Lesson # 20 | MARK 8:27-33 | THE TURNING POINT: THE SECRET TO THE SECRET REVEALED

I.              Greetings: 

 

II.  Introduction: 

   A.  We come to what most scholars think is the halfway point, as well as the turning point in Mark's Gospel.  The turning point is the secret of why Jesus seems to want to keep His disciples and those He often heals from speaking about His work.  We have noted Jesus was deliberately trying to conceal His power and never was open about what He believed His mission was, or Who He was. 

   B.  The Mystery of Who He Is Has Deepened.

            Note:  William Lane (p. 288) points out that in Mark 1:1 Jesus is called the Messiah, but this is not mentioned again until our verse here in 8:29.  The word Messiah has not been used by Jesus Himself though He has certainly provoked questions. 

            1) His power has aroused the questioning of His authority:  1:27; 2:7; 6:2. 

Re-read:  Mark 6:2

            2) His association with sinners provokes charges that He is demonic:  2:15-20; 3:22-30.  

            3) His disciples themselves are hard pressed to find categories to describe Him:  4:41; 6:51-52. 

Re-read:  Mark 4:41

            4)  Mark creates a tension that is only solved in what we are going to read next.  When this passages arrives, a whole new tone comes over the book of Mark.

            Note:  Watch what Jesus is going to do with the issue of what others think.  Watch how He handles the need to look good.  He is going to show us Who He is, and who we are to be.

 

III.  The View of Men:  What They Thought of Jesus, Mark 8:27-30.

   A.  Jesus Listens to How Men Define Him.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:27-30.

            Q  What did people say about Jesus? 

               An = Re-read Mark 8:28.  All of these answers speak about very prominent people.  John the Baptist was a contemporary religious success,  Elijah or one of the prophets was to be equated with greatness from the past.

            Q  What did their answer mean?

               An = Of course, it meant they were impressed with Jesus' abilities.  However, when they answered John, Elijah, or one of the past prophets they failed to see Jesus' distinctiveness.  He is like the great men of the past but yet so much more.

            Q  When Peter calls Him Messiah, what does the term Messiah (or the Christ) mean?

               An = Actually, it is a title, not a name.  It means one who is anointed by God:  royalty, priest, or prophet.  He is the "anointed one", and people were anointed for a purpose.

            Q  Is Jesus happy with Peter's insights in 8:29?

               An = Notice His next action in 8:30.  He tells them to tell no man about Him.

            Q  Why?  What is the secret to the secret of hiding Jesus' powers, or now His proper title? 

               An = For the first time Mark tells us why.  So it should be the key to all other times He said, " Tell no man".  Peter's words are correct in themselves but so were the confessions of demons (1:25; 3:12).  Jesus silenced those other voices, and He silences His disciples now.

            Note:  Jesus has a reason for keeping things quiet, He wants them to truly understand.

   B. Helping Us to Properly Define Ourselves.

            Note:  We have been watching what He was doing.  Now He will tell us what the Mission is and articulate Who He is.  Jesus starts this process by first asking the disciples to state what men think of Him.

            Q  Jesus is going to define His purpose and goal in life, but why does He want to know what men think of Him?

               An = There could be two other options here.  1) Humans put a great deal of stock in what people think of them.  Jesus was human, and I know it is so easy to pursue a good name, or to desire to impress people with my accomplishments or hoped for accomplishments.  Often our self esteem is dependent on what others think of us.  Part of the answer could be Jesus is showing His humanity.

            2) It could also be He wanted them to think, and He draws out their thinking by His question.  Perhaps, the Gospel is only understood when we participate in this way.

 

IV.  The View of God:  How God Sees Jesus' Mission and Purpose.   Mark 8:31-33

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:31-33.

   A.  The Rejection of the Answer.

            Q  How does Peter respond?

               An = Peter, one of Jesus' most trusted friends and followers does not like the answer.  In fact, Peter had the audacity to rebuke Jesus for His statements in verse 31.

            Q  How does Jesus respond to Peter's reaction?

               An = Peter is called the tool of Satan.  William Barclay says (Mark, p. 205) "It is a strange thing, and sometimes a terrible thing, that the tempter speaks to us in the voice of a well-meaning friend."

            Note: = The greek term used here for "get behind" best means "return to your rank", not "get away" (see Mark 1:17,20).  Jesus is saying Peter is now in the ranks of Satan and not in the ranks of God's army or cause.

            Jesus is calling Peter to get behind the right leader and into the right ranks.  So often we Christians are serving in the wrong army and need to be corrected.

   B.  The Secret Revealed.

            Q  What then is the secret of the secret? 

               An = See 8:31 again, because here the veil is taken off.  The Secret is that Jesus must suffer, be rejected, and killed.  Confession of Jesus as the Christ (8:29) must include the cross.

   C.  What we learn of Ourselves and Our Mission From the Secret.

            RQ  This is Mark's secret, is it ours?  Is it mine?

               An = Do I want to be a success in the eyes of men or do I want to be like Jesus "the Christ".  Am I willing to be uncomfortable, to suffer, to follow God so that key people in my life will reject me and cause me harm?

            Q  Do most Christians you know want to be a success or to follow God?

               An = Whatever most others do, it helps me to remember that to accomplish all that God really wants to do in me will cost me my life, and cause rejection by key leaders in my community.  It helps me to also remember, it is Jesus who is now shown reverence, and not those leaders.  Jesus took the way of the Cross and unto Him:  "every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord".

            Note:  If we only think about spiritual truths, but do not act on them, we will remain dead and captive to what men think.  We will remain a slave to our surroundings, not the man or woman God wants us to be.  We have to act.

            Q  What comfort zone would the Holy Spirit want you to step out of?  What humiliation will you risk so Jesus Christ and others will benefit?

               An = Write in your notes or Bible's margins the comfort zone you fear most to lose.

            Note:  But how do you get the courage to do these things? 

   D.  What We Learn of Jesus from the Secret.

            Note:  Ask everyone to turn to Isaiah 53:1-9.

>>>> Have someone read Isaiah 53:1-9. 

            Q  Can you understand Jesus Christ apart from suffering?

               An = Suffering must be there to understand Jesus, any other way is wrong. 

>>>> Have someone read Isaiah 53:10-13.

            Q  To what is Jesus' greatness tied to?

            Q  To what will our greatness be tied to if we are like our Lord?

               An = Our greatness, like Jesus', is tied to how we help others.  Not how successful we are, how many financial goals we accomplish, or how many titles and awards we gather.  Our greatness is tied to how much we help others.  Helping others can be a costly thing.  If we are like Jesus we must bear the cross.  However it will result in blessing the world, our community, families and friends.

            Note:  W. Lane, p. 296 quotes Minette de Tillesse,

            "If Jesus had allowed his glory as Son of God to shine everywhere, if he had permitted to the crowds their delirious enthusiasm, it he had allowed the demons to howl their servile confession, if he had permitted the apostles to divulge everywhere their sensational discovery, the passion would have been rendered impossible and the destiny of Jesus would have issued in triumph, but a triumph which would have been wholly human (8:33) and which would not have accomplished the divine plan of salvation."

            If Jesus would have allowed his glory as Son of God to shine to the crowds, the demons, the religious authorities, or the apostles in the way they wanted, we would not be here tonight.

            There would have been no cross, salvation, freedom from sin, fellowship of the Spirit, and hope of eternal life in heaven.

            The sufferings, rejection, death and then resurrection of Jesus are absolutely necessary.  The secret to the secret is "Jesus suffered, died and rose again for our sins".  He slowed down any other confession or understanding of Him that did not center on that fact.

Lesson # 19 | MARK 8:11-26 | SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS AND A LOAF OF BREAD

I.  Greetings.

 

II. Introduction:

            Q  Have you recently watched a teacher, parent, or supervisor at work suffer with being misunderstood?  If so, raise your hands?

            Q  How many of you have been misunderstood recently?  If so, raise your hands?

            Q  How did you feel, would anyone like to share?

            Q  Have you ever been deliberately misunderstood by your enemies?

                        Note:  Today's lesson centers around the issue of being misunderstood.  We believe Jesus was fully God, we also believe He was fully human.  He was tempted in all ways like we are says the Book of Hebrews.  He is our "high priest".  He prays for us with great empathy because He understands what we face. 

            We face being misunderstood, Jesus faced the same thing.  Lets see what He experienced, and how He handled it.

 

III.  Spiritually Blind Religious Enemies:  Mark 8:11-13.

            Note:   Life is hard when we are misunderstood, but it is even more frustrating to be misunderstood by those who refuse to see the truth.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:11-13.

      Note:  The seeking of a sign culminates what seems to have been the end of the Pharisees questioning of Him.  They wanted proof Jesus was right in what He was telling them.  What they talked about we are not told, only that they now wanted proof in the form of a sign from Heaven (i.e. from God).

            Q  How does Jesus answer them?

            Q  What does this mean for us today?

            Q  Why does Jesus refuse?  What do you think is the reason for His refusal?

               An = 1)  He would be subjected to their system of determining truth.  A system of religion He has rejected in chapter 7:1-23.

                         2)  They already had seen many miracles and wonders in His healing.  Previously, we learned in chapter 3:22 that they called such miraculous powers satanic.

                         3)  They would not believe him even if He did play their game.  Look up Psalm 95

>>>> Have someone read Psalm 95:8-11.

            Q  Did the Israelites see miracles and signs?  Did it help them believe.

               An = No, it did not.  The Israelites saw the great miracles recorded in the book of Exodus and still chose not to believe.

            Q  Does religious education always help us see the truth?

               An = Religious education is no guarantee of spiritual perception.  The Pharisees knew their theology, much of it was even first class thinking.

            Q  Are some of us seeking a sign today? 

            Q  Are we waiting for some kind of confirmation when we already know what is true and what we need to do? 

               An = If we are, we may begin to encounter the silence of God (>>> You read Mark 8:12-13).  He might refuse to give us a sign, because we already know better.

 

 

III.  Spiritually Blind Disciples:  Mark 8:14-21

            Note:  Jesus has been misunderstood by his enemies, those His teachings and presence has threatened.  We see how He handled that, but now things get even more frustrating.

            Q  Have you ever been misunderstood by your friends?

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:14-15.

            Q  What had the disciples forgot?

            Q  Why did the Disciples misunderstand 8:15?

               An = Selective hearing:  we often did this to our parents as kids.  We can also do this to God.  An example of this should be supplied by you.  Instead of hearing what really was said, you merely focused on a key word because of guilt.

            Q What is leaven? 

               An = (yeast) 

            Q So, what is yeast?

               An = Actually it is the rotting of something, but to make bread or yogurt you need to add a catalyst from a starter.  Yeast or leaven is that starter for bread. 

            Note:  Because yeast is the starting of something rotting or breaking down, leaven in the ancient world often stood for corruption.

            Q What does 8:15 mean?

               An = Beware of the corruptive influence of religious leaders and politicians.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:16

            Q  Do the disciples understand the warning?

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:17-21

            Q  Why does Jesus say to beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Herod by using a bread metaphor?

               An = He could be tieing back to their disbelief concerning the miracles of the two feedings (7:30-44 and 8:1-10).  They had yet to understand (8:17-20).  Perhaps He poses the question in terms of bread because it was concerning the episodes of bread they were still most in the dark about.  Besides, Jesus did not need many loaves to feed a mere twelve men (See, 8:17-20).  He was rather good with bread!

            Q  Finally, what disturbs Jesus?  What causes Him to "sigh" in 8:12?                         

               An = >>> Re-read Mark 7:34.   Perhaps, He sees in the deaf man the deafness of His people, even His own disciples.  It is our physical needs (7:34) and our spiritual blindness (8:12) that cause God to be disturbed, because He cares for both of these areas of our lives.

           

IV.  Physically Blind Member of the Crowd:  Mark 8:22-26

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:22-26.

            Q  Why take the man out of town?

               An = 1)  He does not seek notoriety for Himself.  This fits the pattern of 1:44, 5:43,                                     7:36, 8:26.

                         2)  It could be concern for the man himself.

            Q  Why does He spit?  

               An = Again, perhaps to deeply identify with the man and his needs.

            Q  Why was the healing gradual?   Before you answer that, note this is the only gradual physical healing in all of the Gospel accounts.

            Q  Why does Mark record a healing of sight right after two episodes of spiritually blind groups:  religious leaders and His disciples?  What is Mark saying?

               An = Spiritual insight often comes gradually.  Do not be discouraged.  Jesus did not get new disciples, despite their great capacity to be blockheads.  He will keep you if you truly want to see.  It may take stages, but Psalm 146:8 will come true of you. 

>>>> Have someone read Psalm 146:8 to the group.  (Psalm 146:6-10)                 

Lesson # 18 | MARK 7:31-8:10 | THE COMPASSION OF GOD

I.  Greetings:           

 

II. Introduction:  Today in America it is politically correct to be nice.  If we are not harsh, speak kindly, and can be easily moved to say words that express our feelings of pity then we are considered "nice" people.  In the Gospels Jesus is not always nice, but He is compassionate.  His compassion is more than words, feelings, or a commitment to never hurting someone's feelings, but something is much more needful in our world.  It is much deeper, much greater. 

            It is the amazing and yet practical compassion we are to have as His followers.  Let me explain.

 

III.  Compassion with An Individual and Its Affects:  Mark 7:31-37.

            Note:.  Jesus was probably in Gentile territory in the passages above and seemingly seeking rest for Himself and His men.  Now He makes His way back near Jewish territory but not quite in complete Jewish areas.  He is in the Decapolis, probably a mixed area containing both Jews and Gentiles.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:31-35.

            Q  How is Jesus compassionate in His action?

               An = Jesus shows compassion on this individual by taking him aside privately:  1)  Perhaps not to embarrass him because he was deaf.  2)  Also, perhaps it allows Jesus to identify more personally with the man by getting him out of the glare of the crowd.  It might have been hard for this man to focus with all the people looking at him.

            RQ  Do we have friends we want Jesus to bless?

            Q  What could we do that is similar to the people in this situation?  How would you get one of your friends in the presence of Jesus?

               An = We can begin to pray for them.  We can bring them to someone we believe has the presence of Jesus more powerfully in them such as a godly relative, church friend, or religious leader.

            Note:  What is fairly certain is Jesus takes time to truly identify with the person.  This deaf person is a human, not a case.  He puts His fingers in the man's ears perhaps to show him by a symbol He is going to deal with (heal) the man's ears.  Then He puts His spit in this man's mouth to symbolize, no doubt, the same thing.  Spittle was understood both in Jewish and Hellenistic culture to be an important curative force.  (Before you laugh at their ideas in the ancient world, remember what happened the last time you hit your finger with a hammer, burned it on a stove:  where did you put your finger?) 

            The important issue is Jesus is talking in this man's language, He is using symbolic language the man can understand.  He is identifying with this man on his own level.  Love must be practical, and it often must be physically demonstrated. 

            Notice Jesus never tells the man that He loves him.

            Q  If you truly got your friend in His presence what would He do with them?  

            Q  Are not Jesus' actions in these verses hints of what He will do today?              

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:36.

            Note:  By now these are familiar words:  "Tell no one".  Ever notice how much we want recognition for the money we give or the things we do.  Jesus is different.  Jesus' motives are often not our motives.  We want and often crave affirmation for our ministry, while Jesus has other goals.  >>>> Read to them Matthew 6:1-4.  Do not let church convention rob you of eternal glory!!  Give and say nothing.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:37.

            Note:  The people were astonished.  Perhaps they expected Jesus to only bless, not heal (Lane, p. 266) - but maybe Jesus will do more than we expect today!

            Note:  They praise Him.  Have two different people read the following texts to the audience: 

>>>> Have someone read Genesis 1:31

>>>> Have someone read Isaiah 35:5,6,10

            Note:  Many good men, and some not so-good men, will tell you Jesus is only a man.  Constantly, through out the Gospel as we have seen, allusions to Jesus point to His deity.  Jesus is acting quite like His Father!

 

*********************************************************************************            You can decide if time allows use of this section or you can just skip it.

            Note:  We are finishing a unit (chapters 6-7) in Mark's gospel.  Perhaps since miracles are signs, the phrase spoken by Jesus "Be opened" may be tied back to the words,  "If any man has ears to hear let him hear"  (6:52, 7:16, 7:18).

               Note:  Also, most scholars see a pattern to 6:31-7:37 that is repeated in chapter 8.

            6:31-44              Feeding of the Multitude                                      8:1-9

            6:45-56              Crossing of the Sea and Landing                         8:10

            7:1-23            Conflict with the Pharisees                                    8:11-13

            7:24-30            Conversation about Bread                                    8:14-21

            7:31-36            Healing                                                                        8:22-26

            7:37                        Confession of Faith                                                8:27-30[i]

*********************************************************************************

 

IV.  Compassion on the Multitude:  Mark 8:1-10.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:1-3.

            Q  Why does Jesus decide to feed them?

               An = Because He had compassion on them.  They were fasting to stay with Him.  Maybe some of them had run out of provisions and did without food so enthralled were they to be around Jesus.  Notice how practical His compassion is.

               Note:  Jesus is often so different from us in His consideration of a crowd or an audience.  He thinks of His audience.  So often we are so happy we have an audience or enchanted with the fact they are enchanted with us, we do not think to consider their practical needs after they leave the meeting. 

            Q  What are the needs of our community that stir the compassion of Jesus Christ? 

               An = List some things they have done.  Maybe point to others they are not aware of.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 8:4-10.

            Q  With what tone of voice do you think the disciples ask their question in 8:4?

               An = It could have been one of sarcasm but most likely one of frustration.  Jesus was always pushing them beyond where they wanted to go.

            Q  Why does Jesus ask the question in verse 5?

               An = To make them get involved.  We are not to be merely exasperated with what we do not have, but help with what ever we have (seven measly loaves in this case).  You will be surprised what God will do with our pitiful resources.  Think of the needs of our community and our measly resources, but if we start with what we have....

            Note:  They pass out the food.  You and I are to feed a hungary and spiritually needy world.  It is not the disciples' miracle working power though that actually feeds the crowd.  It is Jesus and Jesus only!

            Note:  Remember, as we go today, He wants to love you individually, and love those you love individually.  We need to bring those we love who are in need to Jesus.  He has not changed.  He is the same today, yesterday and forever.

            Note:  Lastly, He wants you involved, even though it is really His power that will truly minister to the needs of the crowds, of our greater community.

 

V.  Conclusion:  >> Read Isaiah 29:18-19.

---

[i].   See William Lane,  The Gospel According to Mark, 1974, p. 269.  You may or may not want to use this in your presentation.  I did not when I taught this lesson.  However, it could be helpful to know how structured and purposeful Mark is in his presentation of His Lord.  In addition, you could draw out the point that in our own ministries we often go through patterns.  Similar victories, similar problems, similar blindness of those we seek to reveal the truth, similar travels, etc.  Of course the patterns will eventually change as we follow on to His path.  In 8:31 you have Jesus quite aware that events will be changing.  He will not longer skirmish with His detractors but be harshly persecuted by them.

Lesson # 17 | MARK 7:24-30 | OUR PERCEIVED OBSTACLES TO REACHING GOD

I.  Greetings: 

 

II. Introduction:  Many people in church today feel like the Gentiles of Jesus' day.  They feel they are not part of the elect people of God.  They have gone one step further though, and they have bought into the misunderstanding that their lack of status, or their sinful behavior, makes them unwanted by God. 

            Q  Do some of you feel like you may be a christian but really do not have any faith.  If you pray, well....so what?

               An = You may feel like a "spiritual pygmy". 

            Q  Do others of you here today feel alienated from God? 

               An = You are honest enough to know you and God are not on good terms.  I have a word for both of you today, it is not my word, but the word of almighty God. 

III.  Seeking to Get Away:  Mark 7:24.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:24.

            Q What is the reason for Jesus leaving Jewish territory?

               An = See 6:30-31, 6:54.  He is probably seeking rest, to escape notice.

            Note:  Joint reference to Tyre and Sidon is commonly used to designate the pagan world,  see Mark 3:8.  Serious Jews would not even enter the home, or building, of a Gentile.

            Today, many serious Christians will often not even darken the doors of some places.  It means they take their faith seriously, and that is good.  However, it also conveys to people in those places that they are judged as inferior.

            Note:  Jesus says He has a different view of defilement (7:19) than the religious leaders and so goes among a perceived unclean people.

            Q  Do most ministers go into a bar?  Why or why not?  Why would they?

               An = As shocking as that would be, it was that shocking that Jesus would enter gentile, pagan territory.

            Q  What else could Jesus be modeling for us here by His change of location?

               An = We need rest sometimes, we need to be aggressive in seeking it, ie. a change of location.  It would be a form of taking a Sabbath.

 

IV.  Seeking God Despite Obstacles:  Mark 7:25-28

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:25-26.

            Q Was Jesus able to keep hidden?

               An = No, it seems there was something about what He had to offer that was so powerful He was aggressively sought out.  Is that true of us?  Do people seek us out because the power of God is greatly upon us?  She sought Jesus out.

            Q  What type of woman is she, what is her nationality?

               An = Her Gentile character is stressed:  a Gentile, of the Syrophoenian race (7:26). 

            Q  What is driving her to seek out a jewish rabbi?

               An = She no doubt has heard about His healing power.  Her daughter is terribly oppressed and she has heard this man of God can bring help.  A mother recently told me the needs of children drive us to God.  Loving our children (youth workers included) will cause us to struggle to get to God.  Love for family can lead us to God.

            Q  Does she ask for herself or for her daughter?

               An = Her love for another has driven her to speak with Jesus.  To talk to a pious Jew, a member of a race that felt itself superior to other peoples was no doubt a humbling experience.              Q  Did the Jews have a name for those who were not of their race?

               An = They called them the "goiim" or Gentiles.   But she is talking to more than a Jew, she is talking to Jesus.  Indeed, Jesus is Jewish, thus He is a human being (as all humans have a racial designation), but also fully divine. 

            Q  In a way, is talking to Jesus the same as talking to God?

               An = Yes, therefore this is an example of prayer, called Intercession, meaning praying for others.

            Q  How much do you think the average person's prayer life is taken up with this type of prayer?  What percentage? How much of our prayer life is taken up with praying for others?

               An = Some Christians today, spend little time praying for others.  That could mean one of two things:  they do not love those around them, they do not love as much as this pagan woman, or it could mean they do not think praying would help.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:27

            Q  What is Jesus saying to her?  Has He agreed to heal her daughter in 7:27?

               An = Comparison to household dogs amounts to a refusal.  Children stood for the disciples and dogs stood for her and her child.  He was saying no.

            Note:  Jesus acknowledges the privileges of Israel and that the Gentile's time had not yet come!  >>>> Have someone read Romans 1:16;  2:9,11.    All races are welcome to God, all peoples are welcome to God, even the unclean.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:28

            Note:  The woman may not have understood this, but His refusal was intended to spark a renewed appeal (see Matthew 15 which shows her making four appeals).  However, her continued effort displays her real heart.  Instead of being insulted or discouraged she persists. 

            Q  Can you fall off a log and get to God?

               An = It seems, at least in this case, you have to want it badly.  You will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart.

            Q  Why does she persist with this seemingly arrogant Jew?

               An = She loves her child.  She persists with wit.  Chrysostom says she practices "high self command" and His refusal reveals the treasure within her - namely her faith (Chrysostom, pp. 322-323).  She is witty and aggressive.  Notice, His response to her aggressive behavior....

 

V.  Faith Overcomes Obstacles:  Mark 7:29-30.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:29-30.

   A.  What this reveals about Jesus and therefore God.

            Q  Does Jesus mind being pushed?

               An = No, He does not.  Notice, however, she does it with wit and humility.

            Q  Is Jesus a legalist?  Is God?  Will God change His world wide plans to accommodate an exception? 

            Q  How can we be like Jesus in this regard?           

               An = >>> Turn with me to Romans chapter 1:16.  Romans 1:16 shows us His stated policy.  It was not His time to deal with the Gentiles yet.  His plan was to deal with the Jews first, and then and there He and His men needed rest.  It was not His plan to disrupt their rest, or His agenda, with some pestering non-Jewish woman.  It was not her time yet. 

            Q  Is the heart of God greater than His policies?  Is Jesus a legalist?

               An = He knows when to make exceptions and how to do it without losing sight of the policy and the reason behind the policy.  Many times we in religious organizations get set on a policy, even a good policy, and it becomes the enemy of theology, real theology. 

            Q  What is theology? 

               An = Theology is thinking about God and real theology is thinking correctly about God. 

            Q  Can our policies, and our perceived need to stay in control by means of our policies, force us to act towards people in a manner that is contradictory to God's own nature?

               An = In the name of God we violate the heart of God.  God is not a legalist.  He is the One who loves the world, and His policies are designed to do just that.  He never lets the policies get ahead of the goal.

   B.  The Contrast Between the Unclean and the Clean.

            Q  Is the woman's faith remarkably different than both the religious authorities and the disciples?

               An = Lets turn to Mark 6:52 for the disciples and Mark 7:8 for the religious leaders.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:8. 

            Note:  The religious leaders often let go of the commands of God to do the self-contrived traditions of men.

>>>> Have someone read Mark 6:52.

            Note:  The disciples often get too tired and pushed and harden their hearts.  Their faith often goes cold.

   C.  The Intentionality of God.

            Q  Did the woman get to Jesus.  Did she get Jesus to answer her prayer?

               An = She saw her child healed.  There are obstacles to finding God.  Many times they are racial or social obstacles but if we really want to push through to Him, Jesus can be found.  However, once the woman got an audience with Jesus...

            Q  Did Jesus seem to be the biggest obstacle?  Does it almost seem as if Jesus Himself, made it hard?

               An = It appears the obstacle was in Jesus' attitude.  Jesus deliberately refused at first to help this woman. 

            Q  Why did Jesus Christ act this way?

               An = I believe it was to develop her faith, and her love, obstacles are often given from God.  God's intention for us is to come to Him, but we must come by faith and with effort.  Therefore on His terms or it will not do much good. 

            This woman was from the wrong side of the tracks.  She was an unclean Gentile, but she loved her daughter and persisted with God until she got her wish.  Jesus said she had faith.  She seems to be a quicker learner than the disciples in Mark 4:35-41.

 

Lesson # 16 | MARK 7:1-23 | IS GOD A LEGALIST?

I.  Greetings.  

 

II. Introduction: 

            Q  Theologically, what is a liberal?

               An = Some of you are aware the American Protestant Church split in the early part of this century along "Liberal" and "Conservative" lines. 

            Some Liberals claim Jesus was all love, kindness and tolerance, and thus true Christians are known conclusively by their tolerance.  Some conservatives claim to desire to go back to a stricter morality and claim true allegiance to God is returning to the fundamentals of the Bible.             

Q  Where would Jesus stand today?  Would Jesus be judged a harsh conservative reactionary or a tolerant liberal? 

               An = Maybe He is neither?  Lets listen to Him.  Let Him declare what is important in our faith in God and walk in life before Him.

            Q  Do any of you think your parents were too conservative?

               An = There are exceptions to this, but generally this was the case.  Our parents seemed to be always clamping down on us with rules. 

            Q  Would our parents see it otherwise?  Why?

               An = Parents probably would see it otherwise.  They would claim that if you do not hold to rules and a semblance of order, your life could be harmed.  We have probably grown to see that such is the case, or if you are too young to have experienced this yet, give it some time, your perspective will change as you take up responsibility for others.

            Q  Do you know some who have experienced not just a conservative approach but a negative, constantly critical faultfinding attitude?

            Q  Is such an attitude paralyzing?

               An = Such an attitude can paralyze our initiative and made us feel continuously put-down. 

            Q  Did Jesus hold to rules?

               An = He did hold to rules, especially teaching that helped bless and give order and concentration to our lives.  Yet He also had to deal not with a "conservativism", but a negative, critical, faultfinding, punitive attitude, and it was dressed up in religious language.  These people said they represented God.  Jesus disagreed.  Lets see how...

 

III.  Jesus Under Attack from the Religious Authorities. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:1-5

            Q What is the real question here?

               An =  It was not about hygiene, rather Jesus' men were eating without going through a prescribed religious action with their hands.  Therefore, they were defiled.

            Note:  Washing hands in the O.T. itself was only for priests entering the Temple:  Exodus 30:19 and 40:13. 

>>>> Have someone turn to Exodus 30:19 and 40:13 and read them.

                        It seems in later times these rules were applied to the congregation as a whole.  It also had developed into a large complicated set of rules.  None of these complex rules are in the Bible itself.

            Q  If something good happens, is there going to be criticism?

               An = I think if one is going to really do aggressive service, or gathering of disciples (people to train and lead), there is going to be criticism from those who are not in control of that process.  If you are doing some positive good, there will be those who find fault, especially if they do not authorize or control it.  This is a common trait of human nature. 

            Q  Is jealousy always present in the hearts of men?

 

III.  Jesus' Response.   

   A. Initial Response: A Hard Blast from Isaiah. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:6-8.

            Q Why does Jesus call them hypocrites?

               An = The key issue is they speak the right words but do not do the right actions from their hearts.  Bornkamm reminds us that such behavior separates God's glorious Law from God and becomes man's authority".[i]  It no longer led to a meeting with God but frustrated it.  People were using religion to set aside the very truths of God's commandments.  Therefore, religious rituals and prescriptions helped lead them in vain worship. 

            This is Jesus' main accusation, now He will illustrate what He means.

   B. An Illustration from Their Practice of What They Did. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:9-13.

            Note:  Some Jews knew Jesus was right here.  What was being done was indeed a fine (but corrupt) manipulation of religion.  Just like today, many people sense something is not right.

            Q  Does anyone know what this "Corban" was?

               An = It literally meant gift.  It seemed that certain Jews were dedicating property or valuables that made them unusable for the support of their parents.  They did not actually give the money to the temple it was just set aside.  They were doing something religious but disobeying God, i.e. providing help for their parents in their old age as the parents had fully supported them in their infancy.

            Q Is this fundamentalism?

            Q What is fundamentalism?  What is its real definition?

            Q Are all fundamentalists the same?

               An = Actually the original definition is the holding to the "fundamentals" of the faith:  authority of Scripture, Jesus' deity, the Virgin birth, the Trinity, etc.  Fundamentalism is now used as a pejorative term meaning someone who is conservative, unthinking, and cruel.  However, historical fundamentalism is a good thing, it means holding to the fundamental truths of the Christian religion.

            Q What in the religion of His day is Jesus against?

               An = Phoniness!  Using religion to not do the will of God.

            Q Is Jesus a conservative?

               An =  In the true sense, yes.  Jesus thinks we should take care of our parents in their old age, and quotes the Old Testament.  Jesus believes in the actual meaning of the Scriptures, not a contorted meaning.   Both liberals and conservatives can be guilty of this.  When this is done, the Scriptures are no longer the Word of God but our own.

   C.  True Religion and True Defilement Defined by Metaphor. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:14-19

            Q What is Jesus' point?

               An = >> Read Jeremiah 17:9.  Then have the whole group turn with you to

 >>>> Have someone read Proverbs 6:16-19.

            Q What is the emphasis in the O.T? 

               An = Is not Jesus a true conservative?  One who actually goes back to the true riches and truth of the past?

            Q  Look at Mark 7:17-19, do the disciples understand?

               An = Even God's closest followers do not always catch the agenda (7:17-19).  Even those right next to Jesus failed to see the real agenda.  We are always so quick to criticize and often so slow to really see what the Lord wants us to see.  Notice He does explain further....

   D.  Jesus Further Explains and Spells Out His Metaphor of True Defilement. 

>>>> Have someone read Mark 7:20-23.

            Q What is His point here?  What defiles a man?

               An = Only persons can be defiled.  What defiles a person is their own actions.  Our actions are a product of our hearts.  Jesus does not want us outwardly religious and inwardly phony.

 

IV.  Conclusion:  Two Points or possible applications:

            1.  Jesus did not come to teach freedom from rules or religion as outward show.  Jesus came to heal our minds and hearts.  He is not anti-rule, but wants to go deep down into our subconscious and alter our disposition (our actual approach to all of life, Himself and others).  This work takes time - remember the disciples were slow learners - but it is possible.  If you want to be a true believer, it is possible.

            2.  Jesus does believe in true doctrine, but the heart is the key.  Even crucial issues must be handled with an eye to converting the heart. 

            Note:  For the leaders own reading and perspective, or if at another time.  See Acts 18:24-28 on how to correct someone else's faulty theology when it is not intentional.  If we wish to harshly correct just to show ourselves right we miss the whole intention of theology:  (i.e. thinking about God).

            A.  18:24-25 = First honest appraisal and therefore praise for the good such a person does, even though their truth is incomplete.

            B.  18:26 = Then private correction and further instruction.  Notice he seems to gladly accept the additional truth.  He did not know, now he does.

            C.  18:27-28 = Observe the fruits such an approach to faulty theology:  help in the ministry and great service toward the furtherance of the Gospel.

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[i].  G. Bornkamm, Jesus of Nazareth (New York, 1960), p. 104:  "What does this conception of the law reveal?  Evidently this:  the law has become separated from God has become man's real authority.  It no longer leads to a meeting with God, but rather frustrates it.  Correspondingly man has retreated behind his deeds and achievements-as well as behind his guilt.  God is concealed behind the law and man behind his achievements and works.  Law and performance are the two sides of the protecting wall, behind which man takes up his own position and asserts himself before God."  Quoted in Lane, p. 248.