If you’re looking for a brief but impactful account of the life and teachings of Jesus, look no further than the Gospel of Mark. This gospel is the shortest of the four in the New Testament, but don’t let its brevity fool you. It’s packed with vivid descriptions, dramatic events, and profound insights that will leave a lasting impression on you.

A Brief History of the Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark was likely written around 55 AD, making it one of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings. According to tradition, it was written by John Mark, a young man who was a close companion of the apostles Peter and Paul. Mark is said to have recorded Peter’s preaching and memoirs, which gave him a unique perspective on the life and mission of Jesus.

Despite its early origins, the Gospel of Mark has been the subject of much debate and speculation over the centuries. Some scholars have challenged its authenticity, while others have praised it for its historical accuracy and vivid storytelling. But one thing is certain: the early church unanimously believed that Mark was the author of this gospel, and it has been widely recognized as an authoritative account of the life and teachings of Jesus ever since.

The Target Audience of the Gospel of Mark

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Gospel of Mark is its target audience. Unlike the other gospels, which were primarily written for Jewish audiences, Mark’s gospel is believed to have been written for Gentile Christians, possibly in Rome. This makes sense, given the fact that the Roman Empire was a hotbed of religious and political tensions at the time, and many Christians were facing persecution and even death for their beliefs.

The Central Theme of the Gospel of Mark

The central theme of the Gospel of Mark is outlined in its first verse: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” This simple but profound statement sets the stage for Mark’s account of Jesus’ life and mission, which is focused on showing the world who Jesus is and what he has done.

Throughout the gospel, Mark highlights the many miracles and teachings of Jesus, and shows how he was rejected by the religious leaders of his day. But despite the opposition he faced, Jesus remained steadfast in his mission to bring the Good News of the kingdom of God to the people of his time.

The Unique Characteristics of the Gospel of Mark

There are many things that set the Gospel of Mark apart from the other gospels in the New Testament. For one thing, Mark is known for its vivid and dynamic storytelling style, which often uses vivid descriptions and short, punchy sentences to convey its message. This gives the gospel a sense of urgency and excitement that is hard to match.

Another unique characteristic of Mark is its focus on action and deeds over teachings and words. While other gospels, such as Matthew and Luke, contain long sermons and teachings by Jesus, Mark focuses more on what Jesus did and less on what he said. This gives the gospel a sense of immediacy and relevance that makes it a compelling read even 2,000 years later.

Conclusion

The Gospel of Mark is a powerful and transformative account of the life and mission of Jesus. Whether you’re a seasoned biblical scholar or just starting your journey of faith, this gospel will inspire and challenge you to live as a sold-out disciple of Jesus, no matter what the world may throw your way. So why not start reading it today and see for yourself why it’s one of the most important and impactful books in the New Testament?

Jesus’ baptism and temptation in Mark 1:9-15 are powerful moments in his life that hold deep significance for us as well. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning behind these events and how they shape Jesus’ public ministry, affirm his divine nature, and show his humanity.

The Significance of Jesus’ Baptism

Jesus’ baptism, as recorded in Mark 1:9-11, marks the beginning of his public ministry. It is significant in at least three ways: it declares the start of his public ministry, it affirms him as the second person of the Trinity, and it shows his willingness to identify with humanity.

First, Jesus’ baptism declares the start of his public ministry. John the Baptist, a prophet of the Lord, baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River, and as Jesus comes up out of the water, the heavens are opened and the Spirit of God descends upon him like a dove. This event marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. It is the moment when Jesus publicly declares his mission and purpose to the world.

Second, Jesus’ baptism affirms him as the second person of the Trinity. The Father speaks from heaven, saying, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” This statement confirms Jesus’ divine nature as the Son of God. It also affirms his unique relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Third, Jesus’ baptism shows his willingness to identify with humanity. Jesus, who is fully God and fully man, is baptized in the same way as all other people. Jesus’ baptism shows his willingness to identify with humanity – just like our baptism shows our willingness to identify with him.

The Temptation in the Wilderness

The temptation in the wilderness, as recorded in Mark 1:12-13, is another powerful moment in Jesus’ life. It was Jesus’ opportunity to defeat Satan right from the beginning, where mankind failed, Jesus came out victorious. After his baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. For forty days and forty nights, Jesus fasted and prayed, resisting Satan’s temptations.

Jesus’ victory over Satan in the wilderness is significant for many reasons. First, it shows that Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is able to resist Satan’s temptations because he is God, but he is also able to understand our temptations because he is fully man. Second, it shows that Jesus is the new Adam. Where Adam failed in the Garden of Eden, Jesus succeeded in the wilderness. And just as Adam’s failure brought sin and death into the world, Jesus’ victory brings salvation and life.

Responding to Jesus’ Example

Since Jesus did so much to become like us, we should respond by trusting in him. Jesus’ baptism and temptation show us that he understands our struggles and temptations, and he has overcome them for us. He is the new Adam, the one who succeeded where we failed. There’s no better time than now to repent and believe.

Repentance means turning away from our sins and turning towards Jesus. It means acknowledging our need for a savior and recognizing that Jesus is the only one who can save us. And belief means putting our trust in Jesus and following him as our Lord and Savior.

In conclusion, Jesus’ baptism and temptation in Mark 1:9-15 are significant events that demonstrate his understanding of humanity and his commitment to defeating Satan. His baptism marked the start of his public ministry, affirmed his identity as the second person of the Trinity, and showed his willingness to identify with us. And his victory over Satan in the wilderness showed that he is able to overcome the same temptations that we face. Through these events, Jesus proved that he truly gets us, and it is through this understanding that we can trust in Him and turn to Him for salvation. So, if you haven’t already, now is the time to repent and believe in Jesus as your Lord and savior.

Are you ready to take the next step in your faith journey? In Mark 1:14-20, we see the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth and the call of his first disciples. This passage offers an invitation to join Jesus in his ministry and experience the power of the kingdom of God.

The Good News of the Kingdom

In verse 14, Jesus starts his ministry by preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. He says, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” The kingdom of God is not something that’s far off in the future, but it’s here and now. And the only way to enter into this kingdom is to repent, which means to turn away from our sins, and believe in the good news of the gospel.

The Call to Follow Jesus

In verses 16-17 and 19, we see that Jesus enlists ordinary people to follow him. He calls Simon, James, and John, who were fishermen, to be his disciples. And he calls Matthew, a tax collector, to be his disciple. These guys aren’t who you would expect to be used as the core team of Jesus’ ministry. But Jesus isn’t looking for the most qualified or the most religious people to follow him. He’s looking for people who are willing to leave everything behind and follow him.

The Cost of Following Jesus

Following Jesus means surrendering to his rule in our lives. It means that we give up our own plans and agendas and submit to his will. In verse 18, we see that Simon, James, and John “left their nets” and followed Jesus. And in verse 20, we see that Matthew “got up and followed” Jesus. These men didn’t just give Jesus a portion of their lives, they gave him everything. They left their jobs, their families, and their old way of life behind to follow Jesus.

The Rewards of Following Jesus

So, what’s in it for us when we follow Jesus? We get to experience the power and the joy of the kingdom of God. We get to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We get to join Jesus on his mission to bring the good news of the kingdom of God to the world. And most importantly, we get to have a personal relationship with the one who created us and loves us.

Conclusion

In summary, Mark 1:14-20 is an invitation from Jesus to enter into the kingdom of God by repenting and believing in the good news. Jesus calls ordinary people to follow him, and this call involves leaving behind everything else to fully follow him. It’s an invitation to join him in his mission, to bring the good news of the kingdom of God to the world. If you’re feeling like something is missing in your life, consider answering Jesus’ call and joining him in his ministry.

When Jesus walked the earth, he was constantly proving his authority and power through the miracles he performed. One such instance can be found in Mark 1:21-28, where Jesus encounters a demon-possessed man while teaching in a synagogue. The events that unfold in this passage demonstrate the ultimate authority of Jesus and how it impacts every aspect of our lives.

How We Think

In Mark 1:21-22, we see Jesus teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he spoke with authority, not like the teachers of the law. This passage highlights the fact that Jesus has the final say on what is true and false, what is right and wrong. He cuts through the endless debates and offers a clear, authoritative perspective on the world.

How We Live

But Jesus’ authority doesn’t just impact our thoughts, it also impacts our actions. In Mark 1:23-28, a man possessed by an evil spirit is brought to Jesus. The demon recognizes Jesus and cries out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

Jesus commands the demon to come out of the man and it obeys, showing that Jesus’ authority must be obeyed. This passage illustrates how Jesus has the power to transform our lives, to free us from the grip of evil and sin.

The Final Word

While we may currently have the freedom to choose who holds authority over our lives, the day will come when everyone will submit to the only real authority in the universe: Jesus. Philippians 2:9-11 states, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

In conclusion, the story of Jesus encountering a demon-possessed man in Mark 1:21-28 is a powerful reminder of the ultimate authority of Jesus. He has the final say on how we think and live, and one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord. Let us submit to his authority today and experience the transformational power of his love and grace.

As we read through the Bible, it’s clear that Jesus was always on the move, always doing something to help others. He never seemed to have a moment of downtime or rest, always working tirelessly to help the people around him. In Mark 1:29-39, we see a particularly busy day in the life of Jesus, where he demonstrates his compassion for hurting and broken people, even in the midst of a hectic schedule.

A Busy Day

In Mark 1:29-34, we see Jesus healing a man possessed by an unclean spirit. The man was so tormented that he could not even speak, yet Jesus showed compassion and healed him. This is just one example of the many times throughout the gospels that Jesus put the needs of others before his own. He was constantly going out of his way to help and heal those around him, even when it meant sacrificing his own time and energy.

It’s easy to get caught up in our own busy lives and focus on our own needs and wants. But Jesus’ example in Mark 1 reminds us of the importance of compassion and the needs of others. It’s easy to overlook the suffering of those around us and get caught up in our own problems, but Jesus shows us the importance of reaching out and helping others.

Morning Prayer

Despite his busy schedule, Jesus always made time for prayer. In Mark 1:35-37, we see Jesus getting up early in the morning before everyone else to go pray alone. Even in the midst of a busy day filled with healing and teaching, Jesus knew the importance of recharging through prayer.

As human beings, it’s easy to get burnt out when we’re constantly giving of ourselves to others. We can become exhausted and resentful if we don’t take the time to recharge and refocus. Jesus’ example shows us the importance of taking time to pray and connect with God. It’s not just about getting our own needs met, but it’s also about getting refocused on the mission and purpose that God has for us. When we connect with God in prayer, we’re reminded of the bigger picture and the reason why we’re doing what we’re doing.

The Real Priority

In Mark 1:38-39, we see Jesus’ ultimate priority: telling people about the good news of the kingdom of God. Even with all the healing and teaching he was doing, Jesus never lost sight of the bigger picture. He knew that the deepest need of the broken world around him was spiritual, not physical.

As Christians, our ultimate priority should be the same as Jesus’: sharing the good news of the gospel with a broken world. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities that come with being a Christian, but we must always keep in mind the ultimate goal of sharing the gospel with others. It’s not just about meeting people’s physical needs, but also about sharing with them the hope and salvation that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

In the book of Mark, chapter 1, verses 40-45, we read the story of Jesus healing a leper. This story holds great significance for us today as it teaches us about the healing power of Jesus and the impact it has on every aspect of our lives.

Leprosy as a Metaphor for Sin

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an incurable infection that affects the skin, nerves, and other parts of the body. It was considered a highly contagious and debilitating disease in ancient times. In the Bible, leprosy is often used as a metaphor for sin. Just as leprosy infects every part of the body, sin infects every aspect of our lives: physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual.

In Mark 1:40, a leper approaches Jesus and begs him to heal him. The leper recognizes that only the Great Physician, Jesus, has the power to heal his disease. This is a powerful reminder that only Jesus has the power to take away our sins.

The Willingness of Jesus to Heal

In Mark 1:41-42, Jesus is moved with compassion for the leper and reaches out to heal him. This act of healing is not just about Jesus’ power, but also about his willingness to heal. Jesus didn’t just have the power to heal, he chose to use it. He could have ignored the leper’s request, but instead, he chose to act in love and compassion.

This is a powerful reminder that Jesus not only has the power to forgive our sins, but he is also willing to do so. He is not distant and detached, but rather, he is close and compassionate. He wants to heal us and restore us to a right relationship with him.

The Importance of Restoration

In Mark 1:43-44, Jesus commands the leper to go and show himself to the priests and offer the sacrifices that were required of him. This act of restoration is significant because it brings the leper back into his community and allows him to share his testimony of healing.

This is a powerful reminder that Jesus not only wants to heal us, but he also wants to restore us. He wants us to be a part of his community and to share our testimony of how he has healed and restored us.

In Mark 1:45, the news of Jesus’ healing power spreads quickly and many people come to him for healing. This is a reminder that Jesus’ healing power is not limited to just one person, but it is available to all who come to him.

Conclusion

The story of Jesus healing the leper in Mark 1:40-45 is a powerful reminder of the healing power of Jesus and the impact it has on every aspect of our lives. Leprosy is a metaphor for sin, and just as Jesus has the power to heal leprosy, he also has the power to forgive and heal our sins. He is also willing to do so and wants to restore us to a right relationship with him. 

This story reminds us that Jesus not only has the power to heal, but also the willingness to do so. He wants to restore us to a right relationship with him and bring us back into his community to share our testimony of healing. Let us approach Jesus with faith and humility, asking for his healing and restoration in our lives.

Religion can be a complicated topic. On one level, it’s just the way we live out a relationship with God in real space. But the word “religion” has come to be used as shorthand for a negative approach to God. Religious systems tend to control people’s access to God and his blessings.

In Mark 2:1-12, we find the story of the four friends and the paralyzed man. This story is an excellent example of the power of community faith and how Jesus showed us the way out of negative religious systems.

The Four Friends and the Paralyzed Man

The story of the four friends and the paralyzed man is one of the most inspiring stories in the Bible. In this story, a group of friends carried a paralyzed man on a mat to see Jesus. When they arrived, the crowd was so large that they couldn’t get near Jesus. Undeterred, they climbed onto the roof, dug a hole, and lowered the man down to Jesus.

Jesus was so moved by their faith that he forgave the paralyzed man’s sins and healed him. It was the friends’ faith, not just the paralytic’s, that made the difference. This story shows us the power of community faith and how it can move mountains.

Jesus’ Authority to Forgive Sins

In the next part of the story, the religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy for claiming to forgive sins. Jesus responded by healing the paralyzed man to demonstrate his authority to forgive sins. He showed that he is greater than human religious systems and that he has God’s authority to forgive our sins.

This story challenges us to think about our relationship with God and how we approach him. Are we relying on human religious systems to control our access to God, or are we putting our faith in Jesus as the ultimate mediator?

Breaking Free from Religious Systems

Jesus’ authority to forgive sins also means that we don’t need religious systems to connect with God. He is the only mediator we need to bring us to the Father. We don’t need to follow a set of rules or perform certain rituals to access God’s blessings. All we need is faith in Jesus and a willingness to follow him.

This story is a powerful reminder that we can break free from negative religious systems and find true freedom in Christ. We can put our trust in Jesus as the ultimate mediator.

Conclusion

The story of the four friends and the paralyzed man teaches us that community faith is powerful and that Jesus is the ultimate mediator between us and God. It challenges us to break free from negative religious systems and put our faith in Christ alone. Let’s take inspiration from this story and strive to live a life of faith that is centered on Jesus.

Mark 2:13-17 is a powerful passage that highlights Jesus’ radical message and challenges our traditional notions of leadership and religion. In this passage, Jesus interacts with two kinds of people: those who think they are righteous and those who know they are sinners. By calling the tax collector Levi to follow him, Jesus reveals a very different standard for leadership than what we would expect from religion. Let’s explore this passage and its profound teachings on good vs. bad people and how it impacts our lives today.

Jesus’ Surprising Standard for Leadership (Mark 2:13-14)

The first thing that stands out in this passage is Jesus’ surprising standard for leadership. Instead of choosing a religious leader or a respected member of society, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector who was despised and considered a sinner by his community. This action would have been shocking and scandalous at the time. However, Jesus saw potential in Levi and offered him a chance to follow him and be part of his ministry.

What does this reveal about Jesus’ perspective on leadership? It shows that Jesus was not concerned with outward appearances or social status. Instead, he looked at people’s hearts and saw their potential for growth and change. This is a radical message that challenges our traditional notions of leadership, which often value wealth, power, and prestige.

The Scorned and the Chosen (Mark 2:15-16)

As Jesus sits down to eat with Levi and his disreputable friends, the religious leaders criticize him for his association with sinners. This reflects their beliefs and attitudes towards those who don’t measure up to their standards. They saw themselves as the righteous ones and looked down on those who were considered sinners or outcasts.

What can we learn from this interaction? It shows us that Jesus’ message is not only about including those who are different from us but also about challenging our own biases and prejudices. We need to be aware of our attitudes towards others and how they impact our relationships with them. Instead of judging and condemning, we should seek to understand and show compassion.

Good vs. Bad (Mark 2:17, Romans 3:23-24)

In the broadest spiritual terms, there are only two kinds of people: good people and bad people. This concept may seem simplistic, but it has profound implications for our relationships with others and our own self-perception. The Bible says that by nature, we’re all in the second group. Admitting this is the starting place for having a relationship with God.

What does this mean for our personal growth and development? It means that we need to be humble and recognize our own weaknesses and shortcomings. We can’t pretend to be perfect or look down on others who don’t measure up to our standards. 

Application to Our Daily Lives

How can we apply the teachings in Mark 2:13-17 and Romans 3:23-24 to our daily lives? Here are a few practical suggestions:

• Practice love: Look for opportunities to connect with people who are different from you. Show compassion and understanding, and seek to learn from their experiences.
• Be humble: Recognize your own weaknesses and seek forgiveness when you make mistakes. Don’t judge or condemn others for their shortcomings.
• Focus on the heart: Look beyond outward appearances and social status. See people for who they are and their potential for growth and change.
• Embrace the message of Jesus: Jesus’ message is as relevant today as it was in his time. As we navigate complex social, political, and religious issues, we need to keep Jesus’ teachings in mind and strive to live them out in our daily lives.

Introduction

In Mark 2:18-22, Jesus challenges the religious police of his day and offers a refreshing perspective on spiritual practices. He contrasts toxic religion, which uses spiritual practices as a litmus test to police the spiritual life of others, with dynamic faith, which sees these practices as opportunities to express your heart towards God. In this post, we’ll explore Jesus’ teachings on the dynamic relationship between faith and spiritual practices, including fasting. We’ll also discuss how these practices can express our hearts towards God and strengthen our relationship with Him.

Toxic Religion vs. Dynamic Faith

Toxic religion treats spiritual practices like requirements on a checklist, focusing on the external form rather than the internal reality. It judges others based on their adherence to these practices and creates a culture of legalism and judgment. On the other hand, dynamic faith sees spiritual practices as opportunities to express your heart towards God, and focuses on the internal reality rather than the external form. It creates a culture of grace and love, where people are encouraged to grow in their relationship with God.

The Significance of Fasting

In Mark 2:18, we see that the religious leaders were questioning why Jesus’ disciples weren’t fasting. Jesus responded by using a wedding feast as an illustration, saying that it doesn’t make sense to fast at a party. He was making the point that there are times and seasons for different spiritual practices, and that they should be motivated by a heart that desires to draw closer to God, rather than a legalistic adherence to tradition.

Putting New Wine into Old Wineskins

Jesus expands on this principle in Mark 2:21-22, using the metaphor of putting new wine into old wineskins. He says that new wine needs to be put into new wineskins, because the old wineskins have become rigid and inflexible. In the same way, dynamic faith requires a flexible and open heart, which is receptive to the work of the Holy Spirit. Legalistic adherence to tradition can create a rigid and inflexible heart, which is resistant to change and growth.

The Power of Dynamic Faith

Dynamic faith is not about following a set of rules or rituals, but about cultivating a deep and transformative relationship with God. It’s about expressing our hearts towards God in a way that is authentic and meaningful, rather than just going through the motions. Spiritual practices like fasting, prayer, and Bible study can be powerful tools for cultivating this relationship, but they should never become ends in themselves. Instead, they should be motivated by a desire to draw closer to God and to express our love and devotion to Him.

Conclusion

Jesus’ challenge to toxic religion and his call to dynamic faith is as relevant today as it was in his time. We live in a world where legalism and judgment can easily take hold, but Jesus offers us a better way. By focusing on the internal reality of our relationship with God, and by cultivating a heart that is flexible and open to the work of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the transformative power of dynamic faith. So let us embrace this way of life, and let us draw closer to God through authentic and meaningful expressions of our hearts towards Him.

In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, finding rest and balance can feel like a challenge. However, as Christians, we are called to prioritize rest and worship, as outlined in the fourth commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8, ESV).

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of observing the Sabbath as intended by God, and the dangers of religious legalism as demonstrated by the Pharisees. By examining Jesus’ response to their toxic behavior, we can learn valuable lessons on finding true rest and balance in our lives.

What is the Sabbath and why is it important?

The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship that is set apart by God. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to observe the Sabbath as a reminder of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and as a way to honor and worship God (Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15).

For Christians, the Sabbath has taken on a new significance, as it represents the day of the week when Jesus rose from the dead. As such, it is a day of rest and worship that is set apart for God and for our spiritual nourishment.

Why did the Pharisees add extra rules to the Sabbath?

The Pharisees were a group of religious leaders in Jesus’ time who were known for their strict adherence to the law. However, they also added extra rules and regulations to the Sabbath in an attempt to prevent people from breaking the law.

These extra rules had the unintended consequence of creating a burden for people, rather than providing a day of rest and worship. The Pharisees were more concerned with legalism than with love and compassion, as demonstrated by their reaction to Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6).

What can we learn from Jesus’ response to the Pharisees?

Jesus’ response to the Pharisees demonstrates that God cares more about love and compassion than legalism. He reminds them that the Sabbath was created for the benefit of people, not as a burden to be enforced (Mark 2:27).

In addition, Jesus shows us that rest and worship can take different forms and do not need to be confined to strict rules and regulations. He encourages us to focus on the heart of the matter, rather than getting bogged down in legalistic details.

How can we apply these lessons to our lives today?

In our modern, busy world, it can be challenging to find time for rest and worship. However, by prioritizing Sabbath rest and making it a regular part of our routine, we can experience spiritual renewal and find balance in our lives.

We can also be mindful of the danger of legalism and focus on the heart of the matter, rather than getting bogged down in rules and regulations. By showing love and compassion to others, we can honor God and experience the true meaning of Sabbath rest.

Jesus was an extremely popular figure during his time on earth, and the story of his life and teachings continues to inspire and intrigue people today. In Mark 3:7-19, we see just how popular Jesus was, with large crowds of people gathering around him wherever he went. But why was Jesus so popular, and what lessons can we learn from his popularity today?

Drawing People to Him

One of the reasons that Jesus was so popular was his ability to draw people to him. Whether they were for him or against him, people were always curious to hear what Jesus had to say and see what he would do next. His teachings were both revolutionary and inspiring.

At the heart of Jesus’ message was the idea that God loves us all, regardless of our flaws and mistakes. Jesus showed this love through his actions, healing the sick and feeding the hungry. He also challenged people to think differently about their relationship with God, encouraging them to put their faith into action by loving others and seeking justice for the oppressed.

Seeking Jesus’ Hand vs. His Face

However, not everyone who followed Jesus was truly committed to his message. As we see in Mark 3:7-12, many people came to Jesus seeking his hand rather than his face. They wanted him to heal them or perform miracles for them, but they were not necessarily interested in building a real relationship with Jesus.

In contrast, true discipleship requires us to seek Jesus’ face – to develop a real relationship with him that goes beyond what he can do for us. This means spending time in prayer and reading the Bible, but it also means putting our faith into action by serving others and living out Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives.

Leaving the Crowd for Discipleship

In Mark 3:13-15, Jesus calls his disciples to leave the crowd and spend some time with him for training. This shows us that true discipleship requires a willingness to separate ourselves from the distractions and temptations of the world in order to focus on our relationship with Jesus.

This doesn’t mean that we should isolate ourselves from the world entirely, but it does mean being intentional about our priorities and making time for spiritual growth. Whether it’s through attending church, participating in a small group, or spending time in solitude and reflection, we need to make discipleship a priority in our lives.

The Unlikely Apostles

Finally, in Mark 3:16-19, we see that Jesus chose an unlikely group of men to be his apostles. They were not the typical “dream team” that one might expect, but rather a rag-tag group of misfits who needed some reforming.

Yet Jesus saw something special in each of these men, and he knew that they had the potential to do great things for His kingdom. This reminds us that God often chooses unlikely people to do His work, and that our weaknesses and flaws can be used for His glory.

Have you ever wondered if there is a sin that cannot be forgiven? This question has troubled many people throughout history, and it is a topic that is often debated among theologians and religious scholars. In the Bible, we find a warning about a sin that is unforgivable. This sin is known as blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

In Mark 3:22-30, we see Jesus being accused by the religious leaders of being possessed by Satan. Instead of being defensive or angry, Jesus carefully refutes the claim and then warns them of the unforgivable sin.

Jesus Is More Than Just a Good Teacher

Before we dive into the topic of the unforgivable sin, it is essential to understand who Jesus is. Many people view Jesus as a good teacher or a moral example to follow, but he is much more than that. Jesus is fully God and perfectly good. He was crucified and risen from the dead, and he will one day judge all people.

In Acts 10:36-43, we read about the true identity of Jesus. He is the one who brings forgiveness of sins to all who believe in him. This belief is not just a mental assent to his existence but a surrender to his lordship and his teachings.

The Unforgivable Sin

In Hebrews 10:26-29, we find a warning about those who reject the truth of Jesus and choose to continue on the path of self-deception and sin. This passage describes the unforgivable sin as “willful sinning” after knowing the truth. This is a deliberate and ongoing rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work and truth in one’s life.

The unforgivable sin is not a specific action or behavior. It is a heart condition of persistent rebellion against God. This is why it is so serious. It is not that God cannot forgive the sin, but the person who commits it has chosen to reject God’s offer of forgiveness.

How to Avoid the Unforgivable Sin

So, how can we avoid the unforgivable sin? The first step is to acknowledge and accept the truth of who Jesus is. He is not just a good teacher or a moral example, but he is God who offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe in him.

The second step is to repent of our sins and turn away from a life of rebellion against Him. We cannot continue to willfully sin and reject the truth of Jesus and expect to receive forgiveness.

Finally, we must seek to live a life that honors and glorifies God. This means obeying his commands and living in a way that reflects our faith in Jesus.

In the Gospels, we often hear about Jesus’ miracles, teachings, and interactions with his disciples and followers. But there is one aspect of Jesus’ life that is often overlooked: His family. In Mark 3, we get a rare glimpse into Jesus’ family life and the challenges He faced with their skepticism towards His radical ministry approach. 

Cultural Values and Family Relationships

In Middle Eastern culture, honor and shame are among the highest values. Jesus’ family was concerned about His ministry approach – both his radical teachings and his viral popularity – as it could reflect badly on their family’s honor. Their purpose in trying to remove Jesus from the situation was not only to help Him but also to protect their family’s reputation. This conflict between cultural values and individual pursuits can also be seen in our modern lives, where we may feel torn between our family’s expectations and our personal pursuit of God. (Mark 3:20-21)

Family as an Idol

Jesus taught that our real family are those who pursue a relationship with Him, not just those related to us by blood. This idea challenges us to examine whether we prioritize our family over our relationship with God. When family becomes an idol, it can hinder our ability to follow Jesus and live according to His will. It’s essential to remember that God calls us to love and honor our families, but not at the expense of our faith. (Mark 3:31-32)

Jesus’ Family and Their Belief in Him

Jesus’ family initially struggled to believe in Him, even to the point of thinking he was crazy. However, over time, they came to see his teachings and miracles and eventually came to believe in him. This transformation provides hope for our own family members who have yet to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Like Jesus’ family, they too can come to believe in Him and have a relationship with God.  (Mark 3:33-35)

Lessons for our Spiritual Family and Community

Jesus’ family teaches us valuable lessons about the importance of faith, belonging, and prioritizing God. As we navigate our own relationships with our families and communities, we can learn to rely on our spiritual family and trust in God’s plan for our lives. We can pursue a relationship with Jesus that goes beyond blood ties and traditional family structures and find fulfillment and purpose in our spiritual lives. (Acts 1:14)

Mark 4:1-2 (NLT) Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

A parable is a story with dual meaning: an earthly meaning / a heavenly meaning. But the heavenly meaning is not always self-evident. The goal of a parable is to put across one main point with great effect, like the punchline of a joke. Like a lot of jokes, you either get it or you don’t.

Why Jesus used parables?

Parables are a way to reveal the truth → start with situations from life that people are familiar with, use them to illustrate spiritual principles. Leads to an “aha” moment in the hearer. 

But as we will see later, Jesus also used parables to conceal the truth. More on this later.

Four Soils

In the parable of the four soils, the same seed produces different results in different kinds of soil. Likewise, the effect of God’s word in a person’s life depends on their heart attitude. 

Mark 4:3-8 (NLT) “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

In ancient Palestine → this is how farming occurred. Seed was sown in broadcast fashion

Difference: when Galilean farmer sowed → then went back and plowed it in. Yet if plowing was delayed at all, you end up with the picture Jesus is describing,

People in his audience would have seen this happen often enough in agricultural society 

First: When seed sowed on footpath around the edge of the field, birds would come and eat it

Second: Sometimes the soil was shallow, only a few inches deep with a rocky layer beneath,.. Seed that landed there would germinate quickly because that shallow soil was warm. But the underlying rock would not allow the seed to grow deep roots. So when the sun started getting hot → seedlings would wither up / die.

Third: At times the soil was invaded by thorns / aggressive weeds. Seed planted there might germinate / begin to grow, but would always be in competition with the other plants growing there. So the seed would grow, but never enough to really come to harvest.

Fourth: many seeds also fell in fertile soil. There they sprouted / they grew, and unlike all the rest, they produced an abundant harvest. Exactly what the farmer was hoping to get.

SUMMARY	Sprouted	Grew	Produced a Crop
Footpath	No	No	No
Shallow soil	Yes	No	No
Thorny soil	Yes	Yes	No
Fertile soil	Yes	Yes	Yes

So what’s the punchline of parable? The same seed produces different results in different kinds of soil. Jesus wanted his hearers to think about that idea. In fact: at the end of the story, he challenged them in (9) to really grapple with that concept. To connect the dots to what that might mean spiritually / in kingdom of God. What could it mean spiritually that the same seed produces different results in different kinds of soil?

Later, when he was apart from the crowd / alone with his closest followers, Jesus explained what the parable meant. He has some other things to say about parables / about spiritual understanding. We’ll come back to that later, but let’s jump ahead for a moment while the parable is still fresh to consider its heavenly meaning.

Mark 4:13-20 (NLT) Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? The farmer plants seeds by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Look at each element of the story, then think about the application of

What is the seed? God’s word, in particular, the message of God’s kingdom in Christ

Then who is the farmer? Anyone who shares the word of God with others. Not just Jesus, not just preachers or evangelists.

Then, each soil represents a different response to God’s word when a person hears it. We could say: each soil represents a different heart attitude / condition.

The footpath. Soil on footpath is hard-packed. Today = that would be concrete. This is a heart that is hardened to God’s truth, so the truth never sinks in / never germinates / never grows.

The shallow soil. This is the heart that embraces Jesus quickly, with joy, but that apparent profession of faith hasn’t any depth, so it withers and dies out. The heat of the sun represents two things that are hard for professing Xians to face. First is the problems of life. Adversity comes, hardships happen, things get tough. These are the kind of problems that happen to everyone in life. But they can call into question God’s goodness and care. Second is opposition to one’s new faith. Others start to give you a hard time for being a Xian. We all know people who came to faith in Jesus, often with great fanfare or excitement / enthusiasm. But before too long they stopped hanging around with Xians. Stopped reading Bible / trying to honor God and just gave up on the whole thing. Because when things got tough they blamed God / got angry with him. Or just didn’t want to deal with opposition from others

The thorny soil. This is someone who hears God’s word and starts to grow in their new life = to a point. But they never grow mature enough as a Xp-follower to produce a harvest. Why not? The distractions of life. Three things are mentioned. First: the worries of this life are anxieties that arise from ordinary life, or from the times we live in. A person doesn’t trust God with that stuff, but let it draw their heart away from him. Those worries become a distraction from following Jesus. Second: the lure of wealth. Pursuing money and things becomes more important than pursuing the things of God. Wealth and possessions give a false sense of security & well-being. Third: the desire for other things. This is a catch-all for all the other things in life that pull our hearts away from devotion to God, for anything in life that chokes out our fruitfulness for Jesus and chokes out his mission in our lives. A person becomes too busy to spend time with God / too busy to serve, because a lot of things are just more important to them. Many other things simply distract them from the best thing.

It’s interesting to ask: are these people believers? Where do they fit on the Pursue God circle? Apparently the shallow soil people at least look / act like believers – until they give it up. The thorny soil people at least show some growth, but never any fruitfulness. Is it possible for a real believer to live without any fruit? Maybe for a long time they can, but they certainly don’t appear to be honoring God with their lives. They’re certainly not helping others pursue God / making disciples.

Finally, the good soil. This is the person who is receptive to God’s word / accepts it by faith. They produce a multiplied harvest. But what is that harvest? The fruit doesn’t mean just one thing. It means becoming obedient to what Jesus says. Building your life on his teaching. Embracing Jesus’ mission for your life, The idea of a harvest does suggest – just as one seed planted in ground produces other seeds – your life will produce others who follow Jesus like you do,

The Applications

On one hand, Jesus is explaining why not everyone embraced him as Messiah, in spite of John the Baptist’s preparatory testimony, in spite of his authoritative teaching, in spite of his compassion, in spite of his miracles. So his disciples should not be discouraged / tempted to give up or leave him.

Not only this, but why do some people fall away after they initially welcome Jesus? Why do some people never seem to really grow much? Never have much to show for their relationship with Jesus, while others stand firm / really show an obviously transformed life?

In same way, this parable explains for US why many people will reject our witness. People you invited to Easter Sunday service last week who didn’t come. People you’ve talked to who think you’re crazy. Why you share the same story of Jesus’ work in your life with two different people, and get two completely different responses.

And it helps us understand why not everyone you mentor goes full circle. Why some people don’t show up consistently, or never seem to make much progress. This parable gives us a realistic expectation for people around us who profess to be Christians.

NOTE: it’s not our job to give an opinion about who is a Christian /who isn’t, But the overall picture of these different responses helps us to be faithful.

On other hand, Jesus is also challenging the crowds to consider their own spiritual condition, to take responsibility for what kind of reaction they have to him. No one else can put you in any of these categories, but it is fair to ask YOU to think about that → which soil are you? Hard? Shallow? Preoccupied? Fertile / fruitful?

Ears to Hear

Parables are designed not only to reveal truth, but to conceal it, dividing those with faith to pursue God from those who are hard-hearted or indifferent toward God’s truth.

Mark 4:9-12 (NLT) Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant. He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:

‘When they see what I do, they will learn nothing.

When they hear what I say, they will not understand.

Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.”

We saved these verses for the last, because they get to the whole point about parables. But also because this is the most difficult part for us to understand. In fact: these verses are among the most difficult to interpret in Mark’s gospel.

You can see in (9): this isn’t just about the one particular parable. Jesus spoke often in parables. The disciples aren’t just asking about the parable of the four soils, but the purpose / meaning of parables in general.

The first thing to notice: Jesus talks about insiders and outsiders. YOU, he says, are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God. Speaking to the twelve disciples and the others who were gathered around. But to outsiders, everything comes in parables / stories.

The word “secret” (or “mystery”) doesn’t mean something only for a few privileged initiates. It means: something previously hidden / unknown, but which God now reveals. The point of parables: this truth is actually proclaimed to everyone, not just a few. But not everyone has the faith to hear and understand. Not everybody has ears to hear (9) – meaning: the interest in listening carefully and seeking to make sense out of it. After all, you can hear things, but not really hear them. (Just ask my wife! “What did you just say about such and such?”)

In Mark’s gospel, the “secret” = God’s kingdom has come in the person of Jesus Christ. We’ll learn more about this next week in the parables in the rest of the chapter. But the kingdom has come in a hidden form. It works secretly within and among people. The secret has been given to the disciples because they have responded to Jesus in faith. By contrast, “those on the outside” are people who remain hardened in unbelief, as we have seen repeatedly in Mark’s gospel.

So a parable can be an illustration that reveals the truth, but it can also be a riddle that conceals the truth from those who don’t want to think about its meaning. In particular, from persistent unbelievers (the “outsiders” of verse 11). To make that point, Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, which suggests that by using parables, Jesus invited his audiences to push beneath the surface, to go beyond the obvious to discover the real meaning. But parables also allowed his audiences the opportunity – which many of them took -to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the real point he was making.

Put another ways: parables are designed not only to explain, but to divide – to divide the audience between those with ears to hear and those without ears. In other words, those who are content with their existing understanding of things, who will thus not pay attention or have the interest or capacity to grasp a different perspective.

When Jesus told this parable in Matthew 13, he added this:

Matthew 13:12 (NLT) “To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

His point: if you have some truth / some light, and you respond positively to what you learn → you’ll be given more. But if you’re too self-satisfied to be perceptive toward spiritual reality, and too satisfied to be hungry for more → then you won’t see any more truth, In fact, you’re  in danger of losing what insight you have.

Why do some soils bring growth and fruit, and others do not? Because some people are receptive / eager to receive God’s word, while others are self-satisfied / think they already know all the truth they need. A person’s attitude is either open or closed to God’s truth. They either have ears to hear or they do not.

For example, the footpath represents those who are not receptive at all. Satan can snatch God’s word away from them because there is no place for the seed to land. It cannot penetrate the hard soil of their heart. That’s the person who is not interested to hearing or understanding God’s word.

Today we’re covering Mark 4:21-34, three parables with one common thread: God’s methods are mysterious but his kingdom is unstoppable.

Secret

Mark 4:21-25 tells the parable of the lamp, which represents Jesus himself. At first Jesus’ ministry was kept secret, but the day would soon come when he would be revealed fully to those with ears to hear his message.

• Mark 4:21-25 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. 22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. 23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” 24 Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
• As a believer, we’re called to reflect the light of Jesus. It’s not something to be kept secret.  It’s not something to be hidden.  In fact, that is illogical.  No one would put a lamp under a bed. Jesus asks this question that seems almost silly, “would you light a lamp and then hide it under a bed?” and yet, that is what happens when we don’t live out our faith, when we don’t help the next person pursue God. 
  •  How is God calling you to be a light?  Do people at school know you love Jesus? How about people at work or people on your team? 

• (“Eventually”)Jesus is also reassuring his disciples that a time is coming when he’s going to make fully known who he is and his power.  I would imagine they’re impatient.  They’re wondering why he seems slow to reveal who he is.  I’m sure they’re still wrestling with preconceived notions about what the Messiah had come to do. We’ve seen a lot of instances in Mark’s gospel where Jesus has told people to keep hidden who he is and what he’s done because he doesn’t want to accelerate the opposition until the proper time, but these times of secrecy are coming to an end.  
  • There is a time when we can shout it from the rooftops.  That time is here.  We just celebrated Easter.  We’re called to make his truth known.  We don’t have to worry if there is some further revelation that we’re waiting on.  
• Ears to hear. Parables weren’t just about teaching, but about dividing (last week) Q. Are you listening? 
  • Not just teaching that scratches the ears

Mysterious

Mark 4:26-29 tells the parable of the mysterious growing seed. We can’t always tell how God is at work. The seed grows invisibly, and eventually there will be a harvest – but it comes in its own time.

• Mark 4:26-29 Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. 28 The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. 29 And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
• This parable relates back to the parable of the soils, so the seed is God’s Word. 
• If you have a fertile soil, if you’re listening he will continue to cause you to grow.  He’ll continue to reveal more of himself to you and increase your understanding.  
• Many of us don’t think much about seeds or growth, but this was an agrarian economy.  People didn’t just run down the grocery story or have food delivered to them with Uber eats.  All of Jesus’ listeners would have been able to relate to this parable.  Though the farmer doesn’t know exactly how the seed grows, still he sows the seed. His lack of understanding the mystery behind the growth doesn’t keep him from getting to work.  He has faith that it will grow.  In the same way, we need to be busy at sowing seeds even though we don’t understand how God causes them to grow.  Also, it isn’t our responsibility to make them grow because we can’t.  We can have an impact on if they get planted.  
  • I planted, Apollo’s watered, God makes it grow…
  • Phil 1:6 (NLT) And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
• We also can have some impact on the soil.  
  • For parents, Particularly with our children.  
    • Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord
    • Also, as a parent or even a spouse, we have some control over fighting the weeds that can compete with the seed that has been planted – media, friends, culture at large 
  • For everyone: If you’re contentious or a Jesus Jerk, there’s a chance you can harden the soil.  They might do that on their own, but we shouldn’t exacerbate it.  

Unstoppable

Mark 4:30-32 tells the parable of the mustard seed – famous for its small size relative to the shrub it produces. When you look at what God is doing, it may seem small and insignificant at first, but like the tiny mustard seed, God’s kingdom will grow to epic proportions.

• Mark 4:30-32 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? 31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, 32 but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
• We shouldn’t despise small things.  Seemingly small movements by God can have enormous impacts. This should be an encouragement to us. 
  • We make disciples. Jesus grows the church. 
  • Conviction about the little baptist church in Farson, WY.  Faithful in the little things. Keep showing up. 
  • Mt 16:18 (NLT) Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
  • We don’t have to try and force it or control it. We should be encouraged that it is unstoppable. 
• This growth isn’t always healthy.  It talks about harboring birds.  If we go back to the first parable about the soils, which these parables draw from, the birds were workers of the enemy.  Problems with Mega-churches, problems with the power of the Roman Catholic church 
• If you have ears to hear, respond.  Turn to Jesus and put your trust.  
  • Mark 4:33-34 (NLT) Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

Today we’re studying Mark 4:35-41, the famous story where Jesus calms the storm. So far we’ve seen the miraculous power of Jesus in several ways; today we’re adding to the list – his authority over creation itself (“nature miracle”)!

“Fear is an automatic emotion that helps our conscious be vigilant about our safety. Anxiety is a reaction to fear (or other emotion).”

1. How do you react to fear? Faith or anxiety, worry.

The Storm

Mark 4:35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

Seas, ocean, waters represent a powerful and scary place that can cause pain and death. Uneasy. Wavy. Fear. 

In OT theology, the fallenness of creation is symbolized by the powerful forces of the 

sea, the primeval “deep” characterized by chaos. ZECNT

We ought to contemplate our lives, sin, inner evil hearts. 

Storms are instructors, discipline masters. 

God brings us to and through storms. Tests our faith.

1 Peter 1:7 NLT These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Examples of  storms in everyday life:

• Marriage and family problems, financial issues, addiction, physical ailments, mental and emotional disorders, accidents, natural disasters, spiritual warfare.

We need to look at life’s storms not as disasters, but as opportunities to see God’s transforming power at work in our lives. 

This story tells us that Jesus sent them across knowing this would happen.

“Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”

What was on the other side? You’ll have to stay with us next week to hear about the demon possessed man they encounter but I believe these stories are related. Remember there were no chapter breaks and verse numbers in the original text. We added those for navigation purposes. 

Rude Awakening

Mark 4:38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

God sleeps? Jesus is both God and man. Only God can command the wind and waves (Red Sea) and yet God doesn’t sleep (Psalm 121:3-4). Man, on the other hand, gets tired and needs rest. Jesus was tired from working all day.

The disciples were rude and down right unfaithful in their questioning of Jesus.

Jesus was gracious with his power! He uses his authority not to judge but to save! 

God hears your prayers, even in your frantic fear and unfaithfulness. 

Psalm 107:29 ESV Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 29 He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed 30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.

Another time when Jesus called his first disciples he performed the miracle with the fish net being so overloaded it was tearing. They hadn’t caught anything all day. Jesus says to throw it one more time. After seeing Jesus’ power and authority, Peter repented and fell down in humility. This is the right response to a gracious and powerful God!

Luke 5:8 ESV But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”

Jesus has authority over nature itself…. Hardest miracle for skeptics to believe?

Storms will come; calm comes through Jesus. Jesus was calm even through the storm – took a nap! He wasn’t worried.

Faith Over Fear

Mark 4:40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

The disciples’ fear revealed their lack of faith. They still weren’t close enough to him in relationship and trust to really know who he is. He is good! Loving and kind.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The bible says “Do not fear” 365 times. That’s one verse a day every year as a reminder. (Only worry on leap year is fine LOL)

Two rhetorical questions are asked, one about their fear (or cowardice; δειλοί) and one about their lack of faith. The two go hand in hand. Followers of Jesus need boldness in the face of life’s challenges and trust in God’s ability to bring them through. ZECNT

The disciples had seen so many miracles up to this point that they should have trusted. We too should always fall back on our initial faith moments and the things God has done in our lives when the darkness and the storms come.

The disciples have just been presented as the “insiders,” the recipients of the secrets of the kingdom of God (4:11). Yet they will repeatedly waiver and fail. Mark’s gospel is not a call to emulate the disciples, but to follow Jesus and to align one’s life with God’s kingdom purposes. ZECNT

We can have peace even during the turbulence. God doesn’t always quiet the waves.

Easy to trust God in the sunshine or on dry ground. Fear God the Creator not creation! 

Faith = trusting He’s in control when I’m not 

Faith = fear of the Lord

Anxiety = fear of the storm

Jesus is the God who will save you through the storms! 

Psalm 46:1-3 ESV God is our refuge and strength,  a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam,though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

Psalm 46:10 ESV “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

“Who is this man?” He is God. He is good. Through much pain and trial, Jesus secured our salvation. This was good! He did not try to skate by the hard times but rather was our example of enduring with faith and trust in God whose will is good. His suffering brings us peace. He is God who will deliver you and me through to the other side of this life while giving us peace in the storms.

Today we start Mark chapter 5, and we’re going to study a powerful healing that elicited two polar-opposite reactions: awe-filled worship from one group and fright-filled rejection from another. It shows us the kind of impact Jesus has always had on the world: you either love him or hate him. Even today, some people refuse to see the good that Jesus wants to do in the world. Their minds are made up; they reject him at every turn. Whatever their motive – financial, political, relational, emotional – they are determined to fight against Jesus, his teachings, and his followers. These people were around in Jesus’ day, and they’re still here today. 

Today we’ll talk about demons and authority and the prevailing culture. So let’s start with a question: Q. Is there a line that you won’t let Jesus cross? 

• I’ll follow you as long as…
  • It doesn’t cost me too much
  • I don’t have to give up my entertainment choices
  • You don’t make me look weird or extreme

Man vs Legion

Talking Point: The story illustrates the struggle within – the battle between our good intentions and the legion of demons that want to keep us in bondage to death. Mark 5:1-10, Ephesians 2:1-2

Mark 5:1-5 (NLT) So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.

• burial caves – As good as dead
  • Ephesians 2:1-2 (NLT) Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
  • The wages of sin is death (in every way)
  • This man had been driven from the town because of the danger he presented to others.  Now, isolated, he can only harm himself.  The devil does some of his best work in isolation. 
• No one was strong enough – The power of the enemy

Mark 5:6-10 (NLT) When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.”

Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”

And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place.

• The Man vs Legion – The struggle within
  • The man was excited to see Jesus, wanted to worship him
  • Legion was upset to see Jesus, shrieked and screamed
  • The demons tried to gain control of the situation by addressing Jesus by his full name.  There was a common superstition at this time that you had spiritual power over another if you addressed them by their exact name.  
    • In their address of Jesus, they have the right theological facts about who he is, but they don’t have the right attitude.  We talk a lot about having the right information and the right attitude when we come to Jesus.  These demons weren’t addressing him in this way because they wanted to submit to him but because they were hoping to exhibit some authority over him.  Obviously, this failed as Jesus is uncreated and according to Colossians 1:15-16 it is Jesus who created the demons: Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,[e]for through him God created everything  in the heavenly realms and on earth.He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.    Everything was created through him and for him.
  • Romans 7:18-23 (NLT) And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway…. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.

Deliverance

Talking Point: Jesus cast the demons out of the man, sending them into a herd of nearby pigs. It’s a powerful picture of his authority over sin and the devil, and it shows us the stark contrast between life with Jesus and life without him. Mark 5:11-13, Ephesians 2:4-6

 

Mark 5:11-13 (NLT) There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.”

So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

• Permission – Jesus has ultimate authority, and even the demons know it
• Lame Pastor Joke – First recorded instance of mass suicide
• The devil is out to kill
• Ephesians 2:4-6 (NLT) But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

Two Responses (Fear or Worship)

Talking Point: Surprisingly, not everyone responded the same way to this life-changing miracle. Many people were afraid and begged Jesus to leave; he had crossed a line that made them reject him. The healed man begged to go with Jesus, but instead he was sent home to share the good news. Mark 5:14-20  

Mark 5:14-17 (NLT) The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. Then those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.

• Herdsmen’s response – spread the news, but why?
  • End of this section gives us a hint – to rally people against Jesus
  • The herdsmen fled – It wasn’t so much about what they were running to; it was what they were running from.  The original word is to flee, to escape.  They were scared because of the financial loss but also because their superstitions had been scattered.  Here was this man sitting in his right mind and they couldn’t explain it.  
• Crowd’s response – afraid (not ecstatic that this man was perfectly sane)
  • Pleading (there’s that word again) with Jesus to go away?!
  • God’s work can be scary when we’re not a part of it.  It forces us to recognize just how dependent we are on him.  
  • If you don’t know about his goodness, his power is terrifying. 
• The financial loss they suffered was more powerful to them than the joy of seeing this man restored. In their minds, clearly his life wasn’t worth the lives of 2,000 pigs.  
• Jesus went

Mark 5:18-20 (NLT) As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.

• getting into the boat – Jesus went away. Incredible. 
  • He won’t force his beautiful healing on anyone.
• go home to your family, and tell them – first time Jesus is letting the secret out?
• Jesus hasn’t gone to the cross yet, but this is the simplest way to share the gospel: tell people everything God has done for you and how merciful he has been.  I was broken.  I was dead.  But God made me alive. Jesus is encouraging him to go and tell people what God has done.  He had been telling people not to share up to this point.  One reason is because of the area where this deliverance took place.  It was in the Decapolis – a region of 10 Greek cities on the east side of the Jordan.  News spreading of what Jesus had done for this man in this area would not draw opposition from Jewish religious leaders.  This man would be able to have an impact in this area with his story that the Jewish disciples wouldn’t have.  The people of that area knew what his life was like before his encounter with Jesus.  This is another great example of how Jesus can use the bad things in our past for his glory and to accomplish his purpose.  
• This man likely may have thought he had to stay near Jesus or the demons would come back.  By not allowing him to come with him, Jesus is showing him that he is truly free from the demonic possession that he had endured for so long. 
• He didn’t let his disappointment in not being able to go with Jesus keep him from sharing the good news.  Do we let disappointment keep us from being used by Jesus?  
  • Contrast his motive with the herdsmen’s

Desperate 

Vs. 22, 26 – Both the father and the woman were desperate to get Jesus’ help.

• Mark 5:22-23 (NLT) When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”
• Mark 5:26 (NLT) She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse.
• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) “synagogue rulers”. These were laymen whose responsibilities were administrative, not priestly, and included such things as looking after the building and supervising the worship.
  • Father was desperate enough to seek Jesus
• (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) Since she could not bear children in this state, and Jewish men often divorced women who were incapable of bearing (cf., e.g., Pseudo-Philo, Biblical Antiquities 42:1), this woman probably had never married or (if the sickness began after marriage) had been divorced and remained single. In a society where single, celibate women could not easily earn much income, the illness affected virtually every area of her life.
  • Physical, social, financial, spiritual implications of uncleanness. 
  • Woman was desperate enough to enter the crowd and break the rules

12 Years

Vs. 25, 42 – Both had the number 12 associated with them. The woman had the medical condition for 12 years. Jairus’s daughter was 12 years old. This can represent the restoration and spiritual resurrection God wants to do in his people as represented in the 12 tribes and 12 disciples.

• Mark 5:42 (NLT) And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.
• Mark 5:25 (NLT) A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding.

Daughters

Vs. 23, 34a – Both were labeled in the text as “daughter”. This was a counter cultural thing for Jesus to focus on women.

• Mark 5:23 (NLT) pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”
• Mark 5:34 (NLT) And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”

Unclean

Vs. 27-29, 35, 41 – Both the issue of blood and the death of the young girl would have meant ritual uncleanliness, yet it was physical contact with Jesus that healed them both.

• Mark 5:41 (NLT) Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!”
• Mark 5:27-28 (NLT) She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”
  • Leviticus 15:19 (NLT) “Whenever a woman has her menstrual period, she will be ceremonially unclean for seven days. Anyone who touches her during that time will be unclean until evening.
  • Leviticus 15:27 (NLT) If any of you touch these things, you will be ceremonially unclean. You must wash your clothes and bathe yourself in water, and you will remain unclean until evening.
  • Leviticus 15:28 (NLT) When the woman’s bleeding stops, she must count off seven days. Then she will be ceremonially clean.
  • Numbers 19:11 (NLT) All those who touch a dead human body will be ceremonially unclean for seven days.
• Nugget: this is why Jesus called her out in the crowd; not to embarrass her, but to validate her healing and restoration to society.
• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) Mark probably brought together these two stories with the story of the healing of the demoniac because they all have to do with ritual uncleanness. According to Jewish law contact with graves, blood, or death made one ceremonially unclean.
• (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) This passage includes two cases of reversing uncleanness: a woman with a continual flow of blood and a corpse (see Lev 15:19-33; Num 19:11-22). Even after the flow stopped, the first woman would be counted unclean for seven days (Lev 15:28); the dead girl was even more unclean, so that one who touched her contracted impurity for a week (Num 19:11)
• (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) If this woman touched anyone or anyone’s clothes, she rendered that person ceremonially unclean for the rest of the day (cf. Lev 15:26-27).

Faith

Vs. 33-34, 39 The Faith of the woman caused her to risk everything to seek Jesus out. Jairus’s faith went against his jewish traditions and believed Jesus had the power to save. Jesus commended both the father and the woman for their faith.

• Mark 5:23 (NLT) “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”
• Mark 5:28 (NLT) For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” Mark 5:34 (NLT) And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”
• (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) Tradition expected at least two or three professional mourners (two flutists and a mourning woman) to facilitate grief at the funeral of even the poorest person; more mourners would assemble at the death of a member of a prominent family like this one. Because bodies decomposed rapidly in Palestine, mourners had to be assembled immediately upon someone’s death (presumably especially when it had been expected), and in this case they had gathered before word even reached Jairus that his daughter had died.
• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) Jesus’ second order was that they should give the girl something to eat–beautiful evidence of his concern for ordinary human needs

Close: There are many desperations that cause us to come to Jesus. Yet, what we all have in common is a changed life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Mark 5:21-43 (NLT)

21 Jesus got into the boat again and went back to the other side of the lake, where a large crowd gathered around him on the shore. 22 Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, 23 pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.”24 Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. 25 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. 26 She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. 28 For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.30 Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?”31 His disciples said to him, “Look at this crowd pressing around you. How can you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”32 But he kept on looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the frightened woman, trembling at the realization of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in front of him and told him what she had done. 34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”35 While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”36 But Jesus overheard[d] them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”37 Then Jesus stopped the crowd and wouldn’t let anyone go with him except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. 39 He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”40 The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. 41 Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” 42 And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. 43 Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had happened, and then he told them to give her something to eat.

Mistaken Identity

• The people of Nazareth let their familiarity with Jesus and preconceived notions about him prevent them from experiencing genuine relationship with him.  When we come to Jesus we have to come to him for who he is, not who we want him to be

Mark 6:1-3 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” 3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary[a] and the brother of James, Joseph,[b] Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

• Jesus is returning to his hometown.  Nazareth is about 20 miles west of Capernaum, where many of the events we’ve looked at up to this point in Mark’s gospel have occurred.  Nazareth was smaller than Capernaum.  It had the reputation of being a “back roads” town.  Even one of Jesus’ disciples, Nathaniel, when he was originally told about Jesus of Nazareth asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” It’s one of those towns where everyone knows everybody and knows their business. 
• We’ve already seen in Mark how Jesus’ fame had spread all throughout Galilee and beyond.  No doubt news of his miracles and teachings had made its way back to Nazareth. This is like the small town kid who went off to the big city and made it big in entertainment, athletics, or politics and now is coming home to his roots. Likely lots of anticipation surrounding his return, but lots of skepticism, too. (Maybe give a list of really small towns and see if people know the famous celebrity, athlete, or leader from that town) 
  • Abraham Lincoln, Hodgenville, KY
  • Larry Bird, French Lick Indiana
  • Taylor Swift, West Reading, PA
• When Jesus left he wasn’t a rabbi.  He was a carpenter.  He hadn’t trained under a famous rabbi.  There was likely even jealousy.  The religious leaders in Nazareth had heard about the fame and following Jesus had been gathering.  
• In typical Mark fashion, he gets right into the action. In Luke’s version, which we read in Luke chapter 4, he goes into more detail about what Jesus taught in the synagogue to cause everyone to wonder “where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” 
• They are amazed and astonished at the teaching of Jesus.  When they say”isn’t this the carpenter”, it is an insult.  Not that carpentry was looked upon as a dishonorable trade, but he had no formal training.  He didn’t have the endorsement of any prominent rabbi, or any rabbi for that matter. 
• Calling him the son of Mary was also an insult.  It was contrary to Jewish custom to refer to a man as the son of his mother, versus the son of his father, even if his mother was a widow.  This could also be an accusation that Jesus was an illegitimate child.  That rumor had circulated in the small town of Nazareth where everybody knows everybody. Likely something Jesus and Mary&Joseph had dealt with when he was a child. 
• We then see a reference to Jesus’ brothers and sisters.  Mary and Joseph had other children.  Mary didn’t remain a virgin after the birth of Jesus. 
• When we come to Jesus do we have preconceived ideas about who he is? For the people in Nazareth, their preconceived ideas caused them to be offended and they refused to believe in him.  We have to come to him on his terms, not our terms.  
• Colossians 1:15-16Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,[e]16 for through him God created everything    in the heavenly realms and on earth.He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.    Everything was created through him and for him.
  • He has all power and authority.  When we come to him, we submit to his rule in our life. 

Limited Miracles

• Our lack of faith in Jesus limits the miraculous.  This isn’t because he is incapable. It is so illogical and unfounded for us to not have faith in Jesus, he marvels at our disbelief.
• Mark 6:4-6 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” 5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.
• Jesus had throngs of people following all throughout Galilee.  They had come to see him from as far away as Tyre and Sidon, yet those from his hometown didn’t honor him.  That rejection had a deeper sting. Do you feel rejected? Do you feel like no one gets you? Jesus has been there.  He knows how you feel.  We have a great high priest who has experienced all of the pains and trials that you and I will experience.  
• In Luke’s version Jesus said, “You will undoubtedly quote this proverb: physician heal yourself – do miracles here in your hometown like you did in Capernaum.” They wanted to see miracles, not because they believed Jesus could do them, but because if he didn’t do them, they wouldn’t believe in him. But because of their unbelief, Jesus performed few miracles there.  
  • “Only If” Faith vs True Faith
  • What is faith?
• Are you experiencing miracles in your life? If not, is it because of unbelief? Do you doubt that God can work miracles in your life?  Have you stepped out in faith when God has asked you to do something?  Have you honored him even when it put you at risk – relationally, financially, physically?  If we don’t ever step out in faith, we don’t give God opportunities to show up in miraculous ways.  (Share a story of a miracle we’ve witnessed.)
• We see Jesus marvel at two things in the NT, two things that cause him to be amazed.  He marvels at the faith of a gentile and he marvels at the unbelief of the Jewish people. Unbelief has to be a monstrous sin for it to cause Jesus to be amazed.  What in your life would cause Jesus to marvel – your faith or your unbelief?  
  • Mk 5:42 (NLT) And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.

Shake the Dust 

• When Jesus sends us out, we need to recognize our dependence on him. Our job was to preach a message of repentance, not change the hearts of the people.  Only God can soften someone’s heart. We shouldn’t be encumbered by the worries of the world, but focused on the task at hand
• Mark 6:7-9 And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil[c] spirits. 8 He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s bag, no money.[d] 9 He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes.
• When he sent them, he sent them with authority. 
• There was a rule from the Jewish rabbis that you could not enter the temple area with a staff, shoes, or a moneybag, because you wanted to avoid even the appearance of being engaged in any other business than the service of the Lord. The disciples were engaged in such holy work (preaching the gospel and bringing God’s healing) that they could not give the impression that they had any other motive.
• By traveling light, they would be dependent upon God for his provision.  Each day would be a reminder that God had met their needs.  
• Mark 7:10-11 Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. 11 But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate
• Their job was to preach a message of repentance, not change the hearts of the people.  Only God can soften someone’s heart.  They weren’t to feel responsible for someone who wouldn’t receive it.  They weren’t to stay in that town beating a dead horse.  
• Shaking the dust off of their feet as they left was something Jewish people did as they exited a gentile city they had traveled through.  This would have been an even greater judgment on the unbelievers of that town and would have been more of an insult – “If you don’t believe this message, you’re like a gentile”. 
• Think back to the parable of the soils we looked at in chapter 4.  Our job is to scatter the seeds.  If the soil is hard, it isn’t up to us to try and force it in. 
• Mark 7:12-13 So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. 13 And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil.
• They went out.  They did it.  They were obedient.  They could have come up with plenty of excuses: we’re not ready, what if people don’t believe us?, what if they report us to the religious authorities?, what if we don’t say it the right way?  – What are your excuses? 
• They preached a message of repentance. They didn’t try to pick and choose who they thought would receive the message -” telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God”.   They also cast out demons and healed sick people. This was part of the original instructions given to them by Jesus. 
• We’ve also been sent on mission – Great Commission. Our orders are to go and make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them everything Jesus commanded.  Are we focused or are we letting worries of the world get in the way? Are we going out and doing it, or are we coming up with excuses? 

1. What shapes your picture of Jesus?

• Your upbringing
• Your experiences
• His teachings
• Your influences
• Your emotions

Mark 6:14-16 (NLT) Herod Antipas, the king, soon heard about Jesus, because everyone was talking about him. Some were saying, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. That is why he can do such miracles.” Others said, “He’s the prophet Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.” When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.”

• Like today, everyone speculated on the identity of Jesus. 
  • Matthew 16:13-17 (NLT) When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.
• Herod’s take: he’s JTB 
  • Herrod asked the question because he was haunted by a guilty conscience
  • Here’s why….

Disturbed & Curious

Mark 6:17-20 (NLT) For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless, for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.

• John the Baptist had called out Herod’s sin, so Herod locked him up. But though he was disturbed by John’s judgment, he was also curious about his message. Many seekers today feel the same way about Jesus.

Moment of Weakness

Mark 6:21-29 (NLT) Herodias’s chance finally came on Herod’s birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. “Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.” He even vowed, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!”

She went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?”

Her mother told her, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!”

So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!”

Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.

• In a moment of weakness Herod sold out John the Baptist and had him beheaded. It’s a frightening example of how easily we can be influenced to turn away from the pathway that can lead us to Christ. 
• Today’s influences:

John’s Crisis

• John surprisingly had his own crisis of faith …

Matthew 11:2-3 (NLT) John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

• JTB was bringing judgment, Jesus was bringing joy
• JTB was in prison; would Jesus judge Herod?

Matthew 11:4-6 (NLT) Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”

• Was JTB on the verge of falling away? Faith tested… deconstruction?
• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) Jesus’ answer briefly summarized his own miracles and preaching, using the language of Isa 35:5-6; 61:1 (with possible further allusions to 26:19; 29:18-19).
• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) But there is a second, more subtle level to Jesus’ response. All four Isaiah passages refer to judgment in their immediate context: e.g., “your God will come . . . with vengeance; with divine retribution” (35:4); “the day of vengeance of our God” (Isa 61:2). Thus Jesus was allusively responding to the Baptist’s question: the blessings promised for the end time have broken out and prove it is here, even though the judgments are delayed.
• John surprisingly had his own crisis of faith while he was in prison, and he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he really was the Messiah. Jesus’ answer is a reminder that true followers will stay faithful to the end, even in the face of violence. Matthew 11:4-6

Matthew 11:11-12 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.”

• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) To summarize, simultaneous with the kingdom’s advance have been the attacks of violent people on it. That is the very point John could not grasp. Now Jesus expressly affirms it.
• How are we greater than JTB? In the war with the world, and given our place in salvation history, we can point even more clearly to Jesus!

Sometimes we’re so slow to believe that God has to repeat his miracle in our lives. That’s what happened with the feeding of the multitude.

As we continue on in our journey through the gospel of Mark, we’re looking at two separate passages today. And if you weren’t paying attention, it may seem like the same story is being repeated.  We’re talking about the feeding of the 5,000 in Mark chapter 6 and the feeding of the 4,000 in Mark chapter 8.

Q. If God performed a miracle in your life, would you recognize it?

Seeking Rest

Jesus knew the importance of balancing work and rest.  When their rest was interrupted, Jesus responded with compassion.  The disciples responded with frustration. 

• Mark 6:30-34 The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. 31 Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. 32 So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. 33 But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. 34 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
• The disciples had returned from being sent out in pairs, preaching repentance, healing, and casting out demons.  No doubt they had stories to share and questions to ask Jesus.  They wanted to spend time with him.  There was so much demand on their time they hadn’t even been eating.  They had been working hard and Jesus knew they needed rest.
• They weren’t just seeking rest, they were seeking silence and solitude from the crowds.  Are these spiritual disciplines we’re incorporating in our walk with Jesus?
• When they arrive at their destination, the crowd has already beaten them there.  So much for peace and quiet.  Jesus’s first response is compassion – not frustration, not anger, not worry.  They were like sheep without a shepherd.  They were vulnerable to attack.  They were likely to wander and get lost. They didn’t know where to find food.  All of these different needs and the first thing Jesus does is teach them.
• Mark 6:35-36 Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. 36 Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.”
• The disciples were expecting rest. That’s what Jesus had told them when they left in the boat.  They’ve gotten no rest since arriving to the crowds awaiting them.  They see a need.  The disciples’ solution to get rid of the need was to get rid of the needy.

Feeding 5000

God has unlimited resources, but he often asks us to bring our meager offerings to the table and then multiplies them. He invites us to be a part of his work and a part of his miracles. 

• Mark 6:37-40 But Jesus said, “You feed them.”“With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money[g] to buy food for all these people!”38 “How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.”They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.”39 Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred.
• We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people. Was this a comment made in unbelief?  Was it made in anger or resentment against the neediness of the crowd?  We can’t say for sure and we need to be careful of speculation, but it seems at the least they were frustrated with Jesus’ response.
• Steps of obedience were taken leading up to the miracle: They went and found out how much bread they had. They sat in groups of 50 and 100.
• From John’s gospel, we know that the five loaves and small fish were from a boy in the crowd.  These weren’t from the disciples’ own supplies.  We also know they were “barley” loaves.  Poor man’s bread.  This was Great Value not Wonder Bread.
• Jesus has a track record of creating something out of nothing.  That’s how he created the world.  He didn’t need the young boy’s loaves and fishes, yet he invited him in to be a part of the miracle. Imagine the impact this had on the young boy, knowing that Jesus used his meager offering to bless so many. That’s the same encouragement you and I receive when we bring to God our time, talents, and treasures and he uses those to work miracles in the lives of others.
• Connection to our invitation to be part of miracles through the Syracuse project
• Ephesians 3:20-21 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
• This miracle is going to be another opportunity to glorify Jesus and provide evidence that he is the Son of God. We so often approach problems and needs with an attitude of scarcity.  God can accomplish more than we even can think of asking. Why do we focus on our resources, or lack thereof, instead of going to the God with unlimited resources?
• Mark 6:41-44 Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. 42 They all ate as much as they wanted, 43 and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. 44 A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed.[h]
• He involved the disciples in the distribution – another example of inviting us in to be a part of the miracle.  He didn’t have to do it that way.  Everyone ate as much as they wanted.  Jesus wasn’t stingy.  They didn’t have to ration the food.  They ate as much as they wanted and there were twelve baskets of leftovers. Jesus wasn’t wasteful.  He had the disciples pick up the leftovers.  Importance of stewardship.
• If you didn’t get enough to eat it was your own fault.  The food was there.  The same is true of spiritual food.  If you’re not getting enough to eat; it’s your own fault.  Reading the Word, praying, listening to sermons, worship, small groups, mentoring relationships.

Play It Again

• Mark 8:1-9 About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them, 2 “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance.”4 His disciples replied, “How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?”5 Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?”“Seven loaves,” they replied.6 So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to his disciples, who distributed the bread to the crowd. 7 A few small fish were found, too, so Jesus also blessed these and told the disciples to distribute them.8 They ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. 9 There were about 4,000 men in the crowd that day, and Jesus sent them home after they had eaten.
• Mark uses the word “again”. In other words, we’ve been down this road before.  And yet, the disciples seem to have completely forgotten the feeding of the 5,000.
• We see Jesus is moved by compassion again. This is a theme we see throughout the gospels. He again invites the disciples to participate in the miracle.  They seem to be the source of the bread this time. They again are involved in distributing the bread.  The crowd ate as much as they wanted.  Jesus was extravagant in the amount of food that was offered.
• It’s easy to criticize the disciples, but how quickly do we forget God’s faithfulness?  We see him come through in tough situations and as soon as the next one comes up, we panic.
• Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus
• A God who has met our greatest need – gospel – can be trusted to meet all of our needs.

Q. If God performed a miracle in your life, would you recognize it?

Last week we looked at a 2-for-1 miracle: the feeding of the 5000 in chapter 6 and the feeding of the 4000 in chapter 8. We saw that Jesus had to perform this miracle twice for the sake of his slow-to-believe disciples because they were still trying to wrap their heads around his true identity. They were still learning that Jesus isn’t just fully man, but he’s also fully God. 

Today’s lesson is more of the same. It was just a few weeks ago that we read about Jesus calming the storm in a boat with his disciples (Mark 4:35-41). We asked this question: “How do you react to fear?” And we listed 4 options: fight, flight, freeze, or faith. (Slide) Today’s story in chapter 6 is going to feel a little bit like a repeat: the disciples in a boat, afraid in a storm, waiting for Jesus to bring calm. 

It’s tempting to skip the story, but Mark didn’t. He wanted us to see the disciples, warts and all. They were slow to learn the true identity of Jesus, and so are we. So let’s tell the story. But first, let’s start with a question:

1. Are you facing a storm right now?

• Relationship issue
• Financial situation. Bills piling up
• Changes at your job
• Crisis of faith (fear, doubt, worry)

You can’t choose the timing or frequency of storms in your life. For thousands of years, the people of God have faced trials – and God has shown up to deliver them. It’s a theme we can trace all the way back to Exodus.   

• Trans: Today’s miracle is well-known. But before we read it in Mark, we need to give it some context…

Water miracles were front and center in the Jewish faith. The story of the parting of the Red Sea forms a backdrop for Jesus’ walking on water miracle. 

• Parting the Red Sea
  • Slide: Ex 3:7-8 Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them…”
    • You know the story… parting of the Red Sea 
    • Ps 77: 19 Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters—a pathway no one knew was there! 
    • See also Crossing the Jordan River
      • Joshua 3 7 The Lord told Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.
      • 14 So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. 15 It was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, 16 the water above that point began backing up a great distance away…
• Trans: Now we’re set for the Mark story…

Life’s Storms

God is never surprised when storms break out. He sees your struggle and he has the power to act – but he might not do it on your timeframe.

• Now that we have context, let’s read today’s miracle.
  • Slide: Mark 6:45-46 (NLT) Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
  • Slide: Mark 6:47-49 (NLT) Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost.

• Following Jesus is not a storm-free guarantee
  • We see that throughout scripture
  • You’ve probably seen it in your own life.
• Notice two things: 
  • (1) Jesus was watching them in their struggle
  • (2) but he did not act right away.
• My example
  • Health scare, crying out to God

Trans: He has the power to act in his time, Like the Red Sea, Jordan River

I Am Here

Jesus encouraged the disciples with a familiar Old Testament refrain: “I am here.” Though they were still trying to understand his true identity, everything changed when they let Jesus in the boat. Mark 6:50-52, Exodus 3:14

• Slide: Mark 6:50-52 (NLT) They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed, for they still didn’t understand the significance (ie, his true identity) of the miracle of the loaves. Their hearts were too hard to take it in.
  • Nugget: they were still trying to understand Christ’s true identity, even after all the miracles. The journey would continue for them through the Book of Mark.
  • Note on text: or “The “I AM” is here”
    • (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) The words It is I (lit., “I am,” egō eimi) may simply convey self-identification (“It is I, Jesus”), but they are probably intended here to echo the Old Testament formula of God’s self-revelation: “I am who I am” (cf. Ex. 3:14; Isa. 41:4; 43:10; 51:12; 52:6).
    • Slide: Exodus 3:14 God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.”
      • Jn 8 58 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!”
  • When Jesus said this, they were at peace. 

Sinking Faith

Matthew 14:28-31 (NLT) Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Close

• What about YOU? Do you understand the true identity of Christ – that he is the Great I Am? 
  • The one who parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River
  • The one who walked on water in the storm
  • His name is Jesus
• The disciples let him in the boat. Will you?
  • Slide: Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
    • We already saw that this command, “fear not”, appears 365 times in the Bible! But the bigger insight is the reason given…
    • “For I AM with you…”
      • Optional: Job 9:8 He alone has spread out the heavens and marches on the waves of the sea.
      • Optional: Pr 30:4 Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name? Tell me if you know!
• This section of scripture ends with more proof that Jesus is God: 
  • Slide: Mark 6:53-56 (NLT) After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. They brought the boat to shore and climbed out. The people recognized Jesus at once, and they ran throughout the whole area, carrying sick people on mats to wherever they heard he was. Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
  • Do you need Jesus to show up today?

In Mark 7:1-23 Jesus debated with the religious elite about the source of true goodness. They believed it came from following the rules; Jesus taught that it came from the inside out. Isaiah 29:13

Start by contrasting the two famous 29:13’s in the Bible:

• Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT) “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
  • PG theme verse, one of the most powerful promises in history
• Isaiah 29:13 (NLT) And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.”
  • A verse Jesus quotes in today’s passage, calling out religion that misses point

1. Are you missing the point of a pursuit of God?

Age-old Tradition

The religious elite were worried about washing their hands rather than cleansing their hearts.  This came from the “tradition of the elders,” meaningless rules that missed the whole point of the Law. Mark 7:1-8

Mark 7:1-5 (NLT) One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They noticed that some of his disciples failed to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands, as required by their   ancient traditions. Similarly, they don’t eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to—such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.)

So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.”

• Explain “tradition of the elders”
  • (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) 3-4 Mark felt it necessary to explain to his Gentile readers the Jewish custom of ceremonial handwashing, a custom based on the “tradition of the elders,” a great mass of oral tradition that had arisen about the law. Its purpose was to regulate a person’s life completely, and it was passed on from one generation to the next one as binding regulations.
• What are some of our meaningless rituals?

Mark 7:6-8 (NLT) Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,

‘These people honor me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me.

Their worship is a farce,

for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’

For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.”

• Explain hypocrisy
• Explain context for Isaiah 29?

Cancel Culture

The religious elite inadvertently canceled the Word of God with their legalism. We can do the same thing today with our antinomianism – following an “anything goes” mentality with God’s Law. Mark 7:9-13

Mark 7:9-13 (NLT) Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition. For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”

• Notice: Jesus is not canceling the Law 
  • He’s saying that some traditions cancel it!
• Jesus loves God’s law (ie, God’s word) and perfectly fulfills/keeps it
  • He hates the misappropriation of it – “canceling the word of God”
    • for religious purposes (legalism, as here)
    • for irreligious purposes (antinomianism, as today)

What Defiles

It was radical back then to say that every kind of food (or person) can be acceptable in God’s eyes. Today’s culture needs to hear an equally radical truth: sin is for real, and it’s inside everyone of us. Mark 7:14-23

Mark 7:14-19 (NLT) Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.)

• Radical for back then
  • Mark is about to talk about Gentiles; this passage opens the door to some of the issues we’ll be covering in the weeks ahead. It’s not just about acceptable food; it’s about acceptable people. 
• Radical for right now
  • Not that all people are acceptable (we get that already)
  • …but that all people are defiled
    • That’s what our culture has thrown out
      • Anything goes, antinomianism

Mark 7:20-23 (NLT) And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”

• The first sin list in the New Testament! (see Gal 5)
  • There IS right and wrong
  • God DOES care about how we live 
  • Jesus is not just against legalism; he’s also against antinomianism

1. Are you missing the point of a pursuit of God?

• For many Jews in Jesus’ day it was empty, man-made rules
• For many today it’s the opposite – throwing out all the rules
• Both are missing the point

Gospel

• God begins to change us from the inside out the moment we trust Jesus to save us. The result, over time, is a life that honors God.
• Romans 3:22-23 (NLT) We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Intro

In Mark 7:24-37 Jesus heads into Gentile territory for the third time, probably seeking rest. Instead he interacts with two desperate people in need.

• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) This incident seems to follow naturally the preceding incidents in which Jesus breaks with the Jewish oral law and particularly the law of ceremonial cleanness. Jews normally had no relationship with Gentiles because associations with them made them ritually unclean. Jesus now shows by example that those oral laws are invalid and deliberately associates himself with a Gentile woman. Mark also wants to emphasize the mission to the Gentiles. The Gospel of the kingdom is not limited to Israel, even though historically it came to her first (cf. v.27); the good news is for Mark’s Gentile readers as it was for the Syrophoenician woman.
  • Jesus had just blown their minds arguing that what goes into a man’s stomach didn’t make him unclean.  Now, he’s going into gentile territory, staying in a gentile home – This would have made him unclean according to tradition.  We can assume he is in a Gentile home because they allow a gentile woman to enter. He not only is wiping out the distinction between clean and unclean foods, but also clean and unclean people. 
  • This still has to be hard for the disciples to wrap their minds around.  They had been taught their whole lives not to associate with gentiles.  They avoided going into gentile areas.  Jesus is now intentionally going into gentile areas and is interacting with them. I believe part of what we’re going to see in these miracles is Jesus is continuing to use them to teach his disciples. 

1. How far away do you feel from God?

• Some of you feel unworthy, too far for him to reach…
• On the other end of the spectrum are those who think they are close, secretly judging the unworthy ones
• Today’s text has something for everyone…

Historical context for this section; Tyre and Sidon, Jews vs. Gentiles

• • (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) This is the first of three events Mark recorded from Jesus’ third excursion beyond the borders of Galilee (for the three excursions see Mark 4:35; 5:20; 6:32-52; 7:24-8:10).

Out of Bounds

A Syrophonecian woman begs Jesus to heal her daughter, and his response seems offensive to modern ears. Jesus’ mission was to the Jews; Gentile territory was out of bounds. Mark 7:24-27

Mark 7:24-27 (NLT) Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret. Right away a woman who had heard about him came and fell at his feet. Her little girl was possessed by an evil spirit, and she begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter.

Since she was a Gentile, born in Syrian Phoenicia, Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

• He was trying to keep it a secret.  It could be he was looking for rest.  He also knew it would give the Jewish religious leaders more ammunition against him and fan the flames of their hatred if they knew he was staying in a gentile home. 
• When Jesus is truly present, you can’t keep it a secret.
• (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) Mark stressed the woman’s non-Jewish identity: she was a Greek, not from Greece, but a Gentile by culture and religion. She was a Syrophoenician born in Phoenicia, part of the province of Syria. Matthew called her a “Canaanite woman” (Matt. 15:22).
• Why would Jesus say this? Offensive?
  • (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) the dogs (lit., “little dogs,” house pets, not outdoor scavengers) represented the Gentiles (not in a derogatory sense here).
  • (New Bible Commentary) In his answer (27) Jesus was probably quoting a popular proverb, and was therefore not being as harsh as it sounds.
  • Explain mission of Jesus to Jews first (offensive?)
    • Acts 1 game plan
  • Jesus said, “First” He is indicating an order.  He’s not saying he didn’t come for gentiles, but he came for the Jews first.  That has been God’s order.  He chose Israel, but even in Old Testament there were provisions for foreigners. God told Abraham, “All nations will be blessed because of you.”  The intention was always to bring salvation to both Jews and gentiles, but it came to the Jewish people first.  
  • If that gives you heartburn, remember God is God and we’re not.  His ways are above our ways.  His thoughts above our thoughts. 
  • Jews called gentiles dogs in a very derogatory way, when spoken of a woman it meant a shameful, audacious woman – a bitXX. Jesus didn’t use that term.  He softened it.  
• Exodus 22:31 (NLT) “You must be my holy people. Therefore, do not eat any animal that has been torn up and killed by wild animals. Throw it to the dogs.”

Dog Scraps

The woman’s reply pleasantly surprises Jesus, humbly asking for nothing more than dog scraps. Jesus heals from a distance – the only such miracle in the gospel of Mark. Mark 7:28-30

Mark 7:28-30 (NLT) She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.” “Good answer!” he said. “Now go home, for the demon has left your daughter.” And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.

• She still addresses Jesus as Lord even after being turned down.  This shows her humility.  She doesn’t question the order.  She doesn’t respond by saying, “How dare you call me a little dog!” She doesn’t whine and say , “That’s not fair.”  She is willing to take the scraps.  She recognizes that even the scraps from Jesus are better than anything the world has to offer. 
• She obeyed when Jesus told her to go home.  She didn’t question, “How do I know she’s better? Don’t you need to go with me to hear her?” Her faith is much like that of the Roman centurion who told Jesus he wasn’t worthy to have him come to his home, but just give the order and his servant would be healed. 
• What kind of impact did this have on the disciples? To see gentiles express such faith when so many of the Jewish people, particularly the leaders, didn’t believe Jesus was who he said he was. These healings weren’t based on the ancestry of those coming to Jesus, but simply on their faith and Jesus’ grace and mercy. 
• How do you handle offensive sayings of Jesus?
  • I am the way, the truth, and the life – no one comes to the father except through me. 
  • For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh.  Therefore what God has joined together let no one separate. 
  • Forgive others as you have been forgiven by your Father in heaven 
  • Romans 11:18 (NLT) But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.
• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) (this is the only instance of healing at a distance found in Mark’s gospel)
• Humility
• Desperation drives people to seek help. 

Romans 1:16 (ESV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

The Fringe

Jesus heads back to the Decapolis and heals a man with hearing loss and a speech impediment. This man represents those on the fringe; we don’t know whether he’s a Jew or a Gentile. Mark 7:31-37, Isaiah 35:5-6

Mark 7:31-35 (NLT) Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!

• (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) This miracle is recorded only by Mark. It concludes a narrative cycle, 6:32-7:37, with the people’s confession about Jesus (7:37). This event prefigured the opening of the disciples’ “ears” (cf. 8:18, 27-30). A second narrative cycle begins in 8:1 and climaxes in the disciples’ confession (8:27-30).
• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) The Decapolis (see comment on 5:20) was largely Gentile, but many Jews also lived there.
  • (Zondervan Bible Commentary (1 Vol.)) The man in question, though living in a Gentile district, was probably Jewish, for Jesus addressed him when healing him in Aramaic.
• (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) (mogilalon, “speaking with difficulty”). This rare word occurs only here and in the Septuagint of Isaiah 35:6
  • Isaiah 35:6 (NLT) The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.
• (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) Some scholars point out that magicians often spoke unintelligible phrases during healings. Here, however, Jesus speaks *Aramaic, which would have been known to most people, Jewish or *Gentile, from Syria-Palestine (cf. also Mk 14:36). It was probably particularly common in the villages and rural areas.
• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) Jesus’ sigh should be seen as something that accompanied his inner communion with the Father. Jesus’ prayer consisted of only a single word–Ephphatha (an Aramaic word that Mark, as usual, explains).
• (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) In healing this man, Jesus used sign language and symbolic acts (which Mark did not explain) that uniquely suited the man’s needs and caused him to exercise faith.
  • (New Bible Commentary) Looking up to heaven and sighing were visible pictures of prayer that a deaf and dumb man could understand.
• (Zondervan Bible Commentary (1 Vol.)) Jesus then commanded the man’s ears to be opened. He did not command also that his tongue be released, realizing that his difficulty in speaking was simply a secondary consequence of his inability to hear.
  • (Bible Knowledge Commentary (2 Vols.)) Defective speech usually results from defective hearing, both physically and spiritually.
• Not sure which is grosser, that Jesus got this man’s ear wax on his fingers or that he put his saliva on the man’s tongue.  
• Both healings were brought about because of intercession – the mother came for her daughter, the crowd brought the deaf man to Jesus. Who are you interceding for? 

Close

This section of scripture teaches us that sometimes the people furthest from God end up having the greatest faith.

How far away do you feel from God?

• Some of you feel unworthy, too far for him to reach…
• On the other end of the spectrum are those who think they are close, secretly judging the unworthy ones
• Today’s text has something for everyone…

Mark 7:36-37 (NLT) Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.”

• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) The statement “he has done everything well” reminds us of Ge 1:31: “God saw all that he made, and it was very good”; Mark goes on again to remind us of the messianic significance of this miracle by words that reflect Isa 35:5-6. Undoubtedly for Mark the significance of this miracle was the proclamation of the Gospel in the territory of the Gentiles, a sign of the messianic activity of Jesus.

In Mark 8:11-21 Jesus confronts confusion from two directions: faithless antagonism from the Pharisees and clueless questions from his disciples. 

• Q: Have you ever doubted your faith?
• Today’s passage shows us the difference between disbelief and doubt
  • We all have doubts, confusion about Jesus, still trying to get the right picture of him
  • That is different from disbelief – making up your mind that you’re not going God’s way. You’ve already set your course
  • John 7:16-17 My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.

Testing Jesus

The Pharisees demanded that Jesus show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. Jesus emphasized that true faith cannot be tested like this.

Mark 8:11-13 (NLT) When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived, they came and started to argue with him. Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. When he heard this, he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign.” So he got back into the boat and left them, and he crossed to the other side of the lake.

• Do you ever find yourself wanting to see something magical or extraordinary to believe in it? Well, that’s exactly what the Pharisees in Jesus’ time were doing. They demanded that Jesus perform a spectacular miracle to prove his authority. But here’s the thing: faith is not just about being wowed by miraculous signs. It’s about something deeper.
• But the Pharisees’ problem ran deeper than this. They didn’t actually want to believe in Jesus. They were looking for proof to disbelieve in him, and his response confirmed their preconceptions. They didn’t have ears to hear. 

1 Corinthians 1:18-24 (NLT) The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

The Yeast

Jesus warned his disciples about the “yeast” of the Pharisees and of Herod – a symbol that represented a corrupting influence that causes us to miss Jesus. This influence can be religious, sensual, or cultural.

Mark 8:14-15 (NLT) But the disciples had forgotten to bring any food. They had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat. As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.”

• • Have you ever baked bread? If so, you know that just a small amount of yeast can make the dough rise and expand. Yeast, in this context, symbolizes a pervasive and corrupting influence. It’s like a sneaky troublemaker that spreads throughout the dough. Similarly, the teachings and hypocrisy of the Pharisees (and also Herod!) had a negative impact on people’s faith. Jesus wanted his disciples to be aware of this influence and guard themselves against it. Let’s break it down:
    • Religious influence: the yeast of the Pharisees
      • Two weeks ago, “tradition of the elders”
      • Cancel God’s word and substitute our own tradition
    • Sensual influence: the yeast of Herod
      • Recall the story of Herod and JTB (Mark 6.2)
        • John the Baptist had called out Herod’s sin, so Herod (disturbed but also curious) locked him up. 
        • In a moment of weakness Herod sold out John the Baptist (instead of listening to him) and had him beheaded. 
    • Other cultural influences that spread misinformation (yeast)
      • Examples
        • Sexuality, gender
        • Abortion – moving the line – “older people who identified as evangelicals were more anti-abortion in 2020 than they were in 2016, while younger white evangelicals became more in favor of abortion rights.”

Still Blind

Jesus rebuked the disciples for their failure to understand his teachings and the significance of his presence with them. This emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment and a deeper comprehension of Jesus’ message beyond the physical realm.

Mark 8:16-21 (NLT) At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?’ Don’t you remember anything at all? When I fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread, how many baskets of leftovers did you pick up afterward?”

“Twelve,” they said.

“And when I fed the 4,000 with seven loaves, how many large baskets of leftovers did you pick up?”

“Seven,” they said.

“Don’t you understand yet?” he asked them.

• Imagine being with Jesus day in and day out, witnessing his miracles and hearing his profound teachings. But despite all that, the disciples still struggled to understand the true meaning of his message. They were like people with their eyes wide open, yet unable to see the truth. Jesus confronted them, asking why they were arguing about not having enough bread.

Close

• (New Bible Commentary) We too need to be constantly on our guard against the ‘spirit of the age’ or the thinking and teaching of the other religions that surround us. Christ’s way is totally different from the way of the world, which we read about in papers, hear on radio, or see on television.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Ironically, the Gentiles in the previous story who were “far off” (8:3; Eph 2:13-14) are closer to Jesus than those of his own faith and people like the Pharisees.

Intro

Mark 8:22-30 starts with a healing and ends with a declaration. It causes us to ask a simple question: What stage are you in with your pursuit of God?

• Previous interaction with the Pharisees happened in Dalmanutha, also called Magdala, which is on the west side of the Sea of Galilee, about halfway down as you’re looking at a map. Bethsaida is on the northern end of the Sea of Galilee, East and a little North of Capernaum.   
• As they were crossing the lake, Jesus had warned his disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod. They didn’t understand what he was talking about.  Jesus says, “You have eyes – can’t you see?”  The disciples should have been able to understand more than they did at that point.  They had eyes.  They had seen the miracles of Jesus.  They had seen the disbelief and contempt from their religious leaders.  They had seen the simple faith of people that their culture said were far from God.  This charge of “You have eyes – can’t you see” is going to have a direct connection to the miracle we’re looking at today.  

The Miracle 

Jesus lays his hand on the blind man and does something unusual: he heals in stages. At first the man can’t see clearly, then Jesus touches him again and his sight is completely restored. Mark 8:22-26

Mark 8:22-26 (NLT) When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?” The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.” Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.”

Commentary:

• We again see the hectic pace of Jesus’ ministry.  As soon as they arrived, people were bringing someone to him for healing. 
• People were interceding on behalf of this man. Similarly to the healing of the deaf and mute man in Mark chapter 7, crowds are bringing him to Jesus and asking Jesus to lay hands on him and heal him. Jesus often healed with a touch.  He didn’t have to do this.  He could simply speak healing if he chose to do so.  He’s all powerful.  
• Jesus takes the man off, away from the crowds.  This is a pattern we’ve seen often in the gospel of Mark.  Jesus is trying to keep the miracle a secret so as not to escalate tensions with the religious leaders before their appointed time. 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Particularly in Mark, where there are more references to laying on of hands than in any other gospel, all but one instance occurs in the context of healings.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The two primary purposes of laying on of hands in the Old Covenant were to transfer either animals or persons from the profane to the sacred by consecrating them to God. When Jesus lays hands on people the effect is rather the opposite, however, for the profane is no longer elevated to the sacred, as in the OT, but rather by bestowing God’s holy and healing presence on ordinary, common, and even sinful people, Jesus brings the sacred to the profane.

The Metaphor

The two-stage healing is a metaphor for what Jesus’ disciples were experiencing on a spiritual level. Throughout the book of Mark the disciples were progressively gaining clarity on the true identity of Jesus. Mark 8:22-26

• He asks the man, “Can you see anything?”  This question echoes the question Jesus asked his disciples as they were crossing the lake.  This miracle is not just a miracle that brings healing to the blind man; it is a teaching moment for the disciples.  This healing is going to be a metaphor for the spiritual blindness that Jesus is gradually removing from the disciples.  Jesus could have clearly healed the man instantly.  He’s already performed more amazing miracles, including raising a dead girl to life and healing a paralytic.  This is probably one of those instances where after the disciples had seen the risen Jesus and after they were filled with the Holy Spirit they were like, “Oh, now I get it. Now I see why he brought his sight back gradually.” There were a lot of teaching moments like that for the disciples.  
  • For example: John 12:16 His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him. 
  • The context of this passage is when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey and it was only later that they realized it was a fulfillment of prophecy.  

• • It takes a work from God to see spiritual things clearly.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit for believers.  
    • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The healing of the blind man of Bethsaida is the only miracle in the Gospels that proceeds in stages rather than being instantly effected…. The two-stage cure in the present miracle thus suggests a process of revelation – as much for the disciples, we suspect, as for the blind man at Bethsaida.

• Have you had a similar experience where you’ve read a passage in the Bible that you’ve read many times before, but your eyes were opened to a truth you had missed or maybe to a connection to Jesus that you hadn’t seen before? 

Mark 8:24 (NLT) The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.”

The Declaration

In Caesarea Philippi Peter makes a personal declaration of faith. This is the first time a character in the story echoes the truth of the book’s opening verse. Mark 8:27-30, Mark 1:1

Mark 8:27-30 (NLT) Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.” But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

• So many different opinions about who Jesus was.  Most of them were wrong.  Much like today – there are many wrong opinions about Jesus – He was a great teacher, healer, prophet, our example – Some of those are partially true, but they all fall short of who Jesus is.  He is the perfect lamb of God, our rescuer, God With Us.  
• It seems like Peter finally has it – “You are the Messiah”, but he still only partially sees the truth about who Jesus is.  That’s going to be obvious multiple times in the remaining parts of Mark’s gospel, including next week’s story.  He’s still got the wrong idea about what the Messiah was going to do.  He’s envisioning the conquering King Messiah who is going to overthrow the Roman government and restore rightful leadership and dominance to the nation of Israel.  He doesn’t recognize the suffering servant, Messiah.  It won’t be until after the resurrection that his eyes, and the eyes of the rest of the disciples, truly see clearly, who Jesus is. 
• Maybe that describes you as we’ve gone through the gospel of Mark.  God has been giving you more and more clarity about who Jesus is.  You’re starting to see clearly that he came to rescue you from your sin.  You’re beginning to understand your brokenness and your need for a savior.  
• Remember all the way back to the first week of Mark when we only looked at the first verse of chapter 1: This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.[a.  Mark’s goal from the very beginning was to help his readers see that Jesus is the Messiah.  Up to this point, Mark has declared Jesus’ role as Messiah, God has declared who he is “My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”, the demons have declared who Jesus is. Even creation has declared Jesus’ deity by submitting to his commands when he calms the storm. , but this is the first time we see a person declare that Jesus is the Messiah.  We like to tease Peter because he often puts his foot in his mouth, as we’ll see again next week, but he is the first person to declare Jesus is the Messiah. 
• Pillar New Testament Commentary) The ability to see, both physically and spiritually, is a gift of God, not of human ability. We hear nothing of the man’s faith or behavior in the present story. There is no hint that as his faith grew his healing progressed. His healing from failed sight to partial sight to complete sight comes solely from the repeated touch of Jesus. His healing exemplifies the situation of the disciples who move through the same three stages… 
  • from non-understanding (8:17-21) 
  • to misunderstanding (8:29-33) 
  • to complete understanding (15:39)
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The disciples will be no longer blind, but their vision will remain imperfect and blurred, for they do not understand the meaning of Messiahship. Only at the cross and resurrection will they, like the man at Bethsaida, see “everything clearly” (v. 25).
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Responses of faithfulness to Jesus have been few and sporadic, and when faithfulness has been found, it has surprisingly come from “outsiders” – 
  • from an unclean woman (5:25-34), 
  • a Syro-phoenician woman (7:24-30), 
  • a Gentile deaf-mute (7:31-37). 
• Declarations of Jesus’ true identity as God’s Son have been given 
  • by Mark as narrator (1:1), 
  • by God (1:9-11), 
  • and by demons (1:25; 3:11; 5:7), 
  • but not yet by humans. 
• Caesarea Philippi is the first breakthrough in the human plot of the Gospel. 
  • Caesarea Philippi was an unlikely place for the first proclamation of Jesus as Messiah, for its population was chiefly non-Jewish. It was also the site of two painful memories to Jews. 
    • It was in Caesarea Philippi that Antiochus IV gained a decisive victory over Egypt in 200 B.C., causing Palestine to fall to the Seleucids and plunging the whole region into twenty years of war following the Maccabean Revolt in 168 B.C. 
    • The city was also famous for its sanctuary to Pan (from which the city gained the name Caesarea Panias). Half man and half goat, Pan was revered as guardian of flocks and nature and worshiped in a grotto at the foot of Mount Hermon next to the cave from which one of the three major tributaries of the Jordan River gushes forth. 
  • It is here in the outer regions of paganism and even hostility to Judaism that Jesus is first proclaimed Messiah!
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) They must separate themselves from the majority opinion and risk a personal confession. Faith expresses itself in a public confession of Jesus, and neither faith nor confession is a proxy vote. There is a difference between judgment and confession: we may be instructed by the judgments of others, but the declaration that Jesus is the Christ depends on a believer’s personal confession.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Jesus is not content to know what others think and say of him. His mission is not decided by his standing in the polls but by the judgment of each follower whom he has called.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Only God and demons have recognized Jesus as Messiah in Mark so far. No human actor has yet declared Jesus to be Messiah.
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The most common conception of the Messiah in pre-Christian texts is as an eschatological king. Otherwise, the messianic hope remained fairly general. Through the Messiah God would establish and protect an everlasting kingdom over all the earth. The Messiah would be the perfect king chosen by God from eternity, through whom God would first deliver Israel from its enemies and then cause Israel to live in peace and tranquillity thereafter (Sib. Or. 3:286-294).
    • “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will raise up to David a righteous branch, a King, who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land'” (Jer 23:5).
    • Spoiler: they still missed it, as we’ll see next week…

God is continually working to reveal himself to us. The defining moment is when we make a personal declaration of faith in Jesus.

Romans 10:9-10 (NLT) If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

Introduction:

Have you ever stopped to consider the cost of following Jesus? In Mark 8:31-9:1, an extraordinary moment unfolds as Jesus reveals his hidden identity and discusses its profound implications for his disciples. It raises a challenging question that continues to resonate with us today: Are we truly willing to endure suffering for the sake of Jesus? Let’s delve deeper into the context of this passage and explore the transformative message it carries.

Jesus’ Unexpected Mission:

Imagine the scene: Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, gathers his disciples and drops a bombshell. He explains that he must undergo immense suffering, death, and ultimately resurrection (Mark 8:31). This revelation shattered the prevailing Jewish expectations of a triumphant and victorious Messiah. The disciples’ minds were likely reeling as they grappled with the revolutionary nature of Jesus’ true purpose.

Peter’s Misunderstanding and Jesus’ Response:

Now, let’s put ourselves in the sandals of Peter. Filled with conviction, he boldly declares Jesus as the Messiah. Yet, just moments later, he takes Jesus aside to offer some well-intentioned advice, mistakenly trying to set him straight about the path he should take (Mark 8:32-33). Jesus, with firmness and compassion, corrects Peter’s limited perspective, revealing the magnitude of the mission at hand. It becomes evident that the disciples struggled to comprehend the full depth and radical implications of Jesus’ identity.

Taking Up the Cross:

Here’s where the journey becomes challenging. Jesus turns to the crowd and his disciples, proclaiming that being his follower comes at a cost (Mark 8:34-38). He calls upon them, and by extension, all believers, to take up their crosses. But this is no mere symbolic gesture; it demands radical self-denial. Jesus beckons us to surrender our own desires, ambitions, and comforts in order to align ourselves with God’s greater purpose. It requires an unwavering commitment to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives.

The Kingdom of God and Suffering:

Jesus reveals that his death and resurrection inaugurated the Kingdom of God, ushering in a new era (Mark 9:1). Yet, throughout history, participating in this Kingdom has often come at a steep price. Countless followers of Jesus have faced persecution, suffering, and even martyrdom. However, despite these trials, Jesus reminds us that the rewards of following him far outweigh any hardships we may encounter. The joy, peace, and eternal hope found in embracing the Kingdom of God surpass any fleeting comfort or security the world offers.

Conclusion:

In Mark 8:31-9:1, Jesus pulls back the veil, unveiling his true identity and the remarkable implications it holds for his disciples. The call to follow him comes at a price, requiring a willingness to endure suffering for his sake. Throughout history, brave and faithful followers of Jesus have answered this call, understanding that the Kingdom of God transcends temporal circumstances. Today, we are confronted with the same challenging question: Are we willing to endure suffering for Jesus?

In Mark 9:2-13 tells the story of the transfiguration of Jesus. The lesson is clear: Jesus is more than a prophet of God; he is God.

We’ve been studying Jesus for months now through this book. Now we come to a climax, a vision. 

• C.S. Lewis gave a series of talks over the BBC at the height of WW2. Those talks were then compiled into a book called “Mere Christianity”. Here’s probably the most famous quote from the book: “I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic– on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg– or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.

Three Prophets

Jesus gives his inner circle a glimpse of his divinity, mirroring Moses’ Mount Sinai experience in Exodus. Moses and Elijah then appear, proving the continuity of Jesus’ mission with the Law and Prophets. 

Mark 9:2-4 (NLT) Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Mark’s “six days” is most probably a chronological parallel with Moses’ six-day sojourn on Mount Sinai (Exod 24:16), thus establishing the first of many points of contact with that seminal event in Israel’s history.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The vision is not of their doing, but is a divine revelation to them, modeled after the greatest revelation of God in the OT on Mount Sinai. True insight into the mysterious Son of Man is afforded not by human wisdom but by divine revelation.
  • Exodus 33:21-23 (NLT) The LORD continued, “Look, stand near me on this rock. As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.”
• Why Moses and Elijah? 
  • First, Representative of the Law and Prophets. Consider last words of the OT:
    • Malachi 4:4-6 (NLT) “Remember to obey the Law of Moses, my servant—all the decrees and regulations that I gave him on Mount Sinai for all Israel. Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the LORD arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
    • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The appearance of Moses and Elijah in the transfiguration narrative likely recalls this passage and their prophetic roles as joint preparers of the final Prophet to come (so Deut 18:15, 18 [see also 4Q175, lines 5-8], Mal 4:5-6).
  • Second, shows continuity of Jesus with OT
    • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The presence of Moses and Elijah thus signifies that Jesus is not a “walk on” in the divine economy, nor is his revelation as Son of God (v. 7) an anomaly or arbitrary expression of the divine will. Rather, the presence of Moses and Elijah as forerunners attests to the culmination of a purposeful revelation of God’s Son with the history of Israel.

Only Jesus

Peter panics at the sight of this transfiguration, offering to build memorials for these three legendary characters. The Father draws attention to only Jesus, and suddenly the other two are gone. 

Mark 9:5-8 (NLT) Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified.

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them.

Just Listen

On the way back down the mountain the disciples are fixated on what the teachers were saying about Elijah. Jesus brings the focus back to what the Scriptures were saying about him. 

Mark 9:9-13 (NLT) As they went back down the mountain, he told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by “rising from the dead.” Then they asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?” Jesus responded, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. Yet why do the Scriptures say that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be treated with utter contempt? But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they chose to abuse him, just as the Scriptures predicted.”

• Stop listening to teachers who have it wrong. Just listen to Jesus. He points us back to the Scriptures to see it all with fresh eyes. It’s about Jesus and the shocking plan to save the world hidden in the OT all along: he must suffer and be treated with contempt by the teachers who had it wrong. 
• Just listen to him.

Close

All of scripture puts a spotlight on the person and work of Jesus. Whenever someone turns to him, the veil is taken away.

• 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NLT) But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

The transfiguration offered a respite from the conflict.  It gave Jesus encouragement from the Father and provided another opportunity for the Father to publicly affirm Jesus to Peter, James, and John. After this momentary break, however, it was time for Jesus to again enter the fray.  

Question: Where do you turn when faced with the impossible? 

The Conflict

The enemy’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy – relationships, lives, futures.  We see it in the conflict between the religious leaders and the disciples.  We see it in the demon possessed boy and the demon’s attempts to bring him physical harm and death. 

Mark 9:14-19  When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. 15 When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him.16 “What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked. 17 One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. 18 And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid.[d] So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.”19 Jesus said to them,[e] “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

• Jesus has just returned from the transfiguration on the mountain. We saw last week that Jesus was glorified on the mountain.  He received public affirmation from God the Father.  This had to be encouraging as the ministry of Jesus marches on towards the cross.  It was a nice break from the constant demands on Jesus, the pressure of the crowds, and the conflict with the religious leaders.  It was a great time to further clarify James’, John’s, and Peter’s understanding of who he was – to help them see a little more clearly like we discussed a few weeks ago. 
• As soon as he’s off the mountain and approaches the other nine disciples, he sees they’re embroiled in conflict with the religious leaders.  Verse 14 says that there is a large crowd surrounding the disciples and the religious leaders are arguing with them.  The text gives us some clues as to what they’re arguing about.  
• A man has brought his son to be healed from a demonic spirit and the disciples were unable to heal him. I’m sure you can get a feel for the accusations made by the religious leaders when the disciples were unable to heal the boy. “See! You’re a fraud! Your Rabbi is a fraud! If you had proper authority, you’d be able to heal this boy. If you were following the teachings of the elders and adhering to all of the oral traditions, you would be able to deliver him from this evil spirit.  If this teacher of yours was really who he said he was, you’d be able to do it.”  It’s probably a good thing James, John, and Peter were with Jesus during all this or they probably would have wanted to throw hands when the arguing started.  
• It’s interesting that the religious leaders don’t offer to heal the boy to prove that truth is on their side.  They just criticize. This would have been a great way to show all the people crowded around that God had empowered them to bring healing to the boy, but they didn’t.  They were more concerned with denouncing the disciples than caring for this man and his son.  I hope we’re never more concerned with proving our point than in ministering to the people we’re in conflict with.  We want to speak truth in love.  There should be a purpose in our conflict with others that is above and beyond just proving we’re right. 
• Scripture tells us that this evil spirit caused the boy to be mute. This might be one of the reasons the religious leaders didn’t try to heal him.  It was a superstition of that time that you needed to know the name of the evil spirit to exercise authority over him.  If the boy was mute, there would be no way to get the evil spirit to identify himself.  This would have made the evil spirit even more difficult to remove in the minds of the religious leaders and maybe some of that had carried over into the minds of the disciples and that is one reason they were unsuccessful.  
• John 10:10  The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
  • We see the devil’s purpose on full display.  He’s destroying relationships. He’s trying to bring physical harm, even death to the young boy. It throws him violently to the ground.  He foams at the mouth.  He grinds his teeth. This sounds like symptoms of epilepsy.  It tells us later in the passage that it has thrown him into water and into fire to try and destroy him. Our culture tries to paint this idea that the devil has some hang ups and some areas of cruelty but he has some redeeming qualities.  Numerous TV shows and movies have tried to present this “softer” looking devil.  That is a lie from the pit of hell.  He has no redeeming qualities. He seeks only to kill and steal and destroy. He is in utter rebellion against the perfect, Holy God of the universe and he knows  he can’t win so he’s just hoping to take as many down with him as he can. 
  • The Bible tells us our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the evil rulers of this world.  In this particular situation, it is clear that an evil spirit was the cause of the epilepsy.  Here is where people seem to want to go to one of two extremes.  On one side, they want to deny the spiritual and act like any physical or mental ailment is a result of some chemical, anatomical, genetic, or physiological failure; and on the other side we want to attribute every ailment to spiritual warfare.  Neither of those are healthy.  We live in a broken, fallen world.  Sometimes our bodies just break down.  But to think that all of a sudden the devil just stopped warring on us like he did in Biblical times is silly.  I have no doubt that some of the mental and physical illness we see around us has a demonic connection, but not all of it does.  
  • Don’t blame demonic influence for causing you to turn left at that intersection even though the light had already turned red. You just saw the guy before you go and figured your time is more valuable than everyone else’s and your errands are more important so you ran it. And if you’re going to keep doing that, take that fish sticker off of your car.  
  • Jesus is frustrated with the situation.  He’s frustrated at the lack of faith.  He calls the people faithless.  Who’s he talking to?  The religious leaders, the crowds, and even the disciples.  The disciples weren’t able to deliver the boy.  Jesus had given them authority over demons.  They had healed others, but something caused them to be ineffective here.  Maybe they felt more pressure because of the eyes of the religious leaders.  Maybe they got prideful. “Now is our chance to show these guys that even though we didn’t study under them, we’re more powerful than they are.”  I think the end of the passage gives us some clues and we’ll get there in a little bit.  
  • Jesus is annoyed at their lack of faith. We see the long-suffering of Jesus on full display.  He isn’t always happy with us, but he loves us in spite of that.  He went to the cross in spite of his frustration at our lack of faith.  We don’t always give Jesus “warm fuzzies”.  He was annoyed at the lack of faith.  That may not line up with your picture of Jesus.  You might even find that offensive, but scripture is clear that he was frustrated with their lack of faith. 

The Healing

The father’s faith was small, but he brought what little faith he had to Jesus.  He was honest about the limits of his faith and begged Jesus to increase it. 

So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.21 “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. 22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” 23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” 24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

• Here is another example of how the demons know exactly who Jesus is.  As soon as this evil spirit sees Jesus, it throws the child into a violent convulsion.  The religious leaders don’t recognize Jesus for who he is.  Most of the crowd doesn’t.  The disciples are still trying to figure it out, although they’re making progress, but the demons know.  This is James 2:19 played out for all to see: You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.
• This evil spirit sees Jesus, acknowledges the power of Jesus and sends the boy into a violent convulsion to try and inflict as much pain as possible before being cast out.  
• You can hear the desperation in the father’s voice as he begs, “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”  “If I can?” Jesus asked.  Do you know who you’re talking to?  Do you know who I am?  If anybody else said that, we’d call them arrogant or prideful.  When Jesus says it, he’s just reminding us of the glory and honor due him.  He’s the King of all Kings.  He’s God in the flesh! What do you mean if I can?  Contrast this statement with the leper back in Mark chapter 1.  He said, “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” His doubt wasn’t about the greatness of Jesus, it was about the goodness of Jesus.  This father seems to believe that Jesus is good, he’s coming to him, but he doesn’t know if he’s great.  He doesn’t know if he’s powerful.  
• Jesus tells him, “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Then the father utters one of the most honest statements in all of the Bible.  A statement that I can so relate to, one that I’ve uttered on more than one occasion. “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief.”  What a powerful statement! 
• The guy’s not lying.  He did have some belief.  He wouldn’t have come to Jesus in the first place if he was filled with disbelief.  Back in verse 17 he said, “Teacher I brought my son so you could heal him.” He genuinely believed that Jesus could do something about his desperate situation or he wouldn’t have traveled there in the first place.  This dad was likely a Jew.  He addresses Jesus as teacher or master, depending upon the translation you have.  The original Greek word is didaskalo.  It’s used 31 times in the NT and in most every case it’s used, the person addressing Jesus by this term is Jewish. So he was subjecting himself to all sorts of ridicule and potential discipline by the religious leaders for bringing his son to Jesus.  You don’t do that unless you have at least some belief that he can do something. We talked a few weeks ago about disbelief versus doubt.  Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith, disbelief is.  This man had doubt.  He was honest about his doubt.  He recognized he needed Jesus’ help to overcome that doubt.  
• Hebrews 11 – Hall of Faith – Abraham, Sarah, Gideon, David are in the faith Hall of fame and all had periods of doubt.  Abraham lied twice about Sarah being his wife because he doubted God’s ability to protect him.  Sarah laughed when she first heard she’d have a child in her old age.  Gideon put God to all sorts of tests before he would step out in obedience.  Read the psalms and you’ll see David struggled at times with all kinds of doubt.  But all of them took that doubt to God.  In the end, they made up their mind to believe him and stand on his promises and his character. 
• I want to make sure it doesn’t sound like this puts Jesus in a situation where he has to grant our wishes like some cosmic genie.  We know that all things are possible when we believe, but that doesn’t mean we always know God’s will.  Jesus models this in his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night he was betrayed.  Mark 14:36 36 “Abba, Father,”[g] he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” – Jesus knew everything was possible with God the Father.  It wasn’t a question of if God could.  It was a question of God’s will being done. 

Mark 9:25-26 When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil[f] spirit. “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,” he said. “I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!”26 Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up. 

• After the father’s request for Jesus to help him overcome his unbelief, Jesus notices that the crowd is growing.  As Jesus has often done in the gospel of Mark, he’s trying not to cause too big of a scene with this healing. He commands the spirit to come out of the boy and never enter him again. 
• Jesus heals the boy, in spite of the man’s small faith.  He heals him in spite of the fact that he is annoyed by the unbelief and faithlessness of those around. He not only delivers this boy from the evil spirit, he forbids the spirit from ever entering him again.  
• The evil spirit knows his time is up so he takes one last shot at trying to destroy the boy.  He goes into another violent convulsion before he leaves, but this leaves the boy motionless on the ground.  It appears the boy has died.  The verse says a murmur ran through the crowd.  It seems that Jesus let the tension sit in the air awhile.  The crowds were looking on and they begin to pass the word to one another – he’s dead.  I wonder what was going through the dad’s mind.  He just prayed for Jesus to help him overcome his unbelief and now it seems like he’s lost his son! It didn’t work! The plan failed.  Jesus wasn’t powerful enough!  The enemy won.  But just when it looked like all hope was lost, Jesus reaches down and picks him up by the hand and he stands up.  In the ESV it says Jesus took him by the hand and he arose! Does that sound familiar?  I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this miracle takes place between two conversations where Jesus tells the disciples explicitly that he’s going to be killed and rise again.  Just like the gradual healing of the blind man a couple of weeks ago was a metaphor, so is this healing.  When Jesus goes to the cross, it’s going to look like the plan didn’t work.  It’s going to look like the enemy won and Jesus isn’t powerful enough.  But he’s going to arise! The grave is no match for him, just like this evil spirit in the boy was no match for him.  

The Lesson 

The most important factor isn’t the measure of our faith; it is the object of our faith. It takes a consistent recognition of our dependence upon God and his power.  Prayer is one of the most effective spiritual disciplines to remind us of our dependence upon him. 

Mark 9:28-29 Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?”29 Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.[

• There’s no indication that the father’s faith grew drastically as he asked Jesus to help him overcome his unbelief.  That’s not what caused Jesus to heal the boy.  The man did recognize his dependence on Jesus.  He knew he couldn’t even overcome his unbelief unless Jesus helped him.  
• When the dust settled and Jesus had retired into a home with his disciples they ask, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?”  Jesus replied this kind can only be cast out by prayer.  What does prayer do?  Prayer forces us to recognize our dependence on God.  We don’t go to God in prayer to inform him of anything.  He already knows.  He’s all-knowing.  Yet, he invites us to come and lift our needs to him and this reminds us how utterly dependent upon him we are.  
• In some translations in Matthew’s version of this incident in Matthew 17, he tells the disciples that this kind of demon can only be brought out by prayer and fasting.  Both prayer and fasting focus our attention on God.  They remind us of the object of our faith.  The disciples had forgotten who had given them the authority to cast out demons.  They forgot their authority was from the God of the universe. Maybe they had become prideful and were looking to their own power or maybe, with the pressure of the on-looking religious leaders, they simply began to doubt Jesus and the authority he had given them.  
• He then tells them in the Matthew account that if they had the faith of a mustard seed they could move mountains.  It’s the object of our faith that is most important.  Jesus definitely wants our faith to grow.  This passage is clear that he was annoyed by their lack of faith, but if he is the object of our faith, he is patient with us.  He helps us to grow that faith muscle. 

The Takeaway

I want to go back to the question we asked at the beginning of the podcast: Where do you turn when faced with the impossible?  Do you turn to family, friends, your own power or resources?  Or do you turn to Jesus?  The Bible says that all of us face an impossible situation – overcoming our sin problem and restoring our relationship with God by our own effort.  We can’t do it.  It doesn’t just seem impossible, it is impossible.  But God, in his mercy, sent Jesus., who lived the perfect life that we couldn’t live.  He went to the cross and paid the price we should have paid and when we turn to him and ask him to forgive us and trust in his finished work on the cross, this amazing miracle happens.  We become children of God.  So, if you’ve never done that, with whatever amount of faith you have, turn to him and say Jesus, I believe.  Help my unbelief.  I may not have all the answers.  I still have some doubt, but with all I have I trust you and surrender to you.  If you did that for the first time and would like to get connected with a mentor to help walk with you as you pursue Jesus in this newness of life, reach out to us at pursuegod.org.  We’ll see you next week as we talk about the Upside Down Kingdom.

In Mark 9:30-50 Jesus reveals the key to greatness in the Kingdom of God: humility. This truth flows from Jesus’ surprising mission of self-sacrifice.

• What do you believe is the key to greatness?

Mark 9:30-32 (NLT) Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” They didn’t understand what he was saying, however, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant.

• Mark Ch. 8 was the beginning of their training and preparation for the end of Jesus’ ministry here on earth. That was the first time Jesus brought up his death, a cross, and the cost of discipleship. They’re still not seeing things clearly. This shows us that faith is a progression from the initial truths of the gospel to learning how to apply Christ’s teaching to life and ministry.

Great Debate

The disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom. Jesus uses their display of pride and ignorance to teach them the surprising pathway to greatness.

Mark 9:33-35 (NLT) After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

• They’re embarrassed about their argument, so they fell silent. But how did this come up? Let’s review:
  • (2 weeks ago) Jesus had taken three of them up on the mountain. Favorites? Or most in need of his attention? 
  • (last week) The other 9 were unable to cast out a demon (more on this later), so they were feeling a bit insecure. 
• As always, Jesus sat down and turned it into a teachable moment:  “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Then he used a prop to help them understand…

Mark 9:36-37 (NLT) Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”

• • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) We are mistaken if we imagine that Greek and Jewish society extolled the virtues of childhood as do modern societies in general. Societies with high infant mortality rates and great demand for human labor cannot afford to be sentimental about infants and youth. In Judaism, children and women were largely auxiliary members of society whose connection to the social mainstream depended on men (either as fathers or husbands). Children, in particular, were thought of as “not having arrived.” They were good illustrations of “the very last” (v. 35).
  • Humility and servanthood.
    • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The conclusion Jesus draws from the child in his arms is subtle and surprising. The child is not used, as is often supposed, as an example of humility, but as an example of the “little” and insignificant ones whom followers of Jesus are to receive.

• 1 Peter 5:5 (ESV) Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

• The leaders should seek to be the most humble, the most unifying, the most empowering, the most loving, the biggest servant. The disciples had more training to do.
• It’s not about climbing the corporate ladder to become the one who has servants to do his bidding. 
• It’s about becoming the one who elevates others, lifts others (ideas, giftings, opportunities, opinions, vision, etc.) up above themselves and serves rather than the one who rules over.

Mark 10:42-45 (ESV) 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

In The Name

The disciples were offended by an independent exorcist using Jesus’ name. They learned another humbling lesson: the Kingdom of God was larger than their experience of it.

Mark 9:38-41 (NLT) John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”

“Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.”

• • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In complete disregard of the lesson of the preceding story, John regards his call as a disciple not as a call to service, but as an entitlement of privilege and exclusion. John’s report that the independent exorcist “‘was not following us'” is depressingly ironic. We should expect him to say “‘because he was not following you.'” It is not a little presumptuous at this stage of discipleship for John to think himself and the other disciples worthy of being followed. This is yet another echo of their inflated self-importance.
  • The disciples were jealous of this man being able to do things that they were struggling with. Or maybe (worse yet) they thought it was illegitimate (he can do it but they can’t?!)
  • 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NLT) There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
  • Note: he goes from talking about someone doing miracles (greatness?) to someone giving his disciples a cup of water (humble service = true greatness). 
    • And we’re back to the idea of “belonging” to the group of Jesus followers. Interesting that someone is giving them the cup of water. Puts the disciples in the recipient role, like a child.
    • Matthew 25:40 (NLT) “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
  • This does not mean that the unknown exorcist shouldn’t get more clarity about Jesus. It shows us that God is moving in the world through all levels of spiritual maturity. They don’t have the time to correct everyone. There’s a mission to be accomplished.

• Philippians 1:15-18 (ESV) Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Little Ones

The reality of hell should humble anyone who thinks they’ve got it all figured out. Even those in the highest positions at church are susceptible to sin, especially pride.

Mark 9:42-48 (NLT) “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The placement of the saying here applies its truth to the independent exorcist in v. 38 who was put down by John. It becomes an admonition not to discount the faith of another because he or she is not affiliated with an official Christian circle.
• The reality of hell should humble anyone who thinks they’ve got it all figured out! Even those in the highest positions at church are susceptible to sin, including pride.
• Jesus talked about hell more than anyone in the Bible. He even said more about it than he did heaven. 
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The Gk. word for “hell” in vv. 43, 45, and 47 is Gehenna, from which the Hinnom Valley, the steep ravine to the southwest of Jerusalem (Josh 15:8) where human sacrifice had been practiced under Ahaz and Manasseh (2 Kgs 16:3; 21:6), derives its name.

Stay Salty

There are many different ingredients that make for true, authentic followers of Jesus. Humility is the seasoning that makes everything we do and stand for in the Christian faith more palatable for those around us.

Mark 9:49-50 (NLT) “For everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Israelite burnt offerings (an unblemished bull, ram, or bird) were required to be wholly consumed by fire in order to be acceptable. Smoke rising from the consuming fire was a pleasing incense to Yahweh (Lev 1). Salt too was not only a sign of the covenant (Num 18:19), but it was required to accompany all Israelite sacrifices (Lev 2:13).
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) If fires of trials and adversity beset the faithful (1 Pet 1:7; 4:12), they do so because of a consequence of their following the Son of Man who must suffer. In costly discipleship to the Son of Man believers become salt and light to the world (Matt 5:13-16).
• Testing humbles us and refines us. The salt is humility! Having this will help us all to be tasteful in our relationships with others inside and outside the church.
• Have you ever cooked an elaborate meal and then went to enjoy it with your family only to realize it doesn’t taste as great as you thought it would? Maybe you forgot the salt!
  • (Application) Humility will make everything you do and stand for in the Christian faith more palatable for those around you. It is the ingredient that pulls it all together. It will help us to be teachable, which is to our benefit as we learn to be more like Christ.

Jesus wants his disciples to understand and follow his teachings. The gospel is of utmost importance. Our position or role in this life isn’t about self importance but rather humble obedience. We should major on the major doctrines and not concern ourselves with minor differences. Sin is the enemy. Hell is real. Let us fight for purity and unity while we give God the glory. 

In Mark 10:1-12 Jesus answers some difficult questions about divorce and remarriage. Understanding the Jewish context unlocks the mystery for married couples in every generation.

Q: What does God think about divorce?

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Marriage and divorce were in Jesus’ day, as they are in ours, matters of great interest and controversy. In ancient Judaism, marriage was not regarded as a union of equals for the mutual benefit of both husband and wife, but rather as an institution whose chief purpose was the establishment and continuance of the family and whose chief enemy was childlessness. Mark’s placement of Jesus’ teaching on marriage at the beginning of this section signals the importance of the marital union in the kingdom of God. In Judaism the foremost responsibility of an observant Jewish male was knowledge and mastery of Torah, under which he was expected to order the necessities of life, among them marriage. Jesus, however, teaches that marriage is not a male-dominated institution but a new creation of God, to which both husband and wife are equally responsible to practice discipleship in lifelong obedience.

The Trap

The Jewish law permitted divorce (Deuteronomy 24), but the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by asking him to clarify the boundaries. They wanted to force his interpretation of a passage that they themselves clearly misunderstood.

Mark 10:1-2 (NLT) Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them. Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?”

• “…for any and every reason” is implied here (Mt 19:3), since Jewish law clearly permitted divorce (Deut 24). From the Mishnah:
  • The School of Shammai say: A man may not divorce his wife unless he has found unchastity in her, for it is written, “Because he hath found in her indecency in anything.” 
  • And the School of Hillel say: [He may divorce her] even if she spoiled a dish for him, for it is written, “Because he hath found in her indecency in anything.” 
  • R. Akiba says: Even if he found another fairer than she, for it is written, “And it shall be if she find no favour in his eyes” (m. Git. 9.10).
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Not even among the Essenes at Qumran, the most conservative faction of Judaism in Jesus’ day, was divorce expressly forbidden.
• How was this a trap?
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) If Jesus is in Perea, which was under Antipas’s jurisdiction, the question may have been put to trap him on the issue of Antipas’s marriage to Herodias, over which the Baptist had lost his head (6:18). If that is the context of the question, then Jesus is being asked whether Antipas was justified or not in divorcing the daughter of King Aretas to marry Herodias.
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) They intend to demolish his position by causing him to compromise the authority of Torah. Their objective is to maintain a permissive divorce policy – and the more permissive the better.

Mark 10:3-4 (NLT) Jesus answered them with a question: “What did Moses say in the law about divorce?” “Well, he permitted it,” they replied. “He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away.”

• Deuteronomy 24:1-2 (NLT) “Suppose a man marries a woman but she does not please him. Having discovered something wrong with her, he writes a document of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house. When she leaves his house, she is free to marry another man.”
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The intent of Deut 24:1-4 was manifold. Most obviously, it discouraged hasty divorces by requiring a man to stipulate a reason for divorce in writing, and also by prohibiting him from remarrying his divorced wife. The certificate of divorce guaranteed the divorce at least a modicum of dignity and the right to remarry another man if she chose. It thus safeguarded the rights of the woman as much as possible in a patriarchal culture….
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In the question of the Pharisees in v. 4, however, the reference to Deut 24:1-4 no longer serves to limit the ill-effects of divorce but rather as a pretext for divorce, “if a man finds anything indecent in [his wife].” As we have seen, the pretexts ranged from adultery alone to the most feeble of excuses, including a wife’s failure in simple household duties or failure to please her husband as did another woman.

God’s Intention

Jesus refused to frame marriage through the lens of Moses’ teaching on divorce. 

Instead he brought it back to God’s original intention for marriage: one man and one woman for life. In the process Jesus elevated the position of women in culture.

Mark 10:5-9 (NLT) But Jesus responded, “He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts. But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The exceptional measures necessary when a marriage fails are of no help in discovering the meaning and intention for marriage. Jesus endeavors to recover God’s will for marriage, not to argue about possible exceptions to it. His opponents ask what is permissible, he points to what is commanded. Deuteronomy 24:1-3, he argues, is not a pretext for divorce but an attempt to limit its worst consequences for women. The divine intention for marriage cannot be determined from a text about divorce.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) “‘at the beginning of creation God “made them male and female.”‘” In this pronouncement Jesus again presumes a divine authority resident in himself, for he does not deduce a conclusion from Scripture (as do the scribes), but he declares the will of God as set forth in a creation text over against a legal text from Moses.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) As a sovereign creation, woman is not man’s subject but his equal. Appealing further to a supplementary creation text from Gen 2:24 in vv. 7-8, Jesus declares that a husband’s obligation to a wife surpasses his obligation to his own parents. In the Torah the commandment to honor parents is one of the Ten Commandments of God, and second only to the commandment to honor God (Exod 20:12). But the effect of v. 7 is to declare that a man’s allegiance to his wife in the union of marriage surpasses his allegiance to father and mother, making marriage second only to obedience to God in sacredness.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The greatest difference between Jesus and the rabbis, however, is this: by giving a husband principle control over his wife, the Jewish divorce policy made the man the lord of the marital relationship. According to Jesus, however, it is neither man nor woman who controls marriage, but rather God who is the lord of marriage: “‘what God has joined together, let man not separate.'”

The Answer

Later Jesus gave his disciples a definitive answer about the question of divorce and remarriage. He equates it with adultery, and his warning applies to women as much as men. 

Mark 10:10-12 (NLT) Later, when he was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject again. He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries someone else, she commits adultery.”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Verse 11 is a startling declaration, for in rabbinic understanding a husband’s adultery was reckoned against a woman’s father or husband, not against the woman herself. Jesus’ declaration, however, imputes to women the status of sovereign moral agents.

Close

Jesus’ call to discipleship extends to our marriages, and divorce should never be taken lightly. But divorce is not the unforgivable sin, and God can work through even the most difficult failures.

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The essential thrust of 10:1-12 is the inviolability of the marriage bond as intended and instituted by God. Jesus does not conceive of marriage on the grounds of its dissolution, but on the grounds of its architectural design and purpose by God. Human failure does not alter that purpose (Rom 3:4).
  • Romans 3:3-4 (NLT) True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court.”
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The question in our day of impermanent commitments and casual divorce is whether we as Christians will hear the unique call of Christ to discipleship in marriage. In marriage, as in other areas to which the call of Christ applies, will we seek relief in what is permitted, or commit ourselves to what is intended by God and commanded by Christ?

Intro

In Mark 10:13-16 Jesus was indignant when his disciples tried to keep little children away from him. The irony is that children – and those who share their qualities – are the only ones who make it into the kingdom of God. 

Mark 10:13-16 (ESV) And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

• We saw this a couple weeks ago – children were second class citizens, not highly revered in ancient culture. 
• A contextual point that might matter later, when talking about the characteristics of children. These are not teens or even pre-teens (with cultural attitudes we’re used to).
  • Age of these children: small – Jesus able to take them in his arms
  • Luke uses the word for “infant” = Luke 18:15 says “little children” (NLT)
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) v. 14 is the only passage in the Gospels where Jesus is said to be “indignant.” The word for “indignant” (Gk., aganaktein) means “to arouse to anger,” i.e., to vent oneself in expressed displeasure rather than simply brooding about it. The object of a person’s indignation reveals a great deal about that person. Jesus’ displeasure here reveals his compassion and defense of the helpless, vulnerable, and powerless.
• Jesus identifies the heart of the issue:: “the kingdom of God”. IOW what does God value? Who can belong to him? 
• Q. What does it mean to be “like a child”?
  • Innocence? NO (original sin)
  • Ignorance? NO (you don’t have to check your brains at the door)
  • The issue: what is it that is unique and admirable about children that is not often found in adults?

Unpretentious

Children are unpretentious, not given to putting on airs. God is looking for people who come as they are, not those trying to pad their resumes. 

• The disciples were pretending to be something they weren’t. Who made them the gatekeepers? They were parading / posing. We don’t know their motives entirely. Maybe they wanted to spare Jesus from some hassles. But maybe they wanted people to think they were important.
  • Children don’t do that. What you see is what you get. There is a certain modesty about childhood.
• Compare Matt 18:2-4. 
  • (ESV) At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I way to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
  • The disciples raised a question that probably reveals the underlying heart issue for them. Jesus’ answer: called a little child, placed the child in front of them. “Unless you become like children, you will never enter the kingdom…” The point: the child was not trying or pretending to be great. No ambition, pride, arrogance, hypocrisy.  Jesus adds, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
  • Note: Mark says “kingdom of God”; Matt says “kingdom of heaven.” They are the same thing. Matthew is writing for Jewish audience. Jews never used the name of God, but substituted a euphemism. So instead of saying “kingdom of God” it was considered more devout / reverent to say “kingdom of heaven.” Mark was writing to a more Gentile / pagan audience.
• Matt 11:25 elaborates this idea of unpretentious humility..
  • (NLT) At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.”
  • Luke 18:9-12 (NLT) Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
  • Clear contrast is made between 2 groups: the wise and understanding versus little children. What’s the difference? Wise, knowledgeable people have confidence in themselves. 
• Application: come to God just as you are. No pretense. No faking it. No padding your resume. 
  • Contrast to “religious” people everywhere. 

Powerless

Children are powerless, completely dependent on the grown ups around them. God is looking for people who admit their weakness and their desperate need for help. 

Notice → there’s an implied contrast between the disciples and the children they are not letting in to Jesus

What is the quality of a child that Jesus is referring to here? 

• Powerlessness. Dependence. Weakness. The disciples were throwing their weight around as gatekeepers of access to Jesus. (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The word for “rebuke” is a severe description, used elsewhere in Mark of exorcisms (1:25; 3:12; 9:25), opponents of God’s will (4:39; 8:30-33), or outright censure (10:13, 48). Like Peter, the disciples “do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men” (8:33).
• Why did the disciples rebuke the parents?
  • They were enjoying their little bit of power.
• The contrast is with the powerlessness of these children. Describe how children are powerless compared to adults.
  • Lesson: Only those who embrace their weakness are candidates for the kingdom of God.
  • What’s more, children are content to be dependent on others. (exception: the 2-year old who says “Do it myself!)
  • Thus people who think they measure up to God’s standards are automatically excluded. Religious people who start to crumble under the weight of worthiness or religious demands are starting to discover this truth. 
• Choose 1 or more of these verses for support:
  • Romans 5:6 (NLT) When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”
  • 1 Cor 1:26-28 (ESV) For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.
    • Disciples were thinking about the children like the Pharisees were thinking about them!
  • Titus 3:3-5 (NLT) Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But – When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) We are not innocent and eager, but slow, disbelieving, and cowardly. In this story children are not blessed for their virtues but for what they lack: they come only as they are – small, powerless, without sophistication, as the overlooked and dispossessed of society. To receive the kingdom of God as a child is to receive it as one who has no credits, no clout, no claims. A little child has absolutely nothing to bring, and whatever it receives, it receives by grace on the basis of sheer neediness rather than by any merit inherent in itself. 
• Side note: (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Verse 15, especially, has played a significant role in the discussion of infant baptism. The pericope about Jesus and the children, of course, is about blessing children, not baptizing them, but both the blessing of Jesus and the wording of the narrative establish a positive context in which to consider the question of infant baptism. Calvin argued that if children were brought to Jesus to receive the kingdom, which is the sum of the blessing sealed through baptism, why should they be denied baptism? Cullmann argues that the language of the pericope has been chosen by Mark in order to answer the question of the propriety of infant baptism. Although Cullmann’s point is possible, it seems more probable that the language of early Christian baptism was taken from this passage, for infant baptism was scarcely an issue at the time Mark wrote his Gospel. Nevertheless, the correlations in language between this pericope and later church baptismal liturgies indicate that the church early perceived the significance of this story for the baptism of infants.

What does it look like to be dependent or weak? The issue is how to “receive the kingdom of God” and thus “enter it”. The little children had nothing to commend them to Jesus. There was no reason in them why he should welcome them. They could do nothing for him. In fact, he became their advocate when others refused them. 

Receivers

Children are receivers, not contributors. God is looking for people who delight in him and trust that what he gives is good. 

Jesus: “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” So the question is: how does a person receive the kingdom of God “like a child”?

Jesus talks about receiving something. So I’m going to ask: how does a child receive something offered? How does a child receive a gift? We can think of several answers to that. 

• I thought of “delight”. Describe how children take such delight in opening or choosing a gift.. And delight in the giver. Child might give you a big hug. Or want to spend time with you playing with the gift.
• Children are more receptive; they have not developed skepticism or cynicism. They don’t doubt the value of the gift offered. Don’t think about whether it is worth receiving the gift.
• But most people think of “childlike faith.” Call it “trust”. That phrase is not found in Bible. But “trust” or “faith” has a lot of support in the Bible as a key to entering God’s kingdom. Describe how childlike trust teaches us about faith in Jesus. Eph 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
• Hebrews 12:28-29 (NLT) Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.

Close

By nature all humans are “children of wrath”. But we become children of God when we receive Jesus like a child. Ephesians 2:1-3, John 1:10-13

Mark 10:16 (ESV) (Pillar New Testament Commentary) People wanted Jesus to touch their children (v. 13, see ESV). Jesus did more than touch them, however…. The ritual of blessings was well known in Israel. Noah had blessed Shem and Japheth (Gen 9:26-27), Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau (Gen 27; 28:1-4), and Jacob his sons and grandsons (Gen 48—49).

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In his healing of the sick and aid of the needy, Jesus laid hands on more common people and more frequently than did Jewish society in general. His touch brought blessings, but it was also a blessing, a tangible expression of God’s unconditional love for the unclean, foreigners, women, and children.
• Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked… carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
• John 1:10-13 (NLT) He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

Intro

In Mark 10:17-31 a rich man kneels before Jesus and asks about how to make it to heaven. Jesus’ answer shocks everyone who hears it, especially those who are trying to work their way into heaven. 

Rich Man

The rich man was desperate to get an answer from Jesus, but he failed to recognize the true identity of Jesus and his own identity.  Had he recognized his brokenness, he wouldn’t have asked, “What must I do?” He would have asked, “Will you save me?” 

Mark 10:17-18 (NLT) As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.”

• Jesus was on his way out of town. This man is desperate to get an answer from him before he leaves.  He likely had heard Jesus teach during his time in the region.  At the very least, he had heard from others about Jesus and the kinds of things he had been teaching.  There was something in Jesus’ teaching that caused this man to think that Jesus had the answer to his question.  It’s the most important question we could ever seek the answer to – How can we restore our relationship with God and have eternal life? He runs to Jesus and kneels before him. He’s desperate to catch him before he leaves town.  He’s pursuing him.  We talk all the time about pursuing God. Are we really pursuing him?  Are we chasing him with intent, or are we just wandering around and if we happen to run into him that’s great?  Are we desperate for him to give us answers and guidance? 
• He calls him “Good teacher”.  This title was never applied to rabbis in Jesus’ day.  The title implied perfection and being completely without sin.  Only God was called good by the ancient rabbis.  He’s on the right track, but does he understand why he’s on the right track?  Jesus wants to help the young man really process and think about the gravity of what he is saying.  “Why do you call me good?”  Jesus never denied his goodness.  He didn’t say, “I’m not good.”  He’s trying to help the man understand that he is good because he is God. 
• The young man didn’t truly recognize Jesus’ identity.  The Bible proclaims Jesus is fully God.  Passages like John 1:1, Colossians 1:15, Jesus did things only God can do – power over the elements, walking on water, conquering death. He received worship.  Only God can receive worship.  

Mark 10:19-22 (NLT) But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”

Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

• Because he didn’t recognize Jesus’ identity, he didn’t recognize his own true identity.  He didn’t recognize his brokenness and need for a savior. He thought he was righteous.  He thought he was blameless by the law.  He wasn’t.  He may have looked blameless by the outward letter of the law but he certainly fell short from the heart of the law.  All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.   If he did, he wouldn’t have asked, “What must I do?”  He would have begged Jesus to save him.  
• This man is sincere.  This isn’t like the religious leaders who are trying to trap Jesus with their questions.  He genuinely is seeking the answer. He’s asking the question that no one else has asked Jesus up to this point, at least not that it’s recorded in scripture – not even the disciples.   Notice that Jesus brings up the commandments that deal with our relationships with others.  He doesn’t bring up the first 4 commandments that deal with our relationship with God. We can see from the man’s response that he had allowed wealth to become an idol in his life. He clearly had violated that commandment.  
• Jesus could have called him to task on his claim that he had kept the commandments.  Jesus taught that if you have even looked lustfully at a woman, you’ve committed adultery with her in your heart.  If you’ve hated your brother or sister, you’ve murdered them in your heart.  This man was deceived when he thought he had kept the commandments. He isn’t the only one in the Bible who struggled with this.  This is how the apostle Paul thought before he met Christ.  Philippians 3:6-9 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without faullt 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.[c] For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
• Jesus looked at him lovingly.  He wanted this man to experience real relationship with him, not just some checklist that would never make him right before God. Jesus didn’t tell him to sell his things and give them to the poor because that is the prerequisite to follow him.  That isn’t a blanket commandment that Jesus gave to everyone before they could follow him. He did it because the man loved his wealth more than he loved God.  He was breaking the commandment to have no other gods before me and didn’t even realize it.  
• Even though Jesus promised him treasure in heaven, he left downcast.  He traded an eternity of riches, for momentary wealth.  How would our calendar and checkbook reflect where we’re storing our treasure? 
• The question isn’t “what do I do”, it is “who do I trust”?  
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) No one who heard Jesus teach in Galilee asked a question of such magnitude, nor indeed have Jesus’ own disciples. At last, Jesus is asked the essential question, capable of divulging the meaning of his ministry.
• The man thought works were the key. Jesus knew faith was the key, faith that he is God! The guy knew the ethical commands (last 6), but didn’t really know God (first 4)
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) To the prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and dishonoring of parents, Jesus commands the man not to defraud the poor. This commandment is not found in the Ten Commandments but may have been added because of its relevance to the rich man, since wealth is often gained at the expense of the poor.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Christian readers often assume that the man was hypocritical in bringing his moral report card to Jesus. That would not seem to be the case, however, for Mark says that “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” Jesus did not look on hypocrisy with love…. There must have been something rare and admirable in the man, for of no one else in the Gospel does Mark say Jesus “loved him.”
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) How profoundly ironic is the kingdom of God. The children in the former story who possess nothing are not told they lack anything, but rather that the kingdom of God is theirs; yet this man who possesses everything still lacks something! Only when he sells all he has – only when he becomes like a vulnerable child – will he possess everything. 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In following Jesus the man “will have treasure in heaven” (v. 21). Jesus offers himself as a substitute for the man’s possessions.

The Impossible

Without God moving, it is impossible for anyone to enter the kingdom of God. God had to make a way for us to be forgiven. None of us can do that on our own, rich or poor. Mark 10:23-27

Mark 10:23-27 (NLT) Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”

• Jesus looked around: original word means to observe with a sweeping (encompassing) look and with high personal involvement. He wants to look the disciples in the eyes and see what effect the rich young ruler walking away is going to have on them. Are they all in?  I remember looking into the eyes of the kids I coached when I coached football before we would leave the locker room, and I knew if they were in it or not.  
• He makes this statement – How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God”.  The disciples are astonished! He’s blown their minds.  They think riches are a sign of God’s blessing and favor.  If you’re wealthy, you must be living right.  You must be honoring God. Mark doesn’t give details on exactly what the disciples said in response to Jesus’ statement, but they clearly said something that revealed just how shocked they were.  The NLT says Jesus said again.  In Several translations it says Jesus answered them.  He responded to their questions and astonishment, and he repeats himself.  It is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God.  In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”  
• Without God moving, it is impossible for anyone to enter the kingdom of God.  God had to make a way for us to be forgiven.  God had to fulfill the requirements – living a perfect life.  None of us can do that on our own, rich or poor.  
• Contrast the attitude of a rich person with the children from last week where Jesus said we must receive the kingdom of God as a little child. Children recognize their dependence.  
• We have to come to Jesus in a state of complete dependence.  We don’t bring anything of value to the transaction.  People who have always prided themselves on being independent, self-reliant, and without need often find it harder to see what a desperate situation they’re in spiritually. 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Mark now shifts from the rich man to the disciples, which indicates that the wealth and possessions that prevented one man from following Jesus are also matters of concern for those who do follow Jesus. The relevance of the lesson on possessions for the disciples is implied by the introduction to this verse that “Jesus looked around.” The Gk. word periblepesthai is a key word for Mark, occurring six times in his Gospel and only once elsewhere (Luke 6:10) in the NT. It signifies a commanding survey of the situation, as though Jesus looks to see whether the disciples will follow the rich man’s example.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Commentators have tried to eviscerate the force of this inimitable saying by suggesting that the original Gk. meant “rope” instead of “camel.” Not only is there no textual evidence for such a reading, but it is equally impossible for a rope to go through the eye of a needle. Nor is “the eye of the needle” a small city gate through which camels might enter Jerusalem by kneeling – as though the rich may enter the kingdom of God if only they humble themselves. There is no evidence for this legendary gate until the 9th century A.D.

The Reward

Peter points out that unlike the rich young ruler who went away sad, the disciples had left everything to follow Jesus. Even though they might have been missing the point, Jesus reassures them that they would be rewarded in this life and in the life to come.

Mark 10:28-31 (NLT) Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

• Sound familiar? Peter is now sounding like the confident rich man.
• Although it may sound arrogant, it was a true statement.  The disciples had left homes, businesses, and  families to follow Jesus.  Their reputations were soiled in the eyes of the religious leaders. They’d be kicked out of synagogues, 10 of the 12 would be martyred.  (Judas and John were the exceptions)
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Followers of Jesus must be clear that discipleship is not a “both . . . and,” but an “either . . . or.” Jesus will have no divided allegiances; he will have all of us or he will not have us at all, so jealous is his love.
• Jim Elliott quote: “He is no fool to give up what he can not keep to gain what he can never lose.” 
• Jesus isn’t being literal.  He’s not going to give us 100 wives or 100 mothers or 100 homes.  I think of the relationships I have as a result of my relationship with Jesus.  My marriage is 100 times better than it would be without Jesus.  My friendships are better.  More people pray for me and my family. My life is richer and more rewarding as a result of Jesus inviting me in to be a part of his kingdom and the building of his kingdom.  
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The kingdom of God topples our cherished priorities and demands of disciples new ones. It takes from those who follow Jesus things they would keep, and gives to them things could not imagine.

Close

Jesus does call his followers to sacrifice for him, and that includes our finances. But these works are a result of our salvation, not the cause.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT) Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

• Maybe you’re listening today because you’re searching for the same answer that the rich young ruler was searching for: what must I do to inherit eternal life? There isn’t anything you can do, except accept the grace that God has lavished upon you through Jesus Christ.  Admit that you’re a sinner and that you can’t save yourself.  Repent of your sins and trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.  
• Enduring Word commentary This man, like all men by nature, had an orientation towards a works-righteousness; he asked, “what shall I do.” If we really want to do the works of God, it must begin with believing on Jesus, whom the Father has sent (John 6:29)

In Mark 10:32-45 Jesus predicts his death and resurrection for the third and final time. The passage inspires a question for modern-day disciples: What are you expecting from Jesus?

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) For the third and final time (8:31, 9:31) Jesus predicts his death and resurrection. Following the three lessons on discipleship in 10:1-31, the third passion prediction, which is the most explicit of the three, reminds Jesus’ followers that discipleship is always and ultimately following Jesus who goes to Jerusalem to suffer (vv. 33-34) and “to give his live as a ransom for many” (v. 45). Discipleship is thus not only characterized by identifiable behaviors within marriage (vv. 1-12), with children (vv. 13-16), and with possessions (vv. 17-31), but, as demonstrated by Bartimaeus, by expressly “following Jesus along the road” (v. 52). The centrality of Jesus is further emphasized by Mark who, in contrast to the third passion prediction recorded in Matt 20:17-19 and Luke 18:31-34, shows Jesus “leading the way” (v. 32) to Jerusalem.

Into the Unknown

Jesus now gets focused on his mission as he makes his way to Jerusalem. His disciples are filled with awe and fear as they follow him into the unknown.

Mark 10:32-34 (NLT) They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him. “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Again Mark expressly states that Jesus is “on the way,” reminding his readers that to know Jesus is to follow him, even on the way of suffering. For the first time Mark also identifies the destination: they are “on their way up to Jerusalem.”
• Why were they amazed?
  • At Jesus’ resolve? His public ministry is narrowing down. He’s clearly focused on the cross now. This is what he came for.
• Why were the others afraid?
  • Heading toward Jerusalem; religious leaders weren’t fans of Jesus. What’s going to happen there?
  • One step removed from the 12 disciples; still contemplating following Jesus. What will that look like? 
  • Fear of walking into the unknown on the journey with Christ
    • Will I have to live like a monk?
    • Will I ever have fun again?
  • Does this fear come from the enemy? 
• Then Jesus gets the most explicit: compare 8:31 and 9:31
  • Not so unknown anymore, at least for the twelve
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Nowhere else in Mark, notes Eduard Schweizer, does Mark speak of Jesus leading the way, except in the prophesies of 14:28 and 16:7. “Here he is the Master who goes before his disciples, whose responsibility it is to follow him.” When it comes to humility and suffering, Jesus does not only teach: he leads the way.
  • Pattern for these teaching moments: 
    • Jesus reveals his mission
    • Disciples say something stupid
    • Jesus turns it into a teachable moment

Drink the Cup

James and John ask Jesus to grant them the places of honor next to him. They are trying to earn glory and prosperity, but Jesus offers a cup of suffering. Mark 10:35-40

Mark 10:35-40 (NLT) Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.”

“What is your request?” he asked.

They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

• These two are excited about the unknown future!
• ESV: “we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
  • James and John’s request… Peter got left out! Remember that Mark likely got his info from Peter, and he wouldn’t have forgotten this!
  • Like a child’s request to the parent…
  • They’re asking with an expectation of a checklist.

But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”

• Jesus is pointing them back to what he literally just said!
• They’re framing it in terms of “glory” and he’s framing it in terms of “suffering”
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In the OT, a “cup” usually symbolizes something allotted by God. It can signify joy and prosperity (Pss 16:5; 23:5; 116:13), but more frequently it signifies God’s judgment and wrath (Ps 11:6; 16:5; 75:8; Isa 51:17, 22; Jer 25:15-28; 49:12; Hab 2:16).
• Q. What are you expecting from Jesus?

“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”

Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”

• They really thought they could keep the checklist and earn their way.
  • This is what the disciples were thinking. Yes we’ll suffer so we can have the seat of honor! They were essentially saying, “This is about us. If we do this for you, what can you do for us?”
• He’s not saying they can earn it. He is saying they will pay a price to follow.
• The journey into the unknown: it may be filled with trials
• The most misunderstood verse in the Bible: Philippians 4:13 (NLT) For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
  • Context: Paul is talking about drinking the cup! Not being the next great college quarterback.
  • Philippians 4:12 (NLT) I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

The Ransom

Jesus brings the focus back to his personal mission. He himself will give up his life as a ransom for many, setting an example for his disciples to follow. 

Mark 10:41-45 (NLT) When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

• “But among you it will be different”
  • No more following Jesus for the wrong reasons, for what you’ll get out of it.
• He gets all the glory; you get all the grace.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The cardinal point of v. 38 is that Jesus’ question (“‘Can you drink the cup . . . ?'”) requires a negative answer: despite their claim, the disciples cannot drink the cup and undergo the fate that only Jesus must undergo. The reason why becomes apparent in v. 45 when, for the first time in Mark, Jesus reveals the vicarious effects of his self-sacrifice for others.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The preeminent virtue of God’s kingdom is not power, not even freedom, but service. Ironically, greatness belongs to the one who is not great, the diakonos, the ordinary Gk. word for waiting on tables (on diakonos, see further at 9:35). The preeminence of service in the kingdom of God grows out of Jesus’ teaching on love for one’s neighbor, for service is love made tangible.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) a slave (Gk., doulos), who was inferior even to a servant (Gk., diakonos), was in ancient society the last and least of all. The idea of a slave being first is as absurdly paradoxical as a camel going through the eye of a needle (v. 25) – and it probably likewise induced smiles and shaking heads from Jesus’ audience.
• What are you expecting from Jesus?
  • A conquering king?
  • No, a suffering servant (See Isaiah 53)
• Jesus paid the price so we could get “Everything I wanted (needed) but nothing I expected.” JS 
  • The more you follow Jesus, the less you’re interested in your glory and the more you’re interested in his.

Close

You might suffer as you follow Jesus, but it’s worth it. You’ll get everything you needed but nothing you expected.

• The journey with Jesus is an unexpected one. Ultimately, God has called us to have the same resolve Jesus had on his way to the cross. Following him doesn’t mean success in worldly terms…
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The initiative of his atoning work lies within himself as Son of Man, who, in stark contrast to the power-mongerers of v. 42, freely offers his life as the ransom price for all (John 10:11; Rom 8:2-4).

In Mark 10:46-52 Jesus encounters a blind beggar without purpose in life. The interaction begs a question for every pursuer who has lost his way: What’s keeping you on the sidelines? 

Sidelined

Bartimaeus was a beggar who was sidelined in life because of his blindness. When he cried out to Jesus for mercy, the crowd tried to put him in his place. But desperate people ignore the crowd.  

Mark 10:46-48 (NLT) Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

• He began to shout – speaks of desperation for deliverance from his pain
  • This was his once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Jesus and ask Him for the one thing He needs most, salvation.  His brokenness was most noticeable in his blindness, but there’s more to it than that.
  • “Have mercy on me!” is analogous to screaming “Pity me!”  Bartimaeus is quite familiar with being pitied, but that pity is temporary and means he gets his needs met for today by generous and empathetic passers-by.  When he hears that Jesus is there, you can almost hear the desperation in his voice.  The one person who can truly pity me and truly help me is here.  Jesus, Son of David, Please Pity Me!!!
• Bartimaeus calls Jesus “Son of David”. This is a Messianic designation that shows who Bartimaeus knew Jesus to be.
• There were likely many other beggars and people around Bartimaeus.  Many folks who had accepted their lot in life and expected nothing to change.  Bartimaeus was filled with belief that Jesus could and would change his circumstances, that he did not have to simply accept his lot in life. When Jesus comes around, desperation turns to hope.
• You don’t have to be part of the “religious” crowd to be seen by Jesus.  He hears us and sees us, even if we are on the side of the road being ignored by everyone else.  Jesus can see past the crowd and the chaos to hear the voice of those who follow Him.  When Jesus comes around, desperation turns to hope.
  • On the way to His most difficult trial, Jesus takes the time to answer Bartimaeus’ need. Jesus offers more than just physical healing, He offers salvation to all who follow Him.

Expectant Faith

Jesus heard Bartimaeus and stopped for him, because people matter to God. He told the crowd to invite him over, and the blind man threw aside his coat in expectation of healing.

Mark 10:49-51 (NLT) When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

• Jesus is walking to Jerusalem in what He knows is the last time.  He knows He is marching to His death on a cross, and the weight had to be immense.  On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus has had to repeatedly correct His disciples’ lack of humility through various illustrations.  He’s also tried, and seemingly failed, to enlighten them about His upcoming death and resurrection.  Yet, despite all of that weight and emotion, Jesus stops to answer the cries of a single, desperate man.
  • MacLaren’s Expositions – That pause of the King is repeated now, and the quick ear which discerned the difference between the unreal shouts of the crowd, and the agony of sincerity in the cry of the beggar, is still open. He is in the heavens, surrounded by its glories, and, as I think Scripture teaches us, wielding providence and administering the affairs of the universe. He does not need to pause in order to hear you and me. If He did, He would-if I may venture upon such an impossible supposition-bid the hallelujahs of heaven hush themselves, and suspend the operations of His providence if need were, rather than that you or I, or any poor man who cries to Him, should be unheard and unhelped. The living Christ is as tender a friend, has as quick an ear, is as ready to help at once, to-day, as He was when outside the gate of Jericho; and every one of us may lift his or her poor, thin voice, and it will go straight up to the throne, and not be lost in the clamour of the hallelujahs that echo round His seat. Christ still hears and answers the cry of need. Send you it up, and you will find that true.
• Why did Jesus tell the crowd to call Bartimaeus to Him?  He could have walked over to Bartimaeus and healed him, but He seems to be teaching the crowd a thing or two about humility, in keeping with the lessons He’s been teaching to this point.  By telling the crowd to go get Bartimaeus, Jesus is rebuking them for trying to silence Bartimaeus before.  
  • Jesus warns people not to come between Him and the people who truly need Him.  (i.e. children Mark 9:52, 10:14)
• “Threw aside his cloak” is an important detail.  If you are a blind beggar, you’d do well to keep your belongings within touching distance lest they disappear.  Could it be that Bartimaeus expected Jesus to heal him, so he could pick his cloak up later when he was able to see it on the ground nearby?  Or perhaps he was tossing aside his old way of life and expecting Jesus to deliver him?
• God exists outside of time and space, so not only does He know the future, but He is already in our future waiting for us to get there.  That is amazingly reassuring because it solidifies the reason for our expectancy in our faith.  
  • It’s like following your Dad across a rickety bridge.  It’s one thing if He is there with you encouraging you, telling you he knows it’ll hold you up.  It’s a totally different situation when he crosses the bridge in front of you and calls to you from the other side.  You know it works because He has already done it and proved it’ll work.
  • God has already seen what we are going to do, how we are going to fail and succeed.  And He is waiting on the other side of time beckoning us to Him even still.  
• “My Rabbi” is also interesting.   
  • Greek “Rabboni” = “My Great Master”
  • Rabboni occurs twice in the New Testament John 20:16 – Mary said this to Jesus after he resurrected in the garden
  • Enduring Word Commentary – Rabboni, that I may receive my sight: The title Rabboni “is a strengthened form of ‘Rabbi,’ and means ‘my lord,’ ‘my master.’” (Lane) When Bartimaeus said this, he expressed his humble submission towards Jesus.

• Isaiah 35:4-5 “Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”  And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf.
  • This is what Jesus had been doing in Israel up to this point, and word had gotten around.  Bartimaeus was not simply hoping for some traveling healer to notice him, he was expecting the Messiah to do what was foretold in Isaiah.
• We should submit our expectation to the God who already has an answer ready for us.  Bartimaeus knew that Jesus was the only answer to save him from his life of begging and pain.  While many folks hope for a miracle, Bartimaeus expected that Jesus could and would save Him.
• You don’t have to be with the “in” crowd for Jesus to see you. He is more interested in seeking and saving the lost than pandering to His fan club.

On the Road

Jesus healed Bartimaeus, but that was only the beginning. Once he could see, he joined Jesus on the road to Jerusalem. Bartimaeus submitted his way to Jesus’ way.

Mark 10:52 (NLT) And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

• • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The difference in his position “beside the road” (Gk., para ten hodon) at the beginning of the story and “on the road” (Gk., en te hodo) at the end of the story signifies the difference between being an outsider and an insider, an bystander and a disciple.
  • From the Enduring Word Commentary – Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus: Now healed and saved, blind Bartimaeus then followed Jesus. The way of Jesus became his way. This was especially significant when we consider where Jesus was going at this time – to Jerusalem where a cross waited for Him.

Close

Jesus can see past the crowd and the chaos to hear the voice of those who have been sidelined in life. He offers purpose to those who are desperate enough to follow him.

• Bartimaeus chose to follow Jesus once he was physically able to do so. What’s stopping you?
• Will we follow the lesson of Bartimaeus?  If you knew Jesus was nearby, what would you do?  Would you cry out to Him for mercy and follow Him on His path?  Would you go on about your normal day, hoping to discover your own way to salvation?  Would you follow Him passively to see what He does like some in the crowd were doing?
• Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT) “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell[a] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

In Mark 11:1-11 we see Jesus approaching Jerusalem, met with both excitement and ambivalence. It prompts a question for his disciples today: will you follow Jesus in the highs and the lows? 

Last week, we saw Jesus leave Jericho where he healed Bartimaeus who promptly begins following Jesus on his march towards Jerusalem.  Today, we’re going to see Jesus on the outskirts of the great city, Jerusalem, and then his triumphal entry.  You might be surprised to learn that after all of the fan fare and excitement surrounding his approach to Jerusalem, the scene ends with Jesus alone in the temple. 

On the Mount

As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the Mount of Olives. This was a place rich in Messianic prophecy, and the time for fulfillment had come.

Mark 11:1-3 (NLT) As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”

• Matthew, Mark, and Luke all specifically mention the Mount of Olives.  This is a significant place in the Nation of Israel’s history. 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The Mount of Olives rises over 2600 feet above sea level (some 300 feet higher than Jerusalem) and runs north to south on the eastern side of the Holy City. Already before David’s time the Mount of Olives had been a place of worship (2 Sam 15:32). At the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Ezekiel had a vision of the glory of the Lord departing from Jerusalem and settling on the Mount of Olives (Ezek 11:23). According to Zech 14:4 the Mount of Olives would be the site of final judgment, and the rabbis and Josephus (Ant. 20.169) associated it with the coming of the Messiah. Mark, who seldom mentions place names, may mention the Mount of Olives here in order to associate its Messianic significance with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

Mark 11:4-7 (NLT) The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door. As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.

• Whether Jesus had made prior arrangements with the owners of the donkey colt, or whether supernaturally he knew it would be there and the Spirit of God had warned the owners of its need to be used, we don’t know.  We know that everything played out just as Jesus said it would. Jesus leaves nothing to chance as his date with the cross comes closer.  
• Jesus gives the disciples another opportunity to step out in faith.  Surely, this had to create some anxiety to go and take a colt from an owner.  Even if Jesus had made prior arrangements with the owners of the colt, it doesn’t appear that the disciples were part of that conversation.  They could have been accused of theft.  They could have been rejected in their request to take the colt.  I’m sure there were some “what ifs” going through their mind. They knew the religious leaders were already looking for reasons to arrest Jesus and possibly them.  What if word got back to them about stealing a donkey?  How often do what ifs keep us from following the promptings we receive from God? They were obedient “They said what Jesus had told them to say”.  They didn’t try to overthink it or come up with a better answer.  They just said “The Lord needs it and will return it.”  There’s no more detail.  They don’t say “Jesus of Nazareth” needs it, simply the Lord needs it. I would have wanted to fill in the picture.  Jesus needs it.  You know, the guy that has been giving sight to the blind, making the lame walk, and the deaf to hear.  
• No one had ever ridden the colt.  This means it was unbroken.  Its natural instinct would be to throw anyone who would attempt to ride it.  Instead, it humbly submits to the creator of the universe, demonstrating creation’s obedience to Jesus.  Only a colt or horse that had never been ridden by anyone else was fit for a king to ride in on. 
• Jews were expected to enter Jerusalem on foot when coming to celebrate the Passover. Entering on a donkey would have stood out. 

Triumphal Entry

Genuine worship seeks to please God not ourselves.  So often those following Jesus seemed to be more concerned with how he could bless them.  In this rare occasion they worship him lavishly and at a cost.  Their expectations of what the Messiah would do didn’t take into account all of what the Old Testament prophets had declared. 

Mark 11:8-10 (NLT) Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!”

• Clothing was expensive in Jesus’ time.  People didn’t have closets and dressers full of articles of clothing like we have now.  To lay their clothes on the ground and have Jesus ride over them on a donkey was a genuine sacrifice.  They were truly worshiping Jesus.  He received this worship.  Worship is something only God should receive.  This is another proclamation of the deity of Jesus.  Up to this point in his ministry, Jesus had tried to veil his identity as Messiah in many ways.  Now that the time has come to go to the cross, he is going to openly declare his identity.  He’s going to receive the praise that is due him. This is a major shift in the ministry of Jesus. You can see why Jesus had veiled his identity because as soon as he makes it plain that he’s the Messiah, the religious leaders have him killed. In Luke’s account of the triumphal entry, the Pharisees tell Jesus to stop the crowds from singing his praises.  Jesus replied, “If they keep quiet, the stones along the road will burst into cheers!”  Romans talks about how all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth because of sin and death that man brought into the world.  This is the turning point.  This is where Jesus sets it right on the cross.  Creation is looking forward to this and would jump for joy if the  people were silent.  
• This had to be such a whirlwind for the disciples.  As they see the crowds shouting and lining up the roads and Jesus receiving the praise, they had to be thinking, “Finally.  Now this is what we sign up for.  Jesus is the Messiah and he’s coming to establish his kingdom.”  But at the same time, Jesus has just told them again that he’s going to be delivered over and killed.  It had to be so confusing to them. 
• Mark doesn’t specifically tie Jesus riding in on the colt of a donkey as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, but Matthew does. In Matthew 21 he said this took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, “Rejoice, O people of Zion![a]  Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!Look, your king is coming to you.    He is righteous and victorious,[b]yet he is humble, riding on a donkey – riding on a donkey’s colt. John’s gospel mentions it is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Zechariah but admits the disciples didn’t realize it at the time it was happening.  
• The Rabbis of Jesus’ day had several different theories regarding how the Messiah would come to Jerusalem. Based on Daniel 7:13, some thought the Messiah would come as a majestic conqueror. Based on Zechariah 9:9, some thought that the Messiah would come in a lowly and humble way, riding on a colt. ii. In the days of Jesus, some Rabbis reconciled these by saying that the Messiah would come humbly to an unworthy Israel but mightily to a worthy Israel. Since Israel considered itself worthy, they only looked for a triumphant, conquering Messiah.
• Only looking at the Daniel 7 portrayal of the Messiah caused so many to miss him. This is why the whole counsel of God is important.  We can cherry pick verses or passages to say almost anything we want them to say.  
  • Let he who is without sin cast the first stone – don’t leave out the end of the story – go and sin no more 
  • The promise Jesus made to the disciples a couple of weeks ago that anyone who had sacrificed for the gospel and kingdom of heaven would receive 100 times as much – don’t leave out the promise of persecution 
• Matthew’s version – Praise God for the Son of David. Images of the Davidic conquering king Messiah, not the suffering servant Messiah. 
• “Hosanna” – Greek literally means save now.  Transliteration of the Hebrew term that means save now! Or please save! It is a term with great emotion.  The crowds are begging for deliverance.  They want deliverance from the Roman empire.  They’re unaware that Jesus came to deliver them from something much greater – sin and death.  
• This is why Jesus came.  He was a teacher, he was a healer, he was  a miracle worker, but his primary mission was to be the Lamb of God that would be sacrificed for the sins of the world. This is the start of the fulfillment of the promise made all the way back in Genesis chapter 3 where God promised that the seed of the woman would have his heel bruised by the serpent, but that he would crush the serpent’s head.  This was going to look like failure, but with his death and resurrection this was ultimate victory over the enemy and over death and sin.  He was, in fact, going to save now, but not in the way they expected. 
• Jesus entered Jerusalem boldly and with much fanfare. He wasn’t trying to sneak in undetected because of the malicious intentions of the religious leaders.  This had to be encouraging for the disciples to see Jesus wasn’t afraid or intimidated by the religious leaders, even though he knew what was going to take place.  
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The colt is identified in the OT as the mount of the Messiah (Zech 9:9; Gen 49:11).
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) An unbroken beast of burden was regarded as sacred (so Num 19:2; Deut 21:3), which made it appropriate for a king, since according to the Mishnah (m. Sanh. 2:5) no one else may ride a king’s horse.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Unlike Matt 21:5 and John 12:15, Mark does not overtly identify Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with the Messianic quotation from Zech 9:9, with which we readily associate the triumphal entry.
• The secret wasn’t fully out yet for Mark’s readers
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) There are of course subtle Messianic undertones in Jesus’ riding a colt into Jerusalem as the gentle and peaceable Messiah of Zech 9, but it is doubtful whether the crowd or authorities grasped their full significance. Like countless other Passover pilgrims to Jerusalem, Jesus’ entry was apparently regarded by the masses as a pilgrimage rather than as a Messianic triumph.

Anticlimax

After a frenzied entrance that has the whole city electrified, the day ends with Jesus alone in the temple.  It’s easy to mistake enthusiasm for faith and popularity for discipleship.  True followers of Jesus worship him in the highs and the lows.  

Mark 11:11 (NLT) So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple. After looking around carefully at everything, he left because it was late in the afternoon. Then he returned to Bethany with the twelve disciples.

• Story of a movie or book with horrible, anti-climactic ending
• After Looking Around – this is the same Greek word used in chapter 10 when the rich young ruler walked away and Jesus looked around at his disciples. Definition -closely observe with a sweeping (encompassing) look and with high personal involvement (self-interest). This is so ironic. The temple was the place God had set aside for his presence to dwell among the people.  Now, God in the flesh, would soon be rejected here and plans for his execution would be contrived and carried out.  Jesus knows all of this is coming. 
• Where is all the fanfare?  Where are all the people who were praising him as he entered the city?  Were they afraid of the religious leaders?  Were they already disappointed that Jesus didn’t sweep into Jerusalem and overthrow the Roman occupation?  We know in the very near future the crowds are going to be shouting “crucify him! Crucify him!” How many of those voices were the same ones shouting “Hosanna.  Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” ?
• Do we still praise and follow Jesus when he doesn’t live up to our expectations, when he doesn’t answer our prayers the way we think he should? 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) From his initial visit to the temple in 11:1-11, the breach between Jesus and the temple is evident. He enters Jerusalem triumphantly, but he is not received in the temple triumphantly (as in Matt 21:10-11, for example). The indifference with which he is initially received (v. 11) quickly turns to opposition (11:28), and eventually to his condemnation to death (14:63-64).
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The entry – and its inconclusive end (v. 11) – accord exactly with Jesus’ foreknowledge and authority. Jesus thus does not enter Jerusalem as an unknowing victim, but with the same foreknowledge and sovereignty with which he traveled “on the way.”
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) It appears to be the moment for him to receive the Messianic kingdom. But ironically, nothing happens. The clamoring crowds mysteriously vanish. In a complete anticlimax, Mark reports that the hour was late and that Jesus departed with the Twelve for Bethany.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) This text is traditionally called the Triumphal Entry. That is an appropriate designation for Matt 21:1-11 and John 12:12-19, but scarcely for Mark. Matthew says “the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?'” (21:10). Luke reports that the city was so electrified that the stones were ready to cry out (19:40). Mark’s account is noteworthy for what does not happen. The whole scene comes to nothing. Like the seed in the Parable of the Sower that receives the word with joy but has no root and lasts but a short time (4:6, 16-17), the crowd disperses as mysteriously as it assembled. Mark is warning against mistaking enthusiasm for faith, and popularity for discipleship. Jesus is not confessed in pomp and circumstance but only at the cross (15:39).

Close

The scene ends with the fulfillment of yet another prophecy.  The Messiah has come to the temple.  It is another reminder that all things written in God’s Word will come to pass at their appointed time and that all of the Bible points to Jesus. 

• It’s fitting that Jesus was alone at the temple because Jesus alone was able to fulfill God’s plan for salvation. Only he could live the perfect life required. Only he could offer the sacrifice that was sufficient.   
  • 1 Timothy 2:5 There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
• Malachi 3:1-3 “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
• He’s coming back.  Those prophecies will be fulfilled, too.  Are we seeking him eagerly?  Are we prepared? 

Intro

In Mark 11:12-25 Jesus relates a fruitless fig tree to the greatest symbol of religion in the Jewish faith. In the process he redefines the role of the temple in the Christian faith.

• Q: Why don’t Christians worship in temples? Or What was the purpose of temples in the OT?

The Curse

Jesus cursed a fig tree – the only destructive miracle in the gospels. He did it to make a point about how, in all Israel’s outward religious activity, they failed to live up to things God really wanted.

Mark 11:12-14 (NLT) The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it.

• This is one of the most difficult stories in the gospels to make sense out of.
  • Seems unreasonable to many that Jesus would wither the fig tree
    • Just because he was hungry and it didn’t have any fruit
    • Especially when it was 2-3 months before it would normally bear fruit
  • But it begins to make sense, not as a stand-alone story, but when it is considered in the larger narrative
    • Seen as one continuous story in light of other incidents that surround it
• Fig trees in that region come into full leaf in March / April
  • But don’t bear fruit until June
  • Timing; a week before Passover, so most likely March 
• Jesus addressed the tree directly → performed a miracle of destruction
  • The only miracle of destruction attributed to Jesus in the Gospels
  • Why did Jesus not use his divine power, instead in destroying the tree, to force a crop of figs out of season?
  • Mark explains the situation: “it was too early in the season for fruit.”
  • “This detail is a clue for the reader to look beyond the surface meaning and to see its symbolic meaning. This action is not about a particular unfruitful fig tree; it has to do with the temple.” (The NIV Application Commentary)
• “The best explanation is to see the miracle as an acted-out parable. Jesus’ hunger provides the occasion for his use of this teaching device. The fig tree represents Israel (cf. Hos 9:10; Nah 3:12; Zech 10:2). The tree is fully leafed out, and in such a state one would normally expect to find fruit. This symbolizes the hypocrisy and sham of the nation of Israel, which made her ripe for the judgment of God. “A people which honored God with their lips but whose heart was all the time far from him (7:6) was like a tree with abundance of leaves but no fruit.
• The parallel between the fig tree and Israel isn’t exact, but it is instructive. The fig tree shouldn’t have had fruit on it. But Israel should have. They showed a lot of outward “leaves” – all their religious activity. But they showed no real “fruit” – the things that God was looking for that satisfied him. 

The Clearing

One thing God really wanted from Israel was a heart for him and for outsiders. Jesus’ cleansing of the temple revealed how they had failed on both counts.

Mark 11:15-18 (NLT) When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching.

• All three synoptic gospels have the cleansing of the temple at the end of Jesus’ ministry. Only John has it at the beginning. It’s possible that he did it twice.
• “The temple cleansing is sandwiched between the two incidents of the fig tree, an arrangement meant to link the accounts. The judgment symbolized by the cursing of the fig tree is initiated by Jesus’ cleansing of the temple, and the cleansing of the temple is prophetic of the destruction of Jerusalem and the eschatological judgment (cf. Mark 13).” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary).
• The cleansing of the temple fulfilled Malachi 3:1-3. Thus it was Jesus’ second messianic act during this week so far, along with the Triumphal Entry.
  • Malachi 3:1-3 (NLT) “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD.”
• “For the convenience of pilgrims, the cattlemen and moneychangers had set up businesses in the Court of the Gentiles. The animals were sold for sacrifices. It was far easier for a pilgrim in Jerusalem to purchase one that was guaranteed kosher than to have to bring an animal with him and have it inspected for meeting the kosher requirements. The Roman money the pilgrims brought to Jerusalem had to be changed into the Tyrian currency (the closest thing to the old Hebrew shekel), since the annual temple tax had to be paid in that currency. Exorbitant prices were often charged for selling the currency. By overturning the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those selling doves, Jesus was directly challenging the authority of the high priest, because they were there by his authorization. In John’s account Jesus drove them out with a whip made from pieces of rope. Mark does not mention a whip. Nevertheless the words ‘driving out’ and ‘overturned the tables’ suggest that Jesus used force.” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary).
• “The first passage quoted by Jesus (verse 17) is Isaiah 56:7, a prediction that non-Jews who worship God will be allowed to worship in the temple. By allowing the Court of the Gentiles, the only place in the temple area where Gentiles were allowed to worship God, to become a noisy, smelly public market, the Jewish religious leaders were preventing Gentiles from exercising the spiritual privilege promised them.” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary).
• “God did not plan for the temple to become a national shrine for Israel. Isaiah 56:1-8 contains God’s promise of blessing for all who might think they are excluded from God’s salvation….Most assumed that Isaiah 56 spoke of some distant future, but Jesus expects it to be fulfilled now!” (The NIV Application Commentary)
• “By quoting Jeremiah 7, Jesus reminds the people that something holy can be perverted. He claims that the same abuses that sullied the temple cult in the time of Jeremiah taint it now…. Jesus’ prophetic action and words attack a false trust in the efficacy of the temple sacrificial system. The leaders of the people think they can rob widows’ houses (Mark 12:40) and then perform the prescribed sacrifices according to the prescribed patterns at the prescribed times in the prescribed purity in the prescribed sacred space and then safe and secure from all alarms. They are wrong. The sacrifice of animals will not enable them to evade the doom that God purposes for those guilty of lying, stealing, violence, and adultery (see 7:21-23). The sanctuary, supposedly sanctified by God has become a sanctuary for bandits who think they are protected from God’s judgment.” (The NIV Application Commentary) 
• “The significance of the cleansing of the temple is that with the coming of the Messiah, ‘[Jesus] seeks to make available to the Gentiles the privileges which belonged to the new age and thereby he proclaims that the time of universal worship, uninhibited by Jewish restrictions, has come.’ This would have been particularly meaningful for Mark’s predominantly Gentile readers.”
• “[Jesus] does not intend to reform the temple. Jesus has been acclaimed as a prophet. Prophets do not simply make announcements; they also engage in prophetic actions to communicate. Jesus appears in the temple as a charismatic prophet and graphically acts out God’s rejection of the temple cult and its coming destruction…. He symbolically attacks the very function of the temple and heralds its destruction. The temple’s glory days are coming to an end, In private, Jesus will predict to his disciples that the temple will be destroyed (13:1-2), and his hostility to the temple emerges as a charge at this trial (14:58) and as a taunt at the cross (15:29)” (The NIV Application Commentary)
• This shows two elements that God really wanted from his people. 
  • First, he wanted them to have a heart for him. The temple was about worshiping him and maintaining a relationship with him. The people in charge of the temple turned it into a commercial venture. 
  • Second, he wanted them to have a heart for outsiders. God made provision in the temple for Gentiles to draw near and worship. But the temple leaders took the space dedicated to Gentiles and turned it into a loud, smelly marketplace.

The Lesson

What pleases God is a two-fold heart attitude: trusting God for all our greatest needs (faith), and forgiving others the way God has forgiven us.

Mark 11:19-21 (NLT) That evening Jesus and the disciples left the city.

The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!”

• These verses form the second part of the story of the fig tree, surrounding the account of the cleansing of the temple.
• When they all saw the fig tree withered, Jesus did not interpret the event. Yet the meaning stands out: Jesus’ predicted judgment on the temple later that day (ch 13), and his other statements of judgment against Israel (chapters 12) will come to pass as surely as his withering of the tree.
• “For a fig tree in full leaf to shrivel so completely within a day is a miracle, and it conveys that the temple’s condemnation is not a temporary measure. It is everlasting. This event also contrasts the sterility of temple Judaism with the authority and power of Jesus.”(The NIV Application Commentary)

Mark 11:22-25 (NLT) Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

• The main point of the fig tree episode is the sure judgment of God on the temple, and on Israel more largely. But Jesus uses the incident to also teach some lessons on faith and prayer. The power demonstrated by the fig tree’s destruction points to how Christians respond to that same power. God, its source, must be the object of our faith.
• Jesus speaks figuratively. A mountain is a symbol of great difficulty. The greatest possible difficulties can be removed when a person has faith.
• To be effective, prayer must be offered in faith – faith in the all-powerful God who works miracles. But it must also be offered in the spirit of forgiveness. So two conditions for effective prayer are: faith; and the willingness to forgive.
• Relationship with God is not based on ritual sacrifices, as at the temple, but simply on faith and forgiveness. 

Close

By the time Mark wrote his gospel, the temple may have already been destroyed. He wants to let his readers know that this was the judgment of God predicted by Jesus, and that the temple was no longer necessary for a real relationship with God. 

Hebrews 10:11-16 (NLT) 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,16 “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the LORD:I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”

Intro

In Mark 11:27-12:12 the authority of Jesus is questioned by the Jewish religious leaders. The encounter uncovers the answer to a timeless question: Is spiritual authority a thing anymore?

Q: Is Spiritual Authority a Thing Anymore?

• Today, we’re going to talk about authority. I’ll bet some of you bristled just at the mention of the word. We don’t like authority. We want to push back against it, and sometimes, rightfully so. We live in a broken world filled with fallen people and if someone is asking you to do something contrary to God’s Word, you should push back. But this is much deeper than that. There’s something in our fallen nature that pushes back on any authority, good or bad. “You can’t tell me what to do! You’re not my boss! Who said you were in charge?” – Go to any playground or any backyard where you have a group of kids hanging out and playing together and the odds are pretty good you’re going to hear one of those phrases before too long. 
• We think there is joy in being free from authority. There is joy in being submitted to righteous authority. 

Psalm 119:1-8 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.3 They do not compromise with evil,  and they walk only in his paths.4You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. 7 as I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!8.I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!

What Authority

Jesus answers the question with a question of his own, and within it is a clue to the answer they’re seeking. Jesus’ authority comes from himself, but this authority was affirmed by God the Father and the Holy Spirit at his baptism. Mark 11:27-33

Mark 11:27-28 (NLT) Again they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”

• Jesus and the disciples are again entering Jerusalem. We see this pattern of spending the day in Jerusalem and then going back to Bethany at night. Jesus has loyal supporters in Bethany. This is where he raised Lazarus from the dead. It’s like having a safe house. There would be plenty of warning from the community if the religious leaders tried to arrest Jesus in Bethany. 
• Jesus isn’t looking to start an argument with the religious leaders. He’s more interested in teaching the people, but the religious leaders seek him out. As he is walking through the temple area, they come to him. You can bet they’ve been waiting for him to show up. They ask, “Who gave you the authority to do these things?” Mark doesn’t say specifically what “things” they’re referring to. Certainly, the clearing of the money changers and the sacrificial animal sellers from the temple had to at least be part of that. It could also include his healings on the Sabbath and other ways he has violated the oral traditions. 
• These three groups mentioned – priests, teachers of the law, and elders – were the three groups that comprised the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin had been allowed by the Romans to exercise authority over the Jewish nation in religious matters and some authority in political matters. The religious leaders have been accustomed to having the authority. They viewed this authority as God-given. Even the Roman authorities gave the Jewish leaders much freedom in how they administered religious ceremonies in the temple and the rules and regulations of the temple. 
• Worldly authority
  • In the Temple, most authoritative place
• Jesus’ divine authority:
  • forgives sins (2:10)
  • claims supremacy over Torah and Sabbath (2:23—3:6)
  • binds Satan, “the strong man” (3:27)
  • Countless miracles

Mark 11:29-30 (NLT) “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!”

• Jesus answers the question with a question of his own, and within it, is a clue to the answer they’re seeking.. Jesus’ authority comes from himself, but this authority was affirmed by God the Father and the Holy Spirit at his baptism. 
• This isn’t the only time in scripture we see Jesus answer a question with a question. We saw Jesus do it in Mark chapter 10 with the rich young ruler. “Why do you call me good?” In his conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, Nicodemus asks, “How can this be?” Jesus responds, “ You are Israel’s teacher and you do not understand these things? I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” 
• Jesus isn’t simply dodging the question. Jesus is trying to get them to recognize the truth in his question. If they say John’s authority came from heaven then they would also have to accept John’s claims about Jesus. John knew Jesus was the Son of God. They can’t say publicly that John’s authority was from heaven or they would have to admit that Jesus’ authority was divine. They couldn’t say that John’s authority was merely human because they were afraid the people would riot. They’re stuck and can’t answer the question either way, so they refuse to answer it. 
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Ironically, the counter-question contains the seeds of the truth the Sanhedrin hopes to learn, for it was at the baptism by John that the heavens were parted, the Spirit of power descended into Jesus (Gk., eis auton, 1:10), and the voice from heaven declared him God’s Son. The baptism of Jesus, in other words, was the event that inaugurated his exousia, his conscious oneness with the Father, and his sovereign freedom and empowerment for ministry.

Mark 11:31-33 (NLT) They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. So they finally replied, “We don’t know.” And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

• They weren’t really seeking truth. The question was a loaded question, not one presented because they really wanted to know. They were hoping to use it to trap Jesus or have a reason to accuse him in front of the crowds. 

Wicked Farmers

Jesus uses a parable that is an indictment on the rebelliousness of Israel’s leaders and also foreshadows his death. It is a warning that we should not mistake God’s patience for lack of power or authority. Mark 12:1-8

Mark 12:1 (NLT) Then Jesus began teaching them with stories: “A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.

• Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience. They were aware that the vineyard was used in the Old Testament as a picture of Israel. The tenant farmers represented the religious leaders and the vineyard was the nation of Israel as a whole. 
• This was a common practice in Jesus’ day, especially in Galilee. Archaeologists have discovered records of this same sort of dispute between landowners and tenant farmers. 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The parable describes “the kind of thing that went on in Galilee during the half century preceding the general revolt of A.D. 66.” Secular records of the day as well as rabbinic literature depict a widespread system of absentee landowners who employed middle-men to supervise tenant farmers.

Mark 12:2-6 (NLT) At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed. The owner then sent another servant, but they insulted him and beat him over the head. The next servant he sent was killed. Others he sent were either beaten or killed, until there was only one left—his son whom he loved dearly. The owner finally sent him, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’

• This is representative of the many prophets sent by God to warn the nation of Israel. So many of them were mistreated as in the parable. 
  • 1 Kings 19:2 Jezebel’s threat to Elijah
  • Jeremiah 38:4 threat made against Jeremiah’s life 
  • Acts 7:52 – which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the righteous one. 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The son represents not only the father’s legal claim, however, but also his compassion…. In the story of the sending of the son Jesus is speaking of his own unprecedented role in the history of Israel.

Mark 12:7-8 (NLT) “But the tenant farmers said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they grabbed him and murdered him and threw his body out of the vineyard.

• I read this and I think, ‘how did the land owner not see that coming? Did he really think they would show his son mercy?’. But that’s the point. God sent his Son knowing exactly what would happen. It was his plan all along to redeem us from sin. God knows every sinful act you’ve committed. He even knows the ones you’ve thought about but didn’t carry out. And he still sent Jesus to die for you. 
• Jesus knew the religious leaders were going to kill him. We know from their response they understood he was talking about them. I wonder what that stirred in them. Did it frighten them? Did it make them even more angry? Jesus is sitting there telling them “You’re going to kill me.” But he’s not running. He’s not fearful – because they can only do it because he is voluntarily going to the cross. They’re not doing anything to him that he doesn’t want them to do. 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) If the farmers kill the heir, they reason, then they will become the heirs. If humanity can dispense with God, or even kill God, then humanity can become God.

Owner’s Response

God is long suffering, but He is also just. He will bring judgment on sin. We can’t thwart the plans of God. In his sovereignty, He is always going to accomplish his purposes. God was going to use the rejection of the Messiah by the Jewish leaders to usher in salvation for all who would believe – Jew and Gentile. 

Mark 12:9-11 (NLT) “What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do?” Jesus asked. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others. Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’”

• It is the Lord’s doing – another testament to the sovereignty of God. God will use the evil intentions of wicked men to accomplish his purposes. How can the conviction of an innocent man be wonderful to see? How can the brutal torture and crucifixion of the perfect Lamb of God be beautiful to see? Because it is God’s doing! It is his plan to conquer sin and death for all who would believe. It is the place in history where God’s mercy and God’s just collide and it is wondrous to see! 
• This passage that Jesus quotes from the Old Testament is from Psalm 118. This is called the Hosannah Psalm. Those worshiping Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem earlier in the week were quoting from this same Psalm. 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Two points are worthy of note so far. First, the landowner takes vengeance not on the vineyard but on the tenants of the vineyard…. Second, the heroic party is not the tenant farmers but the landowner who justly settles accounts.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Only Mark (and the parallel in Matt 21:42), however, includes the subsequent verse: “the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes” (v. 11 = Ps 118:23). This additional verse rings with a strong providential note, that the human rejection of God’s “cornerstone” was not only foreseen but used by God for his glory.
• Enduring Word commentary on Psalm 118:This psalm is the last of the six Egyptian Hallel Psalms, sung in Jesus’ day as part of the Passover ritual. When Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26 tell us that Jesus sang a hymn with His disciples at the last supper, it refers to these Hallel Psalms. As Jesus sang the words for His mercy endures forever, He did it with complete knowledge that the endurance of God’s mercy would be tested to the utmost in the work to come the next day at the cross.
• Enduring Word commentary – This is a strong and important statement in the New Testament understanding of the person and work of Jesus. Jesus quoted this of Himself in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10-11, and Luke 20:17. Peter quoted it in reference to Jesus in Acts 4:11. Paul alluded to this verse in Ephesians 2:20, and Peter also referred to it in 1 Peter 2:7-8. No text in the Old Testament is quoted more in the New Testament. 
• “Now he is the bond of the building, holding Jew and Gentile in firm unity. This precious cornerstone binds God and man together in wondrous amity, for he is both in one. He joins earth and heaven together, for he participates in each. He joins time and eternity together, for he was a man of few years, and yet he is the Ancient of Days. Wondrous cornerstone!” (Spurgeon)

Mark 12:12 (NLT) The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.

• The religious leaders are convicted that they are the evil tenants who will kill the Son. Instead of receiving, they reject Jesus. When we come face to face with our own brokenness, we have to make the same decision: Do we receive him or reject him? 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The parable’s testimony to the sure purposes of God conveyed a profound sense of hope to Mark’s beleaguered church in Rome, so ravished by Nero’s insane persecutions, as it can also in our day, when the church (at least in the West) is often caught in compromise and confusion and decline. The existence of the vineyard is assured not by the self-aggrandizement of the tenants, but by the self-sacrifice of the Son.

Close

Jesus has ultimate authority in our lives. Spiritual leadership in the church flows from his authority, and obedience to godly leaders benefits the soul. Hebrews 13:17

• Back to the opening question: Is Spiritual Authority a Thing Anymore?
  • The answer is yes. Jesus has ultimate authority. Godly spiritual leaders are those who understand that and speak truth in love.
  • Hebrews 13:17 (NLT) Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
• This question about authority is a question we should ask ourselves. Who is calling the shots in our life? Are we submitting to the authority of Jesus as we follow him or are we trying to claim our own authority? How do you respond when God’s Word says something that goes against what you want to do or how you feel about something? Do you submit? Do you rebel? 

Intro

In Mark 12:13-17 Jesus is asked about whether Jews should pay taxes to Caesar. His answer spurs on a more modern question for Christians: Do you take taxes more seriously than tithing?

1. Do you take taxes more seriously than tithing?

In an article entitled, A Life of Tax:  What will Americans pay in tax over their lifetime?  The average American taxpayer will spend 33.23% of lifetime earnings on taxes.  That’s $532,910 of average lifetime earnings of $1,571,244.

• New Jersey pays the most in lifetime taxes – $1,168,919.  Wyoming pays the least at $338,079.  Utah is around $486,000
• The US. government collected over $4.9 trillion in taxes in 2022
• Finland, Japan, and Denmark have the highest tax rates.  Those that are Tax Havens are the Bahamas, Ireland, and Switzerland.  Anyone want to start an Alpine Church in the Bahamas?

Tax Question

The Pharisees asked Jesus if the Jews should pay the imperial poll tax of one denarius (about a day’s wages). They were trying to make him look like a zealot so they could arrest him. Mark 12:13-15

Mark 12:13-15 (NLT) Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Each of the stories in 11:27—12:44 is set against the backdrop of the opposition of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin consisted of three major groups, Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes. Beginning with this story, each of these groups puts Jesus to the test – the Pharisees on the question of taxation (12:13-17), the Sadducees on the question of the resurrection (12:18-27), and the scribes on the question of scriptural interpretation (12:28-44).
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The tax referred to is an imperial poll tax, first instituted in A.D. 6. The amount required to satisfy the poll tax was a denarius (v. 15, another Latin loanword), which was the average daily wage in Palestine (Matt 20:2, 9). A denarius was a Roman silver coin bearing the semi-divine bust of Tiberius Caesar (A.D. 14-37) with an abbreviated Latin inscription, Tiberius Caesar Divi Augusti Filius Augustus (“Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Son of the Divine Augustus”). The reverse side bore an image of Tiberius’ mother Livia and the inscription, Pontifex Maximus (“High Priest”).
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Josephus, War 2.117; Ant. 18.1-10. As a result of this taxation Judas the Galilean founded a rebel cause that grew into the Zealot movement. In A.D. 66 the Zealots plunged the nation into revolt against Rome, which resulted in the annihilation of both the Jewish rebels and the nation.
• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) Jews were required by the Romans to pay tribute money into the fiscus, the emperor’s treasury. Some Jews (e.g., the Zealots) flatly refused to pay it, because it was for them an admission of the Roman right to rule. The Pharisees disliked paying it but did not actively oppose it, whereas the Herodians had no objections to it.

Stamped Image

Jesus’ answer was profound: “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” The Roman coin bore the image of the emperor, but the human being bears the image of God. Mark 12:15-17

Mark 12:15-17 (NLT) Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.” When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply completely amazed them.

• Interesting that Jesus didn’t have a Roman coin! But the Pharisees did.
  • (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) Jesus was not about to fall into their trap; he called their question “hypocrisy.” So he asked them for a Roman denarius. In showing one to Jesus, they had already answered their own question. By using Caesar’s coinage they were tacitly acknowledging Caesar’s authority and thus their obligation to pay the tax.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Not the least interesting aspect of Jesus’ brilliant response is that he does not stop at the question asked of him. Duty to Caesar is surpassed by duty to God.
  • (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) For a more complete doctrine of the relationship of Christians to the state, this statement of Jesus must be coupled with Ro 13:1-7; 1Ti 2:1-6; and 1Pe 2:13-17.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) That ultimate authority resided with God is clearly implied in Jesus’ use of the word “image” (v. 16 in Gk.), which is the same word used in Gen 1:26 of humanity’s creation in God’s image. If coins bear Caesar’s image, then they belong to Caesar. But humanity, which bears God’s image, belongs to God!
  • Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT) Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”
  • So God created human beings in his own image.
  • In the image of God he created them;
  • male and female he created them.

Implications

God has marked us as his own, and this has implications in every area of our lives. As far as finances, giving should be regular, proportionate, and sacrificial.

Back to the stats at the beginning of the lesson:

• The average American taxpayer will spend 33.23% of lifetime earnings on taxes.  That’s $532,910 of average lifetime earnings of $1,571,244.
• What percentage of your lifetime earnings have you given back to God? For some, 10%. For others, would it even register?
  • “Tip jar” mentality: throw a couple bucks into the basket
• Why do we take taxes more seriously than tithing? 
  • Maybe because we’re not legalistic about it?

So, is tithing biblical? We have a topic on this, and here’s a quick review:

• Practically, tithing in ancient Israel was about supplying the physical needs of the priests and Levites who served the nation.
• The OT does not only speak about “a tithe,” but a series of tithes. When these varying tithes are added up, Israelites could have expected to pay a higher percentage, at least 20%, of their income – not just a flat 10%.
• Is tithing discussed in the Bible? Yes. Do Christians need to tithe? No. Christians are not under the Mosaic Law that required God’s people to participate in tithing. Galatians 3:23-25; Romans 7:1-6; Hebrews 7:12-22; 8:6-13
• Giving is required of Christians – and this means giving out of our financial resources. Christians are to financially support ministers in the church and missionaries abroad. 1 Corinthians 16:1-3, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 11-13

A quick way to test where our heart is, is to consider these three questions:

1. Are we giving regularly? (Is it a habit?)
2. Are we giving proportionately? (And is it growing?)
3. Are we giving sacrificially? (Does it hurt?)  

The first question is, “Are you giving regularly?”

• 1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.
• You may say what difference does it make how often I give as long as I give.
• Giving is an act of worship.  Do we only go to church once a year?  Do we only lift our voices to God, once 
• We want to do these things often because we want to express our heart to God.  Should be no different with our giving of finances.  

The second question is,  “Are we giving proportionally?”   

• In II Corinthians Paul praises the churches in Macedonia that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.  And he encourages the church at Corinth to do the same.  Goes on to say in 8:13-15  This is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality – at this present time your abundance being a supply for their want, that heir abundance also may become a supply for your want, that there may be equality.  As it is written, He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack. 
• 2 Corinthians 8:10-14 (NLT) 10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. 14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.  
• 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT) 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
• Also says that it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you do not have.
• Nothing sacred about 10% but a percentage does keep giving proportional.  If it was 10% and you make $70,000 that means around $7,000.  If you were giving only 5% you would be giving $3,500 which is 10% for someone making $35,000 a year.  That is not proportional.  You should give according to the 
• If we look at the statistics, only 20% of those that give, give proportionally.

The final question is, “Are you giving sacrificially?”

WE should also count it joy when we give to the Lord sacrificially, not because he needs it but because it reveals our hearts.  It keeps our heart protected.  

• We see two examples of giving sacrificially in the book of Mark.  One we have already covered and another coming up soon.  We saw the rich man who was asked to give sacrificially and chose not to and then we have the poor widow who on her own accord gave all she had – two copper coins.  Jesus says, no one gave more.  Others gave out of their surplus, she gave out of her poverty.
• 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 (NLT) Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.
• 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.
• Are we giving sacrificially?
  • Easiest way to answer that: name what you have sacrificed.
    • For spenders: New car, new house, vacation, etc
    • For savers: 2x retirement saving, investments, etc
• Do you take __________ more seriously than tithing?

Close

Followers of Jesus should take giving to the Kingdom more seriously than spending or even saving. Jesus himself taught us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Matthew 6:19-21

It is a legitimate question to ask, if someone had no other evidence but our financial records, would they conclude that we had a heart of gratitude towards our Savior and that we live for Him?

• Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) 19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
• Paul says in II Corinthians 9:7, “Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.”  Why?  It expresses the heart!! 
• It is also foolish to not be grateful for what we have financially considering the fact that everything we have, we have been given!  Paul asks in 1 Corinthians, “and what do you have that you did not receive?”  The appropriate answer – Nothing.  Psalms 24:1 tells us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains”
• Our financial giving is an expression of our heart and therefore is a significant part of our worship.

In Mark 12:18-27 Jesus encounters a group called the Sadducees. Their question to him causes us to seek an answer to a broader question: what will eternity be like?

What Will Eternity Be Like? (Mark 12:18-27)

• Pop culture references?
  • Agnostic answer: who knows?
  • Universalist answer: all roads lead to heaven
  • AI answer: Ah, the age-old question about eternity. Some people imagine it as an endless expanse of time, while others think of it as a timeless state where everything happens at once. I suppose it depends on your perspective. What are your thoughts on eternity?
    • Exactly! It’s up to you… or is it?

The Sadducees 

The Sadducees disagreed with the Pharisees on the doctrine of the resurrection, among other things. Their misunderstanding was rooted in their small view of scripture. Mark 12:18-23 

Mark 12:18-19 (NLT) Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name.

• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) In the time of Jesus, the Sadducees were small numerically but exerted great influence politically and religiously. They were not, however, popular among the masses. They represented the urban, wealthy, sophisticated class and were centered in Jerusalem. When Jerusalem was destroyed in A.D. 70, they disappeared from history.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) They believed that at death the soul perished along with the body, and hence that there were no future rewards or punishments.
• Pharisees and Sadducees were both a part of religious leadership for Jerusalem. While they share some similarities when it comes to legalism, they didn’t agree on core doctrine.

Mark 12:20-23 (NLT) Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. So the second brother married the widow, but he also died without children. Then the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them, and still there were no children. Last of all, the woman also died. So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her.”

• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) The case is so ludicrous it may have been a well-known Sadducean joke that was used for poking fun at the Pharisees’ doctrine of the Resurrection.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The custom of levirate marriage was not devised (as were polygamy and concubinage, for example) for the expressed purpose of allowing a man to have more than one wife, nor to condone sexual promiscuity or immorality. Levirate marriage was, rather, a compensatory social custom designed to prevent intermarriage of Jews and Gentiles and to preserve honor and property within a family line in cases where a woman’s husband was deceased.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Their question is framed on the Pharisaic and rabbinic assumption that the world to come is essentially an extension of earthly conditions, including the married state, although under more glorious conditions.
  • (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) In the Resurrection there will be a new order of existence brought about by the power of God. 
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The resurrected life is not a prolonged earthly life but life in an entirely new dimension (1 Cor 15:40-44). (More on this later…)

Acts 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.

• There are angels in the Torah/Pentatuech 
• While Pharisees accepted the whole of the Hebrew Scriptures as well as the oral “traditions of the fathers,” the Sadducees accepted only the Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy) as inspired Scripture.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) “Whoever denies the resurrection of the dead has no share in the world to come,” declares the Mishnah (Sanh. 10:1). This general belief in resurrection seems to have been extrapolated, at least among the rabbis, from the few OT allusions to it, from reason, and from the precedents of Enoch and Elijah, who were believed not to have died. The Sadducees, however, rejected the majority tradition on this issue, as their test of Jesus indicates. Strauss, M. L. (2014). Mark. (C. E. Arnold, Ed.) (p. 531). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
• The problem with a small view of scripture
  • Picking and choosing what you want

Resurrection

Jesus pointed out that they made a serious doctrinal error because they misread scripture. Yahweh is God of the living, not the dead, so a relationship with God extends beyond this lifetime. Mark 12:24-27

Mark 12:24-25 (NLT) Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Scripture (Torah) and power (Sanhedrin) were precisely the Sadducees’ stock-in-trade, the two matters in which they majored. In magisterial authority, Jesus asserts that what the Sadducees claim to know best they in fact know least. They are vulnerable not at their weak points but at their strong points. They have gone astray not at the periphery or in the incidentals of their belief system, but at the heart and center of their beliefs.
• The resurrection is not a major doctrine in the OT, but it is clearly set out in Dan 12:1–2: “At that time … multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” Though this is the most explicit statement, a number of other passages allude to the resurrection in one way or another (Job 19:26; Ps 16:9–11; Isa 25:7–8; 26:19; Hos 13:14). Second Temple literature, and especially the rise in apocalyptic thought, brought the resurrection to much greater prominence. Most Jews of Jesus’ day would have affirmed it.
• The Mishnah expresses strong polemic against Sadducean belief by pointing out that those who say “there is no resurrection of the dead prescribed in the Law” have no share in the world to come (m. Sanh. 10:1). The phrase “prescribed in the Law” may allude to the Sadducean denial of the resurrection based on its (purported) absence from the Pentateuch, which they viewed as the only authoritative Scripture. Strauss, M. L. (2014). Mark. (C. E. Arnold, Ed.) (p. 531). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Mark 12:26-27 (NLT) “But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—haven’t you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error.”

• (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) He directed them back to the story of Moses and the burning bush (v.26; Ex 3:6), a part of the OT that was considered particularly authoritative by the Sadducees. The quotation may be understood as follows: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had long since died when God made the statement to Moses at the burning bush. Nevertheless, God said, “I am[not `I was’ ] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Thus the patriarchs were still alive in Moses’ time ; and if they were alive then, we may be sure that in the Resurrection God will raise up their bodies to share in the blessedness of eternal life. God is faithful to his covenant promises.
• Jesus schools some so-called conservative religious teachers after they engage him in debate. Their pride blinds them from seeing the truth about Jesus and his power.

1 Corinthians 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

Back to our question: What Will Eternity Be Like? (Mark 12:18-27)

Heaven

Bodily resurrection is a core doctrine of the Christian faith. There are two kinds: one to everlasting life and one to everlasting judgment.

• From Sys Theo, Topic 11: What Happens After We Die
  • After the final judgment, every human being will be resurrected into an immortal body (Acts 24:15) and consigned to one of two eternal fates (John 5:28-29), which we know as heaven and hell.
  • Heaven will be established on this earth (Revelation 21:10-12), and will mirror the original creation in Eden (Revelation 22:2-3). In heaven, creation comes full circle and is fully restored.
  • The New Testament describes hell as a place of divine punishment, retribution and vengeance on sinners (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Jesus himself speaks of eternal fire (Matthew 25:41), outer darkness (Matthew 8:12) and eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46). 
  • The Bible also speaks of unending torment (Revelation 14:10-11) in a bottomless abyss (Revelation 9:1-2) or fiery lake. Called the “second death” (Revelation 21:8), this is an experience of eternal destruction and final exclusion from God’s presence (2 Thessalonians 1:9).
• See also Is Hell a Real Place for 4 views on hell

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (NLT) So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.

1 Corinthians 15:43-44 (NLT) Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 (NLT) He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.

Daniel 12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

John 5:25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

1 Corinthians 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The doctrine of the resurrection is, in fact, only vaguely foreshadowed in the OT (Isa 26:19; Ezek 37; Dan 12:2; Ps 73:23). The view that typifies the OT understanding of the afterlife is not resurrection but Sheol, a nether world characterized by a pale and joyless existence. By Jesus’ day, however, there was a prevalent belief in the resurrection, not only among Pharisees, but among a majority of Jews.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The resurrected life is not a prolonged earthly life but life in an entirely new dimension (1 Cor 15:40-44).
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) For Jesus the taxonomy of earthly realities is insufficient to explain the life-to-come; an entirely new category, “‘like angels in heaven,'” is necessary to fathom resurrected existence.

Close

Ultimately, Jesus proved that resurrection is a real promise that he himself first took part in. Trusting in him results in eternal life, even after physical death.

John 11:25-26 (NLT) Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The ultimate answer to the Sadducees, however, is not the exegesis or even authority of Jesus (neither of which they accept), but the life of Jesus, for the empty tomb will verify his teaching to the Sadducees (16:6). Jesus does not simply announce the resurrection – he is the resurrection (John 11:25).
• See Five Verses on Preparing for Eternity for yourself or to share with a friend. Download handout.

In Mark 12:28-34 Jesus lays out the Greatest Commandment, and it begs a question for modern Christians: How well do you know your Bible?

• WARNING: Lots of people know a lot about the Bible, but they’re missing the whole point! 
  • I’ve heard this for over two decades in ministry: people leave church because it’s not “deep” enough
    • They end up hopping around
    • Or they find a church that goes “deep”
      • Longer sermons
      • Seasoned Christians
      • Fewer people
  • But these “deep” Christians tend be characterized by the same things:
    • Lots of head knowledge
    • No connection with or influence on outsiders
  • What would Jesus say about this?

Deep Debate

A scribe asked Jesus to identify the most important commandment in the Law. Scribes in ancient Israel were like lawyers today, and they were experts on scripture. Mark 12:28

Mark 12:28 (NLT) One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The approach of the scribe comes immediately on the heels of the controversy with the Sadducees, again implying that Jesus is engaged in non-stop challenge and debate in the temple.
  •  (GotQuestions)
    • Scribes in ancient Israel were learned men whose business was to study the Law, transcribe it, and write commentaries on it. …. Ezra, “a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses,” was a scribe.
    • The scribes took their job of preserving Scripture very seriously; they would copy and recopy the Bible meticulously, even counting letters and spaces to ensure each copy was correct. We can thank the Jewish scribes for preserving the Old Testament portion of our Bibles.
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Scribes concerned themselves with proper exposition of the law and earned a reputation as experts in its interpretation (see further on scribes at 1:22). The rabbinic tradition counted 613 commandments in the Torah, 365 prohibitions and 248 positive commands. Among the commandments, rabbis differentiated between what they called “heavy” and “light” commandments.
• This scribe heard Jesus’ answer to the Sadducees, and he was impressed. So he had a question of his own.
  • Notice it’s just one guy this time. Seems sincere, not trying to trap Jesus like the other two questions.
  • Review 10 Commandments, point out that they were probably expecting one of these as the answer.
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Impressed with Jesus’ wisdom in answering the Sadducees, the scribe asks, according to the NIV, “‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important?'” This is not an entirely accurate translation, however, for according to the Gk. text the word “all” (Gk., panton, either masculine or neuter, genitive plural) does not modify “commandments” (Gk., entole, feminine). The sense of the question is thus not which is the most important commandment, but rather which commandment supersedes everything and is incumbent on all humanity – including Gentiles.

Love God

Jesus answered not with one of the 10 commandments, but with the “Shema” – a summary of the first four commandments. This was essentially a prelude to the commandments, and it was well known even to Israelite children. Mark 12:29-30

Mark 12:29-30 (NLT) Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’

• 2 Kings 23:25 (NLT) Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Both the Heb. and Gk. versions of Deut 6:4-5 describe a threefold response to God – heart, soul, and strength. Mark quotes Jesus adding a fourth response, the love of God with one’s whole mind or understanding.
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The LXX version of Deut 6:4-5 (according to manuscript B [Vaticanus]) renders the Heb. word for “heart” (לב; lev) by διάνοια (dianoia; “mind”) rather than by καρδΐα (kardia; heart). The presence of dianoia, “mind,” in v. 30 may derive from this variant version. If so, this indicates that Mark quotes the Shema from a textual tradition represented by the B text of the LXX. But it is also possible that Jesus added a fourth article to the Shema, as he earlier added a commandment to the Ten Commandments (10:19). If so, the change from a threefold to fourfold response to God is a further example of Jesus’ exousia, his sovereign authority, in interpreting Torah.

Love Others

Jesus added a surprise second commandment that he called equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ This was a relatively obscure verse from Leviticus, but it summarized the last five commandments. 

Mark 12:31 (NLT) The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) “‘There is no commandment greater than these,'” concludes Jesus, thus bringing the commandments to love God and neighbor into a unity. The fact that Jesus adds the commandment from Lev 19:18 to the Shema indicates that it takes both commandments to realize the one will of God.
• Back to intro question: 
• Q. How well do you know your Bible?
  • Matthew 23:1-4 (NLT) Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The teachers of religious law [scribes] and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.”
  • 1 John 4:20-21 (NLT) If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.
  • What it really means to love your neighbor
    • Connect to Great Commission?
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) For Jesus, love fulfills the law: love for God releases the love of God. “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. . . . We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar'” (1 John 4:11, 19-20).

Close

The scribe asked a theological question, and Jesus brought it around to eternity. Entrance into the Kingdom of God requires more than information; it requires a heart submitted to Jesus.

Mark 12:32-33 (NLT) The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The scribe is equipped and authorized to pass judgment on the law, but Jesus possesses a higher authority. In yet another display of sovereign authority, Jesus declares “‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.'” That is a striking remark because the subject of conversation has been Torah, not the kingdom of God or eternal life.

Mark 12:34 (NLT) Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.

• Remember – this question came in the context of Jesus’ answer to the Sadducees about resurrection.

Matthew 5:20 (ESV) For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven

Mark 15:1 (ESV) And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate.

In Mark 12:35-37 it’s Jesus’ turn to ask the questions, and he begins with a question about the Messiah. It causes us to ask a question of our own: do we have Jesus right?

Over the last three weeks, we’ve seen Jesus answer questions from three different groups of religious leaders.  The religious leaders weren’t seeking to discover truth with these questions. 

They were questions meant to trap him, alienate him from his supporters, or get him in trouble with the Roman government. 

• Pharisees’ tax question
• Sadducees’ resurrection question
• Scribe’s law question

He has answered each of them with such skill and wisdom that the text says no one else dared to ask him any questions. The debate is over.  Jesus stands victorious. 

But these antagonistic questions were not enough to reveal who Jesus really is. It’s now his turn to ask the questions, and he begins with a question about the Messiah.  Unlike the religious leaders, whose questions were meant to trap, Jesus wants to reveal himself.  Essentially, he’s asking, “Do you know who I am?”  

This is one of the great attributes of God – he seeks to reveal himself to us.  It’s hard to imagine when you really think about it.  The God of the universe longs to reveal himself in a personal way – to me?  King David wrestled with this idea in Psalm 8.

Psalm 8:3-4 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place—4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,  human beings that you should care for them?

Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s revelation to humanity. He is God in the flesh and at the heart of his question to the Pharisees he is asking – do you know who I am? 

That’s the question I want to use as a framework for today’s message: Do you know who Jesus is?  

Jesus is going to use Psalm 110 as the means to reveal himself 

The LORD said to my Lord,“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies. When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly.You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew. The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you. He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts. He will punish the nations and fill their lands with corpses; he will shatter heads over the whole earth.But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious.

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Ps 110 is quoted or alluded to thirty-three times in the NT, and an additional seven times in early Christian authors. See D. M. Hay, Glory at the Right Hand. Psalm 110 in Early Christianity (Nashville/New York: Abingdon Press, 1973), 15, 45-47.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The preceding story ended with the note that “from then on no one dared ask [Jesus] any more questions” (12:34). The wording of v. 34 (particularly in Gk.) is strong and unequivocal, signifying that Jesus has prevailed over challenges from the Sanhedrin (11:27-33) and its various constituencies – the Pharisees (12:13-17), Sadducees (12:18-27), and scribes (12:28-34). Jesus has bested the field and debate is closed. Jesus does not quit the field, however, but he takes it. The meaning of his person and the kingdom he proclaims cannot be understood by mere responses to human interrogation – especially when the interrogation is antagonistic. The questions and categories of the Sanhedrin, the supreme authority in Judaism, are not sufficient to reveal and encompass Jesus. And if theirs are not sufficient, no human agenda is sufficient to reveal or obscure, to prove or disprove, the meaning of Jesus.

What They Got

The religious leaders thought they knew the Messiah, but they had only a partial understanding of his identity. Their idea of “Son of David” was missing the mark. Mark 12:35

Mark 12:35 (NLT) Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David?”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Although Jesus and the early church did not accept the military-political connotations normally associated with Messiah, early Christianity certainly affirmed that the Messiah would come from the “house” (Luke 1:69) or “throne” (Luke 1:32) or “seed” (Rom. 1:3; 2 Tim 2:8) of David.
• References to Son of David in Matthew: 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 21:9; and 21:15 – Matthew’s gospel is directed more to a Jewish audience so he uses this title more than the other gospels.  
• 2 Samuel 7:12-16 Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 12 For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. 13 He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. 15 But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. 16 Your house and your kingdom will continue before me[b] for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”
• Isaiah 11:1-2 Out of the stump of David’s family[a] will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 
• Jeremiah 23:5-6 “For the time is coming,” says the Lord,“when I will raise up a righteous descendant[a]from King David’s line.He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.6 And this will be his name:    ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’[b] In that day Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety.
• It wasn’t that the religious leaders were wrong about the Messiah being from the line of David. They were right about that.  But the Messiah was more than that.
• Jesus was called “Son of David” by the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, in Mark 10.  The crowds shouted “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father, David” in the triumphal entry in Mark 11. 
• No doubt many of the religious leaders knew that people were calling Jesus the Son of David. 

What They Missed

They took the bulk of Ps 110 – the military part that got them excited. But they missed the first verse – the part that held the key to the Messiah’s identity. Mark 12:36-37 

Mark 12:36 (NLT) For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, ‘The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’

• First, note: In explaining the Psalm, Jesus affirms the Holy Spirit’s role in the writing of scripture. It’s another example of a prophecy that had partial fulfillment and then complete fulfillment in Christ.
• They took the bulk of Ps 110 – the military part that got them excited. But they missed the first verse – the part that held the key to the Messiah’s identity!

Mark 12:37 (NLT) Since David himself called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with great delight.

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The quotation in v. 36 is from Ps 110, the most frequently quoted OT text in the NT. The point, which hinges on a twist in wording, may escape us without further explanation. The crux is the first line, “‘The Lord said to my Lord. . . .'” Psalm 110 was originally a coronation hymn that would have been sung, chanted, or recited at the inauguration of the kings of Judah and Israel. The opening line in Heb. reads “‘The Lord (Yahweh) declared to my lord (adonai).'” The first Lord refers to God and the second to the king, i.e., at his coronation the king of Israel was inducted as God’s vicegerent and seated symbolically at God’s right hand. The right hand signified honor and closeness to God, and legitimacy to rule with dominion and justice. The Psalm thus originally referred to God and the king of Israel. With the destruction of the monarchy in 586 B.C., Ps 110 was reappropriated, with the rights of the king frequently being transferred to the Messiah, whose kingdom would not fail as had the Davidic monarchy. It was this subsequent interpretation that is reflected in Jesus’ quotation of Ps 110:1 and question in v. 36, where the first Lord refers to God and the second to the Messiah. A comparison of the two interpretations of the Psalm may arouse suspicion or skepticism in us today that the interpretation assumed by Jesus is less valid than its original sense, or even bogus. It surely cannot have seemed so to Jesus. It is more probable that in his day the true and ultimate meaning of Ps 110 was understood with reference to God and the Messiah, of whom the earthly Israelite monarchy had been a shadow or preparation. Thus, to return to the implication of the Psalm in Jesus’ question, if David, who was believed to be the author of the Psalm, said, “‘The Lord (= God) said to my Lord (= Messiah): Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet,'” then the Messiah is obviously a superior to David, and not merely a descendent, as Judaism popularly held.
• As outlined in the commentary, this was originally a psalm of coronation.  The LORD is Yahweh, the Lord is Adonai – the king.  As we saw in the 2 Samuel passage, there would be consequences for the Davidic kingdom because of disobedience.. It would be split. Its earthly rule would come to an end.  This Psalm points to something greater.  It points to the Messiah.  The LORD is Yahweh, the Lord is the Messiah. 
• David was the king and yet he calls him Lord – Adonai, Master.  This is clearly someone greater than David. This is God the Son.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In Jesus’ preceding argument with the Sadducees (12:18-27) he argued that the resurrection is not simply an extension of earthly existence; here in the question about David’s son he argues that the Messiah is not simply an extension of his Davidic precursor. The Messiah will indeed be a recognized descendent of David, but he will surpass David’s lineage. “Son of David” may assert certain truths about the Messiah, but it falls short in essential ways of capturing his identity. The quotation from Ps 110 is used here, as it was later used throughout Christian writings, ultimately not as a description of Jesus’ purpose and work, but as a description of his transcendent status, sitting at God’s honored and authoritative right. That is signaled in Jesus’ final cinching question, “‘How then can [Messiah] be [David’s] son?'” It is the same question Mark poses to his readers. The answer, of course, is that Messiah is not simply David’s son; he is God’s Son.
• Revelation 22:16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the Bright Morning Star.  

Two Natures

Jesus is a single person with two natures: divine and human. These two natures are united in his person without confusion, change, or loss.

The Two Natures of Christ – Hypostatic Union as affirmed by the Communicato Idiomatom.

Jesus is a single person with two natures: the divine nature that he shares equally and eternally with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and the human nature he took on in his incarnation. These two natures are united in his person without confusion, change or loss. Jesus is not part God and part human, but both are fully integrated in him.

His Divinity:

• Jesus identified himself with the God who appeared to Moses in Exodus 3:14 (John 8:58).
• Revelation 1:8 calls God the Father “Alpha and Omega,” a title Jesus applies to himself later in Revelation 22:13.
• The Bible attributes to Jesus works that only God can do. 
  • He is the agent of creation (John 1:1-8) and exhibits power over what he made (Matthew 14:22-36). 
  • He forgives sins (Mark 2:5-7) and judges the world for sins (John 5:22-30). 
  • He receives prayer (Acts 7:59-60) and is worthy of worship (Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:3-6).

His Humanity:

• The Bible attests that Jesus was fully human in body, soul, mind and will (Hebrews 2:17).
• He had a real human body, subject to weariness (John 4:6), hunger (Matthew 4:2) and thirst (John 4:7).
• He was capable of experiencing every human emotion (Matthew 26:37; John 2:15).
• He was tempted as we are (Matthew 4:1-11), yet Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).

Close

God and man have been reunited in the person of Jesus. When we get the identity of Jesus right, we can respond to him in faith.

• Psalms 110:4 (NLT) The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
• Very beginning of Mark’s gospel – This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. 
• The relationship between God and man is reconciled through the person and work of Jesus.  It required Jesus’ divine nature to be able to live a sinless life.  

In Mark 12:38-44 Jesus raises negative and positive examples that illustrate the nature of genuine, life-transforming faith. Religious leaders demonstrated a surface religion that failed to honor God. A poor widow showed a deep, authentic faith that sacrificed to honor God.

1. How do you measure whether faith in God is authentic?

• Every religious culture creates a way to answer that question.
  • Here’s one I heard many years ago
    • “You don’t smoke or swear or chew….  Or go with girls who do.”
  • But what standards do you use?
    • A real Christian → shows up at church on Sunday / prays aloud in public / gives money to the church / has a certain look
  • I know a church where they might answer like this…
    • A mature Christian →  homeschools their kids / wife doesn’t work outside the home 
  • I raise this question bc that’s the issue Jesus addresses in Mark 12 
• (35): Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple
  • This teaching consisted of 3 things
    • Saw one of them last week (35-37)
      • How the Messiah can be both “son of David” and David’s Lord
    • Two more teaching moments are recorded in rest of ch 12
      • Before Jesus leaves the Temple (13:1)
    • Then, in ch 13, Jesus gave an extended teaching, not for “the people” (35), but for his disciples (13:3)
  • In the two teachings Jesus gives us today, we see negative & positive examples
    • That illustrate the nature of genuine, life-transforming faith
    • The negative example comes from the religious leaders
      • They practice a surface religion that fails to honor God
    • The positive example from a poor widow
      • Her deep, authentic faith sacrificed something to honor God

Faith or Fame?

When religious leaders and teachers gain fame because of their religion, Jesus warns us to make sure that we don’t love fame (or famous people) more than we love God.

Mark 12:38-40 (NLT) Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”

COMMENTARY

• “There is no evidence that all the theologians of Jesus’ day were frauds, using their position merely as a cloak for cruelty and greed…. But the most influential of them seemed to have conceived a bitter hatred of Jesus, and one can only guess that this was because they were indeed using their powers selfishly and irresponsibly and detested his exposure of their real motives.” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 739)
• “Teachers of the law wore long white linen robes that were fringed and reached almost to the ground. They were also shown special respect by the majority of the people, being addressed by the honorific titles, ‘Rabbi,’ ‘Father,’ and ‘Master.’ In the synagogue they occupied the bench in front of the ark that contained the sacred scrolls of the Law and the Prophets. There the teachers could be seen by all the worshipers in the synagogue. They were often invited to banquets because of their prestige and were given special places of honor. What Jesus condemns is their seeking such honor for themselves instead of for God whom they professed to serve.” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 739)
• “First, [Jesus] chastens them for their desire to wear distinctive dress…, which expresses pride that hungers for honors and distinction and arrogance that flaunts its learning and position…. Jesus also condemns the longing of these teachers of the law for human adulation…. Jesus demanded the opposite attitude in his disciples when they showed signs of the same egocentrism (9:35; 10:31, 43-44). The longing of the teachers of the law for prestige, however, is coupled with a calloused disregard for the poor…. Jesus accuses the teachers of the law of devouring widow’s houses. Widows traditionally symbolized the helpless in the Old Testament, and abusing them was strictly denounced (in Isaiah 10:1-4). (Footnote: The situation may have to do with the dishonest management of the estates of widows, who did not manage their own affairs. Or it may refer to their sponging off the hospitality of widows.)…. Finally, Jesus castigates the prayers of these teachers of the law…. Prayers supposedly addressed to God are spoken to win accolades from human eavesdroppers.” (The NIV Application Commentary, 179-180).

EXPOSITION

• Jesus warns: “Beware of these teachers of religious law!”
  • He’s at the temple: there are plenty of religious officials walking around
  • “teachers of religious law” in 1st century Judaism
    • They were learned men responsible for preserving, studying, and interpreting the Law of Moses, and for teaching it to the next generation. 
    • They were highly respected members of society and held in a position of great authority, because of their knowledge, dedication, and outward appearance of keeping God’s law.
• Why does Jesus warn about these people? 2 reasons…
  • 1: they are official representatives of respectable religion
    • This gives them status; puts them beyond scrutiny or question bc of official position → they have the right title
  • 2: they pretend to be pious = by making long prayers in public
    • IOW: visible expressions designed to make people think of them a certain way; to give them more respect
    • They like to parade around in flowing robes
      • Their clothing set them apart as unique / special
  • These 2 factors set them up to be honored in the religious system / culture
    • The flowing robes: possibly a sign of wealth, which translates into respect / honor in most social settings
    • They receive respectful greetings as they walk about in public places
    • They are offered the seats of honor at banquets and in synagogues
  • SO: beware! Because they may look pious / respectable
    • But there is something else going on beneath the surface
    • Jesus points out two specific issues
• The first issue: how much they love the honor / adulation
  • They love the respectful greetings they get
    • They love being offered the prime seats in the room
  • Jesus’ warning is about religious leaders and teachers who love fame
    • Is he saying they can’t be trusted? They should not be listened to?
    • We live in a celebrity culture. We assume that famous = better. Famous = more believable. We’re all tempted to love & follow famous religious leaders. The warning is about ourselves as much as about them: we are prone to be swept up with external fame.
• Here’s another warning about US: beware when YOU start to love fame
  • That may be why we gravitate toward famous leaders
    • We feel like some of their fame overflows to us
  • But some of us might also have a bit of fame
    • Get well known in the church for having a certain gifting, etc.
  • There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with fame / being well-known or respected
    • The issue is: how you respond to fame. Whether or not you WANT fame; pursue fame; do whatever it takes to experience fame
  • Bottom line: do we love FAME more than we love GOD? Are we pursuing fame or pursuing God? 
    • And what about the faith leaders who are influencing us?

But there is also a second level of concern in Jesus’ warning. Way more serious…

Character Chasm

Another warning about prominent religious people (or anyone who claims to follow God) is how easily a gap develops between our outward religious activity and our actual obedience to God.

COMMENTARY

• “Since the teachers of the law were not allowed to be paid for their services, they were dependent on the gifts of patrons for their livelihood. Such a system was vulnerable to abuses. Wealthy widows especially were preyed on by the greedy and unscrupulous among these men. Jesus particularly condemns the hypocrisy of their long prayers that were used as a mask for their greed. ‘For a show’ is a translation of the Greek word prophasis. It is difficult to know whether it should be taken with what precedes and be translated ‘and to cover it up” (i.e. to cover up their devouring of widow’s houses) or with what follows (the long prayers) and translate it, as does NIV, “and for a show.” In either case there is a connection between their long prayers and their greed.” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 740)

EXPOSITION

• Second level of concern addressed in Jesus’ statement = 
  • Major gap between the outward show of religion / the religious position versus any real practice righteousness
  • “Shamelessly cheat widows out of their property” → religious con men
  • Isaiah 10:1-2 What sorrow awaits the unjust judges and those who issue unfair laws. They deprive the poor of justice and deny the rights of the needy among my people. They prey on widows and take advantage of orphans.
• Again: Jesus’ warning seems to be about trusting these leaders
  • Don’t trust a religious leader / teacher just because of position / fame
    • Don’t trust me just because I have published books / etc.
  • Get to know their character
• This applies to every one of us
  • Anyone can fall prey to a gap between religious expression on Sunday
    • Versus what they do in everyday life
• Life is not about your reputation; it’s about your character
  • Reputation is what people think of you
  • Character is what you really are
  • Jesus had a terrible reputation → but a perfect character
  • By contrast, many Jewish religious leaders had a great reputation
    • But here their true character is revealed
      • Acting greedily / exploiting people
    • Getting fat & happy on religion, as if representing God
      • But zero conviction about what really matters to God

Genuine Generosity

One way to see authentic faith is generosity toward God, as long as we remember that generosity is not measured by the size of the gift, but by the size of the sacrifice.

Mark 12:41-44 (NLT) Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

COMMENTARY

• “The placement of this story here may be to contrast the greed of the teachers of the law with the liberality of the widow. Or it may be that…it sums up what has gone before in the Gospel and makes a superb transition to the story of how Jesus ‘gave everything’ for men. The setting is the court of the women, into which both men and women were allowed to come, and where the temple treasury was located. Jesus sat down on a bench where he could watch the people bring their offerings and put them in one of the thirteen trumpet shaped boxes that were used for that purpose….. The poor widow placed in the box two copper coins (lepta), the smallest coins in circulation in Palestine. Their value was, as NIV puts it, “only a fraction of a penny.” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, 740)
• “The resounding of the collection box when the rich toss in their silver dwarfs the tinkling of the widow’s two coins. But her sacrificial devotion eclipses their perfunctory donations. The rich give from their abundance, but they do not sacrifice their abundance. This poor widow gives all that she has to live on, which is next to nothing. Her unassuming piety sharply contrasts with the conspicuous impiety of the scribes in the preceding denunciation. She shows radical trust in God to provide for her and give what is surplus for this day to God.” (The NIV Application Commentary, 181).

EXPOSITION

• The OT law called for the people of Israel to pay tithes
  • For the support of the priestly class / operation of temple
    • As well as for the poor
  • These were originally offered as produce
  • But over time currency was often used, as many people no longer lived in agricultural settings
• Thirteen wooden boxes with trumpet-shaped bronze funnels to guide the coins into the box trumpet shaped boxes that were used for collecting offers
  • Made of metal → resound when money dropped in
    • The more and larger coins → make a lot more noise
    • Many rich people were putting in large amounts
• “Two small coins” → a noteworthy contrast to rich people
  • One “lepta” = 1/64th of a denarius, the daily wage of a laborer.
  • “She has given more than all the others…”
    • Clearly “more” does not refer to raw numbers
    • Her “more” was a far higher proportion
      • Not her surplus, but her need
• Why does Jesus commend sacrificial giving?
  • It expresses God’s worth: God is more important than money
  • It expresses God’s faithfulness: it requires authentic trust in God

In Mark 13:1-13 Jesus talks about the end of the world. This passage has been studied and interpreted for generations, and it helps us to answer the question: are we living in the end times?

1. Are we living in the end times?

• Failed Doomsday Predictions:
  • Jonestown (1978): The People’s Temple, led by Jim Jones, was a religious cult that ended in a mass murder-suicide event in Jonestown, Guyana, where over 900 people died. While it may not have been a specific prediction of the end of the world, it was a tragic event associated with a cult leader’s belief system.
  • “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988” by Edgar C. Whisenant, a former NASA engineer. Used a combination of biblical numerology, calculations, and interpretations of Scripture to arrive at the conclusion that the Rapture would take place on September 11, 1988.
  • Heaven’s Gate (1997): The Heaven’s Gate cult, led by Marshall Applewhite, believed that a spaceship was following the comet Hale-Bopp, and they thought they needed to commit mass suicide to reach a higher plane of existence before the Earth was “recycled.” In March 1997, 39 members of the cult took their own lives.
  • Harold Camping (2011): Harold Camping, a Christian radio broadcaster and founder of Family Radio, predicted that the Rapture and the end of the world would occur on May 21, 2011. When this prediction did not come to pass, Camping revised the date to October 21, 2011, which also proved incorrect.
  • Y2K (2000): Leading up to the year 2000, there was significant concern about the “Y2K bug.” Some believed that computer systems would malfunction and potentially lead to global chaos and the end of the world when the year rolled over from 1999 to 2000. In the end, the Y2K bug did not cause the catastrophic events that some had predicted.
  • Mayan Calendar (2012): The Mayan Long Count calendar was said to end on December 21, 2012, leading to speculations that this date marked the end of the world. However, the Mayan civilization did not predict the end of the world on this date, and December 21, 2012, came and went without apocalyptic events.

Not One Stone

Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple – which had become the focal point of faith. Surprisingly he’s not sad about it, because he knows that the temple was always meant to be temporary. 

Mark 13:1-2 (NLT) As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in the walls.” Jesus replied, “Yes, look at these great buildings. But they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

• This is a big claim. The temple is a huge part of their community and culture. So, not only is the claim of the temple being torn down a big claim, but Jesus specifically states the degree of the damage too.
  • ii) Expositors Bible Commentary: All the buildings on the temple platform, including the temple itself to which the prophecy refers, were utterly destroyed. So completely were they destroyed that no trace of them remains today. Even their exact location on the temple mount is disputed.
  • iii) The siege lasted nearly 5 months, and consisted of fires so hot that glass was melted. The Romans were worked into such a frenzy to destroy the Jews, and retrieve valuable temple artifacts that they pulverized any remnants of the structures. To this day, archaeological evidence shows incredible destruction from this event, to the point that it is difficult to discern where the buildings had been.
• Euphemism pointing to Jesus, Himself.  Ephesians 2:19-22 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
  • i) The temple had, inadvertently, become the focus, rather than Jesus. Jesus’ response doesn’t focus on the temple, but looks beyond the temple to Himself. It’s another reminder that pomp and circumstance, as we’ve seen throughout this study, is not what is important to God, but rather, our relationship with Him.
  • ii) Here, Jesus seems indifferent to the coming destruction of the physical building, meanwhile; In Luke 19:41-42, Jesus weeps over the people of Jerusalem failing to see Him for who/what He was.
    • Luke 19:41-44 (NLT) 41 But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. 42 “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. 43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. 44 They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”
    • Ephesians 2:19-21 (NLT) So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.

Signs of the Times

People have always sought answers to the timing of doomsday, but Jesus warns us to be on guard for false prophets and bad teaching. World chaos is to be expected; our job is to preach the gospel. Mark 13:3-8

Mark 13:3-6 (NLT) Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives across the valley from the Temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?” Jesus replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.

• People have always sought answers to timing (Expositors Commentary: Thus they wanted a sign, some sure way by which they might know that the destruction of the temple was about to occur and that the end of the age was approaching. But Jesus refused to give them eschatological signs. Throughout his discourse he was more concerned to prepare them by exhortation and warning for the trials that lay ahead than to give them dates and signs.) 
  • i) Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
  • ii) Believers should watch for signs, not for the sake of timing, but so as to remain effectively good stewards of His Church.
• Be on guard for False prophets/Bad teaching
  • i) Jesus warns 3 times in Ch 13 to be wary (V 9, 23 & 33) of misleading/bad info.
  • ii) It is clear that Jesus was adamant about the need for believers to be alert to false teaching. Mark 13:6 Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many. “Many” suggests the Church will be under attack theologically, often. 

Mark 13:7-8 (NLT) And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

• World Chaos is to be expected; not cause for alarm (This is Jesus’ mandate to his disciples and through them to his church). 
• This is not something that the Church should worry and fear over. Believers should see these things as proof of Jesus’ promise of eventual return.

Persecution

Jesus promises that believers will be persecuted in Jesus’ name. In spite of this, our job is to preach the gospel to all the nations. Mark 13:9-12

Mark 13:9-10 (NLT) “When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.”

Mark 13:11-12 (NLT) “But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit. “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed.”

• Believers will be persecuted in Jesus’ name. Persecution of the Church is an element of the age. 
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary (16 Vols.) — PNTC) Here too the persecution of believers (v. 9) provides the context for the proclamation of the gospel to all nations (v. 10). Once again, the sufferings and persecutions of believers are not signs of the end, but signs that attend authentic preaching of the gospel!

1. B) Power of the Holy Spirit 11 When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.
2. i) Persecution is a blessed opportunity for witness
3. C) Betrayal/Persecution  Mark 13:12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and [h]have them put to death. 13 You will be hated by all because of My name
4. D) Falling away   Mark 13: 12b but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

Matthew 24:12-13 Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Gr: Hypomeno: to stay behind; to stand firm, endure, persevere

Close

We might be living the end times, and we might not. Either way, true believers will endure to the end. 

Mark 13:13 (NLT) And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

• Jesus seems to be saying here, “Instead of looking for signs of the end, get busy and spread the `good news’ ! All nations must hear before the End comes.

In Mark 13:14-27 Jesus talks about the Antichrist, the tribulation, and even the rapture. It begins to answer the ageless question: What will the End look like?

Q: What will the End look like? Today we’ll cover a lot of ground, so buckle up! We’ll talk about the Antichrist, the tribulation, and the rapture. 

There are several famous doomsday movies that explore apocalyptic scenarios, often depicting the end of the world or catastrophic events. Here are some well-known doomsday movies:

• Climate change
  • Mad Max series (1979-2015):** Set in a dystopian future where society has collapsed (oil shortage)
  • The Day After Tomorrow (2004):** Directed by Roland Emmerich, this film depicts the catastrophic effects of global climate change, including superstorms and a new ice age.
  • Waterworld (1995):** In a future where Earth is mostly covered in water, this film follows a lone drifter with a mysterious map as he navigates a world where dry land is a precious commodity.
• Virus
  • I Am Legend (2007):** Starring Will Smith, this film is based on the novel of the same name and portrays a world where a man-made virus has turned most of humanity into zombie-like creatures.
• Asteroid/Comet
  • Armageddon (1998):** In this action-packed film directed by Michael Bay, a group of oil drillers is sent to space to prevent an asteroid from colliding with Earth.
  • Deep Impact (1998):** Another film released in the same year as Armageddon, Deep Impact explores the global efforts to prevent an extinction-level comet impact.
• Extra terrestrials
  • War of the Worlds (2005):** Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic novel portrays an Earth invaded by powerful and destructive extraterrestrial beings.

Related: https://www.pursuegod.org/what-is-eschatology/ 

Antichrist

Jesus warns about an “abomination of desolation” – an idea taken from the book of Daniel. This prophecy had been partially fulfilled during the Maccabean Revolt, but the final fulfillment would happen later. 

Mark 13:14-18 (NLT) “The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing where he should not be.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter.

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The “abomination that causes desolation” is a phrase taken from three cryptic references in Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11 to a scandal that would defile and profane the Jerusalem temple. The same phrase is used in 1 Macc 1:54 to describe Antiochus IV (Epiphanes), the Syrian general who outraged the Jews in 168 B.C. by erecting an altar to Zeus on the altar of burnt offering in the temple and sacrificing a sow on it. The sacrilege of Antiochus in the Jerusalem temple became the dramatic provocation for the Maccabean Revolt, which against all odds earned Jews their only century of political self-rule between the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. and the formation of the State of Israel in 1948.
  • The Maccabean Revolt was triggered by the oppressive policies of the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who attempted to force Hellenistic culture and religion on the Jewish population of Judea. In 167 or 168 BCE, Antiochus desecrated the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem by erecting a statue of Zeus and demanding that sacrifices be made to the Greek gods. These actions, along with other harsh measures, led to widespread resistance among the Jewish people.
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) What event does Mark desire us to understand? There are three major possibilities. One was the ego-maniacal attempt of Caligula, Roman emperor from A.D. 37-41, who attempted to erect statues of himself in the temple of Jerusalem and have them worshiped as god (Josephus, War, 2.184-203).
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) A second possibility is to see v. 14 fulfilled in the destruction of the temple by Titus. This is the most common explanation of the passage…. The reference to “standing in the holy place” in Matt 24:15 could be a reference to Titus’ entry of the temple in September of A.D. 70 (Josephus War 6.260); and Luke’s references clearly describe the circumvallatio, the defense perimeter erected by the Roman Tenth Legion under Titus in the siege of Jerusalem
  • (Josephus) “While the holy house was on fire, everything was plundered that came to hand, and ten thousand of those that were caught were slain; nor was there a commiseration of any age, or any reverence of gravity, but children, and old men, and profane persons, and priests were all slain in the same manner.”
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) A third possibility is that “the abomination that causes desolation” refers to “the man of lawlessness” as conceived in 2 Thess 2:3-4 who will exalt himself in the temple as God (or as “a Son of God” according to Did. 16:4).
    • 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (NLT) For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The “abomination that causes desolation” alludes to the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70, but it is not exhausted by it. The “abomination” is a mysterious (2 Thess 2:7!) double referent, a historical medium that anticipates an ultimate fulfillment in the advent of the Antichrist and the final tribulation before the return of the Son of Man.

Tribulation

Jesus goes on to explain a time of great tribulation. It will be marked by deep anguish and false prophets, so watch out! 

Mark 13:19-23 (NLT) For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days. “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) On his own authority (“‘I have told you everything ahead of time'”) Jesus warns his disciples and the church not to be distracted or diverted from obedience to the suffering Son of Man, neither by ingenious speculations nor by signs and wonders.
• The idea of a seven-year tribulation period is often associated with a specific interpretation of biblical prophecy, particularly derived from the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation in the Bible. This concept is rooted in interpretations of certain passages, including Daniel 9:27, which speaks of a covenant made for one “week” (interpreted by some as a period of seven years). The idea is that this covenant is broken in the middle of the week, leading to a time of intensified tribulation.
  • Daniel 9:27 (NLT) The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.
  • In the Book of Revelation, there are references to a period of seven years or a week of years, which is sometimes associated with the tribulation. The events during this period are often divided into two halves, with particularly severe trials and tribulations occurring in the second half.

Related: www.pursuegod.org/the-tribulation-and-the-antichrist/

Rapture

Jesus then describes his second coming at the end of the tribulation. Bible scholars differ about whether Christians will go through the tribulation, based on how they understand the timing of the rapture.

Mark 13:24-27 (NLT) “At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.”

• Daniel 7:13 (NLT) As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. 
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NLT) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.
• Related: https://www.pursuegod.org/what-is-the-rapture/ 
  • The Pretribulation rapture position holds that the Tribulation is a time of God’s wrath on sinful, rebellious humanity. Christians are not appointed to suffer wrath (1 Ths 5:9). (Rev 3:10). God’s means of deliverance from his judgment is to remove the church from the earth. Since the church will not be in the Tribulation, Christians will not experience persecution under the Antichrist. Those who suffer from persecution in Rev 13 are either Jews, or people who believed in Jesus after the Rapture, or both. (emphasizes that it can happen at any time)
  • The Prewrath rapture view believes that the Tribulation falls into two parts. The first involves the persecution of God’s people. The second is a time of God’s wrath on sinful, rebellious humanity. Since the Rapture occurs after the rise of Antichrist, but before the wrath of God is poured out in judgment, the church will be present for the first aspect but not the second. (emphasizes visible signs before it happens)
    • Midpoint: when man of lawlessness desecrates the temple
  • The Posttribulation rapture position holds that because the Rapture occurs when Jesus comes in public triumph over evil, the church will experience persecution under the Antichrist. It will be present on the earth during the time of God’s wrath on sinful humanity. Believers are forever exempt from God’s wrath (Rom 5:9; 1 Thess 1:10). But this promise does not require Christians to be physically absent. Consider how God spared Noah from his judgment on humanity during the flood. Isaiah 26:20-21 portrays a situation where people escape God’s judgment without being removed. Also, in Revelation, the expressions of God’s wrath are not applied to every person (see Rev 9:4; 16:2). 

Close

At first it’s frightening to think about what the End will look like. But once you see the full picture, Jesus wins! 

“Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Something happens on a cosmic scale that happened between Jesus and the leper in 1:42: the “divine contagion” overcomes everything unclean and dark and evil.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The grand finale of the gospel preached by Jesus is that there is a sure hope for the future. It is grounded not in history or logic or intuition, but in the word of Jesus…. There is a striking contrast between the vast cosmic array the particularity of the Son of Man: the elect are as widespread and diverse as all creation, but they converge at a single point: the Son of Man. Jesus is the focal point of divine redemption.
• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) When Jesus returns “in clouds” it can only mean that God is no longer present in the temple, but in Jesus, the Son of Man.

Want to learn more about becoming a follower of Jesus? Check out our Pursuit Series and go through it with a Christian friend. 

In Mark 13:28-37 Jesus finishes his Olivet discourse and his discussion of the End Times. He never gives an answer to the timing of the End, but he does give insight into how we should live in light of it. 

1. How would you live if you didn’t believe time would run out?

• That’s not an option to us biblically as we’ve learned in the last couple of weeks.
• Yet so many people live as if time will never run out. 
  • Philippians 3:18-20 (NLT) For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
  • Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
  • Luke 12:19-20 (NLT) And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

Fig Tree

Jesus says “this generation” will not pass away until “all these things take place” – referring to the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. Some critics misinterpret this passage and minimize the power of God’s word. 

Mark 13:28-31 (NLT) “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

• Fig tree
  • New life, spring time. Hope is in the air.
  • (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) In Palestine most trees remain green throughout the year, but the fig tree is an exception. In the fall it loses its leaves; and when in the spring the sap rises in its branches and the tree begins to leaf out, summer cannot be far off. This parable is essentially an antidote to despair. In contrast to the sufferings and persecutions promised in the previous verses, here the prospect of the coming of the Son of Man is offered.
• This generation?
  • (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) The chief problem in this verse is the identification of “these things.” Do they refer to the events surrounding the fall of the city of Jerusalem or to the events immediately preceding the end of the age? If (as seems likely) that phrase relates to “all these things” in v.30, then Jesus appears to be referring to the former; those listening to him would experience these signs in a special way when Jerusalem fell.
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The “‘generation [that will not] pass away until all these things have happened'” (v. 30) has stirred no little controversy in NT theology. According to our interpretation, the generation under discussion is not that of the Second Coming, but the generation contemporary to Jesus that lived to witness the destruction of the temple and fall of Jerusalem.
• My words
  • Isaiah 40:8 (NLT) The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.
  • (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Here is an important key to the eschatological predictions of Mark 13, for if Jesus’ words will outlive the cosmos, then the world to come is already present in them. The Word made flesh is thus inextricably related to the Son of Man who comes on the clouds of heaven. If in Mark 13 the events associated with the Incarnation are blended mysteriously with those of the Parousia – events which to our way of thinking are entirely separate – it may help to remember that in God’s saving plan the Incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and Parousia are all facets of one Event.

Stay Alert

Jesus himself didn’t know when the End would come – proof that in his incarnation he gave up the full exercise of his divine attributes. And since we can’t know either, we need to be ready at any moment. 

Mark 13:32-33 (NLT) “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!”

• Not even the Son?!
  • (Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) Jesus’ ignorance of the day or hour of his return must be understood in terms of the NT teaching concerning the Incarnation. A genuine Incarnation involved such a lack of knowledge. Jesus purposely laid aside temporarily the exercise of his omniscience as part of what was involved in his becoming a human being.
  • Philippians 2:6-8 (NLT) Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
• Stay alert
  • Q. How would you live if you knew Jesus wouldn’t come back in your lifetime?
  • If we knew the day and time, we might get lazy and off mission.

Mark 13:34-37 (NLT) “The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”

• (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The Olivet discourse concludes on a note of mystery. When reviewing chap. 13 as a whole this may seem disappointing, for the discourse began with a request for a sign (v. 4), i.e., for special insight into the future. But we learn in conclusion that knowledge of the End exceeds knowability: not only human and angelic knowability, but even the knowability of the Son of God. Its sudden consummation is hidden solely in the mystery of God. All the signs that have been given add up to one conclusion: the End cannot be prepared for. That is because the End is ultimately not a “then,” but a mysteriously present now. The sole preparation for the End is watchfulness and faithfulness in the present.

Still Waiting

Peter gives us insight into why Jesus hasn’t come back yet. He’s being patient with us, giving everyone a chance to turn to God before the End comes. 

• 2 Peter 3:9-10 (NLT) The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
• 2 Peter 3:11, 14-15 (NLT) Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along…. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.  

Close

Time will run out on all of us, and that’s why we need to respond to the Good News presented in the gospel of Mark. The right response: repent and believe!

• Mark 1:1 (NLT) This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.
• Mark 1:15 (NLT) “The time promised by God has come at last!” Jesus announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

Are you ready for the End? Do you need to trust Jesus for salvation? Learn all about it in our Pursuit series. Find it at pursueGOD.org/go and go through it with a friend.

Q. How do you handle the hard sayings of Jesus?

• “You can’t serve God and money.” – Jesus view on finances (practical)
• “I am God.” – Jesus’ view on his divinity (theological)
• “I am the only way to heaven.” – Jesus’ view on salvation (practical and theological)

Mark 14:1-2 (NLT) It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law were still looking for an opportunity to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”

In Jesus’ day, the Passover festival was a significant and sacred event for the Jewish people, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. The Passover festival is rooted in the biblical account of the Exodus, where God spared the Israelites from the tenth plague by passing over the houses marked with the blood of a lamb. Key elements of the Passover celebration in Jesus’ time included:

• Sacrificial Lamb: The centerpiece of the Passover celebration was the sacrificial lamb. Families would select a lamb without blemish, sacrifice it, and then roast it. The blood of the lamb was applied to the doorposts of their homes, symbolizing God’s protection.
• Unleavened Bread: During Passover, Jews were required to eat unleavened bread, known as matzah or the “bread of affliction.” This tradition symbolized the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, as there was no time for their bread to rise.
• Wine: Four cups of wine were traditionally consumed during the Passover meal, each with a specific significance. The cups represented different aspects of the Exodus story and God’s promises. (We’ll get into this next week.)

(Pillar New Testament Commentary) Jerusalem was the only place where Passover could be celebrated and the festival drew huge crowds, greatly increasing not only the population of the city but also the threat of a Jewish uprising.

Mark 14:3 (NLT) Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

John’s version of this story (John 12) identifies the woman: Mary, Lazarus’ sister. It’s likely, then, that Simon is their father. He was a leper! (Did Jesus heal him earlier?)

Interruption: (Pillar New Testament Commentary) As a rule, it was a breach of etiquette for Jewish male fellowship to be interrupted by women unless they were serving food. Mark has often reminded us, however, that societal and even Jewish values are not necessarily to be equated with Jesus’ values. In this instance, the woman’s intrusion is commended as a demonstration of faith.

Extravagance: The perfume jar was likely a family heirloom. She smashed it – spending it all on the head of Jesus. Unbelievable sign of extravagance, even possibly wastefulness. 

This hints at our first hard saying: “You can’t serve God and money.”

• How extravagant are you toward Jesus?

Mark 14:4-5 (NLT) Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

First, a note on the text: Once again, Mark spares us the names. John doesn’t: 

• John 12:4-6 (NLT) But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. 
• But Mark says “some at the table” were indignant. Who else? Other disciples?

Mark 14:6-7 (NLT) But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.”

This hints at our second hard saying of Jesus: “I am God.” 

• If they knew Jesus’ true identity, they would never say such a thing
• These disciples have been on a journey with Jesus; he’s been revealing himself through teachings, miracles, even showing authority over nature itself
• Have you been on that journey?

Mark 14:8-9 (NLT) “She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

Let me show you how this hints at our third hard saying of Jesus: “I am the only way to heaven.” 

Double Anointing: Two major precedents for anointing: coronation and burial. This accomplishes both, though the woman surely didn’t know it! Maybe the biggest shock: a woman anointed him!? Also note: there would be no other anointed of the buried Jesus, because he arose! (See Mark 16:1)

(New Bible Commentary) Every king in Judah was anointed before his coronation, and this was to be his anointing, not by a prophet but by a woman. But it was more, for it was a symbolic preparation of his body for burial….

Mark 14:10-11 (NLT) Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

This is the turning point for Judas. The hard teachings of Jesus had finally pushed him over the edge.

• “You can’t serve God and money.”
  • Maybe the extravagance – and Jesus’ response. Legalistic? Justified his betrayal?
  • Maybe Judas was offended by Jesus calling him out?
• “I am God.”
  • Judas still didn’t understand his true identity
• “I am the only way to heaven.”
  • What? By dying? Not Judas’ picture of Messiah. Not what Judas signed up for
  • Judas thought he understood things better than Jesus!?

Back to Chapter 1 

Mark 1:15 (NLT) “The time promised by God has come at last!” Jesus announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

Repent = Turn from your way, your opinion. Stop pushing back. Submit to Jesus. Even when it’s hard to accept what he’s saying.

Here’s the question we’ll be exploring today:
Q. How do you know if your faith is authentic?
We’re going to look at two kinds of spiritual seekers: Judas and Peter

• Both followed Jesus for 3 years
• Both claimed to believe in him
• Both made terrible mistakes
• One of them was a fake

John 6:64 (NLT) But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) John 6:70-71 (NLT) Then Jesus said, “I chose the twelve of you, but one is a devil.” He was speaking of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, one of the Twelve, who would later betray him.
Nugget: He was speaking of Judas, but did Peter know it? Did Judas?
Peter would also betray, and Jesus later called him Satan!? (Mark 8:33)

Jesus himself predicted this kind of thing:
Matthew 7:21 (NLT) Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

So the question for us today: How can I know if I’m a Judas or a Peter?

We’ll get to that. But first let’s get to the text. There are some really cool nuggets on the way to answering our personal question for the day.

Mark 14:12 (NLT) On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go to prepare the Passover meal for you?”

We talked about this meal last week…
They had no clue that Jesus was going to redefine history with this meal
They had no idea we would be talking about this moment 2000 years later!

Mark 14:13-16 (NLT) So Jesus sent two of them into Jerusalem with these instructions: “As you go into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” So the two disciples went into the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.

(Pillar New Testament Commentary) A male water carrier would have caught their eye, for carrying water was normally the labor of women or slaves.

Nugget: (Pillar New Testament Commentary) The hall so described resembles the meeting place of the early church described in Acts 1:13 (Upper Room) and 12:12 (after Peter’s prison escape, “…he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer.”). If it is the same dwelling, then it belonged to Mary, the mother of John Mark, the probable author of the Second Gospel. The suggestion that John Mark was the carrier of the water jar is possible, but without evidence.

Now I want to jump down to v22, the meal itself. We’ll come back to v17-21 at the end. But while we’re talking about the Passover meal, we need to connect some dots here. Four cups of wine were traditionally consumed during the Passover meal, each with a specific significance. The cups represented different aspects of the Exodus story and God’s promises. The four cups are typically labeled as follows:

1. Cup of Sanctification (Kiddush Cup): This is the first cup, and it is associated with the sanctification of the holiday. The leader of the Seder, often the head of the household, recites a blessing over the wine, marking the beginning of the festive meal and the special nature of the occasion.

(Pillar New Testament Commentary) Passover was a family celebration, which means that women and children were a normal and necessary part of the meal. In the course of the meal the youngest boy present asked prescribed questions that the householder answered by retelling the story of the Exodus and by explaining its meaning as symbolized in the Passover meal.

Nugget: (Pillar New Testament Commentary) In 15:41 we are told that “many women” accompanied Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem. It is hard to imagine that women who had followed Jesus thus far would be excluded from a ceremony at which they were a constituent part. Again, a “large room” (14:15) would not have been necessary if only thirteen people were present for Passover. Finally, the clarification that the betrayer was “one of the Twelve” (14:20) would be unnecessary if only the Twelve were gathered for Passover.

2. Cup of Plagues (Makot or Dam – Blood): After the initial ritual handwashing and the breaking of the middle matzah (Afikoman), the second cup is filled. Before drinking this cup, participants recite or sing the ten plagues that afflicted the Egyptians during the time of Moses. Some traditions involve dipping a finger into the wine and removing a drop for each plague to express a symbolic diminishing of joy due to the suffering of the Egyptians.

Mark doesn’t mention these two cups, but Jesus and his disciples certainly drank them together. Then Mark picks up the story:

Mark 14:22 (NLT) As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it, for this is my body.”

Two types of ceremonial bread for the Jewish people:

Matzo (unleavened bread of the Passover meal) symbolizes haste, humility, redemption, and the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt.
During the Passover Seder, Matzo is often symbolically referred to as the “bread of affliction” to evoke the hardships endured by the Israelites during their enslavement in Egypt and their rapid departure, which left no time for their bread to rise. The Matzo serves as a tangible reminder of their suffering and the miraculous deliverance by God.
(Pillar New Testament Commentary) “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to his disciples.” The words of institution occur after the Passover meal is in progress, probably between the drinking of the second and third cups of wine. If Jesus followed the normal Passover rite, the blessing or thanksgiving as he broke the bread (v. 22) and distributed the wine (v. 23) would have been, “Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, king of the world, who brings forth bread from the earth.” According to Torah, the bread of presentation that was placed on the golden table in the tabernacle Sabbath by Sabbath was called “bread of remembrance” (Lev 24:7).

Showbread or “bread of the presence” was a sacred offering presented before the presence of God. It was replaced every Sabbath, and the old loaves were eaten by the priests.
Lev 24:8 (NLT) “it is an ongoing expression of the eternal covenant.”
The term “bread of the presence” comes from the idea that the Showbread was placed “before the presence” of God in the Tabernacle or Temple. It symbolized the ongoing fellowship between God and the Israelites.
(Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Abridged Edition (2 Volumes)) The bread represented his body, i.e., his abiding presence, promised to the disciples on the eve of his crucifixion; and the words become a pledge of the real presence of Jesus wherever and whenever his followers celebrate the Supper.

Jesus fulfills both of these! “This is my body” – not the word for flesh (sarx) but the word for being (soma). Jesus was giving himself, his whole being, his abiding presence.

Then we get to the third and fourth cups.

Mark 14:23-25 (NLT) And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.”

3. Cup of Redemption (Zehut or Hagula – Redemption): This cup is associated with the theme of redemption. Before drinking this cup, a special blessing is recited over the wine, thanking God for redeeming the Jewish people. The story of the Exodus is often recounted at this point, emphasizing the idea of liberation and freedom.
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.”
(Pillar New Testament Commentary) Taking the third cup, Jesus gives it to the disciples. Between the offerings of the bread (v. 22) and cup (v. 23) lay an interval of time required to eat the meal.

(Pillar New Testament Commentary) Verse 25 falls at the drinking of the final cup of the Passover. This saying shifts the focus of the celebration from the origin of the blood covenant in Exodus 24 to its fulfillment “anew in the kingdom of God.”

4. Cup of Acceptance or Restoration (Birkat HaMazon – Blessing of the Meal): This cup is consumed after the meal, particularly after the recitation of the Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals). It signifies the acceptance of God’s covenant with the Jewish people and the hope for the complete restoration of Jerusalem.

So that’s the Last Supper, the final Passover meal shared between Jesus and his disciples where Jesus redefines the most meaningful story in Jewish history in light of his mission on earth. He is the fulfillment.

• It wasn’t just about slavery, it was about sin.
• It wasn’t just about ceremonial bread, it was about his body.
• It wasn’t just about a lamb’s blood, it was about his blood.

All of this would play out in real time the very next day. This meal was eaten on a Thursday; the events to follow would happen on Good Friday.

Notice: “they all drank from it” – including Judas. Including Peter. Note the other times “all” shows up in the chapter – to their shame! (Pillar New Testament Commentary) Mark is the only Gospel writer who adds, “and they all drank from it.” The “all” echoes throughout the remainder of the chapter, recalling both the grace of Jesus and the failure of the disciples: they “all drank” (v. 23), they “all [swear allegiance to Jesus]” (v. 31); but they “all fall away” (v. 27), and they “all fled” (v. 50). The original Last Supper is attended by traitors (v. 18) and cowards (v. 50); it is a table not of merit but of grace!

This brings us back to our question for the day: How do you know if your faith is authentic? It’s one thing to ACT all in; it’s another thing to BE all in.

Let’s read the passage we saved for the end. Here’s what happened right before Jesus broke the bread and drank the cup – along with ALL of his disciples.

Mark 14:17-21 (NLT) In the evening Jesus arrived with the Twelve. As they were at the table eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.” Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one?” He replied, “It is one of you twelve who is eating from this bowl with me. For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”

Theological Note: This is a powerful example of “concurrence” (see Sys Theo Lesson 3): God cooperates with created things in every action, directing his creatures to bring about his purposes through their choices and actions. Prov 16:9 “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

Peter’s future sermon would shed light on this revelation: Acts 3:17-18 (NLT) “Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things.” – But not what the Jews were expecting!

Each one asked in turn: “Am I the one?”

So, Q. How do you know if your faith is authentic?
Judas was a fake, and we know how his story ended.
Peter was a sinner, and he went on to die for his faith.
How do you properly evaluate the state of your faith? We’re all a mixed bag, right?
How do you know if your faith will go the distance?
How do you know if you’re a true believer?
Stories of altar calls every Wednesday night at youth group
Some of those kids seemed so genuine; now they’re godless

To answer that, you need to answer two simple questions:

Have you trusted Jesus for salvation? It’s not about what you’ve done. (Not Lord, Lord look what I’ve done…) It’s not about your ability to keep the rules. It’s about Jesus’ finished work on the cross. That’s what the Last Supper was all about. His body. His blood. His work. Not yours. Have you trusted Jesus for salvation? That’s the first question, and if you miss it you’re done. But if you’ve answered “yes” then you can move on…

Are you honoring God with your life? Notice the question is not, “Are you perfect? Are you sinless?” Judas and Peter made mistakes. You will too. John, the beloved disciple who was at the table that day with Jesus, said it so clearly: 1 John 2:3 (NLT) And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.

Today we look at the story of Peter’s betrayal of Jesus, a classic example of “mission drift” in the Bible. Jesus had called Peter to make disciples, but now his commitment was in question. Peter, as with the other disciples, is brimming with confidence that his faith will not fail. But then it does, in shocking fashion. So that’s the famous story, but today we’re putting the story in the context of a broader question: 

1. Have you ever experienced mission drift?

• Examples in marriage, in the workforce
  • Marriage vows: Groom, do you take Bride to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor her and keep her, and forsaking all others remain loyal to her as long as you both shall live? If so, say “I do”.
  • Kodak: Founded in the late 19th century, Kodak was a pioneer in the photography industry with the mission of making photography accessible to the masses (“You press the button, we do the rest.”) However, as digital photography began to emerge in the late 20th century, Kodak struggled to adapt and continued to prioritize its traditional film business. In 2012, Kodak filed for bankruptcy, a stark reminder of the consequences of mission drift and the failure to adapt to changing market dynamics.
• What it looks like in Christianity: (Go make disciples…)
  • Matthew 28:19 (NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
  • So many churches just miss this. So many Christians never get it.

Before we get to our text today in ch 14, we need to set the stage by going all the way back to chapter 1, when Jesus first called his disciples. Pay attention to where this all happens, because it’s going to come up again in ch 14:

Mark 1:16-18 (NLT) One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Talk about mission of Jesus, they left their nets, spent 3 years with Jesus

• Amazing faith! What sacrifice!
• Their expectation – this is going to be good. We’ll be famous! Rich!?

Now let’s get to our text today from Mark 14. 

Last week we covered the Last Supper, and Jesus’ identification of the one who would betray him. Luke adds context in his account: Luke 22:24 (NLT) Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.

• Can you imagine? Hilarious! 
• In the Luke account Jesus goes on to define greatness: (NLT) Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.

So let’s stitch this together the timeline: 

• Jesus said “one of you will desert me”
• They all wondered, “Am I the one?” (last week’s episode)
• Somehow that turned into an argument about who would be the greatest among them!?
• And the very next “scene” in Mark’s gospel says this

Mark 14:27-28 (NLT) On the way, Jesus told them, “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,

‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

A couple of things here: 

First, notice that Jesus says “All of you will desert me.” – Right after “all” of them drank the cup!? Right after they argued about who would be the greatest. 

• He knew they would fail to stay on mission (it was prophesied!)
• Yet he believed in them, he knew their journey wasn’t over
• He would meet them where it all started, where he first called them.

This was Galilee – Mission Central

• It’s where Jesus first called his disciples
  • Remember the verse we started with today?
• It’s where Jesus will meet them after his resurrection to restore them 
  • not in Jerusalem – because this message was for the whole world, not just Jews
  • Fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 9:1-3) about “enlarging Israel” – and eventually including Gentiles (see the unfolding of this in Acts).

So let’s sum up: Jesus says they will ALL desert him. But he’s not phased by that fact – it was prophesied! He’ll stay on mission, and he knows eventually they will, too. 

• So Jesus doesn’t panic when our faith falters. (Say it again.)
• But here’s the thing: Peter didn’t think his faith would fail! Back to the text:

Mark 14:29,31 (NLT) Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.”

… And all the others vowed the same.

Peter throws everyone else under the bus! Yet he is confident in his faith. Peter’s not the only one with confidence. They all vowed to stay faithful. (Note: Judas wasn’t there at this point? See John 12.)

Mark 14:30-31 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” 

Peter learned what most believers have experienced: It’s one thing to be bold when you’re surrounded by believers. It’s another thing to stay on mission when the world is against you.  

Mark 14:66-68 (NLT) Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”

But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.

Mark 14:69-70 (NLT) When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” But Peter denied it again.

A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.”

There it is again. What a reminder for Peter – that’s where he first met Jesus. That’s where he left his net to “fish for people” and join Jesus on his mission, just 3 short years earlier. And now, probably not 3 hours after he vowed to never betray Jesus, he denies him for the third time:

Mark 14:71-72 (NLT) Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.

Nugget: Peter doesn’t even say his name! Just “this guy”. Shameful!

(Pillar New Testament Commentary) The third accusation is the boldest, and so is Peter’s denial. The Greek is coarse and explicit, “He began to curse and swear, ‘I do not know this man you speak of'” (v. 71).

Back to the question:

1. Have you ever experienced mission drift?

Luke 22:31-32 (NLT) “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

Church tradition dictates that Peter, along with all of the other disciples besides John, did ultimately die for Jesus, but the journey was not without blemish. The sacrifice of Jesus comes to you when you repent, no matter what you have done before that moment. Jesus’ mission remained the same, to save those who needed saving, no matter how deep they dug the hole.

Jesus’ reunion with the disciples in Galilee was just as assured as their denial after Gethsemane. Staying on mission is less about the quality of our faith and more about the power of God’s grace.