Grace’s Latest Messages
When You Fail (Mark 14:26-31)
"I would never do THAT."
"I can't believe she crossed THAT line."
"He didn't think he'd get away with THAT, did he?"
Have you ever said something like that?
I imagine you have. I have. And in some ways, it's a good thing to say - we all need to have red lines we won't cross and moral standards to live by.
But the truth is that we're all more capable of crossing those red lines than we'd like to admit.
Last week, Pastor Tim took us through the portion of Mark 14 where Judas' betrayal of Jesus comes to light. This week, we look at the sequel, where the rest of the disciples hear about how they will abandon Jesus, too.
This passage is so important for us to reflect on because it shows that abandonment was not a problem just for the few "Judas" out there, but for all of us.
For Peter, this mirror to his own fickleness is too much to handle. "Never!" he declares. Yet anyone who knows the gospel story knows that Peter is protesting something that will be all too true, all too soon.
What about you?
Do you ever claim a moral high ground compared to others, assuming you would never sink to their level? How does this passage of Scripture challenge that attitude, correct it, and point us to our Savior?
Let's talk about it together on Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.
- Mark 14:26-31
He Loved Them to the End (Mark 14:12-25)
Do you remember that mid-90s family drama called Party of Five?
It was about 5 siblings (ranging in age from toddler to 20-something) who lost their parents tragically and were on their own. Their party of 7 became a party of 5. It’s not a super compelling connection but in our story (Mark 14:12-25) we have a party of 13 which, as the story unfolds, will become a party of 12, then a party of 11, then a party of 1. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read Mark chapters 14 and 15.
Though none go with him, still he will follow!
Let’s meet together this Sunday and, corporately, be in awe of the one who “loved them to the end” (John 13:1).
See you Sunday,
Tim
12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” 16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”
22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
- Mark 14:12-25
What It Means to Lose Everything (Mark 14:1-11)
When I was twelve years old, one of my best friends died from cancer. It was one of the defining moments of my childhood.
Eliott had leukemia for most of our sixth-grade year, cycling through the ups and downs that came with treatment. When he had the energy for visitors, I'd go over to his home to play video games.
At the time, I was too young and immature to fully grasp the gravity of his situation and too often came home wondering why he had the latest and greatest toys.
The answer, of course, was that he was battling a life-threatening disease, and those who are facing death often receive special care and comforts.
This week at Grace, we're going to talk about the only special treatment Jesus received leading up to his death and the fools who missed the beauty of the moment.
As we talk about this memorable passage from Mark 14, I hope that we all will see the goodness of honoring Jesus in the face of his death for us. And as we do that, we will take our eyes off ourselves and see the gift that he offers us today.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”
3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.
- Mark 14:1-11
Living with the End in Mind (Mark 13:28-37)
This week at Grace we're wrapping up our series-within-a-series from Mark 13. In these four weeks, we've reflected on why Jesus uses prophecy (both of the destruction of the temple and of his return) to help the disciples (then and now) stand strong in their faith.
In this final week, we'll spend most of the time focused on how this might play out in your life, and wrestle with the questions, doubts, and temptations that come from waiting for Jesus.
Looking forward to seeing you at Grace this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
- Mark 13:28-37
The End of the Story (Mark 13:24-27)
What do you think would happen to you if you spent a lot of time and effort reflecting on the return of Jesus?
For some of us, the answer to that question might not be very flattering. We can think of people in our life who spend a lot of time on prophecy charts, prediction websites, and social media posts, but the result is not becoming more like Jesus at all. Instead, they're cold to the suffering of others, numb to the problems of the world, and judgmental of other Christians who don't share their views.
So, if you've been around American Christianity for the past few decades, the topic of Jesus' return might elicit some feelings in you, and some of you might not be so keen on talking about it.
But throughout the New Testament, Christians are encouraged to reflect on Jesus' return and encourage one another with it. So let's do that together this Sunday at Grace.
This week at Grace we're continuing through Mark 13. For the first two weeks in this series, we've been looking at Jesus' prophecy that the temple would be destroyed within one generation (which it was).
But in v. 24 Jesus' time horizon changes. He goes from speaking about the destruction of the temple to his (still future) return in power. As we look at this short passage in v. 24-27, we're going to reflect on what it means to live with faith in Christ now and forever.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
- Mark 13:24–27
3 Audiences, 1 Message: Be Ready! (Mark 13:14-23)
You probably remember, at some point in your education, the mention of The 5 Ws. Or, perhaps, the 5Ws + 1 H. When seeking to better understand something whether a story or an event (or a biblical passage) it’s helpful to ask: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?
Using these questions, read Mark 13:14-23 (and what comes before and after in chapter 13, as needed) and see what sort of progress you can make before we do more of the same, together, on Sunday.
14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
Until then,
Pastor Tim
14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
- Mark 13:14-23
Watch Out (Mark 13:1-13)
This week at Grace, we're starting four weeks in Mark 13, one of the most debated and controversial chapters in the gospels. In it (and the parallel versions in Matthew 24 and Luke 21), Jesus warns the disciples about the coming destruction of the temple and their need to persevere in their faith even in difficult times.
So, what's so controversial about that?
While the chapter begins talking about the temple, by the end Jesus is describing his return in victory. The debate is over when he switches from talking about what would occur in our past (their future) to what has yet to come for all of us.
Confused yet?
I get that anything that sounds like eschatology raises concerns for some Christians. They remember (either fondly or not) a previous era of American Christianity when eschatology was a primary discussion point in sermons and Bible studies.
But I hope that as we look at Jesus' words together over these next few weeks we'll see his heart, his wisdom, and his goodness to all of us.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
- Mark 13:1-13
What We Need To Do (Mark 12:28-34)
We're going to the beach!
This week at Grace, we're having one worship service at 10 am at Eisenhower Park, the bluff overlooking the ocean in Seal Beach. It's a block from our church building, so you can just walk down 8th street and find us set up out there. We'll have a chair for you, so just bring yourself and your Bible, and you'll be ready to go.
The outdoor worship service will be a full Sunday liturgy, including singing, praying, and a sermon. We're continuing our Mark series this week with the "Greatest Commandment" (Mark 12:28-34), where Jesus defines our relationship with God's law. I'm grateful it lined up for us to do this during a baptism Sunday, because this passage beautifully describes the good life Jesus saves his followers into.
See you Sunday at the beach!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
- Mark 12:28-34
Do You See This Woman? (Mark 12:38-44)
Peacocking
noun
/ˈpiː.kɒk.ɪŋ/ behavior by men that shows they are very proud of their appearance, for example wearing clothes that make people notice them: Peacocking is something men do to highlight their strong points and stand out from their competition.
When you consider the focus on outward appearance and attention-grabbing in the above definition (The Cambridge Dictionary), it seems to fit our passage pretty well.
The Scribes were all about the show:
“Look at me”
“Laud me”
“Note my status”
Do you who’s not impressed? Jesus!
He directs his disciples’ attention away from the self-righteous and onto the truly righteous.
To hear more, join us this Sunday!
- Pastor Tim
38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
- Mark 12:38-44
How Jesus Responded to Mockers (Mark 12:18-27)
Have you ever had someone mock your faith?
There are a number of ways mockery can happen, but one of the ones I find most condescending is the "know-it-all" who smugly says, "Haven't you ever thought about THIS problem?" (as if they're the first person to ever notice dinosaurs aren't in the Bible, or that the Old Testament is very different from the New Testament, or whatever).
This week at Grace, we're going to see how Jesus responded to mockers in his day. This passage in Mark 12:18-27 has everything: discussion of heaven, marriage, and understanding what the Bible says to us today.
Looking forward to opening it up with you this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
18 And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying, 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 20 There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. 21 And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. 22 And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. 23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.”
24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”
- Mark 12:18-27
Debts to God and the Government (Mark 12:13-17)
What do you owe to the government? What is your patriotic duty? And does it change based on what country you live in, the quality of the government, or whether you are a Christian or not?
These questions are all behind our passage this week from Mark 12:13-17, when Jesus tells his listeners to "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
This week at Grace, we'll look at the cultural background behind Jesus' provocative words, the context in which he spoke them, and how to apply them to our lives today.
Hope to see you Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar's.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him.
- Mark 12:13-17
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Mark 12:1-12)
We live in a generation that is obsessed with authenticity and self-actualization. Phrases like "Be yourself," "Live out loud," and "Live my truth," are ubiquitous in advertising, social media, and popular culture.
As a Christian, I often shrug my shoulders at such banal phrases. After all, there's nothing inherently wrong with "being myself" (depending on what the bumper sticker has in mind). But it is worth wondering what these phrases have in common, and what they are trying to avoid. Usually, what these phrases are deeply concerned about is the idea that we might be suppressing desires, dreams, or goals we have in favor of what others might expect of us.
What does the Bible say about that idea?
This week at Grace, we're going to talk about Mark 12:1-12, the parable of the wicked tenants. In this passage, Jesus confronts the timeless tendency of people to act as if they are in charge of the world instead of God. Rather than suppressing their desire for autonomy and profit, the characters in Jesus' parable attempt to suppress the reality of the landowner's justice.
I hope that as we talk about the choices we each make around where we put our passion, action, and priorities in life, we will benefit and learn from Jesus' words this week.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture:
“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
11 this was the Lord's doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”
12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.
- Mark 12:1-12
Who Do You Think You Are (Mark 11:27-33)
Do you remember these bumper stickers? When I’d pull up behind someone and see this, I’d start asking questions. Questions like…
Who’s authority?
All authority?
Just bad authority?
The authority of people over 30?
Whose authority, exactly, are we talking about?
“Be more specific with your bumper stickers!” I’d yell in my head and maybe out loud.
Authority is a tricky thing because it’s power, it’s influence, and that can be used for good or for harm. In the gospels we see examples of both.
Thankfully, the one who wields the most authority is Jesus. And he uses it to heal, not to harm.
Hope to see you Sunday when we’ll continue our study of Mark (11:27-33).
- Pastor Tim
27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” 31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
- Mark 11:27-33
The Anger of Jesus (Mark 11:12-25)
One of the biggest objections I hear from people in our culture to church is the hypocrisy of religious leaders. The abuse crises of the last twenty years have shaken the faith of many to their core.
Where is Jesus in the midst of such terrible abuses of power?
This week at Grace, we continue our series in the gospel of Mark looking at Jesus' attack on hypocrisy. Mark 11:12-25 is the account of Jesus' rejection of outward piety that lacks any sort of fruitfulness at the core. It includes a living parable, where Jesus curses the fig tree, as well as cleansing of the temple courts.
I hope that seeing Jesus' anger at the abuse of power, hypocrisy, and fruitlessness of the leaders of his day is helpful for people in our community. But I also hope that it raises some self-reflective questions for all of us, such as why hypocrisy so quickly takes root in our hearts, what Jesus' anger tells us about what should or could be, and the hope that Christ himself offers.
Looking forward to talking about the goodness of Jesus together this Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. Also, this Sunday at Grace we'll have one of our ministry partners who serves in a sensitive country joining us for an update in the worship services. If you're watching online, you might see the live-feed look a little weird during this part of the service. It's designed to help protect their anonymity for safety reasons.
12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city.
20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
- Mark 11:12-25
Son of David, Have Mercy on Me! (Mark 10:46-52)
This week at Grace, we get to talk through Jesus's encounter with a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. It's an account I've come to love over the years, and I hope you will too.
Ghost Ship's song "Son of David" recounts this gospel account from Bartimaeus's perspective. It's a song that has been important to me for a decade. Take a listen here to prepare your heart for Sunday's message. The lyrics are also below if you prefer to read them.
"Son of David" Lyrics
[Verse 1]
The blind won't gain their sight
By opening their eyes
A King is coming
To His city and crowds around are following
If I could see, I would follow, too
[Verse 2]
He heals the sick with His hands
As He walks by, they reach for Him
If I could see, I would reach out, too
[Pre-Chorus]
The blind won't gain their sight
By opening their eyes
[Chorus]
Son of David, have mercy on me
Son of David, have mercy on me
Son of David, I want to see
Son of David, have mercy
[Verse 3]
I cannot leave this gate
Since I cannot see my way
But I can stand and call His name
No, I could never leave this gate
But I will stand and shout His name
And I will count on His grace
[Bridge]
I was blind, now I see
Jesus, saved me
I was blind, now I see
Jesus, saved me
See you Sunday!
-Pastor Chris
46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
- Mark 10:46-52
I Wanted "The High Road" but Jesus Gave Me "The Low Road" (Mark 10:32-45)
When the Apostle Paul and his team arrived at Thessalonica the complaint was made against them, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also" (Acts 17:6).
In reality, the Gospel message Paul taught didn't turn the world upside down. It turned the world right-side up! Jesus' message is powerful indeed.
As we'll see this Sunday from Mark 10:32-45, Jesus presented a view about leadership contrary to the model often seen in the world. You don't get ahead by lording it over others, by climbing over others to get to the top, by getting people to depend on you as their "benefactor." No, to get ahead in God's kingdom you become a servant to others. Just like Jesus did.
I'm looking forward to teaching on Mark 10:32-45 and I hope you will read it in advance and look forward to learning what Jesus taught and demonstrated about true leadership. Together we can be more Christ-like by seeking to serve others rather than seeking to be served.
- Pastor Don
32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,[a] 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Mark 10:32-45
Return on Investment (Mark 10:17-31)
Do you think you're wealthy?
While I've always had a roof over my head and food on the table, I've never seen myself as "rich." Living in southern California, especially, consistently exposes me to people who have more than I do (sometimes a lot more than I do). I imagine you have the same experience, too.
When we have the frame that the rich are "those people" (whoever has more than we do), it breeds a whole host of vices: jealousy, ridicule, and abdicating our responsibilities.
This week at Grace, we're in Mark 10:17-31, the passage of the rich young ruler. This man begins by asking a good question about salvation, but balks at Jesus' answer: give up your great wealth and follow him.
Do you see the tension of this passage for your life? What would you do if you were him? What do you do about it now?
Let's talk about it this Sunday at Grace.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. We're also going to hear from one of our Compassion Partners, World Relief - Southern California. Feel free to poke around their website before Sunday and get a feel for their ministry.
17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
- Mark 10:17-31
Faith Like a Child (Mark 10:13-16)
For the last five days, our church campus has been happily overrun by 80+ kids who are singing, playing, and (most importantly) learning about Jesus.
Yep, it's VBS week!
This Sunday, our Gospel of Mark series brings us to Jesus' exhortation to the disciples to let the children come to him (Mark 10:13-16). The providential timing certainly is an encouragement to the seventy volunteers who poured out their energy this week to help kids learn about Jesus.
But there's more to this passage than just, "Be nice to kids and tell them about Jesus." Jesus's words are a challenge to all of us about who we include and exclude, as well as our own posture before Him.
Looking forward to opening God's Word with you this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
- Mark 10:13-16
Let No One Separate (Mark 10:1-12)
Last week, I had a conversation via text with an old friend from a previous ministry. Surprisingly, we discovered that we would both preach sermons this coming Sunday. When I told him I was preaching on divorce, he replied, "Why on earth would you do that?!?"
"The hazards of preaching sequentially through a book of the Bible," I quipped.
I'll admit that divorce can be an uncomfortable and painful topic to address. But preaching on the words of our Lord isn't hazardous at all. Jesus's words are life-giving and infinitely wise. They're of inestimable worth and should be considered and cherished by all who follow Him. So, I'm glad to think it through together with you!
With that said, I believe that Mark 10:1-12 is primarily about marriage, and Jesus takes us back to God's original design when He created marriage. Will we deal with divorce and other issues surrounding marriage in a fallen world? Yes. But, I hope we will come away from Sunday agreeing with Hebrews 13:4 that "marriage should be honored by all."
Looking forward to sharing with you this week at Grace,
-Pastor Chris
P.S. Since this week deals with more sensitive topics, we encourage you to use your discernment in bringing your children to this service.
And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.
2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” 5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
- Mark 10:1-12
The Significance of Sin (Mark 9:42-50)
This week at Grace, we're continuing our series on Mark 9 with a sobering passage: it is better to lose your hand, foot or eye than to have your whole person cast into hell.
Not exactly my first choice of a passage for Father's Day.
Thinking about sin and judgement isn't something we find immediately comforting. But wrestling with the truth of our sin and God's wrath forces us to recognize what is sacred, the significance of our choices, and ultimately our need for a savior.
The alternative to passages like this is to live in triviality - fooling about with petty grievances and distracting ourselves with escapist activities.
I hope this year on Father's Day we'll have a chance to celebrate men in our lives who have given us the gift of a life set apart for God, zealous for Him, and committed to loving their neighbors well.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
- Mark 9:42-50