Mark 16:1-8
Mark's story about Jesus' resurrection ends with the primary witnesses of his death, burial, and resurrection scared speechless. Yet, when we think about it, Mark's story calls each of us to live fearlessly in the light of Jesus' authority over all things.

Mark 15:6-15
Mark describes a scene in which Jesus' fate of crucifixion is determined. But there is a problem. Pilate, the Roman governor, still sees Jesus as innocent. Why, then, are the crowds, the chief priests of the Jews, and Pilate himself so determined to commit such a great injustice? To execute an innocent man? Though Jesus remains silent and passive throughout this scene, the answer to this question comes by understanding what Jesus knew was happening behind the scene. Jesus' example teaches us to rely on God's strength to stand against the invisible powers motivating injustices in our time.

Mark 14:53-65
Jesus was arrested and given an initial "trial" at the house of the high priest. It was a kangaroo court. They had a verdict and were searching for evidence to back it up. There was no evidence available until Jesus provided it for them with his confession: "I am" the Christ, the Son of God.
That would not be the last time that the ungodly world system would condemn a Christian for the good confession of the Christian faith. Today, we can feel the pulse of a new time of trouble for Christians in America. Marxism has suddenly emerged in a variety of forms, all with a common spirit: the destruction of American society, traditions, and values--especially the destruction of Christianity.
On trial for his life, because of his faithful service to the Father, Jesus provides an example of how we--his disciples--should respond in our own approaching crisis. He teaches us how to fight like The Lamb.

Mark 14:66-72
Peter failed miserably when it came time to maintain his confession of Jesus Christ. A little social pressure in the courtyard of the high priest, and Peter opted to save his own skin by denying any knowledge of Jesus. In his failure, though, all disciples of Jesus can learn a powerful lesson about "godly sorrow," and the grace of guilt leading to repentance. There is always hope in Jesus Christ.

Mark 10:46-52
Jesus leaves Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. As Mark tells the story, nothing of importance happened in Jericho at that time. Jesus is focused on getting to Jerusalem for the showdown with the authorities of the Jewish establishment. He plans to reveal himself at last as the Christ, the long awaited savior, the "Son of David."

Mark has been careful so far to preserve this secret identity of Jesus. Anytime demons proclaimed his authority and divinity, Jesus silenced them. Those who were healed were often admonished to say nothing about it. It has only been very recently (Mark 8) that even the Twelve began to put things together and understand Jesus is "the Christ."

Why, then, does this blind beggar, Bartimaeus, already know that Jesus is "Son of David"? The answer directs us to know how to be faithful disciples in our own time when so many blind their eyes to the truth of Jesus.

Mark 10:13-16
The disciples think they're helping Jesus in his Kingdom of God work by shooing the children away. Jesus shocks them by telling them that if they want to be a part of the Kingdom they need to become like those children! In this lesson, we consider Jesus' example to understand what it means to have a child-like faith.

Mark 7:24-37
In two episodes, Mark shows us how the simple, sincere faith of two outsiders move him to divine action on their behalf. This encourages us to boldly trust in God's love and power for us who are saved in Jesus.

Mark 6:45-52
Why did Jesus walk across the wind-blown Sea of Galilee in the middle of the night? Why was Jesus going to just walk right by the disciples struggling to row to the Bethsaida shore? Much about this story is unexpected. This story, more than many others, makes us wonder what Jesus hoped to accomplish by doing something so unexpected. But this is how Mark helps us to see what the disciples in that boat struggled to see: Jesus dramatically claimed his place as God in the flesh.

Mark 6:7-30
Mark gives an account of Jesus sending the twelve disciples out on their first mission. They do everything just like Jesus did: they preached the gospel, cast out demons, healed diseases, and utterly relied upon God to provide everything for their work and journey. They enjoyed success this time, but Mark divides his account of this story with the story of John the Baptist's beheading by King Herod. We take from this the warning that discipleship on Jesus' path is to follow him on the way to the cross. But there is no more blessed way to be than to be just like Jesus.

Mark 6:1-6
Sometimes, closely held, sincere beliefs can become the very things that prevent believing the truth. In such cases, ironically, belief can be un-belief. This is the theme of the tragic story of Nazareth, Jesus' hometown, in Mark 6. Jesus came demonstrating his amazing teaching and the divine power working in him to heal. But most in Nazareth would not believe in him, because he was just "the carpenter" down the street, whose family still lived among them. We need to let Nazareth serve as a warning to us to always be willing to recognize and follow God himself, not just what we are willing to believe about him.