When Jesus leaves the synagogue in Capernaum, word is spreading. He begins healing people, and crowds gather. The whole village, it seems, wants to see him, to be healed, to have unclean spirits cast out.
So why does He leave?
Mark 1:29-39
Life with Christ - Authority
Odd things can happen in public worship. At one of Jesus' early synagogue teachings, a demon possessed man stood up and began making a disruption! Yet, the focus of the text is not on the exorcism, but on the authority of Jesus. Jesus has authority over the mind and the body.
Mark 1:21-28
Information, Implication, Application.
This three step process is how we understand and live with new information. Jesus arrives on the scene in Mark 1:14-20 making some big claims. "The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom is at hand." This statement, if true, requires all people to repent, and for us each to consider what that looks like in our lives.
Mark 1:7-11
All four gospels begin with Jesus' baptism. The people of Israel were going out to repent. Jesus went out for another reason - to show us our need to identify with the Kingdom and declare a change. Ultimately, baptism is about God's work in us, not our work for Him.
Confirmations
As Mary and Joseph told their story, we wonder how many of the family members and people of Nazareth believed them. Suddenly, a group of shepherds arrive, telling the same story! God not only acted, He confirmed his actions to inspire belief.
What makes a good gift?
King David wanted to build a house for God, which God had never asked for.
Instead, God promises to build the house of David with an eternal king.
Grinches to the Center
When things are difficult, especially when we're "supposed" to be celebrating, we can feel like outsiders. We have truble engaging in joy, and can dampen any mood. God has something to say about this.
Isaiah 65 is hope for the hurting. God's plan was always to bring the outsiders to the center. He loves us, sees how we hurt, and makes a plan for our healing.
What does greatness really look like?
The religious leaders sent messengers to discover what kind of strength John the Baptist had, and what kind of threat he posed.
With an odd statement about sandals, John begins the complete reorientation of greatness from strength to service.
Gospel Prologue
As we begin a series "Life with Christ", we begin at the beginning. In Mark's gospel - the first account of the life of Jesus does not even mention Jesus. It's about John, who prepares the way in the wilderness.
In the same way, many of our stories of life with Jesus begin with other people who prepare the way, meeting us with compassion and love in our times of interior wilderness.
When Jesus saves us, he saves all of us. The whole thing. Not just part of us.
Today, Amanda takes us through Psalm 80, where the people of God cry out for salvation. In this season of Advent, we acknowledge our own need for salvation and hope for a Savior.