Examples of Jesus (& Others) In The Context Of ‘The Way’ [2 Peter 1 Study]

[See larger study here]

From Mark (why Mark?):

• 1:2–3 — Jesus of course is Himself the road. He’s the Way. And the first step onto the road therefore requires some KNOWLEDGE of Him (& His promises), the divide of eternal options, such that one might repent of sin and start toward the Way (v.4)
• 1:6–7 — JTB’s STEADFASTNESS to preach and to live in unfavorable conditions according to His calling. His KNOWLEDGE of Messiah which prompted his continued VIRTUE. This all encompassed by GODLINESS as he looked to God’s calling on his own life with reverent excitement for the Messiah.
• 1:12–13 — STEADFASTNESS of Jesus in the wilderness, the SELF CONTROL to fast
• 1:16–20 — Out of first LOVE but then BROTHERLY AFFECTION, the Son of God chose men to walk the road with Him, to show them the way of VIRTUE — of saving souls. “Immediately” they followed Him, and “immediately” He preached and saved, and “immediately” they brought Him more VIRTUOUS tasks, partnering together. (1:18, 20, 21, 29, 30, 32+) (Henceforth I won’t discuss each and every act of VIRTUE as more are above in the study through Matthew, but note how constantly Jesus jumps to serve, how eager to be interrupted to do something good, even “camping aside the road for a night.”)
• 1:29 — The second thing He did with them (that Mark records), after preaching and healing, was to go back to their house. BROTHERLY AFFECTION.
• 1:32 — STEADFASTNESS to heal people all night
• 1:41 — LOVE to touch the leper (1:43–44). KNOWLEDGE of the Father’s will and timing.
• 2:5 — The FAITH of the paralytic and his friends to run to Jesus no-holds-barred even if they didn’t see their deepest needs, they came with urgency knowing this life doesn’t last forever. The GODLINESS of Jesus to see first, in the midst of so much physical healing, that He could serve the spiritual need of these men because of their faith. he had eyes on the Father rather than just going with the flow.
• 2:15 — BROTHERLY AFFECTION/LOVE to Levi and the tax collectors that He wanted to spend time in this home (and perhaps to give them a chance to host a huge group of Jewish people toward reconciliation)
• 3:1 — STEADFASTNESS to continue on in VIRTUE through the constant hardship of the pharisees’ questions and rebukes
• 3:13–19 — BROTHERLY AFFECTION; He came and chose 12 to be close companions to Him (talmidim), who were chosen by God, who He’d love deeply and partner with, who He believed could be just like Him. They’d lay down their lives together on mission (3:20). They’d be His new family (3:21, 33).
• 3:28–30 — GODLINESS; jealousy for God’s Spirit within him
• 3:21 — STEADFASTNESS to continue on in the midst of His closest earthly relationships changing; those He had spent the most time with were yet blind to the gospel despite His perfection in their own house. Yet He pressed on in perfect kindness to them.
• 4:10–12 — KNOWLEDGE to administer VIRTUE in the way that God has ordained
• 4:1–20 (Parable of the Sower) — 1. Word Sown On Path & Taken By Enemy: no FAITH to receive it, 2. Word Sown On Rocky Ground With No Roots: FAITH to receive it, perhaps a little VIRTUE and increase in KNOWLEDGE for a time, but lack SELF CONTROL and ultimately STEADFASTNESS to continue, 3. Word Sown Among Thorns: ultimately lacking GODLINESS; a mind and heart towards God. Pride of life in wanting and not being satisfied. Walking along the path and growing weary after a long journey and wanting something besides God. Perhaps lacking BROTHERLY AFFECTION from someone on the path with them. 4. Word On Good Soil: ultimately reaches LOVE and abounds in fruitful kingdom work unto lost souls.
• 4:26–29 — STEADFASTNESS and GODLINESS to keep working and to keep sleeping and trusting God for the growth. VIRTUE to immediately reap when it’s time. KNOWLEDGE to recognize the time.
• 4:30–34 — FAITH to see this life and the kingdom on earth in light of eternity in all its majesty
• 4:35–41 — the fearful wonder and awe of GODLINESS (and previous lack thereof)
• 5:17–18 — Jesus’ LOVE for the man prompted His healing and I see also LOVE and STEADFASTNESS in His immediate submission to the wishes of the people that He leave, despite them being harassed and helpless and Jesus longing to help them
• 5:21, 24 — STEADFASTNESS as the crowds continue to meet Him
• 5:28 — All the examples of FAITH through Mark which I’d studied, which laid some of the foundation for this whole study. The unwavering confidence and conviction of God’s goodness and ability and character, which prompts bold action and request. Jesus exemplifies this throughout. (4:35–41, 5:35–39) It is truly the foundation of all patient and zealous VIRTUE which is the very road. Everything else comes as we walk down the road but we cannot even start down the road — we will not — without this FAITH, this conviction. (For in a season where I have grown weary of VIRTUE, and am not zealous for good work, is it not because I have given in to the lies of self-preservation? And does that not directly correlate to a weak eternal perspective and lack of conviction that eternity is near and a sacrificial life is truly the abundant life? So this FAITH is crucial and perhaps prompts everything.)
• 6:6 — STEADFASTNESS and GODLINESS informing each other, for though this might have been one of the hardest struggles, He looked to God and knew it wasn’t personal — it was a spiritual issue and it was the Father’s prerogative to harden hearts. He pressed on in what He saw the Father doing (6:11)
• 6:7 — BROTHERLY AFFECTION; Jesus did not send them out alone. Perhaps also for accountability — SELF CONTROL
• 6:18 — JTB’s KNOWLEDGE of righteousness and boldness to speak it, and Herod’s respect for it (6:20)
• 6:30–32 — It is right to rest from VIRTUE for a time, as our capacities would demand that we escape every now and then for solitude (yet still together with brothers) (BROTHERLY AFFECTION — brothers rest together)
• 6:37–38 — In pondering this act of VIRTUE, they saw only their limited capacity rather than what they could do, even if that seemed like only a little. So do what you can, all of what you can, and rest in your capacity.
• 7:14–23 — A great reminder that none of these things are possible without the Spirit of God, for evil is rooted deeply in the flesh; what tasks or thoughts can be possibly good and what righteousness can come out of this body without supernatural transformation and continued power. Oh God, increase our FAITH, KNOWLEDGE, GODLINESS, and LOVE.
• 7:28 — STEADFASTNESS in prayer — the persistence/chutzpah RVL talks about — to beg and plead even when told ‘no.’
• 7:33,36 — Jesus’ VIRTUE was pure. One cannot say that He did such things for the praise of men. He cared for these individuals. LOVE (8:23)
• 8:14–21 — GODLINESS (or lack thereof) to look to God immediately when in need; to know that He perfectly provides. To be first sustained in/by Him, His work (John 4:34, Prov 16:26), His relationship (John 15), His type of provision (Is. 55:1–2) though it may not be what we think we need. He gives everything, He gives all joy (Ps. 4:7). Look to Him! Persistent in prayer for your needs. He is good and faithful.
• 8:24–25 — God wants us to have all KNOWLEDGE, to see everything clearly (Eph 3, Col 1) that it may inform VIRTUE (& GODLINESS, etc.) (8:27–32)
• 8:34–37 — STEADFASTNESS to live a sacrificial life unto eternity, to give it all away, day after day, willing to die. (8:38 — GODLINESS; having a reverent fear of God, acknowledging Him at every point)
• 9:5–6 — However illogical/irrational, the way of VIRTUE is eager service
• 9:10–13 — We need KNOWLEDGE to ask the right questions, to recognize what God is doing, to see Jesus properly, and thus to inform our actions and inquiries. They knew the scriptures, but they didn’t recognize JTB as the Elijah. Reading and memorizing is not enough — it must inform our actions, it must be used to interpret life happening in our midst.
• 9:23,29 — A close relationship with God such that the conversation is between us and Him immediately, that VIRTUE would not distract our hearts of GODLINESS
• 9:32 — A refusal to ask questions, to grow in KNOWLEDGE is to welcome trial and hardship that would be otherwise unnecessary, for did they not run and leave Him in the end? They could have seen it coming and trusted Him, walking in greater VIRTUE those three days.
• 9:33–37 — A deep contentment and reverence for God results in a restful life, one that isn’t concerned with status, one that has the patience and tenderness for a child. GODLINESS
• 9:38–41 — Even in saying “he wasn’t following us,” they were seeing the group as the focal point. Surely if they would have seen Jesus as the all-consuming focus they would have said “you” ? Or is that my individualistic mindset reading too far into it? Even so, they weren’t consumed with zeal for the VIRTUE of casting out demons and they didn’t LOVE those enough from whom the demons had gone out. Rather, they were prideful and thinking about their own kingdom (v.34). Jesus displayed GODLINESS, being content in God the Father and trusting what He was doing, knowing that if this man whom John was talking about saw mighty things done in Jesus’ name, he wouldn’t be able to help speaking highly of Jesus, even if his motives weren’t pure at the first. Indeed (9:42–50) this is far bigger than nit-picking young believers; move forward in zeal for the mission (FAITH + urgency) and receive even the youngest workers as co-workers and brothers (v.37,39)(BROTHERLY AFFECTION), even if their work might seem insignificant (v.41). Would you stifle any zeal they might have for the Lord? (v.42) Instead worry about your own heart and service — do whatever it takes to please the Lord and walk with Him (v.43–48) (SELF CONTROL, GODLINESS). Have zeal and do not lose your zeal, just like salt in the manure makes it burn hotter and longer (v.49–50) (STEADFASTNESS, VIRTUE) and be at peace with one another (BROTHERLY AFFECTION). 10:13–16 — Again, let the children come. In fact, you must also be like children (GODLINESS, FAITH).
• 10:21 — LOVE for those especially who want to love God but whose hearts are in love with the world and trusting in comfort/wealth/safety. LOVE speaks truth. (It takes FAITH to rest in the all-satisfying nature of God, STEADFASTNESS to face head-on the trial of sacrifice, and SELF CONTROL to keep from being further enticed by the lures of ‘vanity fair.’ (10:23))
• 10:26–27 — GODLINESS recognizes that salvation is only possible by God’s grace. It is to be exceedingly astonished at the hopelessness of even the most powerful earthly man if he be without God’s grace, which would be the only means by which he could be empowered to give it all away in light of eternity. Which again is FAITH. GODLINESS doesn’t merely follow the commandments, but rather looks to God for the ability to do so, and loves doing so (Ps. 119).
• 10:29–31 — FAITH sees the reward to come and STEADFASTNESS marches toward it sacrificially, being promised hardship.
• 10:32 — “those who followed were afraid.” Anyone can look at Jesus and “be amazed,” but it’s His true followers who understand the weight of His calling, and walk with Him nonetheless, yet in reverent fear of the reality that He is Lord and His demands (and deserves) everything. GODLINESS
• 10:35–37 — Perhaps strong FAITH but little KNOWLEDGE. Indeed, look how foolish it appears to walk this road without increasing in KNOWLEDGE; and note the other things they lack in this moment too (at least GODLINESS).
• 10:41 — lack of BROTHERLY AFFECTION is ugly, it’s unhelpful, and it’s bred out of selfishness.
• 10:43–45 — True and powerful VIRTUE, the way of life that makes one “great” is utterly selfless. It’s sacrificial. It walks into sacrifice for others over and over again (LOVE, STEADFASTNESS).
• 10:46–52 — Bartimaeus, though blind, “saw” more than anyone else (KNOWLEDGE), for he knew his own state (blind), he knew Jesus was the Messiah and thus not only his hope but the hope of Israel (‘son of David’), and he knew that even with sight the world had nothing to offer him — he followed Jesus. Mainly I think this is KNOWLEDGE, but perhaps also FAITH and GODLINESS too. Beautiful to see them all together unlike the past few examples where one is missing. Praise be to God to give us the example of a random blind man in the corner (not an apostle) to say “look at him, he gets it.” He’s eager. I picture tears. Zeal, begging, pleading. And he “springs up” to come. Jesus gives him permission to go “his way” but he follows Jesus on “the way.”
• 11:1–10 — Those who had KNOWLEDGE of Messianic prophecy had great opportunity to play a role in this symbolic moment (v.6) and to take part in worship (v.9–10). Knowing what He’s doing allows us to watch and eagerly say yes to these things of service and praise.
• 11:11 — To have KNOWLEDGE (and perhaps GODLINESS) is to consider the path of VIRTUE. To look to the Father for direction, to assess the situation itself, the potential response, the timing of the response. (V.18 — and it was the right response, for people were astonished, not enraged)
• 11:12–14,20–25 — The lesson of the fig tree teaches the Jews (and us) GODLINESS, and the FAITH to see eternally all that God is doing and being a part of it. To know with reverent fear that I am unworthy and that God can cut me off (Rom 11). (It looks lush, but in fact was not producing fruit and so was good for nothing (Luke 13:6–7). Indeed this was the greatest curse — the reverse of the first blessing — ‘be fruitful’ — and the removal of that which is the honor of the fig tree: its fruit (Judges 9:11) which is its serviceableness to men, which is preferable to its promotion over the trees (Judges 9:11). It has withered ‘to its roots’ and thus it will no longer even grow leaves to cheat people into thinking it is fruitful. It is only now fit for fuel (fire). They were shocked at how quickly it had withered away and experienced the removal of the Lord’s blessing, as the Jewish people soon would, for this was the reversal of the “dry rod” of the Levitical priesthood which budded “in one night” and brought forth almonds (Num 17:8); now this fig tree had withered in one night and Peter was surprised, perhaps at the physical circumstance but more so at the strange and scarcely credible idea that the Jewish people, God’s own people, His only professing people in the world, should be thus abandoned. Even this inconceivable thing is possible with faith. Indeed, we’re not changing topics from v. 21 to 22, because this is a specific mountain — The Mount of Olives — the olive tree symbolizing the Jewish people, to whom the Gentiles are grafted in. The whole mountain full of olive trees can be removed! (see the coming parable 12:1–2 which affirms the following too) Yet, verse 25. It is not God’s heart to remove so much as it is to reconcile, to forgive. So the cost of rejecting Jesus is being rejected by Him, no matter who you are, but that is not His heart and so it is not ours. Romans 11. God has still always retained a remnant, thus remaining faithful to His people. The Jewish people are still the center of the story; let us not become proud. Note both the kindness and the severity of God (Rom 11:22). GODLINESS.)
• 11:25 — To walk in true power, true FAITH & GODLINESS, to have answered prayer from the Lord, the journey cannot be walked in sin or hardness of heart towards others. So whether it be LOVE or BROTHERLY AFFECTION or VIRTUE, know that forgiveness is key if we want to walk under Jesus’ banner and ask the Father for grand miracles. If we have not forgiven others, do we really know His heart? Would we be hypocritical in accepting/claiming His grace?
• 12:16–17 — GODLINESS is to know at all times whose likeness and inscription is on me — God’s — and to walk in stewardship. And should I not have KNOWLEDGE enough (and constantly seeking more) that I can answer the questions of the pharisees, Herodians, and sadducees? (12:18). That I could rightly represent Him on the journey. GODLINESS also to be patient and STEADFAST through their hypocrisy (12:15,18) and not smiting them or ‘turning over tables,’ but entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly (1 Peter 2) and only doing His job as Rabbi to dispute with other rabbis, sharpening them like iron and standing for truth (12:28).
• 12:28–34 — This is the first man, contrasted with all the scribes, pharisees, Herodians, and sadducees, who demonstrates KNOWLEDGE and with it we see humility, slowness of speech, thoughtful contemplation, love of truth, desire for God. (Looking at the definition of KNOWLEDGE again, this teaching is on point)
• 12:41–44 — True VIRTUE is to give sacrificially, no matter who is watching, up until there is absolutely no more capacity to give any more, and resting in that.
• 13:9–13 — STEADFASTNESS
• 13:20 — Indeed it would seem that humans would wipe themselves off the earth if left to themselves. And we know it too, yet we do not confess our sin or admit it could be us. Perhaps this only means the believers though.
• 13:23 — KNOWLEDGE of Jesus in truth will be crucial in the last days that we may not be led astray by others who appear to be Him.
• 13:31 — FAITH enough to wait and watch and to be confident (13:28–31)
• 13:32–36 — Perhaps it is GODLINESS to “stay awake” (4 times commanded)
• 14:4 — So perhaps as Peter recounts the story to Mark, he makes clear that others shared Judas’ sentiment. Perhaps truly out of VIRTUE and yet lacking GODLINESS nevertheless. And anyways lacking KNOWLEDGE to even know what the right VIRTUE/OUS act was (14:8) and indeed it was hers.
• 14:10 — There are other matters to be discussed here, but from one perspective (aside from Judas’ lack of faith/salvation), it seems right to say that STEADFASTNESS is hindered by selfishness. For Judas, following Jesus was about His own gain, but he learned time and time again that Jesus was often counter-intuitive, specifically in opposition to worldly gain (at least in terms of purpose), and this surely wore on Judas again and again. In fact, perhaps he was constant in having the “wrong” answers after so long (as were the others, though the others’ hearts were being changed while his was hardening), and he was tired of being publicly shamed by saying the wrong thing which in his mind was logical (though even if selfish). So when we are selfish and looking out for our own presumed ‘best’ we struggle against a sinful world and a God who sanctifies and we are continually frustrated. Whatever could have been gained from hardship is now lost in a wrong perspective and is merely a fleeting theological thought that I begrudgingly tolerate on my way to my own kingdom. I miss the beauty of Jesus’ path — the way of sacrifice — and I turn off on my own path. I was not STEADFAST because I was selfish. And does not the new path have the appearance of GODLINESS (2 Tim 3:5)? Do not gang members want to take care of their families? Did not Judas think he was on a path of VIRTUE and appear to have KNOWLEDGE and GODLINESS? Did not the others have zero idea about who the betrayer might be and did they not know each other intimately? There is only one path or the other; one wholly good and one deceptive (cf. 14:43–50)
• 14:12 — Even at the end of three years, they didn’t know where they might stay, where they’d celebrate this crucial festival. They were dependent and looked to Him for instruction (GODLINESS).
• 14:21 — FAITH in the predetermined outcome. STEADFASTNESS to continue speaking truth through betrayal, and LOVE for an enemy as in desire for Judas’ eternity to not be one of torment.
• 14:22–24 — STEADFASTNESS to live a life of sacrifice all the way to the end. To sit with an enemy on this festival and present this particular picture of sacrifice — with the cup and bread He said ‘I am the Lamb,’ remember? I am the sacrifice this evening. For you. Take my body, my blood, I’m yours. BROTHERLY AFFECTION and LOVE to do that joyfully for the brothers and with so many others in mind.
• 14:36 — SELF CONTROL to operate out of conviction
• 14:32–41 — GODLINESS to seek intimacy with God when both fellowship and flesh are failing
• 14:43–50 — And again, as in 14:10+ we see the worldly path of VIRTUE is logical but it’s not informed by true KNOWLEDGE and therefore is totally illogical. And yet ow long it takes to see and know this true path, for even these who’d been with Him 3 years were yet on their own path with misplaced zeal up until the final moments. It is impossible indeed to walk the truth path of VIRTUE, to have any true KNOWLEDGE, without the Spirit who is our companion and Helper on the path (1 Cor 1–2). (What’s more, are not all of these things impossible without the Spirit? KNOWLEDGE obviously, which is necessary for VIRTUE. STEADFASTNESS and FAITH both require the perspective and hope/assurance supplied by the Spirit. LOVE and SELF CONTROL are part of His nature (2 Tim 1:7) and to do anything as Jesus did it, namely, welcoming/accepting brothers and sisters in Christ (BROTHERLY AFFECTION) is impossible without His Spirit. Is not GODLINESS too?)
• 14:56–61 — It appears as GODLINESS to me that He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly (1 Peter 2) and walked silently toward death (Is. 53). Though the temptation might have been for Him to point out the obvious folly, He let it speak for itself through no one listened. This is trust in God. And KNOWLEDGE of His will (Is. 53). And it amazed those watching (15:5).
• 15:15 — Desiring peace, he killed the Prince. (15:11) Desiring their Messiah & King, they killed Him. And so it goes without His word, His ways, His KNOWLEDGE to inform our works. Indeed, on our own we succumb to pride and earthly logic which blind us and cause us to do those exact things which are opposite from our great goals and God’s good design. Stay near to Him (Ps. 32:8–9).
• 15:21 — This wasn’t just some neutral experience that Simon ignored and forgot about. He was impacted by it, and asked questions, for his sons followed Jesus after that and we might assume it was because he himself did. So even in a random act of service (VIRTUE), though grand, he sought KNOWLEDGE of God’s will and design. he had wanted to know why he was put on this specific path of VIRTUE. And perhaps as much as an unbeliever can, he had LOVE to care about who he was serving and why He was dying.
• 15:39 — Even the centurion, thought he still might have thought that belief in God was in vain, saw that Jesus had GODLINESS and STEADFASTNESS, to walk with God the Father and obey Him in full consecration to the end. This pagan saw it and wondered.
• 15:40–41 — Peter via Mark recounts not his own STEADFASTNESS or that of the other men, but rather that of all the women who followed Him even to the cross and mourned. In fact a few of them may have been some of the very few who went all the way to His grave (v.47). Through deep grief and fear. (16:1–3) And were the men unwilling to even go with them to help with the stone? And yet even so, perhaps some would say that fear still overcame, for some consider that v.8 is the last verse in ch.16, and that they (at least until Galilee) were not STEADFAST and lacking KNOWLEDGE, which would have informed VIRTUE.