The Compassion of Christ | Mark 8:1-13

Christ is again followed by a large hungry crowd, this time consisting of primarily gentiles. After showing compassion on the gentile Syrophoenician woman (7:24–30) and the healing of the gentile man (vv. 31–37), not Jesus shows that He is the compassionate shepherd who feeds (spiritually and physically) those who would come to Him from any nation (8:1–9). This faithful reception is not mirrored by the religious leaders in Israel who instead of receiving His teaching ask for signs to prove His identity (vv. 10–13). Jesus refuses to allow them to “put the Lord to the test” and refuses with emotive compassion. The question left to the reader is: Will I scrutinize and put the Lord to the test, or will I receive His word with humility?

Christ Ministers the Gospel to the Outsider | Mark 7:31-37

The inherent problem of every human being ever born into this world is their separation from God, which brings loneliness because of our sin which came through the fall of man, as written in Genesis 3. The solution to this problem is faith in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ who is Savior and Redeemer, which brings a global new beginning for all of creation.

To the Jew First and Also to the Greek | Mark 7:24-30

Jesus is Lord over the laws of nature. The feeding of the five thousand sets the scene for Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee as He ministered to His disciples in a raging storm.

The Problem of Man is Deep Within Himself | Mark 7:1-23

Pastor Trevor Ice from Edgewood Bible Church continues our series in the Gospel of Mark. In this passage, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, crowds, and disciples as he speaks about how they are to live in accordance with God's Word. These verses also reveal that we must look inward to recognize where our sin stems from, which can influence us examine the actions we take and determine if they are seeking to honor Christ or satisfy our selfish desires.

Jesus' Ministry in Galilee | Mark 6:45-56

Jesus is Lord over the laws of nature. The feeding of the five thousand sets the scene for Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee as He ministered to His disciples in a raging storm.

The Compassionate Shepherd Feeds His Flock | Mark 6:33-44

After the Apostles debrief Jesus on the mission He sent them on (vv. 30–32) and after the death of John the Baptist (vv.14–29), Jesus plans for His disciples to have some rest in a “desolate place by themselves” (v. 32). When this restful retreat is interrupted by a massive crowd, Jesus gives up His own rest to compassionately serve the ones who came to find Him. The people are sheep without a shepherd, but He the Good Shepherd will care for them.

When Discipleship Comes with A Cost | Mark 6:14-29

When Jesus and His traveling followers had been working overtime proclaiming the gospel and attesting to the gospel’s validity with signs, one of Jesus’ most faithful servants in another place was paying the ultimate price for his allegiance to the One True God. The forerunner for the Messiah, John the Baptist was met with resentment and martyrdom for holding others accountable to biblical principles. He was faithful in his task. Though he met an early death on earth, he will have a great reward in heaven.

Sent with a Message to Repent | Mark 6:7-13, 30-32

This section of Mark showcases the calling and obedience of the twelve Disciples after Jesus sends them out to preach the Gospel. These verses can serve as a reminder to the reader that the Christian is to be obedient to the calling of spreading and sharing the Gospel so that they may know the message of Christ.

Jesus Came to His Own and His Own Did Not Receive Him | Mark 6:1-6

Note: This week’s audio was cut short. The YouTube video includes the complete audio.

From the early days of Jesus’ ministry, He was disdained by the Jewish authorities (Mk 2:7, 16, 24, 3:2, etc.), and He was even discounted by His very own family members who tried to persuade Him to end His ministry (3:31–25). While He grew in popularity in the regions He visited, there always remained a sad reality that those who should have been closest to Him did not receive His teaching in faith. Mark 6:1–6 recounts how Jesus dealt in the face of opposition from the very region who should have embraced Him as their own. How will you receive Jesus?

Jesus: Compassionate Healing in Crisis | Mark 5:21-43

This rich passage of Scripture showcases the importance of displaying true faith and trust in the Lord Jesus. This section of Mark discusses three pivotal stories of certain individuals that allows the reader to reflect on the actions of the individuals and the compassion of Jesus in His interactions with them.

Hope for the Hopeless | Mark 5:1-20

After Jesus exercised His authority over the tumult of the wind and the waves of the sea (Mk 4:34–41), He then further shows His authority over the tumult of a man’s life riddled with demonic oppression. The case of Christ’s identity and authority is proven as “The Son of the Most High God” as He saves a man and commissions him against all odds to a life of gospel ministry.

With Jesus Through the Storm | Mark 4:35-41

This passage in Mark shows the disciples being stricken by fear over an impending storm, only to present Jesus as the calm, sovereign figure over their situation. This sermon analyzes how we handle the storms in our life, presenting how we should approach them knowing that the Lord will guide us through anything we face.

Be Careful How You Hear | Mark 4:21-34

In Mark chapter 4, Jesus’ teaching ministry transitioned to open proclamation of the gospel (Mark 1:15) to teaching in parables (4:33–34). In vv. 21–34, we see Jesus’ method and manner of teaching about the Kingdom of God to the general masses and we see His intentional explanations to those who came to Him with soft teachable hearts.

The Beginning of Wisdom is: Acquire Wisdom | Mark 4:1-20

Jesus begins to teach in enigmatic parables to the crowds. The Parable in Mark 4:1–20 describes how so many crowds of people can hear the message of the gospel and receive such varied responses from the masses.

Behold, My Mother and My Brothers | Mark 3:20-35

Pastor David Robinson from Westhill Church continues our series on the Gospel of Mark. In this passage, we see three parties respond to Jesus' healing in the synagogue and selecting of the Disciples in various ways. This sermon analyzes these responses and how Jesus explains and guides them to understand the truth.

Inherent Authority of Christ | Mark 3:7-19

After showing the Pharisees the true meaning of sabbath resulting in their further hatred (2:23–3:6), Jesus withdraws to the Sea of Galilee where multitudes came to Him. The multitude pressed in on Him seeking healings so that Jesus appointed twelve delegates (apostles) to learn from Him, preach, and exercise His authority.

The Lord of the Sabbath | Mark 2:23-3:8

The Pharisees were depicted as men who, though attempting to follow the Law of the Old Testament, did not see Jesus as their Savior. This passage of Mark shows them attempt to discredit Jesus by attempting to control what others do on the Sabbath, in spite of the Lord of the Sabbath being in their midst.

Salvation is from the LORD (Isaiah 9:1-7)

Sometimes it is in our most difficult hour that we see God's greatest power. In darkness, a light shines even brighter. It was in difficult and dark times that God predicted that He would send His Son, the Messiah.

Christ is the New and Better Way (Mark 2:18-22)

The Gospel of Mark continues to display Jesus as the sole Savior of the world by recognizing that the old has passed away, and the new and better Way is shown through His teaching.

Lessons from the Great Physician of the Soul (Mark 2:13-17)

In this preeminent section of Mark, two eternal truths are explored for those who would have a Savior in Christ.