The Gospel of Mark Unfolded: A Pastor and Therapist explore the life of Yeshua

In this episode, pastor David Profitt and therapist Sophie Murphy dive into one of the most iconic moments in Mark’s Gospel - the feeding of the 5,000 and the mysterious scene of Yeshua walking on the water. We’ll explore the rich symbolism of the wilderness, where Yeshua draws the crowds like a shepherd calling his sheep, echoing the ancient promises of Hosea. We focus on Yeshua's deep compassion and what that says to us today. We'll also reflect on the haunting end of the encounter when Mark declares, “they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”What does it mean to misunderstand the loaves? Why does Mark frame this as a critical moment in the disciples’ journey of faith? And how might this parable of the loaves challenge our own understanding of divine abundance, spiritual sight, and the nature of the Messiah? Join us as we unpack the layers of this miraculous scene.

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore the confrontation between John the Baptist and Herod Antipas. We revisit John’s identity as a prophet in the wilderness tradition - a man of deep conviction and ascetic discipline, living out his calling with courage and clarity. In contrast, we examine Herod’s inner turmoil: a man who hears truth gladly but, like rocky soil, withers when trials come. We explore how themes of fear, false kingship, and prophetic faithfulness reveal the deeper spiritual struggle beneath the surface. Along the way, we connect this story to the parables Yeshua has taught and see how his teaching is played out in the lives of all who encounter him.

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore two deeply connected movements in Mark’s Gospel: Yeshua’s rejection in his hometown and the sending of the Twelve into the villages of Galilee. We reflect on why familiarity leads to offense, what it means to dishonor a prophet, and how hardened hearts block the work of the kingdom. Next we turn to Yeshua’s radical act of sending his 12 apostles out two by two, with nothing but authority and dependence on hospitality. Along the way, we consider what it means to "rethink how we think", how to handle the emotional challenge of rejection, and the invitation to work with another person in partnership.

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore the powerful, intertwined stories of Jairus and the woman with the flow of blood. These two “daughters” come from opposite ends of the social spectrum - one the child of a synagogue leader, the other an unnamed, ritually unclean woman — but both are drawn into healing and restoration through bold, vulnerable faith. This episode continues the central theme we’ve been tracing throughout Mark: what it means to come to Jesus with faith, to move toward him even in fear, and to be among those on the “inside” who receive the secret of the kingdom of God. We reflect on how proximity to Jesus - and what you do with your story, your questions and your fears - is what determines who understands the kingdom and who remains on the outside.

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore two of the most dramatic moments in the Gospel of Mark — the calming of the storm and the healing of the man with the legion of unclean spirits. What do these back-to-back stories reveal about Yeshua's identity, his authority over chaos, and the nature of true faith? We dig into the powerful symbolism of sea and tomb, exploring how Yeshua confronts forces of chaos both outside and within — from the raging storm to the tormented man among the tombs. We reflect on the meaning of lived parables, where teaching becomes experience, and how the presence of God often shows up where we least expect it. Through all of this, we wrestle with what it means to move from fear to faith, and how restoration calls us not just to follow, but sometimes to stay and testify. Join us as we ask: What does it mean to trust God when he seems asleep? And how does healing change not just one life, but an entire community?

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy dive into the parable of the sower, the lamp under the basket, the scattered seed, and the mustard seed. We explore the "secret" of the kingdom of God and what it means to deepen into the mystery of following Yeshua. We slow down and give time to each parable, asking the same question on everyone's mind who followed him - why does Yeshua speak this way? Why do some walk away unchanged while others find everything? What does it mean to be good soil — and how does that actually play out in real life? Join us as we puzzle together why God sometimes seems quiet, why growth feels slow, or if the small things you're doing even matter.

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy dive into one of the most intense and revealing sections of Mark’s Gospel. We’ll see Yeshua’s growing fame bring massive crowds as his family tries to rein him in. We’ll also see the religious leaders coming down from Jerusalem to escalate their opposition - going so far as to accuse him of working with Satan.  We’ll unpack Yeshua’s first parable as he uses logic and scripture to refute the scribe’s faulty accusation. We’ll investigate the idea of the unforgivable sin - what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s so important to understand. We’ll also explore why Yeshua chooses the Twelve and how he models differentiation in some very difficult circumstances.  Join us as we break down the escalating conflict around Yeshua, his identity, his mission and what that reveals about God’s kingdom. Links: https://www.fumcah.com/https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore some of Yeshua’s most powerful and disruptive metaphors - the unshrunk cloth, the new wineskins, and his bold claim to be the long awaited Bridegroom. What was Yeshua saying when he declared himself ‘Lord of the Sabbath’? Why did the Pharisees react so strongly to his teaching? And what does it mean for us today to be a new wineskin, flexible enough to see and join what God is doing? Join us as we unpack these rich images and challenge ourselves to see Yeshua not just as a teacher, but as the one bringing something entirely new.Links: https://www.fumcah.com/https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore two powerful encounters that challenge expectations of who this Messiah is. Four friends refuse to let anything stand between their paralyzed friend and Jesus - not crowds, not cultural norms, not even a roof. Then, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, showing that his mission is to seek out sinners rather than the righteous. But what does it truly mean to be a “sinner?” And what are the implication of Jesus presenting himself as the great physician with a prescription for our health who can heal our deepest need?  Join us as we unpack these compelling moments of healing, calling, and grace.  Links: https://www.fumcah.com/https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore one of Jesus’ most striking healings - the cleansing of a leper. While society isolates this man, fearing contamination and hardening their hearts against him, Jesus does the unthinkable: he reaches out and touches him. With deep compassion, he restores not only the man’s body but his belonging within the community. What does this act reveal about the heart of Jesus? And how does the leper’s response change the course of Jesus’ ministry? Join us as we dive into this powerful story of healing and restoration.Links: https://www.fumcah.com/https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/