The Pharisees had added many laws to the Law of Moses. These were called “traditions of the elders” and were often held in higher esteem than the Scriptures. The issue of washing hands when coming from the marketplace was not general cleaning of dirt but referred to an elaborate cleaning ritual that removed contamination from the Gentiles who were present in the public areas.

Jesus told the Pharisees and lawyers that they let go, set aside, and nullify the commands of God for their own purposes?
How do we do this today to fit in with our culture or our pleasures?
Doing so will eventually lead to heartbreak of some kind as we reap the consequences of our actions.

God desired to bless all people, but He purposed to bless humanity by first blessing the Jews (Genesis 12:3; Acts 3:26; Romans 1:16).
In the gospels, Jesus restored Gentiles who came to Him in faith, not turning them away: the demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-20, the Canaanite woman (Mark 7:24-30), and the Roman Centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13).

Confirmation is repeatedly put forth that Jesus was and is the Messiah, and He was given complete authority by God here on earth to heal, conquer death, and to forgive us of our sins. This evidence disclaims the statement, “If only I could see a miracle, then I would believe in God.”

Compassion on the crowd Mark 8:1-13
In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.

How great is the kindness and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The feeling heart of our Lord Jesus Christ appears in these words. He has compassion even on those who are not His people — the faithless, the graceless, the followers of this world.

With Christ nothing is impossible.
There are thousands of men who would face a lion, or storm a breach, if duty called them, and fear nothing — and yet would be ashamed of being thought “religious” and would not dare to avow that they desired to please Christ rather than man. Amazing indeed is the power of ridicule! Incredible is the bondage in which men live to the opinion of the world!

Let us all pray daily for faith and courage to confess Christ before men. Of sin, or worldliness, or unbelief, we may well be ashamed. We ought never to be ashamed of Him who died for us on the cross. In spite of laughter, mockery, and hard words, let us boldly avow that we serve Christ. Let us often look forward to the day of His second coming, and remember what He says in this place. Better a thousand times confess Christ now, and be despised by man, than be disowned by Christ before His Father in the day of judgment.

“THE THIRD AND HARDEST LESSON” (MARK 9:30-50)
Three “lessons” that Jesus teaches His disciples and us – to help us remember them, I’ve labeled them G E D (“borrowed from the educational systems GED – General Educational Development tests)

G – greatness in service – Mark 9:33-37
E – exclusiveness excluded – Mark 9:38-41
D – disciplined disciples – Mark 9:42-50

Jesus’ teaches three lessons –
G (greatness in service) – “Have salt in yourselves …
E (No exclusiveness – Jesus says, “Do not stop anyone who does anything ‘in My name.’) and be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50)
D (disciplined disciples) – (“have salt in yourselves / the salt and fire of the Holy Spirit)

What grade are you in?
With Jesus as our teacher WE NEVER STOP LEARNING – and as we have the opportunities – to pass these truths on to others! In Jesus’ precious name!

✍️🌎Mrs. Kalaiselvi Balakrishnan in Jesus Christ 🌎✍️