Jesus Challenged about Government Oppression, Pt. 2 (Mark 12:13-17)

September 21, 2023 Nate Holdridge

In part 1 of this article, we saw Herodians and Pharisees come together to challenge Jesus about Rome, about government oppression. They posed a question -- “Should we pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” -- hoping to catch Jesus in an answer that either maddened the masses or went against Roman law.

Jesus Came with Heaven's Authority (Mark 11:27-33)

August 24, 2023 Nate Holdridge

When Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem and passed the same fig tree that Jesus had cursed the day before, Peter saw that it had withered from the roots. Shocked, he pointed it out to Jesus.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree (Mark 11:19-26)

August 17, 2023 Nate Holdridge

Adopt a Temple Theology (Mark 11:12-18)

August 10, 2023 Nate Holdridge

Through Jesus’ expression of righteous anger by overthrowing the tables in the temple, he demonstrated how important it was for the temple to be kept holy. How does this apply to us today? We must adopt a temple theology. Let me explain.

Jesus' Righteous Anger (Mark 11:12-21)

August 3, 2023 Nate Holdridge

In the passage before us, Jesus cursed a fig tree and overturned tables. He did not normally behave this way. Jesus did not customarily use miraculous power in destructive ways, but in ways that led to healing, feeding, deliverance, and resurrection. Jesus was about giving life. And when we imagine—really imagine—tables and chairs clanging to the ground while travel and trading are stopped, we are also concerned. Jesus often rebuked the way of the religionists of his day, but not like this.

Part 3: What Kind of King is Jesus? Long Awaited (Mark 11:8-11)

June 22, 2023 Nate Holdridge

As Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem, his entrance is peculiar. Why did Jesus want to ride in on a young donkey? He'd gone to Jerusalem many times for various feasts. Ever since his childhood, Jesus had been a pilgrim bound for Jerusalem. And he had never ridden in on a young donkey. Why did Jesus choose such a dramatic and different entrance on this day?

Part 2: What Kind of King is Jesus? Meek (Mark 11:8)

June 15, 2023 Nate Holdridge

Jesus' journey into Jerusalem wasn't only a fulfillment of prophecy, but a glimpse into his kingdom. You see, everything Jesus did that day of his arrival spoke of his royalty. Why?

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.