Drew Downs

Make a New Normal

Mark 10

  • Between Proper 24 + 25 (Year B)

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    2 min read

    Heading into this week’s gospel, we are reminded once again of the need to establish the context and remember where we are.

  • Between Proper 22 + 23 (Year B)

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    2 min read

    As the disciples move closer to Jerusalem, our awareness of the journey mirrors theirs: distracted, distant, and self-directed.

  • Between Proper 21 + 22 (Year B)

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    2 min read

    Our location changes in the gospel this week—so what is the impact of place as we head back to Judea and consider what is to come?

  • He Sprang Up

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    4 min read

    The story of Bartimaeus is easily one of my favorites. It is part healing, part witnessing, and for the gospel writer, the last thing Jesus does before coming to Jerusalem. As a writer, this is prime real estate. While everyone is looking “above the fold” and for the big headline at the top of the…

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  • Those Who Followed Were Afraid

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    6 min read

    The disciples have been following Jesus for a long time. They covered their home area, down to the Jordan, back up to Caesarea Philippi and now they are heading to Jerusalem. But then Jesus started to get weird. He started talking about death. His death. He started talking about what is to come and I’ve…

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  • How a blind beggar became the greatest disciple

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    8 min read

    This final moment has a blind man in front of them, but can they see him? He is shouting for Jesus, but can they hear him? Is the man like a tree, walking to them? Are his shouts like the buzz of a mosquito? Do they not understand yet, even now, at the end of…

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