April 17, 2011

Lesson: Mark 11:1–11

Key Verse: Mark 11:9

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Introduction

Christ came as a King with a kingdom to His temple, which He called “My house of prayer.’ The song of David proclaims this twofold activity of the Messiah, saying, “Praise waits for thee, O God, in Zion; and unto thee shall the vow be performed. O Thou that hears prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come” (Psa. 65:1–2). Our Lord is to be praised because He has called us to be in His kingdom. Our Lord would hear our prayers because he has prepared a place for us in His presence. Thus, when Christ came to Jerusalem, He heard His people sing his praises. We too are called to raise our voices in song, “Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord” (Ps. 113:1). Praise (Halal) is the picture of brightness. We are to celebrate the glory of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Hosanna of Mark 11:9 is found in Psalm 118:25–26, “Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.” The house of our Lord, the very Body of Christ, is to reveal this praise in our prayer life with the Father. Thus we are to be called His house of prayer. Let us be careful not to make our fellowships dens of thieves, twisting His word that we may gain treasure at the expense of others.

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Thy Kingdom Come—Mark 11:1–11

King Jesus set the time and the place, and He rode into Jerusalem with majesty and honor. He came as the Savior and King of His people. When Christ and His disciples came to the Mount of Olives, He commanded two of His disciples to find a colt. They were to say to the owner, “the Lord hath need of him.” The Lord had prepared a colt to ride into Jerusalem. He would ride as a victorious King. He was the King whose purpose it was to set His face toward Jerusalem; for He was set apart at birth, having been given the name ’Joshua,’ which means ‘Jehovah is salvation.’ He would save His people from their sins. He had spoken to His disciples about this last visit to Jerusalem, saying, “I go and prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). This place would be in the household of God the Father. The preparation for this reconciliation would take place on His cross of Calvary. His words to the disciples would ring true from that cross. Such as when He claimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Christ is the Captain of our salvation; the “author of eternal salvation” (Heb. 5:9); the faithful High Priest through whom we come to the “throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in time of need” (4:16).

Nothing is left to chance in God’s plan of salvation for His people. The Son was given the name above all names; in Christ alone we are be saved, our sins forgiven; and the promise given, that we have in Him the gift of eternal life. Each step of our Savior was prepared and fulfilled. The donkey was prepared for His entry into Jerusalem, as was the Cross, for our entry into the Father’s presence. Let us give much thanks and praise for our King and Savior who was “crowned with glory and honor; that (Christ) by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Heb. 2:9). By our Lord’s sacrifice we know the truth that we “are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels” (Heb. 12:22). The company we keep as children of our Father in heaven are mighty in strength and number. We claim with the innumerable number of saints “of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,” standing before the throne of The Lamb, saying, “Salvation is of the Lord …Blessing and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen” (Rev. 7:9–12).

Many had come to the feast of the Passover. Hearing of the coming of Jesus, they were moved to meet Him outside the city. They spread their clothes before Jesus, along with branches which they cut from the trees. The King of kings, the ruler of nations, came to God’s City as it was told by the prophets: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zech. 9:9).

The people cried with loud voices: “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.” Pray that the daughters of Zion, the Redeemed people of God, would cry out with such praise. We live in an age of entertainment: churches and so-called Christian leaders, working the crowd to an unholy frenzy. True rejoicing and praise that ring out for all to hear come from hearts that cannot hold in the wonderful truth of Christ and His saving grace, of the King and His righteous dominion.

Discussion: What is the meaning of Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2011 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.

February 27, 2011

Lesson: Mark 13:14–27

Key Verse: Mark 13:26

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Introduction

The Messiah has come in great power and glory, and continues to come to be our Deliverer with great authority and glory during times of persecutions. Paul wrote to the congregation at Thessalonica about the year 50 A.D., encouraging the saints to be faithful during these times of trial: “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches (congregations) of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of our own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews. Who hath killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost” (1 Thess. 2:12–16). The power and glory of Christ is seen in the saints as they fervently study the Word of God, which effectually works in their hearts and lives. The congregations of God encourage each other, for they suffer together the persecutions of the enemy of God who seek to deny us to openly preach the wonderful Gospel of Christ Jesus. Those who war against Christ and His Church (congregations of faithful saints) face the wrath of God for their sins, “for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.”

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Tribulation and Hope—Mark 13:14–23

The persecution that the Thessalonica Church felt in A.D. 50 was but a beginning of what would be called the great tribulation of A.D. 70. Christ Jesus spoke of the coming of the tribulation less than 40 years before: “But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not (let him that readeth understand).” The prophecy of Daniel spoke of the desolation to come upon Jerusalem: “for the overspreading of abomination he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolation” (Dan. 9:27). May he who reads this prophecy understand, which is given to us in words of Christ: “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh” (Luke 21:20). “Standing where it ought not,” is understood in these words of Christ, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination, spoken of in Daniel, the prophet, stand in the holy place” (Matt. 24:15). Pagan Rome would come upon Jerusalem and the temple in that time of tribulation of A.D. 70. The hand of the Almighty Lord would bring about this desolation. When the congregations of the Lord would see this coming, “then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains.”

At the coming of this judgment of the Lord, when Jerusalem and the temple would be made desolate, there would be those who would flee Jerusalem and Judea, with great urgency, “And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of the house: but woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!” This urgency is seen in the desired prayer, “that your flight be not in the winter;” giving the example of God’s Creation, that all things are in His hands, “For these days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” The Lord shows His mercy toward His people, that whatever comes about because of the war against God and His people, the time will be shortened that His saints will know great deliverance.

Christ continues to strengthen his saints in the coming time of tribulation and desolation: “And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there, believe him not: for false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, even the elect. But take heed; behold, I have foretold you all things.” The false self-appointed saviors, even those who bear the name of Christ, become impatient on the one hand, and on the other, take advantage of the times of persecution to advance their own agenda, enjoying power at the expense of others. However, the chosen people of God, the Christian congregations made up of the faithful, will not bow before the liars, for Christ who has forewarned us is the Lord who is with us.

Discussion: How does the warning of Christ about the desolation that would come, help us to stand firm in our faith?

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The Coming of Christ—Mark 13:24–27

Christ gives to His disciples the hope of endurance and victory through the coming tribulation of A.D. 70: “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Though we may think of that last judgment day of the physical coming of Christ Jesus, we need to recognize that there is the spiritual coming of Christ, the Second Person of the Godhead at various times of tribulation and desolations. We take note of the words of Christ recorded by the Spirit in Matthew 24:29—“Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.” He is not referring to a far distant day, but in those days when desolation will come. Christ emphasizes that these things will happen in their generation: “Verily, I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matt. 24:34).

It is that generation to which Christ speaks: “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” From that generation to each generation to follow, Christ the King and Savior will gather His saints into His kingdom, until that last day when all of the Redeemed of the Lord will be gathered together for that great resurrection upon a new heaven and earth.

Christ spoke these words some 40 years before the coming Tribulation of A.D. 70. Some thirty years later, the Spirit would write through Peter, Paul, John, and others, epistles to prepare and strengthen the congregations of Christ. In the epistle of first Peter to the scattered congregations of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, the apostle teaches them that they, by the resurrection of Christ, have “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you;” and that “the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” This appearing will be their victory at the coming tribulation. The beloved apostle, John, also sent out his epistle (Revelation of Jesus Christ) to the churches in Asia. We too are being prepared, and our faith strengthened, for times of persecution; some of our brethren unto death. May our prayers be for the coming of Christ into the trials of this day, that we may see his power and glory.

Discussion: How is the presence of Christ seen in the congregations today, as they face the trials of persecution?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2010 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.

February 13, 2011

Lesson: Mark 9:1–13

Key Verse: Mark 9:7

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Introduction

The gospel is made clear in these words of Christ, words which speak of God the Father’s love for His people, and of the showing of this love in God the Son: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Begotten” reminds us that the second person of the Godhead was chosen to be the “propitiation” for our sins; that the Son would take our place before the Father on our behalf, receiving the just punishment that we deserve: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood” (Rom. 3:23–25); “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9–10).

This is the Christ who is the “Beloved Son” (Mark (9:7). When Jesus was baptized by John, “lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him; and a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:16–17). The Son, the great High Priest, is of the divine Godhead, beginning his ministry on earth with the blessing of the Father and the Spirit. “This is the sum of the whole gospel; it is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that God has declared, by a voice from heaven, that Jesus Christ is his beloved Son, in whom he is well pleased, with which we must by faith cheerfully concur, and say, that he is our beloved Saviour, in whom we are well pleased” (M. Henry).

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Christ Transfigured—Mark 9:1–8

Jesus, as he traveled in the area of Caesarea Philippi, gathered a number of people together along with disciples, teaching them of his coming death and resurrection; by which His kingdom would be recognized as being present on earth: “Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” Note the emphasis of “some of them that stand here,” indicating that the coming of the Kingdom would be in their time, the authority of the divine kingdom of God recognized in the death and resurrection of Christ the Son.

Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to “to a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them.” A change would take place in the appearance of Christ: “And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.” Snow could be seen on the mountain ranges of Lebanon, symbolically used to give understanding to the greatest whiteness or pureness of an object. We read in Psalm 51:7, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Christ is seen as being “exceeding white as snow,” as one who is without sin, his divine nature, the Savior who purged us of our sins upon the Cross of Calvary. Therefore, “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7; see also 1:9). No “fuller” or clothier on earth can make raiment as white; our faith confirmed that Christ the Son of God is able to save us from our sins.

The generations past, the prophets of the Old Testament times, are set before the disciples of Christ, that they may understand that the promises of deliverance by the Savior is assured and kept in each generation. Elijah and Moses were seen talking with the Messiah, that we may understand these prophets, though generations apart, could fellowship with one another and, especially with the Beloved Son. There is no separation for the redeemed children of God after the death of the body. Thus we rejoice in the hope of our own resurrection and life.

Men like to build statutes and hang up memorials, when life is more precious than these. Peter wants a memorial, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” However, it was not out of understanding but out of fear that Peter spoke. Memorials are not for those who go on before us, but for our hope; yet it does not express the glorious hope that is in Christ. Look for the blessing which has been written upon our hearts that loved ones have placed there during the years of fellowship. And greater still, look upon that great love of God in Christ written upon our hearts and confirmed in His holy Word. The most important truth that His disciples were to learn was who He is: “And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, hear him.” Christ is with us! Hear Him!

Discussion: What have we learned about Christ Jesus?

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The Son—Mark 9:9–13

As they came down the mountain, Christ charged His disciples “that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.” They kept their experience on the mountain in their hearts, “questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean,” asking Christ, “Why say the scribes that Elijah must first come?” His answer was, “Elijah verily cometh first, and restoreth all things: and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be not at naught. But I say unto you, That Elijah is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.”

As the disciples discussed the resurrection of the dead, they expressed what the scribes were teaching, that “Elijah must first come.” The scribes taught the physical coming of the prophet, rather than the truth that one would come in the spirit and power of Elijah. The angel of the Lord spoke to Zacharias, about the birth of son whom they were to name John, he said, “And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth, for he shall be great in the sight of the Lord …And many of the children of Israel shall turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:14–17). John the Baptist had come in the spirit and power of Elijah. The Messiah, the Savior, had also come. Therefore, the disciples are not to be confused, for what was written in the Scriptures about the coming of ‘Elijah’ and the ‘Christ’ is true.

What is written of our Lord and Savior was recorded in the 103^rd Psalm, words about the wonder and grace of Christ, of whom John would be the forerunner: “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared for him a throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.” Heed, therefore, the words of God the Father, “This is my beloved Son, hear ye him!”

Discussion: In what ways are we encouraged in following Christ and obeying His Word?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2010 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.

February 6, 2011

Mark 8:27–91

Key Verse: Mark 8:9

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Introduction

The Holy Spirit is our divine Teacher. We cannot know or understand the Scriptures except the Spirit is our Teacher. Thus the Word of God, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, are known as “God-Breathed”—and the understanding of them also of divine Revelation. We are encouraged to study that which the Holy Spirit teaches us through His written Word. The Westminster Confession of Faith teaches us that “it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto His Church; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary: those former ways of God’s revealing His will unto His people being now ceased” (I. I.). The Scriptures are to be seen as the “The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life,” acknowledging “the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word” (W. I. VI.).

When Jesus asked the question of His disciples, “whom say ye that I am,” He was teaching them how they came to know His glory as the Messiah sent by the Father of the Triune Godhead. In Romans 11:36, we read of Christ that “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things; to whom be glory forever. Amen.” The term ‘glory’ reveals the need for an unfailing and trustworthy Word (revelation). ‘Doxa,’ translated glory, recognizes a person for whom he is, whether it is for honor or dishonor, integrity or corrupt. Scripture reveals that all have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). In other words, lost in our transgressions and sin, we lack the righteous and moral character that God had intended us to have, being made after His image. How then do we know what righteousness is, what moral character is, who God is in all His majesty of Creator, Lord, and Savior? Only by the revealed word and will of God do we know. To glorify God is to testify to His character and nature as He has so revealed Himself in His Word.

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Who is the Messiah?—Mark 8:27–30

While Jesus was traveling with His disciples into the towns of Caesarea Philippi, He asked them, “Who do men say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; some say, Elijah; and others, One of the prophets.” Jesus then asks them, “But who say ye that I am?” Following Christ is a demanding task. However, the task is accompanied by Christ himself.

Following Christ is a demanding but promising task. Christ is the only Good Shepherd who enters into the very life of His followers. The followers of Christ have been given a Book of Truth, a rule of faith and practice. The disciple has to be taught. However, he also has the Holy Spirit Himself to teach him. We know our King and Savior by personal revelation through His written Word. Jesus asked His disciples, “Who say ye that I am?” Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” How did Peter come to that conclusion? Jesus said to Peter, “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (See Matt.16:15–17). The true nature of Christ is revealed by the Spirit of God. The knowledge of who the Son is, and why He was sent to take on our flesh, is revealed by God alone.

Jesus charged his disciples “that they should tell no man of him.” They still had a lot to learn about Jesus and His work. The Christian needs to learn the lesson that there is more to be learned as one becomes a follower of Christ. It is in fellowship with Christ, that we follow and serve Him. The King does not remain apart from His chosen army. He is before them and with them in service and in battle. By His authority, given Him in heaven and in earth, He sends His servants to “Go . . . and, lo, I am with you always” (Matt. 28:18–20). His disciples follow Him with this promise, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor” (John 12:26).

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The Rebuke—Mark 8:31–33

Jesus teaches His disciples “that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” That gracious act of our Savior on the cross must come before any man can become a follower or disciple of Christ. Our life begins on the cross. We have been redeemed, purchased from the wrath of the Father by the suffering and death of Christ on His cross. Though we will not suffer or pay the death wages of our sin, which Christ did in our place, we must suffer with Him in our service on earth. It is written that we are children of God, “joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him” (Rom. 8:17).

Like Peter, we rebuke or criticize the idea of suffering. We claim His blood, but not His suffering at the hands of the Father for our guilt and sin. At least we don’t like to think about it. Peter was rebuked by Christ with these words, “Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” Peter spoke, not the words of truth, but of the deceiver. We still battle the sin that is within us, the sin which speaks more of Satan than of God. We must weigh our words carefully in our witness and teaching of men and of nations. We carry the banner of our Lord, not of the enemy.

Discussion: What does Christ say about His suffering?

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The Suffering—Mark 8:34–35

Jesus calls His disciples together that they may learn the lesson of suffering and denial. For these things are integral parts of the life of a follower of Christ. The characteristic of a servant of Christ is this: “Whoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” To deny self means that one removes self from anything that hinders his service to and fellowship with Christ. The word ‘cross’ in this verse speaks of an instrument of torture. It speaks of Christ’s suffering for our sins. It speaks of His disciples as suffering or enduring affliction for the sake of His Gospel. This denial is further illustrated in this Biblical truth that “whoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and gospel’s, the same will save it.” The follower of Christ depends wholly upon Him who chose Him. We must not substitute our criterion for service for God’s demand for obedience.

Discussion: What does it mean to deny oneself for Christ and His Gospel?

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The Exchange—Mark 8:36–37

A follower of Christ knows that His soul has been delivered from the darkness of eternal death to the fellowship of the Father in His eternal light. Christ asks the question, “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” TV rosters seem to gain more award shows each year. Icons are made of those who pass away that their memory may be honored. The exchange is made. Of what profit is there for the one who gains world recognition, but loses his or her soul? The question that Christ raises emphasizes the greatness of denying self and following Christ.

A Christian becomes a profitable citizen of the kingdom of God as a follower of Christ. There is no greater fellowship in this world. There is a greater exchange, being delivered from death to life. Onesimus became a child of God and a son in the faith of Paul’s. And so he wrote of Onesimus, “Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me” (Philemon 11). Would that we be so profitable to our Master and Savior Christ Jesus!

Discussion: What great exchange do you see in your service to Christ?

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The Kingdom—Mark 8:38–9:1

Christ spoke to His disciples, saying that there would be some of them who “shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” John the Baptist was sent by God to preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt. 3:2). Christ told His followers to seek the “kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). Christ’s disciples belong to His kingdom. John Calvin (Institutes) wrote that the law and the prophets (Matt. 11:13) “gave a foretaste of that wisdom which was one day to be clearly manifested, and showed it afar off. But where Christ can be pointed to with the finger, there the kingdom of God is manifested. In him are contained all the treasures of wisdom and understanding, and by these we penetrate almost to the very shrine of heaven.”

Followers, be not ashamed of your Savior, and Christ will not be ashamed you when He comes “in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” You have entered His kingdom through His death and resurrection. Now serve Him in His kingdom here on earth. Serve Him as father and mother, sister and brother, as church member and officer, as witnesses to His gospel. All of life is lived in the kingdom of God on earth, as it in His heavens.

Discussion: How is the kingdom of God manifested on this earth?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2010 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.

February 20, 2011

Lesson: Mark 10:35–45

Key Verse: Mark 10:45

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Introduction

The ministry of Christ, the Son of God, is first seen in His humility, in His incarnation; “in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross” (Shorter Catechism #27). Christ is the Good Shepherd who came to seek and save those who are lost. He came to do the will of the Father. He was the Suffering Servant who came to save His people from their sins. We are like filthy rags before the holiness of God. “Christ took our flesh that he might make the human nature appear lovely to God, and the divine nature appear lovely to man. …Christ taking our flesh, makes this human nature appear lovely to God. As when the sun shines on the glass it casts a bright lustre, so Christ being clad with our flesh makes the human nature shine, and appear amiable in God’s eyes” (Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity).

When we first see Christ, we see Him as our Savior. The Gospel has risen in our hearts and we, by faith, come to Him with thanksgiving and praise. We praise the Holy Spirit who has given us the new birth whereby we have repented of our sins, knowing that forgiveness has come by Christ and His shed blood. What a glorious Savior! “Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of saints. The name of Christ is sweet, it is as music in the ear, honey in the mouth, and a cordial at the heart” (Watson). So we see Him as our Lord.

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The Request—Mark 10:35–37

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus, saying, “Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.” What could motivate the disciples to come to Jesus with such a request? It should not surprise us; for we, too, in our prayers, ask of God those things which would answer our desires. Such askings reveal an anxious spirit. We know that we live and receive blessings by the gracious promises of God. However, we anxiously want more. And, that is understandable, as we see the many blessings of the Lord.

Christ asks His disciples, “What would ye that I should do for you?” There is no doubt that Christ desires the best for His people. The Shepherd feeds His sheep; we shall not want! The Lord promises, “And I will make them and the places around about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; and there shall be showers of blessing” (Ez. 34:26).

What do the disciples ask for? They say to their Master, “Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.” From what kind of heart is such a request made? James and John are Christ’s disciples. They have come to follow and to love their Master. Would we not like to sit beside Him? Would we also desire a seat of prominence above the brethren? Is there not a head table at most church dinners? If we wish to sit next to Jesus, we must first learn to sit at His footstool.

Discussion: What was the request of the disciples to Jesus?

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The Answer—Mark 10:38–40

Jesus answers James and John, revealing the liability or weight of such a position; for one to sit at the left and the other at the right of their Master. “Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” Whatever we ask of Christ, we must be willing to be identified with Him. The cup which Christ drank was the cup of obedience and sacrifice. To be baptized with the baptism of Christ declares an obedient heart that is willing to be identified with Christ and be set apart in His work. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). When we are identified with Christ, we are also identified with His cross. Jesus says to His disciples, “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:38).

James and John replied to Jesus, saying, “We can.” Jesus confirms for His disciples that they shall indeed drink the cup which He drank, and be baptized with the baptism with which He is baptized. The one who claims the name of Christ will drink the cup of Christ. The disciple is not above his Master. We who claim to be a follower of Christ will bear the image of Christ, or we will bear the image of a hypocrite.

Jesus taught His disciples, early in their relationship with Him, that He would be glorified in His death and victory: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24). The principle of service through sacrifice and obedience is seen in the next verse, 25: “He that loveth his life shall lose it: and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” In this context, Jesus expresses the character of those who follow Him: “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor” (John 12:26).

We do not serve the church, society, or even one another. We serve Christ. We become a true blessing to those around us—in the home, church, society—when we, in our service to Christ, are not ashamed to be identified with Him, in His death and resurrection. We are not ashamed to show obedience to His Word, in our faith, life, and duty.

Discussion: What does it mean to serve Christ?

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The Great Minister—Mark 10:41–45

The other disciples were displeased at the request of James and John, to want to sit at the left and right of Jesus in eternity. However, Jesus calls His disciples to Himself, reminding them that there are those who rule over the Gentiles; but as to their rule in this world, it is this: “whoever will be great among you, shall be your minister; and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” We are to minister (diakonos, deacon, one who is to render service), for Christ to the benefit of others. This is illustrated in the office of a true magistrate, or governor, who knows his responsibility under God: “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Rom. 13:4).

For a pastor, ruling elder, deacon, or any office one holds within the Body of Christ, His congregation: to see it as a place of domination does not bear the cross of Christ, does not bear the image of the Savior in his service. “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” One must always keep the cross of Christ before him if he is to faithfully serve Christ. We were bought with a price. This price our Lord paid on Calvary. Have we counted the cost? What price will we have to pay? Is it to lose one’s life that we might gain it?

Discussion: What does it mean to be a servant of Christ within the congregation?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2010 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.

October 4, 2009

Lesson: Mark 1:35–44

Key Verse: Mark 1:38

Introduction

In the year 44 A.D., there was the day when Peter was freed from prison by the Lord’s angel, when Peter “came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying” (Acts 12:12). Both Mark and his mother belonged to the fellowship of believers in Jesus as the Christ and Savior. Thus Mark is considered one of the ‘Seventy’ and acquainted with the Apostles. During this time of Peter’s deliverance, “the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark” (12:25). Mark had been converted to Christ by the ministry of Peter, who wrote, speaking of him as his son: “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son” (1 Peter 5:13).

Both Mark and Luke “were of the number of the seventy disciples,” writes Matthew Henry, “who companied with the apostles all along (Acts 1:21), who had a commission like that of the apostles (Luke 10:19, Mark 16:18), and who, it is highly probable, received the Holy Ghost when they did (Acts 1:15; Acts 2:1–4), so that it is no diminution at all to the validity or value of this gospel, that Mark was not one of the twelve, as Matthew and John were? St. Jerome saith that, after the writing of this gospel, he (Mark) went into Egypt, and was the first that preached the gospel at Alexandria, where he founded a church, to which he was a great example of holy living. …He so adorned, by his doctrine and his life, the church which he founded, that his example influenced all the followers of Christ.”

Though there was a division for a while between Paul and Mark (Acts 15:36–41), Paul would embrace Mark as a fellow worker in Christ. Paul wrote to the church at Colossae encouraging them to receive Mark, along with Tychicus, “who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord”; and Onesimus, “a faithful and beloved brother”; closing with these words, “Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him)” (Col. 4:7–10). Paul considered Mark as a fellow-worker: “Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow-labourers” (Philem. V. 24). Paul wrote to Timothy of Mark’s worth: “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Tim.4:11).

There is a sense of urgency throughout the Gospel of Mark, emphasizing the divine character of Christ through his words and miracles. Mark uses the Greek word ‘eutheos’ (which means ‘straightway, immediately’) forty times; moving quickly from one view of Christ’s ministry to another, revealing that Christ Jesus is truly the Son of God. “This Jesus is the Son of God. That truth is the foundation on which the gospel is built, and which it is written to demonstrate; for if Jesus be not the Son of God, our faith is vain” (M. Henry).

Pray and Preach—Mark 1:35–39

Jesus began his ministry “preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God”; his words revealing the glory of heaven, his coming as the divine Messiah: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14–15). Jesus was preaching and healing in Capernaum, teaching in the synagogue. During his time in Galilee, Christ had chosen four fishermen to follow him: the brothers Simon (Peter) and Andrew, and the brothers James and John (1:16–19); the former were casting their nets, the latter were mending their nets: “Christ puts honour upon those who, though mean in the world, are diligent in their business, and loving to one another; so those were, whom Christ called. He found them employed, and employed together. Industry and unity are good and pleasant, and there the Lord Jesus commands the blessing, even this blessing, Follow me” (M. Henry).

Jesus and these disciples, during that day in Capernaum, entered the home of Simon and Andrew. There they found Simon’s wife sick with a fever. Jesus “took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them” (Mark 1:31). Great and complete was the healing that she could fulfill the ministry of hospitality. Many gathered at the door of the house, seeking the healing of Christ Jesus.

When morning came, Christ rose early in the morning, “went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Soon, the newly chosen disciples of Jesus followed after him. When they found him, they spoke to him, saying, “All men seek for thee.” Jesus answered them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.” The disciples voice a restlessness which comes from a sudden realization that something great is happening in their sight. This Jesus draws people to himself which they have not witnessed before. They, having not fully understood their own willingness to follow Jesus, want to see more of the miracles, and to hear more of his preaching. Jesus gives to his disciples the divine reason for his coming to earth, “that I may preach.”

The beloved apostle would come to a better understanding of his coming, as he records in his Gospel, these words of Christ, which were in response to the Jews who murmured “how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven,” answering, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:42–44). Also, in light of the death and resurrection of the Son of God, who is the Christ, the permanent destruction of Satan and the everlasting life of the Messiah are revealed: “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:31–32). Our Father in heaven draws us to his Son that we may know his saving grace, enabling us to draw unto him with full assurance of our salvation: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:22); having been given the “boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (10:19).

Thus the disciples followed Jesus, who “preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.”

Discussion: By what authority and strength did Christ preach the Gospel?

The Cleansing of the Leper—Mark 1:40–44

Mark quickly moves to another scene, that of the leper: “And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” Is it not true that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17)? The strength of our faith is found in the Word of God. Listen, therefore, carefully, that by the writing of the Word to our hearts, we may, believing, come to our Father with our praise and petitions.

“Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.” From the depth of his heart, the Lord’s compassion was revealed in his delight, his will to make the leper clean. Touching the leper, which would be contagious to others, was an outward show to reveal the authority of Christ over his Creation, and his words revealed even more that power of Christ to heal: “And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; and saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.”

The Son of God, by whom came the Law, calls upon the leper to keep the Law and proceed quickly to the priest. The children of Israel had been commanded “that they put out of the camp every leper” (Num. 5:2). The Lord had also spoken to Moses about the healing of a leper: “This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest: and the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper” (Lev. 14:2–3 ff). Jesus sent him to the Priest that he may be presented as one who has been cleansed. Thus the miracle of Jesus could not very well be denied except through lies.

Is our testimony that of the beloved apostle? He wrote, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). We have come to Christ, testifying, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 (John 1:9). Like the leper we are cleansed, we now walk in the righteousness of Christ. Matthew Henry calls us to testify of the faithfulness of Christ: “God is faithful to his covenant and word, wherein he has promised forgiveness to penitent believing confessors. He is just to himself and his glory who has provided such a sacrifice, by which his righteousness is declared in the justification of sinners. He is just to his Son who has not only sent him for such service, but promised to him that those who come through him shall be forgiven on his account.” We praise our Savior who has called us to draw near to him, who touched us with his redemptive love and compassion.

Discussion: What does the healing of the leper teach us about Christ Jesus?

October 11, 2009

Lesson: Mark 5:1–20

Key Verse: Mark 5:19

Introduction

It is not the healing that is most wonderful, but the grace that precedes the healing that most glorifies our Lord. We pray to our Father in heaven, “Thy will be done,” acknowledging that all blessings proceed from the heart of God. Here, we are not asking that the will of God be done, but stating the truth that the will of God is being done, that we live by the grace of God, not by the acts of man. To tack on “if it be your will” to a prayer, say for the healing of a friend, makes the request one of weakness rather than strength. We should pray knowing, by faith, that God is working all things together for our good. We place prayers for healing in the hand of Christ who gave this encouragement to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). God’s will is being done. When we pray, repenting of our sins, asking for the Father’s forgiveness, we pray in the knowledge that the grace of God is operating within us: “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Rom.6:14).

A man by the name of Stapher, a citizen of the province of Schwitz, Switzerland, during the time of the Reformation, a friend of the Swiss Reformer Zwingli, asked him, “I know not how to satisfy my own hunger and the hunger of my poor children.” A Franciscan Monk by the name of Samson had just left Schwitz after selling indulgences, which granted men the promise of salvation by the drop of a coin. Zwingli practiced the grace of Christ in the doing of good works, not for the obtaining of salvation; he continued to give liberally to Stapher. Zwingli said, “It is God who begets charity in the believer, and gives him at once the thought, the resolution, and the work itself. Whatever good a righteous man does, it is by His own power.” D’ (History of the Reformation) wrote, “Stapher remained attached to him through life; and, four years after, when he had become secretary of state, and felt wants of a higher kind, he turned towards Zwingli, and said to him with noble candour; ‘Since you provided for my temporal wants, how much more may I now expect from you wherewith to appease the hunger of my soul!’”

It is the grace of God that produces fruit in our lives, as well as producing the fruit which comes from the faithful preaching of the Word of God.

Bound Without Chains—Mark 5:1–5

Jesus and his disciples, having crossed over the Sea of Galilee (Jesus calming the sea’s storm by his word), “came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.” The disciples were to learn more about their Master, whom they had heard saying to the wind and sea, “Peace, be still”; they then “feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:39–41). Another incident of the wonder of this man Jesus would quickly present itself: “And when (Jesus) was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.” Though chains could not hold him for very long, his soul was chained by the worse of chains; his spirit was that of the worse of wickedness. From The Family Commentary on the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, we learn that  the “miserable condition that this poor creature was in; he was under the power of an unclean spirit, the devil got possession of him, and the effect of it was not, as in many, a silent melancholy, but a raging frenzy; he was raving mad; his condition seems to have been worse than any of the possessed, that were Christ’s patients.”

Mark further records the nature of his soul: “And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying and cutting himself with stones.” We may not see the wicked crying from tombs of stone, cutting themselves in a effort to rid themselves of the horror of their actions; but the wicked have their own darkness, and their stones are the words and actions they use to rid themselves of the light that shines from the righteousness that surrounds them; as it is recorded, “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5); and as Jesus said, “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds be reproved” (John 3:20).

Discuss the nature of evil in light of the Gospel.

Torment Me Not—Mark 5:6–13

The wicked will do anything that will relieve the torment, from going to church to condemning others as those who are really depraved. When the man with an unclean spirit saw Jesus “he ran and worshipped him”; his position was “like a dog licking his master’s hand” (Strong’s dictionary). The man “cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.” These words came in response to Christ’s command: “Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.” The tyrannical rule of the unclean spirit was brought to naught before the command of their Creator; as will be all wicked men who must face their Creator and Lord, both in this world and the judgment to come. Calvin understood that Christ alone acts and speaks with divine authority: “The worship, therefore, did not precede Christ’s words: nor did they complain that Christ gave them uneasiness, till he urged them to go out. We ought to be aware that they did not come of their own accord into the presence of Christ, but were drawn by a secret exercise of his authority. As they had formerly been accustomed to carry men off, in furious violence, to the tombs, so now a superior power compels them to appear reluctantly at the tribunal of their judge.”

Christ reveals the nature of the unclean spirit, asking, “What is thy name?” He answered, “My name is legion: for we are many.” His declaration that “he is many” reveals his belief that he is powerful; but at the same time must acknowledge his weakness: “And he besought (Christ) much that he would not send them away out of the country.” When the Gospel is preached faithfully, the wicked will claim that they are treated wrongly, but will have to retreat before the majesty of the Prince of kings. The reality of these devils is revealed in the truth that the unclean spirit “entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea.”

“Let us learn also, that unclean spirits (as they are devoted to destruction) are the enemies of mankind; so that they plunge all whom they can into the same destruction with themselves” (Calvin, Commentary).

Discussion: Why is it important to recognize that it is by Christ alone that the wicked are judged?

The Lord’s Compassion—Mark 5:14–20

Two thousand swine had been drowned in the sea. Those who fed the swine “fled, and told it in the city, and in the country,” who came “to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.” Those of the world seek healing and hope; but when it comes, there is fear in their hearts. Are they afraid that they themselves will have to change their way of life? Having seen the glory of God in Christ Jesus, they rebel quickly, asking Jesus to “depart out of their coasts.” They saw a miracle and denied that it happened. They “were afraid, because the majesty of God shone brightly in Christ. So far they did right but now that they send him out of their territories, what could have been done worse than this? They too were scattered, and here is a shepherd to collect them or rather, it is God who stretches out his arms, through his Son, to embrace and carry to heaven those who were overwhelmed by the darkness of death. They choose rather to be deprived of the salvation which is offered to them, than to endure any longer the presence of Christ” (Calvin).

The man who had been possessed with the devil, now being possessed by the grace of God, asked Christ that he might sail with him. However, Christ commissioned him: “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” The Lord does not give us a commission to preach the Gospel, to disciple all nations, without giving to us the understanding and gifts to do so. The transformation of this man brought about knowledge that this was the Lord, and the great healing that he was given was brought about by a great compassion. This unconditional mercy and love of the Lord has been recorded in both the Old and New Testaments: “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion” (Rom. 9:15). This is the Gospel message, that God has so loved the world that he gave to us his Son, and that believing in him we have life everlasting (John 3:16–17). As with this man, we have a work to be done, right where we are. Christ “had other work for him to do; he must go home to his friends, and tell them what great things the Lord had done for him, the Lord Jesus had done; that Christ might be honoured, and his neighbours and friends might be edified, and invited to believe in Christ. He must take particular notice rather of Christ’s pity than of his power, for that is it which especially he glories in; he must tell them what compassion the Lord had had on him in his misery” (M. Henry).

Discussion: How can we encourage one another in telling others of the compassion of Christ?

October 18, 2009

Lesson: Mark 7:24–37

Key Verse: Mark 7:26

Introduction

When Jesus had opened the ear and cured the tongue, he warned all that had witnessed what he did, that they should tell no man. However, they continued to publish it, “and were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak” (Mark 7:37). Do people see a measure of astonishment in our witness of what Christ has done? Should not the preacher go to the pulpit with a sense of astonishment at the message that the Spirit has given him from the Word of God? Should not the preaching of the Word of God be Spirit led?

The people were struck with astonishment, as if they could do nothing else but be amazed at what they had seen. It was a response that they could not hold back, or make up. Many crowds are brought to the point of amazement by the frenzy of the crowd or the auction pitch of the speaker. However, when the quiet voice of the Lord brings about a true healing or delivery, the spirit of the heart is so moved that it is unable to deny its wonder, if not its explanation. If we have to be ‘worked up’ in order to sing out his praises, it is no praise at all, except to those who have ‘worked the crowd.’ True wonder and praise come from a heart redeemed by the precious blood of Christ within the best and worst of circumstances.

The Psalmist praises God for the wonders he has done, saying, “I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God who doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people” (Ps. 77:11–15)!

The Unclean Spirit—Mark 7:24–30

The first wonder before us is the cleansing of a daughter who had an unclean spirit. This unclean spirit can be defined as the breath which gives life to the person who is under the influence of evil. It is a spirit whose will is to move the soul and body to do that which is immoral and against the moral law of God. The person becomes unclean in thought and life. Matthew writes that the daughter was ‘badly demonized,” or “grievously vexed with a devil.”

Demon possession, along with diseases and sins, encompasses all of those things of which man must be cleansed (Matt. 4:24). To be possessed by an unclean spirit means that one is being controlled by another. However, the emphasis put on the cleansing of those who are so possessed, is not to show just the healing power or authority of Jesus, but to reveal that the Messiah has come with a great and majestic moral Kingdom. Jesus testifies that “If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come unto you” (Matt. 12:28). Christ Jesus came to establish his kingdom. In Christ’s written testimony he speaks of Israel giving him birth (Rev. 12). He speaks of the throne of God and the spiritual war of heaven, from which “Satan which deceiveth the whole world,” was cast out of heaven. The joy of heaven is recorded as crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Now is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down.” The cleansing of this woman’s daughter is but another sign of this great victory of our Deliverer, Christ Jesus our Lord.

The word of the deeds of our Savior goes before him. When he arrived at the borders of Tyre and Sidon, he was confronted by a woman “whose young daughter had an unclean spirit.” This Greek woman “besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.” Jesus replied, “Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to the dogs.” She answered, “Yes, Lord; yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.”

Our Lord tests our faith today. This woman, according to the account, had a measure of faith of which Christ recognized, saying, “For this saying go thy way, the devil is gone out of thy daughter.” Matthew adds another statement of what Jesus said, “O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt” (15:28). Jesus was at first silent. But his voice opened the door of her faith. Our Lord convicts us of our humble position before Him that we might know his grace and love. Are we willing to take the crumbs? That will be enough, if it would come from our Father in heaven. The crumbs from the Savior’s table are more than the world can give. Even while we seek his blessings, he has given all that we need.

Discussion: How do we approach God in our prayers and worship/

The Ear and Tongue—Mark 7:31–37

Jesus travels to the Sea of Galilee, “through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.” A man is brought to Jesus who “was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech.” They ask Jesus to put his hand upon him. Jesus takes the man aside “and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue.” Jesus then looks toward heaven, and says, “Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.” The healing which Jesus gives is complete and immediate. For straightway the man’s “ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.”

The compassion of Jesus Christ is revealed in his taking this man aside, away from the crowd. He shows it again when he took the blind man of Bethsaida by his hand and led him out of town (Mark 8:23). The compassion of our Lord and Savior is very personal. He leads and heals us as the Great Shepherd who knows us by name and holds us in his hands. The Psalmist prays to the Lord as sorrows and trouble surround him, saying, “O Lord I beseech thee, deliver my soul;” he does so on the grounds that the Lord is gracious, “and righteous; yea, our God is merciful” (Ps. 116:4–5). The prophet Micah asks the question, “Who is a God like unto thee?” Do the authorities of this world have the attributes of the Almighty God? Is not the Lord God who gave us his Holy Scriptures our only deliverer? It is the Triune God who alone “pardons iniquity … (who) delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18–19).

The man’s ears were opened. There is no doubt that the divine healing came by the Savior who is the promised Anointed Messiah. Though Jesus had charged those who witnessed the miracle not to tell others, they rather became heralds of such good news. They spoke about the healing with astonishment in their hearts, saying, “He hath done all things well; he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” Multitudes came to Jesus, the “lame, blind, dumb, maimed …Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel” (Matt. 15:30–31). Let us also remember the joy we have received in the salvation of our souls, that what we have received by grace alone gives glory to Christ alone. For we love him whom we have only seen by faith, “in whom though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8–9).

Discussion: How shall we use our ears and tongues, which have been freed from sin by the blood of our Savior?

October 25, 2009

Lesson: Mark 10:17–31

Key Verse: Mark 10:21

Introduction

Who is this man who comes to Jesus asking, “What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matt. 19:16)? We usually refer to him as the rich young ruler. He was rich in possessions, young, but old enough to seek wisdom, and he held a position of authority which led him to respect another in such a position. John Calvin speaks of him as one who “did not come treacherously, as the scribes were wont to do, but from a desire of instruction; and, accordingly, both by words and by kneeling, he testifies his reverence for Christ as a faithful teacher.” In the same manner we should come to Jesus.

Faith is the gift of God which enables us to be convinced that God our Father loves us, that the Son is our Savior, that the Spirit is our Comforter, etc. Faith includes the acceptance that God is our faithful instructor, the one who is able to lead us into all truth. This means that we who are called Christians are those who hunger after righteousness and desire to be taught by the Spirit through His written word; and that this Word, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is that which God has given His people, and preserved for us throughout each generation. In other words, we should be discipled by the Spirit through his Word and therefore obey faithfully the Great Commission to disciple nations.

“The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth …wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore is to be received because it is the Word of God. …The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture.  …Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word” (Westminster Confession).

Therefore, we are to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, coming to the Word of God as did the ruler of our lesson, desiring to be instructed by him. We must then be willing to obey his Word, and not go away sorrowfully in any kind of unbelief.

The Question—Mark 10:17–20

A young man of high authority kneels before Jesus, asking him “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Jesus answers with a question, “Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.” Jesus desires that this ruler come to the understanding that the truth of the answer to his question comes only from God. He proceeds to lead him to the truth of inheriting salvation by pointing him to that which he already knows. Jesus continues, saying, “Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.” The ruler answers, “Master, all these have I observed from my youth.”

The ruler is one of high moral character. He reveals a love of God by being taught and keeping the moral law of God. Yet his heart seems to lack a full conviction that he has this inheritance of which he seeks. The Lord does know this man’s heart. He is encouraged by being able to say that he has been faithful in his response to the Ten Commandments. He has studied the Word of God. However, “Christ did not take into consideration what men can do, but replied to the question, What is the righteousness of works? or, What does the Law require? And certainly we ought to believe that God comprehended in his law the way of living holy and righteously, in which righteousness is included; for not without reason did Moses make this statement, He that does these things shall live in them (Leviticus 18:5), and again, I call heaven and earth to witness that l have this day showed you life (Deuteronomy 30:19)” (Calvin).

What must we do? Can we change our spots? And, what really is eternal life? Christ defines eternal life, speaking to his Father, saying that “this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Chris, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). Those who come to know God in such a way are those who Christ ransomed with his own blood. He had said that the Father had given him authority over all flesh, “that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him” (17:2). How then can we inherit eternal life except that it is given us by the Father through the Son?

We inherit eternal life as a gift from our heavenly Father. Paul urges us to give thanks to our Father who has made us able to “be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:12–14).

Discussion: What does it mean to inherit eternal life?

The Answer—Mark 10:21–22

God’s Messiah looks upon this young ruler with tender mercy, an unconditional love which seeks only goodness for his life. He speaks to a soul which acknowledges that something is missing, saying, “One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” The soul that hangs onto earthly treasures as a means of hope and salvation has only his own self to look to for salvation. If your eyes are set upon the scintillation of this world as hope of gaining treasures that last and do not rust, then your soul continues to live in darkness without hope.

It is Christ who gives treasures that are eternal. It is recorded that this young man was sad at what Christ said, and “went away grieved; for he had great possessions.” It was his love for his possessions that made him grieve. His thought was on being material poor. However, he had to become poor in spirit. He had to hear the words of Jesus, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3). Can you imagine someone going to a large feast with a hand full of sandwiches? One must empty oneself of everything in order to be filled with goodness which God has provided. God places flesh and life upon the dry bones of the sinner, making him more elegant than he ever was. Blessed are those who are in poverty. Whether rich or poor in the goods of this world, it matters not— the Christian must be in poverty of spirit,  he or she must realize that there is no strength within oneself— and so the Christian must come to the Creator and Redeemer to be strengthened. The natural man says that God helps those who help themselves. The Christian says, God help me because I cannot help myself.

Discussion: What makes the soul seek after riches and at the same time grieve over the loss of them?

The Lesson—Mark 10:23–31

Jesus looks at his disciples, saying, “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” Jesus answers their astonishment at his words, saying, “Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Our Lord reveals the nature of such a trust in that there are those who are persuaded, believe that to gather riches, monetary wealth, etc., is their only hope of survival. When one is persuaded to do good or bad, they find the attachment so great they are unable to let go. Therefore, they need the work of the grace of God.

The disciples continue in their bewilderment, saying, “Who then can be saved?” The answer is, “No one!” For if we are saved by works, then there is no need of grace. Our Lord expresses the truth that there is only one who can save: “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Let us not take this statement out of context, to use it as a catch-all phrase to answer things in Scripture we are not able to understand. For our Lord expresses here the truth of how we obtain eternal life. That which is impossible for us, is possible for God our Father. For only the Son can satisfy the Father by paying the price of the ransom on our behalf. We may accumulate the riches of the world, but lose our souls to eternal punishment. For it is Christ Jesus who bore “our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

Peter raises his voice, still thinking about what they have done in following Jesus: “Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.” How easy it is for us who are following Jesus to think that our act of following will gain, on its own merits, a blessing from our Savior. But, great is the grace of our Lord in bringing our following him to have with it gifts of blessings. Jesus answers his disciple: “Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.” Christ takes the worse scenario, that of persecution when men are separated from all fellowship, and gives the promise that He holds in his hands the blessings that is theirs.  The serving Christian “shall have abundance of comfort while he lives, sufficient to make up for all his losses; his relation to Christ, his communion with the saints, and his title to eternal life, shall be to him brethren, and sisters, and houses, and all” (M. Henry).

Discussion: What does it mean to be saved and then to follow Jesus?