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Mark: Stupid, Unbelieving Disciples
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMark presents the disciples in his gospel as ordinary men drawn from humble and even despised backgrounds who respond promptly to Jesus Christ's call yet repeatedly demonstrate unbelief, hardness of heart, and failure to grasp His identity and power. Their initial eagerness appears when they immediately leave their nets and families to follow Him, and Jesus declares that He will make them become fishers of men through His own transforming work. This positive beginning gives way to consistent incomprehension as they misinterpret parables, question His care during storms, mistake Him for a ghost while walking on water, and reduce His warnings about leaven to concerns over bread despite witnessing the feeding of thousands. Their hearts remain stupified even after repeated miracles, prompting Jesus to express exasperation at their lack of perception and faith. The narrative underscores that discipleship forms an entirely new family united by obedience to God's will rather than blood or status, yet the disciples themselves continue in spiritual blindness through the crucifixion. Only after the resurrection does Jesus rebuke their unbelief once more before commissioning them, and they then go forth preaching as He works with them to confirm the word. This portrayal connects directly to the broader message that Jesus Christ alone fashions weak and faithless individuals into vessels of honor, offering hope that the same power can transform any who respond to His call.
The Secret Disciples
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJoseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were both high-ranking Jewish leaders who initially approached Jesus in secret, becoming secret or stealth disciples.
How to Be a Bad Disciple
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLooking at discipleship from a negative perspective can help reveal errors in ourselves. Jesus shows four main attitudes that make for bad discipleship in Luke 9.
Conditions of Discipleship (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerWhen Jesus gathered His disciples as He began His ministry, He needed principled and devout worshippers to teach and prepare for the work of spreading the gospel.
A True Disciple
Sermonette byWe must exercise longsuffering and kindness to all, including to those that have done ill to us. We are disciples of Christ if we love one another.
Why the Transfiguration?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy was Jesus transfigured on the mount? What did it mean? What was it designed to teach the apostles?
Doors
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityDoors serve practical purposes, offering privacy, security, and comfort by keeping out unwanted elements or people while also carrying symbolic weight.
Why the Transfiguration?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughPeter, James, and John heard the Father's praise of Jesus, declaring Him to be more important than the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah).
John's Feeding of the 5,000
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe only miracle recorded in all four Gospels is the feeding of the 5,000, a profound sign that Jesus Christ exclusively is the Bread of Life.
Post-Resurrection Lessons
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the Road to Emmaus, some of Christ's followers were agitated, confused, and in turmoil, being unable to put the scriptures and the physical facts together.
The Measure of Christ's Gift
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus selected disciples with disparate temperaments, unifying them to accomplish a steadfast purpose. God disperses a wide diversity of spiritual gifts.
John (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn and James were related, but still had to have the Messiah revealed to them. God is involved in the details of our lives as well as the great events in history.
Matthew (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe commission to the disciples evolves from their initial orders to go to the House of Israel to their ultimate commission of going to the Gentiles.
Called to Follow
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus commands all of His disciples to follow Him, a path of both blessing and difficulty. We must not make excuses but make following Him our priority.
'Follow Me'
Sermonette by James C. StoertzChrist's usage of 'Follow Me' is vastly superior to all definitions under the sun, rendering politics and social media vain, foolish, and vaporous.
All Sifted Like Wheat (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe will be subject to Satan's attempt to destroy our faith through being sifted like wheat. Jesus allows this to strengthen our faith yet also oversees it.
'All Mine Are Yours!'
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist prays for us as He did for His original disciples because we, too, have been called by the Father. Christ values us because the Father values us.