Jesus had to die – his life (and death) are the pattern for his followers; he doesn’t call us to an easy life, but to self-denial and self-sacrifice. He promises to be with us, and to help us live faithfully. continue »
Mark: Seeing Jesus [3] (2018)
This autumn we continue reading through Mark’s gospel, as Jesus begins the journey to Jerusalem, and opposition to him continues to grow.
Jesus is… the glorious Lord
Was this a way of saying you can forget Moses and Elijah: it is now all about Jesus? continue »
Jesus is… the judge of all
Mark emphasises following Jesus. John emphasised following us. This can be a big trap for churches and denominations. When religion creeps into the equation Jesus gets forgotten. continue »
Jesus is… the (divorce) lawyer
The church isn’t a palace for the perfect, it’s a hospital for sinners. And God forgives all those who truly repent – which is not the same as saying ‘anything goes’. continue »
Jesus is… the good teacher
We are Jesus’s apprentices. We are all on a journey of watching, learning and doing things together. continue »
Jesus is… the ransom for many
Jesus died willingly. He was not forced to die by an angry or cruel God. He knew the cost, he knew the pain, and yet he still gave himself freely, for you and for me. continue »
Jesus is… the healer
But, what would have happened if Bartimaeus had listened to those voices telling him “you are not enough”!? A big old nothing. continue »
Jesus is… the coming King
It wasn’t Rome that was on Jesus’ mind. It was the temple. The Messiah was not there to give them what they wanted but to give them what they needed. continue »
Jesus is… the zealot
The tree appeared to be flourishing, but in reality it was producing nothing of value, and never would. So Jesus curses the appearance of fruitfulness without the reality. continue »
Jesus is… the one with authority
The greatest authority for us Christians, is …. Christ. continue »