Jeff Shelnutt Sermons

Jesus is confronted by Pharisees in the temple courts with a political question designed to ensnare Him. Jesus amazes everyone with His theological answer, even as He refuses to conform to the parameters they laid down. In this passage, we discover what belongs to Caesar, but more importantly, what belongs to God. Jesus' answer also gives us principles to consider when wrestling with questions of church and state.

The parable of the vineyard is less about the wicked actions of the tenants and more about the longsuffering of the owner. Jesus continues to address the question of His authority. Through this parable we see that God pursues, God loves, and, God works in unsearchable ways.

Jesus is questioned about His authority to cleanse the temple. He answers with a question of His own that seems unrelated, but is completely relevant--a question about John the Baptist. From this interaction we learn from where authority is derived, whose in control, and the light by which we see.

We often read the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple as two separate events. But Mark in his gospel ties them together. In this way we not only learn something about Jesus in relation to the temple, but also something about prayer in relation to faith and forgiveness.

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem for the final time, He sends out two disciples on a seemingly mundane task. The significance of the moment when Jesus rides up to the gates of the city on a donkey is lost on most in the crowd. This passage teaches us about the quiet impact of humility and the hidden power of obedience.

This last healing miracle in the Gospel of Mark comes right on the heels of Jesus' extensive teaching about discipleship. Surprisingly, we find that the blind man, Bartimaeus, is the model disciple. Though he initially finds what he doesn't seek, after receiving an immediate answer to his request for sight, Bartimaeus responds by following Jesus on the road.

As Jesus continues to go up the Jerusalem, His disciples are amazed and His followers are afraid. The way up is down in the kingdom of God, as Jesus, for the third time, makes clear when He prophesies His own death and resurrection. John and James ask for positions of prominence in the coming glory of the kingdom. Though their desire to be closer to Jesus is commendable, Jesus makes it clear they do not understand the kingdom's dynamics. Yet, they will. Finally, Jesus teaches the Twelve about true leadership and the disciple's call to be a slave to all.

The rich young man walks away, unable to part from his riches in order to follow Jesus. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach the Twelve about a disciple's relationship to possessions. In this passage we learn about the danger of wealth, the impossibility of salvation, and the blessing of poverty.

A young, sincere, and zealous seeker comes to Jesus inquiring about eternal life. The answer he receives sends him away sad and grieving. Though he asked the right question, he could not ultimately accept the answer. His present treasure kept him from eternal riches because it prevented him from following Jesus. The Law reveals not only our sin, but our need. The Law also points us to the only One who can deal with our sin and meet our deepest need.

This is the only time in Mark's gospel when Jesus is said to be "indignant." His disciples rebuke children brought to Him, and Jesus uses this as an opportunity to let them know why their attitude is the opposite of that which should mark a follower of His. We answer three questions about discipleship from this passage: 1) What are we called to do?; 2) How are we called to come?; and 3) What are we called to receive?