Lesson # 18 | MARK 7:31-8:10 | THE COMPASSION OF GOD

I.  Greetings:           

 

II. Introduction:  Today in America it is politically correct to be nice.  If we are not harsh, speak kindly, and can be easily moved to say words that express our feelings of pity then we are considered "nice" people.  In the Gospels Jesus is not always nice, but He is compassionate.  His compassion is more than words, feelings, or a commitment to never hurting someone's feelings, but something is much more needful in our world.  It is much deeper, much greater. 

            It is the amazing and yet practical compassion we are to have as His followers.  Let me explain.

 

III.  Compassion with An Individual and Its Affects:  Mark 7:31-37.

            Note:.  Jesus was probably in Gentile territory in the passages above and seemingly seeking rest for Himself and His men.  Now He makes His way back near Jewish territory but not quite in complete Jewish areas.  He is in the Decapolis, probably a mixed area containing both Jews and Gentiles.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:31-35.

            Q  How is Jesus compassionate in His action?

               An = Jesus shows compassion on this individual by taking him aside privately:  1)  Perhaps not to embarrass him because he was deaf.  2)  Also, perhaps it allows Jesus to identify more personally with the man by getting him out of the glare of the crowd.  It might have been hard for this man to focus with all the people looking at him.

            RQ  Do we have friends we want Jesus to bless?

            Q  What could we do that is similar to the people in this situation?  How would you get one of your friends in the presence of Jesus?

               An = We can begin to pray for them.  We can bring them to someone we believe has the presence of Jesus more powerfully in them such as a godly relative, church friend, or religious leader.

            Note:  What is fairly certain is Jesus takes time to truly identify with the person.  This deaf person is a human, not a case.  He puts His fingers in the man's ears perhaps to show him by a symbol He is going to deal with (heal) the man's ears.  Then He puts His spit in this man's mouth to symbolize, no doubt, the same thing.  Spittle was understood both in Jewish and Hellenistic culture to be an important curative force.  (Before you laugh at their ideas in the ancient world, remember what happened the last time you hit your finger with a hammer, burned it on a stove:  where did you put your finger?) 

            The important issue is Jesus is talking in this man's language, He is using symbolic language the man can understand.  He is identifying with this man on his own level.  Love must be practical, and it often must be physically demonstrated. 

            Notice Jesus never tells the man that He loves him.

            Q  If you truly got your friend in His presence what would He do with them?  

            Q  Are not Jesus' actions in these verses hints of what He will do today?              

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:36.

            Note:  By now these are familiar words:  "Tell no one".  Ever notice how much we want recognition for the money we give or the things we do.  Jesus is different.  Jesus' motives are often not our motives.  We want and often crave affirmation for our ministry, while Jesus has other goals.  >>>> Read to them Matthew 6:1-4.  Do not let church convention rob you of eternal glory!!  Give and say nothing.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:37.

            Note:  The people were astonished.  Perhaps they expected Jesus to only bless, not heal (Lane, p. 266) - but maybe Jesus will do more than we expect today!

            Note:  They praise Him.  Have two different people read the following texts to the audience: 

>>>> Have someone read Genesis 1:31

>>>> Have someone read Isaiah 35:5,6,10

            Note:  Many good men, and some not so-good men, will tell you Jesus is only a man.  Constantly, through out the Gospel as we have seen, allusions to Jesus point to His deity.  Jesus is acting quite like His Father!

 

*********************************************************************************            You can decide if time allows use of this section or you can just skip it.

            Note:  We are finishing a unit (chapters 6-7) in Mark's gospel.  Perhaps since miracles are signs, the phrase spoken by Jesus "Be opened" may be tied back to the words,  "If any man has ears to hear let him hear"  (6:52, 7:16, 7:18).

               Note:  Also, most scholars see a pattern to 6:31-7:37 that is repeated in chapter 8.

            6:31-44              Feeding of the Multitude                                      8:1-9

            6:45-56              Crossing of the Sea and Landing                         8:10

            7:1-23            Conflict with the Pharisees                                    8:11-13

            7:24-30            Conversation about Bread                                    8:14-21

            7:31-36            Healing                                                                        8:22-26

            7:37                        Confession of Faith                                                8:27-30[i]

*********************************************************************************

 

IV.  Compassion on the Multitude:  Mark 8:1-10.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:1-3.

            Q  Why does Jesus decide to feed them?

               An = Because He had compassion on them.  They were fasting to stay with Him.  Maybe some of them had run out of provisions and did without food so enthralled were they to be around Jesus.  Notice how practical His compassion is.

               Note:  Jesus is often so different from us in His consideration of a crowd or an audience.  He thinks of His audience.  So often we are so happy we have an audience or enchanted with the fact they are enchanted with us, we do not think to consider their practical needs after they leave the meeting. 

            Q  What are the needs of our community that stir the compassion of Jesus Christ? 

               An = List some things they have done.  Maybe point to others they are not aware of.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:4-10.

            Q  With what tone of voice do you think the disciples ask their question in 8:4?

               An = It could have been one of sarcasm but most likely one of frustration.  Jesus was always pushing them beyond where they wanted to go.

            Q  Why does Jesus ask the question in verse 5?

               An = To make them get involved.  We are not to be merely exasperated with what we do not have, but help with what ever we have (seven measly loaves in this case).  You will be surprised what God will do with our pitiful resources.  Think of the needs of our community and our measly resources, but if we start with what we have....

            Note:  They pass out the food.  You and I are to feed a hungary and spiritually needy world.  It is not the disciples' miracle working power though that actually feeds the crowd.  It is Jesus and Jesus only!

            Note:  Remember, as we go today, He wants to love you individually, and love those you love individually.  We need to bring those we love who are in need to Jesus.  He has not changed.  He is the same today, yesterday and forever.

            Note:  Lastly, He wants you involved, even though it is really His power that will truly minister to the needs of the crowds, of our greater community.

 

V.  Conclusion:  >> Read Isaiah 29:18-19.

---

[i].   See William Lane,  The Gospel According to Mark, 1974, p. 269.  You may or may not want to use this in your presentation.  I did not when I taught this lesson.  However, it could be helpful to know how structured and purposeful Mark is in his presentation of His Lord.  In addition, you could draw out the point that in our own ministries we often go through patterns.  Similar victories, similar problems, similar blindness of those we seek to reveal the truth, similar travels, etc.  Of course the patterns will eventually change as we follow on to His path.  In 8:31 you have Jesus quite aware that events will be changing.  He will not longer skirmish with His detractors but be harshly persecuted by them.

Lesson # 17 | MARK 7:24-30 | OUR PERCEIVED OBSTACLES TO REACHING GOD

I.  Greetings: 

 

II. Introduction:  Many people in church today feel like the Gentiles of Jesus' day.  They feel they are not part of the elect people of God.  They have gone one step further though, and they have bought into the misunderstanding that their lack of status, or their sinful behavior, makes them unwanted by God. 

            Q  Do some of you feel like you may be a christian but really do not have any faith.  If you pray, well....so what?

               An = You may feel like a "spiritual pygmy". 

            Q  Do others of you here today feel alienated from God? 

               An = You are honest enough to know you and God are not on good terms.  I have a word for both of you today, it is not my word, but the word of almighty God. 

III.  Seeking to Get Away:  Mark 7:24.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:24.

            Q What is the reason for Jesus leaving Jewish territory?

               An = See 6:30-31, 6:54.  He is probably seeking rest, to escape notice.

            Note:  Joint reference to Tyre and Sidon is commonly used to designate the pagan world,  see Mark 3:8.  Serious Jews would not even enter the home, or building, of a Gentile.

            Today, many serious Christians will often not even darken the doors of some places.  It means they take their faith seriously, and that is good.  However, it also conveys to people in those places that they are judged as inferior.

            Note:  Jesus says He has a different view of defilement (7:19) than the religious leaders and so goes among a perceived unclean people.

            Q  Do most ministers go into a bar?  Why or why not?  Why would they?

               An = As shocking as that would be, it was that shocking that Jesus would enter gentile, pagan territory.

            Q  What else could Jesus be modeling for us here by His change of location?

               An = We need rest sometimes, we need to be aggressive in seeking it, ie. a change of location.  It would be a form of taking a Sabbath.

 

IV.  Seeking God Despite Obstacles:  Mark 7:25-28

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:25-26.

            Q Was Jesus able to keep hidden?

               An = No, it seems there was something about what He had to offer that was so powerful He was aggressively sought out.  Is that true of us?  Do people seek us out because the power of God is greatly upon us?  She sought Jesus out.

            Q  What type of woman is she, what is her nationality?

               An = Her Gentile character is stressed:  a Gentile, of the Syrophoenian race (7:26). 

            Q  What is driving her to seek out a jewish rabbi?

               An = She no doubt has heard about His healing power.  Her daughter is terribly oppressed and she has heard this man of God can bring help.  A mother recently told me the needs of children drive us to God.  Loving our children (youth workers included) will cause us to struggle to get to God.  Love for family can lead us to God.

            Q  Does she ask for herself or for her daughter?

               An = Her love for another has driven her to speak with Jesus.  To talk to a pious Jew, a member of a race that felt itself superior to other peoples was no doubt a humbling experience.              Q  Did the Jews have a name for those who were not of their race?

               An = They called them the "goiim" or Gentiles.   But she is talking to more than a Jew, she is talking to Jesus.  Indeed, Jesus is Jewish, thus He is a human being (as all humans have a racial designation), but also fully divine. 

            Q  In a way, is talking to Jesus the same as talking to God?

               An = Yes, therefore this is an example of prayer, called Intercession, meaning praying for others.

            Q  How much do you think the average person's prayer life is taken up with this type of prayer?  What percentage? How much of our prayer life is taken up with praying for others?

               An = Some Christians today, spend little time praying for others.  That could mean one of two things:  they do not love those around them, they do not love as much as this pagan woman, or it could mean they do not think praying would help.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:27

            Q  What is Jesus saying to her?  Has He agreed to heal her daughter in 7:27?

               An = Comparison to household dogs amounts to a refusal.  Children stood for the disciples and dogs stood for her and her child.  He was saying no.

            Note:  Jesus acknowledges the privileges of Israel and that the Gentile's time had not yet come!  >>>> Have someone read Romans 1:16;  2:9,11.    All races are welcome to God, all peoples are welcome to God, even the unclean.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:28

            Note:  The woman may not have understood this, but His refusal was intended to spark a renewed appeal (see Matthew 15 which shows her making four appeals).  However, her continued effort displays her real heart.  Instead of being insulted or discouraged she persists. 

            Q  Can you fall off a log and get to God?

               An = It seems, at least in this case, you have to want it badly.  You will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart.

            Q  Why does she persist with this seemingly arrogant Jew?

               An = She loves her child.  She persists with wit.  Chrysostom says she practices "high self command" and His refusal reveals the treasure within her - namely her faith (Chrysostom, pp. 322-323).  She is witty and aggressive.  Notice, His response to her aggressive behavior....

 

V.  Faith Overcomes Obstacles:  Mark 7:29-30.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:29-30.

   A.  What this reveals about Jesus and therefore God.

            Q  Does Jesus mind being pushed?

               An = No, He does not.  Notice, however, she does it with wit and humility.

            Q  Is Jesus a legalist?  Is God?  Will God change His world wide plans to accommodate an exception? 

            Q  How can we be like Jesus in this regard?           

               An = >>> Turn with me to Romans chapter 1:16.  Romans 1:16 shows us His stated policy.  It was not His time to deal with the Gentiles yet.  His plan was to deal with the Jews first, and then and there He and His men needed rest.  It was not His plan to disrupt their rest, or His agenda, with some pestering non-Jewish woman.  It was not her time yet. 

            Q  Is the heart of God greater than His policies?  Is Jesus a legalist?

               An = He knows when to make exceptions and how to do it without losing sight of the policy and the reason behind the policy.  Many times we in religious organizations get set on a policy, even a good policy, and it becomes the enemy of theology, real theology. 

            Q  What is theology? 

               An = Theology is thinking about God and real theology is thinking correctly about God. 

            Q  Can our policies, and our perceived need to stay in control by means of our policies, force us to act towards people in a manner that is contradictory to God's own nature?

               An = In the name of God we violate the heart of God.  God is not a legalist.  He is the One who loves the world, and His policies are designed to do just that.  He never lets the policies get ahead of the goal.

   B.  The Contrast Between the Unclean and the Clean.

            Q  Is the woman's faith remarkably different than both the religious authorities and the disciples?

               An = Lets turn to Mark 6:52 for the disciples and Mark 7:8 for the religious leaders.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:8. 

            Note:  The religious leaders often let go of the commands of God to do the self-contrived traditions of men.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:52.

            Note:  The disciples often get too tired and pushed and harden their hearts.  Their faith often goes cold.

   C.  The Intentionality of God.

            Q  Did the woman get to Jesus.  Did she get Jesus to answer her prayer?

               An = She saw her child healed.  There are obstacles to finding God.  Many times they are racial or social obstacles but if we really want to push through to Him, Jesus can be found.  However, once the woman got an audience with Jesus...

            Q  Did Jesus seem to be the biggest obstacle?  Does it almost seem as if Jesus Himself, made it hard?

               An = It appears the obstacle was in Jesus' attitude.  Jesus deliberately refused at first to help this woman. 

            Q  Why did Jesus Christ act this way?

               An = I believe it was to develop her faith, and her love, obstacles are often given from God.  God's intention for us is to come to Him, but we must come by faith and with effort.  Therefore on His terms or it will not do much good. 

            This woman was from the wrong side of the tracks.  She was an unclean Gentile, but she loved her daughter and persisted with God until she got her wish.  Jesus said she had faith.  She seems to be a quicker learner than the disciples in Mark 4:35-41.

 

Lesson # 16 | MARK 7:1-23 | IS GOD A LEGALIST?

I.  Greetings.  

 

II. Introduction: 

            Q  Theologically, what is a liberal?

               An = Some of you are aware the American Protestant Church split in the early part of this century along "Liberal" and "Conservative" lines. 

            Some Liberals claim Jesus was all love, kindness and tolerance, and thus true Christians are known conclusively by their tolerance.  Some conservatives claim to desire to go back to a stricter morality and claim true allegiance to God is returning to the fundamentals of the Bible.             

Q  Where would Jesus stand today?  Would Jesus be judged a harsh conservative reactionary or a tolerant liberal? 

               An = Maybe He is neither?  Lets listen to Him.  Let Him declare what is important in our faith in God and walk in life before Him.

            Q  Do any of you think your parents were too conservative?

               An = There are exceptions to this, but generally this was the case.  Our parents seemed to be always clamping down on us with rules. 

            Q  Would our parents see it otherwise?  Why?

               An = Parents probably would see it otherwise.  They would claim that if you do not hold to rules and a semblance of order, your life could be harmed.  We have probably grown to see that such is the case, or if you are too young to have experienced this yet, give it some time, your perspective will change as you take up responsibility for others.

            Q  Do you know some who have experienced not just a conservative approach but a negative, constantly critical faultfinding attitude?

            Q  Is such an attitude paralyzing?

               An = Such an attitude can paralyze our initiative and made us feel continuously put-down. 

            Q  Did Jesus hold to rules?

               An = He did hold to rules, especially teaching that helped bless and give order and concentration to our lives.  Yet He also had to deal not with a "conservativism", but a negative, critical, faultfinding, punitive attitude, and it was dressed up in religious language.  These people said they represented God.  Jesus disagreed.  Lets see how...

 

III.  Jesus Under Attack from the Religious Authorities. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:1-5

            Q What is the real question here?

               An =  It was not about hygiene, rather Jesus' men were eating without going through a prescribed religious action with their hands.  Therefore, they were defiled.

            Note:  Washing hands in the O.T. itself was only for priests entering the Temple:  Exodus 30:19 and 40:13. 

>>>> Have someone turn to Exodus 30:19 and 40:13 and read them.

                        It seems in later times these rules were applied to the congregation as a whole.  It also had developed into a large complicated set of rules.  None of these complex rules are in the Bible itself.

            Q  If something good happens, is there going to be criticism?

               An = I think if one is going to really do aggressive service, or gathering of disciples (people to train and lead), there is going to be criticism from those who are not in control of that process.  If you are doing some positive good, there will be those who find fault, especially if they do not authorize or control it.  This is a common trait of human nature. 

            Q  Is jealousy always present in the hearts of men?

 

III.  Jesus' Response.   

   A. Initial Response: A Hard Blast from Isaiah. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:6-8.

            Q Why does Jesus call them hypocrites?

               An = The key issue is they speak the right words but do not do the right actions from their hearts.  Bornkamm reminds us that such behavior separates God's glorious Law from God and becomes man's authority".[i]  It no longer led to a meeting with God but frustrated it.  People were using religion to set aside the very truths of God's commandments.  Therefore, religious rituals and prescriptions helped lead them in vain worship. 

            This is Jesus' main accusation, now He will illustrate what He means.

   B. An Illustration from Their Practice of What They Did. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:9-13.

            Note:  Some Jews knew Jesus was right here.  What was being done was indeed a fine (but corrupt) manipulation of religion.  Just like today, many people sense something is not right.

            Q  Does anyone know what this "Corban" was?

               An = It literally meant gift.  It seemed that certain Jews were dedicating property or valuables that made them unusable for the support of their parents.  They did not actually give the money to the temple it was just set aside.  They were doing something religious but disobeying God, i.e. providing help for their parents in their old age as the parents had fully supported them in their infancy.

            Q Is this fundamentalism?

            Q What is fundamentalism?  What is its real definition?

            Q Are all fundamentalists the same?

               An = Actually the original definition is the holding to the "fundamentals" of the faith:  authority of Scripture, Jesus' deity, the Virgin birth, the Trinity, etc.  Fundamentalism is now used as a pejorative term meaning someone who is conservative, unthinking, and cruel.  However, historical fundamentalism is a good thing, it means holding to the fundamental truths of the Christian religion.

            Q What in the religion of His day is Jesus against?

               An = Phoniness!  Using religion to not do the will of God.

            Q Is Jesus a conservative?

               An =  In the true sense, yes.  Jesus thinks we should take care of our parents in their old age, and quotes the Old Testament.  Jesus believes in the actual meaning of the Scriptures, not a contorted meaning.   Both liberals and conservatives can be guilty of this.  When this is done, the Scriptures are no longer the Word of God but our own.

   C.  True Religion and True Defilement Defined by Metaphor. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:14-19

            Q What is Jesus' point?

               An = >> Read Jeremiah 17:9.  Then have the whole group turn with you to

 >>>> Have someone read Proverbs 6:16-19.

            Q What is the emphasis in the O.T? 

               An = Is not Jesus a true conservative?  One who actually goes back to the true riches and truth of the past?

            Q  Look at Mark 7:17-19, do the disciples understand?

               An = Even God's closest followers do not always catch the agenda (7:17-19).  Even those right next to Jesus failed to see the real agenda.  We are always so quick to criticize and often so slow to really see what the Lord wants us to see.  Notice He does explain further....

   D.  Jesus Further Explains and Spells Out His Metaphor of True Defilement. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:20-23.

            Q What is His point here?  What defiles a man?

               An = Only persons can be defiled.  What defiles a person is their own actions.  Our actions are a product of our hearts.  Jesus does not want us outwardly religious and inwardly phony.

 

IV.  Conclusion:  Two Points or possible applications:

            1.  Jesus did not come to teach freedom from rules or religion as outward show.  Jesus came to heal our minds and hearts.  He is not anti-rule, but wants to go deep down into our subconscious and alter our disposition (our actual approach to all of life, Himself and others).  This work takes time - remember the disciples were slow learners - but it is possible.  If you want to be a true believer, it is possible.

            2.  Jesus does believe in true doctrine, but the heart is the key.  Even crucial issues must be handled with an eye to converting the heart. 

            Note:  For the leaders own reading and perspective, or if at another time.  See Acts 18:24-28 on how to correct someone else's faulty theology when it is not intentional.  If we wish to harshly correct just to show ourselves right we miss the whole intention of theology:  (i.e. thinking about God).

            A.  18:24-25 = First honest appraisal and therefore praise for the good such a person does, even though their truth is incomplete.

            B.  18:26 = Then private correction and further instruction.  Notice he seems to gladly accept the additional truth.  He did not know, now he does.

            C.  18:27-28 = Observe the fruits such an approach to faulty theology:  help in the ministry and great service toward the furtherance of the Gospel.

---

[i].  G. Bornkamm, Jesus of Nazareth (New York, 1960), p. 104:  "What does this conception of the law reveal?  Evidently this:  the law has become separated from God has become man's real authority.  It no longer leads to a meeting with God, but rather frustrates it.  Correspondingly man has retreated behind his deeds and achievements-as well as behind his guilt.  God is concealed behind the law and man behind his achievements and works.  Law and performance are the two sides of the protecting wall, behind which man takes up his own position and asserts himself before God."  Quoted in Lane, p. 248.

Lesson # 15 | MARK 6:45-56 | STRESSING CLOSED MINDS

I.  Greetings. 

            Q  Did you ever notice how easy it is to get side-tracked off your real goal?

            Q  What was Jesus' real goal?

               An = Jesus came to earth not to be successful, popular, or found a new religion, but to save the world.  Men needed to be saved from sin and ungodliness.  They needed to know they needed to repent so that God would begin to redeem them making them fully human again, ready for all eternity. 

            Q  Is it hard to keep on track?

               An = Keeping on the true track is hard for humans and the disciples were no exception.  We often get off base, but lest we get angry at others who do, or discouraged with ourselves when it is us, Jesus has a word for us. 

            The message is not spoken but acted out in this section of Scripture.

 

II.  The Preparation of Prayer:  Mark 6:45-47.    

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:45-47.

            Note:  Jesus had just performed an amazing miracle.  He feed five thousand people.  If you remember, the miracle seemed to be more for the benefit of the disciples than the people.  It appears only the disciples knew it was a miracle, a miracle primarily to teach them to have faith in the midst of the tension of ministry or life.  Now that the miraculous feeding is over....

            Q  What is the stated reason for Jesus' sending off the disciples and the crowd?

               An = It is for the reason of prayer.

            Q  Why is it important to get alone to pray?  Is it more important to get alone after a tremendous experience of success? 

               An = Jesus seems to think so!  This is the second time we find this pattern in Mark (see 1:35-39).  If something goes extremely well for you in a ministry situation, playing,  speaking, or doing a service for the church, and if we do not want to get caught up in the illusion of pride, we can begin by talking to the Lord. 

            Certainly one cannot remain in the stupidity of pride for long in the true presence of the Almighty.

            Note:  I want to suggest a couple things to pray when alone.

            1) Perhaps pray using Scripture as a guide.  Philippians 1:9-11, or a Psalm.  Let me give you an example from Psalm 38: 13-22, a prayer made by someone in great anxiety and then a another example from a practice of Jesus and Paul.

>>>> Have someone read Psalm 38:13-22:

            When over whelmed:

express your confusion or pain (13-14),

express your hope in God in the midst of your trouble due to enemies (15-17),

ask for forgiveness of our own sin (18),

but do not take justice into your own hands

but rather ask God Himself to intervene (19-22). 

            In other words, pray, do not fume.  It is OK to be anxious and ask God in the midst of anxiety for help.  It is called faith.  It takes faith to pray and not fume.

            2)  Pray for those with whom you are annoyed.

            3)  Pray for those you love, remember the "Greek" woman.  She was heard in behalf of those she cared for.

           

III.   The Power Over Raging:  Mark 6:48-49.  

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:48-49.

            Note:   See in 6:48 that our Lord is watching - God is always watching, even though He seems to be gone.

            Q  Why does He let the disciples get in trouble and struggle?

               An =  Back in Mark 4:35-41, the last time the disciples encountered difficulties in a boat, Jesus was sleeping.  Now He is not even in the boat, He is further away, He is on the land.  He seems to deliberately allow them to get into situations that stress them out. 

            Q  Is God's goal to make our lives easy?

               An = Mark tells us God's goal is to build and bless us.  He often allows us to get into storms, as His best blessings come in disguises.            

            Q  Whenever the master is absent did the disciples find themselves in distress?

               An = I know I always find myself so!  When I know God is near there is nothing that can rattle me.

            Note:   The phrase "passing by" in verse 48 is seemingly an odd one.  However, lets see this phrase in other biblical texts:  have someone look up and

>>>> Read Exodus 33:19,22

>>>> Read I Kings 19:11 

            Mark is deliberately using language that hints of theophany (the appearance of God to men).  One familiar with the O.T. language would no doubt have noticed this subtle allusion to deity.  This is one more hint that Mark saw Jesus as the same God who founded Israel and created the entire world.  Mark sees Jesus in the same language as the Lord God Almighty.

 

IV.  The Disciple's Hardened Hearts:  Mark 6:50-52.  

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:50-52

            Q  What does Jesus say to them in the midst of their fear?

               An = "Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid."  When Christ is in our presence, we can be courageous and fear not for He is present!  Notice He then climbs into the boat.  He climbs into our circumstances, and they sort themselves out!

            Give an example of this from your own or someone everybody else knows life.  You could have someone set up to do this before the meeting.

            Q  What does 6:52 mean?

               An = Perhaps this helps us see another reason why Jesus let them get so stressed?  If we are stressed, maybe it is because we have hardened our hearts.  We did not learn from the previous situation what was possible to learn.

            Q  Did they immediately learn from the previous situation of Jesus making bread for 5,000 people from 5 loaves and 2 fishes?

               An = At times Jesus does things in our lives, for us or in our midst, even a miracle, and we do not learn what He so plainly wants us to learn.  God does something for us, but often we are not drawn closer to God.

            Q  If we harden our hearts, and do not learn, does Jesus still love us?

               An = Surprisingly, yes.  We can go through periods of incredible stupidity, and yet He still loves us.

            Note:   Understanding the ways of life, and the actions of God, are often not a matter of intellectual ability, but an existential matter, a matter of living faith.  A matter of being open to seeing what God is trying to say and do in our lives.

            We are often very dense.

V.  The Crowds Too:  Healing They Want But Not Teaching, Mark 6:53-56.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:53-56.

            Q  In the midst of such acts of healing, what is missing?

               An = There is no teaching.  Remember Mark is always pointing out that Jesus' real desire is to teach the people, not merely give them temporal blessing.  Some of us here today know we need help in a temporal way, but that is really all we want from God.  We want blessing, but not what He wants to teach us.

            People often do not want the Lord's Word that will heal their souls but only physical healing.

            Q  Does Jesus heal anyway?

               An = Yes, He does.  The disciples did not understand what they should have understood, but Jesus saved them in the boat anyway.  The people wanted healing, and Jesus gave it to them. 

            Jesus does not presently teach here, but He will teach.  Next week watch what He does.  He will creatively get the truth to the people. 

Lesson # 14 | MARK 6:30-44 | A WORD TO TIRED WORKERS

I.  Greetings:

 

II. Dealing With Tired Workers:  Mark 6:30-44

   A.  Debriefing Tired Workers:  Mark 6:30-32

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:30-32.

  Note:  Jesus gave direction to His men.  They needed something because of the hustle and bustle of their lives. 

  Q  Why does He suggest a solitary or quiet place?

     An = 1)  Jesus said it was to get some rest.  Sometimes we are tired and need rest.  Some people never work hard, but others are driven, hard working people, and at times rest is needed.

          2)  Sometimes we need a time to debrief:  to talk out and verbalize all that is happening to us.  They needed to be alone with each other.

  Q  Have you ever felt this way? 

  Q  Do you feel this way today?

   B. Interruption:  The Crowd Gathers, Mark 6:33-34. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:33-34.

  Q  What does the crowd do to their plans?

     An = They ruined their rest.  Just when the disciples thought they had a chance to relax and talk, more people.  The very thing they sought rest from followed them to their solitary place. 

  Note:   1) It was the work of the disciples that drew the crowd, note the plural in 6:33.   The crowds not only recognized Jesus but also the disciples.

          2) This is the only time the disciples are called apostles in the book of Mark (6:30).  They were "sent ones", missionaries.  Perhaps they had done their work too well. 

  RQ  Is it not true that the reason some of you are tired this morning is because you have done good work and it has created more for you.  Also, you have been "sent", been "commissioned".  You have accepted important and demanding positions.  Like the apostles, God has given you important work.  You are a parent, a provider, a care-given, an office holder at church, or in a valid and valuable organization.

  Q  What Jesus' reaction to the interrupting crowds?

     An = It was one of compassion.

  Q  Why did He feel compassion? 

     An = Jesus says they were like, "sheep without a shepherd"? 

  Q  Why did He do what He did in the last phrase of 6:34.

     An = Numbers 27:16-18, people need leaders.  Jesus' compassion is based on the fact they do not know the direction and guidance that is needed.  They need to be taught.  So He does not merely feel but He acts.  He gives them the best!  He teaches them.

  Q  Long ago, Israel was in the wilderness, in the dessert, what did God give Israel in the wilderness of Sinai?

     An = the Law, the instruction of God on how to love God and your neighbor.

  Note:  There are many wilderness motifs[i] present in this story.

   C.  Jesus adds stress:  Mark 6:35-38. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:35-38

  Q  What did the disciples want Jesus to do with the crowd?

     An = The disciples get practical.  They want Jesus to lose the crowd.  However, Jesus challenges them to do more.

  Q  Is there a note of complaint in their request?  Are they tired of people?

  RQ  Do you get tired of people?

    Note: They had done healings, i.e. medical miracles, and now Jesus wants them to feed people, to do cafeteria miracles.  Jesus was asking them to do something they had never done before.  He will do the same to us today.  He pushes us out of our comfort zones, beyond what we want to give.   Be prepared, Jesus was this way then, and He is that way now.

  Q  Has He done that to you?  Can you give an example?

  Q  Are they a bit exasperated in 6:37?  Do you ever get that way?

     An = Notice that Jesus does not kill them, right then and there.  He is patient.  He plys them with another question about actual provisions.

  Q  How many provisions did they have?

     An = Five loaves of bread and two fishes.

  Q  Why did He ask them such a simple question?  Why does He ask them this question?

    Note:  He asks them to do something that is feasible first, something physical, something they were capable of doing:  i.e. check supplies. 

    Note:  God often starts with us assessing our resources, counting our hours, our finances, our abilities.  It is a physical, simple task. 

    Note:  It also lets us know just how limited our actual resources are.

   D.  The Miracle:  Mark 6:39-44.  

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:39-40.

  Q  When were large amounts of Israelite people in the desert or remote areas of the wilderness?

     An = It was when Israel was traveling from Egypt to the Promised Land.

    Note:   One of the distinquishing marks of their time in the desert was the elaborate and concise way they camped.  They camped in an organized and orderly manner.  So see now what the Lord is doing.  He orders and organizes the people into groups of 50.  This is a wilderness motif, i.e. they dealt with people in an organized manner.

  The God who led Israel out of bondage and gave them identity was now again in their presence.  It was the same God.

    Note:  It does not take a miracle to organize the people, but it is work that takes physical effort.  The beginning of a miracle seems to be when we do our part.  Then His power takes over.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:41-44.

  Q  Who actually fed the people?  Who literally handed out the bread?

     An = See 6:41, it was the disciples.

  Q  Who knew about the miracle, the crowds or the disciples?  Why?

     An = It appears that only the disciples know how much bread they started with and that it was not enough.  They started out with only five loaves and two fishes, they ended up with twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.

  Q  Does Jesus care about tired workers?

     An = Yes He does.  He does not take away the problem or throw out people.  But in the midst of the burn-out situation, He teaches.  He does care about us.  He is willing to only let us see a miracle.  So we can understand the source of power to meet needs.

  Note:  This is the second banquet or meal in the chapter.  In the meal provided by Jesus there is no waste, a simple meal in contrast to Herod's feast and immorality.

  Note:  Notice another wilderness motif:  bread from heaven. 

>> Turn to Numbers 11:13,22,23. 

  RQ Who gave Moses bread? 

  RQ Who gave the disciples bread? 

  Note:  In both cases it was God.  Mark is subtly saying God is here!

  Note:  Jesus is the true shepherd, both of the sheep and the disciples.

 

IV.  Application:

   A.  When stressed, Jesus may push beyond your views of what is reasonable. 

  Q  So what do we do?

     An = Vent, tell Him you think that it is too much (see 6:37),

     Obey, see what tangible things you should do (see 6:38), and then

     Watch Him work.

   B.  We can learn some things best only when we come to the end of our resources.  If we have come to them this season, take heart.  He may be getting ready to teach you much about Himself, your limitations, and His greatness.

   C.  The disciples fed the poor, but Jesus, in a real way, was feeding His men.

   Note:  He does understand our weariness, but it is in that weariness that He often shows us His greatest power.  The disciples began to see He was willing to show them His true nature,   like His Father in the time of Moses.  He was willing to do miracles that only the disciples saw because the disciples were more important to Him, than letting the world see His miraculous power.

   D.  Whether medical or cafeteria miracles, there is a greater miracle yet.  The Desert Fathers remind us, it is a bigger miracle to eject passion from yourself than demons from another and to control anger than to control demons.  It is a bigger miracle to get out of depression than rid disease from the body of another.  The power which heals your soul is greater than that which heals a body.

  Some of us need our souls healed this today?  He is willing right now to go to work.  As I pray tell Him how frustrated you are. 

  He will not kill you, or get angry. 

  He will start asking you to do some very practical things.

  If you obey, He may start working way beyond anything you thought possible.

    You pray, as I pray....

 

---

[i].  What is meant by motif, is theme.  Mark will use recurring theme that would make his readers think of similar motifs or thematic elements which are also present in the Pentateuch.  The recurring theme in this portion of Mark is the wilderness motif or theme that every good Jew would have quickly recognized.