Mark 12:13-17

Mark 11:12-33 teaches us about Jesus' actions in Jerusalem, which include cleansing the Temple, cursing a fig tree, and challenging religious authorities. The chapter uses these events to teach about righteous anger against corruption, the importance of faith and prayer, and the consequences of being spiritually barren.

Mark 11:1-11 describes Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, where he is hailed as a king by a crowd spreading cloaks and branches on the road and shouting "Hosanna". The passage highlights Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy as he rides a young donkey into the city, which was a symbol of a peaceful king, as opposed to a warrior king. The passage sets up a dramatic contrast between the crowd's expectations of a political Messiah and Jesus' role as a suffering Messiah, culminating in his entry into the temple before the events of the Passion week.

Mark 10:46-52 recounts the healing of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, who persistently calls out to Jesus as the "Son of David" for mercy. Despite the crowd trying to silence him, Bartimaeus's faith is strong, and when Jesus stops, Bartimaeus throws aside his cloak and runs to him. After being asked what he wants, Bartimaeus asks to see again, and Jesus tells him his faith has made him well. Bartimaeus immediately regains his sight and begins to follow Jesus.

Mark 10:32-45 teaches that true greatness is found in service and sacrifice, not power or position, and that the path to leadership in God's kingdom is the opposite of the world's way, "an Inverted Kingdom." The passage highlights Jesus's third prediction of his coming death and his disciples' failure to grasp the meaning, as they continue to argue about who will be the greatest. In response, Jesus explains that leadership means serving others, and he defines his own mission as "to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many".

Mark 10:13-31 contains two key stories: Jesus blessing little children and the encounter with the rich young ruler. It teaches that receiving God's kingdom requires childlike simplicity and faith, while the rich ruler's unwillingness to give up his possessions shows how wealth can be a major obstacle to following Jesus and inheriting eternal life. The passage concludes with Jesus promising those who sacrifice for the gospel a hundredfold return now, and eternal life in the future.

[Part 2] Mark 10:1-12 teaches that marriage is a permanent, sacred union, not a mere contract, because God created it and joined the two people as "one flesh". Jesus emphasizes that a lawful divorce was only permitted by Moses due to the "hardness of heart" of people, and he declares that anyone who divorces their spouse and remarries commits adultery.

[Part 1] Mark 10:1-12 teaches that marriage is a permanent, sacred union, not a mere contract, because God created it and joined the two people as "one flesh". Jesus emphasizes that a lawful divorce was only permitted by Moses due to the "hardness of heart" of people, and he declares that anyone who divorces their spouse and remarries commits adultery.

Mark 9:33-50 covers the disciples' argument about who is the greatest, Jesus' teaching that greatness in His kingdom comes through humility and service, the importance of accepting and not hindering those who are not with the inner circle but are doing good in His name, and a severe warning about the dire consequences of leading "little ones" (believers) into sin, emphasizing self-sacrifice to avoid greater judgment.

Guest Speaker: Tim Nielson Mark 9:30-42 describes Jesus predicting his death and resurrection, addressing his disciples' internal conflict over who would be greatest by teaching that true greatness is achieved through service and humility, symbolized by welcoming a child. The passage also includes an instance where Jesus rebukes his disciples for forbidding someone from performing miracles in his name, emphasizing that those who are not against them are for them.

Mark 9:9-29 describes an episode where Jesus' disciples fail to cast an evil spirit out of a boy, leading to a confrontation with the boy's father, Jesus' healing of the boy, and His explanation to the disciples that this kind of spirit can only be driven out by prayer. The passage highlights themes of faith and unbelief, as the father cries out "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" and Jesus teaches that "everything is possible for one who believes". The event underscores the necessity of profound faith and reliance on God, as exemplified by prayer, to overcome certain spiritual strongholds.

Mark 9:1-8, known as the Transfiguration of Jesus, describes Jesus being transformed into a dazzling, white figure before his disciples Peter, James, and John on a mountain. Moses and Elijah appear and speak with him, after which a voice from a cloud declares Jesus to be God's beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to him. The event affirms Jesus' divine nature and his connection to the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).

Mark 8:14-38 details a crucial period for Jesus and his disciples where Jesus rebukes the disciples for their spiritual misunderstanding about the "yeast" of the Pharisees and Herod, performs a second healing of a blind man, and then Peter declares Jesus is the Messiah. This leads to Jesus' first explicit prediction of his own suffering and death, which Peter rebukes. Finally, Jesus defines the cost of true discipleship, emphasizing the need to deny oneself, take up one's cross, and follow him, even in the face of public shame and the loss of life for the sake of the gospel.

Mark 8:1-13 describes two distinct events: Jesus feeding the four thousand people with seven loaves and a few fish, and the subsequent encounter where Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for demanding a miraculous sign from heaven, refusing their request before leaving them and crossing the sea.

Mark 7:14-37 teaches us that true defilement comes from within our hearts, but through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed and healed, regardless of our background or circumstances, and empowered to participate in God's kingdom and share his message.

Special Guest Speaker: Arick Graham. Mark 7:1-13 describes a conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding religious traditions. The Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for not ritually washing their hands before meals, a tradition they considered important. Jesus, in turn, criticizes the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments, particularly the commandment to honor one's parents. He points out that their tradition of "corban" (vowing something to God) could be used to avoid supporting their parents, effectively nullifying the commandment to honor them.

Mark 6:45-56 & John 6:15-71 Mark 6:45-56 describes Jesus walking on water during a storm and the disciples' reaction. Initially, they are terrified, mistaking him for a ghost. Jesus calms their fears by revealing himself and getting into the boat. This passage highlights Jesus' divine power and the disciples' struggle to understand who he truly is, despite witnessing his miracles.

Mark 6:30-44 describes Jesus miraculously feeding 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. This passage highlights Jesus' compassion, divine authority over nature, and the symbolic significance of bread and fish. The event is a powerful illustration of God's provision and a foreshadowing of Jesus as the Bread of Life.

Mark 6:14-29 recounts the beheading of John the Baptist, highlighting themes of fear, power, and the consequences of rash decisions. Herod, influenced by his wife Herodias and her daughter Salome, has John killed to appease Herodias and maintain his image. This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power, the influence of personal desires, and the potential for evil within individuals, even those in positions of authority.

Mark 6:1-13 tells the story of Jesus being rejected in his hometown of Nazareth and then sending out his twelve disciples on a mission. The passage highlights themes of rejection, faith, and the authority of Jesus, while also demonstrating the empowerment of the disciples to continue his work.

Mark 5:21-43 tells the story of two miraculous healings performed by Jesus: the healing of a woman with a hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus' daughter. The passage highlights the themes of faith, compassion, and Jesus' power over sickness and even death. It's a story within a story, where the healing of the woman with a hemorrhage is sandwiched between the plea of Jairus and the subsequent raising of his daughter.

Mark 5:1-20 tells the story of Jesus encountering and delivering a demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes. The man, described as living among the tombs and tormented by a "legion" of demons, is freed from their control by Jesus. The demons then enter a herd of pigs, which subsequently rush into the sea and drown. The local people, witnessing this event, are initially fearful and ask Jesus to leave their region. The healed man, however, desires to stay with Jesus, but Jesus instructs him to return to his home and share his story.

Mark 3:13-35 primarily focuses on Jesus appointing the twelve Apostles and addressing the growing controversy surrounding his ministry. Jesus selects twelve individuals, names them Apostles, and charges them with being with Him, preaching, and casting out demons. The passage also highlights the opposition he faces, including from his own family who believes he is out of his mind, and from scribes who accuse him of being possessed by Beelzebul. Finally, Jesus offers a parable about a divided kingdom and a divided house to illustrate His authority and the nature of His ministry.

This week, Pastor Seth Williams teaches on Mark 2:18-22, which focuses on Jesus' teaching about fasting and new spiritual realities. Why this matters: this passage explains that since Jesus is with his disciples, it is a time of celebration and joy, not fasting. Jesus uses the examples of wedding guests not fasting during a wedding and a new patch on an old garment to illustrate that his arrival brings a new era, not a continuation of old religious practices.

This week, Guest Speaker Joshua Spivey shares a deep study of Mark 2:14-17, Table Fellowship with Jesus. Jesus calls Levi the son of Alphaeus, a tax collector, to follow him. Later, Jesus and his disciples eat a meal at Levi's house, where many tax collectors and sinners are also present. The scribes and Pharisees observe this and question Jesus' disciples about it. Jesus responds by saying that those who are "sick" need a doctor, not those who are "well," implying that he came to save sinners, not the righteous.

Mark 1:12-45 This week, Teaching Pastor Seth Williams teaches and discusses how Jesus's Authority Displayed. Mark 1:12-45 primarily depicts Jesus' early ministry, focusing on his preaching, miracles, and his encounter with a leper. It highlights Jesus' authority and power over evil, and showcases his compassion in healing and restoring people. The passage also explores the tension between Jesus' desire for privacy and the people's desire to seek his healing

Mark 1: 1-11 Jesus' Baptism marks the commencement of His earthly ministry and points us to the ultimate work of salvation he would complete at the Cross.

The Gospel of Mark 1:1-8 Teaching Pastor Seth Williams begins this series study of the Gospel of Mark. Follow along as we learn about John the Baptist's ministry, Jesus' baptism, the beginning of His ministry, the call of His first disciples (Simon and Andrew), and Jesus' initial preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God.