From Gary... Bible Reading, May 10 (World English Bible Text)

May 10

Joshua 1, 2

Jos 1:1 Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,

Jos 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you, and all this people, to the land which I give to them, even to the children of Israel.

Jos 1:3 I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses.

Jos 1:4 From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border.

Jos 1:5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.

Jos 1:6 Be strong and of good courage; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

Jos 1:7 Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don't turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

Jos 1:9 Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.

Jos 1:10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

Jos 1:11 "Pass through the midst of the camp, and command the people, saying, 'Prepare food; for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it.' "

Jos 1:12 Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying,

Jos 1:13 "Remember the word which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, saying, 'Yahweh your God gives you rest, and will give you this land.

Jos 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock, shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan; but you shall pass over before your brothers armed, all the mighty men of valor, and shall help them

Jos 1:15 until Yahweh has given your brothers rest, as he has given you, and they have also possessed the land which Yahweh your God gives them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession, and possess it, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.' "

Jos 1:16 They answered Joshua, saying, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

Jos 1:17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may Yahweh your God be with you, as he was with Moses.

Jos 1:18 Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn't listen to your words in all that you command him, he shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."

Jos 2:1 Joshua the son of Nun secretly sent two men out of Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, and Jericho." They went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and slept there.

Jos 2:2 The king of Jericho was told, "Behold, men of the children of Israel came in here tonight to spy out the land."

Jos 2:3 The king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, "Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered into your house; for they have come to spy out all the land."

Jos 2:4 The woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I didn't know where they came from.

Jos 2:5 It happened about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out. Where the men went, I don't know. Pursue them quickly; for you will overtake them."

Jos 2:6 But she had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.

Jos 2:7 The men pursued them the way to the Jordan to the fords: and as soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate.

Jos 2:8 Before they had laid down, she came up to them on the roof;

Jos 2:9 and she said to the men, "I know that Yahweh has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.

Jos 2:10 For we have heard how Yahweh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed.

Jos 2:11 As soon as we had heard it, our hearts melted, neither did there remain any more spirit in any man, because of you: for Yahweh your God, he is God in heaven above, and on earth beneath.

Jos 2:12 Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a true token;

Jos 2:13 and that you will save alive my father, my mother, my brothers, and my sisters, and all that they have, and will deliver our lives from death."

Jos 2:14 The men said to her, "Our life for yours, if you don't talk about this business of ours; and it shall be, when Yahweh gives us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you."

Jos 2:15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window; for her house was on the side of the wall, and she lived on the wall.

Jos 2:16 She said to them, "Go to the mountain, lest the pursuers find you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward, you may go your way."

Jos 2:17 The men said to her, "We will be guiltless of this your oath which you have made us to swear.

Jos 2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, you shall bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which you did let us down by. You shall gather to yourself into the house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father's household.

Jos 2:19 It shall be that whoever goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood will be on his head, and we will be guiltless. Whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand is on him.

Jos 2:20 But if you talk about this business of ours, then we shall be guiltless of your oath which you have made us to swear."

Jos 2:21 She said, "According to your words, so be it." She sent them away, and they departed. She tied the scarlet line in the window.

Jos 2:22 They went, and came to the mountain, and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had returned. The pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but didn't find them.

Jos 2:23 Then the two men returned, descended from the mountain, passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun; and they told him all that had happened to them.

Jos 2:24 They said to Joshua, "Truly Yahweh has delivered into our hands all the land. Moreover, all the inhabitants of the land melt away before us."

May 10, 11

Luke 22

Luk 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, drew near.

Luk 22:2 The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people.

Luk 22:3 Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered with the twelve.

Luk 22:4 He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them.

Luk 22:5 They were glad, and agreed to give him money.

Luk 22:6 He consented, and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.

Luk 22:7 The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed.

Luk 22:8 He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat."

Luk 22:9 They said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare?"

Luk 22:10 He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters.

Luk 22:11 Tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?" '

Luk 22:12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there."

Luk 22:13 They went, found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Luk 22:14 When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.

Luk 22:15 He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,

Luk 22:16 for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God."

Luk 22:17 He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves,

Luk 22:18 for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes."

Luk 22:19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me."

Luk 22:20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

Luk 22:21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.

Luk 22:22 The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!"

Luk 22:23 They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.

Luk 22:24 There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest.

Luk 22:25 He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called 'benefactors.'

Luk 22:26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.

Luk 22:27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn't it he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves.

Luk 22:28 But you are those who have continued with me in my trials.

Luk 22:29 I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me,

Luk 22:30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Luk 22:31 The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat,

Luk 22:32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn't fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers."

Luk 22:33 He said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!"

Luk 22:34 He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times."

Luk 22:35 He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing."

Luk 22:36 Then he said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.

Luk 22:37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: 'He was counted with the lawless.' For that which concerns me has an end."

Luk 22:38 They said, "Lord, behold, here are two swords." He said to them, "That is enough."

Luk 22:39 He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him.

Luk 22:40 When he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you don't enter into temptation."

Luk 22:41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and he knelt down and prayed,

Luk 22:42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."

Luk 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.

Luk 22:44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

Luk 22:45 When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief,

Luk 22:46 and said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."

Luk 22:47 While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him.

Luk 22:48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"

Luk 22:49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"

Luk 22:50 A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

Luk 22:51 But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this" -and he touched his ear, and healed him.

Luk 22:52 Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?

Luk 22:53 When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn't stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

Luk 22:54 They seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed from a distance.

Luk 22:55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat among them.

Luk 22:56 A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, "This man also was with him."

Luk 22:57 He denied Jesus, saying, "Woman, I don't know him."

Luk 22:58 After a little while someone else saw him, and said, "You also are one of them!" But Peter answered, "Man, I am not!"

Luk 22:59 After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!"

Luk 22:60 But Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you are talking about!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.

Luk 22:61 The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord's word, how he said to him, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times."

Luk 22:62 He went out, and wept bitterly.

Luk 22:63 The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him.

Luk 22:64 Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?"

Luk 22:65 They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.

Luk 22:66 As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying,

Luk 22:67 "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you won't believe,

Luk 22:68 and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go.

Luk 22:69 From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."

Luk 22:70 They all said, "Are you then the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say it, because I am."

Luk 22:71 They said, "Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!" 

From Jim McGuiggan... Worlds in Collision

Worlds in Collision

Israel was taught to believe that one day God would right all wrongs and publicly show his reign over the world in the person of “the Messiah”. This truth had been hinted at as early as Genesis 3 where we’re told about the “seed of the woman” crushing the serpent; and the promise in that truth embraced more than Israel. But it was in Israel that the hope of a Redeemer was clearly developed so it isn’t surprising that the NT speaks of Jesus as peculiarly (though by no means exclusively) related to Israel (see Romans 15:8-9).

The Messiah appeared as the prophet Daniel had indicated (Daniel 2 and 7), when Rome ruled the world. The empire of Rome was not only “the fourth beast” in which the life of the first three beasts continued (Daniel 7:12 and Revelation 13:2 where the sea beast is a composite of the beasts in Daniel 7), it was the form the world spirit had taken in its opposition to God and his redemptive purposes.

When the Messiah came into conflict with Rome he opposed not only a political, social, economic, religious and military power he opposed the invisible and evil power that expressed itself in that empire. Evil empires do again what Adam and Eve did when God granted the humans dominion in and over the creation—they bring chaos and death. Note that Daniel 2:37-38 is Genesis 1:26-27 language and that God raised these empires up and gave them their dominion (see Daniel 4:25, 31-32 and 7:2-3). These Gentile kingdoms like the nation of Israel did not give God the glory and use the dominion in a way that reflected God’s exercise of dominion. Finally Jesus came and the kingdom of God came into conflict with the kingdoms of the world as seen in and represented by Rome (see Revelation 11:15 and 12:10).

Jesus, as John did before him, proclaimed the arrival of the reign (kingdom) of God and Jesus as the true Adam and the true seed of Abraham (1 Corinthians 15:45, Galatians 3:16) manifested the dominion of God by his own holy submission in his life and by healing the sick, freeing the captives and raising the dead in his Holy Father’s name. He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead, Luke tells us, and then he sends the apostles out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to make people whole. His entire agenda in glorifying his Father is seen in his work of rescue.

Rome’s exercise of dominion was not the kingdom of God (see the contrast throughout Daniel 7); it brought destruction and death. One of Rome’s servants, Herod Antipas, killed John but heard that Jesus was raising the dead (see Luke 8:40—9:9). As N.T Wright remarked, one power met a greater power. Rome could only kill but the Messiah was the Lord of death. Having heard the confused and confusing proposals about Jesus Herod said, “I beheaded John.”

 Oscar Wilde must have read this section and I think offers his own sense of what happened in Herod’s court on that day. In his play Salome, (about half way through the single act) he has Herod saying, "I forbid him to raise the dead. This man must be found and told I don't allow people to raise the dead." He goes on to say he wouldn't mind a few healings here and there (to clean up the appearance of the place, no doubt) but raising the dead—he forbade that.

Raising the dead was the ultimate violation of his authority. The worst he could do was to bring death but Jesus had a word about that—Matthew 10:28!

The raising of Jairus’ daughter, Lazarus and others was the reign of God confronting and overcoming the power of oppressors and these raisings were a prophecy of a final righting of all wrongs. The resurrection of Jesus Christ to immortality and exaltation is the assurance that the kingdoms of the world have been conquered by One who is returning to obliterate the curse and make everything right.

Since the Church of Jesus Christ is the body of the resurrected Jesus Christ it is the Community of Witness and it is to be the vehicle of change in this world in his name. In its gospel, its ordinances, its liturgy and daily life it is to be the visible reflection of his presence and the promise of his return to end injustice and bring about universal righteousness and shalom.

If we believe in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead then wherever we go we will stamp those places with his name and say, "Here all wrongs will finally be righted!" Wicked kings, governments and warlords presently have a derived power but in Christ's resurrection we see a greater power and it is a promise of the coming complete restoration of joy and righteousness; a promise that is as sure as his resurrection is true.

The sovereign God has in every generation entrusted the truth of all this to the "little flock," the church of Jesus Christ.

Is that not astonishing?

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... Beware Of Leaven

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                       Beware Of Leaven (8:14-21)

INTRODUCTION

1. Following the disputation with the Pharisees, Jesus warned His
   disciples...
   a. As they sailed the Sea of Galilee from Dalmanutha to Bethsaida
      - Mk 8:10,13,22
   b. Charging them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of
      Herod - Mk 8:15
   c. Matthew's gospel mentions the Sadducees (often aligned with Herod)
      - Mt 16:6,11-12

2. The disciples at first misunderstood...
   a. They thought it was because they had forgotten to take bread - Mk 8:14-16
   b. Jesus corrected their misunderstanding, reminding them of His
      miracles - Mk 8:17-21
   c. Then they understood that "leaven" referred to "doctrine" cf. Mt 16:11-12

3. Leaven is a good metaphor for doctrine...
   a. Both operate with subtlety
   b. Both are very potent
   c. Both gradually spread their influence

[What doctrines or characteristics of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and
Herodians might Jesus have been warning about?  Are there parallels
today that we would should beware today? Let's start with...]

I. THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES

   A. THE PHARISEES THEN WERE...
      1. A religious and political group noted for its conservatism
         a. They were strict observers of the Law of Moses
         b. They also adopted "the traditions of the elders",
            interpretations of the Law that had been handed down  - cf.
            Mk 7:1-5
      2. Jesus described them as "blind leaders of the blind" - Mt 15:12-14
         a. They made the commandments of God of no effect by their
            traditions - Mt 15:3-6
         b. They were often hypocrites, teaching one thing and
            practicing another - Mt 15:7-8; 16:3; 23:1-4,27-28; cf. Lk 12:1
         c. They did their works to be seen of men - Mt 23:5
         d. They loved the attention and special treatment by others
            - Mt 23:6-7
         d. They wore religious titles - Mt 23:8-10
         e. They prevented others from finding the way to the kingdom of
            heaven - Mt 23:13
         f. They used their religion to make money and impress others
            - Mt 23:14
         g. They didn't make people better, they made them worse! - Mt 23:15
         h. They made distinctions where God did not - Mt 23:16-22
         i. Though sticklers for some commandments, they ignored others
            - Mt 23:23-24
         j. They honored men of God who went before them, but were more
            like those who persecuted the people of God - Mt 23:29-31
      -- They were the more conservative religious group in Jesus' day

   B. THE PHARISEES TODAY ARE THOSE WHO...
      1. Teach and practice traditions of men, instead of the commands
         of God
      2. Teach one thing, while practicing another
      3. Do things to be seen of men, wearing special garments, and
         using religious titles
      4. Do not truly show people the way to the kingdom of heaven
      5. Use religion to make money and impress others
      6. Make distinctions where God has made none
      7. Stress some commands, but neglect others as unnecessary
      -- Religious conservatives are susceptible to being like the
         Pharisees today

[Now let's consider...]

II. THE LEAVEN OF THE SADDUCEES

   A. THE SADDUCEES THEN WERE...
      1. A religious and political group noted for its liberalism
         a. Included many powerful members of the priesthood - Ac 5:17
         b. They insisted only the laws found in the Pentateuch were
            binding
         c. They rejected "the traditions of the elders"
         d. They did not believe in the resurrection, spirits, angels
            - Ac 23:8; Mt 22:23
         e. They did not believe in rewards or punishment after death,
            nor in heaven or hell
      2. Jesus charged them with two faults - Mt 22:23-29
         a. They did not know the Scriptures
            1) Even those scriptures they held to be true!
            2) For Jesus used the Pentateuch to show their error - 

               Mt 22:31-32; Exo 3:6
         b. They did not know the power of God
            1) Like many liberals, they were influenced by rationalism
            2) They assumed that if they could not comprehend something,
               it could not be true
            3) They failed to believe what Gabriel and Jesus both knew:
               that with God, nothing is impossible! - Lk 1:37; Mt 19:26
      -- They were the more liberal religious group in Jesus' day

   B. THE SADDUCEES TODAY ARE THOSE WHO...
      1. Take portions of God's word, but reject the rest; such as those
         who:
         a. Accept the words of Jesus, but not His apostles - contra 

            Jn 13:10; Ac 2:42; 1Co 14:37
         b. Accept the words of His apostles, but hold that ALL of
            Jesus' teachings in the gospels are Old Covenant teaching
            - contra Mt 28:20; Ac 20:35; 1Ti 5:18b; Lk 10:7
      2. Accept human reason over divine revelation
         a. Who will not accept a Biblical doctrine unless it makes
            sense to them
         b. A dangerous position to hold, since God has chosen to
            confound the wise and arrogant with the foolishness of the
            gospel message - cf. 1Co 1:18-31
         c. Some doctrines revealed may contain elements beyond man's
            ability to fully comprehend (such as the mystery of
            godliness:  God manifested in the flesh - 1Ti 3:16; or the
            nature of the Godhead itself)
         d. A child-like trust is more becoming of a Christian - cf. 

            Mt 18:3; Ps 131:1-3
      3. Rule out the power of God
         a. Rejecting any doctrine, any promise, of the Scriptures if
            conceived as not being possible
         b. Such as the creation, the virgin birth, the miracles of
            Jesus, the resurrection of the dead
         c. But once we accept the premise that with God all things are
            possible, we cannot reject Biblical testimony just because
            it does not fit our preconceived ideas of what is possible
      -- Religious liberals are susceptible to being like the Sadducees
         today

[Finally, let's consider...]

III. THE LEAVEN OF THE HERODIANS

   A. THE HERODIANS THEN WERE...
      1. Jews who supported the dynasty of Herod, though it was mostly a
         puppet of Rome
      2. Not a religious sect, but a political party; secular minded
         rather than spiritually minded
      3. They would align themselves with the Pharisees when convenient
         - Mk 3:6; 12:13
      4. They were often interchangeable with the Sadducees - cf. 

           Mk 8:15 with Mt 16:6
      -- They were politicos first, who used religion to promote their
         cause

   B. THE HERODIANS TODAY ARE THOSE WHO...
      1. Believe the solution lies in politics, not the gospel
      2. Are more interested in worldly matters than the kingdom of God
         a. When the kingdom of God should come first - Mt 6:33; Php 3:20
         b. When we are to be pilgrims and sojourners - 1Pe 2:11-12
         c. Where we are to avoid worldly attachments - 2Co 6:14-7:1
      3. Use religion when convenient to get the support of the masses
      -- Political activists are susceptible to being like the Herodians
         today

CONCLUSION

1. The parallels between then and now are striking...
   a. Pharisees - religious fundamentalists
   b. Sadducees - religious liberals
   c. Herodians - political activists

2. Jesus' warning is sorely needed today...
   a. "Take heed, beware of the leaven..."
   b. For it is so easy to become like those who opposed our Lord

How can we ensure that we do not become like the Pharisees, Sadducees,
or the Herodians?  Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
with Jesus and His apostles as our spiritual guides and mentors...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Gary... Now,then and the future

Today is my birthday.  I have reached the 64 year milestone.  The topmost picture was taken last month and the one at the bottom in late 1949 or early 1950.  Like most people, I can remember a few things from very early childhood, but not from this far back.  What were the events surrounding my birth?  Who knows?  Which makes me think of this passage of Scripture from the New Testament...

Luke, Chapter 2

  1 Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.  2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.  4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;  5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant. 

  6  While they were there, the day had come for her to give birth.  7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.  9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.  11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”  13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, 
  14 “Glory to God in the highest,
on earth peace, good will toward men.”

  15  When the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.  17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.  18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.  19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.  20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them. 

21  When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Some of you know me personally, some don't.  But, I can't even imagine someone announcing MY BIRTH.  I am just an ordinary guy, who has done the normal things in life, but thanks to Jesus, I have a happy life.  He taught me all I really know to live and has helped me understand God, The Bible and therefore how to LIVE.  And with his help, I hope to find myself in heaven one day.  My wish for you is that you make it too!!!  God bless!!! Your friend Gary

From Mark Copeland... The Savior's Sigh, Mark 8:11-13

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                      The Savior's Sigh (8:11-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. Have you ever considered the Lord's reaction to your behavior...
   a. When you refuse to believe in Him?
   b. When you do not follow Him as you should?

2. In this lesson I want us to think how Jesus must feel...
   a. When we put off obeying the gospel of Christ
   b. When we fail to trust and obey Him in our daily walk

[In our text (Mk 8:11-13) we read of Jesus' response to those who came
to test Him.  Let's begin by carefully noting...]

I. THE NARRATIVE

   A. THE PHARISEES' DEMAND A SIGN...
      1. Jesus had just returned to the western shores of Galilee - Mk 8:10
      2. The Pharisees began to dispute with Him - Mk 8:11
         a. They had challenged Jesus before - Mk 2:6-7,16; 3:22; 7:1-2
         b. Matthew adds that they were joined by the Sadducees - Mt 16:1
      3. They demanded a sign - Mk 8:11
         a. A sign from heaven, perhaps like Joshua? - cf. Josh 10:12-14
         b. Had they not seen and heard of the many miracles already
            done?
         c. They were testing Him, perhaps hoping He would fail and be
            discredited

   B. JESUS' RESPONSE INVOLVED A SIGH...
      1. He sighed deeply in His spirit - Mk 8:12
         a. The anguish which Jesus experienced came from deep down
            inside him - Hendriksen
         b. Here the word "spirit" is used in a sense not much different
            from "heart" or "inner being." - ibid.
      2. Similar responses on other occasions
         a. Grieved by the hardness of their hearts - Mk 3:5
         b. Sighed as He healed the deaf mute - Mk 7:34
         c. Groaned in His spirit seeing the grief of others - Jn 11:33
         d. Wept over the city of Jerusalem - Lk 19:41-44

[Because of their hard hearts, no sign such as they were demanding would
be given them, except His resurrection (Mk 8:12-13; cf. Mt 12:39-40; 16:1-4).  Now consider whether Jesus might "sigh deeply in His spirit
today...]

II. THE APPLICATION

   A. JESUS OBSERVES OUR BEHAVIOR...
      1. Just as He observed the behavior of Saul of Tarsus - Ac 9:5
      2. Just as He observed the churches of Asia
         a. He knew their works - Re 2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15
         b. He found fault where it was due - Re 2:4,14,20; 3:2,16

   B. WOULD NOT JESUS SIGH DEEPLY...
      1. When we refuse to obey His gospel, time after time? - cf. Mt 11:28-30
      2. When our conduct is not much different than those of the world?
         - cf. Mt 5:20
      3. When our love is no different than that displayed by sinners?
         - cf. Mt 5:44-48
      4. When the kingdom of God is not our priority in life? - cf. Mt 6:33
      5. When tribulation or persecution causes us to stumble? cf. Mt13:20-21
      6. When anxiety or materialism makes us unfruitful? - cf. Mt 13:22
      7. When discouragement leads us to abandon prayer? - cf. Lk 18:1
      8. When human traditions displace keeping the commands of God?
         - cf. Mk 7:7,9
      9. When denominationalism defeats His prayer for unity? - cf. Jn 17:20-21
     10. When love of the world replaces love for His Father? - cf. 1Jn 2:15-17

CONCLUSION

1. From the Savior's sigh we learn that Jesus cared deeply...
   a. For those He was willing to heal (e.g., the deaf mute)
   b. For those He was willing to save (e.g., the Pharisees)

2. In similar fashion, Jesus stands ready...
   a. To save us from our sins
   b. To heal us of our souls' diseases

How will Jesus react to our response to Him?  Will it be with great joy,
or a deep sigh in His spirit...?