The Pharisees confront Jesus about the failure of his disciples to wash their hands before eating as the traditions of the elders require. This is not about hygiene but something fundamental in relating to the holy transcendent God of scripture. This leads to Jesus challenging their understanding of the source of human impurity and the way that their traditions obscure the intent of the law of God.

The Pharisees confront Jesus about the failure of his disciples to wash their hands before eating as the traditions of the elders require. This is not about hygiene but something fundamental in relating to the holy transcendent God of scripture. This leads to Jesus challenging their understanding of the source of human impurity and the way that their traditions obscure the intent of the law of God.

Mark narrates two miracles here. The first the feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. It has special significance for the church and its ministry. The other is the second miracle on the sea. In both of them Jesus reveals his identity.

Mark narrates two miracles here. The first the feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. It has special significance for the church and its ministry. The other is the second miracle on the sea. In both of them Jesus reveals his identity.

Jesus returns to home as one with a national reputation only to be greeted with cynicism and unbelief. Mark has two important warnings for us as he follows that account with another one of his sandwiched stories.

Jesus returns to home as one with a national reputation only to be greeted with cynicism and unbelief. Mark has two important warnings for us as he follows that account with another one of his sandwiched stories.

Two desperate people approach Jesus seeking healing. They face hopeless situations. Jesus acts in surprising ways as he responds to them and asks more of them than they expected.

Two desperate people approach Jesus seeking healing. They face hopeless situations. Jesus acts in surprising ways as he responds to them and asks more of them than they expected.