Mark 6-13

 I am having a hard time trusting those in public authority positions more than ever. Abuse of power for personal advancement and privilege have come to light in the last few years, undermining public trust. Jesus openly confronted the religious scholars who were supposed to be safe guarding tradition and order. Jesus warns us to not be gullible as we follow Him. Kingdom living is reverse thinking from those who seek to climb to the top and want to stay on top. The more we understand God’s character, we become new with a different agenda than the world system of power and control. 

“In a world of exhausting chases and cheap, self-help remedies, this is the ancient path that offers deep healing and transformation. But it can’t be manufactured. When the lights go out, we’re powerless. We may face parts of ourselves we’ve long forgotten, exiled away even in our youngest years. But here we also wait in expectation for the one who longs to “restore you to health and heal your wounds” (Jeremiah 30:17).

But perhaps God is calling you, too, to face the shadows. To stop, slow down, and sit in the dark. Maybe there your eyes will adjust to a dim light on the horizon, signaling the smile of the one who will never ever leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8).” - Excerpt, Healing What’s Within by Chuck DeGroat

“He spoke of how the scribes enjoyed the standing and honor they received in their society because of their position. They “like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets” (Mark 12:38–39). The best seats in the synagogue were those in the front, facing the rest of congregation, where they could be seen. The places of honor at banquets were at the host’s table. The scribes enjoyed the benefits of their position in the social hierarchy, but they abused that position. They used their position and power to exploit the powerless and vulnerable. “They devour widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40). They were like the Sadducees, who used their oversight of the temple for their own benefit, turning a house of prayer into a den of thieves (Mark 11:17). They took advantage of the powerless and vulnerable while presenting the appearance of being faithful Jews who lived by the Mosaic Law—“for the sake of appearance, say long prayers” (Mark 12:40). ” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford