Jesus was transfigured before them

Mark 9:1-13

“Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.”

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.

Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”

Why?

Elijah is the prophet and Moses is the Law, Jesus is the Son of the Lord. both are different roles for human beings. 

Peter and John were chosen to see heaven the listened to the voice of the Lord, so they have more important than the other disciples.

One more thing to prove that Jesus is the Son of the Lord.

Elijah here means the John Baptist, and Jesus mentioned that he will suffer and be rejected, and raising from the dead.

All of these words will come true and they will understand what Jesus said.

How?

Can I listen to the word of the Lord? Or I am doing what I wanted? Be aware of this!

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Mark 8:27-38

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah". Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Why?

At that time Messia means a king, like Satan tested Jesus you may be king in this world. But Jesus is not the king as they thought, Jesus is king to sacrifice himself and serve all sinners. Jesus is the king to conquer evil. So Jesus asked them don't tell anyone, the time has not come.

To be disciples of Jesus must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Jesus this is not a law, But this is an action of faith in Jesus. We have to say no to many things in this world. Reject our personal desire and devote ourselves to following Jesus. It maybe not suffering but it is the training of our faith.

How?

Self-sacrifice is the target of our life as real Christians face every day.

預備等候主再來：彼得前4:7-10

預備等候主再來

宋先惠長老   蘭雅禮拜堂 

彼 得 前 書, 4:7 - 萬 物 的 結 局 近 了 ． 所 以 你 們 要 謹 慎 自 守 、 儆 醒 禱 告 。

彼 得 前 書, 4:8 - 最 要 緊 的 是 彼 此 切 實 相 愛 ． 因 為 愛 能 遮 掩 許 多 的 罪 。

彼 得 前 書, 4:9 - 你 們 要 互 相 款 待 、 不 發 怨 言 ．

彼 得 前 書, 4:10 - 各 人 要 照 所 得 的 恩 賜 彼 此 服 事 、 作神 百 般 恩 賜 的 好 管 家 ．

彼 得 前 書, 4:11-若有講道的，要按著神的聖言講；若有服事人的，要按著神所賜的力量服事，叫神在凡事上因耶穌基督得榮耀

彼 得 後 書, 3:14 - 親 愛 的 弟 兄 阿 、 你 們 既 盼 望 這 些 事 、 就 當 殷 勤 、 使 自 己 沒 有 玷 污 、 無 可 指 摘 、 安 然 見 主 。 這事是指耶穌再來的事。

我們信耶穌基本的真理是否弄清楚?人生觀、生死觀、價值觀都改變

稱義，成義，成聖生活沒有就不要想進神的國

萬物的結局： 主要再來的日子  受洗時說相信，但是真的聽進去了嗎？聖經從來沒有要我們去算何時來。主一定會再來。

三個準備：1)謹慎自守，警醒禱告 2)彼此切實相愛 3)所得的恩賜彼此服事，作神百般恩賜的好管家

1)成聖，得勝的基督徒：謹慎自守警醒禱告，週一到週五有五個小三能夠進神的國嗎？

2)緊接著第二個是：彼此切實相愛：不能只做魯賓遜式生活只愛狗，互相款待、不發怨 言:與人沒有往來，不定別人的罪，我們沒有權利定人罪。凡事總以為虧欠人。像僕人一樣服事人。

好教會的特色就是「是否有愛?」

3)第三個預備是用神百般恩賜做神的好管家： 

舉兩個例子

若有講道的

若服事人的恩賜

屬靈恩賜有三大類

功用性恩賜：蒙恩得救後神給每個人都有的，以後神要審問的。禱告不算恩賜

職務性恩賜：近來有限有些教會高舉自己，使徒、先知管理教會，沒有耶穌了

超然性恩賜：智慧言語，說方言，說預言

功能性恩賜：

  腓利比書：帶領人信主

  太五：八福，準備進神國的

近來許多教會沒有重視如何帶領弟兄姊妹準備進神的國

傳道人要讓弟兄姊妹有活動，還是要讓弟兄姐妹有活力。許多活動與進神的國沒有關係，就是浪費弟兄姊妹生命。

重生得救後最重要是如何進入愛子的國度，我是否每天已經準備好?

黃子嘉強調：基督徒稱義，成義，得榮耀

林道亮院長強調：得救、成聖、得贖

神會保守是神的責任，但是我要保守自己是我的責任。保守自己遠離罪惡！我們自己犯罪不能說神沒有保守我。

彼後4:11這一切既然都要如此銷化，你們為人該當怎樣聖潔，怎樣敬虔，

彼後4:14親愛的弟兄啊，你們既盼望這些事，就當殷勤，使自己沒有玷污，無可指摘，安然見主

犯罪與愛世界就是得罪神，玷污自己。傳道人面對愛世界的基督徒沒有辦法。罪： 該做的沒有做，不該做的做了，該求的沒有求，不該求的求了，就是罪

帖撒羅尼迦前書, 4:3 - 神的旨意就是要你們成為聖潔、遠避淫行 。得救還不夠，要成聖。這裏只指出一個例子：淫行。犯這個罪你會向傳道、長老報告嗎？

近十年，教會淫亂罪多，對教會殺傷力很大。弟兄常有，最近姊妹也有！帶淫亂的罪還摸神的工。犯這兩樣罪神就不用 1)貪財 2)淫行   一位80歲牧師犯淫亂罪，一位90歲神學院長犯淫亂罪。不要遇見試探，自己不要進入試探！常常謹慎自守！

得救只是開始，要愛神愛人，一定要謙卑！

不要只把耶穌拉到地上，耶穌要你跟隨他，你願意嗎？教會聖靈充滿大復興嗎？如果沒有人願意委身給教會、給神那裏有復興?

生命要成聖！委身給神！

Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod

Mark 8:11-26

The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.

“Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” 

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?

They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.”

Why?

The Pharisees came and questioned Jesus for a sign from heaven, they didn't believe so they had this question. The sign is not important but our eyes can see and our minds can understand. If we have original minds then it is hard to listen to the word of Jesus.

Jesus healed the eyes of a blind man, he brought him out of the village, and after the healing, he told this man to go home and don't go into the village. 

Healing is what people needed, but more important repenting from our sins and getting a new life from Jesus is the main mission of Jesus.

The yeast of the Pharisees is focused on the way to the laws but forgot the meaningful target of the Laws.

How?

What I am focusing on in my faith and daily life? Do I want to get the prises of men or the prise of the Lord?

The faith of a Syrophoenician woman

Mark 7:24-8:10

“First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”  “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”  Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”

After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”).  At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

“How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. 

The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away, he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.

Why?

Jesus healed the deaf and mute man,  1) took him aside away from the crowd. 2) then Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears and touched the man's tongue,  3)Jesus looked up to heaven and said to him. 

Jesus can heal every sickness or draw demons away and satisfy 4000 men eating. Who can do it for a man? So Jesus is not a teacher or prophet but he is the son of God.

The Spiritual work is working in a silent environment, so as we keep a closer relationship with the Lord have to away from the crowd.

Maybe Jesus is testing the faith of the Greek woman, so he said to the woman's daughter as a dog. But the faith of this woman is so strong, so the healing may be across the distance.

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外邦人又是婦女地位很低，與文士，法利賽人比較更是如此。地位高的人被責備，人看來地位低的，反而先領受神的恩典。兒女指的是猶太人，狗指的是外邦人。這是猶太人人的看法，不是耶穌的看法，這也是救恩臨到的順序，這個婦人很謙卑，自知自己不配！神的恩典大到如一點碎屑就可以將鬼趕走。

通常耶穌醫治人沒有那麼多動作，但是耶穌沒有按照這人的要求做！人不能說因為人不會聽！聾子不能說因為聽不到所以不會講。人不聽就不會講。神要人宣揚多是趕鬼的事，宣揚權柄的事，醫治的事通常耶穌不要人宣揚！

這次是耶穌問門徒有多少餅?不能只是做分配奉獻的人，自己也要奉獻。上次有12籃子，這次剩7個框子，7代表完全，猶太人有12個支派，7個是要給萬邦萬族。這個外邦婦人的信心，使萬國萬族也得到福音。

----------------------

How?

The healing of the Lord sometimes goes through touch, sometimes across space. The way of healing from the Lord is free and no rule to follow.

Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them

Mark 7:1-23

The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 

So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. “‘

Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” 

“What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

Why?

The Pharisees and teachers of the law checked the disciples of Jesus against the law of  Moses, But the reality is they worship the Lors in vain, and their teachings are merely human rules.

So am I worshiping the Lord in ceremony only? Attending worship in church, and reading the bible every morning, Do these become my habit, Do my heart and mind and behavior show to honor the Lord?

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所信的是信仰還是教條?

這個律法不是真正摩西的律法，猶太人立了許多別的規矩。他們為了行摩西律法而定出許多施行細則，結果成了猶大法典！內容比摩西的律法多好幾倍！

人驕傲的本性，想要做給人看，動機不是真正愛神，而是為了更多他想要的東西、恩典。這是行為主義，靠著自己的努力得到更多的益處。因此看重外表。洗手洗腳為了怕沾染不潔淨東西。人因為罪性，所做出來的惡事。人常用神的吩咐做藉口，掩蓋自己的惡行。

人總是可以「自圓其說」，鑽律法的漏洞。人的問題在於人心。我們要常常去思想這是我們個人的想法，還是來自神的心意?

潔淨與聖潔，不同於也有乾淨。

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How?

I need to check and repent myself, let my heart and my mind closer to the Lord and honor the Lord!

Jesus walks on the lake

Mark 6:45-56

Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Why?

Jesus still keeps a little for himself to pray, So praying to every Christian and keeping myself calm down is an important things.
Jesus many walks on the lake, it makes his disciples afraid for they thought how can a man can walk on water. But Jesus is the son of the Lord, they didn't know Jesus. Even though Jesus has let over five thousand men eat. And their heart was hardened, and Jesus pointed out their problem.

After these events, the crowd came from everywhere, for they thought touch even the edge of Jesus' cloak they will be healed.

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五千人吃飽，好像重演以色列人在曠野中的經歷，耶穌在水上行走很像摩西帶領以色列人過紅海。五年人吃飽卻是讓許多人經歷到的神蹟。經過此事後門徒對耶穌的信心是否增長?

為什麼耶穌要在海面行走，不是一下子到船上?因為海代表危險之地，代表耶穌勝過人的擔憂，勝過人以為的危險。海也因為耶穌的緣故有如陸地一般穩定。耶穌即使沒有在船上，一樣平靜風浪。神做事，人不明白，我們以為神在攔阻我們，其實是神讓我們更多經歷祂！

我們雖然不明白，但是耶穌還是愛我們，憐憫我們！有一天我們會明白神的用心良苦！

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How?

Jesus is the Lord, he is the son of the Lord with the human body and God's power and Spirit.

He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd

Mark 6:30-44

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages[e]! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.

Why?

Because many people come so Jesus and his disciples did not have a chance to eat, so they went to a quiet place to get some rest.

People has their problem and request so they still followed Jesus. And Jesus has compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So as many people now in my living place.

Jesus made a miracle that transformed Five loaves and two fishes to feed 5 thousand men. Jesus can do anything, for he is the son of the Lord.

Jesus had compassion on them, so we should have compassion on everyone around me like Jesus for they are like sheep without a shepherd.

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5000人吃飽前：門徒去傳福音很有成果！門徒很興奮！耶穌卻沒有回應，暗暗的去曠野休息。有很好的成果要去休息，安靜下來面對神不要沉溺於成果中。

凡來找耶穌的，耶穌必不叫他們失望！不是先給他們吃飯而是先對他們講道，憐憫他們。門徒卻要他們散開自己買東西吃，門徒看見一群麻煩的人，耶穌看見一群迷失的羊沒有牧人。門徒提出質疑，需要20兩銀子(相當於8個月當時 工資）他們沒有辦法負擔。門徒認為於我無關。耶穌看我們有什麼?看我們就算有也沒有用！神問摩西有什麼?牧羊人的杖，神可以做有的發揮無限的影響力。還有一個重點：門徒要去傳遞超過的功效！神要使用我們的手去傳遞，愈分享悠多。每次分出去，都是冒險，要有信心，也是神蹟！彼得要跨出一步才能在水面上行走。以利亞的寡婦要先給以利亞呢吃，這是要冒險的。1)神的供應，不會剛剛好，分到最後一個人就沒有了，而且有餘，門徒不用為自己留一些。2)收集零碎是神給的小神蹟，每次的神蹟小外的，疊積起來很多。3)屬靈的原則是愈分享，愈多。不分享只有五餅二魚，分享出去更多。

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How?

Jesus is love so let me be a real Christian to love the others around me.

Jesus is whom

 Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying,[b] “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!

Finally, the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. When the daughter of[d] Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.

On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Why?

People said who Jesus is, but no one exactly said it correctly. Actually, Jesus has many identities, everyone has different spiritual experiences so we have different images of Jesus Christ. 

Herod killed Baptist John, so he thought Jesus is the John raised from the dead. Actually, Jesus will raise from the dead.

How?

What is my relationship with Jesus? My savior, my Lord, my king, my helper, and my best friend.

Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two

Mark 6:7-13

Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. 

These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Why?

Go out two by two, can help each other and warm up their heart and work together has more power to preach Gospel.

Take nothing for the journey except a staff, disciple went out to serve people so the people welcome them and provide them their needs. So as the minister or pastor now in the church to serve brothers and sisters and accept provide from the church.

They went out to preach the message of repentance. And heal them the sicks of body and spirit.

How?

Work together to preach the gospel, when people reject us we won't lose our faith, and shaking the dust off our feet means they have to take their own responsibility for the sins.

A prophet without honor in his own town

 Mark 6:1-6

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Why?

People in Jesus's hometown, they knew Jesus but even though they heard many miracles and gave amazing teaching, they refused to trust Jesus, they wonder about his identity. They don't believe Him.

Their original idea limited their mind and lose the chance to be saved.

Even Jesus preached the gospel but still many people refused to believe, so as we preach the gospel many people don't believe it is a normal situation. Do not subset or distress about our work, It is the power of the Lord. we do our responsibility.

How?

This the world most people don't like Jesus, but the sick need doctor! Only humble men need Jesus.

Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering

Mark 5:21-43

Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. 

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”  Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him.

He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Why?
Jesus did a miracle among the people, and because of the faith of this flooding woman, her sick was healed.

Jesus is the source of life, only Jesus can give life and save our life. The synagogue leaders Jairu and the woman have faith that Jesus can solve their problem. 

All of Christians have eternal life, even getting older and dead, it is the body in this world, our spiritual life will return to the home of Jesus in Heaven.

How?

How wonderful to everyone who trusts in Jesus and has faith to follow Him, Keep our way with Jesus and doing good witness is our mission in this world.

What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?

 Mark 5:1-20

When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Why?

To those who refuse Jesus said "What do you want with me? " But all of the spirits know Jesus is the Son of the Most High God. 

Jesus did not allow this free man to go along with him but told him to go home to his own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for him, and how he has had mercy on them. This is our mission in the world either after we repented our sins and accepted Jesus as our Lord, We are a new people of the Lord, and every Christain is the servant of the Lord, but doing the witness in our home, in our living environment to witness the mercy of the Lord on us.

How?

Tell people how much the Lord has done for me and how he has had mercy on me.

Jesus calmed down the storm

 Mark 4:35-41

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”  Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Why?

Jesus knew under the storm this boat will be safe, but the disciples are afraid and worry why Jesus still sleeping on a cushion.

Jesus spoke Quiet! Be still, then the wind died down and his disciples are afraid of Jesus because they didn't know who Jesus is, they thought Jesus is a great teacher. But it seems out of their mind.

Jesus is the Lord so we can trust in Him, and our life is in hands of the Lord! Worship the Lord and believe in Jesus, so we may have eternal life. Life in this world is short.

How?

No one like Him, Jesus Christ, for he is the son of the Lord! 

The lamp on stand and parable of the seed

Mark 4:21-34

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? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
This is what the kingdom of God is like.  the Growing Seed, the mustard seed.

As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.

Why?

Jesus is the light of life, so we should be like the light on the stand shining the light in this world. 

Consider carefully what you hear? Yes, I should make this and it is my warning. 

Heaven will come and has it time, this time is in hands of the Lord. Who will be saved and who can do more things are under the time of the Lord. And our job is to do our best to shine the light in this world.

How?

Consider what I hear? and do my best to be a lighting stand.

The Parable of the Sower

 Mark 4:1-20

He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,  and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’

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.

Why?

Jesus preached so many teaching, but most people do not understand. Most people like miracles. But more important is to get eternal life.

How?

Am I a good soil of Gospel? I have to humble myself and listen to the words of the Lord, then I could be good soil of the teaching from the Lord.

How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand

Mark 3:20-35

When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” 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.”

“How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come.  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. Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

“Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

Why?

The crowd gathered around Jesus because they want to be healed their sick and solve their problem. But Jesus came to save us from sin is the first priority, next is to love people, heal their sick, drive out Satan, 

Jesus explained that he is not come from Satan, for a kingdom of Satan will be divided. Jesus can drive satan for he came from heaven.

For Jesus is the savior, so whoever does God's will is brother and sister and mother of Jesus. We are a family of the Lord. This is a new identity in Spirit.

How?

Jesus is the Lord, and through Jesus we could be a family of the Lord. Trust Him and believe Him and obey His commands.

Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?

Mark 3:1-19

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.

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 completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.

Why?

The Pharisees look who was against the Law, but Jesus looks who need be healed and needed love.

Different consideration has different behavior, so as our heart and mind decide our behavior.

Jesus knew his time is limited so he chose 12 disciples to preach gospel to this world.

How?

Jesus is the son of the Lord.  The word are dead, but the love and Spirit may live. 

I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins

 Mark 2:1-22

Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 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. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

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? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 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!”

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.

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 answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.

Why?

All these miracles show or prove that Jesus is the son of God. Jesus has authority on earth to forgive sins. Jesus is our savior, only those who knew I am a sinner need Jesus, so only the sinner need Jesus. like not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

Jesus is the Lord so when he was on the earth, there is no fast to him. bur after he raise up to heaven, Christians need to fast.

How?

Jesus came for us all the sinners, for Jesus loves me through his blood to save me.

I know who you are—the Holy One of God! The impure spirit knew.

Mark 1:21-45

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “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!”

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.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

The whole town gathered at the door, 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.

If you are willing, you can make me clean. Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 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.

Why?

Jesus is the Holy on of God! The impure spirit knew, but people do not know Him.

People knew Jesus can heal the sick and heal them, his reaching has authority.

The leprosy man is humble and said to Jesus if you are willing, you can make me clean. This is our prayer to the Lord either. 

Jesus did so many things but Jesus still obey the command of the Laws. He asked the leprosy man after clean should go to the priest and offer the sacrifices.

How?
More important is our behavior before the Lord, humble is the basic in our life.

I will send you out to fish for people. At once they left their nets and followed him

Mark 1:16-20

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Why?

Simon, Andrew, James, and John followed Jesus at once and didn't know the word of the Lord.

It does not need any reason, but trust in Jesus and follow Him. Just as Jesus called them. Followed him, then your will fish for people.

They followed Jesus without delay, usually, we will delay or prepare something, but they reacted soon.

How?

Trust in Jesus and following Jesus is the way to our eternal life.

He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan

Mark 1:9-15

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 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. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Why?

Jesus was born as a human so he accepted baptized by John in the Jordan. So the same everyone who trusts in Jesus should follow Jesus to be baptized.

Even Jesus was sent into the wilderness and tempted by Satan, so we should correctly look at our trouble and distress, all of these are allowed by the Lord, to let our spiritual life may grow up.

Jesus proclaim the gospel after John Baptist was put in prison, for they are not a competition but the mission from the Lord in different steps.

How?

Positive face any difficulty in our daily life, but enjoy the peace from Jesus in our hearts.