Mark
The Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything! The historical proof is strong for Jesus resurrection, yet sin blinds our natural eyes from embracing the truth. Our response to the resurrection needs to be repentance and faith. The resurrection bring validation to Jesus’ ministry, it means the debt of sin has been paid, and it means new life for those in Christ. The resurrection is of first importance!
The Crucifixion
Fix your gaze on Christ. Look to him till your heart burns with love, till you overflow with gratitude, till you rejoice in wonder, till you bow your knee in allegiance. See the Son of God accomplish redemption!
What Did it Cost God to Save You?
Something truly amazing happened at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In love, Jesus accepted the wrath of God for the sins of his people. In love and mercy, the Father redirected his wrath towards his Son. This was real and costly. A great price was paid for redemption.That high price is illustrated in this passage and it calls us to give all for Jesus’ sake and the gospel’s.
Betrayed and Denied
In this text, Jesus is betrayed, abandoned, and denied. He is then beaten, mocked, and falsely accused. Yet, through this time of great suffering, Jesus is our source of hope and comfort. He went through this for his people. And now he is exalted, praying for his people that they would not fail, that they would not deny him.
Our Passover Lamb
The plan of redemption. God’s story that is unfolded in the pages of Scripture is explained for us here.The religious leaders seek Jesus’ death, the unnamed woman prepares Jesus’ body for burial, Judas looks for an opportunity to betray his master. Jesus affirms that all this is part of God’s plan. And those who are plotting evil deeds are not thus relieved from their responsibility and accountability before God.He then gives us a picture, a memorial, to remember the story…
Exposing the Truth
In the final exchange between Jesus and those in the temple he clearly identifies himself as the Son of God. Not only that, he speaks of the judgment to come for the religious leaders and the example of discipleship from a lady who gave all she had.
The Great Commandment
Jesus explains the greatest commandment, what the law is all about. The law is about heart devotion to God. Yet knowing this means you are close to the kingdom of God, but not there yet. To enter the kingdom of God, a person must believe that Jesus is not only a good teacher, but the Christ, the Son of God. It is through repentance and faith in the good news of Jesus Christ that one enters the kingdom (Mark 1:15). The…
Jesus and the Skeptics Part 2
In two encounters Jesus demonstrates his authority and wisdom. Marvel at Jesus and how he handles these confrontations. Jesus also helps us to understand the place of human government and the importance of knowing the Scripture and the power of God.
Jesus and the Skeptics
The religious leaders, skeptical of Jesus, question his authority. Jesus responds in an amazing way using a perfect question and then tells them a parable.Jesus teaches us about his authority, God’s patience and kindness, God’s judgment, and his coming victory.
Here Comes the King
Jesus is the King, he’s intolerant of hypocrisy, he’s zealous for righteousness, and he leads us to God. Understanding who Jesus was, is, and forever will be is important to understand as his followers.
Jesus Came. So What?
Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many. In response we must call out to him for mercy and follow him in serving and suffering. We see a striking contrast of responses to Jesus in this text by James and John, and then by Bartimaeus.
Difficulty Entering the Kingdom
Jesus preached, “Repent and believe the gospel!” But what does that mean? What does it look like practically? When a rich young man approached Jesus, Jesus calls him to repentance. What that looked like for this young man shocked the disciples and should shock us today.