WIWO: Ephesians – Episode 01: Book Overview

Context: Ephesians – Who Wrote It, When, and Why It Matters Paul identifies himself as the author twice in the text (1:1, 3:1), and the early church overwhelmingly accepted his authorship. Paul wrote Ephesians from house arrest in Rome, somewhere around AD 60 to 62, making it one of four so-called “prison epistles” alongside Philippians, […]

WIWO: Mark – Episode 25: Review and Reflection

Four C’s Questions for the Entire Gospel: Context: How has your understanding of first-century Judea and religious conflicts enhanced your reading of Mark? Jesus is interacting and engaging with a world that is divided politically and religiously. And in those divisions, people are looking to assert a degree of authority and to establish some hope […]

WIWO: Mark – Episode 25: Resurrection and Commission

Reading: Mark 16:1-20 Context: Why are the women going to the tomb, and what do they discover there? The women love Jesus. The women seek to honour the body of the one that they love. This is an expression of great affection and care, even for one they expect to be dead. When they arrive […]

WIWO: Mark – Episode 24: Gethsemane, Trial, and Crucifixion

Reading: Mark 14:32-15:47 Context: What does Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane reveal about His humanity and obedience to the Father? The prayer reveals Jesus’ appreciation for the gravity of the situation and, even at this late stage, appeals to the Father, who can do anything. At the same time as He appeals, He knows the decision […]

WIWO: Mark – Episode 23: Betrayal and the Last Supper

Reading: Mark 14:1-31 Context: How does the woman’s anointing of Jesus contrast with Judas’s betrayal preparations? What a fascinating set of circumstances. The woman doesn’t know she’s anointing Jesus for burial; she’s offering a heartfelt expression of devotion to Jesus. She loves Him and is keen to express that in a lavish, expensive and deep […]

WIWO: Mark – Episode 22: Signs and Watchfulness

Reading: Mark 13:1-37 Context: What prompts Jesus’ teaching about future events and the destruction of the temple? A seemingly passing comment is the spur that gets Jesus talking about future events. The passing comment is a moment where someone admires the temple. It’s a fairly innocuous statement as they go. Yet within it, there is […]

WIWO: Mark – Episode 21: Love, Generosity, and Judgment

Reading: Mark 12:28-44 Context: How does Jesus’ response about the greatest commandments summarise all spiritual obligations? All we do must come from a heart of love for God. A love that has to be commanded because it’s not natural for us to give that love to God first and foremost, and we’re not that inclined […]

WIWO: Mark – Episode 20: Authority and Conflict

Reading: Mark 11:27-12:27 Context: Why do religious leaders question Jesus’ authority, and how does His parable of the tenants answer them? The battle is on for the role of the authority of the truth. The religious leaders had comfortably held that position, but that was under threat because of Jesus. They went out of their […]

WIWO: Mark – Episode 19: Triumphal Entry and Temple Cleansing

Reading: Mark 11:1-26 Context: What is the significance of Jesus’ manner of entering Jerusalem, and what expectations does this fulfil? Zechariah 9 includes a prophecy of a Messiah who would enter Jerusalem riding on a colt that had never been ridden before. Jesus fulfils that prophecy in this episode. The greetings He gets from the […]

WIWO: Mark – Episode 18: The Way of the Cross

Reading: Mark 10:32-52 Context: How does Jesus’ detailed third passion prediction demonstrate His conscious choice to suffer? I imagine. He is with His disciples and He’s outlining what will happen to Him. He’s deliberate. He’s not in a rush. This is what will happen. It’s not a matter of identifying it in terms of what […]