The Demands of the Pharisees and the Dullness of the Disciples We have in the course of our study considered some of the objections that critics have raised about the events recorded in Mark.  Skeptical scholars have doubted whether Jesus …

HE HAS DONE ALL THINGS WELL Mark moves from Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman to an encounter with a deaf and mute man.  As with the woman, this account takes place in a mostly Gentile region.   However, unlike …

The Crumbs Under the Table Mark moves immediately from a tense encounter with the Pharisees and scribes to Jesus’ “retreat” into the Gentile territory of Tyre and Sidon.  This contrast should not be missed.   Jesus has just rebuked the …

WHAT REALLY DEFILES A PERSON Jesus again is confronted by the Pharisees.  You’ll remember these religious leaders previously took issue with what his disciples were doing on the Sabbath.  Now they raise the issue his disciples’ hand-washing habits.  We’ll consider …

Mark 6:45-56 There is a saying we have to describe someone who is really good at what they do.  Someone who faces obstacles but moves forward unhindered.  Someone who seems to be untouched by the everyday issues of life.   …

Mark 6:30-44 Here is the story of two banquets.  In the last passage, Herod threw a party to celebrate himself.  He invited all the VIPs of the day — nobles, military commanders, the leading men of town.  This was not …

Counting the Cost in the Cause of Christ Mark diverts his attention in only two places in his gospel to tell the story of anyone but Jesus.  Both instances are about John.  In the first instance (c.f. Mark 1) we …

On Mission for Jesus Jesus begins to fulfill his promise to his disciples that they would become “fishers of men” (Mark 1:17).  So far the disciples have followed Jesus around Galilee and the surrounding area witnessing but not fully participating …

Why Jesus Was Astonished   Throughout the Gospel of  Mark we’ve repeatedly seen Jesus demonstrate his lordship over disease, demons, and even death itself.  Everywhere he goes, the common response  seems to be one of amazement.  People are amazed at …