As I explained when I finished Matthew, one of the reasons I am doing this blog is I am curious to see what kind of messages one might get from reading the bible. What might one learn as a take-away. There are some things that I think are good, and some that I think are bad.
The Good
3:5 You can break the rules to do a good deed
9:41 stop arguing with different denominations
11:17 Don't exploit religion for personal gains
15:11-15 be careful of group-think
The Bad
2:5 your afflictions are caused by your sins
3:29 Blasphemy against the holy spirit is unforgivable
3:33 Your family is unimportant
4:10-12 Jesus intentionally made his teachings confusing for the masses
9:23 you can get whatever you want just by believing it (faith healing)
Showing posts with label Mark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark. Show all posts
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Mark 16
The Resurrection
2 Mary's bought some spices to anoint the body of Jesus. They went to his tomb and found the big rock rolled away. When they went into the tomb they saw a man in white who said to not be afraid, Jesus has been resurrected.
In Matthew there was an earthquake and the rock was rolled away right in front of them. That is a pretty big difference in the stories. I can let it go that Mark said the guy in the tomb was a man in white and the Matthew story explicitly said it was an angel (although even that seems strange), but the earthquake is a pretty big deal.
Also, in my bible there is a note that says everything past this point in Mark is not in early manuscripts. So it is a forgery I guess? What is up with that?
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first and cast out 7 demons. She told everyone and they didn't believe it.
Jesus Appears to Two Disciples
After that happened, Jesus appeared in another form to 2 of the disciples, they went and told the rest and were not believed.
What does that mean, "in another form"?
The Great Commission
Jesus appeared to the eleven and was mad at them for not believing. He said they should go forth and proclaim the gospel to everyone. He says to cast out demons in his name. Believers can drink poison and not get hurt. Jesus then got taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Believers can drink poison safely? Sounds like it's time for an experiment. Seriously though, these last couple of sections feel like they were written by a different person. This is an obvious forgery right?
2 Mary's bought some spices to anoint the body of Jesus. They went to his tomb and found the big rock rolled away. When they went into the tomb they saw a man in white who said to not be afraid, Jesus has been resurrected.
In Matthew there was an earthquake and the rock was rolled away right in front of them. That is a pretty big difference in the stories. I can let it go that Mark said the guy in the tomb was a man in white and the Matthew story explicitly said it was an angel (although even that seems strange), but the earthquake is a pretty big deal.
Also, in my bible there is a note that says everything past this point in Mark is not in early manuscripts. So it is a forgery I guess? What is up with that?
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first and cast out 7 demons. She told everyone and they didn't believe it.
Jesus Appears to Two Disciples
After that happened, Jesus appeared in another form to 2 of the disciples, they went and told the rest and were not believed.
What does that mean, "in another form"?
The Great Commission
Jesus appeared to the eleven and was mad at them for not believing. He said they should go forth and proclaim the gospel to everyone. He says to cast out demons in his name. Believers can drink poison and not get hurt. Jesus then got taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Believers can drink poison safely? Sounds like it's time for an experiment. Seriously though, these last couple of sections feel like they were written by a different person. This is an obvious forgery right?
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Mark 15
Jesus Delivered to Pilate
Jesus was bound and brought to Pilate, who asked him if he was king of the Jews. He replied "you have said so". The chief priests accused him of many things and Pilate asked him if he has any answers for it and Jesus says nothing further. Everyone is amazed at Jesus.
When this happened in Matthew and when I read it this time, I was wondering why everyone is so amazed that Jesus isn't saying anything. But I was just thinking, is Jesus being tortured here? We know he is bound but they don't say anything about him being beat up, but I thought that might explain why everyone is amazed that he isn't answering questions. I feel like I'm just making stuff up here, but it does fit in with the story. Thoughts?
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
As was customary, Pilate let the crowd choose a prisoner to go free. He thought that Jesus was only there because of envy of the chief priests, so he put Jesus up against a very bad man Barabbas. He figured the crowd would surely let Jesus go instead of that guy, but the priests stirred up the crowd and got them to let Barabbas go and crucify Jesus.
A stirring scene. A demonstration that group-think is bad and dangerous. A reminder not to just go along with the crowd but to think things through perhaps?
Jesus Is Mocked
The soldiers led Jesus into the palace, put on a purple cloak and a crown of thorns and saluted him calling him king of Jews. They then beat him up. Then they put his clothes back on and led him out to crucify him.
There's the torture I was wondering about.
The Crucifixion
Someone helped Jesus carry his cross. Then Jesus was crucified, his garments were split up and taken by people. They crucified him at 9AM.
They seem to be throwing in a lot of random details here
They crucified robbers along with him. Passersby derided Jesus saying he healed other people but can't save himself. Even the other people being crucified along with him also reviled him.
Seems crazy that the other people being killed would revile him, seems like they have their own problems.
The Death of Jesus
There was a darkness over the whole land from noon till 3. Then Jesus cried out "My God, why have you forsaken me?" When he died the curtain of the temple ripped from top to bottom.
No zombie uprising this time?
Jesus Is Buried
Joseph of Arimathea saw that Jesus was dead and asked Pilate for the body. Pilate was surprised that he was already dead, but had a guard verify and then gave Joseph the body. He put the body in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock and put a boulder at the entrance. Mary saw where his body lay.
Jesus was bound and brought to Pilate, who asked him if he was king of the Jews. He replied "you have said so". The chief priests accused him of many things and Pilate asked him if he has any answers for it and Jesus says nothing further. Everyone is amazed at Jesus.
When this happened in Matthew and when I read it this time, I was wondering why everyone is so amazed that Jesus isn't saying anything. But I was just thinking, is Jesus being tortured here? We know he is bound but they don't say anything about him being beat up, but I thought that might explain why everyone is amazed that he isn't answering questions. I feel like I'm just making stuff up here, but it does fit in with the story. Thoughts?
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
As was customary, Pilate let the crowd choose a prisoner to go free. He thought that Jesus was only there because of envy of the chief priests, so he put Jesus up against a very bad man Barabbas. He figured the crowd would surely let Jesus go instead of that guy, but the priests stirred up the crowd and got them to let Barabbas go and crucify Jesus.
A stirring scene. A demonstration that group-think is bad and dangerous. A reminder not to just go along with the crowd but to think things through perhaps?
Jesus Is Mocked
The soldiers led Jesus into the palace, put on a purple cloak and a crown of thorns and saluted him calling him king of Jews. They then beat him up. Then they put his clothes back on and led him out to crucify him.
There's the torture I was wondering about.
The Crucifixion
Someone helped Jesus carry his cross. Then Jesus was crucified, his garments were split up and taken by people. They crucified him at 9AM.
They seem to be throwing in a lot of random details here
They crucified robbers along with him. Passersby derided Jesus saying he healed other people but can't save himself. Even the other people being crucified along with him also reviled him.
Seems crazy that the other people being killed would revile him, seems like they have their own problems.
The Death of Jesus
There was a darkness over the whole land from noon till 3. Then Jesus cried out "My God, why have you forsaken me?" When he died the curtain of the temple ripped from top to bottom.
No zombie uprising this time?
Jesus Is Buried
Joseph of Arimathea saw that Jesus was dead and asked Pilate for the body. Pilate was surprised that he was already dead, but had a guard verify and then gave Joseph the body. He put the body in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock and put a boulder at the entrance. Mary saw where his body lay.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Mark 14
The Plot to Kill Jesus
The chief priests and scribes were seeking how to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him, they decided not to do it during the passover feast as it would upset the people.
I don't know why I thought of this now, the scribes have shown up in a bunch of verses, but I was just wondering who these guys are. Seems like they are basically early bureaucrats. Interesting write up here
http://bible.org/seriespage/scribes
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
They were hanging out with Simon the leper and a woman brought a very expensive flask of oil and poured it on Jesus. There were some who said it was wasteful, they should have sold it and given the money to the poor. Jesus said to calm down. She is doing a great thing for me. You will always have the poor but you will not always have me.
Again, I can't help but think the disciples have a point here. It seems like a waste. I don't understand the message here. Also, it says "you will not always have me", but aren't we supposed to have Jesus with us at all times or something? I feel like I am making a stupid point here, but you always hear Christians say Jesus is with us and Jesus is still alive and stuff right?
Judas to Betray Jesus
Judas talked to the chief priest in order to betray Jesus.
The Passover with the Disciples
Jesus is eating passover dinner with his disciples and he announces that one of them will betray him. They are sad at the news and they start asking Jesus who it will be. He says it will be one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. He says it would have been better if that man had never been born.
Seems awful harsh, although I guess if someone betrayed me and I would up being put to death I'd with they weren't born too.
Institution of the Lord's Supper
When they are eating Jesus passes around some bread and says "this is my body" and he does the same with wine and says "this is my blood"
that part I was familiar with
Then Jesus says "Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God"
Again, here is that "kingdom of God" think that I have been confused about (which FYI, seems to mean the same thing as kingdom of heaven according to wikipedia). Does the kingdom of God start after Jesus has sacrificed himself? Does it refer to the fact that Jesus has fulfilled the sacrificial laws of the old testament or something?...interesting
Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial
Jesus says all of the disciples will fall away from Jesus, Peter says that even if everyone else does, he will not fall away even if he dies for it. Jesus says Peter will deny him 3 times before the rooster crows twice.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Jesus was troubled and took a few disciples with him to Gethsemane. He told them to stand watch for him. When he came to check on them a few times they had fallen asleep and he said "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak"
I hear this line in movies and stuff from time to time. I'm not really sure what to make of it. Maybe even the disciples can't follow through sometimes so it is ok if you can't as long as you are trying? I dunno.
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
Judas comes up to Jesus and the other disciples with a crowd from the chief priests and scribes. He says he will kiss Jesus so they know which one he is. He does that and they seize him. One of the disciples cuts off the ear of the servant. Then Jesus asks why they come after him at night rather than while he is teaching.
I don't understand why they need Judas to point Jesus out. Jesus even said at the end that they should know who he is. Is it that dark here?
A Young Man Flees
Some guy was following him wearing only a linen cloth and wound up running away naked
This seems random and unnecessary
Jesus Before the Council
The council was looking for testimony against him, and many people lied, but their lies did not agree. So the high priest asked Jesus directly if he is the Christ, and Jesus said yes. They said it was blasphemy and that he deserved death.
pretty intense scene.
Peter Denies Jesus
Peter had followed them and he was warming himself by the guards. Someone recognized him and said he was with Jesus before and Peter said no. He was asked a few times and he kept saying no, then the rooster crowed twice and he remembered what Jesus had said.
I'm guessing that this is interpreted by modern Christians as "you should share your faith with people". Or at least that you shouldn't lie and say you aren't a Christian. I generally agree, but there are times when it is better to keep quiet , if you live in a society where you can get killed for your religious belief for example.
The chief priests and scribes were seeking how to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him, they decided not to do it during the passover feast as it would upset the people.
I don't know why I thought of this now, the scribes have shown up in a bunch of verses, but I was just wondering who these guys are. Seems like they are basically early bureaucrats. Interesting write up here
http://bible.org/seriespage/scribes
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
They were hanging out with Simon the leper and a woman brought a very expensive flask of oil and poured it on Jesus. There were some who said it was wasteful, they should have sold it and given the money to the poor. Jesus said to calm down. She is doing a great thing for me. You will always have the poor but you will not always have me.
Again, I can't help but think the disciples have a point here. It seems like a waste. I don't understand the message here. Also, it says "you will not always have me", but aren't we supposed to have Jesus with us at all times or something? I feel like I am making a stupid point here, but you always hear Christians say Jesus is with us and Jesus is still alive and stuff right?
Judas to Betray Jesus
Judas talked to the chief priest in order to betray Jesus.
The Passover with the Disciples
Jesus is eating passover dinner with his disciples and he announces that one of them will betray him. They are sad at the news and they start asking Jesus who it will be. He says it will be one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. He says it would have been better if that man had never been born.
Seems awful harsh, although I guess if someone betrayed me and I would up being put to death I'd with they weren't born too.
Institution of the Lord's Supper
When they are eating Jesus passes around some bread and says "this is my body" and he does the same with wine and says "this is my blood"
that part I was familiar with
Then Jesus says "Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God"
Again, here is that "kingdom of God" think that I have been confused about (which FYI, seems to mean the same thing as kingdom of heaven according to wikipedia). Does the kingdom of God start after Jesus has sacrificed himself? Does it refer to the fact that Jesus has fulfilled the sacrificial laws of the old testament or something?...interesting
Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial
Jesus says all of the disciples will fall away from Jesus, Peter says that even if everyone else does, he will not fall away even if he dies for it. Jesus says Peter will deny him 3 times before the rooster crows twice.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Jesus was troubled and took a few disciples with him to Gethsemane. He told them to stand watch for him. When he came to check on them a few times they had fallen asleep and he said "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak"
I hear this line in movies and stuff from time to time. I'm not really sure what to make of it. Maybe even the disciples can't follow through sometimes so it is ok if you can't as long as you are trying? I dunno.
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
Judas comes up to Jesus and the other disciples with a crowd from the chief priests and scribes. He says he will kiss Jesus so they know which one he is. He does that and they seize him. One of the disciples cuts off the ear of the servant. Then Jesus asks why they come after him at night rather than while he is teaching.
I don't understand why they need Judas to point Jesus out. Jesus even said at the end that they should know who he is. Is it that dark here?
A Young Man Flees
Some guy was following him wearing only a linen cloth and wound up running away naked
This seems random and unnecessary
Jesus Before the Council
The council was looking for testimony against him, and many people lied, but their lies did not agree. So the high priest asked Jesus directly if he is the Christ, and Jesus said yes. They said it was blasphemy and that he deserved death.
pretty intense scene.
Peter Denies Jesus
Peter had followed them and he was warming himself by the guards. Someone recognized him and said he was with Jesus before and Peter said no. He was asked a few times and he kept saying no, then the rooster crowed twice and he remembered what Jesus had said.
I'm guessing that this is interpreted by modern Christians as "you should share your faith with people". Or at least that you shouldn't lie and say you aren't a Christian. I generally agree, but there are times when it is better to keep quiet , if you live in a society where you can get killed for your religious belief for example.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Mark 13
Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple
One of the disciples pointed out that the temple is great and Jesus said it will be completely destroyed.
Signs of the Close of the Age
A few disciples ask Jesus when the destruction will come to pass. He says many will pretend to be him to lead people astray, there will be earthquakes and wars and famines. People will try to get you to turn on each other, don't do it. You will be hated for my namesake.
A lot of doom and gloom here.
The Abomination of Desolation
When the abonimation of desolation comes, do not be fooled. When he arrives he will cause much hardship. There will be many false christs and false prophets, don't follow them. They will perform many signs and wonders to lead people astray, don't listen to them.
I'm not totally sure what the Abomination of Desolation is supposed to be. It sounds like it is a guy, maybe the antichrist or something? Seems that he brings bad times along with him. Are we fulfilling a prophecy here or something? I'm a bit confused.
I do wonder though, if false christs and prophets are there to lead people astray, and they do the same things as Jesus, how are we supposed to tell the difference? If I follow a fake christ who performs the same miracles as the real christ and says a lot of the same things, it doesn't seem fair that I go to hell.
The Coming of the Son of Man
After that tribulation, the sun will darken, the moon will not give light, and the stars will fall from heaven. The son of man will come down on a cloud with angels to gather his followers.
Sounds epic
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
When the fig tree puts on its leaves you know summer is near. In the same way, when you see this stuff you know that he is near. "Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place."
In Mark 8, I was talking about how some of Jesus' words might fall flat after 2000 years and it was pointed out to me that I may have been misunderstanding some things. This time I feel like that is not the case. Jesus said that before that generation dies some pretty incredible stuff would happen that clearly did not happen.
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away"
This is confusing to me as well, if heaven and earth pass away, what place is left for his word to not pass away in? I feel like I am understanding things and then I read this and I just feel like I am missing something really important.
No One Knows That Day or Hour
No one knows when this will all happen, stay alert for it always.
One of the disciples pointed out that the temple is great and Jesus said it will be completely destroyed.
Signs of the Close of the Age
A few disciples ask Jesus when the destruction will come to pass. He says many will pretend to be him to lead people astray, there will be earthquakes and wars and famines. People will try to get you to turn on each other, don't do it. You will be hated for my namesake.
A lot of doom and gloom here.
The Abomination of Desolation
When the abonimation of desolation comes, do not be fooled. When he arrives he will cause much hardship. There will be many false christs and false prophets, don't follow them. They will perform many signs and wonders to lead people astray, don't listen to them.
I'm not totally sure what the Abomination of Desolation is supposed to be. It sounds like it is a guy, maybe the antichrist or something? Seems that he brings bad times along with him. Are we fulfilling a prophecy here or something? I'm a bit confused.
I do wonder though, if false christs and prophets are there to lead people astray, and they do the same things as Jesus, how are we supposed to tell the difference? If I follow a fake christ who performs the same miracles as the real christ and says a lot of the same things, it doesn't seem fair that I go to hell.
The Coming of the Son of Man
After that tribulation, the sun will darken, the moon will not give light, and the stars will fall from heaven. The son of man will come down on a cloud with angels to gather his followers.
Sounds epic
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
When the fig tree puts on its leaves you know summer is near. In the same way, when you see this stuff you know that he is near. "Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place."
In Mark 8, I was talking about how some of Jesus' words might fall flat after 2000 years and it was pointed out to me that I may have been misunderstanding some things. This time I feel like that is not the case. Jesus said that before that generation dies some pretty incredible stuff would happen that clearly did not happen.
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away"
This is confusing to me as well, if heaven and earth pass away, what place is left for his word to not pass away in? I feel like I am understanding things and then I read this and I just feel like I am missing something really important.
No One Knows That Day or Hour
No one knows when this will all happen, stay alert for it always.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Mark 12
The Parable of the Tenants
There is a vineyard owner who leaves town and puts his vineyard in the hands of some tenants. After a while he a servant to the vineyard to get some fruit from it. The tenants kick his ass and send him away. He sends a string of servants, some of who get killed, eventually he sends his son and he gets killed to. Jesus says the owner will now evict the tenants.
The people who want to arrest Jesus are scared of the people now because this is directed toward them.
Everyone in this story seems to be acting irrationally, but I guess if Jesus is having the tenants play the part of the elders and scribes who want to arrest Jesus that makes a bit of sense.
Paying Taxes to Caesar
In an attempt to trick Jesus, some Pharisees and Herodians ask Jesus if it is lawful to pay taxes. He sees that they are trying to trick them and points out that Caesar's face is on the coin. So he says "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's"
I still don't understand this. First off, they are trying to trick Jesus, what is the trick? I'm guessing he would be in trouble if he said that it is ok to not pay taxes. If he says you should pay taxes then what happens? Because that is essentially what he did say right?
I think I'm missing some context here. Any help?
The Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection
In the old testament, if a married man dies without having children his brother has to marry his wife and raise offspring for the dead brother. The Sadducees ask Jesus, what if this happens a bunch of times where 7 brothers keep not having children and they are all wind up being married to the same woman before they die. (7 brothers seems unnecessary but I guess it highlights the absurdity they are pointing out). After the resurrection who is she married to. Jesus basically says there is no marriage in heaven.
This is not the heaven that most of us picture. One of the main points of heaven is being with family (at least that is how I always thought of it).
The Great Commandment
A scribe asked Jesus which commandment is the most important. Jesus said it is to love God with your mind, heart, and soul. He said the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.
I suppose the christian's response to this would be something like the following: Love of God is the root of everything good. If I love God, any other good you can think of will naturally follow. I don't need to try to not sin, I just need to love God and not sinning will just happen. For any other good, the same applies, don't focus on doing good, focus on loving God and you will naturally do good.
Here is the problem I see with this type of thing. It doesn't always work. What happens when you number one goal in life is to love God and then someone else doesn't love that God? People go to war over this stuff. There are long standing feuds between denominations, etc.
Whose Son Is the Christ?
Jesus asks how the Christ can be the son of David, David himself called him lord. How can you call your son lord? Everyone was glad.
I don't understand this either. Isn't Jesus supposed to be a descendant of David? What is the point here?
Beware of the Scribes
Beware the scribes who get a lot of perks for their position.
I'm guessing the point is they are doing it for the perks and not what they are supposed to be doing it for. Seems like a reasonable warning.
The Widow's Offering
A lot of rich people put in a bunch of money into the offering box, but a widow put just a penny. Jesus said she gave more because the rich gave out of their abundance, but she gave everything she had.
I remember this story from childhood too. It is a very important point I think, the richer you are, the less burden the giving is on you. Poor people giving what they can, although a small amount, has much more impact for them than rich people giving a lot.
It's funny, I see stuff like this and I look at politics and it never matches up. This seems to be a pretty good argument for a progressive tax structure, and yet the religious right always seems to be the ones arguing for a flat tax.
There is a vineyard owner who leaves town and puts his vineyard in the hands of some tenants. After a while he a servant to the vineyard to get some fruit from it. The tenants kick his ass and send him away. He sends a string of servants, some of who get killed, eventually he sends his son and he gets killed to. Jesus says the owner will now evict the tenants.
The people who want to arrest Jesus are scared of the people now because this is directed toward them.
Everyone in this story seems to be acting irrationally, but I guess if Jesus is having the tenants play the part of the elders and scribes who want to arrest Jesus that makes a bit of sense.
Paying Taxes to Caesar
In an attempt to trick Jesus, some Pharisees and Herodians ask Jesus if it is lawful to pay taxes. He sees that they are trying to trick them and points out that Caesar's face is on the coin. So he says "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's"
I still don't understand this. First off, they are trying to trick Jesus, what is the trick? I'm guessing he would be in trouble if he said that it is ok to not pay taxes. If he says you should pay taxes then what happens? Because that is essentially what he did say right?
I think I'm missing some context here. Any help?
The Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection
In the old testament, if a married man dies without having children his brother has to marry his wife and raise offspring for the dead brother. The Sadducees ask Jesus, what if this happens a bunch of times where 7 brothers keep not having children and they are all wind up being married to the same woman before they die. (7 brothers seems unnecessary but I guess it highlights the absurdity they are pointing out). After the resurrection who is she married to. Jesus basically says there is no marriage in heaven.
This is not the heaven that most of us picture. One of the main points of heaven is being with family (at least that is how I always thought of it).
The Great Commandment
A scribe asked Jesus which commandment is the most important. Jesus said it is to love God with your mind, heart, and soul. He said the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.
I suppose the christian's response to this would be something like the following: Love of God is the root of everything good. If I love God, any other good you can think of will naturally follow. I don't need to try to not sin, I just need to love God and not sinning will just happen. For any other good, the same applies, don't focus on doing good, focus on loving God and you will naturally do good.
Here is the problem I see with this type of thing. It doesn't always work. What happens when you number one goal in life is to love God and then someone else doesn't love that God? People go to war over this stuff. There are long standing feuds between denominations, etc.
Whose Son Is the Christ?
Jesus asks how the Christ can be the son of David, David himself called him lord. How can you call your son lord? Everyone was glad.
I don't understand this either. Isn't Jesus supposed to be a descendant of David? What is the point here?
Beware of the Scribes
Beware the scribes who get a lot of perks for their position.
I'm guessing the point is they are doing it for the perks and not what they are supposed to be doing it for. Seems like a reasonable warning.
The Widow's Offering
A lot of rich people put in a bunch of money into the offering box, but a widow put just a penny. Jesus said she gave more because the rich gave out of their abundance, but she gave everything she had.
I remember this story from childhood too. It is a very important point I think, the richer you are, the less burden the giving is on you. Poor people giving what they can, although a small amount, has much more impact for them than rich people giving a lot.
It's funny, I see stuff like this and I look at politics and it never matches up. This seems to be a pretty good argument for a progressive tax structure, and yet the religious right always seems to be the ones arguing for a flat tax.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Mark 11
The Triumphal Entry
On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus told 2 of his disciples to go to a nearby village and get a colt which no one has ever sat on. When they got to Jesus they threw their cloaks on the colt and he sat on it. Many people put their coats and leafy branches on the road in front of Jesus. Everyone was excited and shouted blessings.
In Matthew there was also a donkey, what is the deal with that?
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
The next day Jesus was hungry and he went to a fig tree. It was not the season for figs so there were only leaves so Jesus cursed the tree saying "may no one ever eat fruit from you again"
What does he expect if it is not the season for figs? Also, this is a lot different form the Matthew story, in that one the tree withered and died on the spot.
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem and overturned the tables of the money-changers. He said they have turned the place into a den of robbers. The people were amazed and the chief priests and scribes were afraid and were seeking a way to destroy him.
I gotta say, I like this story. Regardless of your stance on religion, I would imagine pretty much everyone is against those who pervert the church for personal gains. Also, this time when "the people are amazed" it makes sense to me. Jesus is doing something good that is directly in the face of some powerful people. I would be amazed too.
The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
They walk by the fig tree that Jesus cursed the previous day and it had since withered. Peter points it out and Jesus said that anything you ask for in prayer you will get if you have faith. The example he gives is asking for a mountain to be thrown into the sea.
They changed the details but the point is the same, you can get anything in prayer if you really believe. Is the example of a mountain supposed to be real or just hyperbole? If it is not to be taken literally, what is the real message? If it is to be taken literally...really?
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
The scribes and elders asked Jesus by what authority he does what he does. He says he will answer if they tell him whether the baptism of John was from heaven or from man. They don't want to say heaven because he will then just say he also has authority from heaven. They don't want to say man because the people believe he was a prophet. So they avoid the question and so does Jesus.
On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus told 2 of his disciples to go to a nearby village and get a colt which no one has ever sat on. When they got to Jesus they threw their cloaks on the colt and he sat on it. Many people put their coats and leafy branches on the road in front of Jesus. Everyone was excited and shouted blessings.
In Matthew there was also a donkey, what is the deal with that?
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
The next day Jesus was hungry and he went to a fig tree. It was not the season for figs so there were only leaves so Jesus cursed the tree saying "may no one ever eat fruit from you again"
What does he expect if it is not the season for figs? Also, this is a lot different form the Matthew story, in that one the tree withered and died on the spot.
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Jesus went into the temple in Jerusalem and overturned the tables of the money-changers. He said they have turned the place into a den of robbers. The people were amazed and the chief priests and scribes were afraid and were seeking a way to destroy him.
I gotta say, I like this story. Regardless of your stance on religion, I would imagine pretty much everyone is against those who pervert the church for personal gains. Also, this time when "the people are amazed" it makes sense to me. Jesus is doing something good that is directly in the face of some powerful people. I would be amazed too.
The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
They walk by the fig tree that Jesus cursed the previous day and it had since withered. Peter points it out and Jesus said that anything you ask for in prayer you will get if you have faith. The example he gives is asking for a mountain to be thrown into the sea.
They changed the details but the point is the same, you can get anything in prayer if you really believe. Is the example of a mountain supposed to be real or just hyperbole? If it is not to be taken literally, what is the real message? If it is to be taken literally...really?
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
The scribes and elders asked Jesus by what authority he does what he does. He says he will answer if they tell him whether the baptism of John was from heaven or from man. They don't want to say heaven because he will then just say he also has authority from heaven. They don't want to say man because the people believe he was a prophet. So they avoid the question and so does Jesus.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Mark 10
Teaching About Divorce
Jesus is teaching some people in Judea and the Pharisees if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. They say Moses allowed the man to write a certificate of divorce and send his wife away. Jesus said that rule was written due to the hardness of heart of the people. He then says that no one should ever get divorced. He says that if a couple gets divorced and either of the remarries, they are committing adultery.
Looked back at my notes on Matthew 19 and in that section there is an exception. If there is infidelity, then there are grounds for divorce. Here there is no such exception. Pretty big difference.
Now, what about the idea that you can't get divorced ever? At first it might seem good, getting divorced is generally bad I would say, but these absolute rules can be problematic. What about extreme situations, abusive husbands for example. There are certain times when the best thing is to get divorced. Some people would say if you have children you should never get divorced, which again, I think is a good rule of thumb, but there are situations where staying together can be worse for the children than the divorce would be. Imagine 2 miserable parents together versus 2 happy parents living separately. I would argue the second situation is better.
One final note, I like that there is an equality between men and women here.
Let the Children Come to Me
Children tried to come see Jesus and the disciples tried to keep them away. Jesus saw this and said to let the children come to him. He said "whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
What does it mean "like a child"? This seems like one of those things that is vague enough that everything will just read into it whatever they want. You could say it means with wonder, or with innocence or something. On the other hand, you can say like a child who believes things without good reason.
The Rich Young Man
A rich kid asks Jesus what he can do to inherit eternal life. Jesus says he should sell everything he owns and give it to the poor. He says rich people can't get into heaven.
I have a similar comment as above. A good rule of thumb is that you should give what you can to the poor. But you should also make sure you have a secure future, especially if you have dependents. If you give all of your riches to the poor and then go through hard times and you can't afford food for your children something has gone wrong. I suppose someone might counter that someone who truly believes would be provided for, but poor places where people go hungry all the time are often highly religious, so that argument holds no sway with me.
Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time
Title says it all
The Request of James and John
James and John ask Jesus to sit on either side of Jesus (on his throne?). He says no, then he says it is not his to give, those spots will be taken by those it is prepared for. The disciples heard this and got indignant, and Jesus said whoever is great among them must be servants, etc.
Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus
Blind Bartimaeus asks Jesus to give him his sight back, Jesus says that since he had faith he will be healed.
Jesus is teaching some people in Judea and the Pharisees if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. They say Moses allowed the man to write a certificate of divorce and send his wife away. Jesus said that rule was written due to the hardness of heart of the people. He then says that no one should ever get divorced. He says that if a couple gets divorced and either of the remarries, they are committing adultery.
Looked back at my notes on Matthew 19 and in that section there is an exception. If there is infidelity, then there are grounds for divorce. Here there is no such exception. Pretty big difference.
Now, what about the idea that you can't get divorced ever? At first it might seem good, getting divorced is generally bad I would say, but these absolute rules can be problematic. What about extreme situations, abusive husbands for example. There are certain times when the best thing is to get divorced. Some people would say if you have children you should never get divorced, which again, I think is a good rule of thumb, but there are situations where staying together can be worse for the children than the divorce would be. Imagine 2 miserable parents together versus 2 happy parents living separately. I would argue the second situation is better.
One final note, I like that there is an equality between men and women here.
Let the Children Come to Me
Children tried to come see Jesus and the disciples tried to keep them away. Jesus saw this and said to let the children come to him. He said "whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
What does it mean "like a child"? This seems like one of those things that is vague enough that everything will just read into it whatever they want. You could say it means with wonder, or with innocence or something. On the other hand, you can say like a child who believes things without good reason.
The Rich Young Man
A rich kid asks Jesus what he can do to inherit eternal life. Jesus says he should sell everything he owns and give it to the poor. He says rich people can't get into heaven.
I have a similar comment as above. A good rule of thumb is that you should give what you can to the poor. But you should also make sure you have a secure future, especially if you have dependents. If you give all of your riches to the poor and then go through hard times and you can't afford food for your children something has gone wrong. I suppose someone might counter that someone who truly believes would be provided for, but poor places where people go hungry all the time are often highly religious, so that argument holds no sway with me.
Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time
Title says it all
The Request of James and John
James and John ask Jesus to sit on either side of Jesus (on his throne?). He says no, then he says it is not his to give, those spots will be taken by those it is prepared for. The disciples heard this and got indignant, and Jesus said whoever is great among them must be servants, etc.
Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus
Blind Bartimaeus asks Jesus to give him his sight back, Jesus says that since he had faith he will be healed.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Mark 9
The Transfiguration
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a mountain. He was transfigured before them and his clothes became more white than anyone on earth could make them. The 3 guys with Jesus are terrified. Then the voice of God said that Jesus was his son and they should listen to him. Jesus tells them not to tell anyone else until he rises from the dead.
Why are Jesus' guys always afraid of him? What does it say about you if the people hanging around you all the time are terrified of you?
Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
When Jesus, Peter, James, and John got back from the mountain they saw a crowd around the disciples and they were arguing. The crowd was happy to see Jesus and they greeted him. Jesus asked what the arguing was about. Someone from the crowd said he brought his son who has a spirit makes him mute and gives his seizures. He said he asked the disciples to cure him, but they could not. Jesus responds "O faithless generation..."
Why faithless? he brought the kid to see Jesus, seems to me like he has faith. Or is Jesus calling his disciples faithless? In that case, why do they not have faith after seeing Jesus do all of those miracles?
So Jesus looks at the kid up close and the spirit causes the boy to convulse and foam at the mouth. The father asks Jesus to help him. Jesus said the father could do it if he just believes. "All things are possible for one who believes".
This I don't like. Just believing that you can heal people through wishing it to be true, this is why people skip going to the doctor for faith healing. People die from this.
The father cried out "I believe; help my unbelief!" Jesus saw a crowd running over and he commanded the spirit out and to never enter the boy again. The boy convulsed terribly and the spirit left and the boy looked dead. But he wasn't, Jesus took his hand and he arose. The disciples asked why they couldn't cast it out and Jesus said it could only be cast out through prayer.
What were the disciples doing if not praying? I guess they were forgiving sins?
Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection
Jesus told his disciples he would die and rise from the dead 3 days later. They didn't understand and were too afraid to ask.
Again, the people closest to Jesus are terrified of him. What does this say about him?
Who Is the Greatest?
When they got to Capernaum and Jesus asked his disciples what they talked about on the trip, they didn't want to say because they argued about which of them was the best. He said that whoever is first will be last and the servant of the rest.
Sounds to me like the disciples are jockeying for position and Jesus told them to shut up. Is the lesson here to not always try to one-up the people around you? That sounds alright.
Anyone Not Against Us Is for Us
Some random guy was casting out demons in Jesus' name, but wasn't one of the disciples. The disciples tried to stop him but Jesus said to leave him alone.
This could potentially be a command to different denominations of Christianity to stop fighting each other. Sounds good to me
Temptations to Sin
It is better to cut off your hand or cut out your eye than to have those things cause you to sin.
Not really sure what you are supposed to do with this.
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a mountain. He was transfigured before them and his clothes became more white than anyone on earth could make them. The 3 guys with Jesus are terrified. Then the voice of God said that Jesus was his son and they should listen to him. Jesus tells them not to tell anyone else until he rises from the dead.
Why are Jesus' guys always afraid of him? What does it say about you if the people hanging around you all the time are terrified of you?
Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
When Jesus, Peter, James, and John got back from the mountain they saw a crowd around the disciples and they were arguing. The crowd was happy to see Jesus and they greeted him. Jesus asked what the arguing was about. Someone from the crowd said he brought his son who has a spirit makes him mute and gives his seizures. He said he asked the disciples to cure him, but they could not. Jesus responds "O faithless generation..."
Why faithless? he brought the kid to see Jesus, seems to me like he has faith. Or is Jesus calling his disciples faithless? In that case, why do they not have faith after seeing Jesus do all of those miracles?
So Jesus looks at the kid up close and the spirit causes the boy to convulse and foam at the mouth. The father asks Jesus to help him. Jesus said the father could do it if he just believes. "All things are possible for one who believes".
This I don't like. Just believing that you can heal people through wishing it to be true, this is why people skip going to the doctor for faith healing. People die from this.
The father cried out "I believe; help my unbelief!" Jesus saw a crowd running over and he commanded the spirit out and to never enter the boy again. The boy convulsed terribly and the spirit left and the boy looked dead. But he wasn't, Jesus took his hand and he arose. The disciples asked why they couldn't cast it out and Jesus said it could only be cast out through prayer.
What were the disciples doing if not praying? I guess they were forgiving sins?
Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection
Jesus told his disciples he would die and rise from the dead 3 days later. They didn't understand and were too afraid to ask.
Again, the people closest to Jesus are terrified of him. What does this say about him?
Who Is the Greatest?
When they got to Capernaum and Jesus asked his disciples what they talked about on the trip, they didn't want to say because they argued about which of them was the best. He said that whoever is first will be last and the servant of the rest.
Sounds to me like the disciples are jockeying for position and Jesus told them to shut up. Is the lesson here to not always try to one-up the people around you? That sounds alright.
Anyone Not Against Us Is for Us
Some random guy was casting out demons in Jesus' name, but wasn't one of the disciples. The disciples tried to stop him but Jesus said to leave him alone.
This could potentially be a command to different denominations of Christianity to stop fighting each other. Sounds good to me
Temptations to Sin
It is better to cut off your hand or cut out your eye than to have those things cause you to sin.
Not really sure what you are supposed to do with this.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Mark 8
Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand
Jesus had a large group following him for 3 days with nothing to eat. They were in a desolate place so there wasn't any way to feed them all. It turned out they had 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish. He blessed them and passed them around, at the end they had 7 baskets full left over.
The Pharisees Demand a Sign
The Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus to test him. He says he will give no sign and leaves.
What about all the miracles he is doing?
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod
Jesus and his disciples realize they have only one loaf of bread. Jesus says to watch out for the bread from Herod and the Pharisees. The disciples still say they don't have enough bread. Jesus reminds him that he just fed a bunch of people, twice, with barely any bread at all. They don't seem to get it and he seems upset.
Is he telling them to shut up because he can summon food whenever they want?
Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida
A blind man asks to be healed, Jesus takes him outside of the village and spits in his eyes. He asks if he can see, the guy says he can but it is blurry. Jesus lays hands on him again and now the guy can see. Jesus tells him to go directly home and not to go back to the village.
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is. They reply John the Baptist, Elijah, and "one of the prophets". Then he asks who the disciples say he is. They reply "you are the Christ". And he said to tell no one about him.
This makes no sense to me. Aren't they telling everyone about him? Isn't that what this whole thing is about? I feel like I missed something here.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
Jesus says he will be rejected by those in power and be killed and rise from the dead 3 days later. Peter took him aside to rebuke him and Jesus called him Satan. He gathers a crowd and tells them they should grab a cross and follow him. "whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it."
Seems a little harsh to Peter to me
Then he told them "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power."
This last bit was mark 9:1 but it seemed to go with this story so I put it here. Again, Jesus pretty explicitly said that the end will come soon. I still don't know how people follow this 2000 years later. Is he speaking poetically and not literally? If so, how do you determine what in the bible is poetic and what is not?
Jesus had a large group following him for 3 days with nothing to eat. They were in a desolate place so there wasn't any way to feed them all. It turned out they had 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish. He blessed them and passed them around, at the end they had 7 baskets full left over.
The Pharisees Demand a Sign
The Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus to test him. He says he will give no sign and leaves.
What about all the miracles he is doing?
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod
Jesus and his disciples realize they have only one loaf of bread. Jesus says to watch out for the bread from Herod and the Pharisees. The disciples still say they don't have enough bread. Jesus reminds him that he just fed a bunch of people, twice, with barely any bread at all. They don't seem to get it and he seems upset.
Is he telling them to shut up because he can summon food whenever they want?
Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida
A blind man asks to be healed, Jesus takes him outside of the village and spits in his eyes. He asks if he can see, the guy says he can but it is blurry. Jesus lays hands on him again and now the guy can see. Jesus tells him to go directly home and not to go back to the village.
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is. They reply John the Baptist, Elijah, and "one of the prophets". Then he asks who the disciples say he is. They reply "you are the Christ". And he said to tell no one about him.
This makes no sense to me. Aren't they telling everyone about him? Isn't that what this whole thing is about? I feel like I missed something here.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
Jesus says he will be rejected by those in power and be killed and rise from the dead 3 days later. Peter took him aside to rebuke him and Jesus called him Satan. He gathers a crowd and tells them they should grab a cross and follow him. "whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it."
Seems a little harsh to Peter to me
Then he told them "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power."
This last bit was mark 9:1 but it seemed to go with this story so I put it here. Again, Jesus pretty explicitly said that the end will come soon. I still don't know how people follow this 2000 years later. Is he speaking poetically and not literally? If so, how do you determine what in the bible is poetic and what is not?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Mark 7
Traditions and Commandments
The Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for not washing their hands before eating. (There is a footnote in my bible that says the reason this is a big deal is it is a tradition to wash your hands in a certain way before eating). Jesus replies that the Pharisees have a fine way of rejecting the commandments of God, for the book says to 'honor thy father and mother', and it also says 'whatever you have gained is given to God'. Thus you are permitted to do nothing for your parents directly.
So, were the Pharisees using this convoluted logic to avoid honoring their parents, or was Jesus just accusing them of doing that? It is unclear to me.
What Defiles a Person
Jesus declares that what goes into a person cannot defile them, in doing so he nullifies all food restrictions from the old testament. What comes out of a person comes from their heart and that is what defiles him. He lists the following things that defile "evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness."
As usual with these lists, it is a bit of a mixed bag. I like telling people not to steal or murder. I definitely don't like "evil thoughts" being included on the list, I just don't like the idea of a thought crime. As long as I don't act on it I don't see the problem. Some of the things on the list are context dependent. Pride can be good, it can motivate, it can also be harmful if taken to extremes. Foolishness can be fun, who doesn't like goofing around. I'm sure that is not what he is talking about, but the words here are clumsy.
The Syrophoenician Woman's Faith
A gentile woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter who has a spirit within her. He said to her "let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She replies "Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs" He says that this statement was good and the demon was gone.
I don't understand this story at all.
I'm taking a guess, the bread for the children is the word of Jesus. The children are the people he is trying to reach and the dogs are other people. He just called this woman and her child dogs, and she was like "yeah we are dogs, but can't we get some crumbs?" and he was like "wow, you have a lot of faith, you child is healed". Is the correct? I hope I am wrong, because if that is correct it seems pretty awful.
Jesus Heals a Deaf Man
There was a guy who was deaf and had a speech impediment, Jesus healed him. He told everyone not to spread the word but they did anyway.
Why is this a recurring theme? That Jesus tells everyone to keep his healing quiet and they don't do it?
The Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for not washing their hands before eating. (There is a footnote in my bible that says the reason this is a big deal is it is a tradition to wash your hands in a certain way before eating). Jesus replies that the Pharisees have a fine way of rejecting the commandments of God, for the book says to 'honor thy father and mother', and it also says 'whatever you have gained is given to God'. Thus you are permitted to do nothing for your parents directly.
So, were the Pharisees using this convoluted logic to avoid honoring their parents, or was Jesus just accusing them of doing that? It is unclear to me.
What Defiles a Person
Jesus declares that what goes into a person cannot defile them, in doing so he nullifies all food restrictions from the old testament. What comes out of a person comes from their heart and that is what defiles him. He lists the following things that defile "evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness."
As usual with these lists, it is a bit of a mixed bag. I like telling people not to steal or murder. I definitely don't like "evil thoughts" being included on the list, I just don't like the idea of a thought crime. As long as I don't act on it I don't see the problem. Some of the things on the list are context dependent. Pride can be good, it can motivate, it can also be harmful if taken to extremes. Foolishness can be fun, who doesn't like goofing around. I'm sure that is not what he is talking about, but the words here are clumsy.
The Syrophoenician Woman's Faith
A gentile woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter who has a spirit within her. He said to her "let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She replies "Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs" He says that this statement was good and the demon was gone.
I don't understand this story at all.
I'm taking a guess, the bread for the children is the word of Jesus. The children are the people he is trying to reach and the dogs are other people. He just called this woman and her child dogs, and she was like "yeah we are dogs, but can't we get some crumbs?" and he was like "wow, you have a lot of faith, you child is healed". Is the correct? I hope I am wrong, because if that is correct it seems pretty awful.
Jesus Heals a Deaf Man
There was a guy who was deaf and had a speech impediment, Jesus healed him. He told everyone not to spread the word but they did anyway.
Why is this a recurring theme? That Jesus tells everyone to keep his healing quiet and they don't do it?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mark 6
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
Jesus returned home to Nazareth and did his teachings like normal. People recognized him and said he was just the carpenter son of Mary. Why should we listen to him. He did a few healings and then took off.
Not much to say here except they explicitly said he is a carpenter, which I don't remember from Matthew. Not a big deal, just thought it was interesting.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sent his apostles out 2 by 2. He gave them authority over unclean spirits. He told them to take nothing on their journey except a staff, no bread, bag, money. Wear sandals and not to wear 2 tunics. They cast out many demons and healed the sick.
Why are they apostles now? They were disciples before right? What is the deal with that? Do they become apostles when they get power? Did this happen in Matthew and I didn't notice?
The Death of John the Baptist
Basically Herod did not want to kill John the Baptist, but Herodias did. He told her he would give her anything she wanted and she asked for John's head on a platter, so he was obligated to kill John. He didn't want to do it but felt honor bound.
Really strange story.
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Jesus and his apostles tried to get away from the crowds by going to a desolate place, but it didn't work, people saw where he was going and got there before he did. He taught them for a while and everyone got hungry. The disciples said Jesus should send them to town but he said he should feed everyone. They discovered they had only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, he said a blessing and spread the food around. It fed everyone and there were 12 baskets full of food left over.
Jesus Walks on Water
Jesus told the disciples to get in the boat and leave before him. He dismissed the crowd and went up a mountain to pray by himself. When he was done he saw that the boat with his disciples was out at sea already and there was a storm so their progress was slow. He want on water intending to go past him, but they saw him and thought he was a ghost and were scared. So he went to the boat and calmed them down. When he got to the boat the winds died down. They didn't understand the loaves or the wind and "their hearts were hardened".
Now it is disciples again, is it just 2 different words that mean the same thing? what is the deal with that?
In the Matthew version of this story Peter walks on water with Jesus, this time it was only Jesus. Seems like an important detail to leave out.
The last thing I quoted was that their hearts were hardened. This means they were upset or they were afraid or something like that right? Why would they feel this way? They are afraid that he is performing miracles, but they performed miracles earlier in the chapter. This makes no sense to me.
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret
Jesus heals a huge number of people.
Jesus returned home to Nazareth and did his teachings like normal. People recognized him and said he was just the carpenter son of Mary. Why should we listen to him. He did a few healings and then took off.
Not much to say here except they explicitly said he is a carpenter, which I don't remember from Matthew. Not a big deal, just thought it was interesting.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sent his apostles out 2 by 2. He gave them authority over unclean spirits. He told them to take nothing on their journey except a staff, no bread, bag, money. Wear sandals and not to wear 2 tunics. They cast out many demons and healed the sick.
Why are they apostles now? They were disciples before right? What is the deal with that? Do they become apostles when they get power? Did this happen in Matthew and I didn't notice?
The Death of John the Baptist
Basically Herod did not want to kill John the Baptist, but Herodias did. He told her he would give her anything she wanted and she asked for John's head on a platter, so he was obligated to kill John. He didn't want to do it but felt honor bound.
Really strange story.
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Jesus and his apostles tried to get away from the crowds by going to a desolate place, but it didn't work, people saw where he was going and got there before he did. He taught them for a while and everyone got hungry. The disciples said Jesus should send them to town but he said he should feed everyone. They discovered they had only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, he said a blessing and spread the food around. It fed everyone and there were 12 baskets full of food left over.
Jesus Walks on Water
Jesus told the disciples to get in the boat and leave before him. He dismissed the crowd and went up a mountain to pray by himself. When he was done he saw that the boat with his disciples was out at sea already and there was a storm so their progress was slow. He want on water intending to go past him, but they saw him and thought he was a ghost and were scared. So he went to the boat and calmed them down. When he got to the boat the winds died down. They didn't understand the loaves or the wind and "their hearts were hardened".
Now it is disciples again, is it just 2 different words that mean the same thing? what is the deal with that?
In the Matthew version of this story Peter walks on water with Jesus, this time it was only Jesus. Seems like an important detail to leave out.
The last thing I quoted was that their hearts were hardened. This means they were upset or they were afraid or something like that right? Why would they feel this way? They are afraid that he is performing miracles, but they performed miracles earlier in the chapter. This makes no sense to me.
Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret
Jesus heals a huge number of people.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Mark 5
Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon
Jesus came to Gerasenes and found a demon possessed man. He was very strong and couldn't be shackled by anyone, he would break free. He saw Jesus and asked him to help, he said "my name is legion for we are many". He saw a herd of pigs and asked to be sent to them. Jesus gave permission and the spirits entered the pigs and then drowned themselves. People saw what happened and were scared and asked Jesus to leave. The healed man went around telling what Jesus had done for them, and everyone marveled.
Something I find a little confusing about this, people who saw what Jesus did were afraid, but people who heard about it later marveled. I feel like this says something but I don't know what it is.
It seems strange to me that the demons are so desperate to kill themselves. Are the possessing the guy on accident? Did they get put in there by someone else and they are stuck? How is this supposed to have worked? This story is just strange.
One last thing, this story in Matthew has two people, not just one. Seems like a fairly important detail to me.
Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus's Daughter
Jesus came to a new place and Jairus came to him and asked him to come to his house and heal his daughter. On the way, a woman who had been sick for 12 years touched Jesus' garments which she believed would cure her. It did, and Jesus felt the power that healed her go out of him and he asked who touched him. She was scared but told him the whole truth, and he said that her faith made her well.
Very minor difference between this and the Matthew 9 version, in this version she is healed first then Jesus notices, in the Matthew version she is healed before he is even aware of her. I feel like this is something that 2 different witnesses could see differently. On the other hand, it does make a difference and if it was divinely inspired they should be able to get it right.
While they are on the way to the first girl that he was going to heal, someone says that she is dead and there is no reason to bother Jesus now. Jesus heard this and went anyway, he asked why everyone was crying since the girl was not dead but asleep. They laugh at him, but he went to the girl and told her to get up and she did.
I still don't know why he said she is just asleep. Was she supposed to be dead or not? Is he saying effectively, "she isn't dead anymore."?
Jesus came to Gerasenes and found a demon possessed man. He was very strong and couldn't be shackled by anyone, he would break free. He saw Jesus and asked him to help, he said "my name is legion for we are many". He saw a herd of pigs and asked to be sent to them. Jesus gave permission and the spirits entered the pigs and then drowned themselves. People saw what happened and were scared and asked Jesus to leave. The healed man went around telling what Jesus had done for them, and everyone marveled.
Something I find a little confusing about this, people who saw what Jesus did were afraid, but people who heard about it later marveled. I feel like this says something but I don't know what it is.
It seems strange to me that the demons are so desperate to kill themselves. Are the possessing the guy on accident? Did they get put in there by someone else and they are stuck? How is this supposed to have worked? This story is just strange.
One last thing, this story in Matthew has two people, not just one. Seems like a fairly important detail to me.
Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus's Daughter
Jesus came to a new place and Jairus came to him and asked him to come to his house and heal his daughter. On the way, a woman who had been sick for 12 years touched Jesus' garments which she believed would cure her. It did, and Jesus felt the power that healed her go out of him and he asked who touched him. She was scared but told him the whole truth, and he said that her faith made her well.
Very minor difference between this and the Matthew 9 version, in this version she is healed first then Jesus notices, in the Matthew version she is healed before he is even aware of her. I feel like this is something that 2 different witnesses could see differently. On the other hand, it does make a difference and if it was divinely inspired they should be able to get it right.
While they are on the way to the first girl that he was going to heal, someone says that she is dead and there is no reason to bother Jesus now. Jesus heard this and went anyway, he asked why everyone was crying since the girl was not dead but asleep. They laugh at him, but he went to the girl and told her to get up and she did.
I still don't know why he said she is just asleep. Was she supposed to be dead or not? Is he saying effectively, "she isn't dead anymore."?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Mark 4
The Parable of the Sower
Jesus had a lot of people listening to him, and he started teaching in parables. He told the story of a man sowing seeds. He threw some seeds on the path, and birds came and ate the seeds. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, they grew immediately but there was not much soil so the roots were shallow so they got burned up in the sun. Other seeds landed near thorns and they got choked out. Finally, some seeds fell on good soil and produced a large yield of grain.
This seems very similar to what was in Matthew, consistency is good although I'm not sure why it has to be in here twice. Maybe the explanation will be a bit different.
The Purpose of the Parables
Later Jesus was alone with his disciples and they asked him about the parables, he said "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables." The purpose of this is so that "They may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven."
Wow, he pretty much explicitly says that he is intentionally making his teachings confusing for the masses so that they won't be saved. "Lest they should turn and be forgiven" to me sounds like he is saying "if we give them all of the information, they will repent and be forgiven and we don't want that". Is there any other interpretation of this? I'm certainly open to the possibility that I am reading this wrong, but this looks very bad to me.
Also wanted to mention I looked back at Matthew 13 where this story shows up and it said something similar but it didn't seem like it was quite so explicit. This time around it seems pretty clear to me.
Next Jesus explains that the sower is people spreading the word of God, the seeds on the path are people who hear the word but Satan comes immediately and takes the word from them. The rocky ground are people who accept the word with joy but after a little bit of tribulation fall away. The thorns are people surrounded by deceitfulness and riches of the world.
A Lamp Under a Basket
You don't put a lamp under a basket or under a bad, you put it on a stand. If anyone has ears let him hear. Pay attention to what you hear, if you pay more attention you will get more out of it.
I think my summaries follow from what is in the bible, but I found it a bit hard to understand.
The Parable of the Seed Growing
The kingdom of God is like a man scattering seed on the ground. It grows without the man understanding how. When the grain is ripe he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.
Not sure I understand this. What does it mean that he knows not how it grows? Is this saying the person preaching doesn't understand what is happening in the mind of the masses listening? Also, what does it mean to harvest the ripe grain? What does that mean in the analogy where the people listening to the word of God are like the grain?
This passage is fairly puzzling to me, any help?
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed on earth but grows to become larger than all the garden plants.
This isn't the biggest deal in my opinion, but it is worth noting that the mustard seed is not the smallest seed on earth. I have seen it argued that he didn't mean all seeds on earth but instead all seeds that these people would have seen, but that is not what is said. It explicitly says all seeds on earth. This mistake does not make much sense in a divinely inspired book.
when speaking to the masses he spoke parables "as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything".
Here it is again. When he speaks to the masses he talks in parables, but when he talks to the disciples he explains everything. Why not explain everything to the masses too? It does say "as they were able to hear it" which could mean that he doesn't think they'd understand. I don't agree with this at all. In the parable of the sower from before, his explanation to his disciples made more sense than what he said to the masses. I can't image people following the parables and not following the explanation. That doesn't make sense to me. The explanations are less complicated than the parable.
Jesus Calms a Storm
They were travelling by boat and a big storm came up. The boat was taking on water and Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat. The men woke him up and asked if he cared that they were all going to die. He stopped the storm with a word and then asked the men if they still had no faith in him. They were afraid because he had the power to stop the wind.
It is sad to me that Jesus' followers were afraid of him. If I was following someone around and he did something that scared me, it seems like a strange move to me to keep following him. Why would I follow someone who fills me with great fear?
Jesus had a lot of people listening to him, and he started teaching in parables. He told the story of a man sowing seeds. He threw some seeds on the path, and birds came and ate the seeds. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, they grew immediately but there was not much soil so the roots were shallow so they got burned up in the sun. Other seeds landed near thorns and they got choked out. Finally, some seeds fell on good soil and produced a large yield of grain.
This seems very similar to what was in Matthew, consistency is good although I'm not sure why it has to be in here twice. Maybe the explanation will be a bit different.
The Purpose of the Parables
Later Jesus was alone with his disciples and they asked him about the parables, he said "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables." The purpose of this is so that "They may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven."
Wow, he pretty much explicitly says that he is intentionally making his teachings confusing for the masses so that they won't be saved. "Lest they should turn and be forgiven" to me sounds like he is saying "if we give them all of the information, they will repent and be forgiven and we don't want that". Is there any other interpretation of this? I'm certainly open to the possibility that I am reading this wrong, but this looks very bad to me.
Also wanted to mention I looked back at Matthew 13 where this story shows up and it said something similar but it didn't seem like it was quite so explicit. This time around it seems pretty clear to me.
Next Jesus explains that the sower is people spreading the word of God, the seeds on the path are people who hear the word but Satan comes immediately and takes the word from them. The rocky ground are people who accept the word with joy but after a little bit of tribulation fall away. The thorns are people surrounded by deceitfulness and riches of the world.
A Lamp Under a Basket
You don't put a lamp under a basket or under a bad, you put it on a stand. If anyone has ears let him hear. Pay attention to what you hear, if you pay more attention you will get more out of it.
I think my summaries follow from what is in the bible, but I found it a bit hard to understand.
The Parable of the Seed Growing
The kingdom of God is like a man scattering seed on the ground. It grows without the man understanding how. When the grain is ripe he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.
Not sure I understand this. What does it mean that he knows not how it grows? Is this saying the person preaching doesn't understand what is happening in the mind of the masses listening? Also, what does it mean to harvest the ripe grain? What does that mean in the analogy where the people listening to the word of God are like the grain?
This passage is fairly puzzling to me, any help?
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed on earth but grows to become larger than all the garden plants.
This isn't the biggest deal in my opinion, but it is worth noting that the mustard seed is not the smallest seed on earth. I have seen it argued that he didn't mean all seeds on earth but instead all seeds that these people would have seen, but that is not what is said. It explicitly says all seeds on earth. This mistake does not make much sense in a divinely inspired book.
when speaking to the masses he spoke parables "as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything".
Here it is again. When he speaks to the masses he talks in parables, but when he talks to the disciples he explains everything. Why not explain everything to the masses too? It does say "as they were able to hear it" which could mean that he doesn't think they'd understand. I don't agree with this at all. In the parable of the sower from before, his explanation to his disciples made more sense than what he said to the masses. I can't image people following the parables and not following the explanation. That doesn't make sense to me. The explanations are less complicated than the parable.
Jesus Calms a Storm
They were travelling by boat and a big storm came up. The boat was taking on water and Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat. The men woke him up and asked if he cared that they were all going to die. He stopped the storm with a word and then asked the men if they still had no faith in him. They were afraid because he had the power to stop the wind.
It is sad to me that Jesus' followers were afraid of him. If I was following someone around and he did something that scared me, it seems like a strange move to me to keep following him. Why would I follow someone who fills me with great fear?
Monday, February 20, 2012
Mark 3
A Man with a Withered Hand
On the Sabbath, Jesus saw a man with a withered hand, the man asked if it was ok to "do good or harm, to save life or to kill" on the Sabbath. Jesus was angered by their hardness of heart, he healed the man's hand. The Pharisees went out and schemed on how to destroy Jesus.
Not sure what the message is here, maybe it is ok to break the rules if it is for a good reason. Or maybe for a good deed. Which actually seems like a fine lesson to me.
A Great Crowd Follows Jesus
Jesus is healing lots of people so anyone who is sick starts following him around trying to touch him for a healing. Jesus tries to get away so he doesn't get crushed.
The Twelve Apostles
Jesus picks his twelve apostles and gives them the power to preach and cast out demons for him.
Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
The scribes say that Jesus is possessed by Beelzebub. They say he can cast out demons because he is the prince of demons. Jesus answers that Satan can't cast out demons because a house cannot stand if it is divided against itself.
This is terrible logic, it completely leaves out the possibility that Satan is crafty. Maybe it is worth sacrificing a pawn for a bigger goal.
Jesus says that all sins will be forgiven except blasphemes against the holy spirit. It ends with "for they were saying 'He has an unclean spirit'"
Wait a minute, that last bit makes it sound like the crowd was saying Jesus was unclean and he retaliated by saying they are going to hell and there is nothing they can do about it now. Last time this came up there was some talk about how it only counts as blasphemy if you really understand what the holy spirit is. But that isn't what is going on here. They think he is a demon using magic tricks to fool them, and he says they are going to hell for it.
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
Jesus' mother and brothers were outside and asked Jesus to come see them. He said that anyone who does the will of God is his mother and brother and sister.
I'm guessing this is supposed to make the reader feel like they are family of Jesus, but it just makes me think he is being bad to his family.
On the Sabbath, Jesus saw a man with a withered hand, the man asked if it was ok to "do good or harm, to save life or to kill" on the Sabbath. Jesus was angered by their hardness of heart, he healed the man's hand. The Pharisees went out and schemed on how to destroy Jesus.
Not sure what the message is here, maybe it is ok to break the rules if it is for a good reason. Or maybe for a good deed. Which actually seems like a fine lesson to me.
A Great Crowd Follows Jesus
Jesus is healing lots of people so anyone who is sick starts following him around trying to touch him for a healing. Jesus tries to get away so he doesn't get crushed.
The Twelve Apostles
Jesus picks his twelve apostles and gives them the power to preach and cast out demons for him.
Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
The scribes say that Jesus is possessed by Beelzebub. They say he can cast out demons because he is the prince of demons. Jesus answers that Satan can't cast out demons because a house cannot stand if it is divided against itself.
This is terrible logic, it completely leaves out the possibility that Satan is crafty. Maybe it is worth sacrificing a pawn for a bigger goal.
Jesus says that all sins will be forgiven except blasphemes against the holy spirit. It ends with "for they were saying 'He has an unclean spirit'"
Wait a minute, that last bit makes it sound like the crowd was saying Jesus was unclean and he retaliated by saying they are going to hell and there is nothing they can do about it now. Last time this came up there was some talk about how it only counts as blasphemy if you really understand what the holy spirit is. But that isn't what is going on here. They think he is a demon using magic tricks to fool them, and he says they are going to hell for it.
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
Jesus' mother and brothers were outside and asked Jesus to come see them. He said that anyone who does the will of God is his mother and brother and sister.
I'm guessing this is supposed to make the reader feel like they are family of Jesus, but it just makes me think he is being bad to his family.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Mark 2
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
Jesus returned to Capernaum and people found out where he was so they came to see him. There was a great crowd that was impossible to get through. A few guys wanted to get a paralytic to Jesus for healing. They went to the roof, and lowered him down to Jesus. Jesus saw his faith and said his sins are forgiven. People said Jesus was blaspheming because only God can forgive sins. Jesus said he has the authority to forgive sins, he tells the paralytic to pick up his bed and walk and he does. Everyone is amazed.
I remember this story from those cartoons as well, it's so funny what sticks. Also, I have complained in the past about everyone watching Jesus being amazed when there is nothing to be amazed at, this time it seems warranted.
I do have a complaint here though, Jesus heals the paralytic by forgiving the man's sins. You don't get paralyzed by sinning, sometimes things just happen and it is out of your control. This implies that any affliction is your fault.
Jesus Calls Levi
Jesus gains another follower, Levi.
Jesus is hanging out with some tax collectors and sinners. The scribes are like, 'dude WTF'. Jesus says he is not here to save the righteous but the sinners.
A Question About Fasting
People asked Jesus why he wasn't fasting while John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Jesus says it is like wedding guests who don't fast while the bridegroom is there. They can fast later.
I don't really get this, but I also don't understand why you would fast in the first place, so I guess it makes sense that I am confused.
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus and his disciples were going through a grain field and plucking heads of grain and eating them, which was apparently against the law on the Sabbath. The scribes said it was no ok and Jesus compared them to king David and told the scribe to back off.
I was curious what my thoughts were last time these stories came up.
http://hausdorffbb.blogspot.com/2012/01/matthew-9.html
Pretty much the same, not my fault it is repetitive.
Jesus returned to Capernaum and people found out where he was so they came to see him. There was a great crowd that was impossible to get through. A few guys wanted to get a paralytic to Jesus for healing. They went to the roof, and lowered him down to Jesus. Jesus saw his faith and said his sins are forgiven. People said Jesus was blaspheming because only God can forgive sins. Jesus said he has the authority to forgive sins, he tells the paralytic to pick up his bed and walk and he does. Everyone is amazed.
I remember this story from those cartoons as well, it's so funny what sticks. Also, I have complained in the past about everyone watching Jesus being amazed when there is nothing to be amazed at, this time it seems warranted.
I do have a complaint here though, Jesus heals the paralytic by forgiving the man's sins. You don't get paralyzed by sinning, sometimes things just happen and it is out of your control. This implies that any affliction is your fault.
Jesus Calls Levi
Jesus gains another follower, Levi.
Jesus is hanging out with some tax collectors and sinners. The scribes are like, 'dude WTF'. Jesus says he is not here to save the righteous but the sinners.
A Question About Fasting
People asked Jesus why he wasn't fasting while John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Jesus says it is like wedding guests who don't fast while the bridegroom is there. They can fast later.
I don't really get this, but I also don't understand why you would fast in the first place, so I guess it makes sense that I am confused.
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus and his disciples were going through a grain field and plucking heads of grain and eating them, which was apparently against the law on the Sabbath. The scribes said it was no ok and Jesus compared them to king David and told the scribe to back off.
I was curious what my thoughts were last time these stories came up.
http://hausdorffbb.blogspot.com/2012/01/matthew-9.html
Pretty much the same, not my fault it is repetitive.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Mark 1
John the Baptists Prepares the Way
Everyone thinks John the Baptist is really awesome, they come from all over the place to get baptized by him and confess their sins to him. He preaches that there is someone coming that is way better than he is. John is not worthy to untie his sandal. John says he will baptize with water but when Jesus comes he will baptize you with the holy spirit. (I should point out that Jesus' name is not used here, I just put it there because pronouns were getting jumbled).
Good start with some prophecy stuff. John predicts that Jesus will come.
Something I find interesting here, it says "Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey."
What is this supposed to be telling me? Is John a high class guy or low class? Is camel hair common or rare? Is it rough and uncomfortable or nice? Eating locust sounds like a bad thing to me, but maybe it's a delicacy?
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus came from Nazareth to be baptized by John. When he came out of the water the heavens opened up and the holy spirit came to Jesus like a dove. A voice from heaven says Jesus is his son.
The Temptation of Jesus
The spirit drove him out into the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by Satan.
This is much quicker with fewer details than the temptations in Matthew, probably for the better.
Jesus Begins His Ministry
John gets arrested and Jesus starts preaching in his place
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
Again, when Jesus starts calling disciples, he gets James and John the sons of Zebedee to leave their father in the boat where they were fishing. However, in this version, they don't leave him alone, they instead leave him with their hired servants.
I guess servants are unimportant and Matthew didn't see fit to mention them, but it makes a huge difference to me. They are still bailing on their father, but at least they are not leaving him alone.
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit
They went to Capernaum and started teaching. People liked his teaching because he spoke with authority, the scribes on the other hand did not speak with authority. A man asks what Jesus wants and Jesus sees that his spirit is unclean. Jesus says "Be silent, and come out of him" and the spirit left the man's body. Jesus' fame spreads.
Jesus Heals Many
Title pretty much says it all
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
Early in the morning Jesus went to a desolate place to pray. Everyone wonders where he is and starts looking for him. Eventually they find him and he is like "lets go to the next town". So they go to Galilee and preach and cast out demons there.
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
Jesus cures some guy's leprosy and he tells him not to spread the word. But he does anyway so Jesus can't go anywhere or he gets mobbed.
Everyone thinks John the Baptist is really awesome, they come from all over the place to get baptized by him and confess their sins to him. He preaches that there is someone coming that is way better than he is. John is not worthy to untie his sandal. John says he will baptize with water but when Jesus comes he will baptize you with the holy spirit. (I should point out that Jesus' name is not used here, I just put it there because pronouns were getting jumbled).
Good start with some prophecy stuff. John predicts that Jesus will come.
Something I find interesting here, it says "Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey."
What is this supposed to be telling me? Is John a high class guy or low class? Is camel hair common or rare? Is it rough and uncomfortable or nice? Eating locust sounds like a bad thing to me, but maybe it's a delicacy?
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus came from Nazareth to be baptized by John. When he came out of the water the heavens opened up and the holy spirit came to Jesus like a dove. A voice from heaven says Jesus is his son.
The Temptation of Jesus
The spirit drove him out into the wilderness for 40 days to be tempted by Satan.
This is much quicker with fewer details than the temptations in Matthew, probably for the better.
Jesus Begins His Ministry
John gets arrested and Jesus starts preaching in his place
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
Again, when Jesus starts calling disciples, he gets James and John the sons of Zebedee to leave their father in the boat where they were fishing. However, in this version, they don't leave him alone, they instead leave him with their hired servants.
I guess servants are unimportant and Matthew didn't see fit to mention them, but it makes a huge difference to me. They are still bailing on their father, but at least they are not leaving him alone.
Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit
They went to Capernaum and started teaching. People liked his teaching because he spoke with authority, the scribes on the other hand did not speak with authority. A man asks what Jesus wants and Jesus sees that his spirit is unclean. Jesus says "Be silent, and come out of him" and the spirit left the man's body. Jesus' fame spreads.
Jesus Heals Many
Title pretty much says it all
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
Early in the morning Jesus went to a desolate place to pray. Everyone wonders where he is and starts looking for him. Eventually they find him and he is like "lets go to the next town". So they go to Galilee and preach and cast out demons there.
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
Jesus cures some guy's leprosy and he tells him not to spread the word. But he does anyway so Jesus can't go anywhere or he gets mobbed.
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