Q2 — Israel's History | Mark & Early Letters
Mark 3-7; Josh. 34, Judg. 1-14; Psalm 43-45
Mark 3-7
FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT
Hear the Secret
What is it about a great story that pulls you in, making you turn the page or binge-watch to the next episode? J.J. Abrams, the celebrated producer of shows like Lost and movies like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, calls it the "Mystery Box." As a boy, his grandfather took him to a magic store and bought him a wooden box covered in question marks. To this day, he keeps it in his office and has never opened it. He says it represents all the possibilities and secrets a story could unfold. "What are stories," he asks, "but mystery boxes?" What's in the box of secrets keeps us reading, watching, wanting to know more.
Secrets & Stories
As we read through Mark, we sense a growing tension. We can see that the conflict with the Jewish leaders will keep escalating. Where will their opposition lead? Well, since this is the most famous story ever told, most of us now know where that's headed — more on that in a minute.
But you might notice another tension in these stories, between two contradicting themes. On the one hand, these chapters emphasize the mission of Christ and his apostles to proclaim the good message. Nothing spreads like a good story, so the news of Jesus reaches far and wide, and crowds find him everywhere he goes. On the other hand, Jesus commands demons (Mark 1:24-25,34; 3:11-12) and people he heals to keep it quiet (Mark 1:44; 5:43; 7:36). As readers, we learned that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of God" in the book's first sentence (Mark 1:1). There's no more critical truth we could know. So why keep it a secret (Mark 8:29-30)?
Well, not everyone in Jesus' day knew the end of the story. Most Jews had different ideas about the Messiah. As we read Mark, watch how Jesus unveils what it means to be Messiah — and to be one of his disciples. To carry a cross, to die, to rise again — what a strange and wonderful mystery this box holds for those who find it! But who can open the box?
Insiders & Outsiders
On Monday in Mark 3, we'll read stories of a new kind of family. The Lord's kin told people, "he's out of his mind" (Mark 3:21), but Jesus chose a new inner circle. He named them "apostles" (Mark 3:14), delegates he could send out to represent him and share his message. He selected twelve of them, just like the twelve patriarchs that began God's first covenant people. Who did Jesus say were his "mother" and "brothers" (Mark 3:34-35)?
On Tuesday in Mark 4, Jesus will explain the distinction between those who get to see what's in the mystery box and those who don't. This is the "parable chapter" in Mark. Jesus told his disciples, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside everything is in parables" (Mark 4:11). As Jesus explains God's kingdom, notice the keyword "hear." And ask yourself, "What kind of hearer am I?"
On Wednesday (Mark 5) and Friday (Mark 7), Jesus will enter Gentile cities and perform miracles. He helps a frightening demon-possessed strongman (Mark 5:1-20), a humble Syro-Phoenician woman's daughter (Mark 7:24-30), and in Decapolis, he heals a deaf man (Mark 7:31-37). What do you learn from these encounters? And how does the deaf man's cure foreshadow the spiritual goal Christ seeks for his disciples?
In Judges 1-14, Israel’s journey continues as they grapple with the complexities of life in the Promised Land after Joshua's death. The narrative reveals a cycle of obedience and rebellion, showcasing the Israelites' struggles to drive out opposing inhabitants and fully claim their territories. The text highlights significant leaders, like Othniel, Ehud, and Deborah, who rise to deliver Israel from oppression, reinforcing themes of divine sovereignty and human agency. The recurring motif of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God is juxtaposed with God’s faithfulness in raising judges to lead and protect the people. The stories emphasize the consequences of turning away from covenantal commitments, while each judge's unique character illustrates the varied ways God uses individuals to accomplish His purposes. Ultimately, these chapters lay bare the ongoing tension between divine intentions and human actions, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Israel’s identity and relationship with God.
Josh. 34, Judg. 1-14
FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
REFLECTING ON THE PSALMS
Psalms 43 to 45 continue the themes of longing for divine guidance and celebration of God's sovereignty. Psalm 43 is a plea for justice and vindication, where the psalmist seeks clarity and light in the midst of turmoil, emphasizing trust in God as a source of strength and refuge. Psalm 44 reflects on past deliverances while lamenting current distress, balancing remembrance of God's historical faithfulness with a deep yearning for renewed intervention. Finally, Psalm 45 is a royal wedding song, extolling the virtues of a king, symbolizing a messianic hope. This psalm celebrates righteousness and anointing, portraying the king as a figure of divine blessing and justice. Together, these psalms capture the dynamic relationship between lament, hope, and praise, illustrating the overarching theme of reliance on God's faithfulness in both personal and communal contexts.