FBCC - Second Serving

True Worship or Empty Ritual? (Mark 7:1–13) True Worship or Empty Ritual? (Mark 7:1–13) Introduction Imagine you received a beautifully wrapped gift. The box is decorated with bright ribbons, but when you open it, you find nothing inside. Wouldn’t that be disappointing? This is exactly what Jesus confronted in this passage—religious leaders who looked holy on the outside but were empty inside. They followed traditions and rules but ignored the most important thing: true obedience to God. This passage is crucial because it teaches us that outward religious actions mean nothing if our hearts are far from God. Background & Context The key verse of this passage is Mark 7:6: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Jesus spoke these words to the Pharisees and scribes, religious leaders who had traveled from Jerusalem to observe Him. They were upset because His disciples did not follow their hand-washing traditions ...

Jesus Walks on Water – Do You See Who He Is? Mark 6:45–56 Introduction: Missing What’s Right in Front of You Have you ever tried to teach someone a simple task, but no matter how many times you show them, they just don’t get it? Maybe it’s tying their shoes, solving a math problem, or learning a new game. You walk them through each step, demonstrate it, even do it for them—but they still don’t understand. This is exactly how Jesus must have felt with His disciples. They had seen Him perform miracles, heard His teachings, and even experienced His power firsthand, yet they still didn’t fully understand who He was. In Mark 6:45–56, Jesus once again reveals His power to them, but they still struggle to grasp the truth. Background & Context: Jesus’ Power on Display Right before this moment, Jesus had fed over 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish. That should have been proof enough that He was more than just a teacher. But now, another miracle is about to unfold. ...

The Cost of Truth: The Story of John the Baptist’s Death Mark 6:14–29 Introduction: A World in Crisis The world around us is broken. We see the evidence everywhere—rising crime, widespread corruption, and deep personal struggles. But many people choose to ignore these signs, distracting themselves with entertainment, wealth, or personal pleasures. Like a road leading to destruction, the journey can be filled with comfort, but the final destination is death. However, there is another way—a path of wisdom that leads to true life. This is the wisdom John the Baptist proclaimed. He stood against the corruption of his time, boldly calling people to repent and turn to Jesus. His message was simple yet urgent: We have broken God’s law, and judgment is coming. But mercy is found in Christ alone. The story of John’s death is a reminder that standing for truth can be costly. Yet his life and message point us to the greater truth—Jesus, the Savior of the world. Confusion About Jesus (M...

Jesus Rejected in His Hometown Mark 6:1–6 Introduction Have you ever ordered something online, eagerly waiting for it to arrive, only to feel disappointed when you opened the package? Maybe it wasn’t what you expected, or it just didn’t meet your hopes. Or perhaps you’ve seen a child on Christmas morning open a gift and immediately look for something better. This feeling—of something not living up to expectations—is at the heart of today’s passage. Jesus returns to His hometown, Nazareth, where He should have been welcomed with joy. But instead of embracing Him, the people reject Him. They couldn’t accept who He truly was because He didn’t fit their expectations. This passage challenges us to consider our own hearts—do we truly see Jesus for who He is, or do we let our assumptions and doubts get in the way? Background & Context Jesus had been traveling, teaching, and proclaiming the arrival of the kingdom of God—which was accompanied by miracles to demonstrate the message ...

Jesus, the Healer and the Hope of Resurrection Mark 5:21–43 Introduction Have you ever been to a home show or an expo where companies set up booths to demonstrate their products? They show you how their product works, why it’s better than the competition, and why you should believe in it. In a way, Jesus’ miracles worked the same way. They weren’t just random acts of kindness; they were signs that proved His message was true. People could see with their own eyes that Jesus had real power, power that no one else had—not even the religious leaders. In this passage, we see two miracles happen back-to-back: one where Jesus heals a sick woman, and another where He raises a young girl from the dead. These miracles show us that Jesus has power over sickness and even death itself. Background & Context In this passage, a synagogue leader named Jairus comes to Jesus, desperate for help. His daughter is dying, and he believes Jesus is the only one who can save her: “Then came one of t...

Who Then Is This? (Mark 4:35–41) Introduction Imagine hiring a contractor for a home renovation. You meet someone confident, knowledgeable, and reassuring, but when the work begins, the experience doesn’t match the promises. Calls go unanswered, deadlines are missed, and the finished product is disappointing. The person who made the promise isn’t the same person delivering the work. Unlike people, Jesus is entirely consistent. Who He claims to be is exactly who He is, both in word and action. In Mark 4:35–41, Jesus demonstrates His power over creation itself, proving that He is not just a messenger but the very Son of God. This passage challenges us to ask, as the disciples did, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41) Jesus’ Purpose: Preaching the Kingdom (Mark 4:35–36) As evening came, Jesus told His disciples, “Let us go across to the other side” (Mark 4:35). He had been teaching the crowds all day, but now He was moving on. Why? Because Jesus...

The Seasons of the Kingdom of God Mark 4:26–30 Introduction: The Rhythm of Seasons Life moves in seasons. Athletes train in the off-season, work to build a record during the season, and strive for the championship in the post-season. Gardeners prepare the soil, plant at the right time, and patiently wait for the harvest. Even television shows follow a timeline—writing, rehearsing, filming, and editing before the final product is released. We understand the importance of timing in our daily lives. Jesus used a similar idea to teach about the Kingdom of God. Like a seed planted in the ground, God’s kingdom grows in ways we cannot see or fully understand. Yet, there is a set time for everything—the planting, the growing, and ultimately, the harvest. In Mark 4:26–29, Jesus explains how the Kingdom of God follows this pattern. How the Kingdom Grows Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprou...

Seeing the Big Picture Mark 4:21–25 Introduction Have you ever been so focused on a small detail that you missed something amazing? Imagine standing at the Grand Canyon but only looking at the rocks by your feet. Or watching a highlight reel of a game and thinking one player is incredible—only to find out their team lost by twenty points. Sometimes, we do the same thing with the Bible. We zoom in so much on one part that we miss the bigger message. In Mark 4:21-25, Jesus tells two short parables. Some people misinterpret these verses, thinking they are about money or blessings. But Jesus isn’t talking about wealth—He’s revealing something far greater: the mercy of God. These verses show how God’s truth is meant to be revealed and how His mercy is given to those who receive it. The Light That Reveals Jesus begins with a question: “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?” (Mark 4:21). The answer is obvious—a lamp is meant to shine. Jesu...

Jesus’ True Family (Mark 3:31–35) Introduction: The Committed Inventor Think about an inventor who has a stable job but dreams of creating something groundbreaking. His invention has potential, but his day job takes up all his time. Eventually, he must decide: will he stay in his safe, predictable life, or risk everything to bring his creation to life? Jesus faced a similar moment in His ministry. Up to this point in Mark, He had been teaching, healing, and calling disciples. But now, His earthly family arrives, trying to take Him home. Jesus has a choice: will He return to them and walk away from His mission, or stay the course in obedience to His Heavenly Father? In this moment, Jesus clarifies what it truly means to be part of His family—not through physical birth, but through spiritual obedience. Background & Context Earlier in Mark 3, people claimed Jesus was “out of His mind” (Mark 3:21). Now His mother and brothers come to take Him home. But instead of stepping outs...

The Rejected King (Mark 3:20–30) Introduction: The Undercover Boss Imagine the owner of a company disguising himself as a regular worker to see how things really operate. This idea, often used in television shows, helps the boss understand the struggles of employees. But what happens when managers treat the disguised owner poorly, assuming he knows nothing? That’s similar to what happened to Jesus. The Creator of the world came to live among His people, yet they rejected Him, accused Him of wrongdoing, and even claimed He was working for the enemy. Background & Context: A House Divided Jesus had been traveling, teaching, and healing large crowds. When He returned home, the crowds followed, making it impossible even to eat. Even His family thought He had lost His mind and tried to stop Him. At the same time, religious leaders from Jerusalem accused Him of being in league with Satan. Jesus responded with a powerful truth: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom ...

The Twelve: Chosen, Sent, Betrayed, and Sealed (Mark 3:13–19) Introduction Have you ever watched a movie or TV show where a small moment early on turns out to be incredibly important later? Maybe it’s a flashback, a conversation, or a seemingly random event that only makes sense at the very end. This passage in Mark is one of those moments. Jesus gathers twelve men, names them as His apostles, and sends them out with a mission. At first, this might not seem extraordinary, but by the end of Jesus’ story, we see just how crucial this moment was. One of these men would betray Him. The rest would carry His message to the world. Background & Context Mark 3:13–19 tells us that Jesus went up on a mountain and called twelve men to follow Him. “And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons” (Mark 3:14–15). This event happens at a crucial time in Jesus’ ministry. A large...

Jesus, the Healer and the Son of God Mark 3:7–12 Introduction: Coming for the Cure, Missing the Healer Imagine a doctor who could cure every disease instantly—without medicine, without surgery. People would flood his office from around the world, hoping for healing. But imagine if most of them never asked his name, never listened to his advice, and never cared about anything beyond the miracle. That’s what was happening in Jesus’ ministry. In Mark 3:7–12, the crowds were massive, the needs were real, and the miracles were undeniable. But many came to Jesus not to worship Him as the Son of God, but simply to receive a healing. This passage reminds us to ask a deeper question: Do we come to Jesus for who He is—or only for what He can do? Background & Context As Jesus traveled along the Sea of Galilee, people came from every direction—Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, the regions beyond the Jordan, and even Gentile areas like Tyre and Sidon. His reputation had spread far and wide. ...

Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath Mark 2:23–3:6 Introduction: Purpose Misused Have you ever seen someone use something in a way it was never meant to be used? Sometimes it’s creative—like turning a box into a toy spaceship. Other times, it doesn’t work at all—like trying to cut a steak with a spoon. When things are used outside their purpose, problems often follow. That’s what was happening with the Sabbath in Jesus’ day. God had given the Sabbath as a gift—an invitation to rest and remember His salvation. But by the time Jesus arrived, the religious leaders had turned it into a burden. Instead of helping people worship God, they used it to control others. In this account, Jesus reveals that the Sabbath was made for humanity’s good—not as a system of legalism—and that He is Lord over it all. Background & Context As Jesus and His disciples walked through grainfields on the Sabbath, His followers picked heads of grain to eat. Immediately, the Pharisees accused them of breaking Sa...

Jesus Calls Sinners Mark 2:13–17 Introduction: Who Is the Gospel For? Have you ever thought about who the gospel is really for? Maybe you picture someone kind, someone hurting, or even someone who seems lost. The truth is, the gospel is for sinners—plain and simple. Jesus didn’t come for people who think they have everything figured out. He came for those who know they need help. In this account from Mark 2:13–17, we see Jesus calling Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for Jesus’ love and grace. Background & Context Jesus made His mission clear when He said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). He wasn’t excusing sin—He was exposing the pride of those who thought they didn’t need saving. This theme runs throughout Scripture. God called unlikely people in the Old Testament: Abraham was called from a foreign land (Genesis 1...

Doing the Right Thing for the Wrong Reason Mark 1:29–39 Introduction: The Wrong Focus Have you ever seen people get excited about something but miss the most important part? Imagine a group of kids who hear a famous athlete is coming to visit their school. They rush to get autographs, snap pictures, and brag to their friends—but they completely ignore why the athlete came: to teach them about hard work and perseverance. This kind of distraction happened when Jesus began healing people. Crowds gathered around Him, amazed by His power. But many came for the miracles—not for the message. In Mark 1:29–39, we see Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons, but His true purpose was far greater. Background & Context After teaching in the synagogue, Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew, where Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever. Jesus took her hand, healed her, and she immediately began to serve them. That evening, word spread quickly. People from all over the ...

Who Is Jesus? The Power and Authority of the Holy One of God Mark 1:23–28 Introduction: Missing What’s Right in Front of Us Have you ever seen a news clip where someone interviews a famous person without realizing who they’re talking to? Maybe a reporter questions a star athlete, unaware they’re speaking to the MVP. Or a character in a show overlooks something obvious happening right in front of them. These kinds of moments are awkward—and revealing. In Mark 1:23–28, we witness something similar. Jesus performs a powerful miracle, yet the people watching don’t fully grasp who He is. Strangely, the only one who instantly recognizes Jesus is a demon. This moment challenges us to ask: Do we really know who Jesus is, or are we missing what’s right in front of us? Background & Context: The Holy One of God Appears While Jesus is teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, a man possessed by an unclean spirit interrupts, crying out: “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazaret...