THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:3-8 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed.” (Mark 13:7) I often hear Christians today say that we must be in the last days. Terrorism, the middle east crisis, economic upheaval, increasing natural disasters. When we lose a sense of history, we see our own times…
Treasures that last!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:1-2 “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2) So many things that we love will not last forever. That brand new car… will one day be sold for scrap. The new brand name jacket… will wind up in a thrift store. That…
Jesus notices!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:41-44 “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:44) Who are the heroes of our day, millionaire philanthropists, celebrities fighting for a cause? Prominent Christian leaders who preach faith, hope and love in this world of darkness?…
Warning for religious abusers!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:38-40 “These men will be punished most severely.” (Mark 12:40) God created us for a purpose, to share His love and blessing with others for Him. Imagine God’s pain when He sees His servants using Him to oppress others. All people as sinners are guilty of hurting others in one way or…
Lord of lords!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:35-37 “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand…’” (Mark 12:36, Psalm 110:1) The Hebrew name for God (YHWH, Exodus 3:14) is translated ‘Lord’ (kyrios) in Greek. The Hebrew for ‘master’ (Adonai, used by slaves, subjects) is also translated ‘Lord’. Psalm 110:1 here literally says ‘YHWH says to my master’. Many Christians…
Surrender to the kingdom!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:28-34 “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mark 12:34) This Law expert is watching, engaged by how Jesus handles His debaters. He likes what he hears, though he’s still not sure what to make of Jesus. It seems that he is sincere in asking Jesus his question. And when…
Badly mistaken 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. Is not marriage a part of God’s original creation design? And does Jesus mean that we will become angels, no longer human? As I think further, two thoughts come to mind. First, Jesus…
What are your political leanings?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:13-17 “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17) Jesus is clever with His response, avoiding the trap of these religious leaders. The Pharisees opposed Caesar, claiming that nothing belonged to him, only to God. The Herodians submitted to Herod, Caesar’s appointed ruler, affirming Caesar’s…
Don’t reject the cornerstone!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:1-12 “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone!” (Mark 12:10, Psalm 118:22) When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds sang out from Psalm 118:26. Now Jesus throws back Psalm 118:22, where the rejected one becomes the chosen one. “The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction…
Holding out on Jesus?
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,…