Lesson 3285

 (Lesson 3285)(12-31-20) Mark 7:5-8

    “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.”

    I have, today, only posted a part of the lesson that Jesus was relating to the scribes and Pharisees. I did this in order to draw attention to a very important lesson within a lesson that is established in today’s part of the overall quote. We will review the lesson in it’s entirety tomorrow.

    We should pay close attention to what Jesus actually said, “This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING FOR DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN. For laying aside the commandment of God, YE HOLD THE TRADITION OF MEN, AS THE WASHING OF POSTS AND CUPS: and many other such like things ye do.” 

    Jesus was making the very clear point that mere washing in water, such as what occurs with water baptism, DOES NOT wash away sins.~

Lesson 3284

 (Lesson 3284)(12-30-20) Mark 7:1-4

    “ Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.”

   Today’s quote relates that the Scribes and Pharisees became upset with the followers of Jesus because they didn’t wash their hands before eating. An act that violated Judean law and tradition.

    Also found in today’s quote, other than the account of Jesus’ baptism, is the first important mention of the Judean tradition of ritual washing (cleansing by, or baptizing in, water). A ritual that was required of all Jews before they were allowed to take part in certain activities, such as was related in today’s application, eating.

    Although the word “washing”, as it is applied in today’s quote, was transliterated from the Greek word, ‘baptismous’, a word derived from the Greek root word ‘baptizo', it bears the same Greek definition as does the the word baptizo itself. Both words literally mean to place something into a certain solution or condition so as to permanently alter its character.

    My point in bringing this information out is that neither the ritual of water baptism nor the ritual of hand washing have a foundation in Christianity, but rather is a tradition of the Judean religion. That ritual was picked up and incorporated into Roman Catholicism at it’s very beginning and has been erroneously handed down, and accepted by, most all of today’s “Christian” religious sects.~

Lessonn 3283

 (Lesson 3283)(12-29-20) Mark 6:45-56

    “And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.”

    Today’s lesson relates how Jesus walked on water to His apostles. It also relates how He continued to heal many ill and infirm who came to Him in faith.~

Lesson 3282

 (Lesson 3282)(12-28-20) Mark 6:30-44

    “And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes whereat He fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two small fishes.~

Lesson 3281

 (Lesson 3281)(12-27-20) Mark 6:15-29

    “And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.”

   Today’s quote relates the beheading of John the Baptist and explains why Herod had it done.~

Lesson 3280

 (Lesson 3280)(12-26-20) Mark 6:7-14

    And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus sent out His chosen twelve, in pairs, to preach the coming the Messiah. They were given instructions to teach that their fellow Jews to repent toward the coming of the Messiah. They took nothing with them bur their faith.

    Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we, today, had such faith?~

Lesson 3279

 (Lesson 3279)(12-25-20) Mark 6:1-6

    “And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus returned to His on land and worked many miracles while teaching to coming of His kingdom.~

Lesson 3278

 (Lesson 3278)(12-24-20) Mark 5:21-43

    “And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.”

    Today’s quote relates two more incredible miracles that Jesus performed. They both demonstrate that anything can be accomplished by God through faith in Jesus.~

Lesson 3277

(Lesson 3277)(12-23-20) Mark 5:1-20

    “And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.”

   Today’s quote relates how Jesus removed an unclean spirit, freeing “ the Legion” to spread the news of the glory and power of Jesus throughout the land.~

Lesson 3276

 (Lesson 3276)(12-22-20) Mark 4:35-41

    “ And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

    In today’s quote, Jesus demonstrated His absolute and unconditional faith by causing the winds and sea to calm. 

    We should all realize that those of us who have been born again by faith in the amazing saving grace of God through Jesus Christ, can accomplish the same miracles that Jesus performed. All we need to is ask.~

Lesson 3275

 (Lesson 3275)(12-21-20) Mark 4:23-34

    “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus warned His apostles, (as well as we today who read the bible), to study carefully the words that He said to make sure that they fully understood the intent. Jesus stressed that point so His disciples so that they (and we) would not misinterpret them and go off on a tangent, not fully understanding what His words actually intended.

    To further clarify the intent of the overall lesson, Jesus spoke in parables to deliberately confuse ALL those to whom He was preaching at the time, knowing that He would explain the true meaning to those who would be teaching His word AFTER He had completed His divine mission to be a ‘one size fits all’ means of remission of sins for those who would believe in Him.

    Sadly, there are many today who do exactly what Jesus warned against. They teach parts of the parables that, Jesus Himself explained, were intended to confuse, without correctly teaching the explanation that Jesus gave.

    It behooves us all to study every tiny detail of the gospel of Jesus Christ so as to make ourselves certain of His intent, and to not be guilty of preaching misunderstood, and misleading messages.~

Lesson 3274

 (Lesson 3274)(12-20-20) Mark 4:21-22

    “And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.”

    Today’s quote tells us to let our work be public so that all can see, and it also tells us that it is impossible to hide things from God.~

Lesson 3273

 (Lesson 3273)(12-19-20) Mark 4:10-20

    “And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.”

    In today’s quote, after He and the apostles had separated themselves from the others, Jesus explained the meaning of “the parable of the sower”.

     Jesus could only teach the coming of the new law of faith in parables so that the masses would not be able to understand, seeing that knowledge of the new law of faith would only serve to confuse them while they were still required to live by the laws of Moses. 

    Had Jesus preached in a manner that all Jews could understand would have been equivalent of putting new wine in old bottles which He had already stated would be unwise. Seeing that the old law of works could not be mixed with the new law of rebirth through faith in Jesus.

   Sadly, today, there are far too many who, still, in spite of what Jesus taught, insist on teaching the old law of redemption by works along with the new law of rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ in direct conflict with what Jesus taught. ~

Lesson 3272

 (Lesson 3272)(12-18-20) Mark 4:1-9

    “ And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

    Today’s lesson relates Mark’s account of the parable of the sower. Mark’s account that day’s events is very similar to the Matthew account and relates no significant differences. ~

Lesson 3271

 (Lesson 3271)(12-17-20) Mark 3:30-35

    “There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus made it clear that all of us who have believed in Him are indeed His brothers and sisters. We are the children of God just as Jesus was.

    The door to a rebirth as a brother or sister to Jesus Christ stands wide open today, for anyone who wishes to enter, just as it did in that day. All one needs to do is believe and ask.~

Lesson 3270

 (Lesson 3270)(12-16-20) Mark 3:20-30

    “ And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus, after healing many and casting out devils from those afflicted, was accused by the scribes of working those miracles by the power of Satan. In essence, the leadership of the Jews referred to the Holy Spirit, the power by which Jesus actually performed the miracles, as Satan. That, in turn, caused Jesus to warn that those who would so blaspheme the Holy Spirit that they were in danger of losing thier souls to eternal damnation.~

Lesson 3269

 (Lesson 3269)(12-15-20) Mark 3:13-19

    “And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus ordained His twelve apostles, granting them the power of the Holy Spirit. 

    That same awesome power is, by the blood of Jesus Christ, granted to every soul who believes in Him, today.~

Lesson 3268

 (Lesson 3268)(12-14-20) Mark 3:9-12

    “And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus continued to heal the sick and infirm in great numbers as they demonstrated their faith in Him.~

Lesson 3267

 (Lesson 3267)(12-13-20) Mark 3:1-8

    “And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.”

    Today’s quote relates Mark’s account of the beginning of a plot by the Jews to capture and kill Jesus.~

Lesson 3266

 (Lesson 3266)(12-12-20) Mark 2:23-28

    “And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.”

    Today’s lesson demonstrates that the rules of the old laws of the Jews, such as those governing the sabbath, took a back seat to the, then present and urgent, needs of those to whom the laws pertained. In other words, the preservation of life was considered more important than the rules that had been applied to the sabbath, (A required period of rest).~

Lesson 3265

 (Lesson 3265)(12-11-20) Mark 2:18-22

    “And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.”

   In today’s quote, Jesus, by using comparisons, very effectively, explained that the new law of faith could not be intermixed with the old law of works.

    It is very important to know that Jesus, Himself, COULD NOT preach salvation by grace, or rebirth of the spirit through faith alone. That would not be possible until after He had been crucified, buried and resurrected. If he had done so, He would have broken God’s law as it stood for all Jews until His divine mission was completed and and He had ascended back to heaven.

    Jesus made that point by stressing that it was unwise to put new wine into tainted bottles because the new would be destroyed by the residue of the old. 

    Sadly, that is exactly what many, so-called Christians, do today. ~

Lesson 3264

 (Lesson 3264)(12-10-20) Mark 2:15-17

    “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

    In today’s quote, when challenged as to why He was eating with “publicans and sinners”, Jesus responded by saying, “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” 

    The argument with which the “scribes and Pharisees” confronted Jesus in today’s lesson, is one of the major problems with spreading the good news of God’s amazing saving grace today. Most ‘would be’ Christians won’t go near the places where the grace of God is most needed. A bar is a perfect example. 

    Far too many have lazily brainwashed themselves into thinking the right thing to do is to park their bottom in a church pew two or three times a week, singing a few hymns and throwing up and occasional “amen” while totally ignoring the spiritual needs of those who are not sitting beside them.

    The assembling together of Christian people is a very important thing; However, as Jesus, very clearly, established in today’s lesson, we, the children of God, are to go to the need. DON’T EXPECT THE NEED TO COME TO YOU. ~

Lesson 3263

 (Lesson 3263)(12-09-20) Mark 2:13-14

    “And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.”

    Today’s lesson tells us that as Jesus continued to travel and teach of the coming of the kingdom of God, He selected Levi as another one of His apostles. Levi was a confusing, choice to some of the Jews, because he was a tax collector and therefore disliked by almost everyone.~

Lesson 3262

 (Lesson 3262)(12-08-20) Mark 2:1-12

    “ And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy, I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus returned to Capernaum and continued miraculously healing the sick.

    It also relates another contentious encounter Jesus had with the Jewish authority as they accuse Him of blasphemy.~

Lesson 3261

 (Lesson 3261)(12-07-20) Mark 1:35-45

    “ And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils. And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus continued performing miracles of healing as he traveled troughout Galilee.

   It is important to note that Jesus instructed the leper to go and present himself to the Jewish authority and to make an offering for the mercy of God as was required of the Jews under the Law of Moses. If Jesus had been teaching, what is now referred to as Christianity prior to His having been sacrificed for our sins, that offering would not have been necessary.~

Lesson 3260

 (Lesson 3260)(12-06-20) Mark 1:29-34

    “ And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.”

    Today’s lesson relates that Jesus miraculously healed Simon’s mother-in-law as well as all those who were brought to Him from the surrounding area.~

 (Lesson 3259)(12-05-20) Mark 1:21-28

    “And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus went into a synagogue at Capernaum and preached to the Jews. He astonished them with His knowledge of God, the Law and Jewish history. They were also astonished by the demonstration of His power over a demon, one who recognized Jesus as the Son of God.~

Lesson 3258

 (Lesson 3258)(12-04-20) Mark 1:16-20

    “ Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.”

    Today’s quote, as it relates to the process of the selection of Jesus’ apostles, marks the beginning of the church that was established by Jesus.

    Mark’s account of those events differs considerably with the account that was given in the book of Matthew but the difference is insuficient to alter the overall intent of the scriptural narrative.~

Lesson 3257

 (Lesson 3257)(12-03-20) Mark 1:14-15

    “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

    It is important to note that, as is related in today’s quote, when Jesus began to preach, He was delivering the same message that John the Baptist delivered, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

    To believe the “gospel” is to believe the truth. Jesus preached, in truth, that the His kingdom was soon to begin.

    It is also important to note that the message Jesus and John both delivered, was delivered to the Jews ONLY.~

Lesson 3256

 (Lesson 3256)(12-02-20) Mark 1:12-13

    “And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.”

    Today’s quote relates Mark’s account of the temptation of Jesus. It does not, however, agree with the Matthew account in total.

    For comparison, the following is the Matthew account: (Matthew 4:1-11),“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him."~

Lesson 3255

(Lesson 3255)(12-01-20) Mark 1:9-11

    “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

   Although the author of Mark’s account of the water baptism of Jesus, by John the Baptist, differs slightly from the account of the same events in Matthew, the difference is so minor as to have no affect on the original intent of either lesson. 

    Jesus, the human man, by His own account was a Jew and bound by the laws of the Jews. Jesus, the Son and Spirit of God, was bound by His Father's law only. It is very important to keep that in mind as we proceed through these lessons.

    As a Jew, in order to be sin free within the boundaries of the law, and therefore qualified to be a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world, Jesus was required to commit Himself to the commanded ritual of physical water cleansing, or as written, or as incorrectly written, baptized.  

    God the Father, upon seeing that Jesus, the human man, had completed the requirements of the law to perfection, immediately recognized Jesus, both in the Spirit and in the flesh, as His beloved Son.

    We must remember, Jesus WAS NOT baptized in water to become the Son of God, He already was the Son of God. He was baptized in water in order to demonstrate that, as a human man, He was obedient to the law and therefore worthy to be the perfect sacrifice and savior of all those who would come to believe in Him.

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast”. (Ephesians 2:8-9)~