God’s Word For Today Gospel Light Filipino

Text: Mark 6:1-6 ESV



1 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.

2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.”

5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.

6 And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.



-Mark 6:1-6 ESV



REJECTED IN HIS HOMETOWN



Jesus returned to Nazareth, his hometown. It is a small town, of a few hundreds of people, located in central Galilee, about twenty-five miles from Capernaum. He went to the synagogue. Instead of the religious Pharisees and the scribes (see Mark 3:1–6), He faces His own familial townspeople. These people knew Him since His childhood. And they are shocked by what they heard and saw in Him. They muttered, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?”



Here, Mark doesn't record what Jesus is teaching. However, Luke does (see Luke 4:18–27). Jesus claims the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1–2, asserting that He is filled with the Holy Spirit to bless and rescue the poor, captives, blind, and oppressed. Undoubtedly, this is a sacred description that Jews believe will fit their Messiah. In other words, Jesus is saying that He is the Messiah they have been waiting for. But, they couldn’t just accept Him. They were offended. Perhaps, it was their unbelief, Jesus did not do big miracles here except for a few healings.



In response, Jesus laid out a reality, and said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Coming from the mouth of Jesus, let’s take note that people who are familiar with us may not readily believe us. It will take time. Yet, we have to witness to them. It’s our obligation and leave the result to God.

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Text: Mark 5:21-24,35-43 ESV



21 And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea.

22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet

23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”

24 And he went with him.



35 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

36 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

37 And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.

38 They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.

39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.”

40 And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.

41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”

42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

43 And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.



-Mark 5:21-24,35-43 ESV



DO NOT FEAR, ONLY BELIEVE



When Jairus, the synagogue ruler, approached Jesus, he showed much desperation. His daughter was dying. He implored Him to come. But, while he was still speaking, somebody from their place said, ”Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” The reporter was insinuating that it was useless to bother Jesus.



How did Jairus feel with such news? Perhaps, he felt it was devastating. It seems Jesus was a little too late. The amber of hope was beginning to fade. Then, Jesus overhearing their conversation assured him, “Do not fear, only believe.”



Jesus went with Peter, James, and John to Jairus’ house. There was a commotion, as people were weeping and wailing loudly. But, they laughed at Jesus, who asked, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” Apparently, they were cynical.



Jesus has to put everyone out of the house, including the parents. Taking the 12-year old girl’s hand, He said, ““Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking and they were immediately overcome with amazement. Everyone went from weeping to laughing[scorning] and now amazement. He charged them to give her something to eat and not tell anyone of what happened.



We should recognize our fears and worries. But, let’s also believe that Jesus is in control. There is no such thing as late in Christ. There is always hope in him when our circumstances seem hopeless. Let’s be transformed from fear, hopelessness, and sadness into wonder of God and gladness.

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God’s Word for Today
6 June, 2024

-Mark 5:1-20 ESV

FROM THE TOMBS TO HOME

One reason why Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee is to meet this demonized man. He lived in the tombs of Gergesa alone. Everyone gave him up for no one could tame him. He was alone, crying, cutting himself for pain from the demons.

Jesus went to him. While everyone else gave him up, Jesus was interested in this hopeless man. Imagine. The demon’s name is Legion. And a legion included 6100 foot soldiers and 726 horsemen. Anyway, the exact quantity of demons is unknown. The name simply indicates a large number working as one. The demons were terrified that Jesus would torment them. It appears that the legion knows they will one day be sent to torment in the Abyss and are imploring Jesus that they be not sent early. Instead, they begged and were sent by Jesus to the pigs, numbering to 2000. The owners of the pigs suffered the loss great deal of capital. But, it paved the way to heal a man they had come to fear and despise. Did they think it was a fair trade? Would we be willing to risk our livelihood if it meant a hard-case celebrity, politician and local personality we loathed came to Christ?

Resultingly, the man was healed. The people came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. They aren't afraid that the man will revert to his former behavior; they're afraid of the awesome power it took to free him—as the disciples were when Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 4:35–41).

The lesson is to note that only the power of Jesus can set hardened sinners right, put them back into their right mind spiritually, and clothe them in righteousness (Isa 61:10). Consequently, he wanted, even begged to follow Jesus. What would be best for him to do other than follow Jesus and enjoy His fellowship? But Jesus advised him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Jesus finds it best to make God known, particularly His mercies.[Rom 11:36] To publish His name is the best way to show our gratefulness.

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God’s Word for Today
5 June, 2024

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

-Mark 4:35-41 ESV

SLEEPING IN THE STORM

Jesus has been busy teaching by the Sea of Galilee, at Capernaum most specifically. The crowd seemed uncontrollable so that, they had to escape to the other side. It was Jesus' idea. There were other boats that followed them.

A great storm came and the waves began to pound upon the boat. The boats were filling with water but Jesus was sleeping at the stern. He was apparently exhausted. It seems that sinking is inevitable if the storm continues. These disciples are well acquainted with this sea. Storms on the Sea of Galilee are too dangerous for even the most skilled fisherman. Thus, they woke Jesus up, saying insultingly, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

Immediately, Jesus rebuked and calmed the storm, “Peace! Be still!’ As if a wild dog muzzled and curling its tail behind, the sea became calm at an instant. Christ has shown His authority that amazed the disciples. They have seen Jesus' authority over sickness and illnesses, as well as demons, but they are only beginning to understand who Jesus really is.[v.41]

What lessons could we learn?

Jesus is in control. He was sleeping in the middle of the storm. What matters in our lives is not how rough is the storm. Are we on a journey wherein we know for certain that we’re following Jesus' words or commands? Secondly, are we aware that Jesus knows what lies ahead? Crossing the Sea of Galilee was Jesus’ idea. And Jesus knows the storm is coming. His sleep was both a necessity and an intentionality. He was tired but also He made it as an object lesson for faith. He rebuked the winds but more sternly their lack of faith. It was intended for them to discover who Jesus really is.

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Text: Mark 4:30-34 (ESV)

 

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

 

LARGER THAN ALL

 

Jesus in this parable is highlighting the spread of God’s kingdom through the gospel. It’s like the growth of a mustard tree through planting its seed. Although the mustard seed is not the smallest in the world, it is the "smallest" in the Jewish proverb. These seeds are about one to two millimeters in diameter or about 1/16 inches.

 

However small it is, it will grow to become the largest of all the trees. God wants us to realize the power of His gospel message of grace. In contrast to Pharaism with all its legalism, the gospel of grace in Christ will grow and spread to the uttermost part of the world.

 

But, we should take note that Jesus promises that nothing could prevail the advancement of His kingdom through the church.[Matt 16:18] His kingdom is irresistible but the process of growth needs time.

 

What does it mean for us today?

 

We’ll just need to prod on sowing seeds faithfully and patiently. [1 Cor 15:58, Gal 6:7-8, Psa 126:4-5] As Jesus has outlined the scope of His authority, we should believe that the preaching of His gospel would reach unto the end of the world before the end comes at His second coming.[Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8]. Think of the glory in heaven when people from all walks of life – from every tribe, tongue, and ethnicity who are singing in an endless exaltation of the Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world.[Rev 5:12]

 

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Text: Mark 4:26-29 (ESV)

 

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

 

HE KNOWS NOT HOW

 

This parable gives us an idea as to how God operates in His kingdom. Firstly, His subjects, represented by the sower, have a responsibility. God expects him to scatter the seed on the field during the day. And God expects him to rest during the night. There is a rhythm of work and rest. This is part of the reality of humanity. For a man to work without rest is an abuse. Rest without work is pampering. God knows our limits. Rest isn’t unspiritual as most think. God modeled for us the rest by requiring the Sabbath. Christ is our rest. But, the principle of establishing a rhythm of work-rest is still beneficial.

 

The farmer labors hard until he needs to sleep. And, while he’s in deep slumber, the seeds he had sown will germinate, grow, and bear fruit. And, he doesn’t need to know how. This is beyond the farmer’s control, is it not?

 

This is true in our spiritual walk and service, is it not? We should faithfully grab an opportunity, even create one, to proclaim the gospel. But, the fruit of our labor belongs to God. Did not Paul say, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”[1 Cor 3:6,7]

 

The gospel, as a seed, is the powerful message of life.[Rom 1:16] Should we were able to proclaim it to the least and lost, let us believe that it would give life to those who heard by the Spirit. Faith comes by hearing the word[gospel].[Rom 1:16] This truth should give us relief to note that God is in control. And, there is no need to know how God works.

 

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