The Bible Project Daily Podcast

Send us a textHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project of Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome and Episode Notes: "Overcoming Temptation (Mark 14: 27-52)"IntroductionWelcome to another episode in our ongoing series on the Gospel of Mark. In today's episode, we explore a profound passage from Mark 14:27-52, titled "Overcoming Temptation."The Garden of TemptationHave you ever considered your life as a garden, teeming with both beauty and danger? Just as a garden can be a place of serenity and danger (just ask any emergency room doctor), so too, can our lives be a battleground between our desires and our better judgment.In the Bible, gardens have often been depicted as places of both beauty and temptation. In the very beginning, God created a perfect garden and placed Adam and Eve in it. However, He gave them one rule: do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. You probably know how that story ends - temptation got the better of them, and the consequences were dire.The Gardens of Our LivesLikewise, in our own lives, we each have a "tree of temptation" at the center of our personal gardens. It could be anger, resentment, gossip, a craving for wealth or power, or many other things. In today's episode, we'll explore the nature of temptation and how we can overcome it.The Arrogance of PeterOur passage begins with Jesus making a prediction to His disciples: "You will all fall away." However, Peter, in his characteristic zeal, boldly declares that he will never fall away, even if the others do. He essentially claims to be the exception to the rule. This is a classic example of what we might call "leaf blower Christianity," where individuals readily apply teachings to others but exempt themselves.The Garden of Gethsemane: A Scene of DistressMoving forward, the scene shifts to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus asks His disciples to keep watch and pray while He prays to God. Here, we witness the depth of Jesus' emotional distress. He says, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." This reveals the gravity of the impending events.The Cup of JudgmentWhat is it that troubles Jesus so profoundly? He mentions a cup, a symbol of God's judgment on sin. Jesus fully comprehends that He is about to bear the weight of all humanity's sin, allowing God's judgment to fall upon Him. It's a staggering act of love and sacrifice, a choice to go to hell for us rather than to heaven without us.The Disciples: Asleep on DutyDuring this critical moment, Jesus implores His disciples to watch and pray to avoid falling into temptation. However, they repeatedly fall asleep. It's a stark reminder that the spirit may be willing, but the flesh is weak. How many of us are willing to make grand promises for the LoSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project of Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome and Episode Notes: "In Memorial" (Mark 14:12-25)The Significance of MemorialsIn our society, we are fond of creating memorials to commemorate people and events. These memorials can take various forms, from grand structures to simple plaques, all serving as focal points for our collective memory. Memorials remind us of our history, our values, and the peoplewho have left a lasting impact on our world.God's MemorialsBut have you ever wondered what kind of memorial God would establish? In today's episode, we discover that God has indeed set up memorials in the form of sacred events that carry profound significance for our faith. We'll explore two of these memorials, the Passover and the Lord's Supper, both mentioned in the passage we're examining.Preparing for the PassoverThe passage begins with preparations for the Passover, a memorial rooted in the Old Testament. The disciples, not being familiar with Jerusalem, seek Jesus' guidance on where to celebrate the Passover meal. Interestingly, they are instructed to follow a man carrying a jar of water, which was an uncommon sight since this task was typically performed by women. This small detail highlights the significance of the encounter.The Passover: A Story of LiberationThe Passover memorial originated in the Old Testament as a way for God's people to remember their liberation from slavery in Egypt. The meal included unleavened bread, a symbol of haste, bitter herbs to recall the bitterness of their bondage, and the lamb's blood, which marked their homes and protected them from the angel of death.Jesus and Judas: A Moment of BetrayalDuring the Passover meal, Jesus drops a bombshell: one of His disciples will betray Him. This revelation leaves the disciples in shock, each questioning if they could be the one. Judas, the betrayer, is identified as the one who will dip his bread into the bowl with Jesus.The Lord's Supper: A New CovenantAmid this somber moment, Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper. He takes bread, gives thanks, and breaks it, saying, "This is my body." Then, He takes a cup, gives thanks again, and shares it with His disciples, proclaiming, "This is my blood of the new covenant."The New Covenant: A Promise of RedemptionThis establishment of the new covenant signifies a profound shift. The old covenant, symbolized by the Passover, is fulfilled in Jesus. His death and resurrection pave the way for a new covenant, where we are redeemed through His sacrifice. The Lord's Supper becomes our memorial, reminding us of the price Jesus paid for our salvation.The Future Kingdom and CommunionAs the passage concludes, Jesus looks to the future, expreSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project of Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome and Episode Notes: "What a Waste" (Mark 14:1-11) S6/E34Welcome to another episode of our podcast series on the Gospel of Mark.Understanding WastefulnessWhat do you consider wasteful in your life? Often, we think of wasting money or time, but today, we want to challenge your perspective on wastefulness. Sometimes, we squander things far more precious than money or time, things of immense value. Today, we discuss the right and wrong views of wastefulness through the lens of an intriguing biblical narrative.The Plot to Arrest JesusOur story begins with the backdrop of the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The religious leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law are scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill Him. However, they fear a public uprising if they act during the festival. This passage reveals their malevolent intentions and the gravity of the situation.The Sacrifice of MaryIn this narrative, we encounter an act of profound devotion. A woman, identified as Mary in other Gospel accounts, anoints Jesus with a costly alabaster jar of pure nard. This act is significant because it defies convention. Normally, hosts would use a small drop of such expensive perfume, but Mary breaks the jar and pours the entire contents on Jesus, an extravagant and sacrificial gesture.Criticism and SacrificeWhat follows is crucial. Mary's selfless act is met with harsh criticism, primarily from Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples. He questions the value of this "waste" and suggests the perfume could have been sold to benefit the poor. However, John's Gospel provides insight into Judas' motives, as he was a thief entrusted with the disciples' money.Jesus' PerspectiveJesus, on the other hand, defends Mary's actions, stating that the poor will always be present, but He will not. He commends her for her beautiful and sacrificial act, recognizing that she has anointed Him for burial.Honoring SacrificeMary's sacrifice is a powerful reminder that acts of devotion for the Lord may be met with criticism from others, even within the church. However, her story also illustrates that the Lord sees and honors such sacrifices. Jesus proclaimed that wherever the gospel is preached, Mary's act will be remembered.The Ultimate SacrificeIn a twist of irony, it was Judas who labeled Mary's act as wasteful, yet he would soon waste his own life. Judas would betray Jesus for a mere thirty pieces of silver, an unimaginable loss in exchange for a paltry gain.A Call to SacrificeIn light of these events, we are called to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for us. God sacrificed His only Son forSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | Patreonhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome to "Why Prophecy? (Mark 13:1-37)" - Episode 33 of our Gospel of Mark SeriesIntroduction In today's episode, we will delve into the intriguing world of prophecy. The Bible is teeming with prophetic messages, and it's not limited to books like Revelation or Daniel; it permeates every inch of this sacred text. So, why does God communicate with us through prophecy? What does He want us to understand about this mysterious realm? Well, we are about to explore the heart of prophecy in a profound way.The Olivet Discourse: A Guiding LightTo shed light on this intricate subject, we turn to a pivotal passage of scripture, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. In this message, Jesus delivered a profound sermon on the Mount of Olives during the last week of His life. Matthew expounds upon it in great detail in chapters 24 and 25, while Mark captures the essentials in his concise 13th chapter. Many scholars consider this discourse to be the most crucial for grasping the essence of prophecy and providing a framework to approach other prophetic passages in the Bible.The Disciples' Questions.A Period of TribulationWarnings and Guidance1.Don't Be Deceived: He warns against false prophets and false messiahs who will try to mislead, even performing signs and wonders. Stay vigilant2. Endure Persecution: He anticipates severe persecution, even from family and within the church, and encourages endurance and faith.3. Discern the Abomination: He references "the abomination that causes desolation," a signal that significant events are unfolding, reminding us of Daniel's prophecies.4. Escape the Tribulation: For those living in the tribulation, Jesus advises a quick exit and warns of unparalleled suffering.Are You Ready?In closing, Jesus urges readiness. Just as we wouldn't know the exact moment summer arrives but can see the signs in nature, we should be alert to the signs of His coming. While the day and hour remain unknown, we can know the times and seasons. So, the question is: Are you ready? Are you ready for His return? Are you ready if He calls you home tomorrow?ConclusionAs we conclude this episode, remember to stay watchful, discerning, and ready for the glorious return of our Lord, for no matter the hour, He may come today. Until next time, "Even so, come Lord Jesus."Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textEpisode Notes:  "The Cross Examination Continues" Welcome, dear listeners, to another episode of where we see the cross examination of Jesus continuing. I'm your host, Jeremy McCandless and we're diving deep into the heart of the Gospel of Mark, chapter 12, verses 13 to 44. This is where the drama unfolds, as Jesus faces relentless cross-examination during the final week of His earthly life.Challenging Jesus in the CruciblePicture this: when political leaders or world leaders hold press conferences, journalists flock to challenge and question everything said. Well, during His last week on Earth, Jesus faced a constant barrage of questions and challenges, not from reporters, but from the religious and political elite of His time. Their agenda? To trip Him up and justify His execution. In this episode, we'll not only explore how Jesus masterfully handled these challenges but also the profound spiritual lessons He imparted.Three Waves of ChallengeIn this chapter, we see three waves of challengers approaching Jesus:The Pharisees and Herodians (Mark 12:13-17): The Pharisees, legalistic religious figures, joined hands with the Herodians, supporters of Roman rule, in a bid to trap Jesus. They posed a tax-related question, a clever trap. If He said not to pay, He'd anger the Romans, and if He said yes, He'd lose popularity. But Jesus astutely responded, highlighting the distinction between 'paying' and 'rendering,' emphasizing that we must fulfill our civic responsibilities while also fulfilling our responsibilities to God.The Sadducees (Mark 12:18-27): Despite their disbelief in the resurrection, the Sadducees tried to trap Jesus with a complex scenario involving marriage in the afterlife. Jesus, in turn, corrected their limited understanding of the resurrection and showcased their ignorance of the Scriptures.The Teachers of the Law (Mark 12:28-34): A teacher of the law, recognizing Jesus' wisdom, asked about the most important commandment. Jesus brilliantly summarized it: Love the Lord with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself. He stressed that these two commandments are inseparable and transcend ritualistic sacrifices.Recognizing True LeadershipAs the episode unfolds, Jesus admonishes His disciples and the crowd to be wary of leaders seeking pre-eminence. True leadership isn't about titles or honours; it's about sacrificial service and humility. He calls us to be like the poor widow who gave all she had, emphasizing that it's not the quantity but the sincerity of our offerings that matters.ConclusionIn this episode, we've exploring how Jesus handled intense cross-examination and delivered profound spiritual lessons. Remember, we are made in the image of God; our allegiance belongs to Him, and it's expressed through faith in Jesus Christ. Our love for God and our neighbours should be the guiding principles of our lives.As we reflect on these teachings, let us strive to be like the humble widow, giving our all and living out our faith through love and service. Thank you for joining us on "The Cross ExSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textEpisode 31: Right Question, Wrong Answer (Mark 11:27-12:12)Welcome back, friends,  I'm your host, Jeremy McCandless and I'm thrilled to continue on this biblical journey through the Gospel of Mark with you. In today's episode, we're diving into Mark 11:27-12:12, where we'll explore the art of asking questions and the consequences of our choices. So, grab your Bible, find a comfortable spot, and let's dive into the Word together.Episode NotesAsking the Right QuestionsThe Setting (Mark 11:27)Our episode begins with Jesus back in Jerusalem, specifically in the temple courts. This comes after He had dramatically cleared out the temple the previous day, a significant event that set the stage for the confrontation with the religious leaders.The Question of Authority (Mark 11:28)The religious leaders, including the Chief Priests, the Scribes, and the Elders, confront Jesus with a question about His authority. They seek to trap Him with this question, as they have already decided to oppose Him. Jesus, in a masterful response, answers their question with a question about John the Baptist's authority. He challenges them to consider what they believe about John and, by extension, Himself.Their Internal Debate (Mark 11:31-32)The religious leaders find themselves in a dilemma. If they acknowledge John's authority, they will be questioned about why they didn't believe him. If they deny it, they risk alienating the people who hold John in high regard. In the end, they respond with, "We don't know," avoiding the trap they set for Jesus.Jesus' Silence (Mark 11:34)In response to their evasion, Jesus refuses to disclose the source of His authority because He knows their hearts are hardened against Him.The Parable of the Vineyard (Mark 12:1-9)Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who entrusted his vineyard to tenants. He sent servants to collect the fruit, but the tenants mistreated and killed them.The Owner's SonFinally, the owner sends his beloved son, hoping the tenants will respect him. However, they plot to kill the son, thinking they can inherit the vineyard.The Owner's JudgmentIn response to this wickedness, the owner will come and punish the tenants, giving the vineyard to others.Jesus as the Cornerstone (Mark 12:10-11)Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23, referring to Himself as the stone the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone. He is both the stumbling stone and the cornerstone upon which our lives are built.Applying the LessonsClosing ThoughtsAs we conclude this episode, remember that our questions and choices matter. Like the religious leaders, we can ask the right questions but make the wrong decisions. Let us not be like the ungrateful tenants in the vineyard but rather build our lives upon the cornerstone, Jesus Christ.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | Patreonhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comPodcast Episode Notes: "The True Power of Prayer (Mark 11:12-26)"Introduction:Welcome to another episode of our series on the Gospel of Mark. In today's episode, titled "The True Power of Prayer," we will explore a passage often overlooked, nestled within the Easter story narrative. This passage emphasizes the importance of praying not just regularly but appropriately. Context:Our story begins the day after Palm Sunday, as Jesus and his disciples leave Bethany. Jesus, hungry, approaches a fig tree in the distance, hoping to find fruit, even though it's not the season. Finding only leaves, Jesus curses the tree, which initially seems puzzling.The Cleansing of the Temple:Next, Jesus enters the temple area in Jerusalem, known as the "court of the gentiles," meant for prayer and meditation. However, it had become a place of commerce and exploitation. Jesus overturns the tables of moneychangers, declaring, "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." The religious authorities react predictably.Back to the Fig Tree:The narrative takes a surprising turn as Jesus heads back to the fig tree the next morning. Astonishingly, they find it withered from the roots. Peter, perplexed, mentions this to Jesus. This moment sets the stage for a profound teaching on prayer.The Power of Believing Prayer:Jesus responds by emphasizing the crucial phrase, "When you pray." He underscores the significance of prayer and the way it's done. Prayer is not just about the act itself; it's about believing. It's about trusting God's ability to answer our prayers. This belief is based on knowing God's character, His will, and His Word.Faith in God's Word:Faith in prayer is not blind; it's grounded in God's promises. Jesus explains that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. So, our prayers should align with God's Word and His revealed will. Praying without this knowledge is merely faith in faith, not faith in God.The Requirement of Forgiveness:Jesus concludes with a crucial warning. He says that when we stand praying, we must forgive others. If we hold grudges, our heavenly Father won't forgive us. This seems contradictory to eternal forgiveness, but it addresses the need for ongoing fellowship with God.Summary:In the midst of the temple cleansing, this passage highlights the importance of prayer. There's a proper use of prayer, including praying always, praying according to God's Word, praying with faith, and praying with a forgiving spirit. Improper use of prayer includes not praying at all, praying without faith, and praying with an unforgiving spirit.Believing Prayer's Power:Believing prayer has extraordinary power. It can help us remove personal mountains, like unforgiveness and controlling our tongues. We can also pray for thSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | Patreonhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comEpisode 29: The Peace of God (Mark 11:1-11)Welcome to another episode of "The Gospel of Mark" podcast, today we'll be delving into a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, from the unique perspective of Mark's Gospel.The Triumphal EntryOne of the most iconic images of Jesus is that of Him riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, surrounded by a cheering crowd. This event has come to be known as the Triumphal Entry or Palm Sunday, but today, we want to focus on the deeper significance of Jesus choosing to enter Jerusalem in this way.Mark's Unique PerspectiveWhile it's common to associate Jesus riding a donkey with humility and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, Mark's Gospel takes a somewhat different approach. Unlike other Gospel accounts, Mark doesn't emphasize the Messianic aspects or reference Old Testament scriptures in this context. The Symbolism of the DonkeyIn the ancient world, when a king entered a city riding a horse, it signalled war and conquest. However, if the king entered on a donkey, it symbolized peace. Jesus, in His first coming, rides a donkey, signifying His mission of bringing peace.The Reaction of the CrowdAs Jesus enters Jerusalem, people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road before Him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" They anticipate a political savior who will free them from Roman rule. However, their perception of salvation differs from the spiritual peace that Jesus offers.Peace with GodWe explore two aspects of peace in the New Testament: peace with God and the peace of God. Through faith in Jesus, we gain peace with God, reconciling us to Him.The Peace of GodThe peace of God goes beyond understanding and guards our hearts and minds. It is acquired by prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, aligning our desires with God's will.Letting Peace RuleWe should let the peace of God rule in our hearts and relationships with others. God values peace so much that He allows for certain exceptions, like divorce in cases of unfaithfulness, to protect our peace.A Transformative MessageIn conclusion, God wants us to experience both peace with Him and the peace of God. Peace isn't the absence of conflict but a state of mind rooted in trust and love for God. Even in the midst of turmoil, we can have peace.Join Us Next TimeThank you for tuning in to this episode of "The Gospel of Mark" podcast. We encourage you to reflect on the peace of God in your life and how it can transform your perspective. Join us in our next episode as we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and lSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | Patreonhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comEpisode 28. "Can You See More Clearly than a Blind Man"Welcome, dear friends, to another episode of our podcast series, Exploring the Gospel of Mark. I'm thrilled to guide you through the profound teachings and stories present in the Gospel of Mark.In today's episode, titled "Can You See More Clearly than a Blind Man," we delve into the fascinating narrative found in Mark 10:46-52. Join me as we unpack the layers of wisdom hidden within this story, a story that reveals how even in blindness, one can gain a vision more profound than sight itself.Introduction:In this episode, we embark on a journey through Mark 10:46-52, exploring the profound insights hidden within this story of a blind man who not only gained physical sight but also achieved spiritual clarity beyond what the sighted crowd could perceive.Seeing Beyond the Physical:The story opens with Jesus and His disciples passing through Jericho, on their way to Jerusalem for Passover. Amidst the bustling crowd of pilgrims, a blind man named Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus, addressing Him as the "Son of David." This spiritual insight is striking; despite his physical blindness, Bartimaeus sees Jesus for who He truly is - the Messiah. This insight contrasts with the spiritual blindness that often clouds the perception of those with physical sight.Spiritual Blindness and True Insight:While most people couldn't recognize Jesus' divine identity, even when gazing directly at Him, Bartimaeus' spiritual sight allowed him to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. This concept mirrors the spiritual blindness many experience today, seeing Jesus only as a moral teacher rather than the Son of God. The story calls us to ponder our own spiritual insight and understanding. Bartimaeus' plea for mercy reveals his deep faith in Jesus' power to heal. This faith, coupled with his spiritual insight, leads to his miraculous healing. His willingness to shout even louder when the crowd rebukes him shows his determination and unwavering faith in Jesus.What Do You Want Me to Do for You?:Jesus' question to Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" seems almost unnecessary, given Jesus' divine awareness. Yet, it emphasizes the importance of asking, of seeking, and of acknowledging our needs to God. Bartimaeus' response, "I want to see," is profound, echoing our own spiritual desire to truly see and understand God's plan. Upon receiving his sight, Bartimaeus does something unexpected. He follows Jesus on the road. This act of following isn't just physical but also spiritual. It reflects his deep gratitude and his understanding that his life should now align with the path the Lord has set.From My Way to the Lord's Way:Bartimaeus' response mirrors Paul's teachings in Romans 12:1 - offering ourselves as living sacrifices. The blind man's vision traSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | Patreonhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comTitle: "What’s in it for me? (Mark 10:28-45)"IntroductionSalvation is a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ.Becoming a disciple of Jesus involves learning and following His teachings.The Cost of DiscipleshipBeing a Christian disciple can sometimes come at a great cost.In history and some parts of the world, being a disciple has been seen as very costly.Previous sermon focused on the cost of discipleship."What am I going to get out of this?"Most people ask this question before committing to something.Peter asks Jesus about what they will receive for leaving everything to follow Him.Jesus' ResponseJesus assures Peter that those who leave homes, families, and careers for Him and the Gospel will receive a hundredfold in this present age.The blessings include homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, along with persecutions.In the age to come, they will receive eternal life.The Value of Giving to GodThe commentator interprets the idea of receiving a hundredfold as being "compensated for anything you might forego."Investing in the mission of God brings spiritual blessings that surpass any physical sacrifices.Forsaking friends and family for a season of service to God can result in gaining new spiritual family and close relationships.Eternal Wealth and Spiritual PovertyThose who invest everything in serving Jesus Christ will be internally wealthy in the life of the Spirit and the future coming kingdom.Choosing to live for oneself leads to spiritual poverty.Discipleship costs time, money, energy, status, and possibly persecution, but the rewards are spiritual and eternal.Jesus' Predictions of His DeathJesus tells the disciples that they are going up to Jerusalem, where He will be delivered over to the chief priests, teachers of the law, and eventually killed.He also predicts His resurrection after three days.James and John's RequestJames and John, with their mother's involvement, ask Jesus to grant them positions of honor in His kingdom.They desire to sit at His right and left hand.Jesus' Response to James and JohnJesus tells them that they don't understand what they are asking.He asks if they can drink the cup He drinks and be baptized with the baptism He undergoes.ConclusionJames and John's request shows our innate desire to prioritize ourselves and our families.Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship involves humility and service, not seeking positions of honor.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com