“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).

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday - October 4, 2016

Woodlawn Family Bible Study TUESDAY BIBLE READING:    Genesis 32:22-32 Do you want to be blessed? That sounds like a rhetorical question, doesn’t it? Who doesn’t want to be blessed? I guess it really depends on your definition of “blessed.” Many people desire blessings that will make them wealthy or, perhaps, material goods. However, being blessed is not limited to those physical things. In fact, sometimes we can be blessed in the most unusual ways. For instance, in Genesis 32:26, we find Jacob wrestling with what we often call an angel. Within the story, Jacob is overtaking the angel and holding him down; refusing to let go until the angel gives him a blessing. The angel obliges Jacob, but not in the way he might have imagined. The angel changed his name from “Jacob” to “Israel,” but he also did something else. He put Jacob’s hip joint out of socket, causing him much pain and difficulty walking. In part, his blessing had to do with him walking with a limp. How is tha...
Read more

Resolutions: Draw closer to God through study of His word

BIBLE READING: John 14.7 Spend time alone with God’s Word.  Besides the spiritual growth we will gain from study, we will also come to know Him better.  Reading His word brings us in touch with Him.  Jesus tells us in John 14:7 – “If you had known Me, you would have known my Father also.”   Just studying the life of Jesus will help us to know God better.   In seeking God’s help, we can draw closer to Him through prayer, meditation, nature, and study.   “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2  I Tim.4:13,15 - “Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine… meditate on these things; give yourself wholly to them.”   Regardless of our circumstances we can rely on God’s unchanging character.  God is good. God loves me. God is with me. God knows my problems. God cares. Romans 8:31(b) tells us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Make a resolution to slo...
Read more

“Examples”

BIBLE READING: Mark 13- Luke 1 DISCUSSION                                                                                   This past week we have read of some great examples in the bible.   We read in Mark 13 about us being ready and being prepared for when Jesus returns.   We need to all stay awake!   In Mark 14 we read of one action having such an impact.   How this woman gave her very best to Jesus because of her love for Him.   In Mark 15 we read of Pontius Pilate and his desire to keep his power.   He loved his power and did not want to give it up even if that meant sending an inno...
Read more