What is Life About?

N.T.#415 "What is Life About?"

Nov. 1, 2024 

Mark 12-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Of course, most folks have regrets whenever a loved one passes. I could have done more... It was like I gave up doing loving things for my brother the last year. He had made fun of our faith throughout the years. I had visited him and taken him food whenever he had surgeries and rehab. All I could do was pray for him, that his heart would change. God answered my prayers. Five days before he passed away, I spoke bluntly with him. Was he ready to see Jesus? Had he asked God to forgive his sins. Yes, was the answer to both questions. Our conversation covered each admitting we were not the right kind of brother and sister we should have been. Forgiveness was in us. Now I can rejoice that God can do what we cannot do. Love was with us; God was in us. Now we will be together for all eternity. 

The religious leaders were trying to discredit the man claiming to be the Messiah or else lose their hold on power. So they sent people into the crowds to pretend to be seekers and to catch Jesus in a theological or political trap. Yet, Jesus answered with wisdom that won the trust of sincere hearts and reinforced His identity as the Messiah.

Swindoll identified 5 Jewish factions who conspired to undermine Jesus' claim to be the Messiah:

1. The Sanhedrin, a governing body of 70 Jewish statesmen for Israel. He showThey were like our supreme court or a parliament in other countries. It was a modern political body which included 2 opposing parties-the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Although they were cut throats, they shared a common threat to their power, so they banded together as partners in crime to eliminate Jesus.
2. The Pharisees held themselves to the highest standards of Jewish Law and advocated complete separation from all Gentile influence. 
3. The Herodians were descendants of Herod the Great or served the royal family in some way. The were the Roman royal court. (verse 13)
4. The Sadducees believed the soul perished with the body. They believed rewards and punishment of God was only experienced here in this life. They did not believe in the resurrection nor afterlife.
5. The scribes were the experts on the Law in Israel. With their long robes, the scribes were respected, had chief seats in the synagogues, and were the highest social rank in the community. However, they were guilty of fraud and cruelty letting status influence decisions.

No wonder the common people had hope in Jesus. He showed them love, demonstrated God's Word, and encouraged them life after death came through faith, not works.

LET IT GROW

Let's take a closer look at those groups. We have already discussed the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees and Herodians, and the Sadducees. Now let's consider the scribes.

One of the scribes asked Jesus which command is the most important. How did Jesus answer?

First, Jesus said, The Lord our God is one Lord. (verse 29, Deut. 6:5)

The culture around Israel was polytheistic, worshiping many gods. Israel was told to be monotheistic, only worshiping Jehovah. We are to love God with the totality of our being. We are to demonstrate our love for God through everything we think, say, and do. 

In verse 30, Jesus tells us to love the Lord thy God with what? All of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This shows us the completeness of the kind of love we are commanded to have. Is our love thorough and fervent for God?

Secondly, Jesus said, Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself. (verse 31, Lev. 19:18) Believers are to measure their love for others by what they wish for themselves.(MacAurthor)

Jesus wants these two commands to rule our thoughts, decisions, and actions. When we are uncertain about what to do, ask ourself which course of action best demonstrates love for God and love for others.(Life Application Study Bible)

That is our mission here on earth. While we love God, we are loving others to God. Does our life show that? 

LET IT GO

Keep on praying for our loved ones to come to Jesus.

Keep showing His love, even when it is not returned. 

Love God and others, for that is what life is about, right?