Category: Mark

7 ARROWS : Mark 10:17-31


Jesus speaks of the tension between wealth and the Kingdom.

In this culture (like our own), wealth was perceived as being blessed or favored and the poor were seen as less than…maybe even cursed. Jesus pointing out the accompanying problems was surprising.

God does not share worship.

Wealth or the pursuit of it can be a cruel master.

Don’t be distracted by dollars.

Even the most secular-minded people can see the obvious pitfalls of wealth above all else. This could be common ground for Gospel-centered conversation.

Jesus, I want you more. You alone satisfy my soul.

7 ARROWS : Mark 10:13-16


Jesus blesses the children and uses the moment to teach about the Kingdom.

This interaction was directly after dealing with divorce (v.1-12). Children could have been abandoned along with their mothers. That makes this moment even more tender.

God values simple faith and honesty.

Sometimes people are selfish and see children as a burden rather than the blessing they are.

Embrace children and emulate their child-like faith.

We can learn much from children about how to love unconditionally.

Father, help my faith be pure and my joy overflowing.

7 ARROWS : Mark 10:1-12


Pharisees try to trip up Jesus on a question about divorce.

In this culture, women could be “thrown away” by their husbands, leaving her shamed and abandoned to fend for herself.

God values the marriage covenant.

Men look for loopholes for their own benefit.

Marriage is a God ordained gift. Treasure it as intended.

Jesus elevated the place of the powerless. Wives are not to be thrown away on a whim, nor are husbands,

Father, thank you for the beautiful gift of marriage. Help us honor you with it.

7 ARROWS : Mark 9:14-29


Jesus frees a boy from a particularly obstinate demon and the disciples get a prayer lesson.

The power and authority of Jesus seem limitless. It is.

God clearly sees the immense cosmic battle of the universe.

Man has vast limitations.

Pray- commune with the Father. Rest in his sovereignty.

Point to the kindness and ultimate power of God often.

Lord, you are the highest, wisest, and most powerful.

7 ARROWS : Mark 9:2-13


Jesus shows Peter, James, & John a glimpse of his divinity.

Elijah and Moses appearing with dazzling Jesus would have helped Jewish folks connect major dots.

Jesus is fully God.

Even those who saw the “greatest hits” of Jesus first hand only saw a glimpse of his glory and majesty.

Listen to Jesus! (v.7)

Remember and trust the radiant fully God / fully man, Christ Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for glimpses of glory we see of you in scriptures. Help me ingest it in my deepest parts and remember you always.

7 ARROWS : Mark 8:31-9:1


Jesus explains what is necessary- his rejection & choosing the cross.

Talk about embarrassing. A cross?

God’s plans can be shocking.

Man’s plans can be totally wrong.

Cling to the cross- God’s “plan A” (& there is no “plan B”?).

If some people are not rejecting the notion of “taking up your cross” I am likely not explaining it well.

Jesus, help me see life through the cross.

7 ARROWS : Mark 8:22-30


Jesus restores the sight of a Gentile man and Jesus’ disciples begin to see he is the Messiah.

The specific word “Messiah” would have perked up Jewish ears.

Jesus opens eyes, both physical and spiritual.

Mankind has an “I” problem.

Focus on Jesus.

There are many who do not yet realize who Jesus truly is.

Jesus, help focus me to you.

7 ARROWS : Mark 8:1-21


Jesus performs another feeding miracle and tries to use it to teach his thick-headed disciples.

Some of the Gentiles had heard about Jesus and now they saw his power and authority first hand.

Jesus points his disciples to deeper truths.

Sometimes (many times?) Jesus’ disciples aren’t the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Pay attention- especially to deeper truths.

Some people need to experience Jesus first hand. Others need to experience Jesus with fresh eyes.

Jesus, please sharpen my attention, affections, and intellect for your glory.

7 ARROWS : Mark 7:1-23


Jesus flips the script of those trapped in empty religious ritual.

Early Jewish hearers/readers would have struggled with this flip.

God is more concerned with internal character than external ritual.

Mankind gravitates toward trying to appease God rather than dealing with their own sins.

I need to give my attention to the same places God gives his attention.

Be understanding but don’t shy away from setting the script straight.

Father, give me your wisdom and insight to think about my own nature and character as you do.