In Mark 7 we see Jesus answer questions about the traditions and the commandments. There is conflict between the Pharisees and Jesus. The Pharisees added tradition to the Law. As the narrative continues Jesus casts the demon out of a Syrophoenician women’s daughter and we see other miracles.

In numbers 5 and 6 we see instructions about cleansing the camp. Remember God is setting up a Jewish nation state. Also, God is holy and how we worship Him must be in holiness. Thankfully, Jesus fulfilled our sacrifice and bridge the gap between us and God.

In Mark 6 we see Jesus rejected at Nazareth in verses 1-6. Jesus grew up with these people. In an imaginary way He played soccer with their children. They must think who is this man? They think He worked at our house, we fed Him... Jesus’ sisters never named by name, but always mentioned in the plural. Then in verses 7-13 He sends out the 12 apostles. Apostle means “one who is sent.” In verses 14-29 we see the death of John the Baptist. In verses 30-44 Jesus feeds the 5000. Jesus then walks on water in verses 45-52. In verses 53-56 Jesus heals the sick at Gennesaret.

In Numbers 4 the census continues with all of the Levites between 30 and 50 years old. This chapter specifies what each Levitical clan must do in verses 3-33 and then records their number in verses 34-49. The ESV Study Bible records about the Kohathites: “The Kohathite priests handle the most holy items of the tabernacle (such as the ark, lampstand, and altars), but the non-priestly Kohathites are not even to look at them, lest they die. If someone looks at God, he will die (Ex. 33:20), and because these items share this intense divine holiness, they could prove equally lethal (Num. 4:17–20).”

In Mark 5 we see Jesus heal a man possessed by a demon in verses 1-20. Then in verses 21- 43 Jesus heals a woman and Jairus’ daughter. Notice the repeated word: “Immediately” used 4 times in this chapter and 39 times in Mark’s gospel (in the NASB). Notice the great faith of the people in this chapter.

In Numbers 3 we begin the census of the Levites. In Numbers 3 they are counting every male Levite over one month old and then in the second (Numbers 4) they are counting those between 30 and 50 years old. Chapter 3 focuses on the Levites ongoing role in Israel. In verses 5-10 (chapter 3) we see the duties of the Levites guarding the tabernacle from intruders and ministering at the tabernacle. This includes transporting it from place to place (ESV Study Bible). In verses 11-13 we see the reasons for the census and then in verses 14-39 we see the clans’ numbers, positions and responsibilities. In verses 40-51 we see the redemption of the firstborn.

In Mark 4 Jesus continues to teach in parables. “para” means alongside. Jesus teaches in stories alongside his teaching. We have the parable of the sower in verses 1-20. Jesus also gives His purpose in teaching in parables. Those who are humble will understand. Those who are hard hearted will be more hard hearted. In verses 21-25 we see the parable of a lamp under a basket. In verses 26-29 we have the parable of the seed growing. In verses 30-34 we have the parable of the mustard seed. In verses 35-40 Jesus calms the sea, again showing His Deity.

In Numbers 2 we see the arrangement of the camp. They are setting up the camp in a certain way. The tent of meeting is in the middle with the tribes surrounding the tent. This chapter also prescribes the order for them to go out. They are protecting the tabernacle.

Mark 3 by Steve Rhodes

Numbers is written because Moses is numbering the people before entering the land. In chapter 1 we see Moses taking a census. These were really important to ancient people groups. Remember, God is setting up a Jewish nation state.