February 28th New Testament Readings

Mark 9:30-10:12
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Mark chapter 9 verses 33-35 always stand out to me and I personally always need to be reminded of Jesus' teaching here in the last sentence: "Jesus asked them, "What were you discussing out on the road?"  But they didn't answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down and called the twelve disciples over to him. Then he said, "Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else."  How are you doing on this last sentence?  Are you taking last place?  Are you the servant of everyone else?  Do you think this last sentence applies to Jesus' life?  Do you think we should model how Jesus lived his life?

I came across an artistic image I liked a lot, below, which applies to verses 36 & 37... except of course that the child is wearing very modern day clothes - keep in mind it is art! :) -  "Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me."

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of the Casting Crowns song "Nobody:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yBzIt_z8oY

Are you a Nobody? Click here to live for Nobody but Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Mark 9:35 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never strive to be first. Pray that you will strive to be the servant of all, as Jesus was the servant of all.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Comments

[Jeffrey]

February 28th

Jesus Again Predicts His Death

Mark 9: 30 Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, 31 for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” 32 They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. [ESV]

Jesus reveals His mission and who He truly is in several places in the gospels. He usually seeks strict silence about these things, though they are often misunderstood. This is all a part of what has been called the “Messianic Secret”, since the term was first used by William Wrede in 1901, especially regarding Jesus in the gospel of Mark.

Jesus knows that the people are looking for a political messiah, one who will restore Israel to political and religious sovereignty, again. If the Romans thought someone was trying to do such a thing, they would be imprisoned and later executed. Jesus was hiding His true messiahship to avoid such a fate before His time for death had arrived. The plan of God to usher in the Kingdom would otherwise be disrupted.

There is quite a bit that could be said about the Messianic Secret, but this short excerpt from a Ligonier Ministries study is telling:

“Jesus’ guarding of His identity for most of His earthly ministry is typically referred to as the “Messianic Secret.” At this point we should ask ourselves why Jesus was so careful to keep His identity hidden. In order to answer this question, we have to look at the common Messianic expectations in first-century Palestine. Most of the nation was looking for a Messiah who would be a political revolutionary. They were looking for a king who would come in and release the nation from Roman domination. The demand for the release of Barabbas, a political zealot, instead of Christ (Matt. 27:15–23) shows that most of Israel wanted a political savior.”

This is a very interesting motif and Biblical topic, for certain. Jesus was the Messiah, God the Son, the true King of Israel (both national and spiritual), announcing that the Kingdom of God was in the midst of His people.

Maranatha! IC -|- XC

Prayer for Today:
Lord, give our persecuted Christian family members strength to persevere, as they often carry heavy crosses. As You walk with them in their suffering, give them confidence in the joy of heaven awaiting them. Amen.

[Jeffrey]

I am sorry... i keep posting under the permalink! ugh