Willow Journey

By Willow Creek Community ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Willow Journey episodes

March 20, 2020Day 05 of Journey Through Mark: A HUMBLE, SUPERNATURAL MUSTARD SHRUB
COMMENTARY

In today’s reading, we encounter a collection of parables about the kingdom of God. A key to interpreting parables is recognizing their riddle-like nature. Parables aren’t always as simple as they might seem. In fact, Jesus indicates that they are meant to conceal as much as they reveal (Mark 4:11-12, 33-34). We see this in the parable of the mustard seed. On the surface, this parable teaches about the potential growth of Jesus’ kingdom. Just as the “smallest” of seeds can grow into the “largest of all garden plants,” so the kingdom of God has the potential to become great.
This is an accurate interpretation, but there is another layer of meaning to this parable. Jesus doesn’t just say that a mustard seed can grow into a large garden plant. He adds that it has “such big branches that the birds can perch [literally: nest] in its shade” (Mark 4:32). This is a curious addition because birds generally don’t make nests in mustard shrubs, as His agrarian listeners would have known. Mustard shrubs are typically too weak and too hollow. This addition to the parable could be a hint about the supernatural character of this particular mustard shrub and therefore of the kingdom. Jesus’ kingdom would grow into something bigger and better than the laws of nature could ever predict.
This addition could also provide a clue about the humility of the kingdom. Jesus is clearly playing off themes from Ezekiel 17, a messianic parable in the Old Testament. In that parable, God says He would plant a sprig that would one day grow into a cedar tree, a tree renowned for its stature. Ezekiel 17:23 says that the cedar would become so great that “birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches.” The connections between Ezekiel 17 and the parable of the mustard seed are unmistakable. In both parables, seedlings become great plants that provide homes for birds. The main difference is that one is about a stately cedar tree, and the other is about a comparatively less impressive mustard shrub.
Jesus therefore seems to be teaching a lesson not only about the growth of the kingdom but also about its character. His parable offers a corrective to those listening, both back then and today, who expect that the kingdom of God should reflect the pomp and pageantry of a cedar tree. The kingdom of God has power beyond what the laws of nature can explain. But unlike the kingdoms of this world, God’s kingdom comes with the humility of a modest mustard shrub.
SCRIPTURE
MARK 4:1–34
CHAPTER 4
THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER
1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”
9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, “ ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’”
13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”
A LAMP ON A STAND
21 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? 22 For whatever is hid- den is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
THE PARABLE OF THE GROWING SEED
26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED
30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
REFLECTION
Considering the political and religious climate of His time, why do you suppose Jesus taught “many things by parables” (Mark 4:2)? Why would He save His explanations about the parables for those who genuinely sought Him as opposed to those who blindly opposed Him (Mark 4:11-12, 34)?
In Mark 4:24, Jesus says, “Consider carefully what you hear.” How carefully do you consider Scripture? Do you just breeze through your reading, or do you reflect on its significance in your life? What would help you consider Jesus’ words more carefully?
26 min
March 19, 2020Day 04 of Journey Through Mark: THE MESSIANIC SECRET
COMMENTARY

Many times in the book of Mark, Jesus makes a request that can seem baffling. Referred to by scholars as the “messianic secret,” Jesus frequently asks for His identity to be hidden. For example, when demons declare that Jesus is the “Son of God” in Mark 3:11-12, Jesus gives them “strict orders not to tell others about him” (cf., Mark 1:24-25, 34; 5:7-10). And Jesus doesn’t only silence demons. He also asks humans to keep His identity secret when they discover who He truly is (e.g., Mark 1:44; 5:43; 7:36; 8:26, 29-30; 9:9). This begs the question, why would Jesus want to hide His identity if it was central to the gospel that He would eventually want everyone to hear?

Jesus’ secrecy could be explained in a few different ways. In some situations, Jesus may have been concerned about how this information would be used. This seems to be the case when He silences demons. Magic manuals written around this time give evidence of a widespread belief that exorcists could drive out demons by pronouncing the demons’ names. By pronouncing Jesus’ title, “Son of God,” the demons may have been attempting to outmaneuver Jesus and gain control of Him. In these situations, Jesus’ silencing of the spirits was a repudiation of their efforts. He would not be manipulated by them (cf. Mark 1:24-25).
In other situations, Jesus’ secrecy may have reflected a concern about how people would understand His messianic identity. At that time, “messiah” was a politically loaded term, as was the title “Son of God.” “Son of God” was a title used for Roman emperors. “Messiah” was a title used by Jews to refer to the hoped-for Jewish king. Many of Jesus’ contemporaries anticipated that a coming messiah would free them from their subservience to Rome. As the Messiah, Jesus would confront the systems of sin and injustice that characterized the Roman empire. But Jesus wouldn’t accomplish this through military power. Instead, it would be through a life of service and suffering. Jesus asked people who recognized Him to conceal His identity until after His crucifixion because it’s in view of the cross that Jesus’ Messianic identity is most clearly revealed (Mark 9:9; 15:39).
On this side of history, Jesus’ status as the Messiah is no longer something to conceal. Jesus asks that we share the gospel with others. But in doing that, we can’t misunderstand what it means to say He is the Messiah. Jesus isn’t someone we can manipulate for our own personal or political gain. He doesn’t accomplish His mission through force or coercion. If we are true followers of Jesus, then when we proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of God, we ought to do it by living lives of love, service, and sacrifice.
SCRIPTURE
MARK 3:7–35
CROWDS FOLLOW JESUS
7 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed. 8 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. 9 Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him, to keep the people from crowding him. 10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. 11 Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.
JESUS APPOINTS THE TWELVE
13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appoint- ed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
JESUS ACCUSED BY HIS FAMILY AND BY TEACHERS OF THE LAW
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
22 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.”
23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” 31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
REFLECTION
In today’s reading, Jesus faced backlash from His family for potentially imperiling their reputation and safety. When have you experienced similar pushback for living like Jesus? How did Jesus respond to His family, and how can this be an encouragement for us today?
Mark 3:29 contains a warning about what is often called the “unforgivable sin.” It’s important to understand that Jesus isn’t talking about just any random word spoken against the Holy Spirit. He is describing an intentional and ongoing denial of the Spirit’s redemptive work through Jesus. If you have any concern that you may have committed this sin, this is a sign that you haven’t, and you have no real reason to worry. Still, Jesus’ warning should make us cautious about demonizing others, especially those who claim to follow Christ. Why do you suppose we are so quick to vilify those we disagree with? What would be a more Christ-oriented way of engaging with those we don’t agree with?
27 min
March 18, 2020Day 03 of Journey Through Mark: A CONTROVERSIAL CALL TO SINNERS
COMMENTARY

As news of Jesus’ power spread throughout the Galilean countryside, He began to capture the attention of not just the crowds, but also religious authorities, and not
in a good way. Religious leaders began to see Jesus as a threat because His actions repeatedly conflicted with their teachings. In today’s reading, we encounter five separate stories that highlight this increasing hostility toward Jesus.
One of these stories features Jesus calling someone to follow Him. As we read yesterday, He had previously invited four fishermen to become His disciples
(Mark 1:16-20). In today’s reading, the occupation of the man Jesus now invites to follow Him draws the anger of religious authorities. The man is a tax collector.
We can’t overestimate how scandalous this would have seemed to Jesus’ contemporaries. In first century Jewish society, tax collectors were thought to be the worst sinners. They had a well-documented history of fraud. Many regarded them as traitors for serving the Romans. Some rabbinic literature even says that tax collectors defiled houses just by entering them. You can imagine how much it would have upset religious leaders when they saw Jesus not only summoning this tax collector but also having dinner at his house (Mark 2:15). Here was Jesus, a celebrated expositor of the Law, eating at a place that they considered impure. When they confront Jesus, He leaves them speechless by saying, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 2:17).
Jesus’ teaching is one we need to hear today. Like the ancient religious leaders, we can be quick to dismiss people we don’t understand and reject people who don’t conform to our rules. But like Jesus, we should prioritize love for people over concern for rules, especially human-made rules. After all, Jesus didn’t call people who thought that rules would make them righteous. Jesus called people who admitted they were sick and needed a doctor.
MARK 2:1–3:6
CHAPTER 2
JESUS FORGIVES AND HEALS A PARALYZED MAN
1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
JESUS CALLS LEVI AND EATS WITH SINNERS
Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.
15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
JESUS QUESTIONED ABOUT FASTING
18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”
19 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. 20 But the time will come when the bride- groom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.
21 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”
JESUS IS LORD OF THE SABBATH
23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”
25 He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”
27 Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
CHAPTER 3
JESUS HEALS ON THE SABBATH
1 Another time Jesus went into the syna- gogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”
4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.
5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was com- pletely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
REFLECTION
In today’s reading, Jesus is accused twice of violating the Sabbath. In reality, He only violates human-made regulations that have nothing to do with God’s original intent for the Sabbath, as Jesus Himself points out. Can you think of any ways we’ve made following Jesus unnecessarily difficult by adding to God’s laws today?
In Mark 2:13-17, Jesus teaches us the importance of befriending irreligious people. But elsewhere in Scripture, we are encouraged to keep good company and avoid sinners (e.g., Psalm 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:33). How do we balance these seemingly disparate teachings? What would it look like for you to eat with “sinners and tax collectors,” and how could you do this without compromising your convictions?
33 min
March 17, 2020Day 02 of Journey Through Mark: THE CALL AND COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS
COMMENTARY

At the end of yesterday’s reading, Jesus proclaimed that “the kingdom of God has come near” (Mark 1:15). In today’s reading, we encounter the first detailed stories of Jesus’ kingdom work. Jesus begins to recruit followers, show signs that the kingdom is approaching, and give people a glimpse of His identity and character.
The first story in this series reveals something unique about Jesus’ character: He’s an invitational leader. When He sees two pairs of brothers fishing in the Sea of Galilee, He calls to them, “Come, follow me” (Mark 1:17). For a person of Jesus’ position, this invitation was counter-cultural. Writings from Jesus’ time show that rabbis expected prospective students to seek them out, not the other way around. Jesus could have followed this custom. In fact, crowds repeatedly sought Him out (Mark 1:32-33, 37, 45). However, in spite of His position and influence, Jesus took the initiative to go out and find followers for Himself. This is a model for us. Too often, we sit inside the walls of our churches and expect that potential believers should come to us. But in the kingdom of God, we make disciples by first going out to them (Mark 6:6-12).
This story also reveals something about the cost of following Jesus. Mark tells us that after hearing the call, both sets of fishermen follow Him “at once,” leaving behind valuable possessions like nets, a boat, and hired men (Mark 1:17-20). Two of them even abandon their father, a social crime that a contemporary Jewish text compares to blasphemy. The fishermen’s total rejection of all that they have in order to follow Jesus reflects a theme that we see throughout Mark. Jesus will bless those who choose to follow Him “a hundred times,” but following Him requires that they “deny” themselves completely (Mark 8:34; 10:28-31). Jesus’ call extends to us today. He invites us on the adventure of a lifetime. But following Him means surrendering all we have and all we are. How will you choose to answer His call?
SCRIPTURE
MARK 1:16–45
JESUS CALLS HIS FIRST DISCIPLES
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew cast- ing a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
JESUS DRIVES OUT AN IMPURE SPIRIT
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
JESUS HEALS MANY
29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.
32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon- possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
JESUS PRAYS IN A SOLITARY PLACE
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
JESUS HEALS A MAN WITH LEPROSY
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
41 Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.
43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to
anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses command- ed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
REFLECTION
Mark 1:35 tells us that Jesus woke up early and went to a “solitary place.” Interestingly, the word translated as “solitary place” is the same word translated in Mark 1:12-13 as “wilderness.” This is a type of place we might normally try to avoid, but Jesus frequently sought it out (e.g., Mark 1:45; 6:31-32). Why do you suppose Jesus did this? How might we benefit from spending more time in places like this?
For Jesus’ first disciples, following Jesus literally meant walking with and behind Him. What do you suppose it should look like for people to follow Jesus today?
33 min
March 12, 2020Day 01 of Journey Through Mark: THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL
COMMENTARY

The book of Mark begins with a short, one-line introduction that serves as a title for the entire work: “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). It’s brief, but this introduction makes an extravagant claim that would have been striking to those reading it in Mark’s time.
Around the time this book was written, the word translated as “good news” (or sometimes “gospel”) was commonly used to describe the lives and achievements of Roman emperors. Roman messengers would travel around proclaiming “good news” about things like a royal birth, an emperor’s ascension to the throne, or an emperor’s victory in battle. One particular inscription known as the Priene Calendar Inscription calls Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, a “god,” and describes his birth as “the beginning of the good news for the world.”
Mark’s introduction, which uses virtually identical vocabulary, would have stood out to readers in this context. It makes the claim that this book shares good news about an alternative king. This was an explosive claim. It would have been considered even more subversive if the book of Mark was written from Rome as a majority of scholars believe. This alternative gospel about an alternative king would have been proclaimed from the capital of Caesar’s empire.
We will discover, as we read through this gospel, that Jesus was no ordinary rival to the Roman emperor. Unlike typical competitors, He didn’t rise to His throne through conspiracy, coup, or stabbing Caesar in the back. Instead, Jesus claimed His crown through an act so unconventional that not even His closest companions saw it coming. In doing so, He established a kingdom unlike any the world has ever seen. This is truly “good news,” and it’s the gospel that Mark invites us to read.
SCRIPTURE
MARK 1:1–15
CHAPTER 1
JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” — 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”
4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repen- tance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
THE BAPTISM AND TESTING OF JESUS
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
JESUS ANNOUNCES THE GOOD NEWS
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
REFLECTION
In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus proclaims the “good news” (or “gospel”). How does Jesus define the gospel in His own words (cf., Isaiah 40:9; 52:7)? How does this compare to how you have defined the gospel in the past, and why might this be good news?
How do you hope to grow through your Journey Through Mark experience? Share your hope with God through prayer. Ask that He might use the book of Mark to challenge, shape, and inspire you.
34 min
November 15, 2019 Day 20 of Journey Through Philippians: PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 4
Chapter 4
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your re- quests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hun- gry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
28 min
November 14, 2019Day 19 of Journey Through Philippians: Anyone Might Accept the Gospel
Paul ends his letter to the Philippians with closing greetings and a blessing. He begins by sending his own personal greetings (Philippians 4:21). Then he passes along the greetings of those who were with him (Philippians 4:21-22). Finally, he prays for the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” to be with the Philippians, mirroring the blessing he bestowed upon these Christians at the opening of this letter (Philippians 4:23; 1:2). Although this closing is customary and brief, it should not be read as a mere formality. Even in these few short verses, Paul had something surprising he wanted to reveal
to the Philippian readers and to us today.
While passing along the greetings of those who were with him, Paul specifically identifies one group of people who wanted to greet the Philippians: “All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22). There is some debate about what Paul meant by “Caesar’s household.” This debate is related to the question of where Paul was imprisoned when he wrote this letter. What is clear to most modern scholars is that the individuals Paul is alluding to worked in some capacity for the Roman emperor,
most likely as slaves, freedmen, or freedwomen. This is clear from hundreds of inscriptions archaeologists have found throughout the Roman Empire that refer to “Caesar’s household.” The significance of this greeting would not have been lost on the original Philippian readers. People who answered to Caesar, a self-proclaimed savior and lord of the universe, had come to pledge their allegiance to Jesus, the world’s true Savior and Lord. This was another reminder that nothing, not even Caesar himself, could stop the “advance” of “the gospel” (Philippians 1:12-13). This also would have been a source of encouragement for the Philippians who were suffering at the hands of those loyal to Caesar. If anyone had reason to be “frightened” that they might “suffer” for their faith, it was those who worked directly for the Roman emperor (Philippians 1:27-29). This special greeting let the Philippian Christians know that they were not alone.
The significance of this greeting should not be lost on us either. If any of us have fear or concerns about how others will respond to our faith, we can find encouragement from these Christians who belonged to Caesar’s household. Others have faced this struggle before us and they found the strength to press on. Also, if we ever doubt whether a certain person or group of people could become followers of Jesus, this greeting should give us hope. Any person, no matter how unlikely, can be moved by the gospel and may come to see Jesus as Lord.
PHILIPPIANS 4:21–23
FINAL GREETINGS
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Day 19 Questions
Notice the repetition of the phrase “all God’s people” in this passage. How does
this relate to Paul’s appeals for unity throughout this letter? Are there people in your community of faith that you view as different or you exclude? Do you ever try to avoid someone when you go to church? How could you be more inclusive in the ways you interact with others?
Who in your life is like those who “belong to Caesar’s household” – people you thought might never come to believe, or people you doubt will ever believe? What would help you to have courage like Paul’s to make the most of every interaction?
27 min
November 13, 2019Day 18 of Journey Through Philippians: Content in Any and Every Situation
Commentary
Today’s reading includes the conclusion to the main body of Paul’s letter. In this section, Paul gives thanks to the Philippians for some gifts they had recently shared with him. This is not the first time in this letter that Paul has expressed his gratitude for these gifts. In Philippians 1:3-5, he thanked God for their “partnership in the gospel.” In Philippians 2:25-30, he honored Epaphroditus for delivering these gifts. However, this is his most heartfelt thank you, encompassing a full ten verses.
In the middle of this extensive thank you note, Paul does something curious. He writes a short aside saying that he didn’t really need their gifts: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether
living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12). This is an odd statement, because it seems to undermine his thank you. But there are a couple of reasons why Paul makes this digression. First, in Philippi’s society which was driven by honor and shame, all sorts of power dynamics could be involved in the giving and receiving of gifts. Those who gave gifts to others could advance in status, and those who received gifts could find themselves subordinate and indebted to the gift giver.
By emphasizing that he was “content” no matter his circumstances, Paul made sure that the Philippians knew that their gifts were just that, gifts. The gifts did not obligate him to them or make him subordinate to them in any way. In the kingdom of heaven, gift-giving is motivated by generosity, not by the pursuit of power or influence. Second, as the Philippians faced the prospect of suffering for their faith, Paul wanted to pass along what he had learned from his own life experience about contentment. Contentment is not found in material possessions and it is not found in one’s own inner strength like some contemporary Greek philosophers taught. True contentment is found “through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
This is an important lesson for us living in modern America. Despite the overwhelming blessings most of us enjoy compared with the rest of the world, it is quite common for us to feel discontent, especially when we compare our situations with others. We think that when we get the right job, house, possessions, or spouse, then we will suddenly be happy. Usually, we are just let down. What Paul teaches and models is that contentment is possible in any and every situation. To be truly content we must remember that a relationship with Jesus is the most valuable thing in this life, and that God alone can “meet all [our] needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8; 4:19).
PHILIPPIANS 4:10–20
THANKS FOR THEIR GIFTS
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your con- cern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Day 18 Questions
Philippians 4:13 is one of the most memorized verses in all Scripture. When read in isolation and in other translations, this verse seems to say that believers have the ability to do anything they set their hearts on: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”. But how does the surrounding context change how we read this verse? What is Paul really saying that he has the strength to do?
How do you struggle with contentment in your own life? What would it take for you to be content with the situation God has given you today?
27 min
November 12, 2019Day 17 of Journey Through Philippians: The Transcendent Peace of God
Commentary
As his letter begins to close, Paul shares a number of short, succinct instructions
as he frequently does toward the end of his letters (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22;
1 Corinthians 16:13-18; 2 Corinthians 13:11). At first glance, these quick commands might seem random and unrelated, but they actually reiterate themes we’ve seen throughout the letter. For example, Paul writes in verse 9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.” This relates to Paul’s previous command: “join together in following my example” (Philippians 3:17). Or again, in verse 4, Paul instructs readers to “rejoice.” This is a verb Paul has already used six times in this letter (Philippians 1:18; 2:17; 2:18; 2:28; 3:1).
Paul’s most famous command in this section also relates to things he has said earlier, but in an ironic way. In verse 6, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything . . . .” This is ironic because Paul has already admitted to having “anxiety” in this letter (Philippians 2:28). It is also ironic because this is a behavior that seems to be commended elsewhere in this letter. The word translated here as “anxious” is the same word translated as “concern” in Philippians 2:20: “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.” However, Paul is not commanding the Philippians to suddenly stop having all feelings of anxiety, and he isn’t telling them not to have concern for others. Instead, Paul is instructing them to let go
of counterproductive thoughts that reflect a doubt that “the Lord is near” and to replace their worry with prayer: “ . . . in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:5-6).
Paul then goes on to share a promise about what they could experience if they would give their concerns to God in prayer: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
This promise would have been particularly striking for Paul’s original Philippian readers. At the time this letter was written, Philippi was home to a contingent of Roman soldiers whose task was to guard something that was considered the pride of the Roman Empire: the Pax Romana (“Roman peace”). In these verses, Paul plays off these familiar images to teach that God promises a type of peace that “transcends” anything they could understand, even the celebrated peace of Rome. Where Rome’s peace needed to be guarded by soldiers, God’s peace is so great that the very peace itself can guard our hearts and our minds.
This teaching is just as true for us today. We live in an anxious and restless culture,
but God doesn’t want us to worry about what will come or what will be. He wants us to be consumed by peace – to find rest in the fact that Jesus is Lord and Jesus is near. All He asks is that we surrender our worried thoughts and trust Him to guide us in the way that He alone can.
Scripture
PHILIPPIANS 4:4–9
FINAL EXHORTATIONS
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Questions
In Philippians 4:8, Paul instructs his readers to focus their thoughts on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable.” What does this look like in practice? What are some negative thoughts you need to eliminate from your thinking? What are some excellent thoughts you
could dwell on more?
According to Philippians 4:6, what should be included in our prayers for peace? What are some anxious concerns you need to give to God in prayer? Use this space to write down your own prayer.
28 min
November 11, 2019Day 16 of Journey Through Philippians: Unity in the Lord
COMMENTARY
Throughout this letter, Paul often expresses his desire for the believers in the Philippian church to have unity with one another. In Philippians 1:27, Paul encourages his readers to “stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of
the gospel.” In Philippians 2:2, Paul asks them to be “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” These calls for unity, along with other instructions like “do everything without grumbling or arguing,” make it clear that there was some level of disunity in this church (Philippians 2:14).
In today’s reading, we come across what may have been the specific issue that prompted these calls for unity. Using the same vocabulary he used in Philippians 2:2, Paul now begs two specific individuals to “be of the same mind.” He writes,
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord” (Philippians 4:2). Unfortunately, we do not know much about these two individuals or their dispute. Based on their names, we know that they were both women and likely Greek, not Roman. It is also likely that they were both leaders in the local church. This is suggested by the fact that Paul refers to them as “co-workers” and is supported by archaeological and biblical evidence that shows that women often
held prominent religious roles in Philippi (Philippians 4:3; Acts 16:13-15). As for their dispute, we can only speculate about what divided them. Most scholars assume
that it was a personal matter rather than a theological matter because of Paul’s silence on the issue.
No matter the reason, their fracture disrupted their work “in the cause of the gospel” (Philippians 4:3). Paul challenges them to “be of the same mind” and he adds the critically important qualifier “in the Lord.” This is very important. It is nearly impossible for people to always be of the same mind. Even the most sincere Christians won’t always agree on everything. Unfortunately, when Christians disagree, our grievances can distract us from the more important work of sharing the gospel. Even worse, our disputes can sometimes be so ugly that they deter others from embracing the gospel.
It is, however, possible to have lasting unity when it is rooted in the Lord. As Christians, we must remember that we all have the same Lord and that we share the same mission from our Lord. In practice, this requires that we prioritize others above ourselves and above our arguments, just as our Lord prioritized us (Philippians 2:5-8). In the end, we may not agree on everything, but not everything is as important as Jesus, His people, and the mission He has given to us.
PHILIPPIANS 4:1–3
CLOSING APPEAL FOR STEADFASTNESS AND UNITY
1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Day 16 Questions
Notice the repetition of the word “plead” in verse 2. Paul singles out each person, and pleads with each individually to “be of the same mind in the Lord” with the other. Why do you suppose he does this? Why is it sometimes so difficult for two disputing parties to see eye to eye?
In verse 3, Paul asks another unknown individual in the church to “help these women” settle their differences. Why might it be beneficial for us to let outside mediators help us resolve conflicts? Do you need to invite someone in to help you navigate a conflict in your life? Are you willing to welcome outside wisdom?
26 min

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