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”

Romans 1:16 – Not Ashamed

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

Paul’s declaration is bold during a time when it wasn’t the most popular thing to be a follower of Christ. This is the verse that solidifies for us the assurance that we, too, as Gentiles, are welcome to follow Jesus and receive the salvation he promised.

Context (Romans 1:13-17): Paul’s message to the church in Rome starts with Paul building rapport with them, sharing how eager he is to see them and share the Good News. It sounds like Rome was a Gentile community of believers for the most part. Paul’s acknowledgement would have been very powerful for the Gentiles to be sharing with the Jews in salvation. Continue reading “Romans 1:16 – Not Ashamed”

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 – What Brings You Pleasure?

Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

In his own words, Solomon said he “had everything a man could desire!” I must admit, the list of things Solomon chased in life while seeking pleasure was quite complete. Most of us will never attain such wealth or the extent of possessions he describes. Why didn’t anything bring him happiness?

It’s easy for us to say, “because you can’t buy happiness.” If we know that to be true, then why do we also seek pleasure in the same way? I don’t think we should be condemned from being happy for having new “toys,” but we need to realize that happiness from those such things will not last forever.

Continue reading “Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 – What Brings You Pleasure?”
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