Today’s text “sandwiches” a famously-troubling warning with issues regarding Jesus’ family. All this still confronts each of us with ultimate and strikingly-relevant questions.

As opposition to Jesus intensifies, Mark is careful to show us how Jesus takes action. In His responses we find instruction and insights for our own spiritual battles, too.

Kingdom-living is costly, but it also should be joyful and meaningful. How is it we so often miss all this? It seems Jesus (in His human nature) wondered the same thing.

As the tensions begin to ratchet up in Jesus’ earthly ministry and mission, eternal truths continue to surface – truths that still apply to our lives as we follow Jesus today.

For those with “ears to hear”, Jesus’ earthly life and teaching, and Mark’s record of it all, provide crystal clarity about His Mission. These issues still matter -- today, and into eternity!

Over 2,000 years, myriads of ideas and theories about Jesus of Nazareth have come and gone. We recognize the single, genuine source of all that’s true about Him: His Word, the Bible. But sometimes there are evidences we miss; they’re helpful to remember.

It goes without saying: there has never been anyone on earth quite like Jesus! This becomes apparent in our text today. That same Jesus of Nazareth is our Lord and Savior. What should all this look like in our lives?

First-time readers of Mark’s Gospel find a flash flood of info about Jesus’ life and ministry – the good news He initiated. As His followers, it’s good to be reminded of some basics – some root essentials.

Mark is the briefest, most succinct, and fastest paced of the four New Testament accounts of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Even Mark’s intro cuts straight to the chase. What is here that we should see, believe, and apply in our own lives?

Guest Pastor Brent Hisayasu from Redeemer’s Church Ventura.