Jesus is entering Jerusalem, and those who are entering Jerusalem alongside him, they are excited about Jesus. They believe that Jesus is a king, and that Jesus is ushering in the kingdom God had promised would arrive with a future descendant of the OT King David. This crowd of followers doesn’t yet appreciate that Jesus, […]
Sermons
Jesus’ Authority
The chapter opens with what is traditionally known as the Triumphal Entry. It’s the week before Jesus’ death and resurrection, an event that what we think of as Palm Sunday, and the beginning of the Passion Week, with Jesus suffering at the hands of the Jewish and Gentile leaders.
Who Is The Greatest
When Jesus says, For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many, Jesus is talking about redemption. A ransom is the price paid to redeem someone from bondage and captivity.
The Rich Young Ruler
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.
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?