Category Archives: Mark

We tend to think that everything will continue as it currently is. We tell ourselves that if there will be any change, it will be for the better. Even when we know that conditions are getting worse and trouble is coming, there is still something in us which believes that it won’t affect us or that it will pass us by. But, sometimes, things do not get better. Sometimes trouble and destruction does overwhelm us. Sometimes we do experience suffering.

One time Jesus had to correct His disciples’ view of the future. Mark tells us about it in chapter 13 of the Gospel which bears his name. In verses 1 through 20 he writes, “As he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings!” Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone on another, which will not be thrown down.” As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus, answering, began to tell them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and will lead many astray. “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains. But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them. The Good News must first be preached to all the nations. When they lead you away and deliver you up, don’t be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. But 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, and let him who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter in, to take anything out of his house. Let him who is in the field not return back to take his cloak. But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babies in those days! Pray that your flight won’t be in the winter. For in those days there will be oppression, such as there has not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be. Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the sake of the chosen ones, whom he picked out, he shortened the days.”

This teaching of Jesus is one of the most difficult to understand. What causes the difficulty is that we know from other accounts in Scripture, the disciples not only asked about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, but also about Christ’s return and the end of the world. It is not easy to determine which of Jesus’ answers applies to what question. However, in spite of the difficulties in interpretation, we can learn many things from what Jesus said which apply to us today.

When the disciples boasted to Him about how magnificent the Temple was and how big its stones were, Jesus replied that not one stone would be left upon another. No doubt this shocked the disciples. How could such a massive and magnificent building suffer such destruction? Nevertheless, what Jesus said is true. In 70AD the Romans did such a thorough job of destruction that though the huge platform upon which the Temple was built still remains, we do not know the exact location where the Temple stood.

From this we learn that size and splendor do guarantee permanence. We humans are often impressed by how big something is, but God has other values. The Temple in Jerusalem had failed in its purpose. God desired it to be a house of prayer for all nations; it was to draw people from all backgrounds to God. Unfortunately, the hypocrisy of the religious leaders turned the Temple into a hindrance. They emphasized the Temple rather than God in whose honor it was built. In another sense, the Temple had also fulfilled its purpose. The Temple was where the presence of God dwelt among men. Jesus supersedes the Temple because He is the image of God in human form. Where we have the reality, we no longer need a picture. For both these reasons the Temple had outlived its usefulness; it was appropriate for God to do away with it.

Jesus also cautioned His disciples to not believe everything they heard. Sadly, not everyone who claims the name of Christ really belongs to Him. There are many who deceive others in the name of Christ and prey on their fears of judgment in order to benefit themselves. In speaking of the judgment, Jesus once said, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22-23 NIV)

Jesus also warned His disciples not to become upset by rumors. Wars and natural disasters are part of the normal course of events. They do not necessarily herald the end of time. God will not destroy the world until Christ’s message has been preached to all nations. In the same way, persecution is not a sign that the end is near. Suffering for Christ is the normal condition of His followers.

If wars, natural disasters and persecution are not signs that the end is near, what is? Jesus gave His disciples a specific sign from the writings of the prophet Daniel by which they would know that the destruction of Jerusalem was approaching. The ‘abomination that causes desolation’ which Daniel prophesied, pointed to the Syrian king who defiled the altar of burnt offering in the Temple in 167BC. However Jesus indicated that there would be another fulfillment. When the disciples saw the abomination approaching, they were to flee the city. History tells us that Jesus’ disciples took His instruction seriously. When they saw the Roman armies march on Jerusalem they fled to another city and so were spared.

The main lesson in what Jesus said on this occasion is that we must be ready at all times. We do not know when the end will come – will our souls be right with God whenever it arrives? The followers of Christ were spared when Jerusalem was destroyed because they were ready and obeyed what Jesus told them. How ready are we for Christ’s return and the judgment?

Who is Jesus? This is a profound question. How we answer it has an impact on our relationship to God and on our salvation. If the things Jesus said are true, then He must be more than just a man. If what He said is not true, then He is a liar and a charlatan and there is no reason to accept Him as God’s prophet.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not like the implications of Jesus’ teaching. They repeatedly tried to discredit Him and trap Him in what He said. Every attempt failed. Jesus answered their questions with such wisdom that no one could find fault. In fact, Jesus’ answers exposed the ignorance and the hypocrisy of His critics.

Jesus did not leave it there. He put the religious leaders on the defensive by asking them a question of His own. For those who had open minds and the willingness to see, Jesus’ question clearly revealed His true identity. In the Gospel which bears his name, Mark tells us about it in chapter 12, verses 35 through 40. “Jesus responded, as he taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? For David himself said in the Holy Spirit, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”’ Therefore David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his son?” The common people heard him gladly. In his teaching he said to them, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces, and the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts: those who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.””

Many prophets predicted that one day a great leader would arise from among the Jewish people. His authority would come not from being selected by the people, but from being anointed by God. The Jewish people eager awaited the coming of this Anointed One, the Messiah. The Scriptures said, and the religious leaders taught, that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. For example, “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’”” (Matthew 2:1-6 NIV) Keep in mind that Judah was the tribe from which King David came and Bethlehem was King David’s city.

In light of this and many other prophecies, the religious leaders were quite correct to say that the Messiah would be one of David’s descendants. Also, they did not dispute that Jesus traced His ancestry to King David. By asking His question the way He did, Jesus was subtly stating that He was, indeed, the Messiah the prophets predicted would come. However, this raises an important question. How did King David, himself, view the promised Messiah? Jesus answered His own question by quoting Psalm 110. From this Psalm it is obvious that David regarded the Messiah as someone much greater than himself. In fact, David used a title for Him that is reserved for God – the title ‘Lord’. What Jesus was implying through David’s words, is that the Messiah is much more than just one of King David’s descendants. Yes, physically speaking, the Messiah is David’s son. Yet He is much more than that. He is also divine.

The religious leaders remained silent. They could not dispute what Jesus said without contradicting the words of the prophets. On the other hand, agreeing with Jesus would acknowledge that He not only was the Christ but also shared in God’s divinity. It would acknowledge Jesus’ authority and lordship over themselves. This was something the leaders were not prepared to do.

The people listened to Jesus discomforting their leaders with delight. Perhaps they already knew the real worth of these men before Jesus warned the crowd about the hypocrisy of their leaders. These leaders were men who used religion as a cloak to cover their own ambitions and greed. They loved to portray themselves as learned and holy men; they basked in the respect and honor people showed them. Yet, by using their position to exploit others they went against God whom they professed to serve. Jesus said that they were bringing severe punishment upon themselves. What about us? Is our faith genuine? Do we cloak our own greed with a veil of religion?

However, not everyone Jesus encountered was hypocritical in their service to God. In verses 41 through 44 Mark tells us what happened next, “Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much. A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin. He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.””

The woman who gave all she had is a stark contrast to both the religious leaders and the rich. In contrast to the leaders, this lady served God from the heart. In contrast to the rich who gave a little out of their excess, she gave all – she was totally committed.

From this incident we learn an important lesson about giving: It is not the actual amount we give which is important, but the proportion of what we have that we give, and the attitude with which we give it, which is important. From a worldly point of view, what the woman gave was worthless. From Jesus’ point of view, what she gave was priceless. In another place Scripture says, “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” (2 Corinthians 8:12 NIV) By this standard, how acceptable are our gifts?

There are many reasons to ask questions. One reason is because we wish to learn something. We are ignorant about a certain topic and we ask questions about what we do not understand. Another reason to ask questions is for clarity. For example, if someone tells us something which seems to contradict what he said earlier, we might ask some questions to make sure we heard properly or to receive a fuller explanation. Still another use for questions is in teaching. We ask questions to get a student to think more about a topic or to see how much he already knows.

Unfortunately, there is also another kind of question. It is the hypocritical question which, on the surface, appears as an honest request for information. However, in reality, it is designed to trap someone or cause him trouble.

Several times Jesus encountered people who asked Him these kinds of hypocritical questions. Some religious leaders who belonged to the sect of the Pharisees along with people who belonged to King Herod’s political party asked Jesus whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar. Their intent was to trap Jesus into saying something they could use as a pretext to arrest Him. After Jesus gave a wise answer which foiled their attempt to trap Him, some who belonged to the sect of the Sadducees asked a question about the resurrection. Apparently this was an attempt to force Jesus to agree with their claim that the resurrection will not occur. Whatever their intent, Jesus’ reply only exposed their own ignorance and lack of belief.

Not everyone who questioned Jesus did so with impure motives. At least one of the Pharisees genuinely wanted to know what Jesus believed. Mark writes about it in chapter 12, verses 28 through 34. “One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?” Jesus answered, “The greatest is, ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. The second is like this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he, and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from God’s Kingdom.” No one dared ask him any question after that.”

The question this man asked was a reasonable one. There are over 600 statutes or regulations in the Law of Moses. These laws not only regulate worship but also many other aspects of life. For example, there are rules concerning property rights and about how to farm. Obviously, not every law applies in all situations nor to every person at all times. Because of this, it was necessary for the Jewish people to prioritize – which laws were more important than others? A related question was, “Is there one supreme law from which all the others can be derived?”

In light of this, it was very reasonable for the man to ask Jesus which was the greatest commandment. Since Jesus had given wise answers to the other questions people asked Him, perhaps He could bring some clarity to this issue as well. In addition, from some of Jesus’ actions, such as healing on the Sabbath, it might have been possible for some people to conclude that Jesus did not have a high regard for the Law. Therefore, it was necessary to discover what Jesus’ view of the Law really was. What did Jesus regard as important? What principle guided His life and teaching?

Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy chapter 6, verses 4 and 5, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (NIV)

As Jesus indicated, true religion has God at its center and is focused on God. King Solomon wrote that without God all of our accomplishments, our activities, our possessions and even life itself are totally meaningless. Another Scripture explains it this way, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

It is important to note that Jesus affirmed that God is One. People claim that the followers of Christ worship three gods. This is a false accusation. Jesus, Himself, said that there is only One God.

But it is not enough to merely acknowledge that God exists and that He is One. We must also love Him with our whole being. Otherwise, our religious practices are empty rituals bereft of benefit or power. God said this to those who went through the rituals commanded by the Law, but did not love Him, “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you,” says the LORD Almighty, “and I will accept no offering from your hands.”” (Malachi 1:6-10 NIV) What about us? Do we love the Lord, or are we merely going through empty rituals?

Jesus went on to quote from Leviticus chapter 19, verse 18 as the second most important commandment, “…love your neighbor as yourself….” If we love God, it follows that we will also love those whom God loves. And if we love, we have kept the Law. The Apostle Paul explains it this way, “The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:9-10 NIV) The Apostle John goes so far as to write, “If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20 NIV) By that standard do we really love God, or are we merely mouthing empty words? Would Jesus say of us, as He said of the man who asked the question, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”?

We do not like to be told that we are wrong. We especially do not like to be told that we must change our attitudes and the way we live in order to please God. The more religious and righteous we think we are, the less willing we are to accept such a message. It is far easier to discredit or destroy the person who says such things than it is to accept that we need to change.

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy. They had turned the Temple in Jerusalem, which God intended as a place of worship and prayer for all peoples, into a place of business. When Jesus cleansed the Temple by driving out the businessmen, the religious leaders questioned His authority to do so. When Jesus warned them that they were bringing disaster upon their own heads by not honoring God as they should, instead of repenting the leaders sought for ways to arrest and silence Him. In chapter 12, verses 13 through 17 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark tells us one of the ways the leaders attempted to do this. “They sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to him, that they might trap him with words. When they had come, they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don’t defer to anyone; for you aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?” But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it.” They brought it. He said to them, “Whose is this image and inscription?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Jesus answered them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” They marveled greatly at him.”

Notice that the religious leaders did not ask Jesus this question because they genuinely wanted to know what God would have them do. No, they asked the question hoping to trap Jesus in what He said. In reality, the question exposed the leaders’ own hypocrisy because, on the one hand they acknowledged that Jesus was a man of integrity and taught the way of God yet, on the other hand, had no intention of accepting what He said. They wanted a pretext to arrest Jesus. They thought that no matter how Jesus answered, He would land Himself in trouble. If He said “Yes, you should pay taxes to Caesar,” it would anger the Jews because they resented the Romans who ruled over them. If He said “No, you don’t have to pay taxes,” it would get Him in trouble with the Roman authorities. If Jesus refused to answer, His critics could claim that He didn’t have the moral courage to confront the tough issues of the day.

By asking whose image and inscription was on the coins used to pay taxes, Jesus totally neutralized the trap set for Him. If the coin belonged to Caesar, then how could anyone say that Caesar should not be given it? The Romans could not object to Jesus’ answer because He clearly told people to pay their taxes. The Jews could not object because if you are going to use something which belongs to another (Caesar’s coins), it is only right to pay him for the privilege.

However, Jesus’ answer did something else besides disarm the trap set for Him. It also caught those who had set it in the very trap they intended for Jesus. The coin belonged to Caesar because it had Caesar’s image and inscription on it. But the coin was not the only thing present which bore an image. Scripture tells us that God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). In other words, God placed some of His own characteristics in us. Since we bear God’s image, we belong to God. We owe Him our allegiance and loyalty. In addition, Scripture tells us that Jesus, “…is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV) By trying to trap Jesus and refusing to follow Him, these men were rebelling against the One who owned them. No wonder they were amazed at Jesus’ answer. What about you? Do you serve the One whose image you bear?

Unfortunately, Jesus’ answer did not dissuade others from trying to test Him. In verses 18 through 27 Mark writes, “Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Some Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection, came to him. They asked him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote to us, ‘If a man’s brother dies, and leaves a wife behind him, and leaves no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up offspring for his brother.’ There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and dying left no offspring. The second took her, and died, leaving no children behind him. The third likewise; and the seven took her and left no children. Last of all the woman also died. In the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be of them? For the seven had her as a wife.” Jesus answered them, “Isn’t this because you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God? For when they will rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But about the dead, that they are raised; haven’t you read in the book of Moses, about the Bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are therefore badly mistaken.””

The Sadducees were a powerful and influential group among the religious rulers. At least one of their number had served as the High Priest in the Temple. It is extremely ironic that these religious leaders were ignorant of the power of the God they claimed to worship and ignorant of the Scriptures which they claimed to revere.

The Sadducees apparently could not imagine any future arrangement than this present life. But we know from Scripture that this present life is not as it was at the beginning. Death came into the world as a result of sin. If God is powerful enough to create life, is He not powerful enough to grant life again? And nowhere do the Scriptures say that our future relationships will be the same as they are in this present life. As the Apostle John would write some time later, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2 NIV)

We do not have the capacity to understand what we will be like after the resurrection. However, from Jesus’ answer we can say that marriage, as we know it now, will not exist. In that respect we will be like the angels. By referring to the angels, Jesus also demolished another doctrine of the Sadducees for they claimed, contrary to what the Scriptures say, that angels do not exist (Acts 23:8). Jesus clinched the matter by quoting from the portion of the Scriptures the Sadducees held most sacred. That the dead will live again there can be no doubt, for God is the God of the living.

We have a saying that if you want to get someone’s attention, hit him in his pocketbook. What it means is that people often put a higher priority on their income and financial wellbeing than anything else. This saying was certainly true with regard to the religious leaders in Jerusalem during Jesus’ ministry. The priests and teachers of the Law had turned God’s Temple in Jerusalem into a place of business. They profited from selling sacrificial animals to those who came to worship and from charging people to change their money into the coins required to pay the Temple tax. The leaders conducted this business in the courtyard intended as the place for non-Jewish people to worship and seek God. In this way the very people who claimed that their lives were dedicated to God perverted God’s Law and destroyed the purpose of the Temple.

Jesus would not tolerate this. He drove the traders and businessmen out of the Temple and proclaimed in the words of the prophet Isaiah that the Temple was to be, “a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:7) It is worth noting that neither the priests, nor the teachers of the Law, nor the businessmen, nor the Temple police were able to stop Jesus from cleansing the Temple. This should have put everyone on notice that Jesus was acting in God’s power. Otherwise, how could just one man, acting alone, accomplish this?

In spite of the evidence, the priests and teachers of the Law demanded to know by what authority Jesus was acting. Jesus responded with a question of His own. He asked whether John’s baptism was from heaven or from men. The leaders realized that if they admitted that John was a prophet, Jesus would ask why they hadn’t believed John’s message. On the other hand, they couldn’t deny that John was a prophet for fear of the people. So, they demonstrated their own hypocrisy by saying they did not know where John received his authority.

Since the leaders would not be honest about John, Jesus refused to answer them about the source of His own authority. In chapter 12, verses 1 through 12 in the Gospel which bears his name, Mark tells us what happened next, “He then began to speak to them in parables: “He began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the wine press, built a tower, rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country. When it was time, he sent a servant to the farmer to get from the farmer his share of the fruit of the vineyard. They took him, beat him, and sent him away empty. Again, he sent another servant to them; and they threw stones at him, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated. Again he sent another; and they killed him; and many others, beating some, and killing some. Therefore still having one, his beloved son, he sent him last to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those farmers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ They took him, killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the farmers, and will give the vineyard to others. Haven’t you even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of the corner. This was from the Lord. It is marvelous in our eyes’?” They tried to seize him, but they feared the multitude; for they perceived that he spoke the parable against them. They left him, and went away.”

The religious leaders could not have mistaken Jesus’ meaning in this parable because the prophet Isaiah had already used the same metaphor to refer to the Jewish people. After describing the vineyard and how it did not produce the kind of fruit it should have, Isaiah wrote, “The vineyard of the LORD Almighty is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the garden of his delight. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.” (Isaiah 5:7 NIV)

In light of Isaiah’s words the meaning of Jesus’ parable is obvious. The vineyard is the people of Israel. The owner is God. The wall, watchtower and winepress refer to the protection and blessings which God granted the Jewish people. He gave them everything they needed to prosper and be successful. The tenants of the vineyard are the religious leaders into whose hands God committed His people. According to Isaiah, the fruit God expected to receive from His people was justice and righteousness. He was rewarded instead with bloodshed and cries of distress.

In order to obtain what was due him, the owner sent servants to the tenants. This refers to the many prophets which God sent to Israel. Instead of listening to the prophets and giving God what was due Him, the people and their leaders dishonored, humiliated and insulted them. Many of the prophets they killed.

At last, the owner of the vineyard sent his beloved son, hoping that the tenants would respect him though they had mistreated the servants. There is no doubt that in using the metaphor of the beloved son, Jesus was referring to Himself. In chapter one of this Gospel, Mark already recorded that at Jesus’ baptism, “…a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”” (Mark 1:11 NIV) By killing the son, as the religious leaders were planning to do to Jesus, the tenants of the vineyard brought certain destruction on themselves.

To drive the point home, Jesus quoted from Psalm 118. The very stone which the builders, that is the religious leaders rejected, God would make the cornerstone, that is the most important stone. In other words, by rejecting Jesus, the religious leaders were rejecting the One whom God proclaimed was the most important of all.

The leaders understood what Jesus was saying. Unfortunately, instead of changing their attitude toward Him, they continued to play the part of the dishonest tenants. The only reason they did not arrest Jesus, then and there, was because they were afraid of the crowd. In just a few days, however, they would succeed in killing Jesus. Not long afterwards a man named Stephen would tell these men, “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—”(Acts 7:51-52 NIV)

Like the tenants in the parable, by killing the son, these men brought upon themselves the destruction Jesus predicted. Within 40 years Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed. What about us? Will we listen to the Son, or will we be like the dishonest tenants who killed Him?

Appearances are often deceiving. What we think we see does not represent reality. Sometimes this difference can be a pleasant surprise. The hulking, brutish, hardened looking man turns out be someone who is very kind, compassionate, and humorous with a genuine interest in serving others. Other times, reality is not so pleasing. We cut into a beautiful looking fruit, only to find that it is rotten on the inside.

When people pretend to be something they are not, particularly when they show a righteous face to the public while living unholy lives, we call them hypocrites. During the last few days of His life on earth Jesus taught some important lessons about hypocrisy. In chapter 11, verses 12 through 26 Mark writes, “The next day, when they had come out from Bethany, he was hungry.
Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. Jesus told it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” and his disciples heard it. They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables, and the seats of those who sold the doves. He would not allow anyone to carry a container through the temple. He taught, saying to them, “Isn’t it written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?’ But you have made it a den of robbers!” The chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him. For they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.
When evening came, he went out of the city. As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots. Peter, remembering, said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away.” Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions.””

The incident of the fig tree troubles many people. Why would Jesus curse the tree for not having any figs when it was not the season for figs? Why blame the tree for not bearing fruit out of season? However, when we take a closer look, we realize that Jesus did not curse the tree for not bearing fruit out of season. Instead, he cursed it for giving a false impression. Though it was not the season for figs, the tree was in leaf indicating that it had figs as well. However, when Jesus examined the tree He discovered that the tree’s appearance did not match reality. It was a hypocrite.

Jesus dealt with a more serious form of hypocrisy when He entered Jerusalem. God intended the Temple to be a place of prayer and worship. Moreover, the Temple was not only for the Jewish people. Around the sanctuary was a large courtyard. Though non-Jewish people were forbidden to enter the Temple, itself, the courtyard was a place where they could pray and seek God. However, the religious leaders in Jerusalem had turned the courtyard intended for non-Jewish people into a place of business. They not only sold animals for sacrifice, they also exchanged the money used for the Temple tax there. Mark indicates that some of the things which were bought and sold were not even related to the Temple rituals. In short, the leaders who controlled the Temple had forgotten its purpose. Instead of helping and encouraging foreigners to seek after God, they were making it impossible for them to worship. They were serving themselves and profiting from the Temple instead of serving God. They were using a cloak of religion to mask their own greed.

Jesus would have none of it. He drove the businessmen out of the Temple and cleared the courtyard so it would be available for worship and prayer again. The religious leaders were powerless to stop Him. However, instead of repenting of their sin and hypocrisy, they plotted to kill the One who exposed them for what they were.

The next day the disciples noticed that the fig tree which Jesus cursed, had withered. Jesus not only used the fig tree as a lesson in faith, He also used it to teach about forgiveness. The tree was a metaphor for the corrupt, hypocritical religious leaders of the Temple. Jesus cursed the tree because, contrary to appearances, it had no fruit. The religious leaders would similarly be cursed if they continued in their hypocrisy. In the same way, the disciples could not expect God to forgive their own hypocrisy if they would not forgive others.

When Jesus arrived back at the Temple, the religious leaders confronted Him. In verses 27 through 33 Mark writes, “They came again to Jerusalem, and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him, and they began saying to him, “By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John—was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me.” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we should say, ‘From heaven;’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ If we should say, ‘From men’”—they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet. They answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said to them, “Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.””

The religious leaders showed their own lack of spiritual awareness when they asked Jesus about His authority. How could one man clear the Temple courts by Himself? The fact that none of the businessmen or, more importantly, the Temple police could stop Jesus should have been an indication that He was doing it in the power of God. Further, these men who prided themselves on knowing the Scriptures should have remembered what God said through the prophet Malachi, ““…suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.” (Malachi 3:1-3 NIV) Just as a refiner’s fire causes the dross to come to the surface and as soap lifts the dirt from cloth, Jesus’ question exposed the dishonesty of those who confronted Him.

Jesus’ disciples believed that He was the Messiah the prophets predicted would come and for who’s appearing the people of Israel had waited for hundreds of years. One of the roles of the Messiah is that of King. The disciples were convinced that Jesus would openly declare Himself as King and inaugurate His kingdom when He went to Jerusalem.

The disciples were correct that Jesus was the Messiah and a king. The question was, what sort of king would Jesus be? Jesus had already taught His disciples that the way to attain greatness is through service. On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus had a opportunity to demonstrate this. In chapter 10, verses 46 through 52 of the Gospel account which bears his name, John writes, “They came to Jericho. As he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him, that he should be quiet, but he cried out much more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still, and said, “Call him.” They called the blind man, saying to him, “Cheer up! Get up. He is calling you!” He, casting away his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “Rabboni, that I may see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus on the way.”

By calling Jesus the ‘Son of David’, it is evident that Bartimaeus, as well as the disciples, regarded Jesus as the King who’s coming the prophets predicted. The title points to the promise God made to King David, “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16 NIV) Jesus did not rebuke Bartimaeus for calling Him ‘Son of David’. By accepting the title Jesus acknowledged that He was the promised King.

Though Jesus did not rebuke Bartimaeus, the crowd tried to silence him. Perhaps they thought it was inappropriate for someone to interrupt a king. Bartimaeus would not be silenced. He shouted all the more. He understood the nature of King Jesus better than the crowd. He had confidence that Jesus would listen to his petition. His confidence was not misplaced. Because of his faith, Jesus granted his request and healed him. Upon being healed, Bartimaeus followed Jesus. It is worth noting that Jesus is still a compassionate King today. He is still willing to hear our petitions when we cry out to him. Scripture says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV) The question is whether we have the courage to call out to Jesus like Bartimaeus or whether we will let the indignant crowd stifle our cry.

It is amusing that when Jesus called Bartimaeus the attitude of the crowd changed. The same people who tried to discourage Bartimaeus now encouraged him. It seems like they were more concerned about trying to curry favor with Jesus than about Bartimaeus’ needs. Are we so concerned about trying to look good that we forget about serving?

Shortly after this incident Jesus gave another indication about what sort of king He was. In chapter 11, verses 1 through 11, Mark writes, “When they came near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, and said to them, “Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him, and bring him. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs him;’ and immediately he will send him back here.” They went away, and found a young donkey tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him. Some of those who stood there asked them, “What are you doing, untying the young donkey?” They said to them just as Jesus had said, and they let them go. They brought the young donkey to Jesus, and threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it. Many spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and spreading them on the road. Those who went in front, and those who followed, cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.”

Most rulers don’t hesitate to take what they want. Though Jesus did not hesitate to make use of someone else’s property when He needed it, the difference between Him and other kings is that He promised to return it. He was not the kind of ruler who despoils and loots His subjects.

But why did Jesus choose to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt? Surely a warhorse would have been more appropriate for a great king to ride? What Jesus did was the fulfillment of a prophecy. The prophet Zechariah wrote, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” (Zechariah 9:1-10 NIV)

Contrary to what many of Jesus’ disciples thought, He did not come to establish a political kingdom who’s armies would defeat the Romans and conquer the world. Instead, Jesus came to rule people’s hearts. He came to persuade rather than force. His was a mission of reconciliation and peace rather than one of conquest. He came to win people over with love rather than make them submit. He came to set people free rather than enslave them. His kingdom is of the spirit rather than physical territory. “Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”” (Luke 17:20-21 NIV)

Jesus accepted as His right the shouts of the crowd welcoming Him to Jerusalem as King. He went in triumphal procession to the Temple – the center of Jewish religious life and the embodiment of Jewish nationalistic fervor. Then, He did a surprising thing. Instead of proclaiming the beginning of His reign or making an impassioned speech to the crowd, He merely looked around and quietly left the city.

The very same event can cause some to fear and give hope to others. This is what happened when, in spite of the religious leaders’ opposition, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem. In chapter 10, verses 32 through 34 of the Gospel which bears his name Mark writes, “They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going in front of them, and they were amazed; and those who followed were afraid. He again took the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were going to happen to him. “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death, and will deliver him to the Gentiles. They will mock him, spit on him, scourge him, and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.””

Mark does not tell us why the disciples were astonished and the rest of Jesus’ followers were afraid when Jesus led the way to Jerusalem. Perhaps the disciples were astonished that Jesus would deliberately go to a place where so many influential people opposed Him. Perhaps Jesus’ followers were afraid that the authorities would take action against them as well as against Jesus. If this is the case, it speaks well of their faith in Jesus that they were willing to risk trouble and suffering in order to follow Him.

Of the two groups, Jesus’ disciples seemed the least aware of what Jesus faced. This is amazing because Jesus had already told them twice before that the religious leaders would reject Him and have Him executed. Now, for the third time, Jesus privately told the disciples what would happen in Jerusalem. This time Jesus added explicit detail about what would be done to Him – He would be condemned, mocked, tortured and killed by the very people who should have welcomed and supported Him the most. However, this betrayal would not end in disaster. In three days time, Jesus would rise from the dead.

It is obvious that in spite of Jesus’ specific warning about His coming humiliation and death, the disciples still did not understand. They thought that Jesus was going to Jerusalem to establish an earthly kingdom. Some of them decided to benefit from it. In verses 35 through 45 Mark writes, “James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came near to him, saying, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask.” He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left hand, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to him, “We are able.” Jesus said to them, “You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant toward James and John. Jesus summoned them, and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

Perhaps James and John realized that their desire was not entirely in harmony with God’s will, for they asked Jesus to grant their wish without telling Him what it was. However, Jesus was too wise to be caught that way. He would not allow anyone to put Him in a position where He had to either break His promise or to grant something contrary to God’s will. Instead, He forced James and John to clearly state what they wanted.

In reply to James’ and John’s request for places of honor Jesus told them that they did not understand what they were asking for. While they were correct that Jesus would be glorified, He would first have to pay a great price.

Jesus used two metaphors to describe the price He was about to pay. The first was a cup. In several places the Old Testament pictures judgment as if someone were drinking from a cup filled with God’s wrath. The judgment for the sins of the entire world would come upon Jesus. The second metaphor Jesus used was that of baptism. He would be immersed in trouble and suffering. Were James and John willing and able to pay the same price in order to receive the honor they craved?

Foolishly, James and John declared that they were able. Jesus told them that they would indeed suffer, but He could not grant their request. God is the One who has decided who will sit at Jesus’ right or left. Jesus would not try to usurp that authority.

The other disciples harbored the same ambition as James and John. They did not understand that the principles of the Kingdom of God are the opposite of the principles upon which worldly power is based. Jesus had to explain to them that the world measures position and power by how many people serve a ruler. In contrast, in the Kingdom of God, position and greatness is measured by how much a person serves. Not even Jesus, Himself, was exempt from this principle. He did not come to receive service. On the contrary, He came to serve others. In fact, Jesus was going to lay down His own life on behalf of others.

In light of Jesus’ teaching we can say that those who are truly great do not seek power and position at all. Their focus is not on themselves and their own honor. Their concern is how much and how well they can serve and help others.

Similar to Jesus’ disciples in this incident, there are many in the church, even today, who have not learned the lesson. As Jesus said on another occasion about the religious leaders of His day, “They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’” (Matthew 23:4-7 NIV) What about us? Do we crave positions of honor and power over others? Do we seek the acclaim of men? Or, do we have a heart of service? Are we willing to sacrifice ourselves that others may benefit?

Even though death is universal, there is something in our souls which refuses to accept this and which longs for eternal life. This is not surprising because God created us for life. However, as a consequence of Adam’s disobedience God banned access to the Tree of Life. Mankind has been searching for it ever since. Someone once asked Jesus what is the key to obtaining eternal life. In chapter 10, verses 17 through 23 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark tells us about it.

“As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not give false testimony,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.” Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.” But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions. Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!””

Jesus’ reply was unexpected. He asked why the man called Him good. Only God is good. There are many people who are willing to acknowledge Jesus as a great teacher, or even as a prophet. However, the truth is that we cannot call Jesus good without also recognizing that He is far more than just a man. In reality He is God come down to live among us. As Scripture says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17 NIV)

The man who came to Jesus may have only intended to seek His opinion or advice. But by calling Jesus ‘good’ he acknowledged Jesus’ divine authority. Whatever Jesus said to him would not merely be a suggestion; it would be a divine command. He had to follow it or disobey God.

Jesus, then recited something the man already knew – a portion of the part of the Law of Moses which we call the Ten Commandments. If someone were to keep the Law perfectly he would receive eternal life because God, Himself, said, “Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 18:5 NIV)

In spite of keeping the commandments the man still must have felt some lack or he would not have asked the question about how to obtain eternal life. Apparently the man was sincere because Jesus loved him and invited him to become one of His followers. It is worth noting that this is very similar to the invitation Jesus gave to His disciples. Jesus pinpointed the man’s lack when He told him to sell everything and give it to the poor. His problem was that though he kept the Law, it was only an external compliance. He kept the letter, and missed the spirit. Instead of depending on God, he was relying on his own efforts and his possessions to secure his place in eternity. By doing so he violated the most important of all the commands in the Mosaic Law: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV). Or, as it says in the Ten Commandments, “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3 NIV) The man went away sad because he put a higher value on his riches than on serving Christ. He could not bear to give up the temporary in order to gain the eternal. What about us? Are willing to give up our idols in order to gain eternal life?

In verses 24 through 31 Mark tells us the disciples’ reaction to Jesus comment about how hard it is for rich people to enter God’s Kingdom, “The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter into God’s Kingdom! It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.” They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.” Peter began to tell him, “Behold, we have left all, and have followed you.” Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News, but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time: houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last first.””

The disciples’ reaction is typical of many people even today. If it is difficult for the rich to enter God’s Kingdom, then what hope does anyone else have? They thought that wealth was a sign of God’s blessing and favor. Jesus seemed to be saying that instead of a sign of God’s favor, wealth is often an obstacle to obtaining God’s favor. A rich man can’t enter the Kingdom any more than a camel can pass through a needle’s eye. Jesus’ point is that rich or poor, it is impossible for anyone to earn salvation or eternal life by his own efforts. If anyone is going to be saved or obtain eternal life it is only because God makes it possible.

The disciples were still thinking in terms of earning God’s favor by their good works. In contrast to the rich man who refused to part from his wealth, they had given up everything to follow Jesus. What would they gain for doing so? In reply Jesus said that anyone who gives up something for the sake of the Gospel will receive a hundred times more in return. However, we should not think of this in material terms. Jesus spoke of the new relationships and community one enters when he decides to follow. As He had previously said, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35 NIV) When we choose to do God’s will, we enter the same spiritual family as everyone else who does God’s will. Just as blood relatives help one another and share their possessions, so do the members of this spiritual family. When we enter this family, we gain far more than we gave up. However, the gain does not come without cost. We will also experience persecution. Are we willing to pay the price?

Jesus ended with warning: Many who are first will be last and the last first. In the context, those who cling to their wealth, or those who depend on their own good works to earn eternal life will be disappointed.

Instead of promoting Himself, Jesus constantly served others and put their interests ahead of His own. Not only His teaching, but His very life was a threat to the religious leaders of the time. His humility, service and righteousness exposed their pride and hypocrisy. The religious leaders tried their best to discredit Jesus. The problem was that the miracles Jesus performed validated His message and proved He was from God.

Since they could not deny that the miracles Jesus performed were genuine, the leaders tried to discredit Him another way. In chapter 10, verses 1 through 12 of the Gospel which bears his name Mark writes, “He arose from there and came into the borders of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Multitudes came together to him again. As he usually did, he was again teaching them. Pharisees came to him testing him, and asked him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her.” But Jesus said to them, “For your hardness of heart, he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife, and the two will become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” In the house, his disciples asked him again about the same matter. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery against her. If a woman herself divorces her husband, and marries another, she commits adultery.””

On the surface, the question the Pharisees asked could be taken as a genuine request for information. However, Mark indicates that these men were not sincerely seeking to know God’s will. Instead they asked their question to test Jesus. If they could get Him to say something which was contrary to the Law of Moses, they could label Jesus as a blasphemer or a heretic. Perhaps another reason they asked this particular question was that this incident took place in the area ruled by Herod Antipas. Herod had already arrested and executed John the Baptist because John had declared that Herod’s divorce and remarriage was illegal. If Jesus took the same position, perhaps Herod would arrest Him too.

If the intent was to catch Jesus saying something contrary to the Law of Moses, the Pharisees set themselves up for disappointment. Since Jesus came from God and only preached the message God gave Him, His words would never contradict any message God had already given.

Instead of trapping Jesus, Jesus trapped the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a group of men who had dedicated themselves to keeping the Law of Moses. Since they were experts in the Law, Jesus turned their question about divorce on its head by asking them what law Moses had given them concerning divorce. There is an important principle here. If we already know what God’s word says about a certain topic, then there is no need to ask someone to tell us what it says. If we do, it calls our own motives into question. Either we are seeking an excuse to disobey what God has said, or we are trying to discredit the person we ask.

In reply to Jesus the Pharisees had no option but to quote the Law: Moses permitted divorce. Jesus could have said, “You’ve answered your own question,” and left it there. However, Jesus went on to talk about the reason God, through Moses, permitted divorce and, in so doing, subtly encouraged the Pharisees to examine their own motives. Yes, Moses permitted divorce, but that was not God’s intention. God’s intent was for a man and woman to become one for life through the covenant of marriage. In marriage the two persons become a single organism. Since God joins the two together in marriage, people should not tear that union apart. From this we learn that not everything which is legal is ethical or moral. God permitted divorce, not because He desires it but as an expedient because men’s hearts are hard. By divorcing his or her spouse a marriage partner rejects the will of God.

When the disciples asked Jesus to clarify His teaching, Jesus went on to say that divorcing and remarrying is equivalent to committing adultery. Needless to say, this teaching is not welcome by people who have hard or selfish hearts.

Jesus’ disciples exhibited another form of hard heart. In verses 13 through 16 Mark writes, “They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.” He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”

Those who think too highly of themselves tend to look down on those whom they regard of less importance. In the view of the disciples, children were insignificant and not worth bothering a great man like Jesus about. Even if the disciples were merely trying to spare Jesus from interruption or overwork, their actions infuriated Jesus. Earlier Mark wrote that Jesus proclaimed that some among those gathered around Him would witness the Kingdom of God come with power (Mark 9:1). Here the the disciples were turning away the very people who belonged to the Kingdom.

Why did Jesus say that the Kingdom belongs to those who are childlike? It is because children are receptive. In spite of all their learning, most of the religious leaders rejected Jesus and cast doubt on His character. Luke writes in his account of this same incident that Jesus called the children to Him (Luke 18:16). In contrast to the religious leaders, when Jesus called, the children came to Him and accepted Him. When the children came, Jesus placed His hands on them and blessed them.

The same principle applies to us today. We cannot reject the King and still enter the Kingdom. We cannot receive Christ’s blessing without coming to Him. Each one of us needs to look into our own hearts: Have we accepted King Jesus with the same trust and confidence as a little child? Or are our hearts still hard and unbelieving?