Knowing Jesus - Hero Doing Battle - Mark 12 - October 11, 2009

Bible Study – Knowing Jesus – Hero Doing Battle – October 11, 2009

This is study six (6) in our series on “Knowing Jesus – Discipleship.”

Our scripture is Mark 12:13-17, 28-31, 32-34, 38-40.

This is the final week of JESUS’ earthly ministry. HE took on the Jewish religious system because it was corrupt. In our last study we learned that JESUS was upset with the Jewish religious system. The fruitlessness of the leafy fig tree represented the fruitlessness of the Jewish religious system. The moneychangers and the marketing in the temple showed how far they had deviated from the true worship of GOD. This led HIM to cleanse the temple and in turn lead the religious leaders to be determined to get rid of HIM. This week our study centers on the religious leaders’ attempts to trap JESUS in an effort to condemn HIM.

The religious leaders were soliciting support to trap JESUS. Notice how they enlisted more influential religious people to test JESUS in order to build a case against HIM. This was the last week of JESUS’ earthly ministry and the intensity of HIS mission escalated rapidly. Was GOD giving the religious leaders of the Jewish faith, who should know the scriptures of the promised Messiah, a final opportunity to see JESUS as the promised Messiah? When we have prejudice or bias against a person, our objectivity shuts down. We do know that some of the religious leaders saw JESUS as the promised Messiah, such as Nicodemus in John Chapter 3 but they were in the minority.

Let’s read Mark 12:13-17:

God and Caesar
13 Then they[7] Mk 11:27 sent some of the • Pharisees and the • Herodias to Him to trap Him by what He said.[8] Lit trap Him in (a) word 14 When they came, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know You are truthful and defer to no one, for You don’t show partiality[9] Lit don’t look on the face of men; that is, on the outward appearance but teach truthfully the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay, or should we not pay?” But knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a • denarius to look at.” 16 So they brought one. “Whose image and inscription is this?” He asked them. “Caesar’s,” they said. 17 Then Jesus told them, “Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.

In verse 13, who are “they”? Let’s look at Mark 11:27:

27 They (JESUS and HIS disciples) came again to Jerusalem. As He was walking in the temple complex, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came and asked Him,

“They” in verse 13 are the “chief priests, the scribes and the elders” who sent some Pharisees and Herodians to trap JESUS. The “Chief priests, the scribes and the elders” wanted other religious leaders to support them in their effort by having others to evaluate and test JESUS. Having more of the right people against JESUS gave them cover and made their charges against HIM more credible. It may have eased their conscience because they knew they were trying to condemn an innocent man, WHO happened to be the SON of GOD.

The Pharisees were a religious political party who believed in the strict observance of GOD’S law as interpreted by the scribes. They believed in the resurrection, whereas, the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection (That is why they were “sad you see”.), which put these two (2) groups at odds against each other. But JESUS became a common cause. HE was a threat to both political and religious systems.

The Pharisees had a seat on the Sanhedrin, which were the Supreme Court and legislative body of the Jews. The Sanhedrin could condemn someone but they could not carry out the death sentence, since they were under Roman rule. The Romans had to carry out the punishment. So we have strange bed-fellows coming together.

The Herodians were a political group of the Jews who were favorable to Herod. So the Pharisees and the Herodians joined forces in an effort to trap JESUS because they considered JESUS a threat to their interest. JESUS talked about the Kingdom of GOD, which was an issue for those who supported Herod, the Herodians.

The opening remarks of those testing will likely come back to them on judgment day. They spoke truth in an attempt to flatter JESUS but they did not heed their own words of truth. Flattery will influence some people but it did not sway JESUS. They thought they had devised the perfect plan to trap JESUS.

Their question was, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” JESUS spotted their trap in a heartbeat and asked them “Why are you testing me?” HE asked for a denarius. A denarius was equivalent to one day’s wage. The tax was a census tax which every person living in Judea had to pay once per year.

They handed HIM a denarius. Their ears were tuned into what HE was about to say. HE asked them a question, “Whose image and inscription is on this coin?” They responded, “Caesar’s.” Then HE gave them a profound response as recorded in verse 17 - 17 Then Jesus told them, “Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.

The denarius had the image of Caesar on one side and Caesar dressed as a high priest wearing a diadem. The inscription on the face side of the denarius translated “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Son of the Divine Augustus” and on the back side “Highest Priest.” Caesar ascribed divinity to himself and claimed to the supreme authority in both political and spiritual matters. This irked the devout Jews, therefore, if JESUS said “yes” to paying taxes it would have created a problem with the devout Jews. If JESUS said “no” HE could have been charged with insurrection against the Roman government.

They were amazed at HIS response. Why didn’t HIS response cause them to really want to get to know more about this man called JESUS? They had been sent on a mission commissioned by some very important and powerful people. So they had to play the game rather than listen to their hearts.

JESUS made the point that every person was made in the image of GOD. HIS image is stamped upon us and we belong to HIM. Just as the person who holds the coin with the image of Caesar had a choice to pay the tax or not, every person has a choice whether or not he or she will give his/her life to JESUS, the true Messiah. Both owe a debt and failing to pay the debt has consequences. Caesar can throw them into prison or punish them for failure to pay. The debt all people have to pay to GOD is their sin debt.

Romans 3:23:
23 For all have sinned and fall short of the[20] Or and lack the glory of God.

Romans 6:23:
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

All people have a sin debt but the Good News is that JESUS paid the price for their sin by HIS shed blood upon the cross. Although HE has paid the price for sin, each person must accept what HE has done for him/her. How do we know that? Because GOD, the FATHER, raised HIM from the death as proof that HE conquered sin and conquered death. By accepting this fact by asking JESUS to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life, you are born into the family of GOD through the miracle of rebirth. HIS Spirit unites with your spirit and conception takes place. Once you have been born-again you will NEVER be unborn. You are eternally HIS child.

How do you know that? Once you become a Christian, HE sends the HOLY SPIRIT to live in you or indwell you. Look at what Paul says in Romans 8:16:

16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

This is the assurance of salvation that HE gives every believer. The Bible tells us the HOLY SPIRIT is a believer’s down payment or security deposit that our step of faith is real and true. Most unbelievers want this assurance before they ask JESUS to forgive them of their sins and to come into their heart and life. But this is not how GOD works. All people must take the step of faith first. You do not have to understand it. It is not that you must say certain words. It is all about the attitude of the heart. I have heard the testimony of a believer who said, “LORD I give up.”

After you ask CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life, your spiritual growth begins. You will need spiritual nourishment – Bible study, talking and discussing with GOD (Prayer), building a relationship with GOD through CHRIST and obediently serving HIM as HE leads you. It is an awesome journey which is not easy. You have the joy of knowing that you are serving the living GOD, which has eternal rewards.

Let’s read Mark 12: 28-31:
The Primary Commandments
28 One of the • scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”[15] Lit Which commandment is first of all? 29 “This is the most important,”[16] Other mss add of all the commandments Jesus answered: Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One.[17] Or The Lord our God is one Lord. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.[18] Dt 6:4–5; Jos 22:5 [19] Other mss add This is the first commandment. 31 “The second is: Love your neighbor as yourself.[20] Lv 19:18 There is no other commandment greater than these.”

In Mark 12:18-27, the religious leaders continued to question JESUS. They discussed the resurrection and the scribe in this scripture was listening.

The scribe or teacher of the law listened to the debate regarding the resurrection and was favorably impressed with the response of JESUS. So the scribe/teacher asked JESUS, “Which commandment was the most important of all?” I believe it was a legitimate question coming from someone who wanted to learn. JESUS gave him HIS response verses 29- 31.

We need to look at the verses following JESUS’ response in Mark 12: 32-34:
32 Then the scribe said to Him, “You are right, Teacher! You have correctly said that He is One, and there is no one else except Him. 33 And to love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding,[21] Other mss add with all your soul and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more [important]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any longer.

The scribe was pleased and seemed excited with JESUS’ response. JESUS saw his excitement and told him “You are not far from the kingdom of GOD.” Notice the scribe added "more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices." The missing ingredient was that scribe/teacher needed to see JESUS as the promised Messiah as the ultimate sacrifice for mankind and then he could take the step of faith and enter into the kingdom of GOD.

Becoming a believer is such a simple step but so hard to take. We try to figure it out, which is impossible. We must take a step of faith – LORD, here I am, just as I am and ask you to forgive me of my sins and to come into my life. In a nanosecond HE will. This is the beginning of an awesome journey with HIM which is eternal.

Let’s read Mark 12:38-40:

Warning against the Scribes
38 He also said in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who want to go around in long robes, and who want greetings in the marketplaces, 39 the front seats in the • synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows’ houses and say long prayers just for show. These will receive harsher punishment.”

JESUS continued to teach in the temple complex. HE spoke about a statement David made in Psalm 110:1 - 1 The Lord declared to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool.”[1] Mt 22:44; Mk 12:36; Lk 20:42–43; Ac 2:34–35; 1 Co 15:25; Heb 1:13 JESUS asked the religious leaders “How could the Messiah be David’s son?” They could not answer HIM because they did not recognize that the Messiah would be a descendant of David WHO would come to earth at some later time appointed by GOD. The crowd was listening intently to all HE was saying. During HIS teaching HE uttered the words in verses 38-40.

The scribes were supposed to be the teachers and role models but JESUS told the crowd not to be fooled by their appearance of being righteous and knowing the truth. The people likely knew what JESUS was speaking about but no one, except JESUS, would dare make such accusations about the scribes. The scribes were not paid for knowing the scriptures and interpreting them. They depended upon the hospitality of devout Jews. So they took advantage of their position to extract support from these devout Jews.

Giving the appearance of piousness is not acceptable to GOD. GOD looks at the heart and the fruit Godly people produce. The scribes made a good show at all the important places but they cheated poor widows out of their property under the guise of helping them. I believe those who heard these words knew exactly what JESUS was talking about. They were marketing themselves by being seen at these important gatherings. They depended upon their position and association with the religious system to give them credibility. They were hypocrites. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to practice what they preach and not be chameleons who change with their surroundings.

The same is true for all believers today. Are we one way at church, around fellow believers, another when we get with our worldly friends or when we think no one can see what we are doing? This is why believers must have the relationship with GOD through CHRIST to have genuine consistency in their lives.