Previously, in Mark 12, we saw how Jesus was moved by the gift of the poor widow at the temple that day. He used her example to teach his disciples that she had given more than the wealthy with their immense contributions, because her sacrifice was greater. To Jesus, this woman was a model of devotion, an example of worship, and a true lover of God. Let’s look at some more lessons from her story.
Read moreWhat Jesus Treasures, Part 1 (Mark 12:41-44)
In today's passage, Jesus lets his disciples in on a secret found in an anonymous woman's story.
Read moreSix Marks of a Christ-Follower, Part 2 (Mark 12:35-40)
At the beginning of Mark's gospel, there is a familiar and beautiful episode. Jesus walked on the shore of Galilee and saw Peter, Andrew, James, and John engaged in fishermen’s business. He called them:
Read moreSix Marks of a Christ-Follower, Part 1 (Mark 12:35-40)
At the beginning of Mark's gospel, there is a familiar and beautiful episode. Jesus walked on the shore of Galilee and saw Peter, Andrew, James, and John engaged in fishermen’s business. He called them:
Read moreJesus, the Son of David and the Son of God (Mark 12:35-37)
By this point in Mark, it is clear that Jesus is at odds with the religious leaders -- and they are certainly at odds with him! And, in our previous studies, we've watched Jesus dismantle the best arguments they could muster in their attempts to thwart his mission. By the end, "no one dared to ask him any more questions" (Mark 12:34).
Read moreThe Second Most Important Thing in Life (Mark 12:31-34)
In the final week of Jesus' life before the cross, Jesus has just shared with an inquiring scribe that the greatest commandment is to love God. But there’s also a second half of Jesus' answer. He teaches a second greatest commandment.
Read moreGod's Greatest Commandment: Love Him (Mark 12:28-30)
Jesus said the greatest commandment begins with the God of Scripture -- and that we should "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (30). I'm willing to bet you've heard this saying of Jesus time and time again -- love God, love neighbor, this is the sum of the law.
Read moreThe Most Important Thing in Life (Mark 12:28-30)
In the final week of Jesus' life before the cross, the religious leaders are attempting to build a case against him. Jesus has challenged them in the temple area, and now they are challenging him in return.
Read moreHow Are Modern Progressive Christians Like the Sadducees? (Mark 12:18)
We recently considered the story of the Sadducees challenging Jesus in Mark 12 and saw how Jesus showed their error in neither knowing Scripture nor the power of God. I also wanted to give a word about the Sadducean presence today because I believe there is a growing influence of their mindset in the worldwide visible church in our modern time.
Read moreJesus Shows the Sadducees Why They Should Know the Word of God (Mark 12:18-27)
In our previous look at this passage, Jesus addressed why the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection or any life after death, were wrong in proposing this hypothetical scenario - they didn’t know the power of God.
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