The rich man had a blind spot that Jesus exposes. It seems he’s not as good, not as virtuous as he thinks he is. He loves his stuff. More than treasures in heaven, he wants to hold onto his treasures on earth. And that first love keeps the man from following Jesus.
Sermons
Taking Sin Seriously – Mark 9
You don’t want to lead others into sin, you don’t want to be carried away by your own sin. Either way the results are more terrible than you can appreciate now. It’s better to turn from your sin now, no matter what you think it might cost you, than to continue in your sin, and […]
Dealing With Disappointment
What does it look like for us to be followers of Jesus? In the first half Mark 9, Mark records the transfiguration of Jesus, with the curtains temporarily pulled back, so we catch a glimpse of Jesus in his divine glory. Soon after the transfiguration event, Jesus will cast a demon from a boy, who […]
Jesus is the Christ – Mark 8
So now, after all this time, Jesus puts the question to his disciples, “who do you say that I am?” And Peter answers for all twelve of the apostles. Jesus, you are the Christ. Right answer! Way to go Peter. Maybe if only Peter had simply stopped right there. But Peter doesn’t stop, and Peter […]
Christological Amnesia – Mark 8
The disciples didn’t remember how Jesus had miraculously provided enough food for 5000 people. Or if they did remember, they couldn’t connect Jesus’ ability to provide back then, with his ability to provide food for 4000 people now. What’s wrong with those disciples?
Jesus and The Gentile Woman
The good news, or gospel of Jesus is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe, first for the Jew, and then for the Gentile. So, the Jews are the first recipients of gospel, but not the sole recipients of the gospel. Do you discern the difference? The promise has always been a […]
Jesus vs. the Pharisees
Do you see that the Pharisees . . . They are about to cancel Jesus. They find the behavior of Jesus’ followers, and so really the behavior of Jesus, objectionable and offensive. They are about to cancel Jesus, and anyone who dares to ally themselves with Jesus. But Jesus is not about to roll over and let himself and his followers be cancelled by these Pharisees and scribes.