Author: Jim Cantelon

Read Mark 10

Key Verse: Mark 10:15 “…Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” I think we’ve all heard it said of some happy senior citizen that he or she is having a “second childhood”. Whereas in their early adulthood and middle age they may have been cautious and thoughtful, now they’re reckless and irresponsible. For years they were serious and committed to their work; now, all they want to do is have fun. Suddenly they’re easily moved emotionally and seemingly over-generous with their monty. It’s enough...

Read Mark 9

Key Verse: Mark 9:7 “…This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Today’s reading includes the story of the transfiguration of Jesus as well as a healing of a boy with an evil spirit. It also includes a discussion of who is the greatest among the disciples, and a comment from Jesus on who’s with Him and who’s against Him. It concludes with a look at the importance of consistent living, especially as it relates to one’s example to children. But it’s the story of the transfiguration that captures my interest. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him onto...

October 19, 2020

This “second wave” of Covid is no surprise but it is troubling. It’s a bit much to hear we may be under protocols for another year, barring a vaccine breakthrough. Even those whose tendencies to depression have been minimal are sounding a touch gloomy. Little wonder. We’re made for fellowship. In the book of Acts we read that the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Doctrinal input, communion (table fellowship?), and prayer were all catalyzed by social interaction. The sustainability...

Read Mark 8

Key Verse: Mark 8:18 “Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?” This chapter gives us a fascinating insight into the frailty of human nature. Beginning in verse 14 we have a story of the disciples forgetting to bring bread on a boat trip. All they had was one loaf, and they were obviously concerned. Jesus saw their concern and made the most unusual comment. He says, “Beware of the leaven (yeast) of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” The disciples were somewhat flummoxed by this and tried to figure out why Jesus was scolding...

Read Mark 7

Key Verse: Mark 7:8 “…Laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men…” If ever you’re tempted to reduce God’s work in your life to a system or formula, read this chapter. In the first half we read about Jesus’ revulsion for human systems and traditions. Specifically, He attacks formulas for righteousness. The issue was what is, and what isn’t, “kosher” (or “clean”). The Pharisees were upset because Jesus’ disciples were eating food without washing their hands beforehand. Jesus reacts by quoting...

Read Mark 6

Key Verse: Mark 6:50 “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” If there’s anything for which Jesus is most remembered by the secular world (apart from the Christmas story), it’s something recorded in this chapter: Jesus walking on the water. He and the disciples had just finished a very labour-intensive (to say nothing of people-intensive) task, the feeding of the five thousand. He insisted His disciples take a break, in fact we read, “He made His disciples get into the boat…” while He, himself, went “to the mountain to pray.” Later...

October 14, 2020

Matthew 5 Divorce vv.31 & 32 – Part 1 Here in the twenty-first century we live in an era of disposable relationships. Nearly one in two marriages ends in divorce. We accept it, even though it is often painful. And, increasingly, young couples are choosing cohabitation without the legal trappings of marriage. It’s a way of avoiding red tape when the inevitable breakup occurs. The breakup will occur. or, so we believe. Very few expect to marry for life. So it’s a bit of jolt to red Jesus’ prohibition of divorce. It seems harsh. But let’s look at the context. Marriage,...

Read Mark 5

Key Verse: Mark 5:34 “…your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed…” Here we have the stories of a dead girl and a sick woman. The woman had an affliction which had disabled her for twelve years. What’s more, it brought with it a ceremonial uncleanness– which meant she was a bit of an outcast. Because of this, she lived with a deep sense of shame, affecting her self-esteem and self-confidence to the point where she would shrink from coming to Jesus openly and of easily confessing afterwards that she’d touched Him. The dead girl, on the other...

Read Mark 4

Key Verse: Mark 4:9 “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” This has been called by some commentators the chapter of parables. Mark suggests in verses 2, 33 & 34, that the parables here are just some of the many Jesus taught. Two of them deal with the kingdom and what the kingdom of heaven is like; they other two talk about a proper responses to the gospel. Just a few comments about that first parable, that of the sower. It is not so much about seed or sowers, as it is about soil. Broadcasting or scattering seed was often used as an illustration of the act of teaching, and the...

Read Mark 3

Key Verse: Mark 3:27 “Stretch out your hand…” Two things stand out in this chapter. First of all, Jesus heals someone who has had a withered hand all his life. Notice that Jesus asks a man who has never used his hand before to stretch it out. This seems to be a rather unreasonable demand. The man probably expected Jesus to take the initiative in this healing; instead, He looks at the man and says, “You take the initiative. You stretch out your hand.” So he did. As he made the attempt, Jesus empowered him. This is a good word to us. When we seek God’s touch...