The Bible Project Daily Podcast

Send us a textHelp me to continue to make and share great Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonWelcome to the 7th episode of our podcast series on the Gospel of Mark, titled. "When the Crowd Gathered" (Mark 3:7-19).In this episode, we will delve into a fascinating aspect of Jesus' ministry—how the crowds gathered around him and the different motivations of the people who came to hear him. As we explore Mark chapter 3, we will gain insights into the various types of people who made up the congregation at that time, and we may even find reflections of ourselves in some of these individuals.Jesus' fame spread rapidly throughout Galilee, Judea, and beyond as he began his ministry. When he arrived at Peter's house, it was filled with people inside and out. Likewise, when he went down to the seashore, thousands followed him. Let's analyze the motivations of these crowds and discover why they came.The passage in Mark 3:7 tells us that a large multitude pressed in upon Jesus, and within that crowd, some were referred to as demon-possessed. Moreover, Jesus chose 12 individuals to follow him closely. By closely examining these different groups of people, we can gain a deeper understanding of their characteristics and why they came to see Jesus.When Jesus withdrew to the lake with his disciples, a large crowd from Galilee followed him. This withdrawal might have been to avoid direct confrontation with the Pharisees and Herodians who were plotting against him. Despite this, the crowd traveled from various regions, some from as far as 100 miles away, to see him. They came because they had heard about the miraculous things he had been doing.These verses reveal a crucial aspect of the motivations behind the crowd's presence. Many were seeking physical healing, as Jesus had healed numerous people, and those with diseases pushed forward to touch him. It appears that a significant section of the crowd were merely consumers of the religious and miraculous services Jesus offered. They sought immediate physical benefits without necessarily responding to his message or becoming his disciples.On the other hand, another group in the crowd demonstrated conviction about Jesus' identity. Even those who were spiritually oppressed by impure spirits recognized Jesus as the Son of God. However, they were strictly instructed not to reveal this knowledge.These various groups illustrate a crucial distinction between belief in Jesus' identity and true commitment as his followers. Many may acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, yet lack true conviction or become committed disciples. Jesus, however, chose a smaller group from the crowd—the twelve apostles—to be commissioned as his disciples. They were those who were first convinced, then committed to following him, and finally commissioned to preach, teach, heal the sick, and cast out demons.The choice of these diverse individuals may seem surprising to the modern mind, but Jesus saw potential in each of them. He looked beyond their flaws and saw what they could become thrSupport 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 Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonEpisode Notes - Episode 6: "Further Objections to Jesus" (Mark 2:13 – 3:6)Welcome to the sixth episode of our podcast series on the Gospel of Mark! In this episode, we critique the further objections raised against Jesus and explore how He responded to them. In the previous episode, we discussed the main accusation of blasphemy, brought upon Him when He claimed to forgive sins. Now, we'll explore four additional charges made against Him by the religious hierarchy of His time.Episode Overview:Charge 1: Eating with Sinners - Jesus calls Levi (also known as Matthew), a tax collector working for the Roman authorities, to follow Him. Levi, in turn, invites Jesus to dine at his home with other tax collectors and sinners (Gentiles). The religious leaders see this as a violation of their customs and accuse Jesus of mingling with the impure.Charge 2: Not Fasting - The Pharisees and John's disciples question why Jesus and His followers don't fast as they do. Jesus uses the analogy of a wedding celebration to explain the significance of His presence and the joyous nature of the time. He emphasizes that His ministry brings something new that replaces the old religious practices.Charge 3: Working on the Sabbath - Jesus' disciples pluck corn to eat on the Sabbath, which the Pharisees consider a violation of Sabbath laws. Jesus points out that the Sabbath was made to benefit humanity and not the other way around, and He declares Himself as the Lord of the Sabbath.Charge 4: Healing on the Sabbath - In the synagogue, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. The Pharisees react with anger, and, shockingly, they plot with their adversaries, the Herodians, to kill Jesus.Key Takeaways:Jesus' responses to these objections reveal His priority for people over religious regulations. His mission is to show love, forgiveness, and mercy to all, and He emphasizes that the Christian faith centers on loving God and loving one's neighbor. The Pharisees' focus on strict religious rules blinded them to the essence of God's message.As we explore this passage, we find that it remains relevant in many churches today. We must not let religious rules and regulations hinder us from ministering to others with love, kindness, and forgiveness. The Christian faith is about relationships, not rigid regulations.Thank you for joining us in this episode! We hope you found it thought-provoking and inspiring. In the next episode, we will continue our exploration of the Gospel of Mark, so stay tuned!Note: This podcast script is a summary of the content presented in Episode 6 of the series on the Gospel of Mark. Please refer to the full transcript page for the full details and content of the episode.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 textWelcome to Episode 5 - "The Main Accusation Against Jesus"In today's episode, we look at a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where a significant accusation is made against Him. Throughout His time on Earth, Jesus faced various challenges and criticisms, but there was one accusation that stood out above all others was his claim to forgive sins.People attack Jesus for various reasons, some trivial and others profound, but one specific accusation towers over all the rest. This accusation  of what of him being a 'sin forgiver', formed the beginning of the end for Jesus, leading to His crucifixion.This act raised immediate opposition from some teachers of the law present at the gathering. They questioned Jesus' authority to forgive sins, as only God was believed to possess such power.  He was claiming to be God, claiming to forgive sins—an assertion that could either be the greatest truth or the most heinous lie.Jesus, aware of their thoughts, challenged them by asking which was easier—to say, "Your sins are forgiven" or to command the paralyzed man to walk. To prove His authority, Jesus said, "Take up your bed and walk." The man immediately got up and walked, demonstrating that He could indeed forgive sins and perform the impossible.Today, this main accusation remains against Christianity and Jesus. Many challenge the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to forgiveness and reconciliation with God. But Jesus' actions and claims have stood the test of time, and they continue to be the core of the Christian faith.This episode invites us to consider our response to Jesus' claims. Will we accept Him as the Saviour and put our faith in Him, believing that He can forgive our sins and offer eternal life? Or will we reject Him and dismiss His message as mere  lie or worse still a  blasphemy?Moreover, this passage reminds us to be like the four friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus. If we truly believe in the power of Christ to forgive sins and transform lives, then we should do everything in our power to bring others to Him. Just as they raised the roof to reach Jesus, we should demonstrate creativity, determination, and unwavering faith in introducing people to the One who offers forgiveness and healing.Join us in the next episode as we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark, exploring more of Jesus' teachings, miracles, and the impact He had on those who encountered Him. Remember, Jesus offers forgiveness and healing to all who come to Him in faith. Let us be bearers of this good news and lead others to the Him.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 textWelcome to Episode 4 - "A Day in the Life of Jesus" (Mark 1: 35-45)Welcome back to our Season 6 series on the Gospel of Mark. Today, we dive into an intriguing passage that gives us a glimpse into a single day in the life of Jesus. Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to follow in the footsteps of Jesus? While we may not have had that opportunity, we can certainly learn from how Jesus lived and practiced His ministry.It's noteworthy that despite the exhaustion from the previous day's ministry, Jesus prioritized spending time alone with God in prayer. There's a lesson for us here – starting our day with prayer, seeking that solitary place to be with the Lord, can set the tone for a day that is centered on God's guidance.Soon after, the disciples seek out Jesus and inform Him that the crowd is looking for Jesus demonstrates the importance of preaching the message of the Kingdom of God above performing miracles. While both are vital, Jesus emphasizes the primacy of His divine message. The passage then reveals that Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in synagogues and driving out demons. His ministry was not limited to healing but extended to the proclamation of the good news.A compelling event follows as a man with leprosy approaches Jesus, seeking healing. This man's humility is evident in his words: "If you are willing, you can make me clean." (Mark 1:40) He expresses the deep need for healing, both physically and spiritually. Jesus' compassion is on full display as He not only heals the man but also reaches out and touches him. Leprosy in that time was a curse, isolating those afflicted both physically and socially. By touching this man, Jesus showed love and care, transforming the man's life completely. However, an unexpected twist follows as Jesus instructs the man not to tell anyone about his healing: Despite this instruction, the man disobeys and spreads the news widely, leading to an influx of people seeking Jesus.As we observe this day in the life of Jesus, we find lessons that resonate with us even today. Jesus prioritizes prayer, preaching, and compassion. We too can start our day with prayer, seeking that solitary place to commune with God. We should preach the good news of the Kingdom of God, and not be discouraged by opposition or criticism. Most importantly, let us practice compassion – reaching out to those in need, listening, and offering love in the name of Christ.Compassion can transform lives, just as it did for the man with leprosy, and even for those entangled in hatred and animosity. As followers of Christ, we are called to be like Him, sharing His love and compassion with everyone we encounter.Let us strive to be prayerful, preaching, and compassionate, just as Jesus was. Together, let's bring His love and hope to the world around us. Thank you for joining us today, and we look forward to exploring more of the Gospel of Mark in the upcoming episodes. God bless you!Buy my New Contemporary English Version of Martin Luther's Commentary on Galatians at;https://amzn.eu/d/4xSnsa5This podcast is hosted at:https://thebiblSupport 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 textWelcome to the 3rd episode of our podcast series on the Gospel of Mark: "What is Your Reaction to Jesus? (Mark 1: 21-34)"Introduction:Have you ever sat in a public place and just watched the world go by? Have you ever observed people and their reactions? As your Preacher, I have the privilege of watching your reactions while I preach, and it is fascinating. Some look at me with expectant eyes, eager to hear the message. Others appear indifferent or even hostile. Today, we will explore how people in Mark's Gospel reacted to the message and actions of Jesus. It may be a challenging concept in the 21st century, but let's delve into it together.Episode Notes:In this episode, we focus on Mark 1: 21-34, which can be divided into three sections:Jesus preaches a message in the synagogue.He casts out a demon from a man in the synagogue.He heals various people at Peter's house.The synagogue was a central place of worship for the Jewish community when they were unable to visit the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus, as a recognized Rabbi, began teaching there. Unlike the traditional teachers, Jesus spoke with authority, saying, "I say to you," rather than relying on the teachings of others. The people were astonished but did not necessarily believe in Him.Interestingly, a demon-possessed man was also present in the synagogue. The demon recognized Jesus as the "Holy One of God." Even demons acknowledged Jesus' true identity. Jesus rebuked the demon and drove it out, amazing the people further.After leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to Peter's house, where he healed Simon's mother-in-law and many others who were ill or demon-possessed. The crowd was attracted to Jesus because of the physical healing he offered, rather than being primarily interested in His teachings and spiritual message.Though many were amazed and astonished by Jesus' teachings and miracles, not all responded with faith and belief. Some sought Him for personal gain, but true discipleship demands obedience and a genuine relationship with Jesus. Let us not be mere spectators, but rather active followers of Christ, responding to His teachings with faith and living in the light of His revelation.Remember, the revelation of God always demands a response. May your response be one of belief, obedience, and a life devoted to following Jesus daily.Thank you for joining us for this episode. Stay tuned for more insights from the Gospel of Mark  tomorrow and always remember, Christianity is not an emergency service but a journey of love and worship every day of your life.Buy my New Contemporary English Version of Martin Luther's Commentary on Galatians at;https://amzn.eu/d/4xSnsa5This podcast is hosted at:https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHelp me to continue to make and share great Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonSupport 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 textBuy my New Contemporary English Version of Martin Luther's Commentary on Galatians at;https://amzn.eu/d/4xSnsa5Welcome to "The Bible Project Daily Podcast"Episode 2: The Gospel of Mark (Mark 1:14-20)In this second episode, we will dive into the Gospel of Mark, focusing on the initial message that Jesus proclaimed when He began His public ministry. Before performing miracles or sharing parables, Jesus delivered a powerful sermon – a message with profound significance. Jesus is undeniably a preacher, and one of His primary purposes was to preach the message He came to deliver.We'll examine Mark 1:14-15, where Jesus proclaims, "The time is at fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."Understanding the Kingdom of GodTo grasp Jesus' message, we must first understand the concept of the kingdom of God. Many misconceptions surround this crucial biblical idea. The kingdom of God is not some abstract, spiritual realm existing solely within the Church today, as some suggest. Instead, it is a future, literal kingdom that will replace all other earthly kingdoms.References to the coming kingdom are abundant in the Old Testament, setting the foundation for the fulfillment of this promise in Jesus. At the time of Jesus' appearance, the people of Israel anticipated the arrival of a Messiah who would establish a physical kingdom on Earth. Hence, the kingdom of God is yet to come, and it holds a significant place in the future.The Call to Repent and BelieveAs Jesus proclaimed, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand," He called people to repent and believe in the gospel. To repent means to change one's mind about how sin should be dealt with. It is not just feeling sorry for one's wrongdoings but recognizing that personal efforts are insufficient to bridge the gap between humanity and God. Repentance involves turning away from self-reliance and acknowledging the need for God's help to live a transformed life.Believing in Jesus is the central aspect of this message. He is the Son of God, who came to die on the cross and pay for our sins. Our trust in Him is essential for experiencing eternal life. It is not about trusting in our good deeds or religious practices to make us right with God; rather, it is about putting our faith in the work of Jesus Christ.Follow MeJesus extends His message beyond belief to action – to follow Him. After we trust in Him for salvation, He calls us to obedience and discipleship. Following Jesus requires putting Him above everything else in our lives. We should strive to obey His teachings and live in accordance with God's will. It may mean making difficult decisions, but ultimately, following Jesus leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment.As disciples, we are called to serve others, to love sacrificially, and to prioritize the eternal kingdom above temporary earthly concerns. We might stumble or fall along the way, but God's grace assures us that failure is not final. With perseverance, we continue to run the race, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author,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 textWelcome to the introductory episode of our podcast, Series Six Episode One on the Gospel of Mark: "Getting Ready to Serve" (Mark 1:1-13).IntroductionWelcome, friends, to our podcast series where we embark on a journey through the Gospel of Mark, exploring the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Throughout this series, we aim to understand and apply the message of the Gospel, learning how we, as followers of Christ, can become more like Him and live as servants in our daily lives.The Purpose of the Christian LifeBefore we delve into the Gospel of Mark, let's ponder on the main purpose of the Christian life. It is evident that our ultimate goal is to be conformed to the image of Christ – to behave and think like Him in every situation. To achieve this, we must study the life of Jesus, as recorded in the four books of the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel provides a unique perspective on Christ's life and ministry.Matthew portrays Jesus as the Messiah, the king of the Jews.Luke emphasizes Jesus as the Son of Man, fully identifying with humanity.John focuses on Jesus as the eternal Son of God.Through these Gospels, we gain different insights into the character of Christ and what it means to be like Him. As believers, we are called children of God, beneficiaries of His divine nature. While we cannot be perfect like Jesus, we can participate in the divine nature by trusting in Him.The Gospel of Mark: Jesus as a ServantIn the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is portrayed as a servant. In fact, Mark 10:45 clearly summarizes this perspective: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."To understand what it means to be like Jesus, we must take on the characteristics of a servant. As we study the life of Christ throughout this series, we will discover how Jesus exemplified servanthood, and in turn, learn how we can serve others.Episode Notes: Mark 1:1-13The Gospel of Mark begins with the introduction to the life and ministry of Jesus, highlighting three significant events:The Forerunner - John the BaptistThe opening verses in Mark serve as an introduction to the entire book, talking about John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus. John's role was to prepare the way for the Messiah, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus, though sinless, chose to be baptized by John to fully identify with humanity and to fulfill all righteousness. His baptism was not for the forgiveness of sin but as an act of obedience to God's plan.  Immediately after His baptism, Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, resisting Satan's temptations for forty days. Jesus emerged victorious, demonstrating His commitment to God's will.Lessons for UsAs we examine Jesus' preparation for service, we can draw important lessons for our own lives: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 textScripture Reference Genesis 16: 1-16.1  Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. 3 Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. 4 So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes.5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “My wrong be upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The Lord judge between you and me.” 6 So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence. 7 Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”9 The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.” 10 Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.” 11 And the Angel of the Lord said to her:“Behold, you are with child,And you shall bear a son.You shall call his name Ishmael,Because the Lord has heard your affliction.12 He shall be a wild man;His hand shall be against every man,And every man’s hand against him.And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.”13 Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; observe, it is between Kadesh and Bered. 15 So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.Buy my New Contemporary English Version of Martin Luther's Commentary on Galatians at;https://amzn.eu/d/4xSnsa5This podcast is hosted at:https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHelp me to continue to make and share great Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonSupport 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 textBuy my New Contemporary English Version of Martin Luther's Commentary on Galatians at;https://amzn.eu/d/4xSnsa5This podcast is hosted at:https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHelp me to continue to make and share great Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonSupport 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 textBuy my New Contemporary English Version of Martin Luther's Commentary on Galatians at;https://amzn.eu/d/4xSnsa5orhttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185996813489?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=ktoetw_-tog&sssrc=2566055&ssuid=ktoetw_-tog&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPYThis podcast is hosted at:https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHelp me to continue to make and share great Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonSupport 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