Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Matthew 25:14-30 communicates a significant theological message about the importance of utilizing one's gifts and resources to glorify God and serve others. In the parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of talents (an ancient unit of currency) before going on a journey. Upon...
Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)
The Great Commission is the final moment of the gospel of Matthew before Jesus leaves His desciples. Disciples meet risen Lord at Galilee. They fall down on the ground in reverence, but "some had doubts" (Matt 28:17). Jesus is reacting on these doubts and assures disciples about his power, while...
Baptism and Testing of Jesus (Mark 1:9-13)
Mark 1:9-13 describes the baptism and temptation of Jesus. The Gospel of Mark binds these two events causally close. The story in this passage highlights Jesus' identity as the Son of God and his ability to resist the temptation of Satan. The role of the Holy Spirit, which descends on Jesus upon...
Defilement comes from within (Mark 7:1-23)
This story questions the very essence of what is really important in our religious life. It would be the mistake to just plain read the story and apply it into our life. Key Greek terms used here are παραδοσις meaning "tradition, something handed down" and κοινος meaning "defiled; ordinary,...