Many have the core belief that what we do on the outside makes us right or wrong with God. Jesus makes it clear that what happens in our actions is not the determining factor in wh we are in relation to God. God not only looks at what we do, but why we do it. What we do is a reflection of what's inside.

Chuck Swindoll: The problem with legalists is that not enough people have confronted them and told them to get lost. Those are strong words, but I don't mess with legalism anymore. I'm 72 years old; what have I got to lose? Seriously, I used to kowtow to legalists, but they're dangerous. They are grace-killers. They'll drive off every new Christian you bring to church. They are enemies of the faith. Other than that, I don't have any opinion! So if I'm trying to force my personal list of no-no's on you and make you feel guilty if you don't join me, then I'm out of line and I need to be told that.

Problems and predicaments that seem random can, in reality, have a purpose. In today's verses, we look at a predicament the disciples encountered and the way Jesus was able to use it to reveal His glory to them.

Failure to stop and reflect on our service to the Lord can lead to burn out or even worse, serving without stopping to think about what we're doing or why we do it.

A clear mind, cheerful dispostions, discreet mouth, good judgment, and a humble heart distinguish the wise in this unfair life. Yes, life isn't fair and you will die, but the wise trust in God giving them keen judgement, discretion, humility, perspective and joy!

When we have trusted Christ as our Savior and found the peace and love God gives us, it's hard to imagine someone spuring what we have so freely received. Yet as you well know, many do. Those who reject God have many stated reasons. But when we boil it all down, the reason they reject, whether they realize it or not, is that they choose sin over salvation. The story of Herod Antipas is an interesting case study of a rejecter. He rejected the message of John the Baptist, and later was a part of the trial of Jesus. Through it all, he rejected the truth yet hoped he could cover his bases by not being too cruel with them, or feeling really bad when he was. There are many "Herods" out there even today. People reject God, but hope that by being perceived as tolerant God won't be too hard on them if He does exist.

Jesus taught the 12 how to share the message of truth. He had disciped them and and Mark 6:6-13, we find an account of how He sent them to do the work of the ministry. It shows our Lord's heart for evangelism, His provision to equip those he sends, but also His heart for discipleship.

Have you ever notice how the closer you are to somethng the less you appreciate it? When I lived in Colorado I was amazed at the beauty of the mountains. Some of the kids I met that had grew up around them said they were boring! The mountains were the impressive wonders they'd always been, but familiarity can breed contempt. When we come to Mark 6, we find the same thing. Jesus' family and community knew him from the time He was a toddler. They watched Him grow up and had seen the wonder of His ministry. Yet for them, there wasn't amazement or worship of Him - there was jealously, resentment, and rejection.

Part of what Jesus did in coming to His desciples was to prove to them that He had indeed risen, but part of why He came to them was to prepare them for the work He had for them, and by extension His work for us. Establishing that He had risen was crucial for these future church leaders. But had they merely believed in the resurrection and not told others - where would we be? We must not only know Jesus, we must tell others!!

As we come to this passage we find other examples give by Mark of helpless, hopeless people coming to Jesus to find grace and help in time of need. All that is required of them is faith. Faith very simply means taking God at His word, to trust Him or more importantly to entrust ourselves to Him.