Lamp Lighters is back! In this special season kick-off episode, Lynne welcomes Covenant’s newest associate pastor, Ben Davison, for an overview of the Gospel of Mark and what makes it unique among the four Gospels. Together they explore why each Gospel writer tells Jesus’ story in a distinct way, what to expect in our study of Mark, and how its fast-paced, intentional style continually points us back to Jesus’ question: “Who do you say that I am?”

Ben shares insights on themes like the “messianic secret,” the artistry of Mark’s storytelling, and the striking way the Gospel ends. This premiere episode sets the stage for our study of Mark — inviting us to look deeper, read in context, and let God’s Word challenge us anew.

An Introduction to Mark

Jesus wastes no time. In Mark 1:14–45, we watch Him step decisively into public ministry—proclaiming the good news, calling the first disciples with a simple “Follow me,” teaching with authority in the synagogue, and healing both in public and in a private home. Meredith Weatherby and Lynn Adams explore Mark’s urgent pace and the difference between kairos (God’s appointed moment) and chronos (clock time), the “Messianic Secret,” and why Jesus withdraws to pray right after a whirlwind day. Finally, a leper approaches—and Jesus does the unthinkable: He reaches out and touches him. This conversation invites us to consider who we’re walking near, how we practice rhythms of action and solitude, and where Jesus may be restoring what feels too big—or too small—for anyone else to heal.

Jesus in Action (Mark 1:14–45) – Lesson 2

In Lesson 3 of Lamp Lighters, Lynn Adams and Laura Tuma explore Mark 2, where a series of stories reveal deepening conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. From the paralyzed man lowered through a roof, to Jesus dining with tax collectors, to disputes over fasting and Sabbath practices, each scene highlights disagreements about forgiveness, fellowship, fasting, and freedom. These moments not only point to Jesus’ authority but also set in motion the events that would ultimately lead to the cross. Lynn Adams and Laura Tuma invite us to hear these familiar stories with fresh ears, consider how we respond to Jesus’ authority, and reflect on what it means to align our lives with his call.

The Conflict Begins (Mark 2) – Lesson 3

In Lesson 4 of this season of the Lamp Lighters Podcast, Lynn Adams and Laura Tuma continue the journey through the Gospel of Mark with chapter 3. They explore Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath, the growing opposition from religious leaders, and the significance of his healing ministry. This lesson highlights the vast crowds drawn to Jesus, the calling of the twelve disciples, and Mark’s distinctive “sandwich” structure that deepens our understanding of true discipleship and family in God’s kingdom.

Crowds Follow Jesus (Mark 3) – Lesson 4

Jan Skaggs and Lynn Adams explore why Jesus shifts to parables in Mark 4—and how these deceptively simple stories invite “heart, not head” understanding. Jan explains what a parable is (a story set alongside the kingdom for clarity), why Jesus speaks of insiders and outsiders, and how listening with open hearts reorders our lives around kingdom priorities.

In a twist, Jan challenges listeners to sit with the parables themselves this week—leaning on the Holy Spirit and small-group community rather than a guided teaching. The conversation then turns to the storm on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus’ authority over wind and wave leads into a practical “storm theology”: turn to Christ in the chaos, remember He’s in the boat, and practice trust—with journaled reminders and a simple, embodied prayer of open hands.

Jesus Tells Parables (Mark 4) – Lesson 5

Meredith Weatherby returns with Lynn Adams to trace Mark 5’s arc of restoration—from the storm-stilled sea to the storm inside a man haunted by a “legion,” and onward to Jairus’s dying daughter and the woman healed after 12 long years. Together they explore Jesus’ absolute authority over nature, evil, disease, and death; how this scene in Gentile territory signals that God’s reign reaches every corner; and why Jesus won’t let the healed woman remain anonymous—inviting her (and us) into seen-and-known, shalom-shaped relationship. Meredith also shares a personal reflection on “cooperating” with God’s transforming work in us while we wait for healing in others. Discussion prompts surface naturally in the contrasts and links between Jairus and the bleeding woman (status, desperation, “12 years,” faith, and interruption), and in the townspeople’s fear-driven request for Jesus to leave. It’s a rich conversation about restoration, reconciliation, and the courage to let Jesus make us whole.

Jesus Heals (Mark 5) – Lesson 6

Lynn Adams welcomes a new voice to the podcast, Kathryn Sedberry, as they explore Mark 6:1–29—a passage that moves from Jesus’ rejection in his hometown to the sending of the Twelve, and finally to the story of John the Baptist’s death. Together, they unpack the differences between belief and faith, and reflect on how a hardened heart can close us off from God’s transforming work. Through the contrasts of unbelief, obedience, and misplaced pride, Lynn and Kathryn invite listeners to consider where our own hearts might need softening to live more fully in faith and trust.

A Prophet Without Honor (Mark 6:1–29) – Lesson 7

In this week’s episode, Catherine and Lynn explore Mark 6:30–56, where Jesus invites the disciples to rest—only to be met by yet another pressing crowd. Through the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus walking on water, and the healings at Gennesaret, we see his deep compassion even in the face of interruption and exhaustion. The conversation invites us to consider how Jesus reveals himself in our own storms and how we are called to partner with him in faith and prayer to bring healing to the world.

Jesus Performs Miracles (Mark 6:30–56) – Lesson 8

ChatGPT said:In this episode, Lynn Adams and Beth Feger explore what it truly means to be clean or unclean in God’s eyes. Through three encounters—the confrontation with the Pharisees, the faith of a Gentile woman, and the healing of a deaf and mute man—Jesus reveals that purity is a matter of the heart, not external rituals. Lynn and Beth trace how these stories connect to one another, showing how Jesus breaks down barriers, opens ears and hearts, and invites all people into God’s redeeming love.

Clean and Unclean (Mark 7) – Lesson 9

In this pivotal lesson, Beth Feger and Lynn Adams explore Mark 8:1–9:1, where Jesus feeds the four thousand, heals a blind man, and asks his disciples one of the most defining questions in Scripture: “Who do you say I am?” Through moments of misunderstanding, revelation, and rebuke, this passage marks a turning point in the Gospel as Jesus begins to reveal the cost of discipleship. Beth and Lynn discuss the expanding table of God’s compassion, the danger of spiritual blindness, and the invitation to follow Christ—even when it challenges our expectations or comfort.

Who Do You Say I Am? (Mark 8:1–9:1) – Lesson 10

In this final Lamplighters lesson before our Advent break, Laura Tuma and Lynn Adams explore the theme of spiritual vision through two powerful moments in Mark 9: the Transfiguration and the healing of a boy with an impure spirit. On the mountaintop, Peter, James, and John catch a breathtaking glimpse of Jesus in his glory, alongside Moses and Elijah. Laura and Lynn unpack the rich Old Testament connections, the contrast between living glory and lifeless idols, and God’s command to the disciples: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

From there, the story moves straight into the valley of suffering, where a desperate father pleads for his son’s healing. Jesus responds with both authority and compassion, leading to the honest, enduring prayer of the father: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” Laura and Lynn reflect on how belief and unbelief can coexist, what it means to develop spiritual vision, and why prayer and regular spiritual practices keep us “prayed up” for the struggles we face. As we enter the season of Advent, this episode invites us to remember that the baby we await in Bethlehem is the same radiant Christ of the mountaintop—and to consider how we will listen and respond to Him in this season.

The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2–29) – Lesson 11

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Lamplighters is a women's Bible study organized by Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX. To learn more about Lamplighters and sign up for our study, go to covenant.org/study or http://www.lamplightersbiblestudy.com