Who Are You Following?

N.T.#380 "Who Are You Following?"

August 30, 2024 

Mark 8-Part 9

LET IT GLOW 

We can read a little more detail of this event in Matthew. Matthew tells us that Jesus told His disciples how He must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and raised on the third day. Mark does not say where Jesus must go for it to happen. Also, we read what Peter was meaning in Matthew 16:22," Heaven forbid, Lord, this will never happen to you!"

It was a dangerous trap for Jesus by Satan, and Peter fell into it. Peter was seeing from a human point of view, not from God's. Jesus is the Messiah, King of the Jews, so no king should not suffer on a cross to die. Peter had just been praised for being God's spokesman, then was condemned as Satan's mouthpiece. Don't we tend to do the same, off and on? We have a mountaintop experience with the Lord, but then something happens, and we are back down in the valley we go again. Yep, I'd say Peter was human.

The world looks on success when one has great power, leads other to battle in their place, use others like rungs up the ladder, acquire money for it is power, give away only what makes you looks charitable, give only out of your abundance, and sacrifice nothing that might keep you comfortable. (Swindoll)

However, without the death and resurrection of Jesus, there could be no atonement for our sin, nor our salvation. After shocking Peter in line, Jesus called the crowd to Himself-disciples, followers, seekers, critics, and skeptics. He clarified His disposition toward the current world order. He was about to make a summation of the believer's life, their instructions, and how to please God.

Are we ready?

LET IT GROW 

Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (verse 34)

Let's break it down so we can understand this better:

• If we are desiring to serve, love Jesus, we get in line behind Him. I used to try to step in my dad's footprints in the snow when I was young. How are we to walk like Jesus?
• Jesus is our Master, Leader, Way, Truth, Life. His Spirit and His teachings are what we are to be following, not the world's. We are supposed to be different from them, stand out.
• First, we must deny ourself. A repentant sinner cannot save their soul but must surrender completely to God's way and mercy. We come to the point of self-denial for salvation.
• Then when we will to be a follower of Jesus, we must be willing to be a cross-bearing person in order to do God's will. We are on mission with Jesus, then, carrying out the Father's will in our own life. Take up our cross.
• Follow Jesus by doing what He says do, going where He says go, living like He says live. He is our Master and we obey His commands.

The thing is, are we willing? Do we love Jesus enough to make sacrifices for Him? Are we willing to suffer for being a Christian? Will we give up anything He requires?

LET IT GO 

                               ... and follow Jesus.

Being Rebuked

N.T.#379 "Being Rebuked"

August 30, 2024 

Mark 8-Part 8

LET IT GLOW 

After Peter proclaimed Jesus to be the Christ (Messiah), Jesus shared that He must suffer many things, be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, then killed, and rise after 3 days, Peter rebuked Jesus. 

Rebuke means charge; forbid; cast. 

Matthew tells us what Peter said, Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee. (16:22)

"Have mercy on yourself "is what that literally means. This concept of Jesus' suffering was foreign to the disciples. (Farwell) 

Peter wasn't considering God's purposes, but only his own natural human desires and feelings. Peter wanted Christ to be king, but not the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53. He was ready to receive the glory of following the Messiah, but not the persecution. (Life Application Study Bible)

Jesus' sufferings and death were inevitable because they were divinely ordained. (Acts 2, 4,28) Humanly speaking, it was caused by His rejection by the Jewish leaders. It was all so incomprehensible that the disciples were so slow to understand.

The Christian life is not a paved road to wealth and ease. It often involves hard work, persecution, deprivation, and deep suffering. Peter saw only part of the picture. We often encounter such things in our life when we stand up for Jesus and His Word against sin. We should focus on the good that God can bring out of apparent evil, and His Resurrection that followed the Crucifixion.

LET IT GROW 

the disciples loved their friend Jesus. It was natural that they did not want anything to happen to Him. However, Jesus was on a mission and had to fulfill the Father's will.

What was Jesus' response? Get thee behind me, Satan, for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. (verse 33)

Savourest means regard; think.

Satan had tempted Jesus to avoid the way of the cross. (Matthew 4) The disciples' purpose was not to protect Him, but to follow Jesus. They did not fully understand why Jesus had to die until it happened, and He arose. From then on, Jesus continued to teach of His death to come.

Has Jesus ever rebuked you? We know it when it happens. Sometimes He uses others to rebuke us and help us get back on the right road. Often I am a slow learner.

LET IT GO 

Help us surrender when rebuke comes, Lord, and learn the lesson You have for us to learn.

Thank You for forgiveness.

Sufferings

N.T.#378 "Sufferings"

August 29, 2024 

Mark 8-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

The disciples answered Jesus' question concerning whom men say He is-John the Baptist, Elijah the prophet, and One of the prophets.(verse 27) Then the Messiah made it personal-whom do you say that I am. Without hesitation, Peter jumped in to answer-Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God. (16:16)

Now that Jesus' true identity was established among His disciples, He shared with the guys His purpose for coming-suffering, rejection, death and resurrection. Other Jews looked for a military leader. It wwasn't time for an earthly kingdom to be established by Christ.

This was the first time Jesus told His disciples what being the Messiah involved. (It was 6 months before He died on the cross.) 

Who was going to reject and kill Jesus, the Messiah? It was Gentile rulers, Jewish elders, chief priests, and scribes-His own people, the religious ones. All of this was not what the disciples were expecting for the Messiah, victory not defeat. After all, they had heard His teachings, seen His marvelous deeds, so they should have believed Him, right? The Old Testament prophets did predict that the Messiah would receive the power and authority to rule the whole world. (Ps. 2, 72: Dan. 7; Zech 9) Years later, Jesus will reign as King on earth, and for a thousand years, too. But that was not the time nor the way according to God's will.

LET IT GROW

Did you catch it-Jesus called Himself the Son of Man? (verse 31) He call attention to His own humanity, which was vulnerable. Being human, Jesus suffered the pains of humanity, especially that on the cross and the beatings. This Suffering Servant would resurrect first and then He would reign as Supreme King. Mark uses this phrase 14 times. Jesus is the sole Messiah, who is in fact God. In order to provide us with salvation, the Perfect Lamb of God must suffer. Indeed, He did experience just that-beatings, spit upon, nails in hands and feet, hung on a cross. All because Jesus loves us. He desired to obey the Father. The good news is that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, as He said He would, and reigns with God in heaven, sitting on the right to interceed for us.

Jesus knows what it is to suffer, so He can relate to us whenever we suffer for His glory. We may only suffer from hateful words, but they cut to our soul. we may experience desertion, but Jesus is with us. We may be made fun of for being a Christian, but He was criticized, too. Let it be that our sufferings are for doing good, telling the Truth (we are sinners in need of a Savior).

LET IT GO

Keep our faith growing, Jesus, as we walk by faith and not by sight.

Heal our wounds with Your love, then set our feet on the Solid Rock. 

Whom Do You Say Jesus Is?

N.T.#377 "Whom Do You Say Jesus is?"

August 28, 2024 

Mark 8-Part 6

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus and the disciples went 25 miles north of Bethsaida to Caesarea Philippi. It was 1,100 feet above the valley where they stood. It was a pagan city known for its worship of Greek gods and its temples devoted to the ancient god Pan. 

Jesus asked His disciples whom men say He was. Earlier at Nazareth, when the disciples were sent out by twos, people said Jesus was John the Baptist and Elijah who did many miracles, or one of the prophets. (6:14-15). Again, Jesus asked the same question in this city. What were the answers? The same as previously in another city. 

Elijah was known as the great prophet who challenged the priests of Baal. (1 Kings 17-20) and other things. John the Baptist was the one who preached repentance of sin and was beheaded by Herod for revealing his sin. It wasn't enough to know what others say about Jesus, Each of us must decide for ourself who Jesus is.

Have you done this?

LET IT GROW 

When I was a teenager, our pastor would often end the service by asking the same question Jesus asked here to His disciples: Whom do you say that I am?

Peter answered, Thou art the Christ. (verse 29)

The Greek Christos comes from the word Hebrew word mashiach, meaning to anoint, the Anointed One, being the Messiah, in English. The Jewish religious leaders of Israel prepared the Jews fro a very different kind of Messiah than what the Old Testament promised. They were looking for a military power to deliver them from the Roman rulers. However, Jesus dis not come to be a military or political deliverer. He came to provide a way to deliver people and us from the condemnation of our sins.

Matthew added to this title, the Son of the Living God. (16:16)

Who is Jesus to you, my friend? Is He your Savior, Redeemer, Friend, Son of the Living God, Messiah?

LET IT GO 

How merciful, loving, and forgiving You are, Jesus.

You have been my giver of breath and beat of my heart, Healer, Provider, Deliverer.

When the Blind Sees

N. T. #376  "When the Blind Sees"

August 27, 2024 

Mark 8-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus and His disciples went to Bethsaida, located northeast of Galilee on the coast and a blind man was brought to Him. Those who brought him to Jesus knew the blind man needed a touch of Jesus for his sight to be restored. (This is the hometown of Philip, Peter, and Andrew.) What a unique miracle in that most of Jesus' supernatural acts occurred in a single word or touch. Also, this is the only place in the Word where the miracle is mentioned. 

What happened?

• In order to avoid publicity, Jesus took the man by the hand outside the town. He was led by Jesus. did you catch that?
• Jesus spit on the man's eyes, touched them, and asked if the man could see. Jesus touched the man.
• Although the man's eyesight was not clear, men appeared as trees, blurry.
• So, again Jesus put His hands upon the man's eyes, made him look up, and clear sight was restored to the man.
• The man saw Jesus, the Savior and Messiah, face to face. Did the man say thanks?

Why did Jesus choose to touch the man's eyes a second time before he could see? This miracle was not too difficult for Jesus, but He chose to do it in stages. Maybe it was to show the disciples that some healing wouold be gradual rather than instantaneous of to demonstrate that spiritual truth is not always perceived clearly at first. Before Jesus left, He healed the man completely. (Life Application Study Bible)

Isaiah 6:1-2a is quoted by Jesus in Like 4:18-19: He is anointed to give recovering sight to the blind, as one of the things mentioned. Christ never does His work by the halves nor leaves it till He can say, "It is finished." (Matthew Henry)

Is Jesus leading us? Are we willingly following Him? Do we need a touch of Jesus in our life or on our spiritual sight? Jesus does not give up on us. He can see us through whatever is weighing us down.

LET IT GROW 

What were the instructions for the man which Jesus gave?

And He sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town. (verse 26)

Are we careful to let our good deeds honor God instead of us? Have those around us seen Jesus living in us? 

LET IT GO

Lead us on the narrow path, Jesus.

Open our spiritual eyes to see as You see.

Touch our hearts, Lord andfill us with Your love so we can meet the needs of people.

Understanding

 N.T.#375 "Understanding"

August 26, 2024 

Mark 8-Part 4

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus was teaching an important object lesson with the leaven that makes bread rise, and the disciples are focused on being hungry with only 1 loaf for the 13 men on the boat to eat. (Sin represented by yeast or leaven.) He was warning them about the false teachers of a false religion (Pharisees) and the Herodians. They would need to remember it later after Jesus was gone.

Really guys. Don't give it another thought, for you have the Son of God on board with you. After all, you saw Him multiply the bread for 2 crowds. Forget the fact that you forgot to bring any food. Forget about blaming who was irresponsible. Listen up!

Then Jesus asked them 9 questions:

1. Why are you arguing about having no bread?
2. Don't you know or understand even yet?
3. Are your hearts too hard to take it in?
4. You have eyes-can't you see?
5. You have ears-can't you hear?
6. Don't you remember anything at all?
7. When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?
8. And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?
9. How is it you don't understand yet? (New Living Translation) (verses 16-21)

Did they ever flunk the tests! What a rebuke for their hardness of heart! Jesus was able to provide for that many people, so why did the disciples not trust Him in their need? Jesus' abilities to provide were still the same. Yet, lack of faith and forgetting what Jesus had already done results in lack of understanding. Don't we need reminding. (That is a statement, not a question.) People don't change.

Well, we better be careful about pointing fingers. Don't we do the same thing? We ask God for something and He provides, but when the next need comes along, we wring our hands and worry how we are going to take care of it. Instead, we should ask, believe, and trust God to provide according to His will. Guilty!

LET IT GROW 

The disciples hearts were still hardened? MacArthur describes them as rebellious, spiritually insensitive, and unable to understand spiritual truth. (verse 17) Oh my, where does that leave me and you?

Understand means to comprehend; to put together; consider.

See means perceive; take heeds; to apprehend.

How could the guys fail to see what Jesus was trying to tell them, connect the dots?

Finally the guys understood Jesus' warning about the Pharisees and the Sadducees. (Matthew 15:12) No one tells us Jesus multiplied the loaf of bread so 13 could be filled, then they could focus on their mission, but I tend to think He did. 

Remember how God has worked in our life and He can provide through the trials today. Do we consider meeting the physical needs of folks and then sharing the Gospel with them? Are we praying for our religious leaders and political leaders? 

What can we learn from this? There is no limit on what God can do. There is no way God will give up on us when we don't get it. There is no limit to what God can provide. Never forget God's past provision and protection. (Swindoll)

LET IT GO

Help us stay focused on You, Lord Jesus.

Open our eyes and ears to the needs of others.

Use us in Your kingdom work.

Holy Spirit, teach us Your ways.

Are You Listening?

 N.T.#374 "Are You Listening?"

August 23, 2024 

Mark 8-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

Those Pharisees challenged Jesus to perform some astronomical miracle. Those false prophets desired the sensational. It would have undermined Jesus' credibility had He done something to prove He was God in the flesh. Since the Pharisees had spiritual blindness, He was not going to accommodate them to prove He is the Son of God and Messiah. Jesus' resurrection would do that. Matthew 12:39 and 40 signify His having told those vipers.

Jesus had ministry to do, so He and the disciples left the area, sailed northeast to Bethsaida. Swindoll has a map showing these places Jesus ministered in the area of the Sea of Galilee.

                                                                        Bethsaida

                                                                               *

                                     Capernaum * Sea of Galilee

Cana*                         Dalmanutha *

                     Tiberias *

Nazareth  *

This gives us a clearer idea of where Jesus walked and ministered. Jesus had not been on the water long before He began to debrief His encounter with the Pharisees to the disciples. He wanted to prepare the apostles for their clash later with the religious authorities in Jerusalem.

Has Jesus prepared us for ministry in His name? Are you sharing His Word with others while studying it yourself? Share what you learn for the benefit of others.

LET IT GROW

In the boat, the disciples became concerned with there being only 1 loaf of bread available for their lunch. Really guys? You have seen Jesus provide for 4,000 and 5,000 men, even carry baskets full of leftovers and you worry about 13 men having enough to eat in a boat? No wonder Jesus got a little short with them.

What was the spiritual truth Jesus gave? Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod. (verse 15)

Leaven represents sin. The evil influence of sin was evident in the Pharisees with their false teachings. (Matt. 16:12) and the immoral, corrupt conduct of Herod Antipas. (6:17-29) Those two because allies against Christ Jesus.(3:6) These apostles would have their own encounter later with these.

Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:9, A little leaven leavens the whole batch. 

As a small amount of yeast affect an entire batch of dough, so does sin. Those leaders had a tremendous influence on the people with their human traditions and lead them away from God. It seems the disciples carelessly forgot to pak lunch, discussing it while Jesus had a profound teaching for them. Guys and their stomachs.

Are we careful to not allow a little sin to grow in our life and lead us down the wrong path? 

LET IT GO

Open our spiritual eyes Lord, so we can see what sins are in our life.

Please forgive us.

Help us to listen better.

Help us let go of those things that so easily beset us, weigh us down.

Faith Vs. Sight

N.T.#373 "Faith Vs. Sight"

August 22, 2024

Mark 8-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

After feeding 4,000 men, which could have totaled 16,000 total people, Jesus sent them away. 

Then immediately He led the disciples to sail west back across the Sea of Galilee to Dalmanutha.. It is apparent that this was a region near Magdala. Recent archeological work in the area, when the water level of Lake Galilee was at an all-time low, revealed several heretofore unknown anchorages. One small harbor has been found between Magadala and Capernaum, and this may have been Dalmanutha.  (MacArthur)

It was like a back woods town off the beaten path in my area. A few country stores but no interstate nearby. Guess who showed up. The Pharisees could not quit harassing Jesus. It wasn't a theological debate, but they wanted Jesus to prove His identity and legitimacy with a sign. 

The Greek term for sign is seneuib. Its most basic meaning is something that gives a true indication of something else. For the Jews, a sign was a visual confirmation that a prophet was authentically from God. This word also referred to a physical manifestation of God's glory.

Since the Pharisees had no faith believing Jesus to be the Son of God, they wanted Him to prove it so they could use sight. But faith is the evidence of things not seen-hope. (Hebrews 11:1)

How is our faith guage today? Are we walking by faith or by sight? Paul told us in 2 Corinthians 5:7 that we walk by faith, not by sight.

LET IT GROW 

How did Jesus react to the Pharisees seeking a sign from heaven, tempting Him? Jesus sighed deeply (intensely) in His spirit. (verse 12)

Were Jesus' miracles insufficient evidence that He was of God? No sign-Jesus is the sign from heaven. He left them, got into the boat, and sailed away. He didn't do mighty works there because of their unbelief like in Nazareth. (Matt. 13:58)

So we open our heart and let Jesus do a work in us? Or does our sin separate us?

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are my Savior, Redeemer, The Way, The Truth, The Life. 

You are all I need. I choose You today.

How loving, forgiving, glorious You are.

 

 

He Can Do It Again!

 N.T.#372  "He Can Do It Again!"

August 21, 2024

Mark 8

LET IT GLOW 

Had it not astonished the disciples what Jesus had done before them so far? Previously, Jesus had fed the 5,000 men and perhaps 20,000 in total with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, healed a deaf-mute man, and delivered a daughter from an unclean spirit. (chapters 6 -7)

Now here was a multitude who was with the group 3 days with nothing to eat and Jesus did it again. He used 7 loves of bread and a few small fishes, blessed them, and gave them for distribution miraculously feeding 4,000. And to top it off, there were 7 baskets left over for the disciples to eat. (verses 1-9)

Here is a contrast that I didn't see before: Earlier with the feeding of the 5,000 men, the disciples collected the remaining baskets of bread in small baskets like travelers used to carry their provisions (kophinos), and the feeding of the 4,000 had a larger type of baskets, hamper-like to store grain in or take it to market (spuris). It was Jesus who provided exceedingly abundantly above all the people could imagine. (Swindoll)

Also, the two feedings were different in the number of people fed, the place, the time, the numbers of fish, loaves, and basket sizes. (Falwell)

Did you hear the disciples say, "Lord, remember that time when You fed thousands with only five loaves and two fish? Surely You can do that again!" Nope, they were perplexed as to having no idea where the food would come from to feed that crowd. 

Do we tend to forget that all things are possible with God. (10:27)

Previously, Jesus fed the Israelite multitude in the wilderness with manna and quail. He did it with bread and fish later, too. Can't He do it for us?

LET IT GROW

Jesus had said at the last feeding that He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

When we get discouraged, go to the One who can feed us physically and spiritually. Remember what He has done, and have faith that He can and will do it again. 

Jesus gave thanks in the midst of insufficiency. What an example for us to follow. Do we give thanks before a meal? Are we grateful for our needs being met?

LET IT GO

Take a look at where we are now and where we have been.

Hasn't He always come through?

He's the same now as then.

You may not know how, you may not know when, but He will do it again.

(It was a song a freind of mine sang many year ago, a mother of two of my students.)

Where is Compassion?

N.T.#371 "Where is Compassion?"

August 20, 2024 

Mark 7-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Where is compassion in our world today? I have seen it given toward the tornado victims in the neighboring town hit hard in the rural area. Since the end of May, a sister church has fixed meals for those in need. Some days they had as many as 140. Not only that, people donated food and items needed. They had rooms packed. When they were running low on food, our church stepped us and gave over $800 from a car show collected. How grateful they were. People are repairing homes, clearing debris, and healing. (Most were just devastated emotionally. Another sister church gave away food on Saturdays to those in need. That is compassion. 

There were a few things we don't want to overlook concerning Jesus healing the blind and speechless man:

• Even Jesus' saliva was used for God's glory. (7:33 and 8:23)
• Jesus looked to heaven in dependence on the Father. (verse 34)
• He demonstrated genuine humanity and emotional involvement in the lives of those to whom Jesus ministered. 
• He sighed deeply in sorrow over the man's broken condition (verse 34) and wept before raising Lazarus from the dead. (John 11:35)
• He ordered the people to not tell anyone about the man's healing. (verse 36) Jesus' mission wasn't healing physically but spiritually those in need. 

We have a Savior who knows our sufferings. Jesus is abundant in mercy and gives us lively hope by His resurrection from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)

Do you have this hope, my friend?

LET IT GROW 

How did the people react that was witnessing this healing? They were beyond measure astonished. saying, He hath done all things well. (verse 37)

Astonished means amazed; exceedingly, abundantly above.

Aren't we amazed when Jesus does something for us, answers our prayers?

What can we gleen from this passage?

• Treat everyone with courtesy, including family and friends, not just strangers.
• Promote liberty everywhere. So many have scars from the past, memories of heartbreak, failures, moral tumbles, foolish decisions, disappointments, fractured romances, etc. 
• Help others be free from those things, affirm them, letting words have the power to free people.
• Do everything well. Do your job with excellence, give to others. Finish well. (Swindoll)

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Col. 3:23-24)

LET IT GO

                               ... of the past and live in the present.

                               ... and forgive those who have hurt you.

                               ... of self and love others more.

                                ... and show compassion.

                                ... and be more like Jesus.

Hearing and Speaking

N.T.#370 "Hearing and Speaking"

August 19, 2024 

Mark 7-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

Obviously, some time passed since Jesus traveled from the northwest back to the southeast side of Galilee. He returned to Decapolis where He previously delivered the demon possessed man, casting the domons into swine and then they drown. The people were afraid of Jesus and urged Him to leave the region. (5:1-20)

Some people's attitudes toward Jesus were different. They brought a man deaf and mute, asking Jesus to heal him. Keep in mind this is the only place that this event is written. 

What did Jesus do?

• He took the man aside from the crowd. Jesus respected the man's privacy and showed him courtesy.
• Jesus placed His fingers into the man's ears and restored his hearing.
• Then He spit a little saliva onto His finger and touched the man's tongue, restoring his speech. (verse 33)
• Jesus looked up to heaven, sighed, and said, "Be opened." (verse 34)

Did you get it-Jesus touched the places of the man's needs. Jesus freed the man from his misery with deep compassion for him. 

Do we help people with disabilities, broken hearts, failures, bad decisions? Are we showing them compassion and love of the Savior?

LET IT GROW

Immediately the man could hear and speak plainly. (verse 35) didn't he have a lot to say! He probably had years' worther of stories to tell. So much the guy had to keep to himself. He had a lot to say.

Then Jesus told the man and crowd to share the event with no one. Healing was not Jesus' mission, just an added extra to reveal His God-given power. Yet, the more Jesus said this, the more they spread the news. 

He hath done things well. (verse 37)

This alludes to Isaiah 35:3-6. Jesus makes the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and the mute to speak with shouts for joy.

Isn't that just like our Jesus? We are amazed whenever He does.

The people were beyond measure astonished.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for doing all things well.

Eating Crumbs

 N.T.#369 "Eating Crumbs"

August 16, 2024

Mark 7-Part2

LET IT GLOW

Whenever we would eat a meal at our son's house, their little dog, Princess, would come beg us for scraps under the table. and of course, I always saved her some. she was such a sweet little dog. Today, we read about a woman who wanted just a crumb from Jesus. 

After the confrontation with the Pharisees, Jesus needed some away time. So He traveled int Tyre (106 miles from Jerusalem) and Sidon (130 miles from Jerusalem). This area was on the Mediterranean coast and northwest of Galilee. Jesus was deep in Gentile territory. He wanted time to rest from the pressure of the Jewish leaders and an opportunity to further prepare the disciples for His coming crucifixion and their ministry. This trip was not evangelistic. In fact, Jesus did not want anyone to know He was there. Well, so much for that.

A woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard Jesus was in the area, came into the house and fell at His feet. No problem for Jesus to cast out the demon, for He had done it before. Folks in that area had heard what miraculous works Jesus had done. She besought Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. (verse 26)

Besought means adk; beseech; pray. 

Just a simple request of the Savior. Others had been delivered before. 

But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.  (verse 27)

The little dogs that Jesus referred to was not many, vicious mongrels, but the dogs kept as pets, lap dogs. Jesus was testing the intent of the mother's desire and faith. His first responsibility was to preach the gospel to the children of Israel, calling the Jews "children." That was true, but didn't the Master have enough compassion to go around? Sure He did. Matthew said Jesus told her He was sent to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15:24)

The disciples had wanted to send her away, but she was desperate and asked Jesus to help (after she worshiped Him).(Matt. 15:25) Jesus wasn't angry at the mother but was trying to teach His disciples a lesson. 

Do we spend time worshiping Jesus before we make requests? 

LET IT GROW 

Matthew says her reply was, "Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. (Matt. 15:27)

This mother knew what could be hers, even as a Gentile. She became an illustration of millions of Gentiles who would later be blessed by the Messiah of Israel. (Falwell)

This woman knew she was sinful and undeserving of any of God's blessings. Her response was with complete absence of pride and self-reliance. (MacArthur)

Didn't the woman just want some miracle leftover to heal her daughter? She wasn't asking Him to travel to her house and lay hands on the little girl.

What was Jesus' response? O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.  (Matt. 15:28) Her daughter was made whole from that very hour and her faith is recorded in the Holy Bible.

The Jewish religious leaders were seeking to kill Jesus, but this poor Gentile woman had more faith than all of them put together. And Jesus rewarded it. Faith is the qualification for experiencing the kingdom of God. (Evans)

Having faith is coming to our God, believing that He is who He says He is, and believing that He will do what He says He will do. It's trusting Him completely. The woman had persistence, humility, focus, and confidence.

Would Jesus assess our faith as great?

LET IT GO

We are but Gentiles, yet You died for us and love us, Lord Jesus.

Oh, what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful!

What Defiles?

 N.T.#368 "What Defiles?"

August 15, 2024 

Mark 7-Part 1

LET IT GLOW

Here is an eye opener taught by Jesus. the Pharisees and scribes wee so hung up on their rules and traditions that they had a hard time understanding what Jesus was telling them. Previously in the Old Testament, God gave Israel commands about unclean animals they couldn't eat to teach them holiness and unholiness. (Lev. 11) 

Jesus was teaching that it wasn't foods eaten that defiled a person. It's not what goes into a person that defiles them. The Pharisees were concerned about making themselves look good on the outside, but wickedness came from within them.

Defile , in the Greek, means to make (or consider) profane; unclean; call common.

Following customs and traditions can't fix a sinful heart. It isn't the food intake that makes a person unholy or impure nor eating with unclean hands. What a person eats will not defile his heart or inner person, which is spiritual. Physical pollution, no matter how corrupt, cannot cause spiritual or moral pollution. Jesus removed the restrictions about dietary laws. Peter experienced this in a vision about unclean animals being made clean. (Acts 10 

In our area is a well-known cult that is hung up on not eating certain foods. They are more concerned with the don'ts of the Old Testament than what is in the heart. The Lord gives us common sense to not overindulge in some types of food in order to remain healthy. However, those folks make it a priority in their beliefs.

Where do you stand?

LET IT GROW 

If it isn't food going into the mouth that defiles a person, then what is it? It's the things which come out of him. (verse 15, 20) Sinful behavior begins in the mind, thoughts, which become sinful words and deeds. What are we putting into our minds by reading and watching? Is it junk food for our mind? Then we expect to have pure thoughts? 

Jesus named some impure actions which stemmed from an evil, rebellious heart that is contrary to God and righteousness:

• evil thoughts/reasoning, fantasizing or planning evil deeds
• sexual impurity, adultery, fornication involving another
• murder
• stealing
• covetousness, desiring another's gain or to gain more than one's due
• wickedness
• deceit
• lasciviousness, unrestraint behavior
• an evil eye, desiring what one sees despite moral restrictions against possessing it
• blasphemy/disrespecting or defaming another
• pride/arrogance, thinking too highly of oneself
• foolishness/not using reasoning.

What a list! Are we take the dare and use it a checklist for our behavior and thoughts? All those things come from within and defile a person. (verse 23)

LET IT GO

Take my heart and will and conform them to Yours, Lord Jesus.

;Show us our sinful ways and forgive us of our sins.

Are We a Pharisee?

 N.T.#367 "Are We a Pharisee?"

August 14, 2024 

Mark 7

LET IT GLOW

Dare I say that Jesus did not fit in with the religious leaders, the Pharisees and Scribes? His preaching was repentance of sins in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. However, their teachings were works by keeping their traditional rules as spiritual truth. They required everyone to do the everything the same way and their way. Christians are free to worship in spirit and in truth, Jesus the Savior. 

What a contrast: 

• The Pharisees took pride in showing their piety-fasting twice a week (Luke 18:12) Jesus ate with tax collectors and other kinds of rabble/wrong kind of people and on the wrong days.
• The religious ones washed their hands and containers every time they turned around. They elevated men's statutes alongside the Laws of God.(verse 4)
• The rejected the commandment of God so they could keep their own tradition. (verse 9)

Jesus did not sin by not following those Jewish traditions of the Pharisees. Afterall, He was there when the Ten Commandments were given to Moses. 

Jesus came right out and said the truth about those hypocrites-This people honoreth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. (verse 6)

Are we honoring God with our lips only or with both by what we say and our lifestyle actions? Is our heart following Him? 

LET IT GROW 

What illustration did Jesus use for the Pharisees ignoring God's law and substituting their own tradition for it?

Honor your father and mother, but anyone who speaks disrespectfully of parents must be put to death. (verses 9-10) The Pharisees said it was all right for people to tell their parents "Sorry, I can't help you. I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you. This way you let them disregard their needy parents. You cancel the Word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. (verse 13)

Ooo. Those guys did not consider Jesus to be the Son of God so they did not care what He had to say. Right or wrong. They were the ones breaking the Law, not Jesus. What hypocrites!

Do we examine our own heart?

LET IT GO

I want to teach Your Truth, not my thoughts.

Keep our hearts near You.

A Different Reaction

 N.T.#366 "A Different Reaction"

August 13, 2024 

Mark 6-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

Today we read of a contrast of the people of Nazareth, Jesus' hometown and those in Gennesaret. There was unbelief in His hometown so He headed a few sick folk, but left. Jesus' reputation went before Him and continued to grow. He was recognized by everyone. (verse 54) Gennesaret was alongside the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was located south of Capernaum and north of Tiberias. this area was well known for its fertile soil. 

In this first century, towns were built around a public area called an agora. Often the agora featured a well or some other communal resource. This is where news was traded, goods were sold, politics discussed, disputes resolved, agreements struck, and speeches given. If you arrived in town and hoped to find a familiar face, this was the place to look. (Swindoll)

These last 4 verses of this chapter seems unimportant since no one is named and no words of Jesus are spoken. No major events transpires, no lessons are taught to the crowds, no miracles or parables are recorded here. Yet, we see the compassion Jesus had. While this group had been rejected in some places and ignored in other, here were people receiving them eagerly. What a contrast to His own people back in Nazareth. 

Faith, love, and acceptance goes a long way. Are we letting the light of Jesus shine in us this week? Let Him mend our broken hearts so we can help others. Kids and teachers are getting ready for a new school year this week. Are we encouraging them?

LET IT GROW

What was going on where Jesus was? 

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. (verse 56)

Jesus met people with infirmities. Like the woman with the 12-year issue of blood, immediately relief of all diseases or deformity was provided. It was just a touch of Jesus and instantly made whole healing came. 

Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith is the substance/assurance of things hoped for, the evidence/conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

It is faith in Jesus, trusting God is who He says He is and will do what He ssays He will do. Time and again our Savior turned impossible situations into divine victories.

LET IT GO

Change my heart Lord Jesus.

Fill me with compassion and love for others going through sorrow, health issues, and troubled times.

To You be the glory forever.

Storms of Life

 N.T.#365  "Storms of Life"

August 12, 2024

Mark 6-Part 6

LET IT GLOW 

After the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus sent His disciples in a boat towards Bethsaida ahead of Him. Then He sent the people away. What did Jesus do? He went to a mountain to pray, which was several hundred feet above the Sea of Galilee. Jesus could easily watch His guys on the water some 686 feet below sea level. Often strong winds whip down through the gorge and churns the waters making it choppy for a small boat. (The Sea of Galilee is surrounded by mountains.) The guys had been rowing for 12 hours against the wind and water. (Fourth watch was 3am-6am.) Most of them had made their living on the Sea of Galilee most of their lives, so they didn't fear much.

Jesus must have seen His men struggling. Finally, He had to rescue them. Jesus intended to pass by them, allowing His people to glimpse His presence as a means of reassuring them. What they saw was a supernatural unknown presence coming toward them, which may have driven them to screaming terror.

Have you been there? Are you facing a terrifying situation? Be assured, you are not alone.

LET IT GROW 

And immediately He talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. (verse 50)

In other words, "Be courageous, I am. Don't fear." Matthew 14 tells us Peter walked on the water for a few moments, until he took his eyes off Jesus and put it on the rough sea. Mark leaves this scene out. when Jesus stepped off the waves, over the side of the boar, the storm ceased, the winds died down, the ripples splashing into the boat stopped. 

Why didn't the disciples call on God for help? Did they not understand their Messiah to be divinity in human flesh?

They were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure,and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. (verses 51-52)

Hardened means to petrify, as used here.

We would say they were "thick-headed." Aren't we all at some time or another thick-headed? Duh!

The disciples were in the middle of God's will, yet they were in the middle of threatening circumstances. If you're earnestly and faithfully seeking to follow God, don't be surprised when trials come. god grants these so that "your faith-more valuable than gold" may be refined and bring glory to Christ. (1 Peter 1:7) (Tony Evans)

LET IT GO

While we are in storms of life, Jesus, be our anchor.

Stay with us through it all.

Help us trust You and Your will be done.

Helping Others

 N.T.#364

August 9, 2024  "Helping Others"

Mark 6-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

Crowds kept seeking Jesus, but they were keeping Him from attending to His disciples. So He took them on a men's retreat. First to Bethsaida and then by boat to the wilderness northeast of the Sea of Galilee. Frequently they disappeared into the hill country to recover and rest in preparation for further ministry. However, by this time, a multitude greeted them with expectations. Did the disciples suggest they keep sailing to the other side so no one found them? 

Jesus saw things differently-He had compassion toward the people, like sheep without a shepherd. He began teaching them many things. (verse 34)

Compassion means feel sympathy, to pity.

Sheep aare dumb, defenseless, and directionless. They can't make the right choices, defend themselves from predators, and struggle with decision-making. Aren't people like sheep?

Although, the Lord is like a shepherd who gathers the lambs in his arms. (Isaiah 40:11)

How are with sharing, helping, and giving?

LET IT GROW 

It was getting late in a deserted area with 5,000 men and perhaps up to 20,000 hungry people in the crowd. You know folks get irritable when they get hungry. Wrap up the teaching and send them away so they can eat. Good thought, but not quite what Jesus had in mind. 

Had the disciples not heard about God's provision to Israel for 40 years? Feeding a couple million was no small task. Jesus blessed the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, which could be stretched to feed a party of 13 plus a boy. God never lacks resources. He can always afford what He chooses to provide. No need of catering nor clean up. Everyone was stuffed like Thanksgiving turkeys and leftovers, too. 

What is your kingdom mission that God has for you? We are called to give whatever we have-our time, our money, and our abilities. 

LET IT GO

Use us to meet the needs of people.

Give us compassion.

When a Head is Required

N.T.#363  "When a Head is Required"

August 8, 2024 

Mark 6-Part 4

LET IT GLOW 

For a little historical background, king Herod, actually a tetrarch, Herod Antipas, was the second son of king Herod the Great, and became ruler of Galilee. After Herod the Great died, Palestine was divided among his sons.  Herod the Great captured Jerusalem and was the descendent of Esau and Edom.) 

Another son of Herod the Great was Phillip (Herodias' husband). She was the daughter of Aristobulus, another son of Herod the Great. Herodias married her own father's brother. What precipitated the arrest of John the Baptist was that Herod Antipas (uncle of Herodias) talked her into leaving her husband in order to marry him. This compounded the incest, as well as violating Leviticus 18:16. What a messy family. 

John was outraged that a ruler in Israel would sin this way openly, so he rebuked Herod severely. (verse 4) For this, Herod imprisoned and later killed John. (verses 14-29) You probably recall the details from Matthew 14 where Herodias' daughter danced at the king's birthday party pleasing him. Then he promised her anything she desired; mom told her to ask for John the Baptist's head and it was brought to her on a platter. (The disciples came and buried John's body.)

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and a holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. (verse 20)

What a testimony of John's. He preached repentance of sins, you know. Herod was exceeding sorry having made an oath of giving his stepdaughter anything she wished, even up to half of his kingdom.

LET IT GROW 

And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. (verses 31-32)

It was a busy day, yet Jesus insisted His disciples leave the crowds to rest and be alone with Him. He knew the busier they were, the more they needed to make time to rest and be alone with Him. If they didn't, eventually they would hurt both themselves and those they were seeking to help. The same is true of us.

God knows demands and responsibilities we face-at home, on the job, even in our church. We need His wisdom to keep things in perspective and His strength to get them done rightly. [Resource: Billy Graham's Wisdom for Each Day, a devotional book] 

LET IT GO

Give us wisdom, strength, and courage to carry out Your will Lord God.

Trust and Obey, Go and Sow

 N.T.#362  "Trust and Obey, Go and Sow"

August 7, 2024 

Mark 6-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

Originally, my husband and I were to scout out mission possibilities for our church when we went on our mission trip. However, more was required of us. Since our leader and his wife could not go, we stepped up and led the way. I was not prepared to teach in a bible class, but it appeared needful. I shared my testimony with the older children and teens, as well as the Gospel. When the opportunity arises, take it and be a faithful witness for Jesus. Go and sow the Gospel as we trust and obey Jesus.

It was time for some Ministry 101. Jesus had taught His disciples, showed them how to meet people's needs, and to love them. Their mission required no formal curriculum, no audition, no lecture to attend, no tuition, no written exam. The disciples had only the Old Testament Scriptures to read and the divine Author of those writings to teach them. 

Jesus' itinerary in ministry was preaching, teaching, healing, and casting out demons in Galilee. He delegated the same ministry duties to the twelve. They were do to give an accountability for their actions.

What were their instructions?

1. They were sent out in pairs, two by two. Their companionship gave them power over discouragement. Quitting was not an option, for there was work to do.
2. Travel light. The disciples were to have sandals, but no two coats. A tunic was worn next to the skin like our undergarments, which could be changed if no water was available to clean up. 
3. A staff only was to be taken for protection against wild animals, robbers, rough terrain. 
4. No scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. Total dependance upon God to supply their needs including lodging, was expected. No preparation and burdensome provisions to distract them from the main thing. (verses 7-9)
5. No reservations for lodging was needed. They were to stay at one house and go out ministering from there in the village. (verse 10)
6. If they were no received nor heard, instructions were to depart shaking off the dust under their feet. Judgment was due those unaccepting people. (verse 12)

The disciples obeyed what Jesus commanded. They testified across Israel wherever they could find their fellow Jews. 

Are we a witness of what Jesus has done for us? Do we recognize divine appointments? Are we obedient to follow our Savior wherever He leads.

LET IT GROW

And they went out, and preached that men should repent. (verse 12)

Repentance is not just feeling sorry for sin, but a deliberate, life-changing decision to turn away from the wrong direction and turn toward the right direction. When you come to Christ, you deliberately leave your old way of living behind. You trust Christ, love Him, and serve Him. Friend, have you done this?

And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. (verse 13)

Jesus is the One who has that kind of power. He gave His disciples the power to heal the sick by supernatural means. 

We don't know how long or how far the disciples' ministry was. They met back together with Jesus. These excited disciples returned to Capernaum with stories to tell their Master and what they had taught. (verse 30) We are accountable to our church and Lord Jesus when we go out doing ministry on mission.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Mark]

LET IT GO

What a privilege it is to go and share Your love and Word with others.

Help us to live simply, stay where you put us, leave when we must, tell the truth, and rely on You, Savior.

Prepare us for Kingdom work. You will give the increase.

Unbelief

N.T.#361 "Unbelief"

August 6, 2024 

Mark 6-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus could do no miracle in His hometown of Nazareth except He healed a few sick people. (verse 5)At that time, family and friends rejected Jesus as the Messiah. It was their unbelief that held Him back. So it was with the Old Testament prophets, rejected by the religious authorities, ignored by the common people, and martyred by Israel's kings. Today, pastors are least respected in the circle of family and friends. God will not work where there is no faith. 

Christ did not lack power; rather, the absence of faith caused God to withhold supernatural work. His relatives focused on Jesus' humanity and faitled to recognize the supernatural nature of His words and works.  (Evans)

They missed out, didn't they? The Messiah whom prophet foretold hundreds of years earlier was in their midst, but sin blinded them to that fact. What a blessing it would have been to sit and listen to the Creator of everything teach. What an opportunity it would have been. Do we miss out on blessing because we are blinded by who the messenger is? 

LET IT GROW

And He marvelled because of their unbelief. And He went round about the villages, teaching. (verse 6)

In the Greek language, marvelled means to wonder; unbelief means faithlessness, disbelief, unfaithfulness.

It shocked Jesus at the unbelief present in Nazareth. They had seen what everyone else had seen, yet still they didn't believe in who He was/is. So Jesus left and continued to proclaim His kingdom message in the surrounding villages.

When we are rejected, continue to pray and teach God's Word in spite of the reaction of hearers. One day they will understand the truth. This explains why Jesus' ministry was primarily in the area of the Sea of Galilee and He called fishermen to be His disciples.

LET IT GO 

Help us continue to walk by faith and not by sight, Jesus.

Lead us daily in Your ways and where You want us to go minister to those in need.

Help us hide Your Word in our heart so we don't sin against You.

A Hometown Reception

 N. T. #360  "A Hometown Reception"

August 5, 2024

Mark 6

LET IT GLOW 

I can recall when a young man from my hometown returned from the Viet Nam war, enjured. We had a parade in his honor. However, Jesus did not get such a warm response in His hometown.

Jesus and His disciples came to His own country or hometown, which was Nazareth. What did He do? On the Sabbath Jesus began to teach in the synagogue. It seems there were various groups of people there listening. 

First were the disciples. They accepted His Word as truth from God’s lips. Are we a part of this group?

  Here are the curious, yet not committed. They haven’t rejected the Gospel, still reflecting  They have questions, honest doubts  It takes faith to believe in One unseen by you, to believe the Bible is true  Keep reading and searching for the Truth.

The largest group is cynical and closed . They only question and never seek answers  We leave them in God’s hands and pray for mercy  (Swindoll)

LET IT GROW 

Take a closer look at what happened:

• In the synagogue many hearing Jesus were astonished asking where did He get these things. They wondered where His wisdom came from  that He could do such mighty works. (verse 2)
• Doubts about Jesus came because they knew Him as the carpenter and Mary’s son. His half brothers are named and known in Nazareth as well. Jesus had half sisters there, too.
• They were offended at Jesus. 

What can we learn from Jesus’ experience in His hometown?

A prophet or preacher is not honored in his own hometown among his own family and friends. They know his faults and shortcomings, considering him one of theirs, nothing special. What a shame it is that those will not accept his change and calling of God.

LET IT GO

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, to draw people to Him, and provide abundant life. 

Thank You Lord Jesus for choosing us and saving us sinners. 

Glory to Your name.

Faith Seen

N.T.#359 "Faith Seen"

August 2, 2024 

Mark 5-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

Have you ever been desperate for an answered prayer, a job, or a situation to work out? Jesus has the answer. How strong is your faith?

Jairus was a faith, no longer a proud official in the synagogue, who became a humbled, broken daddy whose daughter lay dying. He was desperate. He found a Savior waiting, willing, and ready to meet all of his needs, including the one that brought him to desperation. (C.S. Lewis)

If it is a child or loved one we wait to surrender to the Lord or to find His will, keep praying. God is not almost sovereign, but completely sovereign. He knows all. 

LET IT GROW

Someone had accessed Jesus' kingdom power by desperate faith, and He wasn't going to ignore it. He can distinguish between people bumping against Him and those touching Him in faith. The woman with the 12-year issue of blood was healed because of her faith. 

Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me. (Ps. 50:15)

Jesus drew the woman out of the crowd to allow her to praise God for her healing. Jesus was determined to see that God was glorified publicly in this healing. (Evans)

When God comes through in our life, and no one knows about it but you, we need to declare His deeds and give Him glory.

Let the redeemed of the LORD proclaim that He has redeemed them from the power of the foe. (Ps. 107:2)

How is your faith in Jesus?

LET IT GO 

Thank You Jesus for all the times You have healed me, provided for me, forgiven me, and loved me.

To You be the glory forever!

Healing and Faith

N.T.#358 "Healing and Faith"

August 1, 2024 

Mark 5-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

Jesus went with Jairus, but the crowd following Him thronged (to compress, crowd on all sides)  as they went to the daughter of the synagogue official. Matthew inserts the situation and encounter of the woman with Jesus:

• She was hemorrhaging.
• It lasted 12 years.
• She had endured painful treatments by many physicians to no success.
• The problem grew worse for her.
• The woman heard of Jesus, probably His healings, and knew Jesus was her last hope for healing.
• She came in the press (multitude, people) behind Jesus and touched His garment.

For she thought to herself, If I can just touch His robe, I will be healed. (verse 28)

Is that faith or what? For sure. Such great faith and humility, as well as feeling too unworthy to approach Jesus directly like the synagogue leader did. Chances are the woman was excluded from everything, isolating herself. Jesus could have let the situation go, but He wanted a personal relationship with her. Her faith made the woman whole. Like the woman, we must tell Jesus the truth.

There was a time whenever I was just as desperate as this woman. After a colonoscopy, I kept bleeding. The doctor had removed a good sized polp, and put a clip on it to stop the bleeding. Yet it kept on. He had told me if the bleeding did not stop during the night, I would need surgery. By midnight, the bleeding had not stopped and I was weak. Thus, I knew surgery would be difficult for me to go through and survive. I was desperate like this woman. I reached up toward heaven to touch the hem of the Savior's robe, asking for healing. I knew if He willed, Jesus could heal me like He did this woman. My God heard my desperation and immediately healed me. That is why I praise Him.

Have you had a similar situation?

LET IT GROW

What happened to the woman with the issue of blood? 

Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. (verse 29, NLT)

Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from Him, so He turned around in the crowd and asked who touched His robe. Immediately Jesus knew in Himself that virture (miraculous power, strength) had gone out of Him. There were so many people that the disciples could not give the answer.

But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before Him, and told Him all the truth. (verse 33)

Jesus wants us to admit our sins and our need for His help. 

Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. (verse 34)

What love and compassion our Savior has!

For 23 years I had a similar problem. How terrible it is and embarrassing it is to have heavy periods. Jesus used surgery to heal me. How grateful I am.

LET IT GO 

What a wonderful Savior You are, Jesus!

Help us have the faith we need through this day.