Gospel Explorations
A weekly podcast designed to dive deep into God’s Word and help answer the hard questions that life throws at us from a biblical perspective.
082: Greatness Through the Cross - Matthew 20:17-23
Pastor Mark explores Matthew 20:17–23 as Jesus once again tells His disciples exactly what awaits Him in Jerusalem—betrayal, condemnation, mocking, scourging, crucifixion, and resurrection. Yet while Jesus speaks of sacrifice, James and John are still thinking about status and asking for places of honor in His kingdom. Pastor Mark considers what Jesus means by drinking His cup and challenges us to examine whether we are more interested in recognition or genuine faithfulness. This episode reminds us that in the kingdom of God, the road to glory runs through humility, surrender, and the cross.
Check out the shownotes here...
081: When Grace Doesn't Seem Fair - Matthew 20:1-16
In Episode 81 of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark explores Jesus’ parable of the laborers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1–16. Through workers hired at different hours but treated with unexpected generosity, Jesus reveals the difference between human ideas of deserving and the grace of God. Pastor Mark discusses the dangers of comparison, jealousy, and keeping score in our service for Christ, while reminding us that God is never unfair and is always free to be abundantly gracious. This episode challenges us to stop measuring our blessings against someone else's and instead rejoice in the goodness of the Master who called us into...
080: Is Following Jesus Worth the Cost? - Matthew 19:23-30
What does it really cost to follow Jesus—and is it worth it?
In Episode 80 of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark explores Matthew 19:23–30, where Jesus warns about the deceptive security of riches, reminds us that salvation is impossible apart from God's grace, and promises that nothing surrendered for His sake is ever truly lost.
For more reflection and study questions, be sure to check out the show notes.
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079: What Are You Unwilling to Surrender? - Matthew 19:13-22
In Episode 79 of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark explores two striking encounters in Matthew 19:13–22: Jesus welcoming little children and His conversation with the rich young ruler. While the children come with nothing to offer and simply receive the blessing of Jesus, the wealthy young man approaches eternal life as something he can achieve through his own goodness. Jesus lovingly exposes the one thing he is unwilling to surrender, revealing the danger of allowing possessions (or anything else) to take God's rightful place in our hearts. This episode challenges us to bring the next generation to Jesus while also asking ourselves a...
078: What Does Jesus Say About Divorce and Remarriage? - Matthew 19:7-12
Pastor Mark continues through Matthew 19 as Jesus addresses the difficult subjects of divorce, remarriage, and singleness. Jesus calls His followers beyond the search for loopholes and back to God's original design for marriage, while acknowledging the devastating effects that sin and hardness of heart can have on relationships.
We also pause to consider how believers should think biblically about past marital failure, separation, and the calling to singleness. Whether married or single, the challenge is ultimately the same: to live faithfully for Christ and use the life God has given us for the sake of His kingdom.
077: God's Design for Marriage - Matthew 19:1-6
When the Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a controversial question about divorce, Jesus refuses to begin with their debate. Instead, He takes them all the way back to creation and God's original design for marriage.
Join us, as we explore Matthew 19:1–6 and consider what it means for a husband and wife to leave, cleave, and become “one flesh.” Before asking when a marriage can end, Jesus challenges us to understand what God intended marriage to be from the beginning.
Be sure to check out the show notes for reflection questions and further study.
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076: How Many Times Do I Have to Forgive? - Matthew 18:21-35
In Matthew 18:21–35, Jesus calls us to a radical kind of forgiveness. It's a forgiveness that keeps no record and reflects the mercy we’ve received from God. Discover why unforgiveness is so dangerous and how the gospel reshapes the way we forgive others.
For more reflection and study questions, be sure to check the show notes.
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075: How Should Christians Handle Conflict? - Matthew 18:15-20
In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus gives a clear process for dealing with sin in the church. It's a process that prioritizes restoration, unity, and the presence of Christ. Discover with Pastor Mark what the Scriptures say about handling conflict biblically and why it matters for healthy Christian community.
Be sure to check out the show notes for reflection and study questions.
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074: The Shepherd Who Goes After the One - Matthew 18:7-14
In Matthew 18:7–14, Jesus gives sobering warnings about offenses and sin, but also reveals the heart of the Good Shepherd who pursues the one who strays. In this episode Pastor Mark explores accountability, radical obedience, and the relentless love of God for every individual.
Be sure to check out the show notes for reflection and study questions.
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073: What Does True Greatness Look Like - Matthew 18:1-6
In Matthew 18:1–6, Jesus completely redefines greatness. Instead of status and position, He points to humility by using a child as the model for kingdom citizens. In this episode, Pastor Mark explores what it means to become like a child, how we should treat the “least,” and why Jesus takes it so seriously when someone causes others to stumble.
For further study and reflection, click here to take a look at te shownotes.
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072: The Son, the Tax, and the Fish - Matthew 17:22-27
In Matthew 17:22–27, Jesus again reveals His coming death and resurrection, yet the disciples still struggle to understand. Then, in a surprising moment, Jesus teaches about His identity as the Son of God through a simple question about taxes… and a miraculous provision. This episode explores humility, provision, and how this moment points directly to the gospel.
For further reflection and study questions, click here for the shownotes.
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071: When Your Faith Feels Too Small - Matthew 17:9-21
In Matthew 17:9–21, Jesus explains the coming of Elijah, then descends from the Mount of Transfiguration into a scene of suffering and spiritual conflict. A desperate father brings his afflicted son to Jesus after the disciples fail to help. In this episode of Gospel Explorations, we explore faith, failure, prayer, fasting, and the victory of Christ over what seems impossible.
For more insight and study questions, please be sure to check out our show notes.
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070: When They Saw Jesus in His Glory - Matthew 17:1-8
In Matthew 17:1–8, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. His face shines like the sun, Moses and Elijah appear, and the Father declares, “This is my beloved Son… hear ye him.” In this episode of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark explores the glory of Christ, the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets, and the beautiful truth that when all else fades, Jesus remains.
Take a moment to click here to check out the show notes.
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069: What Does it Mean to Take Up Your Cross? - Matthew 16:21-28
In Matthew 16:21–28, Jesus reveals that He must suffer, die, and rise again — and then calls His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. In this episode Pastor Mark takes a look at Peter’s rebuke, Jesus’ correction, and the life-changing paradox that whoever loses his life for Christ will find it.
For more help and further study, please check out the show notes here.
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068: Who Do You Say Jesus Is? - Matthew 16:13-20
In today's passage, Jesus asks the most important question anyone will ever face: “Who do you say that I am?” In this episode of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark invites you to join him as you explore together Peter’s powerful confession, the revelation of Christ, and the unstoppable promise that Jesus is building His church.
Click here to get the show notes for study questions and further insight.
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067: Beware the Leaven: The Danger of Spiritual Blindness - Matthew 16:1-12
In Matthew 16:1–12, Jesus confronts spiritual blindness, refuses the demand for signs, and warns His disciples about the dangerous influence of false teaching. In this episode Pastor Mark explores why signs don’t create faith, how easily we can miss what God is doing, and why we must guard our hearts from subtle spiritual corruption.
For more study, be sure click here for the show notes.
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066: "Lord, Help Me:" A Faith that Would Not Give Up - Matthew 15:21-39
Jesus answers the persistent faith of a Canaanite woman, heals multitudes, and feeds four thousand. Join Pastor Mark in this episode of Gospel Explorations, as we see the mercy of Christ reaching beyond expected boundaries, the power of a simple prayer — “Lord, help me” — and the abundance of a Savior whose crumbs are more than enough!
For more insight and to access the questions for further reflection, click here.
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065: What Really Makes a Person Unclean? - Matthew 15:1-20
Jesus confronts the Pharisees over their traditions and exposes the danger of outward religion without inward transformation. Discover why God is more concerned with the condition of our hearts than merely keeping appearances, and learn what truly defiles a person according to Jesus.
Be sure to check out the show notes for reflection and study questions.
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064: When Jesus Comes Walking Through the Storm - Matthew 14:22-33
In Matthew 14:22–33, Jesus sends His disciples into a storm, comes to them walking on the sea, and rescues Peter when his little faith begins to fail. In this episode of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark explores Christ's presence in the storm, Peter’s bold step of faith, and the comfort of a Savior whose hand is immediate and sure.
Thanks for taking the time to listen, be sure click here for the show notes with further study questions.
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063: When What You Have Isn't Enough - Matthew 14:14-21
In Matthew 14:14–21, Jesus looks on a hungry multitude with compassion, takes five loaves and two fishes, and feeds thousands with abundance left over. In this episode Pastor Mark explores Christ’s compassion, the disciples’ weakness, and the powerful truth that what is placed in Jesus’ hands is never too small.
Check out our discussions questions here as you continue to think through this passage more and reflect on God's power.
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062: The Cost of Speaking the Truth - Matthew 14:1-13
In today's passage, Herod is haunted by guilt, John the Baptist is imprisoned and executed, and Jesus withdraws in wisdom after hearing the news. Join us as we explore the torment of a guilty conscience, the danger of fearing man more than God, and the courage of a faithful prophet who spoke truth at great cost.
Click here to access some additional study questions for further reflection.
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061: The Kingdom Worth Everything - Matthew 13:44-58
In Matthew 13:44–58, Jesus tells of hidden treasure, a pearl of great price, and a dragnet that gathers every kind — then returns to Nazareth and is rejected by His own. In this episode of Gospel Explorations, join Pastor Mark as we explore the value Christ places on His people, the certainty of final judgment, and the tragedy of unbelief when truth stands right in front of us.
For further discussion and study, check out the show notes here.
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060: Why Does God Allow Good and Evil to Grow Together? - Matthew 13:24-43
In Matthew 13:24–43, Jesus reveals that the visible outward kingdom community in this age will include both true and false, wheat and tares, visible growth and hidden corruption. Yet, in God's timing these things will be separated at the final harvest. Join Pastor Mark as we explore together the parables of the wheat and tares, the mustard seed, and the leaven — and what they teach us about patience, discernment, and the certainty of the coming harvest.
For questions to spur on further study and discussion, click here for the show notes.
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059: What Kind of Soil is Your Heart? - Matthew 13:1-23
In Matthew 13:1–23, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower and reveals four different responses to the Word of God. Pastor Mark invites you to explore these soils with him: the hardened heart, the shallow heart, the crowded heart, and the fruitful heart . It all culminates with a personal question Jesus’ parable presses on every listener: What kind of soil am I?
Be sure to click here to check out the show notes for discussion questions to go dive deeper into this passage.
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058: What Your Words Reveal About Your Heart - Matthew 12:33-50
In today's passage, Jesus exposes the heart behind our words, rebukes the demand for signs, warns of the danger of spiritual emptiness, and redefines His true family. Pastor Mark invites you to explore with him why we know that fruit reveals the root, why the resurrection is the ultimate sign, and what it really means to belong to Christ.
For more insight and further discussion, check out the show notes here.
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057: What is the Unforgivable Sin? - Matthew 12:22-32
In Matthew 12:22–32, Jesus delivers a demon-possessed man, silences the Pharisees’ accusation, and gives a sobering warning about blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. Join Pastor Mark for this episode of Gospel Explorations, as we take a look together at Christ’s authority over darkness, the impossibility of neutrality, and why rejecting the Spirit’s testimony about Jesus is so serious.
Don't miss the show notes for questions to spur on further discussion by clicking here.
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056: The Savior Who Won't Break a Bruised Reed - Matthew 12:9-21
In Matthew 12:9–21, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath — and the Pharisees respond by plotting His death. In this episode of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark encourages you to join us as we examine the rising rejection of Christ, the danger of legalism, and the tender beauty of the Servant who “will not break a bruised reed.” If you feel weary, weak, or overlooked, this passage is for you.
Be sure to check out the show notes by clicking here to find discussion questions to challenge you to think more deeply.
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055: When Religion Gets in the Way of Mercy - Matthew 12:1-8
In Matthew 12:1–8, the Pharisees condemn hungry disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath—but Jesus reveals something deeper: God desires mercy, not sacrifice. In this episode, Pastor Mark invites you to explore how legalism burdens the soul, why Jesus is “greater than the temple,” and what it means that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. If you find yourself weary under religious pressure, this passage is for you.
Be sure to click here to access the show notes for discussion questions to lead you into a deeper dive of this passage.
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053: What Do You Do When You Doubt God? - Matthew 11:1-19
Even John the Baptist wrestled with doubt when Jesus didn’t fit his expectations. In Matthew 11:1–19, Jesus reminds us that His kingdom isn’t about political power but about healing, mercy, and good news. Join Pastor Mark in this episode of Gospel Explorations, as we discover how to trust a Messiah who doesn’t always act the way we expect, but who always fulfills God’s plan.
Click here to access some questions for further thought and discussion.
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054: Are You Weary? Jesus Offers Rest - Matthew 11:20-30
In Matthew 11:20–30, Jesus warns of judgment for those who see His works but refuse to repent—and then offers one of the most tender invitations in Scripture: ‘Come to Me…and I will give you rest.’ In this episode of Gospel Explorations, we will discover together the sobering reality of rejecting Christ and the soul-deep rest of receiving Him.
Click here for show notes with discussion questions to further your study.
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052: Following Jesus When the World Turns Against You - Matthew 10:16-42
Jesus never promised safety, but He did promise His presence. In Matthew 10:16–42, we are going to discuss how Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution, reminding them to expect opposition, to trust the Spirit, and to fear God rather than man. Join Pastor Mark as we explore what it means to be sheep among wolves, and how Christ’s call to take up our cross leads to true life.
To go deeper into this passage, take time to check out the show notes by clicking here.
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051: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Calling - Matthew 10:1-15
Jesus chose twelve ordinary men — fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot — and sent them out with His authority to preach the kingdom. In Matthew 10:1–15, we see what it means to be called, equipped, and sent. Listen in and be challenged to trust God’s provision and join His mission.
To go deeper into this passage, be sure to check out the show notes and discussion questions, by clicking here.
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050: When Desperate Faith Meets a Powerful Savior - Matthew 9:18-26
Two people in desperate need reach out to Jesus: a grieving father and a suffering woman. Both find healing, hope, and life in Him. In Matthew 9:18–26, we see how even imperfect faith, when placed in the right Person, is enough. Listen in with Pastor Mark as we discover together how Jesus meets us in our weakness with His power and compassion.
To dive deeper into this passage, be sure to check out the show notes and discussion questions, by clicking here.
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049: Jesus Didn't Come to Patch Up Your Religion - Matthew 9:14-17
Jesus didn’t come to patch up old religion, He came to bring something completely new. In Matthew 9:14–17, He calls Himself the Bridegroom and explains why life with Him is full of joy, freedom, and newness. Join Pastor Mark as we explore together what it means to live as “new wineskins” in the light of the gospel.
For a deeper dive into today's passage, click here to take a look at the show notes and discussion questions.
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048: Why Did Jesus Eat with Sinners? - Matthew 9:9-13
Jesus calls a tax collector — the outcast no one wanted — to follow Him. And then He sits down to eat with a house full of sinners.
This is the heart of the Gospel: Jesus doesn’t come for the righteous, but for sinners like us. In this episode, join Pastor Mark as we explore together the radical grace of Jesus and what it means for our lives today.
Click here for show notes and to dive deeper in this passage.
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047: What If Your Greatest Need Isn't Physical? - Matthew 9:1-8
A paralyzed man is lowered through the roof to Jesus. His friends want healing. But Jesus says something unexpected: “Your sins are forgiven.”
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark invites you to join him as we consider how Jesus goes deeper than physical needs — He confronts the root problem of sin, and reveals His authority as the Son of God.
For show notes click here.
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046: The Town That Asked Jesus to Leave - Matthew 8:28-34
Two men enslaved by darkness. A herd of pigs. A town that begged Jesus to leave.
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, we look at Jesus’ power over demonic spirits — His unmatched authority, His relentless care for the broken, and the sobering response of those who loved their pigs more than His presence.
Listen in with Pastor Mark and be reminded that the same Jesus who commands demons is the one who brings freedom today.
Be sure to check out the show notes here for questions to help encourage deeper study of today's pass...
045: Where Is Jesus When Life Gets Stormy? - Matthew 8:23-27
What do you do when the waves are crashing and it feels like your life is sinking? Join Pastor Mark in this episode of Gospel Explorations, as we look together at Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. This miracle is a powerful reminder of His authority over creation and His invitation to trust Him in the chaos.
Listen now and be encouraged: the same Jesus who calmed the storm is with you in yours.
For further study be sure to click here for the show notes.
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044: Are You Willing to Pay the Price of Following Jesus? - Matthew 8:18-22
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, Jesus challenges two would-be disciples: one who is too quick to follow without counting the cost, and another who delays obedience for “someday.” Together, their stories reveal what it really means to follow Christ. Join Pastor Mark and explore together with him why Jesus’ words are still just as urgent for us today.
Click here for the study questions to help you reflect further on this passage.
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043: The Compassionate Savior Who Heals - Matthew 8:14-17
In Matthew 8:14–17, Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law with a gentle touch and delivers multitudes with a word. These healings not only reveal His compassion but also fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would bear our infirmities. In this episode of Gospel Explorations, discover with Pastor Mark, the Savior who cares for the small and personal, who meets us in the crowd, and who secures our ultimate healing through His suffering.
Click here for further study and discussion questions.
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