Comments on Mark 3
Today, we study the Book of Mark chapter Three, where the Lord Jesus called the twelve disciples that “He might send them out to preach.”
Reflections
“The Will of The Father.”
Key Scripture
“For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”
(Mark 3:35)
Mark 3:35 introduced a unique dimension into the conversation of “family.”
Jesus redefined “family” by saying that “those who do God’s will are are His TRUE siblings and mother.
Lessons
The Lord Jesus demonstrated the following principles by His life and affirmations:
“Spiritual Family”
Spiritual relationships in Christ are more significant than those of the flesh.
Priority
The Bible recommended that in doing good to all men, “the family of believers” are to be the priority.
(Galatians 6:10)
The Will Of God
“Jesus exemplified submission to GOD’S WILL in the garden of Gethsemane
(Luke 22:42)
Loving GOD
Brethren, our shared commitment in this “SPIRITUAL FAMILY” is that “WE LOVE GOD”
“Commandments”
Brethren, genuine love for God is expressed through OBEDIENCE to His commandments.
We pray for the GRACE to do the will of the father.
(John 14:15)
Conclusion
Doing the WILL of the should be our nature and validation.
Heirs Of The Father
Brethren, It is a privilege to be HEIRS of the Father as well as “JOINT HEIRS WITH THE SON” (Rom 8:17)
This privilege also has GREAT RESPONSIBILITIES – Doing the will of God.
Prayer
Father, help us to manifest SONSHIP through OBEDIENCE to your commandments and FELLOWSHIP with members of “THE FAMILY OF GOD.”
Amen.
Practical Applications
Prioritize compassion
Like Jesus, prioritize compassion and mercy over rigid adherence to rules, especially when it comes to helping others.
Stand firm in faith
Expect opposition when following Christ, but remain steadfast, knowing that Jesus faced similar challenges.
Embrace your calling
Recognize that, like the apostles, each believer has a unique role in God’s kingdom. Seek to understand and fulfil your calling.
Guard your heart
Be cautious not to dismiss or misinterpret the work of the Holy Spirit in your life and the lives of others.
Value spiritual relationships
Cultivate relationships with fellow believers who encourage you to live according to God’s will.
Comments on Mark chapter 4
Mark 4:20 NKJV
“But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
John 15:16 NKJV
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
Faithfully, the Sower sows in the hope that the seed will fall on good soil to produce fruit.
Fruitfulness is, therefore, not man’s idea, but a preordination of God for man from creation. In Genesis 1:26, God commands man to be fruitful. This command is reinforced in John 15:16 by our Lord Jesus Christ as He made known the reason He chose us is to bear much fruit and that our Father in heaven is glorified in this way.
Form the parable of the Sower, we therefore see a necessity to align our hearts rightly to ensure every Word God sends our way is not crowded out or choked by the cares of this world, deceitfulness of sin and the desire for other things that make the word unfruitful.
Areas we are to produce fruit include:
1. Fruit Of Our Hands Prov 31:31- Our satisfaction in life is directly linked to the fruitfulness of the works of our hands.
2. Fruit Of Our Lips– words spoken are like seeds sown and the use of our mouths correctly brings a lot of benefit to us Proverbs 12:14, 13:2, Ecc 5:6, Prov 18: 20-21
3. Fruit Of Our Thoughts – Jeremiah 6:19. God will not do beyond our mindsets for As a man thinks in his heart, so he is (Prov 23:7). As such, we must maintain positive mindsets .
Call To Action From Today’s Reading:
Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (Mk 4:24-25)
Practical Applications
Examine Your Heart
Regularly assess the condition of your heart. Are there areas where the Word is being choked by worries or distractions?
Share The Light
Be intentional about sharing the truth of the Gospel with others, just as a lamp is meant to give light.
Trust In God’s Sovereignty
Recognize that while we are called to sow seeds, it is God who causes growth. Trust in His timing and methods.
Cultivate Good Soil
Engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship to cultivate a heart that is receptive to God’s Word.
