Jamey Nettles | As we have seen in Mark, the Kingdom of God is not like any kingdom of this age, and that is nowhere seen more clearly than in the birth of King Jesus. The gospel of Matthew highlights the distinct differences between the reign of earthly kings and the reign of Jesus, born as a child to an unknown mother in the silence of the night. But no matter how seemingly insignificant the birth of this baby is, it calls for us to lay all at His feet in worship, knowing that this baby has come to save the world.

Jamey Nettles | The disciples are slowly beginning to learn more about what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah, but as they have learned the cost of following this Messiah, we have seen doubts and questions consistently arise. But in Mark 9, in the presence of three of Jesus’ closest followers, we get to hear a voice from heaven affirming Jesus as God’s beloved Son, and imploring those who have ears to hear to listen to what He has to say.

Jamey Nettles | The disciples are slowly beginning to learn more about what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah, but as they have learned the cost of following this Messiah, we have seen doubts and questions consistently arise. But in Mark 9, in the presence of three of Jesus’ closest followers, we get to hear a voice from heaven affirming Jesus as God’s beloved Son, and imploring those who have ears to hear to listen to what He has to say.

Jamey Nettles | Just as the sight of the blind man in our story is progressively made whole, so too are the disciples experiencing greater vision to see the way of the Kingdom. But just as quickly as Peter makes a true statement about the Messiahship of Jesus, He rebukes the claims of the Messiah that He must suffer and die. So the question remains for those of us listening: will we accept the full claims of this King, including suffering and death? Or are we only interested in the way of this King insomuch as it equals our status and comfort?

Jamey Nettles | Just as the sight of the blind man in our story is progressively made whole, so too are the disciples experiencing greater vision to see the way of the Kingdom. But just as quickly as Peter makes a true statement about the Messiahship of Jesus, He rebukes the claims of the Messiah that He must suffer and die. So the question remains for those of us listening: will we accept the full claims of this King, including suffering and death? Or are we only interested in the way of this King insomuch as it equals our status and comfort?

Jamey Nettles | For the second time in Mark, Jesus performs a miracle involving the provision of bread to fulfill the hunger of a large crowd of people. In and of itself, this is an amazing feat, but for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see, there is something much greater taking place. Jesus is showing that He is the true and eternal bread who brings true and eternal satisfaction. May we be a people who find our sustenance in Christ, and Christ alone.

Jamey Nettles | For the second time in Mark, Jesus performs a miracle involving the provision of bread to fulfill the hunger of a large crowd of people. In and of itself, this is an amazing feat, but for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see, there is something much greater taking place. Jesus is showing that He is the true and eternal bread who brings true and eternal satisfaction. May we be a people who find our sustenance in Christ, and Christ alone.

Joey Thompson | In one of the most shocking stories we have seen so far in Mark, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that man-made societal systems do not dictate the way His Kingdom advances. The most unlikely of people, in the most unlikely of circumstances, who by faith throw themselves onto the mercy of this King will not be turned away. Even when all of society views them as unworthy dogs.

Joey Thompson | In one of the most shocking stories we have seen so far in Mark, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that man-made societal systems do not dictate the way His Kingdom advances. The most unlikely of people, in the most unlikely of circumstances, who by faith throw themselves onto the mercy of this King will not be turned away. Even when all of society views them as unworthy dogs.

Joey Thompson | As Jesus continues to display and declare His Kingdom, religious leaders respond with indignant opposition. Jesus rebukes them for elevating their man-made traditions over God’s Word and leading their listeners astray. He teaches that true Kingdom citizenship is rooted in internal transformation rather than external rituals. Jesus came not to upgrade our traditions but to resurrect our hearts.