellowship with people they thought they were better than because of their religious standing(Mark 7:6-9). In south Louisiana where they are 90% Catholic who are staunch and don’t want to repent, it is not hard to see how the Catholic priests would have this kind of attitude toward the truths of the bible(Old King James bible for the English speaking people). For more information, go to and download, What is Wrong with Catholicism, Part I & II).
Jesus came to the Jews, with the gospel, that included repentance(Lu. 13:3). Unless a person repents, he can’t be saved(go to and download, Repentance, Part I & II).
The self-righteous, who are trusting in their own efforts, can’t be saved(Isa. 64:6, see comments there).
Hence, those who are full of themselves(won’t repent and believe) don’t need a physician(Jesus), but they that are sick(realize they are sinners and want to repent and believe).
Mark 2:18-22 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
:19 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
:20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
:21 No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
:22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.
Fasting is drinking only water for a day and not eating any food of any kind. While fasting you pray to the Lord. I have done this often and I have noticed that I get more power with my prayers to God. Fasting is usually done when praying for major decisions or problems in your life. Nevertheless, at this time the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees were fasting. However, the disciples of Jesus were not fasting and the other disciples wanted to know why this was the case.
Notice that false religion(Pharisees) have disciples that follow false religion(devil's disciples). God has disciples that follow Him(John, who pointed to Jesus as the Messiah). By the way, those who continued to follow John and not Jesus would also be guilty of false religion, since they rejected Jesus as the Messiah to come(they are looking for someone else).
Jesus replied that His disciples aren't fasting because He is with his disciples. They will fast after he had died, risen from the dead and went back to heaven(Acts 1:8-11). The disciples of Jesus are likened to children that are in the bride's(woman) chamber(room) while the bridegroom(man) is present. During a wedding, people are rejoicing and feasting over the event and not fasting over it.
When sewing, you throw the old clothes away and not try to repair it with a piece of new clothes.
Likewise, you don't put new wine(freshly squeezed grape juice) into old bottles. The old bottles are tossed and the juice is put into new bottles. You don't want the new wine mixing with the residue of the previous wine. Remember that John(the messenger) preached 6 months before Jesus started preaching and he told people to follow Jesus(the Messiah, Jo. 1:35-37, see comments there). By the way, non fermented grape juice is a picture of the sinless blood(pure non fermented blood) of Jesus. The new clothes is a picture of being born again(being made new, II Cor. 5:17, see comments there).
Mark 2:23-28 And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.
:24 And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?
:25 And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
:26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
:28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
On the Sabbath day(last day of the week, Friday 6 PM to Saturday 6 PM), Jesus and his disciples plucked ears of corn in the corn fields for food. Under Mosaic law, the poor were allowed to pluck corn to eat, but not take corn stalks to store for later(Lev. 23:22, see comments there). The Pharisees claimed that they could not pluck corn on the Sabbath day. However, the Mosaic law didn’t say that and allowed the poor to pluck corn on any day for food. Remember that Pharisees make up laws that go contrary to the word of God(Mark 7:6-9) and enforce them as the word of God(legalism). This is why they always found fault with Jesus, like a Catholic finds fault with a bible believer. Jesus was following the bible(Ps. 138:2, Mosaic law), which the Pharisees were not, etc.
Notice that Jesus quotes scripture to rebuke the self-righteous hell bound religious crowd. When David was fleeing from Saul, he ate of the left over show bread from the tabernacle that he got from Abimelech(I Sam. 21:1-6). Note that the high priest at that time was Abiathar, who was over the other priests, but David talked to Abimelech. I say this because this is another one of those lame brain atheist so called proof texts(what a joke) that proves the bible is in error. E.g. I can talk to an employee at McDonalds, without talking to the supervisor who is in charge of running the McDonald’s. That said, 99% of the time I could never convince the atheist of what a 10 year old could see as obvious(II Cor. 4:4, see comments there).
Nevertheless, the Sabbath was made for man so that he would rest from his labors. This included showing mercy to the poor by giving him free food, etc.. Hence, plucking the corn and eating the leftover show bread were allowed to be eaten by the poor on the Sabbath day. Man wasn’t made for the Sabbath. It is not about keeping commands without reason and purpose, but about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost(Rom. 14:17, see comments there), when keeping God’s commands in God’s power, etc.. Religion takes the word of God, perverts in and then makes new manmade commands out of it that are powerless and useless to the spiritual needs of man, etc..
Finally, Jesus is Lord and He wrote the bible(Ps. 119:89). Hence Jesus, who is called the Son of man(the perfect or sinless man, the second Adam) is Lord of the Sabbath(the One who designed the law in the first place for man whom He created).
Mark 3:1-6 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
:2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.
:3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.
:4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
Jesus entered another synagogue, where he met a man with a withered hand. The Pharisees were there to see if Jesus would heal the man on the Sabbath day, so they could accuse him of wrongdoing.
Jesus asked the people if it was lawful to do good or evil or whether you should save life or kill on the Sabbath day. However, the people didn't answer Jesus. Afterward with anger, Jesus healed the man's withered hand completely in front of everyone. The Pharisees left in a rage and went straight to the Herodians to find a away to kill or destroy Jesus.
Jesus showed that the Sabbath day was made for man. It was a day of rest and release of bondage for man. This included not only the poor eating, but the sick being healed. The Jews were to do good and right on the Sabbath day, which was separate from their daily labors. The Sabbath day is a picture of the permanent rest a person receives when he gets saved(Rom. 10:13).
Spiritually, notice that the Pharisees(religion) go to the world(Herodians) for help to defeat Jesus (believers, New Testament Church). That's because religious people are like the world in that they are lost and trust in their flesh for good works. They may have a different set of sins, but both groups reject the Savior(Jo. 14:6).
Mark 3:7-12 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
:8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.
:9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
:10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.
:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.
:12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
Afterward, Jesus and His disciples withdrew to the sea(evidently the Sea of Galilee). People from Judaea(region west of the Jordan river, south of the region Samaria), Galilee(region north of Samaria, west of the Sea of Galilee), Jerusalem(17 miles west of the top of the Sea of Galilee), Idumaea(north of the region of Judaea[Judea] and west of the Dead Sea), beyond Jordan(east side of the Jordan river), Tyre(city in Phoenicia[Lebanon], coast city of the Mediterranean Sea, 25 miles west & 20 miles of the top of the Sea of Galilee) and Sidon(20 miles up the coast from Tyre) came to Jesus. Notice that all these regions() basically compass most of the nation of Israel plus parts of the nation of Phoenicia. The fame of Jesus and his following grew quickly covering two nations within the first year of his ministry. Remember that back in those days, they didn't have cars, so traveling was more difficult and an effort, etc..
Jesus had such great crowds come to Him that He had to get into a small ship in the Sea to get his physical needs met when he was done preaching, teaching and healing. Jesus healed the multitudes completely, including those with plagues and unclean spirits. The unclean spirits testified that Jesus was the Son of God(I Jo. 5:20, see comments there). Jesus commanded the spirits to not testify on who He was.
People came to Jesus because of what He could do for them in the flesh(physical healing, cast out unclean spirits, etc.). Unfortunately, few followed Him because they needed a Savior(Rom. 10:9, see comments there). In the U.S., the multitudes will follow someone who will give them free or subsidized, health care, groceries, rent, child care, college tuition, etc., regardless of what doctrine they follow. Nothing has changed about the selfishness of mankind. For the Christian, if you put God first
(obey His commandments and do His will for your life), He will take care of your earthly needs
(Matt. 6:33). This is why lost people of the world and carnal Christians are always in need and unsatisfied on the inside(empty). The lost need to be filled with the Holy Ghost for salvation
(Eph. 1:13) and then both need to be filled by the Holy Ghost for consecration(Eph. 5:18).
Mark 3:13-19 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.
:14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,
:15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
:16 And Simon he surnamed Peter;
:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
:18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
:19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.
Afterward, Jesus went up into a mountain and evidently also called twelve of his disciple with Him.
He ordained the twelve disciples to go forth and preach the word(II Tim. 4:2), heal sicknesses and cast out devils(and/or unclean spirits). The twelve disciples that were ordained were Simon, who was given the surname of Peter by Jesus, James the son of Zebedee, John the brother of James(James and John were surnamed Boanerges[The sons of thunder]), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite and Judas Iscariot(which also betrayed Jesus).
Of the original twelve disciples(eleven of them went on to be apostles of the new testament church after Jesus went back to heaven(Acts 1:8-11). Judas committed suicide after betraying Jesus to be crucified. Paul was raised up by Jesus to be an apostle(Acts 9:1-31). Notice that there were two apostles names Simon, hence Jesus called the one Peter(he wrote I & II Peter). He was married and was not the first pope(go to and download, What is Wrong with Catholicism, Part I & II).
Mark 3:20-27 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
:21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.
:22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
:23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
:24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
:27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
After coming down from the mountain, the multitudes gathered together and were so compact that they didn’t even have the space to eat. The friends of Jesus thought that Jesus was mad(crazy) and tried to take him away(arrest, etc.). However, they were unsuccessful. The scribes accused Jesus of being possessed by the Devil or Beelzebub or the prince(leader) of the devils. Because he is in charge of the devils, he has the power to cast them out(make a devil leave someone’s body they are possessing). By the way, Devils exist and still possess people today. Nothing has changed, the bible hasn’t changed, the Devil and his devils haven’t changed and lost person if you don’t change(repent), you will burn in hell(Lu. 13:3).
In His defense, Jesus told them a parable how Satan can’t cast himself out. Jesus would know since He created the Devil, devils and everything else(Col. 1:16, see comments there). Jesus said that a divided kingdom can’t stand as well as a house divided(husband, wife, children) can’t stand. If Satan rose up against himself, he couldn’t stand. The point here is that Satan doesn’t oppose himself and wouldn’t get in the way of his own desires of destroying people(Jo. 10:10, see comments there).
The only way you stop Satan is by someone stronger than him(I Jo. 4:4, see comments there). Jesus is stronger than Satan because he was sent by God. He can bind Satan(make him powerless) and then spoil his goods(free a man from devil and/or unclean spirit possession). For more information on angels and devils download, The Angelic Kingdom, Part I & II, at ).
Spiritually, truth brings unity, peace and harmony. Sin brings division, trouble and lack of steadiness. God is not the author of confusion(I Cor. 14:40) and/or destruction(Jam. 1:14-15), etc..
Mark 3:28-30 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
:30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
Jesus said that He could forgive any sin of man except the rejection of Him as Savior. If Jesus has an unclean spirit, then He isn’t sinless and can’t be the Savior of the world. Salvation requires repentance(Lu. 13:3, being sorry for your sin and wanting to change). This is precluded by the basic fact that God is right(about sin, holiness, the bible, and Jesus, etc.) and man(you) are wrong about the same. Salvation requires faith in the blood of Jesus(jo. 1:29). This can’t happen if you believe He is possessed or has an unclean spirit. A person isn’t condemned to hell until he dies in his sins. Hence, believing this way puts you in danger of eternal damnation. E.g. Before I got saved in April, 1987, I was an atheist and mocked and scorned the gospel. I rejected Jesus and was in danger of going to hell. Fortunately I was convicted of my sins, repented and believed in Jesus to get eternally saved(Jo. 10:28, see comments there).
Blasphemy is using the Lord’s name in vain. E.g. People that curse and use the name of Jesus in the process, etc.. Also, making statements about Jesus not being God is blasphemy(I Jo. 5:20, see comments there). All these sins of blasphemy are forgiven when you trust Jesus as your Savior apart from your works(Eph. 2:8-9, see comments there).
Mark 3:31-35 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.
:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
:34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.
Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him and called for him. The multitude let Jesus know that His family had arrived to see Him. By the way, Jesus had an earthly mother and father (Joseph) as well as other brothers and sisters(Mark 6:3). The false doctrines about Mary that go beyond the fact that she was a woman like anyone else that needed a Savior(Lu. 1:46-47), are only found in the Catholic Church and not the bible. God used Mary’s womb(Isa. 7:14, see comments there) to birth Jesus by the Holy Ghost(the seed goes through the male). Jesus was sinless, because the seed of a child goes through the male, hence Jesus as well as Adam were sinless(the second and first Adam as they are called). Hence any doctrine that revolves around Mary being sinless or immaculate, etc. is plainly false doctrine.
Nevertheless, the point here is that the ministry of God supersedes your secular career, family, finances, relationships, spouse, desires and paths of your life, etc.. God is first and everything else follows. The ministry of Jesus was not to be interrupted by silly family matters. Family is important, but it is under the authority of God(go to and download, Proper Authority). Jesus said that anyone who does His will is His brother, sister and mother. The son ship of
God begins at salvation(Jo. 1:12) and continues with holiness(Jo. 14:15, 21, 23). We have physical family and then we have spiritual family(brothers and sisters in Christ, I Cor. 1:10, see comments there).
Mark 4:1-6 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
:3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
:4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
:5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
Once again, Jesus began to teach by the sea side of Galilee to the multitudes. Jesus sat in the sea on a boat, while the multitude was by the sea on land. Jesus taught them many things using parables(a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson) and he taught doctrine(what is right).
One parable was about a sower, or someone who planted(sowed) seeds like a farmer. One day he planted seeds by the way side(not in the ground but on the surface, like on a dirt road or a grass lawn, etc.) where the birds came by and ate the seeds. Since the seeds weren't covered in dirt they were easily seen(not protected). Another group of seeds were planted where the ground was filled with stones. Hence the soil was limited and when the seed germinated, it was force to spring out of the ground quickly(roots had very little room to move around, etc.). When the sun came out, it scorched the plant, that because of lack of roots, couldn't store water properly and hence was withered(died out) because of the heat.
When a Christian(sower) preaches the gospel(plants the seed) in other people, he will run into different situations. Some people are closed to the truth and hence never receive it. The seed doesn't enter their minds and hearts and as soon as you are done talking they forget anything you say. It is like a bird eating seed left on the sidewalk(Rev. 18:2, birds represent the devils, etc.). Some people are full of sin in their life and hence have only a little room in their heart to listen. They may receive the truth and they learn some things afterward(truth grows in them or their soil), but the sins in their life destroy any progress(E.g. Sexual sins, drug addiction, strong belief in things contrary to the bible(evolution, abortion, bible is written by man and has mistakes, etc.). They represent carnal Christians(Rom. 8:6) who never do anything for God in their life after salvation, because their sins are more influential
(Jam. 1:14-15).
Mark 4:7-9 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
:8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
:9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Some seeds were planted in a ground that also produced thorns(weeds). The thorns competed with the seeds for nutrients to where the plant from the seeds produced no fruit. Finally, some seeds were planted in fertile soil(good ground) and the fruit from the seeds produced 30, 60 and 100 times what was planted, etc..
Some people receive the truth, but the things of the world(weeds) make them unfruitful for God(I Jo. 2:15-17). I have seen carnal Christians sacrifice their ministries, God's will for their lives and/or serving the Lord over a spouse, girlfriend, family relationship, money, their secular occupation, their desire for worldly entertainment(sports, music, movies, etc.), the threat of being ridiculed, the threat of physical and/or financial harm, etc.. Sin robs the Christian of spiritual nutrients for proper spiritual growth. Finally, there are the spiritual Christians that after getting saved, their ground is fertile or has no obstacles to receive and grow in the truth of the Lord. As a result, they grow spirituality in them selves, they have ministries that help others grow and God uses their ministry to see others get saved. From a harvest perspective, the truth planted, fertilized and harvested in the Christian's life produced a harvest of 30, 60 and 100 times more than what was planted. Notice that every Christian can reproduce spiritual to 100 times their potential. However, not everyone has the same amount of faith in God
(Heb. 11:6). Those who have more faith when the practice the truth will produce more for God than those with less faith. Faith is the ingredient that makes the truth or word of God(seed) grow in a person's life when sin and sin desires are removed, etc..
Jesus said that if you have a desire to know the truth you will hear it with your ears. The unrepentant have a closed heart because they don't want to change. This is why you can talk to a lost person and give him obvious details and simple descriptions about sin, hell, judgment, forgiveness, Jesus, salvation, etc. and they won't absorb(hear) a thing you say about spiritual things. Likewise, this is why certain people receive some of your spiritual message whereas others receive it completely and get saved and/or get right with God. Hearing God's word is a heart problem(repentance-desire to change, faith-trust what God said).
Mark 4:10-12 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
After Jesus was done teaching, the twelve disciples asked him what the parable meant. Jesus told them that He spoke in parables to make it mysterious. However, those that are close to God, like the disciples, are given the interpretations of the mysteries of the kingdom of God and the parables(For more information, download, The kingdom of God at ).
Notice that it is Jesus or God who explains the truth to the Christians. The Holy Spirit within the Christian is also called the Spirit of Christ, that guides us into all truth(Jo. 16:13, see comments there).
Jesus spoke in parables, so those that are not truly interested in the spiritual things of God
(I Cor. 2:14-15, see comments there) won't discern the truth, but those that seek the truth will find it (Jer. 29:13). A lost person who receives the truth gets saved(I Jo. 1:7) and the saved person that receives the truth grows and/or gets right with God(Lu. 22:32, I Jo. 1:9).
Mark 4:13-20 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
:14 The sower soweth the word.
:15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
:18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
Jesus explained the parables to His disciples. The seed is the word of God(II Tim. 3:16-17, scripture is profitable or fruitful). The sower is the one who teaches and preaches the word of God(II Tim. 4:2, Matt. 28:18-20). Satan represents the birds of the air(Eph. 2:2, see comments there) that immediately take the word away that was sown in their hearts(e.g. Provide a distraction to change the subject and/or focus, etc.). The seeds sown on stony ground are those who hear the word and receive it with gladness. However, they have no root of the word of God in themselves and hence the word planted dies out. These are those that come to church and may serve the Lord for awhile, but when serving the Lord costs them something(money, friends, relationships, entertainment, personal pleasure, etc.), they are offended and go back into the world where they came from. This is why some believe this person didn't get saved, because the word of God didn't take root. However, you can have a seed without a root. The seed is salvation and the root from the seed represents spiritual growth. If you are eternally saved, the seed of salvation would never leave you(Jo. 10:28). However, you can't earn any eternal rewards by not growing(I Cor. 3:12-15, see comments there).
Those seeds sown amongst thorns or weeds represent people that hear the word of God, but are unfruitful with the truth because of the cares of this world(pride of life), deceitfulness of riches(lust of the eyes) and the lusts of other things(lust of the flesh) in their life. The seeds sown amongst the good ground or those who are ready to receive the truth wholeheartedly without distraction represent those who hear, receive and bear spiritual fruit(John 15:1-7, see comments there). The outcome of their fruit is based on their faith and selling out to God(Rom. 12:1-2) in the process in this life. It is not how much fruit you produce, but how much fruit you produce based on what you started with(Matt. 25:14-30, same percent output gave the same eternal reward).
Mark 4:21-23 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
:23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
A candle is met to shine on a table or on a rack in the wall at a particular elevation(like a light bulb or nightlight). Remember that the light bulb was commercially patented in 1879, which replaced the candle for a common light source, etc.. Candles aren't put under a bushel(8 gallon container) or bed.
Likewise, the truth of the word of God is put out in the open by the Christian according to God's command(Matt. 28:18-20, II Tim. 4:2). This is another reason why I have a television and internet ministry. It allows me to shine the word of God in several places at once locally and globally, etc..
Jesus concludes that in the end, all will be revealed(II Cor. 5:10, the Christians works, Rev. 20:12-15, final day before eternity). God's word is available to all who are willing to listen(Ps. 19:1-3) whether in written, spoken, or visual form, etc..
Mark 4:24-25 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
:25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
Jesus told His disciples to take heed(pay close attention) to what they hear. Mete means to allot or dispense. The more time, money and energy you invest in God's will for your life and His word, the more return and blessings you will get in this life and the life to come. The more you believe and trust God according to His word, the more spiritual fruit you will have in your own life and/or the life of others(Lu. 6:38).
God gives more to Christians who use what God gave them. Those who don't use the resources and gifts that God gave them run the risk of having them taken away from them in this life(Matt. 25:24-29).
This includes lost as well as saved people. Christian, don't take anything that God gives you for granted, whether it be energy, time, money, position, talent, etc..
Mark 4:26-29 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
:27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
The kingdom of God was likened by Jesus as a man that cast or planted seed into the ground. Afterward, the man slept at night as well as worked day and night on his field. He doesn't know how the seed springs up and bears fruit or reproduces. However, the man knows when the the crop is ready for harvest or the full corn is ready to be reaped. At harvest time he prunes the crops or puts in the sickle(a short-handled farming tool with a semicircular blade, used for cutting grain, lopping, or trimming).
Spiritually, it is God who makes the Christian grow. Man doesn't see the daily growth in a Christian, but sees the end product(after 1, 2, 3, years etc., I Pet. 2:2, Heb. 5:13-14). The kingdom of God is God growing inside a Christian in terms of influence. The kingdom is invisible to the eye, but in terms of taking over every aspect of the Christian's life from within, it is likened to an army(Spirit) taking over land(areas of a Christian's life) in a battle over time, etc..
Mark 4:30-34 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
:31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
:32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
:33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
:34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
The kingdom of God is likened or compared to a mustard seed. Mustard seeds are the smallest seeds compared to all other seeds. In the world's eyes, the word of God is looked down upon as irrelevant and small. However, when the mustard seed is sown in the ground, it grows up to be greater than all other herbs that grow. A tree is formed with great branches to where the birds land to take advantage of the shade of the leaves from the sun.
In the world, the Christian may seem like nothing. However, when he grows in the Lord and starts having positive influence in the world, he provides a source of peace, financial gain and moral understanding for the rest of the world. E.g. As a research scientist, I have saved the government money, solved problems that helped the government get more funding as well as helped in other projects that saved the community time and money. A good Christian employee helps a company grow and prosper. They will produce better products for the consumer to have an easier life, etc.. Likewise, I have always had testimonies with my neighbors as being quiet, peaceful and easy to talk to. As a Christian I have counseled literally thousands of people on the word of God to their betterment, etc..
A holy Christian is good for the community. He will vote, act and perform right to the benefit of the community whether saved or lost(birds in the branches).
Jesus taught and preached the word of God in parables to his disciples and then later explained the details. He gave them as much truth as they could understand and handle. E.g. Like a person going to school. They don't teach you Calculus in 1st grade, but start off with counting, etc.. A person must know basic consumer math, followed by Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II and then Trigonometry before being ready for Calculus. When it comes to learning the word of God, it is the same way(Is. 28:10, see comments there). A good teacher knows his student. The teacher knows where his student is at(knowledge and application level) and knows what the next step of learning is for the student and where his student needs to get to each year, etc..
Mark 4:35-41 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Jesus and the disciples were on the coast of the Sea of Galilee. That day He decided to go by ship from one side of the Sea to the other. So the multitude was sent away, they left by ship and they were followed by other little ships(like a mini yacht or large boat). While traveling across the sea a great storm occurred that produced great wind gusts and waves that beat into the ship as well as filled it with water. While the storm was occurring, Jesus was sleeping on the back side of the ship while his disciples were in a panic in the front part of the ship. When they awoke Jesus, the accused Him of not looking out for their safety.
First of all, Jesus wasn't worried for he was sound asleep. Spiritually, the Christian will always find trouble in the world(I Pet. 4:12-19, Jo. 16:33). However, when you have Jesus on your side, you have nothing to worry about(Phil. 4:6-7). The disciples weren't trusting in Jesus, but their own abilities to rescue themselves. Without Jesus they were in danger and helpless against the storms of the world, etc..
Jesus cares about his saved children(Jo. 1:12). He arose from sleep, rebuked the wind and told the sea to be still again. Afterward, the storm stopped and the sea became calm again. The creator of all things(Col. 1:16-17) had the power to control His creation at will. The disciples rightfully feared Jesus exceedingly(Heb. 12:28-29, being literally afraid for the right reasons). Jesus was 100% God and 100% man(I Tim. 3:16) and only God has the power to make the wind and sea obey Him. This is another proof text that Jesus is God and creator(Gen. 1:1, see comments there).
Jesus rebuked his disciples afterward for their lack of faith(Heb. 11:6). The point here is that Jesus wasn't taken by surprise nor did he lack the ability to take care of the problem at hand. Christian, God sees the future and nothing in your life takes Him by surprise. Hence, trust Him by faith(Heb. 11:6) and serve and obey Him and everything will work out in the end(Matt. 6:33).
Mark 5:1-5 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
:2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
:3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
:4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
:5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
They came to the other side of the sea into the country of the Gadarenes(Gadara, 5 miles east & 3 miles south). Jesus was immediately met my a man with an unclean spirit that was dwelling or hanging out at the graveyard(among the tombs). In the past, people tried to bind him with chains several times(like prison chains, hand cuffs, etc.), but he always broke free. He could not be tamed or subdued by the authorities or anyone else. He spent his night and day in the mountains and tombs while crying and cutting himself with stones.
Notice that the influence of an unclean spirit will turn a person into a mad man. He dwells amongst dead people(tombs) and is wandering about in the mountains(has no direction in life). He has no
self-control(can't be tamed), he is miserable(crying) and his lifestyle choices are hurting him(cutting himself). He needs serious mental, physical, emotion and spiritual help that only Jesus, the God of the universe, can provided.
Spiritually, the American Psychological Association has no answer for spiritual problems, especially unclean spirit and devil possession. Certain devils and unclean spirits can be only cast out by saved people, saved people who and pray and fast(Mark 9:29) and by Jesus(e.g. Get saved-Holy Spirit enters and the devil has to leave or Jesus commands it). Like communism, when you deny the existence of God and/or His powers, devils and unclean spirits, it makes it impossible to fix the problem let alone define it(Ps. 14:1). Yet people would rather spend $99/hr. for a psychiatrist(2015, US national average) than go to a New Testament church and get their problems solved for free.
Mark 5:6-10 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
:8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
When the mad man of the Gadarenes saw Jesus at a distance, he ran to Him and worshipped Him.
The unclean spirit within the mad man identified Jesus as the Son of God(I Jo. 5:20, see comments there) and he begged not to be tormented by Him. Jesus cast the unclean spirit out and then asked what the unclean spirit’s name was. The unclean spirit called himself Legion, because there were many devils inside the man.
The unclean spirit was a composition of many devils. The unclean spirit collectively was one spirit.
It knew who Jesus and God the Father were(he knew his creator). The unclean spirit knew that God was more powerful and could torment him as well as send him anywhere. The unclean spirit begged for mercy. By the way, when mediums call up devils and unclean spirits in their trances/séance, the spirits that possess them usually have names(e.g. my experiences from the New Age Movement).
Finally, the man ran to Jesus because he needed serious help that only Jesus could provide.
Mark 5:10-17 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
:11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
:12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
:13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
:14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
:16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
:17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
After the unclean spirit was cast out, he asked Jesus to not be sent away out of the country, but into a great herd of swine feeding in the mountains. Jesus agreed and the devils or unclean spirits went into the herd, which afterward violently ran down a steep place into the sea. As a result, all 2000 pigs died by drowning and the feeders of the swine reported the event in the city and country.
When the event was investigated, they saw the man that was previously possessed to be sitting, clothed and in his right mind. The people were afraid at the change in the man as well as the dead swine(pigs). Because of this they asked Jesus to leave their coasts(region of land).
Notice that the devils went into the pigs(animal possession), so they could kill the pigs and then escape. A spirit can’t possess a dead human or animal body. Remember that animals have spirits but not souls. The devils caused great harm through the madness of the man and then destroyed livestock(Jo. 10:10). Jesus on the other hand gave the man his sanity back. When you get saved and then obey the Lord’s commandments it will cause you to dress differently(cover your nakedness as well as a man looking like a man and a woman looking like a woman). Also, you will have self-control (sitting quietly and patiently, like a good student in school should be-what the public school in America is lacking) as well as having peace of mind(worry free-I Pet. 5:8, peace-Phil 4:6-7, spiritual-Rom. 8:6, etc.). Jesus brings the abundant life(Jo. 10:10, see comments there).
Mark 5:18-20 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
The man that was freed from the unclean spirit wanted to follow and travel with Jesus. However, Jesus needed him to be a witness for Him in his own area. Jesus told him to go home and tell his friends what the Lord has done and how He had compassion on him. As a result, the man told those in
Decapolis(region southeast of the Sea of Galilee) how great things Jesus(Acts 16:31, who is Lord) had done for him.
God sends the Christian where he needs him to go to the glory of God(Matt. 28:18-20). The ministry is not about fame and building empires, but obeying God’s individual calling and carrying out His marching orders regardless of the results(I Tim. 6:5, see comments there). E.g. Personally I have seen hundreds of people saved in a day and then no one saved for 11 months. I have had everyone against me and the outreach limited in the past until today where the ministry saturates everywhere locally and goes out internationally. The bottom line and point here Christian is that you should just do what God says no matter how uncharacteristic it may seem to you. God knows what He is doing, He knows the future and He will reward you full if you just do what He says(II Cor. 5:10, see comments there). It’s not about fame but about Jesus’ name being exalted. It’s not about results, but obedience (Isa. 55:11, see comments there).
Mark 5:21-29 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.
:22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
:23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
:24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.
:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
Afterward, Jesus and his disciples went into a ship and passed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. There he was met by the multitudes. One person who met Jesus was Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue. He begged Jesus to lay hands on his daughter and heal her life threatening infirmity. Jesus agreed and he walked through a densely packed crowd of people(thronged).
While walking through the crowd, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years(evidently a blood leakage from pregnancy, etc.), that had suffered through many treatments of many physicians. In the process of trying to find a cure, she spent all of her money and got worse. When she got close to Jesus, she touched His garment from behind within the press of people by faith to be healed. When she touched Him, she was immediately healed of her plague.
Jesus reached out to everyone whether religious or not. Everyone from every background needs Jesus for salvation(Jo. 14:6) as well as consecration(I John 1:9, 2:1). Faith is what God blesses
(Heb. 11:6). Although Jesus rubbed against many people while walking through the crowd, it was the one that trusted Him for healing that got the blessing.
Once again, the world has its medicines and methods. However, some health problems can only be healed by faith and Jesus(Jam. 5:13-16, see comments there). Jesus allows this to happen so that when the person gets healed, God will be glorified. God also uses sicknesses to draw the sinner to trust in Him for salvation, deliverance and consecration. Sometimes sickness is sin related and sometimes not(we live in a fallen world that has been corrupted by man’s sin). The bottom line is that you trust Jesus for the solution. If you stay sick, like Paul, then God has a plan as well(II Cor. 12:9-10, see comments there).
Mark 5:30-34 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
:31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
:32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
:34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Virtue means behavior showing high moral standards. Jesus knew that when someone touched him and that person was healed that virtue had left Him. The disciples were surprised by what Jesus said, given that the crowds were thronging Jesus. When the woman realized that Jesus was talking about her, she came to him with fear and trembling. She told Jesus the whole truth how she touched Him by faith to be healed of her infirmity. Jesus sent her away in peace and praising her faith(Heb. 11:6).
Jesus is sinless(II Cor. 5:20) and hence the bible is holy(Ps. 119:89). Since God’s word is the final authority of all faith and practice(Ps. 138:2), you can see why Christians believe it literally. This is why in the public schools until 1962, the Old King James bible was required reading in high school. As the U.S. further rejects the teachings of the bible, the country falls deeper into immorality and destruction(Ps. 9:17). The country was founded on Judea-Christian principles all found in an Old King James Bible. This is the source and strength of the U.S. Sadly to say, far left wing liberals oppose it in many ways, that has led to treacherous results, morally, economically and spiritually, etc..
Mark 5:35-38 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
:37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
:38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
Before Jesus got to Jairus’ house, a person from his house came to inform Jairus that his daughter was dead and he didn’t need to trouble Jesus or the Master any further. Jesus told Jairus to not be afraid, but believe. Jesus had the power over life and death. He took Peter, James and John the brother of James(Jesus’ inner three) into the house to witness the raising of the dead. When they arrived at the house, people were weeping and wailing in sorrow greatly. Jairus, by going into his house with Jesus, showed that he had the faith that Jesus could raise or resurrect from the dead.
Spiritually, if Jesus can’t raise the body from the dead, then Christianity is useless and worthless. Christianity is the only known classified religion whose founder has an empty tomb. Jesus rose Himself from the dead as well as several others according to the scriptures. Christians serve a living God, not a dead one, etc..
Mark 5:39-43 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
:41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
:42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
:43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
When Jesus entered Jairus’ house, he asked why everyone was weeping and wailing and then proclaimed that the girl wasn’t dead but was sleeping. After Jesus said this, he was laughed to scorn, he sounded so ridiculous. Nevertheless, all the people were put out of the house expect for Jairus and his wife along with the inner three of Jesus.
Jesus took the hand of the dead girl and told her, “Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.” Afterward
the 12 year old girl arose and walked to the great astonishment of the other five people present. Jesus told them not to make the resurrection of the girl from the dead public, but to give the girl something to eat. Like always, Jesus heals people completely so they can go back to life as they did before.
Spiritually, we see the power of God in impossible circumstances. In spite of being laughed at to the fullest, Jesus still could resurrect a dead person. God was more glorified by her being resurrected versus her being healed from a deadly sickness. Notice that those who believed got to see the power of God whereas those that didn’t believe were put out of the house. God reveals certain secrets to those who trust in Him exclusively in certain situations(Amos 3:7). Jairus didn’t fear the reaction of the people nor was afraid of being scorned(I Jo. 4:18, see comments there). He had his fear in the right person for the right reason(Eccl. 12:13-14, Heb. 12:28).
Mark 6:1-3 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Jesus left Jairus' house to go into his own country with his disciples follow him. Evidently, Jesus’ own country is referring to Nazareth(Acts 10:38), which is 23 miles west and 3 miles north of Gadara). On the Sabbath day, Jesus taught in the synagogue with many people hearing him with astonishment. Everyone knew that Jesus' secular occupation before he turned thirty years of age was a carpenter. His earthly father and mother were Joseph and Mary. He had brothers in his family named James, Joses, Juda and Simon as well as sisters. People didn't understand how he learned all the wisdom that He had nor how he did just mighty works with His hands. Some Jews were offended that Jesus was teaching and doing all these great things, even though he didn't have any formal education and experience.
It must be said, that Jesus could just walk right into a synagogue and start teaching. His message was so powerful and He was so popular, He could do this. Jesus was an average Joe as they say
(Isa. 53:2, see comments there) that had a blue collar job, worked hard every day, had a normal family and a normal education(contrary to what Catholicism teaches, download, What is Wrong with Catholicism, Part I & II). The difference was that he was the Messiah and God in the flesh(I Tim. 3:16). Likewise, God calls ordinary people with no special background and/or training and calls them to the ministry to serve the Lord. Remember that the first four people called by Jesus were commercial fisherman. Fisherman aren't trained to preach and teach to the multitudes every week, but to catch fish, repair nets and sail boats, etc.. The point here is that God calls saved people who fear Him and keep His commandments(Jo. 14:15).
As long as you are holy and have faith(Heb. 11:6) nothing is impossible for God in your life, etc.. E.g. I have a Ph. D. in Statistics, not a Ph. D. in English. They didn't train me to speak to the multitudes or right books about the bible. I got that from Jesus. God blessed me with a good secular career so I could have more time and money for the ministry, etc.. Finally, people of the world will try to claim the worldly credential argument to dis your efforts. Think about it, what is more impressive, a person with no background of talent being successful for God(like me) or someone who is trained in speaking and linguistics being successful for God. God using the unthinkable brings more glory to Himself(I Cor. 1:27, see comments there).
Mark 6:4-6 But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
The people of Nazareth disrespected Jesus because they saw Him just as an earthly carpenter, with no wisdom in the holy scriptures. However, Jesus knew that a prophet had no honor in his how town, house and relatives. Hence, because of their unbelief in Jesus, He could do no mighty works there. However, Jesus healed a few sick folk as a remnant testimony of his power and the truth He spoke. Jesus marveled at their unbelief in spite of the obvious.
Nevertheless, he went to the villages round about Nazareth to teach to the people. Notice that Jesus went everywhere, whether city or village, whether great crowds or individual houses, etc.. Everyone is important to Jesus.
In spite of unbelief, God can still work(Matt. 5:45). However, God blesses based on your holiness. If you want more, you have to sell out to His will and obey the word of God more(Jo. 14:21, 23, see comments there). Christian, think of how many blessings and truths you miss every day because of the sins you don’t want to forsake.
Mark 6:7-13 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
:9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.
:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
After this, Jesus sent his 12 disciples out into the nation of Israel in 6 pairs. Jesus gave each person the power over unclean spirits. The 6 teams were to take no supplies for their journey, which included no scrip(a certificate entitling the holder to money and/or property), bread(food) and money. They were only allowed to take a staff(stick, could be used for self-defense, etc.), a pair of shoes and only one coat. When given lodging, they were to stay only in that house until they left for the next location.
If the people they are talking to don’t receive their message as a whole, they are to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against that place. Jesus said that those in his day that reject His message
(Jo. 1:29, 3:16) will have a more extreme judgment against them than did Sodom and Gomorrha
(Gen. 19:1-29, see comments there) in the day that God raised fire and brimstone on those lands(lands of the homosexuals, Rom. 1:27, Lev. 18:22)..
The disciples obeyed Jesus and preached a message of repentance(Lu. 13:3), just like Jesus and John the Baptist preached. Notice that the message of God never changes throughout the bible in terms of salvation(Acts 10:43, see comments there). The message of repentance was backed up by the word of God and miracles(Mark 16:16-20), that included casting out devils and healing the sick. By the way, the anointing oil is a picture of the Holy Ghost. God does the healing.
Spiritually, the Christian who is called into the ministry of Jesus is to trust Jesus to take care of him.
Whether you get a job by faith or quit your job by faith, just follow God by faith(Rom. 1:17, Hab. 2:4, see comments there). Here, they were to take no possessions or money, but just go into the world and preach. Paul made tents to pay his bills at times and Joseph had a government job, etc.. Each situation is different as well as each ministry for each individual. Christian, don’t limit yourself by what others have done and are doing. don’t put God in a box as they say. Get a hold of God and just do what He says and it will all work out over time(Matt. 6:33, Jo. 14:15).
Mark 6:14-15 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
:15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
Jesus’ fame had finally reached the ears of king Herod. Herod reasoned that John the Baptist had risen from the dead, because John had similar influence on the multitudes as Jesus was having. Others were saying that Jesus was Elias or Elijah(Mal. 4:5-6, see comments there). Remember that God promised to send Elijah the prophet, but we see He was referring to someone with the spirit and power of Elijah, like John the Baptist(Lu. 1:17). Also remember that you have two prophets during the tribulation period preaching and performing miracles in front of all the world for 3 ½ years(Rev. 11:, see comments there). These two also are preaching in the spirit and power of Elijah, etc.. Likewise, they thought that Jesus was a prophet(Deut. 18:18) or one of the prophets(He performed miracles,
I Cor. 1:22).
The Jews in general knew the scriptures, but not completely. In Christianity, there are a lot of Christians at different levels of growth and understanding. Throw in the fact that there are a lot of teachers with varying views on precise subjects and questions, etc.. This is why there is a lot of variability in what saved Christians believe and teach as individuals when you talk to them. However, always test the teaching of a person with the word of God to see if it is consistent with the scriptures
(II Pet. 1:19-21, see comments there). For more information on the bible, download my verse by verse commentaries of the bible(currently 55 books) at ).
Mark 6:16-20 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.
:19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
:20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
King Herod mistakenly thought that Jesus was John the Baptist who rose from the dead. Recently, king Herod had John beheaded as a result of a request from his wife Herodias. Previously, John rebuked the marriage of Herod and Herodias because Herodias was Herod’s brother’s wife. Details are not given, but if Herodias and her previous husband didn’t get a proper divorce under the law of Moses
(Deut. 24:1-2, see comments there), there would be a moral issue here. Nevertheless, Herodias was totally humiliated by John’s rebuke and harbored hatred in her heart towards him to the point she wanted him killed. King Herod put John in prison for telling the truth about marriage, divorce and remarriage. However, Herod wouldn’t execute John because he feared the backlash of the people and not because he was following the law(sounds like the Obama Administration, 2009-2017). Herod liked and feared John because he was just and holy.
Today, it is like the people in the U.S. who are persecuted by the government for rebuking gay marriage, adultery and fornication(Heb. 13:4), based on God’s word(Ps. 138:2). By the way, marriage is a bible institution and not a government institution. The government has no say about what is marriage and what it is not(Matt. 19:5-6). This is a real violation of the new testament’s authority or a separation of church and state issue(download, Proper Authority, at ).
Spiritually, even though John had opposing political and moral views than Herod based on the bible, Herod respected and feared John’s message. For the Christian, people of the world will respect and fear your honesty, bold truth telling, hard work, dedication to what is right, etc.. People of the world usually hate criminals, sex perverts, liars, thieves, thugs, etc..
Mark 6:21-28 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
:22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
:24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.
:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
:26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
:27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
:28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
On Herod’s birthday, he threw a dinner party for his lords, high captains and chief estates of Galilee.
At the dinner, the daughter of the Herodias came in and pleased Herod with her dance performance. Herod was so pleased, that he promised his step daughter anything, up to half of the kingdom. The daughter consulted with her mother Herodias on what to request and the mother requested the head of John the Baptist(or John executed by beheading).
The king was exceeding sorry for letting the daughter ask for anything. However, rather than deny the request in humiliation and do the right thing, he went ahead and had John executed. His head was brought on a charger to the daughter, who gave it to her mother.
We see the pride of Herod(Jam. 4:6). He was more worried about his political and social reputation rather than doing the right thing for himself and the nation(sounds like the Obama Administration, 2009-2017). Also, it shows how the male gender is so easily influenced by the female gender when it comes to worldly entertainment and relationships(Pr. 6:23-26). Once again, this is why the bible preaches against the bar rooms that appeal to the flesh and not the spirit(wrong music, drinks, dress code, attitudes, environment, etc., Gal. 5:16, see comments there).
Mark 6:29-32 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
:30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
When the disciples got the news of John the Baptist’s execution, they recovered his corpse and put it in a tomb for burial. Notice that the 12 disciples are now called apostles. The new testament church was founded on Jesus and then the prophets and apostles(Eph. 2:19-22, see comments there).
The apostles reported back to Jesus of what they taught and done with the people after being sent out. Afterward, Jesus had them take a vacation in a desert place to rest a while, to which they arrived by ship.
Spiritually, the Old King James Bible for the English speaking people is the final authority of all faith and practice(Ps. 138:2). Jesus is under the bible and the apostles are under Jesus. Hence any teaching they give is consistent with the scriptures(Acts 15:, see comments there). The Catholics try to circumvent the authority of God by making Peter the first pope. However, pope never occurs in the bible along with other heretical Catholic teachings(download, What is Wrong with Catholicism, Part I & II at ).
The ministry is hard work with long hours sometimes. The apostles were so busy helping people and teaching that they sometimes didn’t have time to eat. Hence, rest and proper nourishment is necessary because of our bodies of flesh. It is okay for a minster to go on vacation like the rest of the working force, etc.. In general, we need to take one day off a week to rest and usually another two weeks of vacationing a year. When you do this, you get more out of your work during the year and don’t burn out, etc.. Notice in their vacation they get away from it all as they say to a quiet and remote place from all the hustle and bustle of the work life, etc..
Mark 6:33-38 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.
:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
:35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
:36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.
:37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
The multitudes came out to Jesus from all cities in the nation of Israel. Jesus was moved with compassion to reach out to the multitudes of people because they were like sheep without a shepherd.
In the spiritual leadership had done their job under Mosaic law, the people wouldn’t be suffering. Also, because of the sins of the nation of Israel, they were under Roman empire rule or a foreign government. As a result, the people were suffering with no one to care about or help them in their physical and spiritual needs.
Jesus taught the multitudes the truths of God(II Tim. 3:16-17). At the end of the day, the disciples told Jesus to send the people away so they could get something to eat. Jesus replied that his disciples should give them food to eat instead. The disciples responded that 200 penny worth(denarius-silver penny of the Roman empire, the wages for a day of labor in the vineyard, Matt. 20:2) wouldn’t be enough to feed the multitude(consisted of 5000 men, Mark 6:44). Nevertheless, they found five loaves of bread and two fishes to feed the 5000 men.
If a laborer made around double the minimum wage(say $15 an hour, 2016) and bread cost $3 per loaf of 22 slices(around 1500 calories), than an eight hour labor day would produce 40*200=8000 loaves of bread. This would be enough bread to feed the people. However, who has $24,000 dollars to spare every time they preach to the multitudes(around $2000 per preacher worth of bread every day, etc.. The point here is that at some point the minister has to trust God to meet his needs to reach the multitudes. What man has to offer(5 loaves and two fishes) won’t get the job done. However, if man gives what he has to God for the ministry, God will bless it and meet his needs(Mal. 3:10-11, see comments there).
Mark 6:39-44 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
:42 And they did all eat, and were filled.
:43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
:44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
Jesus had the people sit down in ranks of 50 and 100 people(50-100 groups if only 5000 men, without women and children). He took the five loaves and two fishes and asked for God’s blessing on the food. The bread was broken and then distributed amongst the people. Everyone ate to they were filled. Afterward, 12 baskets of fragments of bread and fish were left over. By the way, Elijah, a widow woman and her son were fed for many days off of a food supply that only had one meal left
(I Kings 17:12-16, see comments there).
Spiritually, the point here is that God can multiply the food supply if He chooses. For that matter, he can make bills go away, money last longer and increase your income according to His will(Lu. 6:38, Matt. 6:33). God knows what the Christian needs, when he needs it and can provide for his needs. The Christian just needs to trust God with his possessions, money, property, gifts, time, energy, etc. to the glory of God(Rom. 12:1-2). God is the God of all creation and only He can intervene with His infinite power to help the Christian in his time of need.
Finally, God isn’t wasteful. He kept the fragments or not served left overs. The blessings of God are precious and should not be taken for granted by the Christian. Notice that each apostle not only got fed, but each got a basket food for later. By giving God what you have, he will take care of your immediate and future needs, etc..
Mark 6:45-51 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
:47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
:48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
:50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
:51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
After feeding the 5000 men, he constrained(forced) His disciples to get into the ship and go to the other side to Bethsaida(1.5 miles north of the top of the Dead Sea), while he sent away the people. After Jesus sent the people away, He departed into a mountain to pray. When He was finished, the ship was in the middle of the sea, with the wind blowing contrary to sailing and the disciples toiling in their rowing(man-powered ship).
At the 4th watch of the night(3 AM-6AM), Jesus walked upon the Sea to where the ship(boat) was located. When the disciples saw Jesus, they thought He was a spirit and all the disciples cried out in fear. However, Jesus talked and comforted them by telling them it was Himself, be of good cheer and not be afraid. Jesus entered the ship and then the wind ceased. As a result, the disciples were totally amazed and wondered.
Spiritually, sometimes God forces a Christian down a certain path in life without telling him why. I have had this happen to me several times. Just realize it is God and follow the path laid out for you
(Ps. 119:105) by faith. The disciples would not have been as surprised if Jesus told them what He was going to do. Hence, God is more glorified.
Jesus not only walked on water, but walked on the Sea for a few miles or so, etc.. He took care of the wind again(Mark 4:41) and then comforted His disciples. The sea represents the cares and problems of life, the boat represents the Christian. Without Jesus, life is a toil. With Jesus, life is comforting, peaceful and cheerful(Rom. 14:17). Finally, Jesus prayed at the end of the day as well as at the beginning(I Th. 5:17, see comments there).
Mark 6:52-56 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
:54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,
:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
Up to this point, the disciples were still surprised by some of the miracles of Jesus. However, if Jesus is God, you shouldn't be surprised at all or at least open to it(not a hard heart of disbelief or doubt). Like the feeding of the 5000, all supernatural events of God are miracles, because they go outside the normal laws of nature. Only God can perform all kinds of miracles, that even the devils can't perform(the finger of God, Ex. 8:19, see comments there).
When they came out of the ship, they were in the land of Gennesaret(northwest coastal city of the Sea of Galilee), and drew to the shore. When the people saw Jesus, they knew who He was(Jesus was famous and well known now). Throughout the region, the people brought those that were bed ridden with sickness. When Jesus went through the villages, cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets. They besought(beseech, ask fervently) Him that the sick might touch if it were but the border of his garment. Everyone that touched Jesus, like the woman with the blood leakage(Mark 5:25-29), were made whole or cured 100%.
Spiritually, when you do right for the right reasons, you get a good reputation. Jesus always healed 100% and healed those with faith. There were no love offerings or tricks. There was no preaching on health and wealth doctrines, just the gospel that include repentance(Lu. 13:3) and living godly according to the word of God(II Tim. 3:16-17).
Mark 7:1-4 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
While in the land of Gennesaret, certain Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to see Jesus.
They found fault when they saw some of the disciples of Jesus eat bread with unwashed hands. Eating with unclean hands was a violation of the tradition of the elders or the religion of the Pharisees. Remember that Pharisees make up laws and call them godly(make legalism to be holy), whereas
Sadducees call what God said legalism(make the holy to be unholy). The Pharisees continued that when a person returns from the market, he can't eat food unless he washes his hands. The Pharisees also believed in other traditions with respect to washing, such as the washing of cups, pots, brazen vessels and of tables.
However, the problem was that all these rules and regulations were not found in the bible or the law of Moses, but were invented by man. In modern times, we have religions that teach salvation by works(Tit. 3:5, see comments there), which is an invention of man(Eph. 2:8-9). Likewise we have religions that invent rules and regulations to follow that are not in the bible. Remember that holiness is keeping the commandments of God(Jo. 14:15) in the power of the Holy Ghost(I Pet. 1:22). Any thing else is useless to God and hence the Christian. False religions to avoid are Catholicism, Methodist, Episcopal, Church of Christ, Jehovah Witness, Mormon, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and any other religion that goes contrary to sound doctrine(I Tim. 1:9-10, see comments there).
Mark 7:5-9 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
The Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus point blank why the disciples don’t keep the tradition of the elders. By the way, this is like a Catholic in Southwest Louisiana asking a fundamentalist Christian bible(KJV) believer why I don’t attend mass(what a joke!!!). Jesus quoted the bible(Is. 29:13) and called the Pharisees and scribes hypocrites. Religious people honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from God. Religious people don’t read and/or obey the bible. Isa. 29:13 is part of the Old Testament and revealed scriptures from God up to this point in history. Nothing more hypocritical than a self-proclaimed religious person or even Christian who doesn’t know what the bible says(II tim. 2:15)..
The problem with every religion on the planet since the fall of Adam and Eve(Gen. 3:) is that man makes up doctrines(a set of ideas or beliefs that are taught or believed to be true) out of the their own personal experiences, learning and desires and then follows them. However, there is no spiritual power or reward in heaven by obeying a command that originated with man and not God. Political parties, false religions, etc. have their own set of beliefs and absolute truths. The Christian has the bible(Ps. 138:2) which is the final authority on all faith and practice(go to and download, The Bible, Part I & II). By accepting the man-made doctrine, you eventually have to reject the doctrine of God, etc.. When religion takes full effect, there is a complete rejection of the bible and the commandments of God. This is why in any religion, the traditions of religion always trump the bible and the bible is interpreted by the tradition instead of the other way around(II Th. 2:15, see comments there).
E.g. This is why when I go to some Baptist churches, I am considered and odd ball and trouble. Even Baptists have invented their own traditions that go against the bible. The most dangerous one is the one where they give the pastor unlimited pastoral authority contrary to the scriptures(go to and download, Proper Authority). The pastor is a team leader and not a dictator. I have seen many pastors and churches ruined by this false doctrine, etc.. It is a sad day when a Christian in the U.S. can be persecuted by other Christians in a Baptist church for just believing what the bible says as written, etc..
Mark 7:10-13 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
:12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Under the law of Moses, children were to honor their parents(Ex. 20:12, see comments there).
Also, those that cursed their parents were put to death(Ex. 21:17, see comments there). However, according to the religion of the Pharisees, whatever a person gives to their parents or whatever they are profited by them is a gift or Corban. Otherwise, the kids are free to do as they please, even if it dishonors their parents.
In the U.S. we had a movement that took the paddle out of the school for punishing kids along with the KJV bible as required high school reading. Today in 2016, if the family is still together or even constitutes a family(two married opposite partners with at least one kid), the kids are not taught to honor their parent’s wishes in everything. The government, the schools, the media, worldly entertainment, etc. is always trying to negate and usurp the authority of the parents in the home(go to and download, The Christian Home, Part I & II). As a result, we have kids who have no respect for authority and don’t know how to behave at home, school, or in public in general. Some meet authority for the first time by a police officer. The police isn’t the problem(Blue Lives Matter), the kids, home, school and government policy is the problem.
Jesus correctly points out that religion makes the word of God of none effect or useless. You can’t trust in false and true doctrine at the same time and expect God to bless your twisted faith, etc.. The Pharisees invented many false doctrines that went contrary to the scriptures to the point that the religion was spiritually useless. Religion may appeal to the flesh, but it doesn’t appeal to the Spirit of God.
This is why the Christian avoids all ecumenical movements of any kind. Things like Promise Keepers and the like, bring together all the religions under a religious unity. The problem is that they don’ t bring Christians together under one bible and doctrine(II Tim. 3:16-17). The last person the ecumenical crowd would cater to is a fundamentalist bible believer like Jesus, the apostles and myself, etc.. Remember Christian, you and God make a majority if the truth is based on the scriptures.
Mark 7:14-23 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
:17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
:19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
:20And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Jesus gathered all the people to Himself that were present and told them that a person is not defiled or sinful by what enters him from without physically. He is defiled or made sinful by what comes out of his heart or from within(Lu. 6:45). Sin is a heart problem. Because religion rejects God’s commandments, they have a focus on the outward(I Tim. 4:3) and commandments related to the flesh and not the spirit(Rom. 8:6).
Jesus explained the parable to his disciples who wanted to know the truths of God. Sin is a heart problem and from it all the actions of sin follow. When a person eats food, it doesn’t enter his heart, but is digested, absorbed and the wasted excreted.
The sins of the heart include evil thoughts(Pr. 24:9), adulteries(sex with someone you are not married to, Heb. 13:4), fornications(sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman,
Heb. 13:4), murders(Exod. 20:13), thefts(Ex. 20:15), covetousness(Ex. 20:17), wickedness, deceit(lying), lasciviousness(lewd, inclined to lust, an evil eye, blasphemy(e.g. say that God isn’t really God, etc.), pride(Jam. 4:6) and foolishness(Prov. 26:4-5). These sins are pretty obvious and self-explanatory. That said, the U.S. doesn’t seem to be bothered by most of these sins in terms of their general behavior(Ps. 9:17). By the way, God calls these things evil. God is anti-LGBT, anti-abortion, is for law and order, anti-Muslim, anti-false religion, etc..
Mark 7:24-30 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
:25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
:26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
:27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
:28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.
:29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
:30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.
Next, Jesus went to into the borders of Tyre and Sidon(Mediterranean coast cities of Phoenicia-northwest of Israel) and tried to enter a house secretly. However, a certain woman, who was a Greek and a Syrophenician by nation, entered into the house. She fell at the feet of Jesus and begged him to cast the unclean spirit out of her daughter.
Jesus was called to the house of Israel and not to the non-Jew. Therefore he was under no obligation to show her a miracle or cast the unclean spirit out. Jesus made the analogy that the bread was for the children of the Jews and not given to the dogs(Greek, non-Jew). The woman agreed, but pointed out that even dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. Because of the woman’s faith in the bible and understanding her place in terms of the ministry of Jesus, she was blessed and the devil was cast out of her daughter.
In this passage we see that God clearly discriminates between those that believe in Him or not. Remember that it was Abraham of all the people of the world after the tower of Babel that believed God and sought His commandments(Gen. 12:2, 13:2, 15:6, see comments there). From Abraham, came Isaac, Jacob(Israel), the twelve sons of Israel and then the rest of the nation of Israel. Gentiles are non-Jews which include the Greeks. This is why in the millennial reign of Christ, Jesus rules from Jerusalem(Isa. 2:2-4) and He is called the King of kings and the God of Israel as well as the rest of the world(Rev. 20:, see comments there). By the way, God is holy and not a racist. Truth is not racism.
Personally, I am a Gentile and after studying Jewish history in the bible, I get it(Gen. 12:-Acts 7:, download my verse by verse commentaries of the books of the bible at ). The Jews are God’s chosen race because of the nation of Israel’s faith in Him and the covenants they made with Him. By the way, the U.S. has no covenant with the Lord, so we don’t deserve any special treatment from God. The U.S. is not in any bible prophecy, so take heed and fear the Lord my fellow Americans(Tit. 2:11-13, see comments there).
Mark 7:31-37 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
:32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.
:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
:34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.
:36 And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;
:37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
Jesus departed from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon and returned to the region around the sea of Galilee through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis(region southeast of the Sea of Galilee). There Jesus had a deaf person with a speech impediment brought to Him. Jesus took him aside and put His fingers in his ears and took His spit and put it on his tongue. Afterward, he prayed to heaven the word ’Ephphatha’, which means be opened. Instantly and completely, the deaf person’s ears were opened and his tongue loosed to where he spoke plainly or like any other normal person.
Jesus told those present not to broadcast the particular healing of the deaf person. However, the more Jesus told them to be quiet, the more the multitude published the news everywhere. Jesus wanted the multitudes to follow Him because He was the Savior and that they were willing to learn and obey the word of God. Sadly to say, many came to Jesus because of the bread(Jo. 6:26-27, see comments there) he provided freely. Jesus was not a socialist, but a preacher of the gospel(Jo. 1:29) and holiness(I Pet. 1:15-16). He believed in meeting people’s needs but not giving out entitlements or free bees. Jesus believed you should work for your food(II Th. 3:10).
Jesus made the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak. Spiritually, he can give the obedient Christian an ear to hear and understand God’s word(I Cor. 2:15-16) as well as a tongue to preach the word of God in power(Lu. 21:15).
Mark 8:1-3 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
:2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
Once again, the multitudes were listening to Jesus and had been with him for three days without food. Jesus knew what He would do but asked the disciples what they would do. Should they be sent home faint from hunger risking that some would faint and probably die walking home or feed them. Notice the dedication of the crowds. They walked long distances and they heard the word of God for three days straight without eating. Definitely not the new testament church service I am used to seeing, where some are tired after an hour of Sunday school and then a one hour service. Christians today are so spoiled and have the wrong views on life. Then they wander why God doesn’t use them mightily, but always someone else.
Mark 8:4-9 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?
:5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
:6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
:7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.
:8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
:9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
The disciples told Jesus that there is nowhere in the wilderness where they are located to find bread to feed such a great multitude(around 4000 people). Once again, Jesus asked them how many loaves they had. After they responded with seven loaves, once again Jesus commanded the people to sit down in an orderly grouping and fashion. Once again, Jesus prayed to God for the blessing on the food and then proceeded to feed the multitudes to the full with seven baskets of left overs(Mark 6:39-44, see comments there).
Spiritually, Jesus replicates the miracle in a different way. The point here is that God can do the impossible for the Christian 24/7. Sadly to say, the disciples were still trusting in what they could see and not in the impossible by faith. This separates the Christian who does a little in life and the one who does great things for God. This separates the 30, 60 & 100 fold Christian. Christian, just believe God by faith and do what He tells you know matter how ridiculous it may seem(Heb. 11:6).
Once again, everyone got their physical needs met and the left overs were kept for later(Matt. 6:33).
Note that there were 7 deacons that were originally chosen(Acts 6:4-6, see comments there). Also, seven is the number of completion(go to and download, Numerology, Part I-III).
Mark 8:10-13 And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.
:11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
:12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
:13 And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.
Afterward, Jesus went by ship into the parts of the region of Dalmanutha(northeast coastal city of the Sea of Galilee). There the Pharisees questioned Jesus and asked for a sign from heaven to verify His ministry, etc.. Because they asked for a sign, Jesus would not give them one. After that, he went back into the ship and went back to the other side of the Sea of Galilee again.
Spiritually, those that seek signs get nothing from God. This should be a staunch warning against trusting in the false Charismatic movement that is always seeking for signs and miracles. The sign seekers who get signs and miracles are not getting them from God(Deut. 13:1-5, see comments there).
Mark 8:14-21 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
:15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
:16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
:17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
:18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
:19 When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
:20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
:21 And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?
After Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, he warned His disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees. Leaven in the bible is a picture of sin. A little leaven put in a bread dough lump, will cause the bread to rise or expand. The dough is a picture of a Christian and a little sin will eventually effect the whole life of the Christian(Jam. 1:14-15) if not dealt with, etc.. Meanwhile, the disciples forget to take bread with them and had only one loaf between them. When Jesus warned them about the Pharisees, they totally missed the point. Hence, Jesus rebuked them for their lack of spiritual understanding and hard hearts towards spiritual truth.
Note, just because you are an apostle with Jesus as your personal spiritual teacher, doesn’t imply you learn and understand everything. You still have to study and believe by faith. Spiritual leaders may have more access and materials to be more spiritual, but they can still be carnal and worldly at times like the rest of us(Rom. 8:6). Fortunately, we see repletion of truths in the bible and we go to the New Testament church for review and something new with respect to spiritual truth. By reading, praying and studying everyday along with applying it to our lives, the Christian can maximize his growth and minimize his sin and hardness to spiritual truth, etc..
Jesus reminded His disciples about the feeding of the 5000 and the 12 baskets of left over fragments as well as the feeding of the 4000 and the 7 baskets of left over fragments. Jesus didn’t have a problem with lack of bread. The problem was the disciples receiving the spiritual bread or teachings of God and to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees that corrupts the spiritual bread(Mark 7:6-9).
Mark 8:22-26 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
:24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
Next, Jesus went to Bethsaida(1.5 miles north of the top of the Dead Sea), where He had a blind man brought to Him who desired to touch Him. Jesus took the blind man out of the town, spit on his eyes and put his hands on him. He asked the blind man what he could now see. The blind man first saw men like walking trees. After that Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes and made him look up. As a result, the man could see normally and was completely restored. He told the blind man not to publish to all how he was healed of his blindness.
Here is the only case where Jesus had to lay His hands twice on a person to complete a healing. Perhaps the blind man had enough faith at first for a partial healing, but not a complete healing. After the partial healing, he got the faith to receive the rest of the healing. For the Christian, sometimes God works with us in smaller steps pieced together to help us make that large step of faith for God. E.g. I have taken people soul winning with me where the fact that they went with me and just observed was a step of faith. Once they got comfortable with the ministry by faith, they had no problem talking to people door to door about Jesus, etc.. Not everyone has complete faith all the time. God works with people where they are, to get them where they need to go by faith.
Once again, Jesus didn’t want the blind man blazing abroad the news of his healed blindness. He wanted people to come to Him for salvation and spiritual truth. Note, the one who created man(Gen. 1:26) can repair man instantly when he is broken, sick or has a disability(blind, deaf, dumb, etc.).
Mark 8:27-33 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
:28 And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
:29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
Next, Jesus went out with His disciples into the towns of Caesarea Philippi(23 miles north & 5 miles east of the top of the Sea of Galilee). While walking he asked the disciples what do the men they talk to say on who Jesus is supposed to be. Some men thought Jesus was John the Baptist, Elias(Elijah) and others one of the prophets. Notice that each of the three answers implied that a prophet of the past rose from the dead. One thing is for sure, they all preached the same salvation message in the power of God(Acts 10:43, see comments there).
When Jesus asked the disciples who they thought Jesus was supposed to be, Peter answered that he was the Christ(the Anointed One, the Messiah, Jo. 1:29, see comments there). Afterward, Jesus charged or commanded that they wouldn’t tell anyone that He was the Christ. Evidently, Jesus did this until after He rose from the dead(Mark 16:15). He knew that if certain people found out that He was the Christ, they would try to kill Him before He could make it to the cross the way the scriptures prophesied He would.
Spiritually, we learn that sometimes when we are preaching the gospel, there is God’s timing that needs to be considered. How many times in the Old Testament when the nation of Israel and/or Judah went to battle, they had to do it a certain way and at a certain time for it to be successful. We can’t force the gospel on people by using gimmicks(sounds good) and gadgets(looks good) as well as emotion and/or coercion. People need to listen, understand, repent and then believe by faith when they are ready to be saved(Rom. 10:9, 13).
Jesus taught His disciples that He was the Son of man(the perfect man, II Cor. 5:20) who would suffer many things. He would be rejected by the elders, chief priests and scribes and afterward be killed. However, He would rise from the dead three days later. When Peter heard this He rebuked the Lord for what He said. However, Jesus looked at all the disciples before rebuking Peter as Satan. Satan doesn’t care about the things of God, but the things of men. Satan knew that if Jesus went to the cross as the sinless sacrifice, He would be beaten(Gen. 3:15, see comments there).
Satan defeated the first Adam(Gen. 3:), but not the second Adam(Jesus Christ). Obviously, the apostles of Jesus were not up to speed on Old Testament scriptures. There are many prophecies in the Old Testament on the first as well as the second coming of Christ. By the way, I have a verse by verse commentary of 34 out of 39 books of the Old Testament, which includes every prophet(download these books freely, at ).
Mark 8:34-35 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Jesus told the disciples and the people listening that whosoever will follow after Jesus will have to deny himself, take up his cross and follow Jesus. At this time, crucifixion on the cross was the current death penalty of the Roman Empire inflicted on those that were guilty of death. So following Jesus was going to cost you everything. You had to deny yourself or your personal desires, pleasures, income, your energy, social and political standing, etc. to serve the Lord. You would have to give up everything in life you hold dear to follow Jesus(Rom. 12:1-2, see comments there).
Jesus said that whosoever will save his life shall lose it, but whosoever shall lose his life for Jesus‘ sake and gospel's will save it. Basically, if you give your life to God, He will use it for His glory. As a result, your physical needs will be met(Matt. 6:33) as well as your spiritual needs(I Cor. 2:15-16). Serving the Lord gives life(Jo. 10:10, Rom. 8:6) as well as joy and righteousness(Rom. 14:17). Also, you get an eternal reward for your works(II Cor. 5:10, see comments there). When you decide to forsake the Lord to keep your secular, social, financial and/or political standing, etc., you will get no reward in heaven(I Cor. 3:12-15, see comments there) as well as any real spiritual blessing and direction in life from God. Whatever you enjoy in this lifetime in the flesh is all you will get, which is no different than what a lost person would get, etc..
Mark 8:36-38 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Jesus said that there is nothing in this world to go to hell over. There is no profit if you gained all the wealth of the world in your lifetime, yet die and go straight to hell(Mark 9:43-48). Salvation is the most precious gift a person can receive in this lifetime(Rom. 6:23, see comments there). Because of sin, man can’t give anything in exchange for his sinful soul. Salvation is not by works(Tit. 3:5, see comments there), but by the blood of Jesus(Jo. 1:29, Col. 1:14, Eph. 2:8-9, see Salvation Message at the end of the book). By the way, being religious, keeping the commandments of obedience, doing good works won’t wash your sins away or forgive your sins(Isa. 64:6, see comments there).
The truth of Jesus(I Jo. 5:20) and the bible(II Tim. 3:16-17) is not popular in the world(II Tim. 4:2,
I John 2:15-17). Christian, don’t be ashamed of the truth of scripture, be ashamed of your sin(Rom. 3:10-11, 3:23). Like in 1st century Israel, the U.S. is a sinful(I Jo. 3:4) and adulterous(married people of the opposite sex who have sex outside of marriage, Heb. 13:4). It will take guts to stand and sometimes it will cost you friends, family, money, etc.. But in the end it will be worth it when you see Jesus in the air at the rapture(I Th. 4:17-18). Jesus told His disciples that He(Son of man) will return to earth one day(2nd coming) with the holy angels to take over the earth(Rev. 1`9:11-21, Rev. 20:, see comments there).
Mark 9:1-8 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
:4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
:6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
:8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
Jesus claimed that some of his disciples wouldn't die until they have seen the kingdom of God coming with power. We know that eleven of the apostles(without Judas), saw Jesus go back to heaven (Acts 1:8-11) and experienced the power of God at Pentecost(Acts 2:, see comments there). However, three of the apostles, Peter, James and John saw Jesus transfigured before them in a high mountain location alone from everyone else. There they saw Jesus with while shining clothing along with Elias (Elijah) and Moses talking to Him. They saw a living Moses(pictures the law of God) and Elias (pictures the prophets of God), evidently in a resurrected body. The kingdom of God manifests into the kingdom of heaven where Jesus is in His eternal glorified body and the saved up to the post tribulation rapture have immortal resurrected bodies. Hence these three apostles literally saw the kingdom of God coming in power.
When Peter saw this manifestation of the kingdom of God, he requested to make three tabernacles or tents in the mountain for the three to stay in. After Peter spoke, God the Father spoke from heaven and said to the three apostles “This is my beloved Son: hear him”. When God the Father ended speaking, Jesus was no longer transfigured and Moses and Elijah had disappeared. Download the sermon, The Kingdom of God & The Kingdom of Heaven, at ).
God the Father called Jesus God the Son(I Jo. 5:20, see comments there). He told the three apostles to hear or listen to Jesus(Jo. 14:6, 15 see comments there). This is the second time God the Father spoke directly(Mark 1:11) about Jesus. So we see again that Jesus is the only way to heaven and holiness is keeping the commandments of God in the power of the Holy Ghost. The bible is the Old King James Bible for the English speaking people. However, the religious of our day as reject the word of God to keep their own man made traditions and ideas(Mark 7:6-9). Carnal Christians do the same and as a result limit the power of God in their lives(Rom. 8:6).
Mark 9:9-13 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
:10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
:11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?
:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
:13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
When the four came down from the mountain, Jesus told the three apostles not to tell anyone what they saw in the mountain until after Jesus had risen from the dead. At this point, it wasn't evident to the apostles that Jesus would die and then be resurrected from the dead. However, they knew that Jesus was the one that could forgive sin. The point here is that people don't need a perfect doctrinal understanding of Jesus and salvation to get saved and then serve the Lord. They just need faith and repentance in the Savior Jesus Christ(Rom. 10:9, 13, see Salvation Message at the end of the book). That said, I try to make people understand as many details about Jesus and salvation to make sure there are no false ideas or doubts before a person prays to get saved. In our day and age, we have people who don't think repentance is necessary for salvation(Lu. 13:3) or that Jesus is God(I Jo. 5:20), etc..
By the way, I call these three apostles the inner three, because Jesus distinctly showed them things He didn't show the other nine. The inner three had more faith in Jesus than the other nine and as a result they got extra blessings from it. The three asked Jesus why Elias must first come. It turns out John the Baptist came in the power of Elias(Lu. 1:17) as it was written(Mal. 4:5-6, see comments there). John for 6 months got the people of Israel ready for the ministry of Jesus or prepared the way of the Lord. Afterward, he was imprisoned by Herod and beheaded. That said, Jesus told them than He Himself must suffer many things and be treated as nothing. He would be crucified, but afterward would rise from the dead, etc..
Jesus is telling the three apostles the future before it happens, so that when it happens they will realize that God or Jesus was telling them the truth and that it matches the scriptures(Isa. 53:, see comments there). For the Christian, God gives you direction in life(Ps. 119:105) as well as tell you the future of the rapture, seven year tribulation(Rev. 4:-19:), millennium(Rev. 20:) and then eternity(Rev. 22:). For more information, go to and download, The book of Revelation).
Mark 9:14-22 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
:15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
:16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
:17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
:20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
:21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
When Jesus and the inner three came to the other nine apostles, He saw them surrounded by a great multitude of people as well as the scribes of Israel questioning them. When they saw Jesus, they ran to Him in amazement. Jesus asked the scribes what questions they were asking the nine disciples.
Meanwhile, one of the multitude brought his son with a dumb spirit to Jesus. It caused his son to be torn(cut) by the spirit, foam at the mouth, gnash with the teeth and to pine away(lose weight and muscle mass). When brought to the nine disciples, they couldn’t cast out this dumb spirit.
Jesus rebuked the generation of Israel as faithless and had the son with the dumb spirit brought to Him. Jesus asked how long the dumb spirit possessed the son and he was told since a child. The dumb spirit had tried to kill the son in the past by throwing him into the waters to drown or the fire to burn. He begged Jesus that if He could do anything to help him and evidently his family, friends and neighbors.
We see that the nine disciples were stumped by this dumb spirit and the scribes were drilling them in terms of what they believed and could do, etc.. In the ministry, you will be confronted with all kinds of people of all kinds if backgrounds with all kinds of problems. Sometimes you will be bombarded by several problems at once. However, when you get Jesus and the bible involved, there is no problem too hard no question unanswerable. Notice that the man with the possessed son, had some faith, but not total faith. Jesus used this to get him to trust in Him more, so He could bless his faith(Heb. 11:6) and glorify God.
Mark 9:23-29 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
:26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
:27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
:28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Jesus told the man with the possessed son that all things are possible with God if you can believe by faith He can do it(I Jo. 5:14, see comments there). The man asked Jesus in tears to help his unbelief.
Unbelief is a great hindrance to the ministry of God. You can’t be saved with unbelief in salvation as well as obey God in the power of God because of unbelief in the particular commandment. Jesus can still work in spite of lost people, but what He can do for man physically and spiritually is limited(Mark 6:4-6).
Afterward, Jesus rebuked the foul spirit(who was dumb and deaf, couldn’t hear and speak audible) and cast him out of the son. When the spirit left, he cried out as well as tore the child sorely(many cuts) to where people thought the son was dead. However, Jesus took him by the hand and he arose with normal health. Afterward, the disciples asked why they couldn’t cast out the dumb spirit. Jesus told them that this particular unclean spirit only leaves a person after prayer and fasting for them.
Prayer and fasting is the Christian’s atomic weaponry against the kingdom of Satan. Download, How to Get your Prayers Answered, Part I & II, at ). Fasting is drinking only water for 24 hours. This will make you weak in the flesh and more dependent on God in prayer.
By the way, there is no such thing as fasting for a meal or fasting on juices only. These situations allow you to rely on calories from a previous meal and calories from liquids. If you are not going to fast the right way, don’t waste your time and God’s time. Also, a person needs to be practicing holiness when he is fasting and praying(Isa. 59:1-2, Ps. 66:18).
Notice that unclean spirits from the kingdom of darkness are destructive. If they have their way, they would kill people by drowning and burning. They would cause health problems(lose weight) as well as injure people. They will make them look insane and cause problems to all those around them. Jesus on the other hand came to give them the abundant life(Jo. 10:10). Download, The Unseen World of Angels and Devils, Part I & II at ).
Mark 9:30-32 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.
:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.
:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
They departed Caesarea Philippi(Mark 8:27) and silently went through Galilee. While walking Jesus taught his disciples that The Son of man(Jesus) is delivered into the hands of men, they shall kill Him and He shall rise from the dead three days later. However, the disciples didn't understand what He said and were afraid to ask Him.
So the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus was still not comprehended by the disciples. Some Jews were looking for Jesus to be king of the Jews and drive out the Roman empire. At the second coming of Jesus, He takes over the world and rules from Jerusalem(Rev. 20:, Is. 2:2-4). However, at the first coming He dies for the sin of mankind(Jo. 1:29).
Mark 9:33-37 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
:36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Next, they came to Capernaum(a city of the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee). There the disciples, who were apostles, argued amongst themselves on who would be the greatest of themselves. When Jesus asked them about what they were arguing about they went silent. Jesus knew their thoughts and what that they were arguing about. Hence he sat the twelve apostles down and told them that if a man desired to be first the same shall be a servant or last of all. Afterward, Jesus set a child in the midst of them, took the child into His arms and said that if you receive a child in my name, you receive Him. If you receive Jesus, you receive God the Father that sent Him.
Spiritually, I have seen Christians weaken or destroy themselves and their ministries as a result of trying to be the greatest or a Christian celebrity(III Jo. :9-11, see comments there). The ministry is about fulfilling God's will for your life and living godly(Jo. 14:15). Leave the greatness decision to Jesus at the judgment seat of Christ(II Cor. 5:10), where the Christian's are judged after the rapture.
A child is innocent, harmless and not self sufficient yet. A child has no money, social and political standing and developed intellectually. Hence by accepting a child spiritually, you have nothing to gain by it in this world for doing the right thing for the right reason. E.g. I had a ministry dealing with kids. I had a bus route and preached junior church. I had to deal with people's prejudice in both directions.
I had a church member one time say out loud, “I am not getting any credit for this”, implying he was not going to be promoted in the church hierarchy dealing with kids, etc.. Also, the pastor wasn't present at the activity, so he wasn't gaining any political points, etc..
People who want to be the greatest without being spiritual will trust in gimmicks(looks good) and gadgets(sounds good) as well as emotion(feels good) and coercion(forceful techniques) rather than the power of God. These same people will trust in what the 'big name' preachers say and form a hierarchy of pastors and/or churches in their mind, etc.. They will follow what is popular rather than spiritual.
This is one of the reasons why new testament churches go bad and create and join denominations, etc.. Jesus said that the greatest is a servant to all. A servant, apart from being paid for his services from his master or employee, performs duties regardless of the praise and promotion in the world. For the Christian we serve Christ are Master, regardless what the world or other Christians think, etc..
Mark 9:38-42 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
:40 For he that is not against us is on our part.
:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
One day, John told Jesus or the Master that the apostles saw someone casting out devils in the name of Jesus. However, this person didn't follow evidently the teachings of John and the other disciples exactly. Because of this, they forbid him from teaching and casting out devils. However, Jesus replied that no one can speak lightly of Him and perform miracles in His name.
Spiritually, not every Christian will agree with every other Christian on everything. Not every new testament church will agree with every other new testament church on everything. The point here is that we don't attack each other or exalt one over the other. We work together as a team for one common goal(Matt. 28:18-20). E.g. This is why I have a free internet and television ministry. My goal is to make the Christian that comes across my ministry better spiritually when he leaves it. It is not about me versus you, but how I can help the body of Christ grow(I Cor. 12:). I have attended churches where they treated my like the enemy while I helped their congregation grow spiritually and numerically. I was doing right for Jesus' sake and I knew I was getting a reward in heaven. That is all that matters at the end of the day.
However, glory seekers are like immature children and teenagers. They are always in fighting about silly and over trivial things, etc.. They are always striving for the wrong long term goals, etc.. This is why you can learn more in 6 months at my new testament church than you could at theirs if you attended it for 100 years. Motive and doctrine matters.
Jesus said that whosoever shall give a cup of water to drink in His name to His disciples, that person would be rewarded by God. Likewise, if you offend a little one that believes in Jesus(whether in age-children or spiritually-I Pet. 2:2), you will be reprimanded and judged for it. You would be better off if had a millstone hanged around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. Spiritually, to offend a little one would be like discouraging a new convert in Christ to follow the bible literally and instead follow a religious dogma. It would like leading a child in the wrong spiritual and helping him develop bad habits that could later hurt him spiritually, etc.. Christians need to take discipleship of new converts and children very seriously and carefully. These people are very impressionable spiritually
and one mistake could kill a lot of future potential, etc..
Mark 9:43-50 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
:46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
:49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Jesus gave the an analogy about the seriousness of dying and going to hell and be eternally condemned. Physically, a person is better off to cut off a hand and get saved, rather than keeping both hands and going to hell and then the lake of fire forever. In hell, the body degenerates into a worm because of their sin on them. Because of the fires of hell that will never go out, they are constantly on fire and suffering. Likewise, it is better for a person to get saved and have one leg cut off than have two legs and die and go to hell. Notice that three times in the same conversation, Jesus talked about the fires of hell not going out and the suffering of the lost person after death for eternity. Finally, it is better to be saved and have one eye physically than have two eyes and die and go to hell.
Spiritually, there is nothing in this world(I Jo. 2:15-17) that is worth having by a lost person that will result in him not trusting in Jesus for salvation. Salvation is forever, whereas the physical things of the
world are only for a lifetime(less than a blink of time compared to eternity). Likewise, it is better to be saved and keep both your hands, eyes and legs. However, with some people, the loss of health is the only thing God can do to get their find focused on their need to be saved and then serve the Lord. God uses loss and suffering in this world to lead people to salvation and/or sell out to serve Him
(II Cor. 12:9-10, see comments there). After you are saved, there is nothing in this world worth hanging onto(job, social and political standing, relationships with friends, family and potential spouse, etc.) that will keep you from doing God's will for your life and reaching your potential for God spiritually.
Salt is a preservative. Christians are the salt of the earth(Matt. 5:13) in that they preserve souls from going to hell when those souls trust in Jesus for salvation(II Cor. 6:2). Holiness preserves the Christian from falling into further degeneration in their life because of sin. Hence the preaching and teaching of the word of God is a preservative from the bad things of the world, flesh and Devil. The works of a Christian are tested by fire by God at the judgment seat of Christ(I Cor. 3:12-15). Note that impurities burn away when they are set on fire. Pure gold, silver and precious stone doesn't burn accept at really high temperatures. Hence Christian, serve the Lord in holiness and you will have works that will pass the test and be rewarded. At a refinery, the base metals along with any other debris burns away when the silver and gold is removed, etc..
Christians are living sacrifices for God. Animal sacrifices are salted with salt so they will last longer and taste better when eaten(Rev. 3:16, see comments there). Are holy lives should be pleasing to God like when we eat a high grade tasty meal, etc.. Salt is a preservative in canned foods and meats, etc.. Hence the calories and the nutrition of the food lasts longer, etc.. Salt in the Christian's life is the word of God that brings peace and unity with other Christians. When a Christian loses his salt because of carnality and worldliness(Rom. 8:6) trouble is on the way. Also, beware of modern bible versions(E.g. NIV, NKJV, ESB, ASV, NEB, etc. or anything with a 'New' in front of it). Modern bible versions, 1880 and onward starting with the RSV were based on corrupted manuscripts and hence their translations are corrupted and the salt of the word of God has been made less salty. Modern versions in some places have no salt at all, they have been changed so much. Stick with the salt of God or the Old King James bible for the English speaking people(Ps. 19:14, 12:6-7, II Tim. 3:16-17, Rev. 22:18-19).
Mark 10:1-5 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
:3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
:4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
:5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
Judaea is west of the lower part of the Jordan river & top of the Dead Sea. Jesus and his disciples went to Judaea and taught the people there. There the Pharisees asked Him about the law for divorcing or putting a wife away. They did this to tempt Him to get Him to say something contrary to the law of Moses. However, God knows the law of Moses since he authored it as well as the creation of man. He knows his thoughts as well as the future and knows how to answer anyone at anytime.
Jesus asked the Pharisees what did Moses command them according to the law of Moses of which the nation of Israel was currently under. The Pharisees said that Moses allowed for divorcement
(Deut. 24:1-4, see comments there). Jesus allowed for divorce because of the hardness of the heart of man.
Mark 10:6-12 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
:8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
:10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.
:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
It was never God's original plan to have two people He brought together of the opposite sex to have a divorce. Divorce occurs when one or both of the spouses fall into sin and ruin the relationship. Grounds of divorce in the new testament include fornication, adultery and if you marry a lost person who doesn't want to stay married to you who are saved(I Cor. 7:15, see comments there). Otherwise, it is a sin under the New Testament covenant to get a divorce.
Notice that there is no gay marriage in God's plan. Also, God instituted marriage and not the government. Hence the government has no say on what a marriage is supposed to be. Marriage is supposed to be for life where the two opposite sex spouses become one flesh through intercourse.
This is why the offspring look like both the father and mother to a certain degree. They are the one flesh creation of the marriage. Spiritually, both marriage partners share a spiritual bond as well as a physical one. This is why everyone should avoid sex outside of marriage at any cost(Heb. 13:4). In America, fornication and adultery are common place and have destroyed many a person and marriage
(I Cor. 6:18-20, see comments there). Sexual sins of any kind have no place in the Christian's life and will bring the judgment of God into their lives.
Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
:16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
People brought their children to Jesus to be touched by Him. When the disciples rebuked those that brought them to Him, he was much displeased. Jesus said that the kingdom of God(Jesus reigning in your life) is for the children. God wanted all children of the age of accountability to get saved and then serve Him. Jesus said that a person had to have child like faith, believe without doubt, if they want to get saved or enter the kingdom of God. Hence Jesus put His hands on the children and blessed them.
It must be said that the children represent the next generation that the Christians are supposed to be preaching to and passing on the teachings of God(Matt. 28:18-20). The goal of every spiritual generation is to pass on the truths of God to the next generation. This is how the truth of God has been preserved since Adam and Eve in the garden. The problem is that we have carnal Christians who don't look ahead to the future. Hence they see kids as a burden and insignificant. As a result, they don't want to get involved in ministries to kids.
Mark 10:17-22 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
While Jesus was walking, a person came running up to him and then kneeled before Him. He called Jesus the good Master and asked Him what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked him why he called Him good. He said that only God is good or sinless(I Tim. 3:16). Note that Jesus never said that He was bad or denied that He was God. He was trying to get this person to think. It is true that if you live a sinless life you can earn eternal life. However, man always falls short(Rom. 3:23), whereas Jesus
never committed sin(II Cor. 5:21, see comments there). Hence, Jesus doesn't need a Savior. Likewise, people who die before the age of accountability, like infant deaths, automatically go to heaven.
Jesus told the man that if he kept all the commandments of the law of Moses he could inherit eternal life. The problem is that if he broke the law once, he would not inherit eternal life unless he got saved
(Jam. 2:10, see comments there). So Jesus listed the commandments that included to not commit adultery, kill, steal and bear false witness(Ex. 20:13-16, see comments there). Also, he was not to defraud anyone(obtain money by deception) and to honor his father and mother(Ex. 20:12, see comments there). The man answered that he had kept these commandments perfectly since he was a child. However, Jesus knew his heart and what he was lacking or what his sin was that made him guilty before God. Hence Jesus told to sell all of his possessions, give his money to the poor, take up his cross and then follow Jesus. However, the man went away sad and grieved because he had great possessions.
The man was trusting in his riches and not God. Jesus exposed this and knew that the man's riches were keeping him from getting saved and serving the Lord. Hence he told him to sell his possessions or get rid of the things that are in his path to salvation and then consecration. Sadly to say, the man loved his possessions more than God and didn't get saved.
By the way, it is God that gives you riches. If you give up your riches for God, God can always reimburse you later for your sacrifice in ways you would never comprehend. E.g. I gave up a better job, spare time and spare money to build a ministry for God. I was told in 2006 that I was getting around 70K in free television time(I am sure the amount has gone up, 2016). The point here is that I get more free television time than I do make before taxes on my regular job. I have friends who make double what I make that graduated when I did. However, throw in just the free television alone and I make the most after taxes, plus all the other blessings I got from God over the years, etc.. You can't out give God(Lu. 6:38). Just give what God tells you cheerfully(II Cor. 9:7-8) and get out of the way and let God work and do His thing, Hallelujah!!!
Mark 10:23-27 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
:26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
The rich man rejected Jesus as Savior because he was trusting in his riches. Hence, Jesus told his disciples that it was hard for those that trust in riches(property, money, capital, etc.) to get saved. Jesus said that chances of a rich man getting saved trusting in his riches is as about as likely as a camel going through an eye of a needle(what thread goes through when sowing with a needle). It is not humanely possible for a rich man to get saved without the power of God. The same goes with any lost person for that matter, because salvation requires repentance towards God and faith in Jesus(Acts 20:21, see
comments there). In the salvation process, a persons' past, present and future sins are washed away by the blood and the Holy Ghost enters the body(Eph. 1:13, see comments there). This requires the miracle of God. God can save anyone who truly repents and believes(Rom. 10:9, 13, see comments there).
I have seen rich people in the world come to the new testament church and act superior to others. I have seen them literally go to pieces when they lose great amounts of wealth. Likewise, I have seen them rejoice when they make more money. The point here is that they are trusting in their riches and their bank account determines their happiness and how smart they think they are. Like any other sin, when you trust in it over the word of God, it keeps the lost person from getting saved and the saved person from growing properly in the Lord.
Mark 10:28-31 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
:31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Peter told Jesus that the disciples including himself have left all to follow Jesus. Remember the first four disciples were successful commercial fisherman. They had a steady income and secure lifestyle. However, they saw their need to get saved and serve the Lord. It required a different path in life which meant they had to forsake their fisherman careers. Christianity is about serving the Lord and giving up certain things as well as learning and/or taking on new things in the process. The point is that what ever it is, you are willing to do it or give it up for the Lord(Rom. 12:1-2, see comments there).
Jesus told Peter that there is no man that hath left house(home and career), brethren, sisters, father, mother(family members), wife, children(personal family relationships) and lands(property) for my sake and the gospel's that shall be rewarded. They will be rewarded with 100 times what they had in this life that included houses, brethren, sisters, mothers, children and lands with persecutions as well as eternal life in the world to come. Those in this life who want to be first in terms of income, career, relationships, possessions, etc. will be last with God. Likewise, those that are last in the world because they gave it up for Jesus will be first with God.
Notice that God compensates the person who gives up things for Him(Lu. 6:38). That person is always taken care of in the world(Matt. 6:33) as well as having a peace of mind(Rom. 5:1, Phil. 4:6-7).
E.g. I have made numerous real friends as a Christian compared to the few real friends I had when lost. Sadly to say, most friends in the world are just acquaintances that hang around you because they agree with you or need you for something(selfish relationships, etc.). Also as a Christian, I worry less and am able to learn faster and assimilate things related to statistical modeling and research more(my secular career). Financially I make better decisions and with God's blessings I make more as well as save more. All this and more along with spiritual understanding and a place in heaven and paradise makes giving up anything in this world pretty easy by faith(Heb. 11:6).
Mark 10:32-34 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
:33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
:34 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Jesus and the disciples went to Jerusalem(going east from current location, Mark 10:1). The disciples were afraid and amazed at Jesus. Jesus told His disciples on the trip how the Son of man (Jesus the perfect sinless man, II Cor. 5:21) would be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, who would condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles(Roman empire). Jesus would be mocked, scourged(whipped), spit upon and then killed. After being dead for three days, Jesus would resurrect or rise from the dead(Isa. 53:, see comments there).
In the Old Testament, the first and second comings of Jesus are prophesied. Nothing that happened to Jesus was a surprise. He knew he was the lamb of God that atoned for the sins of mankind and He had to die(Jo. 1:29, see comments there). However, He knew He wouldn't stay dead long, etc.. However, Jesus' disciples didn't understand fully the scriptures and God's plan. Like any other Christian, they are slowly learning over time and maturing in the faith of Jesus(Heb. 5:13-14).
Mark 10:35-40 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
:36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
:37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
:38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
:39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
:40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
After Jesus told the disciples about His upcoming suffering and crucifixion, James and John, the sons of Zebedee are more interested in having their desire granted. They wanted to sit on Jesus' right and left hand when He comes in glory(at the second coming, Rev. 19:11-21, Rev. 20:, see comments there).
Jesus told them that they don't know what they are asking for. Following Jesus closely implies at His first coming that you would have to drink of His cup(suffering for following Him) and be baptized with his baptism(submerged in persecution and eventual martyrdom for 11/12 apostles). However, James and John agreed that they could drink of that cup and be baptized with that baptism. Note that this baptism is not water baptism, since all were water baptized. Hence, this baptism is referred to as the baptism of suffering from persecution. You are submerged in the persecutions that occur for following Jesus(I Pet. 4:12-19, see comments there).
However, it was already determined who would sit on Jesus' right and left hand at His second coming. Obviously it would be James and John nor God the Father(who will be in heaven) and the Holy Ghost(who will be working as usual invisibly on earth). Note in heaven, all three persons of the Godhead would be sitting on the throne of God(I Jo. 5:7). However in the millennial reign of Christ it would probably be two people like Moses(the law) and Elijah(the prophets) or two others of similar greatness.
Mark 10:41-45 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.
:42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
:43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
When the other ten apostles heard what James and John were asking Jesus, they were very displeased. As a result, Jesus called the twelve over and explained how the rulers of the Gentiles(E.g. The governmental hierarchy of the Roman Empire) exercise lordship over them(e.g. mayor and local state congressman in the U.S.) and their great ones exercise authority upon them(state governor or U.S. Congressman). However, in the spiritual hierarchy of God, we don't have popes, regional cardinals, local priests and other such religious nonsense. With Jesus, if you want to be a great Christian leader then you have to be a minister or one that helps others in the ministry. If you want to be the best or greatest then you have to be everyone's servant.
Jesus was the greatest because He did the most for mankind in terms of spirituality. He gave man a way to heaven(second Adam or a ransom for all) as well as taught the perfect word of God(ministered to mankind). Notice that Christianity is not a business, a hierarchy, or a place for Christian celebrities. Greatness is measures by service to God and the ministry(Matt. 28:18-20) regardless what the world and other Christians think of you.
The greatest Christians are the ones that do God's will in their life and maximize their reward based on what they were given(Matt. 25:14-30). They are known for their holiness or keeping the commandments of God in the power of the Holy Ghost. God's word is the Old King James bible for the English speaking people.
Mark 10:46-52 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
:49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
:50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
:51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Jesus and His disciples came to Jericho(13 miles east & 7 miles north of Jerusalem). Afterward as they were leaving Jericho they were followed by a great number of people. Meanwhile, Bartimaeus who was blind, sat by the highway side begging. When Jesus passed by Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus to have mercy on him. When the people tried to silence Bartimaeus, he cried out even louder for Jesus to have mercy on him. Because of his cries and faith, Jesus called the blind man over to Him. Notice that Barimaeus called Jesus the son of David and Jesus didn't rebuke him for it. Remember that Jesus is in the genealogy of David(Matt. 1: & Lu. 3:).
When the blind man came to Jesus, he threw off his garment or overcoat. The disciples evidently called him over and told him to be in good comfort. When Jesus wants to see you for the right reasons, it is a good comfort(I Jo. 5:14-15, see comments there). Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted and Bartimaeus asked for his sight. As a result, Jesus healed the blind man completely and instantly.
Spiritually, a lost person is spiritually blind. To get salvation(II Cor. 6:2), he must go to Jesus by faith(Eph. 2:8-9, see comments there). Salvation is instant(Rom. 10:13) and complete(I Jo. 1:7). You must repent of your sins or reject the old ways as sin(cast off your garment). When you get saved you become a new creature or get a new garment of spirituality(II Cor. 5:17, see comments there). Jesus saves a person where they are at(the blind man was a beggar on the road side) and they can get saved the same day they come to Jesus, Hallelujah!!!
Mark 11:1-6 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
:2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
:3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
:4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
:5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
:6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
Next, Jesus and His twelve disciples came to Bethpage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives near Jerusalem, He sent two of His disciples into a village to find a colt tied that a man never sat on. They were to untie the colt and bring it to Jesus. While unloosing the colt, certain of them present asked what they were doing and the responded that the Lord needed it. As a result, they let them take the colt like Jesus said it would happen.
Jesus knew in advance what would happen to the colt as well as the conversation regarding it. He also knew in advance that He needed it. God knows the future and how things will work out. The Christian just needs to trust God by faith(Heb. 11:6).
Mark 11:7-11 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
The colt was brought to Jesus, garments were cast on it and Jesus sat upon it. While Jesus was entering Jerusalem on a colt, people were spreading their garments in the way, cutting down branches off of the trees and strawed(spread out) them in the way. Evidently they made large fans out of them and fanned Jesus as He passed by.
They cried out to Jesus saying, 'Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest'. After Jesus entered Jerusalem, he went to the temple. At eventide or 6 PM, he and the twelve went out to Bethany. Jesus is in the lineage of David(Matt. 1:, Lu. 3:). Hosanna means Savior(Jo. 1:29). Jesus came in the name of the Lord or God the Father and is part of the Godhead(I Jo. 5:7, see comments there).
Notice that Jesus went to the temple. Under the law of Moses, this is where people brought their tithes and sacrifices. Jesus is the great High Priest of heaven(I Jo. 2:1). During the millennium He will reign from the temple in Jerusalem(Isa. 2:2-4).
Mark 11:12-17 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
:14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
:16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
While returning from Bethany, Jesus was hungry. On the way back to Jerusalem He saw a fig tree. However, the fig tree was all leaves and no fruit. As a result, Jesus cursed the fig tree to never bear fruit ever again in the presence of the twelve. While in Jerusalem, Jesus went back to the temple, cast out them that bought and sold in the temple, overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of them that sold doves and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
Jesus did this to fulfill the scripture(Isa. 56:7, Jer. 7:11) as well as rid the temple of thieves.
Jesus came to fulfill all scriptures related to Him about His first coming in the Old Testament. He will fulfill every scripture about his second coming in the Old and New Testament at the end of the tribulation period, etc..
By the way, the temple is to glorify the Lord and not to be used as a religious commercial business enterprise. Evidently people were being forced to use the temple livestock for sacrifices at the temple price. Hence they were getting ripped off in two directions. Evidently they weren’t allowed to bring their own sacrifices. This is what happens when your religion is run like a business or a 501(c3) corporation and not a New Testament church according to the New Testament covenant.
By the way, Jesus created all things(Col. 1:16-17) and hence has the right to curse the fig tree so it stops bearing fruit. Jesus is the source of all physical and spiritual fruit bearing(Jo. 15:1-8, see comments there). The fig tree without fruit pictures the carnal Christian(Rom. 8:6) who isn’t living for God(he is religious, worldly, etc.).
Mark 11:18-21 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
:19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.
:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
After the overturning at the temple, the scribes and chief priests heard about it and sought how they might destroy or kill him. They feared what He could do against their religious monopoly whereas all the people were astonished or surprised at His doctrine. Notice that no man was able to stop his rampage against those guilty of making the temple a house of thieves. Jesus enforced the law of the temple in the power of God.
At even(around 6 P.M. when the sun goes down), Jesus passed by the fig tree that He cursed. The tree was dried up from the roots. Peter noticed this and told Jesus that the cursed fig tree had literally withered. We see that what God curses is cursed and what God blesses is blessed. For more information, go to and download, How to Be Blessed in the Lord, Part I & II).
Mark 11:22-26 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Jesus used the withered fig tree to encourage the twelve to have faith in God(Heb. 11:6). Jesus said that if you have faith, you could make the mountain remove itself and cast itself into the see. Anything is possible in God’s will for your life(I Jo. 5:14-15, see comments there). The reason why things don’t happen in a Christian’s life when he believes by faith is that it may not be God’s will. I don’t have the power to move a mountain because God doesn’t want it moved by me. Also, it could be lack of faith or sin may be in the way(Ps. 66:18). Hence, it is important to practice holiness(I Pet. 1:15-16, 22) and seek and follow God’s will in your life. That way you won’t miss out on the blessings and power of God(which may include having a mountain destroyed by faith, etc.).
Doubt or unbelief prevents God from working in your life to the fullest(Mark 6:4-6, see comments there). God can do anything in His will but will not bless a Christian’s doubt. Most things needed in the Christian life are as easy as just asking God for it for the right reasons(Matt. 7:7-8). God also wants to give the Christian the desires of his heart(Ps. 37:4-5) if he commits his ways to serving the Lord. The problem is that the carnal Christian wants his needs and desires met without keeping the conditions of the blessings(Matt. 6:33).
In terms of praying to and receiving from God, a Christian must forgive those that have truly repented for the wrongs they have committed against you. Otherwise, refusing to forgive others may hinder God forgiving you for the things you do wrong as a Christian(I Jo. 1:9, see comments there). For more information go to and download, How to Get Your Prayers Answered, Parts I & II). Remember that God forgives the lost who repent(Lu. 13:3). God doesn’t forgive lost people who have worldly sorrow(sorry they got caught, sorry they are suffering, etc.,
II Cor. 7:10, see comments there). Likewise, God doesn’t forgive or consecrate the Christian who doesn’t repent(Pr. 28:13, II Tim. 2;19-22).
Mark 11:27-33 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
:28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
:29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
:30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
:32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
:33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Jesus and the twelve came again to Jerusalem and were confronted by the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders in the temple. They asked Jesus by what authority He did what He did in the temple. Jesus replied by asking is the ministry and baptism repentance of John was from heaven or of men. Jesus put the religious hierarchy in a bind. If they admit to the ministry of John the Baptist being from heaven, that would imply that Jesus was the Messiah and His ministry legit. Hence, he has the power and authority to drive the thieves out of the temple and preach and teach the truth to the multitudes.
However, if they said that John wasn’t from God, the people would turn on them(they would lose their political clout and power over the people). The people believed Jesus was from God and the religious leaders feared the negative reaction from the people. Hence they played dumb and said they didn’t know where John got his authority from. As a result, Jesus told them that neither would He tell them by what authority He does things or who is behind His ministry.
Obviously, God is behind John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus who is the Savior of the world(I Tim. 3:16). However, when dealing with the religious who refuse to repent and do what God says(Mark 7:6-9), Jesus goes right to the heart of the problem. It was about who was in charge and had authority over the people, not what was holy and godly. Religious people are about money(tithes and offerings), numbers(bigger attendance) and prestige(acceptance with the community, I Tim. 6:5, see comments there) rather than fulfilling God’s will in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost for everyone(Rom. 14:17, see comments there).
The religious leaders didn’t care that the people were getting ripped off in the temple(like union leaders forcing dues on their members). They didn’t care that Jesus was healing the sick and forgiving sins of the lost(Mark 16:15). They were mad at Jesus because He was hurting their income, etc..
Spiritually today, we have religions like Catholic, Episcopal, Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah Witness, Islam, Hindu, etc. that have large followings based on false doctrine.
Other religious organizations teach salvation by works contrary to the bible(Tit. 3:5, see comments there). This is why when you talk to these religious people they oppose and abhor the spiritual things of God(I Cor. 2:15-16, see comments there). They are the tares or fake wheat that Jesus talked about in His parables(Matt. 13:24-30).
Mark 12:1-5 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
:2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
:3 And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.
:4 And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.
:5 And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.
Jesus spoke a parable(a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson) about a certain man who planted a vineyard and set an hedge about it(a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs). Furthermore, he dug a place for the wine fat(the lower and upper of the two vats used for making wine, wine press), he built a tower(watch for invasion, supervision, etc.) and let his property out to husbandmen(foreman, oversee the agricultural process) before going into a far country.
After some time had gone by, evidently after harvest, he sent to the husbandmen a servant to receive his fruit of the vineyard. However, the husbandmen caught the servant, beat him and then sent him away empty. Another servant was sent and he was attacked by stones, wounded in the head and sent away in shame. Finally, another servant was sent that was killed. More servants afterward were sent and some were beaten and some were killed.
Spiritually, God the Father is the certain man and Israel is His vineyard(Is. 5:, see comments there).
God called out Abraham to start a nation(Gen. 12:2), which continued with Isaac and Jacob(Israel). God brought the nation of Israel into the land of Canaan(vineyard) that was protected by God(hedge, by obeying the law of Moses). However, over time, the nation of Israel rebelled against God and God sent judges(Book of Judges) and prophets(I & II Kings) to bring the nation back to God. Some prophets were not received, mocked and/or killed in the process, etc.. In the New Testament, God sent John the Baptist followed by Jesus(God's only begotten Son).
Mark 12:6-12 Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
:7 But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be our's.
:8 And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.
:9 What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.
:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
:11 This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
:12 And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.
The parable continues with the certain man sending his son to receive of the fruits of the vineyard.
When the son arrived, who would be the heir of the vineyard, he was not respected or reverenced, but killed and cast out of the vineyard. Because of this act, the certain man or lord of the vineyard will return, destroy the husbandmen and give the vineyard to others.
Jesus said that the corner stone(a stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls or the foundational stone of a building) was rejected by the builders. Jesus is the corner stone
(I Cor. 3:10-15, see comments there) of salvation and the New Testament Church.
Spiritually, Jesus was killed by the Jews for preaching salvation in Himself(Jo. 1:29). Because of this crime, God the Father promises to destroy the husbandmen(which he did, the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.) and gave the gospel to the Gentiles through the apostle Paul(Rom. 11:7-13, Is. 49:6, Acts 10:, see comments there). Jesus quotes scripture(Ps. 118:22) to show that this was a prophecy. By the way, if Jesus uses scripture, then the Christian should use scripture as well in all manners of their life
(II Tim. 2:15, 3:16-17, 4:2). The Lord wrote the bible(Ps. 138:2) to guide the Christian in life
(Ps. 119:105), which is marvelous in the eyes and life of a Christian.
Because Jesus spoke the truth, the Jewish leaders tried to arrest him, but they didn't because they feared the people. The Jewish leaders knew that the parable was spoken against them, yet they would not repent(Lu. 13:3). Rejection of scripture will lead to a hard heart towards God and your eventual destruction.
Mark 12:13-17 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
:15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
:16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.
:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
Certain Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to catch him in his words(make Him contradict Himself so they can accuse Him). They start out by calling Jesus Master, saying He is true, He cares for no man’s opinion(unbiased) and teaches the way of God in truth. After buttering Jesus up, they ask Him if it is spiritually lawful to pay taxes to a foreign government(pay tribute to Caesar-title of the leader of the Roman Empire that ruled over Israel).
Jesus knew the hypocrisy(John 2:24-25) of the Pharisees and Herodians(evidently representatives from king Herod’s jurisdiction) and as a result had them show Him a Roman penny(called a denarius). Jesus asked them whose image was on the coin and they replied Caesar. by the way, it is common for countries to put famous leaders on their coinage(U.S. 50c-president Kennedy, 25c-president Washington, 10c-president Roosevelt, 5c-president Jefferson, 1c-presiden Lincoln, etc.). Hence, Jesus said to give to Caesar what is required by law and to God what is required by the law of Moses(go to and download Proper Authority). By the way, beware of those who say they don’t owe any taxes to the U.S. government because the government is wicked. The Roman empire at one point was killing Christians and the Christians were still required to pay taxes under Roman law(Rom. 13:1-4, see comments there).
People marveled at Jesus at his smart and common sense answers that were spot on according to the law of Moses. This is further proof that Jesus is who He said He was(I Tim. 3:16).
Mark 12:18-27 Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,
:19 Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
:20 Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.
:21 And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.
:22 And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.
:23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.
:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
:27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
The Sadducees, who didn’t believe in a bodily resurrection, came next to question Jesus. They told Jesus according to the law of Moses that if a man's brother die and leave his wife behind without children, that his brother should take his wife and raise up seed for his brother(which was true,
Gen. 38:8, see comments there). Afterward, they asked Jesus about a hypothetical situation where a family had 7 sons. The first son took a wife and died without having any children or seed. Next the 2nd-7th son took the wife and each died without having any children. Finally, the wife died and she had no offspring. At the bodily resurrection, which they didn’t believe in, they wanted to know whose wife of the seven brothers she would be married to.
Jesus replied to the Sadducees that they were in great spiritual error because they didn’t know the scriptures(the bible, II Tim. 3:16-17) or had the power of God. When people are physically resurrected, they get immortal bodies like the angels(I Cor. 15:53, see comments there). Angels are male in the bible(go to and download The Angelic Kingdom, Part I & II). There is no marriage in heaven other than the marriage of the New Testament church(consisting of many saved men and women) with Jesus Christ(Rev. 19:1-7, see comments there) as well as God the Father being married to the nation of Israel(the saved men and women of Israel). Every other person with the Holy Ghost will be unmarried(I Cor. 2:15-16). The Sadducees like any religious sect that rejects Jesus as their Savior(Jo. 14:6) couldn’t comprehend the spiritual or the scriptures. Hence they thing in carnal and flesh terms(Rom. 8:6) and miss the boat as they say every time.
Jesus finished His point by saying that in the book of Moses(the first five books of the bible, Genesis - Deuteronomy) that God spoke to Moses out of the bush(Ex. 3:1-6). God said that He was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who were still alive spiritually(in paradise in the earth) called Abraham’s bosom(Lu. 16:23-25). God is not the God of the dead(lost person), but the God of the living(saved person, Jo. 1:12, see comments there).
We see that the Sadducees had no correct concept of salvation of the soul as well as the afterlife. Evidently, according to them, when you die your spirit goes somewhere based on your works on earth (Tit. 3:5). Remember that false religions that teach the doctrines of men(Mark 7:6-9) are powerless spiritually and are ridiculous once you learn the truth.
Mark 12:28-31 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked Him what the first or greatest commandment was. Jesus answered that the nation of Israel should heed to the fact that God is one Lord and that the nation should love the Lord with all their heart, soul and mind along with all their strength. The second commandment was to love your neighbor as yourself.
By the way, the first ten commandments(Ex. 20:, see comments there) in the law of Moses(there were a total of 603 commandments) can be summarized by these two commandments. The first four commandments relate to man’s relationship with God and the next six relate man to his relationship with his fellow man. Notice that the law of Moses is a covenant with the nation of Israel and a Gentile had to be a saved(Acts 10:43) and follow the law of Moses as a Jewish proselyte to access the promises of God.
Jesus said that there is one Lord and not several gods or lords or other gods and lords(Mic. 4:5, see comments there). There is one God and mediator between man and God(I Tim. 2:5, see comments there) and only one Godhead(I Jo. 5:7, see comments there). A man is to love God with all his being after he gets saved or sell out to God(Rom. 12:1-2). He is to treat other people in a godly manner, etc..
Mark 12:32-34 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
:33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
The scribe responded to Jesus by calling Him Master and said that He spoke the truth. There is only one God and none other like Him(Is. 43:10-12, see comments there). He agreed that you should love the Lord with all your being and your neighbor as yourself. He said that this was more important then
whole burnt offerings and sacrifices(Is. 1:11-17, see comments there). Jesus told the scribe that he answered discreetly(careful and constrained), that he wasn’t far from the kingdom of God(that begins with salvation).
This scribe knew the bible, but was still unsaved and lost. There are people in false religions that no some bible scriptures, but never understood salvation. This is why they can reform themselves, but not spiritually transform themselves(only God can do that at salvation(Eph. 1:13) and then further with consecration(Eph. 5:18)). Sadly to say that this scribe was lost and stopped asking questions when he was getting closer to salvation(II Cor. 6:2). Evidently he loved his religion and praise of men more than the praise of God, etc..
By the way, even though the scribes(the ones who copied God’s word perfectly from generation to generation) knew that Jesus answered other people’s questions as well as their own very well, they didn’t ask Him questions for the right reasons. Like the Sadducees(call the word of God legalistic) and Pharisees(call man made rules to be of God), they were trying to trap Him in His words so they could exalt themselves as the higher or more superior authority. Hence the people would follow their wisdom and teachings instead, etc.. But as usual, the word of God is over God(Ps. 138:2), which is over the people(Ps. 19:14, II Tim. 3:16-17).
Mark 12:35-40 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David?
:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
:37 David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.
:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
:39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
:40 Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
Jesus taught in the temple in Jerusalem that the scribes call Christ the son of David. Furthermore, David said by the Holy Ghost of God that ‘The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool’. Jesus asked the question to the scribes that if David called the Christ his Lord(who is Jesus, the Anointed one), how was the Christ his son. The obvious answer is that Jesus was begotten of God through Mary into the lineage of David(Matt. 1:, Lu. 3:). As a result, Jesus was 100% man and 100% God(I Tim. 3:16, I Jo. 5:7, see comments there). The scribes however could not figure that out and it was a mystery to them. By rejecting Jesus as the fulfillment they rejected the answer that solved the mystery.
Spiritually, this is why a saved ten year old can get advance spiritual concepts(I Cor. 2:15-16), yet the Ph.D. in religion from an Ivy League school in the U.S. can’t(I Cor. 2:14, see comments there).
Note that the common people of Israel(not the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees) received the truths of God gladly and that is why the multitudes of common people got saved(Acts 10:43).
Furthermore, Jesus warned the people of the scribes that love to walk around in long clothing (religious robes), love salutations(religious greetings) in the marketplaces, sit in the chief seats in the synagogues(place of worship) and the uppermost rooms at feasts(honorary banquets, etc.). These same scribes devour widows' houses(steal the inheritance of women whose husbands) died for themselves and for a pretense(give an appearance that something is true when it isn’t) make long prayers. Jesus said that these scribes will receive a greater damnation. In hell a person pays for his own sins. Hence the more sins you have and the greater the degree of sin that you have, the more you will suffer in hell for your sins(hence the greater damnation).
Notice that these scribes are putting up a front for their own benefit. Lost religious people and carnal Christians use flattery(insincere praise) to get people to do something(like go to church, get baptized, give offerings, pray a salvation prayer, etc.). The ministry isn’t about outward appearances such as gimmicks(sounds good) and gadgets(looks good). It is not about emotion(flattery) and coercion(force or make people do stuff). It is about looking godly on the outside and being godly on the inside. It is about preaching the word of God in the power of God to the spiritual benefit of the hearer(Matt. 28:18-20). Hence the scribes were doing all the outward things for the wrong reasons and were convincing women to donate their inheritances to the religious causes of men. Not only were the scribes not getting saved, but they were preventing others from getting saved(Mark 7:6-9).
Mark 12:41-44 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
Jesus sat Himself over against the treasury(where the tithes and offerings in money were deposited).
He observed rich people throwing money in as well as a poor woman throwing in two mites(farthing).
Note that a mite was the smallest of the Roman empire’s copper coins and that a farthing equaled one tenth of a denarius(silver penny).
Jesus pointed out that the poor woman gave all that she was able to give(100% of her living,
Rom. 12:1-2) and hence in terms of a percentage gave more than the rich people(gave some of their living). With God, your life is measured by how much you give to God or trust Him with in terms of what He gave you (Matt. 25:14-30), not by what you gave. This is why there will be unknown Christians in heaven who will get more rewards than your supposed famous so-called celebrity Christian that gave a lot(II Cor. 5:10). Beware of Christians who measure godliness by gain or how much they have or given, I Tim. 6:5, see comments there). Wrong attitudes lead to wrong emphasis, which leads to falling out of God’s will in your life, hence less rewards in the afterlife, etc.. This is the common mistake certain new testament churches make that put their trust in ministries where the outcome is the bottom line(bigger attendance, bigger offerings, more community prestige). When you emphasize holiness or righteousness and the power of God, everything else that needs to happen will take care of itself(Matt. 6:33, Ps. 37:4).
Mark 13:1-4 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
:2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
:4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
While leaving the temple one day, one of Jesus' disciples pointed out the great construction of the temple and its glamor(manner of stones and what buildings). Jesus replied that one day in the future the temple would be over run and destroyed to the ground(70 A.D., fall of Jerusalem & again in the middle of the tribulation, 3 ½ years before the second coming of Jesus). Afterward while sitting on the mount of Olives(1 mile northeast of Jerusalem), four of his disciples(Peter, James, John and Andrew) asked him privately what he meant about the destruction of the temple. They were curious about the sign that verifies(I Cor. 1:22) this event happening.
Mark 13:5-10 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
Jesus answered the four disciples to take heed that no one deceives them. Many in the future will claim to be the Christ and deceive many(I Jo. 4:1-3, see comments there). By the way, there are many counterfeit dollar bills in the U.S., yet only one original dollar bill that has power to purchase. There are many false religions since the 1st century with leaders claiming to be the Messiah or Anointed One,
but only one true Savior Jesus Christ. However, people who reject Jesus will try to fill the spiritual void with religion. This is how people get trapped and tricked by false Messiah's, etc..
Before the end or the end of the tribulation period before the second coming of Jesus, they or the Jews will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but the end shall not be yet. This went on in the 1st century through the 21st century and will continue in the tribulation until Jesus returns.
Before the end, nation will rise against nation as well as kingdom against kingdom(e.g. Multiple nations like the European Union, etc.). Earthquakes will occur throughout the world along with famines and other troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. Meanwhile the disciples will be delivered up to councils(arrested, charged and jailed) as well as being physically beaten in the synagogues for preaching the truth(Matt. 28:18-20).
The disciples will be brought before rulers and kings for the sake of Jesus(e.g. James-Acts 12: [Herod], Paul-Acts 26-28:[Rome], download, The Book of Acts at ). This is done so that the rulers get to here the gospel. Also, high profile cases have a way of reaching the general public's ears in detail(assuming you have honest media, unlike the liberal hacks at CNN, ABC, CBC, NBC, New York Times, Boston Globe, etc.). God uses all avenues to reach the multitudes with the truth(Mark 16:15).
The gospel will be published or preached to all nations. Before the second coming of Jesus, the world will be getting the gospel preached to them in one way or another for seven years(Rev. 4:-Rev. 19:, go to and download, The Book of Revelation). Note, it is the duty of every spiritual generation to get the gospel published globally(Matt. 28:18-20).
Mark 13:11-13 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Jesus told the four apostles that when they are delivered up to the authorities(police and courtrooms of their day) that the Holy Ghost would give them words to speak in their defense. They didn’t have to premeditate or think how they would defend themselves, but God would give them the words when needed. Likewise, I can’t tell you how many times I was teaching, preaching, soul winning, giving advice, working my secular job when God out of the blue gave me wisdom, understanding efficiency as well as the right words to speak. The point is that God knows what others will say before they say it and if you trust God, He will give you the right words to say that will defend you while promoting Him. Another fringe benefit for being born again(Jo. 1:12) and living godly(Eph. 5:18).
As a result of preaching the gospel, family members will turn on each other(fellow brothers, father vs. son, children vs. parents). The truth of God divides good from evil and pierces the very soul and spirit of a person(Heb. 4:12). However, God is over all and hence His word is supreme. Therefore, if family members reject Jesus, that is not your fault and problem. You can be nice to them and show love as much as possible. However, you need to follow Jesus regardless of the cost. If others forsake you because of the truths of the bible, that is their choice and problem. God will take care of you. So serving the Lord will lead to persecution(II Tim. 3:12), being hated(I Pet. 4:12-19, liberals who believe in diversity(sic) hate Christians) and could get a Christian martyred(killed because of his faith in Jesus).
The end is referring to the end of the seven year tribulation before Jesus returns before the millennial reign of Christ(Rev. 20:). Those that survive the slaughter of the anti-Christ, will be saved physically and enter the millennium. The 144,000 Jews(Rev. 7:) will be raptured with eternal bodies and the rest will be gathered(Matt. 24:29-31) and judged with the rest of the nations(Matt. 25:31-46). Only the saved will enter the millennium. Everyone that died in Christ got raptured before the tribulation started and the tribulation martyrs got raptured at the end of the tribulation along with the 144,000 Jews.
Mark 13:14-16 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
:15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
:16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
The abomination of desolation occurs in the middle of the seven year tribulation(Dan. 12:11, see comments there) or 43 months before the second coming of Jesus. The sacrifice in the temple with an unclean animal will prove that the anti-Christ is a false Messiah and the Jews will reject Him as a nation. Afterward, they receive as a nation the true Messiah, which is Jesus. This sets off the final 3 ½ years of great tribulation where the Jews are persecuted to death(Rev. 12:12-17, see comments there).
As a result, the Jews will flee to the mountains for safety. The persecution will be so fierce that when a person escapes, he won’t have time to prepare(escape with the clothes on your back, etc.). He will in haste abandon his property and possessions in fear of his life if he is to survive. Likewise, the person in the field won’t have time to return home, but will escape directly from his job site in fear of his life to survive, etc..
Mark 13:17-22 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
:18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Jesus said that the pregnant and nursing new born babies would be in woe or grievous distress because of the situation in the 2nd half of the tribulation. These women and their children will be vulnerable and helpless against attacks and other problems, etc.. Jesus told the disciples to pray that when they are running to safety persecution that it won’t happen during the winter. Hiding outside in the cold is harder than in the heat(harder on the body, fewer places to hide, etc.). During the tribulation, man will be afflicted with things that haven’t happened(Rev. 6:-19:, four horsemen, the seven plagues, vials and trumpets, see comments there) since the creation of God(Gen. 1:, see comments there).
In God’s mercy towards man, the tribulation is limited to 7 years with 3 ½ years of great tribulation. If it lasted any longer, everyone on earth would die in the ruckus. However, Jesus promised to preserve mankind in physical form to enter the millennium(Matt. 25:31-46). By the way, because of prophecy we know that the world will never be destroyed and the population annihilated by mankind.
Hence, if any person claims to have seen or known the Christ, that person is a liar and not to be believed. Jesus warned the believers of false Christs and prophets(Deut. 13:, see comments there) that will perform signs and wonders to seduce the Jews as well as all believers(elect) with false doctrine
(II Tim. 3:16-17). E.g. In the U.S., there is only one twenty dollar bill that has power to purchase twenty dollars of goods and services, etc.. All the other twenty dollar bills are counterfeits. They may all look alike, but only one is original. The Devil has flooded the world with counterfeit bibles(all bibles other than the Old King James version), Christian sects(Catholicism, Episcopal, Pentecostal, Assembly of God, Apostolic, Church of Christ, Jehovah Witness, Mormon, any one that teaches salvation by works to stay saved, etc.) and religions(Hindu, Islam, Buddhism, etc.). However there is only one way to heaven(Jo. 1:29, 14:6, see comments there and the Salvation Message at the end of the book).
Mark 13:23-27 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
:25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Jesus is God(I Tim. 3:16) and could accurately foretell the future. The Christians know the future if they understand the Book of Revelation and other future prophecies like those found in the Book of Daniel(go to and download these books freely with verse by verse commentaries). At the end of the seven year tribulation, you have the return of Jesus Christ, with the saved in the eternal bodies following behind as His army. In that day the sun shall be darkened and the moon shall not give her light(light will be blocked from the moon and sun the army will be so huge, Matt. 24:29-31). The stars of heaven shall fall and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. Because of the second coming of Jesus, all of creation will be affected to a certain degree. Jesus created everything(Col. 1:16-17) and hence can shake everything as a sign of His power, might and verification that He is the God of all, etc..
Before the second coming of Jesus and the global takeover in battle against the armies of the antichrist and the beast, God will send his angels to gather the saved people to safety. The four winds refers to north, south, east and west or ever saved person worldwide. These saved people physically survive the seven year tribulation and enter the millennium. Notice, no lost people enter the millennium because they were all executed before it began(Matt. 25:31-46). Only the sin nature of the saved people is the only bad thing that survives. The world is ruled by Jesus with His government consisting of saved people with immortal bodies. Sadly to say with a perfect government for 1000 years, the offspring of the saved grow up and not all of them get saved. This is where the masses of lost people come from at the end of the millennium to support the Devil in his final rebellion against God(Rev. 20:7-9, see comments there).
Mark 13:28-33 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
The fig tree when it starts to blossom, the branches are small and the leaves start to come out. When this happens, you know in the nation of Israel that summer is near(around June 23). After the leaves come out, the figs or fruit of the tree follows. The point here is that Jesus is giving the signs that will occur(leaves appear) before the second coming of Jesus(figs grow). The generation of people who live during the seven year tribulation are the generation of people who see these signs. By the way, the Christians of today will be raptured off the planet before the tribulation starts(I The. 4:17-18, see comments there). Hence, all these predictions in our day and age, from the 1st century until today about the signs here being fulfilled is nonsense. Note that Paul’s generation was waiting for the rapture just like we are commanded to do today(I Th. 1:9, see comments there). There are no signs that need to be fulfilled before the rapture.
God’s words were written and established with God in heaven(Ps. 119:89) and are in authority higher than God(Ps. 138:2). Hence, although heaven and earth pass away in eternity(Rev. 21:1, see comments there) to be replaced, God’s words(II Tim. 3:16-17) live on unchanged. Note that God can’t sin because He is bound by His word to be holy, hence God is under the authority of His word, etc..
Notice that since no one knows when the rapture will occur, you don’ t know when the tribulation will start and when the second coming occurs. This is why no man knows at what hour of the day and what day Jesus will return in the air for the saved at the rapture. The angels in heaven along with Jesus don’t even know the time. Only God the Father has this information. Notice that the Godhead has different responsibilities and God the Father knows at least one thing that Word and the Holy Ghost don’t know(I Jo. 5:7). However the three persons make up one God and hence collectively God knows everything. This was done by design according to God’s perfect eternal plan.
Since a Christian doesn’t know when Jesus will return, he should live every day like it is his last on planet earth before the rapture(Rom. 12:1-2). Note that watching means to forgo sleep and pray to God instead, just like fasting means to forgo food to pray instead.
Mark 13:34-37 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Jesus gave a parable where He, the Son of Man, is as a man taking a far journey. He left His house and gave the authority of taking care of His house while He is gone to His servants. The porter handles the luggage and other things whereas the servants do the work around the house as well as take care of the business of the house. The porter was given watch duty during the night. There are certain specific parts of the day(even[starts at 6 PM], midnight[12PM], the cockcrowing[before 6AM], or in the morning[starts at 6AM]. The point here is that the master of the house could return at any minute during the day. Hence if you have the porters of the house on constant watch(e.g. like security at a hotel, always someone on duty 24/7), you will never be surprised when the owner returns.
Jesus is telling the Christian to be alert and ready at any time for the rapture. This means living daily for God(I Pet. 1:15-16) like He is coming today and preparing like He is coming later(Pr. 30:25).
The Christian is never caught off guard. How embarrassing it would be to be raptured during the middle of committing a sinful act or during a stretch in life where you have gone off into the world and forsaken your calling from God, etc.. In the parable, Jesus is the Son of Man, his servants and porters are the Christians. They are to take care of God’s house(the local New Testament Churches and the ministry thereof(Matt. 28:18-20) and be ready for the rapture(I Th. 1:9). Christians should be working diligently(Eph. 2:10) and not sleeping on the job as they say in carnality(Rom. 8:6) and worldliness
(I Jo. 2:15-17).
Mark 14:1-3 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.
:2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
Two days before the feast of the passover and of unleavened bread(Lev. 23:, see comments there, all the holy days are covered in detail under Mosaic law), the chief priests and scribes sought how they might take him by craft and Jesus to death. The religious leaders saw Jesus as a threat to their political religious empire, etc.. Notice how they would commit murder to protect their lies. By the way, any religious or political group that resorts to violence to get their way(E.g. Black Lives Matter, far left wing anti-Trump protestors, illegal aliens in the U.S.) is not trusting in God or in law and order
(I Cor. 14:40). False religions are trusting in the flesh and hence go to the extremes in the flesh(lie, cheat, steal, defraud, murder) to protect their falsehood. If you have the truth, you just need to preach it. God will defend you or give you the means to protect yourself(Heb. 1:14).
The feast day was a day of gladness amongst the multitudes. The passover was held the night before the nation of Israel left Egypt(Ex. 12:, see comments there). Unleavened bread(like a cracker) is a picture of the sinless body of Christ(leaven pictures sin). Jesus is our passover lamb that was killed for our sin so we could get saved(Jo. 1:29).
While in Bethany(2 miles east of Jerusalem) Jesus sat at meat(meal time) in the house of Simon the leper. While there a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious, broke the box and poured the oil on Jesus' head. By the way in the Old Testament, prophets and kings were ordained by having oil poured on their head. The oil is a picture of the Holy Ghost empowering the person for the office and task at hand. Jesus is our Prophet(Deut. 18:18), High Priest(I Jo. 2:1) and King(Rev. 20:).
Mark 14:4-9 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?
:5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
:6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
:7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
:8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
Meanwhile, the hypocrites complained that the oil was wasted on the head of Jesus and rather should have been sold for at least 300 pence(silver denarius, 300 days wages, $24k at $10/hour for 8 hours). Hypocrites don't care about truth or the poor for that matter. All they care about is skimming some of the wealth off of the top while giving to the poor(far left wing political leader) They only help the poor to get their vote(power) and get rich(benefit with a high paying job later, lobbyist for special interest groups).
Jesus rebuked those that were at the dinner table. He told the people to leave the woman alone and she has done a good work for Him. Jesus said that there will always be poor people in the world that you can help. However, Jesus only came to earth once in a mortal body and they should make the most out of it. Jesus said that His body was being anointed for burying. Jesus knew He was ordained to die for sin(Jo. 1:29) and be the Savior of the world(Jo. 3:16, see comments there).
Jesus said that when the gospel is preached, this act of kindness of this woman will be remembered. This woman honored Jesus with her wealth and wasn't afraid to stand up to the authorities of her day to openly give it. Her boldness, sacrifice and testimony is an example to all Christians to not be ashamed for Jesus when it isn't popular and to sell out to Jesus(Rom. 12:1-2).
Mark 14:10-16 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
:11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
:13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
:15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
:16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve apostles, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.
The chief priests were glad and promised him money for the treachery(30 pieces of silver). On the first day of unleavened bread, they killed the passover lamb. Jesus gave His apostles instructions to go into the city and meet a young man bearing a pitcher. They were to follow him to the house he was going to. When they arrived, they were to tell the goodman of the house that the Master(Jesus) was requesting the guest chamber where He would eat the passover with His disciples. Jesus said the apostles would be shown a large upper room furnished and prepared, where they are to make ready for the passover meal. Note that on the first day they have the passover(Lev. 23:4) and then the next day they have the feast of unleavened bread(Lev. 23:5), which continues for seven days(Lev. 23:6).
Spiritually, there are traitors within the New Testament Church from time to time. They are lost people posing as saved people that are there to cause trouble(divide, subvert, promote rebellion). Also, you get saved people who start murmuring and complaining. Instead of peacefully disagreeing for the greater good or peacefully leaving for another New Testament Church as a testimony against them, they prefer to stay and try to overthrow and undermine the authority.
E.g. When I saw hypocrisy in a new testament church I was a member of, I tried to work with them, I tried to point out the obvious problems based on the word of God and I stood on the word of God peacefully and refused to participate in some functions. When all else failed, I just left for another New Testament Church and as much as they would listen, told them the reasons. I have seen God deal with New Testament Churches going bad after I tried to help them as an evangelist. The bottom line is that I did it according to scripture in the power and word of God. If people don't want to repent than you just leave the spiritual cancer to destroy itself. You don't have to participate or let their bitterness enter your life or container, etc.. Likewise, I have seen people just try to destroy the New Testament Church from within and without. Eventually the truth comes out and the sinful cancer is purged, etc..
Mark 14:17-21 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.
:18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
:20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.
:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
On the 14th day of the 1st month of the Jewish calendar(March 23rd + 13=April 5th) they kept the passover starting in the evening(6 PM, when the day begins, Gen. 1:). Notice that Judas Iscariot is present at the meal when Jesus proclaimed that one of the twelve would betray Him. Notice that other than Jesus knowing, none of the other eleven apostles knew that it was Judas Iscariot. Jesus proclaimed that it was one of the twelve that ate with Him, he would fulfill the scriptures about the death of Jesus and it would have been better for that person to never have been born.
First of all, the passover is on a fixed date, the 14th day of the month. Hence the day that Catholics choose, based on the sun god, is false like the rest of their religion. This is why they celebrate passover on a different day every year falsely(go to and download, What is Wrong with Catholicism, Part I & II). Religion is based on the traditions of man(Mark 7:6-9), whereas the holiness is based on the word of God(II Tim. 3:16-17). Beware when you have to leave the bible to justify your religion, especially when the bible tells you point blank otherwise(II Tim. 2:15).
Judas had the power of an apostles(heal the sick, etc.), yet he was lost(Jo. 6:70-71). Just because you can perform miracles, doesn't mean you are of God(Deut. 13:). God allows people and devils to have miraculous powers at times, just like He gives man free will to sin, etc.. It doesn't mean that since they use their powers and free will wrongly in the bible that God is condoning it in any way. That said, beware of the U.S. Charismatic movement that promotes new testament gifts that ceased in the first century(I Cor. 13:10). Miracles and gifts of God have specific purposes, like confirming the word of God until it is completed(Mark 16:20), etc..
Mark 14:22-28 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
:23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
:24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
:28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
While they were eating the passover meal, Jesus took bread, broke it in pieces, gave to the apostles present and told them to eat it. Symbolically he called the unleavened bread they ate His body. Remember that Jesus was sinless(II Cor. 5:21), he was 100% man(I Tim. 3:16) as well as 100% God and that leaven pictured sin. Jesus died on the cross(broken bread) to pay for the sin of mankind(Jo. 1:29, 3:16). Likewise, he had the apostles present to drink of the non fermented wine(grape juice). Fermentation is also a picture of sin. God's blood, represented by the wine(Deut. 32:14, blood of the grape) is pure and hence can wash away a person's sin for salvation(Col. 1:14, I Jo. 1:7, see comments there).
By the way, the Lord's supper called communion by some, is a picture of the salvation process. When a person repents of their sin and believes on the Lord Jesus for salvation, the blood cleanses all the past, present and future sins of the person and then the Spirit of Jesus(Rom. 8:9) through the Holy Spirit enters the body permanently(Eph. 1:13). Note that water baptism and the Lord's supper are ordinances of the new testament church to remind us what God did for us when He saved us. The ordinances are works and don't save a person(Eph. 2:8-9, believing thief on the cross never got water baptized nor took the Lord's supper, yet got saved). Jesus said that the wine was from the fruit of the vine or grape juice. It was symbolic of His blood, but not His blood. Hence the idea of Catholic communion to stay saved every week is a false salvation doctrine(Tit. 3:5, download, What is Wrong with Catholicism, Part I & II at ).
Afterward, they sung an hymn and went to the mount of Olives. Jesus believed in spiritual music(go
to and download, New Testament Church Music). Jesus proclaimed that all of His apostles would be offended and forsake Him that night. Jesus knew that according to the scriptures(Zech. 13:7, see comments there) that he would be betrayed by Judas that night. The Jews would come with force and take Him away and the apostles would run away for cover and safety.
Jesus also proclaimed that He would die and then rise from the dead(resurrection). He told His apostles that He would see them again in Galilee.
The God of the universe(Col. 1:16-17) wrote the bible(Ps. 119:89) before man was created and knows the future and every action and thought of man. Hence, it isn't a surprise that He knows the bible and future prophecy backwards and forwards. Hence, he tells his apostles in advance what is going to happen, how they are going to react and what will happen in the immediate future. Spiritually, you see why Christianity is the only true religion of God. It is the only one whose Savior has an empty grave, who always makes 100% accurate predictions and can help a saved person in every avenue and attitude in his life, etc.. It pays to serve the Lord in this life(Matt. 6:33) and the life to come(II Cor. 5:10), Hallelujah!!!
Mark 14:29-34 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
:30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
:32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
:34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
However, Peter boldly proclaimed that he wouldn't be offended and forsake Jesus. Jesus pointed out to Peter that before the cock crow two times(before 6AM), he would deny Him three times. Peter proclaimed even stronger that he wouldn't deny the Lord and would die for the cause of Jesus. All eleven apostles affirmed the same belief. However, to their chagrin, they all forsook Jesus.
Jesus and His apostles came to Gethsemane(north of Jerusalem) where he told his disciples to sit and wait for Him. Jesus took the inner three(Peter, James, John) and told them that He was exceeding sorrowful to death. Jesus had a heavy heart and was amazed about what was about to happen in the future(his crucifixion). He walked on further and told the apostles to wait and watch(pray instead of sleep).
Remember that Jesus had to still go through with everything. He experienced every human temptation and emotion and yet was without sin(Heb. 4:15). He willingly went to the cross to be our payment for our sin to God(I Tim. 2:5, see comments there).
Mark 14:35-38 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
:37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
Jesus went alone from His apostles to pray. He fell to the ground and asked the Lord that if it were possible, that the hour of suffering would pass Him on the cross, etc.. He asked for the cup of suffering to be removed, but only if it was God's will. However, it was God's will for Him to suffer in
crucifixion, so He submitted to God's will. When Jesus returned to the apostles, he found them sleeping. He awoke and rebuked Peter for not staying awake and watching and praying for one hour.
Jesus warned Peter that he needs to learn to watch and pray to avoid temptation. The spirit of man may be motivated to pray, but he has to overcome his weak flesh(Rom. 8:6).
Spiritually, Christians usually know what is right. However, it is easy to compromise and give in to the pressures of fleshly temptation as well as to the pressures of the world and Devil, etc.. I know a lot of Christians who understand the doctrine of prayer in detail, yet never practice regularly what they believe and preach(go to and download, How to Get your Prayers Answered, Part I & II). By living godly, confessing sin(I Jo. 1:9) and avoiding temptations, the Christian can avoid the destruction that sin brings(Jam. 1:14-15).
Mark 14:39-42 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
:42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
Jesus walked away again to pray, prayed the same prayer and then returned again. He found the apostles sleeping again and He rebuked them again. Jesus walked away a third time and at the end found them sleeping again a third time. So much for Peter willing to die for Jesus. He was caught sleeping on the job three times before he even denied Jesus three times. The flesh is indeed weak in times of temptation and tribulation, etc..
After the third time, Judas and the Jewish multitudes came to take Him away to falsely accused, judged and then crucified like a criminal. Jesus knew that Judas the betrayer was coming, yet submitted to God's will like a lamb going to the slaughter(Is. 53:7, see comments there) according to prophecy.
Spiritually, when you continually fall on your face in sin, don't try to justify it nor excuse it. E.g. My big sin is the thought life(Pr. 24:9). I just do my best to minimize the sin problem and confess it regularly to keep it in check(Pr. 28:13). I run spiritual mental interference and avoid certain places and images to keep my mind as pure as possible. I teach and preach others to be mentally pure and discourage sinful thoughts and imaginations(II Cor. 10:5, see comments there).
Mark 14:43-49 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
:44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
:46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
:47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
:48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
:49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
After Jesus spoke of going to His betrayal, Judas shows up with a great multitude with swords and staves(vertical thin piece of wood) sent by the chief priests, scribes and elders of Israel. The token of Judas' betrayal or the sign on who would be taken away was the one he would kiss. Hence the old saying, the kiss of death. This is why the word traitor and Judas go hand in hand amongst Christians. So Judah called Jesus Master and then kissed Him. Afterward, they arrested Jesus and took Him away.
While they were taking Jesus away, Peter(Jo. 18:10) drew his sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest. However, Jesus intervened, stopped the conflict and healed the servants ear instantly(Lu. 22:51). Jesus could have called down the angels to fight for Him(Heb. 1:14), but He chose to do God's will. He rebuked those that arrested Him. He said that He openly taught everyone daily in the temple. He was innocent, but He knew why they came in the middle of the night to take him away unlawfully. In the process the scriptures pertaining to His crucifixion were fulfilled(Is. 53:, see comments there). We know at Jesus' second coming that He will fight and take over the world as prophesied(Rev. 19:11-21, Rev. 20:, see comments there).
Mark 14:50-52 And they all forsook him, and fled.
:51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
:52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
As prophesied, all the apostles fled after He was arrested(Zech. 13:7). There was a young man that followed Jesus that Judas and his multitude tried to capture. In the process, they got his linen coat, but he escaped naked. Spiritually, the linen is a picture of the righteousness of the saints(Rev. 19:8, see comments there). Without Jesus, the Christian is helpless and naked(without holiness) in the world.
Without Jesus you will run away from the devil and his forces in fear(Eph. 6:10-14, see comments there).
Mark 14:53-56 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
:56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
Jesus was led to the high priest. With him were assembled all the chief priests, elders and scribes.
Notice that this was a set up from the beginning to take Jesus in, try Him, convict Him and then immediately crucify Him. They sought for false witnesses to condemn Jesus to death but could find none. They had other false witnesses, but their stories didn't agree. It was clear that the Jews had an illegal trial(middle of the night) with no credible evidence against Jesus. Also, the Jews were under Roman rule and hence didn't have the governmental authority to try and condemn Jesus in a civil court.
However, religion isn't about truth, but about their own power and control. Religions isn't about helping others spiritually, but about money(larger offerings), numbers(larger attendance) and prestige(with the community, I Tim. 6:5).
Mark 14:57-65 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
:59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
:60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
:61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
:64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
Finally there arose false witnesses that claimed Jesus would destroy the temple in Jerusalem and build another temple in three days without using anyone's hands. However, the false witnesses claiming this had contradictory statements(like the rest of them in their false accusations).
Jesus taught in the temple in Jerusalem and never vandalized nor destroyed anything. When He referred to the temple, He was referring to His body(Jo. 2:19-21, I Cor. 6:19, see comments there).
Jesus knew He was innocent but also knew that regardless of the truth they would condemn Him to death. Hence Jesus remained silent when the high priest stood up and asked Jesus if He would say anything in His defense. Jesus could have given a perfect defense argument, since He knew the thoughts of all men and how they would react in the future, etc..
Finally the high priest asked him if He was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed. Jesus replied that He was the Christ(Anointed One, the Son of the Blessed[God the Father]). By claiming to be the Christi Jesus professed that He was God in the flesh)I Tim. 3:16). Since He was God, it wasn't blasphemy. Also, Son is a title for God as well(I Jo. 5:7, 20, see comments there). Jesus, after the resurrection, sat as well as stood on the right side of the throne of God in the temple in heaven(Acts 7:55-56, Rev. 15:). At the final judgment, all the Jews would see Jesus sitting on the right hand of power(Rev. 20:12-15) next to God the father on the throne. Son of man is another title for God, who was 100% man as well as 100% God.
When Jesus told the truth about Himself, the high priest convicted Him of blasphemy. Afterward, all condemned Jesus to death. By the way, the high priest(Ex. 28:, see comments there) is a picture of Jesus in the temple(which is a picture of the temple in heaven, Heb. 8:5). As usual, the Jewish religion missed the fundamental truth of the bible. Jesus is the Savior and High Priest that would pour His blood on the mercy seat of Heaven for the salvation of souls(Acts 10:43, Rev. 15:). God gives types to illustrate obvious spiritual truths. However, the lost or natural man can't receive spiritual truth
(I Cor. 2:14, see comments there) until he first gets saved. This includes a Jewish priest, scribe and high priest, a Catholic priest, pope and cardinal, or anyone else that follows a false gospel that claims to be a priest or hold some religious position, etc..
After Jesus was condemned to death, some there spit on him. Afterward others covered His face, started hitting Him and then asked Him to prophecy or predict correctly who hit Him. Also, the servants to the Jewish leaders hit Jesus physically with the palms of their hands. We see that false religion uses violence and torture to intimidate and accomplish their ends. E.g. Radical Islam blows up structures, Beheads people, sets off bombs, carries out knife and gun attacks in the name of Allah(false god, Mic. 4:5, see comments there). Catholic crusades were done in the middle ages in the name of Catholicism, not the name of Jesus.
God never advocates violence to promote the gospel(Matt. 28:18-20). Christians who are right with God use the word of God and the power of God to tell people the truth. Afterward, they pray for the power of God to convict and change people from within. Communism, fascism, socialism, far left wing democrat ideology and religion, etc. tries to change people from the outside using fleshly means. Notice that people who don't have the truth use threats, intimidation, try to bribe people with money and/or favors, lies, accusations, law suits, etc. to get their opponents to yield and the common man to submit.
Mark 14:66-72 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
:67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
:68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
:69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
:70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
:71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Peter was warming himself by a fire in the lower level of the palace(first floor perhaps) where Jesus was being held evidently. One of the maids of the high priest recognized Peter as one of the apostles of Jesus. The maid told Peter that he was one of the apostles of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter denied knowing Jesus, he went out into the porch of the palace and then the cock crowed the first time. Another maid saw Peter on the porch, told those that stood by that Peter was one of the apostles and then Peter denied knowing Jesus the second time. Finally those that stood by Peter said to Peter that he was one of the apostles because he spoke like someone from the region of Galilee and not like someone from Jerusalem. Peter began to curse and swear while denying knowing Jesus for the third time. After the third denial, the cock or rooster crowed the second time. Hence, it came to pass exactly as Jesus said about Peter denying Him three times before the cock crowed twice(Mark 14:30). Peter wept afterward when he realized that Jesus had predicted the event exactly.
Spiritually, Peter was following Jesus from a distance. When a Christian is ashamed to be seen with Jesus, he will deny being a Christian in public by his testimony and actions. There are carnal and worldly Christians who want to avoid persecution(II Tim. 3:12) and losing money, friends, family, relationships and even employment by standing on his salvation and holiness lifestyle.
When you are out of fellowship with other Christians, don't read your bible and pray(or do it a little), don't go to the new testament church and get involved in the ministry, etc., your fire for God goes out. In type like Peter, you are being warmed by the fires of the world and the fires of God, etc.. When around the world you will be influenced and act like the world(I Jo. 2:15-17), like cursing and swearing(Eph. 4:29, see comments there).
To Peter's credit, he was following Jesus from a distance. This is better than not following Him at all. Peter was probably scared after the multitude came to take Jesus away. When he tried to use his sword he was rebuked. He couldn't trust in his flesh or own efforts and when it came to being spiritual, he fell asleep three times. Finally, a Christian shows remorse and sadness when he lets the Lord down in his behavior. Peter cried bitterly because he failed to openly identify with Jesus in times of persecution. Fortunately, he rebounded in his faith and in the book of Acts was quite the bold preacher for Jesus, etc..
Mark 15:1-5 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
:2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it.
:3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.
:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.
:6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
:7 And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
In the morning(starts at 6AM), the chief priests held a consultation with the elders, scribes and the whole council of the Jewish nation. They bound Jesus, carried him away and delivered him to Pilate
(who was the authority of the Roman empire). Pilate asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews and He responded that 'Thou sayest it'. The chief priests brought many accusations against Jesus, yet Jesus kept silent. Pilate asked Jesus why He wasn't answering His accusers in light of the many things He was accused of. Yet, Jesus stayed silent to the surprise of Pilate.
Pilate could find nothing wrong with Jesus in terms of breaking the law. He tried sending Him to Herod, but Herod just sent Him back(Lu. 23:7-15). He tried to encourage the Jews to choose Him to be released as a special yearly pardon, but the Jews refused. Instead, they chose to release a famous anti-Roman insurrectionist named Barabbas, who committed murder and robbery(Jo. 18:40). Pilate knew that Jesus was delivered to Him by the chief leaders of the Jews because they were envious of Him (popularity, power, authority, truth).
Notice that the Jewish mob multitude was desiring Jesus to be crucified(Lu. 23:31-33). They falsely claimed that Jesus did bad things to them('he had ever done unto them'). It is funny today in modern Christian life how people around the world love to blame the Christians for all the suffering of the world. In the U.S. the American white Christian male(2016, i.e. people like myself) are the source of the countries problems, especially those who condemns homosexuality(Rom. 1:27). In the middle east, the Christians are evil and should be executed by the radical Islamist. Rather than take responsibility and accountability for their sinful actions and bad choices in life, they would rather blame someone else for their problems and justify their ungodly lifestyles. They tend to ignore the obvious and as a result blind themselves from the truth(II Cor. 4:4, see comments there).
Notice that Pilate called Jesus king of the Jews. Jesus at His first coming didn't accept that role. If He did then He would have fought the Jews and the Romans and won(Matt. 26:53-54). Jesus at His second coming will fight and become ruler of the world. He will govern from the mercy seat in the millennial temple in Jerusalem(Is. 2:2-4, Rev. 20:, see comments there). Spiritually at his first coming and today, Jesus is the believer's spiritual king. Jesus rules within the Christian through the Holy Ghost which is referred to the Kingdom of God. When Jesus rules physically, it is referred to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mark 15:11-15 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
:12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?
:13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.
:14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
:15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
When the Jews had a choice to release Jesus or Barabbas, the chief priests moved the people to release Barabbas. Notice how the evil chief priests used their influence to rig the decision against God.
As a result when Pilate asked what should be done against Jesus, they said to crucify Him(death on a cross). After the Jews condemned Jesus, Pilate asked again what evil has Jesus done. Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent, yet he let Jesus be crucified to content the people. So Jesus was first scourged or punished by whipping before He was crucified at Calvary.
Crooked politicians(like the Obama Administration) will subvert laws, politicize the FBI, Justice Department, Supreme court, judicial system, military, police system, etc. to get their way and keep power. Pilate was more concerned about his popularity and re-election than standing for justice and enforcing the law. In the presidential election of 2016, the American people had enough of government corruption and their special interest connections at the expense of the people. As a result, democracy and truth won out and America elected the outside contender and the people's champion, Donald J. Trump.
Mark 15:16-20 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
:17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
:18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
:20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
Afterward, Jesus was led into a hall called Praetorium where He was assaulted and mocked by a band of soldiers(platoon: 15-30, company: 80-150 men). Regardless of the number of soldiers present, they surrounded Jesus, had Him clothed in purple, had a platted crown of thorns put on His head and they all saluted Him by saying 'Hail, King of the Jews!' Afterward some soldiers hit Jesus on the head with a reed, spit upon Him and then mockingly bowed their knees and worshiped Him. After they mocked Jesus, they removed His purple robe and put His own clothes back on Him and then led Him out to be crucified.
Purple is the color or royalty. Jesus was royalty or born of the Holy Ghost or God's blood line
(Matt. 1:18). Kings have crowns on their head to symbolize that they are the chief ruler. Platted thorns would pierce and puncture the skin on the head and cause bleeding and pain. The soldiers showed the ultimate disrespect for the Savior by spitting on, hitting and mocking Him. In spite of being able to fight back, Jesus submitted to such abuse so He could die on the cross to atone for mankind's sins (including those of the soldiers abusing Him wrongfully). That said, if you reject the sacrifice of Jesus, you deserve hell(Mark 9:43-48).
Mark 15:21-25 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
:22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
While Jesus was walking to Golgotha bearing His cross, they came across Simon a Cyrenian who was passing through. They forced Simon to bear the cross of Jesus. Golgotha was called the place of a skull, evidently because of all the people that died their by crucifixion(Roman execution).
While on the cross, they gave Jesus wine mingled with myrrh, but He refused it. By the way, wine mingled with myrrh(a fragrant gum resin obtained from certain trees and used for medicine, perfume and incense) would have made your thirst worse and not better. While on the cross, a prophecy was fulfilled that there would be those gambling over who would get Jesus' clothes and belongings
(Ps. 22:18, Matt. 27:35-36). The crucifixion of Jesus began at the third hour or 9AM. Note that Jesus died at 3 PM and was buried before 6 PM on Wednesday, before the high day Sabbath was observed (John 19:31, not the regular Sabbath that starts on 6 PM Friday, last day of the week on the Jewish calendar).
Mark 15:26-32 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
:30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
While Jesus hung on the cross, a superscription of His accusation was written over him that said, 'THE KING OF THE JEWS'(evidently written on a wooden board). Jesus never claimed at His first coming that He would be their national civil government king. Hence, Jesus was wrongly convicted and condemned by both Jewish and Roman law. This kind of justice is found amongst far left wing liberals and their media outlets in the U.S. E.g. The 'Hands up, don't shoot' claim of Michael Brown was proven in court to have never happened. He attacked a police officer and try to kill him with his gun. Michael was caught on video 45 minutes earlier strong arming a store owner while he stole a box of cigars. Yet the domestic terrorist group called Black Lives Matter continues to spread the lie as well as being part of the DNC platform in 2016(sic).
Jesus was crucified along with two other thieves that were guilty of death for their crimes(Is. 53:12, see comments there). While on the cross, people that passed by wagged or shook their heads at Jesus.
They mocked Him by saying 'thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross'. The chief priests mocked Jesus as well and agreed with the scribes by saying 'He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe'. Also at first, both thieves that were being crucified reviled Jesus as well.
Jesus, the Creator of the universe, subjected Himself to the lowest level, crucifixion while being reviled by criminals worthy of death(Phil. 2:5-9, see comments there). Remember that the temple was Jesus' body, which He resurrected three days later. By the way, Jesus oversees the construction of the millennial temple in Jerusalem in the first 45 days of His reign(Dan. 12:11-12, Ezek. 40:-48:, see comments there).
Jesus was prophesied to die on the cross(Jo. 1:29). Hence, He didn't come down and save Himself physically, even though He could have. Jesus did save Himself physically through the resurrection in an eternal body(I Cor. 15:54, see comments there) three days later. Also, he saved everyone(Acts 10:43, see comments there), starting with Adam and Eve until the last believer in the millennium by His blood sacrifice(Col. 1:14, see comments there).
The Jews claimed that they would believe if Jesus came down from the cross. However, they would not have believed regardless of the facts. People that reject Jesus continually will harden their hearts to the point of now return(reprobate mind, Rom. 1:25-32, see comments there). By the way, before Jesus died, one of the thieves repented of his sins and asked God or Jesus by faith to forgiven him. Jesus gladly forgave him and promised him a place in paradise(Lu. 23:39-44).
Mark 15:33-37 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
:35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
:36 And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.
:37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
From the 6th hour until the 9th hour(12 - 3 PM), there was darkness over the whole land. This implies there was an eclipse of the sunlight from the sun. It wasn't nighttime, because at night it is already dark. Hence, God made a statement that crucifying his Son was the work of darkness and not light(Jo. 3:19-21, see comments there). At 3 PM(Roman time) or the 9th hour(Jewish time), Jesus cried out 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?'. Jesus was being forsaken by God because at that moment He had taken on the sins of the whole world as the Lamb of God(Jo. 1:29). Remember that the Godhead consists of three people. So God the Father forsook God the Son on the cross so His 100% human body could be the sacrifice for mankind. The blood from the human part was taken up to heaven and poured on the altar in heaven to make an atonement for all who choose it(I Jo. 2:1). This is how God could forsake Himself and yet still be God(I Tim. 3:16, see comments there).
As a result of Jesus' cry to God the Father, those present thought He was calling out to the prophet Elijah. Afterward, one gave Jesus a sponge full of vinegar on a reed to drink. After that, Jesus cried out with a loud voice before giving up His human ghost in death(Jesus had a human body, soul and spirit in His 100% human part).
Mark 15:38-41 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
After Jesus died, the veil of the temple was rent in twain(two) from the top to the bottom. This signified the end of the law of Moses(Age of Law) and the beginning of the New Testament Covenant
Church Age, go to and download, The Test of Man and the Bible through the Ages). The time of John the Baptist to the death of Jesus was the transition period between the two ages, just like the seven year tribulation is the transition between the Church Age and the Age of the Kingdom.
One of the Roman soldiers(centurion) who witnessed the death of Jesus, realized at that moment that Jesus was the Son of God(I Jo. 5:20, see comments there). So even an evil soldier that mocked Jesus repented and believed on the Lord(Rom. 10:13). Also present at the crucifixion were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the less, John the apostle(Jo. 19:26-27) and many other women
who were faithful to the end with Jesus. This is why John was the best apostle, because he had the best faith in Jesus(Heb. 11:6, Jo. 14:15, 21).
Spiritually, we see that John the apostles and the women didn't deny Jesus because they were close by Jesus. Hence, if you want to avoid sin, stay close to Jesus and His word(II Tim. 3:16-17). If you want to maximize the blessings and power of God in your life, stay close to Jesus(Jo. 14:23, see comments there). Hang around new testament church members who are spiritual. Get involved in the ministry so you are spending your time around Christian warriors and the Christian battle. Listen to music and read the bible and things about the bible, etc..
Mark 15:42-47 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
Jesus was buried before 6PM on the preparation day before the sabbath day(that started at 6PM). Joseph of Arimathaea who was an honorable counselor and believer in Jesus, came to Pilate and boldly asked to bury the body of Jesus. When Pilate confirmed the death of Jesus with his centurion(evidently the one that was present and believed on Jesus), he gave Joseph the body to be buried. Joseph wrapped the body of Jesus in fine linen and laid his body in a tomb cut out of the side of the rock(sepulcher) and rolled a stone over the door of the tomb to cover it completely. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses evidently witnessed the burial.
Fine lined is a picture of righteousness(Rev. 19:8). Jesus did die physically and his human body was buried. He didn't swoon or escape, etc.. While dead for three days, His spirit went to Abraham's bosom(Lu. 16:23-26) or the part of hell that was called paradise where it was perfectly peaceful. The other compartment of hell had tormenting fires for the lost people and it was separated from paradise by the chasm known as the bottomless pit. Briefly, Jesus took all the saved of the Old Testament in paradise and brought them to heaven(Eph. 4:8-10, see comments there) three days later after He poured His blood on the altar in heaven(Rev. 15:). Afterward, he returned to earth for 40 days and talked with the apostles and other believers, etc..
Mark 16:1-4 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
:2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
:3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
After the sabbath day(Fri. 6PM – Sat. 6PM), Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought sweet spices to the tomb of Jesus that they might come and anoint Him. They came to the sepulcher(tomb) early in the morning on the first day of the week(after 6AM). There they found the great stone of the sepulcher rolled away.
The Passover Sabbath day went from Wed. 6PM -Thur. 6PM. Hence Jesus was in the tomb three days and three nights like all the prophesies of Jesus said of his death and resurrection. Catholics and other religions get the Passover and the Sabbath day wrong, because they don't know their bible
(Gen. 1:, Lev. 23:, etc.). There are other Sabbath days other than the weekly Sabbath and the Passover Sabbath falls on the same day of the Jewish calendar every year(go to
and download, What is Wrong with Catholicism, Part I & II).
Mark 16:5-8 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
When the two Mary's(there are four Mary's mentioned in the gospels by the way) entered into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side where Jesus was lain who was clothed in a long white garment. This was an angel that moved the stone(Matt. 28:2) given their super strength. In the bible, angels are male and sinless(go to and download, The Angelic Kingdom, Part I & II).
The two women were afraid of the angel, but the angel told them not to be afraid(Heb. 1:14, angels work for the saved people). He told them that Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified rose from the dead. The tomb of Jesus was empty because Jesus rose from the dead. Of all the religions in the world, only one has a founder that has an empty tomb. That is Jesus, the only way to heaven(Jo. 14:6) and the only true God(Mic. 4:5, see comments there).
The angel told the two women to inform the disciples and Peter that Jesus will go before them into Galilee(Jesus correctly prophesied, Mark 14:28). They left the tomb quickly, amazed and afraid.
Notice that Peter was singled out. Jesus knew that Peter took his thrice denial very hard after promising to die for Jesus. However, Jesus knew the heart of Peter and he would rebound to the glory of God. By the way, the apostle Peter wrote the books I & II Peter. Spiritually, when a Christian gets knocked down in the battle of God, he needs to confess and forsake his sin(Pr. 28:13, I Jo. 1:9) and get back into the battle(Matt. 28:18-20). Every Christian will have highs and lows in their spiritual life.
The key is to keep moving forward spiritually and keeping your eye on the long term goal(II Cor. 5:10).
If you are a backslidden Christian reading this, welcome to the club(been there). Get off your behind, be honest with yourself, get right with God and then get back into the spiritual battle(II Tim. 2:3-5).
Mark 16:9-13 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
:10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
:13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
Jesus met with Mary Magdalene(Mark 16:1) first, of whom he had cast seven devils out of her body.
Afterward, Mary went and told His disciples that Jesus was alive and risen from the dead. Notice that the disciples were mourning and weeping like Jesus was dead. Christians serve a living Savior, not a dead one. Notice how the attitude of Mary changed, not mourning and weeping, when she realized Jesus is alive. Spiritually, when God and the word of God comes alive in your life(Heb. 4:12), it changes the way you think(Rom. 8:6) and act(I Pet. 1:15-16).
Next, Jesus appeared to two of His disciples as they were walking into the country(Lu. 23:13-32).
Afterward, the two told the disciples in Jerusalem that Jesus rose from the dead(Lu. 23:33-35). However, the disciples didn’t believe Mary or the two others. As the old saying goes, seeing is believing. However, the Christian today believes by faith(Heb. 11:6) without seeing. Christian, you can believe what the bible says literally by faith(II Pet. 1:19-21, see comments there).
Mark 16:14-16 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Afterward, Jesus appeared to the eleven apostles(less Judas Iscariot) as they sat at meat(eating). There Jesus upbraided(scolded) them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn’t believe those sent before(three people) that eye witnessed Jesus risen form the dead.
While with the apostles He told them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Matt. 28:18-20). Notice that not believing on Jesus for salvation results in being damned to hell and then the lake of fire(Rom. 10:9, 13). When you get saved, you are baptized in the Holy Ghost
(Eph. 1:13, see comments there). The Holy Ghost is the mark of the person who truly got saved. By the way, after you get saved, you get water baptized to symbolize your salvation(I Cor. 1:17, see comments there, go to and download, Immersion).
Spiritually, the first work of the Christian is preaching the gospel to the lost. The first love is keeping the commandments of God in the power of the Holy Ghost(Jo. 14:15). The word of God is perfect(Ps. 19:7) and is found in English in the Old King James Bible. By the way, if your church doesn’t teach, preach and practice the obvious basics of Christianity, you are in the wrong pew and you need to find a good qualified New Testament church in your area, etc..
Mark 16:17-20 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
At this point, the New Testament scriptures weren’t written yet. So God gave certain believers the power to perform certain signs at certain times to authenticate their gospel message(I Cor. 12:27-31, see comments there). However, once the word of God was completed(I Cor. 13:10, see comments there), the sign gifts related to confirming the word of God ceased.
The sign gifts that were found in the first century were the ability to cast out devils(Acts 16:16-19, see comments there), speaking in new tongues(Acts 2:1-21, see comments there), handling serpents and drinking their venom if bitten without harm(Acts 28:3-6, see comments there) and healing the sick (Acts 8:7-8, see comments there).
After Jesus was on the earth for 40 days after His resurrection, He returned to heaven(Acts 1:8-11, see comments there) and sat down on the right hand of God in heaven(I Jo. 5:7, Rev. 15:). Afterward, the disciples of Jesus preached the word everywhere with the Lord backing up His word with signs(I Cor. 1:22) following. For more information on the gospel being preached and the works of the Lord in the first century following the ascension into heaven by Jesus, go to and download, The Book of Acts).
Spiritually, beware of the false sign movement promoted by the Charismatic Christians. For more information on how the Spirit of God works, download, I Corinthians at and look at I Cor. 12:). Most of the false signs, wonders and miracles are false imitations of the real thing or the work of devils(Deut. 13:1-5, see comments there). Never doubt the miracle, but always find the source behind the miracle. In some cases, those performing miracles also promote a false gospel(e.g. salvation that includes being good in the future, Tit. 3:5, see comments there). God hasn’t changed, the Devil hasn’t changed and the word of God hasn’t changed, so stick with the word of God (II Tim. 3:16-17). Any miracle that goes contrary to the word of God is not from God, etc..
Salvation Message
Because of sin we got to see the judgment of God on mankind in the first eleven chapters of Genesis. However, there is another judgment of God. That is when a person dies without Christ and being forgiven of his sin and wakes up in hell. I don’t want that to happen to you. If you would like to be 1% sure you are going to heaven, please read carefully the salvation message below. All verses can be found in the King James Bible. There are two places where a person can go when they die, either heaven (Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.) or the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.).
Now nobody really wants to go to the lake of fire when they die. However, people go to the lake of fire because of sin (Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;). Now sin is when you break God’s law. Have you ever made a foolish thought?(Prov. 24:9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.). Have you ever lied before? (Exod. 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.). Have you ever gotten punished as a kid for being bad (Exod. 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.). Plain and simply we all have sinned.
God will punish your sin. Do parents have a right to punish kids if they are bad? Sure they do. Well doesn’t God have a right to punish us? Yes he does, and that is why there is a hell and a lake of fire. We all deserve it, but God doesn’t want us to go there (Mark 9:43-44 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.).
We must be sorry that we have sinned against God and repent (II Cor. 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.). Repentance means to turn to God from our sins (we want to change, not just sorry we got caught). It is a change of heart toward God. Our desires toward God changes. Our ‘want to’ changes.
We must understand that Jesus was God in the flesh (I John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.). Jesus is God, he is man(the Son of God), and he is eternal life. Also we must believe that Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose again the third day in an eternal resurrected body(I Cor. 15:2-3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures).
We must put our trust or faith in the blood of Jesus who is God to have all of our sins forgiven. That is the past, present, and future sins, from the time we are born to the time we die, once for all (I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.). Once we are forgiven we are born again into God’s family (Eph. 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,). Once you are in a family would that ever change? In the same way, once you are in God’s family it is forever and you get eternal life. Understand that though God wants you to be good, like doing good works, getting baptized, and going to church etc., being good can’t save you (Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;). Only the blood alone, once for all can save you.
If you would like to have all your sins forgiven, this is what you must do. Pray to God in your heart to be saved. You can use your own words or the sample prayer below. Now praying this prayer won’t forgive you unless you understand it and mean it in your heart. Otherwise God can’t forgive you.
THE SALVATION PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I deserve the lake of fire, but I want to change, please forgive me, for all of my sins, by your blood, once for all, so I can go to heaven. Amen.
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