In Mark 11, Jesus boldly reveals His authority over Jerusalem, the temple, and all of God’s promises. Discover why empty religion can never save, how Christ fulfills the Old Testament, and why the only hope for every person is to repent, believe, and follow Him.
As Jesus makes His final journey to Jerusalem, He encounters Bartimaeus – a blind beggar who sees more clearly than the crowds around him. His response to Jesus becomes a model of true discipleship, showing us what it means to hear, believe, and follow Christ.
Disciples of Jesus look for opportunities–whether in the church, home or work–to set aside their own needs, desires and preferences and place a higher value on the needs of others. Do you use your power to subjugate or serve? What would your marriage, family and workplace look like if you used your power and authority for the highest and best of others, rather than yourself.
How much do your possessions hold you or hinder you on your journey to your heavenly home? Money, wealth and possessions can be wonderful tools for the Christian, but they are relentless taskmasters if you cling to them as your saviour.
In Mark 10:1–16, Jesus addresses two deeply personal and often difficult subjects – marriage and children. What does God’s design for marriage reveal about His covenant love? Why does Jesus say that we must receive the kingdom of God like a little child?
To belong to the Lord Jesus Christ will demand a completely different approach to your life. If you want to be first, you must take the lowly place. If you want to be a leader, you must find a way to humbly serve. Those who belong to him will seek out people who can do nothing in exchange for them. They will serve them, sacrifice for them – all for the sake of Christ.
Struggling Christian, come to the Lord and confess your doubts. Admit your weakness; be honest in your desperate need and you will find the strength of God. You may be wondering whether your weak and flagging faith is enough, but little is much when you bring it to the Lord. He won’t extinguish a smouldering wick or break a bruised reed.
Metamorphosis and change is right at the heart of the Christian life. We are changed and are being changed, and on the last day we will be fully changed. The gospel tells us that we are not fatalistically determined to continue in the same destructive patterns of brokenness that we may find ourselves in today.
If you cling to your life and act as those you are the centre of the universe, then the very life that you are clinging to will slip through your fingers. It is only through dying to yourself and bowing your knee to Christ that you will find true and abiding life.
Jesus asks every person the same question: “Who do you say that I am?” No one else can answer this question for you.
Which Jesus do you confess? A therapeutic Jesus? A political Jesus? A self-help Jesus? Or the crucified and risen Christ?