Bible Study - Everything (5) - JESUS Heals - Mark 5:22-24, 35-43 - December 31, 2017

Bible Study – Everything (5) – JESUS Heals – December 31, 2017

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “JESUS Changes Everything.”

Our focus scripture is Mark 5:22-24, 35-43.

JESUS brings healing to our lives.

Healing is an interesting faith subject to explore. JESUS taught HIS disciples if they only had the faith of a mustard seed, as recorded in Matthew 17:20-21:

20 "Because of your little faith," He told them. "For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. [

21 However, this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting.]"

Most of us say that we have this kind of faith. But faith in what or Whom? Is it our faith? Or is it our faith in JESUS? Is it our relationship with GOD through our faith in JESUS? GOD is not to be tested. Here is where discernment is essential. Yes, JESUS can heal but healing takes on several forms. Healing a person from the ravages of sin is the greatest healing and it is eternal. We must keep in mind what JESUS told us as recorded in John 5:18-19:

18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he (JESUS) was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

JESUS continued in verse 30:

30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

Having the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS is vital.

JESUS was revealing HIS human side. HE was completely obedient to HIS Father’s commands. As Christians, GOD continues to reveal to us HIS commands and what HE desires for us to do through the indwelling Holy Spirit. When GOD works through us, it is easy to try to claim some of the credit. That is exactly what Satan wants us to think. But GOD is the source and the power. We act according to HIS directions and see HIS power manifested.

My journey in trying to understand healing has been an interesting walk of faith. In the early days, I believed with every fiber of my body that JESUS could heal and still do. So why didn’t HE heal the sick person when either I or a group of elders anointed the sick person with oil as written in James 5:14:

14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

There is physical sickness, mental sickness and Spiritual sickness.  The person with the sickness needs to be willing for those who can pray for him or her to come into his or her presence, anoint and pray. Pray first and then anoint the sick person with oil. Oil in general is a reference to the Holy Spirit. Oil in the early days was a form of medicine. It is not the oil but the power of the Holy Spirit that heals. It is GOD’S power.

We see those on television or know of those who claim they have the gift of healing. We are drawn to them and not to JESUS. We must keep in mind that GOD does the healing e.g. physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, acceptance, etc.

My wife and I visited with Ms. Bertha Smith many years ago and she told us that her sister had the gift of healing. Many would come to her and ask her to pray for their healing. She would ask them to wait a minute because she had to go check. That meant she would go to another room and pray. She would emerge from that room and give one of two answers:

1.    Yes, the LORD gave me permission to pray for your healing. She would and that person would be healed.

2.    No, the LORD did not give me permission to pray for your healing but HE did give me permission to pray for you as you go through this issue during this time in your life. She would pray for that person accordingly.

Yes, JESUS heals. One of the gifts of the Spirit is healing as recorded in 1 Corinthians 12:9:

9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,

Notice, “gifts of healing” is plural. All healing comes from GOD because HE is the source of all knowledge, wisdom and power. There is divine healing that is manifested by HIM directly which can be through the gift of healing; healing that comes from the knowledge and skills of doctors, surgeons, physiologists, counselors, medicines, etc. that GOD manifests through these and others; healing of the mind to accept the condition we face; healing of relationships and the next one is one took me a long time to acknowledge, death.

Let’s read Mark 5:21-24:

A Girl Restored and a Woman Healed

21 When Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him while He was by the sea.

As you may recall from our previous lessons, JESUS and HIS disciples faced a fierce storm when they were crossing the Sea of Galilee. JESUS spoke and the wind and waves ceased. HIS disciples were amazed. When they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, JESUS encountered an unclean spirit. JESUS spoke and the unclean spirit came out of the man and revealed his name. JESUS got into the boat and traveled back to Jewish territory and HE encountered one of the leaders in the local synagogue, Jairus.

22 One of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at His feet

23 and kept begging Him, "My little daughter is at death's door. Come and lay Your hands on her so she can get well and live."

Jairus acknowledged the ability of JESUS to heal his young daughter. Jairus begged JESUS to go with him to touch his daughter. Jairus faith went as far as JESUS’ ability to heal his living but sick daughter but what about JESUS’ ability to raise his daughter from the dead?

24 So Jesus went with him, and a large crowd was following and pressing against Him.

JESUS went with Jairus but along their journey, there was an interruption. 

Jairus had to get JESUS to his daughter before she died.

Let’s read Mark 5:25-34:

25 A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years

26 had endured much under many doctors. She had spent everything she had and was not helped at all. On the contrary, she became worse.

27 Having heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His robe.

28 For she said, "If I can just touch His robes, I'll be made well!"

29 Instantly her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was cured of her affliction.

30 At once Jesus realized in Himself that power had gone out from Him. He turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My robes?"

31 His disciples said to Him, "You see the crowd pressing against You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?' "

32 So He was looking around to see who had done this.

33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came with fear and trembling, fell down before Him, and told Him the whole truth.

34 "Daughter," He said to her, "your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be free from your affliction."

JESUS wanted this lady and the crowd to know that her faith in JESUS and GOD resulted in her cure. It was not her touching the clothing of JESUS that healed her but her heart touching the heart of GOD through faith.

It is interesting that this lady had this problem for 12 years and JESUS healed her because of her faith in HIM. Jairus’ daughter was 12 years old and JESUS healed her and resurrected her because of the faith of her parents. The crowd did not have faith.

Let’s read Mark 5:35-40:

35 While He was still speaking, people came from the synagogue leader's house and said, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher anymore?"

The crowd mentality is to limit the power of JESUS. The limit of our faith is the beginning of JESUS revealing truth to those who seek truth.

36 But when Jesus overheard what was said, He told the synagogue leader, "Don't be afraid. Only believe."

Why did JESUS instruct Jairus “Don’t be afraid? Only believe?” We studied in Mark 9:16-32 that JESUS’ disciples who were waiting for JESUS and HIS inner circle to come off the mountain could not cast the demon out of the young boy because of their lack of faith and they had not committed it to prayer and fasting.

37 He did not let anyone accompany Him except Peter, James, and John, James' brother.

38 They came to the leader's house, and He saw a commotion-people weeping and wailing loudly.

The people had accepted the death of Jairus’ daughter and saw no value in JESUS continuing. JESUS did not stop with their unbelief but again it was a teachable moment. JESUS is the resurrection and the life. HE is the only way to GOD, HIS Father.  

39 He went in and said to them, "Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep."

It is easy after the fact to declare something but before the fact? Only JESUS, the Only Son of GOD could declare victory over death before the fact followed by the victory.

40 They started laughing at Him, but He put them all outside. He took the child's father, mother, and those who were with Him, and entered the place where the child was.

Why did those gathered at Jairus’ house laugh? Why did JESUS “put them all outside? The crowd knew death was the final state. They did not know JESUS but they were about to find out Who HE was. JESUS took the young girl’s parents with HIM, as well as, HIS inner circle because they had faith in HIM. 

Plus, this was a teachable moment.  JESUS knew that the lack of faith of the crowd was an obstacle to GOD’S power being manifested.

If that is true, why doesn’t GOD heal when we have the utmost faith in HIM through our faith in JESUS? HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are higher than our thoughts. When HE says “no” that is when we have to trust in HIS decision. JESUS spoke to this, as recorded in Matthew 7:9-11:

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

FATHER knows best and as HIS children, we must trust HIM.

Let’s read Mark 5:41-43:

41 Then He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" ).

JESUS took the “little girl” by the hand. If a Rabbi touched a dead body, he was declared unclean. JESUS used the words a parent would use to wake up a sleeping child – e.g. okay sleepy head it is time to get up and start your day.

42 Immediately the girl got up and began to walk. (She was 12 years old.) At this they were utterly astounded.

The girl responded immediately. She got up and began to walk. She was healed of whatever caused her to be at death’s door. She was 12 years old, which indicates that she was on the verge of being considered an adult by the customs of that time. Those in the room were astounded. Those in the room would be her parents and JESUS’ inner circle of disciples. This was a teachable moment for JESUS’ inner circle, as well as, the little girl’s parents and others.

43 Then He gave them strict orders that no one should know about this and said that she should be given something to eat.

Why do you think that JESUS instructed them “that no one should know about this?” Was that a momentary request because JESUS wanted to move to another location because HIS Father did not want HIM to remain in this location? HIS mission was to give HIS life to pay, in full, for the sin of mankind. What HE had done and those in that area had witnessed was the purpose of HIS coming. HIS purpose was to restore life to the eternally dead, through faith in JESUS and HIS passion. The physical resurrection of this young girl did not mean that she would not die physically at a later time. But she was a physical witness to those who lived in that area to the manifestation of GOD’S power through JESUS, the promised Messiah.

Why do you think JESUS instructed them to give something to the young girl something to eat? First, we do not know how long she had been sick and the human body needs nourishment; second and more than the physical, I believe that JESUS wanted those who witnessed the miracle to know that she was not a spirit. JESUS had resurrected her from the physically dead to the physically alive. This, again, was a teachable moment.

JESUS is the resurrection and the life both physically and Spiritually. What does JESUS reveal to us in John 14:6 - 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Do you know the eternal healing of JESUS’ power in your life? When you ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your life believing that HE gave HIS sinless life just for you, HE does. When, by faith, you accept JESUS as your Savior, you will experience the miracle of rebirth in your spirit and you become a Son or Daughter of GOD, with all the rights and privileges of being the child of GOD. At that instant you receive eternal life and are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. 

Salvation is the beginning of building the right relationship with GOD through your walk with JESUS. Experience HIM and the joy and being GOD’S child. 

Physical healing is temporary but salvation is healing for eternity. How can you know that? The Holy Spirit is GOD’S guarantee and down payment to you individually and personally that HE will see you safely to Heaven the instant you exit your earth suit. You can count on it because GOD made the promise and GOD keeps HIS covenants.

We must keep in mind that those JESUS healed physically or raised from the dead later died. We all desire to live but the Bible reveals in 1 Corinthians 2:9 

– But as it is written, What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived – God has prepared these things for those who love Him. The very best is yet to come. I hope to see you in Heaven, it is up to you. Begin 2018 knowing that you are eternally secure and that is only through faith in JESUS.

Blessings!!!  

Bible Study - Everything (4) - JESUS Saves - Luke 2:4-29 - December 24, 2017

Bible Study – Everything (4) – JESUS Saves – December 24, 2017

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “JESUS Changes Everything.”

Our focus scripture is Luke 2:4-20.

JESUS was born to bring us into a relationship with GOD.

The big lie Satan wants humans to believe is that they can be good enough to go to heaven. GOD demands perfection and the tiniest flaw disqualifies a human from entering Heaven. That is why JESUS came to earth to be born 100% human, yet 100% GOD. JESUS existed before the world was created. HE chose to leave HIS Glory in Heaven. Why? Because HE loves us.

Ephesians 1:4 - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

John 17:5 - And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

JESUS left HIS Glory in Heaven and willingly came to earth to be born and live as a human. HE gave HIS life for the redemption of all who will place their faith in HIM and to establish the Kingdom of GOD upon earth.

As Christians, the instant we accept JESUS as our Savior, we become Children of GOD and citizens of the Kingdom of GOD. As Sons and Daughters of our Father, we have all the rights and privileges of being the children of GOD. Christians are living in the Kingdom of GOD and are Its Ambassadors. We are the light of the world and salt of the earth, as such, GOD expects us to live in obedience to HIS will and purpose as reflected in the Model Prayer taught by JESUS - Our Father who is in Heaven, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

When we comprehend that faith in JESUS is our only way to Heaven, we begin to see JESUS and HIS passion in a different light. HE gave HIS life to pay, in full, the penalty for sin. Breaking the sin barrier opened the way between humans and GOD. JESUS words are recorded in John 14:6 - Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Some may think, “Well, if the sin barrier was broken by JESUS paying the penalty for sin in full and conquering eternal death, doesn’t that mean that every person will automatically go to Heaven when he or she dies? NO! GOD made each person with the freedom to choose. Adam and Eve had the freedom to choose. They chose to disobey GOD’S command by eating the forbidden fruit from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” When they disobeyed GOD, they lost eternal life as GOD promised. HE had told them that the consequence for sin was eternal death.

A decision resulted in sin, thus, since all humans are the descendants of Adam and Eve, their original sin has been passed onto every human.  But GOD revealed HIS plan to redeem mankind in the Garden of Eden, as we read in Genesis 3:15:

15 And I (GOD) will put enmity (hostility/hatred) between you (Satan) and the woman, and between your offspring and hers (JESUS); he (JESUS) will crush your head, and you (Satan) will strike his (JESUS) heel.” 

GOD had given the requirements to Adam for living in the Garden of Eden and placed Adam in charge of the Garden as recorded in Genesis 2:15-17:

15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. 

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 

17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

Disobedience to GOD is sin and results in eternal death. GOD’S nature is love which is revealed in HIS redemptive plan to redeem mankind from sin and eternal death.

GOD says what HE means and means what HE says. Adam was standing beside Eve when she took a bite out of the forbidden fruit. He could have stopped her but he didn’t. He took a bite after Eve and both became knowledgeable of “good and evil.” They became accountable for their actions. They had to discern their actions. They lost eternal life in the presence of GOD; a barrier between them and GOD was established. They reaped eternal death, broken fellowship and personal, intimate relationship with GOD, plus the consequence of their sin e.g. both barred from the Garden of Eden, Adam having to work and Eve experiencing pain at child birth.

The knowledge of good and evil makes all humans accountable for their actions. [I think, there is special provisions for fetuses, unborn babies and children MAY be an exception. But that is for another lesson.] They are condemned to eternal death, permanent separation from GOD. That is why GOD sent HIS Only SON to give HIS life as a substitute for the life of every person who will place his or her faith in JESUS and HIS death on the cross and resurrection. Faith in JESUS restores eternal life and personal, intimate fellowship and relationship with GOD. This requires a decision by each person. Salvation is guaranteed but salvation is the beginning of building the right relationship through faith in JESUS. This is the process of sanctification.

GOD allowed HIS Only SON, JESUS, to come to earth to be born 100% human, subject to physical death and live being tempted as humans are tempted and fully capable of sinning, yet HE lived without sin.

Notice, “GOD’S Only SON.” There would not be another SON. The redemption of all who would place their faith in the birth, life, death and resurrection of JESUS depended upon JESUS living a sinless life as 100% human. In 1 Corinthians 15:22 we read:

22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Adam sinned, JESUS did not sin.

As mentioned in a previous lesson, the Apostle Paul recorded in Ephesians 6:11-12 a list of a hierarchy in the evil spirit world:

 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

How did Paul know this? One explanation is that that Paul died when he was stoned. It is believed that he died and went to the third heaven. Paul gave an account of a man going to the third Heaven. It is believed that Paul was relating the experience he had, as recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:2-5:

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 

3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 

4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 

5 I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 

GOD revealed throughout the Old Testament that HE was sending the Messiah to redeem HIS chosen people. The book of Isaiah contains the most prophesy regarding the promised Messiah. This promise is exemplified in GOD delivering the Israelite's from Egyptian slavery and in doing so, GOD revealed Himself to the Israelite's. HE chose the Israelite's as HIS people and they chose HIM as their GOD.

GOD revealed HIS name to Moses, “I AM,” “YAHWH.”

In Micah 5:2: (Old Testament about 700 years before JESUS was born.)

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” 

YES, this is the same Bethlehem where JESUS was born some 700 years later.

Let’s consider what the angel Gabriel told the young virgin, Mary as recorded in Luke 1:26-38:

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 

27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 

28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 

30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 

31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 

32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 

33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 

36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 

37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Let’s look back at Genesis 3:15:

15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He (JESUS) shall bruise (crush) your head, and you (Satan) shall bruise His heel." 

This scripture is copied from the New King James Bible. I like the use of the word “seed.” The Amplified Version of the Bible refers to the Holy Spirit as the “Divine Sperm or Seed.” GOD told Satan that the “Seed of woman” would produce the offspring that would bruise/crush his head. That “offspring” is JESUS. The Seed of GOD planted in the soil or egg of woman to yield, GOD’S Only SON, JESUS.

The Holy Spirit/Divine Sperm nestled in the egg/seed/soil of the Virgin Mary. When the miracle of Divine conception took place the Divine became human, yet GOD.

Ponder this, when a human is redeemed from sin and eternal death by the shed blood of JESUS and faith in JESUS, GOD’S Divine Sperm, the Holy Spirit unites with the human spirit and the miracle of rebirth takes place in the twinkling of the eye. Thus, the human spirit becomes Spirit through spiritual rebirth; Divine conception. The evil forces in the heavenly realm likely thought JESUS would fail because they were confident that they had dealt with Eve and Adam enticing them to sin by using their wisdom on GOD’S own turf (the Garden of Eden). Therefore, JESUS would never fulfill HIS mission on earth their turf. 

We need to keep in mind what JESUS revealed in John 12:49-50:

49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 

50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

JESUS’ and GOD’S relationship was personal and intimate. It was an example of the relationship GOD desires for each of us, as HIS children. JESUS was careful not to step outside the bounds of total obedience. There was no room for error because the evil spirit world was watching and listening.

If JESUS would just sin one time, the evil spirit world knew it would be all over. GOD’S power and sovereign reign would be compromised. They would gain authority. The evil spirit world salivated because it knew that they knew human nature, after all, they had used their wisdom to appeal to Eve and enticed her to sin. In turn, Eve led Adam to sin, paradise lost.

JESUS perfection would be paradise regained for all who will place their faith in HIM.

The evil spirit world was confident they would win, especially when JESUS was crucified and gave up HIS Spirit and HIS earth suit died and HE was buried. GOD had the ultimate plan and it was a zinger! The resurrection of JESUS because as recorded in 1 Corinthians 2:8:

8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

The resurrection of JESUS is every Christian’s promise of salvation through the forgiveness of his or her sins through the shed blood and death of JESUS, the perfect, sinless sacrifice who GOD resurrected. The indwelling Holy Spirit is every Christian’s guarantee of eternal life and assurance of salvation.

Romans 8:16 - 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 

2 Corinthians 1:22 - set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Corinthians 5:5 - Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Let’ explore!

Let’s read Luke 2:1-7:

The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 

2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 

3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 

7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Both Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem because both were of the “house and line of David.”

Let’s read Luke 2:8-14:

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 

Shepherds were not looked upon as the crème de crème of that society. Many were robbers and thieves. Yet, the most unlikely became the chosen to hear the most wonderful news of all eternity. GOD chose the outcast to show HIS unfailing lost to those who society rejects.

 

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

The angel had to calm the shepherds and put them at ease because they were afraid and they needed to hear what the angel had to reveal.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior (Bethlehem) has been born to you; 

he is the Messiah, the Lord.

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

A baby in a feeding trough would be a good sign to identify this special child.

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

This must have been a spectacular sight and sound. Certainly, such a reveal piqued the interest of the shepherds and would motivate them to go immediately and without hesitation to witness this spectacular event.

Let’s read Luke 2:15-21:

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

The angels did their jobs. The shepherds had to check this out. They knew that the LORD had revealed this to them.

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 

They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby (JESUS) lying in the manger.

17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 

The shepherds were the first heralds of JESUS. When we see JESUS as our Savior, the first thing we want to do is to tell others.

18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 

When people heard such news, it was hard for the ordinary person to believe. The people were amazed. But young Mary knew the things she was hearing was truth and confirmations from GOD.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

WOW! What an experience. GOD’S promised Messiah has been born, just as prophesied. GOD says what HE means and means what HE says!

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

JESUS being the first born, HE was dedicated to GOD and HE was circumcised, just as any other Jewish male child. Rejoice, OUR SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN!

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! And Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Everything (3) - JESUS Rules - Mark 4:35-41 - December 17, 2017

Bible Study – Everything (3) – JESUS Rules – December 17, 2017

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “JESUS Changes Everything.”

Our focus scripture is Mark 4:35-41.

You can trust JESUS in the storm.

In last week’s study, JESUS told the parable of the sower and the soil upon which the seed fell. The seed is the Word of GOD and the soil is each person in the world upon which the seed falls. JESUS continued teaching as we read on in Mark Chapter 4:21 ---.

It is vital that when a person sees a flicker of Spiritual light when GOD’S Word is taught or he or she reads it, follow that light.

JESUS is the Spiritual light, GOD’S Word is light and the Holy Spirit is light. We live in a world of Spiritual darkness and any glimmer of Spiritual light is readily seen. Each person has the freewill to follow that light or not.

In my younger years, our young son and I went spelunking with the Boy Scouts. We explored two caves, with a trained guide, and we spent the night in the second cave we explored. Our guide had told us, before our trip, to always have at least two sources of light. He carried three sources. A person did not want to be in a cave without light.

While exploring one cave, the guide asked us to extinguish our light sources for a few minutes just to experience total darkness. We did. He asked that we bring our hand up toward our face. He said you think you see your hand but it is your memory making you think that you see it. Wait a few minutes and look again. Memory fades and you cannot see you hand. You know where your hand is supposed to be but you cannot see it. In total darkness, any glimmer of light is instantly spotted when we are in total darkness. If we do not know which direction we need to go, any glimmer of light offers hope and encouragement.

In essence, all of us live in a cave of Spiritual darkness, so-to-speak and any glimmer of Spiritual light is revealed instantly. What is a person to do when Spiritual light is revealed?

JESUS had much to teach about Spiritual light as we read the following scripture.

Let’s read Mark 4:21-34: (Lead-in)

Using Your Light

21 He also said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it to be put on a lampstand? 

When the Holy Spirit reveals light what are we to do?

22 For nothing is concealed except to be revealed, and nothing hidden except to come to light. 

Spiritual light is to reveal that which has been hidden. How is Spiritual light revealed?

23 If anyone has ears to hear, he should listen!" 

Each person has ears to hear and he or she should listen. Is this listening audibly? It could be but certainly listening occurs “in the eyes of our hearts.” When we hear, we are to act upon what we hear e.g. still small voice of GOD, or a stirring within us or a knowing. Discerning the voice of GOD is important.

24 Then He said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure you use, it will be measured and added to you. 

25 For to the one who has, it will be given, and from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away."

As we hear and put into action what is revealed more is given to us. Life is a journey to build the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Once the seed of salvation is planted into our hearts and lives it is destined to grow and produce a crop. The Spiritual seed in our lives can lie dormant until the soil of our lives has been properly prepared to germinate the seed. As with any plant, it requires good soil balanced with the right nutrients, water, weeding, light, temperature, care, etc.

Does a person know that a Spiritual seed is going through its germination process to produce a crop, while the process is taking place? Let’s read on ---

The Parable of the Growing Seed

26 "The kingdom of God is like this," He said. "A man scatters seed on the ground; 

27 he sleeps and rises-night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows-he doesn't know how. 

28 The soil produces a crop by itself-first the blade, then the head, and then the ripe grain on the head. 

29 But as soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because harvest has come."

Often, Spiritual growth occurs ever so slightly that we do not realize it until its roots sink deep into the soil of our lives. JESUS continued to teach about the establishing of the Kingdom of GOD as we read on ---

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

30 And He said: "How can we illustrate the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to describe it? 

31 It's like a mustard seed that, when sown in the soil, is smaller than all the seeds on the ground. 

32 And when sown, it comes up and grows taller than all the vegetables, and produces large branches, so that the birds of the sky can nest in its shade."

JESUS came to earth to be born 100% human, yet 100% GOD. HE chose to live as a human and to be tempted, as humans are tempted, yet HE remained without sin.

You may recall a lesson several weeks ago when GOD led me to write about how the spirit world was brought under the full authority and sovereignty of GOD, when the Kingdom of GOD was established upon earth. To the spirit world GOD was being vulnerable when HE allowed JESUS to come to earth to be born a human, live as a human and to be subjected to the temptations of a human.

I do not know what the evil hierarchy in the spiritual realm thought but there are clues that GOD’S plan for establishing HIS Kingdom, through the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS was hidden from them. If JESUS had failed by sinning, it would be proof that GOD was not sovereign but the GOOD NEWS IS, JESUS WAS VICTORIOUS AND DEFEATED THE SPIRIT WORLD AND ESTABLISHED THE KINGDOM OF GOD UPON EARTH! Those who accept JESUS as their Savior, by faith, experience the miracle of rebirth in their spirit/Spirit are born into GOD’S Family and their citizenship is in the Kingdom of GOD, eternally.

JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless life to pay, in full, for the sin of all who will place their faith in HIM. JESUS gave HIS physical life, which is symbolized by the small mustard seed. On the third day following JESUS’ death and burial, GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead to the eternally alive with HIS New Glorified body. JESUS remained upon earth for 40 days and then ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of HIS Father, GOD, to rule over the established Kingdom of GOD, which HE established.

When we accept JESUS as our Savior we are born into the family of GOD and become citizens of the Kingdom of GOD. To help us better understand these Spiritual truths JESUS used parables to help us glean Spiritual insight as we read on ---

Using Parables        

33 He would speak the word to them with many parables like these, as they were able to understand. 

34 And He did not speak to them without a parable. Privately, however, He would explain everything to His own disciples.

We might think, “Oh, gee, wouldn’t that be great?” Well it is great! Today, HE speaks to us through the indwelling Holy Spirit and reveals truth. We must follow the light as HE reveals.

Now, let’s go to the scripture in our lesson. JESUS continued to teach us as we ponder the scripture and what GOD desires for each of us to learn and put into practice as we build our relationship with HIM. Who is JESUS? HIS disciples walked with JESUS daily but did they fully know HIM? Were the circumstances they faced each day designed to teach them and reveal truth about HIM? Does GOD design the circumstances we face in life to bring salvation to those who do not know JESUS as their Savior or for those of us who know JESUS as our Savior to know HIM in a deeper way? Let’s explore!

Let’s read Mark 4:35-37:

Wind and Wave Obey the Master

35 On that day, when evening had come, He told them, "Let's cross over to the other side [of the lake]." 

36 So they left the crowd and took Him along since He was [already] in the boat. And other boats were with Him. 

37 A fierce windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 

We know that Mark is a book of action. JESUS told HIS disciples “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” They obeyed HIS request and shoved off from shore and there were other boats with HIM. What happened to the other boats? We do not know. They may have turned back.

What we do know is that a “fierce windstorm” arose and waves were breaking over the boat. The boat was taking on water such that these seasoned fishermen feared that the boat they were in with JESUS was on the verge of sinking. At least four of JESUS’ disciple were seasoned fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James and John. They had done all they knew to do. There was one thing left ---- What was it? What was JESUS doing? Where was HE? Didn’t HE care about their plight? Let’s read on ---

Let’s read Mark 4:38-39:

38 But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him up and said to Him, "Teacher! Don't you care that we're going to die?" 

39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Silence! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

JESUS was asleep in the back of the boat. HE was stretched on the stern which had a cushion on it. I understand that this cushion was for the oarsman. This gives us a picture of faith and trust in GOD during the storms of life. The divine meets the human.  HIS disciples woke HIM up in a panic “Teacher, Don’t You care that we’re going to die?

JESUS got up, rebuked the wind and told the sea “Silent! Be still!” and there was a great calm.  JESUS spoke and the wind obeyed. GO spoke and the world was created.

This was a teachable moment. Often, either during or after the storms in life, we need to ask JESUS to reveal to us what we should learn from the experience.

Let’s read Mark 4:40-41:

40 Then He said to them, "Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?" 

41 And they were terrified and asked one another, "Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

Satan uses fear to make us doubt GOD’S ability. Notice, the first area JESUS addressed was “Why are you fearful?” The source of their fear was lack of faith in GOD to protect them and JESUS. JESUS was sound asleep. HE knew Who was watching over HIM but HIS disciples didn’t. This was a wakeup call for HIS disciples.

JESUS was physically with them in the boat. JESUS is with every Christian during the storms of life. Fear leads us away from trusting in HIS capability to see us through the storms of life. Faith in HIM during the storms of life gets us safely to our destination. The storm may not go away that is when faith is vital. Faith gets us through these times when the storm rages on.

I can tell you, weathering storms in our lives is not pleasant but doing so builds our faith and trust in JESUS. GOD is interested in every Christian building the right relationship with HIM through faith in JESUS. Look for the reason we face issues in our lives and what we can learn from them and build our faith in JESUS upon. JESUS is our eternal rock.

As written in Psalm 46:10 - 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Blessings!!!