Screenshots of Jesus, Lesson 9: Closed Doors and Closed Hearts

In Mark 9, we see a glimpse of God's glory, the importance of faith, and the constant need to be in the Word to stay on the right path. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Jesus again feeds a multitude. Later he warns his disciples about the false religious ideologies of their day. The disciples fail a test that we too often fail: the opportunity to trust God to provide when we can't see the answers to the problems we face. 

In Mark 7, Mark shows us the Pharisees' hypocrisy, the bold audacity of a gentile woman, and the healing of a deaf and mute man. We'll examine traditions, knowing God is doing something even if it isn't what we hoped, and choosing to see God's goodness every day.

With the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water, Jesus reminds us that our limitations are nothing for him. And these miracles remind us to stop and take note of the amazing things God does in our lives every day. 

Mark 6 takes us to Nazareth where Jesus is amazed, but not in a good way. Jesus teaches his disciples and us to depend on him, not on the security we find in the world. Finally, we'll look at Herod's foolish promise that cost John the Baptist his life.Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Mark 5 covers the account of Jesus healing a demonic man. What are the characteristics someone displays if they are possessed? What can we do to conquer the sins we struggle with? Later in chapter 5, Jesus goes with Jairus, a temple ruler. But first, he stops to console and comfort a woman who has been bleeding for 12 long years. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

The second part of Mark 4 brings us to this question: How are you going to shine for Christ? In addition, Jesus admonishes us to be careful what we listen to. We also get the encouragment that God is doing something every time we open the Bible and every time we share the Word with someone else. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Mark chapter 4 takes us to the parable of the sower. In it we are reminded that we plant seeds as we tell people about God, but only God can produce faith. We'll talk about the pitfalls that Jesus talked about and how to produce the greatest crop in the kingdom of God. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

This episode finishes Mark 3 by taking a look at Jesus' disciples—a group most of us wouldn't have chosen. They weren't straight A students and didn't have the kind of careers we might find to be resume worthy. They certainly had their black marks. We also talk about family expectations and church hurt. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Mark 3 takes us to the synagogue and to the Pharisees who were watching Jesus to find fault. Jesus became angry at their concern for their manmade laws while showing no concern for people who were suffering. Jesus withdrew, and as demon-possessed people came to be healed, Jesus wouldn't let them speak. In this episode we examine anger, withdrawing as a coping strategy, and when to speak up or not say anything, even if it's the truth! Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.