1 From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. 2 This gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 concerning his Son who was a descendant of David with reference to the flesh, 4 who was appointed the Son-of-God-in-power according […]
Mark Chapter 7: Beyond the Surface – Jesus Challenges Traditions and Hearts
Jesus shakes things up by confronting the religious leaders about their traditions and calling us to a deeper understanding of true purity. Let’s explore what this means for us today! The Clash Over Traditions (Mark 7:1-13) The chapter opens with a tense encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees (religious leaders) and scribes (experts in the […]
Mark Chapter 6: A Journey of Rejection, Miracles, and Bold Mission
Mark 6 is a bit of a roller coaster. We see Jesus experience rejection in his home town, perform amazing miracles, and send out his disciples on a daring mission. It’s a chapter full of lessons about identity, faith, and the importance of sharing the Good News. Key Themes & Moments Study Questions for Reflection […]
Mark Chapter 5: Where Jesus Shows His Power Over Everything!
We will see Jesus doing some pretty amazing things. This chapter is like a highlight reel of Jesus’ power over the physical world, demons, sickness, and even death. Ready to be amazed? The Wild Man of Gadara (verses 1-20) First, Jesus meets a man who’s totally out of control. He lives in a graveyard, no […]
Mark 4: Understanding the Stories Jesus Told
Mark chapter 4 is like a secret decoder ring for understanding Jesus’ teachings. It’s full of stories Jesus used to explain deep truths about God’s kingdom – kind of like the way your favourite movie or game has hidden meanings if you know where to look. The Parable of the Sower: It’s All About the […]
Mark Chapter 3 Healing, Opposition and Calling
Mark chapter 3 is a jam-packed section of the Gospel where Jesus heals, calls his disciples, and faces opposition. This chapter reveals a lot about Jesus’ authority, compassion, and the challenges he encountered. Healing on the Sabbath (3:1-6) The chapter opens with Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, the day […]
Mark 2: Friends, Forgiveness, and Faith
Mark, the shortest Gospel, wastes no time! In chapter 2, we see Jesus already causing a stir in Capernaum, a bustling city by the Sea of Galilee. The chapter is packed with action and teaches us some big lessons about friendship, forgiveness, and having faith in Jesus. The Paralysed Man and His Loyal Friends (Mark […]
For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory…
These powerful words, often included in the Lord’s Prayer, encapsulate the essence of our faith and offer a profound reminder of God’s sovereignty and majesty. The Kingdom God’s reign is eternal and encompasses all creation. When we pray “Thy kingdom come,” we acknowledge that God’s will is ultimate and that we seek to align our […]
Commentary on Mark Chapter 1
Mark, known for his fast-paced and action-oriented writing style, begins his Gospel with a dramatic introduction to Jesus Christ. This chapter sets the stage for the Gospel’s central message: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, who has come to proclaim and inaugurate the kingdom of God. Key Themes and Events Study Questions Application […]
Mark Chapter 1: The Start of Something Big!
Mark’s Gospel isn’t like a slow-burn movie; it’s more like an action flick that grabs you from the first scene. And Chapter 1 is the adrenaline-pumping intro. Here’s what’s going down: Study Questions to Get You Thinking Let me know if you’d like any of these questions explored in more depth, or if you’d like […]
Lead Us Not into Temptation, But Deliver Us from Evil: A Reflection on the Lord’s Prayer
In the heart of the Lord’s Prayer lies a profound plea: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” This simple yet powerful request reveals the very human struggle against sin and the need for divine intervention in our lives. Understanding Temptation Temptation is not a sin in itself, but rather an enticement […]
“Forgive Us Our Sins, As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us”
In the heart of the Lord’s Prayer lies a profound truth about forgiveness. It’s a two-way street, a reciprocal act that binds us to both God and our fellow human beings. When we pray, “Forgive us our sins,” we acknowledge our own imperfections and our need for God’s mercy. We recognise that we fall short […]