Category: Bible Studies

Bible Studies

“Devotion and Treachery” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 14:1-11 NLT – Jesus Anointed at Bethany – It was now – Bible Gateway

“Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.” Mark 14:3 NLT

We are heading into the final days of Passion Week in our study in the book of Mark. Jesus finished answering His disciples questions about the end times and it is now near the end of the day. Jesus had been staying at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus and most likely retired there for the night. This is either Tuesday or Wednesday evening depending on how one counts the days to Passover. Chapter 14 starts out, “It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread.” (Mk.14:1 nlt) A Jewish day was sunset to sunset. Verse 1 goes on to inform us the leading priests and teachers of the Law were still plotting to arrest Jesus and put Him to death but did not want to do it during the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread for fear of the people. The population of Jerusalem grows during those days to over 500,000 people. The religious rulers were afraid of an uprising among the people if Jesus was arrested. So, they backed off at the moment.

Although placed in the middle of Passion Week in Mark’s gospel, the following event took place on the night before Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday. Mark may have placed it here, as Matthew did, to show the significance of Jesus’ anointing to His upcoming death. The story begins, “Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.” (Mk.14:3 nlt)

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The home is the residence of Simon who at one time was a leper. Jesus had healed him and now Simon was part of the wider circle of Jesus’ followers. Simon’s home could have been a regular stop for Jesus when in Bethany along with Lazarus and his sisters’ home. While they were eating a woman, we know it to be Mary from John’s gospel, came in with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. She proceeded to break open the bottle and pour it over Jesus’ head anointing Him with the aromatic oil of pure nard. It was customary in those days to anoint a guest with a dab of oil, of course this was more than a dab. As the aroma spread throughout the room, the realization began to sink in of Mary’s action. This perfume was kept in an alabaster jar made of a special variety of marble to keep it preserved. It was imported from India and would have been valued at a years wages at the time. Needless to say there were plenty of people upset for what they perceived as a waste of money. “Some of those at the table were indignant. ‘Why waste such expensive perfume?’ they asked. ‘It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!’ So they scolded her harshly.” (Mk.14:4-5 nlt) The gospel of Matthew names the disciples as the ones complaining and John states it was Judas who was leading the charge in the murmuring. They were looking at it from the world’s perspective, as most of us do, but Jesus gives a full explanation to the purpose of Mary’s anointing Him.

The first thing Jesus says is to stop criticizing her. Mary had done a good thing. Then He says, “You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.” (Mk.14:7 nlt) Jesus was not displaying a lack of concern for the poor but was making a point. (It is true we always have the poor among us. That has not changed. But are we following Jesus’ advice that we can help them whenever we want? And more importantly when do we want to?) Jesus made it a point to stress He will not always be around, in fact Jesus had least than one week before His crucifixion. Mary had done what she could. She anointed Jesus’ body for burial. Did Mary realize the symbolism of what she was doing? We really don’t know. But she was one who sat at His feet listening intently to Jesus’ every word. If we do that today, we may be surprised how much insight the Lord will reveal to us. Jesus knew He was headed for a criminal’s death and criminals did not have their bodies anointed after death before burial. Mary anointed Jesus for His burial. This anointing also displayed her love and devotion to her Lord and Savior, the one who was worthy to have the entire bottle of expensive fragrant oil poured over Him. It was not wasted. He is worthy!

Judas was more than upset, he had enough, “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them.” (Mk.14:10 nlt) Judas being a thief did not care about the poor, but it sounded good in scolding Mary. He lost an opportunity to put that money in his own pockets. Judas was also looking to Jesus as a political revolutionary to overthrow Rome, and that wasn’t going to happen. He then when to Jesus’ enemies to make a deal to betray Him. The religious leaders who decided to wait until after the Passover changed their minds and took advantage of the opportunity they had and paid Judas thirty pieces of silver. Judas began to secure a time when Jesus would be away from the crowds to set up His arrest.

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Mary displayed complete devotion to Jesus, her Lord. No price was too high for Mary to show Him her love. No price was too low for Judas to betray Jesus the Son of God. Thirty pieces of silver seemed the right price for treachery.

Next week we begin our look at the Last Supper………..

Bible Studies

“The Return of Christ” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark 

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13:24-37 NLT – “At that time, after the anguish of – Bible Gateway

“And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” Mark 13:33, 37 NLT

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This week we venture into the last days of the Great Tribulation. It is hard for us to imagine let alone understand. That is why we will look to Jesus’ words very carefully to decipher as much as we can about this upcoming day, the close of the tribulation period and the return of Christ. Jesus is still answering His disciples question as to when will these things take place. Jesus gave them the signs to look for right up to and including His physical return to rule during the millennium.

Jesus continues His Olivet Discourse, “At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” (Mk.13:24-25 nlt) Jesus is making note what was prophesied in the Old Testament book of Joel about the end days. (Joel 2:10, 31, 3:15) It is at this time as explained by late Dr. John MacArthur that the universe begins to disintegrate. The millions of stars within the countless galaxies begin to fall out of place, the sun is darken meaning no moonlight, indeed this is the heavens being shaken. Then Jesus says, “Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mk.13:26 nlt) Everyone on the earth at that time will see Jesus, the Son of Man, coming down on the clouds in the same manner He ascended to heaven. (Acts 1:9-11) Yes, again this is hard to imagine that everyone wherever they are in the world will see this event, but if Jesus says everyone will see Him, then everyone will see Him.

Angels will be sent out to gather His chosen ones, those who believed during the tribulation. They will be gathered from every corner of the earth. None will be missed. All the saved will enter into the millennium period with Christ as ruler. Less we forget all the saints the Lord brings back with Him in His return. Yes, all the redeemed will be there! (Rev.19:11-16)

Jesus reminds the disciples of the signs He told them to look for and equates them to the fig tree. Observing when the branches sprout and leaves begin to form they know summer is near, so then, “In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door.” (Mk.13:29 nlt) Jesus’ next statement is a matter as to when and who it relates to. “I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” (Mk.13:30-31 nlt) It is best to understand this as the generation living at the time these things take place. There is also a thought this can refer to the Jewish people, as ‘generation’ can be noted as ‘race’ or ‘people.’ This would be the promise the Jewish people will survive until Jesus returns. Jesus then affirms it is impossible for God’s words to be destroyed or fade away. Heaven and earth will be destroyed, by God’s Word, never!

The Olivet Discourse concludes with Jesus telling us to be ready, be on guard, stay alert, and watch for Him. No one knows when that day will be, “not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Mk.13:32 nlt) Jesus in His humanity did not know the day of His return as He gave up His divine privileges when He came to earth in human form to save us. “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form. (Phil.2:6-7 nlt)

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Jesus’ final words on this subject is to give us the example of a man leaving on a long trip. He gives instructions to all of his servants of what he wants done and assigns a gatekeeper to guard the gate outside the house until his return. The message for us is simple, Jesus gave us work to do in His absence. May we be doing His work. And we are to be as the gatekeeper always looking for His return for we don’t know when that will be. Remember Jesus’ words, “And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!  Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” (Mk.13:33, 36-37 nlt)

Next week we continue to look at the events of Passion Week leading up to the Last Supper. Until next week…….

Bible Studies

“Abomination of Desolation” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13:14-23 NLT – “The day is coming when you will see – Bible Gateway

“But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.” Mark 13:14 NASB

Jesus is the middle of His Olivet Discourse (the end times) with His disciples. They had asked Him when these things would take place and what signs they should look for. Last week in our study Jesus warned them and us of upcoming persecution for those who believe in Him. This persecution will come from governing officials, zealous religious leaders (Mk13:9), and our own families (Mk.13:12). Jesus summed it up by saying, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mk.13:13 nlt)

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Jesus now begins His teaching on the tribulation period and His return at the end of the age. He starts out with this, “The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing where he should not be.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.” (Mk.13:14 nlt) It must first be noted that there are differences of opinion in the events of the last days and Jesus’ return. FYI, I am coming from a dispensational premillennial point of view.

Jesus refers to the abomination of desolation (sacrilegious object of desecration in the NLT) as a coming day in the future. Among the Jews, abomination was used to depict idolatry or sacrilege. Jesus was speaking of a future act profaning the Temple. This will occur during the tribulation period. The prophet Daniel wrote about this as the angel explained Daniel’s vision to him, “The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.” (Dan.9:27 nlt) This is a reference to the antichrist setting an image of himself to be worshiped in the Temple during the tribulation. Which, if we understand this correctly, means the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt. Something we should be looking to.  

There is an event in Jewish history that foreshadows Jesus’ teaching here on the ‘abomination of desolation’ which the disciples would have been aware of. The king of Syria, Antiochus Epiphanes, invaded Jerusalem in 168 B.C. and built an altar to Zeus, a pagan god, on the Temple’s altar and sacrificed a pig on it. Surely an abomination. Another abomination of desolation will occur in the end times.

Jesus goes on to say, “(Reader, pay attention!) Then those in Judea must flee to the hills” (Mk.13:14 nlt) There will be those who will come to know the Lord during the tribulation period. These are believers who are to be prepared to when they see these things and flee to safety. This will happen at the midway point of the tribulation as prophesied by Daniel.

The urgency of the matter is stressed by Jesus. “A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter.” (Mk.13:15-18 nlt) There is no time to retrieve clothing or pack a tote bag. The example of pregnant women and nursing mothers refer to the difficult circumstances one will be under trying to escape. If occurring in winter during the heavy rains, it would be impossible to cross the streams due to the rising waters.

This is indeed the great tribulation. Jesus declares there will be greater anguish in this time that any other time in world history and will never be again. Unless that time is shorten, Jesus says no one will survive. “ But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.” (Mk.13:20 nlt) His chosen ones, the elect, those who are saved during the tribulation. Warning is given to beware of false messiahs rising up to deceive those fleeing to refuge. “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” (Mk.13:22 nlt) They are warned of the danger of these false messiahs and prophets. A warning for Christians today. There are plenty of false prophets in the world. False teachers flood the airwaves, social media, and churches. Witchcraft, tarot card reading, and fortune telling are prevalent today. All, believe it or not, capable of ‘performing signs and wonders’ as Jesus said to deceive us. This, of course, is from the evil one and his demons. That is why Christians are to stay far from them.

Jesus finishes His warnings with a final thrust, “Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!” (Mk.13:23 nlt) As we have been learning Jesus’ warning signs of the coming days of tribulation, it is a time no one would want to go through. Christians today will not go through the tribulation as the Lord will return for His church before then. But will you be one caught up on that day or be left behind? You can make sure today by accepting Christ as your savior. We don’t know when that day will come. With that said…..

As we continue next week, Jesus continues His teaching with the closing days of the tribulation and says this, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Mk.13:32 nlt) Until next week…….

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Bible Studies

“Hated in the Last Days” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark        

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13:9-13 NLT – “When these things begin to happen, – Bible Gateway

“And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” Mark 13:13 NLT

Photo by Jose P. Ortiz on Unsplash
 

Last week we started to look at the ‘Olivet Discourse’, Jesus’ teaching on the end times.  Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple that occurred in A.D.70. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to Jesus asking Him when that would happen thinking that represented the end times, but it did not. Jesus then preceded to explain to them the signs to watch for when these things will take place. Being two thousand years from when Jesus first gave these signs to His disciples, the signs are now for us in this present generation. Should the Lord tarry His return, these signs will be for the next generation and each one after that until He returns. But be sure, Jesus will return and these signs will continue to increase right up until that time.

Jesus warned them to watch for false prophets and those claiming to be the Christ. We have seen our share of them over the years. Jesus said there will be wars and rumors of wars between the nations, and there are an increasing number of wars in our current day. Jesus then told them to watch for earthquakes and famines across the world. Again, these have been increasing in number and severity over the years. Jesus described these as birth pains, the closer and more severe the pains, the closer the end of the pregnancy. The closer and more severe these signs are, the closer we are to the return of Christ.

Jesus tells us when we see these things happening, “…..watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.” (Mk.13:9 nlt) Persecution of Christians is rising steadily. “A new report by Open Doors International said that more than 380 million Christians faced persecution and discrimination in 2024, an increase of 15 million from the year before.” (1) State governments across the world will up their persecution of Christians as the days get closer. Jesus explains to us this we be our opportunity to tell the gospel truth about Jesus. “For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.” (Mk.13:10 nlt)

Believers are not to worry about how they will respond in that day. We will be given the words to speak through the Holy Spirit. Jesus says it will not be us speaking, but the Holy Spirit speaking through us. Jesus will not abandon us during those days. “….for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Heb.13:5 esv) This is the age of grace, the time between Jesus’ resurrection and His second coming. It is an evangelistic period to preach the gospel even under severe persecution. There will be a day when we will preach no more, and until that day we to be aware of the persecution that may come to us but continue to preach just the same.

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Jesus warns us of the painful effects of rejection by our families. Much of that occurs today as people accept Jesus as savior and are then disowned by their families. Some individuals even seek to kill family members who have turned away from their religion and turned to Christ. Persecution is here now, and as birth pains increase, so will the persecution of Christians.

All Christians will be hated in those days because they believe in Jesus and follow Him. The world is rapidly accelerating to that point with the amount of Christian hate against those who live for God and follow His Word. Jesus reminds us in the gospel of John, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (Jn.15:18-19 nlt) So, we need to be aware of upcoming hate and persecution even from those we love.

The Lord gives us a word of encouragement, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mk.13:13 nlt) Perseverance in the midst of persecution is a sign of loyal service to Christ and more importantly an example of one who is totally trusting Jesus Christ for salvation. We will be saved in the end. The time of Jesus’ return and the end days are not known to us, but we have plenty of signs that it could happen at any moment. May we be ready and busy in service for Him while waiting.

Next week we examine the tribulation period as Jesus unfolds it for us………

(1) Christian persecution on the rise worldwide, new report says – OSV News

Bible Studies

“Jesus Foretells the Future” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13:1-13 NLT – Jesus Speaks about the Future – As – Bible Gateway

“Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?” Mark 13:4 NLT

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In recent years conversations concerning the end times have risen dramatically. It stands to reason with all the chaos and evil happening in the world around us people tend to believe the future apocalypse is near. That may indeed be the case because there is no other prophecy in Scripture yet to be fulfilled. The next big event will be the return of Jesus Christ. Two thousand years ago, Jesus disciples asked Him when these things will take place and what signs should they look for in the approaching days. Today, we are asking the same questions and Jesus’ answer hasn’t changed it is still the same. His answer to the disciples is his answer to us. May we pay attention and understand for that day may be soon.

Later on that Tuesday of Passion week, “As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, ‘Teacher, look at these magnificent buildings! Look at the impressive stones in the walls.’” (Mk.13:1 nlt) The disciples were mesmerized by the beauty and structure of the Temple. Herod the Great started a rebuilding project on the Temple in 19 B.C.. The current structure was over 500 years old and in need of repair. The Temple was surrounded by huge white stone, some as large as 37 ft long, 12 ft high, and 18 ft wide. Marble and gold was used as decorative material on the outside of the Temple reflecting a glorious shine as the sun shown on it. It was truly magnificent. Jesus then stunned them by saying those huge stones would not be in place on top of each other, as the whole Temple would be destroyed.

Jesus’ foretelling of the Temple’s destruction occurred 40 years later in A.D.70 by the Roman army led by General Titus who later became Emperor. The destruction of the Temple in A.D.70 is well documented by historians, so there is no reason for us today not to believe what Jesus foretells about what we prefer to as the end times.

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Jesus proceeds to the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley with a spectacular view of the Temple in the distance and sitting down with some of His disciples. “Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, ‘Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?’” (Mk.13:3-4 nlt) The disciples thought the destruction of the Temple would be the beginning of the end times, so they were asking for the signs when to anticipate the destruction of the Temple. Jesus now begins what is known as the ‘Olivet Discourse’ properly named for the place He spoke it, on the Mount of Olives.

The first sign Jesus said to look for is false Messiahs will emerge. “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.” (Mk.13:5-6 nlt) Jesus’ concern for them and us is not to be fooled by deception but be aware. We have seen several individuals in recent years claiming to be the Christ, the Messiah. Ironically, the first one came as early as A.D.130 and man named Bar Kochba who led a Jewish rebellion against Rome. As the centuries pass and we get closer to the coming of Christ, there will be an increase in these false Messiahs to deceive the world and we have already  witnessed some of them in our day.

Secondly, Jesus said, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” (Mk.13:7 nlt) In our present day we can’t go 24 hours without hearing of some conflict or war between nations. Jesus said these things will happen but the end won’t follow immediately. There have been hundreds of wars in the past 2,000 years, yet the sign Jesus is instructing us to watch for is the frequency of these wars.

Jesus then gives us third sign, “There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Mk.13:8 nlt) A quick google search on the number of earthquakes each year is staggering, and they do occur in many parts of the world. Famines are also increasing. An internet search on famines and food shortage will yield the same results of frequent occurrences. Jesus describes these as the beginning of birth pains. He says more will come. Again, the more frequent the birth pains signify the end of pregnancy is near. The more earthquakes, famines, wars, and false messiahs we have, the closer we are to the Lord’s return.

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So how are we to understand the current events of our day in light of Jesus’ sayings about the future. First we are to know that they are certain. They will come to pass, although we don’t know when. Second, these signs are becoming more frequent so the time is getting closer. The world is closer to Jesus’ return than when He first spoke these words to His disciples 2,000 years ago. And third, we should aware that it is imminent, it could happen at any time. So, we need to be ready. The question is, are we ready?

We continue with Jesus’ foretelling the future next week…….

Bible Studies

“Four Teachings from the Messiah” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 12:28-44 NLT – The Most Important Commandment – One of – Bible Gateway

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We are coming to the end of chapter 12 of Mark this week in Biblical Insights. It is still Tuesday of Passion week, and Jesus is getting questions from the Jewish rulers as the curious crowds look on. Jesus will have an opportunity to address a certain teacher, the people following Him, and His disciples with His teaching.

One teacher of the law was standing by and heard Jesus answer the Sadducees’ ridiculous question concerning a woman who was married seven times. They wanted to know whose wife she will be in the resurrection, when the Sadducees didn’t even believe in the resurrection. (Mk.12:18-27) This teacher was impressed with Jesus’ answer and decided to ask his own question.

The question he asked was, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important.’ (Mk.12:28 nlt) Jewish rabbis had a count of 613 commandments in the book of the law. They distinguished them between heavy and light. The problem was they couldn’t all agree which ones were ‘heavy’ (more binding) and which ones were ‘light.’ The Jewish teacher went right to the top commandment and asked what was the greatest of them all. “Jesus replied, ‘The most important commandment is this: Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mk.12:29-31 nlt) The teacher liked Jesus’ response agreeing with Him adding his own Scriptural evidence. Jesus saw how much the man understood, but he was still lacking what was needed for salvation. The teacher knew moral concerns were more important than ceremonial sacrifices, but he needed to grasp all that was needed was to love God and obey Him. Jesus told him he was not far from the kingdom of God. Interesting that after this exchange with the Jewish teacher, no one dared to asked Jesus anymore questions.

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Later in the day Jesus was once again teaching in the Temple. He asked the people who were listening, “Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David? For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, ‘The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’ Since David himself called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” (Mk.12:35-37 nlt) Jesus is making the claim here that He is the Messiah, the Son of God. Most Jewish people knew the Messiah would come from the family of David. Jesus is explaining the first word ‘The LORD’ is ‘Yahweh’ God’s covenant name, and the second ‘my Lord’ is a word the Jews used for God. It is a picture of God speaking to the Messiah, and David calls Him Lord indicating the Messiah is more than the Son of David, but the Son of God. David would not refer to one of his descendants as Lord. Jesus was acknowledging the Messiah’s deity, and therefore His own.

Jesus then takes the opportunity to warn his listening audience which includes some of these religious rulers, “Beware of these teachers of religious law!” (Mk.12:38 nlt) Jesus said they would know them by their appearance in the long robes of a dignitary and the wealthy, and worthy of a respectful greeting. They would be noticeable in having the front row seats in the synagogue. Jesus then issues a cautious warning to widows, as the scribes and teachers also served as estate planners taking unfair advantage of unsuspecting women. A warning needs to be given in our day against false teachers and those who would seize on the opportunity to take advantage of those in hurting situations. The very ones who trust these leaders to be faithful are swindling them out of house and home. May we sound the alarm when we observe these vulnerable ones being taken.

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“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.” (Mk.12:41-42 nlt) When Jesus saw this, He called His disciples. The collection box was in the women’s court of the Temple. In fact, there were 13 trumpet shaped receptacles around the courtyard to make donations. This was a public area as people traveled through depositing their money. Jesus pointed out to His disciples the large amount of money the rich put it, which to them was equivalent to spare change. Then Jesus noted what the poor widow put in, two small coins. These were copper coins, the lowest valued coins in circulation in the Holy Land. These two copper coins were all she had to live on, and she put it in the donation box. This lesson Jesus points to is the show of faith this woman had in believing and trusting God to meet her daily needs. We live in a time when trusting God needs to come with a secure job and healthy bank account, then we can donate our spare change. But our God is faithful who will supply our needs when we first seek Him and His kingdom. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Mt.6:33 nlt)

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Next week we begin chapter 13 where Jesus answers the disciples’ questions concerning future events. “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?” (Mk.13:4 nlt) Until next week…….

Bible Studies

“The Power of God” the Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 12:13-27 NLT – Taxes for Caesar – Later the leaders – Bible Gateway

“Jesus replied, ‘Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.’” Mark 12:24 NLT

This week in Biblical Insights Jesus is approached by two groups of religious rulers opposed to each other but have a common enemy, Jesus. Their goals are to trap Jesus into contradicting Himself and for Him be at odds with either the Roman government or the Jewish law.

Our first group is a combined group of the Pharisees and the Herodians. The Herodians were a political group of supporters of King Herod, not exactly the Jews best friend but they were sent together to ask Jesus a question about paying taxes. “Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested.” (Mk.12:13 nlt) Their hope was Jesus wouldn’t recognize the Herodians and He would agree with the Pharisees in not paying tribute to Caesar by not paying taxes forcing His arrest.

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The Pharisees and Herodians used flattery by telling Jesus they knew how honest He was. They noted His impartiality, playing no favorites, and always speaking the truth of God. Then they asked Jesus should we be paying taxes to Caesar. Of course Jesus saw right through this. “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.” (Mk.12:15 nlt) Showing Jesus a coin, He asked them an easy question, whose picture is on the coin? When they replied with ‘Caesar’s’ Jesus said,  “Well, then, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Mk.12:17 nlt) Problem solved. But the Pharisees didn’t see it that way. They hated to pay taxes to the Roman government who was oppressing them. Their thought was, Jesus would never sanction such a tax, but he did, and they were amazed. They also failed at their attempt to trap Jesus in having Him arrested or the crowds turning on Him which was the real goal.

What Jesus laid out to the taxpayers of His day applies to us in our day. Jesus implied our responsibility to the government does not interfere with our responsibilities to God. We are under divine obligation to pay taxes to the government God has placed over us, for all authority comes only from Him. Many Christians today have the same problem the Jews had in paying taxes to an oppressive government, but Jesus spoke it plainly, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

Our second group this week are the Sadducees. They were the sophisticated  Jewish party and very wealthy. Australian Theologian Leon Morris describes them best,  “The conservative, aristocratic, high-priestly party, worldly minded and very ready to cooperate with the Romans, which, of course, enabled them to maintain their privileged position.” They were made up of High priests, chief priests, and most of the Sanhedrin. They were highly political and had great influence in the religious activities at the Temple. They oversaw the Temple business which Jesus disrupted the day before by clearing them all out. Their beliefs were noticeably opposite the Pharisees and other religious rulers. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection. They were all about this world and making a profit. The Sadducees only recognized the first five books of Moses as authority and did not adhere to any oral, traditional, or Scribal law of the Pharisees. They also denied the existence of angels.

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This group, the Sadducees, described in the previous paragraph asked Jesus the most ridiculous question. They based the question on a law of Moses found in the Old Testament. The Sadduceess were seeing common ground with Jesus for their question. They confirmed the book of Moses and knew of Jesus’ quotations from Moses. But their question was to prove their point of no resurrection. They start by saying, “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name.” (Mk.12:19 nlt) The purpose of Moses’ law was to provide a continuance of the man’s family name and inheritance rights. The first son born would be considered the son of the dead brother. The Sadducees then create a scenario where there were seven brothers and all of them died without passing on a son, and then the woman died. Now their ridiculous question from a group who doesn’t believe in the resurrection, “So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her.” (Mk.12:23 nlt) Absurdity!

“Jesus replied, ‘Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.’” (Mk.12:24 nlt) The Sadducees were ignorant of the Scriptures. If they knew God’s Word even just the first five books they claim to believe they would know of the power of God and His ability to raise the dead. People today are just as ignorant of the Bible as the Sadducees were. They don’t believe because they don’t know. They don’t know because they haven’t read. They don’t read because their eyes are blinded by the spirit of darkness in this world. Christians should be in prayer for eyes and hearts to be opened in people to read God’s Word and understand His plan of salvation.

Jesus then explained those raised from the dead are not married as when they were here on earth but are like angels in heaven. Angels do not marry and do not have children. Life in heaven is not like life on earth. Marriage was established by God on the earth for companionship and advancing the human race. Believers in heaven will have a totally new spiritual existence.

The Sadducees needed understanding in another area in which Jesus is going to explain to them. They needed to know the truth of the resurrection. “But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—haven’t you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’” (Mk.12:26 nlt) Jesus went right to book of Moses, the book they should have been familiar with for they accepted it as the authority of God. This Scripture proves there is a resurrection of the dead. God spoke of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as being alive. He said, ‘I am the God of Abraham’ not ‘I was’, but ‘I am’ in the present tense.

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Only the power of God is able to raise someone from the dead. Every believer’s body will be raised up on the last day and be united with our living souls in heaven. Our physical bodies die but our souls live on either in heaven with Christ or in hell with the lost until they reunited at the Lord’s return unto eternal life or eternal punishment. Don’t be as the Sadducees. Don’t be ignorant of the Bible, believe in the resurrection and the power of God, and accept Christ as His Spirit calls you unto salvation.

Bible Studies

“Parable of the Wicked Farmers” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 12:1-17 NLT – Parable of the Evil Farmers – Then – Bible Gateway

“The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.” Mark 12:12 NLT

We’re back this week in the book of Mark on Biblical Insights. We left off two weeks ago as Jesus was being questioned as to His authority after He cleared the Temple of the merchants and money changers. The religious rulers were incensed by Jesus’ actions, and more so by the people following Him. They saw their authority and way of life slipping away right before their eyes and were determined to do something about it. Today, Jesus gives the rulers another reason for their hatred towards Him by speaking a parable against them.

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In New Testament times large estates were put into the hands of locals to farm and care for while the owner was away. They worked as tenant farmers farming the land paying the owner a percentage of the profits as rent keeping the rest as payment for their work. Palestine’s hillsides were covered by grape vineyards as this was the main source of income in the region especially in Galilee. Jesus, once again, took a familiar way of life as an example to make a point. Jesus’ main audience this time are the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders who questioned Him about His authority. Jesus is about to reveal their hidden agenda by putting this parable squarely on them.

Jesus sets up the story in verse one of chapter twelve, “A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.” (Mk.12:1 nlt) Jesus describes the very details of a working vineyard from planting the seed, a wall to mark its boundaries, a place to press out the grapes, and a lookout tower for security and storing seed and tools. Everyone listening to it would be reminded of the local vineyards they see frequently on their journeys through Palestine. They would also be familiar with the tenant farmer scenario in Jesus’ story. Jesus will now begin to make His point of the story.

This parable, or story, Jesus is teaching is based on the ‘Song of the Vineyard’ in Isaiah 5:1-5. It describes Israel’s unfaithfulness. Jesus is addressing this to the Jewish rulers and applying it to them. The fact that Israel is represented as the vineyard in Isaiah makes it hard not to connect the dots and see Jesus is talking about the Jewish people and their leaders. They all knew who the story was about, it was about them. In this story, the man is God, the vineyard is Israel, the servants are the Old Testament prophets and John the Baptist, the Son is Jesus, and the tenant farmers are the religious rulers.

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Jesus continues with this parable. “At the time of the grape harvest, he (the owner) sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed.” (Mk.12:2-3 nlt) This went on and on with the owner sending servant after servant who were either beaten or killed. This is a picture of the prophets God sent to Israel in the Old Testament which they either ignored, beat up, or killed. The owner finally sends his son who he expects would be respected by the tenant farmers. But the tenants had other ideas. Jewish law stated that a piece of unclaimed property by an heir could be claimed by anyone. They assumed the son was coming to claim his property, so, if they killed him they could claim it for themselves. “But the tenant farmers said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they grabbed him and murdered him and threw his body out of the vineyard.” (Mk.12:7-8 nlt)

The tenant farmers not only wanted the entire harvest for themselves but the vineyard estate. The Jewish leaders, as the tenant farmers, wanted to see Jesus dead for He claimed to be the Son of God. Jesus was keeping them from power and total rule over the religious affairs of the people. Jesus then asks those around Him what they thought the owner of the vineyard would do. Before they could answer, Jesus told them. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others.” (Mk.12:9 nlt) Then Jesus asked another question which should have been answered ‘yes.’ “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’” (Mk.12:10 nlt) Teachers of the Law and the Old Testament certainly knew of the passage Jesus was referring to, but they refrained from answering. The rejected ‘stone’ is the rejected ‘Son’ in Jesus’ parable. Although Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leaders, He is the cornerstone and rightful heir to the throne of David. He is the Messiah who was to come to save His people from their sins, to the Jew first then the Gentile. The hostility towards Jesus by the Jewish rulers clearly show their rejection of Him.

“The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.” (Mk.12:12 nlt)

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Once again, the leaders walked away for fear of the crowd, but eventually they will get the crowd on their side in just a few days. This event occurred on Tuesday of Passion Week. Jesus will continue His teaching to His disciples the next two days in between the religious rulers continually attempting to trap Him. Jesus has a lot to say and little time to say it. Until next week……..

Bible Studies

“Jesus’ Authority Questioned” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 11:20-33 NLT – The next morning as they passed by the – Bible Gateway

“As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him. They demanded, ‘By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?’” Mark 11:27-28 NLT

Jesus’ final week (Passion Week) started with a huge celebration of His arrival. The people in Jerusalem welcomed the one they assumed was going to overthrow the Roman government and free them of heavy oppression. Much to the displeasure of the religious rulers, who saw Jesus as a threat to their power, the people marveled at His teaching and were eager to hear more. The welcoming attitude would start to fade by the end of week with the people, but not so with rulers, they were against Him from the minute He rode into town. After Jesus cleared the Temple, as we read last week, the rulers were livid and would question His authority to do so.

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Last week in our study we saw Jesus curse a fig tree on their way into Jerusalem on Monday morning. Being full of leaves the tree appeared to have figs, but it gave a false impression, it did not have any. “The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up.” (Mk.11:20 nlt) Peter recalling Jesus cursing the tree pointed out the tree had died. It had withered from the roots up which meant total destruction. The tree would never be able to produce fruit again. Jesus replied, ‘have faith in God.’ He would use this illustration of the dying fig tree to teach about having faith in God.

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” (Mk.11:23-24 nlt) It sounds like Jesus is saying as long as we believe it, we can have anything we ask for in prayer. But is this what He is saying? Before we get too excited, I think not. That is not what He is teaching. Jesus liked to use visual illustrations, and since He was at the Mount of Olives with the Dead Sea at a distance in view this example fits. But what was Jesus saying? Jewish literature of that day used the phrase, ‘rooter up of mountains,’ which referred to great Rabbis and spiritual leaders who could solve difficult problems. It was  a common metaphor. Jesus Himself never rooted up any physical mountains despite the continual request of the Jewish rulers for Him to perform some supernatural miracle. Jesus’ point is as we believe and have faith in God and in His power we will see His mighty powers at work in us. There is nothing God can’t do and won’t do for us if it is in His will and purpose for us.

Verse 25 of today’s text is often misunderstood. “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mk.11:25 nlt) The first thing to observe is Jesus is talking to His disciples and not those who do not believe in Him. If we fail to forgive, holding resentment in our hearts towards someone, our relationship with the Lord is also fractured. Christians are to have a forgiving attitude towards others, even those who have sinned against us. This forgiveness restores fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ and with our Lord. It’s impossible to pray effectively if we are holding something against someone. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (niv)

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Jesus and His disciples arrive in Jerusalem on this Tuesday morning and make their way to the Temple. As soon as Jesus enters the Temple He is surrounded and questioned by the religious rulers. They were all there, the chief priests, scribes, and the elders. Most likely Caiaphas, Annas, and the captain of the Temple were there as well. They questioned Jesus as to His authority in throwing the businesspeople and the money changers out of the Temple the day before among other things He was doing. It was said in Jewish tradition the Temple could only be cleared out and cleansed by certain people, the Sanhedrin, a prophet, or the Messiah. But their main argument was that Jesus disrupted their business in the Temple.  

Jesus asked them a question, “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!” (Mk.11:30 nlt) Jesus threw them what we would call today a curve ball. They were in a tough spot. Heaven was a common Jewish term for God. If they said heaven (God), they would admitting what John the Baptist had said about Jesus was true. This would prove Jesus’ authority and that He was the Messiah. If they said John’s authority was only his own, the people would be in an uproar for many believed John to be a prophet. They took the easy way out and didn’t answer. “So they finally replied, ‘We don’t know.’ And Jesus responded, ‘Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.’” (Mk.11:33 nlt)

The religious rulers will not give up as we will see. Jesus was totally messing up their system of operation and they wanted Him disposed of. They will eventually succeed by the end of the week enticing the crowd to join them. But the most astonishing thing about this is it was God’s plan from the beginning for a perfect sacrifice to be made on our behalf. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn.3:16 kjv) Until next week………..

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Bible Studies

“Jesus’ Triumphant Entry” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 11:1-19 NLT – Jesus’ Triumphant Entry – As Jesus – Bible Gateway

“Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!
Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!’” Mark 11:9-10 NLT

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Last week we followed along with Jesus as He made His final trip to Jerusalem. Chapter 11 begins the final week of Jesus’ life known as the ‘Passion’ week. Many events and plenty of teaching from Jesus take place during the next four days before He is led to a cross and crucified. “As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead.” (Mk.11:1 nlt) Jesus and His companions are now on the outskirts of the city. He sends two of His disciples to the next town over to retrieve a donkey for Him. The town was Bethphage, a small town east of Jerusalem, whose name means ‘house of unripe figs.’ Jesus told them they would find a young colt in which no had ever ridden. They were to untie it and bring it to Jesus. Jesus further instructed them, if anyone asks why they were doing that, there were to say, “The Lord needs it and will return it soon.” (Mk.11:3 nlt)

In our study we have seen many miracles from Jesus with His all-knowing attributes and here is one more. Jesus knows there will be a colt in that town no one had ridden, and they would give permission for its release. The disciples left and it all turned out just as Jesus said it would. “Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.” (Mk.1:7 nlt) In Jesus’ day to come in riding on a colt represented a man of peace. Jesus didn’t come into the city on a war-horse to conquer but to suffer as the suffering servant on a cross. That first Palm Sunday morning fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah. “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—
riding on a donkey’s colt.” (Zech.9:9 nlt)

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, crowds of people led the way as others followed spreading their coats along the road in front of Him while others spread branches on the road from nearby fields. The spread of clothing was a practice of welcoming a new king in those days. Notice the difference in Jesus’ acceptance of this response as to other occasions. Jesus’ avoided recognition in the past as to not interfere with the work He still had to do because His time had not yet come. But now, His has come. The people were beginning to shout, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!” (Mk.1:9 nlt) Many other translations use the familiar word “Hosanna!” meaning ‘save now.’ The people were shouting out in song from Psalm118, a Psalm usually sung at the Passover festival which was currently going on. “Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD.” (Ps.118:25-26 nlt) Another undeniable proof in the accuracy of seeing references to Christ all throughout Scriptures.

Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus headed to the Temple, His Father’s house. Mark records He looked at everything. You can be sure Jesus didn’t miss a thing of what was going on in the Temple. Jesus had the authority to look and carefully inspect every inch of the Temple, and that He did. Late in the afternoon, Jesus and the disciples left for Bethany where they were staying in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus each night of this week.

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The next morning, Monday of Passion week, Jesus and His disciples headed back to Jerusalem. On the way Jesus became hungry and saw a fig tree in the distance along the road. As they got closer, Jesus saw that it was full of leaves appearing to have figs ready to eat. Fig trees would start to bear leaves in late March or early April and be in full bloom with figs in June, however this tree was already full of leaves. Jesus did not find any figs to eat on that tree for it was not the season for figs. But the tree gave the appearance that it was able to meet the need of the hungry, it gave a false impression. So like many of the false teachers and preachers of our day who entice us with their appearance, style, and convincing words of joy, love, and positive thinking with a little Bible mixed in. Their fruit is not satisfying, nor is there much of it. Jesus cursed the fig tree for its falsehood. Today’s modern preachers need to beware. Individual Christians also need to beware of false impressions we may give without any fruit to show for it. The world will notice, and the Lord certainly notices.

“When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace.” (Mk.11:15-16 nlt) Jesus was using His authority on what He saw the day before as He looked over the Temple. This area was the outer court of the Gentiles. It was the only place where non-Jews could gather to worship God. The area was now a place of business, and corrupt business, taking away the right of worship from the Gentiles. Jesus said the Scriptures declare God’s house was to be a house of prayer for all nations and they turned it into a den of thieves. The book of Isaiah says, “I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the LORD, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Is.55:6-7 nlt)

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The Jewish leaders of the Temple were prohibiting proper worship from the Gentiles and had no regard for the sanctity of the Temple. The Jewish rulers (Scribes and Chief priests) saw their way of life being interrupted and were not pleased. They decided to do something about it, plotting Jesus’ death even though they were afraid of Him “because the people were so amazed at his teaching.” (Mk.11:18 nlt)

Jesus’ first day of Passion week was an eventful one. He returned back to Bethany with His disciples for the night. Tuesday begins another eventful day with Jesus’ teaching and debating with the religious rulers who are determined to have Him done away with. Until next week…….