Author Archives: A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green

The Return Of Jesus? (2)

Understanding that the language being used in Mark 13 is figurative rather than literal clears up a lot of confusion commonly associated with the chapter. It frees us up to move on to an examination of the central points of Jesus message. To set the scene, Mark shows us the disciples in awe over theContinue reading “The Return Of Jesus? (2)”

The Return Of Jesus? (1)

I remember a church I attended not long after I became a Christian many years ago. They had a class in the auditorium that did a verse-by-verse study of every book in the New Testament. Well, almost every book. When they finished Jude, they passed over Revelation and restarted in Matthew. My guess is thatContinue reading “The Return Of Jesus? (1)”

That’s Just Not Right!

The word indignant is a strong term. We use it when we are not only upset about something, but when whatever we are disturbed about has exceeded the reasonable boundaries of bad. In other words, it is so glaringly wrong that we are personally offended by it. It is the difference between someone making aContinue reading “That’s Just Not Right!”

Jesus And The Little Children

Here’s some verse from Mark 10:13-16. Jesus And The Little Children Little children were being brought to Jesus, It’s a glorious scene to savor. They wanted the best for them as every parent does, So they came seeking His favor. The disciples were stewing in their own juices they were, Arguing who was greatest andContinue reading “Jesus And The Little Children”

The Showdown On Spiritual Authority

The issue in Mark 11:27ff is one of spiritual authority and leadership. It was close to Passover and Jerusalem was overflowing with pilgrims who had come up for the feast. Jesus and His disciples were there. He had gone into the temple and disrupted the corrupt merchandising that was going on. Israel’s leaders were threatenedContinue reading “The Showdown On Spiritual Authority”

Going Viral With Community

In Mark 9:30-31, Jesus told His disciples about His upcoming death and resurrection (9:30-31). They didn’t grasp what He was saying but “’were afraid to ask Him about it” (v. 32). Unfortunately, they did not show the same reticence in regard to arguing among themselves about “who was the greatest” in the kingdom (v. 34).Continue reading “Going Viral With Community”

Receiving The Kingdom Like A Child

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Wessel and Strauss note that the phrase, “Truly I tell you,” is used by Jesus 13 times in Mark’s gospel. It functions as a signal to let us know that something important is aboutContinue reading “Receiving The Kingdom Like A Child”

On The Mountain With Jesus

Here’s some verse on the events of Mark 9:2-8. On The Mountain With Jesus Up the high mountain the four of them went, Peter, James, John, and the One heaven sent. There He was transfigured before their eyes, His appearance became luminous and glorified. Then Elijah and Moses came into their view, They were thereContinue reading “On The Mountain With Jesus”

The Messy Messiah

Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say I am?” (Mark 8:27). When Christ asked questions, it wasn’t for the reason that we usually do. We ask questions to get information; He asked questions to help people find answers. Here, He wanted His disciples to see and understand that despite all the positive responses HeContinue reading “The Messy Messiah”