While Bethlehem (the “house of bread”) is on everyone’s mind, the Lord Jesus is leading every one of His followers to another “house”—Bethany (“beth” means house). “Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them” (Luke 24:50). Situated on the Mount of Olives, little Bethany was rightContinue reading “Bethlehem’s Star Still Leads”
Category Archives: Gospels
Seeds of Eden in Broken Pieces
I love studying God’s word to know His heart and mind. So I love Bible commentators, whether books or Bible study apps or sermons. Above all this, by far and away the best Bible commentator I’ve ever come across is Mark, the Gospel author. Better than the prince of preachers, Charles Spurgeon. Matthew Henry. Jameson,Continue reading “Seeds of Eden in Broken Pieces”
The Man Carrying the Jar of Water Explained!
As the time approached for Jesus to go to the cross, His disciples asked Him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare the Passover so that you may eat it?” In response, Jesus instructed them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. WhereverContinue reading “The Man Carrying the Jar of Water Explained!”
What Kind of Fisher of Men Am I?
I love the Gospel of Mark! As I’m learning Mark’s practice of the ancient Hebrew biblical authors’ ways of creative word and theme linking to stack layers of fresh meaning into well-worn texts, I’m discovering how no passage in Mark is impersonal. King Herod held a feast for his nobles on his birthday. No relevanceContinue reading “What Kind of Fisher of Men Am I?”
Repentance: Being in Step with Jesus
Mark leaves nothing to chance in selecting words for his gospel. He abundantly helps himself to the rich tapestry of the Hebrew Bible as readily made available in the Septuagint Greek, the lingua franca of the Roman world. Mark, as he does everywhere else in his gospel, purposefully handpicks words that add rich layers ofContinue reading “Repentance: Being in Step with Jesus”
Mark’s Hidden Gems: Baptism in the Cloud
The apostle Paul intriguingly commented on Israel’s history that “all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” What does that mean? I’ve never studied it until recently when the Gospel of Mark’s beautifully arranged cloud scenes anchoring Old Testament event to New Testament fulfillment in Jesus nudged me in that direction.Continue reading “Mark’s Hidden Gems: Baptism in the Cloud”
From Partition to Paradise!
The temple veil that cloaked God from mankind was ripped in half when Jesus died on the cross. The severed veil is well-known among Christians. Many worshipful songs allude to the holy curtain being torn from top to bottom. Its symbolism is simple enough for a child to grasp: come on in to God! God’sContinue reading “From Partition to Paradise!”
Mark’s Hidden Gems: The Superior Cloud
We’ve been examining iconic Gospel scenes that Mark hyperlinked to Psalm 93. These hyperlinks stack up insightful comparisons, envisioning Jesus in a fresh way within that psalm. Conversely, Psalm 93 as a second eye on Jesus and His great works in Mark’s Gospel wondrously enlarges our depth perception. As we see and believe what’s trueContinue reading “Mark’s Hidden Gems: The Superior Cloud”
Mark’s Hidden Gems: The Baptism of Great Tribulation
Mark presents Jesus as God’s servant, a pervasive theme having compelling implications. How shall we serve? What heart attitudes hinder genuine service? What success may we expect against external forces that oppose our kingdom service? Mark anticipates these questions with a variety of responses. A right understanding of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection radically impactsContinue reading “Mark’s Hidden Gems: The Baptism of Great Tribulation”
Mark’s Hidden Gems: The Purple Cloak
The world’s finest athletes are gathering for the Olympics this summer in Paris to compete for the gold in a wide array of contests. In considering how Mark integrated Psalm 93 to ascribe significance to the events of Good Friday, I find an analogy to these optimum achievements in the athletic world. But I hadContinue reading “Mark’s Hidden Gems: The Purple Cloak”
Glory Unveiled: Discovering Jesus 