J. C. Ryle on Mark 4:1-20 These verses contain the parable of the sower. Of all the parables spoken by our Lord, none is probably so well-known as this. There is none which is so easily understood by all, from the gracious familiarity of the figures which it contains. There is none which is of … More Where’s the fruit?
Kim Riddlebarger asks, “What, then, should we take with us from this section of Mark?” [Chapter 3:20-35] The very fact that so many different and diverse people witnessed the miracles of Jesus with their own eyes and yet did not understand his mission or understand who he was, should remind all of us that unless God … More Needed: Faith to see
Mark 2: 25-26 And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is … More Jesus: “Have you never read…?”
We learn from Mark 2:13-17 that Jesus is a physician. The Scribes and Pharisees complained that he was eating and drinking with sinners. But Jesus told them that those who are healthy don’t need a doctor, but the sick sure do. Here is J. C. Ryle: The Lord Jesus did not come into the world, … More What would Jesus prescribe?
In Mark 2, we read of the story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed … More Mark 2…Amazing Healer
And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. —Mark 1:38-39 ESV J.C. Ryle: The meaning of these words is plain and unmistakable. Our … More Why did Jesus come?
J.C. Ryle comments at Grace Gems: Twice we are specially told that the unclean spirits know our Lord. In one place it says, “they knew Him.” to another, the devil cries out, “I know you who you are, the Holy One of God.” They knew Christ, when Scribes were ignorant of Him, and Pharisees would … More J.C. Ryle: the uselessness of a mere intellectual knowledge of religion
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
Isaiah 4:2 In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel. Let’s look at some other passages that speak about this Branch: Jeremiah 23:5-6 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I … More The Beautiful Branch
What does that mean, that here must be no boasting – no exultation – except boasting and exulting in the cross of Christ? Here is some insight from Pastor John Piper: But Doesn’t Paul Tell Us to Boast in Other Things Also? This word for “boasting” or “exulting” was used in the last text that … More In what should we boast?
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 