PRAY FOR IT BELIEVE IT AND RECEIVE IT

PROCLAMATION

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, ‘Have faith in God.  For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, ‘Be thou removed, and be cast into the sea;’ and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’ ”  Mark 11:22-24 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  As Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives.  Jesus sent two of His disciples into town to get Him a colt that had never been ridden. (Mark 11:1-3)  When they returned with the colt, they threw their cloaks over it and Jesus sat on it.  Some of them spread their cloaks on the ground in front of Jesus while other spread palm branches in front of Him as He rode into town.  Some went ahead of Him and shouted, “Hosanna!” (Mark 11:4-10)  When He reached Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out those who were buying and selling.  He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.  He said, “Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer?  But ye have made it a den of thieves.”  The scribes and the chief priests heard about this and sought ways to kill Him. (Mark 11:15-18)  The next morning as they went out of the city, they saw the withered fig tree which Jesus had cursed on the day before.  Jesus said to His disciples, “Have faith in God. … What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:20-24)  He also told them when they pray, forgive those who have wronged them, and ask to be forgiven of their trespasses.  He said if they do not forgive others, they will not be forgiven. (Mark 11:25-26)  When they came back to Jerusalem, the scribes, and the chief priests, and the elders, asked Jesus by what authority He did these things.  He said that He would answer them if they could answer one question.  He asked them by what authority did John baptize people.  They could not answer Him, so He did not answer them. (Mark 11:27-33)

 

APPLICATION
Jesus, The Christ, cursed a fig tree which did not produce any fruit (Mark 11:13-14) and it withered and died. (Mark 11:20-21)  If we are not going to produce any fruit for The Lord God, then what good are we to Him?  We are known by the fruit which we produce. (Matthew 7:20)  We should have faith in God.  This is not so that He would grant us our selfish desires, but that His will might be done in our lives.  If we pray for something, and believe that we will receive it, then we shall receive it; that is, if it brings glory to God.  For whatever we do, we should do it all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

DO NOT LOVE MONEY MORE THAN GOD

PROCLAMATION

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”  Mark 10:25 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  Jesus and His disciples left the villages around Caesarea Philippi and went to Judea and across the Jordan river.  Again crowds followed Him, and He taught them. (Mark 10:1)  There were Pharisees in the crowd, and they questioned Him about divorce.  Jesus replied that Moses permitted it but that was not how The Lord God intended it from the beginning. (Mark 10:2-12)  Some of the people brought their young children to Jesus for Him to touch them and bless them but His disciples rebuked them.  Jesus said for them to let the little children come to Him.  He said that whosoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter it.  Then He took the children into His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16)  As He was leaving, a young rich man ran up to Him and fell on his knees and asked Him what he had to do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus asked him if he knew the commandments and he said that he had kept the commandments since he was a boy.  Jesus then told him to go and sell everything that he had, give the money to the poor, and then follow Him.  The young man left saddened because he was very wealthy. (Mark 10:17-22)  That was when Jesus said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.” … “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:23-26)  Then Jesus said to His disciples, “With men it is impossible … with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)  Peter said that they had left everything and followed Him.  To which Jesus replied that for that they shall receive one hundredfold increase over what they had. (Mark 10:28-31)  As they were on their way to Jerusalem, Jesus again predicted His crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. (Mark 10:32-34)  The chapter ends with the discussion of the ambition of James and John, wanting to sit on His right and left side when He comes to His kingdom, (Mark 10:35-45) and the giving of sight to blind Bartimaeus. (Mark 10:46-52)

APPLICATION
Having a lot of money or great wealth does not prevent one from entering the kingdom of God.  The problem is that most of the rich and wealthy people tend to rely on their possessions and their money instead of relying on The Lord God.  Their faith is in their money, not in God.  Without faith in God it is impossible to please Him. (Hebrews 11:6)  No man can serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13)  We must believe and trust in The Lord God. (Jeremiah 17:7)  Those who do not believe will never enter into the kingdom of God. (Revelation 20:15)

 

DO NOT CAUSE OTHERS TO SIN

PROCLAMATION

“And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in Me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.”  Mark 9:42 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  While Jesus was still in the villages around Caesarea Philippi, He took Peter, James, and John with Him and led them up a high mountain.  There He was transfigured before them, and Elijah and Moses appeared before them and began talking with Jesus. (Mark 9:2-8)  When they came back to the village and joined the other disciples, there was a large crowd around them.  A man in the crowd said that he had brought his demon possessed son to His disciples, but they could not heal him.  Then he told Jesus, “If you can … help us.” (Mark 9:17-22)  Jesus responded, “All things are possible to him that believeth.”  Immediately the father of the child cried out, “Lord, I believe; Help Thou mine unbelief.”  Jesus rebuked the impure spirit and commanded him to come out of the boy, and immediately he was healed. (Mark 9:23-27)  Then Jesus and His disciples left there and went to Capernaum.  There was a man there who was driving out demons in the name of Jesus and His disciples told him to stop because he was not one of them.  Jesus told them, “Do not stop him, … For he that is not against us is on our part.” (Mark 9:38-40)  Then Jesus told them that anyone who gives them a drink of water because they belong to Christ will be rewarded.  He also said that anyone who causes one that believes in Him to stumble and sin would be punished.  It would be better for that person to have a large millstone hung around their neck and be thrown into the sea. (Mark 9:41-42)

APPLICATION

We should be very careful regarding how we act around people, especially believers.  We should also be careful about the activities that we encourage them to participate in.  We should not actively persuade them to sin, and we should not let them see us sin, or doing something that may be perceived as sinful, (1 Thessalonians 5:22) for they may imitate our behavior and sin.  Woe be onto anyone that causes a believer to stumble and fall into sin for they will receive a severe punishment. (Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:41-42, and Luke 17:1-2)  We should be holy because He who called us out of darkness into His light is holy. (1 Peter 1:15 and 2:9)  We should behave in such a way that people see Christ in us. (Matthew 5:16)

 

 

DO NOT LOSE YOUR SOUL SEEKING WORLDLY THINGS

PROCLAMATION

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”  Mark 8:36-37 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  After Jesus left Tyre and went to Decapolis and healed a deaf man who could barely talk, (Mark 7:31-37) again large crowds followed Him.  Jesus had compassion on them because they had not eaten. (Mark 8:1-3)  In a remote area of wilderness, He fed four thousand men and their families with seven barley loaves of bread and several small fish. (Mark 8:4-9)  Jesus left there and went to Dalmanutha, then crossed the lake and went to Bethsaida where He healed a blind man. (Mark 8:10-26)  From there He went to the villages around Caesarea Philippi where He asked His disciples who do men say that He is.  After they answered Him, He asked them who do you say that He is, and Peter replied, “Thou art The Christ.” (Mark 8:27-30)  Then, once again, as He spoke to His disciples He predicted His own death and told them of some of the events which surrounded it.  Peter rebuked Him for saying that, and He rebuked Peter saying, “Get thee behind Me Satan.” (Mark 8:31-33)  Then He addressed the crowd and told them to deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Him.  Then He asked the crowd, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”  If you deny Him before man, He will deny you before God in heaven. (Mark 8:38)

 

APPLICATION

Nothing on earth is worth selling your soul to obtain it.  Nothing is worth spending eternity in hell.  Only foolish people will purchase worldly pleasures with the loss of eternal life.  All of the riches in the world are not a sufficient ransom for one’s soul.  Don’t be shortsighted and sell your soul to the devil in exchange for anything. 

 

 

WHAT WE SPEAK NOT WHAT WE EAT DEFILES US

PROCLAMATION

“… ‘Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; because it entereth not into his heart, but into his belly, and goeth out …?’  And He said, ‘That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts … evil things come from within, and defile the man.’ ”  Mark 7:18-23 (KJV)  

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  After Jesus walked on the water of the lake to the boat and they landed at Gennesaret, the people gathered around Him and brought their sick to be healed. (Mark 6:53-56)  There were scribes and Pharisees in the crowd who had come from Jerusalem.  They saw the disciples eating without first washing their hands.  The Pharisees and all Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a “ceremonial washing”, a tradition of their elders.  The washing was not done for cleanliness.  So, the Pharisees questioned Jesus about His disciples eating food with defiled hands. (Mark 7:1-5)  Jesus reprimanded them saying that they honor tradition rather than keeping the commands of God. (Mark 7:6-13)  Then He said to the crowd in a parable that nothing they eat defiles them, what defiles them is that which they speak.  When he entered the house and was away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him about the meaning of the parable and He explained it to them. (Mark 7:14-23)  Then Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre.  There a Greek woman approached Him, fell at His feet, and asked Him to heal her demon possessed daughter.  Jesus told her that He needed to take care of His people first, before taking “… the children’s bread and to cast it unto the dogs.” (Mark 7:24-27)  She replied to Him that even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.  Her reply demonstrated great faith and Jesus said to her that because of her reply, the demon has already left her daughter. (Mark 7:28-29)  Jesus left there and went down to the sea of Galilee near Decapolis.  There the people brought a man to Him who had a speech impediment and was deaf, and they begged Jesus to put His hand on the man.  Jesus took him away from the crowd and healed him. (Mark 7:31-37)

 

APPLICATION

This lesson is also recorded in the gospel according to Matthew. (Matthew 15:10-20)  The point which Jesus, The Christ, made here was that what we eat does not defile us, but what we speak can defile us.  The words which we speak reflect the issues of our heart and mind.  A pure heart produces clean thoughts and good words.  A wicked heart produces unclean thoughts and evil words and actions.  So, when we pray, we should ask The Lord God to cleanse our heart and mind. (Psalm 51:10)  For as a man thinks, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7)

 

TO TOUCH OR TO BE TOUCHED BY CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“And whithersoever He entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought Him that they might touch if it were but the border of His garment; and as many as touched Him were made whole.”  Mark 6:56 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter.  Jesus and His disciples left Jairus’ house and went to His hometown.  When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue and all who heard Him were amazed.  They felt that they knew Him and could not understand how He became so wise, or how He was able to perform miracles.  They were offended by Him. (Mark 6:1-3)  That was when Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” (Mark 6:4)  Then He went from village to village teaching and preaching. (Mark 6:6)  He called His disciples together and sent them out among the people, two by two, to teach and preach, to heal the sick, and to cast out demons. (Mark 6:7-13)  After John the baptizer was beheaded by Herod, (Mark 6:14-29) Jesus gathered His disciples together and crossed the lake by boat, but the crowd followed Him wherever He went, even to a remote countryside. (Mark 6:30-35)  This is where Jesus fed the five thousand men plus their wives and children with the two fish and five barley loaves of bread. (Mark 6:36-44)  After He sent the crowd away and told His disciples to cross the lake and go to Bethsaida ahead of Him, He went up on a mountainside to pray.  Later on that night, He joined them on the boat by walking on the water out to the middle of the lake. (Mark 6:45-52)  When they landed at Gennesaret, the people recognized Jesus and brought their sick to Him.  Wherever He went they brought the sick to Him.  They asked Him to touch them and heal them, or just let them touch the hem of His garment and be healed. Mark 6:53-56)

 

APPLICATION

Jesus, The Christ, was a healer and He healed all manner of illnesses, diseases, and disorders.  He healed whoever He touched, or whoever touched Him or His garments.  To touch or be touched by Christ changed a person.  Even today, Christ can change a person and heal a lost sin-sick soul.  Miracles can still be performed today in the lives of believers.  All healing, be it physical, psychological, or spiritual, is by the power of God.  To God be the glory!!!

 

 

THY FAITH HATH MADE THEE WHOLE

PROCLAMATION

“And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years … When she heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched His garment.  For she said, ‘If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be made whole.’  And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up;   … And Jesus, immediately … said, ‘Who touched My clothes?’ … But the woman fearing and trembling … came and fell down before Him, and told Him all the truth.  And He said unto her, ‘Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole;  Go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.’ ”  Mark 5:25-34 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter. (1 Peter 5:13)  After He had calmed the storm on the lake, (Mark 4:39) Jesus and His disciples went across the lake, the Sea of Galilee, to the region of Gerasenes.  When they got out of the boat, a strong man who was possessed by an impure spirit came from the tombs and fell on his knees in front of Jesus and He healed him. (Mark 5:1-20)  Then Jesus again crossed over the lake by boat and again a large crowd gathered around Him. (Mark 5:21)  One person from the crowd Jairus, one of the synagogue leaders, came and fell at His feet and asked Him to come and heal his sick daughter who was dying.  Jesus went with him and a large crowd followed Him. (Mark 5:21-24)  As He was going to Jairus’ house, the woman with an issue of blood for twelve years pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of His garment and she was healed.  When she told Jesus the truth about what she had done, He said, “… Thy faith hath made thee whole …” (Mark 5:25-34)  While Jesus was speaking to her, someone from Jairus’ house came to them saying that his daughter had died.  Jesus told Jairus, “Be not afraid, only believe.”  And He took only Peter, James, and John with Him to Jairus’ house. (Mark 5:35-37)  When they arrived Jesus told the crowd of wailers that the girl was not dead but asleep.  They laughed at Him and He put them all out of the house.  He took the child’s mother and father, and the three disciples with Him into the child’s room.  Jesus took the twelve year old little girl’s hand and called her by name.  And immediately she got up and began to walk.  Jesus told them not to tell anyone about this, then He told them to give the girl something to eat. (Mark 5:38-43)

 

APPLICATION

Miracles, including healing, still happen today for those who believe and have faith.  If we had mustard seed size faith, we could move mountains. (Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:6)  However, it is unfortunate that today many individuals who claim to have the spiritual gift of healing are just deceiving people.  Modern medicine provides benefits to a large number of people.  But doctors do not actually heal their patients, they treat them.  Healing is a divine process which we try to facilitate.  All healing, physical, psychological, and spiritual, comes from above.

 

 

THE PROBLEM IS THE HEART

PROCLAMATION

“Harken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow;  And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side … And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased;  and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.”  Mark 4:3-8 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter. (1 Peter 5:13)  Again Jesus was by the lake, the Sea of Galilee, and began teaching.  The crowd was large and pressing towards Him, so He got in a boat and sat in it on the lake near the shore and then spoke to the crowd of people on the shore. (Mark 4:1)  He taught them many things, but He spoke in parables: The Parable of The Sower (Mark 4:2-8), The Parable of The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29), and The Parable of The Mustard Seed. (Mark 4:30-32)  Afterwards He explained the parables to His disciples. (Mark 4:10-25 and 4:34)  When evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” (Mark 4:35)  So, they got into several boats and set out across the lake.  While they were on the lake, a serious storm arose with strong winds and large waves.  The disciples were afraid, and they woke Jesus, who was sleeping on a cushion.  Jesus got up and He said, “Peace, be still.”  Immediately the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:36-39)  Then Jesus questioned their faith, and they wondered what manner of man is this that the wind and the sea obey Him? (Mark 4:40-41)

 

APPLICATION

With respect to the Parable of The Sower, the seed is The Word of God and the ground on which the seed lands is the heart of the people who hear it.  The seed that fell by the way landed on unreceptive hard hearts, it did not take root, it did not grow, and it did not produce any fruit. (Mark 4:15)  The seed which fell on stony ground landed on the heart of some very shallow people, it took root and grew, but it died quickly and did not produce any fruit because the roots were too shallow to support and nourish it. (Mark 4:16-17)  The seed that fell among the thorns landed on the hearts of  those who were too concerned about the world and worldly things.  This seed took root and grew, but it did not produce any fruit because it was choked to death by too much concern for the things of the world. (Mark 4:18-19)  The seed which fell on good soil landed on a receptive heart that internalized it and it took root, it grew and produced much fruit, thirty, sixty, and one hundred fold. (Mark 4:20)  May our hearts be receptive to The Word of God and may The Lord God keep and protect our hearts and minds. (Philippians 4:7)

 

 

A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF CANNOT STAND

PROCLAMATION

“And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He hath Beelzebub, and  by the prince of the devils casteth out devils.  And He called them unto Him, and said unto them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan?  And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.’ ”  Mark 3:22-26 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, as recorded under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter. (1 Peter 5:13)   While in the synagogue, Jesus had healed a man who was possessed with an impure spirit. (Mark 1:21-28)  On another occasion while He was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, a man with a shriveled hand was there and Jesus healed him. (Mark 3:1-5)  Jesus and His disciples left the synagogue and went to the lake and large crowds followed them and He healed them. (Mark 3:7-12)  Jesus ordained His twelve disciples so that He could send them forth to preach and have the power to heal the sick and to cast out demons. (Mark 3:13-19)  The scribes and Pharisees also followed Him, but they were plotting against Him. (Mark 3:6)  They said that He could drive out demons because He was a demon.  That was when Jesus said that Satan could not oppose himself and still stand. (Mark 3:22-26)  Then Jesus told them that all of the sins of man could be forgiven except for he who blasphemes The Holy Spirit of God. (Mark 3:28-30)  After being told that His mother and brothers were outside of the house, Jesus said, “Behold My mother and My brethren!  For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:31-35)

 

APPLICATION

The old saying, “united we stand, and divided we fall” applies to teams, groups, families, countries, and kingdoms.  If we stand together, work together, and support each other, we will all succeed.  However, if we fight against one another then we will all fail.  We should not tear other believers down; we should help to build one another up.  None of us will succeed if we all act like crabs in a barrel, pulling a person down if that person gets ahead of us.

 

 

THE SICK NEED A DOCTOR NOT THE HEALTHY

PROCLAMATION

“And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with publicans and sinners, they said unto His disciples, ‘How is it that He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?’  When Jesus heard it, He saith unto them, ‘They who are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick;  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ ”  Mark 2:16-17 (NIV)

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Mark, a companion Simon Peter. (1 Peter 5:13)  After He was baptized Jesus called His disciples saying, “Come, follow Me.” (Mark 1:16-20)  They went to Capernaum and Jesus began to teach.  The people brought many sick and demon-possessed individuals to Simon’s house and Jesus healed all of them. (Mark 1:29-34)  Then He travelled throughout Galilee, preaching, healing the sick, and driving out demons. (Mark 1:39)  A few days later Jesus returned to Capernaum and a large crowd gathered outside the home where He was staying.  Four men brought a paralyzed man to Jesus, but they could not get to Him because of the crowd.  So, they lowered the man down on a mat through a hole in the roof of the house and Jesus healed him. (Mark 2:1-12)  Jesus went out of the house and walked beside the lake.  As He walked, He saw Levi the tax collector and said to him, “Follow Me.”  Levi left the tax collector’s booth and followed Him.  They went to Levi’s house for dinner with many tax collectors.  The Pharisees saw this and questioned His behavior.  Jesus responded to them that the sick need a doctor, not the healthy. (Mark 2:13-17)  The Pharisees also questioned as to why He and his disciples did not fast, and why they plucked corn to eat on the sabbath day.  Again He answered them and ended by saying, “The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” (Mark 2:18-28)

APPLICATION
Jesus, The Christ, left heaven and came to earth to save us because we were all lost sinners.  There are some today who, like the Pharisees, think that they are righteous and do not need to be saved but are also lost sinners.  The lost need a savior.  The Bible says that we all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that none of us are righteous. (Romans 3:10)  We all need Christ to save our sin sick soul.  When believers witness to other believers, we are engaged in fellowship as we encourage one another.  However, our “job” as Christians is to witness to the lost, to point them to Christ, so their soul can be saved.  We all know someone in our circle of family and friends who is lost needs to hear about Christ.  It is not our place to make them believe, we are only to tell them, to plant the seed, and to behave in such a way that they can see The Christ within us. (Matthew 5:16)  The Holy Spirit of God will add them to the church as He sees fit to do so. (Acts 2:47)

 

 

JESUS THE CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and The Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; And there came a voice from heaven, saying, ‘Thou art My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ ”  Mark 1:10-11 (KJV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, as recorded under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God according to Mark, who was not one of the twelve apostles.  Mark was a companion Simon Peter (1 Peter 5:13) and the cousin of Barnabas, (Colossians 4:10) a close associate of Paul.  The gospel according to Mark is presented differently than the gospel according to Matthew.  The gospel of Matthew was addressed primarily to the Jews and presented Jesus as The Messiah, The King of the Jews.  However, the gospel of Mark was addressed primarily to the Romans and presented Jesus as a good humble worker and The Servant of God.  Mark begins chapter one with a quote from the prophet Isaiah regarding a voice crying in the wilderness saying prepare for The Lord. (Isaiah 40:3 and Mark 1:2-3) There is no presentation of the genealogy of Jesus because the ancestry of a servant was not important to the Romans.  He presents John, the baptizer, then details the baptism of Jesus. (Mark 1:9-11)  Afterwards, Mark focused more on what Jesus did and not so much on what He said.  Jesus went into the wilderness for forty days and was tempted by the devil. (Mark 1:12-13)  Then He went into Galilee and began preaching the gospel. (Mark 1:14-15)  Then He began to call His disciples (Mark 1:16-20) and went into the synagogue, and taught, and healed people. (Mark 1:21-45)

 

APPLICATION
Baptism is one of only two ordinances Christ left for us.  The other one is The Lord’s Supper, or The Holy Communion.  With respect to baptism, Jesus, The Christ, was sinless and did not need repentance.  He was baptized by John because it was appropriate to do it in order to fulfill all righteousness. (Matthew 3:15)  As Jesus came up out of the water God, The Father, spoke and identified Him as God, The Son, and sent God, The Holy Spirit, to Him as a visible sign in the form of a dove. (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:10-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:31-34)  Today our baptism by immersion in water is only an outward sign to the world of our inner transformation.  The water does not save us or transform us.  The change which occurs in us is due to the immediate indwelling of The Holy Spirit of God within us after we believe, confess, repent, and accept Christ as our Savior.

 

 

 

HE IS RISEN JUST AS HE SAID

PROCLAMATION

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, ‘Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.  Come, see the place where The Lord lay.’ ”  Matthew 28:5-6 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, as recorded under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God according to the Apostle Matthew.  After the body of Jesus was placed in Joseph’s tomb, a large stone was rolled in front of the entrance. (Matthew 27:59-60)  The chief priests and the Pharisees convinced Pilate to post a guard at the tomb to prevent the Jews from stealing the body and claiming that He had risen from the dead. (Matthew 27:62-66)  After the Sabbath, at dawn there was a violent earthquake.  An angel of The Lord came down from heaven, went to the tomb, rolled the stone away and sat on it. (Matthew 28:1-2)  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb and they saw the angel.  That was when the angel spoke to them and told them that Jesus, The Christ, had risen just as He said that He would.  After the women left the tomb to tell the disciples the good news, Jesus appeared to them. (Matthew 28:8-10)  Later Jesus met with His eleven disciples and they worshiped Him.  He spoke with them and gave them what is referred to as “The Great Commission,” to go and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:16-20)

 

APPLICATION

The crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, is recorded in all four of the gospels. (Matthew 27:26 to 28:8; Mark 15:15 to 16:8; Luke 23:23 to 24:9; and John 19:16 to 20:10)  It was predicted more than four hundred years earlier by the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 53:5-6)  The resurrection of Jesus, The Christ, was not witnessed; it must be believed.  Thomas believed after he saw for himself The Resurrected Christ and touched the wounds in His hands and side.  Blessed are those of us that have not seen and yet believe. (John 20:27-29)  However, after He rose from the grave, He appeared for man to see Him on more than forty different times before He ascended to heaven. (Matthew 28:9-20; Mark 16:9-20; Luke 24:13-50; and John 20:11-29 and 21:1-23)  For forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3) Jesus appeared to His disciples, spoke to them, touched Him, and at times He ate with them.  His ascension to heaven from a mountain in Galilee was witnessed by the disciples. (Acts 1:9)

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; him they compelled to bear His cross.  And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of the skull.”  Matthew 27:32-33 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, as recorded under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God according to the Apostle Matthew.  After Judas betrayed Him in the garden of Gethsemane, (Matthew 26:47-49) Jesus was arrested and taken to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes, and the elders, and the Sanhedrin council had assembled. (Matthew 26:57)  His “trial” was their attempt to find evidence against Him so that they could put Him to death. (Matthew 26:59-61)  They accused Him of blasphemy and began to physically abuse Him. (Matthew 26:62-68)  Then they bound Him and led Him away to be handed over to the Pilate the governor for execution. (Matthew 27:1-2)  In His “trial” before Pilate, who could find no wrongdoing and washed his hands from the blood of an innocent man, He was condemned and ordered to be flogged and crucified. (Matthew 27:11-26)  The soldiers took Him, stripped Him, whipped Him, beat Him, hit Him, spit on Him, mocked Him, and then led Him away to be crucified. (Matthew 27:27-31)  As Jesus was probably too weak to carry His own cross, they found Simon, a man from Cyrene and compelled him to carry it. (Matthew 27:32)  When they arrived at Golgotha, they nailed Him to the cross and continued to mock Him while He was on the cross. (Matthew 27:33-44)  Jesus died on the cross.  He gave up His life, they did not kill Him. (Matthew 27:50)  After He died, His body was taken by Joseph of Arimathea, wrapped in linen, and placed in Joseph’s new tomb. (Matthew 27:57-60)

 

APPLICATION

Simon, the Cyrene, was compelled by the soldiers to carry the cross of Jesus.  Today, we are not forced to carry a cross.  Jesus, The Christ, said that if we want to follow Him, then we must take up our cross and follow Him. (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:24, and Luke 9:23)  We are to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Christ. (Luke 9:23)  The cross is not heavy.  Christ said, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)  The problem for us is that following Christ runs contrary to the way of the world and letting go of our sinful ways is difficult for us.  We need to be mindful of the fact that we cannot serve two masters; we must choose God or man. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13)  The choice is ours, however, like Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve The Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIM

PROCLAMATION

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to His disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat, this is My body.’  And He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink ye all of it;’  For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’ ”  Matthew 26:26-28 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  When Jesus had finished telling His disciples the parables, and explaining them, (Matthew chapters 24 and 25) He again told His disciples that He would be crucified. (Matthew 26:1-2)  Then Jesus and His disciples left the Mount of Olives and went to Bethany to the home of Simon the leper. (Matthew 26:6)  It was here that a woman came to Him and poured very precious oil on His head.  The disciples were indignant thinking that this was a waste of expensive perfume which could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.  Jesus rebuked His disciples saying that the woman had done a good work. (Matthew 26:7-13)  Then Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked what they would give him it he delivered Jesus to them, and they agreed upon thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-16)  On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, His disciples asked Him where they should prepare to eat the Passover?  He directed them to follow a certain man to his home and ask him to use his upper room. (Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:13-14, and Luke 22:10-13)  Once they were there, He told them that one of them would betray Him. (Matthew 26:21-25)  After Judas left, they partook of the Last Supper. (Matthew 26:26-30)  Then Jesus told them that the shepherd would be smitten and the flock will be scattered.  Peter said that he would never fall away from Christ.  That was when He told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the rooster crows. (Matthew 26:31-35) 

 

APPLICATION

The Lord’s Supper, the Ordinance of Communion, was instituted for us.  We are to do it in remembrance of Him until He comes again. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)  There was no mandate given as to how often we should take it, but every time that we do, it should be done in remembrance of Him.   However, we should make sure that we pray and ask to be forgiven of our sins before we partake of it.  Because The Bible says that to take it unworthily would be bad for us. (1 Corinthians 11:27-30) 

WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT

PROCLAMATION

“And his lord said unto him, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’ ”  Matthew 25:21 and 23 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  As Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, He continued to speak to His disciples and unto the crowd.  He told them the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the Parable of the Bags of Gold (Matthew 25:14-30), and He also told them about separating The Sheep and The Goats. (Matthew 25:31-46)  Five of the ten virgins were wise and prepared ahead of time, and five were foolish and did not prepare and so they were not ready when the time came for them to leave.  Two of the three servants used wisely what their master had given to them and were rewarded with “Well done …”  While the one servant, who did nothing with that which he was given, was punished.  When The Son of Man comes He will separate the sheep, His people, from the goats, all other people. (Matthew 25:31-34)  Those who treated needy people kindly will be rewarded, and those who didn’t will be punished.  He said, “… As ye have done it unto one of the least of these, My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” (Matthew 25:35-40)

 

APPLICATION

We ought to get ready now for the return of Christ.  Delaying and procrastinating may cause us to be left behind like the five foolish virgins.  We all have God-given abilities and gifts which we need to use to His glory.  We should give at least one tenth of our time, talent, and treasure to the kingdom building efforts here on earth while we are able to do so.  When the time comes, we will be rewarded for our work. (Matthew 16:27)  We also need to be very careful regarding how we treat people, especially God’s people.  Christ said, as you have done it to them, you have done it to Him. (Matthew 25:40)  But He also said, whatever you did not do for those of His people who were in need, you did not do for Him. (Matthew 25:45)  This clearly states that we can sin by omission as well as by commission.  When we don’t do that which we should do, we also sin.  Doing nothing can be sinful when we have the opportunity to help someone and we don’t.  Let us not waste our God-given abilities and gifts, let us work to the glory of God. 

BE READY FOR NO ONE KNOWS THE HOUR OR THE DAY

PROCLAMATION

“Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not The Son of Man cometh.”  Matthew 24:44 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  As Jesus left the temple and while walking to the Mount of Olives, He told His disciples that the day was coming when all of the buildings would be torn down, and not one stone would be left on top of another. (Matthew 24:1-2)  His disciples asked Him when this would happen and what would be a sign of His returning and the end of the age? (Matthew 24:3)  Jesus said that there would be false prophets claiming to be The Messiah, there will be wars and rumors of wars, there will be famines and earthquakes in various places, and when you see “the abomination that causes desolation” standing in the holy place as prophesied by Daniel, you will know that the time is near. (Matthew 24:4-34)  Then Jesus said no one knows the day or the hour when this will happen except God, The Father. (Matthew 24:36)  He also told them you must be ready because The Son of Man will come when you do not expect Him. (Matthew 24:44)  Then Jesus said blessed is the servant whom The Lord finds doing as he was told. (Matthew 24:45-46)  He made reference to the rapture when He said: “Two men will be in the field, one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill, one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:40-42)

 

APPLICATION

Christ is going to return, but no one knows the exact day or the hour of His return.  That is why we have been advised to be ready.  It has been said that He will come when we least expect Him.  We need to get ready now and stay ready.  When He comes there will not be time for us to get ready.  We do not want to be like the five foolish virgins who delayed getting oil for their lamps and when the master came for them they were not ready to go. (Matthew 25:1-13)   When the rapture occurs, we will be taken up to meet Him in the clouds, (1 Thessalonians 4:17) or we will among those who are left behind.  Don’t put off coming to The Lord until you “get yourself straight” because you can never get yourself straight enough to be right with Him.  Just come as you are and confess your shortcomings.  For “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH

PROCLAMATION

“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to His disciples, saying, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.  All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not.’ ”  Matthew 23:1-3 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  As Jesus continued to speak, He offered a warning to them against hypocrisy.  He said that the scribes and the Pharisees did not themselves do that which they told the people to do. (Matthew 23:3-4)  They did things so that people would take notice of them, and they like to be greeted publicly with respectful titles. (Matthew 23:5-11)  Jesus, The Christ, said: “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)  He then went on to state seven woes on the scribes and the Pharisees because of their behavior. (Matthew 23:13-31) He also condemned them along with the people of Jerusalem who stoned and killed His prophets. (Matthew 23:33-39)

APPLICATION

The best way to determine if you are listening to a real man of God or a false teacher is to compare what he says to The Word of God.  If what he says does not follow The Bible, then do not follow him.  Also, be careful of anyone who says one thing, but then does something different.  We all should practice that which we preach.  That old saying: “Do as I say do and not as I do,” is not appropriate for leaders or people in authority.  No one is above the law.  It is also not good advice for anyone to give to someone else.  We need to live by the same rules that we expect others to live by.  The Word of God applies to all of us and all of us should follow it.  We may occasionally slip, and fall short, and sin, but our sins are not acceptable and are not to be overlooked.  We all need to confess our sins and ask to be forgiven.  We should not only “talk the talk,” we should also “walk the walk” and do the best that we can do to live to the glory of God. “Whatsoever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)  

 

 

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF

PROCLAMATION

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him, ‘Thou shalt love The Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ ”  Matthew 22:36-40 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION
These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  Jesus continued to speak to the people in parables, telling them the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. (Matthew 22:1-14)  Then the Pharisees tried to trap Him with words, but He silenced them as He spoke regarding paying tax to Caesar. (Matthew 22:15-22)  The Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection, also tried to trip Him up with words and He answered them regarding the marriage of a woman to each of seven brothers in succession. (Matthew 22:23-33)  Then one of the Pharisees asked Him which was the greatest commandment in the law.  To him Jesus answered, love The Lord God with all your heart, soul, and mind; and love your neighbor as you love yourself. (Matthew 22:36-40)  Then Jesus asked them whose son is The Messiah, and they responded, “The Son of David.”  And Jesus asked them how is it then that David calls Him Lord, and they had no reply.  After that no one dared to ask Him any more questions. (Matthew 22:41-45)

APPLICATION

The Lord God should be paramount in our lives and we should love Him with all that we are. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27)  We are also to love and treat our fellow man as we would love and treat ourselves.  This “love” for each other is the basis for “The Golden Rule,” which is taken from The Bible: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 6:31)  Christ wants us to love everybody, including our neighbors, one another (John 13:35), and even our enemies. (Matthew 5:44)  We should love people because God is love. (1 John 4:8)  The Spirit of God dwells within us and His love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:12)  Love is patient and kind, it always protects and perseveres, it is trusting and hopeful, it does not envy or boast or dishonor others, it is not proud or selfish or disrespectful, it bears all things, it believes all things, it is always hopeful, and it endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)  Believers are commanded to love one another. (John 15:17)

OUR ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN OUR WORDS

PROCLAMATION

“But what think ye?  A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’  He answered and said, ‘I will not;’ but afterward he repented and went.  And he came to the second, and said likewise.  And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir;’ and went not.  Whether of them did the will of his father? …”  Matthew 21:28-31 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  As Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem, they stopped in the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives.  Jesus sent two of his disciples to find a donkey and her young colt and bring them to Him. (Matthew 21:1-7)  Jesus sat on the donkey and her colt and rode them into town.  A very large crowd had followed them, and the people placed their cloaks and palm leaves on the road in front of them as they went into town.  As they went, the people shouted “Hosanna!” (Matthew 21:7-9)  When they entered Jerusalem, Jesus went to the temple and drove out the money changers and the sellers of doves. (Matthew 21:10-13)  The blind and the lame came to Him while He was in the temple and He healed them.  When the chief priests and the teachers of the law heard the shouts and saw the things that He did, they were displeased. (Matthew 21:14-15)  He taught the people the Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32) and the Parable of The Tenants. (Matthew 21:33-40)  Then He quoted The Scriptures to them regarding the stone which the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone. (Psalm 118:22 and Matthew 21:42)

 

APPLICATION

“Our actions speak louder than our words.”  People frequently say one thing and then do another.  In this case, it is better to say, “I will not” and then do it, than to say, “I will do it” and then don’t.  Here the rebel, the first son, is brought to repentance and becomes the servant, while the formal one, the second son, who agreed grows hard-hearted and rebels.  Unfortunately too many people today are like the second son, we don’t do what we say that we will do.  Our words count, but our behavior counts even more.  Additionally, people change.  Don’t be like one in the fickle crowd, who are shouting “Hosanna!” one day, (Matthew 21:9) and then the very next week are shouting “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22-23)  We will be judged by the words that we speak, (Matthew 12:36) but we will also be rewarded or punished for our works. (2 Corinthians 11:15 and Revelation 22:12)

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM CHRIST?

PROCLAMATION

“And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, and when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Thou Son of David.’  And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace; but they cried the more, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Thou Son of David.’  And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, ‘What will ye that I shall do unto you?’  ‘They say unto Him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’  So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”  Matthew 20:30-34 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to the Apostle Matthew.  While He was still in Judea, Jesus taught them The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. (Matthew 20:1-16)  As He was leaving Judea going to Jerusalem, He predicted His crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection to His disciples for the third time. (Matthew 20:17-19)  Then the mother of Zebedee’s children came to Him and asked that her sons, James and John, sit beside Him, on the right and left, when He enters into His kingdom.  Jesus told her and them that what they wanted was not His to give. (Matthew 20:20-28)  As Jesus was leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. (Matthew 20:29)  Two blind men were sitting on the side of the road heard and that Jesus, The Christ, was passing by and they yelled, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.”  The crowd rebuked them, and told them to be quiet, but they yelled even louder.  When Jesus asked them what they wanted from Him, they answered, “We want our sight.”  He touched their eyes and immediately they received their sight. (Matthew 20:30-34)

 

APPLICATION

What do you want from Jesus, The Christ?  Most of us have a long, “shopping list” full of things that we want, but we have not given much thought to prioritizing that list and identifying the one most important thing that we want.  Most people want “things” or silver and gold or wealth untold.  But Jesus taught of the Rich Man whose barns were full, who tore down his barns and built bigger barns to hold more goods.  He was told, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” (Luke 12:20)  As a child I was taught that if I could be granted three wishes, I should ask for good health, long life, and happiness.  Now, all I want is to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant … enter into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)  Again I ask, What do you want from Christ?