i am not a big fan of tradition when it is solely taking place for tradition’s sake [even if the original meaning and intention might have been good but has been lost or watered down along the way] but there are some traditions which are rich and full of life [baptism, communion, a family that eats together etc] that are incredible.
Join me as I look at Mark 7.1-13:
[to return to the intro page and gain access to the whole series so far, click here.]
Jesus has just fed a crowd of more than 5000 people using one child’s lunch so how does He follow that up? By slowing things down and spending time with His Father, feeding His soul and replenishing His batteries… after which He is right back at it as He catches up with His crew by taking a stroll on the lake to meet them…
Come and take a listen as we read Mark 6 verse 45 to 56
[to read the next passage on The Traditions of man vs. The things of God, click here]
When trying to feed a big gathering of people, it is normally essential that you plan way in advance and consider things like seating, table settings, courses of food, what time the function will start, who has been invited and the like…
Jesus decides to skip all that by throwing an impromptu crowd feeding… did i mention that He attempts this without food? [Don't worry, He passes the buck to His disciples - "You feed them."]
and that by no food i mean some bread, a little fish…
did i mention there were over 5000 people?
yes, we know the story, but is there something to learn from it? something new perhaps or maybe just a reinforcement of what we already now.
well, let’s go see – reading from Mark 6 verse 30-44
[to see the next passage where Jesus walks on the water, click here]
Rule number 1 when trying to keep your head attached to your body – don’t piss off the king.
More importantly, do not piss him off directly to his face by telling him exactly how you think he is publically sinning.
If you do happen to inadvertently do that, be sure to be interesting enough when talking about God and life and the kingdom that he will keep you around out of curiosity and actually start enjoying your conversations.
Then really hold thumbs that when he throws that big party on the weekend he is going to stay far away from the booze, cos you know when he starts drinking what happens to his tongue…
But unfortunately we know how that story ended, but hopefully there is a thing or two we can learn from it…
Join me as i take a walk through Mark 6 verse 14-29
[click here to read about Jesus feeding the crowd without any, or much, food...]
there is a great principle of ministry that you can see glimpses of in the life of Jesus:
Teacher does, pupils watch.
Teacher does, pupils are involved and do it with Him.
Pupils do and teacher watches.
Pupils do by themselves and report back to teacher.
Then later the pupils find their own pupils and the whole scenario begins again.
[to move on to the next story where John loses his head, click here]
this passage is a semi well-known one where Jesus speaks about a prophet in their own town not being welcomed or recognised – i decided to take a look at the aspect of potential which i saw hidden in here…
Join me as i look at Mark chapter 6 verse 1 to 5
[to continue to the next passage where Jesus sends the disciples out to try the stuff, click here]
the journey through the book of Mark continues and this next passage is a little longer but contains two powerful stories and i am just going to pull one or two points out of them. they illustrate one of the most powerful lessons tbV and i learnt from our time with the Simple Way – namely that of making space for the interruption.
join me as i look at Mark chapter 5 vs 21 to 43
[to take a look at the next passage dealing with a prophet in his own town, click here]
Loves God. Loves people. Follows Jesus.
Married to the Beautiful Val. Owner of No_bob.
Faithful In Serving Him. Coffee Appreciator. Humourist.
Mash potato lover. raiSIN hater.
And much more...
