Your Custom Text Here
Jesus Fills Our True Need
(Mark 2:1-12)
The story pivots us from the introductory days of Jesus' ministry to the controversial ones. We know Jesus wasn't popular with all people at all times—he was, after all, crucified. And most of us know that Jesus became disliked by the religious leaders of his day. So, his popularity must have become mixed with opposition at some point. (10 Minutes/3000 Words)
Read more
The Kingdom Is Received With Childlike Faith
Archival Post
Jesus wasn't saying that you will get the kingdom if you are sweet enough, joyful enough, or innocent enough. He wasn't preaching works-based righteousness in any way. Instead, Jesus was making a comparison. Some people receive the kingdom. They receive it because they receive things like children receive things. The keyword is "receive." How do children receive things?
Read more
Childlike People Have the Kingdom
(Mark 10:15)
"...For to such (people like children) belongs the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14b). What does this mean? To answer this question, we must recall how the disciples felt about Jesus, the kingdom, and these children. They had stood outside the house, policing who went in to see Jesus. They knew Jesus was the King of a kingdom, but they didn't yet understand the nature of that kingdom. (4 Minutes/800 Words)
Read more
The Kingdom Is Received With Childlike Faith
(Mark 10:15)
I've read and heard many -- contradictory -- interpretations of what Jesus meant. Scholars and pastors run wild with the child analogy Jesus used. I understand. It is tempting to talk up children's innocence, spontaneity, eagerness, or joy. (2 Minutes, 500 Words)
Read more