Grace Bible Church
Pastor-Teacher
Robert R. McLaughlin
Thursday,
July 30, 2020
Pastor Rick Kabrick
The Gospel of Mark. Chapters 11-12. Pastor Rick Kabrick
Based on ZEC 9:9, some thought that the Messiah would come in a lowly and humble way, riding on a colt. Clearly the Hebrew it is a donkey.
Understand that the tree was cursed for its pretense of leaves, not for its lack of fruit. Like Israel in the days of Jesus, it had the outward form of righteousness, but no fruit. Here, Jesus warned Israel – and us – of GOD’s displeasure when we have the appearance of fruit but not the fruit itself. God isn’t pleased when His people are all leaves and no fruit.
Every Jewish male had to pay a yearly temple tax – an amount equaling about two days’ pay. It had to be paid in the currency of the temple, and the money exchangers made the exchange into temple money at outrageous rates.
It is a shameful condition when the house of GOD becomes a place of selling everything associated with GOD’s word.
This is an area where we need great faith. Sometimes a hard and unforgiving heart is bigger than any mountain. We are to do what Paul commanded:
ROM 12:18, If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
When Jesus asked them to answer the question regarding John the Baptist, HE was not evading their question. If John really was from GOD, then he was right about Jesus and Jesus was indeed the Messiah. If what John said was true, then Jesus had all authority. The question Jesus asked put them to silence.
The Son was the final messenger. There would be no other. Either they would accept the message of the SON or face certain judgment.
Spurgeon wrote: Nothing remains when Christ is refused. No one else can be sent; Heaven itself contains no further messenger. If Christ be rejected, hope is rejected.
The coin belonged to Caesar because his image was stamped on it. We should give our self to GOD because HIS image is stamped on us.
When the State asks something of us that belongs to GOD alone, we are duty bound to obey GOD before the State.
In the answer of Jesus, GOD was glorified, Caesar was satisfied, the people were edified, and HIS critics were stupefied.
Essentially, the practice made sure that if a married man died childless, his brother had to take the widow as a wife so a son and heir could be provided for the deceased man, and his family name and inheritance would be carried on.
Since Jesus is the Christ, HE spoke of Himself here. With the questions of the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees to Jesus, they tried to trap Him. All a part of the inspection of the lamb process.
The Jews of Jesus’ day taught that teachers were to be respected almost as much as GOD; they said that they deserved more honor and respect than others.
They all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had: This explains how Jesus could say that the widow put in more than all.
The temple was a good thing, but good things can become our very worst idols. Sometimes GOD has to sour even good things if we allow them to become our idols.
Take heed that no one deceives you: Jesus warns of the danger of false messiahs who come in HIS name.
They will pretend to be Jesus or representatives of Jesus, but they will not be, of course.
1TH 4:16-18, For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
HE will send HIS angels, and gather together HIS elect: When Jesus returns to this earth after that tribulation, HE will come with the saints in Heaven (that’s us) and to gather those who have come to Jesus during the tribulation and have survived.
Jesus assured that the agonies of the great tribulation would not continue indefinitely; they will have an end. Mankind could not endure this for long. It will be that bad.
Each servant has his work to do. We aren’t responsible for someone else’s work, but we certainly are responsible for ours.