Wake Up Dead Man

About this episode

This episode discusses the internal struggles of criticism and self-improvement in light of the teachings of Jesus in Mark 7.

Why does it feel so good to point out what’s wrong? In Mark 7, the Pharisees find fault while standing in front of a miracle. Jesus responds with unsettling clarity. The real problem is not out there but in here. Beneath our criticism lies a craving to be right, and beneath that, a heart that cannot fix itself. This week we will see why self-improvement cannot save us and how only the cross can wake us up and set us free from the exhausting cycle of accusation. Series: The Gospel of Mark Speaker: Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Downtown, visit hopecc.com/downtown .

People in this episode

Host: Davis Johnson

Topics covered

• self-improvement
• criticism
• faith
• spiritual awakening
• the cross
• Pharisees
• miracles

Keywords

• self-improvement
• criticism
• faith
• spirituality
• Gospel of Mark
• Jesus
• Pharisees
• miracles
• cross
• freedom

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hope Community Church

Books & works: The Gospel of Mark

Places: Downtown Minneapolis

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• What if I'm Wrong About Everything? · March 29, 2026 · 43 min
• Finally, you are starting to see! · March 22, 2026 · 40 min