A Clash of Kingdoms   Jesus’ betrayal at the kiss of Judas is the darkest moment yet in Mark’s Gospel. What it signifies is not a personality conflict, or a lapse of judgment on Judas’ on behalf, but rather the …

The Spirit is Willing but the Flesh is Weak As was customary at the conclusion of the Passover meal, Jesus and his disciples sung a hymn (v.26). And with the meal being over they decide to talk a walk to …

Is It I? Jesus’ hour is quickly coming upon him. Mark tells us that it is the first day of Unleavened Bread (v.12) which was the day Passover was celebrated. In less than 24 hours Jesus will be delivered up …

Extravagant Devotion What is the most expensive gift you have ever given? For me – and I bet this is the case for many men – it was a tiny rock attached to a small band – an engagement ring. …

Stay Awake! The nineteenth century Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon said concerning this teaching of Jesus that “it is confessedly very difficult to comprehend.” This seems to be a bit of an understatement!  As we noted last week the difficulty in understanding …

The World is a Mess! Throughout his gospel account, Mark has emphasized Jesus’ role as a teacher. In addition to instructing his own disciples, Jesus is frequently found teaching the crowds of people who flock to him. The people see …

The Challenge of Jesus Last week we heard from a scribe who wanted to know which commandment Jesus considered to be the most important. This was the third in a string of questions posed to Jesus in an effort to …

NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM   Jesus is in Jerusalem and the pressure against him continues to rise. The religious authorities bring a series of controversial questions to Jesus in an effort to discredit him in the eyes of the …