We're continuing this week to look at Jesus through Mark's gospel and the eyes of the people who surrounded Jesus in his ministry years.

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Mark 6:1-6, NIV

The people of Nazareth were puzzled by Jesus’ wisdom and miraculous works. They couldn't fathom how someone from their community, a carpenter's son, could possess such extraordinary abilities. Familiarity bred contempt, and their preconceived notions blinded them to who Jesus really was. Despite seeing remarkable miracles and hearing his wisdom, they took offense and limited his ability to minister to them.

The rejection of Jesus echoes throughout history and continues today.  We are surrounded by scepticism, unbelief, indifference, and doubt. As his followers, we have to take time to check our hearts to ensure we’re not adversely influenced or limited by any of the negative things we hear about Jesus.

This passage also helps us to consider whether we are underestimating the potential for God to use those around us. It’s not just the church leaders, preachers or prophets who can speak on behalf of the Lord. He will give a word to an ass if no human is prepared to speak on his behalf!

The Nazarenes were blinded by cynicism which became a stumbling block, preventing them from witnessing the fulness of God's power in their lives. Lord, would you help me reject unbelief in whatever form it presents itself today.

Let’s pray
Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me. Confront any tendency in me to reject your servants or your word. Help me to to partner with your miraculous works even if they take me by surprise and are worked out in the middle of my ordinary circumstances. Amen.

In this story we encounter two individuals, Jairus and an unnamed but remarkable woman, who approach Jesus with different needs but share a common thread of faith. Their encounters with Jesus show us the impact of seeing him through the eyes of faith.

Faced with the imminent death of his daughter Jairus, a synagogue leader, sees Jesus as his last hope. Despite his societal status and position of authority, Jairus humbles himself before Jesus, falling at his feet. In doing so, he acknowledges Jesus as more than just a miracle worker but as the source of life itself. Jairus sees Jesus through the lens of faith, recognising that only Jesus has the power to heal and restore his dying daughter.

At the same time, the unnamed woman, who has suffered for twelve years from debilitating bleeding, sees Jesus as the embodiment of hope and healing. She sees beyond the crowds and societal norms, perceiving Jesus as the answer to her long-standing affliction. Her faith is displayed in a simple touch of his garment.

Both Jairus and the woman help us understand that seeing Jesus involves recognising his divine authority, submitting to his power, and trusting in his ability to bring about significant change. Jairus, despite his standing in society, and the woman, shunned by the community due to her condition, find common ground at the feet of Jesus.

Let’s pray
Lord, help me see you clearly through the eyes of faith. I humble myself before you today, recognising your authority and that you are the giver of abundant life. Help me to believe that my faith has the potential to bring about miracles and healing beyond my wildest expectations. Amen.

There’s no question there would have been other people aside from the demon-possessed man who needed healing in the village. Jesus could have done so much more in that place, but the villagers wouldn’t let him. And, I think that was about change. Jesus’ presence threatened to change everything, the thought of change caused fear, and the villagers' fear limited what Jesus could do there - not because he could be constrained but because the villagers had choice and they chose not to accept any more change.

And we can do that, too. We can limit what Jesus wants to do with us because we are afraid of what the change is going to mean and it is possible for us to tell Jesus to leave us alone as emphatically as the villagers did. And if we do that, he won’t press the point. He will still be Jesus. He will still love us and long for us to experience everything he has for us. But he won’t outstay his welcome. He won’t force us to let him stay around. Just like the villagers, we get to choose how much of Jesus we want in our lives.

Life with Jesus is never about settling - it’s certainly never about settling for less than he has for us. And, yes, change is challenging but we live in the promise that God works all things together for our good. Don’t let fear prevent you from letting him change you today. You’ll love what he does with you after he’s done it!

Let's pray
Thank you, Jesus, that I have free will; empower me to choose to exercise it well. Lord, I don't want to settle for less than you have for me. Help me say 'yes' to your calls to be transformed, to change, to be healed, to be different, to be more fully yours every day. Amen.

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:35-41, NIV

As the disciples and Jesus set sail across the Sea of Galilee, a furious storm arises, threatening to capsize their boat, yet Jesus remains peacefully asleep. Not so the disciples. They are engulfed by fear. "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

I have so much sympathy for disciples. A long time ago I crossed Lake Windemere in a sailing boat. We set out on a calm, sunny morning but in the middle of the lake a storm engulfed us - it came from nowhere - and before I knew it the skipper was shouting instructions to me over the screaming wind as we fought to keep from capsizing.

The disciples' terror is not allayed by the fact they have witnessed Jesus’ extraordinary miracles. Fear overshadows faith. It can do that with us.

In those moments we really do have to learn to fix our eyes on Jesus. As we look, we may see a display of divine authority - the storm stilled, the Lord of all creation commanding the forces of nature to submit to his will. But more likely we will see the Lord at peace on a cushion in the stern of the boat, inviting us to join him where it is safe and he can protect us.

We can anchor our trust in him today, acknowledging that he is greater than any storm we face.

Let's pray
Thank you, Jesus, that you are present in our boat, disregarding the tempest, guiding us to rest and safety. Calm the storms, Lord, and bring peace so that my fear is transformed into reverent awe of your unmatched power and unwavering love. Amen.

He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” Mark 4:21-23, NIV

The image of light holds both spiritual and practical implications for our lives. Jesus uses the metaphor of a lamp to symbolise the light of truth, knowledge, and understanding that believers possess - not because of anything we are or have done, but because we are in relationship with the one who is the Light of the World!

Just as a lamp is not meant to be hidden but to illuminate its surroundings, our faith and the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us are not meant to be concealed but to shine out. Being a light involves embracing authenticity and transparency. It's about living a life that reflects the truth of Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. Just as a lamp dispels darkness, our lives can bring clarity, hope, and love to a world often clouded by confusion and despair.

Light is not passive; it actively brightens its surroundings. In the same way, our faith is meant to be dynamic, influencing the world around us for Jesus. Through acts of kindness, compassion, and sharing the message of the Father's love and the promise of salvation, we become beacons of light in a world seeking meaning and purpose.

As followers of Jesus, we are entrusted with the responsibility of illuminating the path for others. Be Jesus to someone today.

Let's pray
Help me live out my faith openly today, Lord, so the light within me draws others toward truth, hope, and your transforming love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mark presents the Parable of the Sower, a weighty teaching by Jesus that not only shows us something of the nature of God's kingdom but also provides insight into how we can better see and understand Jesus.

“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Mark 4:3-6, NIV

In this parable, Jesus uses the metaphor of a sower scattering seeds on various types of soil, symbolising the way God's Word is received. The different soils represent the conditions of the human heart - some are hard, others shallow, and some crowded by concerns or bitterness, anger or trouble. But there are some that are open and receptive, ready to be sown into.

Jesus challenges us at first to consider the condition of our hearts but then to think about how much we are allowing God’s Word to transform us. How actively are we engaging with Jesus’ teachings? How much difference is his Word making in our lives? How much attention are we paying to getting rid of the obstacles that slow our spiritual growth? Do we want more?

I am preaching to myself. It doesn’t matter how many bible apps, physical bibles, commentaries, study notes, books on theology I gather, they’re no good unless I open them, read them, and apply what I read! I can't hope to see Jesus more clearly if I'm not cultivating a heart that is open to his Word.

Nor can I expect to reap any rewards. As a passionate amateur gardener I know just how much work goes into nurturing seeds in order to reap the sort of harvest that means I have surplus to give away to other people. 

Let God's word transform you today. Then watch for the harvest that will surely come.

Let's pray
Lord, help me carve out time to root your word in my life. Give me a vision of the rich harvest that will come from steadfastly holding to your word. Thank you that your word is living and active, it has the power to separate truth from lies, and does not return to you void. Help me fall in love with your word again. I know as I do I will fall increasingly in love with you. Amen.

Mark gives us insight into how Jesus' own family perceived him during his earthly ministry and offers a unique perspective on the challenges that can arise when those closest to us grapple with understanding and accepting our calling.

Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family[a] heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:20-22 and 31-34, NIV

We find Jesus surrounded by a crowd, teaching and healing. Word of his activities reaches his family, prompting them to come and "take charge of him" because they thought he was "out of his mind." This reaction reflects the difficulty Jesus' family had in understanding both him and his radical ministry.

This episode invites us to reflect on our own experiences when pursuing God's calling and consider if others might see our thoughts and actions as unconventional or challenging. Like Jesus, some of us may have faced situations where our commitment to what the Father has asked us to do has elicited concern, misunderstanding, even jealousy because we have put the Lord before other people.

Jesus responds by broadening the definition of family to encompass those who share a common commitment to the Father and invites us to become a people whose shared obedience is one of the things that unites us. We can find comfort in the truth that the Father is committed to setting the lonely in families as we navigate the tension between our calling and others’ expectations.

And, of course, regardless of our own experience, we can embrace others who feel misunderstood or outcast because of their love for Jesus. There is room for mothers, brothers, fathers, sisters, uncles, aunts, second-cousins-twice-removed and many others in the family of God's people we belong to.

Let's pray
Lord Jesus, help me to extend your grace to those who don’t understand why I love you and why I want to serve you. Help me bring unity to my family even as I remain steadfast in my commitment to follow you and put you first. Thank you for the spiritual family you have placed me in. May I never cease to be grateful for my people. Amen.

Today Mark gives us insight into the divine nature of Jesus and his authority over all things.

Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. When they heard about all he was doing, many people came to him from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon. Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him. Mark 3:6-9, NIV

Jesus, aware of the increasing crowds seeking healing and deliverance, withdraws to the sea with his disciples. The multitude, comprising people from various regions, gathers to witness the miraculous works performed by him. However, what stands out in this passage is not really the human response but the supernatural acknowledgment of Jesus by the unclean spirits.

The demons, encountering Jesus, fall before him, crying out, "You are the Son of God." This recognition goes beyond a mere acknowledgment of Jesus as a powerful teacher or healer; it pierces to the heart of his divine nature. The demons bear witness to the truth that Jesus is the Son of God.

The significance of this passage lies in the contrast between the human response to Jesus, marked by curiosity and the desire for physical healing, and the spiritual recognition by the demons of his dominion. It underscores the reality that Jesus' authority extends beyond the visible, physical world into the unseen, spiritual dimensions.

As we reflect on this passage, it prompts us to consider our own acknowledgment of Jesus' authority. How easy is it to surrender to his lordship over our lives? How sure are we of his supremacy over all the forces of darkness? And how easy do we find walking in his authority, carrying the power of the One who raised Christ from the dead in order to transform wherever we walk?

Let’s pray
Jesus, I bow before you today in recognition of your supreme authority. Come reign in my heart again today. As I submit to you, help me walk aware of your power at work in me. Enable me to use your authority to change situations and impact hearts and minds for the extension of your Kingdom. Amen.

Levi, also known as Matthew, was a tax collector, a profession associated in Jesus’ day with great corruption and the betrayal of the Jewish community. When Jesus approaches Levi at his tax booth and simply says, "Follow me", it marks the beginning of a life-altering journey for a man whose occupation had made him an outcast among his own people. Perhaps not surprisingly given the social stigma, Levi's response to Jesus' call is immediate. He willingly walks into a new identity as a disciple of Jesus.

What did Levi see in Jesus that compelled him to leave behind a lucrative yet despised profession and follow this itinerant teacher? I suspect Levi saw a compassionate man willing to associate with those marginalised by society but also an authoritative and merciful Saviour who extended grace to the undeserving and personified the Father’s unconditional love.

The subsequent scene unfolds in Levi's house, where he hosts a dinner for Jesus and other tax collectors and sinners. The religious leaders, scandalised by Jesus' association with such people, question Jesus’ choice of company. Jesus responds with a powerful statement: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

In his response, Jesus reveals the heart of his mission - to be a healer of brokenness, a redeemer of lost souls and to be the One who establishes all of us in new identity, not as faulty, fallen failures but as his favoured friends.

Let's pray
Thank you, Lord, for reaching out to Levi and for his willingness to respond wholeheartedly to your call. Help me to experience something new of your grace and love and respond wholeheartedly to you today. And give me opportunities to extend that grace and love to the other people I come into contact with. For your glory. Amen.

Every story we have considered this week and will read in the coming days is told in the shadow of the cross so we are pausing to worship Jesus today.

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

Words: Isaac Watts, 1707
Copyright: public domain