Mark 6:14-29 – Brutal Death

Read Mark 6:14-29

We haven’t heard much about John the Baptist’s ministry since our first reading in Mark. The account of John’s death would have made an impact on many people. You’ll recall John had been the one God chose to announce Jesus’ coming into the world. John’s ministry encouraged his fellow Jews to repent, turn from their sins, and be baptized.

Herod Antipas was the Jewish king of the land in those days, and we learn here that he respected John as a holy man. Can you imagine the anguish he felt when he had to order John’s death? Never in a million years had he thought his daughter would ask for such a thing as the appreciation gift for her dance. What a barbaric request! Continue reading “Mark 6:14-29 – Brutal Death”

Mark 6:1-13 – What’s Next?

Read Mark 6:1-13

Whether you’ve lived in the same town your whole life or have moved around like a pastor’s family, the way this passage opens can strike a chord. Returning to your hometown or whatever town you currently call home can bring a sense of relief and joy, with a little hopeful expectation tossed in. I experience that each time we return to our Mexico home on the lake. When you come over the mountains and see the lakeside area spreading out below, it takes your breath away. You have your own special arrival moments, too.

But Jesus’ homecoming wasn’t all sunshine and roses, was it? We see a lot of the same negative, condescending types of behavior right there in Nazareth that we see today. Finding fault with others is a lot easier than looking at the faults within ourselves. Continue reading “Mark 6:1-13 – What’s Next?”

Mark 5:21-43 – Just Have Faith

Read Mark 5:21-43

Jesus doesn’t even have to know or be present to heal! We shouldn’t be surprised by that, but instead our faith should be exploding. These two accounts are perfect examples of God’s healing power at work in response to faith. Is our faith as bold?

These two individuals are quite different in their stories and their afflictions. Yet both knew that Jesus was the answer. Is there something you’re struggling with that Jesus can help you overcome? Tap into your faith and claim your own healing or restoration. Continue reading “Mark 5:21-43 – Just Have Faith”

Mark 5:1-20 – Watch Out Pigs!

Read Mark 5:1-20

What a memorable story from Jesus’ healing ministry! Can you imagine having witnessed such a spectacle? It’s hard to picture a herd of 2,000 pigs, much less watch them dash off a hillside to their death. What do we learn about Jesus in this reading?

He certainly wasn’t afraid of the known strength of this madman; instead showed mercy to a man cast out from society. He wasn’t afraid of the angry herdsmen who would have lost their livelihoods. And, surprisingly, Jesus was no longer welcome in that region, presumably because he had upset the normal flow of the region and a miraculous healing was not enough. Continue reading “Mark 5:1-20 – Watch Out Pigs!”

Mark 4:21-41 – Listen Up!

Read Mark 4:21-41

A lot is happening in this reading. First, Jesus teaches with more parables. Then, one of the greatest lessons is taught by simply by watching Jesus’ actions in the middle of a wild storm. What are some of your takeaways from this reading?

We’ve heard several times in the midst of these parables that “[a]nyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” We also know that some truths remain hidden until Jesus feels the time is right for us to understand. Jesus tells us quite plainly that when we listen and pay attention to his teaching, understanding will be given. Such wisdom is surely a gift we should not take for granted! Continue reading “Mark 4:21-41 – Listen Up!”

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