Garden of Gethsemane

As I have been reading Mark 14 this week, I am overwhelmed at the number of events that are contained in this chapter!  There is so much to glean from these 72 verses.  But, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, the most important lesson is that it points us to Jesus, who He is and what He did for us as a human.

I encourage you to read this chapter and see what God has to show you concerning all the events in Mark 14:

  1.  The woman that anoints Jesus with oil
  2. How Judas agrees to betray Jesus
  3. Jesus and the Disciples share the Last Supper
  4. How Jesus agonizes in the Garden
  5. Jesus is betrayed and arrested
  6. Jesus is questioned by Caiaphus
  7. Peter denies knowing Jesus

I want to focus on Jesus and what He faced in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Mark 14:32-36                                                                                     32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”  33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.  34“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,:  he said to them.  “Stay here and keep watch.”  35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.  36“Abba, Father, he said, everything is possible for you.  Take this cup from me.  Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Jesus faced his suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The meaning of this garden is actually “oil press”.  In this garden, Jesus can actually feel what it is going to be like when the weight of the sins of his people literally crush or press him and take his life.  

He asks God to “take this cup from me” in verse 36.  What is the
“cup”?  It is helpful to look back at the Old Testament to see what the “cup” stands for.  In Psalm 23:4 and 116:13 we see that a cup can be filled with blessing and salvation.  Or as in Isaiah 51:17 and Ezekiel 23:33, the cup can be filled with wrath and horror.  Many Old Testament passages use the metaphor of the cup as a reference to God’s fierce judgment.  

So, when Jesus prays, “take this cup from me”, he is referring to the references above.  He knew that when He went to the cross he would drink the cup of god’s wrath.  He would have to bear all divine judgment.  In the process of drinking the cup, he would suffer horribly, both in the physical realm and especially in the spiritual realm as he is separated from His Father.

In Jesus’ prayer in the Garden, we see that he is a genuine human being, one who is fully human as well fully divine.  I can take away from this passage that Jesus is more like me that I realize.  He is not some superhuman figure that goes to the cross without a second thought or tiny hesitation.  Jesus shows us his gut-wrenching honesty of what he is about to face.

Jesus modeled true openness with his Father as he prayed in the Garden.  He was beyond troubled.  Let this be a model for us, as we know we will face trouble in this world.

John 16:33 states, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

We may speak openly to Jesus just as He did with the Father.  With every trouble we face, be it big or little, we need to make sure we take it to Jesus.  Jesus knew what was coming up for him.  He was overwhelmed with what was set before him.  He shows us 3 things that he did in these verses, we need to do the same when we face troubles:

1-Pray to God (14:35)

2-Seek support of friends and loved ones (14:33,37,40,41)

3-Focus on the purpose god has given us (14:36)

Jesus faced the ultimate suffering for us so that we could live eternally with Him.  Let us take each and every trouble to Him and lay it at His feet.  I am sure relieved that there are two more chapters in the book of Mark and it ends in VICTORY!!!

The End

Mark 13

Do not be anxious.  That’s what the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6.  I have to remind myself of that because it’s exactly what happens to me when I read Mark 13.  Maybe you become anxious too?  Here’s how it goes.  We begin to analyze and worry, trying to discern if we are in the end times. As we consider current events and the natural disasters happening everywhere, the conclusion has to be yes, we are living in the end times.  Given that answer, our creative energy is poured into possibilities and theories that tie everything together.  In some odd way, it helps make sense of the world.  Other people support the idea too.  In fact, they will encourage us and ask for more which causes us to go digging into the prophetic scripture so that we can justify our conclusions.

What is my conclusion?  Yes, we are in the end times.  I do not know if we are closer to the beginning or closer to the end, but I’d have to be crazy not to see evil rising up all around me. And, yes, it makes me anxious.  Truth is, this anxiety is very revealing.  It paints a pretty good picture of what is really in my heart.  You see, this anxiety is produced when I consider that the life that I know, with its familiarity and relative comfort, is going to be disrupted.  If that is true, then clearly, I am not looking forward to a life with God.  If that is true, Jesus warns, there is no possible way you will make it through the tribulation.

How then, are we going to make it through?  How are we going to survive additional trials that are headed our way? Its easy when we reflect on the central focus of all these stories.  They are not about God’s condemnation.  They are about his love and faithfulness. If we are to be reminded of this, we must do as Colossians 3:2 suggests and “set our mind on things above, not on earthly things.”  When we do that, all the events, all the possible horrors and evils fade away, forever lost in the hope created by the pure, precious love of Jesus Christ.

Integrity

Today’s reading is Mark 12.

As we continue to take a close look at the words of Jesus, He tells us here that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength in Mark 12:30, reaffirming what Moses said in Deuteronomy 6:5 after delivering the Ten Commandments. He then states in Mark 12:31 the second greatest commandment is what some refer to as the “golden rule” which is to love your neighbor like yourself. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that a few verses later in Mark 12:38-40 he calls out the religious scribes who talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk and truly live their lives for God warning of their condemnation. This is a good reminder for all of us to take a look at the true condition of our heart. How do we know the true condition of our heart?

This week our son came home from kindergarten and asked his mom and me if we knew what integrity meant. Taken a little bit back by this from him asking this at a young age we asked, “What is it buddy?” He said, “My teacher says it’s doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Albert Einstein said there are 5 levels of intelligence in ascending order: smart, intelligent, brilliant, genius, and the highest form which is simple. This is not the textbook definition of integrity, but I believe it’s the simplest and the right one. We should all ponder this question,” What am I doing when no one is watching?” This shows the true condition of our heart. We need to fully examine ourselves to know the condition of our heart which God already knows. As the scribes were doing, any of us can paint a picture we want others to see by writing for devotional like this, serving as an elder or even as a pastor, volunteering, going to church and saying the right things. But, does your heart and follow up actions show you are doing these things for the right reasons? Do you truly love Him? You know. God knows.

As I write this, we are talking about repentance as part of our Joshua 24 study and Eastview Church. If we are not living the way we want to live, the great news is at any time we can turn away from sin and run into God’s loving arms. We must acknowledge our sin and specifically and then take action to change what we are doing. The even better news is that 1 John 4:19 tells us He first loved us before we loved Him by giving His life on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Do you believe this? If so, despite past wrong doings, you can go live your life with integrity for Him today and every day without any guilt of past wrong doing. Is there any greater feeling than that?!

The Fig Tree

Mark 11

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.

The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree

20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received[c] it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”[d]

Today’s reading is one of those lessons I now know more about than I did before we started the Bible Journal.  Yes, I heard this lesson of the Fig Tree back in Sunday School but I didn’t truly understand the meaning.  Over the course of the last two years, I have written on the Fig Tree twice.  It is one of my favorite posts for two reasons:  1) I learned to unpack Jesus’ stories and parables and 2) it shows Jesus as human.  So much symbolism is shown in today’s reading.  If we look at the full context of Mark 11 and into the readings of the coming week, Jesus has much on his mind.  His “triumphant entry” is made is the city on a donkey.  He cleanses the temple.  He is challenged as unbelievers are surfacing.  He knows his death awaits him.  As we put the Fig Tree parable into context, I did go back to my first post on this topic and pull a few fig facts and key message points.

Did you know?:

  • Fig fruit is one of the popular fruits enjoyed since ancient times.
  • The fig tree is native to temperate regions of Asia Minor or Turkey, and today, grown as an important fruit of commerce in the eastern Mediterranean climates, USA, and Spain
  • Fig fruit is low in calories. 100 g fresh fruits carry only 74 calories.  However, they contain health benefiting soluble dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and pigment antioxidants that contribute immensely towards optimum health and wellness.
  • Dried figs are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. In fact, dried figs possess higher concentrations of energy, minerals, and vitamins. 100 g dried figs provide 249 calories.
  • Furthermore, research studies suggest that chlorogenic acid in the figs help lower blood sugar levels and control blood glucose levels in type-II diabetes mellitus (adult-onset) condition.

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/fig-fruit.html if you want to learn more.

In Mark 11: 12-14, and also in Matthew 21: 18-22 Jesus sees the fig tree up ahead and was looking forward to tasting that sweet treat. He saw the leaves and assumes it will be bearing fruit, but once he arrived, he is disappointed. The tree was barren. Even though it was out of season, he was mad. He cursed the tree, which could be viewed by some as a show of his power. Typically he used his power to perform miracles, but this time, his power has the opposite result of harming a living thing. It was the only time he cursed something and it withered immediately.

We see Jesus use parables, miracles and teachings to make his disciples and followers think. We have to unpack his messages as they often have double meanings or can be interpreted differently. In this story, the fig tree has leaves, which outwardly shows growth, hopefully signifying fruit. We can liken this vision to people. People in Jesus’s time and also today, outwardly appearing to follow God, saying the right thing, going to church, but inside, the opposite is happening. They do not believe. They may say they are Christians but deep down don’t live up to God’s word. Or what about the opposite:  they have faith but don’t follow through. “Faith without good works is dead”.

Going back to the story of the Fig Tree, if I had been following Jesus and saw the Fig Tree wither, I would have shook with fear. Would Jesus now start performing this type of act or even take this type of approach with non-believers? What does he mean by this act?

What do you take away from this story? What would he want us to do? Believe, have faith, follow, perform good works, follow the commandments. To me, it is about being a Christian through and through. Not faking it for appearance sake, but living the life day in and day out as a follower of Christ.  God does not want us to fake it, and he also does not want us to wither away.  He will protect us.

 

Let the Children Come to Me

Today’s reading is the 10th chapter of Mark. There are so many topics and lessons packed into this chapter that’s it’s difficult to focus on one for today’s devotion! Jesus talks about divorce, wealth, his upcoming death and resurrection, and heals a blind man.

Verses 13-16 are my focus today.

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

I love to imagine what it must have looked like to see Jesus surrounded by a group of children vying for his attention, excited to see him, calling out his name, wanting to sit on his lap and hug his neck. The disciples must have thought Jesus was much too busy and important for this. The word in this version describes Jesus’ response to the disciples rebuking the children as “indignant” – how dare they send away the little children! Not only did Jesus want them to be near to him, he then tells us that the children are a faith standard. I think of this often when talking about Jesus with my children. They aren’t worried about theology, commentaries, scientific proof, etc.

Instead, they focus on the simple truths and cling to them. God is everywhere. God sees and hears everything. God forgives us when we’re sorry. God wants us to obey, but loves us even when we don’t. God knows ALL the animals in the whole world. God is always with us, even when we’re scared or having a bad dream.

As I think of the different conversations I’ve had with little people about Jesus, I’m struck at how much they know so early on. They aren’t riddled with doubt about his existence or omnipotence – they simply accept it as fact and embrace the amazing truth of his love.

Try looking at Jesus through the eyes of a child today. Think of how awesome his creation is, how exciting his promise of eternal life is, and how sweet it is to know for sure we have a Father watching out for us all the time.

 

The Mystery of Transfiguration

Transfiguration-Raphael 1520

Today’s Reading: Mark 9

“And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.” And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. Mark 9:1-8

Hello readers, I’m so happy to write to you again on a Monday morning. We have something big to talk about today, the transfiguration of Jesus. I know, that is just so much for a Monday! So, what on earth is happening here? Let’s start with the whole concept of transfiguration. The word transfiguration comes from the Latin term transfiguratiowhich refers to the experience of momentary divine radiance. Jesus’ core group of disciples Peter, James and John accompany Jesus on an arduous journey up a mountain. When they reach the top they witness the transfiguration of Jesus as well as the appearance of both Moses and Elijah the prophet. The three of them together inherently tell the story of the promise of a life beyond what can be seen and experienced on earth. Moses and Elijah had mysterious deaths as chronicled in the Old Testament. Elijah went physically with his whole body into heaven (2 Kings 2:9-12) and Moses’ grave was never found as he was buried by God himself (Deuteronomy 34:4-7). The Jews viewed the appearance of these two pillars of faith to be a sign of the end of days. It’s not an accident that the three of them appear together. Then suddenly the disciples hear God’s voice, “This is my beloved son; listen to Him.” Mark 9:8. Moses and Elijah disappear and Jesus is the only one left. They then begin back down the mountain and Jesus warns his disciples not to share what they have seen until the Son of Man has risen from the dead. What a crazy day on the mountain!

How can we, as modern disciples of Christ make sense of this transfiguration story and apply it to life today? First and most important we recognize Christ’s transfiguration as a sign of hope as the gospel of Mark moves toward the passion. Second, we can draw the conclusion that Jesus’ predictions of betrayal, death and resurrection are accurate. That we can trust His word when He says He will return for us. Finally, this episode at the top of the mountain is evidence to us of God’s faithfulness. God does not leave us without help, guidance and most importantly He does not leave us without hope. Although it may seem that we wait endlessly for God to appear in our own life, maybe we need to trust in the glimpse that others have had. Jesus did not take all 12 apostles to the top of the mountain. But that glimpse is nonetheless a gift to all of us.

When the glory and excitement of that mountaintop moment faded away; Peter, James and John were left with a difficult reality. They had a responsibility to lead the rest of the disciples while their Messiah was dying on the cross. Are we strong enough and brave enough to lead in those dark moments when what’s left is the memory of hope? As we walk in His footsteps, not able to see Him but only remembering His promise, are we still transformed by the vision of Him? The transfiguration of Jesus wasn’t just for Peter, James and John. It was for all of us. We are called to be light and hope for a world that has not seen and has not heard. We are called to dig deep and find that light within our soul, listen to Him and let the vision transform us.

 

Feeding the Multitudes

Mark 8 opens with the miracle of Jesus Feeding the Multitudes of people with just some loaves and fish. Back in the days of Sunday School flannelgraph lessons, I never knew there were two separate events of this miracle! Jesus fed thousands – TWICE!

All four gospels record the Feeding of the 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, near Bethsaida (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:31-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:1-14).

Then in Mark and Matthew the second miracle of Feeding the Multitudes was recorded – 4,000 people fed with 7 loaves and 3 fish ( Matthew 15:32-39 and Mark 8:1-9).

We know this is two separate accounts because later in Mark, verses 18-20, Jesus reminds the disciples of the two different accounts and questions why they’d be worried about having something to eat when they just witnessed these two miracles.

Have you heard of the book or seen the quote “All I Ever Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”? Well… I’d like to think that it’s really “All I Ever Need to Know I Learned in Sunday School”! So much of my adult experiences can be traced back to some of the true stories we learned in Sunday School. The Parting of the Red Sea… Danial and the Lion’s Den… David and Goliath… Feeding the 5,000.

This one is especially close to my heart, because God has continued to be so faithful in meeting my needs – making something out of nothing, when I least expect it.

Miracles of supplication and abundance have been in my life since I can remember: food on our table, a roof over our head, and clothes on our back, even when times were bleak (by western standards). I have continued to see this through adolescence, as a young adult, and as a wife and mom. These miracles have no bounds, covering me physically, spiritually, and emotionally. It’s no coincidence that in each stage of life I’ve been blessed by spiritual mentors and discipleship. People caring for me as an “angel unaware” (Heb 13:2), at times, taking me by the hand and showing me the way.  Giving grace when it wasn’t deserved. Sharing their abundance when they had nothing to gain from me. Praying on my behalf.

I witnessed miracles as a kid, with my parents sharing their little loaves and fish and God making it more than enough. There was an old school bus they acquired in the 80s – my mom would make these massive pots of beef vegetable soup in the winter and load it onto the back of the bus. We would run it in downtown Dayton, heat it up and the homeless would get warm and have a bowl of soup. My siblings and I would tell bible stories and sing songs to the homeless people. I was seven and we were one paycheck away from being homeless ourselves. We always had enough soup and our bus never ran out of gas, it would run on fumes much longer than it should have!

In recent years there have been countless situations where God was there, turning loaves and fish into more than enough. When I left my corporate career after 13+ years, we had no idea how we would makes ends meet and manage the debt we would incur. We felt a strong leading to make this change, but financially could not make the numbers work.  And mirroring the loaves + fish, God stepped in and turned the single income household into more than enough. Only by this miracle did we not go in the red. Every month we were astounded at how the numbers worked out. True miracles, not luck or coincidences. The biggest miracle in this, is that we did not change our giving habits!

The Feeding of the Multitudes was a HUGE testimony to the thousands… but imagine the little boy that shared his food. How much more did this mean to him, seeing Jesus use his willing heart for others? Can you imagine the testimony he had for the rest of his life?

Each year our church takes up a special collection designed to expand ministry across the globe.  Each year Tim and I pray for unexpected funds to come in that month, with the intent of giving whatever that surprise is. Every single year, a large amount comes in, completely out of the blue.  An overpayment from something from years before… a surprise bonus not at normal timing, etc. Each year it’s become a fun game to see where the money will come from that special month and what we will be able to give. I share all of this purely as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and not in the least from our doing.

Whether it’s sharing and serving in our circle, or way out of our circle, God has a plan to use what He has given us. What loaves and fish do you have?

Do you have a life experience that God intends to be shared with someone walking thru the very same thing? Do you have a heart for prayer and can be a warrior for someone else’s battle? What purpose does God have for the talents He has given you? Maybe you have one of those smiles that light up a room, desperately needed in dark place today. If you are reading this and feel like you don’t have much to share, let me encourage you – YOU DO! Do you think the little boy thought he had a purpose on that day, or that his little lunch would make a huge difference? Seek the Lord and ask Him to show you what things He has given you that are intended for His kingdom.

God, you are the perfect provider, and your timing and ways are far beyond ours. Help us to trust You more and open our hearts and hands to be used miraculously for your kingdom. Give us a heart for stewardship with all the talents and blessings you’ve given each of us. Forgive us for doubting Your provision (just like the disciples) and thanks for the reminders of your faithfulness in the past. Amen.

Motivazione alta!

This week marks four months that my family and I have been living in Italy. Prior to moving, we spent about five months being “all in” preparing.

There is one major item has loomed over my head for several months: Learning the Italian language.

From the onset, I was truly committed to downloading the language apps, and even had some good streaks for logging in several days in a row. I listed to podcasts in the car and made feeble attempts to make it stick. I kept thinking, be patient, it’ll take some work but then suddenly I’ll be speaking like a real Italian.

Four months of living here resulted in ~120 words. Even with 120 great words, it is generally impossible to communicate in Italian. To be less harsh on myself, I did set a goal to learn at least one word per day. Unfortunately that goal wasn’t good enough.

The most important thing I was lacking was motivation. I went through the motions feeling good about checking the box when using the language applications. The online apps give some good affirmation and feedback to keep the users going. Nothing against the apps; those weren’t the problem. The problem was all me.

After feeling like I hit rock bottom with the learning progress it was time to make a decision. Go all in or give up. And there is no way I’m going to give up; it was abundantly clear that it was time, past time, to go all in on learning.

The Italian language school courses begin on Mondays so the following Monday I showed up to the school early, signed up, and immediately started the daily four-hour sessions.

The thing that struck me most on the very first day was a comment from the professor. To learn Italian, she said you must have “motivazione alta” (high motivation). I could easily mentally check out and play along during and after class because again, the problem is not the teacher, method, or material. Success or failure solely relies on my motivation, passion, and attitude… my heart.

Of course this all ties in with today’s reading in Mark Chapter 7 and our daily walk with Christ. Am I honoring my creator, savior and lord in vain as a hypocrite or with my heart?

6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

“‘This people honors me with their lips,
    but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me,
    teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Mark 7:6-7)

Am I all in with Christ, just as I claim to be with language study? Is my motivation for Jesus high? Am I living as though each day could be my last? Does my life appear to be marked by one that is relentlessly seeking the kingdom of Heaven? Am I working out my faith with fear and trembling (as in Philippians 2:12)?

One more thought for today as a reason why in all of this. The end of the Sermon on the Mount has one of my favorite verses. Matthew 7:28 has the word “astonished”. They were astonished at his teaching. Mark 7:37 has the same word; they were astonished at his perfection and his miracles. This astonishment can and should be bestowed upon only one person, that is Jesus Christ.

How will the end of my day and your day today be one that resembles being astonished by who Jesus was and is, and what he did for us? Will we put him in his rightful place as savior and lord today and every day forward?

What do YOU believe about God?

Today’s reading:  Mark 6

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith (Mark 6:1-6).

Jesus lived among the people of Nazareth for 30 years. He grew up with them, he was their neighbor and their friend.  They knew him better than anyone else.  Their familiarity with Jesus and their preconceived notions about him, however, kept them from accepting his message and putting their faith in him.  Ultimately their unwillingness to believe Jesus was the Messiah God promised in the Old Testament, separated them from God.

In his 1961 book, The Knowledge of the Holy, AW Tozer wrote – “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us”.  Do you believe this?  Think about it – if eternal life is only possible because God sent Jesus to die on the cross and pay the price for our sins, knowing what someone believes in his or her heart about God tells us where they will spend eternity.  You might even go as far as to say – if we get it wrong about God, it really doesn’t matter what else we get right.  Outside of spending eternity with God, all other roads lead to death.

According to a recent study by the Pew Research center, 80% of Americans claim to believe in God. This study found how people see God, and how they believe God interacts with them, varies greatly by religious affiliation, gender and political party.  In fact, only about 56% of Americans affirm belief in God as he is described in the Bible (When Americans Say They Believe in God, What Do They Mean, 2017).

So I ask, what do YOU believe about God?  This is the most important question you will ever answer.

And this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent (John 17:3).

Faith

Enjoy Mark 5 today.

Mark 5:25-34

She is alone. Banned from society because she is “unclean”. She has tried to make herself well by going to all the doctors she could but none of them were able to heal her. All of her money was spent trying to find a cure that never came. 12 years……bleeding. 4,380 days. Never clean. Always waiting….hoping the next day would get better. Silently suffering. The dark circles under her eyes tell the story of loss. That’s what bleeding does…..it depletes you of life. She was being depleted daily……of nutrients, relationships, and connection. Hope was gone.

Or was it?

She heard about Jesus performing miracles. Maybe this was her chance. She was so desperate and tired. So sick of feeling sick. She decides to reach for Jesus, at least the edge of his garment. Just the edge….just a piece of his clothing……something……anything. She doesn’t come to him with a big speech. She doesn’t even ask him for help. She approaches her healing as the outcast she had been for the past 12 years.  She comes from behind……reaching through the crowd of people, for a scrap of healing.
“If I just touch his clothes I will be healed” Mark 5:28.
She reaches until she feels the rough texture of his clothes on the tips of her fingers. Amidst people, animals, dust, and dirt she feels his clothing in her grasp. Hopeful. Trusting.
And then…….it happens…..healing. The bleeding and suffering stop. And Jesus stops. He asks who touched him and the disciples remind him of all the people around him…..everyone is touching Jesus! But He knew the difference. This was a touch of faith. A purposeful touch. Jesus felt the power go out of Him. She fell to his feet knowing she was healed.
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering” Mark 5:34.
Jesus knew exactly what was happening. It was monumental to heal this woman and acknowledge her. In a culture that put men first and sent women away when they were “unclean”……this was a big deal. And everyone saw and witnessed his care for this woman.
I love this story. I love that he called her daughter. He healed her physically and called her his own. All while walking in a crowd of people, heading to raise Jairus’s daughter from her death.
This is our Jesus! Oh that we would have the faith to reach out and touch the edge of his garment.
Shelly