Category: Mark

Jesus predicts several future apocalyptic events.

Though odd to our ears, of all of these alarming future events the destruction of the temple was likely most difficult for the original audience to hear.

God himself holds the future in his hand.

We are terrified of talk like this; however, Jesus does not abandon us.

Even in end times prophecy Jesus is the star, the rightful center of attraction.

There is much speculation that goes with these popular “end times” conversations. Season them with what you do know: Jesus is coming again, be ready, & help others be ready as well.

Lord Jesus, you are fully able to save. Help our eyes to be on you where they belong.

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Jesus commends a poor widow’s generous gift to God.

People then, like now, would have to really pause and think for a moment after Jesus’ surprising observation.

God looks at the whole picture- motive, context, & heart.

People tend to look at the obvious and miss the mundane and more nuanced treasure that God values greatly.

Be generous.

This story is not separate from the rest of chapter 12. This poor widow is the polar opposite from the religious leaders of this chapter- powerless, humble, poor, generous… accepted and commended by God.

Father, help my life and faith imitate this godly lady.

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Still more religious leaders work a full court press to try to trip up Jesus with trick questions.

Everyday folks knew what these hypocritical know-it-all religious leaders were doing.

God will not be tricked or trapped.

People love to make themselves the standard and assume others are somehow morally or intellectually below them.

Don’t try to trap Jesus, but trust him.

Jesus had a conversation with his smug accusers but we don’t have record of them changing their minds or hearts. Don’t be surprised if you don’t get better results than Jesus.

Lord Jesus, I am not sure of myself…but I trust you.

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The religious leaders of the temple try to trap Jesus with the topic of taxes.

This plot is obvious and Jesus’ answer leaves them speechless.

God wants all of us.

Our most cunning intellect is child’s play compared to the mind of Christ.

Give God what he is due.

Sometimes when having spiritual conversations people resort to playing “stump the chump” to avoid exposing their own lack of answers.

Father, help me walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and speak or not speak at your prompting.

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Jesus uses a parable to speak of his authority.

Although this is a parable, this is plain talk that anyone from this era would understand.

God’s patience has boundaries.

Mankind is full of wicked, self-serving, and short sighted ambition.

Honor Jesus.

This parable was spoken directly to the temple leaders and they questioned the authority of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, you are master, boss, shot-caller, and Lord of all.

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Jesus disrupts the corrupt business in the temple. This got the attention of everyone.

The religious leaders were very angry. But the people who were there to worship- they recognized the corruption Jesus was angry about.

Anger in itself is not sinful. Anger can be warranted and the best response.

But what you do with the anger…that is the tricky part. Many times we humans are controlled by anger and catapulted into sinful behavior.

Reserve anger for what makes God angry, but don’t sin.

I don’t trust myself very much to do what Jesus did here. Unlike Jesus, my emotions and motives may not be pure, especially in a heated situation.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your boldness and that even your anger is just and actions pure.

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During the busiest, most demanding week of his time on earth, Jesus takes time to curse a fig tree. But there is more to this story.

Locals would be familiar with the fig tree being used as a picture of Israel, and figs representing prosperity. There is the analogy. God’s people should have been bearing fruit, but they were not. And now God’s blessing is about to go worldwide.

Faith is to be in God alone.

Men are amazed at answered prayers. By contrast, Jesus expected prayers to be answered.

Have faith in God.

Remember God’s plan is always bigger.

Father, I trust your plans entirely. Help my heart to follow.

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Jesus is welcome with cheers and his mind was on prayer.

Could King Jesus be about to take over? Is this the moment?

Jesus is King regardless if people recognize it or not.

People are fickle.

Hail King Jesus! Everyday.

You don’t really know where people’s hearts truly are…and maybe they don’t either.

Lord Jesus, you are the King of kings!

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Jesus miraculously heals bling Bartimaeus.

Many people knew (or knew of) this blind man. The news of this healing was huge! Word would have spread quickly.

God is able.

God gifts us with faith to acknowledge our deepest need.

Bring it to Jesus no matter what it is.

Mercy is a powerful and beautiful motivation. Recognizing it enough to be moved my mercy is by walking closely in step with the Holy Spirit.

Father, thank you for your great mercy and the power to meet our deepest needs.

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Jesus very plainly speaks of his upcoming crucifixion and resurrection.

This is plain talk. On the front end it was likely not understood because it made no sense. But after the events unfolded…prophetic.

The cross and resurrection were always the endgame of the earthly ministry of Jesus- the pinnacle.

We simply can’t process what we have no point of reference for.

Treasure Jesus’ great sacrifice and powerful triumph over sin and death.

Keep the main thing the main thing- Jesus and his great mission.

Lord Jesus, thank you for what you’ve done in order to settle my sin debt completely.

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