SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:13-27 OBSERVATION: An interesting alliance, since the Pharisees were not fans of Herod, while the Herodians were his political supporters. Shows how desperate (and despicable) they were. The tax question was a trick, trying to entice Jesus to say something worthy of the death penalty. Jesus answers in a way that avoids the trap….
Apr 9 — Mark 12:1-12
SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:1-12 OBSERVATION: A vineyard was an old testament symbol for the nation of Israel (Isaiah 5:1-7). The vineyard is Israel; the owner is God; the tenants are the Jewish leaders; the servants are the prophets; and the only son and heir is Jesus. The stewards turn on the landowner, refusing to honour their deal. Jesus…
Apr 8 — Mark 11:20-33
SCRIPTURE: Mark 11:20-33 OBSERVATION: Jesus turns the situation with the fig tree into a lesson on faith and prayer. This is one of the passages that leads people to expect God to answer all our prayers – even radical or extreme ones (cursing fig trees, uprooting mountains) – if we have the right kind of faith…
Question re. SOAP Readings
Hi everyone, just curious! Are you finding the somewhat random selection of Bible Readings helpful (they are the assigned daily readings from the Canadian Bible Society), or would you prefer that we work through one Bible book at a time? I am thinking that it might be helpful to do it one book at a…
Apr 7 — Mark 11:1-19
SCRIPTURE: Mark 11:1-19 OBSERVATION: The colt of a donkey (Matthew 21:2). An unused animal was seen as especially suitable for religious purposes (Numbers 19:2). Notice that Jesus knew the colt would be there, and that the owner would allow Him to use it. Hosanna means “save”, an expression of praise and confidence. They seem to be quoting Psalm 118:25-26,…
Apr 6 — Isaiah 52:13-53:12
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 OBSERVATION: Another very clear picture of what kind of messiah God will send: unattractive, plain, poor, humble, meek, innocent, abused, murdered and ultimately restored. The messiah will suffer by God’s will for the sake of others’ sin. This seems to be a very obvious prophecy about what the messiah would be like, how…
Apr 5 — Isaiah 50:1-11
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 50:1-11 OBSERVATION: Speaking to captive Israel, God compares His letting Israel go to a divorce, necessary because of their ‘adulterous’ behavior with other lifestyles/religions (v.1) God has the power to save His people, but they have to be willing (vv.2-3). The messiah will be enabled to speak wisdom, and will endure abuse for God’s…
Apr 4 — Isaiah 49:1-21
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 49:1-21 OBSERVATION: A conversation between God and His messiah – He will be the Saviour of the world (v.6). The day is coming when kings will bow to the messiah, when the messiah will be a new covenant, will feed the masses, lead them through barren places, have compassion on them, especially the weak/needy…
Apr 3 — Isaiah 42:1-13
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 42:1-17 OBSERVATION: Description of God’s promised messiah (servant who will bring justice to the nations, vv.1-4). God reminds His people Who He is, assures them He will keep His promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) and bring blessing (light) to all people, especially the weak/needy. Isaiah urges people to praise the Lord because He will rise…
Celebrating pledges!
Amazing news. For the first time that I can remember, we have come to the end of the first quarter in the black! Your support of our new pledging model, and your faithful giving are much appreciated. We give thanks to the Lord for the $400+ surplus, and look forward to a continued year of…