This post contrasts the stories of Lazarus and Jesus’ teachings in Mark, emphasizing the importance of mourning in grief. It promotes All Saints as a moment for communities to support those grieving, highlighting that genuine love for God manifests through love for one another. The text also addresses political engagement, urging service over power.
Mark 10:46-52 (23rd Sunday after Pentecost & Reformation Sunday) – October 27, 2024
The commentary emphasizes the importance of discipleship through the story of Bartimaeus from the Gospel of Mark. Unlike others who seek power or possessions, Bartimaeus chooses to follow Jesus after receiving healing. Discipleship is presented as a conscious choice rooted in grace, community, and love, echoing Martin Luther's teachings on freedom and faith.
Mark 10:35-45 (22nd Sunday after Pentecost) – October 20th, 2024
The passage discusses Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, emphasizing the disciples' misunderstanding of his mission. As Jesus predicts his suffering, James and John's request for positions of power illustrates their confusion about true discipleship. The message urges a reorientation towards humility and service, redefining glory as sacrifice rather than authority.
Mark 10:17-31 (21st Sunday After Pentecost) – October 13, 2024
The Gospel text emphasizes the importance of living in community, as illustrated by Jesus' interaction with a wealthy man seeking eternal life. Jesus challenges him to give up his possessions and serve others. Living according to God's commandments requires active care for neighbors, demonstrating that true abundance comes from relationships, not material wealth.
Mark 10:2-16 (20th Sunday after Pentecost) – October 6, 2024
The text explores the historical and narrative context of divorce teachings in the Bible, particularly in the synoptic gospels. It emphasizes that Jesus' stricter interpretation aimed to protect women, while addressing the complexities of marriage promises. The discussion reflects shifting church perspectives over time, highlighting the significance of covenants in relationships.
Mark 9:38-50 (19th Sunday after Pentecost) – September 29, 2024
The passage discusses the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' teachings on humility and service. It highlights their reaction to others performing miracles in Jesus’ name, reflecting a tendency to gatekeep. Jesus counters this, emphasizing that ministry should focus on cooperation and love rather than competition, urging partnerships with all who seek to do good.
Mark 9:30-37 (18th Sunday of Pentecost) – September 22nd, 2024
Introduction and Context We are skipping over a pretty big moment since last week’s text. The Transfiguration. Now Mark’s Transfiguration is interesting. Because ultimately it seems to mean very little in the narrative push forward. Peter, James, and John go up the mountain with Jesus. Jesus is transfigured. Moses and Elijah meet with him. A... Continue Reading →
Mark 8:27-38 (17th Sunday after Pentecost) – September 15, 2024
Introduction We have already received a portion of this text once this year (back in the second week of Lent) which was very out of context and only included verses 30-37. Now, we have a lot more of the context after having trekked through some of Mark this summer. That being said, we have still... Continue Reading →
Mark 7:24-37 (16th Sunday after Pentecost) – September 8, 2024
This section of the Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus' encounter with a Syrophoenician woman, challenging traditional beliefs of exclusivity. Despite Jesus' initial reluctance, the woman's persistence leads to a transformative moment, expanding Jesus' ministry to all. This narrative prompts reflection on inclusivity and the willingness to engage with discomforting texts for greater understanding and empathy.
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (15th Sunday after Pentecost) – September 1, 2024
The Gospel of Mark presents a debate on ritual practices, focusing on the Pharisees questioning Jesus and his disciples for not adhering to traditional hand-washing rituals before eating. Jesus redirects the focus to the intention behind ritual practices and emphasizes the connection to God and neighbor. The missing verses intensify the tension and set the stage for the narrative to come.
Micah Krey 