On too many occasions I’ve seen people we all thought to be committed to Christ fall into serious sin or begin to express disbelief in the truth of the Gospel. Eventually, they are no longer part of a church either because they’ve wandered away or because they have had to be put under church discipline. … Continue reading Why do some fall?
Tag: Biblical Studies
Whose is it?
We’re about to see a whole set of new currency produced including coins and banknotes. The death of Queen Elizabeth II means that new coins and stamps must carry the image of King Charles III. Read Mark 12:13-17 Jesus is approached by a group of people trying to catch him out. The group is an… Continue reading Whose is it?
Provoked
In the Old Testament, the prophet Nathan tells a parable like story to king David about a rich farmer who takes and kills his poor neighbour’s lamb. David doesn’t realise at first but when it is pointed out to him that the story is about him, it provokes repentance. Jesus sometimes told stories that challenged… Continue reading Provoked
A question of authority
Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem certainly was making waves. There was something strategic about his actions. Arriving on a donkey in line with prophetic promises of God’s anointed king arriving in such a manner, he had then gone into the Temple courtyard and caused disruption, pronouncing judgement. This was a declaration of intent. Jesus was taking… Continue reading A question of authority
Cursed
The cursing of the fig tree seems like one of the most peculiar events in the Gospels. What was going on there? Did Jesus just lose it with an inanimate object in the same way that I get frustrated when the internet plays up or the TV refuses to respond to the instructions I send… Continue reading Cursed
Grand Entry
In Mark 11 we see Jesus arrive in Jerusalem at the head of the pilgrim procession ready for the Passover Festival. He arrives on a donkey. The important thing here is not so much lowliness, OT kings did ride on donkeys and mules but more about the nature of his arrival, he comes in peace… Continue reading Grand Entry
I want to see (Mark 10:46-52)
Jesus is passing through Jericho with his disciples and there’s a blind man begging. It seems that his status is so lowly that he doesn’t even have a first name that he is known by. He is referred to by his surname “Bartimaeus” (Timaeus’ son). Although his physical eyes are blind, he shows signs of… Continue reading I want to see (Mark 10:46-52)
The only stumbling block (Mark 10:32-34)
In Mark 10, we’ve been seeing the different obstacles and barriers that people face or create for themselves when it comes to knowing Jesus. It is so important that we do not put barriers up to others. There is however, one barrier that none of us can avoid. Peter has responded to the sad case… Continue reading The only stumbling block (Mark 10:32-34)
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)
Is it possible to divorce and then marry again?
After Jesus has been challenged by the Pharisees about Divorce in Mark 10:1-9, his disciples quiz him further. This is Mark’s summary of the conversation. 10 Later, when he was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject again. 11 He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. 12 And… Continue reading Is it possible to divorce and then marry again?
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