6.4 Tongue-tied
The Power of Touch: Jesus’ Healing of the Deaf and Mute Man

Read Mark 7:31–37. Who was brought to Jesus, and what did Jesus do for him?

In Mark 7:31–37, we read about the healing of a man who was deaf and could hardly speak. This man was brought to Jesus by a group of people who clearly believed in His healing power. Jesus responded to the man’s situation in a very personal and compassionate way: He took him aside, away from the crowd, to give him the necessary attention and care.

The healing ritual that Jesus performed—the touching of the man’s ears and tongue, the spitting, and the sighing—might seem unusual to modern readers, but it demonstrates how Jesus directly and lovingly addressed the man’s problems. By touching the affected areas, Jesus showed His power to intervene and bring healing into the man’s life.

Jesus’ sigh is particularly significant. It not only expresses compassion for the man’s suffering but also a deeper sorrow over the spiritual deafness and muteness of many people who close themselves off to the truth and are unwilling to acknowledge Jesus as the Savior. This scene shows us that Jesus offers not just physical healing but also a deep concern for people to awaken spiritually and accept Him as their Redeemer.

In our everyday lives, this story is an invitation to turn to Jesus when we feel unable to speak about our faith or properly perceive the needs of others. Jesus can open our “deaf ears” so that we better understand and respond to the spiritual needs of those around us. He can loosen our “bound tongue” so that we find words of encouragement and faith to help others on their journey.

This healing reminds us that Jesus is capable of healing us both physically and spiritually. He calls us to trust Him and allow Him to guide us so that we can spread His light and love in our surroundings.

How do you use the gifts you have been given in terms of hearing and speaking? How do you apply them?

The way we handle the gifts of hearing and speaking is of great importance because these abilities are not just everyday tools but also powerful means to carry God’s love and truth into the world.

Hearing: Good listening is a valuable gift that allows us to understand the needs, concerns, and joys of the people around us. It means listening with empathy and patience, without making hasty judgments or becoming distracted. By truly listening, we can better respond to others’ needs and meet them with compassion. This gift can also be used to listen to God’s voice—through prayer, meditation, and reading Scripture—to recognize His guidance more clearly in our lives.

Speaking: The gift of speaking gives us the ability to share words of encouragement, wisdom, and love. How we choose our words greatly impacts the people around us. We can use this gift to proclaim the Gospel, comfort others, encourage them, and support them in difficult times. It’s important to use our words wisely and in a spirit of truth and love, to build others up and inspire them.

Applying in Daily Life: In everyday life, we can apply these gifts by consciously reaching out to others, listening attentively to them, and addressing their needs. We can strive to be honest, respectful, and encouraging in conversations. Furthermore, we should also seize opportunities to share our testimony of faith and bring the hope and love we have found in Christ closer to those around us.

Overall, it’s about seeing these gifts not just as tools for our own interests but as means through which we can serve others and promote God’s kingdom on earth. By putting our ability to hear and speak in the service of God, we can actively contribute to spreading His love and truth in our world.

The connection between the healing of the deaf man with a speech impediment in Mark 7:31–37 and our everyday lives and faith is profound and very relevant. This story shows us how Jesus not only brings physical healing but also spiritual and emotional restoration. It challenges us to reflect on the gifts of hearing and speaking that we have been given and how we use them in our daily lives.

1. Hearing and Understanding: In everyday life, hearing is not just about physically receiving sounds but also truly understanding and empathizing with others. Jesus healed the man to give him access to his community and life again. Similarly, we are called to listen attentively—not just with our ears but also with our hearts. This means listening to the needs, concerns, and joys of others and responding with understanding and empathy.

2. Speaking and Witnessing: The miracle Jesus performed by loosening the man’s tongue allows us to think about the power and responsibility of our words. In daily life, we have the opportunity to speak words of encouragement, love, and truth. Our faith calls us to choose our words wisely and use them to help others, offer comfort, and share the good news of the Gospel.

3. Spiritual Healing: The story reminds us that Jesus is still able to open our spiritual “ears” and loosen our “tongue” today. Many people are spiritually deaf or mute, unable to hear God’s voice or speak about their faith. Jesus can overcome these barriers if we open our hearts to Him and ask for healing. This means taking regular time for spiritual renewal through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.

4. Connection to Others: In our daily lives, we are often in community with other people. The story teaches us that true community is built through listening and communication. By caring for the spiritual and emotional needs of others and being ready to speak the right words at the right time, we can build bridges and be a blessing to others.

5. Humility and Dependence on God: The healing of the man also shows the need to turn to God in humility. The man could not help himself but had to rely on Jesus’ grace and intervention. Similarly, in our faith lives, we should recognize that we need God to be strengthened in our weaknesses and to use our gifts rightly.

In summary, this story challenges us to use the gifts of hearing and speaking consciously and responsibly. It reminds us that our words and listening are powerful tools to carry God’s love into the world. It encourages us not to neglect these gifts but to actively use them in our faith lives and interactions with others.

Use the gifts of hearing and speaking to carry God’s love and truth into the world.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-6-inside-out-6-4-tongue-tied-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

August 7, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 8

¹ When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

² And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

³ And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

⁴ And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

⁵ And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

⁶ And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

⁷ And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

⁸ The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

⁹ For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

¹⁰ When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

¹¹ And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

¹² But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

¹³ And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

¹⁴ And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.

¹⁵ And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

¹⁶ When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

¹⁷ That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

¹⁸ Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

¹⁹ And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

²⁰ And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

²¹ And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

²² But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

²³ And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

²⁴ And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

²⁵ And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

²⁶ And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

²⁷ But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

²⁸ And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

²⁹ And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

³⁰ And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.

³¹ So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.

³² And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.

³³ And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.

³⁴ And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction:

Matthew Chapter 8 describes a series of miracles and encounters that reveal the nature and power of Jesus. In this chapter, we see Jesus healing lepers, praising the faith of a Roman centurion who sought healing, and calming the storms on the Sea of Galilee. These events highlight not only the physical healing that Jesus brings but also the spiritual authority he holds over nature and the spiritual realm. The chapter also illustrates the seriousness of following Jesus and the profound importance of faith.

Commentary:

Matthew 8 is a powerful chapter that showcases the various dimensions of Jesus’ ministry. The healing of the leper and the centurion’s servant demonstrates Jesus’ ability and willingness to overcome both physical and social barriers. The centurion’s faith, despite not being a Jew, impressed Jesus so much that he highlighted it as an example of true faith. This shows that faith and a relationship with God are not bound by ethnic or cultural boundaries.

The episode of calming the storm is particularly significant as it illustrates the disciples’ human fear in the face of natural forces and Jesus’ divine calm in the midst of chaos. Jesus makes it clear to his disciples that true faith means trusting in his power and presence, even in the stormiest times.

The healing of the demon-possessed men in the region of the Gadarenes demonstrates Jesus’ absolute authority over the forces of darkness. Interestingly, the townspeople asked him to leave their area, indicating that they feared the transformative power of Jesus.

Summary:

Matthew Chapter 8 impressively demonstrates Jesus’ power over sickness, nature, and evil spirits, while emphasizing the necessity of deep faith and determined discipleship. Through his miracles and teachings, Jesus calls his followers to follow him without reservation and to trust in his divine power. This chapter reminds us that the faith that truly touches Jesus is one that is accompanied by trust, humility, and an open heart, regardless of the circumstances.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 52: The Divine Shepherd

This chapter is based on John 10:1-30.

Read online here

 

Commentary

In John 10:1-30, Jesus Christ reveals Himself as the “Good Shepherd,” a metaphor deeply rooted in the culture and hearts of the people of His time. This familiar image of a shepherd lovingly and protectively watching over his flock serves as a powerful parable for the close, personal relationship that Jesus maintains with His believers. He is not just a shepherd, but the Shepherd who is willing to lay down His life for His sheep—an expression of the highest form of love and devotion.

The promise that the Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name highlights the deep personal bond that Jesus has with each individual believer. He knows our worries, our fears, and our struggles. In a world full of uncertainties, the Good Shepherd offers security, guidance, and comfort. Jesus contrasts Himself sharply with the false shepherds of His time, who led the people astray and neglected their responsibility to the flock.

Through the image of the shepherd who goes ahead and leads his sheep to safe pastures, Jesus illustrates that the way to God cannot be reached through human wisdom or religious systems, but only through Him. He is the door to life, and only through Him can we find true fulfillment and peace. This image of the Shepherd who fights for and protects His sheep conveys the deep comfort and security found in following Jesus.

The Good Shepherd not only lays down His life for the sheep but also takes it up again to grant them eternal life. This willingness to sacrifice Himself shows the deep love of Jesus, a love that knows no bounds. It is a love that follows us into our darkest moments, rescues us from lostness, and leads us into fellowship with God.

Jesus’ call to follow His voice is an invitation to a life of abundance—a life characterized by His guidance and care. In Him, we find not only protection and provision but also the assurance that He will never abandon us. This Shepherd, who leads us through life, will ultimately bring us to our eternal home, where we will find complete security and joy in His presence.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 53: The Last Journey From Galilee

This chapter is based on Luke 9:51-56; Luke 10:1-24.

Read online here

 

Commentary

In Chapter 53 the final journey of Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem is depicted, a journey marked by both internal and external challenges. With the foreknowledge of His impending suffering and death, Jesus altered His approach, deliberately turning toward the cross. Whereas He had previously avoided the attention of the masses, He now openly presented Himself, preparing the people for the impending climax of His earthly mission.

On this last journey through Galilee, Jesus taught intensively, using many parables to convey His message and prepare His disciples for the coming events. Despite the growing hostility from the religious leaders, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission, resolutely setting His face toward Jerusalem, fully aware that His sacrifice was necessary to save humanity.

The people’s reactions to Jesus’ final journey were mixed. While some readily accepted His teachings, others met Him with rejection and hostility. The Samaritans, who did not receive His message, and the cities that ignored His works and teachings, became cautionary examples of the danger of rejecting God’s offer of salvation.

This chapter highlights Jesus’ determination and obedience to the will of His Father, as well as His deep love and care for humanity. It shows us that the path of obedience and devotion is not always easy, but it ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. The words and actions of Jesus on this final journey remind us that the true treasure lies in heaven and that if we set our hearts on God, we can become part of His eternal kingdom.

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/7-08-2024-matthew-chapter-8-believe-his-prophets/

6.3 Crumbs for the Dogs
Faith Knows No Boundaries: The Lesson of the Canaanite Woman

Read Mark 7:24–30. What important lessons can be found in this account?

The account in Mark 7:24–30 of Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman is remarkable and instructive. At first, it may seem unsettling that Jesus appears to treat the woman dismissively, even comparing her to a dog. However, upon closer examination, this story reveals profound truths about faith, humility, and the universal reach of God’s grace.

In His response, Jesus uses two significant elements that point to something greater: He speaks of the children being fed “first,” which suggests that there is also a “second”—meaning that God’s grace is not exclusively for the Jewish people but also intended for the Gentiles. Additionally, Jesus uses a diminutive form of the word “dog,” which in the context of that time was a milder, less derogatory term, referring to pets that had a certain closeness to their owners.

The woman’s response demonstrates her remarkable faith and persistence. She does not take Jesus’ words as an insult but sees them as an opportunity to express her faith. By pointing out that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table, she shows not only humility but also her trust in Jesus’ power. She acknowledges that even a “crumb” from Jesus is enough to heal her daughter.

This story teaches us that true faith involves humility and that God’s grace is accessible to all people, regardless of their background. Through this encounter, Jesus shows that anyone who comes to Him in faith can become part of the divine family. The woman, once considered an outsider, was transformed by her faith into a child of God, and her request was granted.

The message is clear: God’s love and grace are boundless, and those who come to Him in humility and faith will not be turned away. This narrative encourages us to persist in trusting God’s goodness and to recognize that even the smallest sign of His grace in our lives can work wonders.

Why do prejudices against other races and nationalities stand in stark contrast to Jesus’ teachings? How can we strive to eliminate this evil?

Prejudices against other races and nationalities stand in stark contrast to Jesus’ teachings because Jesus taught universal love and equality. In His message and actions, He repeatedly made it clear that all people are equal in the eyes of God, regardless of their ethnic origin, social status, or nationality. Jesus’ life and teachings clearly show that God’s kingdom is open to all people and that we are called to treat one another with the same love that God shows us.

Reasons why prejudices contradict Jesus’ teachings:

1. God’s universal love: Jesus emphasized that God loves all people and that His grace and forgiveness are available to everyone (John 3:16). Prejudices undermine this fundamental truth and lead to exclusion and injustice.

2. The Golden Rule: Jesus taught that we should treat others as we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). Prejudices and discrimination violate this rule by demeaning people based on outward characteristics.

3. Equality before God: The Bible teaches that all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Prejudices contradict this teaching by questioning the dignity and worth of certain people.

4. Jesus’ example: Jesus Himself crossed cultural and ethnic boundaries, as seen in His encounter with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-26) and the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). He showed that God’s love overcomes all barriers.

Ways we can overcome prejudices:

1. Self-reflection: It is important to recognize and question our own prejudices. This requires honesty and a willingness to confront the roots of our biases.

2. Education and dialogue: Prejudices often arise from ignorance. By educating ourselves and engaging in dialogue with people from different cultures and backgrounds, we can expand our understanding and empathy.

3. Practicing love for others: By actively striving to treat people with respect and dignity regardless of their background, we live out Jesus’ teachings. This also means standing up against injustice and discrimination in our surroundings.

4. Prayer and spiritual guidance: We should ask God for help to cleanse our hearts of prejudices and to show us how to live in love and justice.

5. Community building: By creating inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated, we can bear strong witness to the love and unity that Jesus taught.

Overcoming prejudices requires conscious effort and commitment, but it is essential if we truly want to live according to Jesus’ principles. Only when we learn to love and accept one another without prejudice can we reflect the perfect community to which God has called us.

The story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:24–30 has a profound connection to our daily lives and faith, especially when it comes to how we treat others and what prejudices we may hold.

1. Faith knows no boundaries: This narrative reminds us that true faith and God’s grace know no boundaries. The Syrophoenician woman was an outsider, a foreigner in the eyes of many Jews of her time. Yet her faith and persistence showed that she had just as much access to God’s grace as anyone else. In our lives, this means that we must be open to treating people of all backgrounds with respect and openness, recognizing their dignity. Our faith should lead us to tear down the walls built by prejudice and discrimination.

2. Overcoming prejudices: The story also shows how Jesus transcended cultural and ethnic barriers to make God’s love and healing accessible to all. For us, this means that we must strive to recognize and overcome our own prejudices. We should actively work to treat people with the same love, regardless of their background, race, or culture, that Jesus showed to all of us. In practice, this can mean speaking out against discrimination, promoting inclusive communities, and advocating for justice.

3. Humility and faith in daily life: The woman’s response shows an impressive blend of humility and faith. She accepts her low status in the social hierarchy, yet she has unshakable trust in Jesus’ power to help her. In our daily lives, this challenges us to be humble and persistent in our faith, even when we feel unworthy or excluded. We must trust that God’s grace is great enough to meet us in every situation and meet our needs.

4. Practical love for others: The story encourages us to live out practical love for others in our daily lives. Jesus responds to the woman’s faith by granting her request and healing her daughter. We should also be ready to recognize and respond to the needs of others, regardless of who they are or where they come from. This is an expression of faith that includes not only words but also actions.

Overall, this passage teaches us that God’s kingdom is open and boundless, and we must strive to live out this universal love in our daily lives. By laying aside our prejudices, practicing humility and faith, and actively exercising love for others, we can follow Jesus’ example and align our lives with His teachings.

Faith knows no boundaries—true love and humility open doors that prejudice closes.Formularbeginn

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-6-inside-out-6-3-crumbs-for-the-dogs-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

August 6, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 7

¹ Judge not, that ye be not judged.

² For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

³ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

⁴ Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

⁵ Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

⁶ Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

⁷ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

⁸ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

⁹ Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

¹⁰ Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

¹¹ If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

¹² Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

¹³ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

¹⁴ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

¹⁵ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

¹⁹ Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

²¹ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

²⁴ Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

²⁵ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

²⁶ And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

²⁸ And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

²⁹ For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction:

Matthew Chapter 7 forms the conclusion of the famous Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches fundamental principles of Christian life and behavior. This chapter focuses on the themes of judgment, prayer, obedience to God’s will, and the distinction between true and false piety. Jesus emphasizes the importance of not judging others hastily, relying on prayer, and putting God’s will into practice. He calls his listeners to live a life grounded in faith, rooted in obedience and the practical application of his teachings.

Commentary:

In the first verses (1-5), Jesus warns against judging others. He illustrates how we often tend to notice the faults of others while overlooking our own much more serious flaws. This teaching calls us to practice humility and self-examination before passing judgment on others. The metaphorical language, where Jesus uses the “speck” and the “plank,” highlights the discrepancy between our often petty judgments of others and our own significant failings.

In the following verses (7-11), Jesus speaks about the power of prayer and the goodness of God. He encourages us to be persistent in prayer, as God is willing to give us good gifts, just as a loving father gives the best to his children. This emphasizes the close relationship between God and believers, underscoring that trust in God’s goodness plays a central role in the life of a Christian.

Verses 12-14 include the “Golden Rule” and the call to choose the narrow path. The “Golden Rule” encapsulates the Law and the Prophets and serves as an ethical guideline that should form the foundation of interpersonal relationships. The narrow path symbolizes the way of following Jesus, which is not easy and is found by only a few, but it leads to eternal life.

In verses 15-20, Jesus warns against false prophets, emphasizing that they can be recognized by their fruits, meaning their actions. This warning calls for vigilance and urges believers not to be deceived by outward appearances but to examine the inner nature and actual deeds.

The chapter concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders (verses 24-27). Here, Jesus stresses the importance of not just hearing his words but also putting them into action. The wise person who builds their house on the rock symbolizes someone who bases their life on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings. When storms come, this house will stand. The foolish person, on the other hand, builds their house on sand, representing those who hear Jesus’ words but do not follow them, ultimately leading to failure.

Summary:

Matthew Chapter 7 teaches us to live with humility and wisdom. Jesus calls us not to judge others but to start with ourselves. He emphasizes the power of prayer and trust in God’s goodness. Through the “Golden Rule” and the choice of the narrow path, Jesus shows the way to an ethical and righteous life. He warns against false prophets and calls us to build our lives on his teachings. The chapter ends with an exhortation to not only hear Jesus’ words but also to put them into practice, leading to a firm and steadfast life of faith.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 52: The Divine Shepherd

This chapter is based on John 10:1-30.

Read online here

 

Commentary

In John 10:1-30, Jesus Christ reveals Himself as the “Good Shepherd,” a metaphor deeply rooted in the culture and hearts of the people of His time. This familiar image of a shepherd lovingly and protectively watching over his flock serves as a powerful parable for the close, personal relationship that Jesus maintains with His believers. He is not just a shepherd, but the Shepherd who is willing to lay down His life for His sheep—an expression of the highest form of love and devotion.

The promise that the Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name highlights the deep personal bond that Jesus has with each individual believer. He knows our worries, our fears, and our struggles. In a world full of uncertainties, the Good Shepherd offers security, guidance, and comfort. Jesus contrasts Himself sharply with the false shepherds of His time, who led the people astray and neglected their responsibility to the flock.

Through the image of the shepherd who goes ahead and leads his sheep to safe pastures, Jesus illustrates that the way to God cannot be reached through human wisdom or religious systems, but only through Him. He is the door to life, and only through Him can we find true fulfillment and peace. This image of the Shepherd who fights for and protects His sheep conveys the deep comfort and security found in following Jesus.

The Good Shepherd not only lays down His life for the sheep but also takes it up again to grant them eternal life. This willingness to sacrifice Himself shows the deep love of Jesus, a love that knows no bounds. It is a love that follows us into our darkest moments, rescues us from lostness, and leads us into fellowship with God.

Jesus’ call to follow His voice is an invitation to a life of abundance—a life characterized by His guidance and care. In Him, we find not only protection and provision but also the assurance that He will never abandon us. This Shepherd, who leads us through life, will ultimately bring us to our eternal home, where we will find complete security and joy in His presence.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 53: The Last Journey From Galilee

This chapter is based on Luke 9:51-56; Luke 10:1-24.

Read online here

 

Commentary

In Chapter 53 the final journey of Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem is depicted, a journey marked by both internal and external challenges. With the foreknowledge of His impending suffering and death, Jesus altered His approach, deliberately turning toward the cross. Whereas He had previously avoided the attention of the masses, He now openly presented Himself, preparing the people for the impending climax of His earthly mission.

On this last journey through Galilee, Jesus taught intensively, using many parables to convey His message and prepare His disciples for the coming events. Despite the growing hostility from the religious leaders, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission, resolutely setting His face toward Jerusalem, fully aware that His sacrifice was necessary to save humanity.

The people’s reactions to Jesus’ final journey were mixed. While some readily accepted His teachings, others met Him with rejection and hostility. The Samaritans, who did not receive His message, and the cities that ignored His works and teachings, became cautionary examples of the danger of rejecting God’s offer of salvation.

This chapter highlights Jesus’ determination and obedience to the will of His Father, as well as His deep love and care for humanity. It shows us that the path of obedience and devotion is not always easy, but it ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. The words and actions of Jesus on this final journey remind us that the true treasure lies in heaven and that if we set our hearts on God, we can become part of His eternal kingdom.

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/6-08-2024-matthew-chapter-7-believe-his-prophets/

6.2 Clean Hands or Clean Heart?
What Really Matters?

Read Mark 7:14–19. What did Jesus mean by the riddle in Mark 7:15?

In Mark 7:14–19, Jesus explains an important principle that reveals deeper insights into the true meaning of purity. His statement that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them, but rather what comes out of them, emphasizes that true purity is a matter of the heart and inner attitude, not just the external observance of rituals or rules.

Here, Jesus does not question the Old Testament dietary laws but directs his criticism toward the Pharisaic traditions that understood purity as something purely external. He makes it clear that real defilement arises from evil thoughts, words, and deeds—things that come from within the heart. In this context, he does not abolish the distinction between clean and unclean foods but stresses that true purity comes from within.

For us, this means that it is not just about what we do or do not do externally, but rather that our hearts are in alignment with God’s will. Clean hands, meaning the outward observance of rules, are not sufficient if our hearts are not pure. Jesus calls us to examine our inner selves and ensure that our thoughts, motives, and actions are shaped by genuine love and obedience to God.

Read Mark 7:20–23. According to Jesus, what makes a person unclean?

In Mark 7:20–23, Jesus emphasizes that true uncleanness does not come from external things like food or ritual purity, but from within a person, from the heart. He makes it clear that evil comes from the heart and manifests in evil thoughts and actions. The list of vices Jesus enumerates includes sinful behaviors that corrupt a person’s heart and character.

Jesus shows that the true source of impurity does not lie in external influences but in the inner corruption of the heart. These internal sins, such as evil thoughts, murder, adultery, greed, and deceit, to name a few, are what truly defile a person and separate them from God.

Through this teaching, Jesus defends God’s law by highlighting the importance of commandments that pertain to both outward behavior and inner attitudes. He urges us not only to focus on the external aspects of our lives but to purify our hearts and keep them free from evil thoughts and motives so that we can live in accordance with God’s commandments. True purity begins in the heart and is reflected in a life that aligns with God’s will.

The connection between Jesus’ teachings in Mark 7:14–23 and our daily lives and faith is profound and practical. They challenge us to focus our daily lives, decisions, and faith on what truly matters: the purity of the heart.

1. Authenticity in the life of faith: Jesus makes it clear that true purity and piety are not achieved through external actions or rituals alone but through what is happening in our hearts. In our daily lives, this means that our faith should not only be a matter of outward appearances—such as attending church services, following rules, or saying the right words. Rather, we should strive to ensure that our inner attitudes, thoughts, and motives align with God’s will. This means regularly questioning ourselves: Are we truly living according to God’s commandments, or are we merely adhering to external forms?

2. Focus on inner purity: In a world that often focuses on outward appearances and material success, Jesus’ teaching reminds us that the true meaning of purity and holiness lies within. This challenges us to examine our thoughts and motives to see if they are guided by love, compassion, and justice. It means that in our daily lives, we should not only care about the “how” but also about the “why”—why we act the way we do, and whether it comes from a pure, God-honoring heart.

3. Overcoming internal sins: The list of internal sins Jesus mentions—evil thoughts, greed, deceit, envy, pride, and more—shows that the greatest dangers to our spiritual purity do not come from outside but from within ourselves. In our daily lives, we are called not only to guard against external temptations but also to confront the inner struggles that can defile our hearts. This means consciously working to recognize and overcome negative thoughts and destructive behavior patterns so that we can live in accordance with God’s commandments.

4. Priority on heart transformation: Jesus calls us to prioritize the transformation of our hearts. In practical everyday life, this means focusing less on how we appear outwardly and more on how we grow inwardly. This can be done through daily reflection, prayer, and seeking God’s guidance to ensure that our hearts remain in a state that honors God and shows love and compassion to others.

Conclusion: These teachings of Jesus challenge us not to be merely outwardly religious but to truly give our hearts to God. True purity and a God-pleasing life begin within, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our hearts, thoughts, and actions are guided by God’s Spirit. In everyday life, we should always ask ourselves: What really matters—the outward appearance or the inner truth? Only with a pure heart can we truly live in accordance with God’s will.

What truly matters is not the outward appearance but the purity of the heart that seeks to align with God’s will.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-6-inside-out-6-2-clean-hands-or-clean-heart-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/