Blog Posts

The Establishment of Purim and Mordecai’s Rise to Prominence.

The Jews successfully defended themselves against their enemies.

Haman is gone but the edict is still in effect.

Esther reveals her ethnicity and Haman's Plan of Genocide.

God's plan opposed by evil in the world, yet God's plan prevails.

The providence of God prepares the way for a reversal of fortunes

Esther Agrees to Help the Jews

While King Xerxes is on a drama-filled roller coaster; Mordecai has faith in God.

Esther becomes queen after winning a beauty contest, Mordecai thwarts a plot against the king, and Haman rises to power.

Jesus sends two disciples to get a colt. He then enters Jerusalem and recons the temple.

Jesus and His trial before Pilate, crucifixion, and death, leading to His burial by Joseph of Arimathea.

A plot to kill Jesus and a dinner at Simon the lepers house where a woman annoints Him.

Jesus foretells the destruction of the Temple, warns of false prophets, and speaks of signs of His return. Amidst uncertainty and tribulation, believers should remain vigilant, faithful, and prepared.

Jesus contrasts the displays of wealth by religious leaders with the sacrificial giving of a poor widow, highlighting her faith and generosity.

A scribe asks Jesus an honest question.

Here we have two stories where Jewish leaders try to trap Jesus with what they think will be tricky questions.

Jesus tells the parabel of the Vineyard

The chief priests, scribes, and elders question Jesus' authority. Jesus challenges them by asking about the authority of John the Baptist, leaving them unable to answer.

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree and Cleanses the Temple

Jesus again tells his disciples about His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. James and John request positions of honor in his kingdom. Jesus explains that true greatness comes from serving others, not seeking positions of power.

Jesus is in the region of Judea, and large crowds gather around him as he continues his ministry. Some Pharisees approach him and ask a question to test him: "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" This question was intended to trap Jesus because it was a topic of debate among religious leaders.

The disciples argue about who is the greatest of them.

Jesus rebukes and casts out an evil spirit in a young boy.

Peter and James and John witness the Transfiguration

Jesus shocks His disciples when He reveals that He will suffer and die. Peter rebukes Him and is, in turn, rebuked by Jesus.

Jesus literally opens a blind man's eyes then figuratively opens the disciples eyes.

Jesus teaches His disciples that He is capable and is all they need.

This passage contains two distinct stories, the healing of a Syrophoenician woman's daughter and the healing of a deaf and mute man.

In Mark 7:1-23, Jesus teaches that what comes from a person's heart is what defiles them.

In Mark 6:46-56, Jesus appears in a dramatic fashion to get His disciples attention and show them that He will meet their greatest need.