Reasoning Through the Bible

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ stand as the most profound events in human history—the hinge point upon which everything turns. When examining these world-changing moments, we discover both the raw humanity of those who witnessed them and the divine power that transformed their lives forever.The narrative brings us face-to-face with Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple who kept his faith hidden until the critical moment when courage was required. As a respected member of the Sanhedrin council, Joseph risked everything—reputation, position, and possibly his life—to approach Pilate directly and request Jesus's body. His journey from secret believer to public disciple mirrors the struggle many Christians face today in workplaces and social circles where faith expression carries consequences.What makes the resurrection account so compelling is the meticulous detail preserved by eyewitnesses. From the Roman centurion who professionally verified Jesus's death to the women who observed exactly where the body was laid, the narrative eliminates any possibility of confusion or substitution. These same women, arriving at dawn with burial spices (clearly not expecting resurrection), discovered the seemingly immovable stone already rolled away—a powerful reminder that God specializes in removing obstacles we consider insurmountable.The variations between the four Gospel accounts, rather than undermining credibility, actually strengthen it. Real eyewitness testimony from different perspectives rarely aligns perfectly, especially during chaotic, emotional events unfolding over several hours. Most telling is the unanimous agreement that women discovered the empty tomb first—a detail no fabricator in first-century Jewish culture would include given the inadmissibility of female testimony.Beyond historical validation, the resurrection offers profound hope for our daily struggles. When we face situations that leave us terrified and confused, just as the first witnesses were, we can trust that God's purposes will ultimately become clear. The resurrection isn't just something that happened—it's something that happens, transforming our darkest moments with the assurance that death, despair, and impossibility have been conquered once and for all.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The crucifixion stands as the pivotal moment in human history—the hinge point where everything changed. Join us as we explore Mark's account of Jesus' death, unpacking the profound theological significance beneath the deceptively simple words, "they crucified him."We begin at Golgotha, examining the possible connections between Christ's crucifixion and Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac centuries earlier. This extraordinary parallel reveals God's consistent character throughout salvation history, providing the ultimate sacrifice Himself rather than merely requiring one from us.What strikes many is Jesus' deliberate refusal of pain-dulling wine mixed with myrrh. Unlike most crucifixion victims who gladly accepted any relief, Jesus chose to experience the full, unmitigated suffering with complete clarity of mind. This decision reveals the intentional nature of His sacrifice—He came to earth specifically to die, and would do so with full awareness.Perhaps most mysterious is the supernatural darkness that fell at midday during the crucifixion. This wasn't a natural eclipse (impossible during Passover's full moon) but a divine sign of judgment and mourning as Jesus bore the weight of human sin. When he finally cried out and gave up his spirit—not as one whose life was taken, but as one who sovereignly surrendered it—even the hardened Roman centurion recognized something extraordinary had occurred.The account ends with a touching detail often overlooked: while the male disciples fled, a group of faithful women stayed to witness everything. These same women would follow Jesus' body to the tomb and return to find it empty—providing crucial eyewitness testimony to both his death and resurrection.The cross isn't the end of the story, but rather sets the stage for the resurrection. Join us next time as we continue exploring how this darkest moment in history brings us the brightest hope for eternity.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Have you ever wondered who truly bears responsibility for the crucifixion of Jesus? Beyond historical blame, this question cuts to the heart of Christian faith and personal accountability.We journey through Mark 15, examining the final hours before Jesus' crucifixion through a lens both historical and deeply personal. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Pilate's moral failure—recognizing Jesus' innocence yet condemning him to satisfy the crowd. This pivotal moment reveals how envy drove the religious leaders and how easily crowds can be manipulated into demanding injustice.The contrast between destructive envy and sacrificial love emerges as a central theme throughout this account. Where envy acts selfishly, Christ's love gives everything for others' benefit. This distinction challenges us to examine our own motivations and responses to opposition.Perhaps most relevant to our contemporary experience is the exploration of how Christians should respond when facing ridicule or pressure to compromise. The Roman soldiers' mockery of Jesus—crowning him with thorns, dressing him in purple, and offering false worship—serves as both historical account and cautionary tale. Their behavior reminds us that followers of Christ [The Mesiah] should expect opposition while remaining steadfast.The seemingly random encounter between Jesus and Simon of Cyrene reveals God's providence working through unexpected circumstances. This Passover pilgrim, forced to carry Christ's cross, was so transformed by the experience that his family became believers, with his son Rufus later recognized as "a choice man in the Lord."What strikes most profoundly about this passage is how it calls us to critical thinking and spiritual courage. In a world where crowds still follow charismatic but misleading voices, we're challenged to stand firmly on truth, even if standing alone. The crucifixion narrative isn't merely historical—it's a template for faithful discipleship in a hostile world.Have you reflected lately on how this ancient story continues to shape your response to contemporary challenges? Share your thoughts and join our conversation about standing firm when truth demands it.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Have you ever witnessed a complete miscarriage of justice? The trial of Jesus stands as history's most profound example of how power, jealousy, and fear can corrupt even the most sacred institutions.As the high priest grows increasingly frustrated with contradicting testimonies against Jesus, he finally asks directly: "Are you the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus's unflinching response—"I am"—provides exactly what they wanted: grounds for execution. The high priest tears his garments (itself a violation of Levitical law) and declares no further witnesses necessary. What follows reveals the cruelty behind religious facades as guards blindfold Jesus, beat him mercilessly, and mockingly challenge him to "prophesy" who struck him.Meanwhile, Peter's story unfolds in heartbreaking parallel. The disciple who hours earlier had sworn he would die before denying Jesus now crumbles before a servant girl's questioning. His three denials culminate in cursing and swearing that he "does not know this man." When the rooster crows and Jesus catches his eye across the courtyard, Peter breaks down in bitter tears. Yet this failure doesn't define his story—Jesus later restores him completely, showing that our worst moments don't disqualify us from God's purposes.The religious leaders, having condemned Jesus for blasphemy, shrewdly change tactics when bringing him before Pilate. Knowing Roman authorities wouldn't execute someone for religious claims, they reframe the charges as sedition: "This man claims to be a king." Throughout these manipulated proceedings, Jesus maintains remarkable composure, speaking only when necessary and embracing the path that leads to our redemption.This ancient narrative mirrors how both secular authorities and religious establishments often deny Christian faith a fair hearing today. The world doesn't understand the profound importance of what happened that day—when the truly innocent One willingly accepted judgment so that we might go free.How might your perspective change knowing that Jesus faced injustice so completely yet without abandoning His mission of love? What does it mean that He doesn't discard us when we fail him like Peter did?Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

A kiss becomes the ultimate betrayal in this powerful examination of Judas Iscariot's treachery against Jesus. We dive deep into Mark 14:42-65, uncovering the layers of this pivotal moment that set in motion the most important weekend in human history.Discussed in this session is the perplexing question that has troubled believers for centuries—why would Judas betray Jesus? Rather than focusing solely on theories of greed or political disappointment, we examine the deeper character flaws revealed in scripture and conclude that sometimes evil actions stem simply from evil hearts.This episode illuminates fascinating details often overlooked in this familiar story: Peter's impulsive sword attack, the mysterious naked young man who fled the scene, and the stark contrast between the disciples' bold promises and their frightened abandonment when real danger appeared. Each element adds texture and authenticity to this eyewitness account.Perhaps most revealing is the examination of Jesus' trial before the Jewish authorities—a mockery of justice that violated at least 22 of their own legal procedures. False witnesses couldn't align their testimonies, leading to growing frustration from the high priest who finally demanded a direct answer about Jesus' identity. The response would seal his fate but fulfill his divine purpose.Throughout these events, we see Jesus remained silent when falsely accused but spoke precisely when necessary to accomplish his mission. While human betrayal, fear, and injustice swirled around him, Christ maintained perfect control of his destiny.What does Mark's account of this story reveal about human nature, justice, and divine purpose? Listen now and discover how these events still speak powerfully to our world today. Then join us next time as we continue exploring Jesus' profound response to the high priest's question.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The Garden of Gethsemane stands as one of Christianity's most profound moments – the final hours before Jesus faced his destiny on the cross. In this deeply moving exploration of Mark 14:32-41, we unpack the raw humanity and divine purpose revealed as Christ approaches his darkest hour.From the symbolic setting of Gethsemane (which literally means "oil press") to Jesus sweating drops of blood under immense pressure, this passage offers extraordinary insight into Christ's experience. We examine how Jesus, despite knowing what awaited him, still brought his closest disciples for support – modeling the importance of spiritual community during life's most challenging moments.The tender moment when Jesus addresses God as "Abba Father" (similar to saying "Daddy") reveals the intimate relationship between Son and Father even as the cross loomed. His prayer – "Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will" – perfectly demonstrates how to balance honest human desire with ultimate submission to God's perfect plan.Meanwhile, the sleeping disciples provide a sobering counterpoint to Jesus' vigilance. Their failure to "watch and pray" offers powerful lessons about spiritual alertness and the reality that "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." When Jesus addresses Peter by his old name "Simon," we see how our unregenerate nature tends toward spiritual slumber while our new nature desires faithfulness.Whether you're facing overwhelming circumstances or simply seeking deeper understanding of Christ's sacrifice, this episode provides practical application for staying spiritually alert through prayer, community, and submission to God's will. Join us as we witness Jesus at his most vulnerable, yet most triumphant moment – teaching us how to face our own Gethsemane experiences with faith and courage.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Our journey through Mark's Gospel takes us to one of the most profound moments in Jesus's ministry – the Last Supper with his disciples. In this tender yet pivotal setting, Jesus establishes what Christians now celebrate as Communion, transforming ordinary bread and wine into powerful symbols of his sacrifice.As we explore Mark 14:22-28, we unpack the rich theological significance behind Jesus's words: "This is my body" and "This is my blood of the covenant." We examine the various interpretations Christians hold about Communion – from Catholic transubstantiation to Protestant symbolism – while connecting Jesus's statements to his other symbolic "I am" declarations throughout scripture. This careful analysis helps us appreciate the memorial aspect of Communion as we remember Christ's sacrifice.The conversation deepens as we discuss the covenant Jesus established that night, connecting his words to Jeremiah's prophecy of a new covenant and looking ahead to its future fulfillment in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Jesus's reference to drinking wine "new in the kingdom of God" points to the Millennial Kingdom where believers will celebrate with their risen Lord.Perhaps most poignant is Jesus's prediction that all his disciples would abandon him, despite Peter's passionate insistence otherwise. This tension between sincere intention and human weakness mirrors our own spiritual journey. We find comfort knowing that Jesus loved his disciples despite foreseeing their failure, even promising to meet them in Galilee after his resurrection.Through exploring the Last Supper, we gain fresh appreciation for Christ's sacrificial love, the covenant he established through his death, and his grace toward imperfect followers. This passage challenges us to examine our own commitment to Christ while resting in his faithfulness toward us.Take time today to reflect on what it means to remember Christ through Communion, and how his covenant of grace transforms our relationship with God. How might acknowledgment of our weakness actually deepen our dependence on his strength?Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Why did Jesus choose to die during Passover? The timing wasn't coincidental but purposeful. Jesus orchestrated every detail of his final days, forcing the religious leaders' hand despite their reluctance to arrest him during the feast.Mark 14:12-21 reveals how Jesus arranged his last meal with extraordinary precision. When the disciples asked where to prepare the Passover, Jesus gave them specific instructions: find a man carrying water (culturally unusual, as this was women's work) who would lead them to a fully furnished upper room. This wasn't luck but divine providence at work—God arranging circumstances down to the minute. The unnamed homeowner who prepared that space played a crucial role in salvation history, providing the setting for Jesus' profound final teachings to his disciples.The Passover itself held deep symbolism Jesus deliberately fulfilled. The unleavened bread represented removing sin from one's life, while the sacrificial lamb pointed to Jesus himself—the ultimate sacrifice whose blood would save people from death and free them from bondage. During this meaningful meal, Jesus predicted his betrayal, prompting soul-searching from each disciple who asked, "Is it I?" Rather than confidently asserting their loyalty, they questioned their own steadfastness—a model of spiritual humility we should emulate.Most moving is how Jesus identified his betrayer as "one who dips with me in the bowl"—a gesture of intimacy and fellowship. Even knowing Judas would betray him, Jesus extended this final act of love. What a profound picture of grace toward enemies! This passage reminds us Jesus wasn't a helpless victim but the divine orchestrator of salvation history, walking deliberately toward the cross to fulfill scriptural prophecies and establish a New Covenant.Have you considered how God might be orchestrating circumstances in your life? Take time today to reflect on where divine providence might be at work, even in details you've overlooked.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

A woman enters the house of Simon the Leper where Jesus is dining. In her hands, she carries an alabaster jar containing perfume worth an entire year's wages. Without hesitation, she breaks the jar and pours every drop of the precious liquid over Jesus' head. As the fragrance fills the room, so does the indignation of the disciples. "Why this waste?" they mutter. "This could have been sold and given to the poor!"But where the disciples see waste, Jesus sees worship. Where they calculate financial loss, he recognizes spiritual insight. This woman understood what the disciples couldn't yet grasp – that Jesus was preparing for burial, that his time was short. She broke her most valuable possession and poured it all out because she recognized Jesus' infinite worth."She has done what she could," Jesus declares, immortalizing her act of devotion. These six powerful words offer both comfort and challenge to all believers. The Lord doesn't demand we match others' resources or abilities – he simply asks if we've done what we could with what we've been given.The stark contrast between this scene and what follows is jarring. While this woman empties her treasure upon Jesus, Judas leaves to fill his pockets by betraying him. Two individuals facing the same Savior with radically different hearts – one breaking open her most precious possession in worship, the other selling his Master for silver.This powerful account invites each of us to examine our own alabaster jars – those precious resources, talents, and treasures we possess. Are we breaking them open completely in service to Christ, or carefully preserving portions for ourselves? The invitation stands: pour it all out, hold nothing back, for the One who is infinitely worthy. What will you break for Jesus today?Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

What does it mean to live in expectation of Christ's return? In this profound exploration of Mark 13:28-37, we unpack Jesus' teachings from the Olivet Discourse about spiritual readiness and watchfulness.Jesus uses the powerful imagery of a master leaving his household in the care of servants to illustrate our responsibility during His absence. Three times He emphasizes the command to "be on the alert," yet simultaneously makes clear that "of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." This tension creates the framework for how believers should live: spiritually vigilant without obsessive speculation about timing.We tackle the controversial phrase "this generation will not pass away until all these things take place," unpacking the broader meanings of the Greek word "genea" and examining how context shapes our understanding. Rather than supporting skeptics' criticisms or preterists' claims that all prophecy was fulfilled in the first century, this verse actually reinforces Jesus' teaching about the generation that will witness the specific apocalyptic signs He described.Perhaps most comforting is Jesus' declaration that "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." In a world of instability, God's Word remains our unchanging foundation. This promise grounds our faith through life's uncertainties and gives us confidence in the reliability of Scripture.The practical application of this passage challenges us to examine our lives: Are we distracted by end-times speculation, or focused on the Great Commission? Are we maintaining short accounts with God and others, living as if we could meet Jesus today? Whether through His return or our mortality, readiness for that divine encounter should transform how we live now.Join us as we reason through Scripture to discover what it truly means to stay spiritually awake while waiting for our Master's return. Subscribe to continue exploring God's Word verse by verse.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Jesus' Olivet Discourse stands as one of Scripture's most profound prophetic teachings, delivered from the Mount of Olives as He gazed across Jerusalem during His final week before crucifixion. Today we continue to wade into these deep waters, examining a critical section of Mark 13 that points toward Jesus' glorious return.At the heart of our discussion is the question: which portions of Jesus' prophecy were fulfilled in the first century, and which await future fulfillment? The answer emerges through careful attention to the sequence Jesus provides. "After that tribulation," He declares, cosmic signs will appear, the Son of Man will come in the clouds, and angels will gather the elect from earth and heaven.We explore why false messiahs can be identified by their secretive or limited "appearances," while Christ's true return will be unmistakable—like lightning flashing across the sky. The deeply Jewish context of Jesus' teaching becomes evident as He quotes directly from Isaiah's prophecies about judgment on all nations, not just Israel.Most compelling is the realization that the events described—cosmic disturbances, Christ's visible return in glory, and a universal gathering of God's people—simply don't align with what happened when Rome destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. There was no dramatic sign in the heavens, no visible appearance of Christ, and no gathering of believers that hadn't already been occurring.For listeners wondering about the timeline of end-time events, this passage offers clarity: the tribulation period will conclude with Christ's unmistakable return in glory, accompanied by angels who will gather His chosen ones from across earth and heaven. What a glorious day that will be! Join us as we continue unpacking this profound teaching.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The Olivet Discourse represents one of Jesus' most significant prophetic teachings, and in this episode, we continue our study deep into Mark 13:9-20 where Jesus provides both warnings and comfort for believers facing persecution.Jesus begins with a sobering prediction that His followers would face arrests, beatings, and trials before authorities. While directly addressing His disciples, these words have found fulfillment throughout church history – from the apostles' experiences in Acts to devastating Roman persecutions and continuing today in regions where Christianity remains illegal. Yet within this warning comes profound comfort: "Do not worry beforehand about what to say... for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit." This divine promise has sustained countless believers facing opposition for their faith.The episode culminates with an examination of "The Abomination of Desolation" mentioned in verse 14. While some scholars connect this to historical events like Jerusalem's destruction in 70 AD, we carefully analyze the chronology and evidence suggesting this points to a future tribulation period unparalleled in human history. Jesus provides specific instructions for believers to flee immediately when witnessing this prophetic sign.Whether you're curious about biblical prophecy, seeking encouragement during personal trials, or wanting to understand your role in God's global mission, this episode offers biblical insights that strengthen faith and deepen understanding of God's sovereign plan throughout history.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The Olivet Discourse stands as one of Jesus's most profound and challenging teachings – delivered just days before His crucifixion. Seated on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem, Jesus responds to His disciples' awe at the magnificent temple with a shocking prophecy: not one stone would remain upon another.What follows is a sweeping prophetic timeline spanning from the apostolic age to the end of human history. As we carefully unpack Mark 13, we discover Jesus addressing three key questions: when would the temple be destroyed, what signs would precede these events, and what would signal the end of the age?This episode tackles the challenging interpretive questions surrounding Jesus's teaching. Was He speaking only about Jerusalem's destruction in 70 AD? Was He describing exclusively end-time events? Or was He weaving together multiple prophetic timelines? We explore how understanding biblical prophecy often requires recognizing that a single passage can contain predictions fulfilled in different eras – just as Jesus demonstrated when reading from Isaiah 61 in the Nazareth synagogue.The concept of God's Kingdom emerges as a central theme, revealing both present and future dimensions. While some emphasize the Kingdom as a spiritual reality in believers' hearts today, and others focus on Christ's future earthly reign, Scripture supports both perspectives. The Kingdom was inaugurated at Christ's first coming but awaits consummation at His return.Jesus's warnings about false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, and famines carry profound significance. Rather than indicators that the end has arrived, Jesus describes these as "birth pangs" – preliminary signs that would intensify over time. History validates His warnings, with numerous false messiahs appearing throughout the centuries and devastating world wars unfolding just as He predicted.Join us as we navigate this prophetic roadmap with careful attention to context, historical fulfillment, and future implications. Whether you're new to biblical prophecy or a seasoned student, this teaching offers fresh insights that will strengthen your faith and prepare your heart for what lies ahead.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

A theological chess match unfolds in Mark 12:35-44 as Jesus, having weathered a barrage of trick questions from religious leaders, turns the tables with a single profound question that leaves them speechless. Drawing from Psalm 110, Jesus asks how the Messiah can be both David's descendant and David's Lord—a paradox that reveals the divine nature of the Messiah and exposes the limitations of His opponents' understanding of Scripture.The crowd delights in this reversal as Jesus delivers a scathing critique of religious leaders who parade around in fancy robes seeking recognition and honor while exploiting the vulnerable. His warning about "greater condemnation" for such hypocrites reveals that judgment comes in degrees, particularly severe for those who use spiritual authority for personal gain.The scene shifts dramatically when Jesus sits to observe worshippers making donations to the temple treasury. Among the wealthy contributors, he notices a poor widow who places two small copper coins—her entire livelihood—into the collection. In this quietly powerful moment, Jesus declares she has given more than all others combined, not by amount but by sacrifice.Through these encounters, Jesus demonstrates divine wisdom and authority, revealing profound theological truths, exposing religious hypocrisy, and elevating humble faithfulness above outward displays of piety. His teachings continue to challenge our understanding of true spirituality and what it means to follow God wholeheartedly.Have you considered how you measure generosity in your own life? Is it by the dollar amount or by the sacrifice it represents? Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Love forms the foundation of our entire faith journey. In this profound episode of Reasoning Through the Bible, we explore what Jesus called the greatest commandment of all – the command to love God wholeheartedly and to love our neighbors as ourselves.During the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, a remarkable conversation unfolds between Christ and a sincere scribe. Unlike other religious leaders trying to trap Jesus, this scribe genuinely seeks wisdom. "What commandment is foremost of all?" he asks. Jesus' answer revolutionizes our understanding of what matters most to God.The greatest commandment isn't about religious ritual or following rules. It's about love – loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. This radical prioritization of love over religious works challenges both ancient and modern assumptions about what God desires from us.We discover how Christianity fundamentally differs from works-based religious systems. Our faith begins with love, not obligation. We don't obey to appease God; we obey because we already love Him. This subtle but crucial distinction transforms how we approach our spiritual journey.The episode also explores an often-neglected dimension of faith: loving God with our minds. While many Christians embrace emotional connection with God, Jesus explicitly commands intellectual engagement. Christianity has a rich tradition of deep thinkers who have loved God with brilliant minds – a tradition we're invited to continue.Join us for an intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching exploration of love as the greatest commandment – the profound truth that can transform your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

What happens when religious leaders try to trap Jesus with clever theological puzzles? In Mark 12:18-27, the Sadducees present Jesus with what they believe is an unsolvable riddle about resurrection – a concept they themselves reject. Their question about a hypothetical woman who married seven brothers sequentially was designed to make resurrection seem absurd. Instead, Jesus turns their challenge into a profound teaching moment that reverberates through centuries of theological understanding.The conversation reveals something shocking: these full-time priests and Bible teachers "do not understand the Scriptures," despite studying them since childhood. Jesus masterfully defends resurrection by pointing to a seemingly minor detail – God's declaration to Moses at the burning bush, "I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." The present tense verb becomes the foundation for affirming that these patriarchs are still alive in some sense, proving resurrection is real. This grammatical subtlety demonstrates how essential doctrines can hinge on the precise wording of Scripture.We explore fascinating parallels between ancient Sadducees and modern progressive theologies that prioritize social missions over supernatural faith realities. Both risk creating religious systems that miss core biblical truths about sin, salvation, and eternity. Jesus also provides intriguing glimpses into heaven's reality, explaining that marriage won't exist there – not because relationships lose value, but because God's overwhelming presence will transform all human desires and connections into something even more beautiful. His rebuke of the Sadducees reminds us that sincerity in religious belief doesn't guarantee correctness, challenging us to approach Scripture with both academic rigor and spiritual receptivity.Discover how this ancient confrontation continues to challenge our understanding of Scripture, resurrection, heaven, and the nature of true faith. Subscribe to Reasoning Through the Bible for more insightful explorations of biblical passages and their profound theological implications.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The religious leaders continue to confront Jesus revealing themselves as failed shepherds, more concerned with public opinion and preserving power than genuinely seeking truth. When they send an unlikely alliance of Pharisees and Herodians to trap Jesus with a seemingly impossible dilemma about paying Roman taxes, they expose their desperation. Their flattering approach – "Teacher, we know you are truthful" – thinly veils their attempt to force Jesus into a political no-win situation.What happens next has shaped Christian understanding of political engagement for two millennia. Jesus asks for a coin, revealing both his own lack of wealth and creating a powerful teaching moment. "Whose image is on this?" he asks, before delivering his revolutionary answer: "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God." With elegant simplicity, Jesus transcends their false dichotomy, leaving his would-be trappers "amazed."This passage challenges prosperity gospel teachings (Jesus had no money) and those who equate holiness with poverty (Jesus had no problem with money itself). Instead, it offers a balanced, profound understanding of how believers navigate dual citizenship in earthly kingdoms while maintaining primary allegiance to God's kingdom.Dive deeper into Mark's gospel with us as we examine how Jesus masterfully teaches eternal truths while deliberately moving toward the cross that will change everything. Subscribe now to continue this journey verse by verse through Scripture.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The confrontation between Jesus and the religious authorities reaches a crescendo in Mark 12 with the parable of the wicked vinedressers—a story that's both a judgment and a prophecy. Standing in the temple courts, Jesus speaks with unmistakable authority as he tells of a landowner who prepared a vineyard with meticulous care, only to have his servants abused and his son murdered by those entrusted with its care. The symbolism cuts through centuries of religious pretense: God created Israel, nurtured it, protected it, and expected fruitful service. The prophets he sent were rejected, beaten, and killed. Now the Son stands before them, and the religious leaders are plotting the very crime Jesus describes in his parable.What makes this exchange particularly remarkable is the religious leaders' response. Scripture tells us "they knew he was speaking about them"—yet rather than repenting, they immediately begin plotting his arrest. The parable becomes self-fulfilling as they conspire to become the very characters Jesus portrays them to be.This powerful teaching carries profound implications for spiritual leadership in every generation. The vineyard always belongs to God—never to those temporarily entrusted with its care. When leaders forget they are stewards rather than owners, disaster follows. The cornerstone meant to support everything is rejected, while those who should recognize divine authority instead oppose it.The parable serves as both warning and invitation. While judgment comes to unfaithful stewards, the vineyard itself remains. God's purposes continue through new caretakers, and the rejected stone becomes the foundation of something greater. This masterful teaching reveals Jesus not merely as prophet but as the beloved Son with unique authority to speak for the Father and establish his kingdom.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Jesus's final days in Jerusalem reveal not a victim being swept along by events, but a Messiah deliberately orchestrating the completion of his divine mission. Walking through Mark 11-12, we explore how Jesus strategically confronts the religious establishment, forcing their hand toward his predetermined purpose—to die on the cross for our salvation.We begin with Jesus's powerful teaching about forgiveness: when we pray, we must forgive others so that God will forgive us. This spiritual principle reveals how harboring unforgiveness creates barriers in our relationship with God. Having been forgiven an immense debt ourselves, how can we withhold forgiveness from others? This teaching provides practical guidance for maintaining spiritual health and wholeness in our daily walk.The confrontation intensifies when Jesus enters the temple courts. Religious leaders challenge his authority, attempting to trap him with theological questions. With masterful wisdom, Jesus turns their question back on them, exposing their political calculations and fear of public opinion rather than genuine concern for truth. This exchange demonstrates Jesus's complete control and wisdom in dealing with opposition.The climax comes when Jesus tells the Parable of the Vineyard, deliberately echoing Isaiah 5 where God uses this same metaphor to represent Israel. By appropriating this prophetic imagery, Jesus speaks with unmistakable divine authority. The message is clear: the religious leaders, like their predecessors, had rejected God's messengers and now plotted to reject God's Son. They had positioned themselves as owners rather than stewards of God's people.This episode reveals Jesus deliberately intensifying conflict, forcing the religious establishment to show their true colors as part of God's redemptive plan. The central question remains relevant today: Do we recognize Jesus's divine authority in our lives, or do we resist it to maintain our own control?Join us as we unpack these profound theological truths and discover their practical application for believers today. Subscribe now to continue this journey through Mark's Gospel, as we reason through Scripture together and deepen our understanding of Jesus's mission and message.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The cursing of the fig tree isn't a random act of frustration but a deliberate teaching tool sandwiched around Jesus' cleansing of the temple. Both incidents highlight the same spiritual truth—Israel's leadership had failed in its divine purpose. Though "it wasn't the season for figs," Jesus makes clear that this particular season in Israel's history was characterized by spiritual fruitlessness.We examine how the withered tree serves as both judgment and warning. Just as Jesus inspected the fig tree and found no evidence of future fruit, He inspected the temple and found corruption instead of worship. The parallel is unmistakable—God expects fruitfulness from those who claim to follow Him.This episode delivers a sobering question for today's church: What happens when Christ inspects our ministries and personal lives? Are we bearing genuine spiritual fruit, or merely displaying religious leaves? The fig tree's withering stands as a powerful reminder that God's judgment falls on fruitlessness.Join us next time as we continue our verse-by-verse journey through Mark's gospel, exploring the final days of Jesus before His crucifixion—the most significant events in human history.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem represents a pivotal moment where multiple prophetic threads converge with breathtaking precision. As Jesus rides a humble donkey through Jerusalem's gates, we witness nothing less than the glory of God returning to the temple after centuries of absence—a direct fulfillment of Ezekiel's vision where God's presence departed through the east gate and to the Mount of Olives. Now, that same glory was making its way back.This episode uncovers the rich symbolism and theological depth behind what might seem like a simple parade. The timing during Passover week was no coincidence—Jesus presented himself as the ultimate unblemished lamb precisely when Jewish families were selecting their own sacrificial lambs. Daniel's prophecy of the Messiah appearing after the 69th week aligned perfectly with this moment. Yet what happens next is shocking: after all this prophetic buildup, Jesus simply enters the temple, looks around, and leaves "because it was late"—not just in the day, but in Israel's national life.We explore the stark contrast between Jesus' gentle entry and his forceful temple cleansing the following day, overturning tables and driving out merchants. His righteous anger targeted not just inappropriate commerce but exploitation of the poor and the blockage of the Court of Gentiles—the only place non-Jews could pray. The religious leaders' inability to refute his teaching and their plotting to kill him reveals how threatening authentic spirituality can be to institutionalized religion.The lessons here are profound for modern faith communities. Just as the temple system God established became corrupted by wrong motives, churches today face the same danger of drifting from worship to worldliness. When Jesus returns, will he find us faithful, or will he need to overturn our tables too? Join us as we reason through this pivotal moment that forever changed the relationship between God and humanity.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The Triumphal Entry marks a pivotal moment in Scripture where Mark's Gospel dramatically slows down, devoting six chapters to Jesus' final week after racing through three years of ministry in just ten chapters. When Jesus sends disciples to find "a colt on which no one has ever sat," He's demonstrating both divine foreknowledge and fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. The crowds' enthusiastic reception—laying cloaks on the road, waving palm branches, shouting "Hosanna" and "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David"—wasn't random celebration but deliberate messianic recognition. They were quoting Psalm 118 and explicitly acknowledging Jesus as the promised Davidic king.What makes this event extraordinary is its timing and symbolism. Jesus purposefully enters Jerusalem during Passover when families selected perfect lambs for sacrifice, presenting Himself as the ultimate Passover Lamb. By entering from the Mount of Olives, He fulfills Ezekiel's vision of God's glory returning to the temple. The palm branches connect this moment to the Feast of Tabernacles, the future Millennial Kingdom, and even heavenly worship as described in Revelation.Listen as we unpack how this familiar story contains deeper spiritual meanings that reveal God's intricate plan across Scripture and time. Are you seeing these profound connections in your own Bible reading?Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The story of blind Bartimaeus offers one of the most powerful metaphors for spiritual transformation in the Gospels. When a blind beggar on the roadside hears Jesus is passing by, he recognizes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and refuses to remain silent, even as the crowd attempts to quiet him. His persistent cry—"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"—reveals remarkable spiritual insight from a man who physically couldn't see.The question Jesus asks—"What do you want me to do for you?"—mirrors the exact question he asked James and John earlier in the chapter. Their response revealed selfish ambition for power and status, while Bartimaeus simply wanted sight. This profound contrast challenges us: when Jesus asks us the same question today, are we seeking worldly success or spiritual vision?Though Jesus tells the newly-sighted man to "go," Bartimaeus chooses instead to "follow him on the road"—the ultimate picture of discipleship born from genuine transformation. His story reminds us that spiritual blindness affects us all, regardless of social status, and that Jesus stands ready to heal those who persistently call out to him.Whether you've walked with Jesus for decades or are just beginning to explore faith, this episode will challenge you to examine what you might need to leave behind to fully follow Christ. Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

What happens when ambition collides with Christ's mission? Mark 10:35-45 captures a revealing moment where James and John approach Jesus with a startling request for positions of power and prestige—immediately after Jesus has just predicted his suffering and death.Jesus responds with a gentle but firm correction: "You don't know what you're asking." Using the powerful imagery of drinking from his cup and being baptized with his baptism—metaphors for the suffering that awaited him—Jesus redirects their ambition. Though the brothers confidently claim they can handle whatever lies ahead, Jesus knows the road will be harder than they imagine.This teaching challenges us to examine our own motives in leadership, ministry, and service. Are we positioning ourselves for recognition, or submitting ourselves to serve others regardless of the personal cost? The disciples eventually embraced this radical model—not through their own strength, but through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.Join us as we explore this countercultural message that remains as challenging and revolutionary today as it was two thousand years ago. Subscribe to Reasoning Through the Bible and discover how these ancient words continue to reshape our understanding of true greatness.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

What stands between you and fully following Jesus? In this profound exploration of Mark 10:23-31, we examine Jesus' challenging teachings about wealth and the kingdom of God, delivered just after his encounter with the rich young ruler.Jesus makes a startling statement that shocks his disciples: it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter God's kingdom. But this isn't a condemnation of wealth itself—rather, it's a piercing truth about how our attachments can become barriers between us and God. Whether it's money, possessions, relationships, or reputation, anything we cling to more tightly than Christ becomes our personal stumbling block.When the disciples ask "Who then can be saved?" Jesus offers the liberating truth at the heart of the gospel: "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." The message is clear—salvation comes not through our own efforts but through surrender to divine grace.As we witness Jesus courageously leading his amazed and fearful followers toward Jerusalem, knowing exactly what awaited him there, we're challenged to examine our own lives. What are we unwilling to surrender? What "camels" are we still trying to force through the needle's eye? Join us as we reason through this pivotal teaching and discover what true discipleship costs—and what it promises.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The story of the rich young ruler confronts us with one of life's most penetrating questions: what stands between you and complete surrender to Christ? When a wealthy man approaches Jesus asking about eternal life, what begins as an eager spiritual inquiry ends in sorrow when Jesus puts His finger on the one thing blocking this man's path to discipleship.As we examine this encounter from Mark 10:17-22, we discover that Jesus doesn't condemn wealth itself—He confronts the misplaced devotion it reveals. The young man had convinced himself he was righteous, having kept the commandments from childhood. Yet when Jesus challenges him to sell his possessions and follow Him, we see his true spiritual condition exposed.The rich young ruler isn't just a historical figure; he represents anyone who approaches Jesus seeking eternal life while unwilling to surrender what they truly worship. What would Jesus identify as your obstacle to complete devotion? Would you walk away sad like this man, or would you surrender it to gain treasure in heaven?Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Jesus becomes visibly indignant when His disciples attempt to block children from approaching Him. In a world where children were considered insignificant until they reached adulthood, Christ's declaration that "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" represents a radical inversion of cultural values. While Roman society prized power, strength, and achievement, Jesus elevates childlike qualities of innocence, trust, and dependence as essential for entering God's kingdom. The biblical mandate from Deuteronomy to teach children "when you sit, when you walk, when you lie down, and when you rise up" emphasizes that spiritual education should be woven into everyday life. The same Christ who harshly confronted religious hypocrites takes children tenderly in His arms, demonstrating that God welcomes all who approach Him with sincere hearts. What childlike qualities might be missing in your approach to faith? Join us next time as we explore Jesus' challenging encounter with the rich young ruler in Mark 10.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Marriage reflects salvation itself—God's faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness. This profound reality explains why Jesus sets such a remarkably high standard for marriage in Mark 10, declaring "what God has joined together, let no one separate" and that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery.Yet beneath these severe-sounding statements lies a more complex and compassionate truth. The Pharisees tested Jesus with their question about divorce permissions, hoping to trap him in legalistic contradictions. Instead, Jesus cut through their self-serving interpretations by pointing back to creation's design while simultaneously revealing God's heart for protecting the vulnerable.The cultural context proves essential for understanding what Jesus condemns. In patriarchal first-century society, men could discard wives for trivial reasons—even burning dinner—leaving women economically devastated and socially marginalized. Jesus specifically addresses this injustice, saying a man who divorces and remarries "commits adultery against her." His concern centers on protecting vulnerable women from exploitation, not forcing victims to remain in dangerous marriages.Physical and emotional abuse represent profound violations of the marriage covenant. When one spouse systematically harms another, they have already fractured what God designed to be unbreakable. While God hates divorce because it breaks His ideal design, He also hates abuse and the exploitation of the vulnerable. Moses permitted divorce "because of the hardness of your hearts"—a recognition that in a fallen world, marriages can become destructive rather than life-giving.For troubled marriages where abuse isn't present, hope remains through mutual commitment to growth. The triangular model provides profound insight: with husband and wife at the bottom corners and Christ at the top, as both partners move closer to Christ, they naturally grow closer to each other. This spiritual dynamic offers healing for relationships where both parties seek Christ-likeness together.Whether you're contemplating marriage or navigating its challenges, embrace both God's perfect standard and His grace for our imperfection. Want to engage further? Email us at info@reasoningthroughthebible.com.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Jesus confronts the Pharisees with a challenge that goes far deeper than their superficial question about divorce law. Rather than falling into their political trap (designed to get Him arrested like John the Baptist), Jesus takes the conversation back to the very beginning—to creation itself.What unfolds is a profound teaching that reveals marriage as something hardwired into creation, not merely regulated by changing cultural laws. "From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female," Jesus declares, establishing that marriage isn't just a social contract but a divine joining where "the two shall become one flesh."This episode delves into the painful reality of divorce while exploring the theological foundations that make marriage so sacred in God's eyes. We examine how the certificate of divorce in Mosaic Law was actually meant to protect women from being treated as property, while acknowledging that God's original design never included divorce at all.Perhaps most striking is Jesus' revolutionary statement that applies equally to men and women in marriage—a radical departure from the patriarchal norms of His day. The disciples' shocked private questions reveal just how countercultural Jesus' teaching was then—and remains today.Whether you're married, divorced, or single, this teaching provides essential wisdom about the seriousness of marriage and why understanding God's design matters before entering this covenant relationship. The discussion balances theological depth with pastoral sensitivity, acknowledging the real pain of broken marriages while upholding the sacred ideal God established at creation. Be sure to also join us for Part 2 for a continuation of this discussion.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Tackling one of Jesus' most challenging teachings on unity, rewards, and the radical removal of sin, Mark records Jesus' statement that "he who is not against us is for us." In unpacking how this applies to modern church divisions and unnecessary doctrinal disputes we carefully analyze distinguishes between essential and non-essential doctrines, showing how believers can maintain biblical convictions without fragmenting the Body of Believers over secondary issues.The conversation takes an intriguing turn when examining Jesus' promise of rewards for those who support fellow believers—even through acts as small as offering a cup of water. Through our discussion, we clarify the often-misunderstood purpose of the church: not merely social justice or feeding the hungry but introducing people to salvation through Christ while also meeting physical needs.The episode concludes with an illuminating discussion of what it means to be "salted with fire" and how trials purify believers, making them more effective witnesses. Their practical application helps listeners understand how spiritual growth often comes through difficult seasons, ultimately producing both personal holiness and peaceful relationships with others.Join this verse-by-verse journey through Mark's Gospel and discover why distinguishing between primary and secondary doctrines, protecting children's faith, and taking sin seriously are essential aspects of authentic Christian faith. Visit ReasoningThroughTheBible.com for free resources to help teach God's Word in your church.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

With gentle wisdom, Jesus flips conventional thinking upside down: "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." This revolutionary principle challenges everything our achievement-oriented culture values. Rather than condemning his followers, Jesus waits for the right moment to redirect their understanding, demonstrating how God often allows us to walk our misguided paths before bringing loving correction.The lesson deepens when Jesus embraces a child – someone without status or influence in first-century society – declaring that welcoming such marginalized individuals means welcoming both him and the Father. This profound connection between serving the "least of these" and serving God himself remains one of Christianity's most challenging and transformative teachings.How might we apply these countercultural principles in our lives today? Where are we seeking status instead of servanthood? Whom are we excluding that Jesus would welcome? Join us as we continue exploring how Jesus challenges our deeply ingrained notions of greatness, belonging, and kingdom work.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

When a desperate father brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus after the disciples fail to help him, we witness an extraordinary moment of both vulnerability and power. "I believe; help my unbelief!" cries the father—perhaps the most honest prayer ever spoken and one that resonates with believers throughout the centuries. This raw confession stands as a perfect encapsulation of the human faith experience: simultaneously believing yet struggling with doubt.What makes this encounter particularly fascinating is Jesus' private explanation to his puzzled disciples about why they couldn't cast out this particular demon: "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer." This brief statement opens a window into spiritual warfare dynamics, suggesting different challenges require different approaches, and reminding us that spiritual battles aren't won through formulas or human effort but through dependent connection with God.Join us as we explore these fascinating dynamics of faith, prayer, spiritual authority, and honest struggling with God—themes that continue to shape authentic Christian experience today.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Diving deep into Mark 9:12-28, we explore the fascinating distinction between John the Baptist coming "in the spirit of Elijah" versus the literal prophet's future return before Christ's second coming. This enlightening discussion untangles why Jewish leaders recognized prophecies about a glorious Messiah but overlooked crucial passages predicting His suffering—creating a fundamental misunderstanding that persists in different forms today.Whether you're fascinated by biblical prophecy, struggle with spiritual authority, or simply want to understand Scripture more deeply, this verse-by-verse exploration offers profound insights that bridge ancient text with contemporary faith challenges. Listen now to discover what these powerful encounters reveal about Christ's kingdom and our place in it.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

A profound transformation unfolds on a remote mountaintop as Jesus reveals his true divine nature to three astonished disciples. The Transfiguration stands as one of the most extraordinary moments in the Gospels – a glimpse behind the veil of Jesus' humanity into the fullness of his glory.Moses and Elijah appearing alongside Jesus carries tremendous significance. They represent the Law and the Prophets – the entire witness of the Hebrew Scriptures – affirming Jesus as their fulfillment. Their presence also offers a powerful testimony about life beyond death, as these figures from centuries past stand conversing with Jesus. When God's voice thunders from the overshadowing cloud, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him," the message becomes unmistakable: Jesus stands supreme above all others.The eyewitness nature of this account cannot be overstated. Years later, both Peter and John would explicitly reference what they had seen and heard on that mountain – a transformative experience that sustained them through persecution and martyrdom. Their testimony challenges us: how do we respond to the revealed glory of Christ? Do we cling to mountaintop moments, or carry their truth with us into the valleys of everyday life?Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

In this powerful episode, we explore the pivotal turning point in Mark's Gospel where everything changes. After Peter's confession of Jesus as "the Messiah," Jesus begins teaching something entirely new and unexpected - His coming suffering, rejection, and death at the hands of religious leaders.The conversation transforms into Jesus' profound teaching on discipleship. "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Here, Jesus permanently links following Him with self-denial and suffering. The cross wasn't merely His burden; it becomes the pattern for all who would follow Him.This episode illuminates how the Christian journey isn't primarily about personal fulfillment or success, but about following Christ even when that path contradicts our expectations. Join us as we reason through this transformative teaching that defines what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

The episode reaches its climax with Jesus asking the question that serves as the turning point of Mark's Gospel: "Who do you say that I am?" After hearing what His followers are saying about His identity, Jesus turns directly to His disciples, forcing them to declare their personal belief. Peter's confession—"You are the Messiah"—marks the hinge point where Jesus's ministry shifts from proclaiming "the kingdom is at hand" to teaching about His coming death and resurrection.This question cannot be escaped. By attempting to ignore it, we've already given our answer. Jesus doesn't position Himself as just one teacher among many—He claims to be the only way to God, worthy of complete allegiance. Our response to this question determines everything about our relationship with God and our eternal destiny. Have you answered the question Jesus still asks today: "Who do YOU say that I am?"Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

When confronted by religious leaders demanding a sign from heaven, Jesus sighs deeply - a profoundly human moment revealing his disappointment with their hardened hearts. Rather than jumping through their hoops, he firmly declines their request and moves on. This teaches us a crucial lesson: Christ never indulges those who approach him with cynicism rather than sincere inquiry.The narrative shifts as Jesus warns his followers about "the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." This brilliant metaphor illustrates how false teaching - whether religious or worldly - can insidiously permeate our spiritual lives just as yeast spreads through dough. Religious falsehood distracts from authentic relationship with Jesus, while worldly values pull us away from kingdom priorities.What daily worries might be preventing you from trusting God more fully today? Join us as we unpack these powerful lessons about discernment, trust, and the patient heart of our Savior who never gives up on teaching those who follow him.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Meet a deaf man whose life changed forever when Jesus touched him. His fingers in the ears, saliva on the tongue, and the powerful command "Ephaphatha" ("be opened") instantly transformed not just his physical abilities but serves as a profound metaphor for our spiritual condition. We're all spiritually deaf and mute until Christ touches us, opening our ears to truly hear God's Word and loosening our tongues to proclaim His truth.Witness the extraordinary compassion of Jesus as He feeds 4,000 people who had been so captivated by His teaching that they remained with Him for three days without food. Despite having performed a similar miracle before, the disciples still wondered how they could possibly feed such a multitude in a desolate place - a striking reminder of our own tendency to forget God's past faithfulness when facing new challenges.What small offering can you bring to Jesus today, trusting Him to multiply it beyond what you could imagine? Your spiritual deafness can become divine proclamation when you allow Jesus Christ to touch you.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

What truly makes us unclean before God? Is it what we eat, drink, watch, or listen to? Or is there something deeper at work? In this eye-opening exploration in Mark chapter 7, we uncover Jesus' revolutionary teaching about what actually defiles a person."From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts..." With these words, Jesus locates the true source of our sin problem. Our challenge isn't managing external temptations but addressing our internal desires. This teaching cuts straight through both legalism (setting up rules to prevent sin) and license (letting ourselves sin freely). The solution isn't more rules or fewer rules—it's transformed hearts.What might change in our lives if we stopped focusing on external behaviors and instead sought heart transformation? How would our relationships, churches, and communities look different if we approached Jesus with the persistent humility of the Syrophoenician woman? Listen now and discover the liberating truth that what we need isn't more rules but new hearts.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Jesus delivers a scathing critique of religious hypocrisy that cuts straight to the heart of authentic faith. When the Pharisees criticize his disciples for skipping ritual hand-washing, Jesus exposes something far more serious: these religious leaders had elevated their traditions above God's actual commands.The conversation reveals a dangerous progression that begins with hearts distant from God and ends with completely invalidating Scripture through man-made rules. This pattern remains alarmingly relevant today. Many still believe performing enough religious activities—whether lighting candles, saying prayers, or even regular church attendance—can somehow earn God's favor. Yet Jesus makes clear that authentic worship flows from a transformed heart, not external performance. Examine your spiritual practices today—are they drawing you closer to God or merely checking boxes? Remember that faith in Christ, not religious activity, is what reconciles us to our Creator.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

What happens when human traditions eclipse divine commands? As we study our way into Mark chapter 7, Jesus confronts this timeless religious tension with piercing clarity. As Jesus continues to travel crowds recognize Him immediately, bringing their sick to be healed by merely touching his cloak. Meanwhile, religious scholars from Jerusalem arrive with a pointed accusation: "Why don't your disciples follow our hand-washing traditions?" Their criticism focuses not on a violation of Scripture, but on ritualistic practices developed over generations.Do we, like the Pharisees, elevate our church traditions, denominational distinctives, or cultural preferences to the level of divine command? Have we developed a "holier-than-thou" mentality that separates us from the very people Christ came to save? The passage reminds us that while traditions can be valuable, they must never replace or overshadow God's actual commands.Ready to examine whether your spiritual life honors God with both lips and heart? Listen now to discover how Jesus' ancient confrontation speaks directly to modern religious tendencies.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Caught between miraculous provision and frightening storms, the disciples experience Jesus' power in this section of Mark through contrasting divine encounters that challenge their understanding and faith. Most striking is the contrast between the immediate provision of food and the prolonged struggle that follows. Jesus intentionally sends his disciples into a storm and watches them strain against wind and waves for hours before walking across the water toward them. This juxtaposition reveals profound truth about God's methods: sometimes he provides instantly, other times he allows extended difficulty to develop our faith. The disciples, despite witnessing the feeding miracle, remain astonished when Jesus calms the storm—their hardened hearts preventing deeper understanding.For anyone feeling abandoned in life's storms, this passage offers insightful comfort. Jesus sees you struggling. He hasn't forgotten you. The wind and waves that overwhelm you cannot slow him down. And when he arrives—at precisely the right moment—the storm will cease.What storms are you facing today? Have you experienced God's rescue in unexpected ways? We'd love to hear your story.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Join us in a gripping exploration of the story of John the Baptist and King Herod in Mark Chapter 6. This episode delves into the intricate themes of power, guilt, and morality showcased through John's unwavering commitment to truth amidst formidable opposition. We unpack the dynamics of Herod's character as he wrestles with fear and societal expectations that lead him to a tragic decision – the beheading of an innocent prophet. This episode culminates in a call to embrace moral courage, reminding us that, like John, we too can be messengers of truth in a world desperate for clarity.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

This episode delves into a profound exploration of Jesus' return to his hometown, where familiarity breeds contempt. As he teaches in the synagogue, the townspeople grapple with recognizing the authority of someone they once knew as just a carpenter. The tension between remarkable insight and everyday familiarity shapes not only their reaction but also provides a rich backdrop for discussions on faith and community dynamics. This insightful journey through Mark's Gospel promises to challenge, inspire, and ignite conversations about faith in everyday life. Tune in and take a step further into understanding how to honor the extraordinary in the familiar!Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Encounter a profound story of faith and healing in this engaging episode where we delve into the struggles and triumphs of Jairus, a desperate father seeking Jesus' help for his gravely ill daughter. As we navigate through the emotional terrain of heartache, we explore how Mark's Gospel portrays the actions of Jesus, emphasizing a dynamic and immediate approach to miracles.  Join us in unpacking these heartfelt themes and allow the message of belief to resonate within you. Subscribe, share your thoughts, and be part of our community as we seek to strengthen our faith and trust in God's timing.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Jairus, a man of authority, strips away his societal facade to kneel before Jesus in desperate need for his dying daughter. In contrast, a woman, ostracized and deemed unclean, bravely touches the hem of Jesus' garment, believing that even this simple action could restore her health. Their encounters reveal essential lessons about faith, humility, and the accessibility of divine grace. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with life-changing insights—subscribe, share, and join the conversation!Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Step into a powerful narrative as we explore the captivating account of the demoniac from Mark chapter 5 in our latest episode. This biblical story depicts a man tormented by evil spirits, living among the tombs, and how a single encounter with Jesus leads to radical transformation. As the power of Jesus is displayed, the story raises critical questions about our own lives and the complexities of spiritual struggles that permeate today's society. Listen in, share your thoughts, and be encouraged to embrace the transformative power of Jesus. Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Tune in to Reasoning Through the Bible as we explore the fascinating parable of the mustard seed from Mark chapter 4. We promise a fresh perspective on how this tiny seed symbolizes a surprising characteristic of The Kingdom of God. Next, we shift our focus to the awe-inspiring narrative of Jesus calming the storm, an event that vividly illustrates His divine authority. Through this story, we draw parallels to our own lives, where storms often leave us feeling abandoned and overwhelmed. Yet, in the midst of despair, the disciples' decision to seek Jesus offers a powerful reminder of the peace and reassurance that comes from trusting in God's presence. Join us as we uncover the depths of faith, exploring how turning to God during life's tumultuous moments can transform fear into reverence and strength.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

What if the secrets of spiritual growth were hidden in plain sight? In this insightful episode, we promise to unravel the profound layers of Jesus' parables as recorded in the Gospel of Mark, beginning with a pivotal shift in his teaching style. We navigate through Mark 4:10-12 to understand how Jesus used parables to communicate deep truths to those willing to listen, while obscuring them from the critics who rejected him. By examining the historical echoes of Isaiah 6:9, we reveal how these stories exposed the hardened hearts of detractors and invited true seekers to pursue deeper understanding. Listeners are encouraged to grasp the importance of context in biblical passages, drawing parallels between Israel's rejection of God's message and the response Jesus faced.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Can the condition of your heart truly determine your spiritual growth? Join us as we unlock the secrets of Jesus' parables in the Gospel of Mark, focusing on chapter 4, where Jesus begins to teach using vivid, relatable stories. Experience the profound impact of the Parable of the Sower, which reveals how the Word of God is received differently depending on the openness of our hearts. We promise that by tuning in, you'll gain a fresh perspective on how to nurture your spiritual journey amidst life's inevitable challenges and distractions. Join us for a deep and engaging conversation that inspires listeners to resist the deceitfulness of riches and worries of the world and instead focus on fostering a sincere connection with Jesus Christ.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve

Can any sin truly be beyond forgiveness? This episode challenges conventional wisdom as we delve into the complex topic of the unforgivable sin in Mark, chapter 3. Explore the intense scrutiny Jesus faced from those who misunderstood his mission and labeled him out of his mind. We confront the skepticism from an official delegation from Jerusalem, which accused him of demon possession, and discuss how these narratives resonate with the challenges Christians face when their faith is misunderstood. By analyzing the accusations from the Sanhedrin and Jesus' insight into their unrepentant hearts, we clarify the significance of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and why steadfast faith is crucial. Join us as we continue to unpack the teachings of the book of Mark with thoughtful insights and reflections.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve