From Cana to the Cross - The Cost of Compassion - Feb 12 2012
Mark 6
Full Post >>Mark 3:20-35 shows us that the relationship with God we seek can only be attained through God’s plan and God’s person. In this world of pluralism and tolerance, the Bible’s claim that Jesus is the ONLY way (exclusivism) is not tolerated. In Mark 3, we see two attitudes toward Jesus—two groups of people question Jesus’ plan and authority. First, his mother and his family question his plan, then the scribes question his authority. This causes Jesus to question their relationship with God and with Him. Jesus speaks to the scribes in parables, and then accuses them of slander. The ultimate lesson he had for them, however, is that there is no other person—Jesus is the Messiah and they can expect no one else. This is the lesson for us as well. Our human expectation is that we’ve got to ‘fix’ something or ‘do’ something, but we need to hear that Jesus has done what we could never do. We can’t come to God with a plan for him to carry out, we should be seeking His plan, His leading, and His ways. Are you acting like a Mary or the Scribes towards God’s plan? If you are, Jesus’ response here is for you. He is the only way to a restored, forgiven relationship with God. There is no other way and there is no other person!
Full Post >>God’s redemptive work is happening all around us. John 4:1-43 shows us how the Samaritan woman experienced it. She almost missed it—she put up several barriers towards God’s work: a cultural/social barrier, and a physical/worldly barrier. Jesus breaks through these barriers to show his redemptive work in her life. The disciples missed this work—they were too focused on food. This focus caused them to miss the very thing that God was trying to do. The townspeople were attracted by God’s redemptive work. The Samaritan woman told them her story—and it had power! We must identify and remove any barriers to experiencing the joy of God’s redemptive work.
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