Month: April 2019

April 22

Scripture:

Mark 16:9-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Longer Ending of Mark

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

Jesus Appears to Two Disciples

After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

Jesus Commissions the Disciples

Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.  And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.  The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.  And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;  they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The Ascension of Jesus

 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

Devotion:

This is the end of Mark’s Gospel and no ending is complete without a mission for the followers of Jesus. Because of Jesus, the disciples go out and preach the good news that Jesus has conquered death and the grave. Jesus’ way of sacrifice and love won! Therefore, it is our job to preach that good news, too! Oh, are you not a preacher? Are you sure? There is a quote attributed to St. Francis where he says, “Preach. And if necessary, use words.” We all preach with our lives, don’t we? The way we preach as Christians is if our words and actions point to the good news that there is a new story that should shape who we are and what we do. How will you align your story with God’s story? How will you walk in and find success in the fruit of the Spirit instead of walking in the ways in which the world talks about success? Success for God is different. Jesus died, which many would say is a great failure, but in that failure, the whole world was changed forever. So go preach the good news! It is good news that darkness does not win! It is good news that love, grace, peace, hope and joy win! So go live like Jesus and just maybe others might say, “The way I see you living is telling me something new and I want to hear more of that story!”

~Jon Tschanz, Director of Young Adult Ministry

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April 23

Scripture:

Mark 2:23-27 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Pronouncement about the Sabbath

One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?” And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food?  He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath;

Devotions:

In the book of Hebrews, it tells us that we are to give grace daily in our lives. But, here, in this passage, Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees for breaking the law. Jesus did the unspeakable; he picked grain on the Sabbath so that he and his disciples may eat. The word that jumps out to me in this passage is the word, “Look.” It is as if the Pharisees are saying, “Look at those sinners, rule breakers and immoral people.” I wonder how much energy we use as Christians pointing our fingers at others saying, “Look at that person! They are so wrong, so bad, so sinful, so immoral.” Wouldn’t that energy be better used giving grace daily to all those we encounter? After all, we could have Jesus point at all of us and say, “Look at them. Those sinners.” But, Jesus doesn’t do this. Instead, Jesus looks at us and says, “Look! Those are people whom I have loved before they even knew me, whom I love now, even in spite of their mess, and will love always.” Now that’s some good news! Spend that energy wisely and give grace daily. Then people will point at you and say, “Look,” there is that person from First UMC Winter Park. They always treat everyone with value, they always make sure everyone belongs, and they speak love into lives of people who really need it. And then you will start to live a life where you see others and say, “Look, there is a person whom Jesus loves. God help me love them like you love them.” May you follow this Jesus. You won’t regret it.

~Jon Tschanz, Director of Young Adult Ministry

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April 24

Scripture:

Mark 4:26-33 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Parable of the Growing Seed

He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head.  But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

The Use of Parables

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it;

Devotion:

I have recently had the chance to go FUMCWP Encounter trip at Warren Willis and had the great opportunity to listen to Pastor Meghan Killingsworth all weekend long giving wonderful and impactful sermons. I remember, on Saturday afternoon Pastor Meghan gave a sermon on the mustard parable. She had two people come to the front and draw a picture of a garden with a fence around it. Although the drawing skills where a bit basic, we all understood what goes in a garden and what is supposed to stay out of a garden. Then Pastor Meghan took the drawing and drew a big messy mustard tree right in the middle of the garden. Mark 4:23 says, “Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” This big mustard tree that outgrew everything in the garden is now bringing in the exact creatures that the fence was supposed to keep out. Most people when they hear the Mustard seed parable think it is saying that the mustard seed is big and so must be like the kingdom of God. This comparison is not wrong but this parable also represents so much more than how big God’s kingdom is. The big mustard tree that grew in the garden brought in the birds and all the undesirable creatures that everyone wanted to keep out, That is what the kingdom of God is. The Kingdom of God is big, but it is also welcomes those who everyone else turns away or is deemed unworthy.

~Meredith Hadala, Age 15

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April 25

Scripture:

Mark 12:28-34 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The First Commandment

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.

Devotion:

The ancient Jewish court system was composed by three major religious sects: Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes; the first group with strict observance of traditional and written laws, the second only emphasizing on the written law and denying the resurrection of the dead and the existing of spirits and the last were the theologians and expert in biblical interpretation. They were most of the time confronting Jesus in public with questions of hostile nature; in this passage, the teacher asking the question about the greatest commandment doesn’t seem to be unfriendly. Jesus answer citing from Deuteronomy 6 with the commandment known as the “Shema” and added to the answer the second most important commandment “love your neighbor as yourself” from Leviticus 19.

God commanded us to love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength for our own benefit; however, we ought to love Him not looking for His blessings and profits, we will not get to mature in our Christian life until we learn to love God simply because he is good, lovely, merciful and gracious. No sin is too small to be insignificant, but we must admit that everyday we break what it is according to Jesus the greatest of all commandments, the most serious sin and the greatest of all transgression is not to love God and our neighbors as we ought to.

~Lloyd Dominguez, Facility Director

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April 26

Scripture:

Mark 12:41-44 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Widow’s Offering

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.  For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Devotions:

Shortly after the people of Israel were brought from four hundred and thirty years of slavery in Egypt; God told Moses in Exodus 25 to ask the people of Israel that they bring offerings for the construction of the tabernacle, their first sanctuary in which God will dwell among them. They were to bring gold, silver, wood, oil and all sort of building and decoration materials, with the condition that they were to bring them willingly with their heart.

In Jesus times donations were brought to the temple in public, in the passage Jesus was present with his disciples, the Lord was particularly impressed by the offering of a widow, who’s offering was equivalent to one cent. While others were giving large amounts, Jesus didn’t pay much attention to the material value of the offerings as he was to the disposition of the people, most of them were giving without sacrifice involved, with a public display of generosity out of hypocrisy, on the other hand, the widow gave with sacrifice and with spiritual devotion, with love and loyalty to God.

In Matt. 6 Jesus teaches: Do not do your charitable deeds before men to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your father in heaven. We have a calling to give and to be generous with our finances, love, attention, respect and time, but we need to understand that God rewards those who give out of devoutness for him.

~Lloyd Dominguez, Facility Director

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*The Scriptural passages are selected from the Lectionary on Mark, Year B. As a result some of the passages will be out of the normal order they are usually read.  

April 15

Scripture:

Mark 14:3-9 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Anointing at Bethany

While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me.  She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”

Devotions:

Lavish Worship

In reading Mark’s passage, one might assume this to be a simple exchange of differing opinions based on perspective. Jesus and His disciples are sharing a meal at the house of Simon a few days prior to Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem. A woman, called Mary, approaches and proceeds to pour a jar of expensive perfume over Jesus’ head as an anointing. Some of those present become indignant and criticize her as wasteful which brings a rebuke from Jesus. Further, He calls her act beautiful.

“Beautiful.” If I’m honest with myself, I may have sided with the dissenters. After all, Jesus identity of humility certainly didn’t align itself with such an excessive display. And given His teachings and propensity toward the marginalized, a jar of highly valued perfume worth a years wages in that day does seem a bit much. It is believed according to custom that this oil would likely have been reserved by the family as an heirloom of sorts; possibly part of a dowry or for Mary’s own burial. Beyond the finance, Mary bore an additional cost. As a result of her extravagant worship she received the wrath of those who thought her unjust and likely surrendered any social responsibility she held within the community.

So what was Mary’s possible motive in this “beautiful action”? Was she overwhelmed at Jesus presence? Was she embarrassed by the fact that Jesus feet remained unwashed as He reclined at the table? (Custom dictated that the feet of a guest entering the home were washed upon entry) Did Mary know something that the disciples did not?

A better question might be, what did Jesus experience that He described as beautiful? Mary held back nothing; not a drop of oil. Ignoring the rules, she offered an entirely unnecessary expenditure in a show of honor and reverence. Mary was saying, “I recognize that You are God in the flesh.” Hers was a tribute worthy of a king.

How about us? How do we worship as 20th century followers of Christ? In the shadows with a murmur of the lips and tongue? Or do we lose it for Gods sake? In casual routine or lost in wonder, love, and praise? A.W. Tozer writes, “Any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.”

Dear Lord, may we leave ourselves behind and praise you with abandon!

~Amy Richardson

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April 16

Scripture:

Mark 14:32-52 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.”  He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour?  Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words.  And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him.  He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

 Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” All of them deserted him and fled.

A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.

Devotions:

Have you ever dealt with disappointment from someone you trust? Jesus’ closest disciples Peter, James and John were so overcome with sleep that they did not detect how stressed he had become. We are not sure of why they were they were so sleepy: tiredness from the day, stomachs full from dinner or their normal time for bed? However, Jesus’ disappointment did not break relationship, he confirmed it by selflessly going to the cross for all of us.

~Rick Jones, Director of Family Ministry

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April 17

Scripture:

Mark 14:53-65 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus before the Council

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled.  Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire.  Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying,  “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’”  But even on this point their testimony did not agree.  Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and

‘you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power,’
and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.

Devotions:

Have you ever had your character questioned? It can be one of the most burdensome things to endure—especially if you have done no wrong. Imagine being our Lord and having to suffer under the criticism of lies and insults being hurled towards him, in a completely defenseless stature. I have found a useful perspective from which to read scripture is to realize that Christ suffers so that God can know what humanity goes through. Here the Divine Presence of God is suffering at the hands of his own beloved children as insults and lies are levied against him. He is adrift and alone and mocked and yet our Lord does this so that he can know how we suffer.

What does it mean for us that our suffering is known by an all-powerful God? How does it affect the way we interact with the people around us?

Today, may you know that you are known and that you are loved-exactly as you are.

Amen.

~Michael LeBlanc, Director of Student Ministry

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April 18

Scripture:

Mark 14:12-26 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Passover with the Disciples

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him,  and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’  He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”  So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.”  They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me.  For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”

The Institution of the Lord’s Supper

While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.  Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Devotions:

The disciples thought they were preparing to have the Passover meal with Jesus. It would be the same rich words and meaning that came out of their heritage.

Ah, but here was the surprise!

They had not had time to grasp The New Covenant yet.  Instead of speaking the rich Hebraic words He referred to Himself as the bread and cup. From now on they were to say “This is my Body given for you.”  “This is the blood of the new covenant.”  God would be closer through Jesus Christ.  What good news! God is always renewing and making whole. O God of the cup and bread , thank you for the new ways that you come to us  Help us to keep our eyes open to see You in unexpected ways. Amen.

~Robbi Walker

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April 19

Scripture:

Mark 15:1-41 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus before Pilate

As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.”  Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

Pilate Hands Jesus over to Be Crucified

Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort.  And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

 It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days,  save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself.  Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

The Death of Jesus

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.  And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.  Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

Mark 15:42-47 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Burial of Jesus

When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.  Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time.  When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph.  Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.  Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

Devotions:

Many times, maybe even unintentionally, we think about God as residing in certain spaces. For instance, God is in church, but not in the restaurant. God is in heaven, but far away from us on earth. The veil in the temple represented this separation between God and human beings. The veil was a door to get to God. You had to go through the veil to be with God. When the veil tears in two, the symbol of that door to God is ripped apart. In a sense, human beings no longer have to go somewhere to get to God. God instead meets human beings where they are. The veil tearing marks a new era in humanity. God is close, God is with us and God meets us where we are. I hope you remember that you no longer have to do something to get to God. God has found you and God loves you. How will you live differently knowing the veil is ripped in two? Instead of God residing in the temple, God now resides in you! May you live in a way that acknowledges this truth so that wherever you go and whomever you encounter, they may see God’s love, a love that meets them right where they are.

~Jon Tschanz, Director of Young Adult Ministry

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April 21 – Easter Sunday

Mark 16:1-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Resurrection of Jesus

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”  So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

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*The Scriptural passages are selected from the Lectionary on Mark, Year B. As a result some of the passages will be out of the normal order they are usually read.  

April 8

Scripture:

Mark 11 focus on 11:12-25 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry.  Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.  He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written,

‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’?
But you have made it a den of robbers.”

And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.

The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree

In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”

Jesus’ Authority Is Questioned

Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.” They argued with one another, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Devotion:

Years ago I struggled with Mark 11: 12-25.  In the last days before Jesus was crucified it seems strange that he would curse a fig tree and run moneychangers out of the temple.  It’s certainly not the meek and mild Jesus some of us grew up with.  But, Jesus, knowing his time was short, wanted his followers to stay on course and not be sidetracked by questionable activities; something we still struggle with today.  As for the fig tree (Jesus’ only destructive miracle) he tells his disciples that he cursed it so they might remember to have faith in the power of their own prayers.

~Cecily Crossman

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April 9

Scripture:

Mark 12:1-17 focus on 12:1-12New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

Then he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watchtower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others.  Have you not read this scripture:

‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is amazing in our eyes’?”

When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So they left him and went away.

The Question about Paying Taxes

Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said.  And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.

Devotion:

As with most Scripture, it can be interpreted at many levels – what it meant to the people at that time and what it means to us today.  This is one of those Scriptures.  To the people in Jesus’ time, it is a conviction of the religious authorities who were to be stewards of God’s gifts, but their hearts became impure and they rejected the warnings of the prophets and eventually will reject and crucify Jesus.  It also speaks to us today. God has granted us much blessings in our world.  But we want more.  We want to whole bounty even if it means at the expense of our neighbor.

~Rev. Gary Rideout

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April 10

Scripture:

Mark 12:18-44 focus on 12:18-27 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Question about the Resurrection

Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother.  There were seven brothers; the first married and, when he died, left no children; and the second married the widow and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise;  none of the seven left children. Last of all the woman herself died. In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had married her.”

Jesus said to them, “Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God?  For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.  And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?  He is God not of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong.”

The First Commandment

 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?”  Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’;  and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”  When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.

The Question about David’s Son

While Jesus was teaching in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared,

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet.”’

David himself calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?” And the large crowd was listening to him with delight.

Jesus Denounces the Scribes

As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

The Widow’s Offering

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.  A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny.  Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.  For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Devotion:

The senior pastor at a church that I once worked at used to joke that Mark 12:25 was his favorite verse on marriage in all of scripture, that there won’t be marriage in heaven. Though he was making a cheap joke, it does serve as a reminder that even those things that seem most core to our beings (like marriage, but also parenthood, vocation, etc.) are not where we find our true identity and worth. Not only that, but all of these things (marriage, etc.) actually serve a greater purpose now and forever. We see this as Jesus continues to engage the Sadducees that are testing him. Jesus invites us into this greater purpose with the words of the ancient Hebrew prayer The Shema (12:29-31). How do your relationships help you to love God and love your neighbor? How can you help those you love toward more intimate love of God, and more sacrificial love of neighbor?

~Rev. Craig BLocher

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April 11

Scripture:

Mark 13 focus on 13:1-23 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,  “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray.  Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

Persecution Foretold

 “As for yourselves, beware; for they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them.  And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations.  When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.  Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death;  and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

The Desolating Sacrilege

“But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains;  the one on the housetop must not go down or enter the house to take anything away;  the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not be in winter. For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days.  And if anyone says to you at that time, ‘Look! Here is the Messiah!’ or ‘Look! There he is!’—do not believe it. False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be alert; I have already told you everything.

The Coming of the Son of Man

“But in those days, after that suffering,

the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory.  Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.  Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

The Necessity for Watchfulness

“But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.  It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch.  Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

Devotion:

As I am sure you’ve read in this devotional and heard on Sunday mornings, Mark was written to a people who were experiencing immense cultural, religious, and societal trauma. When I read this passage, I see the character of God like I saw the character of my parents when I was scared. With confidence, my mother and father would calmly explain to me that my first day of school would be fun, the monsters under my bed would be kept at bay, and that they would always be there to cheer me on. My fears were put to rest and I would grow in the confidence that I was a child to parents who loved and cared for me and also knew it would be okay.

Today, may you read this apocalyptic prose and know that the Jesus who spoke with confidence to his disciples speaks with confidence over your life. Monsters, first days, and anything else can’t stand up against your great-big-totally-in-love-with-you Heavenly Parent. Amen.

~Michael LeBlanc

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April 12

Scripture:

Mark 11:1-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’”  They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it,  some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it.  Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it.  Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.  Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Devotion:

I think that it is very interesting how Jesus rode through the town on a colt. I think that he knew that he did not need a humungous show because he was very unselfish. That same unselfishness is shown through the way He lives his life and how He died on the cross for us even though we did not deserve for Him to do that.

 ~Will Turner (age 15)

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*The Scriptural passages are selected from the Lectionary on Mark, Year B. As a result some of the passages will be out of the normal order they are usually read.  

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Promiseland Toy Box

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Serving During Lent

UP Orlando Family Night
Friday, Apr. 12, 5:30-8:00pm, United Against Poverty 

Families can join in for pizza dinner & a short orientation before going in to the UP Orlando Cost-Share Grocery Store to serve for the night. Jobs include straightening & organizing shelves, clean up, stocking shelves, etc. 

Register Here