Why is Jesus’ death a big deal? What really happened and what does it mean? Mark gives us various clues to see behind the scenes and understand what’s really going on.
A travesty of justice. How could so many sign off on the execution of Jesus, an innocent man. What does the reaction of the people involved in his death teach us about human nature, God’s love and our own response?
They intended to catch him out. Questions that couldn’t be answered without getting yourself into trouble. Surely this would be the end of Jesus, or would it?
The leaders in Jerusalem were not happy with Jesus. He’d put their noses out of joint and they were ready to fight back. Here’s round one. But who would it go to?
He saw a fig tree in the distance. Getting there, he saw it had no fruit. Not a surprise really, it wasn’t the time for figs. But then he cursed the tree. What? Why? Is this the tantrum of a toddler not getting his way, or is it something else?
If you want to go to heaven, what do you need to do? Live the right life? Live a good life? Live a religious life? Jesus said we need to become like little children. What’s that about?
Are there any rules for marriage? If there are, who gets to decide them? Society? You? me? If you follow Jesus, does that make any difference to how you feel and what you think about marriage?
Sin. Does it really matter? Why does the Bible get so worked up about it? Is it really so wrong to bend God’s rules or break them once in a while? What does Jesus say?
Being a Christian bring all kinds of benefits. But is that the point? Is it all about what you can get? Is it about belonging to an exclusive club or having some special position?
Jesus’ death would have been an awkward topic of conversation. Imagine what would have gone through his disciples’ minds every time he raised it. Why did he keep talking about it? What can we learn from his persistence?