Read: Mark 7-8
Mark 7 shows us something that still applies so clearly today. Jesus is teaching, correcting, and performing miracles, but in all of it He keeps coming back to one thing. God’s truth matters more than human tradition. For context, the Pharisees cared deeply about their traditions, but not always about honoring God. Their focus became how things looked instead of what was actually in their hearts (BibleRef.com).
“They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” -Mark 7:7-8
That is such a strong warning. It is possible to look like you are doing everything right on the outside but still miss God completely.
We do this today. We argue about what church should look like, what songs should be sung, what time service should be at, or what traditions we should follow. But those things were never meant to replace obedience. They are just tools meant to point us to God. When they become more important than Him, they turn into idols. We cannot let go of the commands of God and replace them with what the world says is important. We also cannot adjust God’s truth to fit a world that is filled with sin. Truth does not change just because culture does.
Something that really stands out to me is how people try to twist what love means. You hear things like “aren’t we supposed to love everyone?” or “Jesus would just love them.” And yes, we are called to love. But loving someone does not mean supporting or being in agreement with sin. You can love and respect a person while still standing firm in truth. That line may feel thin at times, but it is still clear.
This is not about following a checklist to earn heaven. Jesus already paid for our sins. But when you truly know Him and love Him, obedience follows. Your heart changes, and that change shows up in how you live.
“What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” -Mark 7:20-23
What is in your heart will come out in your words, your thoughts, and your actions.
I’ve been feeling this a lot in this season of motherhood. I am having a hard time with my toddler. He is pushing every button that I have; and if I’m being honest, I’m not always as kind as I want to be. I catch myself raising my voice or reacting from a place of control instead of patience.
At the same time, he is learning too. I’ve noticed him being unkind to others, even saying that he doesn’t like them. It’s not something that he hears from us, but something he uses to push others away so he can have me to himself. I know he just wants my attention, and I don’t always have it to give, which is something I’m working on. Busy mamas unite!
He still wants his mommy. He still loves me, even on the days when I’m not as gentle as I want to be. He’s three, and I’m thirty! At the end of the day, I just want to love on him.
What comes out of me matters. My words, my tone, my reactions. I’m working on slowing down, taking a breath before I respond, and choosing kindness even when it’s hard. Not perfectly, but intentionally.
Mark 8 continues to build on who Jesus is and what He is preparing His disciples for. In the middle of everything, there is this moment where Jesus asks a simple but powerful question.
“Who do people say I am?” … “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” -Mark 8:27-29
Peter recognized Jesus for who He truly was. Not just a teacher, not just a miracle worker, but the Messiah. That is the question for us too. Not what others say about Jesus, but who we say He is. Because how we answer that will shape how we live.
Discussion Questions
- If Jesus asked you, “Who do you say I am?” how would you answer? Does your life reflect that answer?
- What does your heart reveal through your words and actions recently?
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A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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