Sermon Series Guidebook
At a deep level the Gospel of Mark is all about seeing—seeing who we are, seeing who Jesus is, seeing what God’s kingdom is really like. This persistent theme of seeing but not perceiving highlights a daunting fact about our human condition: spiritual blindness.
To the spiritually blind, Mark seems to be suggesting the following posture to his readers, which I commend to you:
First, learn from Blind Bartimaeus. To Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you,” he replies, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight” (10:51). Not insignificantly, this is the last miracle Jesus performs in Mark. It screams to the reader, “Pray that you too may recover your sight!”
Second, note well the theme of childlikeness in the middle of Mark: “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (10:15; 9:36-37; 42; 10:13-16). With the wide and innocent eyes of a child, look to Jesus with humility.
Finally, there is the crucial lesson from the centurion at the cross. “Seeing that in this way Jesus breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!’” (15:39). Other than the opening line of Mark, this is the only time a human uses this divine title for Jesus. It’s no accident. You cannot truly see Jesus unless you are looking at him from the foot of the cross. The Cross of Christ brings all things into proper focus.
As you read the following passages from Mark’s Gospel and follow along in this series, do so from beneath the cross. Lay your expectations, assumptions and ambitions at the Lord’s feet. Humbly acknowledge that you need a Savior whose way is different and deeper than your own—a King whose rule over your life begins with service, even laying down his life for yours (10:45).
We hope you’ll use the guide alongside a friend, with your family, or in your small group, to grow as a disciple of Jesus this fall—or perhaps to answer His call for the first time!
Sunday, December 11, 2022: The King’s Servant-Leaders
the Rev. Sam Ferguson
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2022: THE KING’S INVITATION
the Rev. Steve Cannizzaro
Sunday, November 27, 2022: The King’s Transfiguration
the Rev. John Frederick
Sunday, November 20, 2022: The King’s People’s Pain
the Rev. Sam Ferguson
Sunday, November 13, 2022: The King’s Pain
the Rev. Sam Ferguson
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2022: THE KING’S LAW
the Rev. Sam Ferguson
Sunday, October 30, 2022: The King’s chosen People
the Rev. Sam Ferguson
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2022: THE KING’S PROVISION
the Rev. John Frederick
Sunday, October 16, 2022: The King’s Opposition
Rev. Isaiah Brooms
Sunday, October 9, 2022: The King’s Parables
Rev. Sam Ferguson
Sunday, September 18, 2022: The King’s Preparation
Rev. Sam Ferguson
Sunday, September 25, 2022: The King’s Proclamation
Rev. Sam Ferguson
Sunday, October 2, 2022: The King’s Power
Rev. Sam Ferguson
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2022: THE KING’S PARABLES
Rev. Sam Ferguson