Author: Aaron Hufty

Re: Verse reading–Mark 14:43-52; 15:1-15 (day two) Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me…14:49

The same men who would stand on the street corners and pray loudly so that all could hear them and marvel at their knowledge of the scriptures are the ones who would sneak around and capture Jesus at night away from those crowds. These are the men who would loudly toss their coins into the offering in order to make as much noise and thereby indicate how much they gave. These who would seek Jesus’ life were politically savvy, and they understood public opinion. What they wanted the people to see, they did openly, loudly, with conviction. What they didn’t want the public to see was done in cover of darkness.

Be honest, where do we sin the most? Out in front of everyone? Not likely. Most of us know how best to hide our sins from the world. How did these actions turn out for those who sought to get rid of Jesus? For Judas? We all have business to do with Jesus, deal with him while you can.

Re: Verse reading–Mark 14:12-31 (day two) After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. vs 26

For as long as I can remember I have been haunted by this verse. Both Matthew and Mark Jesus singing with his disciples. There it is stuck between the Supper and the Garden. Why is it so important? What can be gained from this part of the story? This was the final moment that the eleven remaining disciples would be together with Jesus before the cross and his visit to them post-resurrection. The final act in this final gathering was to sing. They sang not as an obligation or as a function of their “ritual.” There is strength to be gained from corporate worship. Jesus, knowing what was before him, requested that they sing together, and in that picture of worship there is unity, power, and strength.

If Jesus, who would go on to endure the cross, would choose to sing before having to face it alone why wouldn’t you? If Jesus models for us how we are to face life’s challenges, then shouldn’t we all line up to sing together before we face the storm? I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to worship this week!

Re: Verse reading–Mark 11:12-33 (day two)  And He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a robbers’ den.”  vs. 17

The picture above was taken in Maryville, Missouri where I attended Northwest Missouri State University. During my first years at school this convent was sold to the state to become a part of the corrections department. Every time I read this story of Jesus clearing the temple I picture this place that was a literal depiction of Jesus’ words. It doesn’t have to be this concrete to be true, however. God has called all of us to holiness, and we fill it up with our own desires and sin. Do you really want him to come in and cast you out? Seek him while he may be found, do business with God and return to prayer.

Re: Verse reading–Mark 10: 32-45 (day two) 

And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him…vs. 32b (emphasis added)

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His [life a ransom for many.” vs. 45

When you learn something new or shocking you often miss many of the details on your first hearing. Jesus wanted to be sure that his disciples knew what was about to take place. When they would reflect on these moments later they would understand more clearly what Jesus was asking of them. For now, however, they focused on themselves. If this must happen, then I want to be on your right hand. In chapter 8, Jesus rebukes Peter’s challenge of the events that must take place. In chapter 10 he reminds them all of what he came to do. What we are to do while we still have breath. We are to serve. If our focus is on heave, then it must be on the work. We are here to serve others and show Christ’s love, just as he did.

O land of rest, for thee I sigh! When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by, And Dwell in peace at home
We’ll work till Jesus comes, we’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes, And we’ll be gathered home

Re:Verse reading–Mark 9:14-29 (day two) And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” vs. 29

Take time to be holy, Let Him be thy guide, And run not before Him whatever betide

This verse from the much loved hymn speaks volumes to each of us who are seeking after God’s will. Whatever your assignment, whether vocational or avocational, Jesus has called each of us to play some part of kingdom building. With so many gifts and resources it can be very exciting to stand on the precipice of a program or a calling and dive right in, only to realize in our excitement we somehow forgot to pray. We got ahead of God. Likely this was not our intent, but even with our best intentions we can never run ahead of his plan and timing. Take time, set yourself apart, and do nothing without prayer.

Re:Verse reading–Mark 8:27-38 (day two) “But who do you say that I am?” vs. 29b

In our reading last week Jesus condemned the Pharisees for saying things with their lips, but having a heart far from him (7:6). This week we read of a more personal encounter with his disciple. Those who know Jesus, who read about him, worship him, and place our hope in him; who do we say that he is? When asked to give an account for the savior, what is your answer. There is no equivocating. He either is or isn’t the Christ. Our hearts must be turned to him, and what flows from our mouths must reflect that dependency on Jesus. Check your heart, and let your praise flow.

Re:Verse reading – Mark 7:1-23 (day two) After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man.” Vs. 14-15

Have you ever considered that the law is good? Most of us just think of it as a necessary nuisance. In the spiritual sense it serves to point out that we are all flawed sinners. But the Jews observe several ceremonial laws that served them well. The need for hygiene in the ancient world was not widely understood. The idea of cleaning your body, your cookware, and your utensils likely did more to help the general health of the population that was ever clearly understood in the ancient world. These laws served a purpose, but like most things after time people have a way of focusing on the minutiae and they forget the intent. If, as we follow the law it beocomes only about following orders and it does nothing to bring glory to God, then our motivation should be re-examined. We don’t follow the ceremonial laws of ancient Israel, but there are areas of our lives that could stand some scrutiny. Why do you pray the way you do? How do you treat your family, strangers, the lost?

Re:Verse reading– Mark 6:1-13 (day two) 

“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? ” vs. 2b

Going home can be rough. Perhaps you are experiencing that this holiday season. Often when we go back to the place where we grew up, surrounded by the people we knew it can be like we are playing a part that we’ve been playing for decades. Arguments that have never been resolved. Truths that have never been told. This is due, in part, to how others view us. We are forever that 16 year-old kid that kept making poor decisions.

When I was a teacher and I would hear my students talk about politics, world events, or give some commentary on culture I often found it amusing but, just as often, dismissed it as youthful ignorance. As those same students left, went to college, had families and careers their voice began to have a ring of wisdom, but my first reaction was to hear them as a high school student, not a lawyer, teacher, political consultant, or frankly as an adult.

I have been on both sides of this parable. I have gone home and been dismissed, and I have readily dismissed those that I couldn’t imagine as anything other than a child. Where are you on the spectrum? Where was Jesus? How did he react? He continued healing, he sent disciples out with instructions to teach, heal, and move on if need be. Let’s listen better. Let’s give honor where it is due.

Re:Verse reading– Mark 5:1-20 (day two) 

Seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before Him. Vs 6

It strikes me to read of this reaction by evil (demons) toward Jesus. How did Legion recognize the Son of God? Was Jesus so pure, so radiant that he was instantly recognized? What does that say about us? When evil looks at us what is the reaction? Oh, look here, a sympathetic soul. Or, He’s been down this road before this should’nt be difficult. How about, Hey, this guys on our team already. We are not Jesus, but don’t we want to live a life that make evil beg for mercy when we are around? I’d much rather be an unyielding force than an easy target. Pray for God’s strength to fill you in those places that are prone to get you into trouble. Anger, fear, lust – actively give those to Jesus each day, and let evil deal with him rather than you. A herd of pigs might not appreciate it, but you certainly will.

Re:Verse reading Mark 3: 20-35 (day two) 

“And He came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal.” Vs. 20

I took the day off today. It was a big weekend. There was lots going on, and I spent a lot of time preparing and presenting Christmas at First. I don’t often take a personal day, but I did today. Maybe that is why this scripture spoke to me. We often speak of Jesus not having a home or a “place to lay his head,” and, depending on your translation, verse 20 may say “into a home.” Regardless of whether it was Jesus’ own house, he still needed to eat. He still needed rest.

I find a strange dichotomy between the command for Sabbath and our excuse to “get away.” We are made to rest, and the command is to rest in the Lord. To spend our time meditating and communing with him. How often, though, do we check our Christianity at the door on the premise that we just need a break. Jesus needed and deserved rest, but Jesus never gave up his call follow his father’s command. There are two lessons here: Find Sabbath, never abandon your call.