Hanging out with Jesus XXI: Leafy and Tender Branches

Hanging out with Jesus XXI:  Leafy and Tender Branches

Mark 13

Key 13:28-29  Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:  So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors . 

In Mark 13, as we hang out with Jesus, he addresses a very important but often-misunderstood subject of the signs, and timing of end times highlighting what believers should do. History is filled with failed predictions of the end times and the second coming of Christ. The details of what to expect has also been shrouded in controversy. As a result, most people no longer take the subject seriously. Mention of the subject generates jokes such as:

This has upset me; I have only just paid off my credit this month - and to think I might have gotten away with it.

If you believe the world is ending, and would like to give away your stuff, I can send you my address. I prefer cash to checks.

That in itself contributing to the sign that Jesus will come at a time when least expected (Mathew 24:44).  While we can laugh let us also remember that a pregnant woman may have many false labor pains but one of the pains will just turn out to be the genuine.

The Bible teaches that the second coming of Christ is a certainty. If one believes all the other promises in the Bible, one has to believe this promise as well. Jesus said no one would know the day or hour. However, fools will ignore the season.  As when the fig tree produced leaves and had tender branches, it indicated it was summer time. Today’s trends and events indicate that the season for the second coming has come. If the Acts 2 outpouring of the Holy Spirit was in last days (Acts 2:17), the present time has to be in the last of the last of the last days.

The period 2014 - 2015 have experienced four blood moons (lunar eclipses). A red moon is associated with end time prophecy. Scriptures such as Joel 2:31 are used as support[1]. Four blood moons on successive years on Jewish holidays as happened in 2014-15 is rare and when it has happened in history significant world events particularly regarding the nation of Israel happened.  Other signs mentioned or implied in the book of Revelations and other prophetic books of the bible include:

·         Events around the nation of Israel. The only nation whose history and future was told in Bible prophecy making it a prophetic clock. By following events about the nation, one can tell the prophetic seasons. The period prophesied in the book of Daniel from his time to Christ has transpired. The period after Christ is for the in gathering of the harvest or the bringing in of people to Christ to form the Church. The duration of this period is unknown. After it will come the last seven years. Half way through this period an abomination of desolation will be committed in the temple in Jerusalem after which will be the great tribulation. There will be more trouble than the world has ever seen before. Many believe the church will be ruptured before the last 3.5yrs. When Christ comes to bring the great tribulation to an end he will usher in the millennium rule which will be followed by the eternal kingdom

·         The rise of the Antichrist to rule a one-world government in the last seven years before Christ’s return. This makes trends in global cooperation such as through the UN and around the millennial goals now replaced by the sustainable development goals, of interest to those who follow Biblical prophecy closely. The same are references to 'a new world order' and technological advances that make such a rule feasible and shared threats such as terrorism, wars, food insufficiency, natural disasters and wide spread economic collapse.

·         The rise of the False Prophet a religious leader of global influence who will collaborate with the Antichrist. Generally, scripture repeatedly warns that false prophets and false christs would increase culminating in this person.

·         An exciting sign of end times is the preaching of the gospel to all nations and the outpouring of God’s Spirit like never before. My favorite.

Jesus responded to a question by his disciples about signs and times regarding the destruction of the temple. In doing so, he went beyond their expectation to talk about his second coming. He warned, encouraged and instructed them on how to live in last days.  He instructed them to be on their guard to look after themselves. He exhorted ‘take heed of yourselves (v9)' by doing three specific things:

>>Keep the truth V5. 

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 

Do not be deceived. The first possible deception is found in v1-2 on Jesus' last departure from the temple.  The way you see and interpret things around you is important.   Perspective is at the heart of deception. The temple in Jerusalem built by Herod the Great was one of the wonders of the ancient world. It was an engineering marvel of the day. So the disciples are understandably impressed and proud of their temple. Jesus however saw what it was and recognized the human ingenuity behind it but saw beyond. He saw its destiny. It would not remain standing for long.

Other deceptions are around who Christ is, his teaching, his works, his messengers and return. Jesus warned believers not to be misled by many who would say, 'I am he'. Some will even perform signs and wonders (v5-6 and 21-27). Today some say Jesus was just a good man, a savior or an example. The truth is he was not a savior but is the savior. They will say they know the date and time of his return. Jesus taught that no one knows the day. Some even claim he has come already.  He will come publicly, loud and  in visible glory not in secret. Always check biblical correctness of a teaching and the character/fruit of the teacher. (Mathew 7:20). They will  be intellectually appealing, politically correct, and emotionally moving but  Do not be deceived.

Deception can also be around what believers should do. In Thessalonians, some stopped working because they were waiting for the second coming. Paul warned them that if they did not work they might as well also stop eating. The truth is you occupy until he comes.  Be wise, be productive but do all to serve him until he comes.

>> Keep the peace

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars , be ye not troubled : for such things must needs be ; but the end shall not be yet .  (v. 23ff)

Jesus said my peace I give to you and the world cannot take it away (John 14:27).  When there is trouble outside your heart, you can still enjoy peace inside.   Trouble doesn’t have to trouble your heart. Trust in the Lord (Psalm 118:8) and know that whatever happens does not change God’s character, sovereignty and his attitude of love towards to you.  It does not alter his finished work on the cross and his covenant. He is  in control even though the number of earthquakes has doubled in ten years. Even though opposition and persecution may continue for some or intensify for those currently spared. Even though there may be arrests and beatings for the faith.  Even though you may be betrayed by family members and hated everywhere. Even though you will hear of wars and rumours of war.

He said do not be troubled because I have for told the things to come and they will not catch you off guard.  Also, do not be troubled because they are birth pangs that will result in the preaching of the gospel to all nations and unprecedented revivals.

>>Keep the expectancy and fervency (V35f.).

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh , at even , or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing , or in the morning:   Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch .

Pay attention to yourself/ how you live (9-22). Don’t slumber but be alert. Keep expecting. Keep looking to the sky in hope. Prepare to meet him. In any case, if he delays coming for his church he will come for each individual when his or her life comes to an end. Stay hopeful. Order priorities to show you know he is coming soon and very soon. Read the signs of the times and understand the seasons just as you can tell summertime by the leafy and tender branches of the fig tree. 

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory  (v. 26, also Revelation 1:7)

You will not know the time. Therefore, watch always.

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 

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[1] To be valid, the lunar eclipse redness would have to come first since it depends on light from the sun. For the scripture also talks of the sun darkening.

Hanging out with Jesus XX: Marvelous in our Eyes

Hanging out with Jesus XX:  Marvelous in our Eyes

Mark 11:27-33; Mark 12

Key 12:11-12

Jesus was back at the temple the third day prepared to defend his actions and expose the hypocrisy of his critics. The Religious leaders quizzed and interrogated him on several issues.  They came to ask tricky questions and they got answers that left them with nothing more to say. What they did not realize was that Jesus was not only a provider of answers but was the answer.  They asked with wrong motives but for everyone genuinely looking for answers/solutions to life problems and puzzles Jesus is the answer. He is the answer for all times.  The following are the questions he was asked.

First Question: Authority

 Firstly the Chief priests, the scribes and the elders came to him (Mark 11:27-33). They did not accuse him of the losses he caused to the temple businesses, and the disruption of public order.  What they cared about was the source, reason and boundaries of his authority.  They wanted to know who gave him the right and permission to do what he did.  Who was he submitting to and serving. Who is behind you? They understood authority as delegated. They thought they could know who they were dealing with when they knew who they were serving. When you follow Jesus, your life will be puzzling to someone and will be asked to explain your secret to peace, joy and progress.

 Jesus asked them to say if John the Baptist was from heaven or of man. That would not tell the answer and neither would he tell them the source of his authority.  We however know that they were not prepared to receive his answer anyway. They were looking for ways to discredit him in the eyes of his many admirers. He has already indicated that  drove the temple ‘thieves’ out based on Isaiah 56:7.  The religious leaders were exposed as people who no longer had respect for the authority of the scriptures. Let the Scriptures be our authority (1 Corinthians 4:6) and the establishment of God’s kingdom its purpose. 

Jesus instead of answering their question shared a parable.  A master who panted and secured a vineyard and assigned servants to care for it while he went away.  Later when he sent his servants to receive fruit they beat them up, tortured and killed some. He sent his son and they killed him too. The master was extremely patient at a high price. Eventually he destroyed the servants and appointed a new team. The master re asserted his authority. The authority they were resisting and rejecting became the one enforced without which nothing was done.  It became pivotal, a primary pillar and cornerstone (v.10-11).  When God reverses the gains of his enemies, it is marvelous. He warned them by this parable that despite rejecting him he would be the cornerstone and the centerpiece (Daniel 2:35-36; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6).

This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous (Thawmastos) in our eyes (V.11)?  The doing of the Lord reverses the gains of our enemies. When it’s the Lord at work, it will be marvelous. He does mighty things. He continuously does great things.  Awesome is his name.

Second Question: Taxes

Teach time Jesus answered a question the people were amazed... Marvelous is the doing if The Lord.  The questions were tricky designed to discredit him and question his integrity (v.13).  The second question was asked by the Pharisees and the Herodians. Both groups were not comfortable with Jesus and eventually they would conspire to kill him.  For them to come together was an unusual combination because they had issues between themselves.   Their question was on a very contentious issue of the day.  Shall we give or shall we not give taxes to Caesar?  They wanted a direct answer not a parable.  Jesus answered if the money has Caesar’s image give to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what belonged to God.  What belongs to God is what bears his image. That is people for they where made in God’s image.  Give Caesar taxes but allegiance to God. Every person should completely give himself to God that is what matters most.

Third Question: Life after death

Next to come to ask Jesus were the Sadducees (v24). They did not believe in the resurrection. The religious tradition was that if a husband died without a child the wife could be married to the deceased brother. So wanted to know whose wife a woman who at the end of her life had married seven brothers would be when they all meet in the after life.  Jesus advised that their reasoning was erroneous because of two reasons (v.24, 25).

>>not knowing the scriptures. These people saw themselves as experts on the scriptures. So it was like saying to a judge you do not know the law.  They were ignorant of the human state in heaven where there is no marriage to one another.

>> Not knowing the power of God. They assumed God was limited to natural laws. They rationalized everything. Resurrection is possible because to God nothing is possible.

The two points of departure from truth are not to know the scriptures and the power of God. Holding on to one at the expense of the other leads to error.  Religion holds to a form of religion that denies God’s power.  True worshipers shall worship in Spirit and truth. Disciples of Christ should therefore embrace both the full gospel and the full power of God.  Being richly indwelt by God’s word and able to release faith to move in his power.

Question 4: Greatest commandment

Next to come was a Scribe who asked what the greatest commandment was (v.28). Jesus replied that it was to love God with all your heart, your soul, your mind and all strength. and your neighbor as yourself (29-31). God looks for those who love him and others passionately not just by fulfilling religious duty.   The Scribe admitted Jesus had said it well.  Jesus commended him for not being far from the kingdom (v.34).  We can only hope he later arrived into the kingdom. Near is not enough.

The common people heard him gladly (v.37). He explained that David referred to him as my Lord. He also warned them to beware the scribes who love public impressions with their dress and long prayers but in private devour widows’ houses.  

An occasion to illustrate what he had been teaching as he answered the questions in the temple presented itself when people filed to give their temple offerings. Unlike religious leaders who devoured widows, houses Jesus commended a widow who gave only two mites (v. 42-44). He commended her sacrifice for she gave all she had.  Her widow’s mite plus faith became a widow’s might.

One who loves God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength will not hesitate to give all he/she has.  Such one will remember to give him/herself to God fully because they bear his image. Such one will know the scriptures and God’s power.  Chose to be the one.

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 XIX: Passion for the Mission

Hanging out with Jesus XIX: Passion for the Mission

Mark 11       Key ‘Have faith in God’ (v. 22)

Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem in style on a mission unstoppable. He rode a borrowed donkey. Crowds surrounded him shouting Hosanna, blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.  Word viral buzzed through Jerusalem that Jesus was in town.  On this visit, Jesus would be falsely accused and crucified. He however demonstrated boldness and passion to accomplish his mission (Mark 11).  Interestingly, much as he had passion for the mission he also had a mission for his passion. The two are interdependent. Passion fuels the mission and the mission ignites the passion.  His dedication to completing the mission to give his life for the salvation of humanity aroused and stirred the passion he displayed.  No wonder this last week of Jesus’ earthly life is traditionally referred to as passion week.

At Bethpage and Bethany near Jerusalem, he sent two disciples to go into the village and fetch him a donkey. They would see the donkey tied to a door and were to untie it and bring it to Jesus.  If anyone asked questions, they were to answer that the Lord needed it and would bring it back.  It was exactly as Jesus instructed.  Why would people let their donkey be taken away?  It could have been unusual favor on Jesus. But it also could be that he had established strong networks of trustful relationships.   It is noteworthy that the donkey had never been ridden before.  That it was able to do the work without tipping the Lord over is a great miracle.  The many who were cheering him as he entered Jerusalem would be cursing him within five days. That is called the fickleness of human praise. However, looking into the future, one who humbly rode a donkey into Jerusalem with followers praising will ride a royal white horse into Jerusalem in triumph with knee bowing and every tongue confessing he is Lord, at his second coming.

It was Passover the greatest of the Jewish feasts.  Jews from all over made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem. So the city must have had many visitors.  People in the city were puzzled at the style of his arrival. The people praising and singing had expectations of political deliverance. The critics were watching carefully and suspiciously.  Jesus knew what was about to happen. Scripture was being fulfilled. The donkey for its part was lost at what this all meant.  It was being ridden for the first time. It was being covered with nice cloth, hearing all the praise and stepping on people’s garments and tree branches spread on its way.  The entry into Jerusalem had brought out what is at the heart of being disciples - to give it all away in praise (1 Peter 2:9).  The donkey enjoyed the lime light and the garments as long as it carried Jesus. A fact it dared not forget and a reminder to all servants of God never to forget that it is all because of Jesus.

Jesus visited the temple for the first three days and retreated for the night to Bethany. The first day he simply observed the situation (v.27).  The second day he cleaned up the temple. On the third day, he was quizzed by chief priests, scribes and elders in the temple.   During these days, three things greatly disturbed him.

1)  The prayer less house of the Lord

The temple was intended for prayer. People perhaps came to Jerusalem with hopes to be able to offer prayer in the temple. Instead, it had become a center for commerce, and money changing.  He drove out the traders, and turned the tables of moneychangers and declared the correct purpose of the house. My house shall be a house of prayer for all people (v.17; Isaiah 56:7). It had become ‘a den of thieves’.  The merchandisers were ripping off people. They were also stealing time and space for prayer to God. Jesus came to restore to the temple and human lives kingdom purpose, basics and priorities.  The church as the temple of the Lord is also a house of prayer.  Its members become like moneychangers when they come to worship and pray with hearts that are far from God and holy things. When they sit in pews and allow their minds to become busy elsewhere. When prayer is relegated to the fringes of the church life.  When focus is diverted from God to programs, buildings, money, and leaders.  It is easy to say our music is great, our numbers have grown, our finances are more, our programs and prayer seminars are well attended. Nevertheless, do we pray? The statement, a church is as big as the people who attend its prayer meetings, is not far from the fact.

Jesus’ passion is seen in his clear and high quality choices. He chose to be hot rather than be cold in his attitude to pleasing God. His position was not ambiguous. There was no room for Luke warmness in his heart. When he felt for Jerusalem, he was moved to tears. When he saw multitudes, he was filled with compassion. When he set for Jerusalem, he was focused and undeterred. He was so moved by the abuse of the temple that his spirit groaned and his indignation took radical action that left people speechless. Looked at Jerusalem and brought moved to tears. What ever he did, he reached a point of complete victory.  Half-heartedness and apathy give the enemy an upper hand. Great victory for the nation of Israel could have been secured through Joash had he been more passionate about what he did (2 Kings 13:18, 19).

2) The fruitless fig tree

Jesus was hungry and attracted to a fig tree with leaves but lacking fruit. Promising but disappointing.  He cursed it for not having fruit out of season.  It must however be noted that it was off season for the main harvest  but time for first fruits, a small amount of fruit that ripens before the main crop.  God expects the fruit of Spiritual growth and obedience in the lives of his people. The fruit of readily receiving and searching Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11).  Especially when it is off-season. When it is not convenient. When you think it is too much. When you are under extreme pressure.   When in the troughs of life. What fruit comes out when for example your patience is tested? Do you do the work of evangelism in season and off-season?

The fig tree also had a prophetic significance regarding Israel.  How they had failed to show the fruit of repentance.

3) The faithless prayer

The necessity of prayer is unavoidable in walking with God because people need God.  Prayer is the expression of dependence on God.  When they saw the cursed fig tree dried up Peter drew Jesus’ attention to the tree (v. 21).  Jesus did not sound surprised. He knew the fig tree would never bear fruit again. So he took the opportunity to use what had happened to illustrate prayer that works.

a)  It is prayer out of faith (v.22-23). Prayer is to express faith. He answered ‘Have faith in God’.  Be empty of doubt. He implied that when he cursed the fig tree he had done so prayerfully without doubt, the fig tree would never produce fruit again after he spoke.  A lot of praying without faith in God is wasted opportunity.  What is your perspective and confession like before and after prayer?  a prayer of faith will change both.

b) It is for moving mountains (v.23).  Mountains are that which stands in the way of people experiencing the fullness of God and his purpose.  They include the cares, needs and problems people face.  Therefore, I say to you, what things so ever you desire when you pray believe that you receive them and you shall have them (v.24). It is the way to cast cares on God. When the mountains are moved, God is glorified for they moved by faith in God.

c) It is from a forgiving heart (v.25-26).  He implied that when he drove the thieves from the temple he maintained a heart free from bitterness and unforgiveness.  It is possible to be firm without being bitter. Otherwise, the fig tree would not have dried up.  Could the quality of our relationships in marriage, family, teams, and neighborhoods be where our prayers are being made ineffective? May God search our hearts and may his grace abound.

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 XVIII: The Beginning is enough

Hanging out with Jesus XVIII: The Beginning is enough

Mark 10.   Key v. 6, 27

If you can think back far enough and ahead far enough as well as deep enough, you will meet God. In the beginning were God and the word.  The end and the beginning come together in one place - where he is.  Effectively there is no beginning and no ending in his nature. He is eternal.  He is the Alfa and Omega. When it seems he has come to the end, he will just be beginning. When you walk with God, you experience his nature and the end of seasons is only the beginning of new seasons.  The seeds for the future are sown in previous seasons and at the beginning.  What exists at a time can often be explained by what happened at the beginning.

From Chapter 10 of the gospel of Mark, Jesus faced change in his life head on. He could have stayed in Capernaum and enjoyed the Sea of Galilee but it was time to visit Jerusalem for the last time. He knew that it meant a journey to the cross. He was aware it would be his last visit to Jerusalem until he came at the end of time to rule from the New Jerusalem. Despite the risks and dangers involved, he set his head as a flint to go to Jerusalem.

Chapter 10 follows the pattern of the rest of the book where Jesus had time with his disciples, the public, individuals and Religious leaders.  Let us draw lessons from six responses to Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem. 

1) The multitudes gathered around him (v.1). The needy and curious typically crowded him in public places. They had no clue what would soon happen to the great teacher. On this occasion, Mark highlighted that Jesus taught. Many were there to listen. What is notable is that at this late juncture in his life teaching is the main task and priority. Teaching is the way to pass on and leave a legacy. If people are willing to listen, teach as much as you can. Teaching is the key to transforming minds and understanding is the key to winning minds. There is no instant miraculous regeneration of the mind. A process of learning is required.

2) The critics tempted him (v.2-9). Jesus’ critics looked for faults and ways to discredit him but he overcame. His wisdom was smarter and they could not pin him down.  They asked about the lawfulness of divorce. Jews lived as if all things began and ended with Moses. The Bible teaches that they begin and end with Jesus (Hebrews 1, Colossians 1:16, Revelation 22).  To support their view they went back as far as Moses but Jesus took them back beyond Moses to the beginning. There he showed them that God’s design is ‘what God has put together let no man put asunder’ (v.9). The main things such as original purpose, vision, values and intentions are traced to the beginning. Many disputes can be solved by going back to the beginning.

 Jesus came to restore God’s purpose for humanity to enjoy the victory, healing, righteousness, sufficiency, love, peace, joy, dominion and fullness of life he gave at the beginning of creation. The beginning is enough. The cross of Jesus brings the beginning and the end close to you so you can meet God. The cross resets everything to its default. Restoring it to what it was at the beginning.  It goes back far enough where the lamb was slain before the foundation of the world and into the future far enough where the lamb will be enthroned forever.

3) His disciples probed him in the house (v.10-12).  Jesus’ disciples probe him to explain further the position regarding divorce. Jesus was ready to clarify and elaborate. He went on to highlight the implications of putting away one’s spouse and remarrying as tantamount to adultery.  Apart from honoring and maintaining marriages, a big lesson is the mark of discipleship to be with Jesus and learn from him. You always discover more when you learn the word and commit to reading further, praying it in, meditating and obeying it. 

4) Children were brought to him. (v. 13-16). Jesus welcomed children. He rebuked his disciples for attempting to shield him from Jesus. They may have thought the business was too serious for children. Jesus refused to be viewed as exclusive to a class or social grouping. He refused to be over protected and exalted in an exclusive manner. He is for all ages and can be with you in palace and in a shack to the same measure.  He does not need protection even in the face of his enemies. He is the lion of Judah to defend simply release him. Disciples are not his defender but his distributor.

He demonstrated greatness by embracing children. A lesson he had taught his disciples (Mark 9:34-36). For such is the kingdom of God.  The kingdom is for those with childlike faith. Those who can absolutely depend on Father God

Unlike Peter who wanted to preserve and defend the status quo, the sons of Zebedee wanted to position themselves favorably in a scenario without Jesus (v.37).  They wanted to sit with him in glory.  When the other disciples heard the request, they were displeased and fell back to the debate of who was the greatest. One that Jesus had dealt with already (v.9:35).  It is interesting to note the slowness to learn of the disciples. .  As disciples, we also need to hear from Jesus repeatedly to assimilate his teaching. Spiritual learning happens slowly through persistence, much prayer, correction and rebuke. Teaching can be a frustrating experience that requires patience (2 Timothy 4:2).

5) A religious ruler fell at His feet (v.17-25).  Like Jairus (Mark 5:22), an unnamed religious ruler fell at Jesus’ feet.  With his status in society and among the Jewish leaders many who were opposed to Jesus, it took humility. He risked his reputation and position.  He was not only courageous but also honored Jesus as ‘good master’, had observed all the commandments and asked the right question. No question is more important than ‘what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ Sadly, he came so near to eternal life but made the mistake to walk away because he did not like the answer (v.21). 

Jesus saw the man’s trust in riches as his single hindrance to eternal life.  The attachment and trust in riches not the things was the problem. Jesus answered the man according to his Jewish rules of righteousness (v.19).  The man’s response demonstrated that it is impossible to obey all the law with own or human means. He failed to love God with everything he had breaking law 1- ‘have no other gods’.  He needed grace and mercy not merit (v.20) to find eternal life.  Things have the capacity steal human hearts from God. You can have them but they do not have to have you. Disciples let go by seeking the kingdom of God first and never have to seek them. It takes detachment from possessions to gain true treasures. Jesus came to set you free indeed - from Satan, sin, and things. Free to be entirely his.

Attachment to things is so strong among people that the disciples asked ‘who then shall be saved’ (v.23-26). It is like saying who does not trust in possessions and riches.  Some trust with them others trust in the hope of one day having them.  Jesus explained that attaining eternal life is only possible with God (v.27). Peter was curious to know if they had met the condition for eternal life – ‘we have left everything and have followed’ (v.28). He said yes they had and they would receive a hundred fold what they let go but they had to brace for persecution.  Disciples must have a mind willing to suffer hostile opposition in the course of furthering the gospel. He went on to predict his death on the cross (v. 34). If you hang out with him, he will take you to the place he hung. When you listen to Jesus, he will take you to the cross. Then, he told them he would be hung on the cross now he reminds us that he hung on the cross and rose again.  They were afraid we are grateful. They did not understand we know. They were scattered we are gathered. 

6) Blind man Bartimaeus called on him (v. 46-52).  He cried out and refused to be silenced (v.48). Again, people tried to shield Jesus from this needy man. Watch out for the crowd – they tried to stop the woman with issue of blood, they tried to stop the children, they tried to stop Jairus, they tried to stop Zacheus, they tried to stop blind Bartimaeus and will try to stop you. He however refused to be deterred and cried loud and earnestly enough that Jesus stopped the marching crowd to pay attention. The very crowd that was stopping him ushered the blind man to Jesus. The man seized his moment. He beat the crowd and the motion. He knew what he wanted - I want to see. That was more important than his garment.  He left something behind. It was easy for the poor when you compare with the rich young ruler. He cast it away as he stood to go to Jesus.  The crowd despising and keeping him down began to comfort him. (v.49). They helped take him to Jesus. He found his sight and chose to follow Jesus instead of his way. In faith, you can also shout persistently, defiantly and loudly until Jesus stops for 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