Shalom Aleichem...
Reflections is a weekly Christian Teaching Ministry. Each week we will talk about the Bible and lessons we can put to use in our daily life. We will try to, on a weekly basis, provide to you stories, thoughts, and just easy ways to live your life on a straight path.
THIS WEEK'S TEACHING....September 10, 2018
This coming Sunday, we begin our travels through the Gospel of Jesus Christ at C4. I am very excited because it will be a different trek for some of the folks that have signed up because of how we are going to deal with the Person, Deity and Message of Jesus Christ.
We are going to look at how Jesus can be both Human and Spiritual. What does His message really say to Christians. I wanted to just give a brief teaching, in this Reflections, on some of the issues we will be looking at during the Bible Study. I pray, for those of you who take the journey with us, you will be blessed and have a greater knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
Mark 1:1
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus, as the Son of God has come in the flesh teaching with authority to our amazement.
Our study is more than just an attempt to familiarize ourselves with a text. It is not less than that but it certainly is more than that. Our goal to meet and know Jesus through the inspired writing of Mark and the other writers of the Gospel.
“These words must be considered the title of the entire Gospel of Mark…the glad news which tells about Jesus Christ. This is exactly what Mark’s Gospel presents, telling about Jesus’ person, teachings, works, death and resurrection.”
“Since Mark heads his work the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, it might be possible to take this as a title for the whole work, and to understand him to mean that his whole account of the life and ministry of Jesus is the beginning or basis…of the good news.”
...according to tradition this Gospel was composed to satisfy the urgent request of the people of Rome for a written summary of Peter’s preaching in that city…In writing it did Mark intend merely to supply information…Was it his purpose, as some maintain, merely to record a narrative,…How did he view Jesus? Merely as a very interesting personage…Or did he primarily regard Jesus to be the mighty conquering Savior King, to whom all men should turn in humble faith? Surely, I feel it is the latter!
If the Gospel of Mark was written sometime during the period A.D. 65-67, this passage from Tacitus sheds much light on its life setting.
The Roman church was experiencing the fires of persecution. Even martyrdom was not unknown among its members. Mark addresses himself to this situation. His purpose in writing was “not historical or biographical, but it was intensely practical. He was writing a book for the guidance and support of his fellow Christians in a situation of intense crisis.”
“…derision accompanied their end: they were covered with wild beast’ skin and torn to death by dogs; or they were fastened on crosses, and when daylight failed were burned to serve as lamps by night. Nero had offered his Gardens for the spectacle, and gave an exhibition in his circus.”
Mark 1:13 And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.
One of the differences between Jesus and those to who Mark writes is; For Jesus during his time of temptation angels ministered to Him, for us in our time of temptation Jesus ministers to us. And that ministry comes in one form through the Gospel of Mark.
It appears that Mark is someone who may have known Jesus both personally (limited 14:51-52) and through Peter (substantially). (1 Peter 5:13) She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark.
Mark is the shortest of the Gospels. It contains a vocabulary of a little over 1200 words. Approximately 80 of which are unique to Mark. Mark uses those 1200 words down in such a as to produce some very definite themes. These themes are detected through both repetition of words, phrases and descriptions. There are at least 5 themes that are very obvious and emerge immediately.
Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus is the Son of Man, Jesus came to proclaim and to be proclaimed. Jesus produces amazement, Jesus is the authority.
Our purpose at this point is not to explain the significance of these themes, but simply to demonstrate their existence. We will cover these issues in our study. This will give us a frame work thought which to understand Jesus as Mark presents Him. “…Jesus Christ, the Son of God…”
Mark 3:11 Whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, they would fall down before Him and shout, "You are the Son of God!"
Mark 8:27 Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, "Who do people say that I am?"
Mark 8:29 And He continued by questioning them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ."
Mark 15:39 When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"
Jesus is the Son of Man
This phrase occurs at least 14 times through-out Marks’ gospel. All, with the exception of 2 (2:10,28) occur in the last half of the book. While presently we are not seeking to give full explanation of this phrase we do offer this a couple of brief points;
Compassion; 1:41, 6:34, 8:2, Anger; 3:5, 10:14, Wonders; 6:6, Rest; 6:30-32, Sighs deeply; 8:12, Love; 10:21, Hunger; 11:12 “…the beginning of the gospel of Jesus…”
This phrase “…Son of Man…” is related to our opening verse by the fact that it is Jesus as the Son of Man in His suffering that produces the gospel.
Mark 9:31 For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later."
Daniel 7:13 "I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. 14 "And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.
While the gospel begins with suffering it ends in a kingdom. That is Good News:
“…the gospel of Jesus…”
This gospel is both a message and a man, the man Jesus. And it is apparent from Marks’ writing that this message about this Man is to be proclaimed/preached. I prefer the term proclaimed, for it implies simply the declaration of truth. The significance of preaching/proclamation in Marks’ gospel is apparent in two ways. One through repetition, he uses the term at least 14 times. And secondly how he uses the term.
1:14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,
1:38 He said to them, "Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for."
3:14 And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach,
13:10 "The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
Here we may see yet another aspect of Mark’s intention when he used the phrase “…beginning of the gospel…”, While Jesus began the preaching, it is we who will finish it.
Last two themes are related to this proclamation. They have to do both with what was proclaimed and how it was proclaimed. That is the themes of Amazement and Authority.
Through out the gospel of Mark Jesus is presented both as an amazing and authoritative figure.
The amazement that Jesus produces is revealed by two different words that are found in Mark’s writing. Combined they make up some 16 references. This amazement can be seen in all but 5 of the 16 chapters. We see one of these words in chapter one;
Mark 1:22 They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
The truth is that what Mark is here describing is existential an experience that shared by those who have met Jesus and heard what He has to say. In short, what we to understand what Mark describes is not an explanation, but the experience itself. Mark is seeking to present Jesus in his writing so that we may experience Him.
The last theme of Mark’s gospel that we consider at this point is also contained in 1:22;
Mark 1:22 They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Jesus teaches with authority; “…He was teaching them as one having authority...Jesus has the authority to cast out demons;
1:27 They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying,"What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." Jesus has the authority to forgive sins;
2:10 "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- He said to the paralytic, Jesus has the authority to question authority;
Mark 11:27 They came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him, 28 and began saying to Him, "By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?"
11:29 And Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
11:30 "Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me."
11:33 Answering Jesus, they said, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things."
This is a classic human response that seek to preserve one’s present position. They are being incredulous in their answer. The answer is obvious and has been previously stated in Mark’s gospel;
Mark 2:6 But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7"Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?"
2:10 "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- He said to the paralytic,
The Authority of Jesus is self authenticating. The real question for ourselves is; What will we do when we meet Jesus in our study of the Gospel? How will we deal with His authority? Especially when He questions our presumptive authority over our own lives. Will we submit or will we like the Scribes, Priests and Elders simply refuse to answer?
This is just the beginning. I urge those of you who have not signed up, just come and visit. I believe you all will stay to learn the Gospel of Jesus Christ:) I love you all!!
DID YOU EVER WONDER???
Take the Son:
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection.
Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and many others adorned the walls of their family estate. The widowed elderly man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed their nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, the elderly man received a telegram that his beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness.
The joy of the season-a season that he and his son had so looked forward to in the past-would visit his house no longer. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. He opened the door and was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand.
The soldier introduced himself to the old man by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you." As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man's son had told every one of his-and his father's-love of fine art work. "I'm also an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this." As the old man began to unwrap the package, paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's son.
Though the world would never consider it a work of genius, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, the old man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the portrait above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task.
True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars
worth of paintings. And then the old man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given. During the days and weeks that followed, the man learned that his son
had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart.
As the stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease his grief, as he realized that, although his son was no longer with him, the boy's life would live on because of those he had touched. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the priceless pieces for which museums around the world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation, since, with the old man's passing, and his only son dead, those paintings would be sold at an auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on
Christmas Day, the way he had received his greatest gift.
The day finally arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings.
Dreams could be fulfilled this day; greatness could be achieved as some could say," I have the greatest collection." The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum list... It was the painting of the old man's son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid, but the room was
silent.
"Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Moments passed as no one spoke. From the back of the room came, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of his son. Let's forget it and get on to the good ones." More voices echoed in agreement. "No, we have to sell
this one-first," replied the auctioneer. "Now who will take the son?"
Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take $10 for the painting? That's all I have. "Will anyone go higher?" called the auctioneer. After more silence he said, "Going once, going twice... Gone!" The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone shouted, "Now we can get on with it and bid on these treasures!"
The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Then someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean it's over?
We didn't come here for a portrait of some old man's son! What about all of the other paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art work here. We demand an explanation!"
The auctioneer replied, "It's very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son...gets it all."
Just as the art collectors discovered on that day...The message is still the same...the love of the Father....a Father whose son gave his life for others...And because of that Father's love... Whoever takes the Son gets it all.
BOOKS OF THE BIBLE...A TEACHING
This week we look at the Book of Kings...
Who wrote the book?
Like the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings originally were one book. In the Hebrew Bible the book of Kings continued the narrative started in Samuel. The Septuagint separated them into two parts. We derive our English title “Kings” from Jerome’s Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible.
No one knows the author of 1 and 2 Kings, though some commentators have suggested Ezra, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah as possible authors. Because the entire work encompasses a time period of more than four hundred years, several source materials were used to compile the records. Certain clues such as literary styles, themes woven throughout the book, and the nature of material used point to a single compiler or author rather than multiple compilers or authors. This person assembled the manuscript while God’s people were in exile at Babylon (see 2 Kings). But he didn’t complete the work until the Babylonians released King Jehoiachin after thirty-seven years in prison (560 BC), most likely completing it within another twenty years.1
Where are we?
First Kings opens describing the final days of King David (around 971 BC) and the conspiracies surrounding his succession. When David died (1 Kings 2:10), Solomon ascended the throne and established himself as a strong and wise leader. In the early years of Solomon’s reign, Israel experienced its “glory days.” Its influence, economy, and military power enjoyed little opposition; its neighbors posed no strong military threat.
Shortly after Solomon’s death in 931 BC (1 Kings 11:43), the kingdom was divided into northern (Israel) and southern (Judah) entities. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom through the year 853 BC.
Why is First Kings so important?Those kings who reigned under God’s authority—who remained faithful to the Law—experienced God’s blessings. But those kings who deviated from the Law experienced curses.
First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing Solomon’s divinely given wisdom and wealth. Solomon’s reputation reached far beyond Israel’s borders to modern-day Yemen, the queen of Sheba’s likely home (1 Kings 10:1–13). Solomon’s numerous marriages and extensive harem are the stuff of legends, but they led to his wandering faith in later years. Solomon did, however, build the temple, God’s permanent dwelling place among His people.
First Kings also introduces the prophet Elijah, who pronounced God’s judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. In addition to performing other miracles, Elijah won a dramatic confrontation with false prophets on Mount Carmel (18:1–46).
What's the big idea?First Kings was written “to record history but, more important, to teach the lessons of history.”2 As with other historical books in the Old Testament, the history recorded here was meant to preserve not just important events but spiritual truths learned through those events.
In the books of 1 and 2 Kings, each king is evaluated by “his reaction toward his covenantal responsibility to the Law of the LORD. That was the acid test of whether he ‘did evil’ or ‘that which was right in the eyes of the LORD.’”3 Readers will notice scathing rebukes of some kings—reports not typically recorded by purely historical writers. In addition to the kings, the prophets figure heavily in this book. They are God’s spokesmen, proclaiming His word to mostly hard-hearted rulers. It is through the prophets’ eyes—always connecting the nation’s fortune with its kings’ faithfulness (or lack thereof)—that we learn the history of Israel and Judah.
How do I apply this?
Solomon was known as the wisest man of his day. He was arguably the wealthiest man of his time. He enjoyed God’s favor in many ways, yet his legacy is tarnished by the faithlessness he displayed in his later years. In direct contradiction to God’s command for a king not to “multiply wives” (Deuteronomy 17:17), Solomon married many foreign women. First Kings laments, “When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods” (11:4). Solomon began to rely on his fortune, his military might, and his political alliances instead of the God who gave all of those blessings to him. He focused on the gifts, forgetting the Giver.
How often do you do the same? Are there any direct commands from God you are ignoring? Today, take time to recall the blessings in your life, and then thank the Lord for them. Rely on Him, not your possessions or position, as your source of strength and significance.
HAVE A SAFE AND BLESSED WEEK:)
Ho'omaikaʻi ka Pua iā kākou
This week we look at the Book of Kings...
Who wrote the book?
Like the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings originally were one book. In the Hebrew Bible the book of Kings continued the narrative started in Samuel. The Septuagint separated them into two parts. We derive our English title “Kings” from Jerome’s Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible.
No one knows the author of 1 and 2 Kings, though some commentators have suggested Ezra, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah as possible authors. Because the entire work encompasses a time period of more than four hundred years, several source materials were used to compile the records. Certain clues such as literary styles, themes woven throughout the book, and the nature of material used point to a single compiler or author rather than multiple compilers or authors. This person assembled the manuscript while God’s people were in exile at Babylon (see 2 Kings). But he didn’t complete the work until the Babylonians released King Jehoiachin after thirty-seven years in prison (560 BC), most likely completing it within another twenty years.1
Where are we?
First Kings opens describing the final days of King David (around 971 BC) and the conspiracies surrounding his succession. When David died (1 Kings 2:10), Solomon ascended the throne and established himself as a strong and wise leader. In the early years of Solomon’s reign, Israel experienced its “glory days.” Its influence, economy, and military power enjoyed little opposition; its neighbors posed no strong military threat.
Shortly after Solomon’s death in 931 BC (1 Kings 11:43), the kingdom was divided into northern (Israel) and southern (Judah) entities. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom through the year 853 BC.
Why is First Kings so important?Those kings who reigned under God’s authority—who remained faithful to the Law—experienced God’s blessings. But those kings who deviated from the Law experienced curses.
First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing Solomon’s divinely given wisdom and wealth. Solomon’s reputation reached far beyond Israel’s borders to modern-day Yemen, the queen of Sheba’s likely home (1 Kings 10:1–13). Solomon’s numerous marriages and extensive harem are the stuff of legends, but they led to his wandering faith in later years. Solomon did, however, build the temple, God’s permanent dwelling place among His people.
First Kings also introduces the prophet Elijah, who pronounced God’s judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. In addition to performing other miracles, Elijah won a dramatic confrontation with false prophets on Mount Carmel (18:1–46).
What's the big idea?First Kings was written “to record history but, more important, to teach the lessons of history.”2 As with other historical books in the Old Testament, the history recorded here was meant to preserve not just important events but spiritual truths learned through those events.
In the books of 1 and 2 Kings, each king is evaluated by “his reaction toward his covenantal responsibility to the Law of the LORD. That was the acid test of whether he ‘did evil’ or ‘that which was right in the eyes of the LORD.’”3 Readers will notice scathing rebukes of some kings—reports not typically recorded by purely historical writers. In addition to the kings, the prophets figure heavily in this book. They are God’s spokesmen, proclaiming His word to mostly hard-hearted rulers. It is through the prophets’ eyes—always connecting the nation’s fortune with its kings’ faithfulness (or lack thereof)—that we learn the history of Israel and Judah.
How do I apply this?
Solomon was known as the wisest man of his day. He was arguably the wealthiest man of his time. He enjoyed God’s favor in many ways, yet his legacy is tarnished by the faithlessness he displayed in his later years. In direct contradiction to God’s command for a king not to “multiply wives” (Deuteronomy 17:17), Solomon married many foreign women. First Kings laments, “When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods” (11:4). Solomon began to rely on his fortune, his military might, and his political alliances instead of the God who gave all of those blessings to him. He focused on the gifts, forgetting the Giver.
How often do you do the same? Are there any direct commands from God you are ignoring? Today, take time to recall the blessings in your life, and then thank the Lord for them. Rely on Him, not your possessions or position, as your source of strength and significance.
HAVE A SAFE AND BLESSED WEEK:)
Ho'omaikaʻi ka Pua iā kākou