Daily Devotions
Mark
2 Peter 3:1 "Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder)." 2 Peter 3:1"
Day 214 – Mark 9
“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder).” 2 Peter 3:1
MINISTRIES THAT RECEIVED THE LIMELIGHT
At first glance, it would appear as if Jesus did not have any ministry to children. But this is not necessarily a true understanding of His overall ministry.
Mark noted the obvious ministries of the Lord Jesus Christ. The three most notable ones would be the following:-
1. Ministry of preaching and teaching
2. Ministry of Discipling
3. Ministry of Healing
MINISTRIES THAT WERE NOT HIGHLIGHTED
One of the ministries that did not receive a whole lot of attention and acclaim, would be the ministry to children. However, this does not mean that this is an unimportant or an invalid ministry. The following text bears this truth out most effectively.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me
to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone
were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.”
MARK 9:42
1. Intimations that Jesus did have a special ministry to children
a) That Jesus was able to use a little child as an illustration (Mark 9: 36)
This point alone bears out the fact that children were not absent among the multitudes.
i) Parents could have brought their little ones to Jesus.
ii) Children can understand spiritual truths.
b) That Jesus gave a very strict word of warning to all who might stumble “little ones”
2. The severe judgment that will befall those who stumble little ones
a) Being a stumbling block to the little ones.
b) The penalty is so heavy that even the casual reader (listener) would give full attention.
Whether ministries receive the limelight, or they are “obscure” great care must be given at all times. All ministries would be evaluated from the Divine perspective!