Book of Proverbs, Chapter 1:1-7, Introduction

Book of Proverbs, Chapter 1:1-7, Introduction        August 11, 2018

Let me ask a question, “What does it mean to live ‘the good life’?” Proverbs answers this question and deals with every day issues of how to live life in this physical world of God’s good creation.   Proverbs means a short saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice, eexpresses some obvious truth or familiar experience.

Let’s get an overview of the 7 first verses Proverbs

Proverbs 1:1-7 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:  (2)  for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;  (3)  for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;  (4)  for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young (5)  let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance (6)  for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.  (7)  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The author is King Solomon

Solomon lived five hundred years before the “seven wise men” of Greece, and seven hundred before the age of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.  Solomon reigned from 971 to 931.

He Wrote 3000 proverbs

*1 Kings 4:32  He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.

King Hezekiah reigned from 729 to 686.

*Proverbs 25:1 There are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:  {chap 25-29}

King Solomon was the wisest person in his day

*1 Kings 4:30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

King Solomon is credit with the proverbs, but Lord God is the Author of all Scriptures.

*2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We just read  “All Scripture  is . . . profitable” in four ways:

·      for doctrine —what’s right;

·      for reproof—what’s not right;

·      for correction—how to get right;

·      for instruction in righteousness—how to stay right.

Wisdom: occurs 45 times in Proverbs and means:

Traditional definition:  the ability to use knowledge in the right way

Biblical definition:  wisdom of the world

*1 Corinthians 2:6  We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.  {and verses 7 and 8}

Devine wisdom is from above:  Jesus is the Wisdom of God

*1 Corinthians 1:30  It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Proverbs is a collection of pithy sayings in which, by comparison or contrast, some important truth is set forth, covering subjects of pursuit of wisdom, fear of God, liberty, faithfulness, and honesty in business relationships.

The Beginning of Knowledge

Title of Proverbs

Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:     {What blessings did God give to Solomon}

*1 Kings 3:12-13 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.  (13)  Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.

*1 Kings 4:29-30 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.  (30)  Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

Proverbs is God’s book of parables, comparison, sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical truth or principles.  7 items stand out

1.   How to wise up and live

2.   Beyond keeping laws.

3.   Focuses on leading an aggressively, dynamic life.

4.   Proper and improper attitudes, conduct, and characteristics are referred to in penetrating ways

5.   Short sentences from long experience

6.   Easy to remember

7.   Condense much wisdom in a small space.

Overall Purpose of Proverbs, verses 2-6, practical wisdom for the living and management of life

Basic Purpose of Proverbs

·      For attaining wisdom and discipline.

·      For understanding words of insight.

·      For acquiring a disciplined and prudent life.

·      For giving good judgment or common sense to the simple.

·      For understanding proverbs, parables, sayings and riddles of the wise

First, what is Wisdom.

Traditional definition: The ability to use knowledge in the right way.

Biblical:  There is a wisdom of this world

*1 Corinthians 2:6 However, when we are among mature people, we do speak a message of wisdom, but not the wisdom of this world or of the rulers of this world, who are passing off the scene.

*James 3:14-15 But if you have bitter jealousy and rivalry in your hearts, stop boasting and slandering the truth. (15) That kind of wisdom does not come from above. No, it is worldly, self-centered, and demonic.

Divine wisdom is from above:  Jesus Christ is the Wisdom of God 

*Colossians 2:3 in whom {Jesus} are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Important:  Yet wisdom means so much more.  True wisdom is a matter of the heart and not the mind alone.

To be wise in the Biblical sense one must have a proper relationship to God.

If we want to live wisely, we must begin with commitment to Jesus Christ, who is “the wisdom of God” and then to follow  and obey Jesus commands for each of us.  So hard for us to do.

*1 Corinthians 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

The Beginning of Knowledge

Proverbs 1:2  for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight;

Instruction: discipline or training, what we ought to know and follow, and what we ought to refuse.

Understanding: The power of distinguishing right from wrong, truth from its counterfeit, good and evil, profitable and worthless and helpful and harmful.  The word of God in which is the only true insight to our Father and Jesus.

Proverbs 1:3  for receiving instruction in wise behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;  {or instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment and upright living}

We need to be willing to submit ourselves to the correction of those who are wise and to receive righteous counsels or instructions from others.

We need to live a righteous life and rendering to every man what which belongs to him and to pass a right sentence upon human actions, whether our own or another’s..

Proverbs 1:4  for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young

By listening to these proverbs the simple will become experienced, knowledgeable, and well-informed and young people will gain insight and common sense and not make mistakes and learn from the harsh facts of life.

Proverbs 1:5  let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance

Wise men will grow wiser by heeding these proverbs, and a man of understanding will learn how to guide himself and to advise others as well.

There are many things entertaining to men of years and wisdom in the Proverbs, as well as instructive to the young men and simple ones and will add to their learning on life.

Proverbs 1:6  for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

Something important to recognize; a great amount of the world’s wisdom is contained in proverbs. But it must be noted that many of the world’s proverbs are faulty, wrong and imperfect, and most likely unsafe rules for a Christian to follow in everyday life. 

We learn what a little bit of leaven can do in everyday life last week. 

The proverbs of Solomon are all good and come from the Holy Spirit of God.

Proverbs is designed to enable a person to understand proverbs and parables and the lesson which often lies beneath the surface. It helps him to grasp the meaning of wise sayings and the hidden truths contained in them.

As a truth, no one finishes the study of wisdom; there is always more to learn and speaks of the lessons that more mature person gains from the study of the proverbs.

We just covered the purpose of Proverbs

We will find in the Proverbs as we go through the various chapters: 

1 winner and 3 losers.

The Wise:  Winner

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.

1.   Listen to instruction

2.   Obey what they hear

3.   Store up what they learn

4.   Win others to the Lord

5.   Flee from sin

6.   Watch their tongue

7.   Are diligent in their daily work

The Three Losers are in the Proverbs

Proverbs 1:22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge.

Simple Ones:  Loser (silly - that is, lead astray, foolish one)

·      Believe everything and everybody and lack discernment

·      Easily led astray by others and lack understanding

·      Cannot see ahead and repeatedly walk into trouble

·      Reject Wisdom, listen to Folly and ended up dead 

Scorners:  Loser (make a mouth, make a mock, mocker, scorn)

·      Mock at God’s wisdom and not admit it, because they know everything

·      Never profit from rebuke and will one day be judged

·      Reject Wisdom, listen to Folly and received destruction

·      The Hebrew word for “scorner” literally means “to make a mouth”; and we can easily picture them sneering and curling up their lips in scorn.

Fool:  Loser (figuratively stupid or silly, foolish); The person who is dense, sluggish, careless, and self-satisfied

1.   hates instruction

2.   is self-confident

3.   talks without thinking

4.   mocks at sin

5.   Reject Wisdom, listen to Folly and leads to death 

This is the theme of Proverbs and is the key verse of the Book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

We are told, if someone wants to be wise, the place to begin is in worshiping God and in trusting and obeying Him.

Likewise, a fool is one who cannot be told anything, conceited, and only learns lessons the hard way, if at all. They are the fools and indifferent to God’s Holy character and government; the wicked and have rejected the fear of the Lord is the same as rejecting wisdom outright.

The fear, which is the reverence and obedience to God is the beginning foundation without which all other knowledge is vain.

Jobs final words:

*Job 28:28 And he said to the human race, "The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."

*Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

The other part of fear, the Apostle Paul tells us:

*Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Fools - That is, wicked men, are so far from attaining true wisdom, that they despise it, and all the means of getting it.

This is the wrong type of fear; First, realize that there is a fear of God that doesn’t produce good results. This terrifying and paralyzing fear is likely the type of fear that comes to our mind.

This type of fear does not have a positive end. This fear is not what God is looking for. 

Remember, the fear of the LORD for a Believer; the fear of the God who created the universe but who deigns us to be in relationship with our Lord Jesus, is required for wisdom. Such proper fear teaches us our place in the world and how to live well in it.

Psalms 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him.

The fear of God is an attitude of respect, a response of reverence and wonder. It is the only appropriate response to our Creator and Redeemer.

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…