Day 287

Galilean Ministry cont.
8. Third Circuit
- Second rejection at Nazareth - Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6
- Third tour of Galilee
    *Disciples sent forth - Matthew 9:35-38; Matthew 10:1-7: Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1-2
    *Instructions for the journey - Matthew 10:5-15; Mark 6:8-11; Luke 9:3-5
    *Persecution of the disciples - Matthew 10:16-33
    *Cost and rewards of discipleship - Matthew 10:34-42; Matthew 11:1; Mark 6:12-3; Luke 9:6
- Death of John the Baptist - Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9


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Mark 6:3 - "...is this not the carpenter..." - They saw him as a carpenter, never noticed that before.  Though a son would typically follow in his fathers profession.  Apprenticed.  I wish we still had those options in our day and age.  I have been blessed to know at least one family whose sons were apprenticed with their dad and now have skills and experience which will be a blessing to their future families.


The young ladies have been instructed in home making skills and are prepared to be wives and mothers.  Absolutely refreshing to see families willing and ABLE to live a lifestyle similar to that ordained by Father.  Truly a blessing from the Lord.


Matthew 9:38 - Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.


This passage always invokes a sense of urgency within me to pray more diligently for an increase of laborers.  Lord, help us to be obedient to pray fervently for an increase of Your people into Your fields.


Called - Matthew 10:1 - I love it when I see this word...called - G4341 - Middle voice from G4314 and G2564; to call toward oneself, that is, summon, invite.


The Apostles*:
Peter (rock) and Andrew (manly);
James (that supplants) and John (the grace or mercy of God);
Philip (warlike, fond of horses ) and Bartholomew (a son that suspends the waters);
Thomas (the twin) and Matthew, the publican (given, a reward);
James, the son of Alphaeus (that supplants) and Lebbaeus (a man of heart, praising, confessing) whose surname was Thaddaeus (that praises or confesses);
Simon, the Canaanite (that hears, that obeys ) and Judas (the praise of the Lord, confession) Iscariot (a man of murder, a hireling).


*Some name definitions I found via my E-Sword program, others through the Bible Study - Hitchcock Bible names dictionary.


Judas name is always modified with the fact that he betrayed Christ.  I wonder if my name is modified with some word or words .  What would Father say?  Would I be worthy of any commendation?  Matthew gets to carry the distinction of 'publican,' Simon the Canaanite or Zealot.  There seems to be some differing information regarding Simon.  Gill affirms that all of Jesus' disciples were Jews, so the distinction of Canaanite must not mean a non Jew.  Hmmm...lots more to study on that!


He sent them two by two...to have strength, comfort and encouragement from one another.  I am always amazed to hear parents say they are sending their children into the mission field of the public school to be witnesses.  Jesus never sent children or alone.  No matter how many 'Christian' teachers or friends may be there...they are still too young for the battle.


Lest anyone think I am dissing the teachers who are in the public school, please take that thought captive.  I have known or met many adults who feel led to be a light in the dark and depraved institutions we call public schools.  God be with them, they need prayer and a lot of it.  :-)


John the Baptist - last old testament prophet.  Stood firm, called evil for what it was, and paid with his life.  Wicked Herodias wanted John killed...but Herod feared the people (Matthew 14:5) and  John (Mark 6:20).  She bided her time and then used her daughter as bait.  I've always wondered about the daughter, how old?  How wicked to entice your husband with your daughter to get rid of a someone who is calling you out for your sin.


Father, what sin is in my life that I am missing?  Who have you sent to call me out and I listened not?  How about you?  Lord, forgive us for when we are stubborn or refuse to listen to those You send to rebuke, exhort or encourage us to stay on the narrow path.


Bless your people with friends that we might not travel this path alone, going forth into this wicked and adulterous generation, being lights and calling for men to repent.