These are posts about the Gospel of Mark.
Mark
In the end, what matters is God’s light shines upon a world desperately in need of it. We all have jobs to do. Sometimes it is hard to see how our daily jobs relate to God’s will. They do still relate, though. God’s grace, love, and mercy
Mark
God doesn’t expect perfection; He expects an openness to following Him. Who among us is perfect? Who among us doesn’t have questions? Who among us doesn’t tread carefully when trying something new because we are afraid to fail? The verses presented today give an alternate ending to
Mark
What will you do with the story of Christ? That’s really the crux of the issue, isn’t it? Sure, we receive eternal life and look forward to eternity with God. But what are you going to do between the point where you receive the gift and the time
Mark
God continues to do the impossible again and again throughout the remainder of history. It starts with the resurrection. It continues now. God continues to do the impossible in you and me. Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, and Salome bring spices to the tomb. The job of taking the body
Mark
Jesus’ body is prepared for burial so the rest of God’s plan could unfold. The cross provided the way to eternal life with God, but God isn’t done. Humanity still needs some help understanding God's hand in motion. Joseph of Arimathea comes to care for the
Mark
Jesus died knowing His death opens the gate to eternal life for all who are willing to follow. His death frees us from eternal condemnation. His death allows us to look evil in the eye and not flinch. His death allows us to embrace death with grace rather than fear.
Mark
The only question that remains is how we will respond to His love. Sin has been dealt with. Favorable judgment has been guaranteed. Life with God is ours for the taking. What difference will that make in your life? When Jesus breathes His last, the temple curtain is torn. At
Mark
Following Jesus is about sacrificial leadership. Jesus sacrificed existence in Heaven to come and live among us. He sacrificed personal glory to serve others. He sacrificed His own life so others could live. It’s a simple concept. Jesus cries out as He hangs upon the cross. The deed is
Mark
Like Jesus, we must remain true in our understanding that in the end, it is God whose plan will win out. It can be difficult to follow God, make sacrifices for His sake, and watch other people get ahead by following the world’s ways. It is difficult to help
Mark
Jesus’ last moments were spent embracing the pain of life known through the omniscience of God. I’m honestly not sure I can fathom what that sentence truly encompasses. I cannot imagine the massive amount of pain involved in being crucified. I also cannot imagine going through that act with
Mark
Jesus has power and He takes death upon Himself so others can live. With Jesus, the focus is on the other person. Jesus is a servant-leader. Jesus makes sacrifices so others can benefit. Even when we see His humanity in force – His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, for example
Mark
Jesus knew what He was talking about when on the cross He utters, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Those words are still true. Each time we choose sin over God’s ways, we don’t know the full ramifications of the choice. Jesus died because we