Mark 8-12

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

See Clearly What Discipleship Means

In Monday’s reading in Mark 8, there’s a striking story about Jesus healing a blind man (Mark 8:22-26). Jesus takes the blind man’s hand and leads him out of town, spits in his eyes and asks, “Do you see anything?” (Mark 8:23).

And he does — Jesus has given a blind man sight. But he doesn’t see clearly yet, everything is blurry. He says, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking” (Mark 8:24). But when Jesus laid his hands on him again, “he saw everything clearly” (Mark 8:25).

This story kicks off the middle act of the gospel of Mark, a unit that ends with the healing of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). In a way, this whole section is about going from blind, to blurry, to seeing clearly.

Blurry

After healing the blind man, Jesus gets to work healing the spiritual blindness (Mark 8:17-21) of the disciples. Like the blind man he healed, it’s a process. Peter’s confession (Mark 8:29) shows that he sees Jesus’ true identity, yet Peter’s next conversation with the Lord (Mark 8:31-38) reveals that he still doesn’t see clearly what that means. The two stories of blind men receiving sight form bookends to the heart of Mark’s gospel, in which we’ll find the book’s three predictions of Christ’s coming death (Mark 8:31; 9:30-31; 10:33-34) and three challenges for disciples to humble themselves and serve others (Mark 8:33-38; 9:33-50; 10:38-45). In this way, our readings on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (Mark 8-10) will reveal the surprising future of the Messiah and his followers. Anyone who would consider being the Lord’s disciple needs to wrestle with what that means.

Are you ready to take up a cross, deny yourself, and follow the Lord? Are you willing to walk the Lord’s counterintuitive path to greatness, by becoming the servant of everyone around you?
What do you think the three disciples who witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration (Mark 9:1-13) took away from the event?

Blind

We’ll begin the third and final section of Mark on Thursday (Mark 11). The happy fanfare of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:7-10) quickly turns into a clash with religious leaders too blind to understand who Jesus is.

What is the message of the cursed fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-25)? How does it parallel the cleansing of the temple?
What do you think the cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:15-19) is all about? How might Jesus’ actions relate to the coming destruction of the temple in the judgment on Jerusalem (cf. Mark 13)? What’s the meaning of the temple? Why do the chief priests and scribes want to kill him?
Who are the tenants in Jesus’ vineyard parable (Mark 12:1-12)?
What do you learn from the Lord’s exchanges with religious leaders in Mark 12:13-37?

In Judges 15-21 and 1 Samuel 1-8, the narrative shifts to the final days of the judges and the dawn of monarchy in Israel. The story of Samson highlights personal struggles and national implications, illustrating the fragility of Israel's faithfulness. As moral decline increases, the tribes experience internal conflict and the need for a united leadership becomes apparent. The opening chapters of 1 Samuel introduce Samuel, a transitional figure, dedicated to God from birth. His prophetic ministry sets the stage for the people's demand for a king, reflecting their desire for security and identity. God’s response reveals the tension between divine will and the people's choices. These passages invite readers to contemplate leadership, faithfulness, and the complexities of human desires in the pursuit of God's plan, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for Israel in navigating their covenant relationship with God amidst external pressures and internal strife.

Judg. 15-21, 1 Sam. 1-8

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

REFLECTING ON THE PSALMS

Psalms 46 to 48 continue the exploration of God's sovereignty amidst life's challenges. Psalm 46 emphasizes God's presence as a refuge and strength, portraying Him as a protector in times of trouble. The imagery of natural disasters contrasts human fear with divine assurance, reminding believers that God is an ever-present help. Psalm 47 calls for joyful praise, celebrating God's kingship over all nations and emphasizing the unity of God's people in worship. Psalm 48 shifts focus to Zion, praising the beauty and security of the city as the dwelling place of God, showcasing His glory and faithfulness. Collectively, these psalms highlight themes of trust, celebration, and the profound sense of belonging to a God who reigns supreme. They affirm that, regardless of circumstances, God remains a steadfast source of hope and victory for His people.

Week 16