Lectionary Calendar

Saturday, December 21st, 2024
the Third Week of Advent

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Introduction

Introduction
Read: Luke 4:16-24
1. We have studied about the demoniac and how Jesus set him free of his demons and we likened that to how Jesus sets us free from our past, our bondage, our chains, our addictions…
2. After we saw the man set free – Jesus told him to go tell his friends “The great things Jesus had done!”
3. Last week, we encountered two different people who come to Jesus in total desperation… and we saw how Jesus met each one of them right where they were –
  1. the woman with the issue of blood for 12 yrs and the 12 yo who died.
  2. Jesus showed them compassion and love and we saw that He will meet us right where we are, too!
4. This week we will be looking at a contrast between unbelief and living faith.
5. Unbelief prevents us from receiving the blessings available to us as the children of God.
6. Living Faith hands out the blessings that Jesus wants us to share – the unconditional love of Christ!

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Introduction

Introduction
Read: Luke 4:16-24
1. We have studied about the demoniac and how Jesus set him free of his demons and we likened that to how Jesus sets us free from our past, our bondage, our chains, our addictions…
2. After we saw the man set free – Jesus told him to go tell his friends “The great things Jesus had done!”
3. Last week, we encountered two different people who come to Jesus in total desperation… and we saw how Jesus met each one of them right where they were –
  1. the woman with the issue of blood for 12 yrs and the 12 yo who died.
  2. Jesus showed them compassion and love and we saw that He will meet us right where we are, too!
4. This week we will be looking at a contrast between unbelief and living faith.
5. Unbelief prevents us from receiving the blessings available to us as the children of God.
6. Living Faith hands out the blessings that Jesus wants us to share – the unconditional love of Christ!

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Verses 1-6

Rejection
1. Mar 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  1. Jesus moved back into Nazareth… (Luke 4)
2. Mar 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
  1. Jesus went into the synagogue as was His custom – trying to impart the wisdom of God to the people! This is significant so we understand he wasn’t just out on the street – rather He was in “Church”! (so to speak :o)
  2. But the people knew Him…they remembered him when he was little, when he was a teen, when he was working with Joseph as a carpenter…
  3. And they are astonished at His teaching…and ask two questions:
    1. What wisdom is He speaking?
    2. What is the power behind His mighty works?
  4. The problem with the questions is that (culturally)…they’re not asking if He got this wisdom and these works from God – but from Satan!
3. Mar 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
  1. Then they begin to speak derogatorily about Him…
  2. Isn’t this the carpenter? …meaning He had no formal training – no seminary or Bible classes, no alphabet soup behind His name…even in His day the situation was the same about training – God couldn’t just call someone to preach or teach, could He?
    1. 1Co 1:26-31 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
  3. Then they called Him the “son of Mary” – NOT the son of Joseph…meaning He was illegitimate! This was very insulting in the culture!
  4. Then they identify Him with His brothers and sisters as common, not supernatural or special –
    1. As a side note: there are some teachings out there that say Mary remained a virgin her entire life…but here we find she had at least 6 other children – 4 boys and at least 2 girls…
  5. The end of (v. 6) tells us they were offended at Him…
    1. Greek for offended: Skandalizo; 1. to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall,
  6. Because of all the knew of the past, His background and family – they could not perceive or conceive in their minds that this could be a man sent by God…much less the “Son of God”!
4. Mar 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  1. And Jesus shares a somewhat universal statement… (para-phrased) a prophet (or pretty much anyone who speaks for God) will not be honored, understood or listened by those who are familiar with their “OLD” life.
  2. This statement should set us free from guilt, confusion or anger that those who knew (the old) us won’t listen to us (in our newness of life with Jesus).
5. Mar 6:5-6 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
  1. (G. Campbell Morgan) “Not that He in Himself was unable, for His hands laid on a few sick folk brought healing, but that the condition of wilful and persistent unbelief limited the power of the people to receive”.
  2. The people’s unbelief limited their ability to receive – God is always able, often is willing, but do we believe?
  3. Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
  4. Note the magnitude of their unbelief…the only other place it says that Jesus “Marvelled” is in:
    1. Luk 7:8-9 (where the Roman Centurion said, ) For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

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Verses 1-6

Rejection
1. Mar 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
  1. Jesus moved back into Nazareth… (Luke 4)
2. Mar 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
  1. Jesus went into the synagogue as was His custom – trying to impart the wisdom of God to the people! This is significant so we understand he wasn’t just out on the street – rather He was in “Church”! (so to speak :o)
  2. But the people knew Him…they remembered him when he was little, when he was a teen, when he was working with Joseph as a carpenter…
  3. And they are astonished at His teaching…and ask two questions:
    1. What wisdom is He speaking?
    2. What is the power behind His mighty works?
  4. The problem with the questions is that (culturally)…they’re not asking if He got this wisdom and these works from God – but from Satan!
3. Mar 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
  1. Then they begin to speak derogatorily about Him…
  2. Isn’t this the carpenter? …meaning He had no formal training – no seminary or Bible classes, no alphabet soup behind His name…even in His day the situation was the same about training – God couldn’t just call someone to preach or teach, could He?
    1. 1Co 1:26-31 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
  3. Then they called Him the “son of Mary” – NOT the son of Joseph…meaning He was illegitimate! This was very insulting in the culture!
  4. Then they identify Him with His brothers and sisters as common, not supernatural or special –
    1. As a side note: there are some teachings out there that say Mary remained a virgin her entire life…but here we find she had at least 6 other children – 4 boys and at least 2 girls…
  5. The end of (v. 6) tells us they were offended at Him…
    1. Greek for offended: Skandalizo; 1. to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall,
  6. Because of all the knew of the past, His background and family – they could not perceive or conceive in their minds that this could be a man sent by God…much less the “Son of God”!
4. Mar 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  1. And Jesus shares a somewhat universal statement… (para-phrased) a prophet (or pretty much anyone who speaks for God) will not be honored, understood or listened by those who are familiar with their “OLD” life.
  2. This statement should set us free from guilt, confusion or anger that those who knew (the old) us won’t listen to us (in our newness of life with Jesus).
5. Mar 6:5-6 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
  1. (G. Campbell Morgan) “Not that He in Himself was unable, for His hands laid on a few sick folk brought healing, but that the condition of wilful and persistent unbelief limited the power of the people to receive”.
  2. The people’s unbelief limited their ability to receive – God is always able, often is willing, but do we believe?
  3. Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
  4. Note the magnitude of their unbelief…the only other place it says that Jesus “Marvelled” is in:
    1. Luk 7:8-9 (where the Roman Centurion said, ) For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

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Verses 7-13

Living Faith
1. Mar 6:7a And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two;
  1. Jesus now calls His disciples and sends them out two’s…He’s going to give them a chance to live what they believe.
  2. If we don’t do what we believe…do we really believe it?
  3. Living faith means we actually obey God and do what He says…it’s the opposite of the unbelief that Jesus “Marvelled” at in verse 1-6!
  4. To “DO” what God asks us to do means not only do we believe but we are willing to submit to His marching orders…no matter what they are --
  5. Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
  6. 1Co 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
2. Mar 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
  1. Jesus sent them out with power…”Exousia” (Greek) – delegated His power to them!
  2. They didn’t have the Holy Spirit yet…so they needed the authority that Jesus gave them over the spiritual realm…
  3. “WE” have the Holy Spirit in us who gives us power (dunamis power), love and a sound mind! We have open doors for the gospel message and to minister great things into people’s lives.
  4. Do we believe that or do we walk in unbelief?
3. Mar 6:8-11 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
  1. So…Jesus sent them out with basically NOTHING! They had to walk by faith and trust God to provide for their food, clothes and lodging!
  2. 2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
  3. Also, they were to stay put and be content with their host families…(v. 10) – if they were eating hotdogs at their host home, but the guy next door was having steak…they couldn’t run over there and stay with him.
  4. 1Ti 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
  5. “WE” have the Holy Spirit in us who gives us power (dunamis power), love and a sound mind! We have open doors for the gospel message and to minister great things into people’s lives.
4. Mar 6:12-13 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
  1. It says “they went out” – they obeyed Jesus and went and did what He told them to do!
  2. Do we do what He tells us? What prevents us?
    1. Selfishness / Laziness / hobbies
    2. Children – are our children more important than God to us? What do they see as our priorities in life?
    3. Fear…which means unbelief!
    4. Jobs – ask for the time off! Trust God!
    5. Busy-ness …we need to first be a Mary before serving as a Martha!
  3. And what did they do? They preached that men should “REPENT” – a message that many miss these days!
  4. Perhaps the lack of preaching repentance is the cause of so many stony ground hearers?
  5. Paul echoed this though in Acts 20:
  6. Act 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Verses 7-13

Living Faith
1. Mar 6:7a And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two;
  1. Jesus now calls His disciples and sends them out two’s…He’s going to give them a chance to live what they believe.
  2. If we don’t do what we believe…do we really believe it?
  3. Living faith means we actually obey God and do what He says…it’s the opposite of the unbelief that Jesus “Marvelled” at in verse 1-6!
  4. To “DO” what God asks us to do means not only do we believe but we are willing to submit to His marching orders…no matter what they are --
  5. Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
  6. 1Co 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
2. Mar 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
  1. Jesus sent them out with power…”Exousia” (Greek) – delegated His power to them!
  2. They didn’t have the Holy Spirit yet…so they needed the authority that Jesus gave them over the spiritual realm…
  3. “WE” have the Holy Spirit in us who gives us power (dunamis power), love and a sound mind! We have open doors for the gospel message and to minister great things into people’s lives.
  4. Do we believe that or do we walk in unbelief?
3. Mar 6:8-11 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. 11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
  1. So…Jesus sent them out with basically NOTHING! They had to walk by faith and trust God to provide for their food, clothes and lodging!
  2. 2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
  3. Also, they were to stay put and be content with their host families…(v. 10) – if they were eating hotdogs at their host home, but the guy next door was having steak…they couldn’t run over there and stay with him.
  4. 1Ti 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
  5. “WE” have the Holy Spirit in us who gives us power (dunamis power), love and a sound mind! We have open doors for the gospel message and to minister great things into people’s lives.
4. Mar 6:12-13 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
  1. It says “they went out” – they obeyed Jesus and went and did what He told them to do!
  2. Do we do what He tells us? What prevents us?
    1. Selfishness / Laziness / hobbies
    2. Children – are our children more important than God to us? What do they see as our priorities in life?
    3. Fear…which means unbelief!
    4. Jobs – ask for the time off! Trust God!
    5. Busy-ness …we need to first be a Mary before serving as a Martha!
  3. And what did they do? They preached that men should “REPENT” – a message that many miss these days!
  4. Perhaps the lack of preaching repentance is the cause of so many stony ground hearers?
  5. Paul echoed this though in Acts 20:
  6. Act 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Verses 14-29

John was “Full of the Holy Spirit”
1. Annointed by God
  1. It had been prophesied that John would be full of the Holy Spirit!
  2. Luk 1:13a, 15 But the angel said unto him… he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  3. In fact John’s life was led by the Spirit…
  4. Luk 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
  5. God tells us that everything we do must be through His Spirit and not our abilities…
  6. Zec 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
  7. We have His Spirit available to us as children of God …
  8. Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
2. Holiness unto the Lord
  1. John walked uprightly in holiness…and we are called to this, as well!
  2. (Peter) 1Pe 1:15-16 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
  3. (Paul) 2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
  4. How do we do this?
  5. By submission to God and walking according to the Holy Spirit!
  6. Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
  7. Tit 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
  8. 2Co 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
  9. Gal 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
  10. Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
John was a “Witness to the Light”
Joh 1:6-8 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
1. Bold Power
  
  As a witness to the light…John preached “BOLDLY”
  
  Luk 3:7-8a Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance,
  1. John’s Mission
    1. John had One Mission: Call people to repentance to love God with all that they were…so that they might be ready for Jesus!
    2. Mar 12:30-31 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
    3. …and he was BOLD! He said to the Pharisees…”you generation of vipers!”
      1. 2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
    4. The way he called people to God had a motivation in contentment…being “OK” where God had them…
      1. Luk 3:14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."
      2. 1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
      3. Heb 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
  2. What is “Our Mission”
    1. Call people to repentance and introduce them to Jesus – then make them disciples of Jesus.
    2. Mat 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
    3. John was a little rough around the edges…he didn’t have time for niceties because the kingdom of Heaven was at hand!
    4. Do we understand the urgency of the times? Are we singularly focused upon the Lord and leading people to Him?
    5. Mat 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
2. Humble Meekness
  1. Humility: Not taking thought for yourself…
    1. Php 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
  2. Meekness: strength under control – for Christians…our strength under Christ’s control.
    1. Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
    2. Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
    3. 1Co 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
  3. We see John’s heart attitude in:
    1. Joh 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
    2. Joh 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
    3. John is singularly focused upon Jesus…nothing else matters!
    4. He has no ambition but to do the will of the Father. He understands “WHO” he is…and walks in that!
    5. He rightly feels that he must decrease in his and other’s eyes as Jesus must increase. He also rightly discerns that he is not worthy to tie His shoes!
    6. Remember – Jesus is the Messiah –> the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”!
    7. Damien Kyle said (we heard at the men’s discipleship yesterday) that “Humility is easy – all you need is honesty and a good memory!”
The Greatest Prophet
Luk 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
1. No Greater Prophet
  1. John was called the greatest prophet because he saw the Lord and introduced people to Jesus.
  2. All the other prophets before him only looked forward to the promise of the coming Messiah.
2. We are Greater than John
  1. Yet, we are greater than John because we look back at the Messiah and His sacrificial death for our sins.
  2. We are greater because we have the “God breathed” Word of God in our hands…we can read it at will!
  3. We are greater because we have the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth if we simply ask!
  4. Finally, we are greater because we are dead to sin and the law and alive to Christ because we have been saved by His grace alone.
  5. This means:
    1. Php 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
    2. Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
    3. Jesus must increase in our lives and we must decrease!
    4. We need to recognize because of the work at the cross that we are seen by the Father as 1)Holy; 2) Righteous; & 3) Redeemed – all because of Jesus!
Conclusion
1. In Luke 7, John asked: “Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?”
2. In the face of all he knew, had seen and had done…he still had a doubt in his mind – why? He didn’t see the fulfillment of the promise!
3. A question we must ask as we consider John’s life is, “If I never seen the fulfillment of the promises that God has made to me, would I still be willing to lay down my life for Christ?”

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Verses 14-29

John was “Full of the Holy Spirit”
1. Annointed by God
  1. It had been prophesied that John would be full of the Holy Spirit!
  2. Luk 1:13a, 15 But the angel said unto him… he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  3. In fact John’s life was led by the Spirit…
  4. Luk 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
  5. God tells us that everything we do must be through His Spirit and not our abilities…
  6. Zec 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
  7. We have His Spirit available to us as children of God …
  8. Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
2. Holiness unto the Lord
  1. John walked uprightly in holiness…and we are called to this, as well!
  2. (Peter) 1Pe 1:15-16 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
  3. (Paul) 2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
  4. How do we do this?
  5. By submission to God and walking according to the Holy Spirit!
  6. Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
  7. Tit 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
  8. 2Co 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
  9. Gal 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
  10. Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
John was a “Witness to the Light”
Joh 1:6-8 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
1. Bold Power
  
  As a witness to the light…John preached “BOLDLY”
  
  Luk 3:7-8a Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance,
  1. John’s Mission
    1. John had One Mission: Call people to repentance to love God with all that they were…so that they might be ready for Jesus!
    2. Mar 12:30-31 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
    3. …and he was BOLD! He said to the Pharisees…”you generation of vipers!”
      1. 2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
    4. The way he called people to God had a motivation in contentment…being “OK” where God had them…
      1. Luk 3:14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."
      2. 1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
      3. Heb 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
  2. What is “Our Mission”
    1. Call people to repentance and introduce them to Jesus – then make them disciples of Jesus.
    2. Mat 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
    3. John was a little rough around the edges…he didn’t have time for niceties because the kingdom of Heaven was at hand!
    4. Do we understand the urgency of the times? Are we singularly focused upon the Lord and leading people to Him?
    5. Mat 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
2. Humble Meekness
  1. Humility: Not taking thought for yourself…
    1. Php 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
  2. Meekness: strength under control – for Christians…our strength under Christ’s control.
    1. Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
    2. Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
    3. 1Co 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
  3. We see John’s heart attitude in:
    1. Joh 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
    2. Joh 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
    3. John is singularly focused upon Jesus…nothing else matters!
    4. He has no ambition but to do the will of the Father. He understands “WHO” he is…and walks in that!
    5. He rightly feels that he must decrease in his and other’s eyes as Jesus must increase. He also rightly discerns that he is not worthy to tie His shoes!
    6. Remember – Jesus is the Messiah –> the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”!
    7. Damien Kyle said (we heard at the men’s discipleship yesterday) that “Humility is easy – all you need is honesty and a good memory!”
The Greatest Prophet
Luk 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
1. No Greater Prophet
  1. John was called the greatest prophet because he saw the Lord and introduced people to Jesus.
  2. All the other prophets before him only looked forward to the promise of the coming Messiah.
2. We are Greater than John
  1. Yet, we are greater than John because we look back at the Messiah and His sacrificial death for our sins.
  2. We are greater because we have the “God breathed” Word of God in our hands…we can read it at will!
  3. We are greater because we have the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth if we simply ask!
  4. Finally, we are greater because we are dead to sin and the law and alive to Christ because we have been saved by His grace alone.
  5. This means:
    1. Php 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
    2. Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
    3. Jesus must increase in our lives and we must decrease!
    4. We need to recognize because of the work at the cross that we are seen by the Father as 1)Holy; 2) Righteous; & 3) Redeemed – all because of Jesus!
Conclusion
1. In Luke 7, John asked: “Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?”
2. In the face of all he knew, had seen and had done…he still had a doubt in his mind – why? He didn’t see the fulfillment of the promise!
3. A question we must ask as we consider John’s life is, “If I never seen the fulfillment of the promises that God has made to me, would I still be willing to lay down my life for Christ?”

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Verses 30-34

Introduction
Read: Heb 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
1. Jesus has sent his disciples out 2x2…and now they’ve come back (we had a brief interlude with John the Baptist last week) and we continue on in Jesus’ ministry.
2. We will see through the rest of this chapter, that Jesus gives us rest, feeds us, calls us to serve and then…after we’ve seen His work, His miracles, and His grace, we will have our faith tested.
3. Kinda like in High School – there’s always resting, teaching, serving and testing going on!
Restoration
1. The Disciples
  Mar 6:30-32 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31 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. 32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
  1. Old Saying, “Come apart before you fall apart!”
  2. Jesus recognized the need to rest, pray, consider the great things the Lord had done through them and prepare for the “Next thing”…God is never done with us --
  3. We must realize that what we did in the past is enough…I’ve spoken to people who, when you ask them about their walk with Jesus will tell you the great things they were used for 20 years ago – but have nothing to say about yesterday or today!
  4. What does God desire to do through you today or tomorrow?
2. The People
  Mar 6:33-34 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. 34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
  1. Jesus was moved with compassion: (figuratively) to have the bowels yearn, it’s the middle voice of the Greek word for “Tender Mercies”
    1. It’s been said a good way to describe “compassion” is your pain in my heart!
  2. They were as sheep without a shepherd…Psalm 23 tells us about the Shepherd:
  3. Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
  4. Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
  5. Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. {for protection and correction}
  6. He knew they didn’t have these things…and began to teach them…
    1. Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
    2. 2Ti 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
    3. 2Pe 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
    4. Psa 119:105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
  7. Jesus knew the most important thing they needed was the Word – they needed taught!
  8. This is why we put such an emphasis on teaching the Word here at Calvary!

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Verses 30-34

Introduction
Read: Heb 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
1. Jesus has sent his disciples out 2x2…and now they’ve come back (we had a brief interlude with John the Baptist last week) and we continue on in Jesus’ ministry.
2. We will see through the rest of this chapter, that Jesus gives us rest, feeds us, calls us to serve and then…after we’ve seen His work, His miracles, and His grace, we will have our faith tested.
3. Kinda like in High School – there’s always resting, teaching, serving and testing going on!
Restoration
1. The Disciples
  Mar 6:30-32 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. 31 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. 32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
  1. Old Saying, “Come apart before you fall apart!”
  2. Jesus recognized the need to rest, pray, consider the great things the Lord had done through them and prepare for the “Next thing”…God is never done with us --
  3. We must realize that what we did in the past is enough…I’ve spoken to people who, when you ask them about their walk with Jesus will tell you the great things they were used for 20 years ago – but have nothing to say about yesterday or today!
  4. What does God desire to do through you today or tomorrow?
2. The People
  Mar 6:33-34 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. 34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
  1. Jesus was moved with compassion: (figuratively) to have the bowels yearn, it’s the middle voice of the Greek word for “Tender Mercies”
    1. It’s been said a good way to describe “compassion” is your pain in my heart!
  2. They were as sheep without a shepherd…Psalm 23 tells us about the Shepherd:
  3. Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
  4. Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
  5. Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. {for protection and correction}
  6. He knew they didn’t have these things…and began to teach them…
    1. Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
    2. 2Ti 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
    3. 2Pe 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
    4. Psa 119:105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
  7. Jesus knew the most important thing they needed was the Word – they needed taught!
  8. This is why we put such an emphasis on teaching the Word here at Calvary!

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Verses 35-44

Service
1. The Need
  Mar 6:35-37 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: 36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. 37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
  1. The scene…it’s evening, in a remote desert place, and there are tons of people standing around who have been being taught – but they’re now hungry!
  2. The disciples tell Jesus to send the people away à And…Jesus tells the disciples to feed the people
    1. Mat 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
  3. Their response: “Should we spend a year’s wages to buy them bread?”
  4. Jesus needs to show them something about Himself – about how He cares for the people at all times!
2. Order in the Chaos
  Mar 6:38-40 {so “HE” says} He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. 39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. 40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
  1. The inventory showed the disciples just how little they had. But remember, His strength is made perfect in our weakness! As much as anything, this was a reminder of what they did NOT have so they would see the greatness of what Jesus did!
  2. Note, here, that God is not the author of confusion but does everything decently and in order!
  3. It says they sat down in “Ranks” – literally, “Garden Plots”. Think about it, Jesus wanted to pour into the people with the love and care that one put into their garden!
3. Filled and Fulfilled
  Mar 6:41-42 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
  1. Jesus blesses the food and “Probably” hears thousands of Amens!
  2. But the Lord often blesses us then breaks us; blesses and breaks – blessing and breaking often happen before true feeding occurs!
  3. Our lives need to be submitted to God before He can truly use us…and it’s been said that before God can use us mightily…He has to hurt us deeply!
4. Leftovers
  Mar 6:42-44 And they did all eat, and were filled. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. 44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
  1. Provision
    1. Jesus fed 5000 men – realize that at least were probably married and had kids…so it could have been as many as 10-15k.
    2. Here, the word “filled” means glutted! They were so full they wanted to put on their sweat pants or loosen their top button! That’s how Jesus provides when we get out of the way and let Him and believe by faith that He will!
    3. Mat 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
    4. Psa 84:11-12 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
    5. Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
  2. Left-Overs
    1. Notice the 12 baskets of leftovers…when Jesus provides, there’s always enough! And…there is enough to share with others – we need to be sharers of what Jesus has given us…His gospel, His love, His hospitality, His compassion…
    2. Jesus is always enough!

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Verses 35-44

Service
1. The Need
  Mar 6:35-37 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: 36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. 37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
  1. The scene…it’s evening, in a remote desert place, and there are tons of people standing around who have been being taught – but they’re now hungry!
  2. The disciples tell Jesus to send the people away à And…Jesus tells the disciples to feed the people
    1. Mat 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
  3. Their response: “Should we spend a year’s wages to buy them bread?”
  4. Jesus needs to show them something about Himself – about how He cares for the people at all times!
2. Order in the Chaos
  Mar 6:38-40 {so “HE” says} He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. 39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. 40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
  1. The inventory showed the disciples just how little they had. But remember, His strength is made perfect in our weakness! As much as anything, this was a reminder of what they did NOT have so they would see the greatness of what Jesus did!
  2. Note, here, that God is not the author of confusion but does everything decently and in order!
  3. It says they sat down in “Ranks” – literally, “Garden Plots”. Think about it, Jesus wanted to pour into the people with the love and care that one put into their garden!
3. Filled and Fulfilled
  Mar 6:41-42 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
  1. Jesus blesses the food and “Probably” hears thousands of Amens!
  2. But the Lord often blesses us then breaks us; blesses and breaks – blessing and breaking often happen before true feeding occurs!
  3. Our lives need to be submitted to God before He can truly use us…and it’s been said that before God can use us mightily…He has to hurt us deeply!
4. Leftovers
  Mar 6:42-44 And they did all eat, and were filled. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. 44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
  1. Provision
    1. Jesus fed 5000 men – realize that at least were probably married and had kids…so it could have been as many as 10-15k.
    2. Here, the word “filled” means glutted! They were so full they wanted to put on their sweat pants or loosen their top button! That’s how Jesus provides when we get out of the way and let Him and believe by faith that He will!
    3. Mat 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
    4. Psa 84:11-12 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
    5. Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
  2. Left-Overs
    1. Notice the 12 baskets of leftovers…when Jesus provides, there’s always enough! And…there is enough to share with others – we need to be sharers of what Jesus has given us…His gospel, His love, His hospitality, His compassion…
    2. Jesus is always enough!

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Verses 45-56

Testing
1. On Their Own
  Mar 6:45-46 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. 46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
  1. OK…now you head out on your own.
  2. Jesus went to pray…probably for the disciples…
  3. Heb 7:24-25 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
  4. Jesus is teaching them…they can’t do it on their own!
2. The Struggle
  Mar 6:47-48 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
  1. We see supernatural eyesight (it was dark) and power to walk on the water…He’s the creator of the universe!
3. His Strength
  Mar 6:49-51 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
  1. They all freaked out when they saw Him…not believing it could be Jesus!
  2. Look at what He said, “Be of good cheer” >> then don’t be afraid. We must walk by faith, not by sight. We must choose to walk pleasing to the Lord and then He will change our attitude.
4. Their Hearts
  Mar 6:52-53 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. 53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
  1. Their hearts were hardened because they had been looking at themselves. We can’t walk by faith when we are looking at ourselves – we have to keep our eyes on Jesus!
  2. Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
  3. Php 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
  4. Php 3:13-15 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Conclusion
Mar 6:54-56 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, 55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 56 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.
1. Look at what happens as they come out of their testing…they knew it was Jesus and they RAN – not walked!
2. They were energized and strengthened and motivated to serve Jesus!

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Verses 45-56

Testing
1. On Their Own
  Mar 6:45-46 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. 46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
  1. OK…now you head out on your own.
  2. Jesus went to pray…probably for the disciples…
  3. Heb 7:24-25 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
  4. Jesus is teaching them…they can’t do it on their own!
2. The Struggle
  Mar 6:47-48 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
  1. We see supernatural eyesight (it was dark) and power to walk on the water…He’s the creator of the universe!
3. His Strength
  Mar 6:49-51 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
  1. They all freaked out when they saw Him…not believing it could be Jesus!
  2. Look at what He said, “Be of good cheer” >> then don’t be afraid. We must walk by faith, not by sight. We must choose to walk pleasing to the Lord and then He will change our attitude.
4. Their Hearts
  Mar 6:52-53 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. 53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.
  1. Their hearts were hardened because they had been looking at themselves. We can’t walk by faith when we are looking at ourselves – we have to keep our eyes on Jesus!
  2. Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
  3. Php 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
  4. Php 3:13-15 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Conclusion
Mar 6:54-56 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, 55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. 56 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.
1. Look at what happens as they come out of their testing…they knew it was Jesus and they RAN – not walked!
2. They were energized and strengthened and motivated to serve Jesus!

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Brown's Commentary on the New Testament is reproduced by permission of author. All other rights reserved.

Bibliographical Information
Brown, Jim. "Commentary on Mark 6". "Brown's Commentary on the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnc/mark-6.html. 2017.

Bible CommentariesMark 6

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Mark 6