I Am Only A Child
Oftentimes we are oppressed by a sense of our own inadequacy. The task before us seems beyond our strength and ability. The odds against us are overwhelming. This feeling of helplessness is not unique to us. Throughout history the people of God have often felt this way. For example, when God called Jeremiah to be […]
What Would You Rather Have?
Children sometimes play a game in which they ask each other, “What would you rather be?” Then, they list a couple of choices. For example, a child might ask his friend, “What would you rather be, a musician or an actor?” When it is her turn, the friend might respond, “What would you rather be, […]
Who Is The Christ? (Mark 12:35-44)
Who is Jesus? This is a profound question. How we answer it has an impact on our relationship to God and on our salvation. If the things Jesus said are true, then He must be more than just a man. If what He said is not true, then He is a liar and a charlatan […]
The Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28-34)
There are many reasons to ask questions. One reason is because we wish to learn something. We are ignorant about a certain topic and we ask questions about what we do not understand. Another reason to ask questions is for clarity. For example, if someone tells us something which seems to contradict what he said […]
Two Questions to Catch Him (Mark 12:13-27)
We do not like to be told that we are wrong. We especially do not like to be told that we must change our attitudes and the way we live in order to please God. The more religious and righteous we think we are, the less willing we are to accept such a message. It […]
The Parable of the Tenants (Mark 12:1-12)
We have a saying that if you want to get someone’s attention, hit him in his pocketbook. What it means is that people often put a higher priority on their income and financial wellbeing than anything else. This saying was certainly true with regard to the religious leaders in Jerusalem during Jesus’ ministry. The priests […]
Hypocrisy (Mark 11:12-33)
Appearances are often deceiving. What we think we see does not represent reality. Sometimes this difference can be a pleasant surprise. The hulking, brutish, hardened looking man turns out be someone who is very kind, compassionate, and humorous with a genuine interest in serving others. Other times, reality is not so pleasing. We cut into […]
King Jesus (Mark 10:46-11:11)
Jesus’ disciples believed that He was the Messiah the prophets predicted would come and for who’s appearing the people of Israel had waited for hundreds of years. One of the roles of the Messiah is that of King. The disciples were convinced that Jesus would openly declare Himself as King and inaugurate His kingdom when […]
Greatness and Service (Mark 10:32-45)
The very same event can cause some to fear and give hope to others. This is what happened when, in spite of the religious leaders’ opposition, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem. In chapter 10, verses 32 through 34 of the Gospel which bears his name Mark writes, “They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; […]
Eternal Life (Mark 10:17-31)
Even though death is universal, there is something in our souls which refuses to accept this and which longs for eternal life. This is not surprising because God created us for life. However, as a consequence of Adam’s disobedience God banned access to the Tree of Life. Mankind has been searching for it ever since. […]