September 4, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Mark Chapter 8
1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?
5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.
8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.
9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
10 And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.
11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
13 And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.
14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.
15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
19 When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
21 And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?
22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
28 And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
The eighth chapter of the Gospel of Mark recounts a series of miracles and teachings of Jesus that convey profound spiritual truths. It begins with the second feeding of a large crowd, highlights Jesus’ patient instruction of his disciples, and concludes with a clear announcement of his suffering and resurrection. These events illustrate the tension between Jesus’ divine mission and the misunderstanding of those around him, including both the religious leaders and his own disciples.
Commentary
Mark chapter 8 is a significant chapter in the New Testament, encompassing several key events in the life of Jesus. The feeding of the four thousand demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and his ability to create abundance from scarcity, symbolizing the fullness of his spiritual provision. Simultaneously, Jesus confronts the Pharisees, who demand a sign, with their inability to recognize the signs of the times. The healing of a blind man showcases Jesus’ power over both physical and spiritual blindness. Finally, Jesus prepares his disciples for the upcoming suffering and his role as the Messiah, marking a crucial turning point in his ministry.
Summary
In Mark chapter 8, Jesus performs another miracle of feeding, using only seven loaves of bread and a few fish to feed four thousand people. He encounters the skeptical Pharisees, who demand a sign, and responds with disappointment and rejection. During a boat journey, Jesus instructs his disciples on the spiritual significance of events they fail to understand. In Bethsaida, he heals a blind man, and afterward, Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ. The chapter culminates in the first announcement of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, followed by a call to self-denial and discipleship.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 59—Priestly Plottings
This chapter is based on John 11:47-54.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 59 addresses the dramatic events surrounding the resurrection of Lazarus and their immediate impact on Jesus’ life and ministry. This episode, based on John 11:47-54, highlights the growing hostility of the Jewish priests and leaders toward Jesus, culminating in a determined conspiracy to kill him. The chapter illustrates how a miracle that revealed God’s power and grace not only led many hearts to faith but also intensified the hatred and rejection of Jesus by the religious authorities.
Commentary:
The resurrection of Lazarus marks a turning point in the relationship between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders. This miracle, which undeniably testified to Jesus’ divine nature, pushed the priests and Pharisees to the brink of their patience. They were no longer merely distrustful or skeptical; they saw their power and influence seriously threatened. Particularly noteworthy is the role of the high priest Caiaphas, whose words—”It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish”—carry a prophetic irony. Caiaphas speaks these words out of political calculation to secure his own position, yet in reality, he unknowingly fulfills the divine prophecy about Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity.
This chapter reveals the tragedy of the blindness in which the religious leaders found themselves. Despite the clear signs and miracles that Jesus performed, they closed themselves off from the truth, seeing him only as a threat to their power and traditions. Their decision to kill Jesus was less a rational choice and more the result of pride, fear, and spiritual blindness. Instead of accepting the light revealed to them in Jesus Christ, they chose the path of darkness, which ultimately led to their own downfall.
Summary:
Chapter 59 describes the immediate reaction of the Jewish priests and leaders to the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection. While many witnesses of this miracle were led to faith in Jesus, the priests’ hatred of him grew stronger. Pharisees and Sadducees, who had previously been divided in their stance toward Jesus, now united in their resolve to kill him. The high priest Caiaphas argued that it was better to sacrifice one man to save the nation, unknowingly affirming Jesus’ divine mission. The religious leaders, entangled in their intrigues, rejected Jesus’ divine nature and decided to kill him to secure their own power. However, Jesus, aware of his enemies’ plans, withdrew to avoid hastening the time of his ultimate sacrifice. The chapter concludes with the realization that the world could only endure the presence of its Savior for a short time, despite his life being marked by selfless service and suffering for humanity.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 60—The Law of the New Kingdom
This chapter is based on Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 60 highlights the deep spiritual lessons that Jesus taught his disciples on the way to Jerusalem, just before he experienced his suffering and death. In this section, Jesus prepares his disciples for the upcoming events and reveals to them the law of his new kingdom, which fundamentally differs from worldly kingdoms. Instead of seeking power and dominion, Jesus calls his followers to humbly serve and sacrifice themselves for others, thereby attaining true greatness in the kingdom of God.
Commentary:
This chapter offers a powerful reflection on the contrasts between worldly notions of power and the spiritual ideal of service in the kingdom of God. Jesus corrects the ambitions of his disciples, who are still influenced by earthly ideas of a messianic kingdom, by revealing to them the true nature of his reign. His response to John and James, who request privileged places in his kingdom, demonstrates that true greatness in the kingdom of God is not achieved through positions or titles, but through self-sacrifice and service to others.
The teachings Jesus imparts in this chapter are radical and challenge the prevailing societal understanding of power and authority. In a world where rank and influence are often exercised through oppression and control, Jesus shows that true authority lies in the willingness to serve others, even at the cost of one’s own life. This teaching not only shapes the disciples but also forms the foundation of Christian ethics, as practiced in the early Christian communities.
Jesus’ words remind us that the pursuit of power and influence in the worldly sense has nothing to do with the nature of his kingdom. Instead, it is humility, service, and sacrifice that matter in the kingdom of God. This is embodied in the life and death of Jesus himself, who paid the ultimate price to redeem humanity.
Summary:
Chapter 60 describes how, on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus prepares his disciples for his impending suffering and the true character of his kingdom. Despite their hopes for earthly power and honor, Jesus teaches them that true greatness in the kingdom of God is achieved through humility, service, and self-sacrifice. John and James, who seek places of honor in his kingdom, are reminded that such positions are not attained through personal ambition but through suffering and bearing the cross. In a world characterized by power and control, Jesus shows that the principles of his kingdom are based on love and selflessness. These teachings not only shape the disciples but also the early Christian community, which is characterized by a spirit of unity and mutual love.
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