A man comes to Jesus and asks him how we can receive eternal life. We discover three important things about the man Jesus is keen for this man to receive what his heart desires, eternal life. So, he does two things. First of all, he challenges the man’s understanding of goodness. The man has given… Continue reading The barrier of self-sufficiency (Mark 10:17-31)
Category: Bible Study
Let the children come (Mark 10:13-16)
Parents are bringing their children to meet Jesus, for him to bless them. His disciples try to turn them away. They think that Jesus is too busy and too important to be bothered with children. He’s got real teaching to do with adults, he’s got followers to gather. He’s in the business of casting out… Continue reading Let the children come (Mark 10:13-16)
Removing barriers (Mark 10)
We are travelling with Jesus to Jerusalem to the Temple and towards the time of Jesus’s death and resurrection. On route Jesus will encounter those who seek to block and oppose him. We will also see the barriers that others face. First, we see Jesus confronted by the religious leaders seeking to test him. We… Continue reading Removing barriers (Mark 10)
Why were there leftovers at the feeding of the 5000?
We know the answer don’t we? It’s obvious. Ny providing an abundance, Jesus was demonstrating his ability to provide all that his people needed. The Twelve baskets meant that each disciple had something to take away. More than that, they symbolised the 12 tribes, so that we saw Christ’s abundant provision for his people. However,… Continue reading Why were there leftovers at the feeding of the 5000?
The man who went up a hill and came down a mountain to chaos
Which scene in the Bible do you think the heading is referring to? In Mark 9, Jesus goes up a hill/mountain with a few of his disciples. There at the summit, there is a revelation of God’s glory, an encounter with The Law (Moses) and The Prophets (Elijah) and God speaks. When they come down… Continue reading The man who went up a hill and came down a mountain to chaos
Jesus satisfies (Luke 9:10-17)
I want to ask you two questions. We are heading into a difficult winter with rising prices, a cost of living crisis and an energy crisis. Even with the help offered by the government, many will struggle. Are you anxious as we head into the winter? Perhaps you’re thinking that even if domestic energy costs… Continue reading Jesus satisfies (Luke 9:10-17)
Millstones and amputations (Mark 9:42-50)
Jesus has a serious warning for those who lead others into sin. He says: it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. God has a great love and concern for the vulnerable and so we have a great responsibility for them. … Continue reading Millstones and amputations (Mark 9:42-50)
The Way of the Cross (Mark 9:30-37)
Jesus and his disciples are passing through Galilee. Along the way, he reminds them again that he is to suffer and to die. Their minds however are on other things. When they get to Capernaum, Jesus asks them what they’ve been discussing. There’s an awkward silence. You see, the disciples had been debating or arguing… Continue reading The Way of the Cross (Mark 9:30-37)
Between belief and unbelief
I want to come back to the father of the demon possessed man in Mark 9 and his statement. I believe… Help my unbelief” This has been prompted by two things Jesus has said. Most immediately, he has responded to the man’s partial expression of trust. The man asks Jesus to heal his son “if… Continue reading Between belief and unbelief
In his name (Mark 9:38-41)
The disciples see someone who has been out and about working miracles, specifically they are casting out demons and it seems with good results. It seems that this guy had at some point heard about Jesus, maybe witnessed him in action and maybe he had even encountered Christ’s healing power himself. Whatever had happened, it… Continue reading In his name (Mark 9:38-41)
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