Beware of Those Who Try to Persuade You

By Mary Vee
Mark 8, Matthew 16

Peter

Photo by Mary Vee
See of Galilee where they sailed in today's story

I am a disciple of Jesus.

The eleven other disciples and I arrived with Jesus by boat on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee. 

When we stepped out of the vessel, a group of Pharisees and Sadducees walked up to Jesus. They said they wanted to ask Him some questions. He allowed them to ask.

"Jesus, show us a sign from heaven."

The look in their eyes, that squinty look, showed they only wanted to cause trouble. 

Jesus said, "When the evening comes, you look at the sky and sometimes see red. When you do, you say, 'It will be fair weather.' In the morning, you look at the sky and maybe see a red sky and thickening clouds. When you do, you say, 'It will be stormy.' You know how to interpret the appearances of the sky, but you can't interpret the signs of the times. Look around you. A wicked generation wants miraculous signs for entertainment. I tell you, no such sign will be given except the sign of Jonah." 

Jesus didn't wait for them to say another word. He turned and walked away. "Come," he said to us. "We are getting back in the boat. I have business on the other side."

We climbed back in our boat and set sail. While out on the water. we became hungry. We searched our stores and found only one loaf of bread. 

Jesus said, "Be careful. Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 

We didn't understand what he meant. We talked among ourselves and assumed he referred to the lack of bread. 

Jesus said, "Why are you talking about not having bread? Don't you see or understand what I say? Are your hearts so hard you can't see the meanings? Don't you remember when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand people how many basketfuls of pieces you picked up?"

Of course, we knew. "Twelve," we answered him. 

"And don't you remember when I broke seven loaves for four thousand people? How many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?"

We said, "Seven."

Jesus said, "You saw these miracles and still you don't understand what I meant? Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

That was when we understood he wasn't telling us to watch out for real yeast in bread but to watch out for the wrong teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

I was embarrassed for not figuring that out. But the more I am with Jesus and hear Him teach, the more I understand. And for that, I am so thankful.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

They Needed Healing. They Needed Food. In the Land of Jordan

By Mary Vee
Mark 8, Matthew 15

Peter

Photo by Mary Vee
The country of Jordan which is the modern day country
on the eastern side of the Jordan River
where today's event takes place. 

I am a disciple of Jesus.

The eleven other disciples and I walked with Jesus along the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee and visited the villages there. This was the land of the Decapolis, the Ten Cities. 

We spent several days in the area, listening to Jesus' teachings. We met many people, some who had traveled great distances to see Him. There were men, women, and children who needed healing, sometimes physically, but all spiritually.

Jesus never walked away from them. He welcomed anyone who wanted to listen.

Each day the number of people who came to hear Jesus speak grew. One day a very large crowd had gathered. They'd listen to Him speak most of the day. Some had been there for three days. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called to us and said, "I have compassion for these people. They have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way. Some have traveled a long distance."

The other disciples and I looked around. As you can see from the photo, we stood in a remote area with no markets and no fields. "Jesus, where can anyone get enough bread to feed these people here?"

Jesus said, "How many loaves do you have?"

We quickly counted. "Seven."

Jesus turned to the crowd and asked them to sit on the ground. He asked for the seven loaves, raised his head and thanked His Father for the food. He then broke the loaves into pieces and gave them to us to serve the people. And we did.

We found a few fish in our stores as well and gave them to Jesus. He also gave thanks for the fish then asked us to distribute the meat among the people.

Everyone who was there received food! They ate and said they'd had plenty.

When my disciple brothers and all the people finished eating, we gathered up the left overs, filling seven baskets with broken pieces that hadn't been eaten. And yes, Jesus ate too.

We looked at the crowd that had gathered and estimated four thousand men were present. This did not include women and children. 

At the end of the meal, Jesus asked the people to leave. 

We boarded a boat and sailed west across the Sea of Galilee to the region of Dalmanutha which is southwest from Capernaum.

Did I ever get tire of going from place to place as Jesus' disciple? No. This is now the second year I've followed Jesus. Every day, every moment I spend with Jesus is like having my soul's hunger satisfied.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Jesus Took Care of Us

By Mary Vee
Mark 6, Matthew 14

From Matthew's Journal 

Sea of Galilee. Israel. Photo by Mary Vee

Jesus had asked us, his apostles, to go to cities and villages and teach his message, which is the Gospel. Before we left, He made sure we understood what to do and asked us to go in groups of two.

We've been gone for a time, and I must admit, I'm glad I went. So many men and women are anxious to hear what Jesus has to teach. So many are in need of healing. When we did as Jesus said, great miracles happened.

We returned at the appointed time and met with Jesus. We all had so much to share. Such great stories of our experiences.

There were many people coming and going around us, wanting to hear from Jesus and wanting to speak with him that we didn't get a chance to eat. I was hungry and needed a break.

Jesus noticed our need and said, "Come with me. Just you apostles. We'll go to a quiet place and get some rest." He always took care of our needs.

We climbed into a boat, just Jesus and his apostles. The water was peaceful and the sky clear. We were able to rest and talk. The ride took just enough time to restore us.

Many of the men and women whom we left on shore saw the direction we were headed. They ran on foot and told others along the way where we were going. 

The boat eased to the shore on the other side. A large crowd had gathered. They waved and called out to Jesus. I looked at him and saw the same compassion he'd showed me. These people were like sheep without a shepherd. 

We docked the boat and stepped onto shore. The crowd hushed. They were waiting for Him to speak. 

Jesus welcomed them and taught them about the kingdom of God. He healed those who needed healing. We moved to a hill so the people could sit and still hear Jesus.

The time of year was near the Jewish Passover Feast.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

A Woman's Faith Pleased Jesus

By Mary Vee
Mark 5

From A Woman's Journal 

On the Sea of Galilee facing the shore where
this story takes place.
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is not given in the Writing, and so I won't leave it here. Just know that I am a woman who had heard Jesus the Healer had returned to the shore of my city.

I desperately wanted to see Him. Touch His clothes. If only I could reach His garment through the crowd, I am sure I could be healed. 

For twelve years I have suffered from a blood disease. I am weak. I've been to every doctor in our area. Followed their medical directions no matter how painful or miserable it made me feel and felt no relief. The treatments and doctor costs have depleted all my money, and my symptoms have grown worse. I don't know what else to do.

I stood by the shore with the large crowd and watched Jesus' boat dock. He climbed out and barely took a step on the shore before Jairus, one of the synagogue rulers, broke through the line of people and fell at Jesus' feet. 

He begged Jesus to go to his house and heal his daughter. Jesus agreed. They turned, walking away from the shore. The crowd went with them. They pressed so close to Jesus, I thought I wouldn't be able to even touch his garment.

Even in my weakened state, I wouldn't allow this moment to pass. I squeezed through the tightly packed men and women, determined to just reach my fingertip close enough to touch the fabric of his garment. 

Suddenly, the moment came. I stretched my arm between two people and touched his robe. 

I stopped.

Letting the people walk past me.

A weird and wonderful sensation came over me, one that I had not felt for a long time. I didn't hurt. I felt no pain. I was healed!

Jesus stopped walking. The crowd did as well. 

He turned around and looked at the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?"

His disciples looked confused. "Master," they said. "You see the people crowding against you. Why are you asking, 'Who touched me?'"

Jesus craned his neck, looking at the faces in the crowd. 

I knew I had to confess. Maybe I did something wrong. I ran to Him feeling so guilty and fell at his feet. My body trembled because I was afraid. I told him the whole story about my illness and how I waited for Him to return. I wept. "I thought, if I touched your garment, it would be all I needed to make me well."

He took my arms and helped me stand. "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

I hardly knew what to say. After all these years of pain, Jesus came to my city and He healed me. 

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Jairus. My Daughter Is Dying

By Mary Vee
Mark 5

From Jairus's Journal 

On the Sea of Galilee facing the shore where
this story takes place.
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Jairus. I am a ruler of the synagogue and am standing near the shores of the Sea of Galilee waiting for Jesus to return. I'm taking a risk being  here. 

Many of the other synogogue rulers don't like seeing the crowds following Jesus or spending their days listening to His teachings. The rulers feel they are losing control of what is being taught to the people. Maybe they are.

Jesus and his disciples crossed the sea yesterday. A few other boats filled with people wanting to see what Jesus would do went along. 

There was a terrible storm the night they left. We don't know yet how the ships fared. Many have sunk in the Sea of Galilee in the past. I hope He makes it back safely.

I mean, it seems He should be safe. I've heard so much about Him. 

The whole reason why I am here is to speak with Him about an urgent personal matter. I don't know how long He will be gone, but I'm willing to wait.

"Look!" 

I turned and saw a man shading his eyes against the sunlight and pointing toward the sea. In the distance several boats sailed toward our shore. It's HIm. He's coming back! 

I could barely restrain myself. 

In this crowd waiting for him, I have to be one who gets an audience with Jesus. Oh, please let it be so.

It took some time for the boats to arrive at shore, and the passengers to get out. News had spread that Jesus was coming back which only drew more people. I was determined, though. I had to speak with Him.

Jesus stepped out of the boat onto the shore.

I pressed through the crowd until I stood face to face with Him. I fell to the ground at Jesus' feet and pleaded with him, "My daughter is sying. Please come and put hands on her so that she will be healed and live."

I looked up at Him. He said, "Yes. I will go with you." 

And he did. He followed me away from the shore!

There is nothing else in this entire world that could have made me any happier.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

The Pig Herder's Story

By Mary Vee
Mark 5

From Pig Herder's Journal 

On the Sea of Galilee facing the shore where
this story takes place.
Photo by Mary Vee

I am a pig herder. I've lived on the far side of the Sea of Galilee my whole life. I take my large herd to the hills and let them feed. 

In my village, there was a man who for a very long time had demons possessing him. The man seemed crazy all the time. 

The entire village was afraid of him. His eyes were wild. We didn't want him to harm our children or our wives so we hired guards to capture him and tie chains to his arms and legs. Big iron chains. But the man had the strength of a ... well, I don't know any man so powerful. He ripped the chains apart then escaped. 

After many years, the possessed man stayed in the tombs. Living like an animal. We left him alone since nothing could hold him prisoner.

Were we still afraid of him? Yes. We were.

This morning, I took the herd out to the hills to feed. From where I stood I watched several boats dock. One man seemed to lead many who followed him.

The most amazing thing happened after He and his followers stepped on to the shore. The crazy man from our village ran to the leader, falling to his knees. I couldn't hear what was said, but the man seemed desperate. Why he went to this leader, I didn't know.

Moments later something odd happened to our crazy man. He stood without thrashing. He didn't scream or flail his arms. It was the first time I had seen him this way.

At the same time, my pigs acted oddly. They squealed like they were attacked but there wasn't any other animal near. They ran in a pack, all two thousand of them, down the steep hill toward the water. 

I yelled my signal to them to come back, but they didn't obey. The entire herd ran into the sea and sank under the water. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had never seen such a thing. 

I ran to the village, calling for everyone to come and hear what had happened. I told them about the pigs running into the sea and the wild man from our village who no longer was wild. 

"Let's go see," they said.

I took them out to the place and showed them the leader who came ashore from the boat. They looked at the wild man from our village sitting on the ground, dressed, and in his right mind. 

We were terribly afraid. How could he have changed so much?

The people who had traveled with the leader told my villagers what had happened. Their leader stepped out of the boat onto the shore. The wild man from our village came and fell on his knees. Jesus told the evil spirits to leave him. The evil spirits asked to go into the pigs and Jesus allowed it. That was when the pigs ran into the sea and drowned.

The news frightened us. Such power in our presence. We hardly knew what to do. "Please leave our region," we said to Jesus.

Jesus didn't argue. He climbed back in the boat. As he did, our village man who had been healed ran to Jesus and asked to go with him. 

"No," Jesus said. "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you. Tell them how He has had mercy on you."

Our village man watched with great sorrow on his face as Jesus left. 

But, I am a witness, that the village man did as Jesus said. He went throughout Decalopis and told everyone what Jesus had done for him.

Everyone who heard his story was amazed.

It made me curious about this man called Jesus.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

The Herd of Pigs That Ran Into the Sea

By Mary Vee
Mark 5

From Matthew's Journal 

On the Sea of Galilee facing the shore where
this story takes place.
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Mark, I am a follower of Jesus. I have recorded some of what I witnessed in this post. 

I and other of Jesus's disciples sailed across the Sea of Galilee last night. A terrible storm rose up during the journey threatening to sink the ship and drenching everything. We woke Jesus, and He calmed the storm instantly.

We were all so thankful. Had He not done that, we all would have drowned. 

We landed on the other side of the lake in the region called Gerasenes and docked the boat. Not long after we stepped onto land a man ran to Jesus from a distance. He was not any ordinary man. 

This man had strong arms and legs. He was unkept with wild hair that had grown unreasonably long. He screamed and jerked his head. I could see where chains had once dug into his wrists and ankles. His power had broken them. None of his words could be understood. The man was a frightening sight.

Someone near said this man had lived in the tombs and rampaged like a possessed man. At one time the townsfolk could subdue him but he grew too strong. Now iron could not hold him. Night and day he would run through the tombs and the hills crying out and cutting himself with stones.

Jesus looked at the man and said, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!"

The man fell on his knees in front of Jesus. He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?"

The voice did not sound like a normal man's voice. He then said, "Swear to God that you won't torture me!"

Jesus said, "What is your name?"

"My name is Legion," the man said, "for we are many." The strange voice coming from the man begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

Off to the right and in the distance a large herd of pigs fed on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs. Allow us to go into them." 

Jesus gave them permission.

Instantly the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank squealing and grunting. They ran as fast as they could into the lake. The herdsman ran after them shouting for them to stop but they didn't. They ran into the water where they drowned.

Shocked, the herdsman turned away and ran toward the town, yelling and raising their fists. 

The story will continue next time.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them  and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.



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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Nasty Sea Storms and Ships

By Mary Vee
Matthew 8

From Matthew's Journal 

On the Sea of Galilee where Peter, Andrew, and others fished.
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Matthew, I am a follower of Jesus. I have recorded some of what I witnessed in this post. 

I and other of Jesus's disciples are on board a boat sailing across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus is also on board. To our left and right, there are other boats sailing with us.

Because of the mountains around this sea, storms can rise quickly and with no notice. When they do, the cool waters fuel the winds, causing the storm to build and rifling tall waves that threaten to overtake the boat. 

Birds circle with the winds, screeching as they fly away from the storm.

The sky darkens. A furious squall appears.

Waves break over the boat, soaking our clothes and chilling us to the bone. 

Water pools inside the boat, rising quickly, threatening to sink the ship. We are absolutely terrified.

Jesus has fallen asleep on a cushion in the stern, (the back of the boat). 

I run to him and shake his shoulder until he wakes. When his eyes open I say, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He has to have known the trouble we are in.

Jesus sits up then stands. He looks out at the wind and says "Quiet!" He looks at the waves and says, "Be still!"

Just like that--the wind dies down as if it had never been stirred.

It took a few minutes for my heart and breath to settle down.

Jesus turns to us and says, "Why are you so afraid?"

It was a fair question. We should have been afraid, not with Him on board, but we are.

He says, "Don't you have any faith?"

We look at each other. Ashamed. Puzzled. Mystified. Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey him. 




If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section.


Next time I will write about amazing miracles performed by Jesus.

 Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

The Ones Who Were Left Behind

By Mary Vee
Matthew 8

From Matthew's Journal 

On the Sea of Galilee where Peter, Andrew, and others fished.
Photo by Mary Vee

My name is Matthew, I am a follower of Jesus. I have recorded some of what I witnessed in this post. 

Jesus finished explaining the lesson in the last parable to us as the crowds noticed Him and moved our way. They seemed interested in listening to more, but Jesus had other tasks that needed to be done at the time.

We boarded a boat set to cross the Sea of Galilee. 

A teacher of the law approached the boat and said to Jesus, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."

Jesus answered him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." 

It seemed to me that Jesus wanted to help this man understand that following Him would not include a rich lifestyle. There wouldn't be fancy houses or any other lavish perks. Those of us who had been following Jesus saw this to be true.

Jesus turned to another man approaching the boat and said, "Follow me."

The man said, "Lord, I will, but first let me go and bury my father." He wasn't saying that his father had died and needed burial right then. He meant that he wanted to wait until his father grew old and died. That could take several years.

Jesus answered the man, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

Another man approached the boat and said, "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go back and say good-bye to my family."

Jesus answered, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.

By the time evening came, Jesus said, "Let's go across the sea." 

And so the boat set sail, leaving those who did not choose to follow Jesus behind with the crowd.




If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section.


Next time I will write about amazing miracles performed by Jesus.

 Come back to read the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.