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Section Introduction
Matthew 15:32-39; 16; 17; 18:1-9; Mark 8; 9; Luke 9:18-62

The first section of this study of the Gospels in chronological order covers the pre-arrival, arrival, and pre-public ministry of Jesus.

Section Two examines the ministry of John “the Baptist;” the baptism, temptation, and early ministry of Jesus; the calling of the disciples; the first public miracle; cleansing the temple; conflict with the religious leaders; and the sermon on the plain.

Section Three focuses on the “Beatitudes,” wherein Jesus provides a wide range of teaching for the righteous Christian.

Section Four follows Jesus in His travels and revisits many of the teachings reviewed in prior sections of this series.

Section Five covers Jesus' continued pattern of miracles and teaching, teachings in which He uses many parables and explains their vexing purpose to His disciples.

Section Six focuses on how Jesus raises the level of challenge to His followers: His continued use of healing and miracles to illustrate His message and His power, His reaction when He hears of the execution of John, and His explanation of the true meaning of “the bread of life” (John 6:35).

This seventh section reviews Jesus feeding the four thousand; the demand for a sign from and the yeast of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod; the healings of the blind man and the boy with an unclean spirit; Peter's confession of Who Jesus is; the predictions of Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection; the cost of following Jesus; the call to discipleship; the transfiguration; the disciples concerns regarding who is the greatest; Jesus' rejection in Samaria; Jesus challenging His self-professed followers; the disciples failure to heal; the temple tax; and Jesus informing who is on His side.

Sunday

Matthew 15:32-39; 16:1-12; Mark 8:1-26

Matthew

The Feeding of the Four Thousand

15:32 Then Jesus called the disciples and said, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have already been here with me three days and they have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry since they may faint on the way.” 15:33 The disciples said to him, “Where can we get enough bread in this desolate place to satisfy so great a crowd?” 15:34 Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They replied, “Seven – and a few small fish.” 15:35 After instructing the crowd to sit down on the ground, 15:36 he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks, he broke them and began giving them to the disciples, who then gave them to the crowds. 15:37 They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 15:38 Not counting children and women, there were four thousand men who ate. 15:39 After sending away the crowd, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.

The Demand for a Sign

16:1 Now when the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 16:2 He said, “When evening comes you say, ‘It will be fair weather, because the sky is red,’ 16:3 and in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, because the sky is red and darkening.’ You know how to judge correctly the appearance of the sky, but you cannot evaluate the signs of the times. 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away.

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

16:5 When the disciples went to the other side, they forgot to take bread. 16:6 “Watch out,” Jesus said to them, “beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 16:7 So they began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “It is because we brought no bread.” 16:8 When Jesus learned of this, he said, “You who have such little faith! Why are you arguing among yourselves about having no bread? 16:9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 16:10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand and how many baskets you took up? 16:11 How could you not understand that I was not speaking to you about bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!” 16:12 Then they understood that he had not told them to be on guard against the yeast in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Mark

The Feeding of the Four Thousand

8:1 In those days there was another large crowd with nothing to eat. So Jesus called his disciples and said to them, 8:2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have already been here with me three days, and they have nothing to eat. 8:3 If I send them home hungry, they will faint on the way, and some of them have come from a great distance.” 8:4 His disciples answered him, “Where can someone get enough bread in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” 8:5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They replied, “Seven.” 8:6 Then he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. After he took the seven loaves and gave thanks, he broke them and began giving them to the disciples to serve. So they served the crowd. 8:7 They also had a few small fish. After giving thanks for these, he told them to serve these as well. 8:8 Everyone ate and was satisfied, and they picked up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 8:9 There were about four thousand who ate. Then he dismissed them. 8:10 Immediately he got into a boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

The Demand for a Sign

8:11 Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, asking for a sign from heaven to test him. 8:12 Sighing deeply in his spirit he said, “Why does this generation look for a sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to this generation.” 8:13 Then he left them, got back into the boat, and went to the other side.

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod

8:14 Now they had forgotten to take bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 8:15 And Jesus ordered them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod!” 8:16 So they began to discuss with one another about having no bread. 8:17 When he learned of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Have your hearts been hardened? 8:18 Though you have eyes, don’t you see? And though you have ears, can’t you hear? Don’t you remember? 8:19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of pieces did you pick up?” They replied, “Twelve.” 8:20 “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of pieces did you pick up?” They replied, “Seven.” 8:21 Then he said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

A Two-stage Healing

8:22 Then they came to Bethsaida. They brought a blind man to Jesus and asked him to touch him. 8:23 He took the blind man by the hand and brought him outside of the village. Then he spit on his eyes, placed his hands on his eyes and asked, “Do you see anything?” 8:24 Regaining his sight he said, “I see people, but they look like trees walking.” 8:25 Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again. And he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 8:26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Do not even go into the village.”

Prayer

Lord, Your compassion is amazing, and Your warning for us to beware those who would confuse us about Your truth is a kindness. May I have the wisdom to be a good “Berean,” consulting Your Word in study and the Holy Spirit in prayer, discerning Truth no matter who is the mere human teacher.

Commentary

The account of the feeding of the four thousand is similar to that of the five thousand recorded earlier in the Gospels. Both Matthew and Mark note that the crowd had been with Him for three days. Matthew adds the detail that there were four thousand men so one must postulate a large number of women and children as well. The precise number is not terribly important, as the point of the story is the miracle of Jesus multiplying a handful of bread and fish out of compassion for the people. God cares and He provides.

The Pharisees and Sadducees challenge Jesus for a sign, presumably similar to those of Moses or Elijah — but knowing their wicked hearts, He challenges them back by saying that they could not even discern the prophesized “signs of the times” (Matt. 16:3) right in front of them. He instead offers for consideration “the sign of Jonah” (Matt. 16:4) in reference to Jonah 2:2, a parallel to His impending death and resurrection! They would have to wait for their sign.

Jesus challenges His disciples to “beware the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matt. 16:6) as well as of Herod — meaning they should not permit bad teaching to distort their theology. He reminds them again that the bread of which He speaks in His "bread of life" discourse (see John 6:25-58) is not the same as that used to feed the four and five thousand. He is the Bread, and the power necessary to multiple so much from so little is evidence of His power and also evidence that anything – good or bad – can multiply.

Jesus performed a two-stage healing of a blind man, first restoring his basic vision and then making his vision clear. It may be taken as a parable of salvation — first eternal freedom (life) is restored, then the Holy Spirit brings clarity (light).

Interaction

Consider

What is the bigger message Jesus intends in the miracle of feeding so many from so little? Consider His teaching that He is the Bread of Life.

Discuss

What are some ways that God shows us He cares and provides?

Reflect

Are there areas in our lives that inject unhealthy influences and values?

Share

When in your experience has the good teaching of Jesus been distorted by man's preferences and traditions? How did you overcome that?

Faith in Action

Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you are either intentionally not listening to Him or unintentionally not hearing from Him because you don't like what He is saying.

Action

Today I will look for one way God has blessed me and celebrate that. I will also look for one source of unhealthy influence and take control of my participation in and/or my reaction to that. It may be in the television I view, the music or radio I listen to, the things I read, or through the words and actions of a person in my life. If need to set boundaries, turn it off, or walk away I will intentionally to do so.

Be Specific _______________________________________________________

Monday

Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 8:27-30, Luke 9:18-22

Matthew

Peter’s Confession

16:13 When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 16:14 They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 16:15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 16:17 And Jesus answered him, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven! 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” 16:20 Then he instructed his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Mark

Peter’s Confession

8:27 Then Jesus and his disciples went to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 8:28 They said, “John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others, one of the prophets.” 8:29 He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 8:30 Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Luke

Peter’s Confession

9:18 Once when Jesus was praying by himself, and his disciples were nearby, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 9:19 They answered, “John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others that one of the prophets of long ago has risen.” 9:20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” 9:21 But he forcefully commanded them not to tell this to anyone, 9:22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

Prayer

Lord, You are the Truth, You are God, and You built your Church (the gathering of Believers) upon our faith in You and obedience to Truth. May I never take my eyes off of You.

Commentary

Peter's confession is a remarkable moment in the Gospels. Matthew emphasizes Peter's accurate identification of Jesus as "the Christ" (16:16), in contrast to the speculations of the crowd.  And Matthew notes Jesus' declaration that He will build His Church on the "rock" (vs. 18) — that is, faith in Truth as it was revealed to and then professed by Peter.

Jesus makes four distinct statements in Matthew: 1) the truth spoken by Peter, as to the identity of Jesus as the Christ, comes from Heaven; 2) Peter is blessed to have received such a direct and important revelation of Truth from Heaven; 3) the Church Jesus is building is founded on that truth, and death itself will not prevent or destroy it; and 4) He Himself will empower those who receive His truth with a power both alive and active in the spiritual realm.

Luke 9:22 adds the first brief description of the “passion” or abuse that Jesus would have to endure on His way to the Cross, makes note of His forthcoming physical death, and foretells of His physical resurrection.

Interaction

Consider

The incredible way that Jesus has impacted the world is both extraordinary when His-story and Truth have been correctly understood and applied and yet terrible when misrepresentations of Him and abuses committed in His name have occurred.

Discuss

How did Jesus build His church on the rock that was the truth revealed to Peter?

Reflect

Jesus willingly and voluntarily suffered for us, knowing beforehand the horror of it — that should inform how we approach the challenge we face to live lives faithfully before Him in gratitude.

Share

When did you first accept the truth of Who Jesus is? How did that change your life?

Faith in Action

Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the earliest moments following your confession of faith in the Christ.

Action

Today I will remember the early days of my recognizing the truth of Jesus and tell someone about that. It may be when I was very young or when I made a genuine commitment as an adult. I will also identify a place where I have avoided living out who I am in Christ because it is inconvenient or may cause me trouble. I will remember His willingness to suffer for me and choose to endure a little suffering for Him if I am called to.

Be Specific _______________________________________________________

Tuesday

Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:31-9:1, Luke 9:23-27

Matthew

First Prediction of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

16:21 From that time on Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 16:22 So Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him: “God forbid, Lord! This must not happen to you!” 16:23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but on man’s.” 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 16:25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 16:26 For what does it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or what can a person give in exchange for his life? 16:27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. 16:28 I tell you the truth, there are some standing here who will not experience death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Mark

First Prediction of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

8:31 Then Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 8:32 He spoke openly about this. So Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 8:33 But after turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but on man’s.”

Following Jesus

8:34 Then Jesus called the crowd, along with his disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 8:35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and for the gospel will save it. 8:36 For what benefit is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his life? 8:37 What can a person give in exchange for his life? 8:38 For if anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

9:1 And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, there are some standing here who will not experience death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”

Luke

A Call to Discipleship

9:23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. 9:24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 9:25 For what does it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but loses or forfeits himself? 9:26 For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 9:27 But I tell you most certainly, there are some standing here who will not experience death before they see the kingdom of God.”

Prayer

Lord, You told us not only what You were willing to endure to make a way home for us, You also told us what we must bear to follow You. May I, an imperfect and rebellious being, not seek comfort and pleasure in this world when You (holy and sinless) endured insult, torture, and death for me.

Commentary

In all three Gospels Jesus prophesies His impending suffering, death, and resurrection.

Matthew and Mark report that Peter impulsively challenged Him, unable to conceive that such a thing could happen and failing to comprehend the necessary propitiation of Jesus the Christ (the voluntary substitution by Jesus of Himself for us, in order to satisfy the requirement of Heaven's perfect and pure justice).

The challenge of Jesus to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matt. 16:23) is both important and shocking at the same time. It neutralizes any claim that "on this rock [Peter] I will build my church" (vs. 18) is intended to refer to a unique Apostolic line of succession from Peter upon which the Church will be built — Peter's moment of clarity as to the true identity of Jesus as the Christ was clearly momentary. His "Lord! This must not happen to You!" (vs. 22) reminds the reader that when we place worldly priorities ahead of God's priorities we become advocates for Satan.

In Matthew, Jesus reminds those who would follow Him of the radical change of perspective and priorities necessary: deny self, surrender life, abandon that which the world values for the sake of eternity and follow Him.

Mark reports the words of Jesus that, upon His return, He would be ashamed of those who failed to tell His-story and behaved as if they were ashamed of Him.

Matthew reports an additional interesting prophesy: “Some standing here will not experience death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” (16:28). There has been tremendous speculation as to the exact meaning of His words, yet the context appears clear: using Scripture to interpret Scripture and considering Matthew 16:27 and Mark 8:38b, His prophesy refers to His return to mete out judgment and wrath as well as blessing. He intentionally qualifies His prophesy with the word “experience” 'will not taste,' which NET translators note as meaning "come to know." Thus, “some” of those present would be preserved from the awareness of death — perhaps with the notable exception of Judas.

Interaction

Consider

Do we challenge Jesus when His Word says something with which we do not want to agree? Perhaps in our wanting to soften the teaching on righteousness or in our doubting that hell is real?

Discuss

Have you heard people say, “He cannot mean that just because a 'good person' doesn't become a Christian (accept Christ as Lord) they will go to hell.”? Are they not committing the same error for which Jesus so harshly chastised Peter?

Reflect

Jesus warns us about the cost of following Him in a world that hates Him. Contemplate the sacrifices of the apostles, and so many others since them, for Christ (not for man-made denominations or religious traditions, but for Him).

Share

In what ways might you have behaved as if you were “ashamed” of Jesus? For example, avoiding the mention of His name or the giving of credit to Him for all good things?

Faith in Action

Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a place where you intentionally or unintentionally try to change the intention of some Biblical passages because you are uncomfortable with the teaching.

Action

Today I will identify a place where I try to change the intent of Biblical text, because I am uncomfortable with possible consequences in my life, and repent of that.

I will consider a time or a place or a person that triggers an “ashamed” reaction to my identity as a Christian, so I avoid the mention of His name. I will ask a fellow Christian to pray in agreement for courage and discernment as to when and how to witness for Christ in word and deed.

Be Specific _______________________________________________________

Wednesday

Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36

Matthew

The Transfiguration

17:1 Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them privately up a high mountain. 17:2 And he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 17:3 Then Moses and Elijah also appeared before them, talking with him. 17:4 So Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, I will make three shelters – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my one dear Son, in whom I take great delight. Listen to him!” 17:6 When the disciples heard this, they were overwhelmed with fear and threw themselves down with their faces to the ground. 17:7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Do not be afraid.” 17:8 When they looked up, all they saw was Jesus alone.

17:9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone about the vision until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 17:10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the experts in the law say that Elijah must come first?” 17:11 He answered, “Elijah does indeed come first and will restore all things. 17:12 And I tell you that Elijah has already come. Yet they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” 17:13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Mark

The Transfiguration

9:2 Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John and led them alone up a high mountain privately. And he was transfigured before them, 9:3 and his clothes became radiantly white, more so than any launderer in the world could bleach them. 9:4 Then Elijah appeared before them along with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 9:5 So Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 9:6 (For they were afraid, and he did not know what to say.) 9:7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, “This is my one dear Son. Listen to him!” 9:8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more except Jesus.

9:9 As they were coming down from the mountain, he gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 9:10 They kept this statement to themselves, discussing what this rising from the dead meant.

9:11 Then they asked him, “Why do the experts in the law say that Elijah must come first?” 9:12 He said to them, “Elijah does indeed come first, and restores all things. And why is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be despised? 9:13 But I tell you that Elijah has certainly come, and they did to him whatever they wanted, just as it is written about him.”

Luke

The Transfiguration

9:28 Now about eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up the mountain to pray. 9:29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became very bright, a brilliant white. 9:30 Then two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with him. 9:31 They appeared in glorious splendor and spoke about his departure that he was about to carry out at Jerusalem. 9:32 Now Peter and those with him were quite sleepy, but as they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 9:33 Then as the men were starting to leave, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah” – not knowing what he was saying. 9:34 As he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 9:35 Then a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him!” 9:36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. So they kept silent and told no one at that time anything of what they had seen.

Prayer

Lord, You make it clear that You are not of this world but that You commune across time and space with the ancient prophets; and that what they endured and what they prophesied would be endured again and fulfilled in You. May I never forget that You are God.

Commentary

The transfiguration presents Jesus in partial glory with His face and clothes "radiantly white” (Mark 9:3) and in conversation with Moses (prophet of beginnings) and Elijah (prophet of end times). Moses and Elijah are visual parables: Jesus had spoken of the role of Moses earlier in the Gospels, and Elijah is represented in the New Testament by John the Baptist.

It is important to note that when the impetuous Peter interrupts to ask if the apostles could build all three a “tent,” such as was used in the Old Testament for the feast of Tabernacles, he is rebuked by the Father's voice from Heaven — "This is my one dear Son....Listen to Him!" (Matt. 17:5).

Once again Peter misses the point and God makes it clear: Jesus is a unique Heavenly being, superior to angels and Old Testament prophets, and He is God, here serving the common divine purpose. Peter's wanting to make three shelters for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus is him trying to drag things down into a human-size box that he can understand and even participate in.

Interaction

Consider

Are we really listening to Jesus or are we busy imposing our own agendas on Him?

Discuss

Do we sometimes sense the Holy Spirit prompting us to listen, and His message is hard to hear or even difficult to fully comprehend? Do we let Him bring the message and then wait on Him to interpret it, or do we rush to “dumb it down” ourselves for instant understanding?

Reflect

When Jesus is trying to speak to us, are we sometimes too busy with our work, or our worldly ways, that we miss what He is saying?

Share

Recall and reflect on a time when the Holy Spirit prompted you to move and/or act and you really did not want to go or do — so you either ignored Him or obeyed Him. What was the result?

Faith in Action

Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you, with His firm hand, to invest the necessary time in prayer and the Word to discern Truth.

Action

Today I will make an effort to really listen to Jesus — praying before I read His Word, praying that He will show me His will in small or great ways, and praying that He will find me teachable and obedient

Be Specific _______________________________________________________

Thursday

Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-43a

Matthew

The Disciples’ Failure to Heal

17:14 When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, 17:15 and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, because he has seizures and suffers terribly, for he often falls into the fire and into the water. 17:16 I brought him to your disciples, but they were not able to heal him.” 17:17 Jesus answered, “You unbelieving and perverse generation! How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I endure you? Bring him here to me.” 17:18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon and it came out of him, and the boy was healed from that moment. 17:19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” 17:20 He told them, “It was because of your little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you.”

17:21 [[EMPTY]]

Mark

The Disciples’ Failure to Heal

9:14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and experts in the law arguing with them. 9:15 When the whole crowd saw him, they were amazed and ran at once and greeted him. 9:16 He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 9:17 A member of the crowd said to him, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that makes him mute. 9:18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they were not able to do so.” 9:19 He answered them, “You unbelieving generation! How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I endure you? Bring him to me.” 9:20 So they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 9:21 Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 9:22 It has often thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 9:23 Then Jesus said to him, “‘If you are able?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” 9:24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

9:25 Now when Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 9:26 It shrieked, threw him into terrible convulsions, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He is dead!” 9:27 But Jesus gently took his hand and raised him to his feet, and he stood up.

9:28 Then, after he went into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” 9:29 He told them, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

Luke

Healing a Boy with an Unclean Spirit

9:37 Now on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 9:38 Then a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son – he is my only child! 9:39 A spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions and causes him to foam at the mouth. It hardly ever leaves him alone, torturing him severely. 9:40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.” 9:41 Jesus answered, “You unbelieving and perverse generation! How much longer must I be with you and endure you? Bring your son here.” 9:42 As the boy was approaching, the demon threw him to the ground and shook him with convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 9:43a Then they were all astonished at the mighty power of God.

Prayer

Lord, You are the source of any power that passes through us into the world, but we are only valuable vessels to the degree that we truly believe. May my unbelief be healed so that You may find me a more useful vessel.

Commentary

When His disciples fail to heal, Jesus heals the boy Himself and declares His frustration with “this perverse generation” (Matt. 17:17) for their resistance to His message, reminiscent of the Father's frustration with the nation of Israel in the Old Testament.

Jesus responds to the disciples questioning why they could not cast out the demon in two different ways: first by challenging their faith as even less than that of a mustard seed and then reminding them that prayer is necessary. Prayer is critical to spiritual maturity and to spiritual preparedness.

Mark reports the father of the afflicted child doubting and asking Jesus, “If you are able” (9:23) since His disciples had failed to heal. Jesus rhetorically repeats the man's words. Here is another teachable moment: Jesus says, "'If you are able'? All things are possible for the one who believes,” to which the teachable man replies “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Jesus not only challenges their lack of comprehension of Who He is, He also challenges their lack of comprehension of who they are and what power they possess if they are truly His.

Interaction

Consider

God, embedded in the form of a mere man, must have felt deep frustration among a people who were so “perverse."

Discuss

God often expressed frustration with man throughout the Old Testament.

Reflect

Do we sometimes find ourselves powerless, due to lack of faith, in the face of the evil which we have the authority to overcome?

Share

When have you clearly presented someone with information that would surely have improved their circumstances, only to be confronted by their refusal to act wisely in accordance with this information?

Faith in Action

Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a place where you are avoiding a challenge or tolerating evil.

Action

Today I will prayerfully discern a place in my life where I avoid a challenge or tolerate evil because I lack the confidence to overcome in Christ. I will ask a fellow Christian to pray in agreement with me for the faith needed to believe in the authority of Christ through me to overcome.

Be Specific _______________________________________________________

Friday

Matthew 17:22-27, 18:1-9, Mark 9:30-37, Luke 9:43b-48

Matthew

17:22 When they gathered together in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. 17:23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And they became greatly distressed.

The Temple Tax

17:24 After they arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Your teacher pays the double drachma tax, doesn’t he?” 17:25 He said, “Yes.” When Peter came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tolls or taxes – from their sons or from foreigners?” 17:26 After he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 17:27 But so that we don’t offend them, go to the lake and throw out a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a four drachma coin. Take that and give it to them for me and you.”

Questions About the Greatest

18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 18:2 He called a child, had him stand among them, 18:3 and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! 18:4 Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 18:5 And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me.

18:6 “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the open sea. 18:7 Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! It is necessary that stumbling blocks come, but woe to the person through whom they come. 18:8 If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 18:9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into fiery hell.

Mark

Second Prediction of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

9:30 They went out from there and passed through Galilee. But Jesus did not want anyone to know, 9:31 for he was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 9:32 But they did not understand this statement and were afraid to ask him.

Questions About the Greatest

9:33 Then they came to Capernaum. After Jesus was inside the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 9:34 But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 9:35 After he sat down, he called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 9:36 He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 9:37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Luke

Another Prediction of Jesus’ Suffering

9:43b But while the entire crowd was amazed at everything Jesus was doing, he said to his disciples, 9:44 “Take these words to heart, for the Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.” 9:45 But they did not understand this statement; its meaning had been concealed from them, so that they could not grasp it. Yet they were afraid to ask him about this statement.

Concerning the Greatest

9:46 Now an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest. 9:47 But when Jesus discerned their innermost thoughts, he took a child, had him stand by his side, 9:48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the one who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

Prayer

Lord, You love those who come to You with the innocent and humble trust of children, and You disapprove of those who come with arrogance and pride. May I come to You free of selfish expectations and pride.

Commentary

The second prediction of Jesus' death and resurrection includes a report of the angst of the disciples in reaction to it, their lack of understanding, and their fear to pursue clarification from Jesus, presumably because they feared what His answer might be.

The argument among the disciples as to who would be greatest in the kingdom of Christ leads to two teachings from Jesus: the first, that His followers must be as non-presuming as a young child versus arrogant and self-important as a typical adult; the second, that the “little ones” or innocents must never be compromised, else the one who leads them astray will face terrible consequences. The value of humility and innocence are high ones, as they are critical to being righteousness and teachable.

"What do you think, Simon?" (Matt. 17:25) regarding the temple tax creates yet another teachable moment: Jesus informs Peter that they are free from obligation yet should voluntarily submit to worldly authority, so as to maintain a good witness as citizens. Jesus then performs a miracle to provide the coin necessary to pay the tax.

Interaction

Consider

Do we sometimes avoid seeking God's perspective in His Word or from a mature Biblical counselor because we don't want to be accountable to the answer we receive?

Discuss

There are many ways that people get caught up in arrogance about position and title in the world and in gatherings of Believers — distractions which often lead to the harm and neglect of those who should be served.

Reflect

Am I in any way supporting a business, media organization, or other venue that may contribute harm to the innocent? How might I either cause change in that organization or withdraw support, so that my name and resources are no longer associated?

Share

When have you discovered that a “child” (young of age or a new Believer) had acquired from you a wrong idea about Jesus or a wrong way of speaking or behaving, one whom you had been unaware you were “teaching”? How did you address that?

Faith in Action

Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any way that you may be facilitating harm to “the little ones.”

Action

Today I will seek in the Word and in prayer an understanding to a question I have been avoiding: Am I facilitating harm to “the little ones” through support of an irresponsible elected official, involvement in a business or organization, or in any way lending support to harm by association, funding, or participation? If so, I will act to avoid and disassociate from that. This may include writing a letter of rebuke to an elected official or supporting a challenger, canceling a membership or subscription, changing employment, changing radio listening or TV viewing, etc.

I will identify a place where I may worry too much about position or title among fellow Believers and instead look to serve “a little one.”

Be Specific _______________________________________________________

Saturday

Mark 9:38-50, Luke 9:49-62

Mark

On Jesus’ Side

9:38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he was not following us.” 9:39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, because no one who does a miracle in my name will be able soon afterward to say anything bad about me. 9:40 For whoever is not against us is for us. 9:41 For I tell you the truth, whoever gives you a cup of water because you bear Christ’s name will never lose his reward.

9:42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone tied around his neck and to be thrown into the sea. 9:43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off! It is better for you to enter into life crippled than to have two hands and go into hell, to the unquenchable fire. 9:44 [[EMPTY]] 9:45 If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off! It is better to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 9:46 [[EMPTY]] 9:47 If your eye causes you to sin, tear it out! It is better to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 9:48 where their worm never dies and the fire is never quenched. 9:49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 9:50 Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

Luke

On the Right Side

9:49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he is not a disciple along with us.” 9:50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Rejection in Samaria

9:51 Now when the days drew near for him to be taken up, Jesus set out resolutely to go to Jerusalem. 9:52 He sent messengers on ahead of him. As they went along, they entered a Samaritan village to make things ready in advance for him, 9:53 but the villagers refused to welcome him, because he was determined to go to Jerusalem. 9:54 Now when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to call fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 9:55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them, 9:56 and they went on to another village.

Challenging Professed Followers

9:57 As they were walking along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 9:58 Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens and the birds in the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 9:59 Jesus said to another, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 9:60 But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 9:61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family.” 9:62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Prayer

Lord, You teach some challenging things about faith in action and the choice to follow You instead of following the world. May I be found willing to surrender the things of the world so that I may more closely follow You.

Commentary

The disciples, upset because "someone" (Mark 9:38) is casting out demons in the name of Jesus, voice their concern to Him, and He responds that when they do so they will be rendered temporarily unable to speak against Him. He goes on to observe that any who assist the disciples will also be blessed — because they will have been responding rightly to the leading of the Holy Spirit, marking them as teachable.

Jesus then challenges His followers to choose righteousness and to sacrificially avoid evil, using the rhetorical illustration of cutting off a hand or foot if they cause one to sin. He also reminds them to be an intentional source of “salt” in the world, bringing truth, and to not allow themselves to drift away to where they will become valueless.

Jesus sent messengers ahead to Samaria to prepare for Him a launching place into Jerusalem, but they refused to welcome Him there. When His apostles wanted to punish Samaria, Jesus rebuked them. As He had instructed them on their earlier missions, they went on to another village and Samaria missed out on the blessings of their presence.

Jesus challenges His followers to follow and to not look back and, like the plowman, to make their destination in the Kingdom the point of their focus — thereby walking a straight and narrow path, avoiding sin and temptation.

Interaction

Consider

Sacrifices are sometimes necessary in order to avoid sin in our lives.

Discuss

Real-life stories, similar to Pilgrim's Progress, are where choices may either keep ones eyes focused on God's goals or distracted by the things of the world.

Reflect

Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads nonbelievers to copy Believers, which leads them toward a saving faith.

Share

When have you found yourself distracted by the things of the world, yet something from Sunday morning worship or time in the Word prompted you to turn your focus to God?

Faith in Action

Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one whom the Lord has led to you, His vessel to bring them one step nearer to a decision to be saved.

Action

Today I will seek opportunity to encourage an unsaved person to participate in God's work, so that a door may be opened to their salvation. I will also discern, and act upon, one specific sacrifice I will make to remove one sinful influence in my life. And I will prayerfully lay out a long-term plan to keep myself focused on God and less vulnerable to the daily distractions of the world.

Be Specific _______________________________________________________

All Bible text is from the NET unless otherwise indicated — http://bible.org

Note 1: These Studies often rely upon the guidance of the NET translators from their associated notes. Careful attention has been given to cite that source where it has been quoted directly or closely paraphrased. Feedback is encouraged where credit has not been sufficiently assigned.

Note 2: When NET text is quoted in commentary and discussion all pronouns referring to God are capitalized, though they are lowercase in the original NET text.

Commentary text is from David M. Colburn, D.Min. unless otherwise noted.

Grateful thanks to Merrilee Clark for sharing her gifts as an editor.

Copyright © 2010 by David M. Colburn. This is a BibleSeven Study – Section 7 of the series, “The Gospels in Chronological Order” – prepared by David M. Colburn and edited for bible.org November of 2010. This text may be used for nonprofit educational purposes only, with credit; all other usage requires prior written consent of the author.