How Can Jesus Help Me? How can Jesus Help Me?
Mark 1:14-31
Let’s go back in time. Set aside the troubles and stresses of our own day and consider the same of first century Palestine. Imagine you live there along the shore of the Sea of Galilee in the bustling fishing village of Capernaum. Times are tough and desperate.
The Romans have occupied your land for years and rule with a heavy fist. Any sign of insurrection is met with fierce and violent measures. You have a king of sorts, but everyone knows that Herod Antipas is merely a puppet put in power by the Romans to placate those who from the times of the prophet Samuel had desired to have a king. What is worse, Herod is more corrupt and vile than even the Romans. You are fatigued daily by taxation from tax collectors who tax your every move and possession. Some are fair, but most are not as there are no regulations beyond what Rome requires. Since there appears to be no way to get ahead outside of joining in the corruption, most folks just live day to day as best they can doing more surviving than thriving.
Into this time comes a prophet, who is the son of a prominent priest. He is preaching in the Judean wilderness and you are encouraged by this news. God has not sent a prophet in nearly 400 years and now everyone is talking about this man living in the desert. Even the Jewish authorities are questioning him to see if, possibly, he is the Messiah. You know the time is right and you allow yourself to dream of the days of David and a return to glory, a time when silver was as common as pebbles along the road. People go to the fiery wilderness prophet in droves and you decide to see for yourself. You discover that the prophet proclaims he is making the way for the Messiah. He urges repentance and baptizes with water. You consent to be baptized by this man named John and you prepare yourself for the days to come with great expectation.
Unfortunately however, Herod imprisons the prophet John and your expectations are shaken. Quickly, though another man arrives on the scene. He is Jesus from the tiny outpost of Nazareth. He comes near your hometown proclaiming, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news! (Mk 1:15 HCSB)”
The Kingdom of God? Could it be? Is He the one? From Nazareth? A common carpenter? Out of curiosity you follow Him and watch as four fisherman preparing for a day of work walk away from their nets when He simply says, “Follow Me and I will make you into fishers of men! (Mk 1:17 HCSB)” Immediately they go without question. You follow them into your hometown and on the Sabbath He speaks at the synagogue. You are astounded at His words. They are of such authority that you can find no comparison among the teachers of the Law and the scribes.
During the proceedings the entire synagogue is startled as an otherworldly shrieking voice erupts from a troubled man; “What do you have to do with us Jesus – Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God! (Mk. 1:24 HCSB)”
“Be quiet and come out of him! (Mk. 1:25 HCSB)”, Jesus sternly replies and the man shakes sadistically as the evil spirit complies. All who see are amazed. Some are confused and there is much arguing. They don’t know what to make of the new teaching, the authoritative words, or His rule over dark spirits. People are divided, but word of these exploits spread quickly and that night His front door is crowded by the sick and possessed of the town. You watch as He heals many and shuts the mouths of demons. As you walk home you realize you are unaware of the troubles and stresses of the day. They have been melted by what you have seen, heard, and experienced.
Okay, now come back to the 21st century. You can still be taken away by Him. If you focus on Him all the stresses and uncertainly of our own time fades. You see, the message of the Kingdom is still going out, His words still have ultimate authority and relevance, and His Spirit is alive and well moving in the hearts and lives of believers. The darkness is still vanquished by the Light.
What Does Jesus' Call Mean for Me? What Does Jesus’ Call Mean for Me?
Mark 2:15-28
As we did with last week’s lesson, grab your sandals and let’s go back to the first century. Before today’s focal passage we discover Jesus walking along Galilee as a throng of people clamor after Him. The crowd is greatly mixed. Some are there for healing, some for truth, some are looking with a critical eye to report back what they see. Others are following the circus-like atmosphere.
What will He do next? Who will be healed? What demon will be expelled? What majestic truth will He tell? What sign will they see? These questions stir amid the marvel of the scene, and expectancy is thick in the air.
Along the heavily traveled road from Damascus through Capernaum there is a tax collector’s office. Sitting in the office is a man named Levi. While Jesus walks along near the shore and the road, He looks up and says to Levi, “Follow Me. (Mark 2:14 HCSB).”
The crowd grows silent. All eyes are on Levi and Jesus. Then Levi gets up from his desk and exits the booth to follow Jesus. He leaves his tax collecting behind and wholly answers the call of Jesus. There are grumblings in the crowd concerning what they see. Jewish tax collectors such as Levi are considered nothing more than traitors and collaborators with Rome. They are not welcome in synagogue, can’t testify as a witness, and can’t hold any judiciary office. They are allowed to misappropriate collections to support themselves without regulation. Rome looks the other way as long as they got what they require.
As a new follower of Jesus, Levi stages a banquet in His honor. So, Levi invites all his friends. Who are they? They are outcasts just like Levi. They are other people of ill repute, “sinners” as the Pharisees so amply call them. Jesus thinks nothing of joining Levi and his friends for a meal as others look on repulsed. Some of those Pharisees ask the followers of Christ, “Why does He (Jesus) eat with tax collectors and sinners? Mark 2:16 (HCSB)”
Let’s allow that question to hang a moment and consider that throughout the Gospels Jesus exhibits an easiness with sinners and they with Him. How is this possible? How is Someone with the high standards of the Sermon on the Mount able to stoop to eat with the wretched sinner? The answer is twofold.
First, everyone is a sinner when held to the absolute perfect standard of God. Second, Jesus came to introduce the world to grace not judgment. The Pharisees, though apostate, were adequate at judgment, but grace was new and on many levels the church today has the same struggle. The fact that Jesus would dine with anyone was an act of grace. Furthermore, He could do it without compromise. John said He was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). The real version of each, whether grace or truth, is a full measure of both. Otherwise you have neither. Jesus lived this and calls us to do the same.
I imagine a hush falling over the banquet as Levi and his friends are rushed back to the reality of their standing in society. They are outcasts again.
However, with one sweeping statement Jesus quells the scene with a full measure of both grace and truth by saying, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (Mark 2:17 NIV)” None of the Gospel accounts record a response to this statement. The truth of these words, wrapped in the pure grace of His action, personifies who Jesus is and why He came. “No one ever spoke the way this man does (John 7:46 NIV)”, a guard would one day report to the Pharisees. How true.
Our response to Christ’s call should not be trying to put the new wine of the new covenant in old wineskins. In Cana at a wedding (John 2:1-12) Jesus would use the ceremonial washing jars that could never bring you clean before God and filled them with the new wine symbollic of His blood which can bring us clean before a Holy God. A man named Levi did just that and the old man, Levi, became Matthew. Matthew means “gift of the Lord”, and he never got over the “Gift”.
Like Matthew, embrace both Christ’s grace and His truth and dispense it to the world.
Is God Still Working in the World? Is God Still Working in the World?
Mark 4:14-32
Consider the farmer broadcasting his seed by hand. On the slopes of Galilee he gets maximum seed on the ground with minimal discretion where the seed lands. Seeds spill over onto rocky places, roadways, and paths. Some seeds settle amid thorns and weeds, while other seeds find choice soil. There are a great many challenges facing the seeds. How deep will the root system be? How harsh the persecution from surrounding weeds? How troubling the weather? Even splendid health and marked growth doesn’t guarantee a fruitful plant. Regardless of all challenges, the seed is broadcast each season and one seed finding good ground produces up to100 seeds to sow next year.
Consider a dark room. The room is full of numerous belongings, but the owner can’t see them. Then one lamp is lit and from a tiny flame the room becomes awash in light displaying all that is in it. But when he covers the lamp with a bowl, though the lamp is still burning, darkness obscures the room. The man places the lamp on a stand and scrutinizes it intensely. He passes his hand by the flame, watching the shadow dance upon the door. Beyond the door is the world, and he begins to excitedly speculate what it would be like to take his light out into that darkness. He is astonished at the potential. He ponders what would happen if the flame was larger. He once heard Jesus talk about the lamp and stand. Jesus said, “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you – and even more. (Mk 4:24b NIV)” The man scratches his head as he thinks about the words “even more.”
Consider the soil of the field. By all appearances there is nothing happening in the field. Days pass and the farmer looks in vain for some sign of what he planted. Then one day a small green shoot sprouts from the buried seed. Slowly through the days of summer the shoot grows to a stalk and the stalk produces grain. The farmer strains the harvested grain through his hands contemplating the desolate soil of planting season. He nods his head realizing that appearances can be deceiving.
Consider the birds of the air flying daily to find food and secure shelter. The terrain around Israel is mostly without trees, and the summer heat beats down on the birds as they do their bidding. The birds pass over the tiny yellowish brown mustard seed. Its not much of a meal. In due time, the birds discover the end result of what they have overlooked and find rest and shade in the massive plant. They find refuge.
Experts in human communication are amazed as they read the parables of Jesus. His simple little stories that illuminate His message, rife with details of daily life, have transcended the ages. What’s more, they still apply. They remain relevant. Everyone likes a good story and these anecdotes stick with you. You can remember almost every word and detail. As you unpack these parables you realize the depth of them, how they reach deep inside the understanding of God like a perfectly spun tapestry held together by His truth and fashioned in His love.
Jesus describes the Kingdom of God in these parables. I find that even today the seed is broadcast and the terrain is still just as motley. The Light of the world still shines brightly for all to see and most assuredly is taken out of the dark room into the dark world. I still struggle looking at the barren fields, hoping God is at work, and in time seeing what He is doing that was originally beyond my sight. I discover that the tiniest bit of faith or one person with a mountain of faith, often overlooked, often scoffed at, grows within the Kingdom to great measures of service, grace, and love. He is still at work today and everyday.
The question should not be, Is God still at work in the world? It should be, Are we? Have you put a bowl over the Light? Decided there is nothing going on out there in the field? Convinced yourself the smallest measure of grace has no chance to change this fallen world? Put up your broadcaster? Jesus would tell you not to count Him out, but to come join Him out in this world... broadcasting… planting… shinning… witnessing… giving refuge.
Finding What You Need Finding What You Need
Mark 8:11-13;16-21;27-33
Winds of change are blowing. You have followed the Galilean Miracle-worker for a year, and attitudes are changing. You saw Him supernaturally create food for over 5,000 people and those people attempted to make Jesus king by force (Jn 6:15). Then later many deserted Him after speaking of eating His flesh and drinking His blood (Jn 6:47-66). Popularity is beginning to turn toward opposition.
Today, after another feeding miracle involving over 4,000 people, Jesus arrives on the shores of Dalmanutha in the area of Magadan on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. You land at Dalmanutha in another boat and some Pharisees begin arguing with Jesus. They are trying to test Him, pressing for proof of His authority, requesting signs from heaven. Jesus is exasperated with them. He sighs deeply replying, “Why does this generation demand a sign? I assure you: No sign will be given to this generation!” (Mk 8:12 HCSB). Then Jesus boards a boat and crosses Galilee to the eastern shore.
As you follow, you consider His reply to the Pharisees. You have seen many miracles and most of them involve faith or belief. The Pharisees in Dalmanutha didn’t believe. They want proof to believe after the miracle, and Jesus appears to work miracles based on belief or faith prior to the miracle. You have seen Him deflect the miracle back on the person healed by saying, “Your faith has made you well”, (Mk 5:34 HCSB). You understand that Jesus is more about faith than the miracle.
As you arrive on the eastern shore and find Jesus with His followers, He is questioning them about bread. “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Is your heart hardened? (Mk 8:17-18 NIV) He asks them how many baskets of food were left over after the feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000. The disciples know the number, but they don’t get the message. You recognize that being a follower of Jesus requires great faith in Him and not the bread in the baskets.
Over the next few days and weeks you continue to follow the group as they head north. They leave the region of Galilee crossing over into the pagan territory of Tyre and Phonicia. As they reach the villages of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks, “Who do people say I am?” (Mk 8:27 NIV) Several of the disciples respond and list John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets. Then Jesus asks, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?” (Mk 8:29 NIV)
The one you know as Simon, who they call “Rock” answers, “You are the Christ.” (Mk 8:29) This peaks your interest. Is He really the Anointed One, the long awaited Messiah? This creates excitement and emotion that wells up in your heart almost tangible. He warns those in earshot not to tell any one. You ask yourself, why? Why not tell everyone? Perhaps it has something to do with the faith you’ve already learned. Perhaps this means you can’t tell anything to those who can’t hear and show things to those who can’t see. That must be it.
Then your thoughts are interrupted as He grows serious and speaks of the future. He explains that he will suffer many things, be rejected by the Jewish authorities, killed, and then something about rising again. You are confused and dumfounded at the news. How can this be? The Messiah is all powerful and will be restoring the kingdom, death isn’t supposed to be part of the plan. The disciples are just as wrought with anxiety.
You watch as Simon Peter takes Jesus aside and begins to rebuke Him. This is hard to watch, but very understandable. Simon tells Jesus the plan is wrong. A righteous indignation flashes through the eyes of Jesus and He lashes out in reply, “Get behind me Satan! You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Mk 8:33 NIV)
It is too much to take. You turn away unsure if you want to keep following. You want to believe. Then a powerful thought blossoms in your mind: Faith is required. Everything over the past few weeks points to this truth. The Pharisees and their lack of faith is linked with the baskets and their message of faith and the answer to the question of who He is. Faith is what He is looking for from people. Faith is what you need.
How to be Pro-Life How to be Pro-Life
Mark 3:3-5,5:33-42,10:14-16
His hand is of no use. It is “dried up” as they say. Still he is in synagogue today on the Sabbath to hear Jesus. Unbeknownst to him, he is also a pawn the Pharisees plan to use to trap Jesus. You sense the trap and it is a wily one. The Pharisees know how compassionate Jesus is, and a man with a useless hand will provide all the bait they need to catch Him healing on the Sabbath. Everything is going as planned until Jesus speaks.
Jesus said to the man, "Come and stand in front of everyone." Then he turned to his critics and asked, "Is it legal to do good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing harm? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?" But they wouldn't answer him. (Mk 3:3-4 NLT)
On another occasion, a large crowd of people surround Jesus as He is on his way to a synagogue ruler’s house to help with an ill daughter. In the crowd is a lady pressing to get close to Jesus. She has been bleeding for twelve years. She is vile, unclean and considered to be cursed. You know she has spent a small fortune going to physicians, but no one can heal her. Jesus senses that someone has touched Him and wants to know who. The crowd is silent as the bleeding woman kneels before Him, trembling with fear as she identifys herself as the one.
“Daughter,” He said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be free from your affliction.” (Mk 5:34 HCSB)
Then Jarius, the synagogue ruler, receives the message no parent ever wants to hear. His daughter has died. No doubt he is greatly distressed. As a religious leader he had put aside the fact that he might be ostrasized by his colleagues to see if the Galilean Miracle-worker could heal his daughter. Now she has died and all is lost. Jesus hears the news and says to Jarius, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” (Mk 5:36 HCSB) You ask yourself, what can Jesus possibly do about death? Later, you see Jairus' daughter alive and well. What on earth happened?
On another occasion you watch as people bring children to Jesus for Him to bless them. The disciples are greatly troubled by this. They believe the Rabbi has more important things to do than attend to little children. So they rebuke the people.
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mk 10:14 NIV)
Because of Jesus, the withered hand is good as new, the bleeding lady is restored to health when no one else could do a thing, a dead little girl is full of life again, and those viewed as the least of our society have full access to the King. What sort of King is this? Make no mistake, He is just as puzzling today as in the first century. The King still comes to hearts today and only requires faith in Him. It is that simple. It is that sweeping a truth. This simple, sweeping truth that has been changing lives for 2,000 years.
Today’s lesson necessitates the question: Who doesn’t matter to Jesus? Whose life has no worth in His opinion? In our culture, being Pro-Life is a political stance. For Jesus, it was who He was. Even more than that, He took the reality of respect for life and painted it across the entire spectrum of humanity. The fact is that being His followers, such as we are, puts us all in the same boat. You can’t look away with apathy toward others because Jesus doesn’t give you the option. Everyone, one and all, is valued by Him. That includes the maimed and wounded, the unborn, the dead and dying, and the children. He is so Pro-Life that He gave His life for all. Then, in His resurrection, He overturned the enemy of life – death. His love through His sacrifice and resurrection brings worth to every life. We can only love life in this way by seeing things through His eyes. Those eyes shade everything in grace and mercy and call us to act according to His purposes. This is Christ in us.
Who is the Greatest? Who is the Greatest?
Mark 9:33-43, 47-50
You lose the trail of Jesus after a demon possessed boy is liberated by His power. Rumors spread that Jesus is still in Galilee, but you nor anyone else can find Him. Wondering why Jesus has all but disappeared, you decide to go back to Capernaum. When you arrive there you find Jesus speaking privately to his disciples in a house they frequent. Why the sudden withdrawal?
Some tell you the withdrawal centers around helping the disciples understand yet another prediction of His death (Mk 9:30-32). Others say Jesus is addressing a huge argument that erupted among the disciples as they walked the road back to Capernaum. It seems the disciples are concerned about their place in the Kingdom. Who will be the leader? Who will have the choice seats on the throne next to Jesus? Who will be the greatest?
It is revealed that Jesus tells them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mk 9:35b HCSB) Then Jesus takes a child in His arms and teaches that the child is to be received the same as Him. This teaching is in stark contrast to the world you know, where you have been taught to attain fame and notoriety by learning and applying a trade - gaining wealth and prominence in this pursuit of greatness. This, you have been told, gives your life meaning and significance. Jesus turns the tables on these thoughts and claims significance in being a servant who would even stoop down to welcome someone as lowly as a child. According to Jesus, the way to get ahead is to get behind, be last, and servant of all.
The lesson continues as it is reported that one of the fiery Sons of Thunder, the one they call John, confesses, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.” (Mk. 9:38 HCSB)
Jesus retorts, “Don’t stop him, because there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name who can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mk 9:39-40 HCSB) You think, how could everyone be so included? How can those who aren’t part of the group be considered with us? Could it be that the name of Jesus is more powerful than any group?
Think for a moment about our modern day. Could all the sectarian divisions we see be mended simply by the Name of Jesus? I believe that barriers could crumble and traditions that have been fortified by ages old attitudes could melt in that Name. After all, those who aren’t against us are for us.
I lead the Jackson Street Ministry, and several denominations take part in our inner city outreach. We don’t all agree on everything, but together we are one as we encounter the homeless of Jackson with a sandwich and a conversation. We don’t debate a lot of theology, but we sure do love a lot of people. In the endeavor of our ministry, I feel what Jesus is teaching. In the encounter of human brokenness, I see what matters most.
Jesus sums up the concepts of greatness and togetherness in the verse: “Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you make it salty? Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with one another.” (Mk 9:50 HCSB) We are in danger of losing our saltiness by striving for individual status and not being at peace with our Christian brothers and sisters. This robs us of our witness to a world desperately needing the taste of the salt of the Good News.
Sadly, the disciples debate their greatness more than any other topic. Matter of fact, even at the last supper the dispute breaks out again in earnest. This always takes the disciple’s eye and heart off the purpose. We face the same problem today. We are Christ’s hands and feet, but we must constantly pray for His heart, eyes, and ears to guide us. If we don’t Satan can lead us inward in the seeking of worldly greatness. As individuals or as churches, our focus will be in our own circle and not out in the wide expanse of the Kingdom of God. Love God, love each other and love those not yet in the Kingdom and I’m certain you will find greatness. His Greatness!
How to Be Successful How to Be Successful
Mark 10:32-45
The days are wrought with opposition. The popularity of the early days ebbs as more people reject Jesus. He has traveled freely throughout Galilee, but now He directs his path toward Jerusalem with fierce resolve. This action appears puzzling as though He is purposely marching into the den of His most ardent adversaries. Thomas is sure it is a death mission (Jn. 11:16) You decide to see for yourself as Jesus travels toward Jerusalem with Passover approaching.
After some tough teaching on possessions and the future, Jesus walks ahead of the group. Simon Peter, the unappointed but boisterous spokesperson of the twelve is troubled as he considers all he left behind to follow Jesus (Mk 10:28). The mood of the entire group is somber and they are amazed at what Jesus is doing.
Then Jesus stops and takes the twelve aside. You are close enough to hear. “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise."(Mk. 10:33-34 ESV) The grim news of death is delivered for the third time, but no one is any nearer understanding it.
Soon after the two Son’s of Thunder, James and John, approach Jesus undeterred with their mother, Salome, and make a request. They ask for the choice seats on the left and right of Jesus when He is crowned. Jesus asks, "You don't really know what you're asking! Are you able to drink from the cup that I must soon drink from or be baptized as I must be baptized?"(Mk. 10:38 CEV)
“We are able”(Mk.10:39 HCSB), they tell Him. Jesus then assures them they will drink of the same cup and be baptized with the same baptism, however the seats around the throne are already reserved, predetermined in preparation for the day. Hearing this, the others of the twelve become furious with James and John. Their father, Zebedee who employed men in the fishing business (Mk. 1:20). You are sure the others believe James and John are attempting to ride the cloak of their father’s status to gain rank. Furthermore, how they rank has always been of high importance to the twelve.
As we consider this story, James and John really didn’t know what they were asking. They wanted a throne and what Jesus passed onto them was a cup of suffering. Consider that James is the first to be martyred of the twelve (Acts 8:1-2) and by most all historical accounts John is the last of the twelve to die having spent time in exile and enduring much persecution. Herod could have attempted to kill any of the twelve, but he singled out James, one of the most prominent of the twelve. I’ve always wondered how John must have suffered hearing of the demise of his brother, then his friends, one by one, till he was the last leaf on the tree. Interestingly, James was first in death and John was last, which is a remarkable thought as Jesus would instruct that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. The two Son’s of Thunder took both places in death.
As we ponder success in our own time, ask yourself how the secular world perceives success in stark contrast with the ideals of Christ. By the world’s standard, first is first and never last, and being last is basically deplorable - a loser in the grandest sense of the word. Jesus would put greatness by his estimation simply:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mk. 10:45 NKJV)
As we read this statement make no mistake about the meaning. As Christians (literally “Little Christs” in the Greek) we are to adhere to His example. We are to serve. How have you served in your congregation? Do you look for others to serve you? Where is your church needing servants? Teaching. Youth volunteers. Children’s ministry (Jesus is fond of those little kids). Nursery. Parking. Welcoming. Visitor outreach. Not sure? Ask your pastor, I will assure you he’ll have some ideas for you. Oh, and don’t worry about being gifted, Jesus will meet you outside your comfort zone. He loves to walk with us there.
When Your Priorities are Challenged When your Priorities are Challenged
Mark 12:13-17, 28-34
Those in authority query Jesus relentlessly. After His welcome in Jerusalem the entire city is abuzz with anticipation. Some say the Messiah is finally here. Others claim a great prophet and teacher is in their midst. The crowds are daunting, pressing in waves to hear Him, always wanting more. The Herodians and Pharisees gather in the same crowd and contemplate their plots to entrap Him. Their disdain for Him is not speculative. This has been evident nearly from the beginning.
In a concocted tone a voice emits a question, “Teacher, we know You are truthful and defer to no one, for You don’t show partiality, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Mk 12:14 HCSB). Jesus, not relenting to their feigned concern for truth, asks for a coin.
As they search for a coin to present, you realize the question is a devious trap. Furthermore, they ask for a “yes” or “no” answer to one of the most complicated questions on the day. The question summons Jesus to the precipice of a political tempest. If Jesus says “yes”, He merely confirms the inscription, claiming Caesar as nothing short of deity, therefore, committing blasphemy. Jesus would lose all influence among the Jews. If He says “no”, He could immediately be arrested by the minions of Rome and brought before the court of the Procurator. Either way, Jesus is eliminated to the delight of his enemies.
Taking the coin, Jesus asks, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it? (Mk 12:16 NLT) Everyone knows whose picture and title are on all Roman coins, especially those displaying patronizing obsequious intentions. As the crowd is hushed anxiously awaiting an answer someone states the obvious. The image and inscription belong to Caesar.
In due time, Jesus answers, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Mk 12:17 KJV) The simple answer is true brilliance. The implication is apparent. The coin belongs to Caesar and the word “render” means to give back not just give. The adversaries can say nothing against this logic and the Romans have no case against Him. The answer wasn’t just offered to leave speechless His opponents, but instead Jesus advances beyond the limitations of Roman rule to the higher obligation to God. You stand in sheer astonishment at the absolute wisdom of Jesus. You are not alone.
Eventually Jesus expounds upon this verse by answering the question of the greatest of commandments. In another simple answer, He points us to a foundation of love.
Jesus answered, "The most important one says: `People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength 1 The second most important commandment says: `Love others as much as you love yourself.' No other commandment is more important than these."(Mk 12:29-31 CEV)
In our day, priorities are mixed and we are drawn in multiple directions at the whim of seemingly insurmountable compulsions to go and do. Jesus reminds us that the foundational truth of His love should shade all the going and doing. Look at how the two commandments break down. First, everything starts with Him. There is only one God and there is no sense in proceeding until that is understood. Next, we move toward our love for Him. This love is identified as being carried out in four manifestations, namely, our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are called to love God with all our heart placing nothing else on this throne. Then we are to love Him with our innermost being or soul. This soul was created and fashioned by Him, and here in the soul the created looks back to the Creator with love for His design. Our mind is the processor of what we see, hear, say, touch and learn. We are to love Him as we look around creation and marvel at his work. Finally, with all the strength we can muster we render that back to the Source of our strength in adoration.
After establishing our love for God, Jesus directs us toward others. With our heart, soul, mind and strength full of love for God we let that pour out uninhibited. The truth is the truly surrendered Christian can’t stop it, therefore liberating all the priorities of this world to come into crystal clear alignment. We are aligned with Jesus. His priorities become our priorities.
When You Feel Overwhelmed When You Feel Overwhelmed
Mark 13:9-13;21-27;32-37
Sparks from the fire dance toward the heavens as the arid early spring chill cuts to the bone, and you ease up close to the fire. Behind you the flap of your tent ruffles in the wind. You look across the fire and see the disciple known as Andrew deep in thought. You have stayed close to the followers of Jesus on the margins of the crown and now you are camped outside the home of Mary and Martha in Bethany. Jesus and the others are inside and only Andrew has joined you although his mind is clearly distant as he focuses on the flames.
“The Teacher warned us greatly today”, he says as his eyes do not stray from the fire.
“Yes”, you reply more as a question than an affirmation.
“We were coming out of the temple, James, Peter, John and I. As we considered the temple we mentioned its splendor, but He said all would be destroyed within our generation.” Andrew cuts his eyes toward you to gauge your reaction.
“Who?”, you question, “Rome?”
“He didn’t mention who. But, He went on to tell us to be on guard, that we’d handed over to the Sanhedrin, flogged in synagogues, stand before governors, and kings on His account. He told us not to believe anyone who may call themselves the Messiah or others who might say the same. He said there would be false Messiah’s and Prophets who would exhibit powers and perform signs.”
“How will we know the truth?”, you inquire.
Andrew replies, “I’m not sure, but the reason this would be happening was to sway the chosen. He described a great and glorious day of His coming in the future and how angels will be dispatched to gather the faithful.” Andrew’s gaze returns to the fire.
“When will all this happen?”, you ask.
Andrew looks up, “That’s just it, He said no one knows the hour but the Father, and we should be ever watchful. Jesus must intend on going away, but I can’t understand all that He says. He told us of a man going on a journey and how he leaves his estate in the care of his servants giving them authority and telling a doorkeeper to be vigilant. Those servants and the doorkeeper know not when the master returns. I sense we are the servants and the door keepers.”
You shake your head feeling overwhelmed about the future. What on earth is the Master speaking of to His followers? What will happen to them? Andrew rises from the fire and returns to the house. You begin to pray…
2,000 years later many people spend a lot of time and focus on the end of time. In today’s lesson, Jesus clearly reveals a Source in dealing with the uncertainty of the future. This Source is just as viable for us today as Andrew and the others of the first century, although the Source would not come to Andrew until much later than the night around the fire.
Jesus is clear that we are to look to the Spirit for guidance. In Mark 13:11, Jesus says it is the Spirit who will speak on behalf of the Christian. This shouldn’t be a license not to study the scriptures and be prayerful; for being on guard (v.9) means to be prepared. Peter stated it like this:
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (NIV 1 Peter 3:15).
Too often, I see extremes that betray these scriptures. One extreme is the passive Christian who says nothing and has no answer prepared for those seeking the hope we have. The other extreme is the red faced radical condemning everyone to hell completely void of what Peter describes as gentleness and respect.
The Spirit guides us into truth (John 16:13), therefore in our own power we can’t be watchful and we are defenseless against the adversary and his devious plans to deceive the elect. Jesus said, “I’ve told you everything in advance. (Mk 13:23b HCSB)”, therefore, everything means everything. There is no more revelation that needs to be uttered or revealed. We have the scriptures, preserved for us down through the ages, and the Holy Spirit who resides within the authentic Christian directing us toward the truth. This is all we need.
When You Have Difficult Decisions When You Have Difficult Decisions
Mark 14:32-39;41-50
Jesus and the disciples are on the move. After the Passover meal they emerge from the upper room and you follow at a distance full of wonder concerning where they are going so late. You recognize that the treasurer, Judas Iscariot, is not among them. He is probably securing provisions for the remaining days of Passover. As Jesus talks the faces of the disciples are long with despair. You wish you were closer.
After they arrive at the pool of Siloam, they pass through Hezekiah’s tunnel, then beyond Gihon Spring, crossing the Kidron valley to the garden of the ancient olive trees known as Gethsemane. The way is dark and difficult. The garden is a favorite spot for the group on the slopes of the Mount of Olives.
The Teacher’s face looks different. There is agony written across it. You faintly hear Him tell them to sit why He goes to pray. He summons the brother’s James and John, and the one they call “Rock” to go with Him. You edge in closer behind an olive tree of rare size.
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch. (Mk 14:34 NIV)”, He tells them. They do as told and Jesus continues on as you reposition ahead of Him becoming increasingly concerned by His appearance. He is drenched in sweat and visibly disturbed, when suddenly He drops to His knees and begins to pray.
“Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will (Mk 14:36 NIV).” He then returns to the three who were to keep watch finding them sleeping away the night. He wakes them and departs to pray again. This time you stay near the three and watch as they fall back to sleep in short order. When Jesus returns He finds them sleeping again as a mob of people approach being led by none other than the treasurer, Judas.
This is not an ordinary mob, but a war party. There are soldiers and guards all toting clubs and swords. There is talk, but you aren’t close enough to hear it. You watch as the war party falls clumsily to the ground (Jn 18:6). After more words, Peter rushes forward striking the one known as Malchus with his sword. It appears Jesus heals the wound and then is taken into custody without a fight. The followers run away as fast as their legs will carry them, one even runs out of his clothing. The tables have finally been turned on Jesus and those who followed will surely be next.
Much has been written about Jesus and his “agony” in the garden. This Jesus we find a little hard to swallow, perhaps too human in this moment for our liking. Regardless, the moment is well documented and we must ask ourselves what can be learned. Certainly, there is much we can learn about Jesus, but what can we learn from this event that applies to our lives?
First, when all else fails, pray. In our most troubling time, prayer is a good first step. Usually these moments are rife with tough decisions and prayer will always play a critical roll in discerning God’s will. Jesus prayed often and on this night the prayer exposes His trepidation as He asks for the cup to be passed from Him. However, He submits to the Father’s will as His own desires are set aside.
Second, when difficulties arise and you face temptations, remember, Christ has been there. The writer of Hebrews is clear that Jesus experienced what we face while on earth. We have a High Priest who endured the world and triumphed without sin (Heb. 4:15). Simply put, “Such a High Priest meets our need - (Heb. 7:26a NIV).” He is with us in our difficulties.
Third, Jesus did not flee the trouble that was coming, but faced it knowing He was solidly in the will of the Father. In truth, we prefer to run from these moments (right out of our clothes like the one unnamed disciple), or like Peter, we would sometimes draw our sword in desperation exerting our own control over the matter. Jesus shows us how to face the mob and trust Him. The truth is the mob is never a match for the One you have in Your corner, so go on boldly and face your problems. He is with you.
When Life is Unfair When Life is Unfair
Mark 15:15-20;29-32;37-39;16:5-7
It is a mob scene. You ask yourself, how did shouts of “Hosanna” just this past Sunday turn into shouts of “Crucify!” You pull your cloak, now fashioned as a hood, over your head. If recognized as a follower, you know for certain you could be taken into custody. You watch from the frenzied crowd as Barabbas, a guilty man, goes free and Jesus, an innocent man, is led away to be flogged. Later, a public display of mockery turns your stomach in such a way, you can’t bear to watch. As Jesus stands in a courtyard known as the “headquarters”, He is robed in purple, the color of royalty, and mocked unmercifully. You turn away.
Later, from a distance, you watch as He is nailed to the cross and the cross raised in place. How could it all end like this? There are shouts from the crowd and one man frantically shakes his fist yelling, “Ha! The One who would demolish the sanctuary and build it in three days, save Yourself by coming down from the cross! (Mk 15:29b HCSB)” Jesus, from what you could see, appears to pay them little mind. He talks with the two thieves hanging on the right and left, and accepts something in a sponge appearing to drink little of it. Then He with a loud cry, He breathes His last breath.
It is over. The teaching, the miracles, the parables, the love, the mercy… everything He stood for now counts for nothing - just another wise, if not radical, sage or prophet lost to history. You can’t help but realize He has changed your life, but that is of little consequence now. If He really was the Messiah, how could this happen and end this way? He must have been a fraud. He was either crazy or evil – nothing else makes any sense. If this is the end, then everything was a sham. Why would Jesus have said what He did of the Kingdom and talked of the future. Where was the future now? They pierce His side and the body doesn’t flinch, He really is dead. You turn and walk away as the Passover Sabbath approaches and grief overshadows you like a mountain.
Early Sunday morning you walk along a garden near Herod’s palace. It is early and the sun brings a welcome spring spray of light and warmth. You are no longer covered with your cloak. You suddenly care little if someone recognizes you as a follower or not, for now you are not. Jesus is dead. The grief you felt has more or less turned to rage that you were deceived. There is a tangible absence of hope in your outlook, and you contemplate becoming a zealot. Surely, Rome is the problem and it is time to put some metal to them in every sense of the word. You feel sorry for the disciples, all but Thomas is locked away fearing for their lives. Maybe, Thomas feels the same what you feel. You look up to see two people talking and being very animated with their hands. They quickly hurry away one going one way and the other coming your way.
You interrupt the brisk walk as the person passes nearby, “What is the rush there, traveler?”
The person stops dead in their tracks looking at you with eyes alive with wonder, “He is alive!”
“Who is alive?”, you ask daring not to even consider it could be Jesus.
Coming closer and looking left and right as though expecting a Roman contubenium, the man replies, “Jesus has risen. You have followed him – I have seen you before, therefore you need to know this and that it is true. The women found the tomb empty and Mary has even seen him.”
“How can this be, surely you must be mistaken”, you reply in a tense tone.
“There is no mistake. There were angels there and the Roman guard watcing the tomb disbanded. I must go and tell some of the other followers. Take heart dear man, Jesus the Christ has overcome the grave!”
As the man hurries away hope returns, swelling inside you as pure elation breaks out across your face. His body, what He called the temple, has been restored in three days as He said. Scriptures begin to flood your mind and you recall how Jesus said he would be mocked, killed and would rise again. He is alive! And, now so are you – alive in that truth.