The Bible Project Daily Podcast

Send us Fan MailHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | Patreonhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome to episode 43 in the Bible Project daily Podcast Journey through  the Gospel of Mark.Episode 43: The Empty Tomb (Mark 16: 1- 8)Welcome, dear listeners, to another episode as we attempt to unlock the Gospel of Mark." Today, we are venturing into a unique realm — a cemetery housing an extraordinary tomb. Not just any tomb; it's empty, signifying a remarkable occurrence that we're here to explore and understand deeply.In this closing section of the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a group of women on a mission after the crucifixion of Jesus. They had brought spices, intending to anoint the lifeless body of Jesus. However, what they find at the tomb challenges their expectations and opens the door to a profound understanding of Jesus' resurrection. On that Sunday morning, very early and just after sunrise, these devoted women approached the tomb. To grasp the significance of this empty tomb, we must comprehend the implications of Christ's death. Jesus willingly took upon Himself the weight of our sins, paying the ultimate price to offer us forgiveness and eternal life.The message of the empty tomb is straightforward — it is the evidence that Christ forgives sins. It validates His promise to die for our sins and rise again. The angel's proclamation reaffirms the resurrection and forgiveness, especially reaching out to Peter, who had denied Jesus, emphasizing God's willingness to forgive even when we fall.  However, sometimes, despite this beautiful message, fear holds us back from spreading the good news. Just like the women at the tomb, we might hesitate due to fear. Yet, the paramount message here remains — God forgives, even when we stumble and fear holds us captive.Remember, God's forgiveness is freely given. We don't earn it through being "good enough"; we simply need to accept it, to connect and embrace the gift offered to us.So, dear friend, let's embrace this message of forgiveness, the heart of the empty tomb. May we share this wondrous gift with the world and live our lives in the light of having received this remarkable, life-transforming grSupport the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan MailHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project on Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome to the latest episode in our series exploring the Gospel of Mark. In this episode, we delve into a sombre but enlightening topic: "The Funeral of Jesus" (Mark 15:40-47). Funerals often reveal deep insights, not only about the departed but also about those who attend.Today, we're going to reflect on the burial of Jesus, focusing on the individuals present. In particular, we'll discuss the significant roles of the women who attended and Joseph of Arimathea, the man responsible for Jesus' burial.The account begins by highlighting a group of devoted women who stood vigil from a distance during Jesus' crucifixion. Notably, Mary Magdalene, a woman delivered from demonic possession, is often listed first among this group, hinting at her potential leadership role. Another woman mentioned is Mary, the mother of James the younger and Joseph, showcasing her prominence in the community. Salome and many other devoted women were also part of this faithful assembly.These women had followed Jesus, cared for His needs, and supported His ministry. Despite the rising hostility and fear after Jesus' crucifixion, they remained at His side, displaying unwavering devotion. Their courage teaches us a vital lesson about overcoming fear and standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult.Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin, secretly believed in Jesus and courageously went to Pilate to request Jesus' body for burial. Alongside Nicodemus, another secret disciple, he carefully and respectfully prepared Jesus' body for burial, despite the defilement this act would bring during Passover. This courageous act by Joseph reminds us of the need to stand up for our beliefs and serve even in the face of potential consequences.Fear often paralyzes us, preventing us from doing what is right. Drawing on the example of these brave individuals, we are encouraged to face our fears and act courageously. True courage is not the absence of fear but doing what's right even Support the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan MailHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project on Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome to the latest episode of our journey through the Gospel of Mark. In today's discussion, we're diving into a profoundly significant theme: "Bethlehem and the Shadow of the Cross" (Mark 15:33-39).We often reflect on the nativity story during Christmas, where God incarnate arrived as a vulnerable child, eventually facing the agony of the cross. The birth in a humble stable sets the stage for a life that challenged societal norms, embracing the rejected and advocating for divine justice and love. This Advent story brings forth the intimacy between God and humanity. It marks an invitation for all to connect with God, to no longer see Him as distant, but to envision a new intimacy and openness, for He became one of us.However, understanding the life and death of Jesus goes beyond the factual narrative. Today, we delve into the deeper significance of Jesus' life and how, even in the manger, the shadow of the cross was cast. As we navigate Mark 15:33 onwards, we encounter a profound moment. Darkness envelops the land as Jesus hangs on the cross, and at a crucial juncture, He cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This cry holds profound implications, reflecting the moment when Jesus became sin for us, prompting God the Father to turn away. In this moment, the bystanders misunderstand His words, showcasing how often the profound truth is obscured by misconceptions. Jesus' death on the cross was the pivotal point where believers could become God's children, establishing an intimate bond with God as our Abba Father.The tearing of the temple veil signifies a monumental shift. It was a physical symbol of the spiritual reality: through Jesus' sacrifice, believers now have direct and unrestricted access to God, not restricted to a particular place or time. Abba Father is no longer just approachable, but available whenever and wherever we seek Him. This transformation in our relationship with God was orchestrated through Jesus' birth, life, and ultimately His death on Support the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan MailHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project on Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome to another episode in our series on the Gospel of Mark, where we look into the depth of Jesus' journey to the cross. Today, we're focusing on a theme that might not be obvious at first glance: Being Mocked (Mark 15:16-32).As we journey through the book of Mark, I've had the privilege of exploring topics that I may not have otherwise contemplated deeply. This episode centers on the mocking and ridicule that Jesus endured during His crucifixion, shedding light on the consequences of mocking others.In this passage, we witness a multitude mocking Jesus. The soldiers dressed Him in a mock royal robe, a crown of thorns was placed on His head, and they hailed Him as the "King of the Jews," ridiculing His claim. He was beaten, spat on, and insulted. Even those crucified alongside Him joined in the mocking. This theme of mockery is profound, offering a glimpse into human nature and its inclination to deride those already weakened. As we traverse this narrative, we aim to comprehend the implications of such ridicule and mockery, especially in our contemporary world.The New Testament also warns against mockery, underlining its relevance today. We see Jesus' endurance, choosing not to save Himself, as a crucial example. Even amidst ridicule, He remained committed to fulfilling God's will.As believers, we encounter mockery too. It's essential to discern the source and motives behind the ridicule. Mockery often arises from fear, jealousy, or conviction. Yet, in the face of ridicule, we must remain steadfast, undistracted in our commitment to God's work, just as Jesus remained on the cross for our salvation.Join us as we look deeper into the final week in the life of Jesus and how it might affect aspects of our lives. Let us not be swayed by the mockers, but stand strong in our belief, just as Jesus did on the cross for us.Support the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan MailHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project on Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome to a new episode of our podcast series on the Gospel of Mark, where we consider the profound events that transpired during the last week of Jesus' life. Today, we're exploring what I believe to be the most critical trial in the history of humanity:  In this episode, we focus on the last of the six trials Jesus faced—the trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor.The Jewish leaders had unlawfully condemned Jesus, but they lacked the authority to execute Him. So, they handed Him over to Pilate, claiming He declared Himself the King of the Jews, a serious offense in Roman eyes. Pilate, after questioning Jesus, concluded He was no threat to Rome. Yet, the chief priests persisted, accusing Jesus of stirring up the people and opposing taxes.As per the  custom, during the Passover festival, Pilate offered to release a prisoner to the crowd—Barabbas, a notorious criminal, or Jesus, an innocent man. The crowd, manipulated by the religious leaders, chose Barabbas to be released, and Jesus was handed over for crucifixion, taking the place of a guilty man.The significance of this trial cannot be overstated. Nearly one-third of the Gospel narratives focus on the last week of Jesus' life, emphasizing the importance of His death. The gravest atrocity—killing the Son of God—paradoxically brought about the greatest blessing for humankind.I hope by considering this passage today we too can reflect on the wisdom of knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, guided by love and maturity. Jesus' silence in the face of false accusations teaches us the profound impact of quiet service and controlled speech—a hallmark of mature Christian love.Join us as we journey through this pivotal momentin human history, contemplating the relevance and the wisdom the last 7 days of Jesus' life on earth and the wisdom and the redemption we can find in Jesus' sacrifice.Support the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan MailHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project on Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome to the Gospel of Mark Podcast: Episode 38 - Learning the Lessons of FailureIntroductionWelcome back, listeners, to another insightful episode in season six in our time together in the  Gospel of Mark Podcast. I'm your host, Jeremy McCandless and today we delve into a powerful and timeless message from the Gospel of Mark - "Learning the Lessons of Failure" (Mark 14:66-72). In this episode, we explore the intense story of Peter's denial of Jesus and the lessons we can glean from his moment of weakness. Failure is a universal experience, and spiritual failure is one of the most profound. Let's journey through this narrative and discover how, even in our darkest moments, there is hope, forgiveness, and restoration.In today's episode, we embark on a journey through Mark 14:66-72, where we witness Peter's heart-wrenching denial of Jesus. Failure, whether in our personal or spiritual lives, is something that affects us all, regardless of background. Spiritual failure, however, carries a unique weight because it can create a chasm between us and our relationship with God.Peter's denial is a striking example of human frailty. In the midst of Jesus' trial, Peter, who had fervently declared his unwavering loyalty, disavows his connection to Jesus three times. This moment serves as a climax to a series of failures Peter experienced in the final days of Jesus' life. What's crucial to recognize here is that Peter's failures didn't render him a failure without a future. In our walk with God, making mistakes and stumbling doesn't mean the end of our journey. Failure is a part of the human experience, but it doesn't define us as failures.Peter's story is a powerful reminder that even those who have known the Lord for a long time can still falter. We all possess a sinful nature, and as long as we live, the possibility of returning to our old ways remains. Peter's determination didn't prevent his failure, but rather, it was his dependence on divine grace that could hSupport the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan MailHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project on Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome to Episode 37. "An Unjust Justice System (Mark 14:53-65)"Welcome back to another episode of our series on the Gospel of Mark! I'm your host, Jeremy McCandless , and today, we delve into a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus - His unjust trial. We'll explore the circumstances surrounding this trial and uncover a profound spiritual lesson.Throughout history, governments have established judicial systems to uphold justice in society. Rules are put in place to ensure these systems work smoothly. For instance, in the UK, the legal system assumes an accused person is innocent until proven guilty. However, even the best systems sometimes fail, especially when corruption creeps in. This episode centers on the unjust and illegal trial of Jesus, where the very justice system intended to serve society failed.The Unjust Trial:The passage begins by describing the court proceedings, highlighting the challenges the authorities faced in building a case against Jesus. We'll discover how this trial, one of six Jesus faced across the Gospel accounts, was riddled with corruption, manipulation, and illegalities. The religious leaders, who were determined to condemn Jesus, broke their own laws in their eagerness to secure a guilty verdict. They violated regulations regarding the location and timing of trials, proving the proceedings were illegitimate from the start.Jesus' Response:Despite facing false witnesses and an illegal trial, Jesus remained silent when accused of blasphemy. When the high priest directly asked if He was the Messiah and the Son of God, Jesus affirmed, "I am." This declaration, laden with significance, sealed His fate. Jesus' response, "I am," echoes God's name as revealed to Moses in the burning bush. This powerful statement unequivocally asserts His divinity and role as the Messiah. Jesus knew that by affirming this truth, He was signing His own death warrant.The Unjust Verdict:The high priest, infuriated by JesuSupport the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan MailHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project of Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome and Episode Notes: "Overcoming Temptation (Mark 14: 27-52)"IntroductionWelcome to another episode in our ongoing series on the Gospel of Mark. In today's episode, we explore a profound passage from Mark 14:27-52, titled "Overcoming Temptation."The Garden of TemptationHave you ever considered your life as a garden, teeming with both beauty and danger? Just as a garden can be a place of serenity and danger (just ask any emergency room doctor), so too, can our lives be a battleground between our desires and our better judgment.In the Bible, gardens have often been depicted as places of both beauty and temptation. In the very beginning, God created a perfect garden and placed Adam and Eve in it. However, He gave them one rule: do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. You probably know how that story ends - temptation got the better of them, and the consequences were dire.The Gardens of Our LivesLikewise, in our own lives, we each have a "tree of temptation" at the center of our personal gardens. It could be anger, resentment, gossip, a craving for wealth or power, or many other things. In today's episode, we'll explore the nature of temptation and how we can overcome it.The Arrogance of PeterOur passage begins with Jesus making a prediction to His disciples: "You will all fall away." However, Peter, in his characteristic zeal, boldly declares that he will never fall away, even if the others do. He essentially claims to be the exception to the rule. This is a classic example of what we might call "leaf blower Christianity," where individuals readily apply teachings to others but exempt themselves.The Garden of Gethsemane: A Scene of DistressMoving forward, the scene shifts to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus asks His disciples to keep watch and pray while He prays to God. Here, we witness the depth of Jesus' emotional distress. He says, "My soul is overwhelmed with sSupport the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan MailHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project of Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome and Episode Notes: "In Memorial" (Mark 14:12-25)The Significance of MemorialsIn our society, we are fond of creating memorials to commemorate people and events. These memorials can take various forms, from grand structures to simple plaques, all serving as focal points for our collective memory. Memorials remind us of our history, our values, and the peoplewho have left a lasting impact on our world.God's MemorialsBut have you ever wondered what kind of memorial God would establish? In today's episode, we discover that God has indeed set up memorials in the form of sacred events that carry profound significance for our faith. We'll explore two of these memorials, the Passover and the Lord's Supper, both mentioned in the passage we're examining.Preparing for the PassoverThe passage begins with preparations for the Passover, a memorial rooted in the Old Testament. The disciples, not being familiar with Jerusalem, seek Jesus' guidance on where to celebrate the Passover meal. Interestingly, they are instructed to follow a man carrying a jar of water, which was an uncommon sight since this task was typically performed by women. This small detail highlights the significance of the encounter.The Passover: A Story of LiberationThe Passover memorial originated in the Old Testament as a way for God's people to remember their liberation from slavery in Egypt. The meal included unleavened bread, a symbol of haste, bitter herbs to recall the bitterness of their bondage, and the lamb's blood, which marked their homes and protected them from the angel of death.Jesus and Judas: A Moment of BetrayalDuring the Passover meal, Jesus drops a bombshell: one of His disciples will betray Him. This revelation leaves the disciples in shock, each questioning if they could be the one. Judas, the betrayer, is identified as the one who will dip his bread into the bowl with Jesus.The Lord's Supper: A New CoSupport the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update

Send us Fan MailHelp me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | PatreonBack my Calvin Project of Kickstarter and pre-order a copy of the book at;http://kck.st/3P40C6qhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comWelcome and Episode Notes: "What a Waste" (Mark 14:1-11) S6/E34Welcome to another episode of our podcast series on the Gospel of Mark.Understanding WastefulnessWhat do you consider wasteful in your life? Often, we think of wasting money or time, but today, we want to challenge your perspective on wastefulness. Sometimes, we squander things far more precious than money or time, things of immense value. Today, we discuss the right and wrong views of wastefulness through the lens of an intriguing biblical narrative.The Plot to Arrest JesusOur story begins with the backdrop of the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The religious leaders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law are scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill Him. However, they fear a public uprising if they act during the festival. This passage reveals their malevolent intentions and the gravity of the situation.The Sacrifice of MaryIn this narrative, we encounter an act of profound devotion. A woman, identified as Mary in other Gospel accounts, anoints Jesus with a costly alabaster jar of pure nard. This act is significant because it defies convention. Normally, hosts would use a small drop of such expensive perfume, but Mary breaks the jar and pours the entire contents on Jesus, an extravagant and sacrificial gesture.Criticism and SacrificeWhat follows is crucial. Mary's selfless act is met with harsh criticism, primarily from Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples. He questions the value of this "waste" and suggests the perfume could have been sold to benefit the poor. However, John's Gospel provides insight into Judas' motives, as he was a thief entrusted with the disciples' money.Jesus' PerspectiveJesus, on the other hand, defends Mary's actions, stating that the poor will always be present, but He will not. He commends her for her beautiful and sacrificial act, recognizing that she has anointed Him foSupport the showFollow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comHistory of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest update