We Wonder

Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me." Now that we are in the second full week of Lent, we are beginning Mark chapter 6. Today we are beginning Mark chapter 6. Jesus has gone home, to the town of Nazareth. I wonder what the people who have known Jesus since he was a little boy think about him now? 

📖 READ:

Mark 6:1-13

❔ WONDER:

Nazareth was Jesus's home town. It was where he grew up, and the synagogue he goes to is the same one he has been worshiping in since he was a small boy. He's talking to the same people he has known all his life. I wonder what it was like to stand up in that comfortable, familiar place and announce that the kingdom of God was coming close, was here in Nazareth right now?

Can I imagine being one of the people who was listening to Jesus in the synagogue? Maybe I remember seeing him there with his parents, or playing with him outside when we were smaller. I wonder what it is like to hear stories about him traveling around the countryside, attracting crowds, and doing miracles?

I wonder why the people in Nazareth were not happy with Jesus? I wonder why the people who had known him his whole life did not honor him? How might I have reacted to him, if I lived there?

I wonder why Jesus could not do many miracles there in Nazareth, where people did not trust that he was from God?

Jesus gave his disciples very clear instructions when he sent them out. Looking at those instructions, it sounds like he was sending them in a hurry, to do a big and important job: don't pack a big suitcase! Find what you need to eat as you go! Go from town to town, and drive out evil powers that want to hurt people; make space for God's kingdom to come in! I wonder why this work was so important that they had to go out, right away, without packing or planning for their trip?

I wonder what it was like to be one of the twelve disciples, traveling around bringing the power of God's good news and healing to people who were sick and sad? How would I feel, if I could be a part of that work?

I wonder why some towns and places would not welcome Jesus's disciples? 

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to ask God about right now?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to take with me and hold close?

🙏🏾 PRAY:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deeds. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

💌 Keep in touch!

You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod for updates throughout the season, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me." Now that we are in the second full week of Lent, we will keep following Jesus all the way through the gospel of Mark. Today we are reading the rest of Mark chapter 5. A young girl and an older woman both need healing, and we see that Jesus has the power to help them both. 

📖 READ:

Mark 5:21-43 (NIRV)

❔WONDER:

As soon as Jesus's boat lands on the side of the Sea of Galilee, a crowd gathers. I wonder why so many people were ready and waiting for Jesus? I wonder what they hoped to see, or to hear, when he came and walked among them?

Can I imagine myself in the crowd, gathering around as the synagogue leader is pushing his way through? How do I imagine Jairus' face, as he throws himself down in front of Jesus? What does his voice sound like to me when he begs Jesus to come and heal his daughter?

I wonder how Jairus felt, as the large crowd continued to push around Jesus while they walked to his house? Was he angry or impatient with all of these people who were slowing Jesus down? Was his heart beating fast with fear that they were not going quickly enough while his daughter was dying at home?

Now can I imagine being the woman who had been sick for twelve long years? How do I feel as I edge my way through the crowd, trying to get close to Jesus? Can I imagine reaching out my hand, just trying to catch a small corner of his clothes as he goes past?

I wonder why the woman was so afraid when Jesus stopped and began asking who had touched his clothes? I wonder what Jesus's face looked like, as he listened to her story? How does his voice sound to me when he says, "Dear woman, go in peace. You are free"?

During the time that Jesus was stopped, Jairus's daughter died. Can I imagine myself in Jairus's place? How do I respond when Jesus turns and says to me, "Don't be afraid. Just believe"?

Can I picture Jesus gently taking the dead girl by the hand, and kindly telling her to wake up? I wonder what her mother and father did as she opened her eyes and stood up?

We have heard Jesus tell stories about seeds that are buried in the ground waking up and blossoming into life. Now we have seen Jesus wake a young girl up into life out of death. I wonder what Jesus wants us to see about God's kingdom in these stories?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to ask God about right now?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to take with me and hold close?

🙏🏾 PRAY:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deeds. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me." Now that we are in the second full week of Lent, we will keep following Jesus all the way through the gospel of Mark. Today we are beginning Mark chapter 5. Jesus and his friends have crossed the Sea of Galilee, and they have come to a place where the people are not Jewish. As they get out of the boat, they are met by someone who badly needs Jesus to help. 

📖 READ:

Mark 5:1-20 (NIRV)

❔WONDER:

If I'm honest, this story can be kind of scary. I feel so sad for the man who is being controlled by strong powers that want to hurt him, and also a little frightened when I imagine him living in the tombs, breaking off chains, and crying out by himself. Can I remember, as we wonder about it, that Jesus came to help this man, and everyone like him? Can I ask God to remind me that on the cross, Jesus has defeated these strong powers that want to hurt people?

I wonder if I can imagine myself with Jesus's friends, on the boat as we pull it up to the shore. Last night, we were caught in a storm and Jesus spoke strong words to calm it. I wonder how I would feel this morning, watching this strange man come down from the tombs to meet Jesus?

Can I pay attention to the way this man, and the evil powers that are controlling him, speak to Jesus? These powers are strong enough to break chains and make this man hurt himself: I wonder why, when they meet Jesus, they beg, and plead, and seem afraid?  

Can I imagine being someone who lived nearby? Maybe I have been afraid of the strange man who lives in the tombs. I wonder what it was like to come down to the seashore and see him: calm, dressed, his hair combed, sitting quietly and talking with Jesus? I wonder what I would have said when I saw him?

The area where this story happens is a place where non-Jewish people, or Gentiles, lived. We can tell because they were raising pigs. I wonder why Jesus left his home area to come and announce God's good news here? And I wonder why the people asked him to leave?

The man who Jesus healed wants to come with him, but do you remember what Jesus said? "Go to your own people, and tell them what God has done for you." I wonder if this man was the very first person to go and tell Gentiles about Jesus? And I wonder what his friends and family said when he came home to them with his good news?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to ask God about right now?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to take with me and hold close?

🙏🏾 PRAY:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deeds. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

💌 Keep in touch!

You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod for updates throughout the season, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me." As we begin the second full week of Lent, we will keep following Jesus all the way through the gospel of Mark. Today, we are reading the very end of Mark 4, where Jesus surprises his friends again by showing God's power. 

📖 READ:

Mark 4:35-41 (NIRV)

❔WONDER:

Let's take a moment and imagine together the Sea of Galilee. We call it a sea, but it is really a very, very big lake. It is down low in a valley, and wind that blows in over the mountains can make big storms come up on the lake almost without warning. I wonder what the weather was like when Jesus and his disciples set out in the boat? I wonder if the water was calm and the evening was quiet when they pushed away from the shore? 

In Jesus's time, many people were afraid of deep, dark waters. They couldn't see the bottom, and they didn't know what evil things might be swimming down deep. Can I imagine how the disciples must have felt when the wind picked up, the water got wild, and waves started crashing down on their boat?

Things seem to be happening very quickly in Mark's gospel: evil spirits suddenly recognize Jesus and must be cast out; religious leaders get angry and are already plotting to kill Jesus; a wild storm comes up out of nowhere on the sea. I wonder if Jesus's disciples are beginning to feel attacked by strong powers at this part of the story? I wonder if that is part of why they are so afraid?

I wonder why Jesus was able to sleep so peacefully during the storm? 

When Jesus does wake up, he speaks to the storm like a frustrated parent sometimes speaks to a child: "Quiet down! Be still!" How does his voice sound to me, as he orders the wind and waves to stop?

Can I imagine standing on that wildly rocking boat, being splashed by heavy waves, and watching Jesus get up and speak to the storm? What feelings rush through my body when all at once the wind stops, and the water around us becomes calm?

After Jesus calms the storm down, he asks his disciples, "Why were you so afraid? Don't you have any faith?" I wonder what he means? After all, they had enough faith to wake him up! I wonder what kind of trust still needs to grow in them?

Only God can control deep water, wind, and storms, because God is the one who created them. What it is like for me to see the power of the Creator of the universe coming out of the mouth of this carpenter from Galilee? Is there anything I want to say to Jesus after hearing this story?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to ask God about right now?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to take with me and hold close?

🙏🏾 PRAY:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deeds. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

💌 Keep in touch!

You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod for updates throughout the season, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me." During this season, we are following Jesus every day as we read all the way through the gospel of Mark. Today we are right in the middle of Mark 4, and Jesus has some word-pictures to help us imagine what God's kingdom is like. 

📖 READ:

Mark 4:21-34 (NIRV)

❔WONDER:

What happens to the dark corners and fuzzy shapes in your room at night when you turn on a lamp? Do things become more clear and easy to see? I wonder how Jesus's words and his actions are like a lamp lighting up a dark place?  

I wonder why Jesus told his friends to pay attention and think carefully about his words? I wonder if his words are also like seeds that can put down deep roots in our hearts and grow?

Have I ever seen what a seed is doing when it is still hidden in the ground? Can I imagine a farmer's seeds slowly cracking open, pushing out little shoots, and then breaking through in a burst of green through the ground?

I wonder how God's work in the world is like that seed, hidden and quiet in the ground, growing and taking shape before we can see what it will look like in the sunshine?

When we bury seeds in the ground, sometimes it can seem like they are dry and dead. It can be hard to imagine a living plant, full of fruit; or a tall bush, full of branches and shade, coming from this small, dried up little shell. I wonder if Jesus wants us to imagine that God's good rule over our world will come in ways we sometimes can't see, or imagine, or expect?

When Jesus told these stories, he was still up in Galilee. He was far away from Jerusalem, and he was still an unimportant son of a carpenter. I wonder why simple Jesus, son of Mary and Joseph, told these stories about hidden lamps, and buried and tiny seeds?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to ask God about right now?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to take with me and hold close?

🙏🏾 PRAY:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deeds. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

💌 Keep in touch!

You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod for updates throughout the season, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me," and during Lent we are following Jesus all the way through the gospel of Mark. Today we are reading from Mark 4, and Jesus will explain the story of the careless farmer and his seeds.  

📖 Read:

Mark 4:13-20 (NIRV)

❔Wonder:

I wonder how Jesus' disciples felt after he told this story? I wonder if they guessed what it was about, or if they were confused?

The farmer in the story was a little bit wild when he scattered his seed: he flung it in all kinds of places where it would be hard for it to grow. I wonder why Jesus said that the seed is like the word, or message, about God? 

I wonder who the farmer is like? I wonder who spreads and plants good words about God in all kinds of places?

I wonder if there are times when my heart is like the hard, smooth path that the seeds can't sink into? What could soften it, or break it up so God's message can take root?

I wonder if there are times when my heart is like rocky, shallow soil? A place where roots can't grow deep? I wonder if I can ask God to clear the hard and sharp places so that his message can grow in me?

What kinds of things crowd out God's message in me, like thorns and brambles crowding out a young plant? How can I find space, and sunlight, and room for God's words to grow?

A field of wheat or grain grows up and feeds many people. I wonder how the seeds of God's message are like wheat?

How does this story make me feel? Is there anything I want to say to Jesus about his story, or to ask him to show me?

🙏🏾 Pray:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deed. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

💌 Keep in touch!

You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod for updates throughout the season, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me," and during Lent we are following Jesus all the way through the gospel of Mark. Today we are beginning Mark chapter 4: Jesus tells a story about a very careless farmer.

📖 Read:

Mark 4:1-12 (NIRV)

❔Wonder:

Can I picture myself hearing this story along with the rest of the crowd at the Sea of Galilee? Where am I? Am I sitting on some sand, warm beneath me? Or maybe I am trying to get comfortable on a rocky patch as I strain to hear Jesus? Does the breeze help me hear his voice, as he is speaking from the boat? Can I feel it on my face? Can I see Jesus, the boat softly rocking on the waves?

In Jesus' time, farmers scattered their seeds in their fields by hand. They took handfuls of seed, and sprinkled them in the the soil they had plowed. I wonder why this farmer isn't being careful about where he scatters his seed?

Can I imagine the seeds landing on the smooth path? How could they ever get covered up and grow?

Can I see the seeds that land in the rocky places? How could their roots ever grow deep and strong in such broken and hard soil?

Have I ever seen a plant that is trying to grow up surrounded by thorny bushes or vines? How could it ever get enough sunlight and space to grow?

Now, can I picture a field full of wheat, grown up from tiny seeds but now big enough to feed hundreds of people?

I wonder why Jesus said, "whoever has ears should listen"? I have ears, but do I always really listen with them?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to ask God about right now?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to take with me and hold close?

🙏🏾 Pray:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deed. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

💌 Keep in touch!

You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod for updates throughout the season, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me," and during Lent we are following Jesus all the way through the gospel of Mark. Today we are still in the 3rd chapter of Mark's book: is Jesus filled with an evil spirit, or the Holy Spirit of God? And who are his mother and brothers, anyway?

📖 Read:

Mark 3:22-35 (NIRV)

❔Wonder:

Big crowds keep following Jesus wherever he goes. They want to come close to him. But some people don't seem to understand why. Yesterday, we heard about Jesus's family saying that Jesus was out of his mind. And today, the teachers of the law are saying that he must be filled with an evil spirit. I wonder why people saw such different things when they looked at Jesus?

I wonder why the teachers of the law thought Jesus was filled with an evil spirit instead of God's Holy Spirit? I wonder why they thought the work he was doing was the work an evil spirit would do?

I wonder why Jesus tells them they are speaking wrong words against God's Holy Spirit?

I wonder why Jesus' mother and brothers came to get him? How would I feel if my brother or my son was doing and saying the things that Jesus was? What would I do, if Jesus was my brother, or my son?

Can I imagine sitting in the crowd that is circled with Jesus? What does Jesus's face look like to me, as he looks around at all of us? How do I feel when he calls me his mother, or sister, or brother?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to ask God about right now?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to take with me and hold close?

🙏🏾 Pray:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deed. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

💌 Keep in touch!

You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod for updates throughout the season, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me," and during Lent we are following Jesus all the way through the gospel of Mark. Today, we are right in the middle of Mark 3: Jesus is surrounded by crowds; he calls his disciples; and...is he out of his mind?

📖 Read:

Mark 3:7-21 (NIRV)

❔Wonder:

I wonder how so many people, from so many different places, had heard about Jesus? I wonder what they hoped to see, or to hear, as they traveled to the Sea of Galilee to find him?

I wonder, if I had heard the stories about the things Jesus was doing, if I would have left my home to go and see or hear him for myself? How would I feel about joining these crowds full of sick people, or people with evil spirits? Would I have been eager to see Jesus? Or would I have been curious, but more comfortable staying at home?

Can I imagine being in the crowd on the shores of the Sea of Galilee as it pushed towards Jesus? How do I feel, as I am being jostled along? What do I see around me? What sounds do I hear? I wonder why each person who is bumping up against me wants to come close to Jesus?

I wonder how each of the twelve followers felt when Jesus chose them to stay with him? Excited? Nervous about the job he would give them? Worried about their families at home? How would I feel, if I were joining Jesus up on that mountainside and he said, "Follow me?"

Crowds keep following Jesus wherever he goes. I wonder what his family at home thought about this? I wonder why they said, "He is out of his mind"?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to ask God about right now?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to take with me and hold close?

🙏🏾 Pray:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deed. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

💌 Keep in touch!

You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod for updates throughout the season, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me," and during Lent we are following Jesus all the way through the gospel of Mark. Today, in Mark chapters 2 and 3, Jesus says and does some surprising things on the Sabbath, which is a special day to rest.

📖 Read:

Mark 2:18 - 3:6 (NIRV)

❔Wonder:

I wonder why the time was not right for Jesus's disciples to fast from food while they were all together, following him? I wonder how Jesus with his disciples was like a groom with his friends at a wedding?

In those days, God's people followed the laws Moses gave about resting on the Sabbath. People prepared their food ahead of time, so they would not have to do any kind of work on the Sabbath day. I wonder what it was like to see the disciples walking through a field, plucking grain like farmers at work, while everyone else was resting as a way to obey God?

I wonder why Jesus told the story of David and his men eating the holy bread that was supposed to belong to God? I wonder how the Pharisees felt, hearing Jesus compare himself to King David from long ago?

Can I imagine being in the synagogue, where the man with the twisted and hurting hand had come on the Sabbath? Can I picture everyone looking at Jesus, wondering what will happen next? How does Jesus's face look to me, as he looks at the man and then turns towards the Pharisees? How does his voice sound?

Do you know where the Sabbath laws came from? God told Moses that the people should rest on the seventh day, just like God rested after six days of creating the world. People could stop working and remember that all that we have comes from God, our creator, and not from our own efforts. The Sabbath day was so important because it reminded people to rest and depend on God. I wonder why Jesus made a point of breaking these Sabbath rules?

I wonder what made the Pharisees so angry that they wanted to kill Jesus?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to ask God about right now?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to take with me and hold close?

🙏🏾 Pray:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deed. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

💌 Keep in touch!

You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod for updates throughout the season, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you tomorrow!