Scripture has a lot to say about joy and happiness. The words that sometimes get translated as "blessed," for example, are used also to mean "happy," and some of the gospels talk about the joy of receiving the Kingdom, such as in Matthew, where joy characterizes the reception of the Gospel in several parables. In Mark, however, the author doesn't emphasize happiness. Mark's gospel is quite somber. Joy and Happiness in Mark Joy and happiness in Mark are not at all like they are in Matthew. There are no forms of the words glad , rejoice , or happy in either the NIV or NRSV translations, and moments of joy and happiness are rare. Here's the breakdown... There's one mention of joy . In the parable of the sower, the ones represented by the seed being sown on rocky places are described as immediately receiving the word with joy, "but they have no root, and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word...

Just about everyone who has heard about Christianity and Jesus, whether or not they're Christians, has heard about Jesus casting out demons or healing the demon-possessed. In fact, demons in general are one of the most popular themes from Christianity. This is probably due in part to the fact that scripture doesn't say much about them. Like with the heavenly messengers and other creatures described in visions throughout scripture, there's a lot of room for imagination when it comes to demons. That makes them perfect for pop-culture references and fantasy lore, and the fact that scripture talks about demons possessing people and making them do things sparks a world of possibilities and unanswered questions, but how are demons really presented in scripture? Well, we don't have time to explore all of scripture here, but since I've been studying Mark, let's consider how demons are presented in the gospel of Mark, as a case study. What does Mark have to say abou...

In Mark 14:32-42, we find Jesus in Gethsemane with some of his disciples. He takes a few (Peter, James, and John) a little way off from the rest and asks them to stay awake with him. Here is what it says: 32 They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. 34 And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” 35 And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” 37 He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? 38 Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he we...