Jesus Runs the Gauntlet: Lessons from Mark 12

In this chapter, Jesus not only fields some grounders; He starts throwing fastballs.

Parable of the Evil Farmers (1-12)

Purpose: Expose the religious Jews and call the people to pick a side.

Basic Plot Points

God is the Planter.

The hypocrites are the tenants.

The prophets are the servants.

Christ is the Son.

What is the vineyard?

And who are the others (9)?

Principle: The people of God are those who are faithful to God.

Taxes? (13-17)

BLUF: God’s people must understand the difference between God’s kingdom and the kingdoms of this world.

Who are the Herodians?

The perfect trick question? Religious hypocrites and worldly politicians crafted this question together.

They put Jesus in the following dilemma:

If He simply answers “yes,” they would accuse Him of being an unfaithful Jew allying Himself with the Romans. (Eg, see how they viewed the tax collectors.) The Pharisees, with first hand testimony, would accuse Him before the Sanhedrin.

If He simply answers “no,” they would accuse Him of insubordination and treason. The Herodians, with first hand testimony, would accuse Him before Pilate.

Jesus’ Genius

He knew their hypocrisy (cf Pr 26:5).

His answer peeled away a layer of understanding so they could see the truth: God’s kingdom supersedes the kingdoms of this world.

Principle: We must be more about God’s kingdom than national politics.

Marriage in the Resurrection (18-27)

BLUF: The Living God is not the God of the Dead

Who are the Sadducees?

Very conservative viewpoint which rejected “recent” developments in theological thought. Therefore, they held as authoritative the Pentateuch only.

Because they found no clear reference to an afterlife in the Pentateuch, they disbelieved in the resurrection.

Sadduccees were influential in the priestly ranks, particularly among the high priesthood, and also in aristocratic circles.

Another hypocritical question in an attempt to trap Jesus.

Jesus’ Genius

You don’t know the Scripture.

He dismissed their theoretical problem by focusing on the reality of revealed truth.

He drew His answer from Exodus 3:6 (Pentateuch).

You don’t know God’s power.

Principles

Don’t let hypotheticals to lead you from the path of plainly revealed truth.

Reproduction will be unnecessary in the afterlife.

Marriage, therefore, but not love, will be obsolete.

A Sincere Question: The Greatest Commandment (28-34)

BLUF: Love is the foundation for obedience.

Who are the Scribes?

What is the “first commandment of all?” Ie, which commandment should be my priority? If I could keep only one, which one should it be?

Importance of the Shema.

When 1 = 2. Jesus was asked for the “first commandment,” but He gives two.

Ties that bind. These two commands together correspond to the two sections of the decalogue (1-4 & 5-10). Ie, when you love well, you keep all of the commandments.

“You are not far...” Love, not rule keeping/obedience, is the key to eternal life.

Pastoral Implication: Love for others begins with love for God.

David’s Son? (35-37)

Jesus throws a fastball right down the middle of the plate.

Matthew 22:41-42 reveal Jesus’ mischievous side. He sets them up!

To be “seated at the right hand” was to be in a position of authority.

Jesus’ argument: People don’t call their sons my lord. The Messiah is David’s lord; how can He be David’s son?

The implication is the Pharisees didn’t understand the uniqueness of Messiah (cf John 1:1).

Hypocrisy and Authenticity (38-44)