Mark 12:18-34 – Love God & Others

Read Mark 12:18-34

The hard questions keep on coming for Jesus. I know when I have an audience with Jesus, I’m going to have all sorts of questions. I will seek clarification about creation and affirmation of my beliefs. I can’t imagine trying to trick Jesus.

It was helpful to hear how Jesus responded to the topic of resurrection. Except when we are in church or talking about our forever home with Jesus, the word “resurrection” doesn’t come up much in everyday conversation. It was interesting to me that it was a Sadducee who asked the question about resurrection, something they don’t even believe exists. Continue reading “Mark 12:18-34 – Love God & Others”

Mark 12:1-17 – More Than a Parable

Read Mark 12:1-17

Jesus loved to use stories, known as parables, in his teaching. While always memorable, the meanings are not always clear. But God allowed these religious leaders to understand the truth about who they represented in the story. I’m guessing that was Jesus’ intent all along, hoping they would not be too blind to recognize themselves. Their exit must have spoken volumes to Jesus. The crowd was likely clueless.

What caution can we take from the story? It may be easy for us to see the relationship between the landowner and God, who sent his son (Jesus) into the world. Jesus paid with his life, too. We don’t want to be like the greedy farmers who disrespect God or his Son. We can look around the world today and see plenty of examples of that. Does it break your heart, too? Continue reading “Mark 12:1-17 – More Than a Parable”

Mark 11:20-33 – A Different Side of Jesus

Read Mark 11:20-33

It’s starting to get real. Jesus knows his time is limited, and I’m sure he’s feeling the pressure to give his disciples as much wisdom as he can. They are going to need all the faith they can get when he’s no longer with them. Were you expecting to see the fig tree become a teachable moment once again?

The power of Jesus’ words, cursing the fig tree only a day earlier, had caused it to immediately die. The power of Jesus’ name can move mountains, too. Jesus tells us to “pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” That sounds a lot like what people today call “manifesting.” Unfortunately, the idea is similar, but people calling it that don’t rely on God’s powerful provision. I prefer to focus on how God is moving in my life. Continue reading “Mark 11:20-33 – A Different Side of Jesus”

Mark 11:1-19 – What an Entry!

Read Mark 11:1-19

We’ve arrived in Jerusalem with Jesus on his triumphal entry to the magnificent, holy city. The jubilant people were greeting Jesus as he rode in on a donkey. This procession is remembered still today every year by churches around the world as “Palm Sunday,” the start of Holy Week. The crowds responded to Jesus with praise and worship.

Did you wonder why Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, rode a donkey? Wouldn’t a majestic white steed adorned in ornamental garments have been more appropriate? Jesus was never flashy like that. He was a humble, servant king. This entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled prophecy for those who were familiar. (See Zechariah 9:9) Continue reading “Mark 11:1-19 – What an Entry!”

Mark 10:32-52 – Servanthood

Read Mark 10:32-52

If this isn’t your first time reading this passage, imagine that it is. You’re just getting to know Jesus, and again he shares about his brutal death and resurrection. What would you think if one of your teachers or close friends started talking like this? Remember that Jesus endured this for you and me.

Jesus is so much more than just a friend; he is God. The explicit details must have shocked the disciples. Why couldn’t God stop such a horrible thing from happening? There must have been heaviness surrounding them on this trek to Jerusalem–so many questions. Continue reading “Mark 10:32-52 – Servanthood”

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