S – The chief priests and the scribes heard it and started looking for a way to kill him. For they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was astonished by his teaching.

Mark 11:18 CSB

O – Commentary:

When the religious leaders (cf. comments on 8:31; 11:27; 14:1, 43, 53) heard about this, they began seeking (cf. 12:12; 14:1, 11) the best way to kill Him without creating a major uprising. Mark alone explained (gar, for) that they were afraid of Him because of His authoritative appeal to the crowds. The whole crowd of Passover pilgrims from all parts of the ancient world was amazed (exeplēsseto, “astounded, struck out of their senses, overwhelmed”; cf. 1:22; 6:2; 7:37; 10:26) at the content of His teaching (cf. 1:27). His popularity with the people kept the Jewish authorities from arresting Him immediately.

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – It is amazing that Jesus’ words and actions brought fear to one group because of his authority and amazement to another group. Fear is a good emotion until it becomes unhealthy…which it does quickly.  It is right to notice this is different or challenging.  Unfortunately, the leaders shifted to authority and how it challenged their rights as the religious leaders.  That insecurity caused them to want to eliminate him. The people found it different and difficult and stepped toward it.  They wanted to be closer to him.

R- Heavenly Father, you are the One, true God.  We know life will bring challenges and things that cause a healthy fear.  Please empower us to move toward you in those situations.  Help us to put the fear aside and seek your presence and heart in these situations.

S – Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive^, the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them. 

Mark 10:15–16 CSB

O – Commentary: 

Whoever will not receive God’s kingdom as a gift now with the trustful attitude of a child will never (emphatic negative, ou mē, “by no means”) enter it. He will be excluded from its future blessings, specifically eternal life (cf. vv. 17, 23–26). God’s kingdom is not gained by human achievement or merit; it must be received as God’s gift through simple trust by those who acknowledge their inability to gain it any other way (cf. comments on 1:15).

10:16. Jesus’ loving action (cf. 9:36) vividly illustrated that His blessing is freely given to those who receive it trustingly. The intensive compound verb blessed (kateulogei, imperf., occurring only here in the NT) emphasizes the warmhearted fervor with which Jesus blessed each child who came to Him.

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – I love how Jesus used a child as the illustration and blessed the children.  It is a great picture for us to recognize the simplicity of knowing Christ and the importance of our faith.  We can make it harder than it needs to be.  Also, he reminds us to bless our own children. We have every ability to do that today.

R – Heavenly Father, you are unlimited in power and mercy.  Remind us what you desire most in our relationship with you.  Empower us to focus on the fundamentals of our relationship.  We are grateful for the blessings you give us each day.

S – A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him!” 

⁸ Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 

Mark 9:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary:

Listen to Him (pres. imper.), actually means, “Be obedient to Him.” This reflects the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15 (cf. Deut. 18:19, 22 also) and serves to identify Jesus as the new and final Mediator of God’s rule in its present and future form (cf. Ps. 2:4–7; 2 Peter 1:16–19). Jesus succeeded Moses and Elijah, who suddenly disappeared leaving no one except Jesus. Their work was done and they were superseded. Jesus, not Moses or Elijah, is now God’s authorized Ruler and Spokesman.

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him… ¹⁹ I will hold accountable whoever does not listen to my words that he speaks in my name

Deuteronomy 18:15, 19 CSB

A—God transitions from the prophets to the Messiah. He validates Jesus as the new way to have a relationship with God. When the others disappear, Jesus alone is our way to Him. “Listen to him” becomes more important. Jesus is God’s spokesman, and we are accountable for what he says to us. Our actions will indicate our ability to hear and obey God’s voice.

R – Heavenly Father, we esteem you and lift up your name today.  Please help us to hear your voice and obey.  We are grateful for what Jesus did on the cross, which allowed us to have a relationship with you.  We invite the Holy Spirit to lead us through all we have before us.

S – For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mark 8:38 CSB

O – Commentary:

To be “ashamed” of Jesus is to reject Him (cf. 8:34–35a) and to retain allegiance to “this generation” because of unbelief and fear of the world’s contempt. In return, when Jesus comes in glory as the awesome Judge, He will refuse to claim those as His own (cf. Matt. 7:20–23; Luke 13:22–30), and they will experience shame

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Do we associate more with what the world than with Christ?  We can boldly declare we love God but do our thoughts, words and actions align with the world?  We must align all of us with Him.  We must genuinely desire relationship with our God and allow that to be evident in every aspect of our lives.

R – Heavenly Father, you are faithful and true.  Please forgive us when our hearts and lives don’t align for you.  We surrender all of ourselves to you.  We are not ashamed of our relationship with Jesus and the gospel.  

S – Well into the night, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. ⁴⁸ He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Very early in the morning he came toward them walking on the sea and wanted to pass by them. ⁴⁹ When they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out, ⁵⁰ because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

 Mark 6:47–50 CSB

O – Commentary:

Jesus continued praying well past midnight. Meanwhile the disciples had made little headway out on the lake because a strong north wind blew against them. In the dim light of early dawn, the fourth watch of the night (by Roman reckoning, 3 to 6 a.m.; cf. 13:35), Jesus saw them straining at the oars and went out to them, walking on the choppy water’s surface. The words He was about to pass by them do not mean He was going “to bypass” them. He intended “to pass beside” them in the sense of an Old Testament theophany (cf. Ex. 33:19, 22; 1 Kings 19:11; Mark 6:50b) to reassure them.

  “Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

“Pass” parĕrchŏmai, par-er´-khom-ahee; to come near or aside, i.e. to approach (arrive), go by (or away)

The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

A – We all go through “storms.” Jesus commanded his disciples to go to the other side and they still had problems.  They strained and worked to do what he said.  This is a lot like our journey today.  We are obedient and putting in the effort.  We are challenged and pushed against from “the other side.”  God is working on our faith, perseverance and character.  Also, he is present and with us in the journey.  Do we invite him closer or continue trying to do it alone?

R – Heavenly Father, you are Holy.  Thank you for your presence and power in all of our daily challenges.  You have equipped us, and we are doing our best.  Yet, sometimes the storms are challenging and you feel distant.  Empower us today to align with your will and rest in your ability to accomplish your purposes.

S – As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged him earnestly that he might remain with him. ¹⁹ Jesus did not let him but told him, “Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰ So he went out and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and they were all amazed. 

Mark 5:18–20 CSB

O – Commentary:

Jesus told him to go to his home (immediate family) and family (lit., “to yours,” your own people) from whom he had been estranged and report to them all that the Lord, the Most High God (cf. 5:7; Luke 8:39) had done for him and how He had shown mercy on him. The man obeyed and began to proclaim (cf. Mark 1:4, 14) in the Decapolis (a league of 10 Gr. cities all but one east of the Jordan) the wonderful things Jesus (cf. “Lord,” 5:19) had done for him. Those who heard him were amazed (ethaumazon, cf. “astonished”; 6:6a; 12:17; 15:5, 44).

Since this man was a Gentile and his preaching activity was confined to a Gentile area where Jesus was not welcome, Jesus did not give His usual injunction to silence 

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – The transformed man wanted to remain close to Jesus and he was sent back to his own people.  God positioned the man to be most effective.  He was a Gentile and would not be accepted by the Jewish people.  Yet, in his realm used by God to share the good news.  Where are we positioned today to share the gospel with others most effectively?  

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Thank you for delivering us from our sin and way of life that does not honor you.  Please help us recognize the opportunities to share the good news with others.  Give us the courage to share authentically and with your heart of compassion.

S – He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ Then he said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 

⁴¹ And they were terrified^, and asked one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”

Mark 4:39–41 CSB 

O – Commentary:

Jesus rebuked His disciples for being afraid (deiloi, “cowardly fear”) in a crisis. Despite Jesus’ tutoring (vv. 11, 34) it still had not dawned on them that God’s authority and power were present in Jesus. This is what He meant by His second question, Do you still have no faith? (cf. 7:18; 8:17–21, 33; 9:19)

In stilling the storm Jesus assumed the authority exercised only by God in the Old Testament (cf. Pss. 89:8–9; 104:5–9; 106:8–9; 107:23–32). That is why the disciples were terrified (lit., “feared a great fear”) when they saw that even the forces of nature did obey Him. The verb “terrified” (from phobeomai, “have awe;” cf. deilos, “cowardly fear,” in Mark 4:40) refers to a reverence that overtakes people in the presence of supernatural power (cf. 16:8). However, their question to one another, Who is this? indicated that they did not fully comprehend the significance of it all.

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Whatever “storm” we are facing, God is in it with us.  We are not alone.  He is in the boat with us. Faith can stop the storm or God can continue to allow it to happen.  But, he is still with us.  Our confidence needs to be in his presence and not his deliverance.  Jesus knew there was so much more for him and all of his disciples to accomplish.  He didn’t fear the storm because he knew that all were going to make it and survive. We can put our faith in God that He knows and holds all of our lives.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Peace.  Help us recognize your presence in our challenges.  We want our faith to grow where there is genuine confidence in your ability to lead us through the situations and model your power and love. 

S – Immediately the Pharisees went out and started plotting with the Herodians against him, how they might kill him. 

Mark 3:6 CSB

O – Commentary:

This verse climaxes the section on Jesus’ conflicts in Galilee with the religious establishment (2:1–3:5). It is Mark’s first explicit reference to Jesus’ death, which now began to cast its shadow over His mission. The Pharisees conspired immediately (euthys; cf. 1:10) with the Herodians (cf. 12:13), influential political supporters of Herod Antipas, in an unprecedented common effort to destroy Jesus (cf. 15:31–32). His authority confronted and overwhelmed their authority, so He must be killed. Their problem was how.

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Recognize that God allowed two opposing forces to come together to kill Jesus.  The Pharisees were the “keepers” of Jewish law and custom and the Herodians kept people in alignment with Rome.  Both needed each other to accomplish the task.  It was extremely rare for them to work together.  What looks extremely bad and impossible was part of God’s overall plan for our salvation.  We must recognize in our own lives that God is working when things are challenging and not “good.”

R – Heavenly Father, you are all powerful and use every aspect in our life for our good.  Please help us to grow in our faith when it is tough.  We know you love us and have a purpose.  Let us discern and see your actions in all aspects of our lives.

S – When Jesus heard this, he told them, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Mark 2:17 CSB

O – Commentary:

Jesus answered their criticism with a well-known proverb (recognized as valid by His opponents) and a statement of His mission which vindicated His conduct. The words, the righteous, are used ironically to refer to those who saw themselves as such, namely, the Pharisees (cf. Luke 16:14–15). They saw no need to repent and believe (cf. Mark 1:15). But Jesus knew that everyone, including “the righteous,” are sinful. He came (into the world) to call sinners, those who humbly acknowledge their need and receive His gracious forgiveness, to God’s kingdom. This was why Jesus ate with sinners 

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – The irony of this proverb is that the righteous think they are well, don’t know or acknowledge their sickness while the “doctor” is right there able to “heal” them.  We can be the same way.  Whether before salvation or even in our daily walk, God is ready to act on our behalf and we choose to say “We are good.”  True change happens when we acknowledge our “sickness” (sin) and invite Jesus to heal us.

R- Heavenly Father, you are Jehovah Rapha, our healer.  We invite you to search us and reveal any sin or sickness in our lives.  We move towards you for healing and forgiveness.  We choose to humble ourselves, recognizing we cannot do this on our own.

S – They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes.

Mark 1:22 CSB

O – Commentary:

His hearers were amazed (exeplēssonto, lit., “astounded, struck out of their senses, overwhelmed”; also in 6:2; 7:37; 10:26; 11:18) at the manner and the content (cf. 1:14–15) of Jesus’ teaching. He taught with direct authority from God and had the power to evoke decisions. This contrasted sharply with the teachers of the Law (lit., “scribes”) who were schooled in the written Law and its oral interpretation. Their knowledge was derived from scribal tradition, so they simply quoted the sayings of their predecessors.

“Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

“Authority” – ĕxŏusia:  privilege, i.e. (subj.) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (obj.) mastery  delegated influence:— authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words 

A – Jesus interacted with people with the power and privilege to move toward decisions.  We have that same power through the Holy Spirit.  The same Holy Spirit that descending upon Jesus after his baptism is in us today.  Our words and actions will move people closer or farther from Christ.  It is important that we live a life that cultivates other’s desire to choose Him as their Lord and Savior.

R – Heavenly Father, you are unlimited in your power and love for us.  Empower us today to live in alignment with your character and Word through the power of the Holy Spirit.  We have the same authority in you and want to walk in ia way that brings you honor and glory.  We can approach today with confidence and humility that you are with us.