Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher

What was Jesus truly doing when He cursed the fig tree and then overturned the tables in the temple?

In Mark 11, Zach, Jill, and Brandon delve into the connection between the fig tree incident and the temple scene. They explain that Jesus wasn’t cursing people for their struggles with sin. Instead, He was exposing a system of counterfeit, fruitless religion that appeared vibrant on the surface but was devoid of genuine substance. In some instances, this system was even built for personal gain. Jesus knows we won’t be sinless, but he is clearly against using religion as a front for self gain.

In Mark’s account of the Triumphal Entry, Jesus doesn’t arrive with a war horse, a sword, or a show of force. He comes low. And at first glance, it can almost feel demeaning. But what if that “humble ride” is actually a declaration of absolute authority?

In this episode, Zach, Jill, and Brandon walk through mark 11 and talk about how the crowd’s expectations weren’t wrong they were just too small. They wanted a king who would crush Rome. Jesus came as the King who would crush sin, death, and the enemy, but He did it in a way no one expected.

What if true perception isn't about what you see, but about who you believe in? Join us as we navigate the morning chaos of school runs while exploring the poignant story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar whose unwavering faith amidst societal pushback shines a light on our own journeys.

We delve into the contrast between Bartimaeus and the disciples, emphasizing the importance of desperate longing over entitlement in our quest for connection with God. As we dissect Mark 10, we'll uncover the profound theme of the temple motif and its implications for understanding Christ's mission.

Discover how Bartimaeus not only sees Jesus rightly but exemplifies a faith that calls us to a deeper, participatory relationship with God. Tune in for an engaging conversation that encourages boldness in voicing our desires to God and anticipating His response.

After a much-needed sabbatical, Zach and Jill return to the Not Yet Now podcast reflecting on rest, family rhythms, and what it means to unplug from the “matrix.” From there, the conversation moves deep into Mark 10:32–45—a passage that radically redefines power, glory, and greatness in the Kingdom of God.
As Jesus walks resolutely toward His own suffering and death, James and John ask for seats of honor in His glory. What follows is a stunning collision between the kingdom of man and the kingdom of God. Zach and Jill explore how humanity’s instinct for power and position clashes with Jesus’ vision of dominion through service, authority through sacrifice, and glory through the cross.
This episode wrestles honestly with ambition, leadership, discipleship, and the deep longing to live a life that matters—while exposing the lie that fulfillment is found in control or status. Instead, Jesus offers a different way: the cruciform life, where greatness is found in serving, and true dominion looks nothing like domination.
A rich, pastoral, and deeply theological conversation about power, suffering, glory, and what it really means to follow Jesus in the way of the Kingdom.

Catching up, a little joking around—before landing in one of Jesus’ most uncomfortable encounters. Zach, Jill, and Brandon step into the story of the rich young ruler, a man who runs to Jesus with sincerity and urgency, asking how to inherit eternal life.

What Jesus gives him isn’t a checklist—it’s an invitation. We talk through why wealth so easily becomes a rival kingdom, what Jesus is doing with the image of a camel and a needle, and why “hundredfold now—with persecutions” isn’t fine print but the reality of following Him. Eternal life isn’t something we acquire later; it’s knowing the King and aligning our lives with Him now. And as always, Jesus leaves us with the paradox we can’t escape: the first will be last, and the last first.