Tag: Mark

Have I committed the unforgivable sin? (Mark 3:20-30)

It’s a question that someone may well have asked you at some point.  Perhaps you’ve even asked it yourself. The possibility that I could commit a sin which puts me permanently and irreparably beyond God’s love and forgiveness is terrifying. To understand what Jesus means when he describes a sin which is unforgivable, we need… Continue reading Have I committed the unforgivable sin? (Mark 3:20-30)

The Motley Crew (Mark 3:13-19)

Mark now summarises the gathering together of Jesus’ twelve disciples.  He’s already begun to tell us about some of them. Back in 1:16-20, we have seen him call and commission the fishermen, Sim and Andrew, James and John.  They are told: “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 Jesus’ call… Continue reading The Motley Crew (Mark 3:13-19)

Recognised by enemies (Mark 3:7-12)

We’ve seen that Jesus is getting a lot of attention.  Crowds are coming from far and near, Judea, Galilee and Idumea (Edom) are mentioned here. This is causing problems for him because as his fame grows so do the crowds and this means that his movement and activities are restricted.  We’ve already seen an example… Continue reading Recognised by enemies (Mark 3:7-12)

Beyond Repair? (Mark 3)

Here’s my sermon outline from today. Introduction We loved our little Citroen C3.  It took us everywhere and we spent thousands of pounds on annual repairs.  Until one day, on a journey to Bradford after a decade and 100k miles, it decided to die. We crawled up the M6 and M62 at a dangerous snail’s… Continue reading Beyond Repair? (Mark 3)

Picnic (Mark 2:23-28)

Do you remember when the then Prime Minister, Theresa May, was asked what the naughtiest thing was that she’d ever done?  Struggling to think of anything particularly heinous, she gave the since much mocked answer that she had once skipped through a field of wheat.  Well, here we find Jesus and his disciples in trouble… Continue reading Picnic (Mark 2:23-28)

A wedding or a funeral? (Mark 2:18-22)

Back in October, we had the great joy of seeing my niece get married.  We are now looking forward to my nephew’s wedding in about two weeks’ time.  We’re looking forward to smiles, applause, laughter, music and dancing. There’ll also be plenty to eat. A Wedding is a celebration, a feast. Jesus draws on the… Continue reading A wedding or a funeral? (Mark 2:18-22)

Who needs a doctor? (Mark 2:13-17)

We now begin to see why sharp divisions were growing between Jesus and the Pharisees.  There was a clear line drawn between “us and them”. That line was between those who were considered to be faithful or at least trying to be faithful to YHWH by keeping Torah, by seeking to be pure, clean, hol… Continue reading Who needs a doctor? (Mark 2:13-17)

Authority to forgive (Mark 2:1-12)

Jesus is drawing a lot of attention.  We saw in Mark 1 that he had urged the healed leper not to go out and about telling people about him but he does, as presumably do others that are healed.  This starts to cause challenges for Jesus, restricting his movement. An example is seen here when… Continue reading Authority to forgive (Mark 2:1-12)

The transforming kingdom (Mark 1:16-2:13-17)

We now begin to see what it means for Jesus to preach about the Kingdom and call people to repentance with a series of examples. It means calling people to follow him and leave behind other priorities (1:16-20 and 2:13-17) It means calling evil spirits out of people.  Captives are set free (1:21-28) It means… Continue reading The transforming kingdom (Mark 1:16-2:13-17)