Not My Life

The Sabbath finished. Mary Magdalene, James’ mum Mary, and Salome bought spices to go and put on Jesus’ body. They went to the tomb first thing on the first weekday when the sun rose.

Talking together, they said, “Who will roll the stone from the tomb’s entrance?”

They looked up and saw the stone had already been rolled; it was very large.

They entered the tomb and were alarmed to see a man wearing a white robe sitting on the right.

He said, “Don’t be worried. Looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was killed on a cross? He’s awake, not here. Look at the spot where they placed him. Go and tell his disciples, and Peter, that Jesus is going before you to Galilee. Meet him there, like he told you.”

They left and ran from the tomb because they were scared and amazed. They didn’t tell anyone because they were afraid.

After Jesus rose on the morning of the first weekday, he appeared, firstly, to Mary Magdalene, who had had seven demons expelled from her.

Mary left and announced it to the people who had been with him. They were grieving and crying. The people didn’t believe he was alive and that Mary had seen him.

After this, Jesus appeared looking differently to two of the disciples walking out in the countryside. They went and told the others but were not believed.

Later, the eleven disciples were sitting at the table when Jesus appeared. He told them off for their lack of belief and hard hearts because they didn’t believe the people who saw him after he had risen.

He said to them, “Go across the whole world and announce the good news to everything that has been created. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever doesn’t believe will be guilty. These signs will go with the believers: In my name, they will send out demons and speak in new languages. They will lift snakes, and if they drink anything deadly, it won’t hurt them. They will place hands on sick people and heal them.”

After speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was lifted into heaven and sat at God’s right.

The disciples left and preached everywhere. The Lord was helping them and confirming the messages through relevant miracles.

Mark Chapter 16 Summary

After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices to anoint Jesus’ body. Arriving at sunrise on the first day of the week, they found the tomb’s large stone rolled away. Inside, a man in white told them Jesus had risen and instructed them to tell his disciples and Peter that He would meet them in Galilee. Frightened yet amazed, they fled the tomb and said nothing initially due to fear. Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene, who told the others, but they did not believe her. Jesus then revealed Himself to two followers in the countryside and later to the eleven disciples, telling them off for their disbelief. He commanded them to preach the Gospel globally, promising salvation to believers and miracles to accompany them, such as expelling demons, speaking new languages, and healing. Jesus then ascended to heaven. The disciples spread the word, performing miracles as God confirmed their message.

Mark Chapter 16 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. Why do you think the women were initially afraid to speak about Jesus’ resurrection?
   Answer: The women were likely overwhelmed by the supernatural event and feared disbelief or persecution. Their silence reflects our own hesitations to share our faith when faced with uncertainty or potentially being hurt or mocked.
2. How can we find the courage to share our faith when we are afraid, as the women initially were?
   Answer: Taking inspiration from the women who eventually did share the news, we can pray for strength, seek support from fellow believers, and trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us in our sharing.
3. What does Jesus’ approach to His disciples, who were doubtful, teach us about dealing with doubt in our own lives?
   Answer: Jesus’ caring yet straightforward approach with His disciples shows that while doubt is a natural part of faith, we must confront it and seek the truth.
4. How can the miracles that accompany believers (like healing and speaking in tongues) be understood and seen in modern Christian living?
   Answer: These miracles can be seen as various forms of God’s work through believers, from physical healing to the less tangible, like offering comfort or understanding, and can be found through faith and prayer.
5. What does Jesus’ command to preach to “everything that has been created” say about the Christian message?
   Answer: It emphasises that the good news is universal, meant for every person, regardless of background, and that as believers, we are called to be inclusive and share God’s love with all.

Mark Chapter 16 Explained

Mark Chapter 16 provides a powerful and victorious conclusion to the Gospel, depicting the resurrection of Jesus and the commands given to His disciples. The chapter begins with the women who followed Jesus, showing their commitment to care for Him even after His death. Their role as the first witnesses to the resurrection highlights the importance of faithfulness and the unexpected ways God can reveal Himself.

The initial reaction of fear and amazement from the women mirrors the human tendency to doubt and fear the unknown. Their silence is significant, representing the struggle between faith and fear—a theme that believers can understand as they navigate sharing their faith in a skeptical world. The angel’s message is clear and direct, highlighting that God’s promises are true and Jesus’s words are to be trusted.

Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene, a person whom society had disregarded, showing His care and the transformative power of His presence. His appearance to the two followers on the road is a reminder that Jesus meets us in our everyday journeys, often in unexpected ways.

The encounter with the eleven disciples is particularly notable. Jesus tells them off for their disbelief, emphasising the necessity of faith. Yet, this is followed by a command, entrusting them with the task of spreading the good news. This shows that despite our flaws, we are called to serve a purpose in God’s plan.

The signs that follow believers serve as evidence of the divine power that accompanies the message of Christ. These signs are not just literal miracles but also represent the spiritual transformation and impact believers have in the world.

Finally, Jesus’ leaving for heaven and the disciples’ subsequent preaching underscores the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to the age of the Church, powered by the Holy Spirit.

In summary, Mark Chapter 16 is a call to action for all Christians. It invites us to experience the risen Christ, confront our doubts with faith, and carry the message of salvation to the world with the reassurance that God is with us.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

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Continue exploring Mark 16

If you’d like to read Mark 16 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 16 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 16 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 16 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

First thing in the morning, the chief priests, elders, law experts and the whole council came up with a plan. They tied Jesus, led him and gave him to Pilate.

Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the Jew’s king?”

Jesus answered, “You say.”

The chief priests made many accusations against Jesus, so Pilate asked again, “Not going to answer anything? Look how much they are accusing you.”

But Jesus didn’t answer anything. Pilate was surprised.

During each feast, Pilate released to the people one prisoner they requested. Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the rebellion. The crowd came and started asking Pilate to release a prisoner for them.

Pilate asked them, “Do you want the Jew’s king to be released?”

He saw the chief priests had delivered Jesus because of jealousy.

But the chief priests motivated the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released. So Pilate asked again, “Then what do you want me to do with this one you name the Jew’s king?”

“Kill him on a cross!” they yelled.

“Because of what evil behaviour?” Pilate replied, but they yelled louder, “Kill him on a cross!”

So Pilate, wanting to make the crowd happy, released Barabbas to them.

Jesus was whipped and then sent to be killed on a cross.

The soldiers led Jesus to the palace, which is the governor’s house, and gathered the whole army cohort. They put purple clothes on Jesus, weaved a thorn crown and put it on him.

They started saying, “Hello, Jew king,” and they beat his head with a stick, spat on him and bowed down in front of him. After they mocked him, they took off his purple clothes and put his own clothes back on. They then led him to kill him on a cross. The soldiers forced someone passing by, Simon from Cyrene (Alexander and Rufus’ dad) who came from the countryside, to carry the cross.

They brought Jesus to Golgotha, which means ‘Skull Place’. They offered Jesus a wine and myrrh drink, but he didn’t have it. They crucified Jesus and distributed his clothes, gambling to see who should take the clothing. It was the third hour when they crucified Jesus. His charge was written as ‘The Jews’ king’. They crucified two rebels with him, one on the right and one on the left.

People passing by paid Jesus out, shook their heads and said, “Wow. You, the temple destroyer but will rebuild in three days, rescue yourself. Get down from the cross.”

The chief priests and the law experts also joked with each other, “He saved others but can’t save himself. The christ, Israel’s king; come off the cross now so we see and believe you.”

Those crucified with him mocked him.

The sixth hour came. Darkness came over the entire land until the ninth hour.

At the ninth hour, Jesus yelled loudly, “Eloi Eloi, lema sabachthani?”, which means, “My God, my god, why have you rejected me?”

Some people standing nearby heard this and said, “Look, he is asking for Elijah.”

Someone ran and filled a sponge with vinegar, attached it to a stick and gave it to Jesus. They said, “Leave him. See if Elijah comes and takes him down.”

Jesus gave a loud moan and died.

The temple curtain ripped into two pieces from top to bottom.

The soldier standing opposite Jesus saw he died like this and said, “This man really was God’s son.”

There were also women watching from afar, including Mary Magdalene, the younger James and Joses’ mother Mary, and Salome, who followed Jesus and served him in Galilee, and many other women who went with him to Jerusalem.

It became evening.

Because it was preparation day (the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of Arimathea (an important council member who was also waiting for the kingdom of God) daringly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.

Pilate was amazed he had already died. Calling the soldier, Pilate asked whether Jesus had already died. Pilate heard it was true from the soldier, so gave the body to Joseph.

Joseph bought linen sheets, took Jesus down and wrapped him in the sheets. He placed Jesus in a tomb cut into the rock and rolled a stone over the tomb’s entrance.

Mary Magdalene and Joses’ mum Mary saw where he was placed.

Mark Chapter 15 Summary

The chief priests and elders deliver Jesus to Pilate, accusing him of being the King of the Jews. Jesus does not defend himself against their accusations, which surprises Pilate. Pilate offers to release a prisoner during the feast, and the crowd, influenced by the chief priests, chooses Barabbas over Jesus. Despite Pilate’s reluctance, he agrees to the crowd’s demands to kill Jesus. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and dressed with a purple robe and a crown of thorns. Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus’ cross to Golgotha. There, Jesus is crucified alongside two rebels. As he hangs on the cross, he endures mockery from passersby and the religious leaders. At the ninth hour, Jesus dies, and the temple curtain tears in two. Joseph of Arimathea requests Jesus’ body from Pilate and, after confirmation of his death, buries Jesus in a tomb, which is then sealed with a stone.

Mark Chapter 15 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does Jesus’ silence before Pilate teach us about responding to unfair accusations?
   Answer: Jesus’ silence teaches us the power of humility and trust in God’s justice, even when falsely accused. It shows a deep sense of purpose and the willingness to accept suffering for a greater good, which can inspire Christians to remain firm in their faith during trials.
2. How does the choice of Barabbas over Jesus reflect human nature, and what can we learn from it?
   Answer: The choice of Barabbas—a known rebel and murderer—over Jesus shows how easily people can be swayed by the crowd and choose wrongdoing over goodness. It suggests we think about our decisions and the influence of peer pressure on our lives.
3. In what ways did Jesus’ treatment by the soldiers and the public challenge his identity as King, and how should this influence our understanding of what it means to be a true King?
   Answer: The mockery and abuse Jesus endured were a contrast to his true identity and mission. This contrast redefines being a true king as one characterised by service, sacrifice, and love. It encourages Christians to seek a deeper meaning in leadership and honour—through service rather than being dominating.
4. How does the soldier’s recognition of Jesus as the Son of God after his death challenge our faith?
   Answer: The solider’s realisation came after seeing Jesus’ manner of death, which suggests we should consider how suffering can reveal power to us. It challenges Christians to recognise God not just in glory and power but also in moments of vulnerability and weakness.
5. What lessons can we draw from Joseph of Arimathea’s courage in asking for Jesus’ body?
   Answer: Joseph’s actions show the courage to stand up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of potential consequences from authorities. It serves as an example to Christians to be bold in their faith and to take risks for what is right, especially in giving care to others.

Mark Chapter 15 Explained

In Mark Chapter 15, the story moves through the final stages of Jesus’ human journey, underlining themes of unfairness, sacrifice, and prophecies coming true. The chapter begins with Jesus before Pilate, where he faces accusations without defending himself, showing his acceptance of his role as the sacrificial lamb. His silence can be seen as a reflection of his inner peace and resolve, as well the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy of a suffering servant.

Pilate’s interaction with Jesus and the crowd reveals the tension between political power and being morally right. Pilate appears to recognise Jesus’ innocence but ultimately agrees to the crowd’s demands. This highlights the weakness of human judgment and the ease with which justice can be swayed by public opinion, a cautionary reminder of the need for individual consideration and integrity.

The brutal mocking and torture Jesus endures at the hands of the Roman soldiers contrast sharply with the title placed above his head: “The Jew’s king.” The Gospel writer uses it to illustrate the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom, where the last will be first, and the first, last; where true power lies in humility and sacrifice.

The crucifixion scene is central to Christian theology, as it is the moment of Jesus’ sacrifice. The darkness that covers the land and the tearing of the temple curtain symbolise a shift in the religious landscape; the barrier between God and humanity is removed, signifying the new agreement through Jesus’ death.

The recognition of Jesus as God’s son by the Roman soldier, a Gentile, highlights the universal scope of Jesus’ mission. It signifies the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, inviting all into the family of God.

Joseph of Arimathea’s bold request for Jesus’ body and the burial fulfil the customs of honouring the dead and further prove the reality of Jesus’ death, which is essential for the coming claim of resurrection. His actions demonstrate the impact Jesus had on even those in positions of power and influence, challenging believers to act fairly and with compassion.

Overall, Mark Chapter 15 presents a mixture of human cruelty and powerful love, setting the stage for the hope and triumph that is to come in the resurrection.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

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Continue exploring Mark 15

If you’d like to read Mark 15 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 15 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 15 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 15 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Two days later was the Passover and the bread feast. The chief priests and law experts looked for how they could secretly arrest and kill Jesus. They said, “Not during the feast so the people don’t riot.”

Jesus was at Bethany in Simon, the sick man’s, house. He was sitting at the table when a woman arrived with an alabaster bottle of expensive, pure nard perfume. She broke the bottle and poured it on his head.

Some of the others were outraged together and asked, “Why waste this perfume? This perfume could have sold for more than 300 coins and donated to the poor.”

They told her off.

Jesus said, “Let her be. Why are you bothering her? She did a kind thing to me. You always have poor people around you and can do kind things for them whenever you want but you won’t always have me. This is what she can do, getting my body ready for being buried. I’m honestly telling you, what she did will also be told to remember her wherever the good news is told in the entire world.”

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to give Jesus to them.

They gladly listened and promised to give him money. Judas looked for an opportunity to hand Jesus over.

On the first day of the bread feast, when they sacrificed the lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked, “Where do you want us to prepare, for you to eat the lamb?”

He sent two disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a water jar will meet you. Go with him. Wherever he enters, tell the owner, ‘The teacher asks, where is my room where I can eat the Passover with my disciples?’ The owner will show you a large upstairs room set up and ready. Prepare in that room.”

The disciples went to the city and found it just like Jesus told them, and they got the Passover meal ready.

In the evening, Jesus came with the twelve. They sat and ate.

Jesus said, “Honestly I’m telling you, one of you eating with me will betray me.”

They started getting upset and said to Jesus one by one, “Not me.”

But Jesus said, “It is one of the twelve, who is dipping into the bowl with me because the Son of Man is leaving like it is written about him. But I feel sorry for the person who will betray the Son of Man. Better if that man hadn’t been born.”

As they ate, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to them, saying, “Take this. It’s like my body.”

He took the cup, blessed it and gave it to them. They all drank from it. Jesus said, “This is like my blood of the agreement that is spilled for many people. I’m honestly telling you I won’t drink the vine fruit anymore until the day I drink it new in God’s Kingdom.”

They sang the Passover song and went to the Mount of Olives.

There, Jesus said to them, “All of you will fail, because it is written, ‘I’ll hit the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.’ But after I awake, I’ll go before you into Galilee.”

Peter said, “If they all fail, I won’t.”

Jesus replied, “Honestly I’m telling you, tonight, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny that you know me three times.”

But Peter stressed, “If I must die with you, I won’t deny you.”

They all also said the same thing.

They then went to a place called Gethsemane. Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”

He brought Peter, James and John with him and began to be concerned and troubled. He said to them, “I am very sad to death. Stay here and awake.”

Jesus continued on further, then fell on the ground and prayed for, if possible, the time to pass by.

He said, “Abba, Father. Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me, but not what I want, but what you want.”

Jesus returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you be awake for one hour? Be awake and pray that you don’t get tempted. The spirit is ready but the body is weak!”

Jesus left again and prayed, saying his message.

He returned again to find them asleep, because they were tired, and they didn’t know how to answer him.

Jesus returned a third time and said, “Still asleep and having a rest? Enough! The time has come. Look, the Son of Man is being sent to sinners’ hands. Get up, let’s go. Look, my betrayer is coming.”

Judas arrived at that moment while Jesus was still talking. Judas was with a crowd with swords and sticks, including the chief priests, law experts and elders.

The deliverer had told them a signal, “I will kiss him. Capture him and securely take him away.”

Judas arrived, came straight up to Jesus and said, “Teacher,” and kissed him, so they grabbed and arrested Jesus.

Someone standing nearby drew his sword, hit the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear.

Jesus said to them, “Come to arrest me, like I’m a criminal, with swords and sticks? I was with you every day in the temple teaching and wasn’t arrested, but this happened so the writings will be fulfilled.”

Those with Jesus left him and ran away.

A young man, wearing just some cloth on his body, was following Jesus, and they grabbed him, but he dropped the cloth and ran away naked.

They led Jesus to the high priest’s house. All the chief priests, elders and law experts gathered there.

Peter followed Jesus inside from afar, into the high priest’s courtyard. He sat with the servants and got warm by the fire.

The chief priests and the council couldn’t find witnesses against Jesus to kill him. Many gave fake testimonies against Jesus, but the testimonies were inconsistent. Some people got up with fake testimonies against Jesus and said, “We heard him say ‘I’ll destroy this man-made temple and will build a non-man-made one in three days.”

Their testimonies about this were not consistent.

The high priest got up in the middle of them and asked Jesus, “Don’t you have a reply? What are these testimonies against you?”

But Jesus was silent and didn’t reply.

The high priest asked him again, “Are you the Christ? Son of the Blessed?”

Jesus replied, “I am. You’ll see the Son of Man sitting at the right of the Power and come with the heavenly clouds.”

The high priest ripped his clothes. “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard the slander. What does it look like to you?”

They all declared him worthy of death.

Some people started spitting on him, covered his face and punching him. They said to him, “Prophesy.” The guards took him and hit him.

Peter was down in the courtyard.

One of the high priest’s servant girls arrived. She saw Peter getting warm and stared at him. She said, “You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus.”

But Peter denied it and said, “I don’t know or understand what you mean.”

He went out to the gate. A rooster crowed.

The slave girl watched him and started saying again to others nearby, “He is one of them.”

Peter denied it again.

A little later, those standing nearby said to Peter, “You are one of them because you are also Galilean. Your accent is obvious.”

Peter started swearing and promised, “I don’t know this man you are talking about.”

A rooster crowed a second time.

Peter remembered what Jesus had said; “Before the rooster crows twice, you’ll deny knowing me three times.”

Peter fell down and cried.

Mark Chapter 14 Summary

It begins with the chief priests and law experts planning to arrest Jesus secretly, fearing public uproar. At Bethany, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, which Jesus defends as preparation for his burial, predicting that the act will be remembered. Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for money. During the Passover meal, Jesus reveals that one disciple will betray him and predicts Peter’s denial before the rooster crows twice. Jesus starts the Last Supper rituals, symbolically sharing bread and wine as his body and blood. After, they go to Gethsemane, where Jesus prays intensely while his disciples struggle to stay awake. He is betrayed by Judas and arrested despite his peaceful protests. Jesus goes before the high priest, where false testimonies fail to accuse him. Jesus confirms his identity as the Christ and is sentenced to death, mocked and abused. Meanwhile, Peter, who followed at a distance, denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction, which leaves Peter devastated.

Mark Chapter 14 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does the woman’s act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume teach us about worship and sacrifice?
   Answer: It teaches that true worship often involves sacrifice and giving our best to God, even if others may not understand or approve. It’s a personal expression of devotion and may not always seem practical, but it holds great value in God’s eyes.
2. How can we prepare our hearts to be faithful, as Jesus requested of His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane?
   Answer: We can prepare our hearts by spending time in prayer, seeking God’s will over our own, and being careful against temptation. Regular self-examination and spiritual disciplines can help us stay spiritually alert.
3. In what ways do we sometimes betray Jesus as Judas did, and how can we avoid such betrayal?
   Answer: We betray Jesus when we choose sin over obedience, deny Him in front of others, or prioritise worldly things over our loyalty to Him. Staying close to Jesus through prayer, scripture, and community helps us remain faithful.
4. What does Peter’s denial of Jesus reveal about the nature of human weakness, and how does it guide us in overcoming it?
   Answer: Peter’s denial shows that even the most confident can fall under pressure. Acknowledging our own vulnerability to fear and failure can help us to rely more on God’s strength than on our own.
5. How does Jesus’ composed response to false accusations and suffering provide an example for handling unfair treatment?
   Answer: Jesus’ response demonstrates the power of silent strength and trust in God’s justice. When faced with injustice, we are called to maintain honesty, respond with grace, and trust God for solutions.

Mark Chapter 14 Explained

Mark Chapter 14 is a powerful story filled with symbolism, forewarning, and lessons on loyalty and faith. The chapter opens with a plan to arrest Jesus, setting the tone for what’s to come. The anointing at Bethany highlights Jesus’ coming death, honouring the woman’s insight and devotion, contrasting with the disciples’ annoyance, which reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and the nature of true devotion.

The betrayal by one of Jesus’ own, Judas Iscariot, introduces the theme of betrayal which echoes throughout the chapter. The Last Supper, a central Christian tradition, is started here, offering a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice. His words during the meal predict the crucifixion and the new agreement between God and humanity.

Gethsemane’s events highlight human weakness—Jesus faces his deepest sadness, and the disciples fail to stay awake, highlighting the spirit’s eagerness versus the body’s weakness. Jesus’ arrest brings a contrast between his non-violent submission and the disciple’s resistance, pointing to Jesus’ commitment to fulfil the scriptures over using force.

Before the high priest, the trial demonstrates the unfairness Jesus faced and his acknowledgment of his identity, which seals his fate. The mockery and abuse he receives are a testament to his endurance and the fulfilment of his role as the suffering servant.

Peter’s denial is a warning of overconfidence and the ease with which we can fall from firm conviction to fear-driven denial. It serves as a reminder of the need to be humble in faith.

Overall, Mark Chapter 14 offers a deep dive into the final hours before Jesus’ crucifixion, providing insights into faith, failure, and redemption. It sets the stage for the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the dawn of salvation through his sacrifice.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

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Continue exploring Mark 14

If you’d like to read Mark 14 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 14 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 14 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 14 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Jesus was leaving the temple when one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at the stones and buildings.”

Jesus replied, “See these massive buildings? No stone will remain here on top of another stone which will not be destroyed.”

Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives near the temple when Peter, James, John and Andrew privately asked him, “Tell us when these events will happen and what the sign is that all these events are about to finish.”

Jesus began telling them, “Be careful no one misleads you. Many people will arrive in my name, saying, “I am,” misleading many people.

Don’t be concerned when you learn about wars and reports of wars. These are necessary, but not the end, because people will overthrow other people and countries against countries. Earthquakes will happen in places. Famines will happen. These are the start of the birthing pains.

Now, you all watch yourselves. They’ll deliver you to the councils and beat you in the temple, and you’ll stand in front of governors and kings because of me to be a witness to them. The good news must first be told to everyone everywhere. Don’t worry about what to say when they grab you and deliver you. Say what is given to you at the time because you are not speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Brothers will send their brother to die and a father will send his child. Children will overthrow their parents and kill them. Everyone will hate you because of my name, but whoever lasts to the end will be saved.

When you see the disgusting destruction happening where it shouldn’t be, for the reader to understand, then the people in Judea must run to the mountains. Whoever is on his roof shouldn’t get down or go inside to grab things out of their house. Whoever is in the field shouldn’t return to grab his coat. I feel sorry for pregnant women and those feeding their babies during that time. Pray it won’t happen during bad weather because those days will have stresses like have never happened since the beginning of God’s creation until now and will never happen again.

No one would be saved if the Lord hadn’t shortened the time. But for the chosen, whom he chose, the time is shortened. During that time if anyone says, ‘Look, here is the Christ’ or ‘Look, there!’ don’t believe it.

Fake Christs and prophets will come and do miracles and amazing things to deceive, where they can, the chosen. But you look carefully. I have foretold everything. During that time, after the troubles, the sun will become dark, and the moon will not give light. The stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the sky will be disturbed. Then they’ll see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and brightness. After that, he will send angels and gather the chosen from the four winds, from earth’s end to heaven’s end.

Now, learn the story about the fig tree: When its branches have become fresh and grown leaves, you can tell that summer is coming. Also, when you see this happening, you can tell he is coming, right at the entrance.

I’m honestly telling you that this generation won’t leave until all this happens. Heaven and earth will leave but my message will never leave. No one knows what time or hour, not the angels in heaven or the Son. Only the father knows. Look carefully and be awake because you don’t know when it will be time.

Like a man travelling, who left his house and gave his slaves authority over their work and the guard orders to be awake. Be awake because you don’t know when the house’s master is arriving, be it late, midnight, the early hours or the morning. He shouldn’t suddenly return to find you asleep. What I’m saying to you, I’m saying to everyone: Be awake!”

Mark Chapter 13 Summary

Jesus warns his disciples about the coming destruction of the temple and the troubles that will come before the end of times. When privately asked by Peter, James, John, and Andrew about when these events will happen, Jesus warns them against being misled by fake prophets claiming to be the saviour. He describes wars, earthquakes, and famines as the beginning of the troubles and foretells troubles for his followers, advising them to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Jesus further speaks of a time of great troubles. Fake saviours and prophets will perform signs to deceive as many as possible. He then discusses cosmic disturbances followed by the coming of the Son of Man with great power and glory, who will gather the chosen from the ends of the earth to heaven. Jesus uses the story of the fig tree to illustrate the importance of recognising these signs. He emphasises the uncertainty of the timing of these events, encouraging being on a constant lookout as no one but the Father knows the hour.

Mark Chapter 13 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does Jesus’ prediction about the temple’s destruction tell us about the nature of earthly things?
   Answer: Jesus’ prediction shows the nature of earthly achievements and structures. No matter how impressive they seem, they will fall. He reminds us to focus on the eternal.
2. How can we separate true guidance from deception as Christians in a world with many conflicting voices?
   Answer: We can recognise true guidance by having knowledge of the bible, having a relationship with God that helps us recognise His voice, and by being filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit.
3. What is the significance of Jesus telling his disciples to not worry about what to say when brought to trial for their faith?
   Answer: This highlights the importance of trusting in what God provides and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in times of trouble, rather than relying solely on our own strength or wisdom.
4. How does the story of the fig tree apply to our understanding of being spiritually ready?
   Answer: Just as the fig tree’s new leaves signal the coming of summer, we should recognise the signs of the times and be spiritually prepared for Jesus’ return.
5. What practical steps can Christians take to ‘stay awake’ and be watchful in faith?
   Answer: Christians can engage in regular prayer, study scripture, participate in fellowship, serve others, and live a life of obedience, always being mindful of Jesus’ coming return.

Mark Chapter 13 Explained

Mark Chapter 13 is a collection of Jesus’ teachings on the end times. The chapter begins with Jesus predicting the destruction of the temple, a prophecy that would come to pass in AD 70 with the Roman siege of Jerusalem. This statement sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which deals with themes of troubles, being watchful, and faithfulness.

Jesus’ instructions to his disciples are not just historical but carry timeless significance. He warns of false messiahs and prophets who will lead many astray, signalling the importance of being careful and anchoring one’s belief in the true teachings of Christ. The wars, natural disasters, and famines reflect the reality of a fallen world, and the persecution foretold serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship.

The emphasis on the Holy Spirit as the source of wisdom and words during troubles reassures believers of assistance from God in times of trial. The call for those in Judea to flee to the mountains without hesitation during the troubles illustrates the urgency of responding to God’s warnings.

The assurance that the days of trouble will be cut short for the sake of the chosen offers comfort, highlighting God’s mercy and care for His chosen ones. The cosmic signs and the coming of the Son of Man in clouds depict a dramatic intervention by God in the course of human history.

The story of the fig tree is an encouragement to recognise the signs of the times and to understand that the kingdom of God is near. Jesus’ insistence on watchfulness, using the idea of a homeowner watching for a thief, serves as a reminder of the necessity for constant spiritual alertness.

In essence, Mark Chapter 13 is a chapter of caution and encouragement. It instructs believers to be aware of the temporary nature of the world, to be wise and careful in the face of deception, to stand firm in troubles, and to be ever ready for the return of Christ. It’s a call to live a life of preparedness, not in fear but in hopeful anticipation of the fulfilment of God’s plan to save us.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

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Continue exploring Mark 13

If you’d like to read Mark xx in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 13 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 13 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 13 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Jesus told them stories: “A man planted a vineyard and put up a fence, dug a trough, built a watchtower and hired it out to farmers. He then went on a trip.

He sent a slave to the farm during the season to collect some of the vineyard’s fruit from the farmers.

The farmers grabbed the slave, beat him and sent him away with nothing. The owner sent another slave to them, and the farmers hit him and disgraced him. The owner sent another, and the farmers killed the slave. He sent many others, whom the farmers beat or killed. The owner had another person to send, a son whom he loved. He sent the son last to them, saying, “They’ll respect my son.”

But the farmers discussed, “This is the heir. Let’s kill him, and the property will be ours.”

They grabbed and killed the son and threw him out of the vineyard.

What is the vineyard owner to do? Come and kill the farmers and give the vineyard to someone else.

Didn’t you read this passage? ‘The stone the builders don’t use becomes the head of the building’s corner. This happened from the Lord and looks amazing.'”

The chief priests were looking to arrest Jesus but were afraid of the crowds because they knew Jesus told the story referring to them. They left Jesus and went away.

Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to catch flaws in his message.

They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know you are honest and don’t care what others think because you don’t look at men’s faces but teach God’s way truthfully. Is it allowable to pay taxes to Caesar? Do we pay or not pay?”

Jesus knew they were pretending, so he said, “Why test me? Bring me a coin for me to see.”

They brought a coin, and Jesus said, “Whose picture and name is on this?”

They replied, “Caesar.”

Jesus said, “Give Caesar, Caesar’s things, and give God, God’s things.”

They were amazed at him.

Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, Moses wrote that if a brother dies and a wife remains and doesn’t leave a child, his brother marries the wife and brings descendants for his brother. There were seven brothers. The oldest took a wife then died and didn’t leave descendants. The second brother married her and died without leaving descendants, and the same happened with the third brother. None of the seven left descendants. Finally, the woman also died. At the resurrection, when they all awake, who will she be the wife of  after all seven had her as a wife?

Jesus said, “Are you misled? Don’t know the scriptures or God’s power? Because, when they awake from death, they don’t marry and don’t get married but are like heavenly angels. Now, about the dead that wakes up, didn’t you read about Moses and the bush and how God said to him, ‘I’m the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but the living. You’re very deceived.”

A law expert came and heard them talking. Seeing that Jesus gave good answers, he asked, “Which command is  most important?”

Jesus replied, “Most important is ‘Listen, Israel! Lord our God is one Lord, and love Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your abilities. Second is this: ‘Love your neighbour like yourself.’ There’s no commandment more important than these.”

The law expert said, “Right, teacher. You truthfully say there is one and no other but him. Loving him with all your heart, all your mind and all your abilities, and to love neighbours like yourself is greater than all the offerings and sacrifices.”

Jesus saw the law expert answer wisely and said, “You’re not far from God’s Kingdom.”

No one dared to question Jesus anymore.

Continuing to speak and teach in the temple, Jesus said, “How do the law experts say the Christ is David’s descendant?  David said in the Holy Spirit, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right until I place your enemies under your feet.’ David labels him ‘Lord’, so how is he his son?”

The large crowd was happily listening to him.

During his teaching, Jesus said, “Be careful of the law experts who like walking in fancy dress, give greetings in the market, take the first seats in the temples and the first places at feasts, takeover widows’ houses and pray for a long time to be seen. These people will get more judgement.”

Jesus sat near the offering box and watched the crowd put money into the offering box. Many rich people were putting in a lot. A poor widow came and placed in two coins.

Jesus gathered his disciples and said, “I’m telling you, this poor widow gave more than everyone else who gave into the offering box because they all gave out of their wealth, but she gave everything she had out of her poverty. It was her entire life savings.”

Mark Chapter 12 Summary

Jesus begins with the story of the farmers who kill the son of the vineyard owner, symbolising the rejection of God’s messengers (including Christ himself). The story moves on to the Pharisees and Herodians trying to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus, seeing their fakery, answers wisely, teaching a distinction between world duties and divine loyalty. The Sadducees then test Jesus with a question about the resurrection, which he answers by discussing life after death. A law expert acknowledges Jesus’ wisdom in stating the greatest commandments: to love God, and love others. Jesus then teaches about the Messiah’s family line and warns against the religious leaders’ pretending. The chapter concludes with Jesus watching people giving offerings and pointing out a poor widow’s sacrifice as the greatest, for she gave all she had.

Mark Chapter 12 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does the story of the farmers suggest about how we should treat messages from God?
   Answer: The story warns against rejecting God’s messages and messengers. It teaches us to listen and be obedient to instruction, recognising God’s authority and respecting what he provides.
2. How does Jesus’ response to the question about taxes inform our attitude towards governmental authority?
   Answer: Jesus’ response shows that while we have a duty to follow earthly laws, our ultimate loyalty is to God. It encourages us to balance our earthly responsibilities with our spiritual duties.
3. In discussing the resurrection, how does Jesus clarify life after death?
   Answer: Jesus pushes back on the Sadducees’ disbelief in the resurrection by illustrating that life after death is a reality and that it is different from earthly life, as it is like the existence of angels.
4. What can we learn from Jesus’ identification of the two greatest commandments? Answer: These commandments highlight the importance of love in Christian living – love for God with all our being and love for our neighbours as ourselves. This forms the foundation of Christian life and behaviour.
5. How does the story of the widow’s offering challenge our understanding of giving? Answer: The widow’s offering teaches us that the value of a gift is not in its amount but in the sacrificial attitude of the giver. It challenges us to give generously, regardless of our means.

Mark Chapter 12 Explained

In Mark 12, Jesus teaches spiritual truths through discussions with religious leaders, using stories and direct conversations to challenge and clarify religious and social ideas. The chapter serves as an example of the wider tensions between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, showing their repeated attempts to discredit him and his consistent, wise responses that reveal their motives and lack of understanding.

The story of the farmers is a depiction of Israel’s history of prophet rejection, which peaks in the coming rejection of Christ. It serves as a warning and a prophecy, highlighting the consequences of rejecting God’s ultimate messenger, His Son. The story not only foreshadows Jesus’ death but also the transfer of God’s blessing to others who will accept and honour the Son.

The discussion on taxes shows Jesus’ understanding of the intersection between political and spiritual realms. His answer provides a principle that remains relevant: give to the secular authorities what is due, but do not forget that your ultimate loyalty is to God.

The Sadducees’ challenge about the resurrection aims to make the idea sound ridiculous, but Jesus overcomes their scepticism by describing the reality of the afterlife and correcting their misunderstanding of Scripture. His clarification points to an existence beyond this life that is free from earthly limitations and relationships.

When a law expert genuinely seeks Jesus’ opinion on the greatest commandment, Jesus summarises the law – love for God and love for neighbours, which covers all religious practices. This conversation redirects religious focus from ritual observances and traditions to the heart of spiritual life: relationships guided by love.

Jesus’ teaching about the Messiah challenges common expectations, suggesting a divine identity beyond just being a descendant of David. This redefines the concept of the Messiah for his listeners, realigning their expectations to a spiritual rather than political saviour.

Lastly, Jesus watches the giving at the temple, and the widow’s act becomes a teaching moment about true sacrifice and generosity. Her gift, though small, is spiritually large, showing that genuine giving is measured by one’s attitude and not their wealth.

Throughout the chapter, Jesus confronts, corrects, and uplifts, revealing a God who is deeply concerned with inner goodness, true worship, and showing love in every aspect of life.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

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Continue exploring Mark 12

If you’d like to read Mark xx in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 12 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 12 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 12 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

When they came to Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, the Olive Mountain, Jesus sent two disciples, telling them, “Go into the village there and, as you enter it, find a donkey tied up. No one has ever ridden it. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’, say, ‘The Lord needs it, and will return it here again straight away.'”

The disciples went and found a donkey tied at a door out in the street and untied it.

Some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying the donkey?”

The disciples answered them just like Jesus said, and the people allowed them to leave.

They brought the donkey to Jesus and put their cloaks on it. He sat on the donkey.

Crowds spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leaves cut from the fields.

People going in front and behind shouted, “Hosanna! The one coming in the Lord’s name is blessed. The coming kingdom of our ancestor David is blessed. Hosanna in the highest!”

Jesus then went into Jerusalem to the temple and looked at everything. It was getting late, so he went to Bethany with the twelve disciples.

The next day, they left Bethany, and Jesus was hungry. He saw a fig tree with leaves in the distance. He went to it and looked for any figs on it. He found nothing except leaves because it wasn’t fig season.

Jesus said to it, “No one ever eat any more fruit from you.” His disciples overheard.

They arrive in Jerusalem. Jesus went into the temple and started sending out people who were selling and buying in the temple. He tipped over the money changer’s tables and the chairs of the dove sellers. Jesus did not allow them to carry anything through the temple.

Then he preached and said to them, “Isn’t it written, “My house will be called the house of prayer for all nations’? But you make it a robber’s cave!”

The chief priests and law experts heard this and began thinking about how to kill Jesus. They feared him because the whole crowd were amazed by his preaching.

When it was evening, Jesus and his disciples left the city.

In the morning, they passed and saw the fig tree completely dried up from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Teacher, look. The fig tree you cursed has dried up.”

Jesus replied, “Trust in God. I’m telling you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘lift up and throw yourself into the sea’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart but trusts that what he says happens, happens for him. Because of this, I’m telling you that for everything you pray and request, trust that you’ll get it, and it will happen for you. Whenever you stand and pray, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them so your Father in heaven also forgives you of your failures.”

They returned to Jerusalem, and Jesus walked in the temple. The chief priests, law experts and elders came to him and asked, “Through whose authority do you do this stuff, or who gave you authority to do this stuff?”

Jesus replied, “I’ll ask you one thing. Answer me, and I’ll tell you whose authority I am doing this stuff: Was John’s baptism from heaven or men? Answer me.”

They talked together, saying, “What do we say? If we say, “From heaven’, he’ll say, ‘Then why not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men’…” They feared the crowd because everyone considered John to be a real prophet.

They replied to Jesus, “Don’t know.”

Jesus said, “Then I’m not telling you with whose authority I am doing this stuff.”

Mark Chapter 11 Summary

Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling an ancient prophecy and greeted by crowds praising God. At the temple, Jesus overturns the tables of money changers and sellers, accusing them of ruining a house of prayer into a den of thieves. This act angers the chief priests and law experts, who start plotting to kill Jesus, fearful of his influence as the crowd is amazed by his teachings. The next day, Jesus curses a fig tree for bearing no fruit, which later dies, symbolising the fate of unfruitful lives. Jesus teaches about the power of faith and forgiveness: if one believes, their prayers will be answered. The religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority, but cannot answer Jesus’s question about John’s baptism.

Mark Chapter 11 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. How does Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey speak to the nature of his kingship?
   Answer: Jesus’ entry on a donkey, rather than a warhorse, symbolises a kingship characterised by peace and humility, aligning with Christian values of modesty and serving.
2. What lesson can we learn from Jesus’ actions in the temple?
   Answer: Jesus’ act teaches us that places of worship should remain pure and dedicated to God, not contain any worldly greed or dishonesty.
3. How does the fig tree drying up relate to our spiritual lives?
   Answer: The fig tree serves as a warning against having the appearance of faith without the fruits of genuine belief and action.
4. What does Jesus teach about faith and prayer in this chapter?
   Answer: Jesus teaches that faith is powerful and, when done with forgiving others, can lead to answered prayers, encouraging us to trust in God’s will and forgive others.
5. How does Jesus handle the challenge to his authority by the religious leaders?
   Answer: Jesus avoids their trap and turns the question on them, demonstrating wisdom in dealing with opposition and teaching us to respond to challenges with thoughtfulness.

Mark Chapter 11 Explained

Mark 11 illustrates significant aspects of Jesus’ ministry and the nature of His mission. The chapter opens with Jesus’ triumphant yet humble entry into Jerusalem, an act that fulfils the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, presenting Jesus as a king who brings peace. The donkey, a humble animal, contrasts with the expectations of a conquering saviour, redefining what it means to be a king in the eyes of the people and challenging contemporary understandings of power and authority.

Jesus’ actions in the temple is an important moment that demonstrates Jesus’ authority and his commitment to restoring the purity of worship. By overturning the tables, He shows a deep concern for the exploitation occurring within the temple’s walls, aligning His actions with Old Testament teachings that the house of God is a house of prayer for all nations. This event also signifies the coming judgment on the religious organisations and the nation for their spiritual emptiness, mirrored by the cursed fig tree.

The fig tree is a living parable; it represents the judgment that falls on those who fail to live a life of faith that produces fruit. Jesus’ teaching about the tree is a call to real faith that believes in God’s power and practices forgiveness. It challenges believers to reflect on the realness of their faith and the need to be fruitful in their spiritual walk.

The authority of Jesus is also a central theme. The religious leaders’ inability to answer Jesus’ question about John’s baptism highlights their spiritual blindness. Jesus’ refusal to answer their question about His authority further demonstrates that His authority is not derived from human approval but from His divine identity.

This chapter encourages reflection on the nature of true worship, the call to live a fruitful life in faith, and the recognition of Jesus’ divine authority. It is a call to humility, faith, and obedience, which are key elements in Christian living.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

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Continue exploring Mark 11

If you’d like to read Mark xx in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 11 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 11 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 11 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Jesus went from there to the Judea region and the other side of the Jordan River. Again, crowds gathered to him, and as traditioned, he taught them. To test him, they asked him if a man was allowed to divorce his wife.

Jesus answered, “What did Moses order you?

They said, “Moses allowed a divorce certificate to be written and her to be sent away.”

Jesus said, “This commandment was written because of your stubbornness, but from creation’s start, he made them male and female. Therefore, a man will leave his dad and mum and join his wife, and the two become one body, so they’re not two, but one body. Therefore, what God joined, people shouldn’t separate.”

Back inside the house, the disciples asked him about this.

Jesus said, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another is unfaithful to her. If a woman divorces her husband, marrying someone else, she commits adultery.”

The people brought children to him, so he could touch them, but the disciples told them off. Jesus saw, was upset and said to them, “Allow the children to come to me. Don’t prevent them, because the kingdom of God belongs to people like this. I’m telling you, whoever doesn’t accept the kingdom of God like children won’t enter it.

And cradling them in his arms, he blessed them, placing his hands on them.

While he was leaving, someone ran up and knelt before him, asking, “Good teacher, what do I do to gain eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “Why call me good? No one is good except God. You know the commands, ‘Don’t kill, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t cheat, respect your dad and mum.'”

The man said, “Teacher, I’ve kept all these from when I was young.”

Jesus looked at him, cared for him and said, “You’re missing something. Go and sell everything you have and give to the poor and have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me.”

The man was saddened at the message. He left sadly because he had many things.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “It’s hard for people who have money to go into God’s kingdom.”

The disciples were amazed at his message. But Jesus said again to them, “Kids, it is hard to enter God’s kingdom. It’s easier for a camel to get through the hole of a needle than a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”

The disciples were still amazed. They asked, “Who can be saved?”

Jesus looked at them and replied, “It’s impossible with people, but not with God. For everything is possible with God.”

Peter started saying, “Look, we left everything and are following you.”

Jesus said, “I’m telling you, no one who left their house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land because of me and the good news will not receive a hundred times as much in this season of houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land with harassment and, in the time coming, everlasting life.

But many who come first will be last, and the last will be first.”

They went on the road to Jerusalem and Jesus walked ahead of them. The disciples were amazed, but those following were afraid.

Taking the twelve again, Jesus began telling them what was going to happen to him. “Look, we’re going to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be turned over to the chief priests and law experts, and sentenced to die, then given to the Gentiles. They’ll make fun of him, spit on him, beat and kill him, and after three days he’ll awake again.”

James and John, Zebedee’s sons, approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus replied.

They said, “Allow us to sit, one at your right and one at your left in your wonder.”

Jesus replied, “You don’t know what you’re asking for. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be immersed in the baptism in which I’m immersed?”

They said, “We can.” So Jesus replied, “You’ll drink the cup that I drink and immerse in the baptism in which I’m immersed, but sitting at my right or left is not for me to allow, but for whom it has been prepared.”

Hearing this, the ten began being angry with James and John.

Jesus gathered them and said, “Know that those considered to rule the Gentiles, dominate them. Their leaders reign over them. It’s not this way for you, but whoever wants to become important among you is your servant, and whoever wants to be best among you is everyone’s slave. Because even the Son of Man didn’t come to be served but to serve and give his life to pay for many.”

They then arrived in Jericho.

Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd when a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, sat next to the road.

He heard it was Jesus the Nazarene and began yelling, “Jesus, Son of David, be merciful!”

Many people told him off and to be quiet but he yelled louder, “Son of David, be merciful!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Bring him over.” The people retrieved the blind man, saying, “Have courage, arise, you’re being called for.”

So he took off his cloak, stood and went to Jesus.

Jesus asked him, “What do you wish I do for you?”

The blind man said, “Teacher, to see again.”

“Leave, your trust healed you,” Jesus said.

Immediately the man could see again and followed Jesus on the road.

Mark Chapter 10 Summary

Jesus teaches about marriage, wealth, and serving others on his journey. He begins by addressing the issue of divorce, emphasising the importance of marriage and the union created by God. He then welcomes children, illustrating the innocence and acceptance required to enter the kingdom of God. Next, a wealthy man asks Jesus about eternal life, and Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. The man leaves sadly, unable to get rid of his wealth. Jesus discusses the difficulty for the rich to enter God’s kingdom, yet nothing is impossible with God. Jesus promises his disciples rewards for their sacrifices, following a path of service, not seeking importance. He predicts his own suffering and death, and corrects the desire for importance among his disciples, calling them to serve rather than be served. Finally, Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus, highlighting faith’s power to restore and transform lives.

Mark Chapter 10 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. How does Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Mark Chapter 10 challenge the way we understand commitment in relationships?
   Answer: Jesus’ teaching emphasises the importance of marriage, challenging us to view our relationships as lifelong commitments that should not be easily broken, reflecting the love and faithfulness we are called to have.
2. What does Jesus’ interaction with the children teach us about how we should approach the Kingdom of God?
   Answer: Jesus’ welcome of the children suggests we should approach God’s Kingdom with a child-like attitude: open-hearted, trusting, and humble, recognising our need for God’s grace.
3. In the story of the rich man, what does Jesus suggest is necessary for one to gain eternal life?
   Answer: Beyond following commandments, Jesus suggests that gaining eternal life involves a willingness to let go of worldly things and to follow Him wholeheartedly, indicating that spiritual wealth takes precedence over material wealth.
4. How does Jesus redefine greatness in the context of Christian living?
   Answer: Greatness, according to Jesus, is service to others. It is not about ruling or having authority, but about humility and being willing to serve and put others before yourself, just as Jesus came to serve and not be served.
5. What does the healing of Bartimaeus teach us about faith and following God?
   Answer: Bartimaeus’ healing shows that faith involves a trust that is vocal and leads to action. It reminds us that faith in Jesus has the power to transform our lives, and as his followers, we are called to follow Him actively.

Mark Chapter 10 Explained

Mark Chapter 10 offers teachings about Christian principles. It begins with a challenging teaching on marriage and divorce, where Jesus explains the original idea for marriage, which is that it is permanent. This is opposed to the cultural acceptance of divorce, highlighting the importance of commitment, reflecting God’s commitment to humanity.

When children are brought to Jesus, His disciples tells those off who are bringing them, but Jesus insists that the Kingdom of God belongs to these children. This illustrates the need for believers to have a faith like children, full of trust, to truly accept God’s Kingdom.

The story of the rich young man who approaches Jesus presents a lesson about the dangers of wealth. The man’s keeping to the commandments is not enough; his attachment to wealth is a barrier to following Jesus. Jesus explains how difficult it is for the riches to enter the kingdom of God, indicating the problem is not riches itself but the attachment to it that can lead to self-reliance.

Jesus also discusses the idea of rewards, not as a ‘prosperity gospel’, but as a reassurance that sacrifices for the Gospel’s sake will not go unnoticed by God. He discusses a radical reversal of status, where the first shall be last, and the last first.

The request of James and John to sit at Jesus’ right and left in glory reveals a misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. They, like many, expect a kingdom of power and prestige, but Jesus corrects this by highlighting the importance of serving and sacrifice. Leadership in the Christian context is about serving others, a lesson that culminates in Jesus’ ultimate act of service: the sacrifice of His death.

The chapter concludes with the healing of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar whose faith and persistence lead to his healing. This story not only displays Jesus’ care but also is an example of the power of faith. Bartimaeus’ immediate following of Jesus when he is healed illustrates the proper response to Jesus’ work in one’s life: full and wholehearted following.

In all, Mark Chapter 10 challenges believers to examine their priorities, have a humble and faithful life, and to follow Christ’s example of service, all while trusting in God’s power to do what seems impossible.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

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Continue exploring Mark 10

If you’d like to read Mark 10 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 10 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 10 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 10 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Jesus said to them, “I’m telling you, some people standing here will not experience death until seeing God’s kingdom arrive with power.”

Six days later, Jesus took just Peter, James and John, to a tall mountain. He transformed before them. His clothes became a shining white, like no cleaner can whiten. Elijah and Moses appeared, and they talked with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, “Teacher, it is good we are here. We’ll make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

Peter did not know what to say because they were frightened. A cloud came, covering them, and a voice came from the cloud that said, “This is my loved son. Listen to him.”

Suddenly, they looked, and there was no one anymore with them but Jesus.

They descended the mountain, and Jesus ordered them to not retell about things they saw until the Son of Man had awoken from being dead. They kept the message to themselves, talking about what waking from the dead meant.

They asked Jesus, “Why are the law experts saying that Elijah must come first?”

Jesus replied, “Elijah does come first, restoring everything. It is written about the Son of Man suffering a lot and disregarded. But I say that Elijah also came and they did to him whatever they wanted, just like it was written about him.”

Returning to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them and the law experts debating with them. As soon as the crowd saw Jesus, they excitedly ran to greet him.

Jesus asked them, “What are you debating?”

Someone from the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought my son to you who has a muting spirit. When it takes hold of him, it throws him, and he froths, grinds teeth and becomes paralysed. I asked your disciples to expel it, but they couldn’t.”

Jesus replied, “Oh, unbelieving people. How long will I be here? Until when will I endure you? Bring him to me.”

The boy was brought to Jesus, and when he saw him, the spirit convulsed him. Falling on the ground, the boy rolled and frothed.

Jesus asked the boy’s father how long since this started happening to him. The father answered, “Since he was a child, it often threw him into fire and water to kill him. But if you can do anything, care for us. Help us!”

Jesus replied, “If I can? Everything is possible for the believer.”

The father yelled out, “I believe! Help my unbelief!”

Jesus then saw a crowd running together. He told off the unclean demon, saying, “Mute and deaf spirit, I order you, leave him and never enter him again.”

The spirit left yelling and convulsing the boy. The boy looked to be dead, so the crowd said, “He’s dead.”

Jesus took his hand and lifted him up, and the boy stood.

Jesus went into the house and his disciples asked him, “Why couldn’t we expel the spirit?”

He answered, “This type can leave by nothing except prayer.”

They left from there, going through Galilee, but he didn’t want people to know, because Jesus was teaching his disciples, telling them, “The Son of Man is being handed over to man’s control, and they will kill him. He’ll awake three days after he is killed.”

The disciples didn’t understand the message and were afraid to ask.

They arrived at Capernaum. In the house, Jesus asked the disciples, “What were you talking about on the journey?”

They were quiet because they had been discussing together about who was better.

Jesus sat, gathered the twelve and told them, “If anyone wants to be first, they are last out of everyone and everyone’s servant.”

Jesus brought a child and stood him in the middle of them, then cradled him and said, “Whoever accepts one child like this in my name accepts me, and whoever accepts me is not accepting me but my sender.”

John replied, “Teacher, we’ve seen someone sending out demons in your name and we stopped him because he was not following us.”

Jesus said, “Don’t stop him, because no one who does a miracle in my name can then abuse me. Because whoever is not against us is for us. Whoever gives you a cup of water in my name, because you are Christ’s, I’m telling you he’ll never lose his reward. Whoever trips up one of these children who believe in me, it’s better for them if a millstone is wrapped around his neck and he’s thrown into the sea.

If your hand trips you up, cut it off. It’s better you enter into life deformed than having two hands, going into hell and the eternal fire. If your foot trips you up, cut it off. It’s better you enter into life crippled than having two feet and thrown into hell. If your eye trips you up, take it out. It’s better you enter God’s kingdom one-eyed than have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where their worms don’t die and the fire does not go out.

Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if salt becomes not salty, how can you make it salty? Have salt in yourselves and peace with each other.

Mark Chapter 9 Summary

Jesus provides important teachings and performs miraculous acts. He predicts that some present would see God’s kingdom arrive in power. Taking Peter, James, and John to a mountain, Jesus is ‘transfigured’, or transformed. His clothes shining brightly, and Elijah and Moses appear, talking with him. Peter, overwhelmed, suggests building tents for them. A heavenly voice confirms Jesus as God’s beloved son. The disciples are told not to share this vision until Jesus has risen from the dead. They discuss the role of Elijah, with Jesus confirming his importance but emphasising the Son of Man’s forthcoming suffering. Later, a desperate father seeks Jesus’s help for his demon-possessed son, whom the disciples couldn’t heal. Jesus successfully removes the demon, highlighting the power of faith and prayer. He tells of his betrayal and death but also the resurrection after three days. In Capernaum, Jesus teaches about true greatness, using a child as an example. He emphasises inclusive acceptance, warns against causing believers to sin, and highlights the significance of sacrifice and maintaining one’s spiritual ‘saltiness’.

Mark Chapter 9 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What significance did the appearance of Moses and Elijah have during Jesus’s transfiguration?
   Answer: Their appearance symbolised the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), both bearing witness to Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s plan.
2. How does Jesus emphasise the importance of faith when healing the demon-possessed boy?
   Answer: Jesus stresses that “everything is possible for the believer”, highlighting the power of faith.
3. Why does Jesus use a child to illustrate the concept of true greatness?
   Answer: A child, innocent and humble, represents the humility and purity of heart that believers should have. True greatness in God’s kingdom is not about status but a humble heart and service.
4. What lesson does Jesus teach by warning against causing believers to sin?
   Answer: Jesus discusses the important responsibility believers have towards each other. Causing another to stumble is a serious act, and personal sacrifices may be needed to avoid leading others astray.
5. What does Jesus mean when he talks about maintaining one’s ‘saltiness’?
   Answer: Saltiness represents the preserving and flavourful nature of a believer’s faith and good deeds in the world. Losing it means losing one’s spiritual effectiveness.

Mark Chapter 9 Explained

Mark Chapter 9 presents a series of events that emphasise Jesus’s divine nature, the importance of faith, and the essence of discipleship. The chapter begins with the Transfiguration, an event that not only reaffirms Jesus’s divine status but also bridges the Old Testament (represented by Moses and Elijah) with Jesus’s New Testament mission.

The healing of the demon-possessed boy contrasts the disciples’ lack of power against Jesus’s power. Their inability to heal underscores the gap between association with Jesus and harnessing the power of true faith. Jesus’s response to the boy’s father, “If I can?”, highlights that the real question isn’t about Jesus’s ability but the individual’s faith.

Moreover, Jesus’s repeated predictions of his death and resurrection serve two purposes. Firstly, they prepare his disciples for the traumatic events ahead. Secondly, they emphasise that Jesus’s mission isn’t just about miracles and teachings; it’s centred on the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s salvation.

Jesus’s teachings on discipleship, using a child as a metaphor, underscore that greatness in God’s kingdom differs greatly from worldly perceptions. It’s about humility, servitude, and innocent faith. Furthermore, the warnings about causing others to sin are warnings about the important responsibilities believers have towards each other.

Lastly, the discussion on ‘saltiness’ serves as a metaphor for the believers’ role in the world. Just as salt preserves and flavours, believers are called to be a preserving force against moral decay and add spiritual flavour to the world. Losing this ‘saltiness’ means losing one’s ability as a disciple.

Overall, Mark Chapter 9 provides teachings on faith, sacrifice, and discipleship, urging believers to embody the core values Jesus emphasises.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

---

Continue exploring Mark 9

If you’d like to read Mark 9 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Mark 9 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Mark 9 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Mark 9 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore Mark in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: Mark
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of Mark (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)