THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:38-44 “This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” (Mark 12:43) Who are the well known christians of our day? Who do people throng to see or hear, or to get an autograph from? Our world has its celebrities, but so does the church! But who does…
Author: Norm
Reading the bible with Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:35-37 “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand!’” (Mark 12:36) In this story, Jesus is not showing off His bible skills for His audience. Jesus is using the scriptures the way they’re supposed to be used. “The Scriptures testify about me yet you refuse to come to me…
Getting closer than close!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:28-34 “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mark 12:34) The kingdom of God is when God-like rulers care for the world in love (Genesis 1). If all humans loved God and others, we would experience God’s kingdom on earth. But this is the big IF, and the reason our world…
Humble theology
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:18-27 “You are badly mistaken!” (Mark 12:27) I have to admit, this story of Jesus has always confused me. Isn’t marriage a part of God’s original creation design? And does Jesus mean that we will become angels, no longer human? But neither of these are Jesus’ main points; His main point is…
Am I better than the politicians I criticize?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 58 “Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity?” (Psalm 58:1) Are you one of those that loves to criticize the government? Its not hard to do, our politicians give us lots to be critical of. In this Psalm David is challenging the corruption of rulers and judges….
Put the choir out front!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 18-20 “He appointed men to sing to the Lord at the head of the army.” (2 Chronicles 20:21) What a war strategy – put the choir on the front lines. But this was a powerful lessons, one the runs through all these chapters. It is the Lord, and not our own strength or…
Working with God and doctors!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 14-17 “He did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians.” (2 Chronicles 16:12) At first king Asa seeks the Lord, but eventually he stops. He became more confident in his own abilities and accomplishments. He also trusted his doctors more than God. God does not ask us to forget…
Being a good citizen!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:13-17 “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17) According to the Pharisees, Caesar owns nothing, so we owe him nothing. According to the Herodians, Caesar is in charge for now, so we owe him allegiance. Here they want to get Jesus in trouble with the…
When He cuts like a knife!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:1-12 “They knew he had spoken the parable against them.” (Mark 12:12) When God speaks, it cuts into our hearts (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12). He is graciously exposing and challenging and healing us, even if it hurts. Jesus is the Voice of God; what He says cuts deep, like a surgeons scalpel. The point…
“I surrender some!?”
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:27-33 “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” (Mark 11:33) The religious leaders are playing ‘hard to get’ with Jesus. They are clever and shrewd, but so is Jesus. He knows their hearts, He can play their games… and win. Do we play games with Jesus,…