Opposition to Jesus is becoming stronger. Given his challenge to worship in the temple, a committee of leaders come to throw hostile questions at him, looking to trap him. But Jesus manages the situation brilliantly, pushing back against the group
Puny king
With the first mission of the 12, Jesus’ kingdom has become much more visible. Indeed, it draws the attention of a godless local ruler: ‘King’ Herod Antipas. Already, this immoral and weak man has tangled with God’s kingdom when he
And so it begins
Mark’s gospel is the announcement of the coming of God’s king: Jesus, a king whom none can ignore. He begins with a dramatic opening as God sends a prophesied herald to start the ball rolling. John comes to warn the
John the Baptist, RIP
Jesus’ kingdom has been expanding, with people from across the Mediterranean world entering into it. Yet suddenly we meet a group who seem anachronistic – part of a much earlier stage in the story of Jesus. So why are they
Ticking clock
We live with ticking clocks in our minds, aware of time passing and of key life-events arriving. In his work, Paul was very conscious of a huge event the Lord had planned and which time was counting down towards. In