Mark 12:1   A parable is like a proverb, an apothegm, or an adage. It is like a comparison, an illustration, or a figure. It can be like a type or metaphor. But, a parable does not strictly fit in any one of these categories. So, what is a parable? It is a story told to…

Mark 11:33  This is simply one of the most hilarious verses in Scripture! It brings a smile to my face every time I read it. Unfortunately, we often miss the hilarity.  Look very closely at what the leaders say to Jesus here. In the Greek we can see that they didn’t just say they couldn’t…

Mark 11:32The same kind of fear that made them ask this question to begin with now kept them from answering. Jesus had them in a corner. Neither answer would bring any trouble to him. The people would likely not hurt the Jewish leaders, but unpopularity was their great fear. Heavenly Father, how can we ever…

Mark 11:31There was nothing for it but to answer. Realizing their plan had backfired, they scrambled for a solution. They recognised right away the answer he was looking for, but would not consider it. Heavenly Father, help us to be sensitive to your truth. We don’t want to miss out because we failed to accept…

Mark 11:30Why the extra ‘answer me’ at the end? The question was clear enough. However, Jesus adds it on purpose. The religious leaders were pretty shrewd. He didn’t want them to ignore the question. We don’t know the exact situation, but these men may have tried to claim it was only a rhetorical question. This…

Mark 11:29   Jesus knew their question was singular. He also knew why they had asked it. He understood the danger involved. Now, some may say that his choice to ask them a question in return was a cop-out. Well, it wasn’t. It was a careful avoidance of an eventuality. Eventually, the Jewish leaders would find…

A technical malfunction caused yesterday’s post not to get published.

Mark 11:27   Jesus’s visits to Jerusalem had brought much embarrassment to the religious establishment. These came to Jesus because they could see no other choice but to engage their enemy. Good men will always cause this reaction. Often, the results are tragic. But, the fact of the matter is that it is to be expected…

Mark 11:28   These men had come to the point that they weren’t even sure how to ask Jesus a question anymore. They were so afraid he would best them once again. Their two part inquiry is quite redundant as an answer to the one would answer the other. But, alas, their wilfil ignorance made them…

Mark 11:26   Notice if you will that Jesus had already implied this in the previous verse. But he states it very clearly here. And why does he major on this? Becuase it is major! Forgiveness is no light subject. It is absolutely vital that God’s people, of all people, be masters of forgiveness. It is…