Mark 13:9-13

Passage

Once more Jesus says to be on our guard.  The world will deliver Jesus’ disciples over to councils.  His followers will stand before kings and governments in order to bear witness to them.  First, the Gospel must be proclaimed to all nations.  But when the time comes for the followers of Jesus to go before trial, we are not to be afraid.  The Holy Spirit will speak in us and through us.  Brother will turn on brother, parent will turn on child, and child will turn on parent.  But the one who endures to the end shall be saved.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

In these verses Jesus tells us what the signs of the end of the age will be.  Jesus’ disciples will be persecuted.  There will be rebellion against God and the persecution of His people.  When that happens on a global scale, we can know that the end is drawing near.  Natural disaster and war is just a part of life.  Persecution of God and God’s ways is humanity rising up against God.  That will inspire judgment.

How well do you think you would stand under persecution?  If you had to choose between death and denouncing God, are you truly in a place where you would choose death?

Second Thought:

Jesus tells us why persecution will happen.  It will happen so that the Gospel can be proclaimed.  When the faithful are persecuted for their faith, their story begins to be told in earnest.  Yet, I look the western world.  As Christianity is being persecuted more and more, are Christians stepping up to talk?  Or are we hiding and burying our faith deeper within ourselves and our increasingly hidden spiritual communities?

How well do you speak about how your faith impacts your life?  How much do you vocally speak out about your faith to others?  How well are you representing your faith before your leaders?

Third Thought:

Family will turn upon itself in the end.  I am on record for saying that “blood may be thicker than water, but spirituality is thicker than blood.”  In the end, spirituality will be the dividing line, not bloodline.  It is our true spiritual relationships that will pull us through the rough times, not necessarily those who are family.

To whom are you spiritually connected?  Through whom does God send His support in your life?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 13: 14-23

Mark 13:5-8

Passage

When asked about the days of destruction, Jesus’ first comment is that the disciples not allow themselves to be led astray.  Many will come in Christ’s name and claim to be Christ.  They will lead many astray.  Jesus tells His disciples that there will be war.  There will be rumor of war.  But they are not to be afraid for the time is not yet ready.  Nation will rise against nation.  Kingdom will rise against kingdom.  Earthquakes and other natural disasters will happen.  But this is just the beginning.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus’ first words regarding the end are a caution against being led astray.  We know the end will come when the world rebels against God.  As the world rebels against God, it will be easier to “go along” with how everyone else is thinking.  The closer we draw to the end, the easier it will be to be led astray because the popular opinion will be pointed in that direction.  Jesus is displaying the wisdom of God in cautioning His disciples to be careful they are not led astray as the first thing He says.

Why do human beings care so much about popular opinion?  Why is it difficult to truly think for yourself in today’s age of social media, television, internet, and cell phones?  Why is it difficult to help others to be able to think for themselves in today’s day and age?  How important do you think this message should be in the church?

Second Thought:

Jesus warns of other people coming and claiming to be Him.  Now, this isn’t to be taken too literally.  We aren’t looking for people who are claiming to be Jesus Christ reincarnated.  Instead, we are to be wary of people who come and claim to teach truth apart from Him.  We are to be wary of people who come bringing peace that is not from God.  We are to be wary of people who come with “answers” to how we should live that are apart from God.  There are scores of people in the world now and throughout history who have stepped forth and said, “I have the answer.”  Most of those people had an answer that led people away from God.  Those are the ones of whom we are to be wary.

Can you think of people in the past who have come claiming to have peace or truth apart from God?  Can you think of people in the present that fit that description?  Why should we be wary of them?  What about them makes them so attractive in listening to their thoughts?

Third Thought:

Jesus also tells us that there will be war.  There will be arguments.  There will be natural disasters.  We are not to worry.  That’s just the beginning, not the end.  I find this really profound.  How many times when Hurricane Katrina hit did you hear people talking about the fact this it was a sign of the end?  When operation Desert Storm started in Kuwait against Iraqi forces, did you hear people talking about it possibly being the end of the world and the coming of Armageddon?  Jesus tells us that such signs are only the beginning, not the end.  Human beings will always make war with each other.  The earth – just by the violent nature of creation – is a place where occasionally the power of nature is demonstrated in a most destructive manner.

Why do people tend to get worked up over things that from a creation standpoint are really just a natural part of the process?  How much does humanity really enjoy “buying into the hype?”  How much do you enjoy “buying into the hype?”

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 13: 9-13

Mark 13:1-4

Passage

As Jesus was leaving the temple for the day, one of the disciples commented on how beautiful the structure was.  Jesus replied that the day is coming that none of these stones would be left in place and the beauty of this temple would be gone.  As they leave Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples go out to the Mount of Olives – across the valley from Jerusalem.  James, John, and Andrew – Jesus’ inner circle – ask Jesus privately to know when the destruction of the temple will happen. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

One of Jesus’ disciples comments on how beautiful the temple looks.  On one hand, this is a neat comment.  The disciple is expressing their God-given ability to see beauty.  But on the other hand, the disciple is seeing beauty in the temporal.  The disciple is focused on the temporal.  As good as it is for the disciple to be able to genuinely recognize beauty, the disciple still isn’t where he should be.  What is beautiful about the temple is the relationship with God that it enables.  Our relationship with God is permanent.  The place we worship is not.

How easy is it to get caught up in the “things” of life – even if we are seeing good things like beauty?  Why is it so difficult to get caught up in the hard things of life like relationships and who we truly are on the inside?  Why is it easier to focus on God-stuff rather than God?

Second Thought:

Jesus is blunt with His disciples.  There is a day coming when this beautiful building is gone.  In truth, that day was less than 40 years into the future.  The Romans tore down the temple after the Hebrew people revolted in 72 A.D.  But about what is this concept not true?  The seven wonders of the ancient world – how many are still standing in the glory they had when created?  How many of our so-called modern buildings are in structural failure?  Ancient works of art are fading from ultraviolet light exposure.  The reality is that this world is passing by.  This world is only temporary.  There are many beautiful things in this world – but none of them will last outside of God’s preservation.

How does it make you feel to think along these lines?  What is the point that Jesus is making about your life when he talks about the temporal nature of things?

Third Thought:

Jesus’ inner circle finally gets some quiet time with Him.  Notice that Jesus doesn’t push them away.  He doesn’t invite the rest of the disciples in.  Jesus freely has this moment of inner circle time – and it’s completely okay with Him.  A few of Jesus’ disciples have done some deeper thinking and they want to pick Jesus’ brain.  They are rewarded for their effort by having some cool intimate time with the Lord before He is arrested and crucified.

Are you a part of a spiritual inner circle with someone who can spiritually speak truth into your life?  If so, who?  What benefit does that bring to you and your spiritual life?  If not, what might you be missing out on?  Who might be able to speak spiritual truth into your life?  Who’s spiritual inner circle might you legitimately be able to break into?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 13: 5-8

Mark 12:41-44

Passage

Jesus takes His disciples to a place where they can observe the crowds.  Many rich people put in large sums of money into the temple offering box.  A poor woman came along and dropped in two small coins that hardly amounted to anything.  Upon seeing her, Jesus calls His disciples to His side and tells them that this woman has put in more than anyone else.  Everyone else gave out of their abundance.  However, this woman gave out of her poverty.  This woman gave not what was left over but rather what she had to live on.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus sits down to watch the crowds.  There is a lesson here even before we get to the teaching.  The lesson here is that there are moments for teaching all around us.  We can see good examples of living and bad examples of living if we just take time to stop and watch.  Being a good disciple of Jesus means being willing to pause in life and take a look around.

Why is being patient and looking around at the world a good skill for the disciple of Jesus to have?  Do you have someone in your life that can teach you in these moments as the disciples did?  Do you have someone in your life that you can teach as Jesus did?

Second Thought:

 Jesus sees many people giving out of their abundance.  In fact, Mark tells us that there were many people even giving large sums of money out of their abundance.  Notice that Jesus doesn’t draw attention to them.  Their gifts aren’t bad – although we often read this text and make them out to be bad.  There is nothing wrong with giving to God.  However, we must be sure to realize that any gift given out of abundance regardless of how big it is will always still be a gift out of abundance.  It is a gift, but not a sacrifice.  There is nothing wrong with such gifts so long as they aren’t made out to be a sacrifice.

Why do we as human beings make a big deal out of big gifts and a small deal out of little ones?  Why do we care more about the size of the gift than we care about the sacrifice that the gift entails?  Why do you think people read this passage and find it easy to demean those who are giving big gifts out of their abundance?

Third Thought:

The poor woman’s gift is the one that Jesus brings to the attention of the disciples.  Here we can really see Jesus at work.  Jesus is teaching the disciples once more to look beyond the surface.  A rich person can give away a ton of money and feel little impact.  Yet a poor person can give away only a small amount and have to deal with considerable consequences.  Sacrifice trumps size.  Quality always beats quantity with God.

In what ways do you sacrifice for God?  In what ways can you look to give out of more than your abundance?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 13: 1-8

Mark 12:38-40

Passage

Jesus warns the people against the scribes.  They are all about appearances.  They like to wear the fancy robes.  They like to be recognized in public.  They like to sit at the seats of honor in both the places of worship and at celebrations.  They devour widows.  They prayer long drawn out prayers to make themselves sound important.  Jesus then says that their condemnation will be great.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus offers up a rather blunt teaching as He is closing His day and drawing ever more closely to His trial and crucifixion.  Time draws short, so He becomes blunter.  Again we see that what is important is that truth is heard.  We like to make peace.  We like to smooth over rough edges.  We want people to get along.  All of those things are good, but they cannot get in the way of speaking truth.  We cannot ever be at peace with everyone.  We can ensure people hear truth.

What do you think you value more: truth or peace?  Do your relationships in your life play that out?  Are you surrounded by people in your life that get along with you always or who can speak openly and honestly with you?

Second Thought:

Jesus lifts up the issue of appearance versus character.  Anyone can appear important.  Anyone can appear righteous.  Anyone can appear close to God.   It’s not hard to dress nicely, say all the right words, and get people to pay you compliments.  As human beings, we’re actually quite good at “dress up” – physical, emotional, or spiritual.  But God does not want dress up.  God wants character.  God wants us to be righteous, not appear righteous.  He wants us to live in a holy manner, not appear holy.

How much of your spirituality is for show?  How much of your spirituality is truly who you are deep within?  How do we develop true character that is deep rather than shallow? 

Third Thought:

Jesus says that the scribes will receive the greater condemnation.  The simple truth is that they knew better.  They could read and write.  They had access to the Law.  They had the financial support of the people – devouring widows, as Jesus says.  If they could not be holy in their life and instead chose to chase after the wrong things, there would be no excuse offered.  If anyone has the golden opportunity to be spiritual, it is the spiritual leaders.  When they cannot develop true character and be close to God, there is no excuse at all.

Do you think spiritual leaders are just as susceptible to chasing after the things of this world instead of the things of God?  Do you agree with Jesus that those who are in the position of spiritual leadership will receive the greater condemnation if they do not become obedient to God’s calling?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:41-44

Mark 12:35-37

Passage

Since the people were done asking questions of Jesus, He began to ask questions of the people.  Jesus starts with the identity of the Messiah.  Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1 as a means of pointing to the identity of the Messiah.  There David says, “The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I put my enemies under your feet.”  David calls the Messiah, “Lord.”  Jesus then asks how it is that David’s son could be his Lord.  The crowd gladly received His teaching.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

I’ve never really liked these verses.  When I read them, I always feel like something got lost in the translation.  What exactly is Jesus’ point here?  I’ll get to that.  But I think one of the lessons that we can approach today in this passage is that sometimes certain parts of the Bible are difficult for us to grasp.  Not all parts of the Bible speak equally to us in our current context.  That’s actually a really neat thing about the Bible.  It speaks to people where they are.  It is a diverse book capable of reaching all kinds of people in all kinds of walks of life.  So the difficult passages for me might be just what someone else needs to hear.

Why should we study the passages that are very meaningful as well as the passages that we have to work hard to get just a little bit out of?  What does it say to God when we study hard over a difficult passage just to glean what small truth we can?  What does it say to others when we try to master what is difficult so we can teach it to them?

Second Thought:

 David calls the Messiah, “My Lord.”  He is clear about it because David says “The Lord” and “My Lord.”  In David’s grammar, these are two different people.  Clearly “David’s Lord” would have to be a pretty significant person to be told to sit at God’s right hand.  David was a pretty important king – a man after God’s own heart, if not a bit sinful.  But the Messiah will be even greater than David.

What can David’s stance with respect to the Messiah teach us about submission and humbleness?  What does it say about David, who is regarded as the most important Hebrew king?

Third Thought:

Christ’s point is a bit obscure, but it is still present.  The only way that the Messiah could be greater than David is if He were God.  Yet, the Messiah is said to be offspring of David.  Thus, the Messiah has to be both God and man.  God must do the impossible and come down to earth in the form of a man.

What do you think it meant for Jesus to be both fully human and fully divine?  How much of that can you really understand?  How does our inability to grasp the true nature of Jesus help our inability to truly grasp what Jesus is teaching here?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:38-40

Mark 12:32-34

Passage

The scribe heard Jesus’ explanation and commended the answer.  He acknowledges the oneness of God and asserts agreement that there is no other.  The scribe then asserts that loving God with all the heart, soul, and strength is better than all the sacrifices and burnt offerings.  Jesus replied in kind, acknowledging the wisdom of the scribe.  Jesus told the scribe that he is not far from the Kingdom of God.  With this, nobody dared to ask Jesus any more questions.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The scribe acknowledges the wisdom of Jesus.  The scribes were students of the Law.  They were teachers of the Law.  They were people who associated with the Pharisees and the Sadducees quite often.  The fact that this scribe acknowledges the wisdom of Jesus at a time when the Pharisees and the Sadducees were trying to trap him is quite a bold move.  Yet, it shows us a character trait of the true disciple.  The true disciple seeks truth, not the party line.  The true disciple seeks to understand God, not mankind’s understanding of God.

How do you react to truth?  How do you react to truth when agreeing with it will make you unpopular?  What is more important to you, truth or popularity?

Second Thought:

Jesus hears the scribe’s reply and then acknowledges that he is not far from the Kingdom of God.  The question is, what does it mean to be not far from the Kingdom of God?  Certainly it is not a term of inclusion, because then one would be in the Kingdom of God.  What Jesus is saying here is that the scribe is on the correct path to discovering fully what God is doing in the world.  If the scribe continues to think in these lines, he will soon find himself following the ways of Jesus.  Jesus is complimenting the scribe.  In a way, Jesus is giving the scribe an “at-a-boy” while telling him that he still has a little ways to go yet.

What does it feel like to be on the cusp of understanding something new for the first time?  Is there a sense of excitement?  Is there a sense of concern?  What is usually needed to push someone over the edge into full understanding when they are right on the edge?

Third Thought:

After Jesus interacted with the scribe, nobody else dared to ask Jesus any questions.  He had fulfilled their tests.  He had even begun to convert the scribes to His way of thinking.  Jesus was proving Himself to be quite dangerous from the perspective of the religious leaders.  It was time for them to back away, regroup, and come up with a more permanent plan.

Does truth always silence the opposition?  Does truth ever silence the opposition?  Why do we often see the silence of the opposition as a good thing?  How might the phrase “the calm before the storm” apply here?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:35-37

Mark 12:28-31

Passage

A scribe came upon Jesus as He was arguing with the Pharisees.  He heard Jesus’ answer and determined that He had answered well.  So he asked Jesus which of the commandments was the most important.  Jesus replied that the most important commandment is Deuteronomy 6:4-5.  The Lord our God is one.  We should love the Lord our God with our whole heart, soul, and mind.  Jesus then adds Leviticus 19:18, which says we should love our neighbor as ourselves.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

A scribe hears Jesus’ debate with the Sadducees and decides to try his luck at Jesus.  Note here that there is no assumption of trying to trap Jesus.  This is an honest question, and Jesus gives the scribe an honest reply that contains no accusation or judgment.

What can we learn about how our use of the truth in one situation can lead to other people seeking truth from us?  Does it make sense that when we stand up for truth in our life that we will get more opportunities to stand up for truth?

Second Thought:

Jesus’ answer is rooted in love.  When we love God, we feel God’s love within.  God’s love makes us whole.  God’s love allows us to see our brokenness.  God’s love allows us to feel His completeness.  Everything is rooted in God’s love and the return of God’s love by us to Him.

Do you love God with your whole heart, soul, and mind?  How does that appear in your life?  How can you be a model of this principle for others? 

Third Thought:

Jesus then talks about the love of our neighbor.  When we love God and our neighbor, we don’t covet, or steal, or lie, or cheat, or murder, or act adulterously.  When we love God and our neighbor, the whole rest of the Law falls neatly into place.  When we simply remember these two principles, we don’t have to worry about keeping hundreds or thousands of other miniscule laws.  However, when we forget either of these commandments, we are in danger of breaking law after law after law.

Who is your neighbor?  How easy is it for you to love your neighbor at all times?  Does it make sense to you to see the whole of the Law as hanging from these two commandments?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:32-34

Mark 12:18-27

Passage

This time, it is the Sadducees who come to Jesus and try and test Him.  They ask Jesus about the resurrection of the dead.  Of course, the Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead.  They quote Deuteronomy 25:5, which says that if a man dies without producing an heir, the man’s brother is to take her and produce offspring for her.  The Sadducees make up a story about a woman who goes through seven brothers without producing any offspring.  They want to know whose wife she will be in the resurrection.  Jesus tells them that the reason they are wrong is because they know neither the scriptures nor the power of God.  Jesus says that when the resurrection of the dead occurs, people will neither marry nor be given into marriage.  Instead, they will be as the angels in heaven.  Jesus further goes on to correct the Sadducees in saying that God is not the God of the dead but the living.  Jesus condemns them again, declaring that they are wrong.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The Sadducees were a group of Jews who accepted only the first five books of the Bible: The Pentateuch.  If a doctrine could not be proven from one of those books, they did not believe it to be true.  Therefore, they had rejected belief in the soul, angels, demons, life after death, and even judgment.  It is out of this perspective that they comes to Jesus.  It is out of this perspective that they try and trap Jesus.  Yet, we see that Jesus clearly believes in all of these things.  He speaks of God being the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  He speaks of angels.  He talks of the resurrection.  Jesus would refute their teaching all around regardless of whether they came to Him to trap Him or not.

What does Jesus show us here with respect to telling the truth in spite of the assumptions made by others?  What would life be like for you if you followed a religion that didn’t believe in an afterlife, the resurrection, or anything like that?

Second Thought:

Jesus tells us that there will be no marriage in heaven.  The point of heaven is not marriage.  The point of heaven is being in the presence of God.  When we are in the presence of God we will be fully complete.  When we are in the presence of God we will find full satisfaction in life.  When we are with God, there will truly be no need for anything else.

Can you imagine complete satisfaction?  What do you think it will be like?  Can you imagine feeling fully complete?  What do you think that will feel like?  How does each of these questions point us to a lack of a need for marriage in heaven?

Third Thought:

Jesus makes a point about death at the very end.  He claims that God is not the God of the dead but the living.  Most people miss the point that Jesus is making.  We like to think of death as the end.  We talk about the dead as if existence has ended.  We talk about the dead as if life has ended.  However, Jesus’ point is that their life has not ended; it has simply transformed!  Those who are dead have not ceased to exist; they have simply ceased to live in the form that we know now.  They continue to live.  They await judgment.  Those who are judged righteous under the blood of Christ will then enter into eternal life.  We shall never cease to exist.

When you think about death, what do you think?  How subtle is the point Jesus is making here?  How might Jesus’ point change the way that you talk about death?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:28-31

Mark 12:13-17

Passage

The Jewish leaders then send some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to try and trap Jesus in His teaching.  They come and confess that Jesus is a person of integrity who does not let the opinions of others influence Him.  They also confess that He is not swayed by the external ways that people appear but instead always teaches the way of God.  Having flattered Him, they now ask whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.  Knowing that it was just an act, Jesus asked them why they are trying to test Him.  He asks them to bring a denarius to Him.  When they do, Jesus asks whose image appears on the coin.  When they reply that it is Caesar’s image, Jesus tells them to give to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and to give to God that which belongs to God.  Everyone was amazed at Jesus.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jewish religious authorities come to Jesus to ask another question.  However, in doing so they flatter Him.  They try to set Him up.  I’m sure that even if Jesus wasn’t fully divine He could have smelled this trap coming.  The issue with the way that the Pharisees and Herodians approached Him is simple.  If they think He teaches truth and the ways of God, why do they not follow Him?  If they respect Him because He doesn’t let appearances and external signs influence Him, why are they trying to flatter Him?  Again, the subtle point comes back to submission.  Submit to truth and honesty when you see God at work.

Do you think the Pharisees and Herodians believed the words that they said here?  Why do people say things they don’t believe?  Why do people not act rightly upon words they say even when they do say things they believe?  How are you doing submitting to those who teach truth and do not allow external appearances to influence them?

Second Thought:

When the Pharisees come to trap Jesus, He again turns it upon them.  This is one of my favorite tactics of Jesus, and we’ve seen it frequently in the past few days.  When those who come ask a question of Jesus, Jesus in turn asks a question back.  From a discipleship perspective, this is an incredible tool to learn.  Asking rebuttal questions helps the leader discern two things.  First, it helps the leader understand whether people are coming to Him to actually learn or merely prove their own point.  Those who come to learn honestly answer the rebuttal question, all others deflect or ignore.  Second, asking a rebuttal question helps clarify the position of the person who asks the original question.  It is always easier to undergo the process of making a disciple when the disciple’s position is clear.

Why do most people immediately jump to answering a question when they are asked?  Why do we as human beings feel the need to have all the answers?  How can you learn to ask rebuttal questions before answering in earnest?  What will such questions do for you?

Third Thought:

I have not had this third thought until right now.  Jesus’ question may have been a test.  When they look at something, where do the people focus?  In this case, they see the image of Caesar.  Since the coin is something that is made from creation, they very easily could have said they see God’s imprint upon it.  But no.  Rather than see God in creation they see man’s work upon that which God created.  Their focus is not on God the creator.  They focus on the works of mankind, the manipulators of creation.

Why is this point so challenging?  How easily do you see God in things that are not specifically illustrative of God?  How good are you at remembering to look for God?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:18-27

Mark 12:9-12

Passage

Jesus asks what the crowd thinks that the owner of the vineyard will do to the tenants.  Jesus answers His own question.  The owner will come, destroy the tenants, and give the vineyard to a new set of tenants.  Jesus then quotes Psalm 118:22-23, where it says that the stone that was rejected has become the cornerstone.  It also says that this is the Lord’s doing and it is indeed marvelous in His eyes.  The chief priests are smart enough to realize that Jesus spoke this parable against them, so they sought to arrest Him.  However, they ultimately did not arrest Him out of fear of the crowd.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus finishes the parable.  Jesus tells the crowd that the owner of the vineyard will destroy the tenants and hand over the task of producing a harvest to someone else.  We see that happen through Christ.  In Christ, Jesus has developed new leadership.  At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit will dwell in that leadership and set a new church on fire.  The task of making followers of God will fall onto a whole new group of people – even Gentiles!

How does it feel to realize that you are a part of that new group of tenants?  Since we are a part of that new group of tenants, why is it important for us to realize the significance of partaking in the harvest, producing fruit, and giving glory back to God?

Second Thought:

Jesus is the stone that is rejected.  Jesus is the cornerstone.  The one that the chief priests reject and crucify becomes the foundation for the new thing God is doing.  How sad it must be for those chief priests who literally crucify the one person God sent into the world to start something new!  What’s more, this is the Lord’s doing and it is pleasing in His eyes.  It was good for Christ to die – as painful as it was.  It is good that the Gentiles be included into the relationship mankind has with God.  The work of God is good and pleasing to Him!

How are you participating in the work of the Lord?  How are you becoming a part of the “temple” that God build with Christ as the cornerstone?

Third Thought:

The chief priests do not arrest Jesus because they are afraid of the crowd.  The crowd is an interesting player in the week of Jesus’ death.  In the beginning, the crowd is what protects Jesus.  However, the more Jesus teaches the more the crowd begins to side with the chief priests.  Eventually, they are swayed to call for Jesus’ crucifixion.  Of course, I am getting ahead of myself.  The point to realize is that the crowd is a dangerous ally.  The crowd only goes along with what is popular and what doesn’t require much change.

Have you ever experienced a crowd turning on someone?  What is it about a crowd that makes them so difficult to control or even count on reliably?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:13-17

Mark 12:1-8

Passage

Once more Jesus teaches the crowd in a parable.  Jesus tells of a man who planted a vineyard, put up a fence, dug a pit for the winepress, put up a tower, and leased it to tenants while He went away.  When it came time for the harvest, the man sent a servant to collect some of the fruit.  The tenants beat the servant and sent the servant away empty handed.  Again the man sends a servant, and this one they strike on the head and treated him shamefully.  The man sent even more servants.  The tenants began to beat them more and even kill some.  Eventually the man decides to send his son, thinking that they will respect the son of the owner.  The tenants decide among themselves to kill the son so that they can take possession of the land themselves having done away with the heir.  That is exactly what they do. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Clearly, this is a parable about God’s relationship with the Hebrew people.  God set them up in the Promised Land.  They had it good.  When God sent prophets and priests among them to check for spiritual fruit, the people rebelled.  They abused most of the prophets.  Some of the prophets even died for the cause.  Eventually, God sent His own Son, Jesus.  But the Hebrew leaders would not receive Him, either.  They would kill Him and throw Him out of the holy city of Jerusalem. 

How does reading this parable in light of the relationship between God and the Hebrew people affect you?  How do you think this arrangement made God feel towards His people?

Second Thought:

 Let’s go back into the parable and examine a few things more closely now that we have the generalization out of the way.  Notice what the man in the parable (God) does.  The man takes every precaution to make sure that the land can produce fruit.  The man digs the vineyard himself.  He puts up a wall to protect it.  He builds a winepress so that the harvest can be successfully managed.  He builds a tower so that dangers can be known before they come.  He does absolutely everything within His power to make the process of producing a harvest possible.  All the hard work was done by God.

Do you believe this is true about your life?  Who does all the hard work in your life?  What has God really done in your life?

Third Thought:

All the tenants had to do was to simply tend the vines, collect the fruit, and make wine.  Of course, they had to do it with some sense of gratitude and understanding of how gracious the owner of the vineyard had been.  That is where they fail.  They do not recognize the work of the owner.  All they see is the labor of their own hands.  So when it comes time to relate to the man who owned the vineyard, the tenants ignored him.  They beat his servants.  They killed his son.  They did all of these things simply because they fell out of relationship with the owner (God).

How grateful are you towards God?  Are you willing to work in God’s harvest and give back to Him?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:9-12

Mark 11:31-33

Passage

The chief priests talk amongst themselves before answering Jesus.  They know that if they tell Jesus that John’s baptism was from heaven, then Jesus will ask why they did not believe him.  They also know that if they say John’s baptism was from mankind, then they will become unpopular with the crowd that liked John the Baptizer.  Because there was no answer that Jesus could not use against them, they said, “We don’t know.”  Jesus replied that if they were not willing to answer His question, then He will not answer theirs.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The chief priests decide to think through Jesus’ question.  Here is their first mistake.  There is nothing wrong with combining logic and reason with faith.  But at some point, faith is beyond logic and reason.  Faith is hope in that which we cannot know or cannot see.  If we cannot know or see something, sometimes we simply have to “feel” it out spiritually. The chief priests do not consider what they spiritually discern; they only consider what they know.

Why is it important to remember that faith extends beyond the realm of reason and logic?  When is it appropriate to turn to reason and logic?  When should we not?

Second Thought:

When it comes to the chief priests, we can actually see that this never was an issue of faith for them.  They did not come to Jesus seeking; they came to Jesus to trap Him.  When they consider Jesus’ question, they only consider the results.  They are willing to say whatever paints them into the best of situations.  Faith does not act that way.  Faith stands up for what is true regardless of results.  Faith stands up for truth regardless of the fallout.  Popular opinion and faith are hardly ever synonyms.  We are to be faithful first and deal with the consequences of being faithful.  We are not to allow the consequences to determine our faith.

What happens when we look to consequences and allow consequences to determine our faith? 

Third Thought:

The chief priests take the easy way out.  They know that Jesus can use either answer to defeat them.  So they don’t give Him the chance.  This shows what a closed mind looks like.  When a person is corned by truth, the closed mind shuts down and refuses to engage any more.  The closed mind does not desire to change.  The closed mind does not desire to seek a new place or think along a new line of thought.  Rather than admit it is wrong and seek the change God intends, the closed mind gives up and goes home.  The closed mind seldom discovers truth.

Why are some people closed minded when it comes to truth?  What is so scary about having an open mind?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:1-8

Mark 11:27-30

Passage

Once more Jesus and His disciples get to Jerusalem.  Once more, the place to which Jesus goes is the temple.  The chief priests and the scribes approach Him and ask Him by what authority He does the things that He does.  They want to know who gave Him the authority that He has.  In turn, Jesus asks them a question.  Jesus promises to answer their question if they will answer His.  Jesus asks them to explain whether or not the baptism of John was from heaven or from man.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Once more, Jesus goes to the temple.  Again we see Jesus’ sole focus on communing in the Father’s house.  For Jesus, time in Jerusalem equates to time with the Father.  However, Jesus also knows that the showdown with the chief priests and the scribes has to happen because He has been sent on a mission to die in Jerusalem.  So while He absolutely does go to the temple to commune with the Father, He also goes there because He knows it is where the will of the Father will be accomplished.  For Jesus, life is about being with God and doing the will of God.

Why does that last sentence seem like such a no brainer?  Do you think that if that focus was good enough for Jesus that it should be good enough for His disciples?  How are you doing attaining that focus?

Second Thought:

The chief priests and the Jewish leaders come to Jesus.  Remember, just the prior day Jesus had totally and completely disrupted the flow of the temple by driving out the moneychangers and upsetting their tables.  Who knows what Jesus had in store for this day.  However, the chief priests seem prepared for Him this day.  They are proactive against Him.  They bring the fight to Him.

Have you ever been in a situation where people have tried to cut out the work God has asked you to do?  Why do people get proactive about asserting their will over your will?  Why do people get proactive about figuring out ways to resist listening to what God is trying to say in their midst?

Third Thought:

Jesus is open to answering their question, but before He does it He wants the chief priests to declare their position.  Jesus wants them to have to take a particular position.  The chief priests wanted to trap Jesus by giving Him a catch-22.  In turn, Jesus preempts their attack by giving them a catch-22 of their own.

What tactics is Jesus using against these proactive religious leaders?  Do you think Jesus is being at all deceptive in this passage?  Is there a right time and place to “play hardball?”

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 11:31-33

Mark 11:20-25

Passage

The next day, Jesus and His disciples passed by the fig tree that Jesus had cursed the prior day.  Peter remembered what had happened and pointed out that the fig tree had actually withered up!  Jesus looks to Peter and tells him to “have faith in God.”  Jesus then begins to talk about the importance of truly believing in one’s heart.  Jesus says that a person who truly believes can say to a mountain to move and it will be moved.  Jesus’ point is that when we pray, we should pray as though we have already received that for which we pray.  Jesus also reminds us that when we pray we should also forgive.  For if we forgive others, God the Father will forgive us as well.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The fig tree is withered.  There is a subtle point here that does not come out in the text.  The fig tree is one of several symbols that represents the Hebrew people.  In the withering of the fig tree, we have a critique upon the Hebrew people.  They had all the trappings of faith.  They knew the Law.  They were focused on teaching the Law.  They wanted people to obey the Law.  In short, they were like a fig tree that was fully and completely in leaf.  Yet, the reality is that even though the Hebrew people appeared to have righteousness under their control they weren’t actually producing fruit.  They were using the Law to enslave their brothers in sisters in a religious system that was not about a relationship with God.  They were not making disciples; they were making people who out of fear were supporting the system.  When Jesus looked for fruit among them, He found none.

What does this teaching tell us about the importance for us to bear fruit?  What does this teaching tell us about the importance of periodically looking at our life and asking whether we are bearing the fruit God desires or if we are simply having the appearance of bearing fruit?  Why is it important to learn how to make that distinction?

Second Thought:

Jesus speaks much about faith.  He makes the grand claim that a person with faith can move a mountain.  I don’t know about you, but I actually have tried this once and a while.  I have asked for a tree to be moved or some land to shift around.  I’m not talking about a whole mountain, just a little hole in the ground!  The truth is that this is not actually what Jesus is teaching here.  Jesus opens the teaching with the expression “Have faith in God.”  Another way of translating this would be “live as though you are in possession of faith from God.”  When we read that, we can see this teaching in a whole different light.  Jesus isn’t saying the faithful will have the power to do whatever they want on a whim.  Jesus is saying that the faithful will attune their hearts to God.  Once their hearts are attuned to God, they will have the power to do what the Lord desires of them.  Notice how this understanding moves from the self-monger to having our focus on God.  This passage is not about me doing miracles that I think are cool.  This passage is about my heart attuning itself to God and then being able to work miracles in the lives of the people to whom God has called me.

Why is it important to confess how we want to read this passage?  How does a proper faith-based understanding of this teaching challenge you?  Are you attuned with God?

Third Thought:

Jesus also teaches us to forgive.  Jesus tells us that we are to love the Lord our God as well as to love our neighbor.  True relationship with God is not only relationship with Him but also relationship with His people around us.  Therefore, in order to be in relationship with the people around us, we must be in relationship with Him.  The reverse is also true.  In order to be in relationship with Him, we must be in relationship with one another.  Relationship always begins in forgiveness.  In order to understand God’s forgiveness of us we must practice forgiveness to others.

Why can forgiveness be difficult?  Why does thinking about how God relates to us make forgiveness easier?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 11:27-30

NOTE: Depending on your Bible, you should note that you likely don’t have a verse 26 in this chapter.   Here’s why.  Some ancient manuscripts have this verse in them: “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”  If you have a verse 26 in your Bible, it should read something like that.  However, as archaeology has uncovered more and more ancient manuscripts, we’ve found that the oldest manuscripts do not contain this verse.  Therefore, history seems to be indicating that verse 26 was added and became popular sometime after the original writing of Mark.  So as to not confuse the issue, most modern Bibles do not print verse 26 while still preserving verse 26 in the notes.  Then, they simply continue on with verse 27 so as to continue to match up with older Bibles that do contain verse 26.

Mark 11:15-19

Passage

They came to Jerusalem.  Jesus once more goes to the temple.  Immediately Jesus begins to clear out the temple from all of the vendors and moneychangers.  He would not allow anyone to carry anything into the temple.  Jesus then quotes Isaiah 56:7 and says that the temple of the Lord should be a house of prayer for the nations.  Jesus then quotes Jeremiah 7:11 and says that His contemporaries have turned it into a den of thieves.  When the crowds became astonished at His teaching, the chief priests and the temple authorities began to seek a way to kill Jesus.  When it was evening, Jesus left the city.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus immediately goes to the temple.  Again, He is demonstrating prioritization.  God comes first.  However, Jesus also knows that it is time to be direct about where the root of human sinfulness happened to be among the Jews.  The problem centered on their worship practices.  They weren’t about putting people in touch with God.  They were about being profitable and being seen as successful.  For the Jewish leaders, temple was about affluence and importance, not relationship.  It is a common mistake to make.

Why is it so easy to get caught up in the world’s definition of success, even in church?  How can we try to avoid getting caught up on the wrong things?

Second Thought:

Once more, Jesus demonstrates his command over scripture.  However, Jesus is quite crafty about how He does it.  There is a message not just in the verses He picks, but the context of the verses that He picks.  First of all, the quote from Isaiah 56:7 is a quote from a section of Isaiah speaking about how salvation would come to the “nations” (Gentiles).  Jesus is reminding the Hebrew people that after their exile to Babylon they were supposed to be about helping the Gentiles come into a relationship with God.  This leads us into the quote from Jeremiah.  Jeremiah was the prophet in Jerusalem as the Babylonians conquered the city.  He was there for the siege and the last days.  Jeremiah talks again and again that the Hebrew people are going into exile because they aren’t doing what the Lord asks of them.  What is Jesus’ point?  Jesus is telling the Hebrew people that they have continued to miss the boat.  God wants us to praise His name among the nations and help the world come into a relationship with Him.  When we opt for success in the eyes of the world instead of doing His mission, we fail.

How are you doing with proclaiming God’s glory to the people to whom God has called you?  Why is it important to continue to ask this question?  What happens when we hand this task off to someone else or lower the bar of expectation with respect to the task to which God has called us?

Third Thought:

The spiritual leaders wanted to kill Jesus.  When Jesus quits supporting the system, they want Him gone.  When Jesus actively works against the status quo, they want Him dead.  This is unfortunately common among human organizations – religious or secular.  Standing up for what is right is usually not accepted nearly as readily as standing up for whatever allows the status quo to continue to exist.  The result of such conflict is usually pretty messy.  In the end, it is Jesus’ assertion of truth that gets Him killed.

Why do people in power resist the truth?  What lengths do people in power or wealth go to keep what they have?  How can we try to arrange our spiritual life so as to avoid that mistake as often as possible?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 11:20-25