Lamplighters Podcast

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.

In this episode of Lamp Lighters, Jan Skaggs and Lynn Adams step back to take a wide-angle view of Mark 10:1–30, where Jesus intensifies his teaching as he and the disciples move steadily toward Jerusalem.

Through three vivid encounters—questions about divorce, the blessing of children, and the challenge given to a rich young man—Jesus reveals the deeper values of God’s kingdom. Each scene touches on a controversial issue, delivers a truth that can feel offensive or convicting, and yet is marked by Jesus’ unwavering gaze of love and compassion.

Jan and Lynn explore how these stories are not isolated moral lessons, but interconnected illustrations of what it truly means to follow Jesus with humility, dependence, and trust. As Jesus confronts cultural assumptions about power, status, self-reliance, and worth, listeners are invited to reflect on where God may be calling them toward deeper obedience—and what it might cost.

This episode reminds us that discipleship is not about being “good enough,” but about surrendering every part of our lives to Christ and receiving the transforming grace of God’s kingdom.

Welcome back from the holiday break—this is our first Lamplighters episode of 2026! In Lesson 12, Meredith Weatherby and Lynn Adams walk through Mark 9:30–50 as Jesus shifts from public ministry to focused, intentional teaching of the Twelve. Jesus predicts His death again, and the disciples respond… by arguing about who’s the greatest.

Jesus turns their definition of greatness upside down: the first must be last, the greatest must be servant of all, and welcoming the “least” matters more than winning status. The conversation then moves to a surprising moment of gatekeeping (“He’s not one of us”), and Jesus dismantles the disciples’ hierarchy mindset—reminding them that God’s kingdom is bigger than their circle. Finally, Jesus uses vivid, sobering imagery to press the seriousness of sin and stumbling blocks, calling His followers to spiritual clarity, humility, and faithful living.

Meredith closes with a simple challenge: don’t aim to be impressive—aim to be faithful. This week, pray for one name and one tangible way to serve.

In this final Lamplighters lesson before our Advent break, Laura Tuma and Lynn Adams explore the theme of spiritual vision through two powerful moments in Mark 9: the Transfiguration and the healing of a boy with an impure spirit. On the mountaintop, Peter, James, and John catch a breathtaking glimpse of Jesus in his glory, alongside Moses and Elijah. Laura and Lynn unpack the rich Old Testament connections, the contrast between living glory and lifeless idols, and God’s command to the disciples: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

From there, the story moves straight into the valley of suffering, where a desperate father pleads for his son’s healing. Jesus responds with both authority and compassion, leading to the honest, enduring prayer of the father: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” Laura and Lynn reflect on how belief and unbelief can coexist, what it means to develop spiritual vision, and why prayer and regular spiritual practices keep us “prayed up” for the struggles we face. As we enter the season of Advent, this episode invites us to remember that the baby we await in Bethlehem is the same radiant Christ of the mountaintop—and to consider how we will listen and respond to Him in this season.

In this pivotal lesson, Beth Feger and Lynn Adams explore Mark 8:1–9:1, where Jesus feeds the four thousand, heals a blind man, and asks his disciples one of the most defining questions in Scripture: “Who do you say I am?” Through moments of misunderstanding, revelation, and rebuke, this passage marks a turning point in the Gospel as Jesus begins to reveal the cost of discipleship. Beth and Lynn discuss the expanding table of God’s compassion, the danger of spiritual blindness, and the invitation to follow Christ—even when it challenges our expectations or comfort.