Mark 6:6-13

6:6 And he was amazed at their lack of faith. Then [after experiencing rejection in His hometown (Mark 6:1-6a)] Jesus went around teaching from village to village.

6:7 Calling the twelve [see Mark 3:13-19 re: appointment of the twelve] to Him [to receive instructions], He [urgently] sent [the same word from which we get “apostle”] them [see Mark 3:14] out [as His official representatives: see also 2 Cor. 5:20] two [see Ecc. 4:9-12 concerning the value of two] by two [thus multiplying His ministry: Jesus applied the Jewish legal requirement of two witnesses to affirm the veracity of a matter in court to the matter of witnessing and preaching] and [continually] gave them authority [power delegated by Jesus] over evil spirits [see 6:13].

6:8 These were His instructions [essentially, travel simply and lightly]: “Take nothing for the journey except [only what is absolutely necessary] a staff — no bread, no bag [or knapsack], no money in your belts [they were instead to depend totally upon God].

6:9 Wear sandals but not an extra tunic [coat: two coats was a sign of wealth and might give the wrong impression].

6:10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there [be content with the lodging you have, do not leave if better lodging becomes available] until you leave that town.

6:11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you [an indication that they should expect some rejection, even as Jesus had faced rejection], shake the dust off your feet when you leave [a symbol of God’s disapproval of those who reject Him and His representative: see Acts 13:51 concerning Paul’s actions in Pisidian Antioch], as a [thought-provoking and hopefully redemptive] testimony against them.”

6:12 They went out [as His representatives] and preached that people should repent [have a change of mind about God, Jesus, and themselves: to change one’s actions].

6:13 [The twelve] They [repeatedly] drove out [because God’s kingdom and power is greater than Satan’s] many demons [see 6:7] and anointed many [numerous acts of compassion] sick people with [olive] oil [a common agent used in healing: used externally and internally: see Luke 10:34] and healed them.

Note: What are some ways in which we can be involved in compassionate ministry?

Mark 6:30-31

6:30 The apostles [those sent forth on a special mission] gathered around Jesus [the One who sent them] and reported to Him all they had done and taught.

6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going [indicates the constant needs of people] that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with Me [Jesus calls us to serve and to rest] by yourselves to a quiet place [without distractions] and get some [a short period of ] rest [lest you burnout].”

Note: How can a period of rest prepare us for other ministry opportunities? Why is it important to periodically cease from labor and sharpen our edge? (Ecclesiastes 10:10)

Mark 8:14-21

8:14 The disciples [as they traveled by boat from the western side of the Sea of Galilee to the eastern side] had forgotten to bring bread [from the scene of the last feeding (Mark 8:1-10): but had Jesus, the bread of life (Jn. 6:35) with them], except for one loaf they had with them in the boat.

8:15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them [do not mix Christianity with the legalism of the Pharisees]. “Watch out for the [evil] yeast [or leaven, a permeating influence that affects the whole] of the Pharisees [i.e., a way of life filled with hypocrisy and legalism: cf. Luke 12:1] and that of Herod [i.e., a way of life characterized by worldliness: Mark 6:14-29].”

8:16 They discussed [argued] this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread [the disciples apparently misunderstood Jesus’ warning].”

8:17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them [therefore clarifying His point that His power and provision were sufficient to sustain them in their calling as disciples]: “Why are you talking about having no bread [the disciples failed to see Jesus as the bread]? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?

8:18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember [what you recently witnessed that should have caused you to realize that your Master is sufficient for every emergency]?

8:19 When I [Jesus reminded the disciples of two occasions in which He had provided bread for thousands] broke the five loaves for the five thousand [see Mark 6:34-44], how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied.

8:20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand [see Mark 8:1-10], how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.”

8:21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand [that Jesus is the source of power for daily living and adequate to meet their needs]?”

Mark 8:27-38

8:27 Jesus and His disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi [near Mount Hermon at the source of the Jordan River; this was Gentile territory]. On the way he asked them [the most significant question people must answer], “Who [asking questions was one of Jesus’ favorite means of teaching] do people [popular opinion] say I am? [Jesus used this question as an opportunity to clarify His mission to His disciples]”

8:28 They replied, “Some say [see Matt. 14:1-2 and Mark 6:14] John the Baptist [whose ministry brought great spiritual renewal in Israel]; others say Elijah [Jews considered Elijah their most honored prophet; some believed Jesus was Elijah appearing in fulfillment of end-time prophecy as per Mal. 4:5]; and still others, one of the prophets. [popular opinion failed to recognize Jesus for who He really is]”

8:29 “But what about you [ultimately every person must decide for themselves the answer to this question]?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter [acting as a spokesman] answered [correctly; see Matt. 16:17], “You are the Christ [the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew word Messiah (one anointed by God); many Jews were expecting a military leader].”

8:30 Jesus warned [strong prohibition] them not to tell anyone about him [because any proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah could have led to conflict between the popular expectations of the people and the reality of what God was doing in Christ (W. Blackman); to avoid “messianic misunderstanding”].

8:31 He began to teach them [about the events He would encounter in the future] that the Son of Man [Jesus’ favorite designation of Himself: links Him with the Son of Man mentioned in the OT] must [Jesus’ death was a divine necessity — God’s plan for His life — He voluntarily laid down His life] suffer many things and be rejected [as a result of fulfilling His mission] by [all the key leaders] the elders [lay leaders; those who ruled the synagogues], chief priests [those in charge of temple worship — Sadducees] and teachers of the law [Pharisees — scribes], and that He must be killed [Jesus had an awareness of His destiny] and after three days rise again [see Mark 9:10; Jesus ultimate destiny was life, not death].

8:32 He spoke plainly [not indirectly as in the past] about this [His coming death], and Peter [who lacked a spiritual understanding of the Messiah’s suffering] took Him aside and [standing face to face] began to rebuke Him [this was an attempt to turn Jesus from His God-appointed mission of dying for the sins of the world, which is what Satan tried to do in Matt. 4:8-10; perhaps fearful that if there was a cross in Jesus’ future then a cross in theirs].

8:33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples [who probably agreed with Peter], he rebuked Peter [for being Satan’s spokesman]. “Get behind me, Satan [Peter spoke the enemy’s mind; Jesus saw beyond Peter to Satan, the real source of opposition]!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God [Peter did not understand God’s purpose for Jesus], but the things of men [Peter was thinking like those around him].”

8:34 Then He called the crowd to Him [after private meeting with disciples] along with His disciples [for additional instruction about discipleship] and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must [1] deny [say no to and turning away from natural desires, ambitions, and pleasures] himself and [2] take up his cross [the cross was an instrument of death; an appeal for martyrdom; call to surrender everything dear; daily call to total commitment; see Gal. 2:20] and [3] follow me [by making a daily decision to honor Jesus in all our choices].

8:35 [restatement of the verse 34] For whoever wants to save his life [characterized by putting self first or at center of our decision-making] will lose it [including everything they amass and the approval of Jesus], but whoever loses his life [the world and its treasures] for me [act of devotion] and for the gospel will save it [enjoy eternal benefits].

8:36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world [temporal things only enjoyed for a brief season], yet forfeit [an absolute loss; wasting your life; missing opportunities to make your life count] his soul [eternal welfare]? [better to gain your soul and lose the world]

8:37 Or what [possession; number one thing in your life] can a man give in exchange for his soul [refers to a person’s being]?

8:38 [Warning!] If anyone is ashamed [to take a stand for Jesus] of me and my words [fails to live daily as Jesus’ disciple] in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Mark 4:35-41

4:35 That day [see 4:1; the full day on which Jesus shared many parables from a boat pushed out from the shore a short distance] when evening came, he said [without giving any reason why] to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other [eastern] side [population of this region was largely Gentile; see 5:20 re: Decapolis].“

4:36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was [presumably without returning to shore before departing to the other side of the lake], in the boat. There were also other boats [occupants of these boats had probably come round the boat in which Jesus was, to listen to Him; perhaps they turned back when the weather got rough] with him.

4:37 A furious squall [the storm would become part of that day’s curriculum] came up, and the waves broke over the boat [speaks of the intensity of the storm], so that it was nearly swamped.

Note: “Many people have the idea that storms come to their lives only when they have disobeyed God, but this is not always the case … [unlike Jonah] the disciples got into a storm because of their obedience to the Lord.” (W.W. Wiersbe, Be Diligent, p. 46)

4:38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping [in contrast to the anxious crew; Jesus was weary after a full day of teaching; humanity of Jesus (see Heb. 4:15); we can sleep when we trust God to take care of us (see Ps. 4:8); only mention in the Gospels of Jesus sleeping] on a cushion. The disciples [probably weary themselves, were desperate and fearful] woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown [the disciples asked Him accusingly; they were baffled by His calmness]?”

Note: Have you ever felt that Jesus was unaware or unconcerned about your trials?

4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said [only Mark records the words Jesus used] to the waves, “Quiet [see 1:25]! Be still [and remain so]!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm [sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms the hearts of His children].

4:40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid [cowardly, timid]? Do you still have no faith?”

4:41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey [to listen to] him!”

Mark 2:1-20

2:1 A few days later [unspecified period of time], when Jesus again [cf. Mk. 1:21-38 re: Jesus’ earlier ministry in Capernaum] entered Capernaum [Jesus’ base of operations in Galilee (Matt. 4:13; 9:1)], the people heard that he had come home [possibly refers to the home of Simon and Andrew (Mk. 1:29); owner of the house later received an unexpected remodeling job (Mk. 2:4)].

2:2 So many gathered [at the house where Jesus was staying] that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he [seized opportunity] preached [cf. Mk. 1:14-15 for a summary of the content of His preaching] the word to them.

2:3 Some men came, bringing to Him a paralytic [could not get to Jesus by himself], carried [on a mat as per 2:4] by four of them.

Outline of Mark 2:3-7
• Condition of the man = bedridden
• Concern of his friends = burden
• Crowd at the house = barrier
• Challenge of the roof = broken
• Conversion of the man = believer

2:4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd [represented an obstacle], they [resourcefully and single-mindedly] made an opening [probably climbed an outside staircase leading to the roof; literally “they unroofed the roof”] in the [probably flat] roof [beams and rafters covered with branches and sod] above Jesus and, after digging [with determination] through it, lowered the mat [the paralytic’s bed] the paralyzed man was lying on.

2:5 When Jesus saw [actions demonstrated faith] their [four friends and the paralytic] faith, he [authoritatively] said to the paralytic, “Son [term expresses affection regardless of age], your sins [spiritual need deeper than the physical need; Mark did not indicate if there was a cause-effect relationship between the man’s sins and his paralysis] are forgiven [“to release” or “to leave” or “to cancel a debt;” what the man needed most; read analogies of forgiveness in Isa. 1:18; Ps. 103:12; Mic. 7:19].”

2:6 Now some teachers of the law [scribes: scholars of the Mosaic law; trained in interpreting, teaching, and enforcing the Law; according to Lk. 5:21 the Pharisees were also present] were sitting there [probably with the intention of trapping Jesus], thinking [to reason, to debate] to themselves,

2:7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming [to insult, defame, or profane God or God’s name, in this case by claiming prerogatives and privileges that belong only to God: an act punishable by stoning: Lev. 24:10-23; Num. 15:30]! Who can forgive sins but God alone [according to first-century Jewish tradition, not even the Messiah could forgive sins]?”

Note: Jesus encountered conflict and experienced opposition almost from the beginning of His ministry. What can we expect as His disciples (see John 16:1-4; 17:14)? How should we respond? (see Matt. 5:10-12)

2:8 Immediately Jesus knew [to perceive; to recognize; cf. Jn. 2:24-25] in his spirit [inner person] that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things?

2:9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven [something not open to direct observation],’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’ [something more difficult because everyone can witness the result]?

2:10 But that you may know that the Son of Man [Jesus’ favorite self-designation during His earthly ministry; title for Messiah (cf. Dan. 7:13-14); a less familiar title for the Messiah that Jesus filled with His own meaning] has authority [power; moral or legal right to use power; Jesus claimed the moral right to forgive sins] on earth to forgive sins …” He said to the paralytic,

2:11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

2:12 He got up [immediately obeyed the command of Jesus], took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed [to be beside one’s self] everyone and they praised [to give glory to] God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

2:13 Once again [refers to previous occasion when Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, John] Jesus went out [from the city of Capernaum on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee] beside the lake [Sea of Galilee]. A large crowd [perhaps curious and spiritually hungry; see Matt. 9:36 re: what Jesus saw in the crowds] came to him [perhaps as a result of the miracle they witnessed in Mk. 2:1-12], and he began to teach them.

2:14 As he walked along [after teaching the crowd beside the Sea of Galilee], he saw Levi [Matthew (cf. Matt. 9:9)] son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth [custom office; toll booth; may have been a tax station on the trade route (Damascus to Egypt) or a place for port duties and fishing tolls; he collected taxes for Herod Antipas; tax collectors had a reputation for overcharging in order to line their own pockets, as in the case of Zacchaeus in Lk. 19:8]. “Follow me [a brief and urgent call; a call to relationship],” Jesus told him, and Levi got up [left his financial security] and followed [to follow as a disciple] him [knowing that he could never again return to his work as a tax-collector; a decisive break with his past; his response was immediate and his commitment total].

2:15 While Jesus was having dinner [to recline (at the table)] at Levi’s [first act as a follower of Jesus was to host a dinner to introduce his friends to Jesus] house, many tax collectors [not Roman, but native Jews who had been contracted to collect taxes in a small town or district; publicans] and “sinners” [term used by Pharisees to designate those who did not keep requirements of Mosaic Law] were eating with [to recline at the table together] him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

2:16 When the teachers [scribes: experts in the law of Moses] of the law who were Pharisees [means “separated ones;” the major religious party in Jesus’ day] saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they [offended by Jesus’ actions] asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’? [cf. Lk. 15:1-2]”

2:17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy [strong] who need a doctor, but the sick [“to have it badly”]. I have not come to call the righteous [Jesus was not implying that the Pharisees were righteous; Pharisees thought they were righteous when they too were among the sick Jesus came to save], but sinners [conscious of their unworthiness before holy God and their need for salvation (cf. Lk. 18:9-14)].”

2:18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees [required by law to fast only on Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29)] were [regularly/habitually: Pharisees voluntarily fasted two days each week as in Luke 18:12] fasting [an accepted and expected religious expression in Jesus’ day]. Some [perhaps common or religious] people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting [according to the tradition of the day], but yours [do not observe formal times of fasting] are not?”

2:19 Jesus answered [used illustration of a Jewish wedding feast], “How can the guests [disciples] of the bridegroom [Jesus: see John 3:29] fast [rather than feast] while he is with them? They cannot [it is unthinkable and inappropriate], so long as they have him with them.

2:20 But the time will come when the bridegroom [Jesus] will be [abruptly] taken from [veiled reference to Jesus’ death on the cross] them [disciples], and on that day [the appropriate time: cf. 2 Sam. 12:22-23] they will fast [an expression of grief and sadness].

Mark 1:1-13

1:1 The beginning [Mark started with the account of John the Baptist (vv. 2-4) and with Jesus as an adult] of the gospel [good news: the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus] about Jesus [this name identifies Him as our Savior; see Matt. 1:21] Christ [this Greek term presents Him as the Messiah (Hebrew term) or the Anointed One, whom God commissioned to carry out a special task], the Son of God [points to the divine origin of Jesus and His unique relationship to God; also used in 1:11; 9:7; 14:61-62; 15:39].

1:2 It is written [prophesies pointing to John the Baptist’s task] in Isaiah [although Mark also quoted Malachi, the standard Jewish practice was to use the name of the more famous prophet, hence Isaiah] the prophet: “I will send My messenger [forerunner; an Elijah-like prophet (see Mark 9:11-13)] ahead of you, who will prepare [call people to make moral preparation for Jesus] your [Messiah] way” [see Mal. 3:1]—

1:3 “a voice [herald after 400 years of silence] of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare [by making moral changes] the way of the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’ [see Isa. 40:3; read Jesus’ comments about John the Baptist in Matt. 11:14]”

1:4 And so John [fulfilled verses 2-3] came baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism [identifies a person with a group or religious movement] of repentance [a change in the moral movement of one’s life; change of direction away from sin and toward God] for [or, with reference to, on the basis of, or as a result of] the forgiveness of sins.

1:5 The whole Judean countryside [around Jerusalem] and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized [immersed] by him in the Jordan River.

1:6 John wore [description of John the Baptist emphasizes that following Jesus involved separation from the world and denial of self] clothing [cf. Elijah’s clothing: 2 Kings 1:8] made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts [see Lev. 11:20-23] and wild honey.

1:7 And this was his message [passionately and urgently proclaimed]: “After me will come One more powerful than I [a contrast of position], the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy [see John 3:30; John understood his place in the kingdom of God] to stoop down and untie [the lowliest task; a contrast of worth].

1:8 I baptize you [those who have repented] with water, but He [a contrast in ministry] will baptize you with the [life-changing power of the] Holy Spirit [see 1 Cor. 12:13].”

1:9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth [His hometown] in Galilee and was baptized [picture of how He would fulfill His mission; “to fulfill all righteousness” as per Matt. 3:15, i.e., to submit to every ordinance God intended for His people] by John [cf. Matt. 3:13-15] in the Jordan.

1:10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water [cf. Matt. 3:16], He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove.

1:11 And a voice [God’s] came from heaven [cf. 3:17]: “You are My Son [refers to a unique relationship; see Ps. 2:7 and John 1:1], whom I love [see Mark 9:7]; with You I am well pleased [see Isa. 42:1].”

1:12 At once the Spirit sent Him out into the desert [for 40 days; see also Matt. 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13],

1:13 and He was in the desert forty days, being tempted [see Heb. 2:18; 4:15] by Satan [name means “adversary” — the agent of temptation]. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended Him [angels ministered to Jesus after He had defeated Satan’s advances (see Matt. 4:11); Jesus had unique access to the resources of God].

Mark 1:16-20

1:16 As Jesus walked beside [to pass by, to go along] the Sea of Galilee [also known as the Lake of Gennesaret (Lk. 5:1) and the Sea of Tiberias (Jn. 6:1; 21:1)], he saw Simon [married and lived in Capernaum (Mk. 1:29-30)] and his brother Andrew [a disciple of John the Baptist (Jn. 1:35-42); along with Simon, partner with James and John (cf. Lk. 5:10)] casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen [vocation].

1:17 “Come, follow me [command; formal call to discipleship; call to follow a Person not a philosophy],” Jesus said, “and [promise] I will make [Jesus cannot make us into anything unless we follow Him] you fishers of men.”

Note: Jesus cannot mold or make us into anything unless we follow Him.

1:18 At once [immediately; no excuses, no delay] they left [forsook; a radical and abrupt break] their nets [their livelihood] and followed [to follow as a disciple; term implies personal adherence and association] him [they had already believed in Him as per John 1:40-42].

1:19 When He had gone a little farther, He saw James [martyred by Herod I, the grandson of Herod the Great who had ordered the death of the Bethlehem children and nephew of Herod Antipas who had John the Baptist beheaded; see Acts 12:1-2] son of Zebedee and His brother John [see Luke 5:10 concerning the relationship between Simon, Andrew, James, and John] in a boat, preparing [mending] their nets.

1:20 Without delay [immediately and decisively] He called them, and they left their father [Simon and Andrew “left their nets” but James and John “left their father” — indicates they placed the highest priority on Jesus’ call] Zebedee [following Jesus sometimes involves severing family ties] in the boat with the hired men [who could help their father with the fishing business] and [promptly] followed Him [to learn of Him and from Him].

Mark 3:13-19

3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside [“and spent the night praying to God” (Lk. 6:12)] and called [Jesus took the initiative] to Him those He wanted, and they came to [they accepted His call] Him.

3:14 He appointed twelve [reminiscent of Israel’s twelve tribes] — designating them apostles [refers to one sent on a mission] — [Purpose 1] that they might be with Him [to learn from Him; prerequisite for preaching to others about Him; cf. Acts 4:13] and [Purpose 2] that He might send them out [to represent and serve Him] to preach [while He was on earth and after the resurrection]

3:15 and to have authority [delegated authority; disciples needed divine power to accomplish divine work; cf. Matt. 28:18] to drive out [exorcise] demons.

3:16 These are the twelve [diverse group of men] He appointed: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter [an Aramaic word meaning “stone” or “rock”]);

3:17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John [along with Peter formed Jesus’ inner circle (see Mk. 5:37; 9:2)] (to them He gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder [perhaps because of their fiery temperaments (Lk. 9:54)]);

3:18 Andrew [Peter’s brother; had the gift of introducing others to Jesus as per John 1:40-42; 6:8-9; 12:20-22], Philip [see Jn. 1:43-45], Bartholomew [or Nathanael; recruited by Philip; see John 1:43-51], Matthew [the tax collector], Thomas [means twin; see John 20:24-29], James son of Alphaeus [possibly Matthew’s brother; see Mk. 2:14], Thaddaeus [most likely Judas son of James (cf. Lk. 6:16; Acts 1:13)], Simon the Zealot [either a man of religious zeal or a member of the revolutionary (terrorist) party known as the Zealots]

3:19 and Judas Iscariot [from the village of Kerioth], who betrayed [to deliver over] Him.

Note: Although the twelve were different, Jesus expected them to work together in His cause. Jesus calls all kinds of people to follow Him and to join with others in working together to serve Him. He still desires unity in diversity among His followers.

9:1 And Jesus was saying to them [the disciples], “Truly I say to you, there are some of those [perhaps reference to Peter, James, and John who witnessed the Transfiguration; these three comprised the inner circle of the disciples] who are standing here who will not taste death until they see [cf. 2 Pet. 1:16-18] the kingdom of God after it has come with power [the three disciples saw this in the Transfiguration].”

9:2 Six days [cf. Ex. 24:16 re: Moses waiting six days before ascending Mt. Sinai to meet the Lord] later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James [would become the first of the disciples to suffer a martyr’s death (Acts 12:1-2)] and John, and brought them up on a high mountain [mountain not identified but believed to be Mount Hermon or Mount Tabor] by themselves. And He was transfigured [from Gr. Word “metamorphothe” or metamorphosis; this experience gave the three disciples a brief glimpse of Jesus’ true glory and divinity] before them;

9:3 and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer [a fuller or bleacher of clothing] on earth can whiten them.

9:4 Elijah [represented the prophets who foretold coming of Messiah; had met God on a mountain (1 Kings 19:8-18)] appeared to them along with Moses [represented the Law; had meet God on a mountain (Ex. 24:12-18) and predicted coming of a great prophet (Deut. 18:15-19)]; and they were talking with Jesus.

9:5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi [Master or Teacher], it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles [like the booths used to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:42-43)], one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

9:6 For he did not know what to answer [Peter impetuously spoke when he should have remained silent and listened and learned from the experience]; for they became terrified.

9:7 Then a cloud [reminiscent of the “pillar of cloud” that led Israelites after the exodus (Ex. 13:21)] formed, overshadowing them, and a voice [the voice singled out Jesus] came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen [cf. Deut. 18:15] to Him! [cf. Mk. 1:1; Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah]”

9:8 All at once [suddenly] they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone.

9:9 As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone [this likely included the other disciples] what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead [this was the specified time period for their silence].

9:10 They seized [to grasp] upon that statement [to keep in mind], discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant [cf. Jn. 20:9].

9:11 They asked Him, saying, “Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first [i.e., before the Messiah in order to usher in messianic age; Mal. 4:5-6; see Mk. 1:1-4 re: role of John the Baptist]?”

9:12 And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things as per Mal. 4:5-6]. And yet how is it written [cf. Ps. 22:14,16-17; Isa. 53:1-12] of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

9:13 “But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come [cf. Matt. 17:13 re: John the Baptist who confronted sin and pointed people to God], and they did to him whatever they wished [John the Baptist suffered at the hands of Herod and Herodias (Mk. 6:14-29); see also Lk. 7:30], just as it is written of him.”

9:14 When they came back [according to Lk. 9:37 this occurred “the next day”] to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them [most likely about disciples failure to cast out a demon].

9:15 Immediately, when the entire crowd saw Him, they were amazed [filled with wonder] and began running up to greet Him [the people were happy to see Jesus].

9:16 And He asked them [possibly asked the scribes], “What are you discussing [disputing or arguing] with them?”

9:17 And one of the crowd [the father of the demon-possessed boy] answered Him, “Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit [an evil spirit] which makes him mute;

9:18 and whenever it seizes him, [symptoms similar to an epileptic seizure] it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out [the demonic always seeks to destroy]. I told Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it [cf. Mark 6:7,13 re: disciples “casting out many demons”].”

9:19 And He answered them and said, “O unbelieving generation [cf. Moses’ frustration in Deut. 32:5,20], how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me [note that Jesus takes action at this point]!”

9:20 They brought the boy to Him. When he [the evil spirit] saw Him, immediately the spirit [responded with a final attack on the boy] threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth.

9:21 And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him [this question would highlight how long the boy and his family had struggled with what was to them a hopeless situation]?” And he said, “From childhood.

9:22 “It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him [read between the lines to see a father who had to constantly watch his son and to rescue him from danger]. But if You can do anything [indicates a bit of doubt on the part of the father, perhaps because of the inability of the disciples to help], take pity on us and help us [note that the father said “us” because he identified with his son’s suffering but would also be the beneficiary of Jesus’ help]!”

9:23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can [essentially asking, “Do you believe that I can?”]?’ All things are possible to him who believes.”

9:24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief. [the man honestly acknowledged that his faith was weak; cf. Syrophoenician woman in Mk. 7:25-30]”

9:25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again [complete healing].” [four out of thirteen healing stories in Mark’s Gospel deal with exorcism of demons]

9:26 After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions [cf. Mk. 1:26], it came out; and the boy [understandably exhausted] became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!”

9:27 But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him [Jesus had not healed the boy only to let him die; He renewed the boy’s health and strength]; and he got up.

9:28 When He came into the house [a private setting where Jesus could debrief with His disciples], His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we [the word “we” may reveal why they were ineffective] not drive it out [a legitimate question in light of the fact that they had previously driven out demons (Mk. 6:7,13)]?”

9:29 And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer [we must never become so lax as to think we do not need to pray to accomplish God’s purposes; we demonstrate our reliance on God through prayer].”

9:30 From there [the Decapolis] they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it [perhaps to spend time with His disciples].

9:31 For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man [this title occurs fourteen times in Mark’s Gospel; Daniel used this term in reference to one who would come from heaven to preside over the last judgment and the new age (Dan. 7:13)] is to be delivered [will be betrayed] into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.”

9:32 But they did not understand this statement [because they expected Him to set up a political kingdom], and they were afraid to ask Him [perhaps because of the incident recorded in Mk. 8:32-33].

9:33 They came to Capernaum [located on northwest shore of Sea of Galilee; served as Jesus’ base of operations during early days of His ministry]; and when He was in the house [possibly the home of Peter (cf. Mk. 1:21,29)], He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?”

9:34 But they kept silent [they were too ashamed to answer Jesus], for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. [an indication that they were being driven by pride and ambition at this point, contrary to what they had heard Jesus teach about sacrifice and service in Mk. 8:34-35; these disciples value rank while Jesus valued servanthood; see Lk. 14:7-11 re: rank in Jewish culture]

9:35 Sitting down [the posture of a Jewish teacher], He called the twelve and said to them [Jesus illustrated that, in the kingdom, one must descend into greatness, a concept contrary to the world’s standards], “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all [meeting needs of others without expecting anything in return].”

9:36 [Jesus used an object lesson to illustrate His point] Taking a child [word for “servant” and “child” is the same in Aramaic language], He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them [cf. parallel account in Matt. 18:1-5],

9:37 “Whoever receives one child [represents those who are weak, innocent, and vulnerable] like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”

9:38 [cf. Luke 9:49-50] John [part of Jesus’ inner circle, along with James and Peter] said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons [apparently this man (unike the disciples in Lk. 9:40) had some success in driving out demons] in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us [disciples mistakenly thought they had a monopoly on Jesus’ power].”

9:39 But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me.

9:40 “For he who is not against us is for us [cf. Matt. 12:30; when it comes to our relationship with Jesus, there can be no neutrality; we are either for Him or against Him].

9:41 “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink [cf. Matt. 25:31-46] because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward [this is not a reference to salvation by works].

9:42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones [children or those weak and vulnerable] who believe to stumble [by way of teaching or example; there is accountability for those who influence children to do wrong or to stumble], it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone [a heavy stone used to grind grain, olives, or grapes] hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.

9:43  [although the metaphorical language is strong, it should not be misinterpreted to mean self-mutilation] “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off [renounce and forsake]; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire,

9:44 [where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.]

9:45 “If your foot [the means by which one travels to do evil] causes you to stumble, cut it off [not literally, but instead to stop practices, relationships, or activities that lead us to do evil]; it is better for you to enter life lame, than, having your two feet, to be cast into hell [or Gehenna, word derived from Valley of Hinnom, located south of Jerusalem; the city garbage dump where fires burned constantly],

9:46 [where THEIR WORM [represents internal pain] DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE [represents external pain] IS NOT QUENCHED.]

9:47 “If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell,

9:48 where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.

9:49 “For everyone will be salted [purifies] with fire.

9:50 “Salt [cf. Matt. 5:13] is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty [loses it’s usefulness], with what will you make it salty again [impossible for salt to regain it’s saltiness once it has lost it?] Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Mark 10:1-12

Teachings on marriage and divorce.

Mark 10:13-16 [see also Matt. 19:13-15; Lk. 18:15-17]

10:13 People [probably parents] were bringing [parents thought it important to have a distinguished rabbi to bless their children] little children [Gr. “paidia” could mean any child from infancy (cf. Lk. 18:15) up to twelve years old] to Jesus to have him touch [perhaps because they believed Jesus’ touch would convey a special blessing from God; Matthew adds, “and pray for them” (19:13)] them, but the disciples rebuked them [scolded the parents for interrupting Jesus].

Mark told of an occasion when people, probably parents, were bringing little children to Jesus. Parents have the primary responsibility for spiritual instruction in the home (see Deut. 6:6-9) and for bringing their children to Jesus.

One of the greatest experiences my wife and I have had in life is that of leading our children to place their faith in Jesus for salvation. The Greek word for “children” in this verse refers to children ranging in age from babies to preteens. It was customary for parents in Jesus’ day to bring their children to an elder or scribe so that he could touch them or bless them.

The disciples rebuked those who were bringing their children to Jesus. Perhaps they were trying to protect Jesus from what they thought was an annoyance or because they thought that the children were unworthy of His time and energy. How sad!

We should never hinder or prevent others from coming to Jesus, no matter how young or old. Instead, we have a responsibility to facilitate the process of bringing others to Jesus. We ought to demonstrate Paul’s attitude, “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20b).

Note: How do you relate to children who are not your own or not your relatives? Do you ignore them or seek ways to affirm them?

10:14 When Jesus saw this [what the disciples were doing], he was indignant [Gr. “aganaktew” is used of Jesus only here in the Gospels and means “much grief”]. He [Jesus viewed children as significant persons (in the first-century, unwanted infants were killed or left alone to die and abortion was an accepted part of pagan society)] said [Jesus took advantage of this opportunity to teach a spiritual truth] to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them [“stop hindering them” or “never stop them”], for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these [does not mean that children are automatically in the kingdom of God; children are needy, helpless, and dependent on others; those seeking to enter God’s kingdom must have a childlike attitude (openness, humility, trust, acceptance)].

When Jesus saw what the disciples were doing, he was indignant. It was painful for Him to see the disciples turning away the little children. Jesus immediately stopped the disciples and called for the little children to come to Him. Rather than seeing children as a nuisance, Christ affirmed and valued them. Do not hinder them, He said.

There is perhaps no greater crime we can commit against others than to hinder them from coming to Jesus. We must never hinder others from coming to Jesus by either word or example. Jesus explained that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Jesus did not mean that heaven is reserved only for children, but rather that people need to approach God with the trust of a child.

Note: What barriers do parents often encounter in bringing their children to Jesus? In what ways are some parents guilty of keeping their own children away from Jesus?

10:15 I tell you the truth [these words introduce a solemn statement], anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God [the rule and reign of God in the lives of people] like a little child [with simple trust, joyfully, thankfully] will never enter it.”

Jesus explained that we must receive or welcome the kingdom of God with the trust, innocence, and humility of a child. Children do not approach God on the basis of their credentials, accomplishments, position, or power. Instead they approach Him with a simple, trusting attitude that demonstrates their dependence upon Him. God placed His wonderful gift of salvation on the lower shelf where it is within the reach of children and where the proud must bow down in order to obtain it.

10:16 And he took the children [each individual child] in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed [means “to call down blessings on” or “to bless greatly”] them.

In a gesture that must have warmed the hearts of those present, Jesus took or embraced the children in His arms. He tenderly put his hands on each of them and blessed them. All people, especially believers, should follow Christ’s example of showing care and concern for children, including the unborn. Like Jesus, may use our arms to embrace children and our hands to bless them—but never to harm them.

Note: What implications do these verses have for the abortion issue?

Mark 10:17-31

10:17 As Jesus started on his way [refers to Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and the cross (Mk. 11-16 records the last week of Jesus’ public ministry)], a man [rich (Mk. 10:22), young (Matt. 19:22), ruler (Lk. 18:18)] ran up to [eagerness, earnestness] him and fell on his knees [expression of sincerity; showed respect and honor for Jesus as a distinguished rabbi; man set aside his pride in order to kneel before Jesus] before him. “Good teacher,” he asked [man believed Jesus could answer his question], “what must I do [man believed goodness defined by human achievement and that salvation must be earned] to inherit eternal life? [life’s most important issue; cf. Jn. 17:3 re: Jesus’ definition of eternal life; man recognized that something was missing from his life – he did not have the assurance that he had eternal life]”

10:18 “Why do you call me good [Jesus was not denying His own goodness and deity; wanted to know if the man was trying to flatter Him or really understood that God is the source of goodness]?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.

10:19 You know the commandments [cf. Ex. 20; Deut. 5; Jesus cited the last six commandments]: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud [to rob, to deprive, holding back wages of one hired], honor your father and mother.’”

10:20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy [indication of spiritual pride or ignorance; man sincerely felt he had obeyed outward demands of the law but had obviously not heard Jesus’ inward interpretation of some of the commandments (Matt. 5:21-48); perhaps he thought so because he was comparing himself with others].”

10:21 Jesus looked at [penetrating gaze that saw all the way to the man’s heart] him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor [the man was trusting in his possessions as his basis for securing eternal life; the man’s riches were a barrier between himself and God; wealth occupied place in his life that belonged to God (violation of first commandment)], and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow [follow as a disciple] me.”

10:22 At this [the man faced the most important decision of his life] the man’s face fell [to become gloomy]. He went away sad [grieving and sorrowful], because he had great wealth [his gold remained his god; his possessions possessed him].

10:23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples [Jesus took advantage of this teachable moment], “How hard [because wealth breeds self-sufficiency] it is for the rich [word often means things or possessions: property, wealth, means] to enter the kingdom of God [the rule and reign of God in the heart of an individual]!”

Note: Other rich men who missed eternal life…
• man preoccupied with wealth Lk. 12:16-21
• man indifferent to God & needy Lk. 16:19-31

10:24 The disciples were amazed [perhaps because many viewed wealth as a sign of God’s favor] at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!

10:25 [exaggerated illustration to make a point (hyperbole)] It is easier for a camel [the largest animal known to those who heard Jesus’ words] to go through the eye of a needle [Luke used word for surgical needle in Lk. 18:25] than for a rich man [perhaps because material wealth can make people blind to their spiritual needs] to enter the kingdom of God.”

10:26 The disciples were even more amazed [to be overwhelmed], and said to each other, “Who then can be saved [to rescue from a deadly plight]?”

10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this [refers to entering the kingdom] is impossible [human achievement cannot qualify anyone for eternal life], but not with God; all things are possible with God [salvation is a divine accomplishment].”

10:28 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you [implication is that they had done what the rich, young ruler had refused to do]!”

Note: The cost of following Christ…
• Peter & Andrew left fishing business
• James & John left fishing business / father
• Matthew left job as tax collector

10:29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, [1: there will be rewards for following Jesus] “no one who has left [note precious things listed, a reminder that it costs to follow Jesus] home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel

10:30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much [not a promise of material riches; some rewards may be material in nature, but greater rewards are spiritual] in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields — and with them [rewards], persecutions [2: there will be persecutions for following Jesus]) and in the age to come, eternal life [the greatest possession].

10:31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

11:1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage [located outside Jerusalem near Mount of Olives] and Bethany [the home of Mary, Martha, Lazarus; Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead there (John 11-12); Jesus anointed for burial at home of Simon the Leper in Bethany (Matt. 26:6; Mk. 14:3)] at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples,

11:2 saying to them, “Go to the village [Bethany] ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden [cf. Num. 19:2; Deut. 21:3; 1 Sam. 6:7 re: use of animals for sacred purposes]. Untie it and bring it here.

11:3 If anyone asks you [Jesus anticipated that the disciples would be questioned re: their actions], ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it [it’s amazing to consider the things that the Lord needs and whether we freely and unreservedly give him what he needs and asks of us] and will send it back here shortly.’”

11:4 They went and found [the disciples found everything exactly as Jesus’ said] a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it,

11:5 some people standing there asked [cf. Lk. 19:33], “What are you doing, untying that colt?”

11:6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.

11:7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it [cf. 2 Kings 9:12-13 re: cloaks spread out for King Jehu], he sat on it.

11:8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road [this road was approximately one mile outside of Jerusalem], while others spread branches they had cut in the fields [cf. Matt. 21:8; Ps. 118:27; this event commemorated in observance of Palm Sunday].

11:9 [cf. prophecy in Zech. 9:9] Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted [see Ps. 118:25-26], “Hosanna [means “save now”]!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord [possibly recited as part of Passover tradition and as a blessing to visiting pilgrims]!”

11:10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David [cf. God’s words to David in 2 Sam. 7:12-16]!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

11:11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany [perhaps to the home of his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus] with the Twelve.

11:12 The next day [Monday] as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry [He therefore understands and is sympathetic to our hunger; cf. Heb. 4:15].

11:13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf [an indication that the fig tree should have had edible buds], he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.

11:14 Then he said to the tree [this incident was an acted-out parable to show Jesus’ displeasure with religion without substance], “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.

11:15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers [exchanged Roman currency (could not be used because they bore the image of Caesar) and currencies of those who had traveled to Jerusalem from other countries into Jewish currency (Hebrew shekels) needed to pay temple tax and buy sacrifices; Passover represented huge opportunity for money changers] and the benches of those selling doves [commonly used by the poor for sin offerings and burnt offerings (Lev. 1:14; 5:7) and as sacrifices for cleansing of women and lepers (Lev. 12:6)],

11:16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts [the only area of the temple accessible to the Gentiles].

11:17 And as he taught them [this was indeed a teachable moment], he said [Jesus quoted Isa. 56:7 (God’s intention for the temple) and Jer. 7:11 (how God’s intention for the temple was violated)], “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

11:18 The chief priests [mostly Sadducees] and the teachers of the law [mostly Pharisees] heard this and began looking for a way to kill him [these two groups did not like each other (see Acts 23:6-10) but they did agree on their dislike of Jesus; ironic that these religious leaders had thoughts of murder while at the temple], for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed [spellbound] at his teaching.

11:19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city [most likely returned to Bethany; note in next verse that they passed the same fig tree the following morning].

11:20 In the morning [Tuesday], as they went along, they saw the fig tree [see Mk. 11:13-14] withered from the roots.

11:21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered [Jerusalem would suffer the same fate as the fig tree in AD 70]!”

11:22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.

11:23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain [the Mount of Olives on which they stood], ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea [the Dead Sea located a short distance away],’ and does not doubt [to be in two minds; to waver in their confidence in God] in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.

11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask [God does not grant requests that are contrary to His will or His nature; what we ask must be in harmony with God’s purposes, principles, and interests] for in prayer [prayer must be made in Jesus’ name (Jn. 14:13-14)], believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

11:25 And [this is yet another condition for answered prayer] when you stand [common posture for Jews in prayer] praying, if you hold anything against anyone [our horizontal relationships matter and have an impact on our vertical relationship with God], forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

11:26 [note: this verse not included here in some versions; see also Matt. 6:15 and Lk. 11:4] “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”

11:27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, [note presence of representatives of the three groups that made up the seventy-one-member Jewish ruling council known as the Sanhedrin] the [1] chief priests, the [2] teachers of the law and the [3] elders came to him.

11:28 [delegation of religious leaders intent on finding fault with or entrapping Jesus; this delegation was already plotting to kill Jesus as per Mk. 11:18] “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” [possible replies include: (1) by God’s authority or (2) by His own authority; the first reply would be seen as blasphemous and worthy of death penalty (Lev. 24:10-23); the second reply would dismiss Jesus as a fanatic]

11:29 Jesus replied [countered question with a question], “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

11:30 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”

11:31 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’

11:32 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ … [which is the answer they preferred]” (They feared the people [cf. Lk. 20:6], for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)

11:33 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know [this was a way for hem to save face].” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

12:1 He then began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and went away on a journey.

12:2 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard.

12:3 But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

12:4 Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully.

12:5 He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.

12:6 “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

12:7 “But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’

12:8 So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.

12:9 “What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.

12:10 Haven’t you read this scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
12:11 the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

12:12 Then they looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

12:13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words.

12:14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?

12:15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”

12:16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied.

12:17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.

12:18 Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.

12:19 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and have children for his brother.

12:20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children.

12:21 The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third.

12:22 In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too.

12:23 At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”

12:24 Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?

12:25 When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

12:26 Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?

12:27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!”

12:28 One of the teachers of the law [a scribe: one who copied the laws given by Moses and interpreted them] came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments [rabbis had a list of over 600 laws and often disagreed over which ones were the most important], which is the most important?”

12:29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this [Deut. 6:4-5, known as the Shema from the Heb. word meaning “to listen”]: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.

12:30 Love the Lord your God with all [complete devotion] your heart [emotions] and with all your soul [personhood] and with all your mind [thoughts and intellect] and with all your strength [physical strength].’

12:31 The second [no other teacher before Jesus had ever ranked these two commandments as first and second in importance; loving God and loving others are two sides of the same coin] is this [Lev. 19:18]: ‘Love your neighbor [to Jews this meant “members of your community” but Jesus expanded definition to include Gentiles as well] as yourself. ‘There is no commandment greater than these.”

12:32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.

12:33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding [loving God with all one’s mental capacities] and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important [this scribe had a deeper understanding than many of his contemporaries about what pleased God (perhaps he was thinking of 1 Sam. 15:22)] than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

12:34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely [intelligently; with understanding], he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God [the scribe was “on the right track”].” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

12:35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David?

12:36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”‘

12:37 David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight.

12:38 As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces,

12:39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.

12:40 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”

12:41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.

12:42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

12:43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.

12:44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”