Reading from The Gospel According Mark 13:14-27(NLT) ~Jesus Speaks About the Future Cont. ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The warning of tribulations, and the importance of paying attention. Loving God and loving people is the focus, not the end. The importance of knowing the Character of God. There is a litmus test.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 13:1-13(NLT) ~Jesus Speaks About the Future ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ teaching reveals how we misperceive what is impressive, important, and lasting. The foresight of Jesus. The disciples want Jesus to step into their hopes and expectations. Do we have expectations that miss the mark? But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 12:41-44(NLT) ~The Widow’s Offering ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Another picture of the upside-down picture, people think large donations with lots of pomp are important God sees acts of faith as more important. Not letting you left hand know what your right hand is doing. More than what the collective all have given.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 12:35-40 (NLT) ~Whose Son is the Messiah? ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus asks the question. The Messiah is not David’s son in the same way Jesus is not the political messiah establishing a political messiah. Jesus illustrating how He has always been.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 12:28-34 (NLT) ~The Most Important Commandment~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The teacher of religious law being an example of scholars of the time who were not corrupt in heart and understand God’s heart for relationship with humanity. Loving God and Loving People. Offering sacrifices being easier than engaging in relationships. Checking boxes doesn’t show love for people but when we love people all the boxes are filled.

Reading Psalm 9 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The song addressing judgment and justice but begins with praise of God’s marvelous works. The name of the tune, pointing to God’s love for us. Enemies are temporary but the goodness of God extends forever. God defeating David’s enemies.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 12:18-27 (NLT) ~Discussion about Resurrection~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Sadducees believe that they have it figured out. Interpreting scripture through our understanding of reality instead of looking to know God’s heart. Surrendering yourself to God. Reading scripture through (un)conscious filters instead of listening to the Holy Spirit.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 12:13-17 (NLT) ~Taxes for Caesar~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The flattery of the Pharisees trying to trap Jesus based on their ideas of what the Messiah was supposed to come and do. Jesus responds in a most relationship affirming way. Its not about who’s in charge, its about your heart and your relationship with the people around you. Giving to God what belongs to God.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 12:1-12 (NLT) ~Parable of the Evil Farmers~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The parable getting progressively worse in sin and the Pharisees clearly making the connection. Pharisees believing themselves to be the good guys. Gaining control over the sin crouching at the door of our hearts. The danger of religion becoming your god. Going to God to learn vs. going to God to support your ideas.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 11:27-33 (NLT) ~The Authority of Jesus Challenged~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus comes into Jerusalem and clears out the marketplace in the Temple instead of clearing out the Romans. Seeking the approval of man instead of pleasing God. The missed opportunities to respond to Jesus.