Posts by Greg Yarnell

January 27 Readings:           Read Mark 1:1- 3:6          Myers, chapter 1-3, pages 5-30.  Background. The Roman-Jewish war of 66-79 C.E. is the context for Mark. Myers introduces our study with the words of Isaiah, who is Mark’s favorite prophet. Isaiah promised that one day God would “destroy on this mountain…

February 3 Readings          Read Mark 3:7-4:34         Myers, chapters 4-5, pages 31-52 Background: We continue our study of social mapping and learn about Jesus’ plan “to bind the strong man” (Mark 3:27). Myers writes, “Christian spirituality has as much to do with how we stand on the earth as how we…

February 10  Readings      Read Mark 4:35-6:44       Myers, chapters 6, 7, 8, pages 53-78 Background: The first two sessions focus on subverting the status quo. With this session we begin the constructive task of building solidarity. Myers introduces Bartolome de las Casas at the start of chapter 6. He was the owner of slaves…

February 17  Readings      Read Mark 7:1-8:21         Myers, Chapters 9 & 10, pages 79-96  Background: The conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities escalates. Jesus’ disciples are accused of violating the purity codes. Jesus accuses the religious authorities of extortion. Myers introduces the “hermeneutic of suspicion,” which is a way of asking questions about…

February 24  Readings      Read Mark 8:22-10:16    Myers, Chapters 11, 12, 13, pages 97-123  Background: Myers calls this session and the next the “discipleship catechism.” The catechism has five elements. This week we learn about three of them: the way of the cross, prayer, and solidarity. Apocalyptic images come to the forefront as we…