MARK S PASSION STORY WEEK TWO Mark 12: James C. Christenson ( ), The Widow s Mite, 1988, Print on Paper, Limited edition
|
|
- Grace Carter
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 MARK S PASSION STORY WEEK TWO Mark 12:13-44 James C. Christenson ( ), The Widow s Mite, 1988, Print on Paper, Limited edition 14
2 Day One: Challenged about Caesar s money (Mark 12:13-17) (13) And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and Herodians so that they could ambush him in his speech. (14) So they approached, saying, Teacher, we know that you are a person of integrity and that you don t care what others think of you and give no special regard to anyone, but with integrity teach the path of God. So is it permitted to give tribute money to the emperor or not? Should we pay or not? (15) Knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius so I can see it. (16) So they brought one. He says: Whose image and inscription is this? They say: The emperor s. (17) So Jesus says, Give the emperor s things to the emperor, and give God s things to God. And they were amazed by him. This week s passages take us through a series of controversy scenes in Jerusalem. Here, they the chief priests, elders, and scribes (remember them? the group who demanded to know who gave Jesus the authority to rampage around the Temple and who then were the objects of a parable predicting God s judgment on them) now send another group to try to catch Jesus in unguarded speech. The point of the question is whether Jesus will side with the peasants and others who hated paying tribute to pay for the Roman occupation force, or whether he will side with groups that would rather keep the status quo. Much evidence about the Pharisees suggests that they would have been pro-peasant and might have argued that paying a foreign occupying army somehow ran counter to God s laws. We don t know exactly who the Herodians were; the best guess is that they were minions who worked for Herod Antipas, who ruled Galilee on behalf of the Romans. Not only did they benefit from helping to collect the tribute for the Romans, but they also would have known the extent of Roman power and how much the peasants would suffer if the Romans ever decided to punish them for not paying the tribute. That, in fact, is what happened in CE. Various groups of Galileans and Judeans revolted against Roman rule and Roman taxation, and because they moved quickly and the Roman procurator at the time was incompetent, the rebels seized the Temple. Once the Romans got organized, they fell on Palestine like locusts, and in the end, tens of thousands of Jews were dead, the city had been burned and the Temple destroyed. I think Mark wrote before the war ended, but anyone could have seen how it would turn out. Mark s early readers like us, as we have learned of the destruction and horror befalling cities such as Aleppo would know that the question wasn t an idle one. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy by asking for a denarius, which had the emperor s face on it and wasn t supposed to be brought into the Temple. They have one, so they are already compromising. 15
3 Give to Caesar... give to God is open to many interpretations. Jesus may be acknowledging that we should meet our this-worldly obligations, even if we hate doing so. He may be paving the way for later Christian teachers to say Pay your taxes and pay your tithes both. But perhaps Jesus, who said you must lose your life (8:34-35) and abandon your household (10:29-30) in order to follow him, is being ironic: if you give your all to God, what is left for Caesar? Tribute coin with the head of the Emperor Tiberius Reflections Verse 13 tells us this question is an ambush, and verse 15 tells us these speakers are hypocritical. So we re not supposed to think they fully believe their description of Jesus in verse 14. But maybe there s some ironic truth for the reader. How well do you think verse 14 describes Jesus? How does it invite reflection on integrity? How much do you think integrity depends on not having excessive concern for what others think of you? How do you hear Jesus statement, Give to Caesar... give to God? Do you think Jesus is saying, You should meet your civic obligations unless there s a conflict with your loyalty to God? Do you think he s saying something like, Pay your taxes and give yourself and your substance to God both. Or do you think that Jesus is coaxing us to recognize that ultimately everything belongs to God, so the pressure is on the listener to explain whether anything is left for Caesar? How does Jesus statement invite, not just an intellectual weighing of the various meanings, but reflection on our priorities, loyalties, and obligations? 16
4 Day Two: Challenged about the Resurrection (Mark 12:18-27) (18) Then some Sadducees came to him, those who say there is no resurrection, asking him, (19) Teacher, Moses wrote for us that If a brother dies and leaves a wife but no child, his brother must marry the widow and produce descendants for his brother. (20) There were seven brothers. The first married a woman and died without leaving descendants; (21) so the second married her and died without descendants, and the third the same, until the seventh left no children. Last of all the woman also died. (23) In the resurrection, whose wife will she be? For all seven married the same woman. (24) Jesus said, You are deceived, aren t you, since you don t understand the scriptures or God s power? (25) Whenever the dead are raised, they neither marry nor give in marriage, but exist as the angels in heaven do. (26) And concerning how the dead are raised: haven t you ever read in the scriptures the part where Moses at the burning bush, how God says to him, I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? (27) God is God of the living, not the dead; you are greatly deceived. The Sadducees are the next to try to trip up Jesus. They held to the older Jewish belief that there is no life beyond death, unlike the Pharisees, the Essenes, the disciples of John the Baptist, and (we think) most other Jews in the first century, who believed that the dead would someday be raised and judged or rewarded by God. For their trick question, they draw on Deuteronomy 25:5-10, which requires a surviving brother to marry his brother s widow (if he has died without an heir) and produce heirs to his brother s name and property. The Sadducees hypothetical woman marries seven brothers, producing no offspring; if she and all her husbands were to be raised, to whom would she belong? The Sadducees don t believe the terms of their own question if there is no resurrection, then a question about how the Age to Come works is meaningless. But Jesus rebukes both their misreading of scripture and their distorted view of God s power. Like most Jews of his time, Jesus does believe in the Age to Come, but doesn t see it as a continuation of this life s social arrangements. In the Age to Come, he says, since there would be no deaths and therefore no births either, there would also be no need for marriage. Whatever the afterlife is like, it will resemble angelic existence. God is God of the living might mean that Jesus considered that the righteous dead (like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) were already alive with God, not waiting for Resurrection Day. This view existed in first-century Judaism, but was more unusual than the more standard view that the dead sleep until God raises them. Ultimately, perhaps for Jesus, God is God of the living meant that past, present, and future are all the same to God, who is unbounded by time. 17
5 Reflections About a century after Mark was written, early Christians had different interpretations of what it meant for Jesus to say the after-life existence would be angel-like with no marrying or giving in marriage. Some thought Jesus saying showed that gender distinctions would be unimportant, so the idea that men had authority or ownership over women in marriage ( whose wife will she be? ) was only a temporary social condition, not an ultimate reality. How does that idea strike you? Some ancient interpreters thought gender differences would be erased in the afterlife, while others held that gender differences were fundamental to being human and so would continue in the afterlife. How do those options seem to you? Some second-century readers thought since they were destined for an angelic afterlife without sex and marriage, then it would be a high calling to give up sex and marriage in the here and now. What do you think? Overall, in what ways do you think Jesus no-marriage-in-the-age-to-come saying has implications for how we think about gender, marriage, sexuality or just being human in this life? A Roman family s funeral monument. Husband and wife are united by their ceremonial hand-holding, while a child holding a dove (perhaps to show his pure soul) appears behind them. Around 100 AD, Rome, Palazzo Massimo, from via Ostiense, Basilica of Saint Paul (1898)Photo D. Lipsett. 18
6 Day Three: The Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28-34) One of the scribes approached, having heard them arguing and seeing that he answered them well, asked, Which commandment is the most important? (29) Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel, Our Lord God, the Lord is one, (30) and you must love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole soul, your whole mind, and your whole strength. (31) The second is this: You must love your neighbor as yourself. No commandment is greater than these. (31) And the scribe said to him, Well said, Teacher! You have spoken truly by saying that God is one and that there is no other, (33) and that to love him from one s whole heart, understanding, and strength and to love one s neighbor as oneself is better than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. (34) When Jesus saw that he answered thoughtfully, he said to him, You are not far from God s kingdom. Afterwards, nobody dared question him. The Jewish scholar Geza Vermes used to ask people at cocktail parties whether they d prefer to be lost at sea with either Jesus or Rabbi Hillel (a great and transformative Jewish teacher of the first century). He collected witty responses, like Some of us believe that if one were with Jesus, one could not be lost. The scribe s question to Jesus was like that a question to give a teacher an opportunity to show his skill at scriptural reasoning. Jesus picks the confession of faith known as the Shema, after the first word-- Hear in Hebrew. Devout Jews said (and still say) the Hear, O Israel confession daily. Who could argue that the most foundational command of all is to be devoted to God with one s whole self? Then Jesus gives a bonus answer: second to devotion to God is devotion to one s neighbor. Everything else is secondary to these, he says. The scribe agrees, and states the position that Judaism came to after the Temple was destroyed. If one is devoted to God through prayer and obedience to the commandments, and if one is devoted to others through charitable acts, then one doesn t need animal sacrifices or burnt offerings. By deeming Torah study, prayer, and charity as equivalent to or even greater than ritual acts that could only be done in the Temple, Judaism learned to do without its central institution after its destruction in 70 CE. Mark s scribe who is not far from God s kingdom may be, for Mark s early readers, an invitation to treat Jewish neighbors as allies rather than enemies, since both groups could agree on what is foundational to a life devoted to God. 19
7 Reflections Do you think this scene could function as an invitation to inter-faith understanding and respect between Jews and Christians? With other faith traditions? If so, how? True religion, says the letter of James, is to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world (James 1:27). Micah says that the sum of God s requirements is to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). How are these declarations like and unlike Jesus response to this inquiring scribe? How would you describe the core of what God requires of us? And how might that summary help you to decide what needs to increase and what needs to decrease in your life this Lent? 20
8 Day Four: Jesus offers a riddle (Mark 12:35-37) (35) Still teaching in the temple, Jesus responded, saying, How can the scribes say that the Messiah is David s son? (36) David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said, The Lord said to my lord, Sit on my right until I put your enemies under your feet. (37) David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his son? And the large crowd heard him gladly. To end the exchange of challenges, Jesus offers a riddle of sorts. The puzzle depends on sorting out the relations between David and two beings who merit the title kurios or Lord. The Lord is God, clearly. Jesus reads my lord to mean the Messiah the one anointed to have a special place beside God and special authority over God s enemies. Several assumptions are at play here: 1. Many assumed the Messiah would be a descendant ( son ) of David, based on promises like that in 2 Samuel 7:12-13: When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. (2Sa 7:12-13 NRS) 2. David is assumed to be the author of most of the Psalms, and therefore the speaker. Some Psalms were seen to predict the future. The Lord said to my lord comes from Psalm 110:1, and Jesus is interpreting it here to mean God said to the Messiah. 3. It would be socially inappropriate for a King who was the great-great-grandwhatever of the Messiah to call that youngster lord. We don t have any evidence that ancient Jews worried about Psalm 110 that they saw any problem in thinking of the Messiah as both son of David and as superior to David. In fact, were David raised from the dead to meet his descendant the Messiah, and were the Messiah installed as king over Israel in accord with the promise, David would properly call him lord, deferring to the current monarch. But the crowds respond favorably to Jesus problem solving. Their presence in the temple is keeping Jesus at liberty since the temple leaders don t want to risk starting a riot by arresting Jesus without obvious cause. The crowds are fickle, however, and Mark does not confuse their positive response with real faith. Soon enough, they will listen to the temple leaders and call for Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be crucified. Clearly, Mark doesn t think Son of David is an adequate or sufficient way to think about the Messiah. But one final note about this passage: In Mark, Jesus never claims to be a descendant of David, and there is no family tree as there is in Matthew and Luke. Bartimaeus, the blind man whom Jesus heals in 10:46-52, twice calls Jesus son of David, but no angel or demon ever does. Perhaps Mark, alone in the New Testament, 21
9 thought that Jesus was Messiah without being a descendant of David, and this passage preserves the scriptural justification for that view. Reflections If a very early Christian only had the Gospel of Mark s account of Jesus, he or she might have concluded Mark did not think of Jesus as the Son of David. Do you? Are images of a Davidic king or descendant of David part of how you think of Jesus identity or mission? When one reads Mark s Gospel from the beginning (highly recommended, though not our approach in this study), one notices repeated questions about Jesus identity and manner of speaking and acting: "Why does this fellow speak in this way? (Mark 2:7 NRSV); "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (4:41); "Where did this man get all this? (6:2); "Who do people say that I am?" (8:27); "But who do you say that I am?" (8:29). How does this scene add to Mark s motif of people trying to figure out who Jesus is? Describing the crowd response in verse 37, the NRSV translates: And the large crowd was listening to him with delight, The King James Version reads, And the common people heard him gladly. At this point in Mark s story, how do you react to the contrast between the elite groups (Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, high priests, scribes) and their subversive questions and the crowd s pleasure in Jesus skill in scriptural interpretation and debate? Have you seen signals yet in the story that delight or glad hearing isn t the same as faith or discipleship? 22
10 Day Five: Denouncing Rapacious Scribes (Mark 12:38-40) (38) And in his teaching, Jesus said, Beware those scribes 1 who like walking around in robes and greetings in the marketplace (39) and prime seats in the synagogues and the best dining spots at dinner parties, (40) who eat up the houses of widows and for show make long prayers. These will receive a greater condemnation. In contrast to the scribe who asked Jesus about the greatest commandment and who was praised by him for answering wisely, other scribes get blasted for their conduct. A Jewish scribe was an educated person, literate and well-versed in Torah, and we presume they served as advisors and secretaries to the chief priests and the elders. Wearing robes marked them out as people who did not work with their hands. Because they were close to those who held power in Jerusalem, people greeted them respectfully in the marketplace (you never know when you ll need to ask a favor of person of influence). Jesus says they get prime synagogue seats; first-century synagogues had stadium seating, so the best seats would be on the bottom row closest to the speaker. First-century dining rooms had couches arranged in a U-shape. The best dining spots were the ones closest to the host, who usually reclined on the middle couch. As in our world, so in theirs: those close to power, who can influence those who hold power, are often buttered up, feted, or even outright bribed to make things go a certain way. Jesus has no use for scribes who acted that way, who loved the fame and prestige and who used it to enrich themselves. Eat up the houses of widows is vague; if it s literal, then these scribes are perhaps appointed as guardians of estates from which they embezzle, but it may simply be a figure of speech for getting rich at the expense of the poor. Keep that phrase, eat up the houses of widows in mind as we turn to the next brief story. A religious institution putting undue pressure on a widow to give away all she had to live on... is that eating up her house? 1 NT scholar Joel Marcus argues persuasively that Mark s grammar means that the condemnation is of scribes who do the things listed, not all scribes indiscriminately; this also fits the context better, since Jesus has just praised a scribe for answering wisely. Marcus, Mark 8-16 (New Haven, CN: Yale University Press),
11 Reflections How does this story invite reflection on the following quotations? Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed. Mwai Kibaki (Kenyan statesman, born 1931) You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice; you shall not take a widow s garments in pledge (Deuteronomy 24:17 NRSV) You shall not pervert the justice due to your poor in their lawsuits (Exodus 23:6). Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you 2 to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it-- not for sordid gain but eagerly. 3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. (1Peter 5:1-3) 24
12 Day Six: Giving her whole life (Mark 12:41-44) (41) As he sat opposite the temple treasury room, he watched how the crowd pitched brass into the collection box, and many rich folks pitched in a lot. (42) One poor widow who came pitched in two leptas (totaling one quadrans). (43) Calling his disciples, he said to them, Truly I tell you, this poor widow pitched in more than all the others put into the collection box. (44) For all of them donated from their abundance, but she from her poverty gave all she had, her whole life. The widow s contribution was two of the smallest coins in circulation, each worth 1/128 th of a denarius, which was considered the normal daily wage for a day-laborer. A mite is the common way this tiny coin is named in English Bibles. The story assumes that Jesus, as a prophet, knows who is rich and knows that this woman is giving all she has. Because Mark describes discipleship as letting go of one s whole life, this widow is another example of an unnamed character who exemplifies the values Jesus promotes and does so better than any of the named characters. Without undercutting Jesus praise of the widow s generosity, we have to wonder if Jesus is at the same time condemning a system that would encourage her to give all she had. The offerings given at the temple went for its upkeep, to pay for the twice-daily sacrifices on behalf of the nation, to feed the priests who were working there, to pay for repairs, etc. Religious institutions have bills too, and Jews around the world were expected to contribute an annual amount towards the temple s budget. But this story is sandwiched between the condemnation of some scribes who devour widow s houses and the beginning of the long sermon in Mark 13, where Jesus states that the temple will be taken apart stone by stone. It s enough, I think, to make us wonder, enough to make us examine how we raise funds and how we spend what we collect from widows. Reflections What more complex insight or challenge does Mark invite by pairing a critique of religious leaders who exploit widows by taking their property (12:40) with honor for a widow who gives sacrificially (12:44)? 25
13 Compare this story with an earlier passage in Mark, where Jesus shocks a rich young man who is seeking eternal life with an extreme demand: Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." (Mark 10:21 NRSV). In this story, the widow isn t giving to the poor; she is poor. How do you reflect on the two stories together? A well-loved nineteenth century hymn by Frances R. Havergal voices a longing to be fully devoted to God. How might these two verses from the hymn enrich reflection on the Gospel? Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in endless praise.... Take my silver and my gold, Not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect and use Every pow r as Thou shalt choose. 26
Ordinary Time INTRODUCTION
Ordinary Time INTRODUCTION T he second period of Ordinary Time immediately follows Pentecost. The Holy Spirit has fallen upon the disciples while they prayed in the upper room. For the disciples, Pentecost
More informationValley Bible Church Sermon Notes for November 12, Mark 12:38-44 Oppressed by the Corrupt
Valley Bible Church Sermon Notes for November 12, 2017 Mark 12:38-44 Oppressed by the Corrupt I. Corruption condemned (12:38-40) A. The corrupt people (12:38) And in his teaching he said, Beware of the
More informationThe Pharisees and Sadducees Put to Shame
The Pharisees and Sadducees Put to Shame The Scripture Lesson Matthew 22:15-33; Mark 12:28-37 The leaders of the Jews had already heard three parables from Jesus on this Tuesday of Passion Week. In each
More informationa moment to prepare to hear God s Word...
a moment to prepare to hear God s Word... 1 Old City from west The Evaluation of God s Lamb arrives at Bethany Messianic Monday Tumultuous Tuesday Wondrous Wednesday Passover *Jo 12.1 *Jo 12.12 Nissan
More informationValley Bible Church. Sermon Notes for October 8, The Tax Trap Mark 12:13-17
Sermon Notes for October 8, 2017 The Tax Trap Mark 12:13-17 I. The test (12:13-14) A. The team (12:13) 13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk.
More information19th Sunday after Pentecost Year A Submitted by jwilcoxen on October 19, :00am
19th Sunday after Pentecost Year A Submitted by jwilcoxen on October 19, 2014-12:00am Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; I Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22. Israelites wondered how God was present to Moses,
More informationJESUS AND CAESAR. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church September 22, 2013, 10:30AM. Scripture Texts: Mark 12:13-17
JESUS AND CAESAR. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church September 22, 2013, 10:30AM Scripture Texts: Mark 12:13-17 Introduction. Prayer: Holy Father, we need your help this morning. I
More informationThe Gospel of Mark. Leon L. Combs, M.A., M.Div., Ph.D. Chapter Twelve
The Gospel of Mark Leon L. Combs, M.A., M.Div., Ph.D. Chapter Twelve Mark 12:1-6 And He began to speak to them in parables: "A man PLANTED A VINEYARD AND PUT A WALL AROUND IT, AND DUG A VAT UNDER THE WINE
More informationMatthew 22: Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16 So they sent
Matthew 22:15-22 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and
More informationMatthew 22: Dual Citizenship
Matthew 22:15-46 2-5-17 Dual Citizenship I. Slide1 Announce: A. Slide2-7 Lar - FP, Womens, Go Mobil, HS, Empowered, Emp Video. B. Slide8 Me - Sun Night of Prayer, next Sun. II. Slide9 Intro: Dual Citizenship
More informationDELIGHTING in the LORD
The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY
More informationo Everyone knew how John regarded Jesus and how Jesus regarded John
Luke 20 Luke 20:1-8 And it came about on one of the days while He was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes with the elders confronted Him,
More informationJesus Versus the Religious Leaders Mark 12:13-37 Justin Deeter August 13, 2017
Jesus Versus the Religious Leaders Mark 12:13-37 Justin Deeter August 13, 2017 Everyone loves a good action movie, and one of the best moments within an action movie is the brawl. Here is how it goes:
More informationGIVE TO GOD WHAT IS GOD S
GIVE TO GOD WHAT IS GOD S Mark 12:13-17 Key Verse: 12:17 Then Jesus said to them, Give to Caesar what is Caesar s and to God what is God s. And they were amazed at him. I read a funny story in a famous
More informationSERMON Time after Pentecost Lectionary 32 November 8, 2009
SERMON Time after Pentecost Lectionary 32 November 8, 2009 1 Kings 17:8-16 Psalm 146 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44 Brothers and sisters in Christ, grace to you and peace from God the Father, and from our
More informationWeek Consider the setting. Where has Jesus been? Where is he headed? (vs. 23)
Week 6 Day One Prelude: Matthew 21:18-22 18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves.
More information9 And do not call anyone on earth father, for you have. 13 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you
First Baptist Church Rutland VT 3/11/18 Final Lecture Matthew 23:1-39 Introduction As we continue through the Gospel of Matthew we are still at the beginning of Jesus final week in Jerusalem before the
More informationGreat Events of the New Testament
Great Events of the New Testament Lesson #37 Beware the Leaven Study Notes For Sunday, September 24, 2017 Read Matt. 15:1-20; 16:1-12; Mk. 7:1-23; 8:10-26 Many Pharisees were now saying that Jesus was
More informationPlease stand as you are able for the reading of the Gospel
University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church Rev. Canon Rosa Lee Harden October 28, 2012 Please stand as you are able for the reading of the Gospel -=-=- -=-=- -=-=- A reading from the Holy Gospel
More informationOppressed by the Corrupt Mark 12:38-44
Sermon Transcript Oppressed by the Corrupt Mark 12:38-44 Well, this morning as we finish up Mark chapter 12, I got to be honest with you and begin by issuing some type of warning. I think, as we get into
More informationQuestioning God Matthew 22:23-46
Questioning God Matthew 22:23-46 New Living Translation [Mk 12:35-37a; Lk 20:41-44] (23) That same day some Sadducees stepped forward a group of Jews who say there is no resurrection after death. They
More informationMatthew 23 Mark 12:37-40 Luke 20:45-47
Matthew 23 Mark 12:37-40 Luke 20:45-47 1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 So you must obey them and do everything they
More informationThe Gospel of Mark Lesson 17 Mark 11:27 12:44 Review Jesus Authority Questioned Parable of the Vine-growers
The Gospel of Mark Lesson 17 Mark 11:27 12:44 Review Baptism and Temptation (1:1-13) Year-Long Ministry in Judea (John 1:19-4:45) Galilean Ministry (1:14-7:23) Withdrawal with Disciples into Various Gentile
More informationWhose Wife Will She Be at the Resurrection?
Whose Wife Will She Be at the Resurrection? Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40 Tuesday the twelfth of Nisan DIG: Given that the Sadducees were status quo politicians and strict materialists
More information445 Verse 3. "Let me ask you a question first," he replied. Verse 4. "Did John's authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?" Verse
Luke 20. One day as Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News in the Temple, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. Verse 2. They demanded, "By
More informationSacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry
Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year B Focus: Ordinary Time Scripture: Mark 12:38 44 NRSV Gathering Welcome Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle.
More informationRendering to God What s His
Matt 22:15-22 (parallels in Mark 12:13 17 and Luke 20:20 26) The Jews were desperately seeking to discredit Jesus, because within the context, He was speaking parables against them. They would stop at
More informationSermon for the 24 th Sunday after Pentecost Remembrance Day Mark 12:38-44 by Intern- Pastor Olivier Ravelojaona
Sermon for the 24 th Sunday after Pentecost Remembrance Day Mark 12:38-44 by Intern- Pastor Olivier Ravelojaona Dear people of God, For this Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, which is also Remembrance
More informationThe Thirty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)
The Thirty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B) First Reading 1 Kings 17:10-16 Response Praise the Lord, my soul! Psalm Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10 Second Reading Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel Acclamation Blessed
More informationMark 12:34 in Greek is worded very strongly. After that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
JESUS HAS A QUESTION OF HIS OWN. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church October 13, 2013, 10:30AM Scripture Texts: Mark 12:35-40 Introduction. In the last week before His death Jesus was
More informationWHEN JESUS QUOTES THE OLD TESTAMENT
WHEN JESUS QUOTES THE OLD TESTAMENT WHAT DOES THE STORY OF MOSES AND THE BURNING BUSH HAVE TO DO WITH JESUS? -EXODUS 3 MATTHEW 22:41-46 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, What
More informationProminent Jewish Religious and Political Groups. References Description Agreement with Jesus Disagreement with Jesus PHARISEES
1 Prominent Jewish Religious and Political Groups References Description Agreement with Jesus Disagreement with Jesus PHARISEES Strict group of religious Jews who advocated obedience to the most minute
More informationI. THE ATTACK ON JESUS
A Question of Taxes Who loves to pay their taxes? Why not? No one likes it when something is taken from them especially money. We earned it. We worked hard for it. And we don t trust the nameless government
More informationThe conflict between Jesus and the Sanhedrin is now fully out in the open. Whenever Jesus entered
You Are Not Far from the Kingdom of God The Thirty-Sixth in a Series on the Gospel of Mark Texts: Mark 12:18-34; Deuteronomy 6:1-19 The conflict between Jesus and the Sanhedrin is now fully out in the
More informationWelcome to St. Luke s Lutheran Church (Obelisk) 3206 Big Road Zieglerville, PA stlukeslutheran.church
Welcome to St. Luke s Lutheran Church (Obelisk) 3206 Big Road Zieglerville, PA 19492 610-754-7762 stlukeslutheran.church office@stlukeslutheran.church P- Pastor, C-Congregation * All who are able please
More informationLast Will and Testament
20/20 Hindsight 205 Last Will and Testament Lesson Twenty-Two Matthew 22,25, 26; Mark 12, 14; Luke 20-22; John 13 1 Corinthians 11 The last week of Jesus' life before His death and resurrection will be
More informationThe setting for Jesus encounter with the scribe is the city of Jerusalem. Jesus
Scripture Lesson: Mark 12:18-34 THE GREAT COMMANDMENT (10/23/11) Jesus answered, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your
More information1. Intro: 2. PAYING TAXES! (20-26) 1 Luke 20: Render to God that which is His!
1 Luke 20:20-47 4-29-07 Render to God that which is His! 1. Intro: 1.1. Explain speakers: Demo-ing speakers as part of our Worship Room remodel. 1.1.1. It s moving from a center cluster to the 2 sets.
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Matthew 23:2-12 & Mark 12:38-44
International Bible Lessons Commentary Matthew 23:2-12 & Mark 12:38-44 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, December 27, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson
More informationYEAR B, PROPER 27 RCL GC, SUNDAY CLOSEST TO 9 NOVEMBER 2009 MASS: 1 KINGS 17:8-16; PSALM 146; HEBREWS 9:24-28; MARK 12:38-44
The First Lesson. The Reader begins A Reading from the First Book of the Kings Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah, 9 Arise, go to Zar'ephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have
More informationWelcome. to Trinity Lutheran Church Sill St, La Crosse, WI. Love God, Love Our Neighbors, Serve the World. Prelude. Welcome
Welcome to Trinity Lutheran Church 1010 Sill St, La Crosse, WI Sunday, November 11, 2018 8:30 am ~ 25th Sunday after Pentecost Love God, Love Our Neighbors, Serve the World *Please stand if able Prelude
More informationNote: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
31 st Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage. 1 st Reading - Deuteronomy
More informationWhat are the things of God? Matthew 22:15-22
What are the things of God? Matthew 22:15-22 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know
More informationMark 8 The Work of the Suffering Servant
Mark 8 The Work of the Suffering Servant Introduction Hebrew scholars during the Second Temple Period the time leading up to Christ s First Coming culminated by the destruction of the Second Temple in
More informationFutile Traps Reveal Fakes
November 24, 2010 College Park Church Futile Traps Reveal Fakes Matthew 22:15-45 Mark Vroegop 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his talk. 16 And they sent their disciples to
More informationHypocrites June 13, 2010 Matthew 15:1-20
I. Introduction Hypocrites June 13, 2010 Matthew 15:1-20 We all use words that we assume everyone knows what they mean sometimes they do, sometimes they don t. The title for today s sermon may be one of
More informationJohn the Baptist: Preparing for Jesus
FOCAL TEXT Mark 1:1 11 BACKGROUND Mark 1:1 15; 6:14 29; 11:27 33 MAIN IDEA John the Baptist proclaimed the message of preparing for Jesus coming by repenting of sin, seeking God s forgiveness. LESSON ONE
More informationTBC 7/9/06 a.m. The Gospel According to Mark - #43. NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM Mark 12:28-34
TBC 7/9/06 a.m. The Gospel According to Mark - #43 NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM Mark 12:28-34 Intro: For those of you who have not been with us in the present series of messages that I have been bringing on
More informationMark 12 Give to God What Is His August 28, 2016am
This morning we will find Jesus on the last Wednesday of His life before the crucifixion in the temple. Just the day before, He cleansed the temple by driving out the thieves and livestock. Now, we lean
More informationRespect Trinity Baptist Church Discipleship Training (April, 2007)
Respect Trinity Baptist Church Discipleship Training (April, 2007) Introduction: The topic chosen for this study is Respecting Your Elders. What is our duty to honor those who are advanced in years? As
More informationPart Three. Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites!
Part Three Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites! NISAN 12 Tuesday morning to Tuesday evening Mark 11:20-26 20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
More informationGospel of Matthew Matthew 23:1-33
Gospel of Matthew Matthew 23:1-33 Warnings and Woes Jesus had already silenced the Pharisees (legalists), the Sadducees (liberals), and Herodians (pragmatists) in debate (Mt. 22). Now in Matthew 23, He
More informationLesson 7. Chapter 19: Entering the Kingdom. CHRISTADELPHIAN BIBLE COURSE Matthew s Gospel Chapters A Question about Divorce (19:1-12)
Lesson 7 Chapter 19: Entering the Kingdom A Question about Divorce (19:1-12) Great multitudes of people followed Jesus from Galilee in the north to Judea in the south and he continued to heal those who
More informationThe Life of Christ An Overview
Lesson 1 - Introduction Introduction Nearly all of the information available on the life of Christ comes from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Each book has its own theme and purpose, and therefore uncertainty
More informationMark 8: The Confession of a Disciple
1 Mark 8:27-33 - The Confession of a Disciple Let me begin today by putting these verses into the context. In the immediate chapter we see different kinds of people who see Jesus differently. The last
More informationGospel of Matthew Jesus, Teacher of Israel
Gospel of Matthew Jesus, Teacher of Israel The Best Teacher?! Reshaping and Adding to an already Existing Tradition! When was Matthew written? Approx.! Between 75-85 c.e.! What are the Three (3) sources
More informationBook of Luke NKJV 17-20
Chapter 17 Jesus Warns of Offenses Book of Luke NKJV 17-20 1 Then He said to the disciples, It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 2 It would be better
More informationREJOICE AND GIVE THANKS
ST JOHN S TOORAK STEWARDSHIP AND PLANNED GIVING CAMPAIGN 2014 REJOICE AND GIVE THANKS CAMPAIGN BOOKLET REJOICE AND GIVE THANKS RESOURCING THE MISSION OF ST JOHN S TOORAK Reflections on the theology of
More informationWhy Do We Do That? Give Matthew 22:15-22 Rev. Thomas G. James Washington Street UMC April 29, 2018
Why Do We Do That? Give Matthew 22:15-22 Rev. Thomas G. James Washington Street UMC April 29, 2018 We continue in this month of April to look at some of the foundational practices of our faith. Too often
More informationSeries James. This Message Faith Without Good Works is Dead Faith, by itself, is dead if it is not accompanied by action. Scripture James 2:14-26
Series James This Message Faith Without Good Works is Dead Faith, by itself, is dead if it is not accompanied by action. Scripture James 2:14-26 We have previously examined three of the nine topics in
More information100 of the Most Important or Well-Known Events in the Life of Jesus Christ
Liberty University Scholars Crossing 100 Events in the Life of Jesus Christ The Century List 12-2018 100 of the Most Important or Well-Known Events in the Life of Jesus Christ Harold Willmington Liberty
More information! NEW CIRCLE CHURCH - COMMUNITY GROUP! 7 STORIES OF HOPE
! NEW CIRCLE CHURCH - COMMUNITY GROUP! by Jeff Sundell. These stories are: The Sinful Woman Luke 7:36-50 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined
More informationGOD WITH US Part 8: JESUS Message 14 The CHRIST: Jesus Title and Mission
GOD WITH US Part 8: JESUS Message 14 The CHRIST: Jesus Title and Mission Introduction The life and ministry of Jesus, as recorded in the 4 gospels, divides in to two halves. The first half is the presentation
More informationTHE LEADER S CRUCIFICTION & JOY
THE LEADER S CRUCIFICTION & JOY Mark 12:38-40 GOSPEL CENTERED LEADERS Are Not Entitled Are Not Elite Are Not Exempt Beware of those who parade themselves and love the best seats in the house. (V. 38, 39)
More informationFaith Lutheran Church. Faithfully Growing, Welcoming, and Caring through Christ 25th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, November 11, 2018
Faith Lutheran Church Faithfully Growing, Welcoming, and Caring through Christ 25th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, November 11, 2018 PRELUDE WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS HAPPY VETERANS DAY Our Annual Meeting
More information#19 & 19 & 20 MATTHEW 19 V1
1 Teen Bible Study Notes: Friday, December 14, 2018 Presented by: Sheldon Monson The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ Lecture #19 Book & Chapter: Matthew Chapters 19 & 20 MATTHEW 19 V1 Now it came to
More informationJesus Changes Everything
Jesus Changes Everything (Mark 12:13-34 January 10, 2016) Jesus Changes Everything Mark 12:13-34 I want you to think back to the morning after you were saved. You got up and looked in the mirror. Same
More informationOverview HEROD ANTIPAS RUTHLESS AMBITION WAS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE
1 Overview HEROD ANTIPAS RUTHLESS AMBITION WAS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE Herod Antipas story is told in the Gospels. He is also mentioned in Acts 4:27; Acts 13:1. Most people dislike having their sins pointed out,
More informationTHE POLITICS OF JESUS
THE POLITICS OF JESUS In a few short weeks, our politically polarized nation will go to the polls and elect the 45 th President of the United States. Everyone agrees that this is the most critical election
More informationSo you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
Sunday December 27, 2015 1 Matthew 23:2-12(NIV) 2 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they
More informationTHE LAST WEEK OF THE LORD JESUS ON EARTH IVe. Jesus Final Day of Public Teaching (cont.) Jesus Proclaims Truth (Part 5 Early Afternoon c. 1:00 P.M.
THE LAST WEEK OF THE LORD JESUS ON EARTH IVe. Jesus Final Day of Public Teaching (cont.) Jesus Proclaims Truth (Part 5 Early Afternoon c. 1:00 P.M.) Wednesday, 12 th Nisán (April 1), A.D. 33 Mt. 22:15-22;
More informationStewardship Sunday. Contemporary Worship at Calvary Lutheran Church. November 8, Mark 12:38-44
Stewardship Sunday Contemporary Worship at Calvary Lutheran Church November 8, 2015 Mark 12:38-44 38 As Jesus taught, he said, Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted
More informationJESUS IS THE CORNERSTONE
Luke 20:1-19 Key Verse: 20:17b JESUS IS THE CORNERSTONE The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. In the last event, Jesus entered Jerusalem as King, riding on a donkey. We call it The
More informationWatching and Seeing Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Stewardship Sunday November 11, 2018 Gordon Wiersma. Text: Mark 12
Watching and Seeing Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Stewardship Sunday November 11, 2018 Gordon Wiersma Text: Mark 12 I suppose that people-watching must be one of the oldest spectator sports of all
More informationGolden Text: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted (Matthew 23:12).
Sunday, December 27, 2015 Lesson: Matthew 23:2-12; Mark 12:38-44; Time of Action: 30 A.D.; Place of Action: Jerusalem Golden Text: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble
More informationContent Summary: Expanded Overview of the. Gospel of Mark
7.1 Content Summary: Expanded Overview of the Gospel of Mark John the Baptist preaches in the wilderness and baptizes Jesus; the Holy Spirit comes upon Jesus, and a voice from heaven says, You are my Son,
More informationSERIES: GETTING TO KNOW JESUS SUBJECT: LORD OF ALL SCRIPTURE: MARK 12:35-40 SERMON NO. 27
SERIES: GETTING TO KNOW JESUS SUBJECT: LORD OF ALL SCRIPTURE: MARK 12:35-40 SERMON NO. 27 Introduction When my cousin Monroe and I were little children we made two kites out of weed sticks, brown paper
More informationThe Gospel According to Matthew
The Gospel According to Matthew By G. Campbell Morgan, D.D. Copyright 1929 CHAPTER SIXTY MATTHEW 22:15-46 THE King is still seen in the Temple. In this section we have a radiant display of His wisdom.
More informationJesus in the House. Matthew 21:12-23:36; Mark 11:12-12:44; Luke 19:45-21:4; John 12:20-36
Jesus in the House Matthew 21:12-23:36; Mark 11:12-12:44; Luke 19:45-21:4; John 12:20-36 Entering Jesus Final Days We have already considered the events of the Triumphal Entry, which occurred on Sunday
More informationThe Book of Matthew. Chapter 1
A Biblical History The Gospel of Matthew is the first of four gospels presented in the New Testament. Matthew was one of the 12 apostles that followed Jesus Christ throughout His ministry on earth. It
More informationTRUST IN GOD ABOVE ALL MARK 12: TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SUN NOV 8, 15
TRUST IN GOD ABOVE ALL MARK 12:38-44 24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SUN NOV 8, 15 38 In his teaching [Jesus] said, Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces
More informationTrue Piety Mark 12:38-44 Justin Deeter August 20, 2017
True Piety Mark 12:38-44 Justin Deeter August 20, 2017 Have you ever met someone who is the complete opposite of you in every way? A common literary device used by writers is called a foil. This occurs
More informationThe Christmas Story. Zechariah and Elizabeth. From Luke 1:1-25
The Christmas Story Zechariah and Elizabeth From Luke 1:1-25 In the days when Herod was king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah. His wife s name was Elizabeth and they were both honorable and
More informationThe Boy Jesus. Vocabulary Words ANALYZE THE READING
Lesson 3 The Boy Jesus Get Into the Bible Read Your Bible Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-52 Put your initials on the line when you have finished reading the passages. Bible Vocabulary wax: to grow 1. When
More informationInternational Bible Lesson Commentary Matthew 23:2-12
International Bible Lessons Commentary Matthew 23:2-12 & Mark 12:38-44 King James Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, December 27, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform
More informationLuke Chapter 20 John Karmelich
Luke Chapter 20 John Karmelich 1. We interrupt Jesus' traveling road show for a question and answer session. It is as if the author Luke is building a bridge between the last ten chapters that focused
More informationTO CHEER OR WEEP? Mark 12:38-44
TO CHEER OR WEEP? Mark 12:38-44 Pastor Brad November 8, 2015 1 To weep or cheer? The widow s mite is a classic gospel story. A go-to story for churches ever since we started this thing called church stewardship.
More informationBROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH COLUMBIA, MISSOURI THE WORSHIP OF GOD NOVEMBER 11, 2018
BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH COLUMBIA, MISSOURI THE WORSHIP OF GOD NOVEMBER 11, 2018 The Psalm Litany Based on Psalm 127 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord
More informationMark 12: Galilean Tea Party
Mark 12:13-27 9-15-13 Galilean Tea Party I. Slide#1 Announce: A. Children @ risk - today 3-5pm. Be discussing JM3. Preparing ribbons for WRAP week. Prob watch the movie Not Today while tying ribbons. B.
More informationTwenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE Dismissal Session The Dismissal Session is for catechumens only who are dismissed from worship before the Creed (RCIA #75.3). The Dismissal
More informationLife for Show or Service
Life for Show or Service Mark 12:38-44 READ 38 In His teaching He was saying: "Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, 39 and chief
More informationLuke 21A. o They transition us from the moment in the temple where Jesus has been teaching in the day before His crucifixion
Luke 21A 1 Luke 21A As we begin Chapter 21, we are embarking on a series of teaching that will take us through the heart of eschatology, the doctrine of end times o Luke s 21 st chapter includes one of
More informationA Letter from Pastor Chris
Table of Contents A Letter from Pastor Chris... 3 Lesson 1: Capturing the Big Picture... 5 Lesson 2: What Happens When I Give?... 9 Lesson 3: How Should I Give?... 12 Lesson 4: Developing a Plan... 15
More informationThe Lord of the Sabbath February 21, 2016 Mark 2:23 3:6
I. Introduction The Lord of the Sabbath February 21, 2016 Mark 2:23 3:6 The Sabbath was prized by the Jews as a sacred institution. The word Sabbath is derived from the Hebrew word shabbat which means
More informationEucharist. Why Jesus gave thanks over bread and wine
Eucharist Why Jesus gave thanks over bread and wine Three questions to begin with: First of all, why did Christians in the early church have a ceremony called Eucharist? Secondly, did Eucharist have the
More informationMark 12: th Sunday after Pentecost November 10, 1991
Mark 12:38-44 25th Sunday after Pentecost November 10, 1991 38As he taught, he said, Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39and
More informationThe Great Commandment
The Great Commandment Mark 12:28-34 There was a man who only had an eighth-grade education. But this man wanted to be a soul-winner. God had laid a brilliant attorney on his heart. Obeying the Lord, he
More information1. What was the most joyous part of your Christmas and New Year holiday?
Matthew 1:1 2:12 January 11, 2018 1. What was the most joyous part of your Christmas and New Year holiday? 2. This semester we are studying the book of Matthew. Read Matthew 1:1-17. Matthew begins this
More informationA Study of the Acts of the Apostles Week Four Acts 3:14
A Study of the Acts of the Apostles Week Four Acts 3:14 Day One 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised
More informationThe Rev. Dr. Jan C. Heller Proper 24, Year A, Matthew 22: October 2017 Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA
The Rev. Dr. Jan C. Heller Proper 24, Year A, Matthew 22:15-22 22 October 2017 Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA Introduction Where are we? As is so often in the case, we jump around
More information