Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate … had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. (Mark 15:15, NIV)
Who is Jesus? Mark starts his gospel by describing Jesus as the Christ — God’s rescuing king. As we follow Jesus’ journey through Mark we see Jesus demonstrating his power and authority over nature, sickness, evil and death. This Sunday is usually called Palm Sunday, where we remember the crowds in Jerusalem welcoming Jesus as God’s king. We also Jesus betrayal, abandonment and arrest. The only crown Jesus wears is one made of thorns.
Who is Jesus?
I hope that you’ll be able to join us in-person or online this Sunday, as we look at Jesus Christ together. Is he really God’s king?
Wednesday Prayer @ 10am
This Wednesday, at 10am, we'll meet via Zoom for a short time to pray together. We'll take the first few Wednesdays as they come, and see what pattern works for us. I'd love for you to join us via Zoom, please email me for details of how to join.
We'll be no more than 20 minutes, which will give enough time to make a hot drink before joining the Virtual Coffee Shop.
Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: ‘Before the cock crows twice you will disown me three times.’ And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:72b, NIV)
The apostle Peter: bold, brave, rash and often seems to speak before he thinks. He has boldy proclaimed Jesus to be the Messiah. He has bravely promised to follow Jesus to his own death, even if everyone else falls away. Yet here here he is, having disowned Jesus three times. Has he gone too far this time? Can this ever be put right?
I hope that you’ll be able to join us in-person or online this Sunday, as we look at what happens next for Peter. It will show us that we are never too far from God, and that he can always put things right.
Wednesday Prayer @ 10am
This Wednesday, at 10am, we'll meet via Zoom for a short time to pray together. We'll take the first few Wednesdays as they come, and see what pattern works for us. I'd love for you to join us via Zoom, please email me for details of how to join.
We'll be no more than 20 minutes, which will give enough time to make a hot drink before joining the Virtual Coffee Shop.
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven. (Mark 14:61b-62, NIV)
As we get closer to the cross, Mark slows down the account of Jesus’ life. Because of that, we’re able to see some of the detail of those final few days. Jesus stands alone before the Sanhedrin, betrayed and abandoned, just as he said would happen. He answers the high priest honestly, but is condemned to death. This is what must happen — it is the fulfillment of the scriptures — and Jesus willingly dies for those who desert him.
I hope that you’ll be able to join us in-person or online this Sunday, as we look at the next part of Mark’s gospel together.