Jesus is the Messiah – Be Still…

John 7:25-53 – Is Jesus the Messiah?

There is so much to unpack in this reading. However, take a moment to just sit with what you just read and let everything that happened in these few verses replay in your head. Who is Jesus? Is he the Messiah?

For those in Jesus’ day, the answer to that question would depend on who you asked. Have you ever imagined yourself as one of those in the crowd, having seen Jesus or having heard about His miraculous signs? The word of mouth must have been terrific since there were no news headlines or social media announcements to spread the word. Do you think you would have recognized the Messiah? Continue reading “John 7:25-53 – Is Jesus the Messiah?”

Mark 14:53-72 – Guilty!

Read Mark 14:53-72

Guilty of what exactly? The religious leaders were floundering to figure out what to charge Jesus with that would convict him of death. Jesus’ visit to the home of the High Priest was certainly not by choice, and the hospitality was seriously lacking. After parading several witnesses through this laughable “trial court” scene, it was clear nobody could collaborate.

And then it happened. After remaining silent for what must have seemed like an eternity, Jesus spoke. He responded to their inquiry about whether he was the Messiah. What was Jesus’ response? He said, “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Continue reading “Mark 14:53-72 – Guilty!”

Mark 12:35-37 – Whose Son?

Read Mark 12:35-37

This is an interesting little passage, didn’t you think? Nestled away between all the teachings Jesus is sharing with the people and with his disciples on his final journey toward the cross. This time, Mark tells us the message was proclaimed to the people. We have the honor to be able to hear Jesus’ teaching whether it’s to the “people” or to his closest disciples.

The crowd is delighted. I wondered about that word. Were they delighted just to be in Jesus’ presence? Perhaps they were honored that Jesus had asked them a question. Jesus wanted to know what they thought about a certain teaching of the religious leaders. A teaching about the Messiah, about Jesus himself. It’s always good to know your audience and how they understand such important matters.

Mark 8:27-30 – Peter Gets It Right

Read Mark 8:27-30

If you had to respond to Jesus that day on the road outside Galilee, how would you describe Jesus? Now think about how you would introduce Jesus to your friends.

I’ve always perplexed over the disciples’ response that some say Jesus was John the Baptist. Followers of John would have heard the message that someone else was coming, far greater than John himself. In fact, it was John’s job to prepare the way for Jesus, not himself.