Faithful on Fridays Blog

Mark 7&8

Mark spilled a lot of ink explaining Jesus’ attitude toward the lower story of tradition and the upper story of the heart (vs. 1-23). His point is clear; sin begins in the heart. Our church traditions are fine if they reflect the heart: that’s a big ‘if’. Jesus continuously reminds us that He’s all about our heart, that our lower stories are not what’s important but our upper story. Why do we do what we do?

In case we’re not clear on sin He gave examples. They all begin in our inner man: our thoughts, considerations, and finally our actions.

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 NLT

Take a look at His examples in verses 21 and 22; if you’re honest you’ll see yourself in several and hopefully repent.

Mark closed out Chapter Seven with two beautiful healings, one spiritual and one physical; read them for yourself and sense His love for people, His spiritual identity.

After feeding thousands of people for the second time Jesus was clearly frustrated by the disciple’s inability to understand the upper story. He connected a hardened heart with remembering His supernatural power. The feedings were lower stories, the upper story is the command for us to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:28). He’s our God of Reproduction and Multiplication, sometimes of material things but more importantly, spiritual matters. 

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 

What are we reproducing in our lives? What has been multiplied? Are you satisfied? Good questions to ponder.

Jesus showed that healing can be progressive, over time (vs. 22-26), however, He didn’t hesitate to give another upper story about our focus. Peter answered Jesus’ question about His identity correctly (vs. 29) but slipped back into the lower story by refusing to believe that He’ll suffer, die, and rise again. Isn’t that just like us?

We see God move supernaturally in our lives one day and the next we’re complaining about our life circumstances. Keeping our mind focused on God means we remember what He’s done in the past and His ability to move in our present. Jesus’ spiritual identity caused Him to warn us about our minds; what do we think about the most? A true follower, He explained, examines their priorities in life and makes necessary changes (vs. 34-37).

Mark completed this chapter with that wonderful declaration of His Return:

… when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.

The Second Coming is true; you can take that to the bank!