Arise and Abide

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.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 11:12-26 (NLT) ~Jesus Curses the Fig Tree, Jesus Clears the Temple~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus observes and sits on what he witnesses in the Temple. Jesus’ right to judgment and lays judgment on the tree that produces no fruit, and lays judgment on the spiritual capital, not the Roman capital. The sin, pride, and greed have been present from the beginning. It is not about a military victory, the path forward is forgiveness.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 11:1-11 (NLT) ~Jesus’ Triumphant Entry~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The fulfillment of prophecy in the triumphant entry. The High before the low. The let down from built up expectations. Needing a change of perspective not circumstance. The burden of Rome is nothing compared to the burden of Sin. A foot in a bear trap complaining about a splinter. Eternity mindset.

Reading Psalm 8 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The different tone of Psalm 8. The humility of David. The reminder of our identity and the responsibility we have over His creation. The continuing need for God to come and save us.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 10:46-52 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Sally sums it up quick. The human nature of the people telling Bartimaeus to quiet down. “Cheer up” they say as Jesus calls for Bartimaeus. Jesus tells the crowd to bring Bartimaeus to Him. Followers are in a unique position to bring others to Jesus when they cannot see where He is. We must ask for our miracles.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 10:32-45 (NLT) ~Jesus Again Predicts His death, Jesus Teaches about Serving Others~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The people close to Jesus being full of Awe and those who followed further behind being full of fear. Jesus’ predictions about his death were hard for the disciples to receive. The Plan of James and John. Sally’s vison of the journey.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 10:17-31 (NLT) ~The Rich Man~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Heartbreaking that this man felt the burden of the call was too high. The contrast to the call of Matthew. The Kingdom of God and His presence being more important than physical luxuries. Wealth, privilege, and bubbles. Being obsessed with God, The Creator, not the creation or the blessings given. He knows there is more, so he keeps asking.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 10:13-16 (NLT) ~Jesus Blesses the Children~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Disciples quickly forgetting the message of humility and the call to welcome children. The value of all people, independent of age. The characteristics of children we should embrace. Receiving the information given to us by the Good Father as truth and living/walking in the reality of that truth.