In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

“38 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, 39 the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” (Mark 12:38-40)

In these few verses, Jesus exposed vipers within the Jewish community who preyed on the innocent. In those days, just like today, many religious leaders abuse their power and authority over their flock for personal profit, and to fulfill selfish ambitions and Jesus wanted to warn them of the judgment that awaited each one.

First, Jesus warned those present to beware of the scribes and to watch out for them. From their attire that bellowed notoriety to the way they behaved in public with a hint of superiority, scribes were known to seek out the best seats in any gathering and enjoy the finest food money could buy.

Jesus also revealed how scribes took advantage of widows by robbing them of their inheritance, as well as instilling fear by extending their prayer time beyond normality. It would be these souls who would be charged by God, and judged according to their deeds.

Do you find yourself doing the same as the scribes now and then? Simple actions like taking the best seat at the table, helping yourself to the biggest piece of cake or taking advantage of someone under your authority?

Remember that all of us are loved unconditionally, and that it is up to each one of us to either bring glory to our Lord, and please Him who created us, or anger our heavenly Father… Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely.

Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place. Once again, Jesus answered His accusers with great wisdom when He revealed the truth about marriages in Heaven, that all those who inherit a place in God’s kingdom will seek a relationship with Him, rather than earthly spouses who are also rejoicing with the Lord in Heaven.

When the Sadducees had their turn and Jesus rebuked them, just as He did the chief priests, a scribe came forward and asked Jesus which of God’s commandments was most important. And again, the Lord’s response proved He was indeed a teacher after His father’s heart when He revealed the greatest commandment was to love and honor God, and to love our neighbors as we do ourselves.

“35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?” (Mark 12:35)

While in the temple at Jerusalem, Jesus continued His exhortation by addressing scripture and prophecy involving the Messiah, the promised descendant of King David also referred to as “Son of David.”

The question here involved both the genealogy of David, a Jewish patriarch, and the fact he would bow before one of his descendants in the promised anointed one, the Christ.

“36 For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ (Mark 12:36)

As part of his prophecy of a coming Savior, David claimed “The Lord” which is God, told the Messiah, Jesus whom David refers to as “my Lord” that a place awaited him in Heaven.

Further more, God promised David to defeat his enemies to the point of making them his footstool as he sat at the right hand of God.

“37 Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?” And the common people heard Him gladly.” (Mark 12:37)

Lastly, Jesus explained the contradiction by revealing that the promised Messiah was indeed of the seed of David, and part of Abraham’s lineage, and at the same time the One who reigns over all of us, including both patriarchs.

In these verses, Jesus explained how the Christ would come from the seed of David, and in due time, rule over all the world. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely. Next, the Sadducees tried to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place.

Now, the scribes have their turn…

“28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” (Mark 12:28)

It was well known among the Jews that the Torah contained 613 “mitzvot” or commandments, and the scribes challenges Jesus to reveal which one among the large number of precepts was most important.

“29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:29-30)

Jesus replied with wisdom and authority by opening with words of the Shema, “Hear, O Israel” the Jewish call to worship when He proclaimed the most important commandment as the affirmation that God is the One, the only supreme being who is deserving of our love and worship.

“31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31)

Next, Jesus continued His answer by revealing the second most important command bestowed upon believers, that we are called to love others as we do ourselves, and pour out His love with endless abundance.

“32 So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (Mark 12:32-33)

When he recognized His words were true and brought glory to the God of Israel, the scribe praised Jesus and agreed with Him when he admitted that both these commandments far superceded the others, including sacrificial rituals.

“34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him.” (Mark 12:34)

Although the scribe seemed wise, Jesus felt the need to challenge him when He revealed the man was not yet in the Kingdom, in God’s hand.

Mark’s message teaches us that love, of God and of others is the way to His Kingdom But, it’s not enough. The only way into Heaven is through Christ, and by faith in Him. Do you believe? Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

After the bested chief priests, scribes and elders retrieved from the temple court, the Sanhedrin sent forward Pharisees and Sadducees to trap Jesus. First, the Pharisees questioned Christ about taxes paid to Caesar, attempting to lure Jesus into blasphemy against Rome. But He reasoned with them divinely. Now, the Sadducees would have their turn…

“18 Then some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him; and they asked Him, saying: 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, and leaves his wife behind, and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother.” (Mark 12:18-19)

Since the they controlled the temple businesses, they took great offense when Jesus cut into their revenue after He cleansed the temple court of the money changers and other merchants who illegally operated in the sacred court under the authority of the Sadducees.

Here, we learn about those appointed by the Sanhedrin who were sent to question Jesus about faith and the scriptures. When they came to Him, they questioned Him about things well known to those who dwelled in scripture. So when they confronted Him with the truth, He proceeded with them because it was indeed written that, if a man’s brother dies, and leaves his wife behind, and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother, an act of obedience to God known as a levirate marriage.

But, the Sadducees had a plan to trap Jesus, and they continued, saying:

“20 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring. 21 And the second took her, and he died; nor did he leave any offspring. And the third likewise. 22 So the seven had her and left no offspring. Last of all the woman died also. 23 Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.” (Mark 12:20-23)

The Sadducees planned to discredit Heaven by twisting scripture that addressed levirate marriages, and ignoring God’s revelation about our relationship and bond with Him in the most high place.

“24 Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” (Mark 12:24-25)

Here, Jesus reminds those present of the magnificence of God, and His plan to rejoice with those who place their trust in Him to created us.

In His reply to the Sadducees, Christ also gave hope to the hopeless when He compared born again believers to angels, a sight that’s truly divine.

“26 But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?” (Mark 12:26)

Jesus continued His exhortation of the men by bringing up even more scripture, and He quoted Yahweh when He declared Himself the current God of all 3 patriarchs, in spite of the fact they were dead when He said these things to Moses on the mountain.

“27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.” (Mark 12:27)

As He did before by answering impossible questions with anointed rebukes, Jesus made perfect sense of another impossible situation when He declared the Sadducees as mistaken and mislead vipers… Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

When the time came, Jesus returned to the temple court where He was approached and confronted by chief priests, scribes and elders. After He rebuked them, through the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers in which the Lord warned us of the penalty that awaits those Jews entrusted with a mission who gravely fail at bringing God the glory He deserves.

“13 Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words.” (Mark 12:13)

Because they were afraid of the multitude’s reaction, had the chief priests, scribes and elders laid their hands on Jesus, the Jewish leaders left the temple court. But, their efforts and desire to destroy Him continued, this time in the way of Pharisees, leaders of a separatist religious sect and Herodians, the Jewish sect who supported Herod and the Roman Empire.

“14 When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Mark 12:14)

When the Pharisees and Herodians met Jesus, they first praised His reputation as an honest and impartial teacher of the things of God. Next, the Pharisees and Herodians posed a question meant to trap Jesus into revealing He was an insurrectionist, or an enemy of Rome.

“15 Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” 16 So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” (Mark 12:15-16)

The Pharisees and Herodians asked Jesus if it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, as all citizens within the Roman empire were required to pay an annual “poll tax” of one denarius, equivalent to a day’s wage for a Roman soldier.

Because it featured Caesar’s image, the denarius itself was deemed idolatrous by the Jews and the question the Pharisees and Herodians posed about the Roman tax was clearly a trap. If Jesus answered yes to paying taxes on land owned by Romans, the Pharisees would accuse Him of disloyalty to God as Jews believed He delivered the promise land to them.

On the flip side, if Jesus answered no, and declared paying taxes to Rome a transgression against God, the Herodians would certainly charge Him with treason against the Roman Empire.

So then, Jesus reasoned with the men with divine wisdom.

“17 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him.” (Mark 12:17)

As He did before by answering impossible questions with anointed rebukes, Jesus made perfect sense of an impossible situation when He declared citizens of the Roman Empire responsible for paying their taxes, but also made it clear the glory belonged to God almighty, the One and only true King. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

“12 Then He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a place for the wine vat and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.” (Mark 12:1)

After they questioned His authority, Jesus continued to speak to chief priests, scribes and elders while they stood on Solomon’s porch, located on the south side of the temple court. Christ used a parable to illustrate His point when the Lord rebuked those who refuse to accept God’s Son and His kingdom.

The man in this parable is God, and the vineyard symbolizes our surroundings, our mission field. The vinedressers are those souls created by the One most high, but their heart is hardened and they choose to deny God and His authority.

“2 Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed.” (Mark 12:2-3)

Here, God provides the vinedressers with an opportunity, just as we are presented in our lives. When we are called, how do we react? With love, respect and glory to Him, or are we like those vipers, the vinedressers who reject God’s messengers?

“4 Again he sent them another servant, and at him they threw stones, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated.” (Mark 12:4)

Again, Jesus teaches us about those soldiers of Satan who reject Him, and turn away opportunities provided by God not only to make amends, but bring Him glory with the choices we make to honor Him.

“5 And again he sent another, and him they killed; and many others, beating some and killing some.” (Mark 12:5)

Jesus continued His exhortation by mentioning the fact the vineyard owner, or God provided numerous opportunities for vinedressers to honor Him. However, they did no such thing, which eventually lead the man to send his only son.

“6 Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those vinedressers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard.” (Mark 12:6-8)

In killing the man’s son, the vinedressers killed Jesus. Here, the Lamb of God predicted His forthcoming demise. And, He also foretold the fate of those who took up battle against God and His Son.

“9 Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 11 This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?” (Mark 12:9-11)

Next, Jesus leveraged this parable to foretell the end of Jerusalem which was to be destroyed by the mighty Hand of God around A.D. 70 after they rejected His Son.

When He said the owner of the vineyard would lease the property to others, He meant that God would trust Gentiles who would not only receive Jesus as the Son of God, but also trust in Him for their own salvation.

“12 And they sought to lay hands on Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away.” (Mark 12:12)

Because they feared Him, they sought to destroy Jesus. However with so many present who supported Him, the chief priests, scribes and elders wisely left the scene, and likely saved their own lives in the process.

In this scripture, Jesus warns us of the penalty that awaits vinedressers who are entrusted with a mission to fulfill, but gravely fail at bringing God the glory. To find out how well we are doing on that level, during bedtime prayer, we can simply offer the choices we made that day as a living sacrifice… Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

Jesus then addressed forgiveness, teaching us a very simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us, that forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him.

“27 Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. 28 And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?” (Mark 11:27-28)

Jesus returned to “Solomon’s porch,” located on the south side of the temple court where He previously expressed His anger with merchants and trespassers, overturning tables and chairs with prophetic authority.

When they saw Him, members of the Sanhedrin confronted Jesus and questioned by which authority He did the things He did, pouring out love, spreading hope healing the sick, performing miracles and teaching many about the grace and mercy of God, and also remind us of His divine power.

“29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: 30 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.” (Mark 11:29-30)

Jesus knew the men were out to get Him, and any answer He provided would surely stoke His adversaries’ fire further. As such, He answered them with a question of His own in which He compared His authority to that of John the Baptist.

“31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘From men’”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed.” (Mark 11:31-32)

The Sanherdin examined Jesus’ question, and when they determined there was no answer they could leverage to their advantage, they cowardly chose not to answer the question.

“33 So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Mark 11:33)

Because they refused to provide an answer to His question, Jesus did the same with their questioning the source of His authority to rebuke, teach and heal in the name of the His father, Yahweh, the God of Israel. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

“25 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25-26)

Here, Jesus teaches us a simple concept by which anyone can be set free of bitterness and anger toward another, in spite of that person’s transgression against God or us.

What is important to note in the words chosen by Jesus is, forgiving others comes with strings attached and causes God to forgive us our trespasses against Him. With this in mind, who in their right mind would hold a grudge against anyone? Let’s pray and forgive someone, shall we?

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people by turning the tables of money changers and the seat of dove merchants who illegally profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Jesus also took offense to people who used the temple as a shortcut rather than its intended purpose, the place where man could be with God.

“20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” (Mark 11:20-21)

After spending the night outside the holy city, Jesus and his entourage were making their way back to Jerusalem when they walked by a fig tree which was previously cursed by the Lord. The Fig tree proved to be a disappointment to Yeshua when He noticed its leaves promised fruit, but were instead barren and offered no sustenance.

And, just as Jesus prophesied, the tree died on its way to becoming dust in the wind. When Peter noticed the tree and showed he was surprised, the Lord instructed them about the power of faith and prayer.

“22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:22-23)

Here, Jesus reveals the power of faith using a well known Jewish analogy that would be simple to understand, yet convey a sense of magnitude beyond human comprehension. The Lord was illustrating that to God, even things that seem impossible to man are not impossible for Him.

“24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24)

We have all heard about the tremendous power of prayer, but too few among us rely on prayer to equip us as we battle the enemy and strive to honor God with our lives. Jesus concludes His exhortation by encouraging His audience to continue to pray and faithfully ask God for the things we need to serve and glorify Him, or to fulfill the needs of others… Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

In his epistle written around A.D. 66, John Mark began his letter by introducing John The Baptist, God’s messenger by describing how his role was to announce the coming of the Messiah, and baptize Him in the Jordan River so Jesus could fulfill all righteousness, and be identify with those He came to redeem.

After He was baptized, Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness for forty days but the Messiah persevered and resisted temptation as He prepared for His ministry, which He started in Galilee while John The Baptist was imprisoned for rebuking Herod Antipas.

The Lord’s ministry began along the Sea of Galilee where He recruited His first four apostles, Simon, Andrew, James and John, who were all fishermen from Capernaum, a small fishing village located on the northern shore of the lake. This was the location where Jesus performed His first recorded miracle when He healed a possessed man, delivering him from a demon. Jesus followed His first miracle with another when He miraculously healed Simon’s mother in law who was gravely ill, then as word spread about these healings, the entire population of the city gathered outside the house door where Jesus answered the call to heal the sick.

Then, Jesus embarked on a missionary journey through the region which eventually lead him back to Capernaum where He furthered His ministry through preaching and healing the sick. But, when He healed a man on the Sabbath, the Pharisees and Herodians began plotting to kill Him.

Before they could get to Him, Jesus chose His twelve apostles. The first was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter. Next came James, one of the “Sons of Thunder” who accepted the call to follow Jesus along with his brother John, Andrew, the dean of His apostolic corps Philip, the curious, Bartholomew, the honest one, then Matthew, the “money-getter” for the ministry, Thomas, the doubter as well as the twins, James and Thaddaeus Alphaeus, the group’s chief ushers, Simon, the Zealot and lastly, Judas, the traitor.

After they returned to Capernaum, Jesus and His apostles walked into a house where the Messiah confronted scribes who were out to get Him arrested, claiming He was possessed. But, Jesus rebuked them, then He continued to exhort them while He enlightened the others present, eventually warning those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, that their spiritual destiny involved suffering and agony, forever.

While He was teaching, Jesus’ mother and brothers came for Him claiming He was not of right mind, in hope this would dissuade the Scribes and stop the plot to arrest the Messiah. When He heard His family was outside the house, Jesus revealed His plan for His church, that all those who believe would become part of a family, a spiritual body.

Next, for the second time at Capernaum, Jesus resorted to the sea to further His ministry. This time, the Messiah leveraged the natural ability for water to carry sound, as He continued to teach the multitude using parables, starting with the parable of the sower, which He followed by a statement meant for those who reject Him, that parables could only be understood by seekers and believers alike.

Later, when He was alone with the twelve, Jesus continued to enlighten His apostles by revealing the mystery found in the parable of the sower, that, among those who hear the word of God, only a few will receive the word, believe and be saved from the wages of sin which is death and agony, forever.

Jesus followed His exhortation with the parable of the light under a basket, calling on His followers to spread His love throughout the world, then He carried on with more parables, including the parable of the mustard seed in which the divine Teacher compared the evolution of the kingdom of God to the greatest of miracles among its kind, that the smallest of all seeds would grow to be the largest plant of its kind.

Next, Jesus revealed how He used parables to enlighten seekers and believers alike, and the same parables to obscure the minds of those who deny the truth or reject His deity.

After this, Jesus performed a miracle as He rebuked the wind and the waves while He was crossing the sea of Galilee, onto Gersa, located directly across the Sea from Capernaum where the Lord miraculously healed a possessed man by casting out his demons.

Because they were afraid of Him, those at Gersa requested Jesus leave their Land, and upon His return to Capernaum, He performed two more miracles. The first happened when Jesus healed a woman who touched His garment, and also brought a prominent Jewish man’s child back to life.

However, when He came to Nazareth, the town where He grew up, Jesus was not well received by those who knew Him as a child or were acquainted with members of His family. The journey throughout Galilee continued until the day when Jesus called the twelve and sent them out two by two, giving each one power over unclean spirits.

When they returned from their first missionary journey, the apostles retreated to a remote place where they could rest and recharge. Since they were with Jesus, a multitude tagged along and when they arrived at their destination, the size of the crowd and timing for the gathering presented Jesus with a perfect opportunity to showcase His divine power as 10,000 people were fed and twelve baskets of food were left over after God multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish so all could eat.

Next, to reinforce their faith in Him, Jesus put His disciples in harm’s way when He sent them onto Bethsaida, a small fishing village located across the Sea of Galilee where He later rescued them as He walked on the water to the boat where He calmed the wind and water.

When they reached the shore, the wind had carried the boat to Gennesaret where a healing journey began during which many were given new life, both physically and spiritually, and news of this miraculous Healer prompted Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to send a group of men to further inquire about this man named “Yeshua.” It would not take long for Jesus to rebuke the Jewish spies, after which He continued His journey throughout the region, closely followed by Pharisees sent from Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus miraculously feed thousands once again, and heal those in need, spreading hope every where He went.

But, in spite of all the miracles He performed, Jesus’ frustration continued to grow as His disciples did not understand the warnings He shared in His parables. He would use another miracle to reinforce His message, and eventually they started to believe, but Jesus commanded they tell no one about who He was because He had to endure the path to the cross that would lead to His death, and resurrection.

However, His disciples did not respond well to this announcement, in which Jesus revealed the great sacrifice required of believers, that whoever values this life more than the next life will lose both, and suffer eternal consequences.

Then, Jesus took the apostles Peter, James, and John to a mountain top where He was transfigured before them, as both Elijah and Moses appeared and gave witness to the divinity of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God.

Soon after He was transfigured, Jesus healed a boy who had been possessed and tormented since birth by a demon after his father placed his trust and faith in the Savior. After the miraculous healing that took place at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Capernaum where the Lord rebuked His apostles by teaching them about the Kingdom of God, where those who seek to be first will be last while the meek who are driven to serve those in need will be blessed abundantly.

However, the Lord’s promise of blessings came with a warning when He called on each one of His disciples to arm ourselves, and be ready to pay such a sacrifice as He did so those who believe may have hope, and the gift of eternal life. Jesus also warned us about unrepented sin, that grave danger awaited those who sin and choose to deny Him in such a way that he or she knows they are transgressing the One who loves them, yet sin in spite of this.

Next, Jesus and His entourage traveled over 100 miles from Capernaum, located in the north at the edge of the Sea of Galilee, to Judea, in the south along the Dead Sea where a multitude once again gathered.

After He lovingly rebuked a wealthy ruler who sought to earn his way into the Kingdom of God, Jesus addressed earthly wealth and taught us about His divine plan, how those who are abundantly favored in this life will be humbled in Heaven, while the meek, those who sacrificed much in this life, the souls who are persecuted in His name, the innocent and the children will be rewarded and praised in Heaven, forever.

Next, Mark told us about the time when the Lord became aware of His own death as they approached Jerusalem, yet He did absolutely nothing to stop it. Instead, He prepared those around Him for the tragic end they were about to witness, focusing on the importance for believers to strive bring glory to God through selfless service as each disciple of Jesus relies on the fulfillment of the promise He made that on the third day, He would rise from the dead.

The journey to Jerusalem was coming to an end, and when they left Jericho, Jesus had the opportunity to once again perform a miracle, this time healing Bartimaeus, and by his faith in the Lord, the man was able to see. As the Lord and His entourage came closer to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to fetch a colt on which Christ was planning His triumphant entry into the holy city.

Shortly after the men returned with the colt, Jesus started toward Jerusalem as many along the road threw their clothes ahead of the Lord, and even cut and laid palm branches on the road symbolizing salvation and joy. After He inspected the temple, Jesus returned to Bethany to avoid confrontation with Jewish leaders and also by this time, steer clear of Roman authorities who were after Him. But Jesus planned to return to the temple, and when He did, He manifested God’s anger with His people.

“15 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.” (Mark 11:15)

Jesus had been in Bethany, about a mile from Jerusalem until the time came for Him to return to the holy city, where God was about to unleash His anger upon those who transgressed the sanctity of the Jewish temple.

First, Jesus went after the money changers who exchanged Greek and Roman currency into Jewish or Tyrian coins to be used by Jewish males 20 years and older to pay for temple religious service. Money changers also provided currency for customers of the merchants who sold goods in the temple, a tradition that greatly benefited High Priests financially.

Next, Jesus turned His attention to dove merchants who profited from the sale of sacrificial birds within the walls of a holy place. Even though selling merchandise in the temple was illegal, and a transgression against God, it was permitted by High Priests since they received bribes from merchants. This upset the Lord, and His reaction was in tune with His anger.

“16 And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple.” (Mark 11:16)

The temple had a single, holy purpose: For man to be in the presence of God. However, the holy place had become more or a town square used by many as a shortcut across the city, facilitating their commute as they carried heavy loads.

Jesus took offense to these people who used the temple as a road rather than its intended purpose.

“17 Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” (Mark 11:17)

The purpose of the temple was to act as the house of God, a sacred place built according to scripture where prayer and worship was to take place, rather than commerce. Here, Jesus simply reminded those present of their sin after He showed His anger by turning tables, and stopping people from transgressing God’s holy temple.

“18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. 19 When evening had come, He went out of the city.” (Mark 11:18-19)

When they witnessed Jesus’ outburst and scripture based justification for His actions, members of the Sanhedrin, the leading body within the Jewish religion became fearful of Jesus and sought to eliminate Him.

Then, after the sun had set over Jerusalem, once again Jesus retired to a dwelling outside city walls where He could continue to preach without interference from skeptics, notably scribes and chief priests who were plotting against Him.

Are there areas of your life that are misused? Like the temple, do you find yourself violating what is holy and good for a lesser purpose? One example is your temple, your body which was made by God to worship Him, and bring Him honor and glory. Something as minute as listening to secular music is one way of misusing your temple, exposing your soul to the sins of the world through both ears. Another example involves feeding your temple foods you are fully aware are a transgression against the One who created you.

Strive to honor and glorify God in all you do… I promise, your efforts will not go by unnoticed. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of Mark,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com