• Verses 15, 21: The saying “the seed fell on good soil” means “those who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Additionally, it is said that “those who hear the word and put it into practice” are Jesus’ mother and brothers.

• Verse 31: A demon, referring to itself as ‘Legion,’ pleaded with Jesus not to send them into the Abyss. Following Jesus’ command, the demons entered a herd of pigs instead.

I pray each morning as I was taught by my missionary brother: “Evil Satan, you shall depart to the Abyss! By the name of Jesus, I declare that you cannot touch even a fingertip of me, a child of God. You shall depart to the Abyss!”

• Verse 44: A woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years and had not been healed by anyone, touched the back of Jesus’ robe and was healed. (Jesus notices our silent pleas.)

<Application>

1. Let’s pay attention to those who feel marginalized and hesitant to step forward, both inside and outside the church. (This seems practically feasible in the church setting.)
2. Verses 48, 50: There is an emphasis on “one’s own faith” (Your faith has saved you). The same miracles appear in this chapter, so let’s compare them with other Gospels.
   
3. Verse 51: Chief disciples (Peter, James, John) – Let’s examine what I need to do to bear fruit through perseverance. And prepare for it ‘as if it has already happened.’

• Finish writing the list of six things to do today.

• Verse 26: Jesus referred to John the Baptist as a prophet superior to Himself. Moreover, He declared that among those born of women, there is none greater than John; yet, in the kingdom of God, even the least is greater than John. Jesus clearly stated, “John is the one sent ahead of me by God.”
• I have a question. As far as I know, the Pharisees and the scribes thought of John the Baptist as a prophet, so why didn’t they get baptized by him?
• Verses 37, 50: When Jesus was at a Pharisee’s house, a sinful woman approached Him from behind, crying and washing His feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with perfume (37).
  
  Observing this, Jesus told the Pharisee that the woman expressed such great love because she was aware of the magnitude of her sins, which were many and now forgiven. Jesus then said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you.”
• Jesus usually does not visit the homes of Pharisees, so perhaps the woman, having heard that He was there today (37), was emboldened to go? Relying on Jesus, who had sought out a Pharisee regarded as a sinner, she found the courage to enter the house, believing that she too would be accepted.
• Although I’m not sure if this story fits the context, it’s something I’ve experienced several times at church. When I treat marginalized individuals informally, others who have not received much attention feel free to come to my side.
  
  They seem to open their hearts after observing how I interact with others. In another situation, when I joyfully engage in kitchen work or menial tasks at church, others, perhaps inspired by this, wish to join me.
  
  I wonder if the kingdom of God involves people imitating and learning from those who first understand God’s will.
  
• As someone who has received much grace, I think once again that wherever I am and whatever I do, I must take the initiative to share love and serve others.

<Application>

What could be an opportunity for leading by example? (Given that I currently have few interactions with people…) Whenever I find myself in a social situation, I should remember today’s reflection.

• Verse 14: After healing a leper, Jesus told the man to go and show himself to the priest and announce that he had been healed of his leprosy. This act was to serve as evidence that Jesus was the Son of God.

• Verses 19 and 20: A fascinating miracle occurs where four friends lower a paralyzed man through the roof to Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus heals the man.
  
  Would I have been bold enough, like those friends, to tear through a roof for my friend? This scene allows us to glimpse the magnitude of their faith, believing Jesus would heal him.

• Among other miracles of Jesus, He mentioned that if one prays believing that they have already received what they ask for, it will be theirs.
  
  The friends must have believed the paralysis would be healed, hence their daring act. Let’s reflect on our current prayer requests, considering if we are acting as though they have already been fulfilled.

• Verses 27 and 28: The scene where Jesus calls Matthew to be his disciple unfolds. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” Matthew got up, leaving everything behind, to follow Him. Matthew seemed to have been waiting for Jesus’ call.
  
  Likewise, I should always be prepared, not hesitating or making excuses when called.

<Application>

1.To act upon as if they have already happened:

1-1) English – Believing that one day it will be utilized, keep preparing with urgency as if that day has come. Recently, if there has been a slack in learning English (speaking, reading, writing), aim to explain the Kingdom of God in English.

1-2) Continue writing meditation notes, believing there will be people to share them with someday.

1-3) Prepare physically (exercise) for future moments where physical assistance is needed, like community service.

2. Things to Apply Today

2-1) Physical strength: For future times when physical help is needed – like serving meals in a community.: Exercise today (5 PM): Done

2-3) Finish English writing assignment 1A, read chapter 5 of Purpose Driven Life: Done

2-4) Start watching at least one episode of the Ellen Show again

2-5) Write down six important tasks for tomorrow: Done

2-6) Writing down tasks for the next day has been reduced to 2-3 times a week recently.

• John’s character revealed in Luke 3:7-8 is direct and challenging. He calls the crowd coming for baptism a “brood of vipers,” warning them of impending wrath and emphasizing the importance of true repentance. John challenges them to bear fruits worthy of repentance.
• Luke 3:11-14 explains how to live life. Those who have two tunics should share with those who have none, and the same goes for those who have food. It also warns against extorting others.
• Recently, I’ve been listening to a podcast about the life of Siddhartha Gautama, and according to Lecture 32 by Ven. Beopryun, around 600 BC, Siddhartha attained a similar enlightenment.
  
  It seems that in Buddhism, just as in Christianity, the teachings originally intended by Siddhartha (Buddhist doctrines) are sometimes miscommunicated by his disciples to the people. For example, the Buddha emphasized the importance of living in the present moment rather than reincarnation. Let’s summarize Lecture 32 by Ven. Beopryun.
• Verse 8: Calls for bearing fruit in keeping with repentance. After repentance, corresponding fruits must follow.
• Verse 9: John says that God can do everything, even changing the lineage of priests. He criticizes the arrogance of the priests. (John’s words: “Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.”)
  
• John’s direct and sharp critique of the leaders of his time reminds us of Jesus. At that time, not many could afford such thoughts or actions. John lived according to his convictions, proclaiming God’s word in the wilderness.
  
  Therefore, he was regarded as a prophet sent by God among the people of Israel at that time. Those who are ahead of their time, like John, must also uphold their convictions in their attitude towards the world.
  

<Application>

Let’s calculate the monthly cost needed for our retirement life without exceeding the limit. (After discussing with my husband: $4000/month.

If more comes in, we want to use it for those who are in more difficult situations). Let’s stick to this conviction.