Last Week - Part 2 (Mark 12:1-44)

(This is supplement 11 to the #mkbiblechat study taking place every Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, 6:30 Pacific USA. Pastor Mike is teaching the Gospel of Mark on Twitter. Click here for class schedule and links to the notes. Click here to follow Pastor Mike on Twitter.)

INTRODUCTION

This is Christ's last week of life prior to His trial and crucifixion. He was born to die. (Selah~pause to reflect) The Gospel of Mark can be outlined as follows: 1st 8 chapters ~ "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve"; 2nd 8 chapters ~ "and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

PARABLE OF THE VINEYARD

"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 press, and built a tower, and went on a journey.'" (Mark 12:1)

Hypocrisy is the overarching theme of Mark 12. (See Mark 12:38-40) The very ones meant to point others to God are in it for themselves and reject God. It's been a pattern for Israel. These should have learned from history. Their rejection of Christ turns out to be fulfillment of prophecy. (Psalm 118:22)

They (the religious leaders) don't want to let on that they are who Christ is talking about in the parable. (Mark 12:12) They continue their false persona when they should be falling to their knees, admitting their wickedness and asking Jesus to forgive them. (John 3:19-20; 1 Corinthians 1:18)

QUESTION ABOUT TAXES

Two opposing forces, the Pharisees and Herodians ("a political party that believe[s] in accomodation with the Romans" - Teachers Commentary) now join together against Christ. (Mark 12:13) Their falseness is seen in what they say of Jesus' character. (Mark 12:14) They believe none of it.

Jesus "knows" their hypocrisy. (Mark 12:15a) His question is another opportunity for them to repent. (Mark 12:15b) Christ is trapped. (Not!) If He says give to Caesar, the people will turn their backs on Him. If He says don't give to Caesar, the Romans will come for Him. In His response Christ highlights the image of God in humanity that belongs to God. (Mark 12:16-17) The religious leaders will not give to God their own hearts and will likewise obstruct others who take after their wicked example.

QUESTION ABOUT THE RESURRECTION

The "liberals" of Jesus' day (like ours) do not believe in the authority of Scripture. (Mark 12:18-23) They present a hypothetical situation (another "trap" is set) that has no basis in God's Word.

Jesus believes in the authority of Scripture. (Mark 12:24-27) It is His final rule of faith and conduct. The Sadducees could have the right answer, but choose rather to live in darkness.

QUESTION ABOUT THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

This is the core of our Lord's being. (Mark 12:29-31) He lives the greatest commandment. He is the embodiment of the greatest commandment. When we look at the Law of God, what we are seeing is Jesus Christ. (Selah ~ pause to reflect)

The man is "not far from the kingdom of God." (Mark 12:34) The last step is: "faith in Christ, belief in Jesus, being born again." (I put it this way in my vlog post: Three Things That'll Put You in Hell and Three Things That'll Keep You Out.)

QUESTION ABOUT THE CHRIST

"The total inability of the religious leaders to understand the Scriptures or its focus [Christ the Messiah and salvation by grace through faith and not works] is now illustrated by Jesus. ...The crowd [is] delighted, not because they [know] the answer, but because Jesus [has] shown up the hypocrisy and spiritual fraud of those proud men who [claim] to be so much better than common men." (Teachers Commentary)

TEACHING ABOUT PRIDE, HYPOCRISY

"And 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, and chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows' houses, and for appearance's sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.'" (Mark 12:38-40)

Hypocrite: "1. a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion. 2. a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings." (websters.com)

Pride: "1a. inordinate self-esteem (conceit). 2. proud or disdainful behavior or treatment (disdain). 3a. ostentatious display." (websters.com)

To take "The Pride / Hypocrisy Quiz" (7 questions), click here.

THE WIDOW'S OFFERING

The rich drop their coins in for a show. (Mark 12:41-42) The sound of many coins being put in brings them much attention. ("Some who were wealthy 'threw in' large amounts. The sound of the heavy coins told everyone how much they were giving, and they threw in their offerings with force to make sure all could hear. They were outwardly religious." Teachers Commentary)

By contrast, no one notices the widow. Except Jesus. (Mark 12:43-44)

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Some people don't receive / have a problem with God's messengers. (Mark 2:2-8) Why do you think that is? Have you ever struggled in this area?

2. Jesus said to a scribe who had answered Him intelligently, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." (Mark 12:34) In your mind, what more did the scribe need to do to get there?

3. How would you describe sacrificial giving? (Mark 12:44)

4. How might hypocrisy manifest itself in a church person's life? (Mark 12:38-40) Give one example.