People trying to secure their power by using the suffering of others is nothing new...  (Texts referenced: Acts 12.25; 14.21-24; 15.36-40; Mark 1.35; 36-39; 40-45)

We meet one of Mark's brothers for the first time, and hear the burden parent's choices sometimes lays on children's narrow shoulders. (Text referenced: Matthew 6.34)

As the ecclesia departs for the night, Mark hears more of Yiftach's story, and an unexpected visitor arrives...

Jesus teaches in public for the first time - and elicits a dramatic response.  (Texts referenced: Mark 1.21-22; 23-26; 27-28; 29-34)

Mark recounts the story of the first people to walk away from their former life to follow Jesus, and I revisit a song from my childhood. (Texts referenced: Mark 3.35; 2 Corinthians 1.2; Mark 1.14-20; Jeremiah 16.16; Amos 4.2; Ezekiel 29.4)

When governments fail their people - whether in the first or twenty-first century - what constitutes "good news" for those who struggle for the basics of life? (Texts referenced: Mark 1.14-15; 4.30-32; 10.13-16)

Ever wondered why Jesus was baptized? Mark has something to say about that in this episode. (Texts referenced: Mark 1.9; Mark 11.9-10; Mark 1.10-11; Isaiah 64.1-4; Mark 1.12; 13)

Mark discusses where revolutionary change often begins.  (Texts referenced: 2 Peter 1.2; Malachi 3.1; Exodus 23.20; Mark 1.2, 3/Isaiah 40.3; Mark 1.7-8, 9)

Adolescent memories of divisive events surface.  (Texts referenced: 2 Kings 1.9-18; 1.8; Mark 1.4; Malachi 4.5; 1 Kings 21; Mark 1.14; 1.7)