THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:32-36 “He prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.” (Mark 14:35) If possible… isn’t anything possible for God (Mark 10:27)? Literally, Jesus says, ‘if it is within Your power” (dunamis). These thoughts do not conflict, for God’s power will not work against His purpose. Jesus is submitting to God’s ‘very…
Author: Norm
Satan can’t beat this shepherd!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:27-31 “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” (Mark 14:27) Jesus is quoting Zechariah 13:7-9, a passage of judgment against Israel’s leaders. The “house of David” (Zechariah 13:1) had turned away from God (Zechariah 10:3). God hands over the king and the people to the consequences of their sin. Now Jesus,…
Surely He does mean me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:17-26 “One by one they said to him, ‘Surely you don’t mean me?’” (Mark 14:19) Most people know that Judas is the betrayer. But as we read further, we see how Peter denies Jesus. We also find the Peter, James and John sleeping while Jesus prays. And after the arrest, all of…
No place to hide!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 61 “I long to dwell in your tent forever!” (Psalm 61:4) What would it be like to always feel God’s presence? It depends in large part on what we’re doing/. For example, being close to a police officer can be good or bad. Good if you’re facing trouble and need help. Not…
The Lord will raise help for His work!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezra 4-6 “The king of Assyria… assisted them in the work on the house of God.” (Ezra 6:22). As Jesus followers, we are called to continue Jesus’ temple-work. Not building a physical temple, but building a people through love and mercy. Empowered by the Spirit, we extend God’s love, joy, peace into all…
Sorrow, joy and hope!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezra 1-3 “No one could distinguish the sound of joy from the sound of weeping.” (Ezra 3:13) After 50+ years of living as exiles in Babylon, the Jews are free to return home. Those who do return begin the rebuilding project, with tears of joy and sadness. Joy because of the rebuilding, but…
Is my home open for Jesus?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:12-16 “Say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room.” (Mark 14:14) There is much we don’t know from this story. How did Jesus know about the servant coming for water for his master’s house? Who was this homeowner who knew Jesus as ‘the Teacher’? Was this prearranged by…
Do they see Jesus in me?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:1-11 “Wherever the gospel is preached, what she has done will also be told.” (Mark 14:9) The religious leaders are scheming to kill Jesus. Jesus is eating at the home of a leper. A woman pours expensive perfume over Jesus’ feet. The disciples harshly criticize her for her wasteful behavior. Two of…
Sleeping on the job?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:32-37 “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.” (Mark 13:36) We are Jesus’ servants, saved and graced to continue His work of salvation. Here Jesus reminds His followers that He will come back to see how we did. People usually sleep when the boss is away, and are…
Still looking up (despite the mess we’re in)!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:28-31 “This generation will not pass away until these things have happened.” (Mark 13:30) Jesus is referring to the events of AD 70, when Rome destroys Jerusalem. Those were terrible times, and since then the world hasn’t gotten any better. Every generation since that time has endured times of sin’s fury unleashed….