The Character of Jesus - DISCREET

Read Mark 7:31-37.

"And He gave them orders not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it." (v. 36)

Jesus wanted to heal this man even though He knew that the man would probably tell others about Him. Jesus asked him and his friends not to tell so that His work would not be hindered by the crowds coming to see a miracle. He wanted these people to be discreet about what had happened.

I need to not "blow my own horn" and have people coming to me. I need to be discreet for the sake of the kingdom.

(10/24/98)

The Character of Jesus - RESPONDS TO APPEALS

Read Mark 7:24-30.

"But she answered and said to Him, 'Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children's crumbs.'" (v. 28)

Jesus was about His business and had denied this request already. Then the woman appealed His decision. He didn't just "shut her down;" He listened--and changed His mind.

I need to listen patiently to appeals made to me--especially my children. I need to teach them how to appeal to authority and model if for them. If Jesus can respond to appeals, so can I.

(10/22/98)

The Character of Jesus - COMMITTED TO THE TRUTH

Read Mark 7:14-23.

"...there is nothing outside the man which going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man." (v. 15)

Jesus was correcting wrong practices and thinking about foods--what is clean and what is unclean. It made a lot of waves, but He was so committed to the truth that He risked alienation for it.

I need to have such a commitment. I need to let go of my need for approval (especially by my wife) and commit myself to truth no matter what!

(10/21/98)

The Character of Jesus - SELF-SACRIFICING

[Sorry, this post should precede the one before.]

Read Mark 6:53-56.

“And wherever He entered villages, or cities, or countryside, they were laying the sick in the market places, and entreating Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were being cured.’” (v. 56)

Jesus was always more concerned with the comfort of others than He was for Himself. He needed to rest, but the needs of the people out-weighed His own needs.

I need to sacrifice myself for my family more. I am too busy. They each need individual attention. Lord, help me to sacrifice my needs for theirs!

(10/17/98)

The Character of Jesus – SPIRITUALLY BASIC

Read Mark 7:1-13.

“[Jesus said,] neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of man.” (v. 8)

Jesus did not adhere to the traditions of the Jewish rabbis. He lived only by the word of God, not to any of the additions. He brought other people back to the basics of the spiritual life.

I need to make sure that I live according to the Word, and not according to my southern, Southern Baptist traditions. I want to be purely biblical, which will take study and prayer.

(10/19/98)

The Character of Jesus – CONCERNED

Read Mark 6:45-52.

“For they all saw Him and were frightened. But immediately He spoke with them and said to the, ‘Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.’” (v. 50)

Jesus saw the disciples fear, and immediately He spoke to them. He was concerned that they not be afraid.

I need to be sensitive to the fears and concerns of those around me—especially my family’s. When they are evident, I need to speak quickly to put them at ease.

(10/16/98)

The Character of Jesus - DEMONSTRATED GOD’S POWER

Read Mark 6:35-44.

“And He said to them, ‘How many loaves do you have? Go look!’ And when they found out, they said, ‘Five and two fish.’” (v. 38)

Jesus forced the disciples to compare their resources to the need at hand. They found them inadequate. The, He took those resources and blessed them so that there was more than enough! He wanted them to see what God could do with ordinary men, with ordinary resources.

I need to not only rely on God’s power, but demonstrate that to others. I need to rely on supernatural intervention more than I do.

(10/15/98)

The Character of Jesus - SELFLESS SERVICE

Read Mark 6:33-34.

"And when He went ashore, He saw a great multitude, and He felt compassion for them..." (v. 34)

Jesus was trying to take His disciples away for some rest and private teaching. But the crowds followed Him. He had compassion on them even though He was very tired. This was an inconvenient time for ministry, yet He served them.
I need to slow down and see the ministry around me. What needs are going unmet because I am working hard and selfishly? Open my eyes; slow my pace.

(10/13/98)