Walking With Jesus: The Gospel of Action (Mark 1:1)

Walking With Jesus: The Gospel of Action (Mark 1:1)

by | Aug 5, 2024 | Bible Studies, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God…” (Mark 1:1, NIV)

Many times new believers have asked me where to begin their reading of the Bible – and the answer is always the same. Start with the book of Mark.

It is not only the earliest of the Gospel accounts but also the simplest and the easiest to read. 

It is the shortest account, but also the most action packed. It gives us a good idea of who Jesus is – not necessarily what He taught, but how He walked.

Although Mark had never walked with Jesus himself, he worked closely with Paul and served as an interpreter for Peter. 

An early church historian, Papias, who was the Arch Bishop of Hierapolis, and who lived around the same time, recalls how Mark had collected and recounted all the stories and memories of Peter in his own account. 

Peter was a man of action – and thus it comes as no surprise that Peter’s most vivid memories would revolve around the things that Jesus DID. 

Where Matthew portrays Jesus as the King of Heaven come, Mark very much shows us the Jesus who steps down from His high and exalted place to serve the lost and disenfranchised, the broken, the battered and burdened.

His style is blunt and to the point. A Gospel of Action.

It has been estimated that book of Mark was written and distributed between 60 and 70AD, a time of great persecution in the church. It is further speculated that Mark wrote this Gospel from a prison cell – with the sole purpose of encouraging the persecuted church to stand firm in their faith – devoting a large part of his account to Jesus’ own example of martyrdom, as well as many references to the cost of discipleship.

Mark shows us how Jesus defied the corrupt religious and political authorities of His time, how He stood up for those in need, how He acted as liberator and saviour, followed through with courage and conviction – never faltering – unwavering in His mission to the very end.

The book of Mark was very much written in a time of crisis for the persecuted believer to see Christ, to know Him, to see His face – to identify with Him and learn how to follow in His footsteps.

If you find yourself in a time of crisis today – whether it is a crisis of faith, identity, purpose – or any other storm you might find yourself in – I urge you to walk with Jesus through the book of Mark.

Get to know Him as the One Who Takes Action – the Right Arm of God stretched out, the Mighty One Who Saves – our Healer, our Saviour, our Liberator – the Chain Breaker – Promise Keeper and Light in the Darkness.

Get to know Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

Get to know Jesus as the Face, the Grace and Embrace of God.

Your life will never be the same.

Reflect:

  1. At this point in our study, what do you know about Jesus? What is the image you have in your mind when you think of Him?
  2. If we are called to be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1), how does your answer to the previous question affect your everyday walk in the world? How does your current concept of who Christ is reflect in your daily interactions with those around you? How does it affect your daily activities?

Prayer: Lord, as I start my journey, walking with You through the Gospel According to Mark, give me clarity of mind, give me clarity of understanding – show Yourself to me. As I walk with You through Your Word, teach me Lord to live like You. Give me a richer, more compelling view of who You are and what You came to do. As I journey with You Lord, bring me to a place where I can stand in the resurrection power of Your Gospel – revive me Lord, restore me, stir up in me an excitement and a zeal for Your Kingdom. As I read this Gospel of Action, let my heart be called to action as well. As I see You in the Scriptures, let me show You to the World. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tabernacle Typology 3: Precious Metals

Tabernacle Typology 3: Precious Metals

by | Jul 11, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

Ex. 25:1-9: (KJV)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.”

As we have explored in previous reflections, every aspect of the Tabernacle points to Jesus in some way or form.

As St. Augustine said: “In the Old Testament the New is concealed, in the New the Old is revealed.”

All the nuances and finer points in God’s divine scheme are displayed in the Tabernacle, from the materials used to the staves, hooks and rods, and even the large, durable coverings – everything has a purpose.

In the four versions of the Gospel the hidden importance of such seemingly mundane things are exposed, and we can see Christ portrayed in the Tabernacle as the Son of Man, the Last Adam, The Son of God, the Spotless Lamb slain for our iniquities and transgressions!

The first of these finer points we will look at concerns the precious metals – gold, silver and bronze – used in the construction of the Tabernacle.

Metals like gold and silver have long been considered valuable by people groups across time and space – history and geography – and have often been used as a store of value, a sign of wealth and even power.

Another consideration is the fact that these metals were all taken from the ground, from within the Earth – and so, just as we need to mine the Earth to procure the wealth in it we will need to mine the text of the Bible to gain the wealth of knowledge, wisdom and revelation attached to these precious metals – the true spiritual value of these materials hidden in the incarnation of Jesus, just like its physical counterparts are hidden in the Earth.

Gold was used in the construction of the ark, the Cherubim, the table of showbread, the candlestick and the altar of incense.

It is generally used in the Tabernacle as an emblem of divinity, the revelation of God in the Lord Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. It also speaks of our faith in the Word of God, which is Holy and Perfect.

Silver was the only material not obtained by a voluntary contribution, but by a levy of a half-shekel on each adult Israelite. (Ex. 38:25-26). The silver was used for the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil, also for overlaying, filleting and the making of hooks and sockets.

Silver was the only material not obtained by a voluntary contribution, but by a levy of a half-shekel on each adult Israelite. (Ex. 38:25-26). This tax was ordained, collected as a ransom for the soul, the price of atonement. (2 Sam 24:15, Ex. 30:11-16). The Silver also reminds us of Christ, and His suffering on the cross – the price of our atonement. The sacrifice He made for us, laying down His life. Silver was also exchanged for our salvation, our atonement. (Matt 27:1-10).

Finally Brass was used for the Altar of Burnt-Offerings and the Laver, amongst other things. The Hebrew word means ‘copper’ or ‘bronze’ as is evident from Deut. 8:9: where the metal is said to be hewn from the mountains. It is also what their weapons were made of.

Polished brass was often used as mirrors – and it is in the mirror of Christ’s righteousness and strength that we do introspection. It is typical of judgment and suffering (Leviticus 26:18-20, Judges 16:18-22, Jeremiah 52:8-11), but also stability and enduring strength, just as iron is the emblem of overcoming strength (Deut 33:25).5 Thus it reminds us of God’s judgment over sin, the suffering of Christ for our atonement and the Holy Spirit, enduring and forever. (Zech 4:6, Eph 3:16)

As we continue our study of the Tabernacle and its typology this basic understanding of the precious metals will help convey a deeper and more compelling portrait of Jesus and His Great Work here in our midst.

Reflect:

1. Thinking about the precious metals in this meditation, what other qualities can possibly point to Christ and His Kingdom Come? Can you think of any other uses of these metals in scriptures – whether symbolic or literal – and how it speaks about Christ, His Kingdom or the New Life of the Believer?

2. Write a short Gospel presentation based on one of these precious metals using it to convey a message about the life and sacrifice of Jesus, the working of the Holy Spirit or the life of the believer.The presentation should not be longer than 3 to 5 minutes and should be easy to share.

Prayer: Lord, let my faith be refined through the Fire of Your Spirit into something more precious than silver and gold – burn away the impurities of my own understanding and show me what it is I need to learn so that I might be more like You. As I study and as I go deeper into Your Word – let it be like a mirror of polished brass through which I can do the necessary introspection and discern ever more Your plan and purpose for my life. Refine me like gold and silver so that those in my life might see Your beauty in my life. Strengthen my faith, like copper and brass, that I might stand strong against the opinions of the world and see You in all things. From You are all things and to You are all things. You deserve the glory. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tabernacle Typology 2: Let Them Bring An Offering

Tabernacle Typology 2: Let Them Bring An Offering

by | Jul 11, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

Ex. 25:1-9: (KJV)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.”

God is the creator of all things, the creative genius, weaving together the seams of reality, painting the skies, and letting His song flow through all of creation.

In the Old Testament type of the Tabernacle we find a skillfully composed portrait of Jesus and His coming Kingdom. Each material used in its construction had a specific divine purpose in the design, God’s design for the salvation that was to come (Heb 8:1-5, and see Ex. 25:8-9).

The Tabernacle is seen by many commentators as a sign, an emblem; a symbol of God’s habitation among men – the coming incarnation of Jesus and the subsequent indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

It is interesting to note that according to Maimonides, the main purpose of the Sanctuary was to wean the Israelites from idolatrous worship and turn them towards God. If we examine, for example, the account of the Golden Calf (Ex. 32), we see that the Israelites, like most people, are easily discouraged and seek physical evidence to support their faith, usually in the wrong places. To them, at that time, God had been revealed through Moses, and now that he was gone they needed a new deity, a new revelation of the divine. The sanctuary was there to remind them of God’s presence in their midst, to reassure His chosen people. Just as His Holy Spirit brings revelations of God to us today, so they also needed a revelation, reassurance and affirmation.

The Tabernacle, in many ways, re-enforced the laws which Moses had been commanded to set before the children of Israel. It also symbolised the fact that, when God wanted to abandon them, rather than destroy them, He forgave them, and He went on with them (Ex. 33).

God gave very specific instructions concerning the construction of the Tabernacle, as well as the materials that were to be used. In Exodus 25:2: the Lord says: “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.”

This offering was a freewill offering, not a mandatory one. He also says that the offerings that are to be received are gold, silver, brass, blue, purple and scarlet yarns, fine linen, Goat’s hair, ram’s skins dyed red, badger skins, acacia wood, oil for the lamps, spices for anointing oil and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and breastplate.

A lot of this was plunder brought out of Egypt (Ex. 3:21-22), goods given by God, being given back for the glory of God. The beauty of this is in the concept of self-sacrifice. A spontaneous movement in oneself to do something, out of one’s free-will, not forced participation, but a decision to act not just on behalf of your own good, but for the good of your community according to the Will of God. Thus the Tabernacle is also a symbol, the embodiment, of love, gratitude and surrender to God’s will – for no other reason than the love of neighbor and above all the love of God.

The Tabernacle, for us as modern believers, is an invitation to participate in His presence.

We give what God has given us – our breath, our time, our lives – so that He might dwell in our midst and be glorified. We give what God has given us – with all our love and all our strength – so that God might inhabit our lives and that His Kingdom might come in us and through us, reaching, restoring and transforming the world around us.

Reflect:

1. In thinking about the materials listed in Exodus 25, what are some of the things these components might represent in regards to the coming of Jesus and His Kingdom?

2. In Exodus 25 God commands Moses to take up an offering to build the Tabernacle. What resources do you have available and how can you better use them to expand God’s Kingdom and Habitation amongst His people?

Prayer:

Lord, receive the offering I bring today. As I lay it at your feet – my breath, my time, my life – give me more of You. As I pour out myself before you, come and pour Yourself into me. Come tabernacle in me. Come and live, come alive, in me so that I might be a beacon of Your presence in a hurting world – Your hands and feet. Come and have Your way in me. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tabernacle Typology 1: God Wants To Dwell In Our Midst

Tabernacle Typology 1: God Wants To Dwell In Our Midst

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

In Genesis 3:15 we see that, shortly after Man’s disobedience, God makes a promise, the promise of salvation. God has a plan, for each and every one of us individually, and more often than not you can find the type (or the foreshadowing) in the Old Testament, and the final, full-fledged result, the fulfillment, in the New Testament.

After their Exodus from Egypt, the people of Israel found themselves safe at Mount Sinai. Here Moses had given them the laws and regulations of God, but that would not be the end of their journey with God.

An interesting aside is that God threatened to leave them, to abandon them – instructing Moses to lead the people, but saying “ Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” (Ex. 33), Moses acted as intercessor, just as Jesus was an intercessor for our sins, and reminded God of His promise. This would not be the last time Moses would intercede for the unbelief and obstinate of his people (Numbers 14).

Shortly after this the construction of the Tabernacle started.

God knew the plan He had for the Israelites, He knew what lay ahead (Jer 29:11). He also knew that their hearts would be hard and unrepentant, and that they would remain a stiff-necked people throughout. He knew what the consequences of their stubbornness would be…

Because of this unique knowledge, knowledge that only our God possesses, He designed the Sanctuary so that it could be a portable temple; a portable structure that could travel with them on their wanderings, so that they could have a physical emblem of God’s presence on their journey. It is important to note that when He instructs them to make for Him a sanctuary, the emphasis is not so much on God dwelling in it, but rather that He may dwell in their midst, among His people.

Even in the desert God would be with them. Even in their stubbornness. Even in their stiff-neckedness. Even in their sin. Even in their deafness.

God loves His people, loves His creation and wants to see it glorifying Him, He wants to see His children prosper and live in abundance and so, after the fall of Man, he made a new and living way for us, so that we could break the shackles of sin, and lay all our burdens down and truly be free through Him. Therefore, as you go through the Old Testament, you find people and events that foreshadow the coming of a Savior, the coming of Salvation.

It has been stated in various books and studies that the Tabernacle can be looked at as a portrait of the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus also paints a beautiful picture of God’s love for us, as well as some of the characteristics He expects believers to adopt. God wants to dwell, or tabernacle, in the midst of His children, and just as He revealed Himself to the Israelites,

He revealed Himself to man through Jesus, coming in the flesh through the indwelling of His Spirit, the same Spirit that lives in our hearts, seeing as we’ve accepted Christ as Lord and Savior and have, through Jesus, received all the promises of the Father, that is to say, the Holy Spirit which guides, teaches and edifies, building up the body of Christ into which we were baptized. (Eph 2:22).

His plan, displayed to us a single scarlet thread throughout the Old Testament, was fulfilled in Christ Jesus, and because of the fulfillment the old should be traded for the new. We should cling to Jesus, and not the type, but rather the fulfillment of it, for He now dwells in our hearts, God tabernacles among us, in Spirit.

In the Old Testament God lived in the Tabernacle, he dwelt among His people through the Tabernacle, but today, in this day and age, He revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and now reveals Himself through the Holy Spirit (The Spirit of His Son), in us.


Where once God dwelt in a temple, He now truly lives among His people, He now truly tabernacles amongst His people, He now lives within us. Just as through the Tabernacle the priests had access to God, so to, through faith in Jesus we have boldness and access to God, through Christ we are a royal priesthood! (1 Pet 2:9)


He made a way for us, a new and living way, and we are free…

Reflect:

1. What are some ways in which we can see Jesus typified in the life of Moses and the event of the Exodus?

2. Reflecting on the purpose of the Tabernacle, what does it typify in terms of the modern day believer? What does the word ‘tabernacle’ mean to you?

3. The Tabernacle was in a lot of ways the ‘portable Presence’ of God in the desert. What does this imply in terms of our Christian walk?

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the depth of Your Word. That there is always more under the surface. As I continue to think along these lines, broaden my understanding. Come tabernacle in me Lord. Let me be full of You. Full of Your Presence and Power – a portable temple of sorts in the desert of this current culture. Help me carry Christ to dead and dry places, and let me see revival and restoration break out wherever I go. In Jesus name. Amen.

What is Typology? (An Introduction)

What is Typology? (An Introduction)

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Typology

Typology is the study of the New Testament in light of the Old. One of the biggest Biblical studies in typology is the book of Hebrews in which the author constantly points out how important figures, concepts and events point towards Jesus as the Messiah.

Looking at the Old Testament we can think of a few obvious ones, for example, the Brazen Serpent, symbolic of Jesus coming in the likeness of sin and hanging on the cross so that all who look unto Him could be saved, and the Rod of Aaron, typical of Christ’s priesthood and resurrection.

Essentially, ‘Types’ are a kind of prophetic foreshadowing. The idea is that all that was points towards what is and what will be – that God has hidden these prophetic lines in the tapestry of creation and history, like a secret scarlet thread for us to find, understand and marvel at.

God has been writing His love letter to mankind from before it all began.

And these ‘Types’ are like breadcrumbs leading us towards a more compelling, fuller view of the will and heart of God.

Beyond being food for thought, as we meditate on and enjoy the deeper things of God’s Word, there is also the potential of using it in conversation to explain who Christ is and what He did for us.

There is therefore the potential of employing it, like the author of Hebrews, for Jewish evangelism specifically as well – at the very least, the study of these types present the opportunity of using the Old Testament, the Hebrew scriptures, to open the door for conversation about Jesus.

The names and concepts from the Old Testament will be familiar to a Jewish audience, and with a little bit of cultural awareness the knowledge of the Old can be used to point our brothers and sisters towards the New and Living Way.

Nonetheless, whatever our reasons for pursuing a study of the Old Testament and its types – whether for personal growth and understanding, purely academic or intellectual reasons, or more practical pursuits – it is a fascinating subject worthy of our attention and careful, diligent study.

Here are a few places to start:

  • Numbers 21 – the Brazen Serpent (See John 3)
  • Exodus 11-13 – The Paschal Lamb (See 1 Corinthians 5:7)
  • Genesis 22-24 – Isaac as a ‘type’ of Jesus (See Hebrews 11)
  • The Book of Joshua – Joshua as a ‘type’ of Jesus (See Hebrews 4)

The prophets often saw in simile and metaphor, Jesus spoke in parables – and through the Holy Spirit we can gain a deeper understanding of the recurring themes, ideas and concepts in the Bible towards a more satisfying view of history.

As you look at these examples, ask God to show you that hidden scarlet thread – the scarlet thread of His mercy, grace, love and faithfulness – the scarlet thread that is Jesus.

Reflect:

1. Prayerfully look at one of the examples above, all typifying Jesus. How do these people, places and events point to Jesus?

2. Can you think of any other examples in the Old Testament that might be a kind of prophetic foreshadowing of the coming Kingdom?

Prayer:

Lord, all knowledge and wisdom is in Your hand. I ask today that as I read, as I study – as I approach Your Word with reverence and awe – that You will open up the Scriptures and grant me understanding. Help me see Jesus in the Old Testament. Enlarge the joy of my salvation as I consider the things of Old – knowing that from the foundation of creation You had me in mind. Since before time began You loved me. From the very beginning of it all, Your plan for me was Jesus. Amen.