DAY #75: March 16, 2009 - Mark 12:35-13:13

Don't miss the opportunity to invite some to COV for Easter.

This was still Tuesday of Jesus’ final week, and he was teaching in the Temple. The Pharisees expected a Messiah (the Christ, the Anointed One), but they erroneously thought he would be only a human ruler who would reign on King David’s throne, deliver them from Gentile domination by establishing God’s rule on earth, and restore Israel’s greatness as in the days of David and Solomon. They knew that the Messiah would be a son (descendant) of David, but they did not understand that he would be more than a human descendant—he would be God in the flesh.

Jesus denounced the religious leaders. Matthew has an entire chapter of such denunciations—seven “woes” to the teachers of religious law and Pharisees whom Jesus unhesitatingly called “hypocrites”. Mark recorded a shortened version, signaling Jesus’ final break with the religious leaders. Having silenced the questioning of the religious leaders, Jesus turned to the crowd and told them to beware of these men.

While watching the crowd of people bring their offering into the temple treasury, the ring of a widow’s copper coins became an authentic act of true worship. All around her were large examples of meaningless worship, shallow honor given to God, frivolous giving, and downright evil. But this woman’s act of sacrifice spoke volumes about herself and her faith. This poor widow came with a freewill offering (that is, she was not paying a required tax, but rather giving a gift). In Jesus’ eyes, the poor widow had given more than all the others—even the rich people who had contributed large amounts to the treasury. Though her gift was by far the smallest in monetary value, it was the greatest in sacrifice. The value of a gift is not determined by its amount, but by the spirit in which it is given. The rich had given a tiny part of their surplus, but she had given everything, trusting God to care for her. Jesus wanted the disciples to see this lesson in total surrender of self, commitment to God, and willingness to trust in his provision.

At the beginning of Chapter 13, we see Jesus making a startling statement: The destruction of the Jews’ beloved Temple would be God’s judgment against them for turning away from him. (This happened only a few decades later when the Romans sacked Jerusalem in a.d. 70.) Gazing at the massive stones, the disciples surely found it difficult to believe that not one of the stones would be left on top of another. Because the Temple symbolized God’s presence among them, the Jews would be horrified to see it destroyed.

Four disciples came to Jesus privately because they wanted to understand what Jesus meant and when this terrible destruction would happen. Jesus gave them a prophetic picture of that time, including events leading up to it. He also talked about far future events connected with the last days and his Second Coming, when he would return to earth to judge all people. The coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple only foreshadowed a future destruction that would ultimately usher in God’s Kingdom. Jesus was predicting the destruction of Jerusalem and the end times.

The disciples wondered what sign would reveal these things, but Jesus warned them against seeking signs, “Don’t let anyone mislead you.” Jesus knew that if the disciples looked for signs, they would be susceptible to being deceived. There would be many who would come claiming to be the Messiah. Jesus predicted that before his return, many believers would be led astray by false teachers claiming to be Christ. In every generation since Christ’s resurrection, certain individuals have claimed to be the Christ or to know exactly when Jesus would return. Obviously, no one else has been Christ, and no one has been right about the timing of the Second Coming. According to Scripture, the one clear sign of Christ’s return will be his unmistakable appearance in the clouds, which will be seen by all people. In other words, believers never have to wonder whether a certain person is the Messiah.

Jesus personalized His prophecy by explaining that the disciples themselves would face severe persecution; thus, they must be on their guard in order to stay true to the faith. They would find themselves standing trial before Gentile governors and kings. But such trials would have a purpose—the disciples were to tell them about Jesus. When they are arrested and stand trial, they were not to worry about defending themselves, but instead they were to concentrate on proclaiming the gospel. The Holy Spirit would give them God’s peace and the words to say. These words would help the disciples be bold witnesses as they made their defense before the rulers. Notice that Jesus did not guarantee acquittal. James, one of the disciples here listening to Jesus, would be killed because of his faith (Acts 12:1-2).

To believe in Jesus and endure to the end will take perseverance because our faith will be challenged and opposed. Severe trials will sift true Christians from fair-weather believers. Enduring to the end does not earn salvation for us; it marks us as already saved.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

I am in awe of the widow who gave everything. In Jesus day, like today, so many give out of our abundance. Lord, teach me to give in greater ways. Teach me to give like this widow. Teach me to give everything and trust You to provide for my families needs. Remind me daily that this is a mark of true discipleship.

(Jesus) "Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:25-27, 33 (NIV)

Lord, in a day of self -preservation and the desire to cling to security and comfort, raise up men and women at COV who will travel a different road. The road of whole-hearted devotion. The road of 100% commitment. The road of sacrifice and service and devotion to You. Strip us of everything that holds us back from that type of commitment.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)