“When they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, ritually unwashed hands, they found fault.” Mark 7:2 MEV
Instead of finding fault, offer the solution. Teach/preach the word.
“All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”” Mark 7:23 MEV
Not just food, all evil. This gives an insight into what fasting is in the new covenant we have with Jesus, especially given verse 20-22.
“And they had a few small fish. And blessing them, He commanded that these also be served them.” Mark 8:7MEV
Jesus took care of business. He took care of all our needs, as a responsible righteous King would and should.
“The Pharisees came up and began to debate with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven to test Him.” Mark 8:11 MEV
It seems to me that they had plenty of time in their hands!
“He warned them, “Take heed. Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.”” Mark 8:15 MEV
If the yeast of the Pharisees is unbelief leading to lack of faith, the the yeast of Herod must be hunger for power that corrupts and leads to destruction. I think while this fits, this rabbit hole goes deeper, but to generalise, they both lead to not understanding God’s miracles.
“Whoever therefore is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”” Mark 8:38MEV
This makes me ponder what my life is worth, not to God, but to me, and how I see things.
“Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three sanctuaries: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”” Mark 9:5 MEV
What made Peter think about sanctuaries? This is something that only deep study can reveal.
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mark 10:9 MEV
I believe that it goes far beyond marriage in that we as humans should not cause any hindrance to God’s plans. For the most part we don’t want to, but we inadvertently do just that especially with the plans and purposes that God has with our life. How can His plans prevail, how can we be confident that the Lord reigns in our life? Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Respect and walk with Him. Keep our eyes on the things above, looking for Jesus’ return. In other words, be derascalized and sharpen our axe..
“But when Jesus saw it, He was very displeased and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.”Mark 10:14MEV
Be like little children in their innocent belief and trust.
“He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good, except God alone.” Mark 10:18 MEV
Remember algebraic equations. If Good=God then Jesus (good teacher)=? If Jesus is not God, what hope is there to reverse evil? Live for Him that died on the Cross to reconcile you and me to our Heavenly Father. Sell what is not needed to make space for the Holy Spirit of wisdom and knowledge. That is true wealth, He is the key to and is our heavenly treasure.
“They will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. Then after three days He will rise.”” Mark 10:34 MEV
He will rise. The final outcome. So hand in there. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is coming soon.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”” Mark 10:45 MEV
Ransom? A hostage is held for ransom, where the kidnappers seek money, but here the Devil’s aim is not to extract anything from God, but to inflict pain to God and to humans, in other words, a ransom was not sought, for it would alleviate pain and suffering, but Jesus’ sinless being and His atoning death on the Cross was the ransom for you and me. Hallelujah!
“Then they tried to seize Him, but feared the people, for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went their way.” Mark 12:12 MEV
The Devil’s weakness is exploited by God to bring to fruition that which is a Godly outcome. Selah!
“Jesus answered them, “Do you not err, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?” Mark 12:24 MEV
Let us never be guilty of not knowing the Scriptures and of not knowing and understanding the power of God.