Posts from 2022 (Page 3)
Grace in Action – Week 11
Theme: What does it take for you/us to be delighted, settled and content with our condition and circumstance?
Mark: Lesson 30
Lesson text: Mark 12:35-44; Mark 13:1-2 As Jesus completes His public ministry, a few matters remain. Sitting in the temple, He asks how the Messiah can be David’s Son and his Lord? This is another challenge to the Jewish leaders’ understanding of Scripture. He then warns the people of the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of the scribes. Just before leaving the temple, Jesus notices a widow giving all she has as an offering. Her generosity is a stark contrast to…
Grace in Action – Week 10
Themes: Let’s discuss definition, perspective, criticism and Scriptural application. Is this development caused by lack of believer contentment?
Mark: Lesson 29
Lesson text: Mark 12:18-34 Jesus’ crucifixion week encounters continue with the Sadducees approaching Him. These Jewish leaders did not believe in the resurrection or angels, and were skeptical about anything supernatural. The Sadducees, wanting to embarrass Jesus, ask Him about how death and remarriage work in the resurrection. Jesus responds by telling them they are sorely mistaken about Scripture. A scribe, impressed by Jesus’ response to the Sadducees, poses a sincere question to Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus takes…
Mark: Lesson 28
Lesson text: Mark 12:1-17 Continuing His exchange with the Jewish leaders from chapter 11, Jesus recounts a parable about a vineyard. The owner has entrusted the vineyard to tenants who abuse, injure, and even kill the owner’s servants who are sent to collect the rent. When he sends his son, they decide to kill him so they can take possession of the vineyard. Jesus has harsh words for these tenants, which angers the Jewish leaders. The next day they attempt…
Grace in Action – Week 9
Themes: Are you content as a Jesus Believer? Do you want more of what you think you don’t have?
Mark: Lesson 27
Lesson text: Mark 11:15-33 On the day after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus enters the temple complex. He is appalled to see the Court of the Gentiles being used for the selling of animals and for currency exchange. He drives out the vendors because of their misuse of this area intended for worship. This event angers the scribes and chief priests, who now want Jesus dead. The next day, Peter notices that the fig tree cursed by Jesus is…
Grace in Action – Week 8
Theme: The apostle Paul’s very mature position with Jesus vs. modern-day believers.
Mark: Lesson 26
Lesson text: Mark 11:1-14 Chapter 11 begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on what has become known as Palm Sunday. Jesus deliberately rides into the city on the colt of a donkey. This action fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Yet the disciples and most of the people watching Him miss the significance of Jesus’ actions. Once in the city, Jesus peruses the temple complex before heading out to Bethany. The next day He curses a fig tree when…
Grace in Action – Week 7
Theme: Believers need to be firmly anchored in the keeping power of Jesus, despite our evident weakness.
Mark: Lesson 25
Lesson text: Mark 10:35-52 James and John ask Jesus to allow them to sit at His right and left hand in glory. While this angers the other disciples, Jesus sees a teaching opportunity. He explains that greatness in God’s kingdom is based on service, not authority. Jesus Himself had come to earth to serve, not to be served by others. The pinnacle of His service would be His death on the cross. Soon after this, the group passes through Jericho…
Grace in Action – Week 6
Themes: Even believers would rather be safe/feeling safe than challenging my personal status quo. Do you manage your anger or complaining?