John 1:9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, but the world did not recognize Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received him, to them He gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in His name, 13 who Read more…

The Sadduccees, Pharisees and Essenes are the three main groups in Israel at this time (although the Essenes are not mentioned in the Bible). The Sadducees were a group of wealthy, aristocratic people who maintained control over the Temple. In contrast, the Pharisees were more working class in nature while the Essenes were a breakaway group opposed to (“disgusted with” is the term used at Jewish Virtual Library) both the Sadducees and Pharisees and who Read more…

Mark 12:13 They sent some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to Him, that they might trap Him with words. 14 When they had come, they asked Him, “Teacher, we know that You are honest, and do not defer to anyone; for You are not partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 Should we pay, or should we not pay?” Read more…

Mark 12:28 Now one of the scribes had come up and heard their debate. Noticing how well Jesus had answered them, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your Read more…

Mark 13:1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look at the magnificent stones and buildings!” 2“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” BSB Cyrus of Persia allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple but this second version fell short in comparison to Solomon’s Temple. This changed just prior Read more…

Interpreting the Olivet Discourse is complicated which causes some people to personalize as it relates it to their own lives. To study it in greater detail, however, means that we will have to make some interpretative decisions for ourselves. Specifically, what part relates to things that will happen versus things that have happened? Second, what is God’s part and what is our part? In other words, is this something we build on or does it Read more…

Mark 14:1 It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize him by deception, and kill him. 2 For they said, “Not during the feast, because there might be a riot of the people.” 3 While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining, a woman came having an alabaster Read more…

Matthew 14:14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me, that I should deliver Him to you?” They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time he sought opportunity to betray Him…..20 Now when evening had come, He was reclining at the table with the twelve. 21 As they were eating, He said, “Truly Read more…

Mark 14: 26 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 Jesus said to them, “All of you will fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.” NHEB After leaving the Upper Room, they exited Jerusalem and walked across the Kidron Valley. They were walking and Read more…

Mark 14:36 He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.” NHEB All four Gospels talk about Jesus’ prayer regarding the cup but only Mark has this “Abba” language. Abba is an Aramaic term that is akin to saying “Daddy”. It is a unique term of address that no Jewish person would ever use nor does it appear that Read more…