Mark 3:28 I tell you the truth, people will be forgiven for all sins, even all the blasphemies they utter. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, but is guilty of an eternal sin” 30 (because they said, “He has an unclean spirit”). NET The easy answer to this unforgivable sin is to say, as many do, that it applies to “them” (meaning the Jews) and not to “us”. When Read more…

Although Mark focuses more on the actions of Jesus rather than His teachings, we are about to enter a section of teachings where the word “parable” shows up for the second time. These parables have become the way in which Jesus responds in light of the opposition arising against Him. Mark 4:1 And again he began to teach by the seaside. And a large crowd was gathered to him, so that he entered into a Read more…

Mark 4:13 Then Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some are like the seeds along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Some are like the seeds sown on rocky ground. They hear the word and Read more…

Mark 4:35 And on that day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them, even as He was, in the boat. And other boats were with Him. 37 And a big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled. 38 And He Himself was in the stern, Read more…

Traditionally there have been three thoughts regarding Biblical miracles. The first, is that it happened then but it doesn’t happen now as these miracles were characteristic of the ministry of Jesus and the apostles. This was a majority opinion among Protestants (including people such as John Calvin, Martin Luther and Alexander Campbell) until the 1960’s. The second approach is that these stories didn’t really happen but were created by the authors to craft a spiritual Read more…

Mark 5:21When Jesus had crossed again in a boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he was by the sea. 22Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came up, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He asked him urgently, “My little daughter is near death. Come and lay your hands on her so that she may be healed and live.” 24 Jesus went with Read more…

Mark 5:35 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?” 36 But Jesus, overhearing the message spoken, said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” 37 And he allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 And they came to the synagogue ruler’s house, and he saw Read more…

Mark 6:1 Now Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did he get these ideas? And what is this wisdom that has been given to him? What are these miracles that are done through his hands? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Read more…

Up to this point, Mark has been systematically introducing who Jesus is. The portrait we are seeing is someone of authority who is challenging the status quo which puts Him in conflict with the powers that be. He is changing the expectations of how a religious leader should act. At the same time, we also see a supernatural side of Christ as there is something different about Him versus your average guy on the street. Read more…

Mark 6:30 Then the apostles gathered around Jesus and told him everything they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come with me privately to an isolated place and rest a while” (for many were coming and going, and there was no time to eat). 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to some remote place. 33 But many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they hurried on foot Read more…