Sermons based on readings from the Gospel of Mark
A Triumphal Approach Leads to an Anti-climax Mark 11:1-11 Time and again throughout his ministry Jesus has demonstrated insight that others do not and even cannot possess. Often he knows what others are thinking without them speaking those thoughts out loud. All the way along he has recognised where his mission leads and what the conclusion of …
Take up your Cross Mark 8:31-38 Jesus has taken his disciples away from Galilee, into gentile territory. He has led them away from the press of the crowds and the busyness of his mission. You might almost call it a retreat, a time to take stock and reflect. He ask his disciples two questions: First: Who do people say that …
A Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent (28/02/21): Take Up Your Cross Read More »
God’s Hero in the Conflict between Good and Evil Mark 1:9-15 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan. This is the beginning of the Gospel, the story that Mark has to tell. Up to this point what he has written has been prologue, introduction. The ministry …
The Mount of Transfiguration and Mount Calvary Mark 9:2-8 From the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the beloved, listen to him.” You could wonder, why wasn’t the transfiguration enough? All that is needed to be known about Jesus is put on display there. In a way everything is summed up right here. …
Not What He Does But Who He Is Mark 1:21-28 “They were all amazed and kept asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching – with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” There is a profound irony in preaching. As a preacher I find my self doing the very …
A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (31/01/21): Not What He Does But Who He Is Read More »
Follow Me and Fish for People Mark 1:14-20 One day Jesus appeared in Galilee. One day he wasn’t there. And the next he was. And not very long afterwards it seemed everyone had heard of him. Some tried to fit him into what was already happening, as if he were the outcome of a trend or a movement that was …
A Sermon for the Third Sunday after Epiphany (24/01/21): Follow Me and Fish for People Read More »
The Beginning of the Good News Mark 1: 4-11 John the Baptist appears in the wilderness. Something new is happening. Out of nowhere, in the middle of nowhere, John appears. His appearing has no context. There is no backstory. There is no build up. John does not fit into anything that is already happening. He is not the effect of some direct …
A Sermon for the First Sunday after Epiphany (10/01/21): The Beginning of the Good News Read More »