Focal Passage: Mark 16:1-14  

What does the text say: Our focal passage, Mark 16:1-4, recounts the moment when several women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, arrived at the tomb where Jesus had been laid after His crucifixion. 

They had brought spices to anoint His body, but as they approached the tomb, they noticed that the large stone sealing the entrance had been rolled away.

Upon entering the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe, who told them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.” [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Mark 15:24-39 

What does the text say?: Our focal passage, Mark 15:24-39, depicts the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross. The text reveals that they divided His garments, casting lots for them. Above Jesus’ head, a placard displayed the charge against Him: “The King of the Jews.” As Jesus hung on the cross, bystanders mocked Him, and even those crucified with Him joined in the derision.

Darkness descended over the land from noon until three in the afternoon. At that moment, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some bystanders thought He was calling for Elijah. Jesus then took His last breath and yielded His spirit. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Mark 14:32-42 

What does the text say?: In the gospel of Mark, chapter 14, verses 32-42, we find Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He brings Peter, James and John with Him and begins to experience deep distress and anguish. Falling to the ground, He prays that, if possible, the hour might pass from Him. 

He uses an intimate term for God, calling Him “Abba,” which means Father. Jesus acknowledges His willingness to do the Father’s will, even if it involves suffering and death. He returns to His disciples three times, finding them asleep each time, and urges them to stay awake and pray, but their eyes are heavy. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: I John 5:1-13 

I love Chick-fil-A. Their food is delicious, the restaurants are clean, their service is friendly and efficient. I would like to nominate whoever designed their drive-thru system for the next president (I’m only half kidding). In my opinion Chick-fil-A stands out as the model for excellence among every other fast-food option. 

What makes this franchise so different than all the others? 

I believe it goes back to their corporate purpose. You can find this statement on their website, “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” A different kind of corporate purpose has made for a different kind of dining experience.  [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Mark 11:15-25  

What does the text say? Mark 11:15-25 narrates a powerful incident in Jesus’ ministry when He enters the temple in Jerusalem. He observes that the temple had become a marketplace, with merchants and moneychangers exploiting worshipers. In response, Jesus overturns the tables, driving out those who had turned His Father’s house into a den of thieves.

Following this dramatic act, Jesus begins to teach about faith and prayer. He emphasizes the importance of faith, urging His disciples to believe that what they ask for in prayer will be granted. He also stresses the necessity of forgiveness, stating that when they pray, they must forgive others if they want their heavenly Father to forgive them. [Read more…]