Hope for Today (English)

What is the path to greatness according to Jesus? In this episode, J. Mark walks us through Mark 10:32-45 where Jesus predicts his death for the third time and redefines true greatness. He outlines three steps to being great in the Kingdom of God—embracing suffering, allowing Jesus to correct our misconceptions, and humbly serving others. While the world equates greatness with wealth, power, and p...

Jesus told the rich young ruler, “Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor.” Does Jesus require that of us if we want to receive eternal life? In this episode, J. Mark explores Mark 10:17–31, the account of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus seeking eternal life. As Jesus challenged the young man to sell his possessions and give to the poor, He exposed the true condition of his...

Children are an important part of God's kingdom. In this episode, J. Mark explores Mark 10:13–16, where Jesus demonstrates the high value He places on children. While the disciples and religious leaders did not regard children as important, Jesus showed them that their perspective was flawed. He highlighted both the value and the virtues of children, teaching that we must become like little childr...

In this episode, J. Mark concludes his study of Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage in Mark 10:6-12. In Part 1 of “Maybe I Do,” we explored the confrontation and the concession. In this episode, we return to Genesis with Jesus as He clarifies God’s original design for marriage. Jesus teaches that marriage is intended to be a lifelong covenant that reflects the relationship between Christ and...

What does Jesus teach about divorce? In part 1 of “Maybe, I Do,” we see the Pharisees challenge Jesus with questions on divorce in Mark 10:1-12.  J. Mark explores the cultural and religious views of divorce that the Pharisees had, and Jesus’ response to these views. Jesus takes us back to the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, where God created marriage, and clarifies God’s original plan and purpos...

As followers of Jesus, we are to learn from him and grow more like him. This is discipleship. In this episode, J. Mark takes us through Mark 9:42-50, where we see Jesus lay out the qualities of radical discipleship. We see how when we embrace radical love, radical purity, and radical obedience, we can make a difference in our lives and in the world around us.

In this episode, Bible teacher J. Mark explores the values Jesus taught His disciples in Mark 9:30-41. As Jesus continues preparing the disciples for His coming death and resurrection, He challenges them by emphasizing three values of His kingdom: anonymity, humility, and inclusivity. J. Mark shows how Jesus modeled servant-hearted living as the suffering servant, welcomed the overlooked, and call...

In this episode, J. Mark discusses the four kinds of faith revealed in Mark 9:14-29. Through this account of the demon-possessed boy, we see examples of different kinds of faith coupled with the power of God. Jesus invites us to place our faith in Him, but sometimes our faith is weak. The father of the demon-possessed boy in Mark 9:24 pleads, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” This illustrates h...

In this episode, J. Mark continues our study by looking at Mark 9:9-13. Jesus and His disciples descend from the mountain after the Transfiguration, but what began as a glorious mountaintop experience gives way to the reality of suffering, rejection, and the shadow of the cross. In “Shadows of Suffering,” we explore Jesus’ mysterious command to remain silent, and the disciples’ confusion about His...

How was Christ unveiled in Mark 9:1-8? In this episode, J. Mark explores the transfiguration—where Jesus’ glory is revealed to the apostles. For a moment, the curtain is pulled back, giving a glimpse of heaven and revealing Christ as He truly is. This powerful encounter left a lasting mark on the disciples and speaks to us today. Join us as we examine three details that deepen our understanding of...

In this episode, we continue our study in Mark 8:34-38, exploring “The Cost of Discipleship” and what it means to follow Jesus. Building on our previous discussion, J. Mark unpacks the second and third essential actions of discipleship: taking up your cross and following through on your commitment. Jesus calls us to a life of daily surrender: denying self, choosing obedience over comfort, and valu...

In Mark 8:34–38, Jesus Christ calls those who desire to follow Him to a life of true surrender, not a comfortable or convenient faith. J. Mark challenges listeners to move beyond the idea of “cheap grace” and embrace the reality that discipleship requires denying self, laying down personal identity, and choosing God’s will above all else. Through honest reflection and practical examples, he urges...

This episode explores the personal question that Jesus asked: “Who do you say I am?” Walking through Mark 8:27-33, J. Mark examines three responses people had to this question: confusion, bold confession, and Jesus’ disapproval. As people throughout history have shaped Jesus into what they want Him to be, this passage calls us back to the truth of who He truly is. How do we answer the question, “W...

In Mark 8:11-26, Jesus heals a blind man, but not all at once. Why does Jesus heal this man in stages? In this episode, J. Mark explores how this miracle mirrors the journey of our spiritual sight. From blindness to partial blindness to perfect sight, this passage reflects the different responses people have to Jesus and the clear vision He desires to give us all. 

Jesus has compassion on His people. Our Bible teacher, J. Mark, considers Jesus’ feeding of the 4,000 in Mark 8:1-10.  In response to the crowd’s obedience and the disciples’ cooperation, Jesus performed this notable miracle, proving that He could be trusted and that they could put their faith in Him. In this episode, we look at Jesus’ actions and see His care and love for others that reveal Him a...

In this episode, J. Mark studies Mark 7:31-37 where Jesus heals a man who was deaf. The crowd responded to this miracle by saying, “He does all things well.” In this passage, we see the many ways that Jesus does do all things well—by responding in faith, understanding and respecting our feelings, and not doing good only for the glory. Join us to learn how “He Does All Things Well.” 

In this episode, J. Mark explores the remarkable faith of the Syro-Phoenician mother in Mark 7:24-30. The whole of Mark 7 challenges the Jews’ view of purity, and this story highlights this theme as well. Though Jesus initially seems to reject her plea for her demon-possessed daughter, she persists in faith. Jesus honors her faith by healing her daughter. Join us as we explore how to have persiste...

How do we become impure? Jesus answers this question in Mark 7:14-23, the passage explored in today’s episode. Earlier in Mark 7, the Pharisees accuse Jesus and his disciples of being defiled because they did not properly wash their hands according to tradition. In this passage, Jesus responds to that accusation by revealing that we are not defiled by outward things, but by what comes from within....

In today’s episode, we examine Mark 7:1-13, where the Pharisees confront Jesus and his followers for not washing their hands. Rather than focusing on outward rituals, Jesus urges the Pharisees to examine their own hearts. In this episode, J. Mark examines the dangers and downfall that come when tradition is elevated above true worship and a heart of obedience. 

If Jesus cares, why does He allow storms in our lives? In today’s episode, J. Mark explores that question through Mark 6:45-56, where Jesus walks on the water and reveals His divine identity with the words, “I AM.” Looking at three moments of aloneness within the passage, J. Mark shows how God uses life’s storms not to abandon us, but to reveal His power and His person in deeper ways and to remind...

Does Jesus care? It’s a question we often ask when we’re walking through difficult times. In today’s episode, J. Mark turns to Mark 6:30-44 to reveal the answer. Through the account of the feeding of the 5,000, we see Jesus’ deep compassion as He recognizes and meets the needs of those around Him. This passage reminds us that the same Savior who cared for the crowd still cares for us today.

In this episode, J. Mark studies Mark 6:14-29, which is the account of John the Baptist’s death. This text highlights the essential qualities that all Lord’s messengers must develop to reflect Christ’s character and to deliver His message effectively. 

In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends His disciples out two by two. In part two of “The Disciples’ Commission,” J. Mark explores Jesus’ command for His disciples to live with simplicity and highlights how that same principle applies to us today. He also examines the responsibility Christ gave His disciples and the responsibility we carry as His followers now.  Chapters (00:00:00) - The Disciples' Commission...

Jesus sent out His disciples to preach the gospel of the kingdom. In this episode, J. Mark explores Mark 6:7-13, examining how Jesus commissioned the disciples to carry out His work. In this first part of “A Disciple’s Commission,” we see Jesus give specific instructions to the disciples, which highlight the core principles that still apply to our lives today. Transcript Thanks for joining us for...

In this episode, J. Mark teaches from Mark 6:1-6, where Jesus returns to His hometown and is met with rejection. In this example of unbelief, we see the effects of unbelief on those who reject Jesus as Messiah. This episode highlights three effects of unbelief and reveals the danger of an unbelieving heart. It reminds us that when doubt arises, we are not called to reject Jesus, but to bring our d...