Mark 4:1-20 – Check the Soil

Read Mark 4:1-20

“Once again,” are the words Mark writes as he begins this story. Mark’s gospel is such a great collection of stories telling us about Jesus’ life and how he interacted with the world. Mark’s style of writing doesn’t necessarily follow a strict timeline, so enjoy every story as it unfolds.

Jesus loved to preach with parables, but his meaning was often hidden. He even tells us why in this reading. Thankfully, Jesus shared the meaning with his disciples so we, too, can understand and appreciate the real-life examples. This parable is one of my favorites, although I probably say that about most of them. Continue reading “Mark 4:1-20 – Check the Soil”

Mark 3:7-35 – What an Inheritance!

Read Mark 3:7-35

What do we learn about Jesus from this passage? His popularity is growing because of all the miraculous healings. Do you ever wonder how word spread so fast? They didn’t have the internet in those days. Jesus continues to try to keep the demons quiet about his true identity, like a superhero not wanting to be discovered.

Jesus has also chosen twelve men to be his closest followers. We’re given only limited details here, but I’m sure these men were clueless at what an honor it was to be called by Jesus for this purpose. An “apostle” is someone specifically chosen by Jesus to be a messenger with a specific mission to share Jesus with the world. Continue reading “Mark 3:7-35 – What an Inheritance!”

Mark 2:18-3:6 – Draw Close to God

Read Mark 2:18-3:6

Fasting has become quite a fad these days in the health and wellness space. But what those gurus describe is a lot different than the fasting referred to in this passage. In a Biblical context, fasting is a spiritual discipline designed to draw people closer to God and God’s will for their lives. Jesus’ teaching about fasting reveals a lot.

It makes sense that because God is already with his disciples, they don’t need a special time of devotion. Every moment spent with Jesus draws them closer to God. Jesus uses the example of a groom and a wedding feast. Of course, Jesus is the groom in the story. Continue reading “Mark 2:18-3:6 – Draw Close to God”

Mark 2:1-17 – Bold Compassion

Read Mark 2:1-17

Jesus is definitely not afraid to ruffle feathers and go against what is expected for someone who teaches and heals. We should do a better job at being bold witnesses of our faith in Jesus. Watching Jesus’ examples and how he lived his life can give us clues for how we should be interacting with others.

Jesus wasn’t afraid of what people might think. He knew his mission, and he proceeded with boldness. He not only healed, but he also forgave. We’re only two chapters into the gospel of Mark, and already we see frustrated religious leaders. They are so focused on the law that they can’t see God in their midst. Continue reading “Mark 2:1-17 – Bold Compassion”

Mark 1:21-45 – Jesus’ Touch

Read Mark 1:21-45

Mark’s gospel doesn’t waste any time getting into what Jesus came to do. There are a couple of interesting observations we can make in this reading. Were you surprised at how Jesus spoke to the demons when they recognized who he was? It seems Jesus didn’t want everyone to know his true identity all at once.

What have we seen Jesus do so far? Teach, heal, and pray. Getting to know Jesus through the eyes of Scripture is so helpful because we see God in motion. It never gets old reading about how Jesus walked among us and interacted with the world God loved so much. Continue reading “Mark 1:21-45 – Jesus’ Touch”

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