Commons Church Podcast

Mark 2+3
We explore the contrasting approaches of Jesus and the Pharisees, as described in the second narrative package of Mark. In this section of Mark, Jesus begins to confront his religious critics, the Pharisees, who, despite their liberal ideologies, were often at odds with Jesus. We discuss an enlightening debate between Jesus and the Pharisees about prioritizing faith over tradition, a topic that unveils Jesus' remarkable ability to challenge and transform pre-existing notions.

We also see Jesus' unique approach toward his religious critics and his ability to expand our imagination. We reflect upon an instance where Jesus questions the Pharisees on the Sabbath law, reminding them that rules are meant to aid, not control. Unpacking Jesus' teachings and his revolutionary message about the prioritization of life over law.

Mark is generally considered to be the earliest of the four gospels we have in our Bibles. In fact, the consensus is that Mark served as a reference for what Matthew and Luke would later write. Mark is fast-paced, moving quickly through Jesus’ life, probably offering our first look at the historical Jesus. And in that look, we see a Jesus who is focused on the practical concerns of those he serves. Economics, politics, pressures, these are the issues that shape Jesus’ teachings in Mark. He may have an eye toward heaven, but he is firmly rooted in the praxis of God’s kingdom here now in the Gospel of Mark. In this series, we will crack open this first Gospel and begin a two-part journey through Mark’s memory of Jesus.

Mark is generally considered to be the earliest of the four gospels we have in our Bibles. In fact, the consensus is that Mark served as a reference for what Matthew and Luke would later write. Mark is fast-paced, moving quickly through Jesus’ life, probably offering our first look at the historical Jesus. And in that look, we see a Jesus who is focused on the practical concerns of those he serves. Economics, politics, pressures, these are the issues that shape Jesus’ teachings in Mark. He may have an eye toward heaven, but he is firmly rooted in the praxis of God’s kingdom here now in the Gospel of Mark. In this series, we will crack open this first Gospel and begin a two-part journey through Mark’s memory of Jesus.

The start of season ten! Sometimes, I can hardly believe it’s been that long. And while we are still a year away from our tenth anniversary, it seems like a good time to go back and ground ourselves in some core ideas. For years now, we have included some of our foundational theological narrative on the first page of the journal. In this series, we will dive into each of the six statements that have kept us on course. And we will trust that God will help us journey even deeper into the Way of Jesus as we do.

The start of season ten! Sometimes, I can hardly believe it’s been that long. And while we are still a year away from our tenth anniversary, it seems like a good time to go back and ground ourselves in some core ideas. For years now, we have included some of our foundational theological narrative on the first page of the journal. In this series, we will dive into each of the six statements that have kept us on course. And we will trust that God will help us journey even deeper into the Way of Jesus as we do.

The start of season ten! Sometimes, I can hardly believe it’s been that long. And while we are still a year away from our tenth anniversary, it seems like a good time to go back and ground ourselves in some core ideas. For years now, we have included some of our foundational theological narrative on the first page of the journal. In this series, we will dive into each of the six statements that have kept us on course. And we will trust that God will help us journey even deeper into the Way of Jesus as we do.

The start of season ten! Sometimes, I can hardly believe it’s been that long. And while we are still a year away from our tenth anniversary, it seems like a good time to go back and ground ourselves in some core ideas. For years now, we have included some of our foundational theological narrative on the first page of the journal. In this series, we will dive into each of the six statements that have kept us on course. And we will trust that God will help us journey even deeper into the Way of Jesus as we do.

The start of season ten! Sometimes, I can hardly believe it’s been that long. And while we are still a year away from our tenth anniversary, it seems like a good time to go back and ground ourselves in some core ideas. For years now, we have included some of our foundational theological narrative on the first page of the journal. In this series, we will dive into each of the six statements that have kept us on course. And we will trust that God will help us journey even deeper into the Way of Jesus as we do.

“....Happiness is not an ideal of reason but of imagination”

 –Immanuel Kant

Two years ago, we had a blast doing a series like this...and we think you did too.So, we’re bringing happiness back.In part, because this is a practice of community. To share stories. To make meaning. To brighten faces. But also because it’s a practice of imagination. To shape futures. To inspire choices. To chart new pathways.

Life has a way of making us feel limited at times, as though the patterns and options we have are set. As an alternative, Christian faith challenges us over and over again to use our imaginations to make, and move, and hope with abandon.

So join us as we collect several voices to tell us what makes them happy. You might just find yourself feeling lighter because they did.