A reflection on how the miracles of Jesus demonstrate the coming of the kingdom of God and his Lordship over all creation.

Jesus plans to cross the sea with his friends, however, a storm challenges both their safety and their relationship. 

Everyone loves some good inside information. We all appreciate a little behind the scenes intel that gives insight into what's really going on. Pulled away from the crowds, Jesus’ followers privately ask him to break down the meaning of his parables.

As stated in the first chapter of Mark, this is the story of the good news of Jesus Christ. In this section we get to see more about why it’s good news. Jesus is Lord of all, but in doing so He is not harsh with us but He is patient even though He knows our hearts and the sin in them. But He is also still Lord over those who aren’t following Him. This passage provides a moment for us to reflect on the character of the God man.

Jesus hits Levi a tax Collector with two words, the same words He has for us. "Follow Me".

God’s challenge is to go. Go ye therefore, go tell it, go live it, go be it. However there are times when we don’t feel like going and times we feel inadequate. Jonathan and his armor bearer encourage us to go no matter the odds or our circumstances. As the young armor bearer said, “Do all that you have in mind. Go ahead. I am with you heart and soul."

Mark’s fast paced gospel doesn’t take time to introduce much. We find Jesus already on the go teaching, healing and dismissing demons that have lived comfortably in the religious settings of His time. The second half of the first chapter of Mark teaches us that good teaching makes bad people nervous. 

As we venture into a study of the book of Mark we will see the gospel message unfold. Here in chapter 1 we see the beginning of that story, that the way is being prepared by John the Baptist who is the forerunner of Jesus. Then Jesus meets John to be baptized and then goes off to be tempted in the wilderness. After completing these tasks Jesus begins his ministry and calls his first disciples. As we walk through this passage we will see clearly that the Kingdom of God is here and we can begin to think about what it looks like to be apart of that Kingdom.

Everyone loves inside information. When a construction project is happening in town people ask, “what’s happening over there?”, or “what will that be?” Cleopas and his friend thought they knew the whole story, but Jesus takes a walk with them to the big picture.

Jude writes to a church that needs to take a stand for the truth. False teachers have entered the church and Jude is calling Jesus’ followers to stand on the Truth.