Emory Baptist Church

His Body and His Blood...

We are still on Thursday night, and we are still in Jerusalem with Jesus and His disciples celebrating the Passover meal.  It is very late in the evening, and in Mark 14:22-26, Jesus transitioned from the Passover meal to the what we often call the Lord’s Supper.

 

That reference is from 1 Corinthians 11:20.

 

20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper.

 

The Book of Acts 2:42 calls it the breaking of bread.

 

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

1 Corinthians 10:16 calls it communion.

 

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

 

Our more liturgical brothers and sisters use the name Eucharist, a word that we often translate as thanksgiving, from 1 Corinthians 11:24.

 

24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

 

Today’s message is entitled His Body and His Blood, and again, it is from Mark 14:22-26.  However, this story can also be found in Matthew 26, Luke 22, and 1 Corinthians 11.

 

Before we look at today’s text, let me remind you of the elements of the Passover meal as we heard last week.

 

The Passover meal included:

1. First cup of red wine mixed with water;
2. Ceremonial washing of hands;
3. Eating bitter herbs from a common bowl to remember Israel’s Egyptian captivity;
4. Second cup of red wine mixed with water;
5. Singing of Psalms 113-117 and explanation of the Passover;
6. Eating of the Passover lamb and the unleavened bread;
7. Third cup of red wine mixed with water.

 

We also saw last week from John 13 that it appears that Judas left the group after step 6 to put his plans of betrayal into motion, and then Jesus transitioned from the Passover meal to the Lord’s Supper with the remaining Eleven and the unleavened bread.

 

 

1. The Ritual of the Lord’s Supper, Mark 14:22-26

This practice involved His body, His blood, and His Benediction.

 

How Christians understand these elements is what makes different denominations today.  Our Roman Catholic friends hold to what is called Transubstantiation.  When an authorized priest says, “This is my body,” the bread and subsequently the wine or the juice actually become or transform into the literal body and blood of Christ.  Furthermore, for those who participate, they receive a dispensing of grace through this sacrament.

 

Why might they believe this?  See John 6:53-56.

 

53 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.

 

Obviously, we don’t interpret the words of Christ literally but figuratively.  The main reason that we do that is because Jesus was still literally standing there when He spoke these words and after they ate.  By the way, first-century non-Christians propagated the lie that followers of Christ were cannibals because they were aware of what Christ had said.

 

Our Lutheran friends hold to what is called Consubstantiation.  This view says the bread and the wine contain the body and blood of the Lord, but the elements themselves are not substantively changed.

 

The rest of Protestant Christianity holds to some form of Symbolic or Spiritual Presence of Christ or Memorial View.  We believe the bread and wine or juice are symbolic of the Lord’s body and blood and certainly Christ is spiritually present and partaking memorializes His death on the cross.

 

In verses 25-26, Jesus seems to be alluding to a future time when of God’s kingdom.  We believe that is His millennial kingdom after His Second Coming.  After singing Psalm 118, they left for the Mount of Olives.

 

 

1. The Requirements for the Lord’s Supper: Salvation and Sanctification

Exodus 12:43-45, 43 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover: No foreigner shall eat it. 44 But every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then he may eat it. 45 A sojourner and a hired servant shall not eat it.

 

Even though I have taken us back to the Old Testament, follow the logic.  The Passover meal was not for anyone outside of the nation of Israel.  It would have made no sense. 

 

The same is true for the Lord’s Supper.  It is for Believers only.  Otherwise, it is illogical and irrelevant.

 

1 Corinthians 11:23-32, 23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.  27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

 

As for sanctification, it is the process of being made holy and more like Jesus.  Therefore, it includes being in right standing with the Lord and with one another.

 

Furthermore, as Baptists, we believe that for a Christian to be in right standing with the Lord includes believer’s baptism.  That is exactly why we require baptism for church membership, and this has been our Baptist practice and what we believe to biblical for over 400 years.   

 

1646 London Baptist Confession of Faith, Article 39, Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, given by Christ, to be dispensed upon persons professing faith, or that are made disciples; who upon profession of faith, ought to be baptized, and after to partake of the Lord's Supper.

 

1758 Principles of Faith of the Sandy Creek Baptist Association, Article 10, That the church has no right to admit any but regular baptized church members to communion at the Lord's table.

 

1833 New Hampshire Confession of Faith, Article 14, Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer (72), into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost (73); to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life (74); that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord's Supper (75), in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ (76); preceded always by solemn self- examination (77).

 

1858 Abstract of Principles, Article 15, Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of his giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. It is prerequisite to church fellowship, and to participation in the Lord's Supper.

 

1925 Baptist Faith and Message, Article 15, Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The act is a symbol of our faith in a crucified, buried and risen Savior. It is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church, by the use of bread and wine, commemorate the dying love of Christ.

 

So when I only invite only Christians, not just Baptists, who have participated in believer’s baptism by immersion, I am not trying to be rude or insensitive.  I am following 400 years of Baptist history and all that Baptists have ever known.

 

Now, some will say that is Baptist history and tradition, and Baptist history is not the Bible.  I agree that is possible.  However, I am confident in saying that the first church knew nothing of unbaptized believers. 

 

What about the thief on the cross?  He certainly wasn’t baptized, but the church didn’t exist at that point, and he wasn’t baptized because of timing not because he refused.

 

Another item to consider is how can we as Baptists in good conscience look people in the eye and say that immersion is required for church membership but not for taking the Lord’s Supper?  Isn’t that a double standard?  Doesn’t that smack of hypocrisy?  

 

Well, maybe then we shouldn’t require baptism for church membership?  Well, are we really Baptist?  And for some, why would you ever want to be a member of Baptist church if you disagree with what Baptists have believed since their formal beginning?

 

 

• The Rationale in taking the Lord’s Supper

Why do we take the Lord’s Supper at all? 

 

First, we take the Lord’s Supper to renew our commitment to Christ and to one another.

 

1 Corinthians 10:17, 17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

 

Second, we take the Lord’s Supper to give thanks.

 

1 Corinthians 11:24, 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

 

Third, we take the Lord’s Supper to remember what Jesus did for us through His death on the cross.

 

1 Corinthians 11:24-25, 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

 

Fourth, we take the Lord’s Supper to proclaim the message of Christ.

 

1 Corinthians 11:26, 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

 

Conclusion

Our invitation this morning is for anyone who is lost to call on the name of the Lord and be saved and be baptized.  Maybe the Lord is leading some of you to recommit or rededicate your life or join this church.  This invitation is for you.

 

Woe to that Man!

We have now moved to Thursday morning of Passion Week.  We are one day away from the crucifixion of Christ on Friday.

 

Remember from last week that Jesus was at the home of Simon the Leper.  He lived in Bethany. 

 

Today’s message is entitled, “Woe to that Man” and is found in Mark 14:12-21.

 

 

1. The Preparation for the Passover, Mark 14:12

12 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?”

 

Verse starts with a little of confusion as to when the first day of Unleavened Bread was.  However, Mark clears up the dating matter with “when they killed the Passover lamb.”  This was clearly Thursday.

 

Jesus’ disciples then asked Him where He wanted them to go to prepare the Passover meal in order to eat.  Even though we mentioned this last week, I think it is prudent for us to remember what was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  See Exodus 12:1-17 and Exodus 12:29-32.

 

1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 “This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you. 3 Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household. 4 And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 Now you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month. Then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at twilight. 7 And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. 8 Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. 9 Do not eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted in fire—its head with its legs and its entrails. 10 You shall let none of it remain until morning, and what remains of it until morning you shall burn with fire. 11 And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover.  12 ‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. 13 Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.  14 ‘So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance. 15 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. 16 On the first day there shall be a holy convocation, and on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation for you. No manner of work shall be done on them; but that which everyone must eat—that only may be prepared by you. 17 So you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this same day I will have brought your armies out of the land of Egypt. Therefore, you shall observe this day throughout your generations as an everlasting ordinance.

 

29 And it came to pass at midnight that the Lord struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock. 30 So Pharaoh rose in the night, he, all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead.  31 Then he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go, serve the Lord as you have said. 32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also.”

 

 

2. The Identification of the Place, Mark 14:13-16

13 And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. 14 Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.”  16 So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.  17 In the evening He came with the twelve.

 

Again, it was Thursday morning according to verse 12.  Passover would have begun at 6 PM or sundown on Thursday and continued until 6 PM or sundown on Friday. 

 

Because the Passover Meal had to be taken inside the city walls, verse 13 says that Jesus sent two of His disciples into Jerusalem.  Luke 22:8 tells us that it was Peter and John. 

 

As they entered the city gate, they would see a man carrying a water jar.  That probably sounds common and arbitrary, but it actually was very unusual. 

 

Women normally carried the water jars, and men carried wineskins.  Therefore, a man carrying a water jar would stick out like a sore thumb. 

 

When they saw him, they were to follow.  He would lead them into a house owned by a man who would show them a furnished upper room upon their request. 

 

Some may be wondering how all this was accomplished.  Was this all a product of Jesus’ omniscience or were all of these events prearranged? 

 

I don’t know that it matters a great deal.  However, either is possible, but I think the prearrangement is more likely.  I think Jesus knew the owner of this house and even prearranged the man carrying the water jar.  This conclusion would also be supported with the title of “The Teacher” used in verse 14.

 

Church tradition says this was Mark’s father’s house.  Regardless, Peter and John made these arrangements in Jerusalem.

 

Evidently, according to verse 17, Peter and John then went back to Bethany and reported on their findings and came back to Jerusalem with Jesus and the others for the meal they had prepared.  What did that involve?

 

1. First cup of red wine mixed with water;
2. Ceremonial washing of each person’s hands symbolizing the need for spiritual and moral cleansing;
3. Each person present then passed around a bowl of bitter herbs to eat which was symbolic of the slavery in Egypt;
4. Second cup of wine along with the explanation of the Passover;
5. Singing of the Hallel (Psalms 113-118);
6. Eating the Passover lamb and unleavened bread;
7. Third cup of wine.

 

 

3. The Declaration of the Perfidy, Mark 14:18-21

18 Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.”  19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, “Is it I?” And another said, “Is it I?”  20 He answered and said to them, “It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish. 21 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born.”

 

The word “perfidy” means an act or an instance of disloyalty.  If you’re like me, that is a new word for you.

 

Close to 6 PM on Thursday evening or at least after sundown, the twelve disciples and Jesus were in the upper room.  According to verse 18, they sat and ate. 

 

They would have been reclining on large pillows similar to bean bag chairs with small tables for their drinks and meal.  Then Jesus dropped a bombshell of an announcement. 

 

He spoke of a perfidy or an act of betrayal, but no one knew who He was talking about except Him and Judas.  However, Jesus began to give at least three clues. 

 

First, he was one of the Twelve according to verse 18.  Second, he was eating with them at that moment.  Third, according to verse 20, he would dip his bread at the same time as Jesus. 

 

At this point, let’s turn to John 13:23-27.

 

23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.  24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.  25 Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”  26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”

 

In verse 21, Jesus reminded the disciples that even His death would be a fulfillment of prophesy and God’s perfect plan.  We also know that Judas’ betrayal was fulfillment of prophesy.  However, that’s not the point of this text.

 

 

Conclusion

The main point of this text is this.  The only person responsible for Judas’ rejection of Jesus is Judas.  It may be hard for me and you to reconcile the fulfillment of prophecy with personal responsibility, but that is exactly what Jesus said in 14:21. 

 

Woe to that man who would betray Jesus.  It would have been better if he would have never been born because hell is going to be bad.

 

Today, each person is solely responsible for what he or she does with Jesus.  If you accept Him, that is a personal decision.  If you reject Him, that is a personal decision.  Don’t blame anybody else for your decision.

 

Remember these warnings from Hebrews.

 

Hebrews 9:27, 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…

 

Hebrews 10:29-31, 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

Today, the decision is yours.  Will you receive Jesus or reject Jesus?  Will you love Jesus or loathe Jesus?  Will you say yes to Jesus or no to Jesus?

Wasterd Perfume

We have now moved to Wednesday, and it is at least the midday meal.  Mark is going to do something that he has down in the past.  He is going to bracket an event or sandwich an event between two others.

 

Chronologically, Mark 14:1-2 and 10-11 go together.  Mark 14:3-9 is a separate event that probably happened the previous Saturday but is included to contrast two difference responses to Jesus. 

 

This morning’s message is from Mark 14:1-11 and is entitled “Wasted Perfume.”

 

 

1. A Desire to Deceive, Mark 14:1-2

1 After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death. 2 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar of the people.” 

 

It is not my desire to get into a lengthy discussion about the how Romans counted time and how the Jews counted time.  For simplicity sake, I am presuming that these events in verses 1-2 happened on Wednesday. 

 

The Passover began at sundown on Thursday and lasted until sundown on Friday.  Therefore, “after two days” counted Wednesday as the first day and Thursday as the second day so again, it has been concluded by many that we are talking about Wednesday. 

 

At this time, Jerusalem was crowded to say the least.  Some have reported there was a minimum of 250,000 Jews in Jerusalem at this time while others have said close to 2 million. 

 

The Feast of the Passover was celebrated by the Jews in Jerusalem remembering when the Lord passed over the houses of the nation of Israel protecting them from the death angel in Exodus 12.  The Feast of Unleavened Bread celebrated Israel’s exodus from Egypt in the same chapter.

 

The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus at this time.  He had challenged them and asserted His authority over theirs.  He had exposed their hypocrisy and deceit. 

 

They wanted Him out their hair and were willing accomplish such through trickery and deception, but it wasn’t the right time because of the crowds.  There were too many people around, and Jesus was a crowd favorite so they decided to wait until later.

 

 

1. A Deed of Devotion, Mark 14:3-9

3 And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. 4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply.  6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. 7 For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. 8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. 9 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” 

 

Let me share with you some facts about this event, here are some agreed upon conclusions. This event is also recorded in Matthew 26 and John 12.  However, this is not the same event as recorded in Luke 7. 

 

These verses involve Simon the leper, who probably was healed by Jesus, maybe in Mark 1:40-42, and Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.  The other event in Luke 7 involved Simon the Pharisee and Mary Magdalene. 

 

Mary was probably the only woman in the room.  In verse 3, she anointed Jesus head with a vial of perfume. 

 

John’s gospel lets us know that she also poured the spikenard on His feet and wiped them with her hair and also tells us that the perfume amounted to about a year’s pay.  Imagine pouring out $30,000 worth of perfume.

 

Again, John’s gospel tells us that Judas then led the attack.  Why was the perfume wasted?  It could have been sold and given to the poor. 

 

However, we also know that Judas had no intent of ministering to the poor.  He wanted the money in his hands as the embezzling treasurer of the Twelve Disciples. 

 

Verse 5 says all of the disciples were scolding her.  This word means to snort like a horse.  Obviously, Mary was embarrassed.

 

In verse 6, Jesus came to Mary’s defense.  He described her deed of devotion as good.

 

He then chastised the Twelve, but notice why He chastised them.  He didn’t chastise their desire to minister to the poor. 

 

He chastised their timing.  The contrast is not poor and Jesus.  The contrast in verse 7 is “always” and “not always.” 

 

Of course, we should minister to the poor, but it was time to demonstrate devotion and gratitude to Jesus while He was still alive and available.

 

This reminds me of things I’ve heard recently in our world.  Of course, all lives matter.  However, if black lives don’t matter then all lives don’t matter. 

 

Verse 8 tells us that Mary’s deed was not only costly but completely.  Her devotion was completely to Jesus.  She did all she could. 

 

However, she probably didn’t even know all that she had done.  It wasn’t Mary but Jesus who declared that she was anointing His body for burial in verse 8.

 

Then comes verse 9.  It is the key to this text, and I’m going to come back to it in a minute. 

 

 

• A Disciple who Deserted, Mark 14:10-11

10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.

 

In verse 10, we see that Judas had every intent to betray Jesus.  Matthew’s gospel tells us that the amount of money was thirty pieces of silver. 

 

By the way, I would suggest to you that Judas is not an example of falling away, but an example of being constantly exposed to the gospel but never saved.  Jesus deserted Jesus the man and the Twelve.  Judas had never embraced Jesus the Savior. 

 

 

Invitation

As I said a moment ago, verse 9 is the key to this text.  This text is about the gospel.  The good news of the gospel is why Mary did what she did.  She gave what she could because Jesus was giving and would give all He could for her and the world.

 

Here’s what we learn.  First, when it comes to responding to the gospel, some will love Jesus, and others will loathe Jesus.  We see that in this story in the religious leaders and Judas and Mary.  We see that in John 6:63-65.

 

63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”

 

And verse 65 actually leads to my second point. God is in complete control.  In a mysterious way that is hard to understand, Judas’ betrayal was part of God’s plan.  See John 17:12.

 

12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

 

That phrase “son of perdition” was actually a Hebrew idiom that meant one destined to perish. 

 

However, thirdly, humanity, in an also very mysterious way, is fully responsible for our choice.  That is the choice of either receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior or rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  See John 1:12.

 

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

 

Judas never received Jesus.  He rejected Jesus and is in hell today. 

 

The good news of the gospel is that Jesus wants to forgive your sins and give you eternal life.  For that to happen, you must admit you’re a sinner, believe that Jesus died in your place on the cross, and call on Him to save you.

 

Today, will you receive Him or reject Him?

 

The End of the Age, Part 2

Last Sunday, we began looking at Mark 13, and the end of the age.  The Olivet Discourse here and in Matthew 24-25 and Luke 21 are Jesus’ most comprehensive teaching on the end times.

 

After a comment about the temple’s beauty and grandeur, Jesus prophesied about its destruction, and it was destroyed just 40 years later in AD 70 by the Roman Army.  However, Jesus’ prophecy was not just about the destruction of the temple but also the end of the age. 

 

Then, the disciples who had been with Jesus the longest asked Him when the temple would be destroyed and what signs would indicate it was happening.  Jesus told them first about signs. 

 

1. Signs of a Broken World that will be Distorted
   1. False Messiahs, 13:6
   2. National Warfare, 13:7-8a
   3. Natural Disasters, 13:8b
   4. Christian Persecution, 13:9-11
   5. Family Division, 13:12-13

 

 

2. Signs of the End of the Age that will be Definite
   1. The Abomination of Desolation, 13:14
   2. The Great Tribulation, 13:15-23

 

 

3. Sign of the End of the Age that will be Ultimate

 

Verse 24 begins with “but” and is in contrast to the false messiahs of the Great Tribulation.  The true Messiah will come as there will be a cosmic announcement. 

 

All of Jesus’ language is a combination of apocalyptic language from major and minor OT prophets.  The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shine. 

 

Stars will fall, and powers in heaven will be shaken.  I believe these powers simply refer to forces of energy that hold everything in place.  God will allow them to be shaken.

 

In verse 26, those alive will see Jesus returning on chariots of clouds in all of His glory and power.  Along with Him will be His angels and His elect that have been gathered in anticipation of ruling and judging during Jesus’ earthly reign.

 

 

End of the Age Timeline

Now, I want to back track just a little and give you what I believe will be the big events of the end of the age.  Not all of these are mentioned here, but I believe all of these are biblical.

 

First, since coming of the Holy Spirit, we have been living in the church age.  This has been true for 2000 years. 

 

I believe the next big event will be the rapture of the church.  It will be sudden and without warning and could happen today.  That is the taking of all born-again Christians to be immediately with the Lord and for eternity. 

 

The next big event is the tribulation period.  I believe the book of Daniel describes it as two 3.5 year periods.  After the first will be the Abomination of Desolation.  Then the second happens.

 

At the end of the two 3.5 year periods, I believe Jesus will return as described in Mark 13:26.  His second coming will keep off His 1000 earthly reign.  After it, eternity will begin. 

 

 

The Parable of the Fig Tree, Mark 13:28-31

28 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! 30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 

 

In this first parable of today’s text, we are to learn from the fig tree.  Even though many have tried to make this more complicated than necessary, this is actually a very easy parable to read, understand, and apply. 

 

Remember that a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning, and fig trees were very common in the first century.  Jesus’ audience would have been familiar with fig trees and their growth patterns. 

 

When the branches put forth leaves, summer was near.  That is easy.  Fig trees bloomed as spring ended and summer began.  Their bloom was the sign that summer was near.

 

According to verse 29, these things will be a sign that Jesus’ coming is near.  What were “these things?”  The things that Jesus was speaking of began in verse 14. 

 

These were the events of the tribulation period and will include the abomination of desolation and the greatest persecution Christians have ever known.  There will also be signs and wonders and false messiahs.  These are all signs that the Second Coming is close…at the doors.

 

Therefore, this first parable teachers us that the end of the age will be scripted.  It is scripted by the hand of God and the words of Scripture.  It will follow a predetermined script, and in verse 31, Jesus said, you can count on this script or prediction or prophecy coming true. 

 

Before we go to the next parable, let’s look at verse 30 for a moment.  What generation is Jesus speaking about here?  He said that this generation would not pass away until all these things take place. 

 

I think this generation can have two meanings.  Remember that this entire conversation started about the temple.  I believe that Jesus was saying that this first generation would not pass until they saw the destruction of the temple.  That happened just 40 years, and Jesus was right.

 

At the same time, I that Jesus is also talking about the last generation, the generation that sees the beginning of the tribulation period.  Jesus is saying they will also see His second coming. 

 

The parable of the fig tree teaches us that the end of the age will be scripted.

 

 

The Parable of the Absent Homeowner, Mark 13:32-37

32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

 

Our second parable actually doesn’t being until verse 34.  However, let’s look at the verses leading up to the parable of the absent homeowner. 

 

In verse 32, we see that the only one who knows the exact timing of Christ’s return is the Father.  Does that speak ill of Jesus?  Not at all.  It simply lets us that know that Jesus chose purposefully to limit some of His divine omnipotence. 

 

Verse 34 then begins the parable of the absent homeowner.  A man left his home to go on a trip, and he left his servants in charge.  They were to do their work.

 

He also left a doorkeeper and told him to watch for the homeowner to return.  Don’t get caught sleeping or you will miss the homeowner’s return. 

 

As for its meaning, this parable doesn’t distinguish between the servants and doorkeeper.  Both were to be prepared for the homeowner’s sudden return.  Obviously, Jesus is the absent homeowner. 

 

If the parable of the fig tree teaches us that the end times will be scripted, the parable of the absent homeowner tells us that the return of Christ will be sudden.  When He comes, your time to prepare will be over.

 

One more truth is implied but not explicit in this second parable.  The judgement of God will be severe.  Don’t get caught sleeping when Jesus returns. 

 

 

Conclusion

So what do we do?  The end of the age will be scripted.  The return of Christ will be sudden.  The judgment of God will be severe.

 

We are to watch or be ready and pray.  Just like last week, on three occasions, Jesus said to watch: 13:33, 35, 37. 

 

We are to watch and be ready in our relationship with God and our relationship with others, and we are to pray.  Pray for the Lord Jesus to come quickly, and pray for those who are lost to recognize their lostness and Jesus as their only hope. 

 

Watch and pray!

The End of the Age, Part 1

Generally speaking, people are very interested in the future.  We want to know to know the future personally.  We want to know the future related to EBC.  We want to know the future of our community and school and economy and favorite teams.    

 

We want to know the future as it relates to the Bible, and that often means details.  For the next two Sundays, we are going to be looking at Mark 13 and the end of the age.  However, if you are looking for a detailed timeline, you will probably be disappointed because our text is full of apocalyptic language that is highly symbolic and by nature can have multiple meanings.

 

Mark 13 along with Matthew 24-25 and Luke 21 is often called the “Olivet Discourse” because Jesus spoke to His disciples from the Mount of Olives.  We have probably now moved to Wednesday of Passion Week, and today, we will cover verses 1-23 and 24-37 for next week in looking at the end of the age.

 

 

Mark 13:1-4, The Temple will be Destroyed!

1 Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!”  2 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”  3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” 

 

As Jesus and His disciples were leaving the temple, one of the disciples pointed out the beauty of the temple.  It was built with large white stones and decorated with gold.  The stones could have been 30 plus feet long and 12 feet high and 18 feet deep.  This would be akin to a railroad boxcar. 

 

The temple was not finished at this time.  Its construction began in 20 BC by Herod the Great.  It wasn’t finished until about 64 AD.  This conversation between Jesus and His disciples took place around 30 AD.  Therefore, even though it wasn’t finished, construction had been going on for 50 years.

 

Jesus responded to his disciple’s statement with a prophetic statement.  He predicted that the temple where they were currently standing would be destroyed. 

 

Did this happen? Certainly, it happened approximately 40 years later as the Romans burned the temple and destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70.  However, this first prophecy would simply be a foreshadowing of another prophecy that would be further away and actually hasn’t been realized yet.

 

In verses 3-4, Jesus and His disciples left the temple and went up to the Mount of Olives to talk.  Those disciples that had been with Him the longest wanted to know when the temple would be destroyed.  They also wanted to know what signs would indicate its beginning of its destruction so we will answer their two questions today and next week as Jesus answered them.

 

He answered their second question first and their first question second.  Also, Jesus spoke prophetically about an event that would come sooner, the destruction of the temple, to teach them about an event that would come later.  Therefore, Jesus prophesied about two major future events here in Mark 13.  The rest of today’s text relates to that second major future event. 

 

 

Mark 13:5-13, Signs will be Distorted.

5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.  9 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

 

 

In verse 5, Jesus warned His disciples regarding this second major future event about being deceived or tricked with false signs or signs that will be distorted.  They include:

 

1. False Messiahs (13:6) – Many will come in Jesus’ name claiming to be the Savior, and they will convince many to follow them instead of Jesus.
2. National Warfare (13:7-8a) – There will be wars and rumors of war. Jesus said these things must happen but are not definite signs of the end.  As a matter of fact, these five distorted signs have been happening for 2000 years.
3. Natural Disasters (13:8b) – There will be natural disasters including earthquakes and famines and troubles such as tornadoes and tsunamis and flooding and COVID.
4. Christian Persecution (13:9-11) – There will be physical persecution for being a known follower of Christ, and your persecution will be a witness to those who are persecuting you. Be encouraged that when you stand for Christ, the HS will never leave you or forsake you and give you the words to say in that very moment.  Also, please note that before the end comes, the gospel must be shared with the entire world.  This truth should fuel our missionary sending, missionary praying, and missionary funding, and this truth reminds us of God’s loving patience with a lost and dying world.
5. Family Division (13:12-13) – There will be divisions and strife within families over following Christ. However, persevering through the end will demonstrate your faithfulness, and 1 John 2:19 tells us that those who turn away were never saved in the first place. 

 

All of these signs are not signs of the end of the age.  They are signs of a sinful world and have been happening for 2000 years. 

 

 

Mark 13:14-23, Signs will be Definite.

14 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. 16 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 And pray that your flight may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. 20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.  21 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.

 

Beginning verse 14, Jesus fast forwarded to some definite signs of the end of the age.  The first is the abomination of desolation, and Jesus was using language from Daniel.  Originally, it referred to an event that was such an abomination and so horrible that is caused the Jewish people to scatter and leave the temple desolate or empty. 

 

Events like this has happened multiple times, but what is interesting about Jesus’ language here is that, in the language of the NT, it seems to refer to a person and not just an event.  It seems that Jesus was pointing to the Anti-Christ who will turn his back on the nation of Israel and raise an image of himself in the temple and declare that he is God.  That will send the nation of Israel and followers of Christ scrambling. 

 

Consequently, the abomination of desolation will begin the persecution of followers of Christ during this great tribulation period that will be worse than it has ever been in all of history.  Jesus warned them to run and hide, and warned them not to give in to following false teachers doing signs and wonders.  This time will end only because of God’s grace and mercy, and He will not allow His chosen to fall away.

 

 

Conclusion

What shall we take away from our text today?  Remember, Jesus prophesied about two major future events.  The first was the destruction of the temple.  We will see the second next week that will begin the end of the age.

 

Until then: watch, watch, and watch.  See 13:5, 9, 23.  Watch and make sure you are ready to me your maker, and you can only be at peace with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

 

However, after you make sure you are ready, make sure you are committed to sharing the gospel with others so they will be ready as well.

 

What Does God Want From You?

Take your Bibles and find Mark 12:41. I want to share a message with you this morning entitled, “What Does Jesus Want from You?” 

 

We are still in Passion Week.  It is Tuesday, and Thursday’s Passover is coming.  Therefore, remember that Jerusalem is full of first-century Jews, and this story can also be found in Luke 21:1-4.

 

 

1. The Observation of the Proud and their Quantity, Mark 12:41

41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much.

 

In verse 41, we see that Jesus was still in the temple.  The treasury was located in the court of women.  It was the furthest point in the temple that women could go. 

 

It was here that there were 13 trumpet-shaped collection receptacles for individuals to give their offerings.  Almost half of them were labeled “free-will offerings,” which is where this money was most like being deposited. 

 

This verse says that Jesus sat opposite the place of giving, and He began observing the people.  He became a people watcher.  The language of the NT tells us that He watched and kept watching.  He watched and watched and watched probably thousands of individuals drop their money into these collection pieces during this Passover season. 

 

Notice also that verse 41 says that He was observing “how” the people gave.  He wasn’t necessarily seeing what they gave.

 

Actually, you probably could have heard this giving in verse 41.  The rich were known to have cashed all of their offerings into smaller coins to deposit.  The sound of so many small coins being dropped into these brass receptacles made everyone turn their head in wonder and amazement of the amounts of money that were being contributed by the rich.  The wealthy were very interested in the praises of men.

 

They were proud, and they were glad that the quantity of their giving was on full display for all to see. 

 

 

1. The Demonstration of the Poor and her Quality, Mark 12:42

42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.

 

In verse 42, we see what is commonly referred to as the widow’s mites. 
This poor widow also came to give at the treasury without any flare and any pomp and any circumstances.  I believe she may have had her with her head down as she dropped in her two small copper coins.

 

A mite was a small copper coin, the smallest denomination in use.  She gave literally 2 lepta, actually less than 1 cent.  She was interested not in the praises of men, but the praises of her Maker. 

 

 

• The Explanation of a Principle of Currency or Money, Mark 12:43-44

43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

 

Notice how Jesus described what the widow gave in verse 43.  He said she put in “more than” anyone else. 

 

In verse 44, He went further with His explanation.  Commenting on the wealthy or the rich, they put in out of their abundance or surplus.  However, this poor widow put in all she owned.  Let that sink in.  She put in the last penny to her name.  In other words, she wouldn’t eat again until she earned some more money.

 

Jesus’ explanation is this: when it comes to money or financial giving, the quality of the giving or your attitude in giving is worth more than the quantity in giving or your action of giving.  The Lord sees your heart and your hand, and don’t forget that He can do a lot with your little. 

 

 

Applications

So here is the first takeaway from today’s text.  Jesus doesn’t want your leftovers.  He wants your livelihood.  This is true with your financial giving, your ministry serving, and your church attending. 

 

I gather annually with some friends from college, and we have a saying that is applicable here.  When we were younger and our metabolism was faster, we used to eat a lot and a lot of unhealthy.  We would say, “You don’t save room.  You make room.”

 

When it comes to your giving and serving and attending, you don’t save room if you have leftovers.  You make room for these priorities that are Jesus’ priorities for your life.

 

The second application is for those who have never answer the call to salvation.  This story foreshadows Jesus giving His all for you in the same way this widow gave her all. 

 

Jesus died on the cross in your place and for your sins.  Today, will you answer His call to put your faith and trust in Him as Lord and Savior? 

Inferior and Superior...At the Same Time

It is still Tuesday.  It is still Passion Week, and Jesus is still dialoging with those who want to trap Him in the temple courts. 

 

He has taken several tests given by the religious leaders of the day, all of which He has aced! He aced the political test from the Pharisees concerning paying taxes.  He aced the theological test from the Sadducees concerning the resurrection.  He aced the religious test from the Scribes concerning the greatest commandment.

 

After attempting to trap Him on several occasions with several different tests, Mark 12:34 says, “But after that no one dared question Him.”  However, it was now time for Jesus to ask some questions of His own, and He would ask them of the Scribes who previously questioned Him.

 

Today’s Message from Mark 12:35-40 is entitled, “Inferior and Superior…At the Same Time.”

 

 

1. A Clarification about the Son’s Being, Mark 12:35-37

35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’  37 Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?”  And the common people heard Him gladly. 

 

In these first three verses, Jesus asked two questions.  Jesus’ first question is in verse 35, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?”

 

Remember, the scribes were more than likely Pharisees, and they were experts in the Law.  They knew the Scriptures well, and it was standard Jewish belief and conviction that the Christ or Messiah would come from the physical line of David.  The scribes were right in their understanding as see in the OT and NT.

 

Isaiah 9:6-7, 6 For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

 

Jeremiah 23:5-6, 5 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord,

“That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;

A King shall reign and prosper,

And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.

6 In His days Judah will be saved,

And Israel will dwell safely;

Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

 

Matthew 1:6, 16, 6 and Jesse begot David the king.  David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.  16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.

 

Luke 3:23, 31, 23 Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David,

 

Jesus’ second question is in verse 37, “How is He then his Son?”  Before Jesus asked this second question, He reminded the scribes of that which David said in the most quoted Psalm in the NT.  Peter quoted this Psalm in Acts 2.  Paul used it in 1 Corinthians 15, and the author of Hebrews in Hebrews 1.

 

In Psalm 110:1, God the Father (Jehovah or Yahweh) is talking to the Messiah (Adonai).  In Mark 12:37, Jesus sprung His punch line. 

 

David called the One who would come from his line “Lord” or “Messiah.”  How can this be?  A father would never be in subjection or inferior to his son.  He would never call his son a name of authority or superiority.  In what sense was and is Jesus David’s son?

 

He certainly is the physical son of David, and at the same time, He is David’s Lord.  He is the Son of God.  The Jesus they were talking to was the Christ, the Messiah.  He was the physical son of David, and He was the Son of God making Him divine! 

 

Jesus was and is both man and God.  He is inferior in that He is David’s Son.  However, is superior at the same time as David’s Lord.

 

 

1. The Condemnation of the Scribes’ Behavior, Mark 12:38-40

38 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, 39 the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

 

In verses 38-40, Jesus warned and condemned the scribes’ hypocritical behavior.  They liked to walk around in long robes.  These were white robes designating devout and noted scholar as opposed to the colorful robes of the common people.

 

They liked respectful greetings in the market places.  These included Rabbi, Teacher, Master, and Father.

 

They liked the best seats in the synagogues.  These were situated in front of the chest containing the sacred scrolls of Scripture and facing the congregation.

They liked places of honor at banquets.  These spots next to the host so as to receive preferential treatment.

                                                             

Verse 40 perhaps speaks to their most atrocious behavior.  The scribes received no monetary pay for their temple services.  However, they were often estate planners for the widows and would convince them of their own piety through long prayers that encouraged them to serve God by supporting the temple or the scribe’s holy work.  The longer they prayed, the more they would get paid!  Jesus pronounced severe punishment for their actions!

 

 

Conclusions/Applications

First, we must be settled on the fact that the Bible is true.  In verse 36, Jesus reminded us that Psalm 110 was not just David’s words but the Holy Spirit’s.  That is also true of Moses and Solomon and Matthew and Mark and John and Paul and Peter. 

 

2 Timothy 3:16, 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

 

If God cannot lie, His word must be true in whatever it addresses.  That includes science, history, geography, whatever.

 

Second, we must be settled on the fact that Jesus is God.  He is man, but He is also God.  He is inferior and superior at that same time. 

 

Students, and Moms and Dads, your student will hear in college philosophy 101 that He was possibly a liar.  He was not.

 

Others will say He was just a great moral teacher with the likes of Moses and Confucius and Socrates and Gandhi.  He was not. 

 

There will even be those that say He was a crazy man.  He was not. 

 

The Biblical fact is that was and is Son of the God and Savior of the world and only way to be at peace with the Father. 

 

Finally, sin is bad.  We often say that all sin is equal.  Is that true?  It is not equal in earthly consequences.  It doesn’t appear to be true here.  These scribes will receive greater condemnation.

 

However, the greatest sin is rejecting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.  You cannot save yourself, but Jesus can and will when you answer that call to put your faith and trust in Him. 

How Far are You from the Kingdom of God?

I want to ask you, “How far are you from the kingdom of God?”

 

 

1. The Examination of a Scribe, Mark 12:28

28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 

 

In verse 28, we see a scribe and Jesus examining Jesus’ ethics.  Jesus remained in constant dialogue with the Jewish religious leaders of the day.  The Pharisees came to Him in 12:14. The Sadducees came to Him in 12:18, and here in 12:28, a scribe came to Him. 

 

A scribe was an expert in the Old Testament law.  Some commentators even describe them as the equivalent of today’s lawyers.  A few weeks ago, I compared them to the legislative branch in our governments of today.

 

This particular scribe didn’t appear to come maliciously or with evil intent.  He simply came to Jesus and asked or examined His understanding of the law.  He asked, “Which is the first commandment of all?” 

 

Remember, in this day and time, we are told that the OT included 613 laws.  Of that 613, 365 were prohibitive or negative (don’t), and 248 were prescriptive or positive (do).  This scribe asking an honest question wanted to know which one was the foremost of all or the most important. 

 

 

1. The Explanation from the Savior, Mark 12:29-33

29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  32 So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 

 

In verses 29 and following, Jesus answered the question in two parts.  First, He said the foremost was to love God, and He quoted from the OT Law in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. 

 

This is the Shema or literally Hear O Israel.  The Shema declares that Jehovah is one, and His followers are to love Him with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. 

 

Even though we could discuss for hours what each of the parts means, I believe what Jesus was saying is the foremost command from the OT is to love God with your totality.  We are to love Him with all that we are and all that we have. 

 

We are prone to compartmentalize our life.  Some of you here today love God with your marriage, but you don’t love Him with your job.  Some of you love God with you parenting, but you don’t love Him with your finances.  Some of you love God with your service, but you don’t love Him with your health.  Some of you love God with your Sundays, but you don’t love God with your rest of the week.

 

The foremost and greatest commandment in all of the law is to love God with everything you have.  Love God with your totality.

 

Jesus then added a second to the first.  In verse 31, He said the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.  He then quoted from Leviticus 19:18. We are to love God with our totality and love people with our humility.  Loving others means thinking of them before you think and consider yourself. 

 

According to Jesus, all of the OT law could be summarized in loving God and loving people.  By the way, the mission statement that I have been using since I’ve been at EBC is that we exist to love God, love people, and make disciples. 

 

In verse 32, we see that this scribe understood exactly what Jesus had said.  He even repeated back to Jesus what Jesus had answered to him. 

 

He then added his own correct commentary.  He said that loving God and loving others was much more than burnt offerings and sacrifice.  In other words, it is better to obey than sacrifice.  This man got it.  He understood.  The light bulb was shining brightly, but what do you make of Jesus’ response in verse 34?

 

 

• The Extrapolation about Salvation, Mark 12:34

34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” 

 

To extrapolate is to infer or conclude.  Jesus concluded about this scribe’s salvation in verse 34. He had answered intelligently and correctly.  Jesus then said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”  He said you are not far, but not far doesn’t mean in.

 

There was a difference between being close to the kingdom of God and being in the kingdom of God.  That difference is still true today.  Are you close to the kingdom of God or are you in the kingdom of God?  How far are you from the kingdom of God?

 

 

Conclusion

Here is the point or points that Jesus is trying to make.  First, we demonstrate our love for God by loving others.  The two are inseparable.  You can’t do one without the other. 

Jesus taught this explicitly in Matthew 25:31-46.

 

31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’  37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’  41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’  44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

 

Second, it is good to know the truth.  It is better and best to do the truth.  See James 2:19-26.

 

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.  25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?  26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

 

This scribe had enough knowledge to get him close to the kingdom of God, but had not practiced his faith into the kingdom of God.

 

Some of you are here today, and you are excellent hearers.  You come and hear good preaching every Sunday…well at least you come and hear preaching, but you aren’t doing anything about it.  You know how to honor God in your marriage, but you aren’t honoring God in your marriage.  You know that you should read your Bible, but you aren’t reading your Bible. You know you should tithe, but you aren’t tithing.  You know should tell that coworker about your relationship with Christ, but you haven’t told that coworker about your relationship with Christ.  WE must be doers of the word and not merely hearers only. 

 

There are others of you here this morning, and you know the gospel.  You know that Jesus died on the cross in your place and for your sins. You know that He was resurrected from the grave.  You know that He is the only way to heaven, and you’re not far from the kingdom of God. 

 

However, this morning, will you believe?  Will you trust Jesus as Lord and Savior and cross that invisible line into the kingdom of God?  You know you should be baptized, but will you decide to be baptized today?  You know God is calling you to join this church, but will you decide to join this church today?

 

Will I Be Married in Heaven?

That is a question that I have been asked often by those who are close to dying or thinking about heaven or have just experienced the death of a spouse.  We will answer that question in just a few minutes.

 

We are back in Mark’s gospel this morning and looking at the last week of Jesus’ life on earth.  On Sunday, He rode into Jerusalem on the donkey at the praise of the people.  On Monday, He come back into Jerusalem and cursed the fig tree and cleansed temple.  On Tuesday, He came back into Jerusalem and taught the significance of cursing the fig tree to His disciples. 

 

In the recent Sunday’s, we have seen Jesus speak about His ministry and the relationship between Him and John the Baptist.  Last week, He answered the question of the Pharisees and Herodians about paying taxes.

 

Today, we are probably still on Tuesday, and we will see Jesus answering more questions from those trying to discredit His ministry in a sermon called, “Will There Be Marriage in Heaven?”

 

 

1. The Liberal Aristocrats, Mark 12:18

18 Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead.

 

Who were the Sadducees?  One commentary called them the urban, wealthy, and sophisticated class of Jerusalem.  They wielded great political and religious influence as part of the Jewish religious leaders of the day, but they had their own unique attributes. 

 

They were conservative in that they didn’t believe in the oral law or traditions of the Pharisees.  However, they were liberal in that they didn’t believe in a resurrection or angels or spirits.  We know this from Dr. Luke in Acts 23:8.

 

Acts 23:8, 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.

 

Because of their beliefs and because they were pro-Roman, they were at odds with the Pharisees again and again.  However, remember that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.  Therefore, like the Pharisees in this instance, they attempted to trap Jesus with His words and discredit His ministry, and their question or scenario unfolded in verses 19-23.

 

 

2. A Ludicrous Argument, Mark 12:19-23

19 “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name. 20 Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. 21 So the second brother married the widow, but he also died without children. Then the third brother married her. 22 This continued with all seven of them, and still there were no children. Last of all, the woman also died. 23 So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her.”

 

Beginning in verse 19, the Sadducees posed the proverbial straw man scenario to Jesus in an effort to prove their belief or argument of no resurrection.  There example is based loosely on Deuteronomy 25, which is why they attributed it Moses.

 

The story included a married couple who didn’t have children for whatever reason.  Then, tragedy strikes, and the husband dies leaving the wife alone and without anyone to care for her.

 

The custom of the day and part of the Old Testament Law was what was known as levirate marriage.  This term comes from the Latin word “levirate” which means husband’s brother, and the Sadducees correctly referenced Moses commendation of it from Deuteronomy 25:5-6.

 

Deuteronomy 25:5-6, 5 “If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the widow of the dead man shall not be married to a stranger outside the family; her husband’s brother shall go in to her, take her as his wife, and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. 6 And it shall be that the firstborn son which she bears will succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.

 

We see this practice in the book of Ruth, and its purpose was to protect and provide for the family, and the Sadducees could have asked their question of Jesus using just two husbands in an example.  However, in attempt to show their disdain for the resurrection and its absurdity, they used seven husbands.  This was a ludicrous argument. 

 

In their minds, Jesus only had two options in answering.  If He answered that the wife belonged to all of them, He would be condoning adultery.  If He answered otherwise, in their minds, He would be teaching that there was no such thing as the resurrection. 

 

 

3. Life After Death, Mark 12:24-27

24 Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. 25 For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.  26 “But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—haven’t you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 27 So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error.”

 

As He did with others, He challenged the Sadducees’ understanding of Scripture.  They should have known better, but they didn’t.

 

Beginning in verse 25, Jesus pointed out two of their errors in thinking.  First, Jesus said there would be no marriage(s) in heaven.  Why?  One of the main purposes of marriage is reproduction.  However, in heaven, there is no need for reproduction because life in heaven is eternal life.  Therefore, you will know you spouse and children and others in heaven, but the only marriage will be between Christ and His Bride, the Church.

 

In that same verse, Jesus said that in heaven, we will be LIKE angels.  Notice He didn’t say we will be angels.  He said we will be LIKE angels.  How so? 

 

Like angels, we will have glorified bodies.  Like angels, we will not reproduce.  Like angels, we will live eternally, and like angels, we will be fully and completely dedicated to our relationship with God. 

 

In verse 26, Jesus specifically addressed the resurrection of the dead.  Again, Jesus challenged their knowledge of Scripture with a verse from Exodus 3:6.  The Sadducees should have known this since they only believed and were supposed to be experts in the Pentateuch or first five books of the OT.

 

Exodus 3:6, 6 I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

 

In verse 27, Jesus added that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

 

What was so special about what He said?  Exodus 3 is about 500 years after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob died.  Yet, God said, “I AM the God of…”  He used present tense and not past tense to say that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were still alive in heaven because of the resurrection of the dead. 

 

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  Therefore, once these OT Patriarchs died or any believer dies, he or she is immediately resurrected to heaven.

 

 

Conclusions/Applications (5)

So what does all this mean? 

 

First, like the Sadducees, we will make mistakes and errors in judgement when we don’t know the Scriptures.  If you don’t know what the Bible says about marriage, you will make unnecessary mistakes in yours. If you don’t know what the Bible says about parenting, you will make unnecessary mistakes with your children.  If you don’t know what the Bible says about money.  You will make unnecessary mistakes managing yours.  Read your Bible.  Be in Sunday School and Church.  Don’t neglect the opportunities the Lord gives you so readily. 

 

Second, because of God’s power, there will be a resurrection of the dead that means life in heaven for eternity.  By the way, it’s this same power that can save your marriage and redeem your lost child and provide for you financially when your situation seems hopeless. 

 

Third, there will be relationships in heaven but not marriage.  Because Believers will be immortal and have no need to reproduce, there will be no marriage but the family of faith that includes brothers and sisters in Christ.  See Matthew 12:50.

 

50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.

 

Fourth, there will be angels in heaven.  Remember, we will be LIKE them but not the same as them.

 

Fifth, one way we will be like angels is having a glorified body.  What does that mean?  The only thing I’m sure about is that it won’t be susceptible to sickness and disease and death.  It will be immortal.

 

 

Invitation

There is only way to know for certain that you will be resurrected to heaven and not hell never to die again.

 

John 11:25, 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

 

 

When Worlds Collide...

Some commentators believe that we have now moved to Wednesday of Passion Week.  However, we are still in Jerusalem, and Jesus is still dialoging with His enemies.

 

His enemies feel as if they have Him cornered.  We will see this morning that the question regarding one’s allegiance to government and one’s allegiance to God is an ancient dilemma.

 

I want to share a message with you entitled, “When Worlds Collide…”  Please take your Bibles and turn to Mark 12:13-17.

 

 

1. A Demonstration of Treachery, Mark 12:13-15a

13 Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. 14 When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” 

 

In this first scene, let’s talk about the players if you will.  The Pharisees represented narrow, conservative Judaism.  They were right-wingers.  They were resentful to Rome and for their domination over the nation of Israel.

 

On the other hand, the Herodians represented liberalism.  They were left-wingers.  They were loyal to Herod and Rome. 

 

These two groups were normally enemies and opponents of one another.  However, now they were on the same team trying to destroy Jesus.  Evidently, the old adage is true: the enemy of my enemy is my friend. 

 

Let’s not only think about the players, let’s also consider their plot.  They were trying to trap Jesus like an animal or catch Him like a fish on a hook.  Their treachery was obvious. 

 

They wanted to know if the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar.  This was a head-tax on any one and every one living under the Roman Empire.  If Jesus said yes, the crowd would be in an uproar.  There would be chaos.  A yes answer would affirm Roman domination of the Jews.

 

However, if Jesus said no, He and His followers would be accused of being insurrectionists.  He would then be quickly arrested by the Romans for defying their authority.

 

 

1. An Illustration of Hypocrisy, Mark 12:15b-16

But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” 16 So they brought it.  And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”

 

Jesus smelled a rat.  Verse 15 says He knew their hypocrisy.  He knew about their words and their works. 

 

In verse 14, they called Him Teacher, but they didn’t follow His teaching.  They were flattering Him. 

 

Also, in verse 15, He asked to see a denarius which was a single coin that represented a day’s wages.  Keep in mind this was a Roman Coin.

 

Evidently they had one on them revealing their hypocritical works.  They were asking Jesus if they should pay even though they were ready to pay. 

 

After receiving one, Jesus asked whose image was on the coin.  It was that of Tiberius Caesar.  One side was inscribed with “Son of the Divine Augustus.”  The other side said “Chief Priest.”

 

Their hypocrisy abounded. 

 

 

• The Application of Authority, Mark 12:17

17 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  And they marveled at Him.

 

Jesus told them to give to Caesar what was due Caesar.  That would include the head-tax that was previously mentioned.

 

However, don’t miss this.  He also said to give to God that which was due God.

 

 

Conclusions

So let me give you one conclusion with two parts.

 

First, give and pray to and for our government.  Give what is due them.  That means submission.  We should submit from traffic laws to paying taxes to following guidelines.

 

Please hear me this morning.  We are meeting like we are today because we should…not because we have to.

 

Of course, the exception would be anytime our government requires us to violate Scripture or conscience that was determined by Scripture.

 

Romans 13:1-2, 5-7, Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

 

5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

 

Christians are also to pray for their government.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-4, Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

Second, give and pray to our God in heaven.  As the coin had Caesar’s image, and Jesus told the Pharisees and Herodians to pay that which was due Caesar, our soul has God’s image on it.  We are made in the image of God.  See Genesis 1:27.

 

Genesis 1:27, 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

 

Therefore, we are to give our lives to God.  It is due Him.  It is owed Him. 

 

Romans 12:1, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

 

 

Invitation

• Lost-to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
• Saved-be subject to government and God.