Join author Mark Galli for “Jesus Mean & Wild: Discovering the Untamable God,” a 12-week journey in Christian parenting. Twice a week, you’ll receive a new journaling prompt encouraging you to think about the Jesus in the Gospel of Mark in new ways. Use these prompts in your own journal or in group discussion.
We regularly hear about the Jesus who graciously invites the lost and the lonely into his presence and offers “abundant life.” And indeed he does just this, time and again–thank God.

But immersed as we are in a culture addicted to self esteem, we are apt to forget that this same Jesus could be impatient with his closest followers, rude to seekers, angry with religious authorities, and willing to use overturned tables to make a point.
If Jesus is God’s love incarnate, how are these “mean and wild” moments expressions of love? And how do I perceive such moments as expressions of God’s love in my life? And, most importantly, how should I respond when love comes to me in this unsettling way?
In next few weeks, I’ll ask you to consider passages from the Gospel of Mark (most of these passages I discuss at some length in “Jesus Mean and Wild: The Unexpected Love of an Untamable God” [Baker 2006]). I’ll give you a few questions to ponder, though I’m not necessarily suggesting you answer each question in order. Read them all, spend a minute or two in meditation, and then begin writing in your journal as the Spirit leads. You can also populate your journal with photographs or images–any visuals you want to post as part of the journaling experience.
At times, it may be difficult, because I’ll be asking you to do some self-examination that is not all that comfortable. But this process should help you get a better handle on the difficult but extraordinary love of Jesus, who not only wants to welcome us mercifully into his life, but also transform us into the image of his love.
–Mark Galli