“The Old Testament God is all about Laws and rules. He’s harsh. The New Testament God is loving and kind, he is easier to follow because of grace.” How often have you heard something like that said? Does Mark 10:1-10 support or go against that assumption? Jesus is confronted by some of the Pharisees and… Continue reading Jesus on divorce … is he harsher than the OT Law? (Mark 10:1-10)
Tag: Mark
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)
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
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)
I believe, help my unbelief (Mark 9:14-29)
As Jesus and the small group of disciples are coming down from the mountain after the transfiguration, they meet quite the scene. A man has brought his son to Jesus who is oppressed by a demon that frequently throws him into convulsions. Fascinatingly, I’ve always pictured the son as a young lad but the man’s… Continue reading I believe, help my unbelief (Mark 9:14-29)
When heaven breaks in (Mark 9:1-13)
Jesus takes a few of his disciples with him up to one of the high points and there they are treated to a glimpse of his true glory. The emphasis in Mark’s Gospel is on his humanity as “the son of man” and frequently the command is for people not to go around talking up… Continue reading When heaven breaks in (Mark 9:1-13)
Foretastes of glory (Mark 9:2-50)
Jesus has promised that at least some of the disciples will see the glory and power of his coming kingdom. This, in context, is pointing to his death and resurrection. However, as that day approaches there seem to be further opportunities for them to see even clearer glimpses of what that will look like. First… Continue reading Foretastes of glory (Mark 9:2-50)
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