Category Archives: Jesus Christ

the living stone

1 Peter 2:4-10.  Peter encouraged the Christians reading his words by comparing them with those who had opportunity to accept Christ, but had rejected him.  They had a temple made with dead stones.  Christ is the living stone, rejected by … Continue reading

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a living hope

1 Peter 1:1-12.  Peter writes to Christians who are going through “various trials” which grieve them and threaten to steal their hope.  He seeks to encourage them by reminding them of God’s sovereign plan. In the past,  they were unsaved.  … Continue reading

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disciples: appointment with Jesus

Mark 16.  One must be cautious of commenting on the content of verses 9-20, since it is unclear whether these verses were part of what Mark originally wrote.  If we regard verse 8 as the true ending of the Gospel, … Continue reading

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disciples: absent

Mark 15.  The disciples are conspicuously absent from the narrative in this chapter, although they have a prominent place everywhere else.  They are not there in this chapter to speak up for Jesus when he is being accused and mocked … Continue reading

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disciples: found napping

  Mark 14.  Mark highlights the irony in that Jesus had just warned his disciples to stay awake (13:35, 36) and then follows with several stories that show that they are found napping – literally and figuratively.  Significant events are … Continue reading

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disciples: fairness and the kingdom

    Mark 10.  The disciples learn a valuable lesson about the kingdom of God in this chapter: it’s not fair.      It’s not fair that God intends marriage to last a lifetime. What if you find that you … Continue reading

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disciples: no guts, no glory

Mark 8:27-9:50.  The disciples learn something about Jesus in the events described in this section.  They learn that Jesus is the Christ, and that he is going to come in  glory, so people should listen to him above all others.  … Continue reading

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disciples: faith overcomes fear

Mark 4:35-5:43.  In this group of stories, the disciples learn that Jesus has great power, and that their faith in him should help them to overcome irrational fear.       A great windstorm threatens to capsize the boat where … Continue reading

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disciples: privy to the secret

Mark 4:1-34.  The outsiders who criticized Jesus and his ministry could not understand what he was preaching.  They heard him talk about seeds and soils and wondered why he was giving agricultural advice.  They heard him talk about lamps, baskets, … Continue reading

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disciples: sick and social outcasts

Mark 2-3.  Jesus also chose Levi, son of Alphaeus – AKA Matthew.  The religious “in crowd” immediately criticized the choice.  They were constantly judging Jesus for the kind of people he chose to work with, and minister to.  Even John’s … Continue reading

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