SATIRE: Pastor’s Husband Sick of Being Judged on Terrible Flower Displays
Local pastor’s husband R. N. Down could not be prouder of his wife and her ministry to their congregation. And while he is trying hard to be supportive, he’s sick and tired of all the judgy members that seem to think it is his (unpaid) job to do everything from potluck and song service coordination […] Source: https://atoday.org/satire-pastors-husband-sick-of-being-judged-on-terrible-flower-displays/
The Book of Mark – Lesson 13.The Risen Lord | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series THE BOOK OF MARK with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 13.The Risen Lord |
The Resurrection of Christ: Foundation of Christian Faith and Hope |
Lesson 13 deals with the decisive event in Christian history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospels report how women discovered the empty tomb and were the first to receive the message of the resurrection. Despite initial doubt and disbelief among the disciples, Jesus appeared several times after his resurrection. These encounters strengthened their faith and led them to boldly spread the Gospel to the entire world. The resurrection is the foundation of the Christian hope for new life and the central event that shapes the faith of the disciples and Christians to this day.
Memory Text: Mark 16:6 – “But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.’ ”
Content:
13.1 Rejoicing in the Resurrection
Hope and New Life in Christ
The resurrection of Jesus is the central point of the Christian faith and symbolizes the victory over death. In Mark 15:42–16:6, it becomes clear that Jesus was quickly buried after his death because the Sabbath began. However, on Sunday morning, the women discover the empty tomb and learn of the resurrection. This is significant as it confirms the fulfillment of Jesus’ promises and the beginning of new life for believers. Although the New Testament does not teach a specific sanctification of Sunday but views baptism as a symbol of the resurrection, the joy over Jesus’ victory over death is universal. This resurrection gives us hope for our own new life in Christ, as Peter describes in 1 Peter 1:3.
13.2 The Stone Was Rolled Away
Testimonies and Evidence of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is central both in the Gospel of Mark and in the First Letter to the Corinthians. Both texts emphasize the essential elements: Jesus died, was buried, rose again, and was seen by many witnesses. Particularly notable is that Mark 16:7 announces the disciples’ encounter with the resurrected Jesus in Galilee. These accounts underscore that the resurrection is not only a matter of faith but is supported by many witnesses. Even skeptical historians acknowledge the empty tomb, which makes the resurrection more credible. The transformed lives of the disciples and their bold testimony are strong indications of the truth of the resurrection.
13.3 The Women at the Tomb
From Silence to Proclamation
The women who arrived at Jesus’ tomb were deeply grieved and expected to anoint Jesus’ dead body. The possibility that Jesus had risen was not on their minds. However, when they learned the message of the resurrection, they first reacted with fear and amazement and remained silent about it. This reaction reflects the recurring theme in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus often commands the concealment of his true identity. However, this silence does not last long. At the end of the Gospel, the disciples spread the message of Jesus’ resurrection everywhere, symbolizing the overcoming of silence and the proclamation of the good news.
13.4 Appearing to Mary and Others
First Witnesses of the Resurrection: The Unexpected Role of Women
Mark 16:9–20 adds crucial details to the resurrection account that support the testimonies of the first witnesses and the later proclamation. It is emphasized that Mary Magdalene was the first to see the resurrected Jesus—a significant fact since women did not hold high status as witnesses in that society. If the story had been fabricated, men would likely have been named as the first witnesses. However, the disciples initially did not believe her, showing their human weakness and doubt. Jesus had to later rebuke them for their unbelief. Their subsequent bold proclamation of the risen Christ, however, stands as strong evidence for the truth of their experience.
13.5 Go into All the World
The Mission to Proclaim: Jesus’ Message to All Nations
In Mark 16:14–20, Jesus first rebukes his disciples for their unbelief and hardness of heart before giving them the command to carry the Gospel to the entire world. This command remains relevant today: Christians are called to proclaim the message of salvation to all people. Jesus promises that signs and wonders will accompany their work, not as spectacles but as protection and confirmation of their mission. His ascension into heaven and the assurance that he works with his disciples give us today the certainty that he is present in our proclamation and work.
13.6 Summary
The Resurrection of Jesus: Hope and Proclamation by the Disciples
The resurrection of Jesus is the central belief of Christianity and is thoroughly testified in the Gospels and other New Testament texts. Women, the first witnesses of the empty tomb, played an unexpected and significant role in proclaiming the resurrection. Despite initial unbelief and doubt among the disciples, Jesus confirmed his resurrection through several appearances. These encounters strengthened the disciples’ faith and led to the proclamation of the Gospel throughout the world. The resurrection gives believers hope and the assurance of eternal life.
The Book of Mark – Lesson 12.Tried and Crucified | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series THE BOOK OF MARK with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 12.Tried and Crucified |
The Court and the Cross: Jesus’ Sacrifice and the Fulfillment of Redemption |
Lesson 12 deals with the final hours in the life of Jesus, when he was brought to trial, mocked, and ultimately crucified. These events are marked by deep irony, as Jesus is ridiculed as the “King of the Jews” despite being the Messiah and Savior. The narrative demonstrates how biblical prophecies are fulfilled in his suffering and death. Jesus’ death on the cross is not merely a cruel execution but the central event of the Christian redemption story. Through his sacrifice, Jesus enables the reconciliation of humanity with God.
Memory Text: Mark 15:34 – “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is translated, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ ”
Content:
12.1 “Are You the King of the Jews?”
The Bitter Irony of the King of the Jews: The True Messiah Before the Court
In Mark 15:1–15, several ironic situations are present. Jesus, the true King of the Jews and Messiah, is accused before Pilate as if he were a rebel against the emperor, even though he has come to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Pilate himself asks him if he is the “King of the Jews” but fails to grasp the true meaning of his question. Although Pilate recognizes Jesus’ innocence and wants to release him, he is manipulated by the agitated crowd and the religious leaders. The irony culminates in the fact that while Jesus is condemned as a blasphemer and insurgent, he is actually the true Savior and King whom people should worship.
12.2 Hail, King of the Jews!
The Mocked Royal Dignity: Mockery and Deep Truth in the Ridicule of Jesus
The soldiers mocked Jesus by dressing him in a purple cloak, placing a crown of thorns on his head, and sarcastically greeting him as the “King of the Jews.” These actions imitated the worship of the Roman emperor but did so in a cruel parody. The irony of the situation lies in the fact that Jesus is indeed the king they are mocking, and their sarcastic words speak a deeper truth that they themselves do not recognize. Jesus endured these mistreatments silently, underscoring his royal dignity. Although the soldiers humiliated him, Jesus remains the true king—not only of the Jews but of the entire world.
12.3 The Crucifixion
Saving Weakness: The Bitter Irony of Jesus’ Crucifixion
In Mark 15:21–38, the painful irony is that Jesus, the Savior of the world, appears on the cross as a helpless victim. The religious leaders mock him, saying, “He saved others; he can’t save himself” (Mark 15:31). Yet, by not saving himself, Jesus saves humanity. The soldiers and the crowd ridicule him as the “King of the Jews” without understanding that he is indeed the true king and savior. The brutal scene of the crucifixion tragically shows that Jesus’ apparent weakness is actually his greatest strength—he sacrifices himself to redeem the world.
12.4 Forsaken by God
The Cry of Abandonment: Jesus’ Death as the Key to Redemption
Jesus’ only words on the cross in the Gospel of Mark are, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34), known as the “cry of abandonment.” These words not only express deep suffering but also reference Psalm 22, which ultimately conveys hope for God’s intervention. Jesus’ death on the cross signifies that he made the ultimate sacrifice to redeem humanity and pave the way to God, symbolized by the tearing of the temple curtain. Through his death, a new phase of redemption begins, in which the separation between God and humans is removed. Jesus’ apparent abandonment leads to our salvation.
12.5 Laid to Rest
Courage and Testimony: Joseph of Arimathea and the Women at the Tomb
The intervention of Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin, is highly significant because he had the courage to publicly support Jesus when his disciples fled in fear. His request for Jesus’ body and its burial in a new tomb demonstrate his deep reverence and affection for Jesus. Additionally, the account of the official confirmation of Jesus’ death by the Roman centurion counters later speculations. The presence of the women who observed the tomb is crucial, as they become witnesses to the empty tomb and the resurrection.
12.6 Summary
From Mockery to Redemption: Jesus’ Path to the Cross and Its Significance
Lesson 12 focuses on the final hours of Jesus, during which he was brought to trial, mocked, condemned, and ultimately crucified. Despite false accusations and being ridiculed as the “King of the Jews,” Jesus remains silent and accepts his fate to save humanity. The irony of the situation lies in the fact that Jesus is indeed the true Messiah and King, even though people mock him for it. His death on the cross fulfills prophetic writings and ushers in a new phase of redemption. Through Jesus’ selfless death, the way to reconciliation with God is made possible for all people.
The Book of Mark – Lesson 11.Taken and Tried | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series THE BOOK OF MARK with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 11.Taken and Tried |
Betrayal and Faithfulness: Jesus’ Final Path to Crucifixion |
Lesson 11 deals with the crucial events of Jesus’ last hours before His crucifixion. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the religious leaders. Despite the impending suffering, Jesus remains resolute in fulfilling the divine plan. In contrast, the disciples flee in fear, and Peter denies Him three times. Before the Sanhedrin, Jesus boldly testifies to His identity as the Messiah, which leads to His condemnation. This lesson highlights the themes of betrayal, denial, and Jesus’ faithfulness until the end.
Memory Text: Mark 14:36 – “And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’ ”
Content:
11.1 Unforgettable
Devotion and Betrayal: An Unforgettable Contrast
In Mark 14:1–11, two stories are intertwined: the plan of the religious leaders to kill Jesus and the act of a woman anointing Jesus with precious perfume. These stories stand in stark contrast to each other. While the woman honors Jesus out of love and devotion, Judas betrays Him out of greed. Jesus describes the woman’s act as “good” and says it will be proclaimed in memory of her throughout the world. Conversely, Judas’ betrayal will also be unforgettable, but for entirely opposite reasons. This contrast between devotion and betrayal underscores the significance of both actions in the context of Jesus’ Passion.
11.2 The Last Supper
The New Covenant: Jesus’ Sacrifice and the Promise of Salvation
The Last Supper in Mark 14:22–31 has profound significance for the Christian faith, as Jesus establishes a new covenant here. The bread symbolizes His body, and the wine represents His shed blood, sealing the new covenant with God. This act recalls the covenant sealed by blood in Exodus 24:8 and marks a transition from the Passover to the new order of salvation. Jesus is depicted as the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice brings about the redemption of humanity. Despite the grim prediction that the disciples will forsake Him, Jesus offers hope through the announcement of His resurrection and the promise of meeting them in Galilee.
11.3 Gethsemane
The Cup of Suffering: Jesus’ Prayer and Acceptance of the Divine Will
In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed that the cup of suffering might pass from Him, yet only if it were God’s will (Mark 14:36). He expressed His deep, familial bond with God by addressing Him as “Abba, Father.” Despite His plea, His prayer was not answered in the sense of sparing Him from suffering. Instead, Jesus submitted to the divine will to enable the redemption of the world. The disciples, who should have supported Him, were asleep, highlighting His isolation and the forthcoming betrayal. In the end, Jesus was prepared to face His fate, while the disciples remained unprepared.
11.4 Leaving Everything to Flee from Jesus
Betrayal and Flight: The Fulfillment of the Divine Plan Despite Human Weakness
In Mark 14:43–52, Judas’ betrayal is a crucial moment in the plan of salvation. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, a sign of friendship, which accentuates the heinousness of his act. Despite the chaos that erupts during Jesus’ arrest, Jesus reminds them that all this is happening to fulfill the Scriptures. This underscores that God’s will is accomplished even through human betrayal and violence. The disciples’ flight reveals their fear and weakness, especially in the case of the young man who leaves everything to run away from Jesus—a symbol of human tendency to avoid suffering.
11.5 Who Are You?
Courage and Denial: The Contrast Between Jesus’ Steadfastness and Peter’s Weakness
In Mark 14:60–72, the contrast between Jesus and Peter is evident. While Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin and boldly reveals the truth about His identity as the Messiah, Peter outside denies his association with Jesus out of fear and weakness. Jesus remains steadfast despite false accusations and mistreatment, while Peter denies Him three times and ultimately breaks down when the rooster crows and he remembers Jesus’ prophecy. This contrast teaches us the importance of faithfulness and courage under pressure, showing that human weakness is not the end—Peter’s remorse points to the possibility of repentance.
11.6 Summary
Betrayal, Denial, and Steadfastness: Jesus’ Path Before the Court
Lesson 11 focuses on Jesus’ arrest and trial, beginning with Judas’ betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. Despite the chaos, Jesus remains calm and submits to the divine plan, while His disciples flee. Before the Sanhedrin, Jesus openly testifies to His identity as the Messiah, leading to His condemnation. Simultaneously, Peter denies Jesus three times out of fear. These events highlight the contrast between Jesus’ steadfastness and the disciples’ human weakness, yet there remains hope for repentance and redemption.
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