Hanging out with Jesus XIV: Imaginary Ghosts Kill

Hanging out with Jesus XIV:  Imaginary Ghosts Kill

Mark 6:6-56 key verse... key verse 6:46

In the last message, we saw how only a few were healed in Jesus' hometown because of their unbelief. The few healings were not considered mighty works (6:5). Today a few healed is mighty works - are we in Nazareth? You do not want to be of Capernaum either. People of Capernaum had faith for mighty works and not for eternity (Luke 10:15).

In Nazareth, the disciples saw such poor response for the first time in their walk with Jesus. They needed this advanced training in faith, i.e., things do not always flow and happen the way and time you want. This was indeed a big lesson. Jesus’ example was that despite the poor response to his claims and ministry he continued to teach patiently in their villages.  He modeled resilience in the face of obstacles. Instead of quitting, he intensified his work of love. He identified unbelief as a barrier to reaching his own people and provided the solution (Romans 10:17). God's word is the cure for unbelief.  When God identifies weaknesses in you, he never rules out but comes closer to provide the solution and fill the gaps. He did not only teach but he mobilized his disciples and sent them out.

The disciples experienced another first. Up to this point, the disciples had followed Jesus and watched him share good news and do mighty works. Chapter 6 presents a new development - Jesus sending out his disciples to go in twos to do what they had seen him do. This decision was all part of the advanced School Of faith to prepare them for his departure. At the heart of discipleship is bringing up people in their walk with Christ to a point where they stand on their own and do greater works. He intensified and upgraded his mighty works to greater works. For to Jesus, when disciples are released greater works than his happen (John 14:12). That is the transformational discipleship Jesus is still in the business of. The discipler realizes he will not always be there and the work to be done requires many more than one person. As in parenting, discipleship is about preparing 'children' in the faith to stand on their own and serve their generation. It is not about creating perpetual dependencies. The following are the experiences of the disciples when they were send out:

1) The disciples embraced the commission to go with the gospel without his physical presence (6:6-29). 

They only had his word and faith that he would back his word (Jeremiah 1:12). God has a work to be done by his disciples today. He still commissions them with power over demons, and sicknesses. He still confirms his word with conviction and transformation. He still requires that the disciples trust entirely on him for their upkeep. Provision is in pursuing the vision. God still has people of peace in the mission field to support his disciples in action (6:10).  The mission field is in the communities and market places where his people live and serve.  Identify the people of peace and stay with them.  When the disciples share the gospel clearly and powerfully, they have done their part and can shake dust off their sandals. In other words, leave the choices and their consequences in the hands of those who reject the good news of the kingdom of God. Before Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed for its sin, it did not have such a chance of someone preaching to them.

The shift to broadened participation by his disciples was such a powerful witness that people had to make a choice. Ghosts appeared in some people's imagination. They had two options - believe Jesus was the messiah, the savior and deliverer or they imagined he was a ghost to explain him away. A ghost is the spirit of a deceased person, which appears to the living. In Nazareth they explained him away as merely human, Joseph’s son. But when the disciples went out the explanation was he was extra human, Elijah or some prophet come back to life - a ghost. Their imagined ghosts kept them from accepting he was the solution, healing, deliverance and life. He was topical even in the corridors of power. King Herod explained Jesus away as John the Baptist come back to life – a ghost. He had beheaded John to please his daughter and wife. Jesus brought conviction about the wrong he had done. When he resisted conviction that would have brought him to repentance it became unbearable guilt and he imagined a ghost. By the way, he could have spared John by reminding his daughter that he had offered only up to the worth of half his kingdom. Sadly, he valued John's life lower than half his kingdom. Unlike Jesus who said one life was more than the gain of the whole world. 

2) The disciples tasted conquest through obedience and gospel proclamation (6:30).

Serving God is the greatest joy on earth. Their testimonies were transformed  from what they received and  saw to what they gave and  did. Testimonies of what was done through them not for them.  They had to adjust their mindset from only being where he was (3:13) to taking him wherever they went as he sent them; from seeing him do things, and they marvel, to producing the marvels. And also, from demanding from him to giving and contributing to his work; from a trust based on seeing him physically to trusting his word. A faith that went where he said go and do what he said do.  They came to report back rejoicing. Sharing what God had done encouraged others and gave opportunity to learn more from Jesus. He reminded them not to lose focus of the main personal thing they had gained already - their names were written in the book of life.  They also needed to be reminded that there was more still undone, and more people to be reached. 

3) The disciples received compassion from Jesus. 'Come rest a while' (6:31-44).

Jesus cared about their well-being. He took note that they had not eaten and rested. Later he would say ‘come and dine’ (John 21:12). He still says the same to his followers and workers.  In him there is rejuvenation, reflection, new strength and refreshment (Mathew 11:28; Hebrews 4:9).

The advanced lesson however was that compassion for those who did not explain Jesus away but sought for him came before convenience of the worker. They meant to take a break but their privacy was invaded and denied. Instead, Jesus out of compassion ministered to the crowd of 5,000 men and the rest of the people. They were tired and yet still received the people. Ministry is not an ego building exercise it's about being compelled by the love of God for people to bare their burdens.  Ministry is not for the lazy selfish fellows looking for the easy way in life.

Jesus also demonstrated that compassion is practical. The people needed something to eat. The disciples also needed to eat. When there was no food, Jesus said to the disciples give them something to eat. Jesus wanted them to know that he was depending on them much as they depended on him. However after they did statistics and costing it was impossible for them to give the people something to eat. They would have sent the hungry people away empty. They could not see that with him they could do greater works. The grace that gave them strength so far could also multiply food. Jesus used the little food they had as seed which when given to him he multiplied to feed all.  Jesus multiplied the five loaves of bread and two fishes through his servants and structure. He prayed, asked for order and the obedience of his disciples.

4) Faced with strong winds the disciples imagined a ghost. (6:45-56).

Unlike the previous voyage when he crossed the sea with them, he instructed his disciples to cross over on their own. In the meantime he  departed into a mountain to pray.  He pilot tested what would happen when he would rise from the dead and ascend to heaven. He would leave them to cross through life without his physical presence.  He would go to pray as their high priest interceding daily for them. In the mountain of prayer he was seeing them (6:48).  They needed to master the lesson to trust his word not just his physical presence. Always remember that even though not present physically Jesus is with you, his prayers are for you and his eyes are upon you. His word is as real as his presence. He was so caring that he watched over them all the time. He is El Roi and Jehovah Shammah. You are not abandoned and not alone.

The advanced lesson was that when faced with storms Jesus calms it in his own supernatural way. When the winds were strong and contrary the disciples must have remembered the previous storm they faced with Jesus in the boat. The memory was haunting as the task they faced was daunting. Then Jesus appeared walking on water.  They thought  we are battling winds and as if not enough a ghost appears surely when it rains it pours.   They wondered what wrong they had done to deserve all this? Bear in mind that what they saw must have looked like Jesus because he was the same person who got into the boat.  But they explained him away as a ghost. Herod mistook him for a ghost. Now disciples later do the same. Imaginary ghosts are feelings and things that exalt themselves above the knowledge of Christ (2  Corinthians 10:4).  To think he was a ghost they must have concluded that he had died when they left him on the shore. Their own understanding was people do not walk on water.  They forgot he was the last Adam (Adam had no bridges in garden of Eden). They also forgot he was the one who made the waters and the winds.

What happens when winds strongly oppose you? Faced with string opposing winds, remember that God is not dead but alive. In a storm, you will see either a ghost or Christ. Faith is ability to see Jesus in the storm. See Jesus, Jehova elgibbor (mighty God) in your storm. One who is able to do all things and often brings rescue in supernatural unexpected ways.

Interestingly, the bible says Jesus intended to; simply, pass by (6:52). Why would he do that? Perhaps he wanted to demonstrate that when you come down the mountain of prayer you could surf on your storms. Or perhaps he just wanted to say assure them that he cared and was watching over them. He may also have wanted to show that he was more powerful than what was causing fear to them and walked on it to stamp his authority. Remember he is the same who said you would walk on scorpions and serpents. Peter also walked on water (Mathew 14:28).

When Jesus appears and you see a ghost you have lost the consciousness of his presence and love. Such imaginary ghosts cause fear and steal his word, joy, hope and peace. And as happened to Herod they stir up guilt and condemnation instead of humility and repentance. In your storm when it looks like a ghost wait ... it could be Jesus. Granted, not all ghosts are Jesus and not all appearances of Jesus are ghostly. Listen to the voice. You will know it is Jesus not a ghost after all. The ghost was not there it was in their mind. Jesus first calmed their fears by saying ‘fear not’.  When he entered the boat, the outside winds ceased.  Welcome him inside your life to deal with winds facing you from outside. Yes receive him in your boat today and the external winds will cease.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa  

Hanging out with Jesus XIII: Jesus and Three Scandals

Hanging out with Jesus XIII: Jesus and Three Scandals

Mark 5:21 to 6:7                        Key verse Mark 5:36

A crowd gathered to meet Jesus at the sea side when he arrived back to Capernaum.  It was not long before three scandals happened. The scandals were a result of faith at work. Yes, faith in God is righteously scandalous. A scandal is something that shocks people because their expected norms or ways of thinking are violated. As a result they say 'this can't be. It is not what we expect'. As a result some are offended (GK. skandalizo -  Mark 6:3) which means they are tripped or stumbled. Behind each scandal cited in this message were people's expectations that were scandalous barriers to what Jesus needed to do and required scandalous faith to pull them down.

As we will see, in one case he said 'thy faith has healed you.' Faith had won.  In another he said 'keep on believing'. Faith also went on to win.  In the other he marveled at their unbelief. Faith was absent. In this last case faith did not show up and its barriers had a walk over.  In the first two cases Jesus was desperately sought for and in the last he was deeply despised in his hometown. The first two cases involved two daughters and the last a homeboy. The first two involved twelve year situations - a young girl at twelve years and a woman sick for twelve years and the last case ended with the sending out of the twelve.

Scandal 1: A synagogue leader fell before Jesus (Mark 5:21 -24, 35 – 43)

Jairus the synagogue leader  teaches the importance of humility in faith. For him to fall at the feet of Jesus he had to break down an internal barrier of pride. What he did was scandalous among his Jewish peers who were vicious critics of Jesus and thought he was a lunatic distorting their religion and misleading people. As ruler of the synagogue he was also a town leader. You would not expect him among a sea side crowd.  All eyes were therefore on him. People wanted to see what he would do. From what angle had he come to quiz Jesus so they thought? He was a man of high social position, a man known among the people, a man of wealth, prestige and power. Despite all this high profile he was a man who had a desperate need- his daughter was dying. You will never become so powerful, so popular and rise so high that problems and troubles cannot reach you. Jairus must have tried all solutions within the norms and his means to no avail.  He had suffered sleepless nights. He had shed many tears. He had watched his daughter get worse and worse. Until he got to a point where every advantage he had was meaningless and he decided to count it as a loss. Even if it meant being fired from the synagogue he decided to fall at Jesus' feet and cried for him to come to his home and lay hands on his daughter who was at the point of death.

As the crowd followed Jesus to Jairus’ house, a woman needing healing delayed the march. A devastating turn of events then happens. News arrived that the daughter was no longer sick but deceased. No need to bother the master anymore. All hope is lost.  When bad news comes faith is at test. Jesus encouraged Jairus’ faith by saying 'Do not be afraid keep on believing or keep on having faith in God’. Do not limit God even at the last minute or when it seems all is lost. The fact always is the enemy has not triumphed. No problem can be bad, big and late enough to stop God. Remember the resurrection of stories of Lazarus (John 11) and of The Lord. When going through difficulties you need someone to remind you of the importance of keeping faith. Keep reading bible, eyes on Jesus, praying and obeying.

Negative facts and events threaten faith but his word calms all fears. At Jairus’ Jesus found the professional mourners best at their trade. He announced the girl was only  asleep to which they became professional mockers as they laughed him to scorn.  The last laughter is however always reserved for him. He selected three disciples and the parents to accompany him to where the girl was.  There are places with Jesus  you can't go with a multitude. With 'thalita kouhm' - 'little girl arise' he raised the girl  to life again.

The ruler was not ashamed to seek Jesus, and more so, bring him to his home. He did not send his wife or someone else but he sought for the Lord himself. His humility paid wonders. Are you humble enough to surrender your situation to Jesus?  Is Jesus welcome into your home?   To climb up to Jesus you have to climb down from self (1 Peter 5:6, 7). Cry out to Jesus today. Look to heaven - don't wait to be forced to look to God when they put you in a coffin. Jairus at his wits' end cried out to Jesus (Psalm 107:6, 13, 18-22). There are times when antics must give way to charismatics.

Scandal 2: An untouchable woman touched Jesus (Mark 5:24 – 35)

This woman who suffered from an issue of blood illustrates determination in faith. She had to overcome external regulatory and physical barriers. She pressed through from the periphery to Jesus at the center of the crowd. This was scandalous because as a woman with issue of blood she wasrendered unclean by law and was not mix freely with other people. In addition by losing blood she was losing her life. She had suffered twelve  years and had been to many doctors to no avail. Her health condition was deteriorating. She heard that Jesus was passing by going to heal a daughter whose father had pleaded with Jesus on her behalf. She wished she also had such a father.  Quickly her  faith raised her from wishful thinking to setting her mind to touching the garment of Jesus. She believed if she only touched the garment she would be healed. Overcoming the obstacles, she achieved her goal and was healed.

The good news is that if no one touches you, you can still touch him.  Many were pushing and pressing but she touched.  Unlimited grace is waiting for the touch of faith. She could not secretly go away. Jesus called her out and also reminded she also had a caring father by saying 'DAUGHTER your faith has made you whole'.  You also have a caring Father.  Jehovah Shammah ...  Jehova who is there.

Scandal 3: A familiar home boy who is Messiah (Mark 6: 1 – 7)

Jesus' home town experience is an example of what familiarity does to faith.  He spoke at the Synagogue. The place must have been packed. Donkeys could not find stalls (or parking). The many people however failed to overcome the barrier of unbelief. Their familiarity  as relatives and people well acquainted with Jesus' family background and upbringing as an ordinary child bred contempt and dishonor towards him. They appreciated the wisdom and the power he displayed  but rejected him as the vessel. Many are stumbled by the humble people,  ways and  forms God chooses to use. They found Jesus to be too common and ordinary for their take.  His demonstration of mighty works and claim to being messiah (Luke 4:14-31) were seriously scandalous to them.  They raised questions. Who does he think he is? Who is he trying to be? What is suddenly special about him? He is just like us. We know even his parents and brothers. They saw Jesus and his claims as scandalous.  In the process they were stumbled and  lost the benefit of the wisdom and power Jesus had brought. 

Jesus marveled at their unbelief and could only do a few miracles. He was there for the troubled, lame, poor, sick, and demon oppressed in Nazareth but sadly they disapproved his authority. In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 4:14-31), Jesus commented that in the Old Testament faith was often to be found outside Israel. For example there were many lepers in Israel during Elisha’s time but it was Naaman of Syria who was healed. Jesus gave the people of Nazareth an opportunity - an open door and they shunned it.  The door is also open for you today.  If you can only believe all things are possible. Jesus promised to be with you, to work on you and through you.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa