Focal Passage: Mark 10:32-45  

What Does the Text Say? In Mark 10:32-45, we find a profound teaching moment in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem when Jesus took His disciples aside and shared a remarkable message. 

He told them that He would be betrayed, condemned to death, mocked, and ultimately crucified. Despite this impending suffering, Jesus emphasized that He had come not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Mark 9:17-29 

What Does the Text Say? In Mark 9:17-29, we find a powerful account of a desperate father seeking Jesus’ help for his demon-possessed son. The father’s plea reveals the depths of his distress, as he describes how the demon has tormented his son since childhood. Even the disciples of Jesus had attempted to cast out the demon but failed. In this context, Jesus arrives, and the father implores Him to have compassion and help if He can.

Jesus’ response is profound in Mark 9:23. The father, recognizing the need for faith, cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24, ESV). Jesus then commands the demon to leave, and the boy is healed. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Mark 8:31-9:1 

What does the text say: In Mark 8:31-9:1, we find a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus, where He begins to teach His disciples about the path of faithful discipleship. Jesus tells them plainly, “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” (Mark 8:31, ESV). 

He goes on to emphasize the cost of discipleship, stating, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it” (Mark 8:34-35).  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Mark 7:24-37 

What does the text say: In Mark 7:24-37, we encounter two powerful stories that reveal the boundless mercy of Jesus, emphasizing His inclusive ministry to all people. 

The first account features a Syrophoenician woman, a Gentile, who comes to Jesus seeking help for her demon-possessed daughter. Initially, Jesus responds by saying, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” (Mark 7:27, ESV). 

However, the woman’s unyielding faith leads her to respond, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Touched by her faith, Jesus heals her daughter instantly.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Mark 6:30-44 

What does the text say: Mark 6:30-44 narrates a remarkable event where Jesus, after His disciples’ return from their ministry, sees a vast crowd and is moved with compassion. 

As the day wanes, the disciples suggest sending the people away to find food. However, Jesus instructs them to give the crowd something to eat. With just five loaves and two fish, Jesus blesses the food, and it miraculously multiplies, satisfying the hunger of around 5,000 people. Even after everyone had their fill, there were leftovers — 12 baskets full.

What does the text mean? This passage showcases Jesus’ compassion and divine ability to provide for human needs in miraculous ways. The story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish is not merely a physical provision; it symbolizes Christ’s role as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. Just as Jesus satisfies the physical hunger of the multitude, He also satisfies our spiritual hunger and provides for all our needs. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Mark 3:20-30 

What does the text say: In Mark 3:20-22, we find a scene where Jesus enters a house, and a crowd gathers, making it impossible for Him to even eat. His family, hearing about this, comes to take charge of Him, as they think He might be out of His mind. 

The scribes, who were experts in the law, also come into the picture, accusing Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. They claim that Jesus drives out demons by the power of the prince of demons.

What does the text mean? This passage reveals the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time. His family’s misunderstanding of His mission and the scribes’ accusation shows the challenge He faced in convincing people of His divine authority.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Mark 1:35-45 

In this session, we will explore Mark 1:35-45, focusing on what the Word says, what it means, and how it applies to our lives.

What does the Word say? Mark 1:35-45 reveals a powerful moment in Jesus’ ministry. After healing a leper, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place to pray. Despite His desire for solitude, the news about His healing power spreads, drawing crowds seeking His miraculous touch.

What does it mean? In this passage, we witness Jesus’ unwavering commitment to His mission and His reliance on the Father through prayer. Jesus’ healing of the leper symbolizes His authority over sin and physical ailments. His retreat to pray underscores His dependence on communion with the Father and the need to recharge spiritually. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Mark 1:1-13 

Introduction: Today, we will dive into the opening verses of the gospel of Mark, specifically Mark 1:1-13. The gospel according to Mark makes an excellent first book of the Bible for a new believer to read because it is straight into the action of Jesus’ life. Let us explore what the Word says, what it means, and how it applies to our lives.

What does the Word say? Mark 1:1-13 introduces us to John the Baptist and his mission to prepare the way for Jesus. It starts with the proclamation that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah long-awaited by the people of Israel. Then, John the Baptist arrives on the scene, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah by preparing the hearts of the people through his message of repentance and baptism. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Lamentations 3:19-33  

Introduction: Lamentations 3:19-33 offers profound insights into finding strength and hope in the midst of affliction. Through this text, we will uncover what it says, what it means and how it applies to our lives as believers.

What does the text say? Lamentations 3:19-33 reveals the anguish of the prophet Jeremiah as he recounts his afflictions and sufferings. He feels trapped in darkness and overwhelmed by his distress. Despite this, Jeremiah shifts his focus to the steadfast love and compassion of the Lord.

The prophet acknowledges that even in times of affliction, God’s mercies are new every morning. He affirms that the Lord is his portion, and he places his hope and trust in Him. Jeremiah recognizes that God’s discipline, though difficult, leads to growth and draws him closer to God. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 50:11-20, 33-34 

Introduction: Today, we dive into Jeremiah 50:11-20 and 33-34, a passage that emphasizes God’s sovereign control over the nations and His promise of redemption amidst destruction. Through this text, we will explore what it says, what it means and how it applies to our lives as believers. 

What does the text say? Jeremiah 50:11-20 and 33-34 describe the impending judgment upon Babylon, a powerful nation that exalted itself and oppressed God’s people. 

The passage foretells Babylon’s downfall and the devastation it will face as a consequence of its pride and wickedness. The Lord, as the supreme Judge, proclaims that Babylon will be plundered and humiliated by the nations He raises against her. [Read more…]