In this episode of Hope for Today, J. Mark Horst explores Jesus’ encounter with the religious leaders that led to His statement, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Looking at Mark 12:13–17, J. Mark examines three dangerous aspects of misplaced loyalty to earthly kingdoms: political expediency, willful disobedience, and divided allegiance. While we live in earthly kingdoms, followers of Christ belong to a greater Kingdom. How should we respond when the values of this world conflict with the priorities of God’s Kingdom?
In this episode, J. Mark studies Mark 12:1–12 where Jesus tells the religious leaders the parable about the wicked tenants. Through this parable, Jesus exposes the religious leaders’ rejection of God’s authority and warns them of the consequences of their rebellion. This passage calls us to examine our own privilege, checking if we respond to His goodness with humble obedience, or if we are complacent and ungrateful.
Who has the authority to define truth, forgive sin, and call us to obedience?
In Mark 11:27-33, the religious leaders challenge Jesus with a simple question: “By what authority are You doing these things?” J. Mark explores what this encounter reveals about the foundation, delegation, and determination of true authority. We discover why all authority belongs to God which He entrusted to Jesus. This episode challenges us to reflect on if we have given Jesus authority over our lives.
In this episode, J. Mark dives into Mark 11:22-26, where Jesus commands His disciples to “have faith in God.” Discover the essential components of effective prayer: making God the object of your faith, trusting His will with authentic belief, and maintaining a heart that freely forgives. This passage challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith and how it shapes our prayer life.
Why were the Pharisees threatened by Jesus? In this episode, J. Mark studies Mark 11:12–21, where Jesus repeatedly confronts the religious system of His day. Through the cursing of the fig tree, the cleansing of the temple, and the religious leaders’ plot to kill Him, Jesus exposes a fruitless religion that looked righteous on the outside but lacked true devotion to God. This episode challenges us to examine our own faith and ask whether our religion is merely outward or reflects genuine obedience to Christ.
In this episode, J. Mark explores Mark 11:1-11, the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. As Jesus rides into the city on a donkey, the crowds welcome Him with cries of “Hosanna!” This moment is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that reveal Jesus as the promised Messiah. Listen to this episode where J. Mark unpacks these prophecies and shows how their fulfillment strengthens our faith in Christ.
Do you need to see to believe? In this episode, J. Mark studies Mark 10:46-52, where Blind Bartimaeus is healed. Though a blind beggar, Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and showed persistent faith. Jesus restored his sight, not only physically, but spiritually. Join us as we explore this passage and discover the depth of Jesus’ compassion.
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 prestige, Jesus exemplifies a radically different path marked by suffering, service, and sacrifice.
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 heart. In this lesson, we follow the directions Jesus gave the rich young ruler, learning to look upward to Christ, inward at our priorities, outward beyond self-reliance, and onward to the hope of eternal life.
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 children to enter His kingdom. Join us for “Children of the Kingdom” as we discover what it means to have childlike faith and learn the importance of valuing the children God has placed in our lives.
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Heralds of Hope offers two distinctive teaching programs: The Voice of Hope and Hope for Today, each centered on expository Bible teaching. The Voice of Hope is a weekly, thirty-minute program in English, while Hope for Today is a fifteen-minute international program offered in 26 languages. Both are available through radio and social media platforms.
