Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree in Mark 11 symbolizes God’s judgment on the fruitless temple, which appeared righteous outwardly but failed to produce true spiritual fruit and welcome all nations. This event points to a shift from the physical temple to believers as God’s dwelling, emphasizing that genuine fruitfulness is found in sharing the gospel and making disciples.

Jesus’ triumphal entry in Mark 11:1–11 reveals Him as the promised Messiah‑King, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9 as He rides a never‑ridden colt into Jerusalem—a deliberate, prophetic sign the religious leaders should have recognized but tragically missed. The disciples secure the colt using Jesus’ prearranged “The Lord has need of it,” echoing Genesis 49:10–11 and its Messianic imagery.

Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46–52) reveals what true faith looks like: recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, crying out boldly for mercy, and refusing to be silenced by opposition. His act of throwing off his cloak demonstrates total surrender, showing that following Jesus requires letting go of everything we rely on for security. When Jesus declares, “your faith has made you well,” it highlights both physical healing and spiritual salvation, making this story a powerful example of persistent faith, identity in Christ, and wholehearted discipleship.

In Mark 10:35–45, James and John boldly ask Jesus for positions of honor at His right and left hand, revealing their cultural pursuit of status and their deep misunderstanding of the Kingdom of God. Jesus responds by teaching that true greatness in the Kingdom comes not through power, ambition, or self‑promotion, but through servant leadership, humility, and willingness to “drink the cup” of suffering with Him. While the disciples seek glory, Jesus points them to the cost of discipleship, reminding them that God alone appoints places of honor and that following Christ means embracing sacrifice rather than worldly success. Jesus then anchors His teaching in the ultimate act of service—giving His life as a ransom for many—showing that the path to true greatness is found in self‑denial, sacrificial love, and living for the coming Kingdom of God rather than earthly elevation.

In Mark 10:32–34, Jesus leads His disciples on the road to Jerusalem, walking ahead with purpose as the disciples stand amazed and the followers behind them grow afraid. Jesus reveals the prophecy of His coming suffering—His betrayal, condemnation, crucifixion, and resurrection—showing that the “Son of Man” will be mocked, flogged, and killed before rising on the third day. This passage highlights the contrast between the disciples’ excitement and the crowd’s fear, exposing how little the disciples understood about the cross. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem becomes a powerful picture of Christian discipleship: following Christ means embracing sacrifice, dying to self, and showing love even in suffering. For believers today—especially in the West where persecution is rare—this text challenges us to take up our cross daily, respond to others with humility instead of anger, love even when wounded, and walk the same road of costly obedience that Jesus walked.

Previously Jesus warned of the dangers of causing a child to stumble in sin. He then reminded us of the danger of sin and that physical harm is better than what awaits us in judgement if we stray from Him. Lastly He spoke about marriage and divorce and how important marriage is to the kingdom. Continuing on with the theme of children, Jesus blesses children and instructs the Disciples not to try to keep them from Him. He further states that if we want to enter the kingdom, we must receive the kingdom like a child. In other words, we are to see what we lack, not what we have to offer. We see a story of a rich man who comes to Jesus, yet Jesus informs him that he must give up everything in order to follow Him.

After the fight over who is the greatest and some lessons in humility, Jesus warns against several traps. He warns against causing a child to stumble in sin and even leave the Kingdom. He says that the most horrible death would be a mercy compared to the judgement against those who harm the least child. Jesus then warns of the danger of sin and reminds us that a harm of the physical body is more desirable than eternal suffering! Jesus then ends by warning His followers that they cannot divorce their spouse for just any reason. He instead places His emphasis on the importance of marriage.

After the greatness of Jesus is revealed with a transformation, and a man is healed, the Disciples find themselves in a place wondering who will be the greatest among them. Jesus does not approve of this but instead instructs them to see themselves as the lowest status, and to seek to serve. Not learning the lesson, the Disciples seek to hinder another man who is not “with them” who is casting out demons in Jesus name. Jesus refuses. Instead He explains that those who are fighting against His enemies are on His side.

Jesus hints at the coming resurrection by explaining that some of His disciples won’t die before they see the Kingdom of God coming with power. Jesus is then transfigured on Mount Hermon, the very place (according to the book of Enoch) of the rebellion of the elohim that rejected God! Coming down from that the Disciples were unable to cast out a demon out of a boy. Jesus casts the demon out and then explains that some of that kind can only be cast out through prayer. Jesus ends the moment by explaining that He had to die and resurrect. Even though He is the Son of Man, and will have an eternal kingdom, He must die first.

In the previous post we talked about the Pharisee challenge to Jesus where they demanded a sign from God to prove that He is the Messiah. Jesus rejected their request and warned the Disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod (the need for a sign, unbelief). Then He traveled to Bethsaida and healed a man who was blind. Now we see Jesus walking with the Disciples in the area of Caesarea Philippi where He asks them who they believe that He is. After they tell Him what others are saying Peter finally confesses that He is the Messiah, the Son of God. The location of this event is very important and we will discuss it later. Jesus then told the Disciples of His coming death and resurrection and made it clear that they must choose the cross to follow Him.

Some Pharisees come to Jesus with a challenge in mind.  They have come to shut him up!  They issue this challenge by demanding a sign from heaven.  Jesus responds with frustration and tells them that they won’t get a sign (for now).  After they exchange words Jesus sets out with the Disciples and He warns them to beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod.  We will discuss what this means.  Coming to Bethsaida Jesus performs a powerful miracle, healing the blind, but in a very interesting way.  

Today’s lesson is all about believing God even when things seem a little strange and not demanding things of God, like a sign.

After the Pharisaic challenge of eating with unwashed hands and Jesus traveling to the region of Tyre and Sidon He casts out a demon from a little Gentile girl. Jesus takes time for a journey, traveling from the region of Tyre to Sidon and then on to the Sea of Galilee, finally arrives in the region of the Decapolis. Perhaps He does this to let things cool down between the Pharisees and Himself, since He knows that “His time is not yet.” While in the Decapolis He heals a man who couldn’t hear or speak and then proceeds to feed four thousand people! Join us today as we dig into this amazing miracle!

After feeding five thousand men and walking on water, Jesus has drawn even more attention to Himself.  The Scribes and the Pharisees decide to confront Him and shame Him, perhaps to lesson His growing fame and notoriety.  They challenge Him on an issue they consider important, eating with unwashed hands.  Yet Jesus rejects their traditions and instead insists that it is not what you eat that defiles you, but the sin inside of you.  It is sin, not food that makes you unclean.  Jesus travels to the region of Tire and Sidon where a Gentile woman approaches Him and begs Him to cast a demon out of her daughter.  What follows is perhaps the most shocking statement that Jesus has made yet, He calls the woman a dog (we will see the reason for this).  Yet she responds with faith and humility.  Seeing this Jesus grants her request and casts the demon out of the girl. 

The Disciples have come back from their great “mission trip” and now Jesus encourages them to take rest. Yet they are recognized and about five thousand flock to them. Jesus has compassion and teaches them. Yet when there is a need for food the Disciples are unable to feed them. Instead, Jesus multiplies fish and loaves and feeds everyone until they are content. The Disciples go ahead in the boat and Jesus spends some time in prayer. He then catches up to them while they are struggling to cross by walking on the water. The disciples didn’t understand or have faith, which is compared against those who come to Him for healing who do believe.

After His rejection at Nazareth Jesus anoints the Disciples and sends them out. He gives them authority over demons and demonic powers. They must trust God for their provisions, not taking money, food, extra clothing, or provisions. They are only allowed to carry a staff (weapon). If they are rejected on this mission they must shake off the dust from their feet which we will see had significant meaning in their culture. And so the Apostles did go out, calling everyone to repent. The people responded with faith and many were healed and demons were cast out. Lastly we see the memory of the death of John the Baptist.

After healing the demonized man, Jesus returns to His side of the lake, probably Capernaum.  On His way to heal a sick girl, a woman who had been bleeding for many years touched Him and was healed.  He continues on to heal the girl but she dies before He can get there.  Encouraging the father to have faith He ends up raising her from the dead.  After these great works He goes to Nazareth where He is met with only rejection and insults. 

Jesus comes across the sea and lands on the shore. He is immediately met by a man who is possessed with many demons. Even though He is in a gentile area, and this man is a gentile, Jesus takes action and casts the demons out. The demons enter some pigs that are nearby with Jesus’ permission. The pigs run into the sea and drown. This causes great fear in the locals, and they beg Him to leave. This is in direct opposition to the man He healed. This man begs that He might follow Jesus. Yet Jesus sends him to his home to spread the word about what Jesus had done.

Continuing on with the parables, Jesus teaches two more parables; the parable of the growing seed and the parable of the small seed. After this Jesus fell asleep in a boat as it was crossing the sea and a great storm arose. Jesus is woken up and rebukes the storm and it obeys Him. Of course the disciples are shocked by this and He asks them why they didn’t have faith. They respond with a question of their own, “who is this”. This story highlights the divinity of Jesus but also helps us to understand the kingdom of God.

Surrounded by a huge crowd, Jesus did not seek to impress them with His knowledge. He did not seek to gain more fame by explaining the mysteries of the Kingdom. Instead, he spoke to those who were walking in rebellion in a way that veiled the truth. Yet, He calls these same people to repent and believe in Him. After this they may come to Him and learn. This is the meaning behind parables and we will discuss this today.

Haven done great and mighty miracles, having cast out many demons, Jesus must now face His most painful attacks, those from His own family! Jesus is accused of being crazy by His own family! During this time some Scribes also come to Him and accuse Him of using the power of the Devil to perform these works.