I am back at it again with Part II of my Bible review. As one may recall from my first post, I have been rereading the New Testament in an attempt to acquire knowledge I otherwise would not have obtained as a child. These are troubling times we are living in, sometimes even referred to as the "End Times"--but are we truly living in such an era?...
We started with the Gospel according to Matthew; now it is time for Mark's recollection of events.
Rereading this passage as an adult was extremely eye-opening.
Such a profound concept, but when broken down in such a simple way, it makes one feel foolish for having not recognized it in the first place!
In this passage, some manipulative followers of Jesus began to question why he was hanging around such undesirable people, like prostitutes and tax collectors. They were considered "sinful people." As such, many were confused: why would the Son Of God, someone who wanted others to live by God's teachings, want to associate with those who didn't follow?
Jesus explained: why help those who do not need it? Jesus knows that wholesome people are on the right path to eternal life; they do not need "help." It is the sinners who need it; it is the sinners--prostitutes and tax collectors--that need to be "saved."
A passage with another simple yet profound message.
Jesus was given the power of God, and this included the power to expel and banish demons/Satan out of possessed individuals. Once again, the unbelievers of Jesus began to question his abilities, trying to convince others that Jesus was actually an evil man. But Jesus put it perfectly: what good would it do a man to drive out his own family?
There is also a great deal of truth in the line that Jesus says next:
"If a country divides itself into groups that fight each other, that country will fall apart."
We constantly witness this phenomena with countless countries: two (or more) opposing political groups, with opposing ideals. People united within one country who are always at odds with one another. But the most unnerving part of it, is when those divided groups cannot find mutual ground. Of course that country will be destined to fail. Therefore, we must stay focused on a common objective.
This passage could be considered an important reminder to us all.
In the Old Testament, things that were associated with the body--food and clothes--were heavily scrutinized and considered "sinful." However, Jesus assures us that the impure thoughts that come from our hearts and minds are far more sinister than anything we could put into our bodies.
In today's society, I believe this passage could be up for debate. For example, what about the circumstances of drugs? Drugs are extremely impure substances, and when they make contact with our biology, it can cause one's mind to go to some very dark places. I believe these substances can conjure up thoughts that otherwise, would not be our own.
This is not to say the individual is without blame. It is still (for the majority of cases) a conscience decision to put such things into one's body. The main point still stands, however; evil thoughts that come from a man's heart are far worse than anything he can put into his body.
Just another humble reminder to myself.
"More" does not always mean "better." Giving all that one has carries more value than just what one can spare. Sometimes it can be difficult to see the humility in one's worth if they compare themselves to a millionaire. On the flip side, sometimes it can be difficult not to be furious when someone has given "less" than them, yet the two are expected to be "equal" because of it.
Of course, this doesn't just apply to money either, but all aspects of life. Things will always carry more value when the person can give everything that they have, not just what is "easy" or "convenient."
Fortunately this review/Gospel is a shorter one! Mark's was not as long as Matthew's, and many of the passages were duplicates of one another. The Gospel according to Luke seems to be a bit more promising though! 😄
I hope you will join me for Part III in the near future! 👋