This week we catch up with Jesus as He takes Peter, John, and James up a mountain to be alone and pray. Here, Jesus transfigured and “shone like the sun” in all His glory and suddenly Moses and Elijah were with Jesus, talking with Him. Peter here cracks me up and reminds me so much of myself in those nervous moments you don’t know what to do so you just say whatever comes to mind.
Peter interrupts Jesus’s conversation with Elijah and Moses by telling Him “it’s good we’re here”. How often do we have those types of thoughts? “Wow God, it’s good I’m here so I can help You!” When really, we were there because He made it so – not by mere coincidence. Peter’s reaction reminds me that it’s so important to remain humble and remember God places us where He wants us for His purposes.
When was the last time you knew you were exactly where you were meant to be? Explain.
After Peter, John, and James totally miss yet another miracle, they decide to ask Jesusabout a prophecy regarding Elijah. In Matthew, we read that Jesus tells the disciples that Elijah had already returned before Jesus as prophesied but he was not recognized, and they understood that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist. With this, Jesus also tells them that the Son of Man will suffer and be raised from the dead.
Describe a time God clarified something for you that you had been confused about.
Later, Jesus is brought a boy who has an evil spirit. The disciples were unable to cast the demon out, for which Jesus rebukes their unbelief. He tells them that if they do not have faith, they will not be able to do it. If they have faith the size of a mustard seeds, the smallest of all seeds, then nothing will be impossible for them.
Having faith is one of the biggest challenges we face a lot of the time. Our unbelief is often what hinders us. By growing in our faith and dependence on God, and growing in our belief that all things are possible through Christ, we can accomplish whatever it is God presents for us to do.
When was the last time you found yourself lacking faith? How can you grow in your faith and dependence on Jesus in these times?
The disciples later argued about which one of them was greatest, and Jesus’ response is one we need to remember. So often we, too, wonder about who is the best, the greatest, or even the worst. We try to put ourselves first, but in doing so we push ourselves to the back of the line. Jesus reminds us that it is the least who are the greatest, meaning it is those who are humble and don’t seek their own glory or status who are the greatest. Humility is a trait we all need to learn and reside in.
Describe a time your pride needed to be humbled.
The disciples then told Jesus they had told someone not to cast out demons in the name of Jesus. This comment makes me think of all the different ways God uses people to accomplish His divine purposes. Where one person is called to serve the Lord and spread the gospel in one manner, the next person is given a totally different means to accomplish the same goal.
Describe a time someone glorified God and shared the gospel in a way that differed from your own calling. What did this teach you?
This week we meet back up with Jesus and the disciples after Jesus has just fed another multitude, this time 4,000, with 7 baskets leftover. Last time it was 5,000 with 12 baskets leftover, which happened in Jewish territory, and this time it happens in gentile lands. Jesus is showing the people that He came for the Jews and the Gentiles alike.
After He feeds yet another many thousand people, the disciples head out with Jesus. Jesus gives a warning to beware of the teachings and example of the Pharisees and Sadducees, but the disciples again miss the point. They also miss the miracle of Jesus feeding another many thousand people…again.
Jesus and the disciples then carry on a very important conversation we can learn several things from. Peter confesses his belief that Jesus I truly the Messiah, and Jesus praises the fact that Peter did not come to this because of man, but because God has revealed it to him and he believed it. This is what we are all called to.
Jesus then explains the importance of holding onto this belief in faith. Those who want to truly follow Jesus must be willing to give everything up for Jesus, even their own life. This is both figurative and literal. Some will be faced with a literal life and death decision for their faith, but all of us are faced with a decision to die to our old selves and allow the Jesus to fill us with Himself giving us His spiritual life. As we go through our life growing in faith we should become more like Jesus and less like ourselves. This is a tough concept for many of us, but is well worth every ounce of pain, suffering, and discomfort for the promise ahead.
How has Christ transformed you and your life to bring Him more honor and glory?
The other main point that struck me in these passages is Jesus’ first reference to the Church. This is a passage that can be controversial for some. Based on the surrounding passages as well as the rest of scripture in context with this passage in Matthew 16, I believe Jesus is telling the disciples that He is the Rock on which the Church will be built, and that our faith in Him and testimonies build up the church. We read throughout the New Testament about Jesus as the chief cornerstone and the testimonies of the prophets and apostles are the foundation built upon Christ the rock and cornerstone.
Our testimony and witness to the world matters. Sharing the gospel and living in God’s truth help to build up the Church on the cornerstone, rock, and true foundation of Jesus Christ. Just like it was vital for the disciples to go out into all the world and proclaim the gospel to build up the early church, it is still the responsibility and privilege of followers of Jesus today to do likewise in the ways God calls, leads and provides for us to do.
How do you share your testimony and the gospel with others?
What impact have others had in your life by sharing their faith and testimony?
This week as we dive into the gospels, we head into Matthew 15 and Mark 7 where we catch up with Jesus and one of His conversations with the Pharisees. John the Baptist has recently been beheaded, the Pharisees are hunting for ways to entrap Jesus, and Jesus has just performed the miracle of feeding the five-thousand with the loaves and fish.
The Pharisees here call out the disciples for not holding to the traditions of the elders, as they call it. In the Jewish culture, tradition was extremely important. They all held to the traditions that had been passed down from generation to generation. One such tradition was a ceremonial washing of hands before eating. To us washing hands before eating sounds simple enough, especially in a world over two years into a pandemic, but in this time it was ceremonial – not just for washing the dirt and grime off of your hands. The Pharisees were not talking about physical cleanness but were pointing out that the disciples were not holding to a tradition for ceremonial cleanness.
Do you have certain traditions you and/or your family follow? Describe some of them and where they came from.
I love Jesus’s response here. His responses are always an opportunity for us to learn something. Here, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees because they are touting that the disciples are not following a man-made tradition, yet the Pharisees are not upholding God-given commands. They are choosing to put their own traditions over God.
Thinking about your own traditions again, how do these traditions coordinate with God’s commands for your life? Are they complimentary or contradictory?
Jesus’s response to the Pharisees should cause us to evaluate our own routines, traditions, and intentions behind them. We should take the time to filter all of our habits, routines, and traditions through God’s Word to make sure they don’t take hold a higher place in our lives than God’s commands, but also to ensure they don’t contradict God’s Word.
We have to be willing to put aside man-made for God-commanded. Our intentions matter, and keeping God first takes intention and effort. Our intentions are known by God, and if our intentions are wrong it will come out of our hearts. If our heart is misaligned and not founded on Christ our hearts are defiled and that will flow out of us.
What areas of your life do you need to realign with God’s Word and commands?
Right after this, we see the gentile woman come to Jesus and beg His help. This image is so important at this moment in the story. The Pharisees, those who the Jewish people looked to for spiritual wisdom and guidance, were just called out for being “blind guides”. Now we see Jesus praise a gentile woman, an outsider, someone the Jewish people would have seen as an enemy of God in those times, praised for her faith and her child healed of a demon.
Jesus seeks to save ALL who will come to Him and have faith in Him. No matter your background, family, experiences, or sins He wants you to come to Him, trust in Him, and receive salvation through faith in Him.
Take some time to consider what you have not felt like you can bring to God. What is stopping you from trusting Him fully? What burden feels too heavy to be forgiven? Pray over it this week.
This week we will read Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9:1-17. In these passages, we begin with the devastating death of John the Baptist. John the Baptist had been beheaded by King Herod, who scripture tells us regretted this deed. He made this decision out of pride and an obligation to an oath. This story reminds me of the many Proverbs that talk about oaths and how we should take oaths very seriously, never making a careless oath.
When was a time you made a promise or oath you later regretted making?
What happens next really struck me today. Reading this story in conjunction with the following passages puts matters into a different perspective than reading each piece on its own. Moving forward, we see Jesus find out about John’s death. It is important to know that Jesus knew this was going to happen, knew the way, the reason, the timing, but still we see that Jesus left to be alone when He found out.
When Jesus left to be alone, He was bombarded by more people seeking His help and healing. Instead of telling them to go away, or that He would come back, or anything like that we read that He had compassion on them and tended to them. Jesus wanted some time alone, but we see Him set the example that sometimes we need to keep pressing forward and keep serving God’s Kingdom.
Have you ever wanted to be alone, but life demanded your full attention anyway? How did you respond?
We see here that Jesus took time to heal people, and to spend time with them and teach them. He took full advantage of the opportunity He had to teach the crowds that swarmed Him, with compassion and patience. Then, as the day pressed on toward night, we see what the disciples were up to.
They, not understanding John’s death themselves, were surely still mourning him, and were very likely exhausted from the long day of ministry with Jesus. They wanted to send the people away. Jesus’s response here is a massive lesson for all of us.
While the disciples were ready to call it a day, Jesus told them to feed the people themselves. While the disciples were likely mourning and exhausted, ready to be alone with Jesus, He called on them to serve these people instead of sending them away. In Luke’s account, Jesus compared the crowds to sheep without a shepherd. They, with obvious doubt, brought Him 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, and Jesus blessed them, broke them, and had the disciples distribute them. At the end, 12 baskets of leftovers remained.
Two things I don’t want to miss here. One, how Jesus sees the same people the disciples want to tell to go away and not deal with anymore. He sees them with compassion, humbles Himself, and helps them. Secondly, Jesus delegated responsibilities to the disciples, asking them to also humble themselves and help these people in faith. He not only showed compassion and patience, but asked His followers to do likewise.
Do you tend to see people as a nuisance you don’t want to deal with, or with compassion, as those we can help and serve?
The disciples, having completely missed the miracle of the loaves and fish, were told by Jesus to take a boat to the other side of the water.Jesus finished up with the crowd, and then He took time to be alone with God in prayer now that the people were tended to. After a while, He walked out onto the water and asked Peter to come to Him there. Peter begins to sink, and we read that not only is this due to Peter’s doubt, but in Mark 6:51 we see another reason. Because they had missed the point of the miracle of feeding the people, their hearts were hardened, and they were afraid.
Take some time to reflect on miracles God has done in your own life and thank Him for being there, providing, having compassion and patience with you, and reaching His hand out to you as if to Peter in the water.
We pick up this week in Matthew 8, finishing up the second half in verses 14-34. Here and in Mark 4:35-41 we read about Jesus and His disciples taking a boat across the sea. While crossing, Jesus slept but a storm came that terrified the disciples. They woke Jesus wondering if He cared about the raging storm.
This story is one that sticks with me and every time I read it I am reminded that Jesus is with me in every storm. Not only is He with me, but He isn’t worried – so neither should I be. He has authority over every storm, knows every storm, and is with me in every storm. I don’t have to worry, but only have faith in Him before, during, and after each and every storm I face in my life.
Are you in the midst of a storm in your life? Think about past storms you have been through, and describe how Christ was with you, even if you didn’t know it at the time.
We also read again about the parable of the sower, as well as the bowl an the lamp, growing seed, and the mustard seed. In all of these parables we get to learn vital lessons as believers. The Kingdom of God is equated to a seed that is sown, and that grows over time until harvest. It is also equated to the smallest of all seeds, the mustard seed, that starts out tiny, but over time it grows into the tallest and most fruitful plant in all the garden.
How do these parables speak to you today? What is this teaching you in this present season of your life and faith?
One thing that stands out to me in all of these passages this week is that Jesus teaches each of us according to what He knows we are ready for, and He gives each of us the understanding we need at the time and in the way He determines is best for us. He did this with the disciples, and He still does that for us every day.
Jumping into the story of Jesus casting out the Legion of demons, I am always struck by this story in a new way every time I read it. Reading all of these parables alongside this story today I am reminded that, just like the demon possessed man whom Jesus healed, He heals us of our many afflictions. Again just like this man he healed, he does not immediately call us all home to dwell with Him but instead commands us to take our testimony out, plant seeds for the gospel, and participate in growing the Kingdom of God before the time of the harvest comes.
What are you doing in your life right now to grow in your faith?
We are all called to go out into all the world and share the gospel, and we are all given a testimony to share. Our testimony is powerful because it has Jesus’ fingerprints all over it. We should constantly be thanking Him for all He has done, humbling ourselves as we remember how much we have needed and still need Him, and planting seeds around us so that others may come to know Him and experience the healing power of Jesus through faith as well.
What can you do in your life right now to plant seeds and share your testimony?
We don’t have to have it all figured out. Jesus grants us the understanding He knows we need and are ready for, and the understanding He gives us He wants us to use. What we use will be measured, and we will be given more understanding according to the measure we use. If we fail to use the wisdom granted to us, He will take it away.
Let the light of Christ shine from you and your life and encourage others everyday.
Studying the gospels in chronological order is wonderful for comparing the different perspectives of each person’s account. This week we are diving into a section of Matthew that is packed with wisdom and warnings.
Last week we ready through the Beatitudes in Luke’s account of the gospel, and this week we begin with Matthew’s account. Matthew recalls more of what is usually called the Sermon on the Mount. He tells us that those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, are humble, who long for righteousness. are merciful, are pure in heart, are peacemakers, and are persecuted are blessed.
What about the Beatitudes stands out the most to you and why?
Jesus goes on to explain that we are the salt of the earth as well as the light of the world. He uses these images to explain that we are meant to go out and share the love and light of Jesus with the world. Salt must maintain its seasoning and light must not be hidden. We must be active participants in God’s plan to redeem the whole world by sharing what we have learned with others.
What are some ways you can share your faith in your day-to-day life?
One of the main lessons in the whole of Matthew 5-7 is that all we do should be for the glory of God. Jesus gives specific ways we can bring God glory, and He also provides many warnings for us. He commands us to not judge, hate, murder, commit adultery, lie, and may other things. Where there are instructions for how to live, there are also warnings for what to avoid.
One aspect of Matthew 5 that is a particular struggle in our culture is Matthew 5:38-48 where Jesus tells us that we are to be different than the world – when the world says to take revenge, to do as others have done to you, Jesus says do as you would want others to do to you. He takes this even further in commanding us to love our enemies. With this command it is vital to remember and understand God’s definition of love found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
How can you love your enemies better, according to God’s definition of love?
Matthew 6 focuses on not showing off and stresses the point to be earnest. There is a time to share your faith and pray with and for others, and there is also a time for private intimacy with God alone. On the one hand, share your faith! Live it out! On the other, make sure you take time to grow in your relationship with the Lord privately just between the two of you.
Where do you need more balance in your own faith and relationship with God?
Through Matthew 6 and 7 Jesus instructs us in generosity, prayer, fasting, finances and wealth, anxiety, judgment, obedience, and bearing fruit. I appreciate that Jesus took time to specifically address each of these points.
What about these instructions stands out the most to you and why?
This week we are focusing on a beautiful set of passages that include so many important lessons. Matthew 12:1-21, Mark 3:1-12, and Luke 6:1-11 all reflect on Jesus proclaiming Himself as Lord of the Sabbath. He and His disciples were walking through a field and picking grain to eat, and later Jesus healed a man with a withered hand when He was teaching in the Synagogue, both of which happened on the Sabbath which caused quite a stir.
Jesus has quite a message for those who were angered at these works being done on the Sabbath. Jesus declared in Matthew 12:12b “…it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.”He also declared in Luke 6:5 that He, the Son of Man, is Lord of the Sabbath.
What do these declarations tell you about God’s intent for the Sabbath?
After this, we see Jesus choose the twelve apostles; Peter, Andrew, James, and John sons of Zebedee, Philip, and Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alpheus, Simon the zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who would betray Him.
What about Jesus’s choices in Apostles stands out to you the most?
Personally, I love that there is such a variety of people from a variety of backgrounds. This paints a picture for us that Jesus doesn’t look for perfect people or those who are not seeking Him. He chooses those who are in need of a spiritual doctor, whom only He can be for them.
Luke 6:20-49 is filled with so much wisdom straight from Jesus Himself. Throughout most of Luke 6, Jesus is clarifying who are the blessed ones and who are in danger. He instructs all of us in how to live, treat others, not judge, be generous, love others, do what is good, and to build our lives on Him and Him alone.
His message here is very clear – if you are not building every area of your life on the foundation of Christ alone, it will not last. If we are not living and loving the way He teaches us to both in commands and example then we are not centered on Him.
Are there areas of your life, or relationships you have that are not built on Christ? How can you give that area or relationship to the Lord?
At the end of Luke 6 Jesus asks this question: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?”
This question really hits home every time I read it, as it should. Reading this passage this week I encourage you to reflect on this question. He asks this right after giving a lot of necessary wisdom and instruction, and scripture is filled with even more godly wisdom and instruction. We can too easily fall into complacency and fall away from Christ’s instruction, and we should constantly strive to identify those areas, repent, and seek His help to remedy the situation, and follow His instruction. We should always be seeking how to obey Him better.
What areas of your life are you not doing what Christ tells you to do?
This week we will explore Mark 2 where there are quite a few big points to hit on. This chapter opens up with the story of the paralytic man being lowered down into the house Jesus was teaching in. I absolutely love this story as it is a great example of the lengths these people went because their faith was so strong. They did what it took to be in the presence of Jesus and believed that He would heal the man.
As they had faith He would do, Jesus healed the man – but not in the way many onlookers expected. He told the man “your sins are forgiven” rather than telling him that he was healed. Jesus then showed His divinity by acknowledging the thoughts of the crowd and displaying His power and authority.
I appreciate these reminders that Jesus knows our inner thoughts and our very heart and intentions. We cannot keep anything hidden from Him. I find this helpful as it reminds me to keep my mind, thoughts, intentions and heart focused on Him and when I realize I am not, I hear this verse 8 where Jesus asks them “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” It causes me to evaluate my thoughts and intentions, and to repent and refocus.
What does this passage teach you about Jesus and your relationship with Him?
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When we are convicted, we should be led to repentance. When we repent, this is turning away from sin and turning to righteousness. When we are convicted this is a cause for worship. So often when we realize we have sinned we beat ourselves up and so often that ends up pushing us away from Christ.
I encourage you, though, to take those as opportunities to grow in your faith and come closer to Jesus, not further away. Worship Him with a heart that is grateful for your Savior and the works He is doing in you.
Later we read about Jesus calling on Matthew (Levi) to follow Him, and He was then seen by the Pharisees sitting with and teaching “tax collectors and sinners”. The Pharisees cannot understand this, but Jesus explains to them that sinners are like sick people who need a doctor, and He is the Great Physician.
How does seeing Jesus as your Great Physician change your perspective of Him?
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The goal of spending time with those who are not yet believers of Jesus Christ is to help lead them to His truth and to repentance so that they, too, can accept Him as their personal Savior and come into a personal relationship with Him as well. We should not be selfish with our own salvation but go out and share the truth so that others may share in salvation as well.
What are some things you can do in order to draw people to Jesus?
Another point that has taught me a lot within my own relationship with the Lord is that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” The Lord commands us to take a day of rest, which is intended to be a day of spiritual rest and refreshment as well as physical rest. Spending that time being replenished with and by the Lord and growing in our relationships with Him.
How can/do you participate in the Sabbath? How has/can this help you in your faith?
This study is part of the Study with Me: Chronological Gospels study series. It is an annual 48-week Bible study designed to encourage readers to follow along all year and dive deeper into the meat of the passages designated each week. I pray that you learn more about your Savior and grow in your relationship with Him through this study series. There is a free printable booklet available for download as well which allows you to print and take notes as you go through this study with me.
We begin this week with Matthew 3, Mark 1, and Luke 3. Here we read aboutJohn the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea calling on the people to repent. He declares that the kingdom of heaven is near, and proceeded to baptize people in the Jordan River.
Repentance and baptism are important parts of each person’s faith journey. There are so many different beliefs and various traditions regarding both. This passage makes me stop and prayerfully consider if there are any areas of my life I might be harboring sin, or that I have not yet given over fully to the Lord. In these moments of conviction, I find encouragement in recalling my own baptism and what it means for me.
Is there any sin you have not repented of? Take some time to pray to God, repent, and seek Him today. Pray for a clean heart and a renewed spirit, that you may glorify God.
Personally, I love the story of John the Baptist. He is the first person in the New Testament we see martyred for his faith in Jesus, and he was the one sent ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for Him. This is someone people think is a total lunatic. He was bold and fearlessly stood up for his faith and convictions.
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John also got to baptize Jesus, whom he did not feel worthy to even remove Jesus’ sandals. Yet Jesus was baptized by John, the heavens opened up, and God declared His pleasure for His Son.
What about this moment stands out to you the most, and why?
Luke 3:7-14 stands out to me as a pivotal moment. John rebukes the people, gives them various encouragements, and tells them to produce fruit consistent with repentance.
What does it mean to produce fruits consistent with repentance? Do you see this in your own life?
It is so important for us to remember that John was a human being just like you and me. He had a God-given job to do and faithfully did it even to death. His methods often make our eyebrows go up to our hairlines, but his boldness is a wonderful example for us to stand strong in our beliefs and faith in Jesus no matter what we face.
At the end of Luke 3, we see another account of Jesus’ genealogy. If you are like me, you notice that it is different from that in Matthew 1. I was interested to find out more about this and discovered there are 3 possibilities, but they all seem to tie together into one answer – Luke’s account likely includes Mary’s AND Joseph’s genealogy.
To me, this is one of those moments in scripture where faith takes a front seat. We see 2 very different accounts, but we can rest in the truthfulness and promises of God, and know without a doubt that regardless of the reason for this God’s Word is without error. Just because we may not understand does not make the Bible wrong.
I encourage you to do a little digging of your own regarding the genealogies and make some notes of what you discover. What did you learn after doing so?
This study is part of the Study with Me: Chronological Gospels study series. It is an annual 48-week Bible study designed to encourage readers to follow along all year and dive deeper into the meat of the passages designated each week. I pray that you learn more about your Savior and grow in your relationship with Him through this study series. There is a free printable booklet available for download as well which allows you to print and take notes as you go through this study with me.
Who wrote the Gospel of Mark and who did they write it for?
The Apostle Mark wrote the gospel of Mark for gentile Christians, in particular to Roman converts, and those suffering and being persecuted.
When did the events of the the Gospel of Mark happen?
There is much debate over when Mark wrote this gospel account, but the events which it covers are from the time of Jesus’ birth until His death and resurrection.
What was the setting of the Gospel of Mark?
Regardless of when Mark wrote this gospel account, Christians were being heavily persecuted. Mark’s account addresses the reality of their suffering and persecution and serves to encourage them with his account of the gospel of Jesus.
Verifies the Truth of the gospel and encourages Christians to share this Truth with future generations
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Summary
The Apostle Mark wrote this gospel account very unique compared to the other three accounts; Matthew, Luke, and John. Throughout the New Testament, we see evidence that Mark was a great helper to both Paul and Peter, and traveled with both of them. It is said that the gospel of Mark is actually the written account of Peter’s recollection of events, that Mark wrote Peter’s record of events from his travels and time with Jesus.
There is much speculation about where Mark was when he wrote this account, as well as when exactly he wrote it, but regardless of those details, we can be certain that the gospel of Jesus according to Mark is filled with encouragement for Christians of all generations. Mark clearly spoke to Christians at an emotional yet logical and practical level. The way he wrote his account was such that it would spur a Christian into action, into change, to be transformed by the gospel rather than merely informed about it.
The gospel according to Mark is different from all of the other three gospel accounts and is just as important for all Christians to read, study, believe, and apply to their lives.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
I am a wife, mom, writer, crafter, and above all, a Child of God. I love to study the Bible, fellowship with other Christians, and serve God. I am thrilled to invite you to join me in seeking to satisfy our thirsty souls with the Living Water of Christ, which is what Water On Thirsty Land is here to do.
