Archives for November 2010

In Mark 4:21-34 Mark presents his readers with three short parables that Jesus taught. In each of the parables we see some great things taking place. But one of the remarkably noticeable characteristics of each of the parables is the lack of action on the part of any people present in the parables. Instead we see Jesus and the gospel message at work. And what becomes v...

Mark's gospel changes briefly in format beginning in chapter 4. Rather than being made up almost exclusively of narrative about Jesus, chapter 4 is largely a direct recounting of some of Jesus' teachings. In this sermon we looked at Jesus' parable of the sower (vs. 1-20). Throughout this account Jesus paints a picture of Himself as the gracious Giver of the gospel. Unf...

In the text of Mark 3:7-19 Mark articulates Jesus' definition of discipleship. But knowing what Jesus calls us to as disciples isn't all we need to know. In this passage of Scripture, Mark 3:20-35, Mark articulates for the reader two important traits of Jesus that we must know and be convinced of if we are really going to be His disciples. Mark presents to us a picture ...

There are so many today ("Christians" and non-Christians alike) who are confused about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. In Mark 3:7-19 Mark illustrates for his readers what being a disciple of Jesus is not and what Jesus, Himself, says that it is. What is shocking is that there are so many today who claim to be disciples of Jesus but look so much like those in th...

This is the second part of a two part sermon that will cover Mark 2:1-3:6. As we move on into the second chapter of Mark's gospel we will begin to see a theme that Mark develops throughout his entire gospel account - the theme of Jesus being at odds with the religious leaders. And as I have examined the text is seems that one point Mark emphasizes is that Jesus chose to be...