Grace’s Latest Messages
Who is Great? (Mark 9:30-41)
What are some of the ways the people around you define a great life?
Is it professional success?
Financial independence to do what you want, when you want?
People speaking well of you?
Commanding the attention of people through your beauty, wit, or insights?
This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in Mark 9, looking at Jesus' definition of a great life. Not surprisingly, it's very different from the world's definitions above.
Let's talk about it together this Sunday at Grace.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
- Mark 9:30-41
Help My Unbelief! (Mark 9:14-29)
Who needs Jesus' help?
This week's message is going to look at a passage from Mark 9 where Jesus is confronted by a desperate father whose son is in obvious need of saving from a demon. It's a tragic and frightening picture of the oppression that can occur from demons. We'll talk about some of the questions this raises for us today, and how we can understand this passage in light of the cross.
But it turns out the son isn’t the only one who needs help.
As events unfold, it turns out the father's faith needs strengthening ("I believe. Help my unbelief!" is his famous prayer). The crowd's fickleness needs correction. And the disciples' self-reliance requires reorientation.
Let's reflect on this passage together and think about some of the many, beautiful ways that Jesus saves us.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
- Mark 9:14-29
The Glory of the Son: 3, 2, 1 (Mark 9:2-13)
[Disclaimer: I’m pretty sure the following story is true. I Googled it and, as you know, the internet is rarely misleading]
For the 2000 BIOLA commencement speech Christian author, Josh McDowell got up, said one sentence 3 times, and then sat down.
In the spirit of short communications: “Read Mark 9: Shine, Jesus, Shine.”
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 12 And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”
- Mark 9:2-13
Who Do You Say I Am? (Mark 8:22-30)
Theologian, pastor, and writer Dr. Timothy Keller went to be with the Lord today after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
While I only met him once in person, there are few people I've spent more time with when I add up all the hours I've spent reading his books and articles as well as listening to his sermons and interviews. My early sermons at Grace were de facto impressions of Keller, and I can still feel myself slip in expressions and figures of speech that come from him when I'm speaking.
Like most pastors, Keller used some expressions often to remind us of what is most important. One of his go-to ones was, "If the resurrection is true, then everything’s going to be alright." On the day of Keller's earthly death, reflecting on our shared hope of resurrection brings me joy.
This week at Grace, we're going to be in Mark 8:22-30, the pivot point in the book of Mark. The whole book up to this point has been asking the question, "Who is Jesus?" Characters in Mark see parts of who he is, defer to him in some ways, but no one has fully "seen" Jesus yet.
So, when this passage starts with Jesus restoring sight to a blind man in two parts, a parable about seeing but not seeing, we're meant to understand that this miracle is about more than just one man's physical sight. It's about whether anyone will accurately see who Jesus is. That's why the next paragraph is so important: Peter's great confession of faith, "You are the Christ." Yet even that confession is followed by Peter's failure to accept Jesus' path to the cross.
Without the resurrection, the idea of a suffering servant wouldn't make yet. But if Jesus could really rise from the dead, then everything would be alright.
This is our hope.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. I've written a brief article here with links to some of Keller's materials that you might find helpful.
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.
- Mark 8:22-30
A Mother's Plea to Jesus (Mark 24-37)
"Bobby, did you put on your sunscreen?"
(Yes, I was Bobby to my family growing up. It's still what my sisters call me.)
As a pale, redheaded kid growing up in California, I heard that sentence from my mother a thousand times growing up. And I needed the reminding, too, since I almost never had put it on before my mom asked.
I'm sure my mom didn't love needing to remind me over and over to put on my sunscreen (or put away the dishes, or do my homework, or...) One of the many reasons to celebrate moms this Mother's Day is their dogged persistence in so many ways: teaching us over and over to choose the good, to recognize beauty, and to be mindful of hazards.
This week at Grace, we're going to look at a story of a mother's persistence toward Jesus for the sake of her daughter. This mom shows us what faith looks like in action, and how Jesus responds to faith from an unlikely place.
Looking forward to growing in persistent faith with you all!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. While Mother's Day is not a distinctively Christian holiday, we will be spending a couple of minutes in the worship service watching a video the Grace Kids have put together in honor of their moms and we'll have some gifts available on the patio from the Women's Ministry. I know that Mother's Day worship services can bring out a range of emotions based on the different lived experiences we have. My hope is that Sunday's worship service will be a help for you in following Jesus regardless of what joys, regrets, longings, or losses we carry with us.
Blind to the Signs (Mark 8:1-21)
Fear of Missing Out, commonly known as FOMO, is a feeling we've all experienced at some point in our lives. Have you ever declined an invitation to a party or event, only to later see photos of your friends having an amazing time without you? I have, and I'll admit it's tough. But what about missing out on something much more significant?
This Sunday, I hope we can develop a healthy fear of missing out - the fear of missing out on Jesus Himself. As I've reflected on our passage (Mark 8:1-21), I can't help but wonder: where am I blind to His work in my life and in the world? Where am I not hearing Him as clearly as I could be? Join me as we seek to hear and see Christ more clearly together.
I can't wait to see you this week at Grace!
-Pastor Chris
In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” 4 And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” 5 And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. 8 And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. 10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.
11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
What Makes for a Pure Life? (Mark 7:1-23)
"He should be ashamed of himself!"
"It's a shame it's come to this."
"I have nothing to be ashamed of!"
"Shame on you!"
This week at Grace we're going to look at Jesus' view of shame. In Mark 7, Jesus challenges and transforms what his contemporary saw as the reasons for shame.
This passage includes some cultural differences from our generation but I'm sure that you'll see the issues behind it are timeless. In a generation where we really wrestle with how to respond coherently to shame, I pray that Jesus' words are heard for the tremendous good news that they are.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) 5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,
“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”
9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”
14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
- Mark 7:1-23
Jesus Walked on Water (Mark 6:45-56)
This week at Grace, we're going to be in Mark 6:45-56, a passage that includes Jesus walking on water. Like the feeding of the 5,000 from last week, this is one of those miracles that both amazes and raises our eyebrows. "Walking on water? Really? Everyone knows you can't do that." Which, of course, is entirely the point of the miracle in the first place.
What's interesting to me, though, is why Jesus walks on water. According to Mark 6, he does so because the disciples are straining at the oars of their boat, miles out to sea, making no progress. And do you know why they're out at sea? Because Jesus sent them out there.
So, what gives? Jesus saves them from something he sent them to? Why? And what does that have to do with us?
If you're getting the sense that there might be more going on in the story of the walking on water than we learned as kids in Sunday School, I think you're right. Let's dive into it together this Sunday (terrible pun, but I had to).
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
- Mark 6:45-56
The Compassion of Jesus (Mark 6:30-44)
Thank you to everyone who brought a friend or family member to visit Grace on Easter Sunday. I loved seeing the risks so many of you took to bring someone with you.
This week at Grace, we're going to continue our series in the Gospel of Mark by going back to chapter 6 to see Jesus' provision for his disciples and the crowds at the same time. The feeding of the 5,000 miracle is recorded in all four gospels (a rarity for any event in Jesus' life, except the resurrection), and holds a special place in many of our hearts going back to childhood.
But don't mistake familiarity with the story for mastery over the passage. There is much here to challenge us, especially in how we see the needs of others, what expectations and limits we place on Jesus, and where we turn for rest.
Looking forward to exploring the riches of God's Word with you this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.
- Mark 6:30-44
Expecting the Cross (Mark 8:31-38)
It's Easter Sunday!
This week at Grace, we'll be celebrating Jesus' resurrection by jumping a little forward in the Gospel of Mark series to Jesus' prediction of his death and resurrection in Mark 8:31-38. In this passage, Jesus not only shows the disciples what is going to happen, but he also links his death and resurrection with their own personal decision to pick up their cross daily and follow him.
As we prepare to come to worship this Easter Sunday, a few gentle pastoral reminders:
There may be people in your life who will come to church with you this Sunday if you ask them to. You've built a bridge of relationship with these people all year; now is the time to cross that bridge and respectfully invite them to come with you.
There will be people visiting Grace this Sunday for the first time. If you're a member of Grace, you're on the greeting and welcoming team this Sunday! Help people find where to go and seek to make them feel at home.
Pray for people to respond to the gospel in a life-changing way. The message this Sunday is a direct challenge from Jesus to us; will we choose the path of selfishness or the cross? This choice has eternal consequences for everyone, and we want to ask God to bring people to Jesus' saving grace this Sunday.
Delight in Jesus this Sunday. My eight-year-old son told me last night, "I don't like when people forget what the point of Easter is. It's about Jesus!" I agree, bud. Me too.
Let's worship the risen Jesus together this Sunday.
- Pastor Bob
31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
- Mark 8:31-38
When Losing Your Head is Worth It (Mark 6:14-29)
Sometimes when I’m reading the Old Testament I can’t really relate to what I’m reading and I find myself thinking, “this seems really odd” or “what in the world?” Whether it’s Abraham’s polygamy (one spouse is plenty…can I get an amen?) or Abraham’s nephew, Lot, who offered up his virgin daughters to a lusty mob, why? Because ancient people had different standards of hospitality? I read these stories and think, “what the…” Maybe you have a similar response.
When reading the Old Testament I expect some discontinuity between their day and ours. But when reading the New Testament, even if there are some hard-to-understand parts, I sort of get it. I could imagine the things I’m reading happening today. Mostly. [insert dramatic pause]. Well, not so much when it comes to Mark 6 and the beheading of John the Baptist. Not only was he beheaded. It was followed by his bloody head being passed around on a platter. And at a birthday party! I’ve been to some weird and awkward birthday parties, but as far as I recall there have been no “hot potato” with human heads as party games.
I don’t mean to make light of John’s gruesome end. In uncomfortable situations, I lean on humor and I hope that if I can bring some levity in this email there will be less to share on Sunday. Now I did title the sermon “When losing your head is worth it” and I wasn’t intending to be funny. If you find it funny, just be careful to not laugh your head off. Apologies. I’m trying to get it out of my system before Sunday.
If you read Mark 6 and find yourself asking, “what the…” come this Sunday and we’ll try to help make some sense of it all.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
- Mark 6:14-29
On a Mission from God (Mark 6:7-13)
Where do you look for meaning in your life? If you're a Christian, I would hope that Jesus would factor into that answer quickly and centrally. But even as a Christian, it might be tough to articulate exactly how your faith brings meaning to your life.
This week at Grace we're studying Mark 6:7-13, where Jesus sent out the twelve on a mission to replicate his ministry in the lives of others.
Part of what makes this passage so compelling to me is what Jesus offers his disciples. By sending them out, he is inviting them into a life of meaning and purpose.
In this passage, we see a picture of what is possible in our lives as well.
Looking forward to discussing it with you this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
- Mark 6:7-13
The Rejection of Jesus (Mark 6:1-6)
This week at Grace, we'll be in Mark 6:1-6. It's a passage about Jesus going back to his hometown of Nazareth, only to have the people there respond to him with disdain and offense at him.
When we read this passage we might see ourselves as Jesus, the misunderstood and overlooked hero of the story, disdained by those most familiar with him. Such a reading might make us feel better, and even be fitting in certain cases, but it ignores the fact that we also have a lot in common with the people of Nazareth.
The passage raises some important questions for all of us about what we would have done if we were in the place of the townspeople. Do we assume that we already know what God is going to do or are we open to being surprised by God? How would you and I have responded to the real, historic Jesus?
Let's reflect on this challenge to our faith together this Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.
- Mark 6:1-6
What a Testimony! (Mark 5:1-20)
You’ve undoubtedly seen those Before and After pictures where a person’s transformation is awe-inspiring. Someone loses 200 pounds and they’re shown holding up pants that are 10 sizes too big for them. Or, going the other direction, a 98-pound weakling becomes a competition-level body-builder. You see them Before and After and you can hardly believe it’s the same person.
Well, when we consider the Before and After of the demoniac in Mark 5, it’s hard to believe it’s the same person. The screaming, self-mutilating, naked, out-of-his-mind demon-man is pictured sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind. It’s incredible that this is the same person. And it wasn’t a long, arduous diet and exercise regimen or countless hours pumping iron at the gym that led to this change. It took just one encounter with Jesus for the awe to reach the level of inspiring.
To hear more about this man and his incredible testimony, join us on Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.
14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
- Mark 5:1-20
Jesus Chose Both (Mark 5:21-43)
This week at Grace, we're going to talk about Mark 5:21-43, a passage with two intertwined healing stories. The two women (one young, one older) are both in desperate need of Jesus' healing touch. Yet the situation makes it seem like he will need to choose one or the other.
In this powerful account, Jesus challenges the expectations of his time (and ours) that the goodness of God is limited to either me or you, the powerful or the outcast, even the living or the dead.
I'm eager to talk with you about this passage that I love and marvel together at Jesus' goodness, power, and love.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.
- Mark 4:25-36
Jesus, the Storm Stiller (Mark 4:35-41)
“There’s more than meets the eye.”
This is so often true in our experience and is also true when it comes to Jesus and his fellow-travelers on the Sea of Galilee in Mark 4:35-41.
Imagine you’re in a boat that is following theirs. You see a storm descend on their part of the sea. It’s not uncommon but it seems especially vicious. You’re too far away to hear what’s happening, but you can see the disciples scrambling on deck. You’re worried for them, but unable to help.
Then, suddenly, Jesus appears. Not long after, the storm calms as quickly as it raged. The disciples sit down and embrace each other. They’re just glad to be alive.
When you arrive at your destination, you make your way to their boat and ask, “what happened out there?” Andrew points to Jesus and says, “he happened.”
Join us Sunday to hear more of the story as we focus our attention on the one “who even the wind and the sea obey.”
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
- Mark 4:35-41
What is the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:21-34)
You might have heard this week about the Asbury University revival.
"Revival" in the best sense of the term refers to a period of time when God's people are especially aware of God's presence, their sinfulness, and Christ's redemption. It is an intensification of the ordinary habits of the Christian life (worship, prayer, confession, etc).
Even though I've read in the past about the history of revivals in a way that was deeply compelling for me personally, I'm embarrassed to say that my initial response to hearing about this a few days ago was skepticism. "Was this really God's work?" I made a common mistake in our current culture, mistaking cynicism for wisdom.
Behind this skepticism are the questions, "If God really came, how would we know? What would it be like? What would happen next?"
This week at Grace, we'll be looking at three parables about the Kingdom of God from Mark 4 that address these questions. All three describe the coming of the Kingdom in an inevitable, surprising, and beautiful way, beyond the control and manipulation of people.
I hope that as we gather for worship on Sunday we'll have a deeply revived heart to hear from God and worship Him.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
- Mark 4:21-34
Soils and Sowers (Mark 4:2-20)
At several points in my life, my sweet Annie has made different recommendations to me. She’s said things like, “you’ve got to try sushi, it’s delicious” or “maybe you should take a day off or two, you’ve been working really hard.” I have this uncanny ability to somehow shut off ‘hearing’ and put aside what she says – and typically, it’s only a matter of time until a close friend reiterates Annie’s advice in some form or manner… when the message registers in my mind:
“I should try sushi!”
or...
“Maybe I need to take some time off… I AM exhausted!”
On a more serious note – I wonder how many of us who have grown up in a church setting have ever wondered to ourselves… “I’ve heard this message before” or “I get it, the message of the story is Jesus loves me” – how many of us hear a message from the Bible or worship songs and have just tuned out and walked out of church on a Sunday without a thought towards what we’ve just received.
This week we’ll be continuing our series in Mark talking about the parable of the soils and how each of us at different times in our faith will find ourselves challenged with the notion of not only hearing the word, but accepting and responding to it in light of many different challenges and distractions that come our way.
Looking forward to breaking open the Word with y’all this Sunday!!
Blessings!
Jason
2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: 3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” 9 And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
10 And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, 12 so that
“‘they may indeed see but not perceive,
and may indeed hear but not understand,
lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”
13 And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. 18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
- Mark 4:2-20
Who's Side Are You On? (Mark 3:20-35)
This week at Grace, we're coming to Mark 3:20-35 where Jesus describes the breadth and limits of forgiveness. This passage sometimes referred to as "the unforgivable sin," tends to make people quite uncomfortable. And I get why. It's a lot more fun to talk about the wonders of God's grace than it is to talk about the obstinacy of the human spirit that splits ourselves off from it.
I hope that by studying this passage together on Sunday, we'll have the freedom and joy that comes from hearing Jesus' heart and love for you!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
20 Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. 21 And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”
22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” 23 And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. 27 But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.
28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”
31 And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. 32 And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” 33 And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34 And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”
- Mark 3:20-35
Our Common Mission (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)
This week at Grace, we're going to take a short break from our series in Mark to hear from the new executive director of Encompass, our denomination's mission organization, as he preaches from 2 Corinthians on our partnership in the mission of Jesus Christ.
Mike Yoder has served as a missionary and a pastor and is now taking the baton of leading Encompass. He's a bright guy and a good leader, and I really wanted you all to hear from him about our network of churches' commitment to bring the gospel to the least-reached people in the world.
14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
- 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NIV)