As He travels, Jesus blesses children and teaches about child-like faith, shows how riches can block one's coming into the Kingdom of God. In teaching more about the Kingdom, He speaks to the 12 about His death, and of true servanthood. In a picture of the opening of one's spiritual eyes, He heals another blind man.

Jesus continues to speak of His coming death. He takes Peter, James and John up a mountain and is transfigured before them, but orders them not to tell anyone. Later, He heals a boy from demon possession, and continuing towards Jerusalem, teaches about humility, about dealing with sin, and about divorce.

Jesus heals a blind man, and asks the 12 who He is. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Son of God; but Jesus warns them not to tell anyone. He then predicts His death, which marks the turning point in His ministry. He is now to head to Jerusalem and the cross. He preaches that those who follow Him must lose their lives to save them.

Jesus feeds more than 4000, creating food for all from 7 loaves of bread and a few fish. Still the Pharisees ask for a sign, but Jesus says no sign will be given. He then warns the 12 about the false hope of the religious and the world system, and marvels at their lack of understanding.

Jesus and the 12 withdraw from Galilee, and He continues to teach and minister from town to town. John the Baptist is beheaded by King Herod. Jesus feeds 5000 men and those with them, and walks on water, again proving who He is by these and more miracles. In the face of this, the opposition of the Pharisees and the Jewish religious establishment mounts. Though Jesus confronts His opposition, He nevertheless by so doing seeks to show them the true Kingdom of God.

Jesus chooses the 12 Disciples, calls the crowd to follow HIm, teaches the crowd about the Kingdom of God through parables. He continues to perform more miracles, all of which attest to His power and authority over the physical. the material and the spiritual. However, He is rebuffed in His home town where people took offense at Him and showed an amazing lack of faith.

Jesus begins His ministry in Galilee, calls Simon, Andrew, James, John and Levi to follow HIm. He performs miracles in the region, thus providing proof of who He is. However, the opposition of the Pharisees and the Jewish religious establishment begins; still the crowds flock to Him.

Who is Mark, the writer of this gospel, and what is his approach to the gospel story? The messenger prepares the way for the Messiah. The Messiah is introduced, then tempted.

We all enjoy Christmas, and celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus. But what was His birth all about? What was God doing? What should be our view of the Advent? As He comes this Christmas, how will you reveal His light?

Joseph was engaged to Mary and everything was going along fine until he learned from her that she was going to have a child. What did Joseph think when he learned of Mary's pregnancy? What did he think of the messages he received from God? What was his view of this most important event?