In Mark 5 Jesus demonstrates His power over demons, disease, and death. Each instance is more evidence that He and His teaching are from God; it confirms His claim to be the Son of God.

Jesus exercised control over the demons, even though they were “legion.” The demons entering the swine gave visible proof to the people of the Lord’s power and control over the satanic spirits. It is interesting to note the people wanted Him to leave…and He did. Jesus will not stay where He is not wanted.

The woman with the “issue of blood” was healed with Jesus’ knowledge. When He asked, “Who touched My clothes,” it was not for His information, but to draw out the woman and bring the incident to the attention of the crowd. One thing this shows us is that we cannot receive a blessing from the Lord by “theft,” He must grant it.

The third miracle in this chapter is one of three resurrections on record. Here he raised one who had just died. He also raise the widow’s son when the body was on the way to the grave and Lazarus whose body was in the tomb for four days. The people on this occasion could not comprehend a resurrection and even ridiculed Jesus. Yet, the Lord reassured Jairus that all would be well, raised his daughter, the result being great amazement. As we read such accounts of Jesus’ actions we ought to be filled with great amazement.

Mark 3 highlights opposition and adoration for Jesus.

The Lord healed a man in the synagogue on the Sabbath by simply asking the man to stretch out his hand. When the man’s hand was healed, the Jews were so angry that the Pharisees and Herodians – two groups that normally hated each other – plotted to kill Jesus.

As word spread about Jesus’ works, multitudes from the surrounding regions flocked to Him. The Lord had to rebuke the demons to be silent as to His identity. He could not afford an endorsement from Satan, as well as it being premature.

On one occasion when Jesus cast out a demon, He was accused of being in league with the devil. He showed how utterly absurd this claim was saying a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.

Jesus’ family came looking for Him, thinking He had lost His mind (3:21, 31). When informed that they were trying to reach Him, Jesus explained who His true family is: those who do the will of God. We can be in that family…and are in that family…if we will simply do the will of God. What a blessing!

In Mark 2, Jesus is continually challenged by the Jews. They are seeking some cause against Him; some way to condemn either His actions or words.

They first opposed His claim to deity when He forgave a man of his sins (2:1-12). He proved His ability to do the unseen by doing what could be seen. Thus, the Lord proved both His ability to heal and forgive.

Jesus’ ministry is attacked next (2:13-17). The Jews did not like Him eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners. He aptly pointed out that sinners are the ones who most need Him, not the righteous—self righteous—Jews.

The Jews also objected to what they saw as a lack of piety in Jesus’ disciples, and thus Jesus (2:18-22). He rebuked them by pointing out they were using the wrong standard. First, the Law only required two fasts per year (Lev. 16:29-34; 23:26-32). The fasts the Pharisees wanted them to follow were mere traditions of men. Besides, under the gospel no fasts would be required.

Finally, Mark highlights a challenge to Jesus’ non-conformity to tradition (2:23-28). The charge was made that the disciples broke the Sabbath by plucking grain in the fields as they walked through. Some make the mistake of saying Jesus advocates situational ethics in His reply. If so, then we can bend and shape the Gospel to anything we want depending on the circumstances. No true believer can accept this. Rather, Jesus notes that the Jews viewed David as a faithful man of God in spite of the fact that he and his men broke the law by eating the showbread; “not lawful” (2:26). Yet, here they are, the Jews, condemning the disciples for doing that which was perfectly acceptable under the Law. The Sabbath was not made to punish man, but to bring him closer to God. Jesus, being Lord of the Sabbath, knows the Sabbath Law better than the Jews. He was not claiming to have the authority to suspend the Law.

John’s teaching marked the beginning of the gospel (1:1). He prepared the people for the coming of the Lord, including baptizing them. His baptism was one “of repentance for the remission of sins” (1:4). The sins were not immediately washed away as in Christ’s baptism (Acts 2:38). Rather, like the faithful in the Old Testament, their actions were done looking forward to the shedding of Christ’s blood; the blood which when “back” and washed away sins (Heb. 9:14, 15).

Jesus began His teaching after John was put in prison. To confirm that teaching He performed miracles. The people made the connection between the two saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him” (1:27).

It is interesting to note that these demons knew the Lord. They understood Him to be the Son of God. They believed, yet did not honor Him; they served their master, Satan.

The importance of prayer is emphasized as we see Jesus going out before sunrise to pray. If He saw the need to, so should I. When His disciples came to Him, telling Him of the people seeking miracles, He stated His purpose in life: “that I may preach” (1:38). His teaching was a higher priority than the healing.

The last miracle mentioned in the chapter illustrates that no matter how well intentioned we may be, disobedience always hinders the gospel (1:40-45).

Here is a suggested reading schedule for Saturdays and Sundays.

Psalms 1

Psalms 2

Psalms 3

Psalms 4

Psalms 5

Psalms 6

Psalms 7

Psalms 8

Psalms 9

Psalms 10

Psalms 11

Psalms 12

Psalms 13

Psalms 14

Psalms 15

Psalms 16

Psalms 17

Psalms 18

Psalms 19

Psalms 20

Psalms 21

Psalms 22

Psalms 23

Psalms 24

Psalms 25

Psalms 26

Psalms 27

Psalms 28

Psalms 29

Psalms 30

Psalms 31

Psalms 32

Psalms 33

Psalms 34

Psalms 35

Psalms 36

Psalms 37

Psalms 38

Psalms 39

Psalms 40

Psalms 41

Psalms 42

Psalms 43

Psalms 44

Psalms 45

Psalms 46

Psalms 47

Psalms 48

Psalms 49

Psalms 50

Psalms 51

Psalms 52

Paul urges unity among the saints, reminding them to rejoice in the Lord.

We can turn to our Lord in times of anxiety and He will supply our need. This highlights the privilege of prayer that so few enjoy in this world…and that so few Christians really take full advantage of.

Our lives a Christians are enriched when we think on proper things. It gives us hope and strength, as well as keeps us in the right frame of mind and on track. Part of keeping our minds on the right things includes looking at the right examples, like Paul. We are to mimic the apostles as they followed Christ. The result is peace; a blessing beyond compare.

The Philippians helped support Paul from time to time, including just before this letter was written. They remembered him while he was in prison for the Lord’s sake. He had learned to do with and without. If we could learn this lesson many of our daily troubles would fade. As he said, with Christ we can do all things.

Today: Philippians 3:1-21

Paul makes it plain where the Judaizing teachers stand and where he and the faithful stand.

Judaizers (and all promoters of false doctrine) are “dogs” and “evil workers.” Note that Paul specifically stated to discuss such matters was not “tedious” but “safe.” For those who distain men and women that attack false teachers in no uncertain terms, they are wrong and anti-Scripture.

By way of comparison, Paul details the advantages he had in the past in the Jew’s religion. He did this to show he was superior to all the Judaizers; they could not compare to his former status. Then Paul states he gave it all up to gain Christ. Hence, the Circumcision needed to give up their minor status clinging to the Old Law so they too could gain Christ.

Though the apostle had sacrificed greatly for the Lord, he did not rest believing he had done enough. He pressed on to the goal.

In closing he urges us to follow his example, and the example of all faithful Christians. Those who practice and promote error are enemies of the cross of Christ. Plain and simple. Yet, again, so many have trouble spelling out things like this, making a clear distinction between true Christians and counterfeit ones.

We are finally reminded that our citizenship is in heaven. It is our home land, we live under its laws, and enjoy its privileges. To it we will go one day with a glorious body, one fit for all eternity, like unto our Lord.

Today we are reading Philippians 2:12-30.

Paul urges us to be active in our own redemption.

God does His part, through the word and through his servants (like Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus). We must also do our part (2:12). When we do, we will stand out and be markedly distinct from the rest of the world; like stars on a clear winter night.

We need to appreciate those who labor, even to their own peril, for our souls.

We are in Philippians 2:1-11 today.

Here we are admonished to keep the right attitude and outlook toward fellow Christians. This follows Paul’s comments about facing our adversaries and maintaining worthy conduct (Phil. 1:27-30). Thus, we know it is trying to keep our minds and hearts right in the midst of persecution.

The devil never stops attacking us (1 Pet. 5:8).

The example given is the ultimate one: Jesus Christ. He faced great suffering and yet kept focus on the goal. If we submit to God’s will and serve others, we will face hard times. However, the reward is sure is and sweet.

Exaltation comes after humiliation

Today’s reading is in Philippians 1:12-30.

Please post below when you have read it.

Paul is in prison and wants to assure the brethren that all is well. It is not that he is living the “high life.” Rather, the apostle is living in the Lord; teaching those who will listen.

Some brethren are seeking to harm Paul in one way or another. Yet, he rejoiced whenever truth was taught.

Like Paul, we need to develop the attitude of serving God and seeking to save the lost no matter the circumstances. Too, Paul did not know whether he would live or die, but come what may, he would be devoted to Christ. Let us endeavor to live in and die in such a noble manner.