Lesson # 38 | Lesson # 38 | THE COMING AGAIN OF JESUS

I.    Greetings: 

 

II.   Introduction:

            The distinguished British scholar William Barclay says we often ignore two doctrines in modern times because they do not fit our comfort zones (Barclay p.330).  In his circles he noticed they left out speaking much about the doctrines of Hell and the Second Coming.  Both could imply a truly supernatural belief structure and both doctrines make us highly uncomfortable.

            In our last lesson we noted that Jesus predicted the fall of the Temple in Mark 13:2.  The disciples countered with Mark 13:4. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:4  What follows in Mark 13:5-23 is the answer to their question, and what we will explore today.

           

III.  Be Not Deceived Nor Frightened!  Mark 13:5-8.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:5-6.

            Q  What is the main concern of Jesus here?

               An = In times of crisis false leaders will emerge.  Jesus' main concern is for his disciples welfare, it is pastoral.  In other words, His concerns are not to impart esoteric information, but are focused on our well being.  Jesus worries or cares about how they will fare. 

            Note:  He is very directive in these verses, and this is an indication of His overwhelming concern for whether the disciples will make it.  In the verse 5-37 there are 19 imperatives (Lane, p. 446).  In these opening verses the warnings are against bad leadership.  In times of crisis such leadership will emerge.  He is telling them not to be taken in.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:7-8.

            Q  Why are we not to be frightened?

               An = We know that God knows!  Jesus is telling them that these things must take place.  This is only the beginning, so He wants them to stay focused, to stay vigilant.  His message is:  "Don't be mislead nor frightened.  All is in God's hands."  The key response is to stay obedient!

 

IV.  Do Not Wilt Under Persecution.   Mark 13:9-13

>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:9-13.

            Q  Why will they be arrested in Mark 13:9?

               An = For Jesus' sake.  The abuse, says Lane (p. 464), heaped on the disciples was intended for Jesus.  The only reason the disciples were to have trouble is that they were identified with Him.   Have three people turn to the following three texts and have them take turns reading them out loud to the group: 

>>> Have someone read:  Acts 9:1-2;  Philippians 1:29;  Colossians 1:24

            Q Is following Jesus an honor or an advantage?

               An = These passages seem to indicate there are costs to pay when someone is closely associated with Jesus Christ.  Turning back to our passage in Mark....

            Q  If these Mark verses are Second Coming texts, how are we to be watchful?  What does taking abuse on behalf of Jesus have to do with being ready?

               An = If we are not sharing our faith, or being open about our faith, it could impair our readiness.  The abuse could be the sign that we are ready.

            Q  Why are they not to be anxious in Mark 13:11?

               An = The Spirit of God, He makes all the difference.  If we are truly God's children then God's Holy Spirit will be with us in our times of persecution.

            Note:  The courts mentioned in 13:9 are both civil and secular.  Sometimes we get in trouble with the civil authorities and at times it is the religious establishment that gives trouble to believers.

            Note:  It is the preaching of the gospel that causes persecution.  Many today want to be politically correct and not do embarrassing evangelism.  If you want to avoid persecution, do not evangelize.  You will have no trouble, but you will also have no power and abilities to speak from the Spirit.  If you keep your belief private, all may seem well, but something will be missing.

            Q  The Spirit of God cannot come until what happens according to Mark 13:10?

               An = Until we preach to all nations we cannot expect the helping power of the Holy Spirit.  Evangelism and the Holy Spirit coming are tied together.

            Q  Is verse 12 disheartening?  Why?

               An = Being betrayed is extremely disheartening.  Have you been significantly betrayed?  If it has not happened yet, it certainly will.

            Q  Do you see the "why" of the betrayal in the last part of 13:13, what is it?

               An = The betrayal comes because of our loyalty to Jesus Christ.  Betrayal hurts, and it is often one of the most difficult things to recover from.  It can cause us more harm and discouragement than most things.  Barclay tells the story of a man who was captured by the Nazi's and severely tortured mentally and physically.  He held on though and did not crack or give in.  Finally, the Nazis released him to go home.  A short time after he was home he committed suicide.  It was later found out that when the man came home from his ordeal he found out who had turned him in.  It was his own son.  He could not handle such betrayal (Barclay, pp. 327-328).  We will need to! 

            Q  Did Jesus experience any of the above?

               An = Remember Jesus Christ was betrayed by one of His closest followers, Judas.  Jesus' experience will become the cruel prototype of their own. (Lane, 461)

           

V.  Sacrilege, Flight and Vigilance.  Mark 13:14-23.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:14-23.

            Q What is the major issue here?

               An = Flight!  There is the urgency for flight (15-16);  what can hinder flight (17-18);  reasons for flight 19-20);  and the final deterrent to flight (21-22).

            Note:  The Bible says there is coming a time when abominable things will happen and nothing should keep us from getting away.  Christ will come back to earth again, and it will preceded by great social turmoil.  We are to be ready, to be on our guard.

            Q Why do phonies (false prophets) not want us alert?

               An = They want cattle, not real humans.  They do not hear God and do not want us hearing Him either.  They want us caught up with the sensational,  "here is the Christ", "He is there", etc.  Their only desire is to use us for their ends, not lead us to the Savior.  If we are alert to the things of God, vigilant to do His will, we will know when to flee, and therefore we can succeed.  There is going to be trouble coming and success will necessitate alertness!

            Q  As an individual, if we really believe in the Second Coming or Hell how should it help us not be caught up in selfishness, sexual sin, materialism, or the hunt for a pride-centered career?

               An = If you know of an example of someone who has missed these pitfalls due to their beliefs, share it.

            Q  As a church or body of believers, how can false leaders lull us to sleep or deceive us?

               An = Many times false leadership has let the church go to sleep and be involved in other things than the preaching of the Gospel and the work of evangelism.  They point to politics, nationalism, spiritual sensationalism, etc.

            Q  If you could only pick one command of the many Jesus has given in these verses, which one is the most important?

               An = Watch, or be ready, or be alert! 

Lesson # 37 | MARK 12:38-13:4 | DRAWING CLOSER TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: A GOOD IMAGE OR A GOOD HEART

I.    Greetings: 

 

II.   Introduction:

            Note:   Our lesson tonight will continue to answer the question how God can truly reign in our hearts.  We are approaching the end of Jesus' public ministry, and it is interesting to see what issues He addresses.  Notice what He will say last....  Oddly enough, one of the last things He has to say, He says to me, the religious leader.

 

III.  Jesus' Assessment of Religious Scholars:   Mark 12:38-40.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 12:38-40.

            Q  Who are the Scribes?

               An = Religious scholars.  People who have a master's degree, or Ph.d in Religion (or possibly, Bible Study leaders).

            Q  What four things do they like in Mark 12:38-39?

               An = 1) Long robes:  In other words, distinguished clothing.  They usually wore white and stood out among their contemporaries.  Do we do this today?

               2) Greetings in the market place:  They enjoyed special attention.  In those days people rose when they passed by.  Only a merchant working his trade was exempt from standing when such a person passed by.

               3) Chief seats in Synagogue:  They sat facing the audience up in the front.  They were always given special seating.  Is that done today?

               4) Honor at Banquets:  Often they were given the best seats.  (Lane, p. 440) 

            Note:  One of the things young people often look at is the respect someone with degrees or a position has.  Often what drives someone into the teaching profession or ministry is the hope that it will be a short-cut to respectability.  However, respectability truly comes from being respectable.  Some people think that titles bring respect.  Think of the teachers and ministers you know that you do not respect!

            Q  What warning does Jesus give concerning these people in verse 40?

               An = Beware of educated religious people who desire honor but are financially greedy.  They will devour the money that should go to the needy and cover their greed with religious language (12:40) (Lane, p. 339).

            Q  What does Jesus predict for them?

            Q  Should those who study the Bible be preoccupied with God's glory instead of the praise of men, why?

            RQ  Does such abuse of religious authority happen today?

               An = Do not push this into a complaining time, but someone might genuinely need to vent or express some deep hurt they have about religious authorities.  Listen, but do not comment.

            Q  Did Jesus endear Himself to the authorities?  Did He pay for such an attack?

               An = Jesus paid dearly for such comments and attacks.  They killed Him.  It is easy to pop-off against authorities that will not hurt us.  It is easy to be a political critic here in America, but if we try that same thing in a third world country we and our family will experience something very different.

            Q  If the attack was to prove so costly, why is Jesus so harsh on these men?

               An = The truth needs to be said even though it costs us everything, even our career.  If someone does not stand up and tell the truth then all suffer.  Besides, Jesus was giving them a chance to repent.  Sometimes, the most loving thing one can do for a powerful individual is to confront them when they are wrong.

 

IV.  True Religion:   Mark 12:41-44.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 12:41-44.

            Q  How does this woman contrast with the scribes?

               An = She is primarily contrasted with the scribes in the area of money.  She gave at great cost to herself whereas the others gave only out of their excess. 

            Notice too, the humility with which she gave.  There was no fan fare, no one knew the extent and cost of her magnanimous gift, except Jesus.  But then again, Jesus is God, and someone very important knows what we truly give.

            Q  Does her action make you uncomfortable?  Why?

            Note:  What she put in was of the smallest possible amount at that time.  There was no smaller coin in those days. (Lane, p. 441) 

            A lot of us get irritated when someone sacrificially gives because we feel intimidated that we too should be such magnanimous givers.

            Note:  She gave two coins.  She could have kept one for herself.  This awes me.  I often give of my abundance, but she gave when she was in need.

            Q  What does her action illustrate for the disciples?

               An = The call of the gospel is a call for absolute surrender to God and total trust in Him.  That trust must take a financial dimension.

            Q Have you seen someone in your life time who was like her?

            Note:  Jesus ends His public teaching by contrasting the widow with the outward corruption (pride) of the present day leadership.  He contrasts humble service and sacrifice with ostentatious religious show (Matthew 6:1). 

            Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a teaching on leadership as well.  Jesus loves us and knows how influential leaders are on a population.  Therefore, He tries to show us what good leadership is and what type of leaders need to be avoided.

 

V.  Outward Religious Beauty Will Fade:   Mark 13:1-4.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 13:1-4.

            Q  What impressed the disciples?

            Note:  The stones of the great temple building.  This was one of the most impressive buildings in the ancient world.  Remember, the temple complex covered over thirty-five acres.  The stones the disciples were talking about were probably like the ones Josephus mentions, some of which were 40 feet by 12 feet by 18 feet.  They were so well quarried that when they were fit together you could not get a razor blade to fit between them.  The building was magnificent.

            Q  Does Jesus appreciate architecture?

               An = I do not think Jesus is against architecture, but His value system is a heavenly one.  We are often impressed with great buildings, churches, etc. built for this life but Jesus knows eternity.  He is the Eternal One, He lives in eternity and sees reality from a whole different perspective.  One hundred years from now most of the homes, buildings, stadiums, etc. we so much admire will be torn down or gone.  Jesus knows that.  What the woman did was from a heart of love, and her act would last for all eternity.

            RQ  Do we want to do things that will last forever?

            Note:  It is accessible to the very least of us.  That woman did not have any special talents, gifts, abilities, or position.  She just gave from a full heart!

            Q  Why does He say what He says in 13:2?

               An = Great cataclysmic events would need to happen for every stone of this magnificent structure to be toppled.  He is forecasting a massive upheaval in society or nature that would allow this sacred building to be totally destroyed.

            Q  Are the disciples concerned about Jesus' dire prediction?

               An = Yes!  See 13:3-4.  They are deeply concerned and therefore are quite interested in what such an event could be.  Next week we will discuss Jesus' answer to their question.

            Q  What will last longer?  The widows gift or the greatest temple ever built by man?  What is God more concerned with:  a building or an hidden, humble act of devotion?

            Q  Do you now of anyone who has given like this poor woman?

               An = Perhaps, it would help you to remember that nothing given to Him is ever forgotten or lost.  It is the fact that it was given to Him, not the impact it makes on the earthly plane.  Remember to Whom you are giving...the Eternal One with eternal perspective and Who sees things from a completely just standpoint.

            Perhaps, it would help to know that if we can give sacrificially, and know one understands, except God, how much it cost us, we might truly be drawing near to the reign of God.

Lesson # 36 | MARK 12:28-37 | THE CENTER OF RELIGION

I.   Greetings:

 

II.  Introduction:  Being Put to the Test.

            Q  Has anyone ever asked you what a Christian was?

            Q  How did you answer? 

               An = See if some will share what their experiences were. 

            Q  Do some people ask questions, not to learn, but to see if they can catch you in some type of error?

               An = Jesus was asked a question like this, notice how He answers those who did not want to learn.  True to Jesus' form He takes the opportunity to teach anyway.  It was those who overheard the dialogue, Jesus' own disciples, who benefitted from the answer, and hopefully the askers of the question.

 

III.  What is the Greatest Commandment:  Mark 12:28-34.

   A.  The Intellectual Challenge:  Mark 12:28

>>>> Have someone read Mark 12:28.

            Note:  Barclay points out there were two tendencies present in Jesus' day about the Law (Barclay pp. 306-308).  One tendency was to summarize it, the other was to expand on it.  Scribes had found 613 commandments in the Torah, so there were attempts to categorize them according to their importance.  Other famous men attempted summaries.  The famous rabbi a generation before Jesus was asked to summarize the law and his answer was:  "What you hate for yourself, do not to your neighbor.  This is the whole law, the rest is commentary.  Go and learn."  In the O.T. there are several summaries (Barclay, pp. 306-307, has a whole list), but my favorite is Micah 6:8:  "He has told you, O man, what is good;  and what does the Lord require of you.  but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." 

            St. Augustine, a Christian, centuries later said, "Love God, and do what you like" (Barclay, p. 308).

            Jesus answers the question, let us watch to see what He does.

   B.  Jesus Ennobles The Discussion Beyond Petty Debate.  Mark 12:29-31.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 12:29-31.

            Q  What is Jesus' answer?

               An = Jesus' answer was a combination of two commandments:  love God and love man:  Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18.

            Q  Why does Jesus say "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One"?

               An = One of the most famous passages in the Old Testament, especially for Israelites, is Deuteronomy 6:4-5.  It is read in every synagogue service in every country every time they meet.

            Q  What does this "our God is One" mean?

               An = God is One, not many, i.e. monotheism.  It could also mean God has integrity, He is trustworthy.  The word integrity comes from the idea of oneness.  Our God is one, not one way this time and another contradictory way another.  In other words, He is faithful.  He does not change. 

            Either way we see it, this phrase can help us understand Jesus' answer about the greatest commandment.  For Jews the command to love God stems from His uniqueness and loyal commitment (covenant love) to them (Lane, p. 432). 

            Q  Can we love God without loving our neighbor?

               An = Turn to Romans 13:8-10 and James 2:8-9.

>>>> Have someone read Romans 13:8-10

>>>> Have someone read James 2:8-9

   C.  Coming Ever So Close To Jesus.   Mark 12:32-34.

            Q  When attacked, should we get close minded or defensive?  Is it hard not to do this?

            Q  When someone else makes a good point, should we be willing to give credit where credit was due?  Is this a good way to debate? 

               An = After there answers, only add, watch the interaction between Jesus and this man.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 12:32-34.

            Q  What do you think of the Scribes Response?

               An = It is a good answer.  In reference to 12:32, >>> Have someone read Deuteronomy 4:35.  What the man sees is that God's glory is more important than legalism and even more important than the proper practice of religion (i.e.sacrifices).  The greatest importance is to love God and one's neighbor. 

            Note:  There are some of you here today who have come to this realization even though you are not close to God, you are incredibly close to the truth.

            Q  What does Jesus mean by His answer in 12:34?

               An = He thinks this man has answered well.  Jesus complements him.  Even though this is a debate, Jesus calls a "good answer" a "good answer".  That is how we should be when we discuss religion or our faith.  Is Jesus open to seeing good answers from opponents.

            Q  How can we be that way?

               Note:  You read from Isaiah 40:21-31.

            Q  What does "near the kingdom" mean?

                An = After their discussion, you could add that Jesus said the man was close but not there.  The kingdom of God is more than a good intellectual understanding.  Some people are attracted to the faith and are drawn to truth.  So how does one come from being close to closer.

            RQ  Are some of you today wondering if there is more to this thing with God.  Can one get closer?

            Let us read on for I think Jesus will help us answer this.  We will look at one part of His answer today (12:35-37 and the rest next week).

 

IV.  Coming Closer:    Mark 12:35-37.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 12:35-37.

            Note:  This is a Haggada question.  It is a question that asks how two seemingly contradictory Scriptures can be shown to be both true?

            Q  What are the two contradictory concepts?

               An = The messiah is the son of David and the messiah is David's Lord.  In other words, the coming messiah is a descendent of King David and yet is David's superior Lord. 

            Q  How can both be true?

               An = The Incarnation.  God came into the world.  Jesus is David's son in the flesh, in a human decent line, yet also God.  Jesus was born a defenseless baby and yet in that baby was Almighty God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.  All that we see and know in this life were created by God, and God was in Jesus.  God came to earth and dwelt among us. 

            Note:  We have Progressed beyond the point where Jesus is just a good and insightful moral teacher.  We now understand that Jesus Christ is "God in the flesh".  We have to accept Jesus, not as teacher alone, but as Lord.  He has to be Lord over our lives.

            Q  Why does Jesus use questions?

               An = To help them and us see the truth for themselves, on our own.  God wants us to see Jesus as our Lord, as our Savior.  However, we need to decide what type of Lord we want.

            Q  Do we want God to save us out of our earthly problems or to save us from our sins?

               An =  Do we want Jesus to be a limited savior, one who saves us from our personal problems, or to be the Savior of the World.  Jesus does want to help us with our personal problems.  We all came here today with loads of them.  Some of us are keenly aware that we have need, and others of us are clueless that we have needs.  Those of you who know you have needs are the more insightful ones. 

            However, Jesus wants to help us with our greatest need.  I have to ask myself, do I want Him to save me from my sins.  I have to ask myself if I really think I need to be saved from my sins.  Do I want to enlist Jesus merely in the cause of finding a mate, a good or better job, good health and prosperity?  Again, Jesus is interested in these things, but He is most of all interested in saving the world from its sins.  That is why the central thing about Jesus Christ is the Cross.  He came to earth as the son of David, but also to save from sins.

            RQ  Do I want Him as a savior today?

            RQ  Do I care that He wants to save the world?  Am I interested in what God is interested in? 

Lesson # 35 | MARK 12:13-27 | THE CENTRALITY AND FAITHFULNESS OF GOD

I.    Greetings: 

 

II.   Introduction:

            Note:  We spoke last time of being under attack.  Today our focus will be more on substantive answers.  The Holy Spirit has chosen to present Jesus in controversy five times between Mark 11:27-12:40.  These controversies were recorded for our benefit.  The two we will deal with today cover two great doctrines:  the nature of what it means to be human and the resurrection, but in a practical sense (and all real doctrine has practical implications) it will deal with our freedom and hope.  Freedom and hope are two qualities many today desperately need, hopefully we can see the source of both.

 

III.  Trying To Impale Jesus on the Horns of Politics:  Mark 12:13-17.

            Note:  The first attack on Jesus was meant to hurt Him, but Jesus will take this deceptive attack and turn it into a benefit for us.  Jesus can use even the most vile situation and bring benefit from it.  He is the master of reversing what sinful man tries to do.

   A.  The Attack.  Mark 12:13-15.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 12:13-15.

             Q  Are they using flattery? 

               An = Yes the are.  Sincere compliments and flattery are two very different things.

            Q  Why?  What reason do they have to compliment Him?

               An = He has boldly taken them on and not deviated from His answers no matter how many important and powerful people He has offended.  However, their compliments are not sincere but rather flattery.

            Q  What constitutes flattery?

               An = Praise that is insincere.  Have two different people >>> read John 8:48 and John 9:16.  In John's Gospel these particular enemies expressed openly their negative opinions of Him, but here in our story, they use flattery.  Beware of flattery.  We love to hear it, but Jesus saw through it (Mark 12:15 b "But He, knowing their hypocrisy,").  We need to focus on our mission of obedience, not on the approval of our detractors.

            Q  What was the trap they were setting?

               An = The Pole tax that was placed on all adults that the Romans put in place in 6 AD.  It was deeply hated by the local population.  The money was used to pay for the Roman soldiers stationed there to control the Jews themselves.  If Jesus said yes, He would lose popular support.  If He said no, they could have Him arrested by the Romans for inciting rebellion.  It was a good trap.

   B.  Jesus' Response:  Sanity and Centrality.  Mark 12:16-17.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 12:16-17.

            Note:  No one had a denarius, least of all Jesus.

            Note:  Coins in the ancient world were 1) signs of power, 2) the extent of a king's or government's rule was delineated by the presence of his valid currency.  3)  often a king's head or inscription was on the coin, so in a sense it was His property.  In this case, Caesar had his likeness on the coin and his titles that stressed his partial deity.  Such coins as these were a great offense to the Jews, it was a form of idolatry to them. (Barclay, pp. 298-300).

            Note: Jesus' answer was that the coin was Caesar's, so give it to him = if we enjoy the fruits of government, then pay taxes whether we like the government or not.  If we use a road, mail a letter, are not invaded, etc. then pay taxes.

            Q  What does the last part mean?

              An = We are in His likeness, so we ultimately belong to God.  Our life's existence bears likeness to God.  As the coin bore the likeness of Caesar and belonged to Caesar we human beings bear the likeness of God and therefore belong to Him.

            Q  How did Jesus' detractors respond towards Him. 

               An = They were amazed.  They tried to trap Him and wound up amazed, not converted, but impressed.

 

IV.  Trying to Embarrass Jesus on a Doctrinal Issue.  Mark 12:18-27.

   A.  The Attack:  Presenting the ridiculousness of His doctrine.  Mark 12:18-23.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 12:18-23.

            Q  Did the Sadducees believe in the Resurrection?

               An = They did not and only held the Torah or first five books of the O.T. to be authoritative.  The Sadducees in Jesus' time did not believe in a Resurrection as they claimed such a belief could not be found in the first five books of the Old Testament.  It is true the belief in a resurrection is more clearly drawn from other parts of the Old Testament.  The Pharisees and Jesus held the rest of the Old Testament to be authoritative, and Jesus agreed with the Pharisees that there was going to be a resurrection.        

            Note:  Since the Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection they wanted to ridicule Jesus' belief and had some standard arguments one of which is the one we have just read.  It is based on the Leverite marriage law.

            Q  Does anyone know what the Leverite marriage law was?

               An = The Leverite marriage law was an ancient custom to protect land distribution, give security to women, and honor to the deceased who died without children.  If a man died, while being married and did not have a male descendent, a brother was to marry her and the first male child of the union inherited the deceased brothers estate and carried the name of the deceased brother. 

            However, the situation here is a highly ridiculous one.  A situation that would never happen in reality.  A huge "what if" that is intellectually possible but not likely to happen.  However, it is used to attack a belief Jesus had clearly taught.

            Q  Have people ever ridiculed some of your beliefs?  (Encourage people to share their experiences).

            Q  What have been some of your experiences?

            Note:  The Sadducees are trying to show the stupidity of the resurrection.  They want to show that Jesus is stupid and ridiculous for believing in a resurrection.  We will see how Jesus is going to answer.  He knows they do not believe in the parts of the Old Testament that refer to a resurrection, so He is going to play the game in their court, using only the parts of the Old Testament they considered authoritative.

   B.  Jesus' Answer:  You Misunderstand the Power of God.   Mark 12:24-27.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 12:24-27.

            Q How did Jesus answer their ridicule?

               An = 1)  They had made heaven in their own image, just like we often do (Barclay, p. 304).  Their understanding of resurrection was revealed to be in error.  Their reference point to understanding the resurrection was inadequate.  They had left out God Himself.

            2)  The depth of God's power and the depth of God's powerful love for His own was misunderstood.  Whom God makes a covenant with has His love forever.  

            3)  The great name of God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob points to another aspect of His power.  It is extended to the living, not the dead because God is the God of life, not of death.  There is no death-cult or preoccupation with the dead in the Torah, and every Jew knew that.  If one reads several of the laws in Deuteronomy or Exodus one can see that following them would remove the Jews from the being trapped by fear of the dead, death spirits, etc. The Jews were the most free people around in their handling of death.  In addition, the Mosaic law forbid preoccupation with the dead and not only focused all the community's resources on the living, but also freed the Jews from a great deal of dread, fear and torment from the occult world.

            Since God is spoken of as the "God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" then they must be alive, because God is not the God of the dead.

            Q  Do people often attack an inadequate view of Christianity?  What can we do in such cases?

               An = The informed Christian can straighten out their conceptual errors in understanding what Christians actually believe.  This is what Jesus has done.  The Sadducees were attacking an inadequate view of the Resurrection.  Many people who attack Jesus Christ or the Bible often reveal a deficient understanding.  If they really knew God's power, if they really understood the Scriptures, then their attack would not take place.

            Q  By the way, from what part of the Old Testament does Jesus answer their question?

               An = Jesus answers the Sadducees from the Torah:  Exodus 3:6.  He plays the contest in their court and uses only the Scriptures they held themselves as authoritative.

            Q  In both of Jesus' answers in (12:13-17 and 12: 18-27) what is the center focus?

               An = Both answers stress putting God first and understanding properly the situation (our being made in His image, and a proper understanding of God' majesty of being the God of the living). If we can see Him as He really is , One who loves us forever, (12:27), and One who has a right to our loyalty (12:17), then we will see reality as it really is.

            Q  What could this teach us in handling the controversies set against us?

               An = God should be the key focus of our presentation.  The more we understand who we are, and who God is, the more we can adequately defend the truths of Scripture and reality.

            1) If we can understand that He made us, has a right to us and our loyalty, then we can be free.  Loyalty to Him can free us from bondage to other humans. 

            2) If we understand the power of His everlasting love for us, then our understanding of God's love can help us understand our own dignity, and the basis for our hope of eternal life.  Once we really understand God, then knowing we will live forever in the Resurrection is easy to understand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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            Note:  You may want to print the box below and hand it out after the meeting to your audience to help them with their own witnessing attempts.   Some of this comes from Lane, p. 421.           

                                                                                          

1.  First Encounter.   Jesus authority is challenged.  Mark 11:27-12:12.                                                                                    Answer:  He begins with a counter question that forces his audience to                                                             commit themselves first, thus robbing them of the "cat-bird" seat of non-                                        committal.  Jesus uses an O.T. parable (Isaiah 5:1-7) and then creates one of His own                           (12:1-12).  Both stress that by means of humility, God wins out.

2.  Second Encounter.  Jesus' Enemies Use Trickery:  "What about taxes".   Mark 12:13-17.                      Answer:  He creates a proverb that stresses putting obedience to God above all else.                                           They set a trap, and He brilliantly stepped out of it.                             

3.  Third Encounter.  They Attack His doctrine of belief in the resurrection. Mark 12:18-27.                       Answer:  He again uses the O.T. and shows what the Scriptures truly stress:  God's             personhood and God's power.                                                         

4.  Fourth Encounter:  An Intellectual Challenge:  "What is the greatest commandment?"

             Mark 12:28-34.

         Answer:  Jesus uses the O.T. and stresses loving of God and others.   

5.  Fifth Encounter:  Jesus Goes On the Offensive:  He poses an interpretive question. 

             Mark 12:35-4.      

                  Answer:  Jesus is subtly pointing to Himself as the Messiah, especially because of the                 openness of the last enquirer.  He shows great interpretive ability with the O.T.

             and stresses that the true Messiah would come on a larger scale than they had

             anticipated.   

 

       Note the responses to His answers:                                                    

               12:12  the opponents were angry but feared multitude.                                                                 12:27  the opponents were amazed at the brilliant answer.                                                        12:34  the opponents would not question Him any more.                                                          12:37  crowds enjoyed His answers.                                                 

            Note:  He clearly won these debates, but not their hearts.  Even the most brilliant mind cannot win over a stubborn heart.

             Note:  Jesus is well versed in the Scriptures (as we should be) and in its true intent.  Throughout all of these encounters there is a focus on the will, character and agenda of God, not on a human agenda.  If we have our own agenda in situations where we witness, we cannot serve as He did.  Jesus is pleased if we stay focused on pleasing His Father, not winning arguments.  He wants to properly show forth the character and purpose of God.

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