Lutheran Reflections

Jesus rescues a boy from demon possession and chides His disciples about their lack of faith.

James gives us a detailed account on what faith looks like - namely it is alive and produces works in God's children. It is impossible to have faith without works.

In this episode, we look at Mark 7:14-23 where Jesus says, "Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?" In saying this, did Jesus intend to abrogate Old Testament dietary restrictions? If what goes into a person cannot defile him, what was the purpose of the Old Testament laws regarding unclean foods?

In this episode, we look at Mark 7:1-13 where Jesus tells the Pharisees, "You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men." How are we able to distinguish between the commandments of God and the traditions of men?

In this episode, we look at John 6:22-35 where Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves." What did Jesus mean by this?

In this episode, we look at Genesis 9:8-17 where God makes a covenant with all living things, promising that he will never again destroy all creatures through a flood. What is the significance of covenants in Scripture, and how do the Old Testament covenants ultimately point to the New Covenant?

In this episode, we look at Ephesians 2:11-22, where Paul tells us that the Law no longer separates the Gentiles from Israel.

In this episode, we look at Mark 6:14-29, where Herod kills John the Baptist. In doing so, we discuss how even seemingly small sins can ultimately lead to grave consequences.

In this episode, we look at Mark 6:1-13 where we are told that Jesus "could do no mighty work [in his hometown], except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them." Why was this the case, and what does this say about faith's role in miracles?

In this episode, we look at Mark 5:21-43 where Jesus heals a woman and Jairus's daughter. What do these miracles teach us about the role of faith in the lives of the people that Jesus healed?