Wisdom From The Word With Laura Zielke

This week we studied the juxtaposition of Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin in the high priest’s home and Peter’s trial before the servants and guards in the courtyard. We saw how once again, the rich and powerful rejected the truth, while the humble and lowly pursued it. We saw how Mark’s technique of sandwiching helps... The post Mark 14:53-72 (Focus: Jesus & Peter on Trial) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week we focused on the physical context of the “trial” of Jesus in the home/palace of the High Priest (Caiaphas) while Peter stood outside in the courtyard denying Him. We discussed the Sanhedrin as a law-enforcing group within Judaism, as well as their inability to follow their own rules. We briefly reviewed the literary technique... The post Mark 14:53-65 (Focus: Sanhedrin Trial) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week we did a quick overview of the rest of Mark 14. We looked at a literary technique Mark uses in his Gospel to “SANDWICH” one story into the middle of another with an intentional and discernible theological purpose. The sandwiches emphasize the MAJOR THEMES of Mark’s Gospel— especially the meaning of faith, discipleship, bearing witness,... The post Mark 14:12-72 (Focus: Betrayal & Denials) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week we studied Judas’ betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. We looked at the significance of the number 3 in Scripture and how the theme of threes in Mark underscores God’s perfect plan. We also studied Judas’ kiss—and how it could have been the first sign of Judas’ realization of the gravity... The post Mark 14:42-52 (Focus: Betrayal) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week we studied Jesus’ prayer time in Gethsemane. We looked at what Jesus asked and how His followers responded. Additionally, we saw HOW Jesus prayed, and how it matched up very closely with the model prayer He shared with His followers (a.k.a. “The Lord’s Prayer”). >>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV,... The post Personal Agony. Oblivious Friends. (Mark 14:32-42) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week we studied Jesus’ Gethsemane prediction of Peter’s imminent denials and the forthcoming abandonment by His apostles. As they entered the Garden, the group of followers thinned out to only four: Peter, James, John, and Jesus. As they moved farther into the Garden, we observed how Jesus allowed this “inner circle of friends” to see... The post Mark 14:26-34 (Focus: Gethsemane) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week we studied the institution of the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist). We compared the four accounts preserved in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Paul. We noted the similarities and the differences between the accounts. We focused on the three-fold purpose of the ordinance: Memorial (remembrance), Eschatological (anticipation), and Christological (present experience). We discussed the importance of... The post Mark 14:22-26 (Focus: Eucharist) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week we studied one of the most famous stories in the New Testament: the anointing of Jesus in Bethany. We compared this extravagant offering with the offering of the poor widow at the end of Mark 12. Then, we contrasted these self-less gifts with the prideful gifts of the rich and the rulers (also... The post Mark 14:1-11 (Focus: Jesus Anointed at Bethany) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week, we continued our verse-by-verse study in the Gospel according to Mark. Due to a decision we made earlier this year to study the Resurrection on Resurrection Sunday, we’ve already “surveyed” Mark 14-16. Since we spent so much time looking at Mark 14:1-11 a couple months ago, I didn’t spend too much time on... The post Mark 14:1-17 (Focus: Upcoming Betrayal) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week, we concluded our verse-by-verse study of Mark 13. We rehashed the dangers of trying to figure out exactly when Jesus is coming back to the neglect of sharing the gospel of HOPE with others while, at the same time, acknowledging the fact that we have been commanded (multiple times by Jesus Himself) to “Keep watch!” Towards... The post Mark 13:28-37 (Focus: “Take heed, watch & pray!”) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week, we continued our verse-by-verse study of Mark 13. We discussed the difference between the tribulations experienced during the siege* of Jerusalem in AD 70 as compared to the Tribulation prophesied at the end times. Although same exact word thlipsis is used in both 13:19 and 13:24, each is referring to a different time period. We... The post Mark 13:19-31 (Focus: Signs of the End) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

In this lesson, we discussed the theological tensions that arise in verse 13 with the phrase “he who endures to the end will be saved.” Then, we take time to examine the historical context of Jesus’ prophecy regarding the “abomination of desolation.” We remember Daniel’s prophecy and its fulfillment in 167 B.C.; we remember Jesus’ prophecy and its... The post Mark 13:13-23 (Focus: Abomination of Desolation) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

With this lesson, we begin an in-depth study of the “apocalyptic” verses in Mark 13. After the shocking comments Jesus made about the Temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew approach Him privately to gather more information. Since Jesus’ clear warnings about the pending destruction of Jerusalem were heeded, the early church was saved. What’s remarkable is how the warnings about deception... The post Mark 13:1-8 (Focus: Do Not Be Deceived) appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week we examined the Resurrection of Jesus as recorded in the first eight verses of Mark’s Gospel. We focused our discussion on the historicity of the Resurrection and the authenticity of Mark’s account. >>Click here to read today’s text in NIV, KJV, and NASB: Mark 16:1-8