Matthew Ragain

Whenever we talk about the end times, we must remember that it's all about Jesus. There are many ways to interpret and discuss how Jesus is coming back. He is coming back indeed. Why does Jesus delay in coming back? He delays because he is patient. He doesn't want anyone...anyone to face eternity without him. That is the amazing thing about out Father. All of us deserve his wrath, but what we get is patience and kindness.

Mark 13:26-37 Why is Jesus Taking so Long?

A teacher of the law asks Jesus a sincere question. Of all the commandments, which is the greatest? This is a very good question because it helps us to understand the rest of the commandments. Jesus' answer does not take us to the 10 commandments, as you might expect. But rather, he takes us to Deuteronomy 6 and quotes the 4th verse...the Shema. Jesus says the greatest commandment is to Love God.

Mark 12:28-34 The Greatest Commandment

The tenth chapter of Mark highlights some remarkable interactions with Jesus. Today we end with a blind man's humble request. He does not ask for glory (unlike James and John) and he does not ask for validation (unlike the young ruler). He asks for sight. He does not expect to receive it. He begs for it. He approaches Jesus not with entitlement but with an honest perception of his own helplessness. To be a follower of Jesus is to be like this blind man. Like the blind man, all the good things we think we have and do are like rags compared to following Jesus.

Mark 10:41-52 A Blind Man's Request

This beautiful passage of scripture highlights the treasure that is God's word. When we think of treasure, we think of how difficult it is to find treasure. Once, however, the treasure is found, it is cherished and held at a great value. That is the same with God's word. It takes the Holy Spirit to reveal God's treasure to you. It takes "digging" in God's word to uncover that treasure. God's word is more valuable than any earthly treasure. It will last for all of this mortal life and life eternal.

Forest Lake, Minnesota: Psalm 119:129-130

Jesus calls himself the Son of Man. This is a title that is controversial. Some people argue this title proves that Jesus was a man and not divine. But what Jesus is doing is revealing his true identity as the divine and human representative of all mankind. By using the title Son of Man, Jesus is reminding us of the vision in Daniel chapter 7. Daniel sees a son of man approaching God. God then gives him power, authority and glory. This son of man, according to Jesus, is himself. Jesus says about himself in Mark 14:62, "you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

Mark 2:6-12

The vision trial for Joshua comes to an end, and a picture of the messiah comes into focus. The messiah is a branch. The messiah is a stone covered with seven eyes. The messiah will remove the sin of the land in a single day. That sounds a lot like Jesus Christ.

Zechariah 3:8-10

Zechariah sees the trial of Joshua the high priest. Satan is standing next to Joshua to accuse him. What Satan is doing to Joshua and Israel is pointing out their corruption to God. In other words, Satan is telling God Israel is not worthy of God's love and protection. What Satan doesn't understand is that God's love and protection are not based upon what Joshua does, but based upon God's faithfulness. If you feel unworthy to receive God's love and protection, you're not. However, Jesus is. And that's all that counts. Jesus' death, burial and resurrection are the means by which we all are counted as worthy and righteous before God. <br />
<br />
Matt Ragain<br />
Immanuel Church<br />
Forest Lake, Minnesota

Zechariah sees the trial of Joshua the high priest. Satan is standing next to Joshua to accuse him. What Satan is doing to Joshua and Israel is pointing out their corruption to God. In other words, Satan is telling God Israel is not worthy of God's love and protection. What Satan doesn't understand is that God's love and protection are not based upon what Joshua does, but based upon God's faithfulness. If you feel unworthy to receive God's love and protection, you're not. However, Jesus is. And that's all that counts. Jesus' death, burial and resurrection are the means by which we all are counted as worthy and righteous before God. 

Matt Ragain
Immanuel Church
Forest Lake, Minnesota

Matthew Ragain Videos

Mark 13:26-37 Why is Jesus Taking so Long?

Mark 12:28-34 The Greatest Commandment

Mark 10:41-52 A Blind Man's Request

Forest Lake, Minnesota: Psalm 119:129-130

Mark 2:6-12

Zechariah 3:8-10

Zechariah 3:1-7

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Matthew Ragain Videos

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Mark 13:26-37 Why is Jesus Taking so Long?

Mark 12:28-34 The Greatest Commandment

Mark 10:41-52 A Blind Man's Request

Forest Lake, Minnesota: Psalm 119:129-130

Mark 2:6-12

Zechariah 3:8-10

Zechariah 3:1-7

Group of Brands