Part 1: What Kind of King is Jesus? In Control (Mark 11:1-7)

June 8, 2023 Nate Holdridge

In our last look at Mark, we followed Jesus as he neared his death in Jerusalem at the time of the Passover feast. As Jesus neared the city, he did something uncharacteristic. All through Mark's gospel, Jesus has silenced people. Only recently, with Bartimaeus, has Jesus begun to invite attention. And now, as they approach the eastern side of the city, Jesus decides to mount a young donkey and ride into Jerusalem like a coming king.

A Lesson on Servanthood (Mark 10:41-45)

May 25, 2023 Nate Holdridge

On their way to Jerusalem, James and John make an ignorant request to Jesus, asking for the positions of highest honor in Jesus’ kingdom. After hearing of their special request, the ten were angry at James and John (41). They weren't angry at their insensitivity towards Jesus or their misplaced desire for honor. They were angry to have been undercut for the positions they also craved.

The Walk in the Light (1 John 1:7)

May 24, 2023 Nate Holdridge

What does this walk in the light look like? We know that it does not mean moral perfection. It does not mean you'll never experience temptation. And it is not some unattainable life only a select few real saints ever achieve.

Out of Touch Prayers (Mark 10:35-40)

May 18, 2023 Nate Holdridge

As Jesus and his disciples journey to Jerusalem where Jesus would undertake the cross, two of his disciples make a request, and the other disciples become angry at the request. Both the request and the anger show they didn't yet understand his kingdom.

The Courage of Christ (Mark 10:32-34)

May 11, 2023 Nate Holdridge

At this point in Jesus’ mission, Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem, the place the powers of darkness would converge to crucify him. He knew he had to go. It is a beautiful passage because it shows us Jesus right before his last week near Jerusalem. Death looms, and Jesus rushes towards it. His time has come. He has to engage his mission; this is why he'd come.

Proclaim The True Jesus (1 John 1:1-2)

May 10, 2023 Nate Holdridge

For John, it was simple. He wanted everyone to know the real Jesus, even those who got Jesus wrong. John knew about Jesus like no one else still alive in his time. He had been with Jesus when He wept in the Garden of Gethsemane, had watched Jesus raise Lazarus and others, and had stood at the foot of Jesus' cross with Mary. He had leaned on Jesus during the Last Supper, had run to Jesus' empty tomb with Peter, and had eaten with Jesus after his resurrection.

Jesus Sees (Revelation 2:9)

April 26, 2023 Nate Holdridge

The church in Smyrna was a persecuted church destined for a set period of suffering. In his letter to this church, Jesus, through the Apostle John, told them he knew all they were about to endure. First, he saw it coming. Second, he had experienced their pain while on the cross. He knew.

Encouraging Word

August 12, 2020 Nate Holdridge

overcoming obstacles.jpg — “The believer, grounded in this love, is made stable for every season of life.”

“The believer, grounded in this love, is made stable for every season of life.”