Book: Mark

In Mark 12, Jesus engaged in a series of 4 questions. The point of each is to reveal that the central question ought to be about the God we see preached by (and revealed through) Jesus Christ. Money, Power, and the authorities of this world are set opposite the call of the kingdom–to follow Jesus in giving all.

In Mark 11, Jesus enters into Jerusalem and overturns the tables of the money-changers in the Temple. The people spread out palm branches upon his arrival, and Jesus curses a fig tree in the process. What does this all mean? How does Zechariah 14 and the revolution of the Maccabees factor in?

Mark 8-10 appears to be a hodgepodge of stories and sayings. But is there a method to Mark’s madness? There is! All of these stories revolve around two basic callings of discipleship: (1) total humility, and (2) total surrender. Mark is asking his readers to start first with these two principles

Jesus speaks harshly about traditions over people, then he offers healing to outsiders. Finally, he offers a “double touch healing” to make a point for the disciples…and for us. Mark 7 & 8.

Who provides your bread? In Mark chapter 6, Mark tells us that sometimes God provides enough bread to last the day, sometimes he provides more than enough, and sometimes he calls upon you to be bread for the world. But in all things, God sees your plight, runs to you, and reveals his glory. Will we forget about the bread?

A Look at Mark chapter 5, where Jesus heals a man possessed by “Legion”, followed by an older woman and a young girl.

We take a look at Mark chapters 3 and 4. Who makes up Jesus’ family? What is a parable? How does God break open our world?

We look at the controversy stories in Mark 2:1-3:6 to discover a God who, in Christ, radically forgives, and a Christ who, following the Spirit, reframes how we read the law and how we see our God.

We dive into Mark chapter 1, beginning with an announcement that would get you killed! Daring to claim the good news is that another king has arrived; the good news is not about Caesar, but Jesus Christ, the Son of God.