Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Once again, I find myself reading through a pretty well-marked-up and highlighted portion of the Book of Mark. We are going to look at a couple of chapters that have Jesus doing only what He can do - healing, making provisions where none exist, and poking the Pharisees along the way.

In chapter 7, we find Jesus being, as usual, questioned by the Pharisees regarding some tradition that He or His followers were or were not doing. This time, it was about handwashing. I can tell you, as a guy, that handwashing seems highly overrated. Jesus not only responds by quoting to them some scripture from Isaiah that they would have known well, but He then says in Mark 7:8-9, “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of man. You nicely set aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.”

As a guy raised all my life in a Baptist church, I frequently have to check myself on tradition (religion) vs. commandment (relationship). Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a good rendition of the Doxology every now and then. But (big “but” here), we can’t trade that for the important cornerstone things that God commands us to do. Love each other, help the needy, minister to the hurting, and forgive one another. The list continues; it just doesn’t get easier. The challenge for us all - the exercise we must work on - is seeing people through God’s eyes. I know that is usually not what I want to do. It doesn’t let me judge them for their mistakes. Can’t ignore their need since I have already determined that they deserve this. I don’t get to hold on to that offense for as long as I deem necessary. So what you’re saying, God, is “I don’t get to play religion if I am not willing to do the important stuff”. The scripture here shows no response from the Pharisees. I imagine there was none.

In chapter 8, we see Jesus in the wilderness with another large crowd following Him. Having compassion on them, He huddles up the disciples and presents an SBAR.

• Situation: 4000 men (plus women and children) hungry.
  
• Background: This group has been with Him for three days.
  
• Assessment: Due to the location and no available food sources, families will fall out if we send them away.
  
• Recommendation: Locate food for 4000+
  

This has always been one of the most baffling stories in the Bible. Now, I am not sure how long it has been between Chapters 6 and 8, but I am doubtful much time has passed. So in Chapter 6, Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, fed 5000+, and had 12 baskets of leftovers. Now, in Chapter 8, we see the disciples asking, “Where in the world are we going to find food?” Do they collectively suffer from amnesia? Sunstroke? Short-term memory lapse? He lets them off easy, though. He simply asks them how many loaves they have. Maybe this will jar their memory. Once again, all are fed with leftovers. But to top it off, they get in the boat and forget to take any bread with them. Now, they are in the boat, asking Jesus what they are going to do for food. I had to read that a couple of times. If it didn’t remind me too much of me, this would be funny. But sadly, it does.

Inspect the things in your life that you could categorize as tradition. Are they a help in keeping God’s commandments or a hindrance? Quickly think of a time God provided for you when you did not see a way. Stop right now and thank Him again for that.

Lord, please help me remember all the times You have come through for me, never let me down, and always provided. You are all that and more.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

The Way of Jesus: 7 Marks of Discipleship

As we begin a new series, we encourage you to lean into the 7 Marks of Discipleship each week. The 7 Marks of Discipleship provide a simple tool to help us identify areas where we are thriving in our calling and where we can grow. Check here each week for a new 7 Marks Challenge that will encourage you to follow Jesus closer every day.