Creative Space for Wanderers
Read: This is part of the scripture reference in today’s ODB devotion, so I felt moved to share this incredible quote from Jesus as recorded by John: 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from …
Read: “…He was amazed by their lack of faith.” Just after Jesus brought Jairus’ daughter back to life, he is back in his hometown, the place where people knew him best. The Sabbath rolls around and Jesus enters the synagogue and begins to preach. Mark provides these remarkable observations from Jesus’ relatives, neighbors, etc.: Isn’t …
Read: Jesus is not happy with the Pharisees, the teachers of the law, and the religious right, but he doesn’t apply that stereotype to everyone who wears the mantle of Jewish leader. This is important for us to grasp. Our version of church has plenty of Pharisees, but there are many inside those organizations that …
Continue reading “Mark: Jesus Raises Jairus’ Daughter; Heals A Woman”
Read: Dear Dad, I’m so thankful for the herd of pigs you trusted me with, an amazing, extravagant gift for which I am truly thankful. I just wanted to let you know that, because the strangest thing happened this morning, something you’re going to find hard to believe. Some guy named Jesus came through town …
Continue reading “Mark: Vile Man Rid of Legion, Business Ruined”
Read: That day. You remember. That day when Jesus spoke to the crowds in pleasing parables that caused us to ponder. That day. We learned about scattering seeds, the very Word of God. When we had to admit we didn’t really understand the depth and breadth of His teaching. More than pleasant stories to share …
Read: As the Pharisees began to plot against Jesus, the crowds are overflowing. Mark quickly lists the 12 disciples, then focuses on accusations about Jesus’ motivation. In my mind, this quickly gets ugly. Jesus has some strong words for those who are completely confused. At the same time, we are challenged to consider the sin …
Read: God is serious about the Sabbath, the fourth commandment for those with a checklist. Working from home for nearly 20 years has tainted my personal understanding of Sabbath, something I need to figure out how to fix. In this passage, Jesus challenges the Pharisees to look beyond the stone tablets, but some are hell …
Read: The Pharisees continue to rack up evidence against Jesus in these two observations: 1) Jesus’ disciples aren’t fasting like they’re supposed to, and 2) Jesus and his disciples broke the law by plucking some heads of grain on the Sabbath. These two issues are dealt with directly: Jesus answered, “How can the guests of …
Continue reading “Mark: Pharisees are Confused about Fasting and Lord of the Sabbath”
Read: When was the last time you had dinner with sinners? When have I intentionally invited those who are regarded as sinful, shunned by the church, into my home to share a meal? Seriously. Consider the text: While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and …
Read: As Jesus continues to minister in the area in and around Galilee many are healed, amazed, in awe, and filled with wonder. At the same time, questions begin to arise, accusations raised, authority is challenged. From a high-level perspective it’s great to see Jesus wading into the throngs of people, moving without restraint, breaking …
Continue reading “Mark: Jesus’ Galilean Ministry — Heals a Paralyzed Man”