In our last look at Mark, we followed Jesus as he neared his death in Jerusalem at the time of the Passover feast. As Jesus neared the city, he did something uncharacteristic. All through Mark's gospel, Jesus has silenced people. Only recently, with Bartimaeus, has Jesus begun to invite attention. And now, as they approach the eastern side of the city, Jesus decides to mount a young donkey and ride into Jerusalem like a coming king.
Read moreA Lesson on Servanthood (Mark 10:41-45)
On their way to Jerusalem, James and John make an ignorant request to Jesus, asking for the positions of highest honor in Jesus’ kingdom. After hearing of their special request, the ten were angry at James and John (41). They weren't angry at their insensitivity towards Jesus or their misplaced desire for honor. They were angry to have been undercut for the positions they also craved.
Read moreThe Walk in the Light (1 John 1:7)
What does this walk in the light look like? We know that it does not mean moral perfection. It does not mean you'll never experience temptation. And it is not some unattainable life only a select few real saints ever achieve.
Read moreOut of Touch Prayers (Mark 10:35-40)
As Jesus and his disciples journey to Jerusalem where Jesus would undertake the cross, two of his disciples make a request, and the other disciples become angry at the request. Both the request and the anger show they didn't yet understand his kingdom.
Read moreThe Courage of Christ (Mark 10:32-34)
At this point in Jesus’ mission, Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem, the place the powers of darkness would converge to crucify him. He knew he had to go. It is a beautiful passage because it shows us Jesus right before his last week near Jerusalem. Death looms, and Jesus rushes towards it. His time has come. He has to engage his mission; this is why he'd come.
Read moreProclaim The True Jesus (1 John 1:1-2)
For John, it was simple. He wanted everyone to know the real Jesus, even those who got Jesus wrong. John knew about Jesus like no one else still alive in his time. He had been with Jesus when He wept in the Garden of Gethsemane, had watched Jesus raise Lazarus and others, and had stood at the foot of Jesus' cross with Mary. He had leaned on Jesus during the Last Supper, had run to Jesus' empty tomb with Peter, and had eaten with Jesus after his resurrection.
Read moreJesus Sees (Revelation 2:9)
The church in Smyrna was a persecuted church destined for a set period of suffering. In his letter to this church, Jesus, through the Apostle John, told them he knew all they were about to endure. First, he saw it coming. Second, he had experienced their pain while on the cross. He knew.
Read moreEncouraging Word
“The believer, grounded in this love, is made stable for every season of life.”
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