In Mark 4, Jesus tells a series of parables that reveal something of the nature of the kingdom of God. The first of these parables is usually called The Parable of the Sower...
One of the striking and, frankly, sad aspects of Mark’s Gospel is the description of Jesus’ relationship with his natural family. Mark does not give us any account of Jesus’ birth. The first...
This passage from the Gospel of Mark has worried Christians for centuries. It speaks of a sin that will not be forgiven, often called the “unpardonable sin.” As a pastor, I have counseled with...
As Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom of God and healed the sick, his popularity grew. He was being followed by those he had specifically called and many others as well. ...
The Sabbath is a day for saving life, not just in the particular sense of rescuing someone from a life-threatening situation, but...
In a world so filled with busyness, where electronic communication invades every moment, where people are running ragged and neglecting their most...
Yesterday I offered some reflections on Mark 2:22, a verse that speaks of wine and wineskins. Today I want to add some additional thoughts before I move on in the Gospel of Mark...
When I was the pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church, I once got into considerable trouble with a man who was upset with...
In this story from Mark, a man with leprosy comes to Jesus for healing. Jesus was his only hope of getting free...
In yesterday’s reflection, I noted how Jesus remained faithful to his purpose, even when that meant disappointing the crowds who were clamoring for him. I suggested that you and I need a similar...
Shortly after Jesus began his ministry in Capernaum, he arose early one morning to find an isolated place where he could pray...
In the Greek original of the first chapter of Mark’s Gospel, the word euthus appears twelve times. This word, a favorite of Mark, who uses it forty-two times in his Gospel, appears as...
In the time of Jesus, Jewish teachers often focused on the fine details of legal interpretation.
In Mark 1:15 we read a summary of the Good News preached by Jesus: “The time promised by God has come at last! The Kingdom of God is near!” ...
After announcing that God’s time had finally come, Jesus focused the Good News in a few words: “The Kingdom of God is near!”
After Jesus’ baptism, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan. Mark does not supply the details about this temptation that are found in Matthew and...
By the time Jesus came to the Jordan River in order to be baptized, John the Baptist had already baptized hundreds if...
I cannot read Mark 1:3 without hearing echoes in my mind of the stirring song from the 1970 musical Godspell (an old spelling of the word “gospel”). Here, John the Baptist sang in the language of...
I want to reflect for one more day on the opening verse of Mark. In yesterday’s reflection, I focused on the meaning of “Good News” in the statement: “This is the Good News...
An Introductory Note from Mark ...
