Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today we continue the passage known as the”Olivet discourse” in Mark 13:24-37. Jesus is answering questions from his disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. When looked at through historical context, Old Testament background, and flow of the passage, we see that Jesus is telling of the fall of Jerusalem as evidence that he has returned to God the father, and marks the transition into the church age. He warns that there will be no sign for His second coming. The application of this passage reminds us that we are part of God's unfolding story; and motivates us to spread the gospel, persevere, and place our trust in the returning King.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today, we reach what is probably the most debated passage of the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 13:1-23, we will see that Jesus is discussing the future (from their vantage point) destruction of Jerusalem (13:5-31) and next week we will hear about his second coming (13:32-37). He is bracing his disciples for a major reorientation in the course of redemptive history that will be brought about through the destruction of Jerusalem and the very centerpiece of Jewish identity, the temple. But this is not merely about historical events, there’s also a lot here for us too.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Jesus and his disciples have joined the hundreds of thousands that have flocked to Jerusalem to celebrate the annual passover. Last week, we saw every major Jewish sect sent a delegation to trap Jesus with their questions. It did’t work. In fact, Jesus responded so clearly and definitively that “no one dared to ask him any more questions.” Today, in Mark 12:35-44, Jesus goes on the offense, no longer answering questions but asking them. Now, at first glance, the three scenes we are going to look at today seem completely unrelated but at a deeper level there is a powerful connection.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This week, in Mark 12:13-34, Jesus continues to face opposition from Jewish religious ruling authorities. In this section, Jesus is approached three times, each by a distinct group, with a question intended to trap him. These groups include the Pharisees and Herodians (v13-17),the Sadducees (v18-27), and a scribe (v28-34). This section shows us that we can have Jesus standing right in front of us and yet we still miss him. Do you see him?

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today, in Mark 11:27-12:12, we discuss the authority of Jesus. The authority Jesus exercised in his actions and during his teaching simultaneously astonished many, while infuriating others. Where did he get the authority to say the things he said and to do the things he did? This is an incredibly relevant issue as all of life, whether we realize it or not, rests on authority. We all have someone or something we trust in as the final determiner of what is true and good. Who or what has ultimate authority in your life?

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

In Mark 11:22-25 Jesus contrasts His prior rebuke against the temple and the faithlessness it had come to represent with a simple yet profound lesson on faith in God and mountain moving prayer. Jesus commands only to,”have faith in God”, but within that command we are required to ask what we believe of God, faith, and the condition of our hearts. Jesus then encourages that out of confident trust comes heartfelt prayer, and tells us to pray big prayers with the comfort that He will answer. Through this story we are again reminded that God does not want merely right actions, He wants our hearts; not religious ritual but real relationship.