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,…
Surrender to His authority?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:27-33 “Who gave you authority to do this?” (Mark 11:28) When God created humans, He gave them to lead for Him (Genesis 1:26-28). This is our creation design; we all have authority to act for God. This is authority to be good, to do good, to serve for the good of all. But…
One in heart, mind and will!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:20-25 “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24) This statement seems plain and clear: ask, believe, and you WILL receive! Sounds like a formula for success… so why doesn’t it seem to work? One reason may be that we just…
Open house!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:15-19 “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Mark 11:17, Isaiah 56:7) God’s original design was that all creation would be a place for prayer. And by prayer, I mean more than ‘asking God for things’. Prayer, like worship, means more than the narrow ideas we usually give…
Overflowing with fruit!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:12-14 “Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit.” (Mark 11:13) Jesus’ action seems harsh, since “it was not the season for figs.” (v.14) Apparently fig trees in Israel do produce fruit out of their normal season. A fig tree in…
Join the praise parade!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:8-11, Psalm 118 “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9; Psalm 118:26) The people are excited, they are hopeful Jesus is the One. They start singing from their sacred song book (Psalms), words that inspire and encourage. Their excitement stems from two things: (1) Their shame and suffering…