Question MARK

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?”