Author: Norm

Reflecting on Mark 8:14-21 “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” (Mark 7:34) As a Jesus follower, I am aware of how invisible spirits can infect and shape me.Jesus uses the symbol of yeast to describe this subtle yet strong power.Yeast is a microscopic fungus that feeds on other organic material.It is…

Reflecting on Mark 8:11-13 “He sighed deeply and said, ‘Why does this generation ask for a sign?’ (Mark 8:12) As a Jesus follower, I am called to love others deeply from the heart (1 Peter 4:8).I am inspired by Jesus, who loved people deeply from the heart.For the first time I am noticing the words “sighed deeply”.I am remembering…

Reflecting on Mark 8:1-10 “I have compassion for these people; they have nothing to eat.” (Mark 7:34) As a Jesus follower I am compelled by the compassion of Jesus.Jesus is still in the non-Jewish region of the Decapolis.These are non-Jews, who do not look favourably on Jewish people.But this large crowd of ‘non-believers’ is attracted to Jesus.Foolishly…

“But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it.” (Mark 7:36)As a Jesus follower, I cannot stop thinking and speaking about Jesus.I am compelled by Jesus, and enjoy talking to others about Him.I try not to be annoying or pushy, but to me He is so relevant.For years now I have been…

“For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” (Mark 7:29)As a Jesus follower, I am aware of the power of words.How we speak shapes our lives as much as how we behave.Words impact us, but they also impact others, for good or for bad.Our calling as children of Adam and Eve…

“It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” (Mark 7:27)As a Jesus follower, I see all people as children of God, made in God’s image.We are all equally human, and no one should be treated as animals.Throughout history humans have naturally looked down on others.We love our own kind,…

“For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come.” (Mark 7:21)As a Jesus follower, I pay a lot of attention to my heart.In Hebrew thinking, the heart was the control center for the person.Everything about us, how we thought and lived and what we loved, was centered there.The heart was very…

“His disciples asked him about this parable. ‘Are you so dull?’ He asked.” (Mark 7:17-18)As a Jesus follower, I do not expect these words from Jesus.They make me wonder what the Greek word translated as ‘dull’ is.The world is related to ‘synthesis’, to put things together.Jesus is observing that they are not able to put what…

“You nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down.” (Mark 7:13)As a Jesus follower, I use the bible to help me know how to follow Him.The bible is inspired by God to help us (2 Timothy 3:15-17).Jesus uses the bible to save us through our confidence/faith in Him.And Jesus uses the bible to…

“You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” (Mark 7:8)As a Jesus follower, I need to beware of how my ‘religion’ shapes me.‘Religion’ is how we think about God, and how we structure our beliefs.It involves creeds, rituals, behaviours, and ways of seeing the world.In a general sense,…