Wow, What a Compliment!

Mark 6:14 (KJV) And king Herod heard of him;(Jesus) (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.

King Herod when he had heard about Jesus and all He was doing, got real concerned and his conscience began to trouble him. Herod had gone way over the line. You know, when we allow sin to continue in our lives we will do things we never thought we would ever do. A few years ago there was a young man living not far from my home. His grandparents had given him a place to live in their home. This young man kept asking his grandparents for money until one day they said no. This young man got a hammer and came up from behind his granddad and hit him in the back of his head until he was dead. Then he goes and kills his grandmother, cuts them up so they would fit in the chest freezer. Oh my you say, how could he do such an awful thing? I’m sure that was never his intention but he kept letting the use of drugs control him. Just remember Sin will take you further than you ever planned to go. Sin will always keep you longer than you ever planned to stay. Sin will always cost you more than you ever plan to pay. Herod’s conscience wouldn’t let him forget what he did to John the Baptist. John was a godly man. Why would I say that? Because of the comparison Herod gave him. Herod thought Jesus was John the Baptist. Wow, what a compliment! In Mark chapter 6 keep reading and you’ll read about the birthday party and the birthday Herod never was able to forget. Mark 6 Verses 14-29 

Get Involved

 Mark 6:6 (KJV) And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

It’s easy to follow and watch and be amazed but one can never learn until they do it themselves , make their mistakes. A person in training needs to do more than run back and forth to the toolbox getting screwdrivers. They must get involved! Jesus is about to send these disciples out 2 by 2. He will give them instructions and what they need to do what He had taught them to do. Are they are Ready? 

Mark 6:7 (KJV) And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

Mark 6:8 (KJV)  And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 

Mark 6:9 (KJV) But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.

Mark 6:10 (KJV) And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 

Mark 6:11 (KJV) 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.

Notice what they were doing.

Mark 6:12 (KJV) And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

That men should do what? Do the best they could? Give more money to the  synagogue! No! REPENT! Webster say that REPENT is to express sorrow for something past.  To change the mind in consequence of the inconvenience or injury done by past conduct.

Repentance is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God. 

2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV) (KJV) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

These disciples went out and Preached Repentance.

Then they Helped  

Mark 6:13 (KJV) And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

These disciples preached, this is how you can go to Heaven, Repent. But if you don’t repent we are still going to help you. That is what the Churches and Christian people are doing today. Many Churches open their doors to help those in need. They fed, give medical help, legal help, clothes and on and on Never requiring anyone to repent. Why would anyone do this? “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Romans 2:4 (KJV)

One can lead another to water but can never make one to drink. 

Unbelievable

Mark 6:4 (KJV) 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.

Isn’t that the way it is? The ones who should encourage you the most, the ones who should believe in you more than anyone else are the ones who don’t. The problem for you and I are the same. The problem Jesus had was “UNBELIEF!” Sometimes the ones closest to you will be your greatest challenge. I have seen it happen over and over again. A husband or wife, a mom or dad. Their son, daughter, wife or husband have come into the RU Recovery Program and are getting the help they need. They have been off drugs or alcohol for a year or more. When their loved one who knows little or nothing about addiction starts getting them to miss meetings. Here’s the problem with that: it won't be long before that person slips. I got a call from a mom whose son was in his 20’s he was getting out of prison. This young man had been in prison for more than 2 years. His mom was asking for information about the program. Then the mom, dad and son showed up late at the meeting one night, I didn't have time to introduce myself. They were seated maybe 10 minutes or less when the Dad got up and had his wife and son leave. The look on the mothers face and in her eyes as she looked at her husband were saying what are you doing as they walked out. That young man’s enemy at that point wasn’t drugs, it was his dad! “without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” “UNBELIEF”

Make No Mistake

 Jesus and His disciples left Capernaum and went  to His own country the city of Nazareth. Where Jesus was raised and was educated as a young boy. The first place we read He and His disciples go is the synagogue and He began to teach. Mark 6:1 (KJV) And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.

Mark 6:2 (KJV) 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? 

Jesus is in His hometown maybe He is teaching in the synagogue where Joseph and Mary his mother attended. He may have gone there Himself with them as He was growing up, we don’t know. But what we do know is that these people knew Him and His earthly family. Mark 6:3 (KJV) 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. I don’t know if you notice how Jesus was identified. First as a carpenter; not the Savior of the world. That’s the way many see Jesus a good man even a prophet but not The Savior of mankind. But there’s more “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary,” That’s strange! If I would have said that I would have said it like this “is that not Jesus the son of Joseph and Mary.” You know why? Because He’s not the son of Joseph and Mary He’s the Son of God not Joseph  Matthew 3:17 (KJV) And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Mark 1:1 (KJV) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

In our Bible God wants no mistake or confusion about who Jesus is; HE IS GOD’S SON!

2 Timothy 1:10 (KJV) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Make no mistake who Jesus is. 

Outside Voices 🗣️👂😰

Mark 5:34 (KJV) And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. 

All seemed great, this woman with no name was healed. With all the excitement there is bad, no awful news coming, no this news is davistating.  

Mark 5:35 (KJV) 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? But wait a minute, don't stop too soon, don’t listen to the outside voices. If you do, you'll lose all hope. Jesus knows who touches His hem of His garment. He also hears the voices of discouragement spoken to you to get you to lose hope in the purpose. Mark 5:36 (KJV) As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. As soon as Jesus heard He refreshes the purpose”Be not afraid, only believe.” This is a hard thing to do when the doctor says for you to get things in order many lose all hope. Here’s why we shouldn’t lose hope. My dad had a close friend, they had been friends since they were kids. The doctor told him to get things in order. He went about to do so and 5 years later he was still getting things in order. Now I know that does happen to everyone but don’t lose sight of who you are. Remember what Jesus called this unnamed woman? Daughter! Remember whose family you are in.  

1 John 3:2 (KJV) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. If you know whose family you are in then when the outside voices come to try to defeat you just remember what you have read.   

Psalms 103:2  (KJV) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Psalms 103:3  (KJV) Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 

Psalms 116:15 (KJV) Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Don’t quit, don’t give up! This is what’s happening with Jairus “why troublest thou the Master any further?” Had Jairus taken their word versus the Word  of Jesus he would have missed out on the blessings from God. Now here’s what happened. Jesus told the multitude we are on our way to Jairus’s home and you can’t go! Mark 5:37 (KJV) And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. When they got there Jesus told those that were there that this young girl was only asleep. But they didn’t believe Jesus, they all believed it was show with no hope. 

Mark 5:39 (KJV) And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

Mark 5:40 (KJV) 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. Jesus got rid of the naysayers and He took the mom and dad where their daughter was lying. He also took Peter, James and John. Get the picture. Jesus got rid of those who were there. Jesus takes mom and dad where their daughter was lying, their hearts were broken. But Jesus also took 3 men He was training to be leaders. Now watch what happens.   

Mark 5:41 (KJV) And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

Mark 5:42 (KJV) And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

Three people got great help in Mark 5

The man living among the dead.  You’re not to lost for God to find!

The woman no one could fix. You’re not to hurt for God to heal!

The broken man Jairus.  You’re not to broken for God to fix!

Our God is a God who wants to help. But there is never any help until one asks.

He’s There

We stopped last as Jesus stopped on His way to Jairus home to see about his young daughter. The crowd was large as they followed Jesus to Jairus home where his daughter was at the point of death. But there was another woman who was working her way toward Jesus who had been sick for 12 years. Her mindset was if she could just touch Jesus’s garment she would be healed. She was right, she touched the garment of Jesus and she was healed. Nobody knows her, nor what she did.  But that’s  not so. No one ever comes to Jesus that Jesus does know and neither the person who was healed. So don’t say, I  think I was saved when I was 12, no if you were you know it. I didn’t say you haven’t messed up your life, I said you haven’t forgotten what Jesus did and neither has He! 

Mark 5:30 (KJV) 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? The disciples said what I may have said Mark 5:31 (KJV) And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?  But Jesus knew there was someone in great need who touched Him. Mark 5:32 (KJV) And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. All of a sudden this woman got scared she may have thought she had done something wrong.  

Mark 5:33 (KJV) But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. She told Jesus about the 12 years being sick, about the doctors, about having nothing and about, I’m getting no better. But Jesus responded much differently than she thought He would.  

Mark 5:34 (KJV) And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. He called her Daughter! That’s a family term; remember how important Jairus daughter was to Jairus? Because of this woman’s faith in Jesus she was made whole, and so can you my friend. Jairus's daughter at the point of death or a woman with no hope and nothing in this world to live for, Jesus is plainly the answer. Be like the woman with no name, go for it! Reach out and touch Him. But you say “I don’t need Jesus” oh but you do! Reach out! He's there! 

How Important RU?

Mark 5:21 (KJV) 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.

Jesus and His disciples returned but this time there was no storm but there were a lot of people waiting. The news got out that Jesus was back in town and many people are back. But in the next verse the focus changes from the multitude to one person, a man named Jairus.  Mark 5:22 (KJV) And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue. Wait a minute I have a question? My question is if this man Jairus was a ruler, was he there in the synagogue in chapter 3 when Jesus healed a man with the  withered hand? Did Jairus know about the counsel that was taken, how they might destroy Jesus. I think being a ruler he did and may have been a part of that counsel. I don't know, but being a rule I would have to think he would have known about it. If so  what changed that he being a ruler in the synagogue would come to Jesus in such desperation?  Mark 5:23 (KJV) 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. His daughter! What’s it going to take to change your heart? Jesus seeing this man’s urgency and his desperation heads off to Jairus home. 

Mark 5:24 (KJV) And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. If you could have seen Jairus face I’m sure it had some relief on it. But then it happened, somebody got in the way and stopped the progress. Mark 5:25 (KJV) And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, You see Jairus daughter is in desperate need, this woman is also in desperate need.  Maybe she could have waited, I mean this has been going on for 12 years. What's one more day? What a dilemma, a man's daughter at the point of death.  A woman who had spent all she had and was not getting any better, instead she was getting worse. Which would you say was more urgent? What would you do? Would you say “I’m sorry miss but Mr Jairus asked me first to see his daughter, you see she’s at the point of death. When I’m done there I’ll come back and see about you. No! That’s not the way Jesus works. He’s never too busy to see about you and others aren’t  more important. It makes no difference who you are, Ruler Jairus or an unnamed woman who was suffering, everybody is important to Jesus. All you have to do is call His Name and He will stop and help you. (To be continued)