Let me begin this week by saying a heartfelt “thank-you” to you, our sweet congregation. Melissa and I, and our children, were overwhelmed by your many expressions of love for us this past Sunday. It is such an honor to serve as your pastor, and it has been a wonderful five years. I am thankful for what God has done, and even more excited about what He is going to do!

This Sunday we will be studying Mark 11:27-12:27. As the opponents of Jesus ramped up their attacks during Passion Week, they came at him with a series of controversial questions. They sought to entrap Him. This Sunday, we are going to see how the Master handled these difficult questions. What we are going to see is that, at least for Jesus, they weren’t difficult at all.

Think about the most difficult issues and questions in your life. For a human being, they are indeed difficult. But what about for God? They aren’t difficult at all. The issues that are absolutely overwhelming for us are incredibly manageable for God. So give them to Him. Put them in the Master’s capable and loving hands.

We’re going to see that this Sunday, as Jesus answers these excruciatingly difficult questions with ease. In the process, he gives us timeless teaching about His authority, our relationship to government, God’s amazing grace, and the nature of our life after resurrection.

As always, I encourage you to read and pray over the text in advance, and come prayed up as we gaze at “The Beloved Son.”

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations,

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.