In Mark 11 we see the Christ's entrance into Jerusalem for Passover in a way that announces publicly his being the long anticipated redeemer and King come to free his people. Jesus is different, and Mark 11 displays this in a most unique way while at the same time displaying how God's people are to live differently.

In Mark 10:46-52 we see Jesus open the eyes of the blind for the second time in Mark's account. Bartimaeus, isolated and marginalized finds himself within shouting distance of Jesus as he moves through Jericho on his was to Jerusalem for Passover. Jesus responds with power and compassion to the cry of the broken, calling Bartimaeus to himself, opening his eyes, and saving him. The response to grace and regeneration is celebration and a life committed to Christ.

In this week's message from Mark 10, Jesus teaches His followers four amazing and fearful truths about God's kingdom.

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”-C..S. Lewis. ​In Mk 10:23-31 we see the commitment of God to the rescue of sinners. In the gospel, Jesus makes possible a transformed perspective and posture. Through the work of Christ we are called into a better and and more sure inheritance being eternal life and intimacy with Christ.

In Pt. 1 of Mark 10: 17-31, we see Jesus engaged in conversation with a rich young ruler centering on the topic of eternal life. In this, we see the love of Christ manifest itself through His call to surrender that which is incapable to satisfying and to take hold of the only thing that is capable of satisfying, Himself. The cost is ultimately deemed as to great, at which point Jesus points His disciples toward humanities inability to enter the Kingdom with our resources and the necessity of His life and death in order to lay hold of this inheritance.

As Jesus continues his public ministry he is once again presented with a question from the religious leaders desiring to trap him and discredit him. This time their issue is revolves around the interpretation of the writing of Moses in Deuteronomy 24 and the issue of divorce. Jesus points back to Genesis 2 and God's institution of marriage as central in understanding Deuteronomy 24 and the gospel's hope for covenant relationship.

How does Jesus speak toward and about God's people working together on mission? In Mark 9, we see Jesus inform our understanding on the need for new eyes of the heart, resulting in a desire to see the advancement of His Kingdom as His people occupy a posture of humility as opposed to pride and self exaltation. Christ models and fulfills this perfectly providing grace and hope to a people often struggling with these issues.

In Mark 9 we see a major culture shift as Jesus explains the self sacrificial Christian life. Greatness is dictated by service and the intimacy with the Father that is experienced through a Christians service to people. This is fulfilled and displayed ultimately through Christ and his service of people that empowers this new life.

In the midst of chaos and brokenness, Jesus restores life and light to that which has been scared by an unclean spirit. Following His time on the mountain, Jesus calls His disciples back to humility and reliance to live mission that leads God's people to Christ and prayer.