Daily Bible Reading: June 27 - July 3
Date Added: 6/25/2011 3:54:00 PM Biblical Worldview Learning Center Friends:
This week we cover some very important events and teachings in the life of Christ. I pray that
you are edified by the insights we share on these Scriptures.
In our reading on June 29th in Mark 10, we will hear of the love Jesus has for children. As
parents, we realize the great responsibility to raise our children to love God and His Word and to
live God glorifying lives. In light of this, I am offering two new books at specially discounted
prices for our July special. Both books address the danger of our children being led astray
from the faith and help equip parents to better fulfill their roles as guardians of their children’s
spiritual lives. July's special offers are:
Already Gone, why your kids will quit church and what you can do to stop it, by Ken Ham and
Britt Beamer. (Retail: $13.00; Discounted Special: $10.40)
Already Compromised, Christian colleges took a test on the state of their faith and the Final
Exam is in!, by Ken Ham and Greg Hall. (Retail: $14.00; Discounted Special: $11.20)
A more detailed description of each book and ordering information can be found at the end of
this e-mail.
May God bless your week,
David Barrett, Director
Biblical Worldview Learning Center
david@biblicalview.com
208-377-2367
Date: June 27
Reading: Mark 9:1-29
What an action packed chapter and we only read about half of it today. It starts out with a very
strange statement from Jesus. In verse 1, Jesus says that some of the people standing there
listening to Him right then will still be alive and see "the kingdom of God come with power."
This has been a perplexing verse for many people. Since it is the verse that starts out this
chapter, I am going to focus on it today and help you see what Jesus was saying.
First of all, this is one of those places where the chapter division is not helpful for us. Do you
remember way back at the first of the year, when you were reading Genesis, I told you about the
history of chapters and verses in the Bible? Well you might not remember all the details, but you
do need to remember that the original writers did not write in chapter and verse. They just wrote
everything done as one long story. The chapters and verses were added later as helps for us to
find passages of Scripture more quickly.
Though having chapters and verses is very helpful, it can also cause us to misunderstand something as well. We have an example of the latter idea here in Mark 9 with this verse.
Because this statement is made by Jesus in verse 1 of this chapter, then people have immediately
assumed that Jesus was talking about what immediately follows when He speaks of the kingdom
of God coming with power. So, people have determined that the coming of the kingdom of
God with power was when Jesus was transfigured on the mount. Let me show you that that
interpretation is not correct and what Jesus is truly saying here.
First, we have read this statement before. It was in Matthew chapter 16:28. If you look
there, you will see that this is the last verse of Matthew 16 and the story of the "Mount of
Transfiguration" begins chapter 17. Secondly, notice that beginning with verse 24 of Matthew
16 we read the same teaching that Jesus was giving in what we read at the end of Mark chapter
8. In both cases (Matthew 16 and Mark 8 & 9) we can see that the verse we read in Matthew
16:28 and Mark 9:1 belong with the preceding verses teaching about taking up one’s cross and
not being ashamed of Jesus in the presence of others.
This is a lot of information, but it is important to learn the skill of properly interpreting the Bible.
We have once again drawn upon the principle of "let Scripture interpret Scripture." We have
also the principle of "context" to help us. Using "context" means to use the immediate verses
surrounding the passage you are trying to understand. The immediate verses in both Matthew 16
and Mark 8 tell us that Mark 9:1 belongs with the last verses of Mark 8.
Finally, in getting this verse properly understood, let's continue to draw upon the "Principle of
Context" and look at how verse 2 begins in Mark 9. It says, "And after six days…" In other
words, the events that occurred on the mountain where Jesus was transfigured happened only
six days after Jesus said what He said in Mark 9:1. If the statement "some of them that stand
here…shall not taste death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power" means that
some of the listeners will still be alive six days later, then that is not a very impressive prophecy.
In fact, it is kind of silly. Thus, the immediate context tells us that Jesus was not talking about
the next event, because it happened only six days later.
So, what is Jesus talking about? Well, it has to be something that is far enough in the future that
some of those listening have lived out their lives and died. Only some of the people standing
there at that time will be alive to see what Jesus is talking about. Although I cannot take the
time to demonstrate that Jesus is referring to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 (about 40
years after He made this statement in Mark 9:1), that is what Jesus is speaking of. As you gain
a greater knowledge of Scripture and learn to interpret it with proper Biblical principles of
interpretation, I am sure you will come to the same conclusion. I would suggest that you look
back at Matthew 24 and re-read what I taught you in your May 6 commentary reading.
We must take care to interpret Scripture carefully. Some very significant things happened within
the generation in which Jesus lived. They had a great impact upon the physical and spiritual
lives of those living then, and they have great importance for our spiritual lives today.
Date: June 28
Reading: Mark 9:30-50
This section begins with Jesus telling His disciples once again that He will be abused and killed,
but, that He will rise from the grave on the third day. This message from Jesus began not too
long ago in our reading and it seems to more and more be part of what Jesus is wanting to share.
Jesus is quite aware of His destiny and that it is arriving fast.
The disciples, on the other hand, can't seem to grasp what Jesus is trying to tell them. Or, we
should say, they are unwilling to accept what Jesus is saying. You remember that in just the
last chapter Jesus had to speak very harshly to Peter who actually rebuked Jesus for speaking
about His death and resurrection. It may have been because of that strong rebuke that they
were "afraid to ask him" (9:31).
Anyway, the disciples have other things weighing on their minds. In verses 33-37 we read about
the disciples arguing over who is the greatest among them. Here Jesus is trying to get them to
see the ultimate purpose for which He came, His death and resurrection, and they're too busy
fighting over which of them is the greatest follower of Jesus. I am sure, with the great popularity
Jesus is experiencing right then, the disciples were beginning to think that they might end up in
an important position if Jesus became a political leader.
Even though the disciples would not admit to what they were arguing about, Jesus knew. And,
Jesus immediately taught them that the servant heart is the most important heart. If anyone
wanted to be considered first, he needed to serve his brothers and sisters as if he were the last.
God desires a broken and humble heart, not a heart of pride.
Date: June 29
Reading: Mark 10:1-27
The 10th chapter of Mark begins with the Pharisees once again trying to trap Jesus. This time
they ask about the lawfulness of divorce. This is a very important topic as it touches on the
family which is so precious to God. Yet, I think for someone your age it might be a topic that
will become of greater importance when you are older. So, I am going to leave it for now and
return to it when we read this passage again in the future. This time through, let’s focus on the
beautiful picture of Jesus and the little children.
This story of Jesus and the little children almost didn't happen because the disciples, in their
ignorance, were trying to turn the people away. They did not want Jesus to be bothered with
little children. They should have known better. It was just a short time ago that Jesus had
brought a little child into their midst and taught that "whosoever shall receive one of such
children in my name, receiveth me" (9:37). The disciples had a hard time making some of these
connections.
Jesus, we read was greatly displeased when He saw what the disciples were doing. Literally, the
words in verse 14 of chapter 10 state that Jesus was "moved with indignation." That means, he
was very upset with His disciples.
Jesus loves little children and He often used them as examples of how we should believe. Little
children are very accepting of what they are told. They are very trusting. We are to be that way
as well. Jesus said it this way, "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child,
he shall not enter therein."
Then Jesus took the little children in His arms, He put His hands upon them, and He blessed
them. That is a picture of how Jesus receives us when we believe in Him with the simple faith of
a child.
Date: June 30
Reading: Mark 10:28-52
Jesus has just expressed how difficult it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. You
read about that at the end of your reading yesterday. Peter follows those comments by Jesus with
the me-centered, "what about us?" question. "We've left everything to follow you?" Peter says.
Jesus does not address the me-centeredness of Peter at that time. He will have opportunity to
address it in all the disciples later in the chapter when James and John try to get the favored seats
beside Jesus in the Kingdom. Anyway, Jesus responds to Peter telling him that people who do
give up much to follow Him will be rewarded. Now, you need to understand that Jesus is not
advocating that we have to leave our families to follow him. If you are raised in a Christian
home, then your family is already following Jesus. And, you can follow Him with your brothers
and sisters and your parents.
However, at the time when Jesus brought the message of the kingdom of God, many people who
put their faith in Christ and followed Him were the only ones in their family that believed. So,
they were ridiculed and mocked by their own family members. Many of them, by making the
decision to follow Jesus had to literally leave father, mother, brother and sister. Many had to
leave their homes and lands. They were people who Jesus said would be especially rewarded.
Even though I said that you and I may not have to face the fact of leaving our own families
to follow Jesus, there are people today who live in lands where that is the case. Still today
there are places where believing in Jesus could cost you your home, land and family. But we
can remember that Jesus paid the ultimate price for us as well. He was ridiculed, beaten and
eventually put to death. After Jesus spoke of the high cost others may have to pay to follow
Him, He told of His own eminent death. But He also spoke of His resurrection. Jesus' death
and resurrection is the reason He came to the earth. He is bringing it up more and more with His
disciples to prepare them for that horrible time.
We can more confidently face any persecution we may go through for our faith knowing that
Jesus is with us and He has faced every type of persecution, ridicule and even death.
Date: July 1
Reading: Mark 11:1-33
The beginning of Mark chapter 11 is the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a colt of a donkey.
This is the event that we recognize as Palm Sunday every spring. Palm Sunday always occurs
the week before Easter or Resurrection Day. So this event marks the beginning of the final week
before Jesus is crucified. Now we know why His persecution, death and resurrection has been
weighing so heavily on His mind.
The people are still very enthusiastic about Jesus. They run to the road side to see Him. They
throw their coats in front of Him. They have cut down palm branches and thrown them on the
roadway as well. Some are holding and waving the palm branches as they shout,
"Hosanna, Blessesd is He that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed
be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Hosanna in the highest" (vs. 9,10)
What the people are doing is honoring Jesus like a ruler or king. In their enthusiasm, whether
they realize is or not, they are recognizing Jesus as the rightful king and heir of the throne of
David. Now, you have not yet read about the nation of Israel after it enters the Promised Land.
But when you do, you will read about a great king named King David. God will promise David
that his throne will last forever. King David’s throne was a figure or foreshadow of the great
kingdom of God that would be established by Jesus Christ. And Jesus, reigning upon the throne
of David, is a picture of Jesus reigning in the Kingdom of God over all people.
What a contrasting picture of Jesus, God the Son, riding on a lowly donkey into the city of
Jerusalem, the great city of Israel, and being hailed as the great king who should sit on David's
Throne. This picture is very important, because Jesus is a servant king. Yes, He will rule with
power, might and authority. However, He is a King who serves His people in grace and truth.
Thank God for the servant King Jesus Christ.
Date: July 2
Reading: Mark 12:1-27
In this chapter, Jesus tells a very interesting parable. It is the story of a man who builds a
vineyard and then lets some husbandmen, people who take care of vineyards, take responsibility
for its care. The vineyard still belongs to the "certain man" even though he then leaves to go to a
country far away.
So, in time, the season comes to harvest the fruit. So the man sends his servant to see how the
harvest is in his vineyard. However, the husbandmen have decided that they want all the fruit
and all the profit. So, they chase off the servant and abuse and even kill other servants that
are sent. Finally, the owner of the vineyard sends his only son, believing that the husbandmen
would treat his actual son properly. However, they look at the son as the one they have to kill to
gain the inheritance of the vineyard. Thus, they kill the son as well.
If this were an actual story, then you could imagine how angry the owner of the vineyard would be and that he would probably get a force together and go and kill all the husbandmen. And, that
is exactly the kind of thing Jesus said that this owner would do. Jesus said, "…he will come and
destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others."
What was Jesus talking about in this parable? Well, a few verses after the above quote by Jesus,
He tells us what He was talking about. Verse 12, speaking about the religious leaders of that
time (Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, etc.), says, "And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared
the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them…"
These leaders knew that Jesus was referring to them as the bad husbandmen that had persecuted
and even killed God’s true servants. They knew that Jesus was saying that God would soon
come and utterly destroy them and take away their authority as religious leaders and allow others
to be given the trust of the Kingdom of God. This was ultimately the result of what happened
with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
At this time, however, these leaders are interested in stopping Jesus. They could not take hold
of Him at that time, because there were so many people who were there and were excited about
Jesus. The tension is mounting in Jerusalem and the religious leaders believe they need to act
quickly to stop Jesus.
Date: July 3
Reading: Mark 12:28-44
Finally, one of the religious leaders actually asks a question in an honest attempt to find out
what Jesus had to say. He wasn’t trying to trap Jesus in His answer or to deceive Him by his
question. The scribe that happened upon Jesus reasoning with the Sadducees heard them talking
and realized that Jesus, "answered them well." So, he asked Jesus the question, "Which is the
first commandment of all?"
Jesus does not give the first commandment found in the Ten Commandments. Rather, He goes
to another place in the law that you will read in a few months. What Jesus quotes is found in
the Book of Deuteronomy and would have been a very well known passage of scripture to most
Jewish leaders. Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:4 which declares that the God of Israel is one Lord.
That is, the True and Living God is One. There are not many gods, but only One, True God.
Then, Jesus continues His answer by quoting the next two verses of Deuteronomy 6. Jesus said,
the first commandment is,
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength."
The greatest commandment is to submit your whole being to the Lord. The Lord wants you to
love Him with all that you are and all that you have.
Jesus, then, went on to say that the second commandment is a commandment of love as well. It is to "love thy neighbor as thyself." In other words, you are to care for those around you with the
same depth of concern and interest as you would care for yourself.
It is interesting that Jesus again does not choose a commandment from among the Ten
Commandments. Instead He chooses one that is buried in the midst of a host of Levitical laws.
This second commandment is found in Leviticus 19:18.
Of these two laws, Jesus says, there is none greater. In Matthew, to a lawyer who asked a
similar question, Jesus responded with these two commandments and then said, "On these two
commandments hang all the laws and prophets."
There are no commandments greater than these two, because they are the commandments from
which we properly understand and live out the other commandments of God’s Word. Ask God
to give you a deep love for Him and for those who you meet each and every day.
__________________________________________
June Featured Products
Click on the titles to order.
20% Discount (as Priced)
Already Gone
by Ken Ham
Retail Price: $13.00
June's price: $10.40
If you look around in your church today, two-thirds of the young people who are sitting among us have already left in their hearts; soon they will be gone for good.
This is the alarming conclusion from a study Answers in Genesis commissioned from America's Research Group, led by respected researcher Britt Beemer. The results may unnerve you - they may shake long-held assumptions to the core - but these results need to be taken seriously by the church. Already Gone reveals:
• Why America's churches have lost an entire generation of believers
• The views of 1,000 twenty-somethings, solidly raised in the church but no longer attending - and their reasons why
• Relevant statistical data effectively teamed with powerful apologetics
The study found that we are losing our kids in elementary, middle school, and high school rather than college, and the "Sunday school syndrome" is contributing to the epidemic, rather than helping alleviate it. This is an alarming wake-up call for the church, showing how our programs and our approaches to Christian education are failing...and our children are paying the price. Though the statistics reveal a huge disconnect taking place between our children and their church experience, Already Gone shows how to fight back for our families, our churches, and our world. We can make a difference today that will affect the statistics of tomorrow in a positive and Christ-focused way!
Ken Ham is the founder of Answers in Genesis-U.S., the president of the Creation Museum, and a popular Christian speaker. He is the author or co-author of many books, and is heard daily on the radio program, ?Answers...with Ken Ham,? on more than 300 stations worldwide.
6 x 9 176 pages
Already Compromised
by Ken Ham & Dr. Greg Hall
Originally $14.00
June's price: $11.20
Will a Christian college build a student's faith or tear it down?
Parents and students sacrifice large sums of money for a Christian college education. Why? They are purchasing a guarantee their child's faith in God and the Bible will be guarded and developed. But is the Bible being taught? Will they graduate believing in the inerrancy of Scripture, the Flood of Noah's Day, and a literal six day creation?
Apologetics powerhouse Ken Ham and Dr. Greg Hall reveal an eye opening assessment of 200 Christian colleges and universities. In an unprecedented 2010 study by America Research Group, college presidents, religion and science department heads were polled on critical areas of Scripture and core faith questions.
Their responses will shock you. Some have already compromised.
Ken Ham is an accomplished author of some of the most popular and effective apologetics research on the market. He is the founder of Answers in Genesis - U.S. and the president of the Creation Museum.
6 x 9 • 240 pages • Paper
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