This message from Ecclesiastes 8:10-17 was given by Pastor Dan Greenfield during our morning service, August 13, 2023.
Here we learn from Ecclesiastes that you must trust in the Lord and rejoice in what he has given!
You can download this outline to follow along and take notes.
You can download this week’s entire Daily Devotional in booklet form here.
Jesus told the disciples that some of them would see the Kingdom of God (v. 1). Six days later Jesus’ physical, outward form was radically transformed (vv. 2-3), giving Peter, James, and John a glimpse of the glory of God’s coming Kingdom. Peter concluded that the kingdom was finally being established and so asked about setting up booths to get things going (v. 4; cf. Zech 14:16). God’s recognition of Jesus as his Son emphasized the disciples’ need to learn from and submit to Jesus (vv. 7-8). Jesus told them that Elijah came in the person of John the Baptist, but just as the Jewish leaders rejected him so they would reject Jesus, the Messiah (vv. 9-13).
Returning to the other disciples, Jesus found them in a verbal scrum with the scribes (vv. 14-16). The disciples were unable to cast out a demon that had long afflicted a young man (vv. 17-23), and perhaps the scribes took the occasion of the disciples’ failure to accuse them and Jesus of being frauds. Jesus told the father to trust in him (vv. 23-24) and then commanded the demon to leave the young man (vv. 25-27). Jesus told the disciples who failed to remove the demon that depending on God through prayer is how spiritual changes are made (vv. 28-29).
Truths to Nail Down and Apply
You can download this week’s entire Daily Devotional in booklet form here.
Mark 8 Large crowds stayed with Jesus for three days and had exhausted whatever food they brought with them (vv. 1-3). Jesus then instructed his disciples to gather what food they had, told the people sit down, gave thanks, and dispersed it throughout the 4,000 present (vv. 6-9). Jesus and his disciples then sailed to the north western side of the Sea of Galilee (v. 10).
Despite all Jesus’ teaching and miraculous works, the Pharisees’ spiritually hard hearts demanded yet more “proof” (vv. 11-12). What they needed was faith, not more miracles. Jesus warned his disciples of the danger of unbiblical teaching and living as illustrated by the Jewish religious and political leaders (vv. 13-21).
Mark’s gospel is the only one that tells of Jesus’ healing the blind man in verses 22-26. Jesus touched the blind man’s eyes (cf. 7:33), and his eyesight miraculously returned (cf. Isa 35:5).
Jesus and the disciples left Bethsaida and went north to Caesarea Philippi. On the way there Peter expressed his true belief that Jesus is the Christ, Israel’s promised Messiah (vv. 27–30). Most people wrongly viewed Jesus merely as a miracle working prophet.
From this point Jesus began telling his disciples of his coming betrayal, rejection by Israel, death, and resurrection, but they failed to grasp the significance of what he said (vv. 31–33). Jesus then taught what believing and following him means and involves (vv. 34–38).
Truths to Nail Down and Apply
You can download this week’s entire Daily Devotional in booklet form here.
Jewish religious leaders came from Jerusalem to Galilee where Jesus was to see for themselves the reports they were hearing about him (v. 1). Pharisees followed the OT Law, adding hundreds of their own commands to it (“traditions”) and interpreting the OT Law by their commands. Scribes were leaders of the Pharisees.
The Pharisees condemned Jesus and his disciples as Law-breakers because they did not follow their traditions (vv. 2-5). Jesus, however, condemned them for elevating their man-made ideas above God’s commands (vv. 6-13). Jesus also pointed out that one’s standing before God is not affected by the kinds of food one eats, but by the spiritual condition of one’s heart and life (vv. 14-23). (The correct location of the end of Jesus’ words in v. 19 is after “eliminated,” with Mark noting Jesus’ point: “Thus purifying all foods.”)
In verses 24-30, a Gentile woman asked Jesus to deliver her daughter from demon possession. Jesus’ response in verse 27 emphasizes that the primary, not exclusive focus of his ministry at that point was to Jews, not Gentiles. Her belief that he was the Messiah, however, resulted in Jesus granting her request.
Jesus then healed a man who could not hear or speak (vv. 31-35). Jesus’ actions in verse 33 helped the man believe in him—the fingers in the ears indicated they would be cleared, and the saliva on the tongue showing it would return to normal use. Jesus’ instruction in verse 36 were given because people needed to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and Messiah, not merely as a miracle worker.
Truths to Nail Down and Apply
You can download this week’s entire Daily Devotional in booklet form here.
The people of Jesus’ hometown, Nazareth, did not believe Jesus was the Messiah and because of their unbelief he did little miraculous works (vv. 1-6).
Jesus sent out six groups of two disciples to proclaim throughout Israel that Jesus was the Messiah (vv. 7-13). He gave them the ability to do miracles which served as God’s “stamp of approval” on their message (vv. 7, 12-13). Jesus’ traveling instructions (vv. 8-9) were only for this “preaching tour.”
Herod’s beheading of John the Baptist—who preached that Jesus was Israel’s promised Messiah—showed that he rejected Jesus as the Messiah (vv. 14-29).
When the twelve disciples returned from their preaching tour they reported to Jesus, who then led them away for needed rest (vv. 30-32). Crowds, however, followed them so Jesus spent the day teaching them (vv. 33-34) and then miraculously feeding them all (vv. 35-44).
Jesus then sent the twelve to the east side of the Sea of Galilee while he went alone to pray (vv. 45-46). Walking on the water, Jesus came out to them and calmed the sea (vv. 47-52).
Arriving on the east side of the Sea of Galilee in Gennesaret, many immediately recognized Jesus and brought many to be healed by him (vv. 53-56). This was the result of the former demon-possessed man whom Jesus delivered and who told the locales about Jesus (5:18-20). The people’s response significantly contrasts with those of Jesus’ home town in verses 1-6.
Truths to Nail Down and Apply
You can download this week’s entire Daily Devotional in booklet form here.
Jesus and his disciples traveled to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which was a kind of Jewish no-man’s-land as evidenced by the residents’ herd of pigs (v. 11; cf. Deut 14:8). When a demon-possessed man saw Jesus he came near and though he acknowledged who Jesus was he essentially said to Christ, “Don’t bother us, leave us alone, mind your own business” (v. 7). Jesus’ total authority over Satan and demons is demonstrated here. Sadly, eyewitnesses to the miracle wanted nothing to do with Jesus (vv. 14-17), but the former demon-possessed man’s witness and testimony was effective (vv. 18-20).
Jesus then went back to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (v. 21). He was asked by Jairus—a Jewish layman in charge of synagogue activities and upkeep—to come and heal is near-dead daughter (vv. 22-24).
On the way to Jairus’ house, a woman with an incurable bleeding disorder (rendering her unclean and thus unable to live and worship among Jews, Lev 15:25-33) came to Jesus believing that he could heal her if she simply touched him (vv. 25-31). Jesus’ conversation with her showed that because she believed Jesus was the Messiah she was delivered not only from her illness but her sin (vv. 32-34).
Jesus then went to Jairus’ house and by that time the daughter had died, but Jesus encouraged him to believe (vv. 35-36). Jesus raised the girl from the dead (privately, vv. 37-42), and told them not to publicize this lest he be viewed simply as a miracle worker (v. 43).
Truths to Nail Down and Apply
This message from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 was given by Pastor Dan Greenfield during our morning service, August 6, 2023.
Here we learn from Ecclesiastes that you need Christ’s wisdom to know how to act before your superiors.
You can download this outline to follow along and take notes.
You can download this week’s entire Daily Devotional in booklet form here.
Mark 4
Following the Jewish religious leaders’ public rejection and repudiation of Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus taught the multitude a series of parables.
Jesus taught about the nature of true faith (vv. 3-9, 13-20). While truth about Jesus would be widely spread, those who truly are saved are marked by faith, obedience, and growing godliness (v. 20).
Jesus taught so people would believe and understand. Those who hear and obey will learn more, but those who disbelieve will be hardened to Christ’s truth (vv. 21-25).
In verses 26-29 Jesus described the power of his word in the lives of those who hear, bringing repentance and faith.
Jesus then taught (vv. 30-32) that in the present age the number of those who believe and grow in maturity will continue to increase.
Mark then relayed Jesus’ miracle of the calming of the seas (vv. 35-41), which reinforced Jesus’ credentials as the Christ, the Son of God.
Truths to Nail Down and Apply
You can download this week’s entire Daily Devotional in booklet form here.
Here Mark continues his account of Jesus’ ministry in the region of Galilee, especially noting how the Jewish religious establishment hated and opposed him.
When Jesus healed a man with a severely handicapped hand in a synagogue, the Pharisees (traditionalist Jewish leaders who did not like Rome) joined forces with the Herodians (Jews who aligned with Rome’s leader, Herod) to destroy Jesus (vv. 1-6).
When Jesus moved to the Sea of Galilee multitudes from throughout Israel sought him out (7-12). Jesus healed many and cast out demons, and though demon-possessed individuals knew and said who Jesus really was, Jesus would not allow them to give such testimony (cf. Psalm 50:16-17).
Jesus then chose from among all who followed him twelve men as his disciples. He trained and sent these out to proclaim throughout Israel that Jesus was Israel’s promised King and Messiah. Jesus gave them the ability to do miracles proving he was the Messiah (vv. 13-19).
As Jesus continued to do miracles—especially casting out demons—the religious leaders said that Jesus was able to cast out demons because he was controlled by Satan (vv. 22, 30). Jesus rebuked their foolish thinking (vv. 23-27) and judged them for their unbelief (vv. 28-30).
Only those who hear, believe, and obey Jesus will be blessed (vv. 31-35).
Truths to Nail Down and Apply
You can download this week’s entire Daily Devotional in booklet form here.
Mark focuses the readers’ attention on Jesus’ ministry in regions that included both Jews as well as Gentiles. In addition to Jesus’ ministry, Mark here also shows the Jewish leaders’ growing opposition to Jesus.
Jesus entered Capernaum, a significant city in the region of Galilee and in Jesus’ ministry. While preaching in a packed home that he was Israel’s promised Messiah (vv. 1-2), Jesus told a paralytic that his sins were forgiven because the man believed that Jesus was the Messiah (vv. 3-5). Religious leaders present viewed Jesus as blaspheming, saying he was equal with God (vv. 6-7). Jesus rebuked them and proved he had the authority to forgive sins by healing the paralytic (vv. 8-12).
Jesus then went to the Sea of Galilee to continue teaching (v. 13). On the way there he called a Jewish tax-collector, Levi (Matthew), to follow him as one of his disciples (v. 14). Matthew had a big dinner for Jesus and invited many other tax collectors and those who did not obey the Mosaic Law to join them (v. 15). This greatly offended the religious leaders (v. 16) but Jesus rebuked them and explained his purpose (v. 17).
Some of John the Baptist’s disciples came to Jesus and asked why Jesus’ disciples did not fast like they and the Pharisees did (v. 18). Jesus answered in verses 19-20 by referring to how weddings were done then. The wedding party did not eat (“fasted”) until the bridegroom came, then they ate. Jesus used the Baptist’s own words to explain that he, Jesus, was the Bridegroom (cf. John 3:29), and so there was no need to pray and fast for the Messiah to come—he was here! Jesus then said (vv. 21-22) that he came to establish a new order (the Law of Christ, 1 Cor 9:21) that would replace—not be superimposed on—the old order (the Law of Moses).
As Jesus and his disciples passed through a grain field on the Sabbath the disciples ate some of the grain (v. 23). The Pharisees had previously interpreted that as “harvesting” and thus breaking the command not to work on the Sabbath (v. 24). However, because Jesus is God he has the authority to say how the Sabbath command should be correctly interpreted and applied (vv. 25-28).
Truths to Nail Down and Apply
You can download this week’s entire Daily Devotional in booklet form here.
Mark’s account of the life and ministry of Jesus the God-man (“Son of God, v. 1) began with the work of John the Baptist, who called Israel to repent of their sins and watch for the Messiah who would soon come (vv. 2-8). When Jesus the Messiah appeared he identified himself with the Baptizer’s message by being immersed himself (vv. 9-11). Jesus was then tempted by Satan in the wilderness (vv. 12-13).
From 1:14-8:26 Mark centers on Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, primarily focusing on his works and the growing opposition to him.
John the Baptist was imprisoned, his ministry completed, and Jesus began preaching in Galilee that he, the Messiah, Israel’s King, had come and all must believe in him (vv. 14-15). Jesus then called four Galileans to leave everything, follow and learn from him, and serve in the work (vv. 16-20). The legitimacy of Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah was proven when he cast out demons in Capernaum (vv. 21-28), healed Peter’s mother-in-law of sickness (vv. 29-31), and did many other similar miracles (vv. 32-34).
Jesus did not stay in Capernaum but went throughout Galilee praying, preaching, casting out demons, and healing the sick, all of which were part of his ministry as Israel’s King and Messiah (vv. 35-45).
Truths to Nail Down and Apply
You can download this week’s entire Daily Devotional in booklet form here.
Those whom Mark wrote this gospel to had a Roman background. In this gospel Mark shows that Jesus is the Son of God and suffering Servant.
Mark’s account of Jesus’ life and ministry focuses more on what Jesus did than on what he taught (“immediately” is used 42 times). Mark particularly emphasizes Jesus’ suffering. His gospel gives a summary of the basic points of who Jesus is and what he did, providing a thorough grasp of Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection.
Mark’s gospel helps Christians grow in their faith, follow Christ faithfully, and equip them to effectively point sinners to Jesus, the Son of God, who came to seek and save the lost (10:45).
From 1:14 to 8:26 Mark focuses on Jesus’ miracles, leading up to Peter’s confession of who Jesus is in 8:27-30. At that point, Mark’s Gospel turns abruptly, focusing on Jesus’ suffering and death (8:31-16:20). Jesus is thus shown as the all-powerful Son of God (1:14-8:26) and the suffering Son of Man who died for sinners (8:31-16:20).
Here’s a basic outline of the Gospel according to Mark—
Truths to Nail Down and Apply
