Mark 11: Figs, fruit, and faith

As I read Mark 11 today I spent some time considering the truths behind the fig tree: you know, the cursing of the fig tree that had no fruit. What lies behind this? What are we to make of it? Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? I feel like one of the disciples left scratching my head. I feel right there with Peter in verse 21 when he asks Jesus about what that is all about.
And what was Jesus' response? "Have faith in God."
Ok...   Then Jesus describes what it looks like to have...

Mark 10: Jesus defines marriage and CNN won't like it

In a culture and country and time period where so much controversy exists about homosexuality and whether or not homosexual couples should be included in the definition of marriage, not many are asking what Jesus thinks.

One of the hot topics of Jesus day among the Pharisees and the Jews was the issue of divorce. At the very least, they decided to use it to trap

Mark 9: Hints of the Kingdom and Battling Sin

This passage was a challenge to read beginning to end. The first verse alone sent me into a five minute tailspin of consideration, more of that in a minute. The reason it was a challenge was because in so many different ways I wanted to do an intense study of the topic: first in its context and then broadening out to the fuller Biblical context.

What topics specifically, you may ask? The healing of the demon possessed and the power of Jesus in this display. The intriguing way Jesus states how we must take seriously overcoming sin: “Cut it off”, “pluck it out”, and the threats of

Mark 8: What Sign?

NO SIGN? The idea of looking for a sign has always boggled my mind just a bit. Maybe a sign is only a sign if you see it. I would love to say there was no sign to mark the exit I missed the other day on the highway, but I'm afraid I just didn't see it.

Can you imagine asking Jesus for a sign right after seeing him feed 4,000 people from seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Kinda like finishing off a huge piece of turtle cheesecake and then turning to your spouse and asking them, "What's for desert?" Say what? You want a sign? How about

Mark 6 for Monday: Home sweet home

The idea of coming home is sweet. Loved ones, cherished memories, and the hopes of making more. Some of these thoughts must have been going through the minds of those who were part of this caravan on route to Nazareth. Wow, were they in for a surprise.

And how do we handle such crushing realities to our lofty expectations?

And what miracles get left undone because of our unbelief? Their unbelief caused even Jesus to marvel..... That would seem hard to do, but they accomplished it, causing deity to marvel, and not in a good way.

Then I love how Jesus responds in Verse 7: he ramps ministry into high speed. No fear, no

Mark 4: Sowing in the 21st century

What defines a sower?
One who actually sows. I am afraid there are times where my strategy about sowing gets me away from actually being a sower. A sower will often find himself around other sowers, but I'm not convinced there should be total comfort there. A sower should often be around the seed, but he should feel out of step unless he is actually doing something with the seed, besides collecting

Mark 3: Demons, and the blind blasphemers

The stunning reaction of the unclean spirits, "you are the son of God", reminds us that our God awareness often falls below that of the unclean spirits. May we be more aware of his power and presence and realize he has won for us.
This is also a good reminder of the fact that those demons initial choice to follow Lucifer was now holding them in bondage,unable to change their allegiances.


How great to have been shown