Read 306.) Mark 10 through 12. We have 6 matters in chapter 10. Whereas Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees about divorce; as was so common with the Lord, Jesus schooled them about marriage instead. They wanted to know how easy or hard divorce should be, as it was a very controversial and contentious matter in the day. Jesus taught rather, just how great and serious a matter marriage was, inferring that divorce should be no easy matter at all. He also, by application, made it clear that same-sex union is not marriage. Next, He instructed that people should come to and enter into the Kingdom in all meekness, gentleness, and humility, and as needy as a toddler. This requires a repentance on our part; and so often becomes real and takes place in a person's life when they come to the end of themselves and feel 'broken,' and either completely empty or overly weighted down. If you've had this experience, you can relate. A rich young ruler approached Jesus. He understood that he needed sufficient righteousness to inherit eternal life, so Jesus took him to the Law. By means of the Law, Jesus showed that he was indeed, a sinner. The point being, as per verse 27, it is necessary to go to God to receive from Him that necessary righteousness to be saved. With verse 32, we commence to enter into Jesus' Passion, as it has come to be called; and He instructs His disciples in the Gospel again. It is His death and resurrection! And that is the very means by which a man may be made righteous! Oh, but it is the next passage that explains why Jesus really came! Just as in Matthew, Jesus came to give His life as a ransom to God for all who would avail themselves of it so that they can be saved. 10:45 is the key verse of Mark's Gospel account. The chapter ends with the account of blind Bartimaeus receiving his sight.
Chapter 11 opens with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is Sunday, perhaps April 6, AD 32. Monday of Passion Week is next, and Jesus clears the Temple. Beginning at 11:20, we enter that very full Tuesday, through 14:10. The matter of the fig tree is that it represents Israel and how fruitless it was at that time. We have a tremendous admonition to pray unto God in faith believing. The chapter closes with Jesus being confronted by the religious leaders who question the source of His authority.
We can find 6 matters in chapter 12. The opening parable is of course, about rejecting Israel and their responsibility in killing Jesus. Next, the subject of paying taxes; and giving God and government each their due. After, is the teaching on the certainty of the resurrection; and how the teaching turned on the mere tense of just one verb in Exodus 3:6! It reads, I am, and not, I was! We next read of the two greatest Commandments… which no one is capable of keeping; and that is precisely why we are in need of a Savior! Jesus then points these religious rulers to His deity, and closes this portion on the matter of eternal punishment and the degrees of it, (however that might be; as I wonder how it is that hell will be any more hell for one person than for another?) Chapter 12 ends on a lesson in true faith. God can be trusted to completely care and to provide for those willing to give their all unto Him! It's what the Book is all about!
ForeverKingdom,
Harold F Crowell
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