In this season finale of Lamp Lighters, Lynn Adams, Meredith Weatherby, and Laura Tuma conclude their yearlong journey through the Gospel of Mark by exploring the death and resurrection of Jesus in Mark 15:21–16:20.

The conversation reflects on the crucifixion, the courage of unexpected disciples like Simon of Cyrene and Joseph of Arimathea, and the profound meaning of the empty tomb. The hosts also discuss the testimony of the women, the disciples’ struggle to believe the resurrection, and Jesus’ final commissioning of His followers.

As the study of Mark comes to a close, this episode returns to the central truth of the Christian faith: the cross, the empty tomb, and the call for every believer to bear witness to the risen Christ.

Laura Tuma and Lynn Adams explore Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate in Mark 15:1–20. As the religious leaders press their case and the crowd chooses Barabbas, the conversation reflects on hard-heartedness, the misuse of authority, and the quiet obedience of Jesus as He moves toward the cross. The exchange of the guilty for the innocent offers a striking picture of the gospel at the center of the Passion story.

As Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin, Peter waits in the courtyard below, frightened and unsure of what will happen next. In this lesson, Meredith Weatherby and Lynn Adams explore Mark’s interwoven account of Jesus’ trial and Peter’s three denials, showing the sharp contrast between Jesus’ faithfulness and Peter’s fear.

This episode reflects on the ways we, like Peter, often fall short despite our best intentions. Yet even here, the gospel is clear: our hope does not rest in our ability to remain faithful, but in the steadfast faithfulness of God.

In this episode of Lamplighters, Jan Skaggs and Lynn Adams walk us into the dark heart of Mark’s Gospel. In Mark 14:32–51, Jesus enters Gethsemane and faces the full weight of what lies ahead—anguish, betrayal, and ultimate abandonment.

Jan and Lynn explore Jesus’ deeply human prayer to “Abba,” his request for the cup to pass, and his surrender to the Father’s will. They reflect on the disciples’ failure to watch and pray, Peter’s impulsive violence, Judas’ painful betrayal, and the scattering of the sheep when the Shepherd is struck.

This episode invites listeners to consider their own “Gardens of Gethsemane”: Where are we tempted to sleep instead of pray? Where are we overconfident in our strength? What do we do when our world falls apart?

Even in failure and fear, God is at work. Through abandonment, surrender, and weakness, the purposes of God continue to unfold.

In this episode of Lamp Lighters, Lynn Adams and Jan Skaggs walk through Mark 14:1–31, where devotion and betrayal unfold side by side. Framed by Mark’s “sandwich” structure, the anointing at Bethany stands in stark contrast to Judas’ conspiracy. Mary’s costly act of love reveals a faith that trusts Jesus at His word, while Judas’ actions expose a divided heart.

As the Passover meal is prepared and the Lord’s Supper is instituted, Jesus delivers two sobering predictions: one disciple will betray Him, and all will fall away. Peter’s bold confidence soon meets its limits, reminding us that sincerity is not the same as strength. The discussion considers what it means to know our own hearts, to resist pride, and to rely moment by moment on Christ.

Even in betrayal and denial, God’s purposes stand firm. The question that remains is not simply about Judas or Peter—but about us: How strong is our faith when tested?

In this episode of the Lamplighters Podcast, Catriona Preston and Lynn Adams explore Mark 13, one of the most challenging and often misunderstood chapters in the Gospel of Mark.

As Jesus teaches his disciples on the Mount of Olives during Passion Week, he speaks about coming tribulation, the destruction of the temple, persecution, false messiahs, and the promise of his return. Together, Catriona and Lynn unpack the historical and biblical context behind Jesus’ words and reflect on how this prophecy offers not fear, but hope.

This conversation centers on what it means to remain watchful, faithful, and grounded in God’s promises—living each day with trust in the Holy Spirit and confidence that this is not the end of the story.

In this episode, Lynn Adams is joined by Catriona Preston to explore Jesus’ teaching on the greatest commandment: loving God with all we are and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Through Jesus’ interaction with a sincere scribe and the powerful example of the poor widow, this lesson contrasts genuine devotion with outward religious performance and reminds us that God looks at the heart—not appearances or amounts.

Hosts Cindy Young and Lynn Adams explore Mark 12:1–27 as Jesus faces increasing opposition from the religious authorities during Holy Week. Through the parable of the wicked tenants and a series of confrontational questions about taxes and the resurrection, Jesus reveals God’s authority, faithfulness, and ultimate purpose. This episode invites listeners to reflect on how we respond when God’s Word challenges our assumptions and calls us to deeper trust.

In this episode, hosts Lynn Adams and Cindy Young explore the beginning of Holy Week as Jesus intentionally enters Jerusalem. They unpack the symbolism of the triumphal entry, the significance of Jesus riding a donkey, and what this moment reveals about his identity as a king who comes in peace.

The conversation then turns to the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple—two intertwined events that expose spiritual barrenness, misplaced ritual, and the consequences of missing God’s purposes. Lynn and Cindy also reflect on the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, highlighting Jesus’ authority, wisdom, and resolve as opposition intensifies.

This lesson invites listeners to examine their own lives: Are we bearing fruit? Are our prayers rooted in intimacy with God or empty ritual? And are we following Jesus for what he can do for us—or for who he truly is?

As Jesus and his disciples draw closer to Jerusalem, the tension in the Gospel of Mark continues to build. In this episode, we explore Mark 10:32–52, where Jesus predicts his death for the third time and invites his followers to reconsider what greatness, power, and faithfulness truly look like in God’s kingdom.

Laura Tuma walks us through the striking contrasts in this passage: between worldly ambition and servant leadership, between spiritual blindness and true sight. We listen in as James and John ask for positions of honor, even as Jesus speaks plainly about suffering and sacrifice—and we meet Bartimaeus, a blind beggar whose faith allows him to see what others miss.

Together, these stories challenge us to reflect on what we are really asking of Jesus, how we respond to his call, and what it means to follow him on the road that leads to the cross. This lesson reminds us that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve—and that true discipleship is marked by dependence, mercy, and trust.