Jesus feeds thousands, heals a blind man, and is finally recognized for who He truly is. But then He makes something clear—following Him comes with a cost. Jesus invites everyone in, but He refuses to be a small part of our lives. This message explores what it really means to make Jesus Lord, not just Savior.

It’s easy to focus on looking right instead of being right. In Mark 7, Jesus confronts a faith built on rules, rituals, and appearances. He makes it clear—God isn’t impressed by outward religion. He’s after our hearts. This message challenges the kind of faith that talks about God but never truly trusts Him.

Jesus goes home, and the people who know Him best doubt Him the most. Almost nothing happens there. By the end of the chapter, crowds are reaching out in faith, and everyone who even touches His robe is healed. Same Jesus. Very different response. This week we’ll talk about how familiarity can quietly replace faith—and why proximity to Jesus isn’t the same as trusting Him.

Jesus sends people out to sow seeds, knowing full well that life is messy. Storms happen. Darkness is real. People get sick. People die. And one story after another, Jesus shows that none of it is outside His authority. He calls us into the mission, and He’s God over everything we’ll face along the way.

We were created to work—and we were created to rest. Somewhere along the way, rest became complicated and heavy. Jesus steps in and gives Sabbath back to the people as a gift, not a rule. This week we’ll talk about how work and rest are meant to live together, and why real rest still matters in a busy, nonstop world.

Mark starts with John the Baptist. He lived differently. On purpose. In the wilderness. Wearing weird clothes. Eating weird food. Set apart to prepare the way for Jesus. This week we’ll ask a simple question: What would it look like for us to live differently this year? We’re also introducing our SOAP guide and reading plan as a way to prepare the way for what God wants to do in us and in our church.