Sunday AM Bible Class

Intro

Questions Prayer

So before we get into John 12:20–50 and Mark 11:19–12:17, I want to connect these sections to what has been happening up to this point.

So Jesus is very close to the cross. And this Tension between Him and the religious leaders is getting stronger and stronger, and the crowds are divided about who He truly is. Just before these readings, Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly while the crowds praised Him as King. But even while many were excited outwardly, there was still widespread misunderstanding about His mission and increasing hostility from the leaders.

In Mark 11, Jesus cursed the fig tree and cleansed the temple, exposing empty religion and spiritual fruitlessness. The religious leaders were already looking for a way to destroy Him because His authority threatened their own. Then in John 12, after the raising of Lazarus and the triumphal entry, Jesus begins openly speaking about His coming death, the purpose of His mission, and the seriousness of belief and unbelief.

As we go through these sections, one major theme you’ll notice is this: People are constantly forced to make a decision about Jesus.

Some believe but stay silent because of fear. Some reject Him despite overwhelming evidence. Others try to trap Him with dishonest questions. And Jesus continually exposes what is truly in people’s hearts.

Before we begin, just a few questions to think about:

What are some fears that keep people from fully committing to Christ?

Keep those thoughts in mind as we go through the text.

Read

(John 12:20–26)

John 12:20–26 CSB

20 Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

This section begins with Greeks coming to Philip saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” And instead of simply responding to their request directly, Jesus begins speaking about His coming death. He says the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

Then He gives the illustration of a grain of wheat falling into the ground and dying in order to produce much fruit.

What does Jesus mean by this illustration?

Just as a seed must die before producing life and fruit, Jesus’ death would bring salvation and spiritual life to many people.

Why is it significant that Greeks are seeking Jesus at this moment?

It shows that Jesus’ mission was extending beyond just the Jewish nation. Interest in Him was spreading, and His death would open the way for all people.

Jesus then says whoever loves his life will lose it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. What is He teaching here?

Following Jesus requires putting Him above personal comfort, safety, and worldly priorities.

Why is self-sacrifice such a big part of discipleship?

Because true discipleship means surrendering ourselves fully to God instead of living only for temporary things.

Read

(John 12:27–36)

John 12:27–36 CSB

27 “Now my soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for me, but for you. 31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die. 34 Then the crowd replied to him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah will remain forever. So how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Jesus answered, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become children of light.” Jesus said this, then went away and hid from them.

Jesus now speaks openly about His soul being troubled as He approaches the cross. Yet instead of asking to escape it, He says, “Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice comes from Heaven affirming Him.

The crowd reacts with confusion—some think it thundered, others think an angel spoke. Jesus explains that His death will bring judgment on the world and that when He is “lifted up,” He will draw all people to Himself.

What stands out about Jesus’ attitude toward the cross?

He is deeply troubled because of the suffering ahead, yet fully committed to obeying the Father’s will.

What does this teach us about courage and obedience?

Courage is not the absence of difficulty or emotion. Jesus felt the weight of what was coming but still obeyed faithfully.

Why do you think the crowd struggled to understand what Jesus meant?

Many expected a political Messiah who would reign immediately, not one who would suffer and die.

Can people today misunderstand Jesus because they only want certain parts of his message?

Yes. Some want comfort, blessings, or inspiration from Jesus without accepting sacrifice, repentance, or submission.

Jesus also warns the people to walk in the light while they have the light. What does that mean?

Opportunities to respond to truth are not unlimited. People must respond while they still can.

Read

(John 12:37–50)

John 12:37–50 CSB

37 Even though he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet, who said: Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 This is why they were unable to believe, because Isaiah also said: 40 He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they would not see with their eyes or understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them. 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke about him. 42 Nevertheless, many did believe in him even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, so that they would not be banned from the synagogue. 43 For they loved human praise more than praise from God. 44 Jesus cried out, “The one who believes in me believes not in me, but in him who sent me. 45 And the one who sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me would not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and doesn’t receive my sayings has this as his judge: The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own, but the Father himself who sent me has given me a command to say everything I have said. 50 I know that his command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.”

Now John gives a summary of the unbelief surrounding Jesus. Even after many signs and miracles, many still refused to believe. John connects this to the prophecy of Isaiah, showing how hearts had become hardened.

Interestingly, the text also says many rulers actually believed in Jesus, but would not confess Him openly because they feared being put out of the synagogue.

The passage says they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Why is the statement statement so powerful?

Because it reveals that fear of people can keep someone from fully obeying God even when they know the truth.

What are some modern examples of loving the praise of men more than the praise of God?

Staying silent about faith to fit in, compromising convictions to avoid criticism, or prioritizing popularity and acceptance over obedience to God.

Do people usually reject truth because there is no evidence, or for deeper heart reasons? What could they be?

Often it is because of pride, fear, love of sin, or concern about what others think—not lack of evidence.

Jesus ends this section by emphasizing that rejecting Him means rejecting the Father who sent Him.

Why is rejecting Jesus such a serious matter?

Because Jesus is the revealed word and authority of God. Rejecting Him means rejecting the very source of life and salvation.

Now lets move into Mark 11:19–12:17.

Read

Mark 11:19–25

Mark 11:19–25 CSB

19 Whenever evening came, they would go out of the city. 20 Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. 21 Then Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”

The next morning, the disciples notice the fig tree Jesus cursed has withered away from the roots. This was more than just a miracle—it was symbolic.

The fig tree had leaves suggesting fruitfulness, but it was empty. In the same way, Israel especially its religious leadership looked outwardly religious while lacking true spiritual fruit.

What lesson was Jesus teaching through the fig tree?

God desires genuine spiritual fruit, not just outward appearance or religious activity.

Jesus then teaches about faith, prayer, and forgiveness.

Why is forgiveness connected to prayer here?

Unforgiveness damages our relationship with God and reflects a heart unwilling to extend the mercy we ourselves need.

Read

(Mark 11:27–33)

Mark 11:27–33 CSB

27 They came again to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came 28 and asked him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do these things?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was John’s baptism from heaven or of human origin? Answer me.” 31 They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ ”—they were afraid of the crowd, because everyone thought that John was truly a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Jesus returns to the temple, and the religious leaders challenge His authority. They ask: “By what authority are You doing these things?”

Jesus responds by asking about the baptism of John—whether it was from Heaven or men. The leaders refuse to answer because they are more concerned about public reaction than truth itself.

What does this exchange show us about the leaders?

They were not honestly searching for truth. They were trying to protect their position and trap Jesus.

Why were they afraid to answer honestly?

Because either answer exposed them. If John was from God, they should have believed him. If they denied him publicly, they feared the people’s reaction.

Can pride prevent people from accepting truth?

Absolutely. Pride often makes people more concerned with reputation and control than with honestly submitting to God.

Read

(Mark 12:1–12)

Mark 12:1–12 CSB

1 He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug out a pit for a winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and went away. 2 At harvest time he sent a servant to the farmers to collect some of the fruit of the vineyard from them. 3 But they took him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent another servant to them, and they hit him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 Then he sent another, and they killed that one. He also sent many others; some they beat, and others they killed. 6 He still had one to send, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenant farmers said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill the farmers and give the vineyard to others. 10 Haven’t you read this Scripture: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 11 This came about from the Lord and is wonderful in our eyes?” 12 They were looking for a way to arrest him but feared the crowd because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. So they left him and went away.

Jesus now gives the parable of the wicked tenants. A landowner sends servants to collect fruit from his vineyard, but the tenants beat and kill them. Finally he sends his beloved son, and they kill him too.

The religious leaders realize Jesus is speaking about them. The servants represent the prophets God sent throughout history, and the son represents Jesus Himself.

What does this parable show us about Israel’s leaders?

They repeatedly rejected God’s messengers and were now rejecting God’s own Son.

Why is the killing of the son especially significant?

It shows the depth of rebellion and rejection toward God’s authority.

Jesus quotes the passage about the stone the builders rejected becoming the chief cornerstone. What does that mean?

Though Jesus was rejected by many, He would still become the foundation of God’s kingdom and salvation.

Can people reject something valuable just because it does not fit their expectations?

Yes. Many rejected Jesus because He did not match the kind of Messiah they wanted.

Read

(Mark 12:13–17)

Mark 12:13–17 CSB

13 Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus to trap him in his words. 14 When they came, they said to him, “Teacher, we know you are truthful and don’t care what anyone thinks, nor do you show partiality but teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” 15 But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought a coin. “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked them. “Caesar’s,” they replied. 17 Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.

Now Pharisees and Herodians come together trying to trap Jesus with a political question about paying taxes to Caesar. They ask whether it is lawful to pay taxes or not.

If Jesus says yes, some Jews may reject Him. If He says no, He could be accused of rebellion against Rome. But Jesus asks for a coin and says, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Why was Jesus’ answer so wise?

He avoided their trap while teaching an important truth about earthly and spiritual responsibilities.

What does it mean to give to God the things that are God’s?

Everything ultimately belongs to God, including our lives, loyalty, worship, and obedience.

Why is hypocrisy such a big issue throughout these sections?

Many of the leaders appeared outwardly religious while inwardly resisting truth and protecting themselves.

Lets bring this into application for ourselves:

Can someone know truth in their mind but not in their heart?

Yes. Knowledge alone does not guarantee obedience.

What fears sometimes keep Christians from openly standing for truth?

Fear of rejection, criticism, losing relationships, embarrassment, or social pressure.

Are we more concerned with God’s approval or people’s approval?

That is a constant struggle every believer must honestly examine.

Conclusion

Throughout these readings we repeatedly see people responding differently to Jesus.

Some seek Him sincerely. Some believe quietly but fear people. Some reject Him despite evidence. Some challenge Him dishonestly to protect themselves.

And through it all, Jesus continues calling people to genuine faith, surrender, courage, and spiritual fruitfulness.

So the central question becomes: What kind of response am I giving to Jesus?

Personal reflection questions:

Am I producing real spiritual fruit, or only outward appearance?

Do I fear people more than I fear God?

Are there areas where pride keeps me from fully surrendering?

Am I walking in the light while I still have opportunity?

Do my actions show real devotion to God, or is it just my routine?

Encourage honest reflection.

Any comments or thoughts from these sections?