What Happened? In this passage, we encounter a blind beggar named Bartimaeus sitting by the roadside in Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples pass by, Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus, begging for mercy. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus persists, crying out even louder. Jesus hears Bartimaeus’ cries and stops. He calls for […]
Mark 10:35-45: A Lesson in True Greatness
In this passage, we witness a conversation between Jesus and two of his disciples, James and John, that reveals a common human desire: the pursuit of power and status. However, Jesus uses this opportunity to challenge their understanding and teach a radical new perspective on leadership. What Happened? James and John approached Jesus with a […]
Mark 10:32-34: A Glimpse into Jesus’ Courage and Sacrifice
This passage gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ mindset as He journeyed towards Jerusalem, knowing full well the suffering and death that awaited Him. What Happened? As Jesus and His disciples were on the road, He openly shared with them what was about to happen. He predicted His betrayal, His condemnation by the religious leaders, […]
Mark 10:17-31: The Cost of Following Jesus
This passage in Mark’s Gospel presents a powerful encounter between Jesus and a rich young man, followed by a crucial lesson for Jesus’ disciples on the true meaning of discipleship. The Encounter A rich young man, seemingly earnest in his faith, kneels before Jesus and asks, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal […]
Mark 10:13-16: Jesus Loves the Little Children
This passage in Mark’s Gospel paints a beautiful picture of Jesus’ love and care for children. It’s a reminder that no matter how young or insignificant we might feel, we are deeply valued by God. What happened? Parents brought their little ones to Jesus, hoping he would bless them. However, the disciples, perhaps thinking Jesus […]
Mark 10:1-12: Jesus on Marriage and Divorce: A Message for Young People
In this passage, Jesus tackles the tough topic of divorce, a topic that’s still relevant today, especially for young people navigating relationships. What Happened? The Pharisees, religious leaders known for testing Jesus, asked him if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. This was a controversial issue, with different interpretations of the […]
Mark 9:38-50: A Lesson in Unity, Humility, and Sacrifice
This passage in Mark’s Gospel dives into some challenging teachings from Jesus about what it truly means to be his follower. Let’s unpack this together! What Happened? John, one of Jesus’ disciples, tells him about someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name, but who wasn’t part of their group. John expected Jesus to be upset, […]
Mark 9:33-37: Redefining Greatness
In this passage, we witness Jesus challenging His disciples’ understanding of greatness. What Happened? While travelling to Capernaum, the disciples were having a heated debate about who was the greatest among them. Jesus, aware of their discussion, asked what they were arguing about, but they remained silent, likely ashamed of their petty dispute. When they […]
Mark 9:30-32: A Secret Journey and a Puzzling Message
This passage takes us on a secret journey with Jesus and his disciples through Galilee. It’s a quiet time for teaching, away from the crowds that usually follow Jesus. What Happened? Jesus tells his disciples something shocking: “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, […]
Mark 9:14-29: Faith and Healing
This passage in Mark’s Gospel is a dramatic story about a father’s desperation, a boy’s suffering, and the power of faith in Jesus. The Scene Jesus comes down from a mountain with Peter, James, and John to find a commotion. A crowd surrounds his disciples, who are arguing with a man. The man’s son is […]
Galatians 6:11-18: True Marks of a Believer
In these final verses of his letter to the Galatians, Paul gets personal and passionate, driving home his central message about the true meaning of Christian freedom. What’s Happening? Paul emphasises the importance of inward transformation, not outward appearances. He contrasts those who boast about circumcision or following Jewish laws with those who bear the […]
Galatians 6:1-10: Lifting Each Other Up and Sowing Good Seeds
This section of Galatians is like a mini-guide to living in a healthy Christian community. It deals with helping others who’ve messed up, taking responsibility for ourselves, and keeping our eyes on the prize – eternal life! What’s Happening? Paul is giving the Galatians practical advice. He says if someone in your church family makes […]