Renewed Hope and a New Mission

Mark 16:1-7

On Easter morning a group of women showed an extraordinary level of devotion and service to Jesus. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome acted out of selfless service. Like Jesus, they were looking to serve not to be served. The women who went to the tomb expected nothing in return. Jesus was dead and buried. The promised Kingdom collapsed. There was nothing left to do but one last act of service for the Jesus they loved so much

The norm seems to be that people shop for a church where they can have their needs met. They want to be fed rather than to feed. Jesus was surrounded by people who wanted healing or to see a miracle. 

The women were part of a radical change. They religious establishment did not want change. Jesus' closest followers were happy with the way things were but God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him will have everlasting life (John 3:16). Christ death and resurrection brought change that shook Heaven and Earth.

Because of His sacrifice we pass from death to life. It’s called new birth and it happens by letting Jesus into your life. The resurrection means that you can be a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

They left with a new mission. They expected a stone but found an empty tomb. The women were told to go and tell. They had a new life and a new mission. GO and tell.
 
At the end of Matthew's Gospel Jesus commanded, “GO and make disciples.”

Have you been born again? Are you a new creation? Are you ready then to GO and TELL.

How can they call on the one they have not believed in
and how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard. How beautiful are he feet of those who bring good news. (Romans 10:14 )

Indifference

And they crucified him.
Dividing up his clothes,
they cast lots
to see what each would get.
Mark 15:24

The soldiers at the foot of the cross were at the scene of the most significant event in all of history, but they missed it. They were close to the cross, but far from Christ.
 
Familiarity made them indifferent. Soldiers performed many crucifixions. It was just another day at the office. Has familiarity caused the cross to lose it's impact today? We see crosses everywhere; on top of buildings, on tomb stones, tee shirts, on our jewelry. Given enough time, everything will be taken for granted; no matter how valuable.

We took the old rugged cross and polished it to make it shiny turning an instrument of execution into a fashion statement. However, displaying the cross is not the same as being transformed by it.

Materialism made them indifferent. The soldiers wanted Jesus’ clothes. It was part of their benefit package. There is nothing wrong with working and making a living but the soldiers were so busy gambling for Jesus' clothes that they never looked up to see the savior of the world.

Busyness made them indifferent. The soldiers were too busy to notice whom they were crucifying. We can be close to the cross but too busy to notice. Even good deeds become bad if they distract us from God. Jesus told of man who was beaten, robbed and left naked and unconscious by the road. Two ministers passed by the man without rendering aid. They were busy.

People who get used to going through the motions of serving God can fall asleep spiritually.

The Unexpected Cross

Mark 15:21

Simon was in Jerusalem for Passover. He traveled a long way to fulfill lifetime dream but things did not turn out the way he expected. “And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear [Jesus'] cross.” (Mark 15:21)

Jesus was exhausted and the soldiers had the right to compel anyone to carry a load for a mile. Simon just happened to be in the right place at the right time. God had a divine appointment with Simon that day.

Simon's divine appointment had an eternal impact. Until that moment Simon had just been a nameless bystander but, once he carried Christ’s cross, his life changed. We can never encounter the cross and remain unchanged. If we accept Christ, we are transformed, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Simon of Cyrene's encounter with Jesus transformed him and his family. Mark names Simon's sons, Alexander and Rufus, because they were known to early readers of his gospel. Paul gives a shout out to Rufus in his letter to the Romans, “Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” (Romans 16:13)

Simon took the Gospel back to Cyrene where he led both his family and the Jewish community to Christ. Lucius of Cyrene was one of the founders of the church in Antioch. (Acts 13:1)

Like Simon, you might encounter God unexpectedly. Most things we long for never happen but the greatest joys can come unexpectedly and, sometimes, disguised as hardship.

When Simon took up the cross, he left a legacy for the church. Simon was changed forever by one simple act. Join Simon in carrying the cross of Christ.

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Mocking Jesus

Mark 15:16-20

Jesus was turned over to the soldiers to be beaten and whipped. This was great sport for the soldiers who were allowed to do with the convict as they pleased. They dressed Jesus in a fake royal robe and forced a crown of thorns upon his head. “Hail, King of the Jews,” they would say as they struck him and spat on him.

The soldiers did not mock Jesus for what he did. He never spoke against the government nor called for riots or protests. Instead, he demonstrated compassion and concern for the poor and forgiveness to all who repented. He was mocked for the darkness revealed in their souls. They refused light, preferring to remain in darkness.

People still mock Jesus. “In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. (2 Peter 3:3)

The rich and famous continue to indulge in depravity and mock God. Justin Beiber's wild rampage is just one example among so many. Jesus is mocked on TV, in songs comedy routines and political speeches.

Jesus shows us how to respond. He did not retaliate when false charges were brought against him. He knew what was coming and he warned his disciples, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him.” (Mark 10:33-34)

Jesus used the hatred, the mockery, and the cruelty to bring God's will.

In America, the First Amendment allows you to speak your mind; even if your mind is full of immoral thoughts and blasphemy. On the other hand, God's Word is working against the mockers: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)

God can turn mockers into missionaries. A man named Saul of Tarsus persecuted the early church. A visit from Jesus turned persecutor Saul into Paul the missionary. He tells us in Romans 12:17-21, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

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What shall I do about Jesus?

Mark15:1-15

Many people were forced to make choices one fateful day in Jerusalem. Some bad choices were made. What choice would you have made? “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked. (Mark 15:12)

The religious establishment saw Jesus was disrupting their way of doing things. His views were a threat to political stability and the Pharisees control over religious opinion. They chose POWER instead of the PRINCE of PEACE.

The crowd was fickle. Once they backed Jesus but now they turn against him. Public opinion is easily swayed by those who know how to manipulate it. The crowd chose POPULAR OPINION instead of the PRINCE OF PEACE.

Only the Roman's had authority to carry out a death sentence, so, it was up to the governor, Pontius Pilate. Pilate tried repeatedly to avoid making a decision. He knew he was being set up but Pilate washed his hands and convicted Jesus to death. Pilate will forever be remembered because he gave in to the pressures surrounding him. He was not strong enough to stand up for what was right. He did not want to get on the bad side of the Jewish leaders. He chose POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY instead of the PRINCE OF PEACE.

What will you do about Jesus?

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve....

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Joshua 24:15

Second Chances

Mark 14:66-72

Following Jesus is a decision to be made today and everyday, not a historical event from your past. You are either drawing closer to him or you are pulling away. If you drift far enough away, you can suddenly find yourself denying him, even if it was never your intent to do so.

The Apostle Peter had been following Jesus closely but, now that Jesus has been arrested, he keeps his distance; staying close to the enemy's fire. Not wanting to be identified as a follower of Christ, he hangs out where there are no disciples and tries to fit in with the crowd.

Peter's spiritual collapse reached a peak with his appalling three denials of Jesus. However, his failure wasn't final. God’s love is not dependent on our performance or success. After Jesus' resurrection, he seeks out Peter and asks him three times, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-19)

Jesus provided Peter with an opportunity to reaffirm his loyalty and commitment to him. We want to condemn Peter but Jesus gives him another chance. Peter is a changed man. He soon preaches a powerful sermon and 3000 souls are saved.

He no longer hides his faith from the authorities. Instead, he tells them, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20)

No matter how you have failed; no matter what sin you have allowed into your life, the Savior who died for you still loves you. Maybe you feel that, because of something you have done or experienced, you are counted out. Listen to the voice of Jesus who asking, “Do you love me?”

Yet to all who did receive him,

to those who believed in his name,

he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12

Sunday's Coming

Mark 14:53-65

God will walk with us in our time of trial and make us more like Jesus.

Jesus was arrested while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. The religious establishment sent an armed guard, led by Judas, at night and took him into custody. (Mark 14:43)

Jesus was betrayed by his friends. Not just Judas but by the rest of the disciples as well. Peter, James and John could not stay awake and pray with him. (Mark 14:37) They had promised to endure to the end but now they run in panic. (Mark 14:50)

Jesus was betrayed by society. The religious establishment was supposed to be on the lookout for messiah but did not recognize him when he came. Roman law was supposed to protect Jesus from corrupt local politicians but political expediency led Pilate to condemn a man he declared to be innocent. The crowd that once shouted Hosanna now shouted “Crucify him!”

Jesus was alone, abandoned and surrounded by his enemies but God promises to be with us even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4) Jesus was arrested, tried and convicted. He was tortured to death and buried. But that was Friday and Sunday was coming. What Satan meant for evil God used to bring our Salvation and on the 3^rd day Jesus rose from the grave.

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned. (Genesis 37:26-27) That was his Friday but Sunday was coming. He rose to be 2^nd in command of Egypt. (Genesis 41:40) What his brothers meant for evil God used to save Israel.

Are you going through a valley? Are you experiencing a Friday? Well, Sunday's coming!

What others may see as evil, God can use for good. Every tear, every pain, every sorrow can be used to help you become more like Jesus. He will give you Gold for your Ashes.

Weeping may endure for a night

but joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

Praying Under Pressure

Mark 14:32-42

Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane shows how to respond to anxiety and stay within God's will. Jesus was under great pressure. He said, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Mark 14:34)

Have you ever experienced that level of stress; waiting for the results of a medical test or facing the aftermath of a life changing event? Physical symptoms include loss of sleep, weakness, and inability to concentrate. Stress can ruin your day.

Anticipation – even with an assured outcome – brings stress. Jesus was distressed even though he knew he would rise in 3 days. He turned to our heavenly Father in prayer.

This was not a casual chat with God about a concern or desire. It wasn’t a polished, formal prayer. It follows the pattern of laments in the Psalms when one would pour out emotions and complaints. It’s the prayer we pray when we’ve run out of options; with our lives turned upside down and headed in a bad direction.

Jesus cried out “Abba, Father...” (Mark 14:36)

This is an informal way of addressing one's father. It isn’t a sign of disrespect, but of trust that God hears and cares. Some might think it a little disrespectful to address Our Father Who Art in Heaven as “daddy” but, when we are in a Gethsemane-like experience, we need to pray as a child to a loving father.

We’re so used to “doing” things to solve our problems that prayer seems a waste of time. Praying doesn’t often look like its doing anything but we need to wait on God. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Jesus was strengthened by supernatural power. Three times Jesus asked the Father to find another way for Him to do His mission but he ended His prayer: “Yet, not what I will, but as You will." (Mark 14:36)

Jesus submits entirely to the Father’s will. Luke tells us that an angel from heaven strengthened Jesus. (Luke 22:43) For every Gethsemane there is an angel to come along side and strengthen us. God sent ravens to feed Elijah. He provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. He will take care of you.

If you're going through a Gethsemane experience, you can still experience God's presence and comfort. Prayer will transform our pain into spiritual growth through supernatural strength.

Spy v. Spy

Mark 14:12-26

This part of Mark’s gospel reads like a spy novel.

THE BAD GUYS

The religious establishment is plotting to murder Jesus. They liked things the way they used to be and did not care that God had a better way. Judas was their inside man. One of the closest to Jesus told the enemy where he could be found. He walked up to Jesus in the darkness and marked him for death with a kiss.

THE GOOD GUYS

Jesus' people are everywhere. Remember the ones who gave the Apostles the donkey colt? They heard the right phrase and provided Jesus' ride into Jerusalem. (Mark 11:1-6)

Jesus told the Apostles to look for a man carrying a pitcher of water. They would get the location for the evening's passover observance from him. This would have been an uncommon site, as getting of water was considered woman’s work but, in the hustle and bustle of passover, no one would have paid much attention to the man carrying water. On the other hand, for the Apostles, it was a secret sign.

God often works behind the scenes. Rahab was an innkeeper in the city of Jericho. She had heard about God and the miraculous delivery of His people from slavery in Egypt and decided to protect Israel's spies and advance God's agenda. (Joshua 2)

History is often remembered through the stories of kings and generals but God's story is told through faithful followers that are unimportant to the world.

THE SLEEPER AGENTS

There are infiltrators who live among us as normal people. They are loyal to another country and are ready to attack when orders are given. They have the capacity to do great damage because they act like everyone else; they talk the talk and walk the walk. Like Judas, they strike without warning.

One the other hand, even the schemes of the enemy can serve God's purposes. Judas was a key figure in the story of redemption. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery but God used that event to save the people of Israel. The communist's expelled European missionaries from China but the church continued to grow.

Blind Ambition

Mark 14:10-11 

Even among Jesus' closest followers there was an unbeliever. The infamy of Judas betrayal made his name synonymous with treason. It did not have to be this way. 

Judas had great potential and an opportunity to go down in history alongside Peter, John and the others. There was nothing in his character that alerted the other apostles about the duplicity in his heart. He was the treasurer (John 12:6); a position of great trust in any organization. 

Judas was destroyed by ambition. He lusted after power and stole from the apostles treasury (John 12:6) but it was for more than money that he betrayed Jesus. Judas had political aspirations. He sought a king not a savior. Many still make the same error today. We hear the same voice but some fail to understand the heart of the gospel is peace; that the abundant life has nothing to do with wealth and power. 

When Judas understood that Jesus was not preaching revolution, he tried to force his own plan into effect. Perhaps, he expected a violent uprising to save Jesus. Maybe, he believed he would replace Jesus and be the next leader. Sometimes, when we come to Jesus with our own desires and ambitions, our personal agendas end up overshadowing the gospel. Judas used his association with Jesus and the disciples for personal gain and demonstrated a total disregard for their safety. He misunderstood Christ's mission and even opposed the worship of Christ by others (John 12:4-5). 

 Throughout his ministry, Jesus warned about the deception that eventually destroyed Judas. Jesus warned that there would be wolves in sheep clothing (Matthew 7:15). He explained that weeds would grow alongside the good wheat (Matthew 13:24-30). Jesus preached about those who claimed to perform God-honoring works, but He said of them, "I never knew you." (Matthew 7:21-23) 

Just as Judas could be so close to Jesus and never change his heart, people can be in church their whole lives and never become true followers of Christ. Judas is a startling example that is possible to know about Jesus but be one of His sheep who know His voice. 

 Judas' blind ambition led to his suicide. He was overcome with anguish over his horrible deed. Rejecting Jesus always leaves us condemned; by our own consciences and by God-- for the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)

Broken and Spilled Out

Mark 14:1-11

Sandwiched between the declaration of Israel's leaders to kill Jesus and Judas' decision to betray him, a woman expresses her devotion to Jesus in a tangible and generous manner. She broke open an expensive jar of perfume and poured it on his head. She was so overwhelmed by the wonder of Jesus Christ and his love for us that she wanted to give back. When we put God first, we serve Him, not out of duty but out of love.

She gave sacrificially. The perfume was expensive; about the annual wage of a laborer. It was usually used to anoint a body in preparation for burial. Sometimes, a little was used to anoint guests.

True love refuses to count the cost. Earlier Mark told us about a woman who gave two coins; all she had. (Mark 12:41-44) Neither of these women held anything back.

The disciples objected to what they perceived as waste (Mark 14:4-5) but love always seems wasteful to those who don’t love. A person’s outlook is determined by what is inside the heart. Judas witnessed an act of love and called it an extravagant waste but offerings of love are never wasted. Jesus did not receive any other expression of love prior to his crucifixion.

This woman thought only of Jesus as she broke that jar and poured that perfume over his head but she immediately faced attacks. Christ followers will never do anything worthwhile for Jesus without being criticized – even by other churchgoers. The devil only bothers those who are working for Jesus and his favorite tactic is to use people in your church, your family, or your friends to reject you and try to get others against you.

The woman's act had an eternal impact. Jesus said, "Wherever this gospel is preached throughout the whole world, what this woman did will also be spoken of as a memorial to her." (Mark 14:9)

Our acts of love will have eternal impact if, like this woman, we have more compassion and generosity and less concern about what somebody might think or say.

Is there something you can do this week to demonstrate your love in service to Christ?

The End of the World

Mark 13

Remember when the world was going to end on December 2012?

Have you seen those National Geographic shows about Doomsday Preppers? Each show features people preparing to survive the end of the world. Each show presents a different scenario. Lot's of money and time are sacrificed on an altar of paranoia.

Our fascination with the end of the world makes us vulnerable to cults, charlatans and false prophets. It was only two years ago that Harold Camping convinced large numbers of people that the rapture would be May 21, 2011. Many of them quit their jobs and spent their savings.

Jesus warns us not to be fooled by signs and false prophets but, rather, to preach the gospel: “Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.” (Mark 13:4)

Wars, rumors of war and natural disasters are fuel for the doomsayers. Remember the media frenzy surrounding the Swine Flu? And the Asian Flu? And AIDS? And Herpes? The 1918 flu killed 100 million (6% of the world's population.) It was the worst medical holocaust in history but it wasn't the end.

In the midst of speaking about end-time scenarios, Jesus states that first the gospel must be preached. (Mark 13:10) Jesus reminds us to keep the main thing the main thing.

God will bring history to an end at a time and in a manner of His choosing. It is a day feared by some but welcomed by God's people. Jesus gives us words of encouragement. They are not meant to spark the imagination of false prophets nor create new theologies.

Jesus tells us that we are to first preach the gospel

• even in times of tribulation from war, disease and disaster
• even when the government turns against us
• even though everyone hates you

The Widow's Might

Mark12:41-44

Jesus watches rich and poor present offerings to God. The rich were very generous. Their incomes and offerings were large. Poor people gave, too, but their contributions were not noticed. Everyone brought an offering as was expected.

The giving was public. They were pouring money into containers called “trumpets.” The coins made a constant clanging noise as they were cast into the containers. The clanking was an immediate reward for the giver; more coins made it louder. The clanking served as both a celebration of generosity and a reminder of responsibility.

There was a community expectation of support for God's work. The public giving created an atmosphere of accountability. The people lined up in a stewardship parade waiting their turn to give their offering.

A poor widow drops two of the smallest coins; their faint click is drowned out by the heavy clanking of more substantial coins made by the rich. She seems unnoticed but Jesus is so impressed that he says her offerings are more important that those made by men of wealth and prestige.

Jesus was impressed because she denied herself. She had two mites to give and could have kept one for herself. If she had only one coin then the decision would have been simple but she had two coins and the choice was greater. She gave both.

She surrendered all and trusted God for the care of her life. She knew that if she was to be assured of God’s care, she had to give all. Jesus said, “...any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33)

Whether we are rich, poor or somewhere in between, Jesus looks at the size of our sacrifice more than the size of our gift.

How Far Are You from the Kingdom?

Mark12:28-34

“You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:34

Jesus began at the level of commitment of each person he met. Often he would simply capture interest and create a desire to know more. Then, as people would continue to follow him, Jesus would slowly, gently define more clearly the kingdom of God and ask for a deeper commitment to it.

He didn't lay any heavy requirement on those early followers. At Jesus' first encounter with John and Andrew, he simply said, “Come and…see!” (John 1:39)

After three years of ministry, Jesus gave his ultimate challenge to the crowd: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark8:34)

Jesus was able to ask for that kind of commitment from the crowd only after demonstrating his love for them and earning their trust. To a stranger or first-time visitor at a church I believe Jesus would be more likely to say, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29)

Just as Jesus recognized different levels of spiritual development, we, too, must adjust our conversations to meet a person’s spiritual understanding. Matching our expectations to a person’s spiritual development. We are most effective when we work with people in whom God is already at work.

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; 
nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 
 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)

What Your Heart Reveals

Mark 12:28-34
 
Blood tests can reveal the condition of your heart but your heart reveals the condition of your faith.

Your heart is important to God. Jesus once told a man that the greatest commandment is: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30)

The heart represents our moral choices and motivations. The Bible declares, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7)

The heart reveals the truth. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” (Matthew 15:19)

The heart reveals our priorities. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

The heart is also the source of our faith. “'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:8-10)

We must beware because the heart can deceive us. “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

A bad heart can fail you when you need it. It can become numb and cynical and eventually cause your death. Because of this we need is a heart transplant from God. "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26)

Just a new physical heart allows you to do things you could not do before, a new spiritual heart will allow you to love God and put away shame, bitterness and deceit.
 
A new heart must be protected. The first heart transplant recipient lived 18 days. Since then we have learned how to take better care of a new heart. We must protect our hearts spiritually as well. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Jesus said that some hearts will reject His message; those hearts that are occupied with competing priorities. Prayer, worship and trust are the keys to loving God with all our heart. 

Blessed are the pure in heart because they will see God.

Matthew 5:8

Politics Makes Strange Bedfellows

Mark 12:13-17

The Herodians were supporters and beneficiaries of the government and gained benefit from the Roman taxes. On the other hand, the more religious Pharisees had a militant political wing who had protested and revolted against the tax – sometimes with violence. The Pharisees and the Herodians, were sworn enemies but, against Jesus, they become allies. Jesus was upsetting things, his actions were alarming and threatened the plans of both political groups.

They wanted Jesus to make a public statement that would make lose popularity: “should we pay taxes to the Romans?” (Mark 12:15)

By paying taxes to the Romans you were financially supporting the occupation but refusing to pay taxes could bring the death penalty. Religion and politics are always cultural hot buttons. Religious persons use politics to further their agendas and the politically motivated use religion to further theirs. Both groups were putting culture and politics on a higher level than God

Jesus said, “Show me the money.” (Mark 12:15)

Clearly, Jesus did not have a coin. He asked the people who seemed to be concerned to produce one. They were already making accommodations to their current reality.

Jesus argued that, since the coin belonged to Caesar, it was right to give it back to him. They complained about the taxes but not about the benefits.

At the same time, the Romans were neither the answer nor the primary problem in regards to personal and community sin. The Pharisees' and Herodians' allegiance was misplaced. One group worshiped the state; the other worshiped their religious system. Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.” (Mark 12:17)

We must set Jesus as our priority over government and religion. You have heard it said, the two surest things in life are death and taxes but Jesus tells us that the surest thing in life is the power of the kingdom of God. It renders political rulers irrelevant in its wake. The empires of this world rise and fall but God’s kingdom wins in the end. It is to that Kingdom and its King that we belong.

Called to Account

Mark 12:1-12

We are called to account for the opportunities presented to us by God.

After Jesus chases the money changers out of the Temple (Mark 11:15-17), the religious establishment questioned his authority. Jesus answers the question with another question that links him to John the Baptist. (Mark 11:27-33)

He then tells a story about a man who planted a vineyard and equipped with everything necessary for it to thrive. He rented the vineyard out but, when the owner sent servants to collect his share of the harvest, he was denied. The servants were beaten and the owners own son was killed. The owner finally returned to seek justice and turned the vineyard to other tenants. (Mark 12:1-9)

The vineyard refers to of Israel, the people of God. They had been set apart and cultivated to bring salvation to the world. The owner is God, who built the vineyard, providing blessing and privilege for His people. The tenants are the religious leaders, who were the responsible for oversight, and were accountable to God. Israel’s leaders were expected to cause growth and maturity in the people.

The servants represent the prophets; messengers God sent to his people warn Israel: "Turn from all your evil ways. Obey my commands and laws, which are contained in the whole law that I commanded your ancestors and which I gave you through my servants the prophets." (2 Kings 17:13)

The owner's response reminds us that God will not be robbed of His glory. God’s plans will not be thwarted by the wickedness of men and sin will not go unpunished. The privilege of the harvest was given to others. The Gentiles would now be recipients of God’s message of salvation.

Once, you [Gentiles] were rebels against God, but when the Jews refused his mercy, God was merciful to you instead. (Romans 11:30)

Jesus connects the rejected son with the rejected stone that became the cornerstone. (Mark 12:10-12) The leaders who rejected Jesus didn’t realize how God would exalt him. Jesus is the cornerstone whose life and teaching are the foundation of the church.