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Seeing God Correctly: God Is Compelled To Do Good
(Mark 3:1-6)
So one Sabbath Jesus again went to church, to the synagogue, to the public meeting. Mark says, a man was there with a withered hand. Luke, who was a doctor, tells us it was the man's right hand (Luke 6:6). To have a withered hand meant his hand was stiff, deformed, and paralyzed. (6 Minutes/1500 Words)
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Jesus' Atmosphere of Grace
(Mark 2:23-28)
As we continue our study of Mark, it is becoming evident that Jesus' way is far different than that of the religious leaders who came before him. He offered forgiveness of sins to the paralyzed man. He called Matthew the tax collector and ate with sinners. He did not fast, but feasted, with his disciples. And, in each episode, he was a stark contrast to the religious leaders of his day. (11 Minutes/2900 Words)
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The Jesus Famous Podcast is a series of conversations with Nate Holdridge discussing ways in which we can see Jesus famous in our lives. Catch up on all episodes here.
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Jesus Joy
(Mark 2:9-22)
By this point in Mark, it has become increasingly clear that Jesus' coming was a massive event. He was not just another leader with fresh religious claims. He did not come with some good advice. He did not come to tinker. (13 Minutes/3000 Words)
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Jesus Is the Friend of Sinners, Part 3 He Calls Sinners
(Mark 2:13-17)
Somehow, a group of scribes of the Pharisees saw what Jesus was doing. We've already seen scribes in Mark's gospel; they were in the house when Jesus forgave the paralyzed man. This new group of scribes was of the sect of the Pharisees. But who were the Pharisees? (4 Minutes/1000 Words)
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Jesus Is the Friend of Sinners, Part 2 His Kingdom Is for Sinners
(Mark 2:13–17)
Now, the day of salvation in your life should be a day of celebration, and that's how Levi saw things. He invited Jesus to his house and invited his friends, many tax collectors and sinners. They gathered around the table and, as was their custom, reclined as they feasted together. It was a celebration, but also a farewell party. Levi had a new life, calling, and adventure in front of him. (4 Minutes/1100 Words)
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Groaning for Resurrection
(Romans 8:18-25)
Nearly 2,000 years ago, on a Sunday morning a couple of days removed from the Passover, in Israel, a group of women went to a tomb. Their beloved teacher, leader, and friend had been crucified. They had hoped he was the one to save the world from its chaos and brokenness. Instead, he had suffered and died at the hands of jealous religious leaders, the Roman government, and a bloodthirsty mob. Still, he was special to them, and because he'd been buried with haste, they determined to go to his grave to complete his burial process. (9 Minutes/2300 Words)
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Jesus Is the Friend of Sinners, Part 1 He Calls People Like Levi
(Mark 2:13–17)
The first time Jesus spoke in Mark's gospel, he said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). And, at this point in Mark's gospel, we have learned many introductory things about the kingdom of God Jesus said was at hand. (7 Minutes/1800 Words)
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Jesus Fills Our True Need
(Mark 2:1-12)
The story pivots us from the introductory days of Jesus' ministry to the controversial ones. We know Jesus wasn't popular with all people at all times—he was, after all, crucified. And most of us know that Jesus became disliked by the religious leaders of his day. So, his popularity must have become mixed with opposition at some point. (10 Minutes/3000 Words)
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Jesus Has Authority Over All Spiritual Uncleanness
(Mark 1:35-45)
Mark doesn't refer often to Jesus' prayer life, but when he does Jesus is alone, and his ministry is in the balance. In the garden of Gethsemane, Mark presents Jesus praying to bolster his determination to get the kingdom through the means of his death on the cross (Mark 14:36). After feeding the 5,000, a time John tells us they wanted to take him by force and make him king, Jesus went up to the mountain to pray alone (Mark 6:45-52). (6 Minutes/1500 Words)
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