Having just heard Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus now teaches the disciples that he (i.e., the Son of Man) must suffer, die, and rise again. You can imagine how confusing this would have been for the disciples who have left everything to follow him. Some, like Peter, have been growing in their understanding of who Jesus is - that he is the anointed one for whom all of Israel have been longing and waiting for! Yet even though Peter has declared Jesus’ identity with his lips, his expectations of what this means clearly don’t line up with the mission of Jesus. In fact, it must have caused Peter such distress and anguish, that in light of this revelation, he rebukes Jesus! Peter rebukes the very person who he has just - by his own accord - identified as the Messiah! You can almost imagine Peter’s response as a gut-reaction to some news that he can’t fathom to reconcile with what he had been hoping for. But Jesus has more to share - for the way of the cross will not just be for him, but also for those who follow him. And so Jesus rebukes Peter, who seems to have in mind his own greatness and glory instead of the will of God.

As we hear this revelation, it’s hard not to empathise with Peter. In the world’s way of thinking, the idea that the ultimate King would be crucified seems utterly bewildering. Yet, Jesus’ death is precisely what the world needed in order that we could be saved. Ultimate power would be revealed in ultimate weakness as Jesus takes the entire sin of the world upon his shoulders. And what does Jesus command of us? That we too would deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow Jesus. That doesn’t mean of course that every follower of Jesus will be crucified, but it does mean that we must daily lay down our lives in purist of our Lord. That we would serve Jesus’ agenda and not our own. AL

Questions

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus was willing to suffer and die for my sake. Please help me to daily lay down my own agenda and take up your cross. May my life serve your purpose and glorify your name alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Throughout the final parts of Jesus’ Galilean ministry (i.e., chapters 8-10), there are many stories of people being given sight. In this account, it seems puzzling at first that the man did not receive sight immediately, but that it instead took two ‘attempts’ by Jesus. Surely Jesus could have healed him immediately? What is happening here? Well, at very least, this healing acts as a parallel to what is occurring more broadly in people’s recognition of Jesus.

Having healed the blind man and now moving onto the villages around Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks Peter, “Who do people say I am?”. There were of course many ideas - some said John the Baptist, others said Elijah, still others said one of the prophets. Often we’re comfortable in sharing what other people think, but Jesus now totally surprises Peter, asking, “But what about you - who do you say I am?”. The disciples have been following Jesus for some time, but they are only beginning to see with a clarity who Jesus is! Peter answers with an amazing clarity that Jesus is the Messiah! However, it’s reasonable to suspect that he still was only beginning to see clearly what this means.

Recognising the truth of who Jesus is, sometimes take time to sink in. Sometimes, we can readily see who Jesus is, but the truth of that has not yet taken hold of our heart. We need to keep looking to Jesus, keeping our hearts open to Jesus, and keep confessing exactly who we believe Jesus to be. AL

Questions

Prayer

Gracious Father, thank you for the truth of who Jesus is. Please help us by your word and your Spirit to see who Jesus truly is, that we may sincerely confess him as Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

As we move from the story of the crowds being fed, it really is quite funny now that the disciples have forgotten to bring bread! (They should have kept some of those leftovers!) But not to miss the opportunity, Jesus uses it as a brilliant opportunity to warn the disciples of the real danger of the Pharisees and Herod. Jesus says that the Pharisees and Herod are like that of yeast - possibly appearing insignificant or of no threat, but just as a tiny amount of yeast transforms the dough, so the Pharisees and Herod can have an insidious effect.

What is the effect that Jesus seems to be most concerned of when it comes to the disciples? That they will have hard hearts like that of the Pharisees, failing to understand who Jesus truly is, and accordingly limiting their trust in him. That’s the danger for the disciples!

I often say that the two most important questions for all of humanity are, ‘who do you say that Jesus is?’ and ‘what is the condition of your heart?’. Both questions are critical! For it is not enough to simply see who Jesus is, but also that our hearts would be soft enough to accept it as true. If the disciples cannot trust in Jesus for bread, how will they possibly trust in him as their Lord and Saviour?

The best way to grow our trust in Jesus is to grow in our vision and clarity of who he is whilst also softening our hearts toward him. That means coming to Jesus with great humility and openness, being willing for him to have his way with us and our lives. That can make us feel extraordinarily vulnerable, but we have every reason to trust in the goodness of our Lord. AL

Questions

Prayer

Loving Lord, please help us by the power of your Spirit to have hearts flung open towards Jesus. May we be so compelled in clarity of who Jesus is, that we would respond with an ever-growing trust in him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

As the second time that Jesus feeds a crowd miraculously, it’s important to note that in both instances he is motivated by compassion. Whilst in chapter 6 Jesus was moved with compassion for they were “like sheep without a shepherd”, in chapter 8 it seems that he is moved compassionately for they have gone so long without food. That might not seem particularly remarkable, but it is an incredible reminder that the King who rules the universe is not disconnected or distant from our lives, removed or indifferent to our plight, but that he is indeed the God of compassion who knows our needs. That should not only fill us with great joy and comfort, but it should also enable us to openly express our needs to God in prayer.

As Jesus highlights the people’s need for food, the disciples (who apparently have short memories!) can’t conceive where they could get enough bread to feed these people in such a remote place. The disciples’ response is to push the problem back to Jesus to resolve. But of course, the disciples don’t need a shop, they simply need Jesus! The result? Jesus takes the seven loaves and few small fish in hand, gives thanks, and the large crowd were satisfied. In fact, not only were 4000 satisfied, but there were seven baskets of leftovers! Having been fed (through his teaching and in food), Jesus can now dismiss the crowd so that they can go home safely.

Yet, whilst many were satisfied, the Pharisees were still not satisfied that Jesus was who he claimed to be. That’s why they test him. They demand an even greater sign, yet Jesus is unwilling to do so. Why? Because he knows that such signs will not convince them of anything, for the problem lies not in the evidence before them, but in the hardness of their hearts and refusal to believe. AL

Questions

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you that you are indeed the God of compassion who knows our small needs and our greatest need. Please help us to see you clearly for who you are, that we may have soft hearts that trust in you. Amen.

Today we read two amazing stories, however, we’ll focus just on the first.

When we read of the interaction between Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman, it’s easy to be taken aback. Having heard about Jesus, the woman is desperate for her daughter to be healed from demonic possession. One can only begin to imagine her anguish, absolutely desperate for her daughter to be free of this evil spirit. But Jesus (at first) seems disinterested saying, “First let the children eat all they want” and that it would be inappropriate therefore to tend to the “dogs” (a common way that Jews referred to a Greco-Roman philosophical movement of the time) before the children of Israel. Undeterred, the woman retorts that “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs”. Jesus’ response? He tells her that her daughter (even without seeing her) is healed!

How extraordinary! What are we to make of this? Was Jesus affirming the racial prejudices of the time? Clearly not, for whilst Jesus’ response is exactly what many would have expected, he uses the entire interaction to demonstrate the most remarkable news: that he has come not just for the Jew but also for the Gentile! Jesus has entered into the world that all may be saved.

This is good news not just for us, but for every single person. There is no one outside the reach of the Gospel - all are able to come to Jesus and receive the salvation that he offers. Likewise, our mission as disciples is not just that the good news would go to some, but that the good news would go to all. AL

Questions

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you that Jesus came into the world not to die for some, but to die for all. Please help us to be unrelenting in the sharing of the Good News, that we may grow in desire to point every person to the Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Jesus and the disciples are once again in hot water creating controversy because they’ve been seen eating good with ‘unwashed’ hands. As Mark explains (verse 3), this washing of hands was a human tradition that was meant to help them maintain ‘purity’ through the prevention of becoming ‘unclean’. However, as Jesus makes the point in three different ways(!), the ultimate standard for purity is not that which is just seen outwardly, but that from within.

Jesus’ first illustration (vv.1-13) is a critique of the Pharisees and Scribes who whilst appearing ‘righteous’ (honouring God with their lips) were are actually completely hypocritical and far from God. Further, Jesus points out that whilst they were proud of the many human traditions that they upheld, they had, in fact, let go of the commands of God. Talk about mixed-up priorities! The specific example was that of ‘Corban’ which provided a loophole for people to dedicate gifts to God in order that they could avoid supporting their parents! The second illustration is that to the crowds (vv.14-16), and the third is privately to the disciples (vv.17-23). Jesus’ point is clear: food is not what makes us unclean or sinful, but what we are tragically capable of in our hearts. Jesus’ standard is not just that which we do, but even that which we think!

Of course, this isn’t just a problem for the religious elite but it’s a problem for all of us, for none of us can be declared innocent according to such a standard. And if we’re honest, we would be ashamed if people knew the depth of what our hearts are capable of. So what do we do? We go to the one who even though he knows the depth of our sin, still offers us the forgiveness we need. AL

Questions

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we are so sorry for the things in our heart that are sin against you. Thank you, that even though you know the depth of our heart, that you do not reject us but that you have welcomed us through your Son. Amen.

Now, the death of John the Baptist is described in all its sordid detail. Herod was celebrating his birthday with many important guests, his high officials, military commanders and the important men from the region. Herodias’ daughter entertained Herod and his guests with her dancing. Herod and his guests were so impressed with her dancing that Herod offered her a generous reward – anything she desired.

With such a grand offer on the table, she seeks the counsel of her mother. There is clear evidence of preplanning here as Herodias’ answer is immediate: the head of John the Baptist. The daughter’s request to Herod seems to go one step further when she demands John’s head on a platter. Not only does she want John dead, to please her mother, but she also wants John to be publicly humiliated in front of Herod’s guests, as she felt her mother had been humiliated by John.

Once more, Herod is distressed. He knows that John is righteous and holy, but he has made an oath in front of many important witnesses. He can do what is right, but this will cause great humiliation to himself. In the end, the weakness of Herod’s character is laid bare as he succumbs to the wishes of Herodias and the pressures of embarrassing himself in front of his guests. As Christians, we are called to stay true to Jesus, because he is our King, over and above our employers, colleagues, friends and family. We might be humiliated, we might be persecuted and we might even lose our job or some relationships. We can stay firm, though, because nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus. DR

Questions

Prayer

Lord of All, we thank you for the example of John the Baptist. We thank you that he ministered boldly and fearlessly because he depended totally on you. Help us to stand firm on our frontlines no matter the cost and rely completely on Jesus. In his name we pray, Amen

News of the disciples’ ministry had reached King Herod. Just as the religious leaders questioned John the Baptist’s identity, similar questions were being asked of Jesus. Various opinions included John the Baptist raised from the dead, Elijah, or one of the prophets as in former times. These seemed to be logical explanations considering what Jesus was doing, but each one missed the mark. Jesus was a prophet in the sense that he was calling people back to a genuine relationship with God, but he was much more.

Herod declares that Jesus is the raised John the Baptist, whom he beheaded. We then hear the context for John’s execution. Herod had arrested John because he had argued that it was unlawful for Herod to be with his brother’s wife. In particular, Herodias was offended by John’s judgment, bore a serious grudge against him and wanted John killed.

Herod was stuck in a very hard place. He protected John because he knew that he was a righteous and holy man. John’s words left him perplexed, and in anguish. Yet he found a strange pleasure in the authoritative preaching of this holy man, whose authentic life gave added power to his incisive words. Too weak to follow John’s counsel, he nevertheless had to listen. As Christians, we are called to be bold and authentic in our witness, just as John was. We are called to bear witness to Jesus on our frontlines with our words and actions, so that others might be challenged and also want to know more about Jesus. DR

Questions

Prayer

Gracious Father, we thank you that John the Baptist preached boldly and lived authentically. We thank you that he challenged many to think about their sin, and invited them to repent and believe. Help us to be bold and authentic on our frontlines so that others might identify Jesus also as their King. In his name,

The next day after his conversation with the religious leaders, John saw Jesus coming toward him. This must have occurred after John baptised Jesus and after the 40 days of temptation in the wilderness. Jesus has come back to see John in his baptising work.

John declares who Jesus is and why he has come. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the whole world. John declares his destiny – his purpose – his death on the cross for the sin of humanity so that humanity and God could be reconciled. The shadow of the cross was cast over the entire ministry of Jesus. John didn’t present Jesus as a great example or wonderful teacher (though he was both of these things). Rather, John proclaimed Jesus as the sacrifice for sin, a fulfilment of the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament.

John then outlines his testimony of his baptism of Jesus. In John’s gospel, we hear about Jesus’ baptism from John the Baptist’s perspective. This account emphasises John’s role as a witness, not a baptiser. John reports that saw Spirit descend on Jesus and remain on him at his baptism. Because of what John saw, he is absolutely confident to proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God. Witnesses give testimony as to what they have seen and experienced in an effort to establish the truth. John’s testimony is trustworthy and true.

As Christians, we are called to be witnesses to what we have experienced of Jesus. We can tell people what we know from the Bible, but, when we share our experiences of the grace and mercy of Jesus, it can be particularly powerful. DR

Questions

Prayer

Gracious Father, We thank you that Jesus is the Lamb of God who took away our sins on the cross and opened up the way to eternal life through his resurrection. Help us to acknowledge who Jesus is and what he has done for us in our lives, so that we can share that with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Given that John was not the Messiah, Elijah or the Prophet, the Pharisees wondered about John’s authority to baptise. Yet John’s work of baptising perfectly suited his calling, as he explained. Just as he prepared the way for the Messiah, so his ministry of baptism also prepared the way for the Messiah. John baptised with water and this represented the humble willingness to repent, be cleansed and prepared for the coming Messiah.

Jewish people practised baptism as an outgrowth of proselyte baptism. Gentiles, who wanted to become Jews, would ceremonially wash themselves as a sign of repentance. When Jews submitted to John’s baptism, they were identifying with Gentile converts indicating how genuine their repentance was, but which would have disturbed the Jewish leaders.

John answers by referring to his mission to prepare the way for the Messiah. John explained to the religious leaders that he was not the focus of his work, but the one who was already among them. John’s work was to prepare the way for the one. John says he is not worthy to untie the straps of the sandals of the Messiah who has already come. To untie the straps of a sandal before foot washing was the duty of the lowest slave in the house. John is contrasting himself with the identity of the one who comes after him, the true King.

As Christians, we are called to be like John, preparing the way for Messiah and pointing to him. We need to demonstrate humility as John did so that Jesus is glorified as King. DR

Questions

Prayer

Dear Lord, We thank you for the example of John who was humble and prepared the way for your son, Jesus. Thank you that we are cleansed from sin by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Help us recognise him as the King of our hearts and minds and point others to him. In Jesus’ name, Amen