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Mark 13:1-8
Proper 28B
In more ways the one, the disciples’ attention is pointed towards the wrong things. It’s not that they are thinking of bad things. It’s more like they haven’t learned to filter things through the Kingdom mindset Jesus has been modelling to them yet. The temple has always been a significant place/thing. From David who wanted…
Mark 12:38-44
Proper 27B
We go from a scribe who is “not far from the kingdom of God” to those who are living as though they have no interest in God’s kingdom at all. And that’s saying something for a group of people whose role is to guide others in understanding God’s intent. Jesus says, “Beware of the scribes…”…
Mark 12:28-34
Proper 26B
Prior to our lectionary text, Jesus has been engaging in debates with the temple leaders—most recently with the Sadducees about the resurrection. Now, Mark says, a scribe who’s been listening in decides to ask Jesus his own question. However, unlike the leaders who have gone before him, this scribe isn’t trying to debate, catch Jesus…
Mark 10:46-52
Proper 25B
Well, at least it wasn’t the disciples this time. There are a lot of deep running themes in this scene, but why would be surprised by that? Jesus has shown himself time and time again to be a certain kind of Messiah in the Gospel of Mark, and as Mark’s narrative enters a new stage…
Mark 10:35-45
Proper 24B
Comments, Questions, and Observations Saying, “Before I ask you something, I want you to promise me that you’ll do whatever I ask,” is almost always a sign that something is amiss. On the positive, the person making the request could have more confidence in the person they are speaking to than that person has in…
Mark 10:17-31
Proper 23B
The thing about this rich man is that he seems sincere. Unlike say, the Pharisee praying out loud and comparing himself to others in a pompous way (Luke 18.10-14), this man “kept all the commandments” and sought after the good teacher. I don’t think it’s a stretch to describe the rich man as searching. Having…
Mark 10:2-16
Proper 22B
These two texts are more than a bit difficult to homiletically combine. They mostly share a setting, as Jesus and the disciples transition from a conversation with the Pharisees and enter yet another house where children are present. In terms of the lectionary sequence, we’ll be staying put in chapter ten for the whole month…
Mark 9:38-50
Proper 21B
They were arguing about who among them was the greatest. Let’s not forget that context while we read this week’s lectionary text. The disciples were afraid because they didn’t understand what Jesus was talking about, so they turned to an ego boosting exercise that backfires. They know they aren’t showing much maturity, staying silent when…
Mark 9:30-37
Proper 20B
God gives us many opportunities to learn humility. As we join Jesus and the disciples on the road, we are met with an all too recognizable human pattern of response to such chances. Jesus has returned to what’s about to happen, talking with his disciples about his suffering, dying, and rising while they walk. This…
Mark 8:27-38
Proper 19B
This week’s text is a masterclass in understanding confession and repentance in the grandest sense possible. When it comes down to what we confess with our mouths, what do we believe in our hearts and minds? And what consequences does it have in our lives? Jesus asks his disciples what they’ve heard other people believe…
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