Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“And he answered them and said, “O unbelieving generation! How long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me!”” (Mark 9:19)

Chapter nine begins with Jesus’ interior Light shining forth for Peter, James, and John to see. And it scared them. They even saw Elijah and Moses – who they recognized – standing with Jesus. The Father AGAIN professed His pleasure in Jesus, His Son. But Jesus told them not to tell ANYONE about it until He (Jesus) was resurrected. They didn’t understand Him, but they obeyed Him. When they got down, they stepped into a raging debate between the Pharisees and the disciples. Turns out a man with a demon-possessed son had come for help, but the disciples were unable to help them. Jesus was calm and collected. He commanded the demon out. When the disciples asked why THEY couldn’t do it (remember that they had before and fully expected to this time), Jesus told them that only through consistent prayer (and fasting) could you get this kind of trust to come out. Without that true trusting in God, you’d be trying to do it yourself and we can’t.

They left there and continued through Galilee. This time it wasn’t a public procession, but a sneaky trip. Jesus wanted time to teach His disciples. He again told them about His upcoming death and resurrection. The disciples, however, were more concerned about which one of them would be the biggest big shot in the coming Kingdom. Their focus was on power and influence, but Jesus told them the greatest serves. The heart of the servant is the heart of the Kingdom. How can you bless OTHERS? Jesus spoke to them of the temptations of the world and how they were really appealing, but ultimately what did they want? Temporary feel good or eternal feel God? Where was their heart? Knowing the world or knowing the Lord?

After they passed through Galilee they arrived in Judea and chapter eleven. The Pharisees came to Jesus to trap Him in issues about divorce. But Jesus was clear. The model right from the beginning of beginnings was one male and one female covenanted to God. If either divorced, they caused each other to commit adultery. The Law permitted divorce, but not because it was RIGHT or APPROVED. It was because the people had hardened their hearts toward God and marriage. They REFUSED to follow the model God gave them.

People brought their young children to Jesus, but the disciples said Jesus was too busy and tried to chase them off. Jesus was NOT pleased. Jesus wanted the children to have access to Him. Their belief was pure. Their trust was absolute. Without those attitudes NO ONE was going to make it to the Kingdom. Children were an EXCELLENT example to them. Then a rich man came asking how he could earn heaven. Jesus told him the Law earned heaven. The man claimed he followed the Law already. Jesus told him to sell everything he had and come back. The man went away sad. Why? Perhaps because he had a lot of stuff. But perhaps because he realised that he had put riches before God (a violation of the Law). Perhaps he realised that he could not EARN heaven and had to learn to humbly submit to God – and didn’t like the effort involved. Jesus was sad about it too. He knew how hard it was for the rich not to covet. For the rich not to rely on their riches. He knew how hard to was to accept God in His rightful place.

For the third time, Jesus taught about His death and resurrection. This time when they were on the way to Jerusalem, where it would all take place. John and James immediately took the opportunity to ask to be on His left and right hand in the Kingdom. The other disciples didn’t take that attempt to gain position favourably. Jesus told the two of them they had NO IDEA what they were asking for, but that the positions had been ordained by the Father and they would be who they were. He reminded all of them that serving in the Kingdom was the right heart attitude, not position. Blessed to bless others. That was the Kingdom way.

When they got to Jericho, a blind man called out for healing. Again and again. In fact, he didn’t stop calling until Jesus spoke to Him. Jesus told him that his trust in Jesus’ ability to release his healing is what got him healed. The man got his sight back. He didn’t go home, but entered the crowd and continued along with Jesus.

Summary

Key Players: God, Jesus, Disciples, Pharisees, Jews

Key Verse(s): Mark 9:33-37; 10:13-16