Day 286

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Scripture

October 12—Mark 8-10: Sayings of the Servant

Observation

As opposition to Jesus' ministry increases, it is no longer safe for him to move openly in Galilee. In today's chapters Jesus traverses the regions of Decapolis (7:31-8:9), Caesarea Philippi (8:10-9:29), and Perea (10:1-52), thereby avoiding the crowds and the deadly plots of the religious leaders. In the concluding days of his earthly ministry, Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for the return to Jerusalem—an event that will mark the end of his life in the flesh and the beginning of the disciples' role as servants continuing the work of the Perfect Servant.

Application

Three-year-old Billy watched with fascination as his father filled the family car with gas. A few days later, Billy decided to do the same. Removing the gas cap, he placed the end of the garden hose in the tank and was about to turn on the water when his horrified father intercepted him and hastened the plan.

Billy's problem was a misconception about what his father was doing. Misconceptions can be humorous; often they can be harmful; occasionally they can be fatal. Jesus constantly had to deal with misconceptions about himself and his mission in the world. Even his closest followers seemed to miss the point with frustrating regularity. After Peter's ringing testimony, "You are the Messiah" (8:29), the very next verses record his satanic misconception about Christ's suffering and death (8:31-33). In chapter 10, after Jesus' extensive teaching about servanthood, James and John come to ask for the positions of honor in the coming kingdom (10:37)!

On a sheet of paper, write down at least five questions about Jesus Christ that you would like to have answered. Then google your questions on the internet that points to the Scripture to find the answers you seek. This is a good way to avoid misconceptions!

Prayer

Dear Father, please open our eyes to the sinfulness and the hurt in this world. We don't want to misinterpret others by our own views but by the compassion that Jesus gives us. Jesus makes a difference in our lives each day with renewed grace. This we want to shout to the world the love and mercy we receive as believers so that others will want to come to believe in order to receive His salvation for their life too. We want to make a difference in the lives of people so that your name may be glorified. Guide us please.  In Jesus' name we pray! Amen! 

We Glorify Your Holy Name!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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