Tradition noitidarT

 I find this interesting Mark 7:1 (KJV) Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. If we go back to chapter three we read this Mark 3:22 (KJV) And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. I wrote “My question is why are these scribes coming  down from Jerusalem?“ What is a scribe?  “A writer and a doctor of the law; a man of learning; one skilled in the law; one who read and explained the law to the people.”  

Those scribes didn’t come from Jerusalem to help in chapter 3 and they didn’t come back to help and this time they bring the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a sect among the Jews, whose religion consisted in a strict observance of rites and ceremonies and the traditions of the elders,and whose pretended holiness led them to separate themselves as a sect, considering themselves as more righteous than other Jews. Well here they come from the big office in Jerusalem The Doctors of Law and the Most Holy. Mark 7:2 (KJV) And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. Can’t you see then punch each other in the side “when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with unwashen, hands ” 😲👊🏻🫤🫤”they found fault”  

Mark 7:3 (KJV) For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. Sounds like some of the law givers today everyone are to wear a 😷except when you are eating in a public restaurant for it is impossible for you to breath in COVID while eating 🙄those Pharisees were holding to the tradition. Those disciples need to wash their hands more for crying out loud! No wash no eat! Maybe they had that on the doors all over town. Mark 7:4 (KJV) 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. The Pharisees and the scribes were concerned about TRADITION

Mark 7:5 (KJV) 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? They got an answer but I don’t think it was the answer they wanted. First Jesus called them  hypocrites, Isaiah wrote about you guys long ago. Mark 7:6 (KJV) 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.

Here is why Jesus called them hypocrites. Your Worship is off, your teaching is off, therefore your doctrine is wrong.

Mark 7:7 (KJV) Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Do you remember the first thing Jesus began to teach His disciples? 

Mark 1:21 (KJV)   And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.            

Mark 1:22 (KJV)   And they were astonished at his doctrine: The first place Jesus took His Disciple was the Synagogue and there He taught them Doctrine. If your Doctrine is not right it’s easy for Tradition to take hold. What is Tradition “doctrines the commandments of men”  Mark 7:8 (KJV) 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.

Excited

We left the Disciples with a hard heart..Mark 6:52 (KJV) For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. But you know what? Jesus kept on teaching these men He had called. One might ask, has Jesus made a mistake? Of course not. But here they are again getting the same teaching. Mark 6:53 (KJV) And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.                     Mark 6:54 (KJV) And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,                                Mark 6:55 (KJV) And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

When I read this my heart was saddened. The Disciples who should have been the most attentive and excited weren't. It’s just another recurring event for these men. Did they have the attitude that it’s the same old thing, just differ people? I don’t know, but what I do know is the people running to Jesus didn’t have that type of an attitude. It’s a sad day when those who don’t walk with Jesus are more excited about Jesus then those who do. We go to Church but it’s the same oh thing every week? Are we really expecting anything different? That is the sign of a hard heart. If we just had someone else to sing, teach our class, somebody, anybody. Wait a minute, what did they say when you volunteered? Oh you didn’t volunteer? Then we shouldn’t complain if we aren’t willing to step up. Are you running like the people in the town were? They were running to see Jesus or are you just coming out of the ship? Or coming from the house. Those running had hope and expectations, those coming out of the ship it was just another day. What kind of day was it last Sunday? Just like the one before? Why was that? Were you running to see Jesus or just coming again to a building?   No wonder the lake is full of those riding in and being pulled by the boats. If you were to look out on those sitting in a Church service what would you see? Some drawing, some looking at their phones and texting? While others were fighting sleep and then others who had lost the fight and were sound asleep. I bet that person being pulled across the lake on a tube isn’t fighting sleep. Nor is that one driving the boat asleep. Why is that? Could it be they wanted to be there and were involved. Some driving, some riding and some sliding across the water. But back at the Church house they aren’t going to miss anything mainly because they aren’t involved in the first place. What happened to those who shouted while the preacher preached? What happened to those who stood with tears running from their eyes giving God the glory? Where are those who once stood with their hands in the air thanking God for His goodness to them and their family? Have we forgotten the works of God's hands? Have we gotten so busy that we haven’t stopped  to give God the praise He deserves?  Have we forgotten how great His Faithfulness? When was the last time we stopped and thanked God? But those with troubles are running to the people of God who aren’t expecting them and may not even be there at the Church house. Maybe it’s not all your fault, it could be those who think if you can't sing like Alan Jackson then we can’t use you. Wow, wow ,wow don’t forget  

Psalms 100:1 (KJV) Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. It didn’t read “Make a professional sound in tune unto the Lord.” No, it said “NOISE!” Get excited about the place of Worship, look forward to going and be glad you are there. 

I Know

What have you seen? A young man or woman getting off drugs and Drink? A marriage put back together? One whom you thought was a Loser now a winner? Miracles of life and too many times we just say that’s nice and we never really understand what made the difference. Is this not what is happening here in these disciples' lives? 

Mark 6:52 (KJV) For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. These Disciples didn't understand what had happened with the loaves of bread and the fish. Could it be that their minds were closed. What did they learn from it? Not a thing it appears. What did you say when you witnessed lives being put back together around you? Did you look at it blindly, hard-hearted? Did you say it was good for them but my problems are much deeper than theirs were? Do you think within yourself this Jesus stuff is for the weak at heart. The Bible? Yeah it’s for the weak minded! Why, I have a college degree for crying out loud. It’s not more money or a younger mate, or anything else in this world you could possibly think of. Well what is it then? Ask the one who has a smile back on their face, his or her friend list is enlarging, their broken marriage, mended, they are even holding hands and kissing each other again. What made the difference? I know because all of what I just wrote happened to me personally. No I’m not weak minded nor weaker hearted, nor is it my college degree. No, it’s not even my Church affiliation or attendance, it's Jesus that has worked those miracles in my life. Married to the same woman, yes my first wife for 53 years and love her more than words can express. Clean from alcohol and drugs for over 50 years. I could go on and on with how I was ruining my life but that’s not necessary because when I saw I was a sinner; that was a no brainer! Jesus was willing to forgive me. I asked Him to forgive me and He did that very moment. I didn’t look a bit different on the outside, I still smelled like cigarettes, I still had booze at the house and drugs in my possession and cuss words in my heart as well as wrong thinking in my mind. But now I had Jesus in my heart and I knew it. He gave me a New Life turning my eyes away from worthless things. Giving me a New Life in Christ Jesus. 1 John 5:12 (KJV) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. When you have something you know it and you don’t need a college degree. I don’t think, I know! I don’t hope, I know! I’m not guessing, I know! I’ve seen the miracles not just in others I have experienced the miracles in my life. No court, no jail, no booze, no drug,  no,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, How? Jesus! I know!!

Fighting The Wind

Mark 6:45 (KJV) 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. Did you see it? Jesus says it again. Jesus said it before in different words but it meant the same. Mark 4:35 (KJV) And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. Last time they were on their way to the other side they were fighting water. What will happen on this trip? Last time Jesus was with them, but this time Jesus stayed behind. Let’s see what’s ahead, don’t forget that these are men in leadership training.  Jesus sends His disciples away, they are on their way to the other side. He sends the people away and now He goes into a mountain to pray.

Mark 6:46 (KJV) And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. 

Mark 6:47 (KJV) And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. But not all is well out on the sea.   

Mark 6:48 (KJV) And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: Wow, this is not like before, remember Jesus was with them asleep in the storm of water. But here in the storm of wind Jesus in the eyes of these men was nowhere to be found. Question? Have these men learned anything? They can’t run to the rear of the ship, Jesus isn’t there. But they aren’t alone he saw them in their dilemma, but that’s not all, He goes to their aid. Last time they were on their way to the other side, the water was overtaking them and fear was overtaking their faith. But this time Jesus is walking on the water heading toward His disciples, let’s see what happens. and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. Wait, wait would have passed by them? That’s what we read. 

Mark 6:49 (KJV) But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: How would you and I have responded? We look out and there’s a figure walking on top of the water like it was pavement. Don’t say I would not have been afraid and cried out. Then maybe you have never been afraid. Remember before? Fear overtook their faith. Will fear do the same thing here?   Mark 6:50 (KJV) 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. In their fear  Jesus talked with them. Don’t miss that, Jesus talked with them.  How does Jesus talk to His servants today?  Mark 12:24 (KJV) And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? Do you not understand that He will and does speak to His people in the Scripture? For goodness sake read and study your Bible! In His voice there is comfort. “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.”

Mark 6:51 (KJV) And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. Have you ever been “amazed” at what Chist has done just for you “beyond measure”? If not, why not?

A Desert Place

This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away; that was the disciples' solution to the need at hand. In other words we can't, so let's not try to solve; our solution is remove the need out of sight. I will agree this was an overwhelming need and it looked impossible. I had a friend that taught me about not giving up just because the need looked impossible. His name was Alvin Honea; he was 40+ years older than I was but there was never a problem he didn’t try to solve, he just didn’t quit. These disciples were ready to quit without trying. Sorry to say I’ve seen too many with the same problem; the problem of I can’t. Sit back and buckle up🌪️🎬 for Nothing is too hard for The Lord. 🌋 Mark 6:38 (KJV) He (Jesus) saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. Jesus saw a solution not the problem.⛱️ Too many let the problem overwhelm them until the problem overshadows any solution. There’s 5000 plus people in this multitude and all we could come up with are 5 loaves and 2 fish🤷🏻. What did Jesus say? Mark 6:39 (KJV) And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.   Then Jesus takes an impossible situation and teaches His disciples what to do. Mark 6:41 (KJV) 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. Jesus does what? “he looked up to heaven” and then Jesus “brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples” and Jesus kept breaking and giving until all were filled.(divided he among them all.) Mark 6:42 (KJV) And they did all eat, and were filled. If there was only enough to have fed the multitude that would have been a miracle. But no, there’s more  Mark 6:43 (KJV) And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. The lesson, you can’t out do and you can’t out give, our Lord who sees our need. But wait, let us not miss what really happened, the real purpose. Yes the multitude needed to be fed but the real purpose was the teaching of these men whom Jesus was training; it was trust in God’s ability not yours. When you can’t, God can! You may have been told you’ll always be recovering from, you fill in the blank. But I am a byproduct that says different because of God who saw the need and solved the problem; I am no longer recovering! We took the cancer out sir/ miss we got it all. Now if it doesn’t return in 5 years we will say you are cancer free. What would we say about one who had a drug or alcohol problem? How long, 5 years and you are clean? No, we hear the Word Never!😮 You will always be recovering. I think it’s best to go to Jesus. He has a solution and solves the Need!

What They Talked About

Jesus sent the disciples out 2 by 2 now here in verse 30 they have returned.  Mark 6:30 (KJV) And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. Remember the purpose, Jesus is  training, teaching these men for the future. Up to this point they have been watching. What’s wrong with watching? Nothing, but you learn by doing it for yourself. “Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime.” When these disciples came back their talk told Jesus they needed more training; “the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.” What did they say? They told Jesus all they had done and what they had taught. Excuse me for a minute and let me pat each of you guys on the back. They forgot that Jesus sent them out, Jesus gave them power to preach and also provided for their journey. So when they returned what did they talk about? What they had done and what they had taught; not what God had done in the people's lives. No, they said nothing about how God had protected them, provided for them, kept them safe. No it was about what they had done. It’s time for more teaching. Jesus removes them by ship from the multitudes to rest, but the multitude follows. Jesus seeing the multitude spends the day teaching. Why? Mark 6:34 (KJV) 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. The lesson here is, Need and Compassion. What did Jesus see? “saw much people” how did Jesus see the multitude? With “compassion” Jesus saw people with no direction in life “not having a shepherd” so Jesus did something “he began to teach them many things” Seeing a need and doing nothing is not seeing the need. Here’s  a saying I have learned that has helped me take the lead. See the need, take the lead. Too many are waiting on someone. The only problem with that is I have never met anybody with the name “SOMEONE.” Too many are saying “why me?” The answer to that is why not you! Remember the disciples were sent out to help others. Have they learned to be compassionate? Well let’s see.  

Mark 6:35 (KJV) 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:

Mark 6:36 (KJV) 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. NOPE! They didn’t see the need “This is a desert place” they didn’t see the value of time “the time is far passed:” The disciples hadn’t learned the value of other people's souls “Send them away” Why? No compassion. Here’s what they saw, it wasn’t the spiritual it was the natural “buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.”