• Verse 9: Jesus healed the sick and told them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” This suggests that God’s kingdom is not just a place we go after we die, but that it is already near us. It’s not that we go to the kingdom of God, but that the kingdom of God has come near us. As I understand it, this kingdom of God refers to Jesus, and when we accept Jesus as the Son of God, the kingdom of God is established within us.
• When I come to recognize myself as a child of God through Jesus, all fears (especially of death—the greatest fear, as well as emptiness, suffering, loneliness, and the struggles of life) disappear. Experiencing this peace is the state of heaven. This means that heaven has already begun within me. I can also understand the concept of heaven as something that is both already here and yet to come, as Jesus also spoke of heaven in a spatial sense.
• Verses 16-20: The disciples (the 70) joyfully reported to Jesus that even demons submitted to them in His name. At that time, Jesus told them not to rejoice that the demons submitted but rather to rejoice that their names were written in heaven. He assured them that He had given them authority over all powers, and that no harm would come to them.
• I once had an unusual experience. When my father was ill, I visited his home, and at that time, a pastor with the gift of healing prayed for me, saying that I, too, had the gift of healing. Later, trusting his words, I prayed for two members of my church and also for my mother-in-law, who was unwell, laying hands on her head and praying. I remember reading and proclaiming Mark 16:17-18 as I prayed. I still don’t understand how I had such courage then; it seems that God gave me the bravery because I am typically very passive and introverted.
• Verse 22: Here, Jesus clearly revealed that He is the Son of God.
• Verse 24: Many prophets and kings longed to see Jesus (the Son of God) and hear the word of God directly, but they were unable to, even though Jesus had come. Jesus said that those who saw Him and heard His words in His time were truly blessed.
• How blessed am I, then, to have faith and live by it even without having seen Him! I am grateful.
• Verse 28: To those seeking eternal life, He said, “If you help your needy neighbors, you will live.”
• Verses 41-42: This seems like an answer to my struggles yesterday.
  • I had an issue with my husband, who was frustrated by my lack of initiative. This brought to mind how, aside from this issue, I have been burdened by many worries lately. My husband is naturally inclined to make plans, work to fulfill them, and prepare thoroughly to avoid problems, while I am quite the opposite and find it difficult to handle multiple tasks at once. I realize I should simply stay dedicated to the tasks given to me. When planning for the future, I should focus on what I can manage and devote myself fully, even if it’s only to one thing.
  • Recently, I’ve been spending too much time thinking about accumulating money or buying a house. I need to focus only as much as is necessary and act accordingly. (Doing what I can without overly depending on or trying to match my husband’s ways.)

<Application>

Leave financial management to my husband and stop worrying about it. (Only respond when he asks for my opinion and be careful with my words.)