The Studies Stream offers easy access to all the existing Growing Disciples video resources. This stream also features new ‘Deep Dive’ studies on selected books and important themes of the Bible. Frequently Asked Questions will also be answered in written articles. New resources will be added each month.
The title of Mark’s gospel makes clear that it’s all about Jesus, who is the Messiah, the Son of God. Mark presents this message in an economical and direct manner that will be useful for the persecuted 1st century Christians of Rome. Mark’s economic use of language should never be thought simplistic. Instead, he invites the reader’s inquiry into Jesus’ claim to be the kind of suffering servant saviour Messiah described in the latter writings of the prophet Messiah.
This fourth sign shows Jesus to be more than a mere '�miraculous provider of bread.' He is the '�new Moses' at the head of a '�new exodus.' Philip's faith-- along with the reader's-- is tested and refined to embrace this truth. That's why the crowd want to grab Jesus and make him King by force. That's also why Jesus makes himself scarce.
Jesus' signs serve as a means of understanding who he is and what God has sent him to do. The second sign shows God's kingdom is also for Samaritans and Gentiles-- many are putting their faith in Jesus and joining his kingdom.
In John's gospel Jesus' actions point beyond themselves to Jesus' greater purpose: they are '�signs.' The signs serve as a means of understanding who he is and what God has sent him to do. Turning water into wine speaks of God's timing. Jesus is '�the best' which has been saved until '�the last' because ritual purification will be replaced by actual purity and blessing.
Jesus does not carry out his mission alone so in Luke 5 he goes fishing for people who will go fishing for people.
Having publicly declared his mission at the Nazareth Synagogue'� Jesus is Isaiah's '�Servant of the Lord' declaring restoration and the Year of God's Favour'� immediately Luke's gospel records Jesus now demonstrating the substance of his claim. He demonstrates his authority'� a God given authority'� over the spiritual and the earthly realms.
Having completed his testing in the wilderness, Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth to formally launch his public ministry. At the synagogue, he announces his mission as '�the Servant of the Lord,' as described by the prophet Isaiah. The arrival of '�the Year of God's Favour,'� bringing God's radical grace, requires a response of repentance from the people of Nazareth. But they reject both Jesus and his message.