Question MARK: Recent Episodes
Stefan Smart
Welcome to Question MARK: The Podcast! Hosted by Stefan Smart, special guests will be exploring the Greatest Story Ever Told with open minds and open hearts. Each show, we will cover a key episode in the Gospel of that name and explore it with genuine curiosity and questioning. Expect guests from all different backgrounds, walks of life and schools of thinking.
Truly the very last (and 69th) episode of our podcast. In this pod we discuss the alternative endings to the story, found in most bibles. Should they be ignored or do they bring something of genuine value to the table? Question MARK veterans and expert theologians, Ted Trost and Helen Bond, help us decide.We’d like to thank all our contributors without whom this show would have been a lot less enjoyable to do, and certainly a lot less insightful. Thank you for all you did. We know your contributions made a big difference to many of our listeners’ lives and we’re thrilled that they are now out there for even more people to enjoy in the future. PS Helen Bond hosts the Biblical Time Machine Podcast (with the amazing Dave Roos). Listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-time-machine/id1648738323 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7cNljZzhe4w3zL9t0MaOZH?si=9G0vB9NVRDe5XZZVDfOGVg
Today we welcome acclaimed biblical storyteller, Tracy Radosevic, to explore together one of the most puzzling episodes of Mark’s Gospel - the ending. How to explain this startling, even disturbing cliffhanger?Tracy Radosevic is Professor at St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute in Baltimore and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, as well as dean of the Academy for Biblical Storytelling (ABS). She’s an internationally recognised storyteller, educator, retreat facilitator, and coach. Since 1991 she has traveled all over the United States, as well as to several foreign countries, bringing her special brand of humor, insight, and faith to audiences of all ages and denominations through the power of embodied performance. You can find more on Tracy here: https://tracyrad.com
‘The Burial of Jesus’. This week we were excited to host our first Bible translator on Question MARK: The Podcast. Father Nick King SJ is currently Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Heythrop College, University of London, having recently published a translation of the entire Greek Bible. Nick is also the author of an excellent book on Mark, called ‘The Strangest Gospel’. It was fascinating to talk with someone so familiar with the original text about this little commented on, but significant episode in the greatest story ever told.‘The Strangest Gospel’ can be found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strangest-Gospel-Mark-N-King/dp/1844176967
‘The Death of Jesus’. As a Professor, pastor and performer of biblical stories, Phil Ruge-Jones definitely knows his Mark! His understanding of Jesus’ death on the cross is particularly acute. If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus cries out on the cross, why the earth is covered in darkness for three hours and why the curtain in the Temple is torn from top to bottom, this episode will both expand your understanding and inspire you.You can see some of Phil’s performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyGqSCYR2c6oQEKwtxK6_Ms3FZ2w94yoKFor more on the meaning of the sponge filled with wine vinegar mentioned at the end of the podcast visit John Burnett’s Gospel of Mark Workshop here: https://gospelofmarkworkshop.com/bathroom-humor-at-the-cross/.
Mark 15:21-32: The Crucifixion of Jesus. On this pod we were pleased to welcome Dr Lucy Peppiatt, the director of the hugely popular WTC Theology, to talk about this climatic episode in Mark’s story. As it turns out, there’s a lot more going on between the lines and beyond the words than is at first apparent….Some facts about Lucy’s work with WTC can be found here: https://wtctheology.org.uk/study-with-us/Lucy is also the author of ‘The Disciple: On Becoming Truly Human’ and ‘Imago Dei’, both of which can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Lucy-Peppiatt/author/B00A4LNCS2?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
The soldiers’ torture and mockery of Jesus in Mark 15:16-20 must count as one of the more shocking episodes in all of Scripture. But is there more going on than a simple description of gratuitous violence?
Andre and Mary-Anne Rabe have been passionate communicators of the good news of Jesus Christ since 1990. Their message has taken them to some of the most obscure corners of the earth as well as to some of the most well known cities. For Andre and Mary-Anne, faith is more than dogmatic statements. It is an encounter with beauty that leaves us in breathless astonishment. They believe that no matter what we may believe, we are intrinsically valuable and loved. And nowhere has this love been demonstrated more clearly than in the person of Jesus Christ.
Find out more about Andre and Mary-Anne’s ministry here: https://alwaysloved.net/intention/
Ted Trost is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama. He’s written a Master’s thesis on Mark’s Gospel and he’s working on an exciting new commentary of Mark called ‘The Gospel of the Unnamed’. This latter is based on the premise that Mark deliberately elevates the last and the least of the characters in his story, many of whom are unnamed. Today Ted helps us unpick what’s really going on in Mark’s description of the Crucifixion of Jesus.
Pete Greig needs no introduction as the founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement. He is also the Senior Pastor of Emmaus Rd church alongside his wife Sammy, a director of Waverley Abbey Trust, and a multi-award-winning author whose books, such as Dirty Glory and God on Mute have been translated into many languages. To find out more about Pete and his work go here: http://www.dirtyglory.org/new-page-2
In this episode of Question MARK Pete and Stef outline some of the various perspectives we can take when contemplating the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus. It turns out that this story presents both a deeply unsettling challenge to our complacency as followers of Jesus, and an inimitable promise of hope.
‘Jesus Before the Sanhedrin’. John Burnett is one of our ‘go-to guys’ when it comes to understanding Mark’s gospel. If John doesn’t know it, or if he hasn’t read it, then it’s probably not worth listening to. So it’s with extra enthusiasm that we interviewed John about this (in his view) climatic episode in the story. Listen in to see whether or not you agree with him.
As well as being the chief theological advisor to this show, John is a reader in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the founder of the St Nicholas Africa Fund. He has been praying over and studying Mark’s gospel for nearly two decades. You can see some of the results of his work by going to his website: https://gospelofmarkworkshop.com
John is also the lead administrator of the St Nicholas Africa Fund, a Charitable Works project of St Nicholas Orthodox Church in San Anselmo, California, and a charity that we at Question MARK the podcast directly support. John writes: “What do we do?— We directly help some of the poorest people in the world— all of whom are personally known to us— to finish high school, start businesses, and to meet their education, housing, nutrition, medical, and vocational needs.” For more information and to contribute to this charity go here: https://stnicholasafricafund.org
“What’s with the naked guy?” Professor Helen Bond of the University of Edinburgh provides a lively take on that most dramatic of gospel scenes, the arrest of Jesus and his disciples’ cowardly desertion. Of particular interest to Mark’s readers over the years has been the identity and significance of a certain ‘young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment’, who flees ‘naked, leaving his garment behind.’ Is he Mark himself? An angel? A symbol of Christian baptism? You decide - but only once you’ve listened to this podcast.
Helen Bond is Professor of Christian Origins, Head of the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh and the author of several highly regarded studies of the New Testament, including ‘The Historical Jesus: A Guide for the Perplexed’ and ‘The First Biography of Jesus: Genre and Meaning in Mark’s Gospel.’
Helen writes: “I’m interested in all aspects of early Christianity and the social, cultural and religious context in which it emerged. My most recent work has been on Mark’s Gospel, the earliest biography of Jesus. I’m fascinated by why a follower of Jesus thought to write a biography of his master, what the use of the biographical form indicates about the way in which he saw Jesus, and how Mark’s work compares with other ancient biographies.”
She also hosts the Biblical Time Machine Podcast (with the amazing Dave Roos). Listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/biblical-time-machine/id1648738323 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7cNljZzhe4w3zL9t0MaOZH?si=9G0vB9NVRDe5XZZVDfOGVg
‘Gethsamene’. Most commentators on the NT (including such luminaries as NT Wright, Brandon Robbins, Brad Jersak and Ted Trost), would be in agreement on this: if you get a chance to listen to Richard B Hays speak, don’t turn it down! So imagine our delight when Richard himself agreed to appear on our podcast in conversation with our ‘resident theologian’ John Burnett. What came about was a feast for the mind and a salve for the soul - a veritable tour de force on this most famous of episodes in the Bible, and arguably in all of History.
Richard B. Hays is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Duke Divinity School and the author of numerous groundbreaking studies, including ‘Echos of Scripture in the Gospels’, ‘Reading Backwards’, ‘Seeking the Identity of Jesus’. Hays’s book ‘The Moral Vision of the New Testament: Community, Cross, New Creation’ (1996) was selected by Christianity Today as one of the 100 most important religious books of the twentieth century.
John Burnett is an Orthodox reader and author of the Gospel of Mark Workshop https://gospelofmarkworkshop.com
John is also the lead administrator of the St Nicholas Africa Fund, a Charitable Works project of St Nicholas Orthodox Church in San Anselmo, California, and a charity that we at Question MARK the podcast directly support.
John writes: “What do we do?— We directly help some of the poorest people in the world— all of whom are personally known to us— to finish high school, start businesses, and to meet their education, housing, nutrition, medical, and vocational needs.”
For more information and to contribute to this charity go here: https://stnicholasafricafund.org
This episode, ‘Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial’, we had the huge privilege of interviewing one of the people whose idea it was to produce this podcast - the wonderful Lucy Warner. Listeners may recall that it is Lucy’s mellifluous tones which also grace the podcast Intro and Outro, and it is largely to Lucy that we owe our readings. Now in role as a commentator Lucy conveys a fresh and peculiarly moving perspective on this time worn story. You won’t be sorry you’ve listened. With special thanks to Helen, Lucy’s partner Chris’ mum.
Lucy is the owner of Sootmegs. Sootmegs badges make life easier by making the invisible visible, challenging unhelpful assumptions. You can find out more here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Sootmegs
Dr Paula Gooder is one of our favourite theologians and has written extensively on Mark’s gospel, as well as many other themes, particularly on the role of women in the New Testament. Therefore we were delighted to be able to quiz her about her thoughts and feelings about and one of the most dramatic episodes in the whole gospel, the Last Supper. As ever, our experts were more than happy to “disagree agreeably” in the cause of understanding Mark’s purpose, and what the text might mean for us. See whether you align yourself with either Paula and/or Stef about their interpretations. And listen out for some moving thoughts about what it’s like to really live the life of faith. To find out more about Paula and her work go here: http://www.paulagooder.co.uk/
We were delighted to welcome back Carolyn Meers for this episode of Question MARK about the story of Jesus’ anointing in Bethany. We think you’ll find that she explores this scripture with a clarity, depth and agility that is truly exceptional. In this episode she helps us get underneath Mark’s purpose in including this story in the first place, and how it challenges us to live for Jesus with every fibre of our being. Carolyn is the pastor of Port Kembla Central Church in New South Wales, Australia, which is a member of the Pioneer International network of churches. We love the way Carolyn and her congregation learn about the Bible together, looking at key passages from a variety of perspectives, with no one interpretation being seen as ‘the right answer’. If this idea appeals to you as much as it does to us, why not try out an episode of the church’s podcast? See here for more: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/central-church-port-kembla/id1354293421
In this episode: ‘The Destruction of the Temple and the Signs of the Times’ (Mark 13:1-31). It’s not every day that you get two Markan megastars to drop into your studio all at once, but this is what happened when we started chatting about one of the most puzzling and enigmatic passages in all of Scripture. Orthodox scholar, John Burnett shares his incisive detailed knowledge of the ancient texts and historical antecedents lurking between the lines of Mark’s weirdly apocalyptic and haunting narrative. While, in a real coup for the show, Radical Influencer and author, Shane Claiborne provides a clarion call to modern day Christians everywhere. It’s time to join the revolution of Love Itself and get with the programme!
It was wonderful to have Daniel Goodman, Senior Leader of City Church, Cambridge, as our guest on this episode of the show, because, among his many talents and accomplishments, he’s a passionate aficionado of Mark, having read it in depth over 40 times. See what we made of what is probably one of the most puzzling aspects of Mark’s gospel: the three-part climax of Jesus’ Temple teaching at the end of Chapter 12. View or listen here:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/question-mark/id1567877589Spotify: https://spotify.link/Op7mNU7m8xbYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iammark8540
Who would have thought that when we began our little podcast exploring Mark’s gospel that we would end up having one of the world’s greatest living authors on the show? Well, here he is - William P. Young, author of international bestseller, The Shack, with his own take on one of the most often quoted passages in Mark - the Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28-34). Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/question-mark/id1567877589Spotify: https://spotify.link/Op7mNU7m8xbYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iammark8540
Who would have thought that when we began our little podcast exploring Mark’s gospel that we would end up having one of the world’s greatest living authors on the show? Well, here he is - William P. Young, author of international bestseller, The Shack, with his own take on one of the most often quoted passages in Mark - the Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28-34). Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/question-mark/id1567877589Spotify: https://spotify.link/Op7mNU7m8xbYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iammark8540
For this episode I had to do without David Payne’s gravelly tones and silky segues. See how I got on using one of the links below. Better still, enjoy the delights of soaking in the musings of a real Markan mastercraftsman - J.R. Daniel Kirk. Daniel, a prodigious author and NT thinker, has guested on the show before, in the controversy of the Syro-Phonecian Greek woman in Episode 7:24-30 (remember, Jesus apparently being racist and misogynistic?). So he’s no stranger to the sort of intellectual high-jinks the Sadducees now put up to try to entrap Jesus and make him look stupid. Wondering how he - and Jesus - did against this proverbially prickly mob? Well, tune in now and prepare to be entertained!For more of Daniel’s fascinating take on the New Testament go here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/J-R-Daniel-Kirk/e/B001JSAG0G/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Following on from our wonderful chat with Rowan Williams, we’re privileged to announce two more bona fide world experts on Mark’s Gospel - namely, John Burnett and Ched Myers. John is a prominent theologian in the Orthodox tradition, while Ched is an activist and the author of the seminal commentary ‘Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark’s Story of Jesus’. Be prepared to have your thinking stretched and your faith expanded as these two Titans of the Faith consider the meaning and purpose of the ‘Parable of the Tenants’. You can read more about Ched Myers and his work with Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries here: https://chedmyers.orgYou can find out more about John Burnett and The Gospel of Mark Workshop here: https://gospelofmarkworkshop.com
We are so glad to welcome Matt Hyam to the podcast - for the third time of asking! We were hoping he’d have something interesting to say about this puzzling passage about how his enemies viewed Jesus’ authority, and we weren’t disappointed. Matt is a former pastor in the Vineyard church and is now Senior Church Engagement Officer for the World Vision Charity. Matt is also a Biblical scholar of some note and a published author with a challenging no nonsense style. His books, ‘There must be more than this’ and Life before Death’ are well worth a read. You can find out more here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AMatt+Hyam&s=relevancerank&text=Matt+Hyam&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1
FIG TREE ABUSE! It’s one of the most disturbing scenes in the gospel….and the filling of this two part sandwich comprises one of the most shocking images of Jesus, as violent opponent to the status quo. So what is going on here, and what if anything has it do with my life, now? Perhaps Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, can help us understand…For Stefan Smart’s solo word-for-word dramatisation of Mark’s Gospel, I AM MARK, go to https://iam-mark.com
Who better to chat about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday in Mark 12:1-11 than with one of the world’s leading experts on Mark, Rico Tice? Rico is an Anglican clergyman and writer, co-author of Christianity Explored. He is currently associate minister at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, and is well known in the UK as a speaker at Christian conferences and an evangelist of national standing. Find out more about Rico here: https://www.christianityexplored.orgTo access information about I AM MARK, Stefan Smart’s stunning solo word-for-word dramatisation of Mark’s Gospel go here: https://iam-mark.com
How would you describe authentic discipleship? What should following Jesus actually look like? Maybe, says Cliff Barbarick, biblical storyteller and seminary professor, Mark’s story of blind Batemaeus in Chapter 10:46-52 gives us a clue. Join us as we discuss this poignant and enigmatic episode, in all its richness and layered complexity. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself powerfully stirred. As David, our host, said once we’d gone off air, “who wouldn’t want to become a Christian after hearing this?”
This episode we welcome back Bible teacher, Phil Orchard, to discuss one of the little discussed elements in the Gospel, Jesus’ repeated warnings of his death and resurrection on the road to Jerusalem - in this example buttressed by the reactions of his followers (Mark 10:42-34). Yet in many ways this small segment, and its numerous repetitions, hold the key to an understanding of the Gospel and Jesus’ place in history.
Today we’ll be looking at an episode in Mark that would be really funny, were it not for the fact that it’s also deeply tragic: ‘The Request of James and John’ in Mark 10:35-44. To help us do so, we welcome Cliff Barbarick, a Biblical Storyteller and Seminary Professor out of Aberline, Texas. You can get to hear Cliff some more by checking out his blog and his YouTube channel. See links below. But for now….are we up to being challenged by what he has to say about the scandalous but undeniably human behaviour of our two apostles? Cliff’s blog: https://blogs.acu.edu/storiesforthesojourn/Cliff’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYlmpQT0pgHB86UhqxOWwsANetwork of Biblical Storytellers: https://www.nbsint.org/
In this episode, ‘The Rich and the Kingdom of God’, former pastor, World Vision charity worker and special friend of the show, Matt Hyam, joins us to discuss one of those parts of Mark’s gospel, about which, frankly, most popular commentaries leave a lot to be desired. Reading the text closely, seeing what lies between the lines, and, crucially, really understanding the context in which these words were written invites an altogether more radical– and deeply significant – interpretation of Mark’s message, one that is as challenging and relevant to people of our own age as it was undoubtedly to people of his.You can find out more on World Vision and even sponsor a child by going here: https://www.worldvision.org.uk/sponsor-a-child/ppc/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1sucBhDgARIsAFoytUvWkcmToL3AVAuDWSXYso2QUKW5HFJNEdQ1bOiocQ9j3VLpZT6jS1gaAoGKEALw_wcB
Who better to discuss ‘Jesus Blesses Little Children’ in Mark 10:13-16, than the wonderful Linden Boothby? As well as being a gifted teacher, Linden works with the PottersHeart, an Adult Education Charity operating in some of the poorest communities in rural Kenya. By providing often quite basic education in health, nutrition, farming and business skills, Linden and her team enable village families to work their way out of poverty. If you’d like to find out more, or indeed contribute to what Linden does, you can read about PottersHeart here: https://www.pottersheart.orgBy the way, if you think you already know what this episode is going to be about, a rather sentimental portrait of Jesus loving ‘little children’ - think again. As is so often the case with Mark, the apparent simplicity of the story masks a rich contextual and historical background - one that has profound implications for our understanding of the divine and what it means to live well.
In this episode, ‘Divorce’, we welcome Joth Hunt, Southern East Baptist Association Regional Minister Team Leader. With his extensive pastoral experience, who better to ask to comment on this notoriously thorny passage in our gospel?
You can find out more about Joth and what he does here: https://baptisttimes.co.uk/Articles/631887/Joth_Hunt_appointed.aspx
This episode we welcome pastor and YouTube influencer, Brandon Robbins, whose series on ‘The Chosen’ ‘The Truth About’ and ‘Beyond the Words’ are required listening for anyone who enjoys this podcast. Brandon has long experience of Mark’s Gospel and his fresh, personable approach to scholarly concepts has already made a huge impact on his audiences, with 141,000 subscribers and many more thousands of views worldwide. Today he brings this expertise to bear on one of the most troubling passages in our text - Jesus’s apparent encouragement to amputate parts of our bodies in order to avoid sin. If you like what you hear in this episode you can catch more of Brandon here: https://youtube.com/c/BrandonRobbinsVideo
Today we welcome Kirsty Asher, archive researcher, film critic and, amazingly, one of Stef’s former English Literature A Level students! We’ll be discussing that often quoted passage in Mark about Jesus and little children. But what we explore together may surprise you. Are we in fact in danger of over-sentimentalising Scriptures like these and run the risk of missing its original meaning?
This episode we welcome the inspirational singer, author and podcaster, Luke Strickland, to a show in which the the proverbial really begins to hit the fan. Who knew that Mark’s story of the demon~possessed epileptic boy, at once so full of mysterious sayings and circumstances, could hold within it the answer to the very nature of existence?
So far in this podcast we’ve seen that Mark builds in an extraordinary dialectic to his story, in so far as what the characters, and particularly the twelve disciples, are going through existentially is meant to redound on us.
In other words, we are not let off the hook when in comes to the huge challenges Jesus meets out in this narrative to his opponents, friends and supporters. And this episode is no exception. Indeed here our parlous state as so-called believers becomes even clearer, at least for those of us who have eyes to see.
Once more we reach the point of crisis (or at least I do): can we see, do we even know - and more to the point really BELIEVE - the wonderful, jaw+dropping, astounding, astonishing, mind-numbing good news that Mark is hinting at?
That in Jesus God is up to something really BIG? Something that is transforming and will transform EVERYTHING for (the) good?
Listen to or watch this podcast to find out.
To listen to or watch Luke elsewhere on the web go to his podcast or YouTube channels.
Home Ed Matters Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/home-ed-matters-podcast/id970658425
The Potting Shed Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-potting-shed-podcast/id967812285
Luke Strickland - Serving You Through Worship https://youtube.com/user/strickers79
This episode (the thirty fifth) David and I were joined by the wonderful Lynn Swart, a friend of many years’ standing and the director of NewDay United (NDU), a charity which brings much needed help and encouragement to some of the poorest communities the world, in Cape Town, South Africa. Lynn’s views on the Transfiguration moved us to think again about what it takes to follow Jesus and together we shed some light on what for many of us is a rather baffling and scary story.
For more on and to support New Day United go to: https://new day United.org
Lynn writes:
“NewDay United (NDU) began as a response to the needs of communities in Cape Town, South Africa motivated by the words of Jesus to bring hope, help and healing to the people of Africa: “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” (John 10:10 – MSG)
Over the past seven years, a few dedicated individuals have been taking intentional steps to meet these needs, leading to impactful social initiatives that are equipping, empowering, and transforming lives in these communities to bring hope and a future, one person at a time.
We work where partnership connections and resources are ripe for mutual strengthening and impact. We focus on areas with the greatest need and are currently based at Khanyisa Church in Tambo Village, Manenberg and Gugulethu – areas high in poverty, gang violence and unemployment. Our long-term goal is to replicate our current model.”
This episode we welcome fellow thespian, Anne Middleton, founder of the Performing Arts Mission in Plymouth, as we tackle one of the most controversial and often misunderstood speeches of Jesus - the invitation to “deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him”. You can read more about Anne’s pioneering work in promoting the Christian creative arts at www.performingartsmission.com. To find out more about I AM MARK, Stefan Smart’s solo word for word performance of Mark’s Gospel, or to book him for your theatre or church, go to www.iam-mark.com
Andy Drozdziak is the News Editor of Universe Catholic Weekly and web editor of Catholic Charismatic Renewal and a great friend of the show. It’s enlightening and sometimes challenging to explore all kinds of perspectives on this amazing story, and Andy’s is no exception. In view of Peter’s actions here, who is Jesus and why did he come? The answers may surprise you!
For more on Andy’s work go to: https://universecatholicweekly.co.uk And http://www.ccr.org.uk
Episode 27: ‘That Which Defiles’. Today’s guest is the inspiring Caro Meers, leader of Central Church, Port Kembla near Sydney, Australia, part of the Pioneer Network. In today’s episode we ask ‘What’s the difference between outward show and true faith?’ and reach some surprising conclusions. To find out more about I AM MARK, Stefan Smart’s solo performance of Mark’s Gospel, which accompanies this Podcast, go to https://sleek.bio/iammark
To link up with the amazing work Caro is doing down under and to find out more about the Pioneer International network of churches, go to:https://pioneeraustralia.org.au/index.php/post-298/
Welcome to the thirty-second episode of Question MARK, ’Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida', in which David and Stef are joined by Jenny Baker, national leader of Celebrate! and a prominent member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the UK. See https://www.celebratetrust.org for more details. What happens next is anything but expected as together they discover the profoundly revolutionary implications of this tale, and of Mark’s Gospel as a whole.
Episode 31: The Yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod. Today we welcome church leader, philanthropist and local politician, Sean Blackman to discuss one of those episodes in Mark which leave most of us scratching our heads. Can Stef and Sean finally shed light on this age old conundrum?
Episode 30: Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand. Dave is a consummate musician, associate pastor of Cheltenham Elim Church and all round nice guy, whose rumination on this amazing story is bound to make you sit up and take notice. Listen out for some little known facts about this episode and some smart ideas on how it relates to your life and mine.
This episode features none other than the person behind this podcast’s Intro music, Neil Maddock. As the founder and director of MARTIS Productions, Neil is not only an accomplished musician, he’s also a brilliant preacher, a multi-talented actor and the director of several popular large scale open air musicals such as ‘The Passion’. Today Neil helps us examine in depth the story of Jesus healing a man who is both deaf and a mute. We soon discover that it’s not just about an astounding miracle. God’s very nature and his dealings with humanity in general also seem to be at stake, offering all of us a choice of what kind of destiny we actually want. Let’s get with the programme!
Find out more about Neil’s output on Facebook or YouTube or here:
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/equipsoton
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MARTISProductions
Website - www.martis.org.uk
Is Jesus a ‘racist’? If a recent Facebook post is to be believed, this mysterious episode reveals nothing less than Jesus' intrinsic racism and misogyny. Thankfully, he is forced to change his mind by this ballsy Greek woman from Syro-Phoenecia, particularly in his attitude to the Gentiles. Perhaps you agree. On the other hand there may be other more cogent, less anachronistic explanations for Jesus' conduct in this story, as explained by our guest, renowned Markan expert and author of 'A Man Attested by God', J. R. Daniel Kirk. Check him out here. And have a look out for his upcoming book on the Women in Mark's Gospel.
Episode 27: ‘That Which Defiles’. Today’s guest is the inspiring Caro Meers, leader of Central Church, Port Kembla near Sydney, Australia, part of the Pioneer Network. In today’s episode we ask ‘What’s the difference between outward show and true faith?’ and reach some surprising conclusions. To find out more about I AM MARK, Stefan Smart’s solo performance of Mark’s Gospel, which accompanies this Podcast, go to https://sleek.bio/iammark
To link up with the amazing work Caro is doing down under and to find out more about the Pioneer International network of churches, go to:https://pioneeraustralia.org.au/index.php/post-298/
Episode 26 with Neal Parker: ‘Jesus Walks on Water’. Today’s guest is Stef’s former boss (no less!), Neal Parker, Head of King Edward VI School, Southampton, UK. In this episode we take a close look at one of the most famous and profoundly disturbing episodes in the whole Bible - if not in human history: Jesus walking on water. To find out more about I AM MARK, Stefan Smart’s solo performance of Mark’s Gospel, which accompanies this Podcast, go to https://sleek.bio/iammark To explore just what an inspiring place King Edward VI School is go to: https://www.kes.hants.sch.uk
Episode 25: ‘Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand’. In today’s episode with leading actor, David Robinson, we explore one of the most dramatic moments in the gospel story - the day when Jesus fed 5000 people with a few loaves and fish. What exactly happened on that day? And what on Earth can it mean? These questions are as pertinent for us today as they were for Mark’s first readers. To find out more about I AM MARK, Stefan Smart’s solo performance of Mark’s Gospel, which accompanies this Podcast, go to https://sleek.bio/iammark
You can catch I AM MARK at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year, where, indeed, you can also see David Robinson, who is performing in not one but two shows there this summer. Find out more about David’s work and view his current listing at https://www.searchlighttheatre.org
Episode 24: ‘John the Baptist Beheaded’ with John Burnett of https://gospelofmarkworkshop.com. To find out more about I AM MARK, Stefan Smart’s solo performance of Mark’s Gospel, which accompanies this Podcast, go to https://sleek.bio/iammark
In addition to teaching Mark’s gospel through https://gospelofmarkworkshop.com , John runs the St Nicholas Africa fund to support children’s education in Africa. Do have a look at their web site and maybe find out more about what they’re doing. stnicholasafricafund.org
Episode 23: ‘Jesus Sends Out the Twelve’ with David Hewitt of https://wellsprings.uk.net .To find out more about I AM MARK, Stefan Smart’s solo performance of Mark’s Gospel, which accompanies this Podcast, go to https://sleek.bio/iammark
Episode 22: ‘A Prophet Without Honour’ with Dave Adcock. To find out more about I AM MARK, Stefan Smart’s solo performance of Mark’s Gospel, which accompanies this Podcast, go to https://sleek.bio/iammark
Episode 21: ‘Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman’ with Theo Amer. To find out more about I AM MARK, Stefan Smart’s solo performance of Mark’s Gospel, which accompanies this Podcast, go to https://sleek.bio/iammark
With special guest, Peter Butt. Welcome to the twentieth episode of Question MARK: The Podcast! In this episode, ‘Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man’, I was joined by my great friend, Peter Butt. Peter is the founder of School of Ministries, which provides in-depth foundational training in areas of Theology, Leadership and Christian Life Skills to church leaders and aspiring leaders around the world. Together we had the challenge of wrestling with one of the most dramatic but peculiarly puzzling stories in all of Scripture. See what we made of it here.
Welcome to the nineteenth episode of Question MARK: The Podcast! In this episode, ‘Jesus Calms the Storm’, I had the honour of meeting pastor, academic and fellow biblical storyteller, Phil Ruge-Jones. Listen out for his original and extraordinary take on the significance of this famous story for our everyday difficulties and challenges. And consider with us the electrifying answer to the question both the reader and the disciples are left with at the end - “Who IS this?”
Welcome to the eighteenth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'The Parables of the Seeds', I was joined by author, theologian and former church leader, Matt Hyam. As his many students will avow, Matt is one of the most interesting and intellectually engaging people one could hope to meet. And his unique take on these parables shows how central they were to an understanding of Jesus’ entire message - and of our own part in its transmission. You don’t want to miss it!
For more on Question MARK and I AM MARK, Behold Production's new word for word dramatisation of Mark's Gospel, go to: https://sleek.bio/iammark
If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, Matt’s new book, ‘There Must Be More to This: Reimagining Evangelical Faith with Justice at the Core’, is a must read and can be found here:
Check this out at Amazon
Welcome to the seventeenth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'A Lamp on a Stand', I had the pleasure of the company of one of the humblest yet most quietly influential people I know, Dr Rich Roberts. Rich is a prominent author and theologian, a house church leader, a trustee of the Ffald-y-brenin Retreat Centre and a member of both the Gathering in the Holy Spirit (in the Vatican) and the Charismatic Leaders Fellowship in the US. What he has to share on this most enigmatic of Jesus’ stories is typically pastoral in nature, intellectually engaging and yet winsome and comforting. You don’t want to miss it.
For more on Question MARK and I AM MARK, Behold Production's daring new dramatisation of Mark's Gospel, go to: https://sleek.bio/iammark
Get Richard Robert’s new book, ‘Cultivating God's Presence: Renewing Ancient Practices for Today's Church’ here:
Check this out at Amazon
Welcome to the sixteenth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'The Parable of the Sower', I get to meet a real-life bishop - John Arnold, Roman Catholic Bishop of Salford in the UK. He tells me what it’s like to be a bishop, about his recent prominent role as a climate campaigner at COP26 in Glasgow and how this passage in particular speaks to our dire need for healing and for hope. For more on Question MARK and I AM MARK, Behold Production's daring new dramatisation of Mark's Gospel, go to: https://sleek.bio/iammark
Welcome to the fifteenth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'Jesus is Accused by His Family', I was joined by renowned writer and actor, Jason Hildebrand, to talk about Chapter 3, verses 20-21, 31-35 of Mark's Gospel. It was pure genius to meet Jason, a fellow performer of greater experience and talent than I (check him out: https://www.jasonhildebrand.com). He’s got a simple message to pass on to people everywhere, of all shades of opinion or race, about the disarmingly inclusive love of the Eternal God. He shares a little of that extraordinary vision here. Get ready for a mind-and-heart blowing ride!
Welcome to the fourteenth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'Jesus is Accused by Teachers of the Law', I was joined by Executive Producer of CMaxTV and Awakening the Domestic Church, the effervescent Deacon Darrell Wentworth, to talk about Chapter 3, verses 20-30 of Mark's Gospel. I don’t know what you will think, but for me this conversation flowed in a way that was very special, and very powerful. For a few short minutes the barrier between heaven and earth seemed very thin. You’ll see what I mean by tuning in for yourself.
Welcome to the thirteenth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'Jesus Appoints the Twelve', I was joined by playwright, actor, theatre producer and Canon of Bristol Cathedral, Neville Boundy to talk about Chapter 3, verses 13-19 of Mark's Gospel. What this conversation may have lacked in terms of close analysis, was more than made up for by what Nev had to say about the plight of the human race, our current desperate spiritual, economic and societal status - and how Mark speaks to it like no other story.
Welcome to the twelfth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'Crowds Follow Jesus', I was joined by Stuart Bell, Senior Pastor of Alive! Church, Lincoln and founder of Ground Level Network, to talk about Chapter 3, verses 7-12 of Mark's Gospel. Once again we were left in awe as to the potentially revolutionary implications of this one short, apparently inconsequential passage of Scripture. Listen in and you’ll get what we mean.
Welcome to the eleventh episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'Jesus Heals on the Sabbath', I was joined by Bradley Jersak, Dean of Theology & Culture, St Stephen's University, Canada, and celebrated author of 'A More Christ-like God', to talk about Chapter 3, verses 1-6 of Mark's Gospel. If you've ever wondered about the practical usefulness of following a Podcast about just one book of the Bible, then this episode will disabuse you. Bradley Jersak gives the most inspired performance I’ve ever heard about the way the Scriptures work together as a cohesive unit and how a small section of Mark's Gospel can change your thinking…well, about literally EVERYTHING!
Welcome to the tenth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath', I was joined by Bible teacher, church leader and all round nice guy, Sim Dendy, to talk about Chapter 2, verses 23-28 of Mark's Gospel. You'll love what Sim had to say about the meaning of 'Sabbath' in this passage and its continuing importance for us all in the twenty first century. I was also struck by Sim's appreciation of some ingenious use of word play on Jesus's part. Not to be missed!
Welcome to the ninth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'Jesus Questioned About Fasting', I was joined by Hollywood impresario Marc Whitmore, to talk about Chapter 2, verses 18-21 of Mark's Gospel. Marc divides his time equally between Los Angeles and London, and is the manager of numerous talented musical acts and performers across the world. You'll enjoy his inspiring take on the creative potential of the Gospel narrative and how it must have been received by its original listeners.
Welcome to the eighth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'Jesus Calls Levi and Eats With Sinners', I was joined by Historian and Former Headmaster of King Edward VI School, Southampton, Julian Thould, to talk about Chapter 2, verses 13-17 of Mark's Gospel. Was this the best ever show? I was tempted to think so. (But then I had thought that after every one of the eight episodes thus far!). Give it a listen and tell us what YOU think.
Welcome to the seventh episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralysed Man', I was joined by Senior Leader of Pioneer International, Billy Kennedy, to talk about Chapter 2, verses 1-12 of Mark's Gospel. We had an amazing time and I was deeply struck by Billy's almost visionary understanding of the passage's significance for life now as well as for the time it was written. I trust you will be, too!
Welcome to the sixth episode of Question MARK! In this episode, 'Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy', I was joined by Phil Orchard, to talk about Chapter 1, verses 40-45 of Mark's Gospel. We tried out a new format in this session, let us know what you think in the comments below!
Welcome to the fifth episode of Question MARK! In this episode I was joined by Fi Smart and Alex Thompson of The Jazz Apples, to talk about Chapter 1, verses 29-39 of Mark's Gospel.
Welcome to the fourth episode of Question MARK, 'Demon Bashing'! In this episode I was joined by Steve Nicholls, to talk about Chapter 1, verses 21-28 of Mark's Gospel.
Welcome to the third episode of Question MARK, 'Heaven Calling'! In this episode I was joined by Alex Kelly, to talk about Chapter 1, verses 14-20 of Mark's Gospel.
Welcome to the second episode of Question MARK! In this episode I was joined by Adam Clewer, to talk about Chapter 1, verses 9-13 of Mark's Gospel.
Welcome to Question MARK: The Podcast! Hosted by Stefan Smart, special guests will be exploring the Greatest Story Ever Told with open minds and open hearts. Each show, we will cover a key episode in the Gospel of that name and explore it with genuine curiosity and questioning. Expect guests from all different backgrounds, walks of life and schools of thinking.