Jeff Shelnutt Sermons

This is Jesus' last recorded teaching by Mark in the temple courts. He first denounces certain scribes for bringing glory to themselves. He then contrasts this with a certain widow who brings glory to God by what she offers. Our giving is both a window into our hearts and a means of reorienting our hearts toward God.

King David suffered severe consequences for the sin he committed and covered up. Yet, when his son died according to divine decree, David did not grow bitter. Instead, he worshiped. David's reaction reveals the reality of an afterlife. His words point us to the Descendent of David who alone brings us into the presence of God.

After answering four questions in the temple courts, it is now Jesus' turn to ask a question. He actually asks two, both about how the son of David can also be the promised Messiah. What may sound strange and irrelevant to our modern ears is actually a category-bursting revelation to Jesus' hearers. Because Jesus is both a Davidic King and the Messiah, the enemies He came to defeat are not physical, but spiritual.

After three hostile questions, Jesus receives a question from what appears to be a genuine seeker. His query about the foremost commandment is not a new one. Jesus sums up the whole Law of Moses in two commands. Because Jesus was consumed by love for God and love for His neighbor, we too can be consumed by the love of God.

To reject a belief in resurrection is to deny God's power and to misread the Scriptures, so Jesus tells the Sadducees who confront Him in the temple courts. But even those who believe in resurrection often confuse and conflate this life with the reality of the next. We need a functional belief in resurrection, as well as new categories for conceiving it. In only a few short days, Jesus would rise from the dead, proving that resurrection really is coming for all.

On Monday of Jesus' final week, He curses the fig tree on His way into Jerusalem. In a dramatic illustration of what's to come for the temple and its system, Jesus offers insight into how He is the true Temple and the only way to the Father. Nothing is impossible for God. Our prayers are not hindered by God's ability but by our lack of faith.

Jesus is confronted by Pharisees in the temple courts with a political question designed to ensnare Him. Jesus amazes everyone with His theological answer, even as He refuses to conform to the parameters they laid down. In this passage, we discover what belongs to Caesar, but more importantly, what belongs to God. Jesus' answer also gives us principles to consider when wrestling with questions of church and state.

The parable of the vineyard is less about the wicked actions of the tenants and more about the longsuffering of the owner. Jesus continues to address the question of His authority. Through this parable we see that God pursues, God loves, and, God works in unsearchable ways.

Jesus is questioned about His authority to cleanse the temple. He answers with a question of His own that seems unrelated, but is completely relevant--a question about John the Baptist. From this interaction we learn from where authority is derived, whose in control, and the light by which we see.

We often read the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple as two separate events. But Mark in his gospel ties them together. In this way we not only learn something about Jesus in relation to the temple, but also something about prayer in relation to faith and forgiveness.

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem for the final time, He sends out two disciples on a seemingly mundane task. The significance of the moment when Jesus rides up to the gates of the city on a donkey is lost on most in the crowd. This passage teaches us about the quiet impact of humility and the hidden power of obedience.

This last healing miracle in the Gospel of Mark comes right on the heels of Jesus' extensive teaching about discipleship. Surprisingly, we find that the blind man, Bartimaeus, is the model disciple. Though he initially finds what he doesn't seek, after receiving an immediate answer to his request for sight, Bartimaeus responds by following Jesus on the road.

As Jesus continues to go up the Jerusalem, His disciples are amazed and His followers are afraid. The way up is down in the kingdom of God, as Jesus, for the third time, makes clear when He prophesies His own death and resurrection. John and James ask for positions of prominence in the coming glory of the kingdom. Though their desire to be closer to Jesus is commendable, Jesus makes it clear they do not understand the kingdom's dynamics. Yet, they will. Finally, Jesus teaches the Twelve about true leadership and the disciple's call to be a slave to all.

The rich young man walks away, unable to part from his riches in order to follow Jesus. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach the Twelve about a disciple's relationship to possessions. In this passage we learn about the danger of wealth, the impossibility of salvation, and the blessing of poverty.

A young, sincere, and zealous seeker comes to Jesus inquiring about eternal life. The answer he receives sends him away sad and grieving. Though he asked the right question, he could not ultimately accept the answer. His present treasure kept him from eternal riches because it prevented him from following Jesus. The Law reveals not only our sin, but our need. The Law also points us to the only One who can deal with our sin and meet our deepest need.

This is the only time in Mark's gospel when Jesus is said to be "indignant." His disciples rebuke children brought to Him, and Jesus uses this as an opportunity to let them know why their attitude is the opposite of that which should mark a follower of His. We answer three questions about discipleship from this passage: 1) What are we called to do?; 2) How are we called to come?; and 3) What are we called to receive?

The closer Jesus gets to Jerusalem, the more specific His claims about discipleship become. Certain Pharisees approach Jesus, posing a question about divorce. They are not sincere, but testing Him. Jesus takes the opportunity to remind them of God's intention for marriage. Jesus' abbreviated teaching on marriage, divorce, and remarriage is set against the theological backdrop of the Old Testament and the historical context of First Century Judaism.

The new year is an excellent time to polish our spiritual lenses. Psalm 96 helps us to do just that. The whole world is called to worship. Therefore, the whole world is summoned to enter the church--to become a part of the people of God. Creation, along with Christians, are longing for the Judge to return. For only then will everything will be set right. In the meantime, we have a mission: to make God's glory known among the nations.

Israel faced an Assyrian threat that would eventually bring an end to the northern kingdom. King Ahaz of Judah was spiritually compromised by seeking help from the the Assyrians instead of trusting the LORD. Isaiah promises a child, a son, who will be born not just for Israel and Judah, but for us all. And this Messiah will meet our need for truth, security, belonging, and peace. The shalom sin has stolen, the baby born in Bethlehem will restore.

Joseph is called by Scripture a "righteous" man. His righteousness was demonstrated in the way he acted toward Mary and her pregnancy. Though we aren't told much about Joseph, his namesake, Joseph in Genesis, informs our understanding of this man chosen to be the earthly father of Jesus. Though both Josephs were righteous men, they still did not possess the righteousness of God. They, like us, must be gifted a righteousness outside of themselves that comes from God. This is why the Baby in the feeding trough was born, that this gift of God's righteousness might be available to all.

Closing out a conversation with His disciples in a private house in Galilee, Jesus warns of the severity of causing a fellow believer to stumble. He then proceeds to speak of the seriousness of sin, the pervasiveness of sin, the consequences of sin, and the sacrifice for sin. Every disciple is salted with fire. The sacrifice for sin has been made, therefore, we offer ourselves as living sacrifices.

John and the other disciples are troubled about a man who is casting out demons in the name of Jesus without Jesus' authorization. From Jesus' response, we see that there are two extremes to avoid when it comes to evaluating those on the "outside." They are elitism and religious relativism. Jesus offers three reasons to not prevent others from operating by faith in His name.

Jesus passes through Galilee for the last time before His final trip to Jerusalem with His disciples. On the road, Jesus tells the twelve once again what will happen to Him. But all they discuss is who is the greatest among them. In a house in Capernaum, Jesus proceeds to explain to the disciples the true path to greatness: servitude. The kingdom of God does not operate like the kingdoms of men. To receive the insignificant and overlooked in Jesus' name is to receive Him.

Descending from the mountain , Jesus finds a large crowd waiting for Him, His disciples arguing with some scribes, and a man whose demon-possessed son Jesus' disciples could not help. True faith is about quality, not quantity. The quality of faith is measured by faith's focus. The disciples could not cast out the evil spirit because they did not maintain a lifeline with God through prayer.

As three of Jesus' disciples descend from their high mountain experience with Him, they discuss what it means for Jesus to rise from the dead. In their inability to grasp the plain explanation, they digress into discussing Elijah, whom they just saw on the mountain top. We see in this passage three things that bring understanding: the resurrection, fulfilled prophecy, and suffering.

Jesus takes three of His disciples onto a high mountain and begins to shine with the brilliance of the glory of God. Moses and Elijah appear and converse with the transfigured Jesus. From this passage we learn about high mountain experiences with God, how they are misunderstood, and how to apply them to our everyday lives.

After confirming to His disciples that He is the promised Messiah of Israel, Jesus calls the crowds to Himself. Speaking to the twelve and and to anyone who desires to come after Him, Jesus declares a three-part condition for discipleship. He then follows this condition with three illustrations. No one follows Jesus to become worthy. Rather, one follows because He is worthy.

This passage is the turning point of Mark's Gospel. Peter declares Jesus to be the Messiah, and immediately turns around and rebukes Him. As Jesus begins His journey toward Jerusalem, He also begins to make clear the implications of discipleship. Man's interests are not only not God's interests, they are actually opposed to God, which sources them in the Adversary.

With the first time in Jesus' ministry that He restores sight to a blind man, Jesus chooses to heal him in a two-stage process. He does this in order to help Peter and the other disciples understand what He is doing in their lives. But there is also a lesson here for every Christian. With the first touch, the cross works for us. With the second touch, the cross works in us.

Jesus is confronted by Galilean Pharisees once again before crossing the lake with His disciples. As He warns the twelve about the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod, the disciples struggle to understand and believe His words. The remedy for the hard-heartedness that arises from an unbelieving heart is remembering. Remember what God has done. The very sign from heaven the Pharisees demanded Jesus had already given.

This is the second mass feeding miracle of Jesus recorded by Mark. It is remarkably similar to the first. But there are a couple differences. And it is these differences that show us why the "feeding of the four thousand" is significant and instructive. There are three questions answered in this passage: 1) What do you have? 2) What does God want? and 3) What do they need?

Before returning to the western side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus takes a very out-of-the way loop from Tyre north to Sidon and then back down to Israel. Though we can know God's character and will, we don't often know God's ways. Entering into the Gentile-dense Decapolis, Jesus is brought a deaf and mute man. After taking him away from the crowd to heal him, Jesus also teaches us a lesson about hearing God's voice and responding as a witness to what He has done in our lives.

For the first and only time Jesus ventures outside of the borders of ancient Israel. While seeking solitude with His disciples, He is approached by a woman whose daughter has an unclean spirit. In fact, everything about this woman and her situation is "unclean." However, she understands the mission of Jesus in a way that even His own disciples don't grasp. And her faith is rewarded.

Jesus moves from addressing the Pharisees, to the crowds, to His disciples. Whereas our tendency is to always focus on the outside, Jesus makes clear that it is the heart we must recognize as the source of uncleanness. Because what to eat and who to eat with will become such a major point of conflict in the early church, Mark addresses the issue through the teaching of Jesus. If we neglect to allow God to change our hearts, our efforts to please God are futile.

The Pharisees and scribes once again confront Jesus; this time concerning His disciples' failure to follow the "tradition of the elders." Any time we follow man's word to the exclusion of God's, it brings death, not life. We see a digression in this passage. First, there is a going beyond God's Word. Then, there is an elevation of man's word. And finally, God's Word is discarded.

Mark summarizes Jesus' healing ministry in Galilee. Through the disciples stepping off the boat with Jesus at Gennesaret, we see that God takes you where you need to be. Along with this, we also observe that God will put you in a position to trust Him, and will identify you with the Healer.

When Jesus came to His disciples, walking on the sea, they did not recognize Him. But Jesus met them where He so often meets us--in our adversity. Jesus revealed to His disciples three things about God: His will, His glory, and His voice.

When Jesus encountered the huge crowd by the Sea of Galilee, He fed their souls with the Word of God. He then proceeded to nourish their bodies with a miraculous multiplication of bread and fish. As followers of Jesus, we, like the twelve disciples, will sometimes receive an unreasonable demand from God ("You give them something to eat!"). As we step out in faithful obedience, we will recognize the wilderness lessons God has for us, and receive the provision provided by the Good Shepherd. And we will ultimately find our satisfaction in Him.

Jesus' disciples return from their first preaching mission, and excitedly report to Him all that God has done. Jesus recognizes their need for rest, and together, they go to a secluded place. However, they are interrupted by the needs of the huge crowd who have followed them there. It is in the secluded place with Jesus that we find rest. It is also in interruptions that we often find God at work.

There was no prophet greater than John the Baptist, yet speaking truth got him arrested and beheaded. Mark relates the account of Herod's dealings with John. Far from a digression, this narrative foreshadows the cross. If we are to cooperate with God, we must perceive Jesus correctly, repent of sin quickly, and embrace death daily.

As Jesus begins His third preaching tour around Galilee, He sends out the twelve in pairs to preach repentance. What Jesus instructs them to bring and not to bring along is instructive to the unique ministry God has given to every Christian. Were they ready for such responsibility. No. And that is the point!

After months of ministry in Galilee, Jesus returns to His home village of Nazareth. Those who think they know Him are at first astonished by His teaching in the local synagogue. However, their astonishment quickly turns to offense. Their unbelief prevents Jesus from doing what He otherwise would do for them...and our unbelief has the same limiting affect.

While Jesus speaks to a woman who has just received healing after twelve long years of hemorrhaging, Jairus's daughter dies. Speaking into his despair, Jesus tells Jairus to keep on believing in spite of the circumstances. Jesus not only heals diseases, He raises the dead. Jesus resurrects that which has died in our lives as well, a foretaste of the the coming resurrection for all who trust Him.

A woman who had been hemorrhaging for twelve years comes to Jesus in desperation. He responds to her focused faith. When we seek Jesus we must 1) feel our helplessness; 2) trust in His sufficiency; and as a result, 3) proclaim God's peace.

Those from the nearby towns who came out to see his transformation could hardly believe this was the same man who had been possessed by a "legion" of demons. Neither did they know what do with Jesus, who was responsible for his transformation, so they sent Him away. We answer three questions from the text: Can a person change? What does change look like? Who does change affect?

Jesus crosses the sea to Gentile territory. Upon setting foot in this dark land, He is confronted by a man who is possessed by multiple evil spirits. We see from this account what it looks to enter the darkness, how to understand the darkness, and what it means that Jesus subdues the darkness.

The disciples have a choice when the terrifying storm comes upon their boat and Jesus is asleep on a cushion: they can have fear or have faith. Jesus is Lord of all creation, therefore, the wind and the waves obey Him. In this account, we learn something about trusting in the storm, praying in the storm, and obeying in the storm.

Mark arranges several parables together in order to give the reader insight into Jesus' teaching about the kingdom of God. The kingdom grows imperceptibly, incomprehensibly, and out of obscurity. The kingdom grows on God's timetable. Like with our own spiritual growth, kingdom growth is difficult to analyze but powerful and impactful over the long run.

This parable Jesus tells about different types of soil shows us the different responses to the Word of God. According to Jesus, this parables serves as the key to unlock the other parables, particularly as they pertain to the Kingdom of God. He who has received the Word in turn becomes a sower so that others might hear as well.

Jesus used common, everyday scenes to convey spiritual truths about the kingdom of God. Mark doesn't record many parables in His Gospel, but the Parable of the Sower is an exception. This parable is about how people respond to Jesus and His message. We serve a speaking God. We must choose whether we will and heed His words.