Mark chapter 15- The death of Jesus Christ. It has been quite a journey to get here. You may notice that this episode is formatted a little differently. It ends rather abruptly for instance. It is in an effort to highlight the spiritual practice that I get from a Good Friday Service and indeed most of Holy Week (the week prior to Easter). Easter is amazing, don't get me wrong but we really need the week that comes before it. The meaning and weight of Easter comes from the severity of sin and the enormity of the sacrificed that was required. It would certainly do us well to slow down, meditate on the meaning of the events in this chapter. 

Resources:

the Bible ReCap (chronological reading resource and podcast): https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

My God My God Why Have You Forsaken Me - Psalm 22

https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/psa/22/1/s_500001

My Website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Jesus gets arrested and endures the trials of the religious leaders. Peter denies Jesus 3 times in a courtyard to strangers. The perfect humanity in Jesus shows one reaction to fear and the imperfect humanity in Peter shows another. We have this opportunity to hold the mirror to ourselves. What is our reaction in the day to day?

My website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Chapter 14 is immense! I am breaking it into 2 episodes. Even as we read through these chapters at such a high view, there is just way too much going on for one week. Make sure you are reading through the chapter before you get to the podcast. If you have the time, I highly suggest listening to the chapter in 3 different versions. I typically use NIV, ESV, and NASB. Pick whatever translations are best for you. We are getting into Holy Week. Try not to get bogged down in logistics and timing. That can seriously draw your attention away from the miraculous events that are happening. In case you need a little visual aid though, here are some links to Easter Timelines:

https://understandingfaith.edu.au/the-events-of-easter-part-one/

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/a-time-line-of-the-passion-week.html

My Website:

https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

I sit down with Footnotes and Witness regular contributor, April Whalen to talk about these disciples. Jesus tells them 3 different times in 3 different places that the Son of Man will die. Why don't they get it? What is it with the extremely varied responses to Jesus?

Links to Son of Man episode:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2045573/13515172-bonus-son-of-man.mp3?download=true

My website:

https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/podcast

Sometimes this chapter is referred to as the "Markan Apocalypse". We need to pay attention to the first 2 verses to help us set the context for how to read this chapter. The image humanity has for "forever" is just not quite in line with the view God and His Son have. The mightiest stones will eventually pass away, but the words of Jesus Christ will not. 

My website: 

https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Hopefully you are able to spend some time doing all the inductive study methods with his chapter, it is worth it! Here are the section titles laid out:

1. parable of the tenets.          cautionary tale 
2. taxes.                                      pharisees/herodians
3. resurrection                           sadducees
4. greatest commandment.   law
5. Christ, son and Lord?           prophecy and interpretation 
6. warning of idolatry.              scribes
7. widow's offering.                  encouraging tale

Sadducees and Pharisees  

• S- strict interpretation 
  • very literal
  • politically savvy and involved
  • Sanhedrin participant
  • reject ideas of unseen (heaven, hell, spiritual world)
• P- oral interpretation
  • importance of tradition 
  • over time interpretation is equal to the law
  • Sanhedrin participant 
  • accepted ideas of unseen 
• Resources:
• s vs p article: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/pharisees-sadducees-and-essenes

Law of marrying your brother in law: Deuteronomy 25:5-6
Blue Letter Bible Commentary: https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/mark/mark-12.cfm?a=969001
my website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Jesus is going to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey to people shouting praises and waving palm branches. This is the last high point until the resurrection in chapter 16. Let's take note of the differences in responses that Jesus elicits in people. 

References of OT prophecy
Malachi 3:1-3
Zechariah 9:9 

My website:
https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Divorce, children, wealth, status, authority, Jesus is get to it all in this one chapter and it isn't what you expect. While some of these things can be difficult, the disciples didn't get it either at the time, it is worth talking about. We can confront these difficulties because God is big enough for it all and merciful throughout. 

Hopefully you are in or are seeking a body of believers to commune with. Scripture is a tool just like the church is. We all need a safe place to have spiritual direction and community. With God all things are possible so make sure those speaking into your life about divorce, wealth, status, legacy and children are followers of God. 

my website:
https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Happy New Year and Happy Holiday Season! The in-between is hard right? What day is it, what time is it, how are we out of food?! Any day is a good day to read a little scripture and spend some time with the Lord. 

Chapter 9! Things are starting to move at a quicker pace. Jesus is on His way to His death and resurrection. Instead of having senior-itis, He is getting things done. 

Transfiguration: a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state

Link to Bonus Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2045573/episodes/16337269-711-bonus-back-to-liturgy.mp3?download=true

My website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

As we dive into the holiday season, prepare for the new year, and take a break from the book of Mark, I want to talk about liturgy. If you have no idea what I mean, please take a listen. If your only experience with liturgy is that it is old and irrelevant words, please take a listen. I adore liturgy and have found it to be a consistent source of hope and renewal.

Gallup Poll:
https://news.gallup.com/poll/642548/church-attendance-declined-religious-groups.aspx#:~:text=Three%20in%2010%20Americans%20say,or%20never%20(31%25)%20attend.

Here are some resources:
Lord's Prayer: Matthew 6:9-13
Article on Liturgy: https://www.faithandworship.com/liturgy.htm#gsc.tab=0
Source for daily and occasional prayers: https://commonprayer.net/
Physical book with common prayers: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Common-Prayer-Penguin-Classics/dp/0143106562/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1WHVT2N8Y19KQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WTfoETULMCufrEQooGVe4Q9YQhLuvBWIzad4B1x2_WUjHy30uc9Mqpu0W2YvBGcHmnLsYuNf-7PIghdWIC0AANf_LLOhSwxwujAkCaTJTFJT8TbZpuWQ-mAUva83rdvQCxwWs5WBPM-DnlTqaMHisOF4gDD05GdU2w9xCVs1xf06Nywx8zoP_iJIafeV_DcgSF3S2Whs6suFuGDZD8P9BBRel4m7ZhCyEN2v-P5Pehw._9yhlXp7BUXEqtoMw1XhQijwkVG3zfN7eec2YBJz2z8&dib_tag=se&keywords=liturgical+prayer+book&qid=1735082435&s=books&sprefix=liturgical+prayer+book%2Cstripbooks%2C136&sr=1-2

my website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/