Jesus and His disciples’ preparation to celebrate the Passover reveals twin truths that seem to be at odds with one another: the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. We are told that although Judas’ plan to betray Jesus was his plan, it was ultimately a necessary part of the Father’s plan of redemption–yet Judas was still morally responsible for his sin. Thus what Mark is showing us in this text is that God’s plan of redemption unfolds, despite the sins and failures of mankind.

Two plots to kill Jesus sandwich a story of a woman who prepares Jesus for his burial by giving up what was costly to her. What is being juxtaposed for us is the sacrifice element. What Mark is showing us then is that there are two types of sacrifices being shown in these characters and it is worthy to understand their differences so that Christians would know which model to follow.

After the things that mark darkness, there will be hope in the form of light that enters into that darkness. We are told here that what follows devastation is the coming of the Son of Man. There is a time that is coming when all hope will feel like it is lost, and in that time hope will come to us.

 Jesus gives more details of the destruction of the temple and what things will occur. What is apparent is that there will be reason to hide and fear is to be anticipated. What Jesus is describing can seem foreign to us but what lays under the text is this call to trust in God for He has chosen his own and will protect them into eternity.

After his dialogue with the Jewish leaders Jesus exits the temple and looking upon it he once again predicts its impending end. Jesus of course taught already that his body is the true temple and that although it will be destroyed, unlike the physical temple, he will rise three days later.

The Lord delivers a powerful teaching on humility as he contrasts the pride of the scribes to the lowly offering of a poor widow. What seems valuable in our eyes is not the case in God’s kingdom.

After teaching the two great commandments to love God and to love neighbour, Jesus focuses on correction of the scribes. He tells us in today’s passage that the Christ is not a son of David and he suggests to us something more regarding the nature of the Christ.

Jesus tells us that there is one great commandment above all, to love God with all heart, mind, and strength. The second he says, is to love neighbour as yourself. Today we will learn what this teaching means.

Jesus is approached by the Sadducees who sought to trap Jesus with a question regarding marital relationships and the resurrection. Jesus does not entertain their question, rather he rebukes and corrects them on the things they know not. Let us learn together from Christ's teaching.

Augustine taught that true freedom is not choice or lack of constraint, but being what you are meant to be. Humans were created in the image of God. True freedom, then, is not found in moving away from that image but only in living it out. We will learn this from Mark 12:13-17 today as Jesus is tested by the Pharisees and the Herodians on the issue of Roman taxation.