MATTHEW AND MARK

Today is Wednesday, and I'm looking forward to preaching to two chapel services this morning and then at Church tonight.  What a joy to meet with God's people.  I'm in Matthew and Mark today and I only have time for two thoughts and here they are: HEAD OF THE CORNER- In Matt. 21:42, it says:  "Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner:  this is the LORD's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?"  Jesus has been talking to the priest in this chapter and He gave them a story about two sons who were asked to work in their father's vineyard.  The first said no and later repented and went out to work; the second son said he would go, but did not go to work.  They were asked which did the will of their father.... the first of course.  And Jesus says that the Priest and the people were like the second who having said they would go... went not.  Then a parable about a rich man who planted a vineyard and went on a journey leaving men in charge.  He sent a servant to collect the money raised and he was beat, one stoned, and another killed.  Finally, he sent his own son, who was also killed.  This is the story of Christ going to the Jews and being rejected and killed of them.  So he gives the vineyard to another.  (the Gentiles, who said they would not go, but repented and did.)  Now the verse in Matt. 21:42 is saying that Jesus was rejected by the builders (religious Jews), but He has become the chief corner stone (foundation stone).   It is the LORD who did this and then a question.... "It is marvellous in our eyes?"   Now how you answer shows your response to the foundation stone.... Jesus.  To Christ rejectors, it is not marvellous; but to those of us who have trusted Jesus Christ as our Savior, it is marvellous!!  Marvel in the greatness that is Jesus Christ!!  BESOUGHT HIM- In Mark, there is a phrase that says "besought him".  It is used by people who have come to Jesus on the behalf of others.  Notice these verses: Mark 5:23  And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. Mark 6:56  And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. Mark 7:26  The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. Mark 8:22  And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. Now, here is the simple but profound thought:  On whose behalf are we beseeching Jesus to touch?  So many need a touch to be saved, a touch to be healed, a touch to be whole, a touch to be blessed,.... and who are we asking Jesus to touch?  Let it convict us and challenge us to be in prayer on other's behalf.  Let it be said that we too besought Jesus to touch others!! Have a blessed day!  Pastor Mike Mutchler