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Articles by Bjorn Bakke
This Is My Body; This Is My Blood
I recently had the privilege of preaching on Mark 14:17-26. In these verses, Jesus announces that one of the Twelve will betray him before instituting the Lord’s Supper. Ever since COVID, I have been thinking more about the significance of the Lord’s Supper. It was during COVID that I first had to think deeply about why and how we celebrate the communion.
Be on guard
Each day is one day closer to the return of Jesus. Until Jesus returns, how are we to live? Jesus answered this question in the Olivet Discourse in Mark 13:14-23. Jesus instructs the disciples on how they ought to live before the temple’s destruction and informs all followers how to live until he returns. From these verses we can learn five things about living as followers of Christ while we await his return. First, followers of Christ are to flee from false messiahs.
Who is the Christ?
After expertly evading the accusatory questions of his adversaries (the chief priests, Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, scribes, and elders), Jesus asked a question of his own. Much like the questions asked of him, Jesus asked a question intended to highlight the ineptitude of the scribes. The people viewed scribes as the religious experts of the day, worthy of admiration, recognition, and respect.
The reality of the resurrection
As a former teacher, I can sympathize with Jesus being questioned constantly. When I was asked questions incessantly, I had much less on the line. Students asked questions for one of two reasons. Either they were genuinely interested in a topic and wanted to know more, or they wanted to get me off task to avoid taking notes or working on a worksheet. In Jesus’ last week of ministry, the questions he was asked were not genuine.
Characteristics of good authority
For 15 years, I taught seventh and eighth-grade social studies. Of the two, seventh-grade American History was my favorite. I was tasked with teaching students about the events that led to the Revolutionary War and those that followed through the present day. I never quite made it to present-day events because I spent a long time teaching the Constitution.
Why do you not believe?
After recovering from the shocking events of the previous day, Jesus is confronted by the Jewish religious leaders and asked by what authority he cleansed the temple. The religious leaders wanted to know who authorized Jesus to do what he did when he drove out the merchants and moneychangers. After all, it was the religious leaders who had the delegated authority to ensure the temple was used for proper worship.
Prayer that moves mountains
Recently, a friend asked me for recommendations and resources on prayer. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to give him any suggestions because most of the books about prayer on my bookshelf have gone unread. Even though followers of Christ are expected to pray, my prayer life has not always been what I want it to be. I have had seasons of sporadic prayer and even prayerlessness. For the past 10 years or so, my prayer life has improved. I now write my prayers in a journal for greater accountability.
Roots and fruits
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, shared with the assembled crowd the following words: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
The blessed one
Over the past four years, I have been to and been in a number of parades. When my daughters were Dassel Ambassador candidates, we attended local parades to support and encourage them and the other candidates. When both were selected as Dassel Ambassadors, I then had the opportunity to pull the float and ambassadors in local parades. I’ve greatly enjoyed each moment over the past four years, and I’ll be a little sad when it comes to an end on Labor Day weekend.
Eyes of faith
A day before entering Jerusalem for the final time, Jesus and his disciples were in Jericho. It was while Jesus was leaving Jericho that he performed his last healing miracle, according to Mark’s gospel. Jesus and his disciples were not alone as they made the ascent from Jericho to Jerusalem. Accompanying them was a caravan of pilgrims making their way to the holy city for Passover. Sitting along the pilgrim path was a blind beggar named Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46).
The sons of men and the Son of Man
I am continually amazed by the patience of Jesus. On three separate occasions, Jesus told his disciples that he needed to be betrayed, abused, and executed. Additionally, Jesus also taught the disciples that he would be raised after three days. Despite Jesus’ repeated teachings, the disciples failed to understand what he was saying.
The redeemer’s road
Westminster Shorter Catechism question 20 asks, “Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?” and answers, “God having, out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.” Redemption is at the core of the biblical narrative.
Who can be saved?
I am continually amazed by the inspired arrangement of Scripture. Presumably from the privacy of a home, Jesus said to his disciples in Mark 10:15, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” The next day, as Jesus and his disciples set out for Jerusalem, they were met by a rich young man who ran up to Jesus and knelt before him.
Jesus loves the little children
Many Christian children’s songs speak of Jesus’ love: “Jesus Loves Me,” “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” and “I’ve Got the Love of Jesus Down in My Heart” are a few such examples. It’s true, Jesus does love children, and it is important to teach this blessed truth to the smallest and weakest among us. Jesus’ love for children is made explicitly clear in Mark 10:13-16. Based on nothing but the character of Jesus, parents brought their small children to Jesus to be blessed by him.
Hold fast
After departing Capernaum, Mark’s gospel records an interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees in the region “beyond the Jordan” (Mark 10:1). This area east of the Jordan River was known as Perea and was governed by Herod Antipas. While Jesus was teaching a crowd of people, a group of Pharisees “came up and in order to test him asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’” (Mark 10:2).
Lessons in humility
I was in sixth grade when I learned firsthand that pride goes before a fall. Before a varsity wrestling match, the youth wrestlers were invited to enter the gym with the varsity team. With the lights dimmed, music playing, and a spotlight shining in the center of the mat, I was excited. I was feeling pretty good about myself as I prepared to run around the mat to the crowd’s applause. As the time came for us to run out, I held my head a little higher, and my chest was a little bigger.
The valley of unbelief
Just as Moses descended Mount Sinai and was met with faithlessness in the camp, so too, Jesus descended a mountain and was greeted by faithlessness in the valley. The full power and glory of Jesus were displayed temporarily for Peter, James, and John to see on the Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus and the disciples had an engaging theological discussion concerning the appearance of the forerunner Elijah (fulfilled by John the Baptist) as they descended the mountain.
‘This is my beloved son; listen to him’
When my children were young and struggled to follow directions, there were certain steps I took to get their attention. First, I eliminated all distractions. Second, I got on their level, so we were face-to-face and eye-to-eye. Third, I prompted them, saying, “Listen to me.” Finally, I asked them to repeat what I had said. Though not perfect, these steps enabled my children to follow directions, to the pleasure of everyone involved.
The cost and consequences of discipleship
Christians around the globe recently celebrated Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The empty tomb proved that the sinless, substitutionary, atoning sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of all who would believe had been accepted by the Father. Jesus laid down his life as a ransom for the sinners he came to save. Salvation belongs to anyone who believes in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
‘Who do you say that I am?’
What is surprising about the resurrection of Jesus is the fact that his followers were surprised by the resurrection. On at least three occasions, Jesus taught his disciples that he needed to suffer, die, and be raised after three days. The angels even reminded the women who went to the tomb on the first Easter morning of his earlier teaching. The angels said to the women, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.
Do you see anything?
This Sunday, Christians around the world will celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus. Two thousand years ago, Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, to the raucous cheers of the crowd. Mark records the actions of the crowd in Mark 11:8-10, “And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields.
The good shepherd
Aside from Jesus’ resurrections, the feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels. While the miracle itself garners much attention, there are important events that preceded the feeding of the multitude. The events leading to the miracle and the miracle itself are recorded in Mark 6:30-44. Mark writes in verses 30-32, “The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught.
Show and tell
One of my favorite memories from elementary school is show and tell, as I assume it is for many people. On these special occasions, students are invited to bring personal items from home, share about the items, and share about themselves. This helps the teacher and the students learn more about one another and gives each student an opportunity to share what makes them unique. In Mark 5:1-20, the reader is presented with three displays of power.
The will of God
As the new year begins, countless people across the country have undoubtedly made resolutions for 2026. Unfortunately, many people have likely already failed to keep their resolutions only a few days into the new year. If you fall into this category of people, as I often do, do not fret. You don’t have to wait the rest of the year to begin again in 2027. However, instead of resolving to read more, spend less time on technology, or lose weight, resolve to know and obey the will of God.
‘Twas the night before Jesus
As the Advent season was just beginning, one of my congregants passed away at the age of 94. On the day of her funeral, one of her children handed me a fragile, yellowed newspaper clipping that had been in her nightstand. The clipping was of an untitled poem written by an unknown author, originally published on an unknown date. The poem is fitting for this time of year as we continue to reflect upon the first Advent of Jesus and look forward to and long for his second Advent.
Wise men worship Jesus
The good news of the birth of Christ necessitates a response from everyone who hears. The night of his birth, a heavenly host of angels announced the good news of great joy to shepherds, who responded by traveling to Bethlehem to praise the newborn Savior. Sometime after the birth of Jesus, another group of people showed up, this time in Jerusalem, to worship “he who has been born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2).
‘Who then is this?’
During this season of Advent, it is not uncommon to hear Isaiah’s prophecy quoted. Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
The kingdom of God
As a young child, when I lived in the same community as my grandparents, my brother and I spent a lot of time with my Grandpa Jim. We would visit him at his automotive shop, spend time with him at the fire station, and on weekends, we would spend time with him at the cabin. I have wonderful memories of my Grandpa Jim. One thing I will always remember about my grandpa was his affinity for telling stories.
‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear’
In Mark 4, Jesus transitions from teaching boldly, accurately, and authoritatively to teaching in parables. The parables of Jesus would be a blessing to those with ears to hear, but judgment upon those on the outside. Jesus makes this transition after being repeatedly opposed by the religious leaders of the day. The religious leaders spread the insidious lie that Jesus was demon-possessed. By teaching in parables, Jesus rejects those who repeatedly rejected him.
Who is Jesus? Is he demented, demonic, or divine?
Ask a group of people the question, “Who is Jesus?” and you will get a variety of answers. Some will say Jesus is a myth, whereas others will say Jesus was a good man who taught the virtues of love and mercy. While others will go further and say Jesus was a holy man and a prophet, but not divine. Lord willing, someone in the group will confess Jesus is Lord, truly God, truly man, and truly sufficient to save sinners through faith in his substitutionary death and resurrection.
The beginning of the end
In the early chapters of the Gospel of Mark, five conflicts between Jesus and the Pharisees are recorded. At the conclusion of the fifth confrontation between the Lord of the Sabbath and the supposed Sabbath keepers, the Pharisees plot to destroy Jesus (Mark 3:6). Unlike the previous four conflicts recorded by Mark, Jesus is the only person to speak during the Sabbath showdown. Jesus, as was his custom, attended synagogue along with his disciples (Mark 3:1).
Have you never read?
My friend Joel is an avid reader. At any given time, Joel is reading four to six books. He once told me that his goal for each day is to read at least 100 pages. Since Joel started his PhD program, his reading habits have only intensified. The books he reads make my head spin. Joel reads theology, philosophy, history, a wide array of fiction, and much more. The Lord has blessed Joel with an amazing intellect, and Joel further develops his abilities by reading broadly and deeply.
Focus on Christ alone
Traditions are funny things. From a positive perspective traditions build connections between generations, create lasting memories, and give life and joy. Traditions, however, can also be routine, restrictive, lifeless, harsh, and critical. One of the blessings in disguise with COVID was that it allowed churches to question why they did things the way they did. During COVID, the old refrain of “we’ve always done it that way” was no longer an acceptable reason for doing things.
Jesus, friend of sinners
This past week, as I prepared for my sermon, I thought often of my friend Phill. Phill and I have been friends for half of my life. I first met Phill while I was teaching in Worthington. We both attended Grace Community Church, where Phill was the youth pastor. It wasn’t long before I was a volunteer on his youth staff. A lot has changed in the past 22 years. I moved from Worthington to Cokato to Benson, and now I am in Dassel.
Commitment versus devotion
In Mark 2:1-12, we find a familiar story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. What stands out about this narrative is the lengths the four friends went to in order to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus. The four friends exerted much effort and energy to carry the man on a stretcher to the home of Simon, where Jesus was. They gingerly carried the paralyzed man up the outer staircase of Simon’s home when the crowd refused them entry.
Trading places with another
One thing I’ve done in the past that I’ve greatly enjoyed is working alongside people at their jobs. It’s one thing to know a person from church, Bible study, or small group, but it’s an entirely different thing to see that person outside the church setting.
Repent and believe
When Jesus began his public ministry, he proclaimed a simple message. Mark writes, “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the gospel’” (Mark 1:14-15). The proper response to the faithful proclamation of the gospel is repentance and belief.
Called to be fishers of men
Some of the happiest memories of my childhood took place at my grandparents’ cabin on Mille Lacs Lake. During my childhood, most weekends were spent at the cabin during the summer. When I was young, I would spend hours playing on the beach and in the water. As I grew older, I spent less time in the water and more time fishing on the water with my grandpa, dad, brother, and uncle. It didn’t matter if we caught anything; it was enjoyable just to spend quality time with my family.
The baptism of Jesus
It was 21 years ago that I was baptized. I lived in Worthington at the time with my wife and newborn son. I was saved by grace through faith in Christ six years before being baptized. For six years, I wrestled with whether or not I should be baptized. Scripture finally convinced me that I should be baptized. I look back upon that day, and I am glad that I decided to publicly profess Jesus as my Lord and Savior that day.
The beginning of the gospel
Over the years, I have come to appreciate the continuity between the Old Testament and New Testament more and more. I find it fascinating that the New Testament picks up right where the Old Testament left off. The final prophetic word of the Old Testament, recorded in Malachi, announced the coming of a messenger who would prepare the way of the Lord. The New Testament book of Mark begins with quotations from Malachi and Isaiah regarding the prophesied messenger.
When God is silent
In our busy lives, there are few moments of silence. We are continually inundated with alerts, notifications, texts, updates, and the like. Even when our phones aren’t vying for our attention, other noises fill the space, whether it be a television, wireless speaker, or radio. It seems that we’ve become uncomfortable with silence. Though we’ve become accustomed to the cacophony of sounds externally, there are times of silence internally. These times of spiritual silence can be deafening.
God’s treasured possession
Malachi was called to be a prophet to a rebellious and cynical people. After reminding the people of the Lord’s steadfast and abounding love for the people, the Lord brings charge after charge against the people. The people, true to form, refute the Lord’s accusations against them. They question the Lord and his judgment. Toward the end of the book of Malachi, the Lord brings a final charge against the people. According to the Lord, the people are guilty of speaking hard things against him.
The Lord is my shepherd
Typically, I find myself behind the pulpit on a Sunday morning. This last Sunday, however, I found myself in front of the pulpit, sitting in a pew. I hadn’t planned on being in church, since I was supposed to pick up my daughter on Sunday morning after completing her activities for Aquatennial. Little did I know that her activities for Aquatennial were just beginning, as she was crowned as an Aquatennial Princess.
God doesn’t change
I’ve now reached the age when I say things like, “when I was your age” and “back in my day.” Whenever I begin a sentence with one of these phrases, my kids immediately roll their eyes. The reality is, things have changed since I was their age. As they say, the only constant in life is change. Whether I like it or not, things like the internet, cell phones, and social media are here to stay, at least for now. Thankfully, there is one thing, or rather, one person, who does not change.
Are you ready for his arrival?
I find it incredible how some things don’t change, even after thousands of years. In ancient times, when a ruler planned to visit someplace in his empire, he sent a messenger ahead of him to announce his impending arrival. The announcement of the messenger that the King was coming gave people time to prepare. The cities were cleaned up, and the roads were repaired. The people wanted to put their best foot forward for the King. This same sort of thing happens today in the United States.
Guard yourselves in your spirit
This past winter, I began a men’s discipleship group at church. Each week, five men gathered around a table to discuss a book that outlined the qualities and characteristics of a mature follower of Christ based on 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Week after week, I was blessed by these faithful men.
Life and peace with the Lord
In Malachi 2:1-9, the Lord, through the prophet, rebukes the priests and warns them of the consequences for their ongoing sin. Malachi writes, “If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart.
The name of the Lord God
In high school, there were two subjects that I enjoyed immensely. Those two subjects were English and social studies. I think I took every English and social studies class that was offered. By the time I was a senior in high school, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I had a difficult time deciding between being a social studies teacher and an English teacher. Ultimately, I decided on social studies. Both subjects require a lot of reading, which I love to do.
God’s perfect, persistent love
I’m old enough to remember a time before cell phones, the internet, email, text messaging, and social media. I remember spending hours on the landline telephone with my girlfriend, now my wife, until someone else came on the line saying they needed to use the phone. I even remember writing love notes and love letters to her, though she wrote many more than I ever did. We continue to express our love for one another using the latest technology.
The best is still yet to come
Over the years, my family and I have been blessed to travel across the country. For a handful of summers, we loaded up our van and set out to explore some of what our nation has to offer. We’ve visited 48 of the 50 states, and we’ve enjoyed waterfalls, beaches, oceans, the Great Lakes, mountains, monuments, museums, national parks, theme parks, and so much more. We were able to take these amazing road trips in large part because our children are good travelers.
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