Marcos 4
Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Marcos 4
Cole writes that "Satan hardens people’s hearts by the traffic of worldly philosophies. People engage in worldly, man-centered thinking so often that their hearts grow callused to the truth of God. For example, many in our culture are so steeped in the postmodern ideas that spiritual truth is relative and that it doesn’t matter what you believe that they automatically reject the exclusive claims of the Gospel because it runs counter to the ideas they have trafficked in for all their lives. It is ironic that these are people who would scoff at the idea of a personal devil, and yet that very devil is the one who snatches away the seed of the Gospel from them! (ED: WAS THIS NOT THE STRATEGY PAR EXCELLENCE IN "SCREWTAPE LETTERS" = THERE IS NO DEVIL!) In their hardness of heart, they feel no need for God. We need to pray that God will break up the hard ground of their hearts with the plow of trials so that they will be open to receive the truth of the Gospel." (Luke 8:4-15)
Marcos 4
Cole adds that "If you have been a Christian for a while, you have ridden the roller coaster of great joy in seeing someone make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, followed by awful disappointment as the same person later fell away from the faith. For a while he seemed to be dramatically changed. He got involved in the church. He was zealous for the things of God. But then a difficult trial hit. Perhaps he had a conflict with someone in the church. Or he had a personal health problem or he lost a loved one. His zeal cooled off and gradually he stopped coming to church. Every effort to restore him failed. Today he is back in the world. Others don’t fall away altogether, but their early enthusiasm wanes. They settle into a routine that includes going to church as long as there isn’t something “better” to do for the weekend. But God is not central in their lives. They are more focused on their things and on having a good time in life. They profess to be Christians, but they have no burden for the lost and no desire to serve God. They are living basically for self and for pleasure. But they are not living in light of eternity. How do you explain such people? Some would say that they have lost their salvation, but that clearly contradicts the many clear passages that teach that those whom God saves, He keeps for eternity. Others say that these folks are saved, but they are “carnal.” They can go through life living in this carnal or worldly state and they will still go to heaven, but they won’t have many rewards waiting for them. But this popular but false teaching contradicts Heb 12, which says that if a person is truly God’s child, then God will discipline him. If a person lacks such discipline, he is not a true child of God at all....The parable serves both as an encouragement to His followers and a warning to His hearers. The encouragement to His followers is that when we see people respond superficially to the gospel and later fall away, we should not be discouraged in that even Jesus had the same response. The problem was certainly not in His preaching, but in the audience’s hearing. The warning to those who hear the parable, of course, is to take it to heart so that we avoid a superficial faith. (Superficial and Genuine Believers) Mark 4:17 and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. NET Mark 4:17 But they have no root in themselves and do not endure. Then, when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately they fall away. GNT Mark 4:17 καὶ οὐκ ἔχουσιν ῥίζαν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἀλλὰ πρόσκαιροί εἰσιν, εἶτα γενομένης θλίψεως ἢ διωγμοῦ διὰ τὸν λόγον εὐθὺς σκανδαλίζονται. NLT Mark 4:17 But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. KJV Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. ESV Mark 4:17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. NIV Mark 4:17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. ASV Mark 4:17 and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway they stumble. CSB Mark 4:17 But they have no root in themselves; they are short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately stumble. NKJ Mark 4:17 "and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. NRS Mark 4:17 But they have no root, and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. YLT Mark 4:17 and have not root in themselves, but are temporary; afterward tribulation or persecution having come because of the word, immediately they are stumbled. NAB Mark 4:17 But they have no root; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. NJB Mark 4:17 But they have no root deep down and do not last; should some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, at once they fall away. GWN Mark 4:17 But they don't develop any roots. They last for a short time. When suffering or persecution comes along because of the word, they immediately fall from faith. BBE Mark 4:17 And they have no root in themselves, but go on for a time; then, when trouble comes or pain, because of the word, they quickly become full of doubts. have - Mk 4:5,6 Job 19:28 27:8-10 Mt 12:31 Lu 12:10 Joh 8:31 15:2-7 2Ti 1:15 2:17,18 4:10 1Jn 2:19 when - Mt 11:6 13:21 24:9,10 1Co 10:12,13 Ga 6:12 1Th 3:3-5 2Ti 4:16 Heb 10:29 Rev 2:10,13 Mark 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Parallel Passages: Matthew 13:21+ “ yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. Luke 8:13+ “Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. NO ROOT And they have no firm root in themselves - All 3 synoptic accounts in NAS have "no firm root," but literally the Greek says absolutely no root.
Marcos 4
Cole explains (In comments on the parallel passage in Luke 8) that "The flow of thought seems to go back to verse Lu 8:10+, (CF Mark 4:11) where Jesus explained that the purpose of His parables was both to reveal truth to the spiritually responsive and to conceal truth from the spiritually superficial. Jesus does not want His disciples to think that His main purpose is to conceal truth. Thus He gives the illustration of the lamp being set on the lampstand, not hidden under a container or bed, to show them that the main purpose of His teaching is to illumine the truth, not to hide it. But, at the same time, light serves two functions: it illumines, but it also exposes. Jesus’ teaching not only illumines the truth, it also exposes the evil that lurks in the dark corners of the human heart (Lu 8:17). Therefore, we must take care how we listen, so that we respond obediently to Jesus’ teaching, rather than shrink from it because it convicts us of sin. If we respond obediently, we will receive more light. If we shrink back, what light we think we have will be taken from us. David
Marcos 4
Cole - Not all fear is wrong, but Jesus rebuked the disciples because their fear was excessive. Some fear is useful because it leads us to take prudent caution for our safety. Sometimes fear makes us spring into immediate action to save our own lives or the life of a loved one who is in danger. But fear is excessive and wrong when it causes us to panic so that we are not thinking carefully in light of God’s promises. If we’re so focused on the problem that we cannot see God’s control over it, then we’re not trusting Him. Afraid (1169)(deilos from from deídō = to fear) means to be cowardly, timid, fearful (Mt 8:26; Mk 4:40); of persons showing fear in a shameful way coward (Rev 21:8+) Gilbrant - In the classical Greek this word means “cowardly” or “fearful.” There is often implied a note of contempt for the “timid” one. It is also used in a compassionate sense for those made miserable by their fear. Deilos is related to deos (1183B), “fear” or “alarm.” The Septuagint and Koine Greek follow the classical usage. Jesus described the disciples as “fearful” (deilos) of the storm (Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:40). Perhaps He rebuked them by this word, but not without compassion. In Revelation 21:8+, however, the “fearful” are placed with the unbelieving and the wicked in the lake of fire. Given the contrast between faith and deilos in Matthew and Mark (cf. Luke 8:25 where faith is also at risk, but deilos is not mentioned) and its association with liars (i.e., those who deny Jesus) in Revelation 21:8, it is perhaps correct to see deilos as symptomatic of unbelief. (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Liddell-Scott: I. of persons, cowardly, craven, Il.; hence, vile, worthless, afraid of. . , Anth. 2. miserable, luckless, wretched, Hom.; with a compassionate sense, like Lat. miser, deiloi. brotoi, poor mortals! poor wretch! poor wretches! Id. II. of things, miserable, wretched, Hes., Soph. NT - afraid(2), cowardly(1) - Matt. 8:26; Mk. 4:40; Rev. 21:8 Septuagint - Deut. 20:8; Jdg. 7:3; Jdg. 9:4; 2 Chr. 13:7; Do you still have no faith? - The other two Gospels have "You men of little faith" (Mt 8:26+) and "Where is your faith?" (Lk 8:25+) The idea of no faith is do you not yet have faith? Clearly they had "some" faith but it was little faith (Mt 8:26+) The storm couldn’t disturb Him, but the unbelief of His disciples did! - G. Campbell Morgan Corrie Ten Boom, author of The Hiding Place and survivor of the German concentration camps, said that people often came up to her and said, “Corrie, my, what a great faith you have.” She would smile and respond, “No, it’s what a great God I have.” Our faith in trials should point people toward our great God. Still...No (3768)(houpo from ou = not + po = yet) is an adverb of time not yet (Mt 24:6; Jn 2:4; 6:17; 8:20, 57; 1 Cor 3:2 ; Phil 3:13.; Heb 2:8; Rev 17:10, 12) In the phrase oudeis houpo = no one ever (Mk 11:2; Lk 23:53) Gilbrant - Houpo is an adverb of time used in negation and in questions. As an adverb of negation it is a strong negative (Moulton-Milligan), and in Homeric writings it is used to express the idea of “by no means” (Homeric Dictionary). Examples of the negation can be found in Matthew 24:6, “The end is not yet,” and John 7:30, “His hour was not yet come.” Matthew 15:17 *Do you not understand) and Mt 16:9 (Do you not yet understand or remember ) exemplify the use of houpō in questions and in Mark 8:17 “Do you not yet see o?” (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) NT - 27x - still....no (1); ever(1), yet(24), yet...ever(1). Matt. 16:9; Matt. 24:6; Mk. 4:40; Mk. 8:17; Mk. 8:21; Mk. 11:2; Mk. 13:7; Lk. 23:53; Jn. 2:4; Jn. 3:24; Jn. 6:17; Jn. 7:6; Jn. 7:8; Jn. 7:30; Jn. 7:39; Jn. 8:20; Jn. 8:57; Jn. 11:30; Jn. 20:17; 1 Co. 3:2; 1 Co. 8:2; Phil. 3:13; Heb. 2:8; Heb. 12:4; 1 Jn. 3:2; Rev. 17:10; Rev. 17:12 Septuagint - Gen. 15:16; Gen. 18:12; Gen. 29:7; Eccl. 4:3; Isa. 7:17; Faith (4102)(pistis) is synonymous with trust or belief and is the conviction of the truth of anything, but in Scripture usually speaks of belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it. Pistis in Mark - Mk. 2:5; Mk. 4:40; Mk. 5:34; Mk. 10:52; Mk. 11:22; David Guzik makes a great point that "They actually had many reasons to have faith, even great faith. (1) They had just seen Jesus do significant miracles, showing great power and authority. (2) They had seen an example of great faith with the centurion who trusted Jesus to heal his servant.(3) They had Jesus with them in the boat. And, they saw Jesus sleep; His peace should have given them peace." (Enduring Word Commentary) Brian Bell - Jesus didn’t stop with the calming of the elements, for that wasn’t their greatest danger, it was the unbelief of their hearts! Our greatest problems are within us not around us! The Master that day taught His disciples that the cure for fear is faith! Fear is looking at the storm; faith is looking at the Savior; Fear is looking at the circumstances; faith is looking at God!...Oswald Chambers said, “Beware of worshipping Jesus as the Son of God, and professing your faith in Him as the Savior of the world, while you blaspheme Him by the complete evidence in your daily life that He is powerless to do anything in and through you.” ouch! Related Resources: How To Handle Fear Part 1 How To Handle Fear Part 2 How To Handle Fear Part 3 How To Handle Fear Part 4 The Fear of the Lord Brian Bell - Jesus gives three purposes behind the plans God has for us. (1) To deal with our fear. After rebuking the storm, Jesus reproves the disciples by asking some questions in verse 40. Here’s the first: “Why are you so afraid?” That word means “timid, to the point of giving up.” He had already promised they were going to the other side. They had seen His power in other settings and He was present with them. What more did they need? Jesus asks you and me the same question: Why are you so afraid? (2) To grow our faith. And here’s His second question: “Have you still no faith?” This can be translated, “Do you not yet have faith?” Fear can fillet our faith; and faith can force out our fears. The biggest issue is not that Jesus stopped the storm but that He couldn’t find their faith. It’s ironic that it’s only the wind and the waves that are obeying Him in this passage. Before moving on, as the Master Teacher, don’t miss that Jesus loved to ask questions. I listened to a Breakpoint Commentary this week in which John Stonestreet urges us to utilize questions when interacting with people about cultural issues. Here are some he suggested: What do you mean by that? How do you know that is true? Where did you get this information? How did you come to this conclusion? What if you’re wrong? (3) To increase our awe. One pastor has said that the only thing worse than having a storm outside your boat is to have the Lord Almighty inside your boat. After Jesus asks them two questions, the disciples are very unsettled and in turn ask a question in verse 41 - “And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the seas obey Him?’” Luke adds that they were afraid and “they marveled.” You’ve heard of the calm before the storm, right? This is the storm after the calm. The sea is at rest but the disciples are all churned up. You would think they would chill when the waves were still. The storm made them afraid but the power of Christ made them petrified. The word “fear” literally means, “They feared a great fear; to be stricken with awe and amazement in the presence of one greater than self.” They had a combination of fear and reverence. With deity on full display, they are twice as terrified after the storm. If Jesus did that to the forces of nature, what would He do to them? (Sermon) Life’s Storm-Tossed Sea Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. —1 Peter 5:7 Today's Scripture: Mark 4:35-41 Emilie, wife of 19th-century Ger man pastor Christoph Blumhardt, envied his ability to pray for his parishioners and then effortlessly fall asleep. So one night she pleaded, “Tell me your secret!” He answered, “Is God so powerless that my worrying would help the well-being of our parish?” Then he added, “There comes a moment each day when we must simply drop what weighs on us and hand it over to God.” One evening Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee. Weary after a long day of ministry, He fell asleep in the stern of the boat. A fierce squall suddenly arose—so fierce that even the Lord’s fishermen-turned-disciples were terrified. But Jesus continued to sleep serenely until His frightened followers woke Him, crying out, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). You see, Jesus was in the habit of entrusting Himself to His heavenly Father. Having made that commitment, He could sleep through the turbulent squall. Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal— Take your burden to the Lord And leave it there. —Tindley Drop what weighs you down by giving it to God. Risky Business He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. —Matthew 8:26 Today's Scripture: Matthew 8:23-27 Denis Boyles knew it would be challenging to interview a man on a roller coaster—especially when the interview took place during an attempt to set a world’s record for continuous riding. After several times around the track, Denis was so overcome with fear he could hardly talk. Then the man showed him how to use his body and feet to lean into the loops, twists, and turns. Writing in AARP Magazine, Boyles explained how that took away the terror. It also taught him a lesson about risk and fear. The roller coaster felt risky though it was quite safe. But driving his car to the amusement park posed a far greater risk of injury. Risk and fear are easily confused. As Jesus and His disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee, a storm came up and waves swept over their boat. Incredibly, Jesus was asleep. The disciples woke Him and said, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” (Matt. 8:25). In a gentle rebuke, Jesus asked, “‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’ Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm” (v.26). But we see Jesus! Oh, what peace! What balm for troubled heart! His very name brings rest and calm And bids the fears depart! —Adams Keep your eyes on Jesus and you’ll soon lose sight of your fears. Thunderstorm Thoughts The God of peace will be with you. — Philippians 4:9 Today's Scripture: Matthew 8:23-27 I laugh every time I hear the radio commercial that has a woman shouting to her friend in conversation. She’s trying to talk above the sounds of the thunderstorm in her own head. Ever since a storm damaged part of her home, that’s all she hears because her insurance company isn’t taking care of her claims. I’ve heard thunderstorms in my head, and maybe you have too. It happens when a tragedy occurs—to us, to someone close to us, or to someone we hear about in the news. Our minds become a tempest of “what if” questions. We focus on all the possible bad outcomes. Our fear, worry, and trust in God fluctuate as we wait, we pray, we grieve, and we wonder what the Lord will do. It’s natural for us to be fearful in a storm (literal or figurative). The disciples had Jesus right there in the boat with them, yet they were afraid (Matt. 8:23-27). He used the calming of the storm as a lesson to show them who He was—a powerful God who also cares for them. Fierce drives the storm, but wind and waves Within His hand are held, And trusting His omnipotence My fears are sweetly quelled. —Brown To realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm. Terror Or Trust? Read: Mark 4:35-41 In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me. —Psalm 56:4 A sudden squall swept down with almost hurricane force through the funnel-like ravines above the lake of Tiberias, 682 feet below sea level. Huge waves washed into the little boat, threatening to sink it. Terrified, the disciples of Jesus wakened Him. How could He sleep through the shrieking winds and ship-tossing tempest? (Jesus was sleeping because He was exhausted after a day of strenuous ministry.) “Do You not care that we are perishing?” they shouted (Mk. 4:38). Calmly Jesus arose and commanded the raging storm to cease. Then, amid the calm and the darkness, He asked two questions of His awe-stricken disciples: “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (v.40). Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea, Or demons, or men, or whatever it be, No water can swallow the ship where lies The Master of ocean and earth and skies. —Baker Better to go through the storm with Christ than to have smooth sailing without Him. OUR FEARLESS CHAMPION Why are you fearful? —Matthew 8:26 Falling asleep was a challenging event during my childhood. No sooner had my parents turned the lights out than the crumpled clothes I had thrown on the chair would take on the form of a fiery dragon; and the thought of something living under my bed put me into a panic that made sleep impossible. I’ve come to realise that the immobilising power of fear is not just a childhood experience. Fear keeps us from forgiving, making a stand for what’s right, giving our resources to God’s kingdom or saying no when all our friends are saying yes. Left to ourselves, we are up against a lot of fiery dragons in our lives. In the story of the disciples in the storm-tossed boat, I’m struck by the fact that the only one who was not afraid was Jesus. He was not afraid of the storm, nor was He afraid of a crazy man in a graveyard or of the legion of demons that possessed him (Matt. 8:23-34). IN TIMES OF FEAR, CALL OUT TO JESUS, OUR FEARLESS CHAMPION. Mark 4:41 They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” NET Mark 4:41 They were overwhelmed by fear and said to one another, "Who then is this? Even the wind and sea obey him!" GNT Mark 4:41 καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν φόβον μέγαν καὶ ἔλεγον πρὸς ἀλλήλους, Τίς ἄρα οὗτός ἐστιν ὅτι καὶ ὁ ἄνεμος καὶ ἡ θάλασσα ὑπακούει αὐτῷ; NLT Mark 4:41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey him!" KJV Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? ESV Mark 4:41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" NIV Mark 4:41 They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" ASV Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? CSB Mark 4:41 And they were terrified and asked one another, "Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!" NKJ Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" NRS Mark 4:41 And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" YLT Mark 4:41 and they feared a great fear, and said one to another, 'Who, then, is this, that even the wind and the sea do obey him?' NAB Mark 4:41 They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?" NJB Mark 4:41 They were overcome with awe and said to one another, 'Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him.' GWN Mark 4:41 They were overcome with fear and asked each other, "Who is this man? Even the wind and the sea obey him!" BBE Mark 4:41 And their fear was great, and they said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea do his orders? They became very much afraid: Mk 5:33 1Sa 12:18-20,24 Ps 89:7 Jon 1:9,10,15,16 Mal 2:5 Heb 12:28 Rev 15:4 Who then is this: Mk 7:37 Job 38:11 Mt 8:27 14:32 Lu 4:36 8:25 Mark 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Parallel Passages: Matthew 8:27+ - The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” Luke 8:25+ And He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?" FROM FEAR OF STORMS TO FEAR OF THE SAVIOR NET - This section in Mark (4:35–5:43) contains four miracles: (1) the calming of the storm; (2) the exorcism of the demon-possessed man; (3) the giving of life to Jairus' daughter; (4) the healing of the woman hemorrhaging for twelve years. All these miracles demonstrate Jesus' right to proclaim the kingdom message and his sovereign authority over forces, directly or indirectly, hostile to the kingdom. The last three may have been brought together to show that Jesus had power over all defilement, since contact with graves, blood, or a corpse was regarded under Jewish law as causing a state of ritual uncleanness. They became very much afraid and said to one another - First they were afraid of the sudden wind and now they were afraid because there suddenly was no wind! But these were different types of fear. This fear would seem to be more of a reverential awe of Jesus, a reaction to His supernatural power (which I find fascinating as they had seen numerous instances of His supernatural power before). Luke 8:25+ adds that they were amazed (thaumazo), astonished, filed with wonder and awe. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." (Pr 1:7). "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." (Pr 9:10). THOUGHT - Did you notice a key word in this story of the stormed tossed ship? It is the adjective megas - (1) "fierce (megas) gale of wind" (Mk 4:37) (2) "it became perfectly (megas) calm" (Mk 4:39) and (3) "they became very much (megas) afraid" (Mk 4:41). They were filled with “great fear” after the great windstorm was replaced with great calm! Had there never been a great storm that supernaturally was made into a great calm, they would not have had a great (revential) fear. And so we see another reason why God sometimes allows us to go through great storms that we might be able to declare like the psalmist "More than the sounds of many waters, than the mighty breakers of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty." (Psalm 93:4) Indeed, He is. Amen! They were afraid before the storm and now they were afraid after the storm! They were suddenly conscious that they were in the presence of the One Who had miraculously stilled the storm. And so they reacted much like Isaiah in Isa 6:5+ "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” or like Peter in Luke 5:8+ who when he "saw that (the catch of fish as a result of Jesus' direction), he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!”"