Chronological Gospels: Matthew 19; Mark 10
Every week we get a little deeper, and maybe a little tougher to chew on for some of us. This week’s chapters I am reminded of the importance of context. Not only context in the passages surrounding what we are reading, but context within the whole gospel story, as well as the context of the culture in Biblical times.
As you read these chapters, and really as you continue on this journey through the gospels in chronological order, I pose a challenge to you – keep the whole context in mind, ask questions, branch out to other parts of the Bible, keep your heart and mind open to what God wants to teach you, and don’t neglect to pray as you read and study. Remember that the Bible is a continuous story versus many chopped-up stories smashed next to each other.
The Bible is relevant to itself all over its vast set of pages. Where man has placed breaks in a chapter or verse, God continues His narrative. Look past the verse and chapter numbers, headlines, and page breaks, and let God show you the connections He wants you to see.
In our chapters this week, Jesus is asked several loaded questions, approached by quite a few people, and explains some tough-to-swallow commands. The main takeaway for me in the entire reading is that we are meant to put Him first, always. Faith is not just obedience but is also sacrifice, service, and even persecution. To inherit eternal life, to receive salvation at the end of the age, we must follow Jesus which will include great sacrifice, humble service, and even suffering along the way in this life. The beautiful thing, though, is that we are also instructed to look ahead to the reward we will have in Heaven at the end of the age. This life will be hard, but the next life – eternal life – will be more than worth it all.
Take some time this week to consider the sacrifices you have made for the sake of Jesus. How has this blessed or transformed you, your life, and your faith?
What is God revealing or teaching you through these passages?
