> Jesus' Cry from the Cross

When Jesus cries out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This isn't merely a cry of anguish but a public proclamation. 

The Greek word suggests Jesus "shouted" or "proclaimed" these words from Psalm 22. 

This fulfills OT prophecy while serving a dual purpose: Jesus experiences genuine forsakenness as He bears our sin, yet proclaims this truth for our benefit.

The crowd thinks He's calling for Elijah, missing that Jesus is quoting Scripture and declaring His identity as the suffering Messiah. They offer sour wine, not mercy, but mockery

> Jesus' Authority Over Death

When it says that Jesus "breathed His last," it demonstrates His divine authority. 

Jesus dies when He chooses to lay down His life. 

As He said, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18). 

>The Temple Curtain Torn

The temple curtain tore from top to bottom.

This massive veil separated the Holy of Holies from the people. Only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement. 

Now, through Christ's sacrifice, the separation between God and humanity is removed. Every believer can approach God's presence.

This echoes Mark's opening where the heavens were "torn open" at Jesus' baptism. 

> The Centurion's Confession

The Roman centurion declares, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" 

Having witnessed Jesus' authority over His own death and the supernatural signs, this pagan soldier becomes the first human in Mark's Gospel to confess Jesus' true identity. 

> Faithful Witnesses

The women who followed Jesus remain at the cross while the male disciples flee. 

Their presence as witnesses establishes the credibility of the Gospel accounts and honors their faithfulness to Him. 

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

The soldiers led Jesus to the palace, clothed him in purple, crowned him with thorns, and mocked him saying "Hail, King of the Jews!" 

They struck him, spat on him, and knelt in false homage before leading him out to crucify him.

 Irony

The soldiers unknowingly proclaimed truth through their mockery. 

Christ truly is King of Kings, and the crown of thorns represents what God's earthly kingdom actually looks like — suffering for sinners. 

The entire scene drips with irony as everyone involved unwittingly confesses the gospel narrative.

Active vs. Passive

Jesus wasn't passively swept along by events. He remained in complete control, actively choosing to endure this suffering. 

He could have called legions of angels but chose to be "a lamb led to the slaughter." 

It was deliberate submission for our sake.

 The Crucifixion

Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus's cross. 

The soldiers divided his garments by casting lots, fulfilling prophecy. 

Jesus was crucified between two robbers while mockers demanded he save himself

Simon of Cyrene

This random man, pulled from his journey, unexpectedly bore Christ's cross. 

Church history suggests he became a believer — the fact that he's named indicates the early church knew him. 

The Thieves

Both likely mocked Jesus initially (in Mark's account), but one eventually recognized Jesus's innocence and asked to be remembered in his kingdom (in Luke's account). 

 The Central Truth

Every detail — from the crown of thorns to the divided garments — points to one reality: Christ is dying for sinners. 

This is God's work of salvation.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all participated in this redemptive act.

All Good Friday preaching must return to this core truth: Jesus died for you.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

Jesus Before Pilot

Pilate likely doesn't care about Jesus or Jewish religious disputes. 

As a Roman proconsul dealing with occupied territory during times of insurrection, he's primarily concerned with security and Caesar's interests. 

The charge against Jesus that he is claiming to be "King of the Jews" matters to him because it suggests political rebellion.

When Pilate asks if Jesus is the King of the Jews, Jesus responds, "You have said so." 

This non-answer, combined with Jesus's refusal to defend himself against accusations, gradually disarms and confuses Pilate. 

Pilate seems to recognize Jesus's innocence, but he likely feels politically trapped.

The Crowd

Who is the crowd?  This might be the same Palm Sunday crowd, manipulated by chief priests and scribes. 

These religious leaders likely gathered people early in the morning, exploiting their disappointment that Jesus failed to be the revolutionary they expected. 

When Jesus doesn't overthrow Roman rule, the crowd turns against him.

 Barabbas

Barabbas represents layered biblical irony. 

His name literally means "son of the father," creating a striking parallel when the crowd chooses a false "son of the father" while rejecting the true Son of the Father. 

Barabbas was an actual insurrectionist and murderer, the very thing they falsely accused Jesus of being.

Why is Jesus silent?

Jesus's silence fulfills Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant doesn't open his mouth. 

The discussion emphasizes that Jesus simultaneously stands innocent before Pilate yet guilty before God not because he sinned, but because he took on humanity's sin. 

In this section of Mark 15, the conversation highlights how God uses human schemes to accomplish divine purposes. 

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

Jesus Before the High Priest

Jesus is led to the high priest, where the entire council seeks testimony against Him. 

There is irony throughout the passion narrative — even when trying to lie about Jesus, the accusers can't get their stories straight. 

They struggle to find consistent witnesses, highlighting the mob mentality and one-upmanship among the accusers.

The temple destruction claim becomes their focus since it was publicly witnessed. 

When asked if He's "the Christ, the son of the blessed," Jesus responds with "I am" — potentially the divine name (Yahweh in Greek). 

He adds that they'll see "the son of man seated at the right hand of power," a clearly divine Old Testament reference.

The high priest's dramatic response — tearing his garments and crying "blasphemy" — proves that Jesus' contemporaries understood His divine claims. 

This refutes arguments that Jesus never claimed to be God.

 Peter's Denial

Peter's threefold denial reveals how quickly human courage crumbles. 

The same disciple who promised loyalty and drew his sword now denies even knowing Jesus. 

Peter represents all believers. We're sinners in need of redemption, not heroes earning salvation.

Mark (possibly influenced by Peter) intentionally includes this failure to show that apostles weren't sinless leaders but redeemed sinners. 

This prevents us from viewing ourselves as superior to Peter.

Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial demonstrates divine omniscience without fatalistic predestination. 

The appropriate response isn't "I would never do that" but "thanks be to God" that Christ saves sinners. 

We need the gospel preached continually, not just information from a book, because we forget our identity and need as redeemed sinners daily.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

➡️ Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays with deep sorrow. 

“Abba, Father,” He pleads, “remove this cup from me.” 

It’s a window into His full humanity. 

Jesus knows what’s coming: not just the nails and thorns, but the full wrath of God. 

He’ll be abandoned, crushed under judgment meant for us. 

It shows that we too are allowed to bring our fears to God. 

And yet, Jesus finishes with, “Not what I will, but what You will.” 

Meanwhile, His disciples can’t stay awake. This isn’t just sleepiness—it may be despair. 

Their bodies shut down under the weight of grief and fear. 

Jesus tells them, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 

➡️ Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested

Then comes Judas. The Uncultured Saints wrestle with what’s really going on with Judas. 

Was it greed? Despair? Misguided hope? 

Did he think Jesus would escape again and this was just a push? 

He calls Jesus “Rabbi,” not “Lord” — a hint he still didn’t truly see who Jesus was. 

The kiss, a sign of peace, becomes a signal of betrayal. 

Whether his intentions were confused or malicious, the outcome was the same.

Judas’ betrayal triggers the arrest, yet Jesus remains in control, willingly surrendering to fulfill His mission.

➡️ A Naked Man Flees

Mark describes a young man following Jesus, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. When the crowd grabs him, he escapes by slipping out of the cloth and runs away naked.
Many believe this was Mark himself, quietly placing his own story in the margins. 
A confession of fear, maybe shame — but also a witness. He was there. He saw it. And even though he ran, he still wrote it down.
Because that’s the point: Jesus didn’t run. He faced the cross — for them, for Judas, for Mark, for us.
Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.
Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.
#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

➡️ The Pharisees Plot to Kill Jesus

It was now two days before Passover. The chief priests and scribes sought to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him, yet feared causing an uproar during the feast. 

Their need for secrecy spoke volumes — if they were truly doing God's work, why hide in darkness? 

Since the beginning of Mark's gospel, they had been at odds with Jesus, looking for ways to destroy him. 

Even back in chapter three, they allegedly planted a man with a withered hand in the synagogue to test if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath. 

Their secretive plotting revealed their fear — not of wrongdoing, but of the people's reaction. 

They were fully committed to silencing Jesus, willing to employ dangerous and evil methods.

➡️ Jesus Anointed at Bethany

While at Simon the leper's house in Bethany, a woman approached Jesus with an alabaster flask of pure nard, costly ointment worth a year's wages.

Breaking the flask, she poured it over his head. 

Some became indignant, asking why such waste when it could have been sold for over 300 denarii and given to the poor. 

Jesus defended her: "Leave her alone. Why trouble her? 

She has done a beautiful thing. 

The poor you always have with you—whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me." 

He explained she had anointed his body for his coming burial. 

What she did would be remembered wherever the gospel was proclaimed. (And it is!)

➡️ Judas Decides to Betray Jesus

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus. 

They were glad and promised him money. 

Judas sought opportunity to betray him. 

The contrast is striking — the woman spent extravagantly to honor Jesus while Judas sought payment to betray him. 

While some saw her act as wasteful, Jesus recognized it as faith. 

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

➡️ Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper

 Jesus gives His disciples bread and wine and declares, “This is my body” and “This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many.” 

 This moment isn’t just symbolic — it’s sacramental. Jesus isn’t speaking metaphorically; He’s delivering His very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. 

 As Lutherans confess, Christ is truly present in the Supper, and His gifts are given to sinners in real time. It’s not nostalgia or reenactment. It’s God working here and now.

 This meal fulfills the Passover. In the OT, the Passover wasn’t just a remembrance — it was participatory. Israelites didn’t simply recall the Exodus; through the meal, they were joined to it. 

 Jesus brings that same reality to the Lord’s Supper. No longer are believers just remembering past salvation. In the Supper, they receive it. 

 Recreating Seder meals today misses the point. Clinging to the shadow when the reality is given every Sunday in the Lord’s Supper turns salvation into nostalgia instead of participation.

➡️ Jesus Predicts That Peter Will Deny Him

Immediately after this, Jesus predicts Peter’s denial. 

Though Peter insists that he won’t, Jesus tells him the rooster will crow twice before he denies Him three times. 

The disciples all join Peter in pledging loyalty.

 This exchange shows the danger of turning Jesus’ words into challenges instead of warnings. Jesus wasn’t testing Peter — He was preparing him. 

 But Peter, in pride, saw it as a chance to prove himself. Like us, he wanted to be the hero. Salvation doesn’t rest on our performance — it rests on Christ. 

The Lord’s Supper isn’t a ritual for the strong. It’s a gift for the weak, the scattered, and the sinful — for Peter, for you, for me.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

When Jesus speaks of the "abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to be," He's giving us a sign. 

Some interpret this as the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD, while others see it pointing toward Christ's crucifixion itself — the ultimate moment when the innocent bore what should have been our punishment.

Throughout this chapter, Jesus doesn't aim to terrify us but to prepare us. 

The warnings about tribulation, false prophets, and cosmic signs aren't meant to create anxiety but to reassure: "This world, with all its brokenness, is not your final home."

Notice Jesus' practical advice: when things get difficult, flee to safety. Don't try to salvage your possessions. 

This is solid spiritual guidance — we aren't called to fix everything that's broken in this world. Some suffering simply can't be eliminated this side of glory.

The good news shines through when Jesus says, "For the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days." 

God limits our suffering and preserves us through faith until the end.

When Jesus speaks of the Son of Man coming in clouds with power and glory, He's describing not just judgment but salvation — the angels gathering His elect from the ends of the earth.

The fig tree illustration reminds us that these signs aren't meant to frighten but to encourage — summer is coming! The difficult seasons will end.

Jesus tells us to "stay awake" — not through anxious vigilance but by remaining where Christ has promised to be through Word and Sacrament. 

This isn't a burden but a gift.

Mark 13 isn't a chapter of doom but of profound hope. 

Even in the darkest times, lift up your heads — your redemption draws near. 

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Jesus contrasts the ostentatious scribes with a poor widow's humble offering. 

While wealthy individuals contribute large sums to the temple treasury, the widow gives just two small copper coins — all she has to live on. 

This passage isn't merely about stewardship or tithing percentages. 

Jesus is both commending the widow's faith and expressing righteous anger at a religious system that failed to care for its widows.

Her act becomes a Christ-like image — giving all she has just as Jesus would ultimately give everything for our redemption. 

➡️Mark 13:1-2

As Jesus leaves the temple for the final time, his disciples marvel at its magnificence. 

Jesus responds with the shocking prophecy that not one stone will remain. 

This isn't just about physical destruction but marks a theological transition.

The temple had served its purpose as God's dwelling place, but now Jesus himself is the true temple. 

When the temple curtain later tears at Jesus' crucifixion, it signifies this transition: God's presence would no longer be contained in a building but found in Christ and his church.

➡️ Mark 13:3-13

The disciples ask when these events will occur, and Jesus describes ongoing signs: false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, persecution. 

Rather than providing a precise timeline, Jesus emphasizes faithful endurance amid tribulation. 

These signs aren't just about a distant future but characterize the entire period between Christ's ascension and return.

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will provide words during persecution — not through spontaneous revelation, but through the apostolic teachings and Scriptures internalized by believers. 

The central message isn't fear of calamity but faithfulness in confessing Christ until the end.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

➡️ Who Gets the Wife in the Resurrection? (18-27)

The Sadducees, who didn't believe in resurrection, tried to trap Jesus with a scenario about a woman who married seven brothers consecutively. 

They asked whose wife she would be in the resurrection. 

Jesus responds by explaining they misunderstand both Scripture and God's power. 

In the resurrection, people "neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels." 

Jesus then quotes from Exodus, reminding them God is "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" - not of the dead but of the living. 

This reveals that those who have died continue to exist, contradicting the Sadducees' belief that death is final.

➡️ What Commandment Is the Most Important? (28-34)

When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus quotes the Shema: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one," and commands to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

He adds the second command to "love your neighbor as yourself." 

The scribe agrees and adds that these commands are "much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." 

Jesus tells him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." 

Unlike previous confrontational exchanges, this conversation shows someone genuinely seeking understanding.

➡️ How is Jesus David’s God and Son?

Jesus poses a question about the Messiah: How can the Christ be David's son when David himself calls him Lord? 

Quoting Psalm 110, Jesus demonstrates the divine nature of the Messiah. 

This teaching reveals that Christ is both human (descended from David) and divine (David's Lord). 

Interestingly, after these teachings, "the great throng heard him gladly," showing how Jesus gradually won over the crowd with his teaching despite earlier hostility.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

Jesus contrasts the ostentatious scribes with a poor widow's humble offering. 

While wealthy individuals contribute large sums to the temple treasury, the widow gives just two small copper coins — all she has to live on. 

This passage isn't merely about stewardship or tithing percentages. 

Jesus is both commending the widow's faith and expressing righteous anger at a religious system that failed to care for its widows.

Her act becomes a Christ-like image — giving all she has just as Jesus would ultimately give everything for our redemption. 

➡️Mark 13:1-2

As Jesus leaves the temple for the final time, his disciples marvel at its magnificence. 

Jesus responds with the shocking prophecy that not one stone will remain. 

This isn't just about physical destruction but marks a theological transition.

The temple had served its purpose as God's dwelling place, but now Jesus himself is the true temple. 

When the temple curtain later tears at Jesus' crucifixion, it signifies this transition: God's presence would no longer be contained in a building but found in Christ and his church.

➡️ Mark 13:3-13

The disciples ask when these events will occur, and Jesus describes ongoing signs: false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, persecution. 

Rather than providing a precise timeline, Jesus emphasizes faithful endurance amid tribulation. 

These signs aren't just about a distant future but characterize the entire period between Christ's ascension and return.

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will provide words during persecution — not through spontaneous revelation, but through the apostolic teachings and Scriptures internalized by believers. 

The central message isn't fear of calamity but faithfulness in confessing Christ until the end.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

➡️ Jesus curses a fig tree for bearing no fruit, even though it wasn’t fig season. At first glance, this seems unfair. 

Some interpretations:

 Creation is Broken: Some suggest the act reflects Jesus’ grief over a broken creation. 

In a perfect world (like Eden), fruit trees would always bear fruit. 

The fig tree’s barrenness symbolizes how sin has disrupted creation..

 Symbol of Israel: The fig tree also represents Israel. 

Its lack of fruit reflects the spiritual barrenness of God's people. 

This ties to what follows.

➡️ Jesus Cleanses the Temple 

Jesus enters the temple & violently clears out the money changers. 

The fig tree & the temple are likely connected.

 Fig Tree = Israel's False Peace: Like the tree, Israel gives the appearance of health but bears no spiritual fruit. 

It represents a religious system that had become transactional, abusive, and no longer a source of the forgiveness of sins. 

Temple System Coming to an End: Jesus' actions show that the entire temple system has run its course. 

Jesus fulfills the temple, and it is no longer necessary — He is the new temple.

➡️ Faith That Moves Mountains 

What does this mean when Jesus says, “If you have faith, you can say to this mountain, ‘Be thrown into the sea,’ and it will be done?” 

The "mountain" may symbolize the Temple Mount

It doesn’t mean God is a "vending machine" where faith is a currency to get material things.

Nor is it about manipulating God to get what you want.

The call to “move mountains” is not about miracles or material gain, but faith in Jesus. 

Prayer, then, is about aligning our hearts with God's will — seeking the kingdom and finding comfort in His promises, not worldly outcomes.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who leased his property to tenants. 

At harvest time, he sent servants to collect his portion of the fruit, but the tenants beat and killed them. 

Finally, he sent his son, but they killed him too, believing they could take the inheritance.

Jesus asked, "What will the owner do? He will destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others." 

Then he quoted Psalm 118: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."

The religious leaders knew Jesus was speaking about them, and they were trying to arrest him. 

But what's truly striking is what God was seeking to collect — not your good works or religious achievements, but your sins. 

➡️ What About Taxes?

Then, Pharisees and Herodians (normally enemies) joined forces to trap Jesus with a 
question about taxes: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?" 

Jesus asked for a coin and said, "Whose image is on this? Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

This goes beyond just paying taxes. 

Caesar claimed divinity, putting his image on coins to assert ownership. Roman citizens idolized him.

Jesus established proper boundaries: earthly rulers have legitimate but limited authority, while God's authority is ultimate.

We make the same mistake today, turning political leaders into idols, believing our safety depends on "our side" winning. 

We forget all rulers are temporary, and God works His saving purpose even through imperfect governments — remember, Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate."

Whether you have a good government or bad, pray for it — but we never want to confuse which kingdom ultimately matters.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

We're diving into Mark 11:1-11, the Triumphal Entry, and it's more than just a parade.

Here's the lowdown:

➡️ The Colt: Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, not a warhorse. Why? It's a sign of humility, showing His victory isn't about earthly power, but divine grace. He's not there to conquer like a typical king, but to offer a different kind of salvation.

➡️ "The Lord has need of it": Jesus sends his disciples to get the colt, telling them to say "The Lord has need of it," but he’ll return it when he’s done. How did the owner feel about this? It hints that Jesus knew the owner, not just some random person.

➡️ Hosanna!: The crowds shout "Hosanna!" meaning "Save us!" They're looking for an earthly king, someone to overthrow Roman rule. But Jesus's mission is far greater: to save them from sin and death.

➡️ OT Fulfillment: This connects to prophecies in Zechariah 9 and echoes Solomon riding a mule at his coronation.

➡️ The same crowds praising Jesus will later call for His crucifixion. It's a stark reminder of how quickly opinions can change and how easily we can misunderstand God's true purpose.

➡️ The Temple Visit: Jesus enters the temple, looks around, and leaves. It's a moment of quiet observation before the storm, perhaps contemplating the temple cleansing that would soon come.

The triumphal entry is a reminder that Jesus's way of saving us is not what they expected. 

He comes in humility, not power, and His kingdom is built on grace, not force. 

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

Why don’t the disciples really get it? 🤔Can their brains just not fathom what he’s saying? Has God not opened their eyes just yet?

They don’t yet fully grasp 🙈what it means to be the Messiah — that he has to die.

Do we really get it? 🧠💭 We might understand that it happened objectively, but, subjectively, we sometimes forget the cross and what it truly means.

But the comfort is that even when we doubt, it’s still true. 🤲 

❓ Are the disciples saved at this point? Yes — because Christ called them.

📖 Compare and contrast the three passion predictions in Mark:
1️⃣ First, in the land of the Gentiles, he focuses on the Jewish authorities and what they’re going to do.
2️⃣ Second, in Judea, he focuses on the Gentile authorities and what they’re going to do.
3️⃣ Third, on the way to Jerusalem, it’s the most detailed of the predictions.

📜 Mark 10:35-45
This section contrasts the theology of the cross ⚔️ and the theology of glory.🏆

James and John 👥are asking for a theology of glory right after Jesus talks about the cross.

In a theology of glory, you’re close to God if something really amazing is happening.🌟 But Jesus was glorified in his death on the cross.

If you expect to find God only in things people would call glorious, you risk calling good evil and evil good. ❌

But can they drink the cup 🍷and handle the baptism Jesus is about to endure? Jesus hints that they will be martyred, but he doesn’t say it in words they can understand because they can’t bear to hear.

📜 Mark 10:46-52
The blind man calls out to Jesus for mercy.🙏 

Blind Bartimaeus 👀 looks to Jesus to be the Messiah and show him mercy as a poor, blind beggar.

❓ Why does Jesus make the blind man tell him what he wants?

Jesus has a way of prompting us to speak 🗣️ about things we’d rather not discuss.

We’re asked to pray for specific things, but sometimes all we have is, “Lord, have mercy.” 🤲

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus 

⛔The problem: he is attempting to justify himself by asking, “what must I do?” 🤔

But before Jesus answers his question, he calls the man out for calling him good. 🛑  

Jesus wants to stop him from just throwing around the word “good” without acknowledging what it means. Good means perfect, holy, and divine — and only God can be called good. 🌟🙌

Jesus answers his question by giving him the second table of the law. 📜 (The commandments about how we treat others.)

But when the man says he’s kept those, Jesus then shows him that he failed to keep the first table of the law. 📜💔 (The commandments about how we treat God.

Jesus “loved him” ❤️ — Jesus isn’t trying to win an argument. He wants him to be saved. 🙏  

Jesus shows him who his god really is when he tells him to sell everything he has. 💰➡️❌  

We’re quick to think that we don’t have gods, but we do. We’re unwilling and unable to live without our god.🙎The question is — do we have the right one? ❓🔍

Then Jesus said: “Come, follow me.” 👣 (This is a gospel invitation.)  

But then he walked away sorrowful. 😔💔

Then Jesus drops some truth bombs for his disciples: 💣💥  

In verse 25 he says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 🐫➡️🪡

Incredulous, the disciples ask: “Then who can be saved?” 😲

The disciples viewed the rich as blessed by God, so it was shocking for them to hear that it was hard for them to be saved. 💸💭❗

Jesus: “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 🙌✨ (v. 27)

Peter then acknowledges that they (the disciples) left everything to follow him. 👣

Jesus comforts them with “the mutual consolation of the brethren” by saying that they will receive more than they could ever imagine. 💞💫  

When you feel alone because of your beliefs, the brethren are there to console you and point you to the cross. ✝️🕊️

We may lose a lot when we follow Christ, but we also gain so much, including a Father in heaven. 👑☁️❤️

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus #mark10

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #divorce #children #jesus

 Did you know that Jesus told his disciples that he would die and rise? 😮 

One of those predictions happens right here.👇

The disciples don't get it. 🤔 

They've seen Jesus raise people from the dead, but they've never seen someone raise themself. 🧟‍♂️ 

Why is Jesus so secretive about their journey through Galilee? 🤫 

The Uncultured Saints have some ideas . . . 💡 

Jesus is moving away from the individual miracles  ✨ to the world changing miracle of the cross to solve our biggest problem and sickness — our sin. ✝️🌍

2️⃣ The disciples then get into a funny argument about which of them is the greatest. 🏆 

Jesus puts in front of them a person who is the most helpless, can accomplish the least, and is the most needy — a child. 👶 

And he says: "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me." 🤗 

This was at a time when children were seen as a tax on resources, they died young, and they were seen and not heard. 😔 

If we want to receive the kingdom of God, we must receive it as little children — as completely utterly helpless individuals who can't lift a finger to save ourselves. 🙏

3️⃣ John wants to stop others from casting out demons. 😈🚫 

Jesus tells John to simmer down. Why? 🤔 

They aren't doing it in their own name, but in the name of Jesus. ✨ 

This brings up questions about the church . . . ⛪ 

If anyone can do the work of Christ, then why do we need pastors? 🧑‍🍳 

Questions to ask:

✔️Is the person preaching the true word of God? 📖

✔️ Is he administering the sacraments according to God's institution? 🍷🍞

4️⃣ Jesus says to cut off your hand if it causes you to sin. ✋🔪

 Is Jesus being literal here? 🤨 

This is about excommunication.🚪 

If there is somebody in the church who is dragging the rest of the church to hell through unbelief, it would be better that the person be cut off. ⚔️

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #biblestudy

In this week’s episode of The Uncultured Saints, we dive deep into..

The gospel of Mark 18

The believer’s unbelief

And how prayer changes you

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #prayer #faith

Sometimes, we feel like we need to have all the right answers, but even the closest disciples struggled to understand everything. 🙃💡 

The good news? 

Jesus doesn’t demand perfection—He shows us mercy, even when we’re confused or afraid. 

Here's the truth: faith isn't about always getting it right or feeling 100% confident. 

It’s about trusting Jesus even when we don’t fully understand. The same Jesus who showed His glory also went down that mountain to the cross—for YOU.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #transfiguration #jesus

Imagine this: you're blind, and Jesus comes up to you. 

Instead of a grand gesture, He spits on the ground, makes mud, and places it on your eyes. 

Kinda weird, right? 

Yet through this humble, messy act, sight is restored. 💡

Sometimes God works through things that seem weak or even strange to you and me. 

We might not always get the ‘why’ or the ‘how’ of God's plans, but through the cross, we see God’s unfailing love and work in our lives, even in the messiest moments. 💫

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #miracles #jesus

"We've got Jesus here in the land of the Gentiles... The disciples aren't dumb, right? We think they are, but it's not that they don’t think Jesus can feed people. It's that they don’t think He should feed these people. They're confused because this isn’t what they expected. They’ve seen Jesus feed 5,000 before—so why are they worried now? It's like they’re thinking, ‘Sure, He did it for the Jews, but these are Gentiles. Are they worthy of the same miracle?’ And that’s where we often find ourselves too—doubting, questioning when things don't fit our expectations, forgetting what Jesus has already done."

Ever had that moment where you totally miss the point?

When you’re so caught up in your doubts that you miss the miracle right in front of you. 🌊🍞 In Mark 8, the disciples had witnessed Jesus feed thousands with a few loaves of bread, but when faced with feeding 4,000 Gentiles, they couldn’t see beyond their own doubts and prejudices. They were too distracted by their own unbelief to remember that Jesus had already shown them the way.
How often do we let fear and doubt cloud our vision of God’s work in our lives? Instead of trusting in His power, we question, we forget, we demand more signs. But faith isn’t about seeing, it’s about believing—even when we can’t see. Don’t be a fool caught up in distractions; remember what He’s done and trust what He’s promised. 🙏✨ #FaithOverFear #Mark8 #TrustInHim #GenZFaith #Miracles

In this week’s episode of ‘The Uncultured Saints’ Pastors Goodman and Lietzau explore…

💥 Why Jesus clashed with the Pharisees
🙅🏽‍♂️ What it means to be "defiled"
 How Jesus redefines clean vs. unclean

## Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman

In Mark 7:24-30, Jesus encounters a Syrophoenician woman. 

This interaction, on the surface, might come across as perplexing and confrontational. 

When the woman pleads for help for her demon-possessed daughter, Jesus initially responds with what seems like a rebuff:

“Let the little children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.”

The woman, undeterred, responds:

“Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.”

Her faith and humility are evident in this reply. 

Jesus acknowledges her faith and heals her daughter. 

But, this interaction isn’t just about the woman and her daughter.

It also serves as a vital lesson for Jesus’ disciples and all onlookers (and you and me!).

During Jesus’ time, strict societal and religious boundaries defined who was considered clean and worthy. 

The Syrophoenician woman defies these norms, illustrating that faith knows no bounds. 

Jesus emphasizes that true defilement isn’t about external factors but what comes from within a person. 

By healing her daughter, Jesus shows that God's grace and mercy extend beyond the Jewish community to all who have faith.

Traditions aren’t inherently bad. 

They can actually be a very good thing!

In fact, they shape our society and provide structure. 

But what happens when we start elevating these traditions above the Gospel and God's commandments?

In Mark 7, Jesus challenges the Pharisees who turned traditions into weapons, placing them above God's commandments. 

They were so focused on man-made rituals that they missed the point. 

Their traditions became weapons—used to control, exclude, and overshadow what was truly important. 

When we begin relying too much on the rituals of men, we risk setting them above not just the rituals of God, but the promises of God, too.

Listen to the entire discussion on our YT channel!

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#lutheran #lcms #higherthings #unculturedsaints #traditions

Remember, Jesus isn't just here to protect us from life's storms—

He's here to make them powerless. 

When He walked on water, He wasn't just showing off. 🌊 

He was proving that death and fear have nothing on Him. 🚫

Picture this: the sea, which symbolizes chaos and uncertainty, becomes a sidewalk for Jesus. 

He doesn't just walk by us in our struggles. ⤵️ ⤵️ ⤵️

He leads us through them. 

Just like fishermen pull life from the depths of the ocean, Jesus pulls us from despair, flipping our fears into faith.

Think about baptism—it's where the deadly waters become a source of new life. 💦

Even in the face of death, Jesus stands with us, saying, "Take heart; it's me. Don't freak out." ✝️

As we deal with our own storms, let's remember the absolute truth that Jesus isn't just beside us; He's walking ahead of us too. 🌟

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#lcms #lutheran #higherthings #Jesuswalksonwater #faith

Remember, Jesus doesn’t choose some to heal and not others. 

Jesus' timing might not match ours, and it may take years.

But know this: Your faith has made you well, tied to the resurrection, and it's done! 🙏

Your faith has made you well, even if you don't see it yet.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

Consider the story of the man possessed by demons in Mark 5.

He was…

Cut off from all of his family and friends
Not living in his right mind
Self-harming
Tormented night and day
Living among the dead 

However, when the demon-possessed man sees Jesus, he runs and falls down before him.  

And this is no act of worship.

This is how the demon is compelled to behave in the presence of the creator of all things.   

This passage is such a comfort, in that we see that the demons have ZERO ability to stand toe-to-toe with Jesus.  

Jesus's authority tackles and wins over even the darkest forces. 📖 

And in that, you can take peace and comfort.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO. 

#lcms #higherthings #lutheran #demons #jesus

Did you know that the popular childrens’ song “This Little Light of Mine” is not about YOU?

Nope!

It’s about Jesus!

Jesus is the light that should not be hidden.

The song’s context is taken from Mark 4:21:

Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket? No!  Or under a bed and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest. Nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. And he said to them, pay attention. To what you hear, with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. And still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given. And from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

He himself, as the light of the world, was hidden under human flesh and revealed through his resurrection. 🙌
Jesus is the light of the world, veiled under human likeness and flesh. 
And, it will come to light. 
But not in how the people or the world or you and I sometimes think it will.
Not in miracles or political kingdoms or in riches and wealth.
But in the glory of the cross.

Not made to grow anything….

Maybe because of...

📉 Setbacks at school
💔 Relationship turmoil
😢 Friend drama
💸 Financial mistroubles 
🩺 Health issues

You feel...

➤ Weighed down
➤ Hopeless
➤ Isolated
➤ Overwhelmed

You’re not alone! Everyone feels this way at some point growing up!

The truth is...

Jesus continues to sow his seeds in our lives, despite our circumstances. He has the amazing power to transform even the rockiest of soils into fertile ground.

And it’s not up to you.  

He’s got you covered (get the soil joke?!!).

HE makes you the good soil.

…the church is not for the perfect.

It is for the sinner. ❤️

It is for those seeking healing and comfort.

Just as a hospital is for the sick, the church is for those in need of God’s grace. 🤕 ⛪️

Jesus dined with the tax collectors and the sinners.

Not because they were righteous.

✅ But because they needed healing.

Church is not a sanctuary for saints, but a hospital for sinners.

Come as you are, not because you're perfect, but because you're in need of the Great Physician. 🏥✝️

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Content Executive.

Contributor Eli Lietzau is the pastor at Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

#lutheran #lcms #higherthings #unculturedsaints #church

Let’s look to how Jesus handled struggling when he was being tempted by the Devil in the wilderness.  

Jesus dealt with the devil’s temptation not with sheer will, but by grace.

And boy was he tempted!

It wasn’t just the three times we hear about in the Gospels.

But we hear elsewhere in scripture that Jesus was tempted in every way…just like us.

And we also read that the angels ministered to Jesus

When you’re struggling with temptation (and we all do!)...

➤ Hear God’s promises to you in the Scripture

➤ Hear the Word of God preached by your Pastor

➤ Do not be alone, but be near those who will minister to you

“When you’re struggling with temptation, it’s not only about reading the Bible, but also hearing more preaching and being near those who will minister to you.” Goodman

“If you have no promise that it's from God, then run away from it or just stay in the boat and keep fishing like Father Zebedee.

“The words that God would speak to you actually happen.” Goodman

📏is the shortest and most abrupt of the Gospels? 

📖 And, why does it skip the Christmas story? 🤔

When it comes to discussing the book of Mark, it’s more important to focus on what we DO get.

Which is a short, succinct message that tells us that Jesus….

✅ Is the Messiah
✅ Is the Son
✅ Is Israel, reduced to one
✅ Stands in his baptismal waters in the sinner’s place

To learn more about Mark and why he had God’s authority to speak on behalf of him, watch the video.

Season 3 is here, and we’re talking about Christ. Christ in the Old Testament in fact! And up first we’re talking about creation.