Mark 12:28-44

Ÿ Mark chapter 12 is a great example of how the religious authorities tried desperately to trap Jesus in order to discredit him and disprove his claims of being the Messiah.

Ÿ Up to this point in Jesus' ministry he has done to them exactly what they were trying to do to him.

Ÿ Mark 12:10

[10] Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture:

Ÿ Mark 12:12 NIV

But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

Ÿ Why were they so irritated at Jesus' teaching?

Ÿ Could it be that they were teaching something other than the TRUTH?

Ÿ Remember, the Chief Priests, Pharasies, the Scribes and the Herodians have all tried to trap Jesus and failed.

Ÿ Now a teacher of the law (Pharisee) is at it again.

Mark 12:28-34

[28] One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” [29] “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' [31] The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.” [32] “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is

one and there is no other but him. [33] To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” [34] When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God .” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Ÿ Let's stop and consider the fact that Jesus said that he came to fulfill the LAW, not to destroy it.

Ÿ He also said that every part of the LAW is based on our LOVE for God and then our love for mankind.

Ÿ Even burnt offerings were shadowed by the Law of loving God and mankind.

Ÿ How does love affect our relationship with others? Even our enemies? Especially our enemies!

Ÿ Can we love mankind if we don't love God?

Ÿ All God wants is our love!

Ÿ We can obey His commands without loving him.

Ÿ But if we love him, his commands will follow naturally.

QUESTION

Are we trying to justify our sin or wrong doing?

Do we try to "trip up" Jesus to justify our own desires?

Mark 12:35-40

[35] While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? [36] David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: “ 'The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right

hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” ' [37] David himself calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight. [38] As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, [39] and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. [40] They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

Ÿ Am I the son of David or do you consider me the Son of God?

Ÿ Jesus is basically condemning the teachers of the LAW for their lack of KNOWING who the true Messiah is.

Ÿ He also condemns them for making money at others expense.

Ÿ Greed, greed, greed.

Ÿ Taking advantage of the weak and vulnerable is cause for condemnation.

1 Timothy 6:9-10

[9] Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Mark 12:41-44

[41] Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. [42] But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper

coins, worth only a few cents. [43] Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. [44] They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live

on .”

Ÿ Jewish "teachers" could not be paid a salary but lived on gifts.

Ÿ The "offering box" was specifically set up by the wealthy in order to be seen as they gave.

Ÿ Jesus knows our hearts.

Ÿ When we truly love Jesus, giving is a natural action between Him and us.

Ÿ He also knows our circumstances, attitudes and motives.

Ÿ The poor widow gave all she had to God.

FINAL IMPACT

We can't escape the knowledge of God! He knows everything!

Where do we want recognition and from whom?

Man or GOD?

Do I know scripture well enough to use it in every day life?

What part does money have in my priorities?

Do I love God / Jesus more than anything and everything?

How do other people view my life?