Sunday, June 29, 2008

Lesson # 9 | MARK 4:35-41 | IS GOD ASLEEP, WHY IS HE SLEEPING?

I.  Greetings: 

 

II. Introduction:

   A.  In the Palestinian region there is a mountain formation surrounding the Sea of Galilee.  The winds come off the mountains in such a way that at anytime this calm lake can turn into a raging body of water.  Good and terrible men have drown in that lake.  The Sea of Galilee is not such that only bad men drown in it.  It seems to be able to drown anyone at anytime.  Some have wondered if good Christians can die in natural disasters?  Would God be in control?  We would like to deal with a little of that this evening as we look at the book of Mark.  I would like to do this by showing you a little movie.  However, it will be a mental movie;  it will play on the screen of your mind.  So get ready to imagine and see in your mind's eye a short motion picture.

   B.  Close your eyes, imagine a seashore, its towards evening.

   C.  >>>> Have someone read Mark 4:35-41.

   D.  Open your eyes, this is how believers received the Scriptures for centuries, not everyone could read.  They heard the Bible.  Now think back over what you saw:

            Q  What are the two major emotions the disciples had?

               An = fear and amazement.

            Q  Why did spending time with Jesus Christ produce such an affect on them?  Is this what you would expect from spending time with Jesus?

 

II.  The Sleeping God:  Storms in our lives. 

>>>> Have someone re-read Mark 4:35-37

            Q  Who is left behind and who is goes with Jesus?

            Q  Do you think it would be great to be part of the special group?

>>>> Have someone re-read Mark 4:38

            Q  If asked, how would you answer the question, "Why does God seem so far away in our trials?"

               An = Let me share a few thoughts from a 4th Century AD believer, John of Antioch or John Chrysostom (Chrysostom pp. 189-191.): 

            Q  Whose idea was it that the disciples get into the boat?

               An = It was Jesus' idea in verse 35 that they travel across the lake.  The crowds were allowed to see the miracles, but the disciples got their boat rocked.  If you are a disciple you will get different treatment than the crowds.

            Q  Is it the treatment you would have expected? 

            Q  Do you really want to be a true disciple, or just one who enjoys going with the crowd?

            RQ  Have you met Christians that only like to see God do great things?

            Q  Why is Jesus allowing their boat to be rocked, and sleeping while they are in peril?

               An = If you are a disciple you will discover that Jesus Christ is an excellent trainer.  Chrysostom says, in the boat Jesus was aiming at two things:  strength in the midst of trials and to be modest in honor.  They were kept and the multitudes sent away.  Therefore, lest they be high minded, they got their boat rocked.  When facing trials and terrors He takes none but the "champions of the world, whom He was to discipline" (Chrysostom, pp. 189-191).  He wanted them to be strong, and He wanted to keep them humble.

            Q  Had Jesus not slept would they have feared?  Why did He sleep?

               An =  He sleeps to give them occasion to doubt.  We learn to call out to Him in trials like no other time in our lives.  The apostle Paul did:  see II Corinthians 1:8-10.

>>>> Have someone read II Corinthians 1:8-10.

            Note:  I spoke with a co-ed who was struggling with some issues, and she asked for prayer, but as she turned to leave, she said, "Make no mistake, I have never been closer to God then right now".

            Q  Must Jesus place us in hard places (storms) so we see how others view His power to deliver?

               An = Remember, the disciples had not been healed.  They had lived pretty healthy lives.  They could not relate to the pain and fear those who needed healing lived with.  They did not know the suffering of demon-possession, serious deformation, leprosy, or the pain of the various diseases others dealt with.

            EXAMPLE  Give an example from your own life.  (For me it was the root canal done recently that gave me a better understanding of what was faced by the many people I visited in the hospital as they recovered from their operations.)

 

IV.  His Awakening: 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:39-40.

   A. The Cause of our fear.

            Q  What causes our fear?

               An = Chrysostom would say fear comes not through trials but the weakness of our minds. 

            Q  Remember the things you feared when you were young but no longer fear?  Why do you no longer fear them?

            Q  Would someone like to share something that really scared them when they were young but no longer has that affect on them? 

            Q  For those who shared, why are you are no longer afraid?

            Q  What is the principle that could apply to the things we are afraid of right now?

               An = Ask them to write down one they presently fear.  Then to write down next to it something they used to fear and no longer fear.

   B. Learning to believe.  It takes awhile to fully believe. 

>>>> Re-read Mark 4:11 and Mark 4:34. 

            Note:  It might encourage you to note that even for Jesus' disciples, truly learning about the Kingdom of God was not automatic.  They were on the inside track.  The disciples were "seminary students" of the day.  They had access to the teachings of Jesus. 

            Q  Can learning what faith really is about be learned in books?

            RQ  Is not faith often best learned in a boat?

               An =   I believe the Holy Spirit carefully placed this story in chapter four.  We learn how the disciples were being given special intellectual instruction, and now they are being given a special lesson in faith.

            RQ  If we want to learn from the real master teacher, will not some of our education take the form of stress or trials (storms in a boat with God seemingly not awake)?

 

V.  Who Is In The Boat. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:41.

            Q Who is in the boat?

               An = Jesus!  The key to our lives with Him is to realize just who is in the boat with us.  Let me share three observations about Jesus from this story....

            1. Jesus is active.  He is a Person, not an intellectual abstraction.

            2. Jesus is the Lord, not a servant of God.  Moses had a rod with which to control water, Elijah and Elisha had to strike the water with a mantle, Jesus merely spoke.  He is unbridled, unmitigated, undiluted power.

            3. This shows us Jesus' Dual Nature:  a man with normal outward appearance, and He needed sleep, = He was a man;  However, He speaks and nature obeys = He was God.

               Note:  We also are "in the boat" so let me remind you of three thoughts about disciples in closing:

            1. If you are His disciple, it is important to remember that He is in the boat with us!  This is true despite what appearances are or how you feel right now.  For those of you who have flown on a foggy day you may not see the sun if you are on the ground, but if you get above the ground cover you can see that above the fog it is a beautiful sunny day.  If we are experiencing a dreary day we may not feel there is a sun, but that does not change the fact that there is one.  The sun is there whether we feel it or not.

            2. We live forever and He is developing and strengthening us, because what He is training will live forever.  He rocks the boat because He has other events in mind.  He wants to teach us faith.  Our present "boat rockings" are deliberate things He allows because we are in His hands, and He has plans on how to use our lives.

            3.  The proof that He has plans for us is that He has rocked our boat.  God will not make life easy for His disciples.  If you think Christianity will be easy you are wrong.  He wants to make something of you that will be beautiful and powerful all through your life into eternity.  Jesus Christ is not our personal "Jeanne" to make our lives pleasant and easy. 

            If you want an easy life then do not get into the boat with Jesus.

            If you want to be with Jesus, then get in.  He knows exactly what He is doing.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Lesson # 8 | MARK 4:21-33 | THE LIGHT COMES AND WILL EVENTUALLY SHINE

I. Greetings: 

 

II.  Introduction:  

            When I was in my early thirties I seriously injured my knee playing touch football with college kids.  I was in a cast for four weeks and I walked with a slight limp for nearly a year.  One day my grand mother told me that if I did not exercise my knee now, it would bother me the rest of my life.  I took her advice and tried to go jogging.  I went only 4 tenths of a mile and was completely out of breath.  Then I went a little further, and a little further, until I was able to run in a 10 K race.  My grand mother was right;  the limp went away.  The principle was use it or lose it.  (You might want to put your own example in here.)

            If you do not use the physical capacities you have they will dry up.  A lot of folks here have gone through operations, and as soon as they were able they were up and walking.  If one delays too long, what they have they will lose.

            Note:  This is how God made our physical life.  Lets see how Jesus applies this truth to the spiritual life.

 

III.  Parable of the Lamp: 

   A.  The Parable Itself. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:21-23.

            Note:  These are familiar verses but before we discuss them it might help our discussion by looking at the Greek behind our English translation.

            1) Verse 21, in most of our English translations, behind the English word "brought" or "bring" is the word "comes" in Greek.  In other words the light or lamp comes. 

            2) In verses 21 and 22 are four occurrences of the word hina = "in order that".  Four times in these verses the "Light comes in order that", thus light comes for a purpose.

            Q  Who is the Lamp?

               An = It is the truth about Jesus Christ.  It is Jesus Christ Himself.

            Q  What did that mean for the disciples of that day?  Why did Jesus come?

               An =  Not to be hid (21 a), but to be displayed (21 b), to be revealed (22 a), to come to light (22 b).

            Note:   If the light has come to you, praise God, you are saved!  But there is some things we are to do with the light?  We are meant to be revealers.  Not to merely do religious things, like pass out Bible phrases, be on committees, or attend church, but actually let the light shine through us.  Many pass out Bible phrases but do not reveal the heart of God. 

            Q  What does that mean for you and me? 

   B.  Warning:  Jesus Believes People are Responsible. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:24-25

            Q  What does the phrase mean, "how much we measure"?

               An = How much we appropriate.  How much we take on and make our own.  If we take a lot on we will be given more. 

            Q  What if we only make our own only a little bit of faith here at church or this study? 

            Q  Do some people leave this group gathering with just a little faith?

            QQ  What will happen to them according to 4:25?

               An = What they have will be taken from them.  Take care what you are hearing.  There will be a time when measuring ends.  If we have not appropriated faith, how can we be in line with Jesus.  Jesus came in order to be revealed and brought to light.  If we do not have the Light sufficiently in us, how can we give Him away?  Matthew Henry says,  "We are taught that we might teach".  Or, you only keep what you give away!

            RQ  Do some of us have anything to give away?

            Note:   Many times in my own life it became apparent I had a weak testimony among friends or relatives because my own belief and walk were so weak.  I was not willing to share the light because I did not think I had much to give.  My life with Him seemed so small. 

            I have two suggestions for you: 

            1)  Be open and honest about your lack of faith.  We must admit, not hide, our weaknesses. 

            2)  Be willing and open to receive from Him so you will be able to give.  Jesus will touch on this point in His own way.  Lets read on!

 

IV.  Two More Parables:  Courage, You Are Not Alone!    Mark 4:26-32.

   A.  Parable of the Growing Seed:  Mark 4:26-29.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:26-29.

             Q  What point is made about the kingdom?

               An = God's Word will accomplish its work!  Let the Word fall on you and a mysterious power beyond you will go to work. 

            Note:  For some of you, it is not yet obvious right now, but power is working.  We do not know how the Spirit works or how the kingdom grows.  I have tried to figure it out to no avail all my adult life.  I may not know how my food is chemically digested in my stomach, but I keep eating.  May the Kingdom keep growing! 

            Note:  My job is to keep in the Word myself.  To keep preaching and teaching God's Word.

   B.  Parable of the Mustard Seed:  Mark 4:30-32.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:30-32.

            Q Why is the kingdom of God like a mustard seed?

               An =  People will be surprised by our lives' end considering its beginning.  Our faith, or power now on earth seems small now, but look out!  Jesus was a man, despised and not accepted by the powerful of His day, but now He is the most significant person on earth.  Our calendars revolve around His birth and there are near 1 and 1/2 billion who, at least nominally, call Jesus God.

            Note:  There is a power beyond us at work.  We are not alone.  Remember, He is the light, not us, that will shine!

 

V.  The World and the Disciples:  Mark 4:33-34.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:33-34.

            Q What was Jesus trying to communicate?  Did Jesus want to be understood?

               An = We saw this in the last passage.  Jesus seems to be deliberately keeping some of the key truths out of plain language.  Why?

            Q Why tell the disciples when He does not tell others?

            Q What is the connection between 4:34 and 4:21-22?

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:21-22 and 4:34 again.

            Q Why were only the disciples given the explanations of the parables, and why are they told that light comes only so that it can be given away?

               An =  The light comes to be manifested - let us be taught that we can teach.

 

V.  Application: 

            Q Why are we often afraid to share our faith even with our own relatives, our own children or our own grand children?

               An = Our reasons may be many. 

            1) Some do not believe they can articulate what they really believe, and thus are intimidated and afraid we will say the wrong thing. 

            2)  Some believe they just do not say things right or very smoothly.  They get tongue tied or cannot say things eloquently.  They are poor speakers.

            3)  Some are afraid they will be ridiculed. 

            4)  Some really doubt that the sharing of their thoughts will do any good, because they are not an authority, famous, or highly respected.

                        Note:  Remember there two things we can do.

            1) Appropriate all we can.  Learn all we can.  Go to Bible studies, read good christian books, but most of all read the Bible for yourself.   Read the book of Mark on your own.  Start this week and get as far as you can before next week.

            2) Understand that the best witness if often the non-professional one.  Some of the most influential people in my life have not been professional witnesses.  I have learned about the truth because someone had the courage to tell me, and the truth has a power of its own.

            3)  "H" Spees, a prominent christian leader in Fresno, once said in addressing a young man:  "If you are out of college, and you are not actively involved in a ministry you are not a man."  If you sit on your knowledge of the faith, and do not give it away, you will lose it.  You will either leave the faith yourself, and become one of those who are expert at driving others away from the church.  We have all met countless people who will not go to church because of some of the people that they met there. 

            Note:

            If God has given us a truth, we must obey it:  or we will lose hearing from Him.           

            If God has given to us faith and we do not share it then we will lose it.  We will leave active church life or be a church going person without real faith, without real Christianity.

            If we are not excited about sharing the truth of Jesus Christ with a dying world then we do not believe it is "good news".  We believe Jesus made a mistake and was a fool to die for sins.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Lesson # 7 | MARK 4:1-20 | OBEDIENCE PRECEDES UNDERSTANDING

I.  Greetings: 

 

II. Introduction:  Prayer for others.

 

**** This prayer can be skipped if it does not apply or work with your group ****

            Note:  Since today's lesson is on praying for others, I would like to introduce to our group a more scheduled way of praying for the needs of our study.  I know many of you pray already for others in this group, but this may increase your efforts and help others to join who are not yet praying.

   A.  Procedure: 

            1.  Cards will be distributed to make prayer requests.

            2.  They will be typed up on a sheet.

            3.  They will be distributed to those who signed up to pray, as well as leaders.

                   If you want to pray for others give your name to....

   B.  Reasons for Praying for Others: 

            1.  It teaches us unselfishness.

       2.  It pushes us to stay righteous.  I often refrain from sin when I remember the prayers of                         a righteous man avail much.  In other words, we fast from sin so our prayers will                         be effective on other's behalf.

            3.  When you realize the needs of others it helps you see your needs in perspective.

            4.  It will change you.  Instead of criticizing others in the group, you pray.  Your whole                         attitude to the group could shift from self centered to other centered.

   C.  Confidentiality is Imperative:

            1.  Do not gossip about what is on the sheet.

            2.  It becomes a point of honor to keep all silent except for talk with God.

   D.  How to Pray:  Two suggestions.

       1.  Pray for Christ's attitude towards the person you are praying for.

       2.  Pray for Christ's best for that person, admitting that you do not know the depth of their                         true need.

   E.  Only Sign Up If You Will Pray.

********

 

III. Jesus' First Long Recorded Teaching:  Mark 4:1-20

            Note:  This is Jesus' first major teaching that Mark records.

            RQ  What do you think Mark will report?  Lets see....

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:1-2.

            Q  How did Jesus speak to large crowds according to these verses?

               An = Jesus spoke in parables.  Today we will look at Jesus' first parable in Mark.

   A.  The Parable of the Sower.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:3-8.

            Note:  Verse three lets us know that this parable is going to be an agricultural one.  Jesus is going to use something that all of them could relate to because it was an agricultural community.  We who have been raised most of our lives in cities might need a little help in understanding what was very obvious to those listening to Jesus that day.

            Q  What does verse 4 mean?  What does seed on a road that the birds ate mean?

               An =  The hardness of the road did not allow the seed to work its way into the soil, and so it was left exposed and thus vulnerable to the birds.  Hard soil does not work.  The seed cannot get into packed, hard soil.  That is why a farmer is usually pictured plowing (In the old pictures with a horse drawn plow or today with a tractor.).

            Q  Can you give an example from your experience of the truth of hard soil?

            Q  Now what does verse 5 mean?  What does seed that is placed in rocky soil mean?

               An = Rocky soil means there is not enough depth of soil for the root system to develop.  Soil that is not deep enough does not allow the root system to become large enough to support the plant.  When harsh weather comes, especially the warm sun of summer, the root system must be developed or the plant will wilt and not produce anything of value.

            Q  Has this happened to you spiritually?  Have you not had enough preparation spiritually or depth to your relationship with Christ that caused you to wilt when opposition came?

            Note:  Most modern farming is intensely involved with weed control.  If the weeds do not get removed the soil's food goes into the weeds and not into the plants.  Usually weeds grow faster than the plant you wanted to farm, and so they can choke out the grain or shade it out so it is stunted and does not produce as much.

   B.  Key to Interpreting the Parables of Jesus. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:9

            Note:   shema, the Hebrew word for "hear" has a double meaning in Hebrew.  It also means to "obey".  In other words one is not just to intellectually hear the truth, but one must obey it as well.

            Q What is Jesus telling us with this phrase as far as understanding parables go?

               An =  We must be active listeners or we will not truly "know". 

   C.  Those Who Will Not Understand. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:10-12

            Note:  Living in a garage does not make you a car and hearing God's Word does not make you a Christian.

            Note:  As long as one refuses to believe (and act on that belief), they will continue to be perplexed by the person of Jesus and His kingdom.  We have seen over and over again in the book of Mark people did not want to "hear" the Word of God, but merely wanted the miracles.  Yet it was the "Word" truly heard that could lead to true healing and therefore salvation.

            RQ Do we want to be different?  Do we want to be ones who really hear?

            Note:  We know the Bible is speaking of God's Word when it speaks of the seed.  What we sometimes fail to realize is that God's Word is not just a book we call the Bible.  It is more!  It is the very thought and mind of Almighty God.  If we can learn to think like the Bible, we can learn to think like our Lord.  We could learn to think and see the world as Jesus Christ does.  The powerful way He loves the world could be ours.  The wisdom that He uses in handling us when we are close to Him could be ours.

            Q So why are a lot of Christians so little like Jesus Christ?

               An = Because they hear the Word but never really take it in.  They are not fruitful because they are not good soil.

   D.  Explanation of the Parable. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 4:13-20

            1.  After the reading, without much moving, break into groups of three.

            2.  >>>> Re-read 4:18-19 out-loud to the entire group.

            3.  Have them share names (if do not know one another) and what 4:18-19 means to them.  What has, or can hold you back?

            4.  Stay in groups >>>> Have someone re-read 4:20 to the entire group.

            5.  In their groups, have them discuss two questions.

               a.             Q  What goals for helping others do you have? i.e. "What is a fruitful life for you personally?"  

                        Q  What are your goals spiritually?

   E.  Immediate Application:  Refocus everyone back to the front of the Room.

      Note:  God wishes to do significantly (miraculously) more with those who are good soil!  His power in us will do amazingly more than we would have dreamed.  The power will be beyond us, it will be the power of the Kingdom.

            Note:  Our prayers can become powerful.  We could see mighty things for others, and for our attitudes towards others, if we become good soil.

            Q  So, how can God make us good soil?  What must be done with what we have heard?

               An = An example from the parable might help.  The reason seeds will not grow on a path is the ground is pressed and compacted.  It would need to be plowed so that the soil is pliable, able to accept the seed and oxygen to the seedling. 

            Q  Will we allow God to plow our lives?  Usually sorrow, challenge, or being pushed out of our comfort zones does that best. 

            Q Will we obey God and let Him do that?

               An =  Soil that is shallow or filled with rocks or hardpan will not sustain the plant.  If we have no depth, we will not make it.  Will we allow God to make us people of depth?

            Note:  The weeds in a field compete with the nutrients, oxygen and sunlight

available to the good seed.  Weeds must be knocked down, or pulled out.  For most of us we struggle with materialism, and preoccupation with things has to go for true spiritual soil to be present in our lives.  We cannot have two masters Jesus says.

            Q  What specific material thing or issue is choking out our spiritual life right now?  

            Note:  Another way the issue of weeds could be understood is some type of sin.  There might be a sin right now that is blocking out the Word from our lives.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Lesson # 6 | MARK 3:7-35 | ARE WE A RELATIVE OR A CRITIC?

I.  Greetings: (bridge)

            Q  How many of you feel called of God?  (Ask them to raise their hands.)

            Q  What have friends or family done to discourage your faith/calling most?

               An = Perhaps have a few share, if they are willing.

            Q  What have misunderstanding/criticism done to you?

               An = For some of you criticism by other believers has hurt you terribly.  Jesus knows where you are at?

 

II.  Jesus' Actions:

   A.  Actions on the Seashore.  Mark 3:7-12.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 3:7-12

            Q  Is Jesus' ministry openly successful?  Are the crowds huge?

            Q  How would you feel if your ministry was this openly successful?

            Q  In what ways does Jesus show foresight, planning, and thinking in dealing with the crowds?

               An = In at least two ways:

            1)  He asks for the boat to speak from because He anticipates crowd pressures (3:9).

            2)  He refuses to accept demon's witness (3:12).  Jesus does not accept any endorsement.  Sometimes we are too eager to get praise.  Jesus is not addicted to praise and refuses the praise and adoration of some.

   B. Actions in the Mountains.  Mark 3:13-19.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 3:13-14.

            Q  Why does Jesus select his disciples?

               An = His selection of disciples is for them to be close to Him (3:14) and to preach.  See again that this is His major goal.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 3:15-19.

            Q  What are the disciples given?

               An = They were given power.  When you are close to Jesus, this will happen.  However, the power is not for you to become great, but to stop evil, to deliver those oppressed by demons.  Besides, when you receive Jesus' power you will get something other than honor as we shall soon see.

            Note:   Again, Jesus shows foresight in selecting others so His work can be multiplied.

 

III.  Opposition:  Mark 3:20-30.

   A.  Opposition or Misunderstanding from Family. 

            Note:  Our author shows us that Jesus is powerful, unselfish, giving, popular, very intelligent and filled with foresight as He practically runs His ministry.  Jesus is a leader that surely deserves our praise.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 3:20-21

            Q  Jesus' own family seems disturbed by Jesus' work schedule, and so how do they understand His actions?

               An = They say He is out of His mind.  Can you imagine calling the Son of God out of His mind?

            Q  Is Jesus out of His mind?

               An = We know the criticism is invalid:  see 3:9,12,14.  They may not like His work intensity, but He is clearly rational in His thinking.  The criticism misses the mark.

            Q  Does it surprise you that His own family misunderstood Him?

               An =  Two things could be said here. 

            1)  We must expect such understanding and not be surprised.  It will happen no matter how good we are when we are intense for God.  Even Jesus was criticized. 

            2) Jesus does not answer.

            Q  Should we answer such criticism?  What have you seen in the past?

   B.  Criticism from Religious Authorities:  Mark 3:22-30.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 3:22-27.

            Q  Is the criticism from the religious authorities valid?

               An = No!  Their criticism is also invalid.  Again, do not be surprised that some religious authorities will oppose the Lord's work. 

            Q  Does Jesus answer this time?

               An = Yes. 

            Q  What is the form of His answer?

               An = It could be briefly summarized as follows:

                        1) First Jesus opens with a Rhetorical Question:  He opens by asking them to think with Him in verse 23?  That is what a rhetorical question is designed to do.  "How can Satan drive out Satan?"  Next, Jesus follows his rhetorical question with a Proverb.

                        2) Proverb.  Jesus now gives them a saying that highlights a commonly agreed upon truth in verse 24.  If a group is divided against itself it will fail.

            Q  How many of you have played on a team that was divided?

            Q  Was that team successful?

                        3)  Then Jesus gives another proverb, much like the other one, or another traditionally agreed upon truth in verse 25.  "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."

                        4)  Finally, Jesus draws to a preliminary conclusion.

            Q  What does Jesus conclude in verse 26? 

               An = It is logically impossible that Jesus is in league with Satan, for then Satan's kingdom would self destruct, and we know Satan's work is alive and well.

            Then Jesus presses on to another logical conclusion.

            Q  What does verse 27 mean?  Who is the strong man?

               An = The strong man is Satan.  Jesus has bound Satan in casting him out of oppressed people's lives.  Jesus' actions are proof of His power.  He can defeat Satan.

            Note:  Jesus does not end here though because He is interested in more that just winning the argument.  Jesus does not merely want to "win", but He wants to truly help us because He loves us.  For example, a good parent does not merely wish to win the arguments with their child but to help their child achieve the very best in life.  Notice now what Jesus does.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 3:28-30

            Q  What is Jesus doing here?

               An = He is giving them a warning:  In verses 28-29 Jesus warns His audience.  Despite the venom of the attacks of the religious leaders, Jesus still cares about them.   Perhaps, that is why He does not immediately answer His relatives for they are in no spiritual danger.  His audience here is in danger, and so He answers, and He warns.

            Q  How do we apply this today?  How is Jesus warning us?

               An = We do not want to be a believer who criticizes the working of God.

            Q  What it that is we are knocking? 

               An = We need to be careful what religious people we criticize.  We could be wrong and be fighting against the very power of God.  That scares me, and it should scare you as well.

            Q  Do we have such miraculous power to cast out demons? 

               An = If there is not such power in our ministry, then maybe that is why we are not receiving criticism.

           

IV.  The Secret of Working With God, Not Against God: Mark 3:31-35.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 3:31-35.

            Q What makes us Jesus' true kinsmen?

               An = It is when we do His will.  In this chapter it means drawing near to Him, preaching and having power (3:13,15).  It means we should be careful what and who we

criticize!  Our job is do the type of works Jesus Christ does, to use the authority, if we have any, that He has given us.  The Lord has repeatedly told me that I should be spending my energy on positive giving and serving rather than knocking what I do not fully understand.

 

V.  Our Focus:  Proving our Family Connection.  Are we a relative or a critic?

            Q  According to these verses how will we prove we are called?

               An = If we have His power, we prove that we are worthy to be called disciples.  They were called not to criticize but to preach and drive out the devil with power.  If we are critics, then maybe we are trying to cover up our lack of power.  Christians are critical of other ministries, yet the ministries they are critical of, have power to do healing, or to do exorcisms.

            Q  According to these verses, how do we prove we are a true relative of Jesus?

               An = We need to comb through the first three chapters of Mark, find a truth there, and then obey it.  Do you wonder if you are a true Christian?  George Mac Donald wrote:  "What one thing have you done today solely because Jesus said to do it?  Or, what one thing have we done simply because He says not to do it?  It is absurd to say we believe and never do what He tells us."  George Mac Donald, George Mac Donald Anthology, (London:  Geoffrey Bles, 1970) p. 75

            Note:  Finally, a warning:  "If we concentrate on being obedient ourselves, we can avoid criticizing the "working of the Son of God."  Let me end with a short story told by one of the Desert Fathers:  

            "Abba Paphnutius said, `When I was walking along the road, I happened to lose my way and found myself near a village, and I saw some people who were talking about evil things.  So I stood still, praying for my sins.  Then behold an angel came, holding a sword, and He said to me, `Paphnutius, all those who judge their brothers perish by his sword, but because you have not judged, but have humbled yourself before God, saying that you have sinned, your name is written in the book of the living!'"  Benedicta Ward, The Desert Christian, MacMillan, p. 202

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Lesson # 5 | MARK 2:23-3:6 | RULES BEHIND THE RULES

I. Greetings: 

 

II. Introduction:

            Note:  Today we will see Jesus address the issue of rules.  Every group must have them to live in an orderly or prosperous manner.  Churches must have rules, procedures, traditions so there can be harmony.  So lets discuss church rules for a minute.

            Q What do you think of churches that demand you wear a tie to Sunday service?

               An = It would be quite a mistake would it not to post deacons at the doors to bar the way to anyone who would not, or could not, wear a tie.  Besides, what if the women could not find one that matched their dress?

            Q What about a church that forbids any musical instruments except a piano and organ?

            Q What about a church that encourages gay behavior or allows/encourages ideas that promote Jesus or Buddha as basically the same thing?

            Q Should there be rules at your school or your church (or your organization)?

               An = I think we would agree that we all need rules.

            Q What makes a good rule?

            Let's look at Jesus as He deals with rules.

 

III.              Reading the Old Testament:

>>>> Have someone read Mark 2:23-26

   A.  The Issue:  How does one read the Bible and apply it?

            Q What upsets the Pharisee's here?  What is the actual sin?

               An =  It was husking grain, i.e. with their hands (when they rubbed them together).  The disciples were cleaning a handful of grain to eat as a snack as they traveled along the road.  In other words, the disciples were being accused of husking grain, or harvesting, and therefore working on the Sabbath.

>>>> Have two different people look up Deuteronomy 23:24-25 and Exodus 34:21.

            >>>> Have someone read Deuteronomy 23:24-25:  

            Note:  It is OK to be satisfied, but not to take any large amount away from the field.  It is OK to pick a bunch of grapes but not to fill your trunk to the brim and give it to all of your friends and relatives.  It is OK to pick some for your stomach right there but not to load up and go and sell it to a peddler.

            >>>> You read Exodus 34:21.

            Note:  It is good to work, but a sabbath must be taken and for an agricultural society that precluded harvesting.

            Q What is Jesus' point in 2:25-26?

               An = David, obviously a hero in the Bible, ate the wrong bread, bread that belonged only to priests, but did so with priestly blessing.  The point being, not to break the rules unless a greater rule overrides it.  The bread belongs to the priests, it is their assignment after it was placed on the altar, and they had the right to give it to the hungery David and his men because of their need. (I Samuel 21:1-9.)

            Q So, what is the issue here? 

            RQ How carefully do you define things, so as not to lose the rule behind the rules?

   B.  The Method:  how Jesus answers Scripture with Scripture. 

            Note:  Jesus answers a question with a question.  They ask to accuse, He asks to make them think.  He is aware of the non-harvesting rule (Ex 34), but He is also aware of "satisfy your hunger rule" (Dt 23).  Jesus is obviously pro-Scripture, but He wants us

to see the intent of Scripture, not mindlessly apply the rules.   The Pharisees want to stress Ex 34 and Jesus thinks the situation fits Dt. 23, so He gives an example of how Dt 23 worked in the case of David.  If one is mindless in their use of Scripture, they can actually disobey the intended goal of the Scripture and therefore God Himself.

            Q Has God made it easy on us in finding the rules behind the rules?

   C. The Principle and Proclamation. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 2:27-28.

            Q What does this mean?

               An = Verse 27 could be rephrased to say "sabbath rules were made for human beings, not human beings for sabbath rules".  In other words, the Mosaic Law was given to man to guide and help him;   man was not made for the purpose of obeying the Law.  We have rules in our house about how to treat the furniture for the kids.  We did not have kids so we could put into practice our "furniture laws".  We did not even get furniture so we could practice our "furniture laws".  We have such rules because kids, being kids, and we, wanting the furniture to last for a little while, instituted the rules.  Also, we are teaching our kids manners, discipline and respect for property.  Rules are made to regulate a church, or society, to bring about the optimum blessing, given the corrupt nature of mankind.

            Note:  Verse 28 seems to hinge on the meaning of the term "Son of Man".  The phrase is a deduction based on the truth of verse 27.  If 2:27 is true then logically so is 28 says Jesus. 

            Q So, what does "Son of Man" mean? 

               An = After they give their answers then add:  it appears to be a deliberately double meaning phrase. 

            1.  Son of Man in Daniel 7:14 refers to a divine being.

            2.  Son of Man in Ezekiel refers to a "son of a human being", i.e. the phrase means a human being.  So, Jesus could be saying...

                        1) Jesus, the divine Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath Laws.  As God, He gave the rules and so also has the right to interpret and apply them.  God is lord of the rules.  The Law-giver is over the Law.  The Law is merely the written intention of His will.  Now that He is present, He can speak His will directly.

                        2) Human beings are more important that rules.  The rules were made for mankind, not mankind for rules.  Therefore, on a Sabbath, the human need of hunger, usually overrides the fear of eating food that might be construed as gathered in a "harvesting way".

            Q So which did Jesus mean? 

               An = He could have meant both.  He was both fully God and fully man.  He was human, and He was God.  He hints that this is the attitude of God Almighty towards His rules, and He shows us how we as humans are to view the laws of God.

 

IV.  Applying the Law Again: 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 3:1-6

   A.  The anger of God.

            Note:  This is the second time we see Jesus angry (1:43).

            Q What motives Jesus' anger?

               An =  It is their hardness of heart towards human need and human suffering.  They are preoccupied with rules.

            Q What does this say about God, if this is what angers Him?

            Q What would anger God today in our church or religious institutions if this is used as a model?

            Q Is Jesus intimidated? 

            Q What does this show us about His personality?

               An = Jesus is not a wimp but a strong and focused individual.  He is what we would call a true "man's man".

   B.  The anger of Man. 

>>>> Have someone re-read Mark 3:6.

            Q Why this response on the part of the leaders.  Why would you want to kill a man for healing a cripple?

               An = Many times church leaders would rather see less good done than have their preconceived ways upset.  Some leaders are conservative because they wish to maintain the positive traditions of their church, and that is good.  Some are conservative so they can stop being obligated to listen to the dynamic speaking of God's Holy Spirit and that is bad.  Young people should be cautious before they judge all conservatives as bad, but elders should always be open to the movement of God's Spirit.

            Q Is Jesus intimidated?  What does this tell us about how we should be when under such attack?

               An = Jesus was aware of the brewing storm and instead of being intimidated He was angry at their cold hearts.  He goes ahead with the miracle and in a bold and commanding fashion says:  "Stretch out your hand".  Remember Jesus is teaching us to love God and to love man and in addition, if we fear God, we will not fear man.

            Q What does this tell us if we begin to think and act like Jesus?

               An = To follow the Son of Man will, at times, bring opposition and danger.  It could cost us our lives.