Purpose of Healings: Mark 1:29-39

THURSDAY

Peter’s Mother-in-Law had a fever and Jesus was on His way! And, EVERYONE in the house was expecting Him! This true-life story is a metaphor for our feverish world. However, I have some good news for you, JESUS IS ON HIS WAY! We should be careful NOT to see the healings in the Bible as the end goal! Remember, all the folks who were healed, eventually passed on to glory (died). There are at least SEVEN reasons healings are so frequently seen in the pages of the Scripture:

1. To confirm Jesus’ Divine authority on earth
2. To proclaim Jesus is the Lord and Savior of ALL
3. To show Jesus came to reverse the curse from the Garden of Eden
4. To demonstrate God through Jesus wants to be in relationship with us
5. To see the full meaning of the cross as seen in Isaiah 53:4 "Surely, He (Jesus) took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted."
6. To show mercy is not earned, but given as a FREE GIFT OF GOD!
7. To provide a spiritual video of Christ’s future return to heal the world!

This last point is the most important. The Israelites were encouraged to retell the stories of their deliverance out of Egypt. Sharing the stories of God’s redemption provided current and future generations HOPE. This is the HOPE God would someday deliver His creation! In other words, the importance of the healings was not to only bring temporary relief. These healing foreshadowed the ultimate healing of God resurrecting Jesus. This victory over death is our ETERNAL HOPE. That God will restore ALL THINGS IN JESUS! Acts 3:21 says…

"Heaven must receive Him (Jesus) until the time comes for God to RESTORE EVERYTHING, as God promised long ago through His holy prophets."

See you tomorrow! God bless!

Peter Had a Wife! Mark 1:29-39

WEDNESDAY

We don’t have to be very smart to understand if Peter had a mother-in-law, there is a good chance Peter had a wife. Now, for obvious reasons, this poses problems for many people. However, many if not most of the disciples probably had wives. Remember, these were just normal rank and file working stiffs until Jesus came. I like that! I also love the fact they had some knowledge of the “real world.” The “real world” being punching the clock, turning the proverbial wrench, and taking care of their families. In any event, here are some of the possibilities for Peter’s wife:

·       Peter, by the time of our ‘mother-in-law’ story may have been a widower. This is certainly a possible solution. It is generally how our Catholic friends understand this passage. And, it may be the correct explanation! After all, why wasn’t a dutiful daughter standing by her mother’s side? Why is she not mentioned? These are all good questions! Now let me put all hearts at ease regarding Peter being married. The Catholic Church did not have any regulation in the first 300-400 years of the Church regarding celibacy for those in the Priesthood. In fact, Catholicism’s sister Church, the Orthodox Church does not require celibacy. At one time in seminary I considered becoming an Antiochian Orthodox Priest. I would have been Father Jim instead of Pastor Jim! In any event, there are several kinds of Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

·       Or, Peter might be the father or step-father of Mark. The same John-Mark who most people believe wrote the Gospel of Mark. Scholars generally agree that Mark is written through the eyes of Peter and the pen of Mark. In other words, Mark is not the first-hand account of Mark, but the firsthand account of Peter telling Mark the stories of Jesus. Mark and Peter had a very close relationship and Mark was evidently with Peter in Rome. If Mark is Peter’s son or step-son, then the name of Peter’s wife (or second wife) would be Mary according to Acts 12:12…

“When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.”

Now before we get too excited over discovering the name of Peter’s wife we must ask some questions. In Acts 12 we have Peter imprisoned when an an angel walks Peter out of the jail. Peter then goes to the “home of Mary” and knocks at the front gate? Why wouldn’t Peter just walk on in? Since Peter was in prison, did he lose the key? Why is the house referred to as the “house of Mary” and not the “home of Peter or Peter & Mary… or Peter, Paul and Mary… sorry I just couldn’t resist a sixties folk band reference.

·       Now, the simplest answer is indeed Peter was a widower. That Peter must have taken in his deceased wife’s aging mother as a kindness. This would also imply the mother-in-law was also a widow. After all, we also don’t hear anything about the Father-in-law. However, making an argument form silence is problematic.

Now let’s complicate our Peter’s wife problem a little further. Let’s take a look at this verse from First Corinthians 9:3-6...

³ This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. ⁴ Don’t we have the right to food and drink? ⁵ Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas (Simon-Peter)? ⁶ Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?

Most scholars believe the Gospel of Mark was written between 60-69 AD. They also believe the Gospel of Mark was written before the Fall of Jerusalem (Destruction of the Temple) in 70 AD. Why? Because Mark does not mention this pivotal event. The First Jewish-Roman War, aka the Siege of Jerusalem, started in 66 AD and went through 73 AD. Seven years of tribulation… once again, another blog for another day! In any event, this would imply the Gospel of Mark was written prior to 66 AD. The Roman Emperor Nero committed suicide on June 9^th, 68 AD. This event is also not recorded in the Gospel of Mark. These types of events are too pivotal and to historic to Israel and Christianity not to mention them. Hence, this is why I believe the Gospel of Mark was easily written before 66 AD. Once again, the passage from First Corinthians 9 has the Apostle Paul complaining the other disciples are allowed to take “believing wives.” Once again, looking at the entire text:

⁵ Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? ⁶ Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?

This seems to state overtly that all the other Apostles and the Lord’s brothers had wives… including Cephas. Cephas is another name for Simon-Peter. First Corinthians was written around 53-54 AD. The story of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law took place during Jesus’ ministry in 27-33 AD. Why 20 years later does First Corinthians 9:5-6 imply Cephas (Simon-Peter) had a wife at that time? If Paul would take the time to write this verse, why would Paul not write it the following way instead:

⁵ Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers. ”Even Cephas had a wife before being widowed!” ⁶ Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?

To me, it is hard to argue against the apparent present reality of Cephas having a wife in 53-54 AD. Why would Paul even separate Cephas (Simon-Peter) out from the other Apostles? In any event, I think it is highly-probable that not only did Peter have a wife, but IF Peter was a widower, that by 53-54 AD, Peter must have remarried. Well, let’s look at the original text from First Corinthians 9:5-6 once again:

⁵ Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? ⁶ Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?

Verse 6 is VERY, VERY interesting! Paul’s complaint seems to attach some economic status to being married. Verse 6 almost sounds like Paul is saying, “Can I not have a wife to fund me and my ministry like the other Apostle’s and Lord’s brothers?” Evidently the image of the docile wife who needs a man to take care of her is not Paul’s, the other Apostles, or the Lord’s brothers belief! It sounds like they are “kept men!” Hmmmm…. I showed Miss Carol my thoughts and told her we need to get Biblical!!!!

Now understand, the main thought behind First Corinthians 9 is Paul justifying himself as an Apostle. In addition, Paul must have received some criticism regarding his request for the Churches to support him financially. That is the background for chapter 9. The other Apostles were being supported and this is a transitionary time for the Church and Paul. A time in which the Church DOES eventually accept Paul as an Apostle. The following verse 7 seems to indicate this discussion:

⁷ Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk?

Paul is building the argument that his ministry deserves financial support. Now understand, Paul was bi-vocational (see Acts 18:1-4). He had learned the tent-making trade and seemed to work at this trade to support his ministry. Now let’s get back to Peter.

We know Peter was married. If Peter was married during the healing of his mother-in-law by Jesus, then it is also possible he was a widower. The big question is why the daughter (Peter’s wife), is not mentioned. Well, in a manner of speaking she just might be! Let’s return to Mark 1:29

²⁹ As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. ³⁰ Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. ³¹ So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

I would argue the “they” is the wife and perhaps the kids who are just waiting to tell Jesus about about sick old Grandma! Mom-in-law evidently had a high fever from the reports in the other Gospels (see Matthew 8:14; Luke 4:38). A fever high enough that kept her in bed. Therefore, it is highly probable that Peter’s wife was alive and well at this time. Later we will explore the idea of a ‘second wife’ if indeed Peter was a widower at the time of this healing.

Now what about the kid’s. Here is an interesting verse in First Peter 5:12-14…

¹² With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. ¹³ She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. ¹⁴ Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

In the final greetings to the Book of First Peter we find Peter specifies a son. Look at the First Peter 5:13 below with an explanation of metaphors…

“She (the Church) who is in Babylon (Rome), chosen together with you (the Churches in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia) sends you her (Roman Church) greetings, and so does my son Mark.”

Does this mean Mark is Peter’s son? Perhaps! I call several young men “my sons.”  However, it is in the spiritual sense or due to the closeness of our friendship. I also have my have my own son. Therefore, this could certainly be the case between Peter and Mark. It just seems strange that Peter, when let out of prison would go to the home of Mary in the middle of the night. Peter may have assumed there was a prayer vigil for him by entering Mary’s home. After all, Mary was evidently a woman of some financial means since she was one of several women in the Bible that hosted, and probably were “thee” or at least “a” leader of a house Church. They were definitely benefactors of the Church and the Apostles. DO NOT BE FOOLED. IF IT WAS NOT FOR WOMEN, CHRISTIANITY WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED!

·                                     Priscilla and Aquila in 1 Corinthians 16:19 and Romans 16:3; 5

Priscilla evidently was the dominant personality in their marriage.She even instructed the famous preacher, Apollos, correcting his doctrine! (Acts 18:26)

·                                    Nymphas in Colossians 4:15

·                                   Lydia in Acts 16:11-40 and Phoebe in Romans 16:1 were also leaders.

·                                  Junia was perhaps an Apostle! (see Romans 16:7)

Conclusion

Here are my opinions. Peter was certainly married. Whether Peter had children we cannot say. Peter could have been widowed at the time Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. Perhaps this first marriage, if indeed Peter was widowed (for which there is no evidence) was childless. If Peter was widowed, then he more than likely remarried. I would suggest this wife was Mary the sister of Barnabas. It could be implied that Mary must have been a widow as well. Mary did have a son Mark. We do not know if Peter is the father or the step-father. I lean in the step-father direction regarding First Peter 5:13. It seems clear to me this John-Mark is the Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark. And, as indicated earlier in First Corinthians 9:5-6, it appears the necessity to have a “wife of means” was certainly something Paul thought was his “right” as well! Mary certainly would have been a “wife of means!” A woman who owned her own home implies financial stability! Mary’s first husband (if there was one) may have left her a sizable inheritance to take care of Mark! This sounds very plausible! Or, like Lydia, Mary may have been a business woman who built her own financial wealth. In any event, Mary would be a good candidate to be a “wife of means.”

Now at least one question remains. Why were the early Church fathers silent on Peters marriage? Polycarp, Papias, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Clement of Rome, Eusebius, etc.? Only Polycarp, who was a disciple of the Apostle John would have the best, but still only second-hand knowledge. The others would have only known what Polycarp knew. I just don’t see them concerned that Peter’s marriage was a big deal. I will discuss the concept of the papacy (Pope) in a separate blog. However, for the moment, not everyone believes the Church was hierarchical in the sense many Churches have organized themselves today. Especially after the legalization of the Church in 313 AD by Emperor Constantine. When Christianity became the established religion of the realm, it then became more structured by the compromises of the political and religious leaders. The Protestant Reformers did not recognize this type of episcopal structure. The reformers would argue that the formal Church took steps to legitimize themselves to the state by re-inventing history.

I hope you will come back tomorrow! Tomorrow we will discuss Biblical healing! Can I be healed? Can you be healed? What is healing?

See you tomorrow! God Bless!

Peter's Mother in Law-Mark 1:29-39

Monday-Tuesday

I am behind one day in my sermon preparation because of writing my article for the Church newsletter. So, let’s catch up!

We have a lot of intrigue this week! Peter had a mother-in-law? Peter was married? Is Peter’s wife mentioned in the Bible? Did they have children?

More or less satisfactory answers will be given to all these questions, as we go Stumbling Through the Scriptures^© this week.

Once again, we find ourselves in chapter one of Mark. The passage for this week revolves around the healing of Peter’s Mother-In-Law in verses 29-39.

TEACHING POINT: This week I am doing a verse-by-verse analysis as we go through the text. Remember, Bible study is more memorable when you can retell the story in your own words. Learning to ‘tell the story’ can make it fun for your children and grandchildren as you dramatize the Bible. You can take liberties as long as those liberties don’t violate a proper Christology (i.e. Christ as God and Man, Christ as Lord and Savior). God, and the writers God used, want you to continue the storytelling tradition so common in the life of Bible families. Therefore, getting to the first storytelling phase early in the week is important. I hope to be there tomorrow or Thursday. In any event, I rewrite the on Saturday as I find errors in my thinking and/or needed edits: i.e. new information, best guesses, more background, commentary thoughts. It is fun when reading and studying the Bible if you attempt to understand the background of the story. You might want to ask questions like these:

• ·       What were the colors, the smells, etc. … around the story location?

• ·       Was property own? Who owned the property?

• ·       Why are only certain characters mentioned?

• ·       How are the characters involved with each other?

• ·       Why does everybody seem to be sick?

New International Version (NIV)	Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)
Healing of Peter’s Mother-In-Law 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.	Healing of Peter’s Mother-In-Law 29 And immediately, having come forth out of the synagogue, they went to the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John,
Note: The sons of Zebedee, James and John, at the very least have a working relationship with the brothers Andrew and Simon-Peter. We assume they are also friends. They are the first four disciples to follow Jesus to become ‘Fishers of Men.’ What immediately sticks out is that Simon and Andrew are still living in the same house. We should also notice they evidently own the house. However, they could be renting or the time-frame equivalent! More than likely they own the house.
30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her.	30 and the mother-in-law of Simon was lying fevered, and immediately they tell him about her,
Note: Wow! The first thing that jumps off the page is…”Peter has a mother-in-law?” Why, that would mean Peter has (or had) a wife?!? The first Pope had a wife? What did Peter do with her? You can’t help not to be distracted! Perhaps there is some sordid detail about Peter’s life, …or not. After all, Peter was known to be impetuous! I am recalling the nursey rhyme: Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater Had a Wife and couldn’t Keep Her Put her in a pumpkin shell And there he kept her very well Remember “rabbit trails?” As a reminder, rabbit trails are those ideas that pop into your head… ideas that may end up providing great insight or as I said last week… sometimes rabbits (ideas) are never caught or are not worth eating. At this very moment, I remembered this nursery rhyme. Nursery rhymes are often about dark stories. This is the case of “Peter, Peter.” The old nursery rhyme was about a man named Peter who killed his wife, dismembered her, and hid her in a pumpkin. “Wow, Mommy and Daddy… thanks for telling me that rhyme just before I go to bed!” However, the original rhyme was about a chimney sweep who stuffed his wife up a chimney. Now you might ask? What does this have to do with Bible study? You are right to ask! Remember, our goal is to get to the point! To retell the story. Note, please make it age appropriate. I may or may not use the story of this nursery rhyme… but I have to at least consider the Lord ‘might have’ placed it in my head. IT IS A PART OF THE BIZARRE CREATIVE PROCESS THE GOD GIVES ALL OF US! These types of thoughts are what we call an ‘attention getter.’ In other words, when teaching, we should often associate something bizarre with the story you are telling. Hoping the listeners will remember the ‘main’ story. This is also true about advertising! We love the funny ads, but when you ask what product they were selling… most cannot recall. The “art in storytelling” is to associate humor and oddity in a way that does not detract from the story. I will talk about the rhythm of a story later. Now, back to the verse. “Mother-in-law” stands out! As they often do!!! (humor). In any event, I always try to find a corresponding story in the opposite testament. Since Mark is in the New Testament, I ask myself, “What corresponding story is in the Old Testament!” THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP IN BIBLE STUDY! I put “mother-in-law” into my computerized Bible (biblegateway.com) and discovered two major references. The first is found in Deuteronomy 27:23. This is wheret God curses those who would ‘sleep with their mother-in-law.” Oooooh! Yuck! “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his mother-in-law.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” Can you imagine bringing this up during prayer time in Church… “and all the people said Amen! In any event, I doubt I will work this reference into my message because it does not, at this point in my understanding, add anything to the story. Unless, of course, I decided to talk about how Christianity has elevated the role of woman. In any event, a little background on Deuteronomy 27:23. You may be asking, “Who would do such a thing?” Well, unfortunately in many cultures, old men could take very young ‘teenage’ wives. These wives were bartered away to build alliances between families for the purposes of business, economics, power and of course, lust. Gross!!!! Old men often die leaving their young brides behind and the sons might have a ‘hankering’ for a mom-in-law or step-mom who looks like Olivia Munn. This occurred in the New Testament in First Corinthians 5:1. The Apostle Paul says… “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father's wife. Once again, oooh! Yuck! Remember, sexual immorality has always been a problem. Please notice the ‘messy’ subjects of which the Bible speaks! This is why I love the Bible! It deals with very ‘messy’ folks, who are either running towards God or away from God carrying ALL their flaws. Just like you and me. Now the next reference is from the Book of Ruth. Naomi is Ruth’s mother-in-law. And Naomi and Ruth are both ‘many-great’ grandmas of Jesus! You can go to Matthew 1 to try to count just how ‘great’ a grandma Naomi would be! You might also like to view my former seminary professors blog on “Jesus’ Great-Grandmothers.” Thank you Dr. Mariottini! (https://claudemariottini.com/2015/03/09/jesus-great-grandmothers/ ). VERY IMPORTANT CONCEPT (VIC): I hope you have noticed something! Bible Study is important! For as you study the Scriptures you learn a lot about a lot of EVERYTHING! Therefore, folks who diligently study the Bible seem to have a better literary, philosophical, political, theological, social, and practical sense about them. Unless they go down a very narrow liberal fundamentalist or conservative fundamentalist pathway. Remember, GOD IS ABOUT REAL LIFE. In any event, your adventure in the Bible from week to week will take you to ALL kinds of subjects. Some time back, I studied the viability of the nine-foot giant named Goliath. My questions about Goliath’s height took me to an anthropological (human study) of nutrition in Goliath’s time. This caused me to take a closer look at the text. I discovered that ‘nine’ is a debatable translation. The nutrition study indicated the average height of anyone in David’s time would be 5’ 4” tall. I am 5’ 6” tall. If I lived in King David’s time, I could have played center on King David’s basketball team (if they had one)! WHY? BECAUSE, I WOULD BE THE TALL GUY! I soon found myself leaning in the direction that Goliath was 6-7 feet tall and probably suffered from gigantism… along with his brothers. Gigantism is an abnormal functioning of the pituitary gland. In gigantism, the pituitary releases TOO MUCH GH hormone, which causes abnormal growth. I was curious about the genetic likelihood of his four brothers, who were also giants… but I ran out of time. It would be a subject for another day… and so it is with Bible study, ALWAYS MORE TO LEARN about the SCRIPTURE and the WORLD AROUND US! The Internet today can provide an unending amount of resources for FREE BIBLE STUDY. However, DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ! In any event, I discovered the difficulty in Goliath’s head being cut-off. I never thought about this before until a random thought went through my head and parked itself. If only Goliath’s broad-sword (heavy straight-sword) was on the field of battle, then it would have been difficult, to chop off the head cleanly for reasons indicated in the Scripture. Goliath’s sword was heavy! And, David needed to take the “trophy” back to King Saul. So, “How did David do it?” As is my tradition, if I cannot find research, then I try to track down an expert. I found an expert in Israel. Now, these experts are guys and gals who wear “pocket protectors” and don’t see much sunlight unless they are out on a dig. I have discovered these researchers are like “old farmers” who won’t talk until you ask them about… “their back forty (acres).” These same farmers then won’t shut up! So, it is with these researchers. They are often excited someone, ANYONE wants to hear and read about their life’s work! In any event, this researcher sent me his papers and we had a long talk on the telephone. YES! I CALLED ISRAEL! We have an invention called the telephone, USE IT! It turns out the Philistines, having been influenced by their past culture, carried the equivalent of a small, round-edge sword that fit in the small of their backs. It would be like a scimitar. They used this style of sword for close order combat. Similar to using a rifle versus a pistol in combat. Therefore, the sword David used was ‘more than likely’ (but not absolutely) this round edge sword. A sword that would ‘roll through’ the neck for a clean cut. Yuck! Will I use that story on Sunday? No! However, the purpose of my blog is to teach you how to study the Bible, how to find the resources, and why it is important to study the Bible. Just wait till we get to the part about how old testament promises (oaths) were made! Double YUCK! Well, I will continue with this chart tomorrow… I need to go do some visits. Come back tomorrow. Same time, same station to find out if Peter had a wife? Children? To find out what happened to Peter’s wife? Are Peter’s children mentioned in the Bible? Will the stars keep on shining… this and other questions will soon be answered…? See you tomorrow! God Bless!

The list can be endless, but you get the idea. I can read a passage a hundred times and Christ’s Holy Spirit will cause me to ask new questions which each reading and study. As time goes on, I will share some sources that may be valuable in creating and understanding the background. Now, back to work!

As mentioned, it is all right to make your best, educated guess in all the above, if the Bible does not tell us for sure. And, if the ‘educated guess’ does not jeopardize a proper Christology. I will have a Christology blog article in the future.

In my Bible Study tradition, I like to compare the text between the New International Version (NIV) and the Young’s Literal Translation (YLT). The method I am showing you today is called ‘Charting.’ It is easier for me to see things if the notes are next to the verse. In addition, the chart (table below) allows me to continue to add-to and edit the chart throughout the week. I can also color code ideas. As the week progresses you will find me doing a lot of editing to this chart.

Sermon for February 4, 2018-Mark 1:29-39

Sunday:
This week we are staying in chapter one of Mark. Verses 29-39 highlight the healing of Peter's mother-in-law...

Some of the interesting questions we will study this week are:

• Peter had a wife?
• Do we know her name or anything about her?
• Can we be Forensic Bibliologists and make some educated guesses?
• And, many others! 

The answers to all these questions are "Yes!" And, a lot of the answers are fascinating as we see how God brings lives together to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the World.

See you tomorrow!

Sabbaths: The Difference One Word Can Make

FRIDAY-SATURDAY:

As we begin the final phase of our Bible Study preparation for this week’s sermon, I want to discuss a few points made throughout the week.

Looking at other Translations (Not Paraphrases)

First, it is a good practice to always read the given Scripture text, and the text around the text, from various translations not paraphrases. A translation is a legitimate attempt to convey the “precise” meaning of the text. And, as I implied earlier in the week, there are very literal translations (which I prefer) versus translations that attempt to be “thought-perfect.” The latter being valuable, but I don’t depend on them.

A paraphrase is a VERY, VERY loose retelling of the story and not meant for accuracy but for readability. Also, as I mentioned earlier in the week, the further you get away from a literal translation the more chances of bias being translated into the Scripture. Don’t not misunderstand, ALL TRANSLATIONS HAVE VALUE AND SOME INTERPRETIVE BIAS! I just view them as different tools in my Bible Toolbox that someone(s) have created. An example of a very literal translation is Young’s Literal Translation (YLT). I almost never prepare a sermon without double checking YLT. In any event, an example of a “thought-perfect” (versus word-perfect) translation is the New International Version (NIV). An example of a paraphrase is the Living Bible (LB). However, I would not use a paraphrase for example, if I am defending or examining a doctrinal point. A paraphrase is useful as “fun” reading if you are aware that the further you get away from a “literal” version, the chances increase for a more liberal or conservative bias (opinion) to sneak into the translating process. Therefore, I try to read as many translations as time permits throughout the week for a given passage. Which brings us to a promise I made…

SABBATHS

If I had not read other ENGLISH translations I may not have noticed the word “sabbath” being translated as “sabbaths” in one or more of the more literal translations. Remember, even literal translations will make compromises to convey an idea with less confusion. Some of the literal translations have chosen to keep ‘sabbath’ singular.’ However, HERE IS THE REALLY COOL PART! Let’s take a look…

New International Version (NIV)	Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.	21 And they go on to Capernaum, and immediately, on the sabbaths, having gone into the synagogue, he was teaching,

Neither translation is particularly wrong, but this discrepancy bothered me. I asked myself, “Is sabbath meant to be plural? And, if so, why?” These are the types of what I call “Bible Study Rabbit Trails” that can be fascinating. Sometimes with a “rabbit’ (idea) being caught, and sometimes the rabbit gets away (meaning-idea is not there, or there is not enough information, scholarship, or time in the week to solve the problem, etc.). Just in the comparison of these two translation I am, at the writing of this blog seeing a lot more rabbit trails to follow… but I don’t have time.

TEACHING POINT: Okay, okay… I can hear ‘ya screaming for more! So, maybe just a quick chase. Notice the NIV does not include the word “immediately.” It is in the Greek text. And, it is actually a key word to understanding ALL OF MARK! As in indicated, the Gospel of Mark is like a Bruce Willis’ “Diehard” movie (btw: Pastor Jim loves these movies!) In any event, in Mark, like “Diehard,” the action never stops! To leave out the word “immediately,” which occurs over 40 times in this Gospel, changes how to understand Mark. Now let’s get back to work…

Here is what I found. Most scholars believe there is a gap of time between the verses dealing with Jesus’ calling the disciples and His entry into the Capernaum synagogue. Let’s look…

Spawning Season for Fish (Apr-Aug)	The Main Fishing Season Starts at the End of August	GAP	Jewish New Year & National Day of Atonement in Sep
20 and immediately he called them, and, having left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, they went away after him.			21 And they go on to Capernaum, and immediately, on the sabbaths, having gone into the synagogue, he was teaching,

There must be some ‘gap’ of time because you CANNOT WORK ON THE SABBATH! Notice, in my study of ‘fishing’ I came to discover the fish spawning season is from April to August. And, even though some fishing took place for daily livelihood year-round, you don’t want to disturb the fish when they are reproducing. Even fish are shy! Fisherman would use nets with larger holes, so the smaller fish could escape. The holes in the nets may get smaller as the main fishing season wore on, IF the market demanded more fish. Just like today, the fishing industry is managed. In 2010, Israel shut down fishing in the Seal of Galilee for two years. However, it was not strictly enforced. The government then adjusted the shutdown to the spawning season until the lake recovers and has a sustainable fish population. Why is this important? Because when you study the Bible EVERYTHING IS IMPORTANT! You must become an anthropologist and realize that understanding the daily life, will help you to understand the Bible. When I researched “fishing” in Lake Galilee I discovered this information about the spawning season. Bible understanding is an attempt to put 2 and 2 together! It may equal 2.5 (demonstrating some uncertainty), but that is closer than when you started!

TEACHING POINT: Therefore, the disciples left their family fishing business at the BEGINNING of the MAIN fishing season to follow Jesus. I wish I could have heard the conversation with father Zebedee! “What! @#$%&” Zebedee must have said, “You are going to leave me with all this work, to go follow some hippie?” Some things don’t change in any generation, do they? This gives us a sense of the sacrifice the disciples AND THEIR FAMILIES were making! How, better we understand this passage from Mark 10:28-31…

²⁸ Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” ²⁹ Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news,^[f] 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. ³¹ But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

I am still stuck with a question. I am sure the disciples, being part of the working class, had to realize just how ‘dumb’ this decision might be. Leave their families? Leave dad who is getting older to take on a very tough life by himself? You know Pastor Jim, I would have been “speaking in tongues” at my children, and I don’t mean the good kind of speaking! In any event, this decision was not easy! However, I think ZEBEDEE and corresponding family members bought into the idea. Why? For the same reason people were lining up at the Jordan River bank to be baptized. THEY WERE PREPARING FOR ROSH HASHANA (Jewish New Year) AND YOM KIPPUR (National Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 23)! These days can occur during the middle of the week! For example, in 2018 Rosh Hashana is Monday-Tuesday, September 10-11 and Yom Kippur on Wednesday, September 19^th. I believe Mark is conflating these High Holy Days with the regular Sabbaths on the given Friday-Saturdays.

Let me set the context. There had been 400 years of silence. God seemed to stop speaking. Then, out of nowhere comes this ‘other’ hippie named “John the Baptist.” John’s one mission was to prepare the way of the Lord. It was customary during this time of New Year and Atonement to repent. To think about your eternal destiny. It was at this time, repentance assured your name was written in,,, guess what? THE BOOK OF LIFE! It was a time to make sure that ALL YOUR SINS were forgiven! Therefore, John’s mission fell with perfect timing with Jesus’ arrival and entry into the synagogue at Capernaum. A synagogue which, “more than likely” was paid for by the Roman Centurion (see Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10). And, listen to this! A synagogue THAT EVEN JESUS MAY HAVE HELPED TO CONSTRUCT years earlier!

Therefore, the term “sabbaths” is indeed plural because the National Day of Atonement was and is often called, among others, a High Sabbath (High Holy Day). I would argue, and Pastor Jim could be wrong, that the plural of “sabbath” lends itself to our understanding of why:

·       So many people wanted to repent!

·       Fisherman would leave their parents business!

·       The plural of sabbath is used!

·       And, for the WHAT… determining the time of year in which this story takes place.

TEACHING POINT: As a side note, it is interesting that Mark does not include the story of the faithful centurion. It is only found in Matthew and Luke. This is especially odd, since this Gospel was written by Mark in Rome TO THE ROMANS! However, this might explain Mark’s conflating these Jewish festivals with the regular sabbath by using the plural, “sabbaths.” It would have been confusing to his Gentile audience to go into detail regarding Jewish festivals. The Jewish audience would understand. And, it is consistent with Mark’s fast-paced, “highlights only” writing style.

I hope you can see why “rabbit trails” are important. The Holy Spirit can stop your reading and make your brain say, “What about this?” or “Why is that said… that way?” or “Why that word, or story?” Therefore, Bible study is like taking water out of a barrel that never runs dry. Each time we come to the Scriptures God may have something special for us… for that time and moment in our lives!

So where do we go from here? Remember, the ‘storytelling’ part of our preparation earlier in the week. I have a bunch of folks who want me to tell this story of Jesus tomorrow morning (Sunday). I am sure they are on the edge of their seats in anticipation! Therefore, I go back to the “storytelling phase,” and I correct, edit and add what I have learned in preparation for tomorrow’s sermon. Even stuff I haven’t shared with y’all yet!

See you on Sunday at 9:30am!

Continuation of Mark 1:21-28... Unclean spirits

THURSDAY:

Today I want to examine the concept of “unclean spirits” or “demons.” We live in a world that likes to blame our actions on someone else… or something else. Many of you may remember the great comedian Flip Wilson. One of Flip’s comedic characters was Geraldine. Geraldine was immensely funny but had a huge character flaw… she would never take responsibility for her own actions. Geraldine made famous the comment, “The devil made me do it!” Unfortunately, this has been humankind’s excuse since the Garden of Eden. Let’s look:

¹³ Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

Apparently, Eve wanted to blame her actions on the serpent. Of course, this was just her way of saying, “The devil made me do it, I am not responsible.”

Adam is not any better and perhaps worse. He places the blame on Eve and someone else:

¹² The man said, “The woman YOU (God) put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

In other words, “My old lady Eve made me do it!” Talk about a misogynist. And, if you look closely, Adam is telling God it was also His fault by stating, “The woman YOU put here with me.” Adam, is in effect saying his bad actions are God’s fault. Adam’s thinking, “I would have been all right God, but that woman YOU gave me… it’s ALL her fault!” Talk about throwing someone under the proverbial bus! It had to be more than a couple of cold nights on the couch for Adam! In any event, some things never change. All through history humankind has tried to blame their actions, usually their bad actions, on someone else, an evil force or even on God. In other words, no one is responsible.

So here is our first point, God wants us to take responsibility for our own actions, good or bad. God wants us, so to speak, “to man or woman up!”

Let’s build upon this point by looking at the primary teaching of Jesus. To do this we turn to Matthew 5-7. This is where we can find Jesus’ most important message called the “Sermon on the Mount.” I like to teach this is where the “Jesus Ethic” is made very clear. It is here we find how corruptible humankind has become… through their own actions… and just as importantly… their own thoughts. In this passage Jesus charges with murder those who are angry, carry a grudge, or who call another person “fool.” In the very next passage, Jesus charges with adultery not only those who engage in the physical act, but also those who “lust in their hearts.” In this teaching, Jesus’ is repeating what had been known for years as Proverbs 23:7 indicates…

⁷ For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…

Therefore, the difficulty of being “good enough” for salvation finally dawned on the disciples when they heard Jesus teach…

²⁵ For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ²⁶ And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? ²⁷ And Jesus said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Once we realize OUR corruptibility, then we can understand why we need a Savior. And, we can also begin to realize we need a Savior who is the ‘complete and perfect’ sacrifice for all our sins: past, present and future. Why? Well, I don’t know about you, but if I am to be judged by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount then I am a murderer and an adulterer. And that is the point, humankind is corrupted. The reformers called this the doctrine of total depravity. The idea behind total depravity is this, “We cannot save ourselves!” BUT, we have this promise, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Thank you, Jesus!

So, let’s review. First, we understand that humankind has historically tried to blame external sources for their bad behavior since the Garden of Eden. Second, the Jesus Ethic taught in the Sermon on the Mount places the blame at our doorstep. In other words, we are ALL hypocrites and we need a Lord and Savior.

Now, let’s look at a third point. Many people believe that since Jesus did not take time to correct the idea of ‘unclean spirits’ or ‘demons’ that they must exist. This is a flawed view. There are a lot of subjects and concepts that Jesus did not address during His time on earth. Why? Because it was required of a Savior to be vulnerable to the very people God was trying to save. In other words, Jesus was fully human, even though Jesus was also fully God. However, while on earth, Jesus could only know or do those things that God (His Father) directed…

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. 

This verse from John 5 should teach us a lot about Jesus. While on earth, Jesus does not know everything! Jesus could only do those things or know those things the Father has revealed. Some people like to think that since Jesus was God, that Jesus did not struggle in the same way we struggle. Once again, this is a way for humans to discount Christ’s struggle. Many Christians when confronted with their bad behavior often say, “Well, Jesus is God! He has super powers!” If you are one of these folks you need to read this passage from Hebrews 4…

¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been TEMPTED IN EVERY WAY, just as we are—YET HE DID NOT SIN. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Jesus did not have superpowers while on earth. He could only do and know that which the Father permitted… just like you and me!

This point is important for a lot of reasons, but for our purpose let me propose this… Jesus did not correct the idea of “unclean spirits” or “demons” because it was not revealed to Him. In the same way, WHILE ON EARTH, Jesus did not know everyone or everything about everyone. In other words, GOD BECAME VULNERABLE… for you to understand that GOD UNDERSTANDS! Jesus was not sent to teach political or social concepts. Jesus was not sent to teach science. Jesus probably did not even build perfect houses. He was fully human and fully God. However, access to His divinity was LIMITED while on earth. This makes Him the perfect sacrifice, especially when we learn Jesus was “TEMPTED IN EVERY WAY!”

Let’s review where I am going and where I believe the Bible is taking us…

HUMANKIND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS!

Now, before I address the reality of “unclean spirits” or “demons” let me explain who gives power to such an ‘evil’ force or forces. In John 4:4 we find this teaching from the Apostle…

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. ⁴ You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

Wow! The question to ask is this, “Who gives unclean spirits or demons their reality or power?” And the answer of course is, “We do!” However, “WE DON’T HAVE TO!” Why”, “because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world…” Evil only has power when WE give EVIL it’s power.

Pastor Jim? Don’t you believe in ‘demons’ and the ‘devil?’ Here is my answer, “Yes, but not in the sense we as a culture have come to believe in them.” I do believe in evil and I do believe the “spirit of the antichrist” is in the world. However, to understand what all of this means requires us to clean out our cultural baggage (cultural beliefs) of “demons” and the “devil.”

The common concept of demons and the devil are not Biblical! Unfortunately, what almost ALL CHRISTIANITY believes regarding the devil and his demons is a fabrication from several NON-Biblical sources:

·       Paradise Lost by John Milton

·       Dante’s Inferno by Dante Alighieri's

·       Cartoons

These are all literary works that have put into the mind of the public the red-tailed menace and his pitchfork. Along with his ‘minions’ that are forever circling you, hoping you will stumble! This is why you have heard me mention in my sermons from time to time, that much of Christianity and what is believed is more from the pagan world than it is from Jesus. More from the pagan world than it is from the Bible.

We buy into these images because it is easier for us to blame an external force that “tempts” little old us. It places the responsibility for our sins on the shoulders of a personified evil… called the devil and his minions. All the while, God wants YOU to understand YOU are responsible. This is why God sent Himself to be your Lord and Savior.

Now as to the ‘spirit of the anti-christ’ you need to understand this is the force of evil, NOT ONE GIVEN CHARACTER! However, this is a discussion for another blog for another day!

So, what’s with the “unclean spirit” or demon in today’s story that Jesus rebukes. Well let me tell you…

Jesus came, as Matthew 15:24 indicates…

 ²⁴ Jesus answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

The story in Mark 1 is a real one. It really did happen, but it is a story filled with symbolism. Jesus’ primary first goal was to redeem Israel. To get them back on course. However, the religious leaders chose to reject Jesus. In Mark 1, the man with a demon (unclean spirit) is emblematic of Israel’s leadership (their shepherds) rejecting God and the Messiah (see Ezekiel 34). The Pharisees and Sadducees (religious leaders) knew Jesus was special. At the very least, they knew Jesus was “from God.”

² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, WE KNOW that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

Of course, in this story Nicodemus becomes “born-again” and realizes Jesus’ is the Messiah. However, the above verse reflects the “WE KNOW” by the religious leaders. Obviously, they were talking about Jesus. Nicodemus was part of this religious leadership. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and assisted Joseph of Arimathea when placing Jesus’ body in the tomb.

Therefore, the “unclean spirit” is symbolically ‘Israel’ crying out in the midst of the synagogue, that Jesus is, “The Holy Son of God.” This crying out is a declaration of God’s judgment. It was a warning to the religious leadership the Messiah has come. In any event, Jesus rebuked the unclean ‘demonic’ spirit. This man had given himself over to evil. And Jesus demonstrated His grace by removing that spirit. Just like Jesus removes our sins. There is little doubt the man with an unclean spirit had profited from the control the Pharisees and Sadducees had over the rank and file. Perhaps he was part of the leadership. We need to look at Ezekiel 34:4 for the prophecy regarding God’s judgment of the bad shepherds:

You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally.

Is it any doubt why the religious leadership were expecting a powerful political ruler? Power is all they understood. Power is how they saw God. They were supposed to be God’s children, but they were not in relationship with God. To be in relationship is not due to power, but due to love.

TEACHING POINT: ALL relationships based on exerting power are NOT healthy relationships. Power is a proclamation that you are in charge and not God. Power is a sin! Those who depend on their own power will not be able to see the transforming relational power of Jesus. Therefore, we need to make ALL of our relationships emulate the Servant King Jesus. Remember this passage from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:11..,

 “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!”

Concluding, this week’s Bible study is one of Jesus’ authority and our responsibility. Our responsibility to recognize Him as our Lord and Savior. Our responsibility that we indeed choose our behavior and that our behavior, negative or positive has a cumulative effect on the world.

TEACHING POINT: It is important to understand God’s judgment. I will expound on this in a later blog. However, for the moment understand that God’s judgment is built into the fabric of the universe. God is not in heaven waiting around for you to mess up. God is not looking for opportunities to give judgment. That is not a relationship. Just as gravity and other laws are built into the fabric of the universe for our own good, so is God’s judgment. A reminder for our own protection… to “turn around.” In John 3:16-18 we find…

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son

Some people’s understanding of God is one of judgment. An image of “God is gonna getcha! This would not be a relationship. God never has to lift a finger to judge… ever! For our own protection, and due to God’s desire to remind us that He wants to be in relationship with us, God does not condemn or judge… but we judge or condemn ourselves. There is ‘such a thing’ as living in harmony with the fabric of the universe, versus living in dissonance with the fabric of the universe. I can choose not to believe in gravity, but it will be painful! It is not God judging me. God has created a protective universe in which the fabric gently redirects our hearts back to Him… hopefully!

Now if you want to believe in some personified force of evil or little weird looking guys running around bringing temptation to your doorstep... go ahead. Evil is real! However, you must remember, you are the one who empowers evil. God through His Word teaches us that WE ARE RESPONSIBLE!

God bless... Check in tomorrow as we look at the symbolism of the singular ‘sabbath’ versus the actual plural (in the Greek texts) ‘sabbaths’ in verse 21. On Saturday we will return to our story-telling and see how the Roman Centurion... shows up again!

See you tomorrow! Go love Jesus!