Mark and the new Exodus

The next two months we will be reading through the Gospel of Mark. “Why study Mark? What is here for us?” This is a question asked and then answered by Kim Riddlebarger in a sermon on Mark 1:1-8, our passage for today: First and foremost, the Gospel of Mark is vital for us to study because in … More Mark and the new Exodus

Hard promises…CHECK!

Mark 16:6-7 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.  But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as … More Hard promises…CHECK!

Joseph of Arimathea

Mark 15:42-46 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 … More Joseph of Arimathea

Jesus: An innocent madman?

Coty Pinckney comments on Mark 15:6-15: Note here the irony of the release of Barabbas: Jesus is falsely accused of leading a rebellion against Rome; Barabbas did lead a rebellion against Rome. The guilty one goes free; the innocent man dies. Pilate’s preference for not executing an innocent man is just that – a preference, … More Jesus: An innocent madman?

Temptation and Tears

At the end of Mark 14, we read of how Peter, who at one time bragged that he would never forsake Jesus, did just that.  He betrayed Jesus not once, but three times.  J. C. Ryle comments: The experience of Peter is only the experience of all God’s servants who have yielded to temptation. Lot, … More Temptation and Tears

Who ARE you?…”I AM”

Coty Pinckney on Mark 14:60-62 And the high priest stood up and came forward and questioned Jesus, saying, “Do You make no answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” But He kept silent, and made no answer. Frustrated, the High priest tries to get Jesus to incriminate himself. Jesus gives no … More Who ARE you?…”I AM”