#soap devotions

Mark (p. 1776) They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Books*)

“and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39 (ESV)

Who is Jesus? The disciples don’t know at this point. They are clueless – even they don’t understand His parables (p. 1775). But the clues are coming in: His family thinks He’s crazy. The religious leaders from Jerusalem think…

Provision for the Poor (in our Religious Gatherings)

Leviticus (p. 151) “If, however, they are poor and cannot afford these they must take one male lamb as a guilt offering to be waved to make atonement for them, together with a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with olive oil for a grain offering, a log of oil, and two doves or two young pigeons, such as they can afford, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. (Books)

3/17/19 The Meaning of Messiah: Identity Revealed, Identity Explored

Mark (p. 1782) Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” (Books)

The Books of the Bible, NIV

Jesus heals the blind (p. 1782), casts out demons (p. 1781), miraculously multiplies bread to feed thousands, stills storms, and yet the disciples still don’t get it. Surely the Pharisees and leaders of Israel don’t understand who He is (p. 1782)? But finally, here, a breakthrough moment: Peter says, ‘You…

3/23/19 Not So Among You!

Mark (p. 1786) “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. (Books*)

Jesus took the twelve aside againto remind them of His coming suffering and death at Jerusalem. James and John don’t get it and ask to become His right (and left) hand man! The twelve are then pissed off at the sons…

3/30/19 Echoes in the Garden

Mark (p. 1791) do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” (Books)

Jesus prophesies the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. The disciples ask ‘when will this happen and what will be the sign?’ Jesus prepares them for what’s ahead: they will be His witnesses – proclaiming the good news to all nations is their task. But there will be opposition (p. 1790)…

Hebrews 7:16  who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.  (ESV) The Levitical priesthood was based on institutionalism. The superior priesthood of Jesus is based on the character of His life – indestructible! I wonder if we shouldn’t model our leadership after Jesus instead of the model of institutional…