The Gospel of Mark 8:10-33

The Gospel of Mark 8:10-33                                              July 28, 2018

We just covered Jesus just feed the 4000.

The Pharisees Demand a Sign, The leaven of the Pharisees.

Mark 8:10 immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha.   {Magadan}   

See images of Dalmanutha at bottom of page

Mark 8:11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him.  {could be translated Tempted}  {Heaven, Jewish title for God, wanted a sign from God, Himself}

*Matthew 16:1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven.

They always looking for a sign and this seems to upset Jesus.  The Pharisees request was not for another miracle of the type Jesus had already done. They are asking for a dramatic sign from the sky or heaven, something similar Elijah’s fire from heaven.  

Mark 8:12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation."

*Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." And He left them and departed.

The Greek words indicates that Christ was angry. Why did they ask for a sign? Why, It was evidence of the state of their hearts. It show a lack of faith on their part, doubt.  Jesus was amazed at the unbelief.

Jesus miracles are not done with the intention of convincing hardened unbelievers. Instead, Jesus did miracle to show the power of God in the context of mercy.

Why was Jesus angry, could it be because what will happen in the future?

*Revelation 13:13-14 And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people.  (14)  Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.

Mark 8:13  And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side.           {The eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee}

See images of eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee at bottom of page

The Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod

Mark 8:14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat.

*Matthew 16:5 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

Mark 8:15 Then He charged them, saying, "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."

*Matthew 16:6 Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees."

The disciples are confused.

Leaven of the Pharisees”: consists of hypocrisy and self-righteousness.

Leaven of Herod”: consists of political intrigue; worldliness.

Jesus said do not get caught up in either group.

In the Scriptures leaven represents wrong, sin or evil teaching; it never means the gospel. 

One of the wrong things that is being taught today is that leaven represents the gospel in the parable of the woman who hid leaven in three measures of meal.  Woman and the Leaven parable.

*Matthew 13:33 Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened."

The meal symbolizes the gospel, and the leaven, which represents wrong teaching, was hidden in it. This is the process of making something taste good to the natural man. 

Actually, what is liberalism? It all came into existence by the pulpit trying to please the unsaved church members. And today we have a lot of ministers trying to please the congregation, means that is putting leaven in—mixing wrong teaching with the truth of the gospel.

Mark 8:16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have no bread."    {the disciples still really do not get it}

*Matthew 16:7 They discussed this among themselves and said, "It is because we didn't bring any bread."

The disciples did not relate it to a spiritual idea at all, only what their stomach wants.

Mark 8:17 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened?

*Matthew 16:8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?

Mark 8:18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?

Their understanding should have been based on seeing what Jesus already did.  Was it a tone communicating anger, concern, or frustration?

They just finish feeding the people and Jesus is not concern about the bread.

There are people who have been studying the Bible for years and who are like that.  Their shelves full of notes and still does not get it.

Mark 8:19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?" They said to Him, "Twelve."

*Matthew 16:9 Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?   {they are listening to Him}

Mark 8:20  "Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?" And they said, "Seven."

*Matthew 16:10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up?

Mark 8:21 So He said to them, "How is it you do not understand?"

*Matthew 16:11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?--but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

*Matthew 16:12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida

Mark 8:22  Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him.  

See images of Bethsaida at bottom of page

Mark 8:23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.

They: his friends did the begging, not the blind man. He apparently was going with their enthusiasm; willing, but wary.

But you notice that He led the blind man out of town. Had Bethsaida, where many of His mighty works had been performed, become like Nazareth where He could no longer perform mighty works or healings?

Mark 8:24  And he looked up and said, "I see men like trees, walking."

This covers 3 Stages to our healing and to our conversion.

1.     Blindness. We are all first spiritually blind. Like the blind man we can say, “Once I was blind, but now I can see.” 

*John 9:25 He answered and said, "Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see."

But you’ll notice that He gained only partial sight, and only Mark tells us this.

2.     Partial sight. Is this not our condition today? 

“For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face …” 

*1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

3.     Perfect sight. The third stage is perfect vision. We’ll get our 20/20 spiritual vision when we come into His presence, and that’s when we’ll really be able to see Him as He is.  

*1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

Mark 8:25 Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.

When Jesus had finished, He had healed this man perfectly

Mark 8:26 Then He sent him away to his house, saying, "Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town."

Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town”: Did not want this promoted in this town.  This place of Bethsaida had already had judgment pronounced upon it (Mt 11:21).

Variation in Methods

Different methods which our Lord used in opening eyes of the blind: 

Here at Bethsaida when He healed the blind man, he touched his eyes. So this man had an experience.

When Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus, He didn’t touch him at all but just told him from a distance, and faith alone opened his eyes. 

But the man who had been born blind was told to go and wash in the pool of Siloam, an entirely different method (John 9).

What is the point here, we do not put God in a box.  We have a hard time understanding God in the area of healing.  There is supernatural healing and we do not know when and why it happens to one person and not another.  Only God knows why He heals now and or will heal later at the resurrection.

Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ

Mark 8:27 Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, "Who do men say that I am?"  {city is way up north, next to border – good question}

See Images of Caesarea Philippi at bottom of page

*Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"    

*Luke 9:18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"

Jesus asked this question as an introduction to a more important follow-up question.

Mark 8:28 So they answered, "John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets."

*Matthew 16:14  So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

*Luke 9:19 So they answered and said, "John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again."

Mark 8:29 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Messiah."   {Peter golden moment and starting to understand}

*Luke 9:20 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said, "The Christ of God."

*Matthew 16:15-16 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" (16) Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

*Matthew 16:17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  {Only the Father can revealed it}

The Christ: Christ is not a name. Jesus is His name. 

Christ is a title—in the Hebrew, it was the Messiah, which means the “Anointed One.” 

Mark 8:30 Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.

*Matthew 16:20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.

*Luke 9:21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one,

“And he commanded them”: This is a strong rebuke: the verb, evpitima,w epi-timao, is the same one Jesus used in rebuking the demons (Mk 1:25). 

They were to wait until the gospel story was complete (Cf. Mk 8.31).

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

Mark 8:31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

*Matthew 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

*Luke 9:22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day."

Jesus tells the disciples he will be killed and raised back to life after 3 days.  They did not get it.  It seems like the women did understand what will happen.

Jesus will suffer many things, and be rejected. 

The final phase of their training begins here. It was at Caesarea Philippi that He first revealed His cross or death to them. Did they understand it.

 NO.

This was an unbelievable shock to the disciples.  It is as if a presidential candidate announced toward the end of his campaign that he will go to

Washington to be rejected and be executed.

(Yet only a few women seemed to understand and anticipate that final week.)

Mark 8:32  He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.

*Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!"

Mark 8:33  But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."  {all disciples}

*Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."

They were strong and harsh words that Jesus ever spoke to a follower. Peter had good intentions, but that is not enough.  We don’t have to be demon possessed to be used by Satan, but we need to be on guard lest we are unwittingly used.

Peter had become the unwitting carrier used by Satan.

Peter apparently was a victim of the “Two Messiah” view of the OT: 

1) The Messiah, the Suffering Servant; and

2) The Messiah, the Ruling King.

The fixation on the Ruling King view, and his political views, is what Judas and the other disciples wanted.  {Remember the last question the disciples had before Jesus ascension}.  

Images of Dalmanutha

https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+Dalmanutha&rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS541US541&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjuuJe9pcTcAhUHjlQKHVrWD14QsAR6BAgEEAE&biw=1600&bih=705

Images of eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS541US541&biw=1600&bih=705&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=o7BdW7XkLtKC_wS5mYwI&q=images+of+eastern+shore+of+the+Sea+of+Galilee&oq=images+of+eastern+shore+of+the+Sea+of+Galilee&gs_l=img.3...80215.130561.0.134135.25.20.0.0.0.0.258.1670.5j4j3.12.0....0...1.1.64.img..13.1.159...0j35i39k1.0.z1VIpTzTNnQ

Images of Bethsaida

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS541US541&biw=1600&bih=705&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=KrFdW8rKM4e90wKb8riYDg&q=images+of+Bethsaida&oq=images+of+Bethsaida&gs_l=img.3...110407.113877.0.116701.36.14.0.0.0.0.185.1407.6j7.13.0....0...1.1.64.img..33.1.121...0j35i39k1j0i67k1.0.x7sZsRpWqGQ

Images of Caesarea Philippi

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS541US541&biw=1600&bih=705&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=obFdW-OeK4GB8AO59rawDw&q=images+of+Caesarea+Philippi+&oq=images+of+Caesarea+Philippi+&gs_l=img.3..0i30k1.342009.344570.0.346709.10.6.0.0.0.0.194.661.2j3.5.0....0...1.1.64.img..7.2.296...0j35i39k1j0i67k1.0.xRU7qGbd1D8

The Gospel of Mark 7:24-37, 8:1-10

The Gospel of Mark 7:24-37, 8:1-10                             July 7, 2018

We have been going through the Gospel of Mark. 

The Faith of a Canaanite / Greek Woman

Two wonderful examples of healing Power of Jesus

A scene change, go to a very strange place, realizing Jesus left Israel for privacy, going to the region of Tyre and Sidon and the healing of a Gentile daughter.   A Gentile woman’s request.

Mark 7:24 From there He arose and went to the territory of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but it couldn't be kept a secret.   

*Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

Jesus did not follow the Jewish traditions that said a faithful Jew would have nothing to do with Gentiles, and would never enter a Gentile’s house.  Remember, Peter example.

Jesus just showed His Disciples that there is no distinction or difference between clean and unclean people, Jews and Gentiles and for salvation and bringing them into one body, the church.  

Like a vacation to get away from the crowd, way up north on foot (walking).  He needed some R&R.  It is interesting, Jesus always finds a way to touch people lives, because Jesus cannot be hidden.

The only recorded occasion outside Israel: a summer cottage for privacy, on the Mediterranean coast, about 50 miles from Capernaum.

A Pleasing Faith

There are only a few in Scripture commended for their faith and they seem to be only Gentiles.  Here is one whose name is unknown.

Mark 7:25 In fact, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him and came and fell down at his feet.

*Matthew 15:22 Suddenly a Canaanite woman from that territory came near and began to shout, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed!"

This woman came to intercede for her daughter, and she is a picture of an intercessor because she made her daughter’s needs her own.  Demon-possessed individuals was not limited to just Jews.

Mark 7:26 Now the woman happened to be a Greek, born in Phoenicia in Syria. She kept asking him to drive the demon out of her daughter.

*Matthew 15:23 But he didn't answer her at all. Then his disciples came up and kept urging him, "Send her away, because she keeps on screaming as she follows us."     { She kept asking him}

Disciples were against her; tried to send her away.

Out of desperation she hears about Jesus, goes to Him and fall at His feet.

A Greek, Gentile.

The verb tense indicates that she kept on begging. Nationality was against her: Gentile, not Jewish. “Unclean” by Jewish standards; despised by the religious establishment.  Like a little child when they want something.

Remember, she was a woman; no standing in that society and everything was against her. Satan was against her: demons had taken control of her daughter;  What does Jesus say to her, He is putting Her to the test.

Mark 7:27 But Jesus said to her, "Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs {or puppies}."

Jesus seems to discourage the woman, reminding her that the children (the Jewish people) get priority over the little dogs (Gentiles like her).

*Matthew 15:24 But he replied, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel."    {important words of Jesus}

*Matthew 15:25-26 Then she came and fell down before him, saying, "Lord, help me!" (26) He replied, "It's not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the puppies."

Household dogs: little pet household dogs, not street scavengers.  Jews called Gentiles “dogs” in a very bad way.

Jesus hinted at hope here, and she grabbed it!  There might be some left overs.

Mark 7:28 And she answered and said to Him, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children's crumbs."

*Matthew 15:27 She said, "Yes, Lord. But even the puppies eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' tables."

She used Jesus’ own words and used them as the basis for her plea! A  persistence of faith. This woman knew Jesus could heal and was willing to spend untiring energy in pursuit of healing for her daughter. 

The woman responds with great faith. First, she accepted the term for her low place before Jesus by not debating the reference to little dogs. She asked Jesus to deal with her on her own low level. 

How do we pray for anything in our life?  Do we really get serious in praying or do we send up once in a while.  

She depended entirely upon Jesus’s mercy and it was all grace.

*Hebrews 11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently search for him.

Mark 7:29 Then He said to her, "For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter."

*Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Just like that, it was done, the demon left her daughter.  Just by saying the Word, her daughter demon was gone and was healed.  {demon = healed}

Interesting, we know of two examples of Gentiles believe that all Jesus had to do is say the word.  This woman and the Roman Centurion. 

Mark 7:30 And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.   {Praised God}

This lady was grateful for her child was healed.

Jesus Heals a Deaf Man and Many others

Mark 7:31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.

*Matthew 15:29 Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat down there.

Remember, this is on the east of the Sea of Galilee where he removed the demon from the man.

Mark 7:32 Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to lay His hand on him.

This is another example of the friends of this deaf man came and brought his need to Jesus.

*Matthew 15:30 Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus' feet, and He healed them.

Some authorities indicate that deafness is worse than blindness on the person. The social stigma of deafness and isolation is more severe.  In blindness, they can still feel like part of a group.  They can fellowship, hear, talk, connect, etc.  Someone blind, we try to help, but someone who is deaf, it is hard to commutate with them, because we do not know they are deaf.

Mark 7:33 And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue.  {deafness, speechless} 

We have seen Jesus heal in many different ways, Jesus power to heal was not dependent on any one method, but on the supreme power of God.

Mark 7:34 Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened."

An Aramaic phrase, the writer takes for granted we do not know Aramaic.

He sighed or groan because Jesus is a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  

Mark 7:35 Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.

Jesus’ procedure seems to be a form of communication with him; a form of sign language. 

His was a “hands-on” ministry: it was personal; it was compassionate; it was directed to a specific need.  What is our own ministry, is it personal.

*Isaiah 35:5-6 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. (6) Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert.

Mark 7:36 Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it.

{Human nature?}  It seems, more Jesus charge the people not to tell anyone, it became worse.

Mark 7:37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."

*Matthew 15:31 So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

We get it backwards: He charged us to tell everyone; and we treat it as a secret and not to tell anyone while He told them not to say anything and they told everyone. Isn’t is so true.

Remember, how Jesus told John disciple to encourage him in John doubts.

*Luke 7:22  Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.   {things Jesus has done for others}

Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand (Gentiles?), test the disciples faith.

Mark 8:1 In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them,

*Matthew 15:32 Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way."

Mark 8:2 "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat.

The situation is similar to the recent feeding of the five thousand. We see both a hungry multitude and a compassionate Jesus, so Jesus presents the dilemma to the disciples: what do we do?

Mark 8:3 And if I send them away hungry to their own houses, they will faint on the way; for some of them have come from afar."

Jesus was always touched by the need of the multitude. Very compassion about the people.   For three days they flocked about Him, absorbed in His teachings.  Was Jesus hoping one of the disciples might say, “Jesus, You did this before. You can do the same kind of work again.

Mark 8:4  Then His disciples answered Him, "How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?"   {how soon they forget}

*Matthew 15:33 Then His disciples said to Him, "Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?"

Mark 8:5  He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven."

*Matthew 15:34 Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven, and a few little fish."

Jesus asked disciples to give up their own food this time. Before, they used the food of the little boy, but this time Jesus made the disciples give their food.  This time there were more loaves for fewer people

Mark 8:6  So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude.

*Matthew 15:35 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

Mark 8:7  They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them.

*Matthew 15:36 And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude.

Mark 8:8  So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments.

At the end of the meal, they gathered more bread than they had to begin with. 

*Matthew 15:37 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left.

The Feeding of the “4000”

Seven Baskets”: In Chapter 6, after feeding the “5000,” there were 12 hand-baskets left over, a basket, such as were carried while traveling on foot.)

Here, there were seven hampers-full, large baskets such as were often used for carrying commercial goods, a reed basket; a wicker hamper). These were large enough to hold a person:  Paul escaped from Damascus in one of these (Acts 9:25).

Mark 8:9 Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away,

*Matthew 15:38 Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

Remember, the Jews only counted the men.  “Beside women and children”. Probably as many as twice that number!

Mark 8:10  immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha.  

*Matthew 15:39 And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala.  

“...Dalmanutha”:  A place on the west of the Sea of Galilee; in the parallel passage it is called “into the borders of Magdala” (Cf. Mt 15:39).

Probably the Greek name of one of the many Migdols (i.e., watch-towers) on the western side of the lake. 

It has been identified in the ruins of a village about a mile from Magdala, in the little open valley of Ain-el-Barideh, “the cold fountain,” the mouth of a glen a mile south of Magdala, near the beach; called el-Mejdel, possibly the “Migdal-el” of  Josh 19:38. 

Summary

Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand, plus women and children

Not to be confused with the feeding of the “5000” in Chapter 6:

The 5000 were with Jesus only one day;

The 4000 were with Jesus three days

The 5000 started with 5 loaves and 2 fish

The 4000 started with 7 loaves and few small fish

The 5000  took up 12 small baskets full of fragments and of the fish

The 4000 took up 7 large baskets full of fragments

4000: Jesus asked the disciples to give up their own food this time.

5000:  Before, they used the food of the little boy

They were a different type of group of people:

The 5,000 were only Jews;

The “4,000” were fed in the Decapolis, a Gentile area plus Jews were there

Now the bloodhounds of hate are on His trail again…

Ruth 4 – A Love Story

Ruth 4 – A Love Story                                  June 16, 2018 

What we have covered – what we have found 

A Jewish man moved his wife and 2 sons to the country of Moab from the famine in Judah. 

The father and 2 sons died, leaving his wife, Naomi and 2 daughter-in-law’s left.  Naomi and Ruth moved back to Judah at the beginning of the barley harvest.  

Ruth told Naomi;  Your people will be my people, and your God, my God. 

Ruth had to go out to the fields and glean grain so her and Naomi to live. 

Boaz told Ruth to continue gleaning only in his fields, gathering grain until both the barley and wheat harvests were complete. 

Last week we covered: Called “the Levirate Marriage.” He had to meet three conditions to make it work. Kinsman-Redeemer, means:  A male, blood relative.    

·      First, he had to be a near kinsman.

·      Secondly, he had to be able to perform.

·      Thirdly, he had to be willing; it was not required.

·      If he chose not to, he had to give her his shoe, a symbol of shame; he had failed to do the kinsman’s part. 

Naomi explains to Ruth that Boaz is a near kinsman and take you as a wife, but you have to ask.  Naomi said when he lies down, be sure to notice where he is resting. Then go over, uncover his feet, and lie down and Spread the edge of your garment over your servant, because you are my related redeemer.  

She was to take the servant’s position in which the servant lies diagonally at his master’s feet.  He will tell you what to do." 

Boaz said, I'll do for you everything that you have asked, but there is another related redeemer even closer than I.  That morning, Ruth return to Naomi. 

Ruth 3:18 Naomi replied, "Be patient, my daughter, until you learn how this works out, because the man won't rest until he finishes everything today."     {this is where we will pick up the story – but first} 

What does the Scriptures say Boaz is to do, by instruction. 

*Deuteronomy 25:6-10 And it shall be that the firstborn son which she bears will succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel. (7) But if the man does not want to take his brother's wife, then let his brother's wife go up to the gate to the elders, and say, 'My husband's brother refuses to raise up a name to his brother in Israel; he will not perform the duty of my husband's brother.' (8) Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him. But if he stands firm and says, 'I do not want to take her,' (9) then his brother's wife shall come to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal from his foot, spit in his face, and answer and say, 'So shall it be done to the man who will not build up his brother's house.' (10) And his name shall be called in Israel, 'The house of him who had his sandal removed.' 

Boaz Redeems Ruth, rewarded with marriage,   

Ruth 4:1 NKJV Now Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there; and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz had spoken came by. So Boaz said, "Come aside, friend, sit down here." So he came aside and sat down. 

As a side:  Why is translated, friend.  Would you call his friend, who is a brother or close relative of yours.  The Hebrew gives a sense of concealment, of a specified person: Friend is something of a joke, meaning a certain so and so, without giving the name of the person. 

It looks like the writer did not what to say, who the person was.  Interesting. 

The city gate was where transactions and legal business was carried out.  

The gate of the city is a roofed building, unenclosed by walls and is similar to what you and I would consider City Hall. In the ancient tribal traditions, the city was protected with a wall and the people that came and went would go through the gate. The people in authority over the city would check credentials at the gate. If there was a matter of issue one would meet the elders at the gate of the city (cf. Gen 19:1). 

Boaz was obviously a wealthy landowner, but he also sits at the city gate, which implies that he could have been mayor of the city. When Boaz asks this man to sit down, he does so without question. Boaz is someone who is obeyed. 

The kinsman: Probably this other man was a brother of Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, which made him an uncle of Ruth’s first husband.  1 generation. 

Boaz’s approach to this nearer kinsman was be a complete surprise to the other man. Clearly this was a tactical advantage to Boaz. 

Ruth 4:2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, "Sit down here." So they sat down.  {notice, they did what they were told}    

Ten men or elders:  To be witnesses: we know two or three witnesses were sufficient, yet in more important matters they used 10 witnesses in cases of marriage problems, divorce, criminal, rights of a family and changing of property or inheritances. 

Ruth 4:3 Then he said to the close relative, "Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, sold the piece of land which belonged to our relative Elimelech. 

*Leviticus 25:25 "If your brother is poor so that he had to a sell portion of his inheritance, then his nearest kinsman redeemer is to come and redeem what his brother has sold. 

The land needs to be redeemed for Naomi. Here Boaz is calling the attention of this man to the fact that Naomi is in need of a kinsman-redeemer to step up and redeem the land for her now that she is back in town.  

Boaz mentions only Naomi, because all was done by her direction; lest the mention of Ruth should raise a suspicion of the necessity of his marrying Ruth, before he had given his answer to this first offer.  If Boaz would have mention Ruth’s name, it would have awaken a suspicion of having to marry Ruth.    Is this some Deception being done?  

We have to remember, Naomi was reduced to be poor, she had no one to inherit her land and now it was open for the next heir to purchase the land and thus preserve the land in the family.   

Ruth 4:4 And I thought to inform you, saying, 'Buy it back in the presence of the inhabitants and the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it; but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know; for there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.' "And he said, "I will redeem it."   {he did not know about the following condition} 

Boaz’s heart just dropped into his sock when he said, I will act as related redeemer." 

This person (the Go’el) had the choice and he chose to purchase the land, he liked it and could make a good addition to his own land and to his children future. 

Elders were the witnesses of the purchase, now the surprise kicker in the deal. 

Ruth 4:5 Then Boaz said, "On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also buy it from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to perpetuate the name of the dead through his inheritance."  {important}  

Ruth, the wife of the dead”: Boaz doesn’t withhold his punches.  By marring Ruth, this would carry on her dead husband (Mahlon) line of Elimelech, and would continue his inheritance. 

The problem is, the kinsman must marry Ruth, the son born to them would inherit the property of Elimelech’s family.  This would not increase his land but decrease his land plus the additional cost in providing for Naomi and Ruth.  Also, any children would have a claim to a portion of his children inheritance.  He would lose out. 

Ruth 4:6 And the close relative said, "I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I ruin my own inheritance. You redeem my right of redemption for yourself, for I cannot redeem it." 

He was willing, able, to redeem the land, but unable to redeem the bride.

The law concerning a brother’s duty to raise up seed to the deceased, the Levirate Marriage, law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). 

He would have to invest his own money to redeem the land; however, having to marry Ruth and produce a son through her meant that son would legally be the son of Ruth dead husband and the one to inherit the property. The kinsman would thus end up losing both the property and the investment. 

Moreover, not only would the son inherit the property the kinsman re-deemed, he would also inherit part of the kinsman’s own property; and since he would lose his investment, the redeemed property, and part of his own land, the kinsman would be depriving his own heirs. 

Ruth 4:7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging, to confirm anything: one man took off his sandal and gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation in Israel. 

Plucked off his own shoe”: to the giver, a testimony of deferral; to Boaz, a marriage license!  Spitting in his face could also mean, before his face. 

What do we do today is the transaction by signing a document or handing over a set of keys.  By handing over his shoe, the close relative was symbolically handing over his right to walk on the land that was being sold. 

Ruth 4:8 Therefore the close relative said to Boaz, "Buy it for yourself." So he took off his sandal. 

The custom itself arose from the fact that fixed property was taken possession of by treading upon the soil, hence, taking off the shoe and handing it to another was a symbol of the transfer of a possession or the right of ownership, to Boaz, a marriage license! 

Ruth 4:9 And Boaz said to the elders and all the people, "You are witnesses this day that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, from the hand of Naomi. 

Boaz steps up: He purchases all the land, property and goods from Naomi, widow of Elimelech, and he “purchases” Ruth as his bride and obligated to support both in life and death.  Boaz just receive all of Naomi land.  The witnesses at the gate approved the transaction. 

Widow of Chilion stayed in Moab was still living and she was considered to have either been married again, or to have renounced all right to an inheritance with the family of Elimelech. 

Ruth 4:10 Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have acquired as my wife, to continue the family name of the dead through his inheritance, that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brethren and from his position at the gate. You are witnesses this day." 

Ruth 4:11 And all the people who were at the gate, and the elders, said, "We are witnesses. {they affirmed the legal proceeding} The LORD make the woman who is coming to your house like Rachel and Leah, the two who built the house of Israel; and may you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 

Ephratah and Bethlehem - Two names of one and the same place. 

These two women (Rachel and Leah – founding mothers) were singled out, because they were of a foreign origin, and yet will become part of God's people, as Ruth will become.  This was the usual bridal benediction for the couple to increase in children.  The marriage of Ruth to Boaz was part of the condition of the bargain. 

*Genesis 35:19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).   {childbirth – Benjamin;  Interesting} 

What have we found:  As we cover this, apply it to our lives 

•      In order to bring Ruth to Naomi, Naomi had to be exiled from her land.

•      What the Law could not do, Grace did.

•      Ruth does not replace Naomi.

•      Ruth learns of Boaz’s ways thru Naomi.

•      Naomi meets Boaz thru Ruth.

•      No matter how much Boaz loved Ruth, he had to await her move.

•      Boaz, not Ruth, confronts the “Nearer Kinsman.” 

Ruth 4:12 May your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring which the LORD will give you from this young woman." 

House of Perez: Perez was born as the result of a levirate marriage (Gen 38:6-29). He was the son of Judah from whom Boaz descended. Boaz was of the Clan of Perez, a clan that had settled in Bethlehem.  Tamar’s behavior would not normally be commended because how she did the levirate marriage for herself. 

Judah had twin children with his daughter in law, Tamar, who husband had died, and she won the right to be the mother of Judah’s twin children. 

Ruth and Boaz Marry    

Ruth 4:13  So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 

Children are a gift from God. He fashions every person in the womb of the mother.   Did God close her from having children before? 

*Psalms 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 

Ruth 4:14 Then the women of Bethlehem told Naomi, "May the LORD be blessed, who has not left you today without a related redeemer. May his name become famous throughout Israel! 

Boaz, near kinsman, has done more than expected of a go’el, he has redeemed the property and has secured an heir for Naomi’s family. 

Ruth 4:15 And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him." 

Sons were considered a great reward, so for the women to state that Ruth is better to Naomi than seven sons was considerable praise for Ruth. 

Boaz, Kinsman-Redeemer, has redeemed the property, and now he has secured an heir for Naomi’s family and future inheritance.  He will take care of Naomi and Ruth in their old age by providing food and shelter, legal protection and proper burial.  Did David know Ruth, his grandmother? 

Ruth 4:16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her bosom, and became a nurse to him.   {“a guardian” or “a nanny, supporter”} 

*Numbers 11:12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I beget them, that You should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child,' to the land which You swore to their fathers? 

Just a simple recognition that Naomi is the legal mother of the child and that she will play a significant role in his upbringing, while he (Obed) will continue to provide for her in the next generation. 

Most likely after the mother had nursed and weaned the boy, then Naomi took the child from Ruth, and brought it up.   Wonder why? 

*1 Samuel 1:22  Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, "After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD, and he will live there always."  (Samuel) 

Ruth’s son to be King David’s grandfather    

Ruth 4:17 Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, "There is a son born to Naomi." And they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.  {Obed means One Who Serves} 

Notice, the neighbor women gave him his name.  Interesting, more to it?

*Luke 1:58-60 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.  (59)  On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah,  (60)  but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John."   {Peer pressure?} 

It was an ancient custom to give the name of a family member to a newborn.  Up until a few years ago, we as a nation did the same thing, because you will find this in your family history. 

The Genealogy of King David 

Ruth 4:18-22 Now this is the genealogy of {Judah is father} Perez: Perez begot Hezron; (19) Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Amminadab; (20) Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon {wife was Rahab}; (21) Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed; (22) Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David.   {King of Israel} 

This story pictures one aspect of our redemption.  Boaz represents our Lord, Ruth stands for the believer.  On our Lord’s part, Jesus paid the price with His own blood, for He was both able and willing to redeem us, individually.   

Remember, a Kinsman-Redeemer had to be 

·      First, he had to be a near kinsman.

·      Secondly, he had to be able to perform.

·      Thirdly, he had to be willing; it was not required.  

We have just finished covering the Book of Ruth.  The Kinsman-Redeemer.  Who is our Kinsman-Redeemer, Jesus.   

·      What did Jesus do to save us. 

·      Jesus went freely to the cross, died for our sins to be forgiven by His blood pouring out of His body,

·      He was put in the grave and buried,

·      Then raised on the third day,

·      With the appearance of the Resurrected Christ (our elder Brother) and

·      Now at the right hand of the Father,

·      Showing this what will happen to us and

·      Then we will be like He is.  (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).