Focus:
kjv@Revelation:14:12 @ Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
(
FaithOfJesus thread begun by r
RandyP )
Today's Verse:
kjv@Mark:2:13-17
kjv@Mark:2:13 @ And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.
kjv@Mark:2:14 @ And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
kjv@Mark:2:15 @ And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
kjv@Mark:2:16 @ And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
kjv@Mark:2:17 @ When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Today's notes:
Context:
- Before - Which is easier
- After - the children of the bridegroom
Key Concepts:
What is God's righteousness observed doing?:
- having Jesus teach to all that came to Him
- preparing/calling specific people into the twelve that would be Jesus' prime disciples
- making it a point even to dine and be associated amongst those who would more readily admit their need for what Jesus would propose and offer
- rebuking those that would think His mission to be something different
What does this tell us about God's righteousness?:
- Righteousness is on the move over the long distance to meet with people that are curious enough to come to it the short distance willingly to be instructed by it as it happens.
- There are specific disciples that righteousness has chosen right here and now and many more disciples that will learn and follow along with/because of them.
- Righteousness is a calling seeking opportunity with those it has been sent to recover, unafraid and unapologetic of what the unapproachable critic might say or think.
- Righteousness sees it's role like unto a physicians and man's as patient in desperate need of the physicians skill.
How is man reacting?:
- one inviting others to meet with it
- others curious enough to meet and dine with it
- outsiders upset at the possible associations and appearance of commingling their self righteousness with others without
Notes:
Why was Matthew's position as disciple held off to this later date? We'll never know exactly. It has the appearance of being earlier on in this gospel if chronological. We can assume that the time was right whether for him or for Jesus. More than one gospel however makes it a point to make this offset known.
Did Matthew know Jesus ahead of this? Had the request to follow been made previously? Was Matthew allowed to process it at his own pace? Had the other disciples been allowed this as well? Jesus describes the process as the Father having given these men to His care, is their consent built in to the process? Was this event Matthew's idea?
By things happening the way they did (however they did) the occasion stands out as being memorable and illustrative of the workings of righteousness. That the critics couldn't resist the opportunity shows the happenings of the eve most disturbing to their cause and sensibilities. If disturbing in this simple and social respect how much more vile to the events quick to come.
Jesus came for all men. Not all men will willingly receive Him. Not many will be curious enough to entertain acquaintance and cordiality with Him. Those that are not offended are more likely to come along while those that are more likely to become vocal or worse. Offense or acceptance are at the hands of what one perceives to be righteousness' intention for them.
Key Messages:
What does this say about our present condition?
- Opposition to our Lord's righteousness travels nearby in packs, acceptance in individuals meeting together at His occasion. Opposition is monolithic/superior/separated/discomforted/enforcing, acceptance open/hospitable/inclusive/sought out of perceived and mutual need.
- Opposition doesn't always have to mean that something is being done wrong, it may simply means that regardless of what you are going to say or do people are likely going to be opposed. Add a righteousness foreign to most into the mix and you have people up against you that forcibly think they know all the better.
- There are those who believe that righteousness is of their making and insistence instead of knowing that it is of HIS nature and effect.
Further Resources:
Comment Board:Mark:2:13-17
index:FAITHOFJESUSDEVOTION - Devotional Index
strkjv@Mark:2:13-17 rwp@Mark:2:13-17 mhcc@Mark:2:13-17
FaithOfJesus2 - Devotion Index
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