Good morning! Today we are finishing up chapter 8 of the book of Luke, beginning with verse 40. Jesus and his disciples are now back across the lake after being sent away from the people of the Gadarenes. Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue, came to ask Jesus to come to his home. His only daughter was ill to the point of death. On the way there, a woman who had suffered from an issue of blood for many years, and had seen physician after physician with no change in her health, determined that if she could just touch Jesus' clothes all would be well. When she touched the hem of his garment, the flow of blood stopped.
Jesus stopped also. Who touched me? he asked. He knew what had happened and knew that some of his virtue had gone out of him (v46). The woman had tried to hide, because first of all she was simply a woman, and second of all, she was considered unclean and should not have been in public. But Jesus saw her and told her Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Back on the way to Jairus' home, someone came from the house to tell Jairus not to bother with bringing Jesus there; the girl was dead. Jesus told him, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
At Jairus' house he only allowed Peter, James and John, plus the girl's parents inside. He told everyone to stop weeping, she isn't dead. They were scornful of him. But Jesus held the girl's hand and commanded her to arise. Luke tells us in verse 55 that her spirit came again and she arose straightway.
In both instances, with the woman, and with the girl, they were healed with a simple touch. Jairus had faith that Jesus could heal his daughter, and the woman with the issue of blood had faith that just a touch of his garment could make her whole. However, had either of these people stayed home and not approached Jesus, nothing would have happened. They had to step out in faith and do something to get the healing they desired.
Showing posts with label chapter 8. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chapter 8. Show all posts
Monday, December 5, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: The Man Living in the Tombs
Good morning! It is a chilly but beautiful day today. My heart is filled with joy and thanksgiving today even though I really wanted to stay in bed this morning, hee hee! A friend of mine texted this morning and showed me the most beautiful picture of sunrise. I wish I could share it but I'm not very technologically adept. God's artwork always puts a smile on my face though.
Today we are reading Luke's account of the devil possessed man in the country of the Gadarenes, Luke 8:26-39. The poor man did not live at home anymore, but stayed outside of the city in the tombs. He was naked and someone had tried to chain and fetter him, but he had broken the chains. Jesus asked the demon's name, and the devil said Legion. There were many tormenting the man. And they knew who Jesus was. They called him Son of God most high (v28).
Jesus commanded the unclean spirits to come out of him, and they asked to be sent into a herd of swine nearby. Jesus assented and the pigs ended up throwing themselves into the water and drowning. The men who took care of the pigs were frightened. They went into town and told everyone what had happened. When the townspeople came to see, they saw Jesus, and the man who had been possessed of devils for so long was near him, clothed and in his right mind. The people didn't know what to think of all of this, and it scared them. They couldn't get Jesus back on the boat from whence he came fast enough! The man whom Jesus had healed of the unclean spirits wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him no. He was to stay, and go into his home and tell everyone what good things had happened.
We may not all be missionaries to a foreign land, may not be preachers or teachers, but we can teach others where we are. If some do not want to hear the message, continue praying for them but go on to another person. There are many who will hear the message gladly.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
Today we are reading Luke's account of the devil possessed man in the country of the Gadarenes, Luke 8:26-39. The poor man did not live at home anymore, but stayed outside of the city in the tombs. He was naked and someone had tried to chain and fetter him, but he had broken the chains. Jesus asked the demon's name, and the devil said Legion. There were many tormenting the man. And they knew who Jesus was. They called him Son of God most high (v28).
Jesus commanded the unclean spirits to come out of him, and they asked to be sent into a herd of swine nearby. Jesus assented and the pigs ended up throwing themselves into the water and drowning. The men who took care of the pigs were frightened. They went into town and told everyone what had happened. When the townspeople came to see, they saw Jesus, and the man who had been possessed of devils for so long was near him, clothed and in his right mind. The people didn't know what to think of all of this, and it scared them. They couldn't get Jesus back on the boat from whence he came fast enough! The man whom Jesus had healed of the unclean spirits wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him no. He was to stay, and go into his home and tell everyone what good things had happened.
We may not all be missionaries to a foreign land, may not be preachers or teachers, but we can teach others where we are. If some do not want to hear the message, continue praying for them but go on to another person. There are many who will hear the message gladly.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: "Master We Perish"
Good morning! Today we are focusing on just a few verses, Luke 8:19 thorough 25, and there really are two lessons here, but I didn't want to overlook them.
In verse 19 Jesus' mother and brothers had come to see him, but couldn't get to him because there were so many people around. They were able to get word that they wished to see him, and in verse 21 Jesus had this to say: My mother and my brothers are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Now, he wasn't disowning his family nor was he being disrespectful of them. I'm sure he was quite happy to see his family.But he had a teachable moment there and he used it. We as Christians say we are part of the family of God. Jesus told us clearly that his family are those who hear and do. If we know what the bible says and we don't do it, we are wrong. And if we do not read the word then how can we know what we are to do and how we should be living?
And then on another day Jesus and his disciples were in a boat, crossing from one side of the lake to the other. Jesus fell asleep. While he was resting, terrible storms came up, and the boat was tossed about. It began taking on water and everyone knew that this was the end! His disciples woke Jesus, saying, Master we perish! Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the water, and things calmed down immediately. Jesus asked his disciples, Where is your faith? (v25)
When we find ourselves in the midst of a storm, do trust that Jesus is going to take care of us? Or do we panic and worry and start lamenting 'we perish'?
Several years back when we lived in Texas we were part of a congregation that held FBS (Family Bible School rather than calling it Vacation Bible School) each summer, and in conjunction with the lesson them we did a play, doing part each night. One year the study was Noah's Ark. My husband played Japheth and I played his wife. Apparently my character did not have much faith because when Noah told his family there would be a flood, I shrieked "We're all going to die!"
Sometimes when trouble hits, I am just like Jessica, as my character was known. Panic at the drop of a hat. Jesus could very well ask me, Where is your faith?
While it is normal to be concerned when situations arise, but when we worry and fret aren't we essentially telling God, now you step back, I can handle this on my own? When I try that tactic I usually fail miserably and I end up with tummy aches, headaches, and all sorts of problems. If I take a deep breath and realize that I'm supposed to do my job and Jesus is supposed to do his, I'm much calmer. It's not always easy because I don't like giving up control, but I'm learning.
Have a wonderful day.
In verse 19 Jesus' mother and brothers had come to see him, but couldn't get to him because there were so many people around. They were able to get word that they wished to see him, and in verse 21 Jesus had this to say: My mother and my brothers are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Now, he wasn't disowning his family nor was he being disrespectful of them. I'm sure he was quite happy to see his family.But he had a teachable moment there and he used it. We as Christians say we are part of the family of God. Jesus told us clearly that his family are those who hear and do. If we know what the bible says and we don't do it, we are wrong. And if we do not read the word then how can we know what we are to do and how we should be living?
And then on another day Jesus and his disciples were in a boat, crossing from one side of the lake to the other. Jesus fell asleep. While he was resting, terrible storms came up, and the boat was tossed about. It began taking on water and everyone knew that this was the end! His disciples woke Jesus, saying, Master we perish! Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the water, and things calmed down immediately. Jesus asked his disciples, Where is your faith? (v25)
When we find ourselves in the midst of a storm, do trust that Jesus is going to take care of us? Or do we panic and worry and start lamenting 'we perish'?
Several years back when we lived in Texas we were part of a congregation that held FBS (Family Bible School rather than calling it Vacation Bible School) each summer, and in conjunction with the lesson them we did a play, doing part each night. One year the study was Noah's Ark. My husband played Japheth and I played his wife. Apparently my character did not have much faith because when Noah told his family there would be a flood, I shrieked "We're all going to die!"
Sometimes when trouble hits, I am just like Jessica, as my character was known. Panic at the drop of a hat. Jesus could very well ask me, Where is your faith?
While it is normal to be concerned when situations arise, but when we worry and fret aren't we essentially telling God, now you step back, I can handle this on my own? When I try that tactic I usually fail miserably and I end up with tummy aches, headaches, and all sorts of problems. If I take a deep breath and realize that I'm supposed to do my job and Jesus is supposed to do his, I'm much calmer. It's not always easy because I don't like giving up control, but I'm learning.
Have a wonderful day.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea
Good morning! Today we begin chapter 8 of Luke. In this chapter Jesus tells the parable of the sower - some seed landed on rocky soil, some fell among thorns, and some fell on good soil. And some fell by the wayside. Some of us let the seed get trampled before it has a chance to grow. Others start out great, but having no soil take root in --studying, and learning more , the light goes out as quickly as it came in. Still others hear the word joyfully and take root, but the cares of the world choke them out as weeds do in a garden. Then there are those who fall into good soil --they've studied, and continue to study, and pray to take out the weeds or thorns that could choke out the light of God, and they bear fruit. I've greatly paraphrased verses 5 through 18 so I hope you will take the chance to read it for yourself.
I am not a farmer, and I haven't done well with even simple gardening. I do understand that for plants to grow and thrive there must be sunlight, water, and nutrients in the soil. Weeds must be kept at bay as well. My son and I are quite a pair. If I have plants indoors, I tend to forget to water them. J tends to believe they do not belong in the pots and takes them out. Neither of these things are good for plants. Our souls also need TLC in order to grow and thrive. Our souls need good soil -a tender heart with a thirst to know God. We also need Son light. We need to hear and read the word of God, and commit it to memory, and live as closely as we can to his word. We need water and nutrients --this comes by living faithfully, participating in worship and fellowship with other Christians regularly, so that we might encourage and be encouraged, and learn more than just what we might read. We must keep the weeds out as well. When we have a problem, we should be able to go to our Christian brothers and sister for guidance, for assistance, for prayer. And we should be able to go to one another in love --and accept when they come to us in love- to point out something that may be amiss. We do this not because we think we are living better than someone who has fallen, but because we love one another and want others to not miss the opportunity to reach heaven because a sin was ignored blatantly.
I am not a farmer, and I haven't done well with even simple gardening. I do understand that for plants to grow and thrive there must be sunlight, water, and nutrients in the soil. Weeds must be kept at bay as well. My son and I are quite a pair. If I have plants indoors, I tend to forget to water them. J tends to believe they do not belong in the pots and takes them out. Neither of these things are good for plants. Our souls also need TLC in order to grow and thrive. Our souls need good soil -a tender heart with a thirst to know God. We also need Son light. We need to hear and read the word of God, and commit it to memory, and live as closely as we can to his word. We need water and nutrients --this comes by living faithfully, participating in worship and fellowship with other Christians regularly, so that we might encourage and be encouraged, and learn more than just what we might read. We must keep the weeds out as well. When we have a problem, we should be able to go to our Christian brothers and sister for guidance, for assistance, for prayer. And we should be able to go to one another in love --and accept when they come to us in love- to point out something that may be amiss. We do this not because we think we are living better than someone who has fallen, but because we love one another and want others to not miss the opportunity to reach heaven because a sin was ignored blatantly.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: Whom Say Ye That I Am?
While Jesus and his disciples were headed to Caesarea and Philippi, Jesus asked them, Whom do men say that I am? (v27, Mark 8) They answered, some say John the baptist, some say Elijah, some say another prophet. Jesus asked them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answered, Thou art the Christ.
The Christ. The Son of God. The One who gave his life to save us all from our sin, IF we accept the gift on his terms. He is not a mythical man, not "just a man" who gave his life for no good reason, and his name should never be used as a swear word. But each person has to hear the Word and believe all this for him or herself. No one else can drag another person into salvation. That, I believe, is one of the reasons why, in verse 30, Jesus told the disciples to tell no one.
Was he telling them to keep their faith to themselves and not teach others? Certainly not! He had commanded his disciples to teach, just as we today are commanded to go out and teach. But telling others that Jesus is the Christ could possibly have put Jesus' life in danger and it was not yet time for him to die on the cross. And also, as I am thinking, that bit of information needs to come from each person. In the steps to salvation we are to confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 10:10).
Jesus then started letting them know that he would die, and be raised after three days. Peter did not want to hear this. He began to rebuke Jesus for saying such things.
Jesus turned away from him, and toward the other disciples, saying Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of man (v33)
Verses 34 through the end of the chapter, Jesus tells them that following him will not be easy.
Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me. (34)
35. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
36.For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
37. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
38.Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation: of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
What do our words, our actions, our lives say about us? Are we proclaiming the Word, or are we ashamed to let others know where we stand?
:
The Christ. The Son of God. The One who gave his life to save us all from our sin, IF we accept the gift on his terms. He is not a mythical man, not "just a man" who gave his life for no good reason, and his name should never be used as a swear word. But each person has to hear the Word and believe all this for him or herself. No one else can drag another person into salvation. That, I believe, is one of the reasons why, in verse 30, Jesus told the disciples to tell no one.
Was he telling them to keep their faith to themselves and not teach others? Certainly not! He had commanded his disciples to teach, just as we today are commanded to go out and teach. But telling others that Jesus is the Christ could possibly have put Jesus' life in danger and it was not yet time for him to die on the cross. And also, as I am thinking, that bit of information needs to come from each person. In the steps to salvation we are to confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 10:10).
Jesus then started letting them know that he would die, and be raised after three days. Peter did not want to hear this. He began to rebuke Jesus for saying such things.
Jesus turned away from him, and toward the other disciples, saying Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of man (v33)
Verses 34 through the end of the chapter, Jesus tells them that following him will not be easy.
Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me. (34)
35. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
36.For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
37. Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
38.Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation: of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
What do our words, our actions, our lives say about us? Are we proclaiming the Word, or are we ashamed to let others know where we stand?
:
Friday, October 7, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: Feeding Four Thousand
We are now in chapter 8 of Mark. Once again Jesus has been teaching the multitudes. They have been with Jesus and the disciples for three days, and they have no food. Jesus had compassion on them and asked the disciples to feed them. They came up with seven loaves of bread and a few small fishes. Jesus blessed the food and the disciples distributed it to the four thousand men. After everyone had eaten, the leftovers were picked up. Seven baskets were filled with what was left. Jesus then sent the people on their way.
Jesus and his disciples entered into a ship and headed to Dalmanutha. The Pharisees there came to him and wanted to test him, asking for a sign. Jesus answered, Why does this generation always ask for signs? You aren't going to get a sign (v12). And he left, back onto a boat.
Jesus warned his disciples to beware the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. He was warning them of false doctrine, but because they had forgotten to bring bread on this journey, they thought Jesus was speaking of bread!
How is it you don't understand? He asked (v21). He reminded them of the two times they had fed the multitudes, how everyone was fed and there was food left over. He wanted them to see that they had the answers right in front of them if they would just open their eyes and pay attention. While we don't have Jesus himself walking with us and teaching us directly, we do have his teachings right here with us. If we are open to the truth and read for ourselves, we will know when someone is teaching falsely and can avoid them.
Jesus and his disciples entered into a ship and headed to Dalmanutha. The Pharisees there came to him and wanted to test him, asking for a sign. Jesus answered, Why does this generation always ask for signs? You aren't going to get a sign (v12). And he left, back onto a boat.
Jesus warned his disciples to beware the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. He was warning them of false doctrine, but because they had forgotten to bring bread on this journey, they thought Jesus was speaking of bread!
How is it you don't understand? He asked (v21). He reminded them of the two times they had fed the multitudes, how everyone was fed and there was food left over. He wanted them to see that they had the answers right in front of them if they would just open their eyes and pay attention. While we don't have Jesus himself walking with us and teaching us directly, we do have his teachings right here with us. If we are open to the truth and read for ourselves, we will know when someone is teaching falsely and can avoid them.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
A Morning Cup of Tea: He Spoke Just a Word
Good morning! How has your weekend been? Are you preparing for morning worship service? I will be in just a few minutes. Everyone has slept late this morning, which is rare on any day lately.
Today we are discussing chapter 8. Jesus has come down from the mountain and he has begun healing people. A leper worshiped him and Jesus healed him. But he said something curious to the man. Matthew 8:4. And Jesus saith unto him, See that thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. I'm guessing at this point he wanted to keep things fairly quiet.
In Capernaum a centurion approached him about healing a sick servant. Jesus was willing to to the centurion's home, but he said that he wasnt worthy that Jesus should do that. Just say the word and it would be done. Jesus praised his faith. (vv 5-13)
Jesus healed Peter's mother in law (v14,15) and cast out devils. Many people are following him during this time, and Jesus got into a boat to go to another place. Jesus slept while a storm brewed. His disciples woke him up because they were sure they were all going to die on the sea. Jesus spoke and the wind and the sea died down. How amazing would it be to see a man who could just speak and the water and wind obey? His followers are just beginning to see what a great man Jesus really is.
Once they reached the country of the Gergesenes they come upon two men who were possessed by devils. The devils themselves recognized who Jesus was. (v.29) "And they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee,, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?"
Even the devils knew who Jesus was! Did you notice that they asked if he was going to torment them before the time? They knew their fate. Simply acknowledging who Jesus is would not and did not save them from an eternity in hell.
They asked to be cast into a herd of pigs and that is where Jesus let them go. The hogs then drowned in the sea. Just who is this man who can heal the sick and cast out devils with just a word? Even the devils knew the answer to that : the Son of God.
Today we are discussing chapter 8. Jesus has come down from the mountain and he has begun healing people. A leper worshiped him and Jesus healed him. But he said something curious to the man. Matthew 8:4. And Jesus saith unto him, See that thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. I'm guessing at this point he wanted to keep things fairly quiet.
In Capernaum a centurion approached him about healing a sick servant. Jesus was willing to to the centurion's home, but he said that he wasnt worthy that Jesus should do that. Just say the word and it would be done. Jesus praised his faith. (vv 5-13)
Jesus healed Peter's mother in law (v14,15) and cast out devils. Many people are following him during this time, and Jesus got into a boat to go to another place. Jesus slept while a storm brewed. His disciples woke him up because they were sure they were all going to die on the sea. Jesus spoke and the wind and the sea died down. How amazing would it be to see a man who could just speak and the water and wind obey? His followers are just beginning to see what a great man Jesus really is.
Once they reached the country of the Gergesenes they come upon two men who were possessed by devils. The devils themselves recognized who Jesus was. (v.29) "And they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee,, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?"
Even the devils knew who Jesus was! Did you notice that they asked if he was going to torment them before the time? They knew their fate. Simply acknowledging who Jesus is would not and did not save them from an eternity in hell.
They asked to be cast into a herd of pigs and that is where Jesus let them go. The hogs then drowned in the sea. Just who is this man who can heal the sick and cast out devils with just a word? Even the devils knew the answer to that : the Son of God.
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