“The Greatness of Jesus”

 

BIBLE READING : Mark 10-13 


    Chapter 10 begins with an attempt by the Pharisees to “test” Jesus in order to stir up trouble with his followers. By the way they approach we see that they are more concerned about following the “law” or legalism than God’s ideal arrangement established before creation. When the Pharisees object and ask “why did Moses permit divorce,” Jesus responds with “because your hearts were hard.” The thought is that sin wraps and twists the ideal to the extent that divorce may become necessary. But this means that law is not God’s highest standard at all. Law actually is a lower standard than the ideal, showing God’s willingness to accommodate himself and meet man where he is.   

Even the disciples do not understand what Jesus is saying and he explains to them privately that they are  to go back to the basic principles that God has laid down and not follow the legalism of the Pharisees. To illustrate his point Jesus draws attention to the young children whom they think are getting in the way of Jesus and he explains that “of such is the kingdom of God.” Even in the Mosaic law “little children” are not subject to such regulation.  The way of the Pharisees, to show greatness by strict legalism is shown not to be God’s way to greatness.

The story of the rich young man, which Mark describes next, illustrates Jesus’ point when he asks “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” The young man is moral and honest, but when Jesus tells him to sell his possessions, he demonstrates that just being good is not enough to serve God. We must be willing to make sacrifices and trust in God. Salvation, impossible for man, is possible with God (10:23-31).

The remainder of chapter 10 shows the difficulty of the disciples in understanding of the greatness of Jesus. They are concerned about their place in Jesus’ life now and later as he tells them of his coming death. (10:26-31; 36-44). To their response and action, Jesus stresses the importance of servanthood for his followers and explains that the followers of Jesus will serve others, not rule them. (35-41) Mark illustrates this point by showing how that Jesus, burdened by the events surrounding his entrance into Jerusalem and realizing that his death was approaching takes time out to heal the blind man. (10:46-52)

Chapters 11-13, describe the journey Jesus makes to the cross. The crowds welcome him (11:1-11). They learn about the power of prayer as they see the fig tree wither (11:12-14; 20-26; 13:238-30)). Learn the difference between the things belonging to the government (Caesar) and to God (12:13-17). The great commandment, Love God first, your neighbor second (12:26-34).  A lesson about true giving, the widow’s offering (12:41-44). Information concerning the future of the world, involving wars and disasters, including the destruction of the temple as prophesied by Daniel, and the coming of Jesus at a time not known to man. (13)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As Jesus is revealing this information to his followers, the Jewish leaders are infuriated as he cleanses the temple (11:12-19); expresses his authority to do so (11:27-32; likens them to tenants who plot to kill the son of the landlord when he comes to collect the fruit due at harvest which they realize is a reference to their reluctance to accept Jesus as the Messiah (12:1-12); and outwits them when they approach him about paying taxes to Caesar. (12:13-17). Jesus also outwits the Sadducees as they ask about the resurrection (12:18-27) and warns the people about the scribes as they pretend to be righteous yet mistreat the widows and make long pretentious prayers (12:38-41).

 

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