As Jesus began his ministries, he was preaching and teaching in the towns of Galilee, and developing a reputation. He was becoming more and more famous - but why? Were people drawn to his message of repentance and forgiveness, or did they just want to see him do miracles? Jesus himself gives us a hint when he tells his disciples that he came to preach; the miracles simply served to authenticate his message. Do we see Jesus as a guy who can help us, or do we see him for who he is - God the Son, come to save us sinners and forgive our sins?

As Jesus began his ministries, he was preaching and teaching in the towns of Galilee, and developing a reputation. He was becoming more and more famous - but why? Were people drawn to his message of repentance and forgiveness, or did they just want to see him do miracles? Jesus himself gives us a hint when he tells his disciples that he came to preach; the miracles simply served to authenticate his message. Do we see Jesus as a guy who can help us, or do we see him for who he is - God the Son, come to save us sinners and forgive our sins?

The Gospel of Mark was written to provoke a response. In his opening verses, Mark sought to establish that Jesus was the Son of God, sent on a mission from the Father, continuing the work God has been doing since creation: gathering a people to himself. God sent Jesus to continue the work of reconciling people to him, unfolding the "Kingdom of God", and inviting people to come to him and participate in his plan. Are we willing to give up everything to follow him?

The Gospel of Mark was written to provoke a response. In his opening verses, Mark sought to establish that Jesus was the Son of God, sent on a mission from the Father, continuing the work God has been doing since creation: gathering a people to himself. God sent Jesus to continue the work of reconciling people to him, unfolding the "Kingdom of God", and inviting people to come to him and participate in his plan. Are we willing to give up everything to follow him?

During the week leading up to his crucifixion, Jesus took several opportunities to remind his disciples that he was in control of the events going on. Not just going with the flow, Jesus was actually proceeding according to a plan, accomplishing the work God gave him to do. But the story didn't end on Easter - we, too, are called to be part of God's story and God's work. How will you respond to the invitation to accept the risen Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

During the week leading up to his crucifixion, Jesus took several opportunities to remind his disciples that he was in control of the events going on. Not just going with the flow, Jesus was actually proceeding according to a plan, accomplishing the work God gave him to do. But the story didn't end on Easter - we, too, are called to be part of God's story and God's work. How will you respond to the invitation to accept the risen Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

When Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple in triumph, his followers thought they were part of a great story - the overthrow of Rome. But Jesus had a much bigger plan, and a much bigger story to tell - the salvation of God's people, by his death and resurrection. When the disciples thought the story was over after Jesus' arrest, in truth it was just beginning. Today, we are called and invited to be Christ's followers, part of his story.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple in triumph, his followers thought they were part of a great story - the overthrow of Rome. But Jesus had a much bigger plan, and a much bigger story to tell - the salvation of God's people, by his death and resurrection. When the disciples thought the story was over after Jesus' arrest, in truth it was just beginning. Today, we are called and invited to be Christ's followers, part of his story.

The parable of the Good Samaritan may be a familiar story, but put yourself in the shoes of the victim - waking up, rescued, well-cared-for - wouldn't you want everyone to experience the same grace you'd received?

The parable of the Good Samaritan may be a familiar story, but put yourself in the shoes of the victim - waking up, rescued, well-cared-for - wouldn't you want everyone to experience the same grace you'd received?