3 Questions:
1. How did the Holy Spirit use this week’s sermon to convict you?
2. How did the Holy Spirit use this week’s sermon to encourage you?
3. What is one thing you will do this week in response to the Holy Spirit’s leading?

REVIEW:

• The Sadducees were priests with great power and prestige.
• They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or an afterlife.
• They did not believe in angels, and they only believed the Torah (first 5 books) to be true.
• When the Jewish temple was destroyed in AD 70, the Sadducees faded from history.
• The argument that the Sadducees are making is one from the law of Moses. The law is called Levirate Marriage. If a woman’s husband dies, then her husband’s brother should marry her and produce an heir. The Sadducees present an absurd scenario where the woman marries seven brothers, all of whom die and leave her childless.
• The idea is that in the afterlife she cannot be married to all seven brothers, therefore there must be no afterlife. The question seems to be forcing Jesus to either deny the afterlife or deny the law of Moses.

1. When Jesus confronts the Sadducees, he tells them that they do not know the scriptures or the power of God. Jesus then quotes Exodus 3:6.

And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God (Exodus 3:6).

Even though all three of these men were dead when Jesus spoke to Moses, God was still there God just as much as when they were alive on earth – and more so in that they were experiencing eternal fellowship with him in heaven.

2. We believe in eternal life because God makes eternal promises concerning salvation and eternal life? Do these promises comfort/encourage you?

3. In John 11:25-26. Jesus declares that he is the resurrection and the life. How is this a claim of divinity? How does this make Christianity different from every other religion?

²⁵ Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, ²⁶ and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?

(NOTE: Jesus doesn’t teach us how to achieve resurrection - his claim is that HE IS THE RESURRECTION.)

4. When we receive Jesus Christ, we receive his future bodily resurrection and his divine life. True Christianity therefore is a spiritual resurrection that results in love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, etc. without pride in success or despair in failure. False Christianity is simply moral reformation that often results in pride or despair.

Have you experienced true Christianity? Do you judge your Christianity on your moral goodness or on an inner change of heart?

5. Jesus’ teaching on the resurrection reveals to us that there will not be marriage in heaven. This means that marriage and sexuality are not our ultimate reality.

Whether you are married or single – have you made an idol of marriage? How does this truth challenge you?

6. Your sexuality is also not your ultimate identity. How can Jesus’ teaching about the resurrection free you from the pursuit of sexual pleasure for a season and encourage you to live in light of eternity?

The resurrection changes everything. Think through each of these implications of our future bodily resurrection and our current spiritual resurrection. Which ones stand out to you? Why?

• The resurrection proves the power and faithfulness of God.
• The resurrection grounds our faith in an objective reality (Jesus’ resurrection, our resurrection with him)- not our feelings or circumstances.
• The resurrection removes all guilt. Our resurrection with Christ proves that we have been declared not guilty.
• The resurrection provides meaning for our lives. For something to have ultimate meaning it must be both eternal and perfectly good. This is what the resurrection of Jesus offers us.
• The resurrection provides an authority for our lives. Jesus is alive and ruling the universe!
• The resurrection proves that scripture is true. All scripture points to the resurrection and the resurrected One upheld scripture.
• The resurrection provides hope that everything good will be restored in the future. Everything that we have given up or lost in this life that is good and pure will be restored.
• The resurrection gives us the courage to live a life of love.

Let’s make sure that in no respect will we ever be like these Sadducees. Let us resolve to know the Scriptures and the power of God, so that when we’re asked a reason for the hope we have, we can then tell them this fantastic story.

3 Questions:
1. How did the Holy Spirit use God’s word to convict you?
2. How did the Holy Spirit use God’s word to encourage you?
3. What is one thing you will do this week in response to God’s word?

If you want to give to God what is rightfully His, then…
 
Focus on the GOSPEL 
Let your heart be consumed with your eternal home. Make it your mission to invite everyone to join you in Heaven through the message of the Gospel, which tells us how God became a man in the person of Christ, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and lives today.  

Focus on GOD’S KINGDOM, not MAN’S KINGDOM
Someone said, “As we live in the city of man, let us serve the city of God.” Think about your mindset and attitudes. Are you more focused on preserving America or building the Kingdom of Christ (making disciples)? Our faith isn’t about building a Christian nation. It is about taking Christ to all nations.

Jesus said to “give to God the things that are God’s.” He was talking about our own lives. We are the image-bearers of God (like the coin bore the image of Caesar). Giving ourselves to God means that we do not make an idol of our government or our political views, which contribute to self-righteousness. It is often our political views that make us feel morally superior to others.

• Have you seen this idol creep into your life? 
• How can giving yourself to God more fully free you from this idol?

Pray, PAY, Obey
Jesus told the leaders to obey and pay taxes to the same government that will kill him. How does that inform you on how you should respond to your government today? See Romans 13:1.

• What are some practical ways Christians should obey their government?
• Are there times when giving ourselves to God will mean disobeying the government? See Acts 5:29.
• When does a government forfeit its authority over us as Christians?

Speak the TRUTH
A sincere compliment is based on truth. Flattery is based on a lie like your grandma would say, “You’re the smartest boy in the world,” and you just flunked lunch.

God hates flattery. In Psalm 12:3, he says, “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks great things.”

Hypocrites will say anything to get what they want. Watch out for people who give unfounded or excessive compliments. Ephesians 4:15 tells us to “Speak the truth in love.”

• When you hear the word “hypocrisy,” which of the following comes to mind: Politicians, Parents, Professors, Doctors, Yourself?
• What are some areas of your life, big or small, where you practice hypocrisy?

Maintain your LOYALTIES
Obey, submit, honor and pray for your government leaders. Vote, participate, be aware of what is happening, but give your life to Christ’s Kingdom, to the work of His Church. Matthew 6:33 instructs us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

MAIN POINT: The depth of God’s love for us is indescribable.

• Are you typically a risk-taker, or do you like to play it safe? Why?
• What is the riskiest thing you have done lately?
• What role does risk play in your relationship with God?

In Ruth 3, we find both risk and love. We have learned from Boaz’s and Ruth’s examples that there is risk involved in following God. Boaz risked his property, his rights, and his reputation to reach out to Ruth. Ruth risked her reputation and her life to reach out to Boaz. Through it all, God revealed His indescribable love.

Although Naomi struggled with over her losses (see 1:20-21), she affirmed that God had shown kindness to her when Ruth was allowed to gather grain in the fields of none other than a close relative of her deceased husband (see 2:20). Furthermore, Naomi was undoubtedly aware of the stipulations in God’s law about preserving family names and property allotments (see Lev. 25:25-28; Deut. 25:5-10). Finally, and to her credit, Naomi continued to consider ways that she could contribute to her and Ruth’s well-being and future security (see Ruth 3:1). In particular, she recognized an opportunity for Boaz, a close relative, to act as the family redeemer.

READ RUTH 3:1-9.

• What has remained constant in Naomi and Ruth since chapter 1? What is different?
• What risks did Ruth take as she followed Naomi’s advice to approach Boaz (vv. 5-9)?
• Since God is sovereign and was working on Ruth and Naomi’s behalf, why didn’t He just put the idea in Boaz’s head to approach Ruth?
• How has God required risk-taking from you as you have followed Him? How have you seen His love in the risk-taking?

This was a unique opportunity. Boaz would be winnowing barley in a more secluded place than the field where they previously encountered each another. The message in uncovering Boaz’s feet was clear. By this act, Ruth was inquiring about Boaz’s willingness to fulfill the role of family redeemer, to take her as a wife and provide for her.

READ RUTH 3:10-18.

• What risks did Boaz take to reach out to Ruth and allow her into his life?
• What does Boaz’s response to Ruth’s request (vv. 10-11) and his actions in verses 14-16 tell us about how he treated Ruth? What temptations likely existed for them both?
  

Boaz complimented Ruth as a noble woman and agreed to pursue the matter of family redemption the next day, explaining that a closer family member first had to be consulted. In verse 11, Boaz told Ruth he would do what she asked. Knowing that Boaz was a close relative of her late husband, Ruth had come to Boaz privately and asked him to spread his cloak over her (v. 9). In Hebrew, this is the exact phrase Boaz used when he observed that Ruth had come for refuge under the wings of the Lord God of Israel (2:12). Ruth was asking Boaz to be her family redeemer who would protect her and marry her so her late husband’s line and inheritance would continue.

• What would Boaz need to do before agreeing to be Naomi and Ruth’s family redeemer? What is the lesson here for us?

Although Boaz was willing to take Ruth as his wife, the matter was not yet settled. From the standpoint of Israelite legal practice, there was another man who had the right to marry her first. Boaz could not marry Ruth unless the closest male relative passed on the opportunity. Boaz’s words reveal two things about his character. First, he was careful about following the law and yielding to the rights of others. Second, Boaz was concerned primarily for the well-being of Naomi and Ruth. If this relative would take care of them, then all was good. In other words, Ruth’s and Naomi’s future care took priority over what Boaz was personally willing to do.

• What kindness did Boaz recognize in Ruth’s behavior? What kindness was evident in Boaz’s behavior? What do these acts of kindness reveal about the lovingkindness of God?

The word translated “kindness” is “hesed,” which has no comparable word in English. It is kindness, grace, mercy, compassion, love, loyalty, and faithfulness all rolled into one. The majority of the time, this word is used in the Old Testament to describe God’s love toward His covenant people. It is a uniquely divine love that always originates in God.

• In what ways do you see grace-filled kindness in this passage? Mercy? Compassion? Love? Loyalty? Faithfulness? Which of those words best describe the kind of love God has demonstrated toward you?

This God is the one who vows to protect you. The God of the universe spreads His garment over you. He becomes your refuge. When you are under the protection of your God, you will never find yourselves empty for all of eternity. He has staked His glory on providing for your needs, and His love has a price. This is the gospel.

In Ruth 3, we find that love is patient, love protects, love is pure, love provides, and love has a price. Which of these qualities of love do you struggle the most to receive? To give? Why?
What is a risk God wants you to take that would demonstrate your love for Him? What holds you back from taking risks for God?

• When did you first receive the indescribable love of God? If you never have, what is holding you back? Who is someone you can take a risk on to share God’s love this week?

PRAYER
Thank God for His indescribable love, and for the way people in the pages of Scripture reveal to us more about Him than we could ever understand in a list of names or adjectives. Pray for anyone you know who has not yet received His love, and invite God to give you the courage to take risks for their good and His glory.

The parable in Mark 12:1-12 might leave some feeling as if God is pretty foolish. In this parable, God is the landowner who has leased His land to some tenants (Jews, especially the Jewish leaders). The landowner, God, sent a servant (a prophet) to collect the rent. Instead of paying up, the tenants beat up the servant and sent him back empty-handed. The landowner sent another servant, and the same thing happened. This vicious cycle of landowner, tenant, servant, beating…landowner, tenant, servant, beating repeats itself again and again. Finally, after all the servants have either been beaten or murdered, the landowner has no one left to send but His beloved Son. The landowner reasoned that the murderous tenants would surely respect His Son, so He sends Him. Of course, nothing changes, and the Son is murdered.

Some would say the landowner was foolish. Who would keep sending servant after servant, seeing them all return home on a stretcher or in a body bag?

Here is the point! God is not foolish. He is gracious. He kept sending His servants – and finally His beloved Son, Jesus – because of His grace.  Of course, the tenants killed Jesus too, but that was the height of His grace. For in Jesus’ death, the wicked and vile tenants could be forgiven because the Son died in their place – for their sin. The tenants can now be counted righteous by the very God they offended because His Son paid for their sin.

Our place in this story is easily seen. We haven’t paid the rent either. We haven’t given heed to the Word of God. Instead, we have spurned His grace. Yet, God continues to be gracious, desiring that none perish. He wants people to come to eternal life through grace by faith.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

1. Based on Isaiah 5:1-7, what does the vineyard in Jesus’ parable represent?
2. Whom does the vineyard owner represent? How have you experienced a greater understanding of Scripture by knowing the storyline and the details of the Old Testament?
3. What are the responsibilities that come with our privilege of being God’s chosen people?
4. What kind of fruit are we to bear as Christians?
5. We tend to think of warnings as something bad, a message of judgment. How are God’s warnings to us a sign of His grace?
6. What are some ways we might use religiosity to mask our lack of fruitfulness?
7. What aspects of this parable’s warning apply to us today?
8. What role does “bearing fruit” play in our mission to share and show the love of God?

True worship is possible, but no longer at the temple – only at the cross – only through Christ. There is no other place to go to worship the one true God. What does this mean for us?

Racial discrimination, prejudice, and ethnic pride should not be part of our lives.
It’s tempting to think that it’s the job of our missionaries to reach the nations. It is, but it’s also our job (when we have the opportunity) to reach out to different people groups that live in our locality.

Search your heart. Is there any hint of racial discrimination, prejudice, or ethnic pride in your heart? If so, ask God to forgive you and repent of this attitude.  Pray for opportunities to impact all nations with the Gospel.

Beware of focusing only on external appearance.
The fig tree was meant to be a visual parable to Israel and a visual example to the Church – to you. Just because you look good – just because your leaves are large and shiny doesn’t mean you’re bearing fruit that’s pleasing to God.

• Beware of seeking to please God in your strength – in your flesh
• Beware of talking one way at church, then screaming at your kids or spouse at home
• Beware of thanking God here, but being unthankful at work
• Beware of living one way with Christians, and another way with others
• Beware of being concerned only about external appearance

Remember the Lamb is also a Lion
The Lamb of God who takes away the world's sin is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah! Revelation 6:16 speaks of the wrath of the Lamb. As the Lamb, among other truths, Christ manifests the qualities of gentleness, humility, and meekness. If He were only the Lamb, I could see how people could treat Him casually, attend church occasionally, interrupt worship repeatedly, and disobey him frequently.

But as the Lion, I’m amazed at how casually Christians treat Christ. Never forget, this same Lamb is also the Lion, manifesting the ferocity of Christ’s anger and wrath. Jesus Christ is the same judge who will condemn all those who do not follow Him in this life. Lions are creatures to be feared and respected. Never forget, you follow the Lion of Judah.
 
Holiness should cause you to live differently in this life
Holiness is a divine obsession of your Master, Jesus Christ. God was intense when He said in Leviticus 19:2, “‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’” And you see that same intensity when Jesus overturns tables and stops traffic through the temple.

You, too, as individual temples of His Spirit, are called to holiness. We’re commanded to honor God with our bodies, meaning our lives should reflect holiness, which not only includes obedience to the Word of God but a hatred of the sins of thought, attitude, or behavior. Jesus means business when it comes to holiness. Do you?
 
Don’t merely attend church – meet with Christ
Jesus said, quoting Isaiah 56:7, “’For My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.’” The Court of the Gentiles' primary purpose was to be a place where Gentiles could seek God.
This desecration of the Court of the Gentiles was a national sin against God, and it was a sin against all lost people in the world. When the temple became a swap meet to fuel the religious leaders' greed, all faithful Jews and every other person on earth lost their opportunity to seek the Lord and worship the one true God.

It is good to come to MTBC. It’s good that we love others and reach out to those we don’t know. It is significant that we care about each other on Sundays. But it is never good to distract others from genuine worship – to joke with our friends, continually get up during the service, play with our phones, make comments about distracting issues – or keep others in the Welcome Center when they should be in worship.

We are here to meet with Christ. Our corporate worship must be authentic and from the heart. When we hear God’s Word, we must listen as if our lives depend on it. When we sing praise, we must never forget who we sing to. When we give, we offer ourselves. When we pray, we mean what we say. Do not merely come to church. Never forget we’re here to meet with Christ.
 
Prayerlessness needs to be repented of so that we can be involved in seeing God move.
Evaluate your personal prayer life. Is it vital and thriving, or is it withering or non-existent?  Make the time to pray in private.

Take the opportunities to pray with the church through your small groups. Be a part of the ZOOM prayer times on Wednesday mornings (7:00 AM) and Thursday evenings (7:00 PM). It might mean that you have to get up earlier or not watch TV, but it will be well worth the sacrifice.

Finally, take advantage of the scheduled men and women’s prayer times. This a great way to bear one another’s burdens – to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep.

Christ is coming again – are you ready to meet your Judge?
Christ demonstrated His uncompromising willingness to judge in the cleansing of the temple. But one day, everyone who’s ever lived will face Christ as their holy Judge. Read 2 Timothy 4:1, “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom.”

When you stand before Him, if there is just one sin, one wrong word, one bad attitude, one bad behavior, perfect holiness will require Christ to send you to Hell. And the only way to escape this is to hate your sins, turn from them, depend on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for your sins, believe He rose from the dead, and follow Him with your life. Will you be condemned forever in Hell, or will you follow the One who was condemned in your place?

One of the best tests of the strength of a relationship is conflict. The people who genuinely love us and have our best interests at heart are those who we can endure conflict and come out on the other side with a stronger relationship. Peter had something of a “falling out” with Jesus. Despite his bold claims that he would rather die than turn away from Jesus, on the night of Jesus’ betrayal, Peter denied His Lord three times. Peter’s failure, however, did not stop Jesus from loving, pursuing, redeeming, and reconciling Peter. Peter’s relationship with Jesus is a picture of the relationship God offers every sinner through faith in His Son's death and resurrection. By looking at Peter’s relationship with Jesus, we will see that our past sins and failures do not disqualify us from receiving Christ’s love and participating in His mission.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Why was denying Jesus unfathomable to Peter? Why might it be dangerous for us to think that we are incapable of doing such a thing?
• What emotions might Peter have felt in that moment when he realized Jesus’ prophecy came true?
• When have you felt like Peter? What do we learn about Peter from his response to his denial (Mark 14:72)?

Peter’s denial was definitely out of character. Peter was one of the first men Jesus called to be His disciples (Mark 1). During Jesus’ three years of earthly ministry, Peter was present for some of the most miraculous moments. Peter exhibited great faith, like when he jumped out of the boat to walk on water (Matthew 14), and he was one of Jesus’ best friends. He wouldn’t have been in the courtyard outside Jesus’ trial if he didn’t love Jesus, but fear and self-preservation kicked in, and he allowed those emotions to control him. Peter blatantly denied his friendship with Jesus, and if we’re honest, we know that we’ve done the same thing. Maybe we’ve never come right out and said we don’t know Jesus, but just because we’ve never said it out loud doesn’t mean we haven’t communicated the same thing with the choices we make.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• List some ways we deny knowing Jesus in our speech, actions, or lack of either.
• How can we combat the temptation to deny Christ with our words and actions?

Denying Jesus takes many forms, and it doesn’t have to be verbal. It’s far too easy to downplay our relationship with God when we allow fear and insecurity to determine our behavior. We should take a cue from Jesus, whose love motivated Him to be completely selfless, which included forgiving Peter for his denial.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Given Peter’s bold proclamation that he would die before denying Christ in Mark 14, how would you expect Jesus to confront him?
• How did Jesus interact with Peter in these verses?
• What does this tell us about Jesus?

Three times Peter had denied Jesus (Luke 22:54-62), and at this meeting on the shoreline, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times (John 21:15-17), each canceling out a denial. Their dialogue made it clear that in God’s eyes, love far outweighs failure, and no one is beyond His reconciliation. That kind of love would propel Peter to spend the rest of his life spreading the good news of the gospel.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• What task did Jesus’ charge Peter with?
• Given Peter’s moral and spiritual failure, did Peter seem like a likely candidate for this charge?
• Based on what you know about Peter, how did he handle this charge?

Though Peter denied Him, Jesus was not finished with him. He again issued His call to Peter to follow Him and to serve Him out of love for Him. Peter’s love for Jesus was to express itself in caring for His people. Jesus’ conversation with Peter shows He viewed love as the key to faithful discipleship and service. Jesus challenged Peter to show His love for Him and follow Him by caring for His people. If we really love Jesus, we will want to serve Him by caring for His people.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• What did Jesus mean by His prediction in Mark 14:30?
• What sacrifices might be demanded of us if we follow Christ and live out His mission?

Peter had denied the Lord out of fear of possible arrest and suffering. Jesus, however, revealed to Peter following and serving Him would require sacrifice. In fact, Peter would be called on to sacrifice his life. The first time he met Jesus, Peter was fishing. That day, Jesus called him out of the boat and invited Peter to follow Him. He issued the same invitation here, reminding Peter that there’s no going back to the way life was before. He couldn’t be a fisherman because he had more important work to do. He was given the responsibility of shepherding Jesus’ sheep. Jesus was calling Peter to a life of love, called for and inspired by the sacrifice of Jesus.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• How might remembering the resurrection of Jesus and Peter's restoration change your perspective on your past failures? How might remembering these things empower you for ministry in the present?
• In what ways are you encouraged by Jesus’ conversation with Peter? What are some ways you can focus more pointedly on following Jesus by caring for His people?
• What are some tangible ways to express the redeeming, reconciling, and gracious love of Christ to the people around us?

THREE QUESTIONS:

• How did the Holy Spirit use this week’s sermon to convict you?
• How did the Holy Spirit use this week’s sermon to encourage you?
• What is one thing you will do this week in response to the sermon?
  

Does it seem strange to you that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey?
Mark spends a lot of time talking about the securing of Christ’s mode of transportation into Jerusalem. Maybe you are asking yourself, “Why all these details?”

First of all, you see very clearly that Mark is very zealous to point out the specificity of the fulfillment of this prophecy that Christ is fulfilling in this moment, and that it's real time, real place, real animal at a certain place. This is the real deal; this is the One who was being prophesied up. But there's something else.

Perhaps Mark is helping us to see a rather interesting and important irony; that these disciples, who had such visions of grandeur, who didn't think as they heard the message of redemption of Christ being crowned as King; who thought more about their own selves being crowned, are now called by Christ to be - well, I’ll say it - donkey fetchers.

There's a bit of irony in that, that Jesus says, “No, No, No! This is not what I'm calling you to. I'm not calling you to that kind of grandeur. I'm calling you to obey My purposes; and if My purpose is for you is to go and get an animal that I will ride into Jerusalem, then that's what you'll do.” How humbling is that?

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was planned (we know that from Zechariah 9:9). We also know from Mark 8 that Jesus knew that He would suffer and die in Jerusalem. How does Jesus’ level of authority and control in this whole situation give you hope in the situations you are facing this week?

What kind of King did the people want?

• Therapist King: Jesus is there to make me feel better, not challenge me.
• Wal-Mart King: Jesus gives me what I want at the lowest cost.
• Religious King: Jesus is my example for moral goodness. If I am good enough, I will be saved.
• Prozac King: Jesus makes me feel better about my life, calms my emotions, makes my life a little bit easier.
• District Attorney King: Jesus goes after all those people who have made my life hard.
• Vacation Planner King: Jesus makes my life easy, comfortable and predictable.

There are moments for all of us where we would rather have a Messiah of our own making than the One Who is. We would rather have a Messiah who would do our will rather than His own. We would rather have a Messiah who would seek and deliver the purposes of our kingdom rather than have zeal for His own.

Jesus is not the King the people expected, but He is the King they needed. What kind of King do you want or expect Jesus to be? What is our greatest need as humanity?

In our lives as Christians, we need to understand that sin is our greatest problem, not our circumstance or other people. Jesus didn’t come to change the circumstance that the Jewish people faced (Roman oppression). He came to cleanse them and forgive their sins.

How is this truth still so relevant to us today? In what ways do you spend your time blaming your circumstances or blaming others rather than looking at your sin?

Jesus is the King that can change you without crushing you. How would every other thing in your life, if made into your King, end up crushing you? For example, your marriage, your children, your career, your money, your morality?

Why won’t Jesus crush you? What makes it possible for Him to change you without destroying you? Remember to think about grace and forgiveness versus works righteousness.

How can we trust a King that calls us to a hard journey? How does remembering Jesus’ hard journey help you trust God in your hard journey of life?

Sometimes we’re called to step out in faith, not knowing the destination or the outcome. Ruth literally had to step out in faith as she went to the barley fields seeking someone in whose eyes she could find favor. As she proceeds in a seemingly random direction, God is actually ordering the events of Ruth’s life, leading her to work, food and a dramatically different future. Ruth had committed herself to the God of Israel, and she would soon discover that He was able to do immeasurably more than she could ever ask or imagine.
 
Below are snippets of the story found in Ruth 2. It is our hope that they will reinforce the truths of Sunday’s sermon.
 
Ruth 2:1-3 - Compassion
 
We talk about ‘compassion fatigue’ as if the relentless media images of human suffering somehow make us immune to people’s needs. Yes, the need is great, and sometimes we wonder what difference our small contribution makes. But don’t give up on compassion! Again and again, the Bible tells us that God is compassionate (Psalm 86:15), and as His people, we are to mirror His character and priorities. Compassion is faith in action; it sets us apart as Christ’s followers and commends the gospel powerfully (John 13:35). ‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion’ (Colossians 3:12). Put on compassion today – don’t leave home without it!

• Are you a caring and compassionate person?
• Do you have more compassion for certain types of people?
• Who do you need to show compassion to this week?

Ruth 2:4-7 – Are you a good employee or boss? How do you treat people at work?
 
Boaz knew his workers well. He immediately spots the new girl working in his field and asks his foreman about her. Interestingly, the man responds by giving him a detailed and honest report, underlining their effective working relationship.

This story does have something to say about the importance of employer–employee relationships. If you are a boss, you have considerable responsibility for how you behave among your employees. Likewise, how employees respond to their boss is also of great significance.

Whether you are the boss, the lowest employee in the organization, or a volunteer for a charity, remember that you are ultimately serving your heavenly master, so ‘whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17).

• Do you express your care and appreciation for the people you work with verbally? Who do you need to reach out to this week?
• Is there someone in your workplace that would benefit from your kindness?
• Are you patient with people in your workplace who are not as productive as you are?
  

Ruth 2:8-10 – Do you show gratitude?
Ruth is astonished at Boaz’s kindness. She is very different from most people today. We expect kindness and are astonished and resentful if we don't get our rights. But Ruth expresses her sense of unworthiness by falling on her face and bowing to the ground. Proud people don't say thanks. Humble people are made even more modest by being treated graciously. Grace is not intended to lift us out of lowliness. It's intended to make us happy in God.

• Think of someone that has made a significant impact in your life. Have you ever let them know? If not, find a way to tell them by sending them a letter, email, or card.
• What are a few of the simple (or small) things in life that you have been grateful for this week?

Ruth 2:13-16 – Who or what are you taking refuge in?
We don’t like to admit it, but all of us take refuge in something; we seek security and protection in our job, family, reputation, even money. The distinguishing feature of Ruth’s life was that her refuge was in Yahweh.

Whatever your concerns or struggles, take “refuge” in Jesus today. He is your protector and provider. Nestle yourself in the shadow of His wings. He is the only one able to give you all you need – and so much more!

• What does the word refuge make you think of?
• What are the events in life that are causing you to run to Jesus?


Ruth 2:17-23 – Who sharpens your iron?
Have you got a Ruth/Naomi relationship with anyone? Have you got someone you share life with, who celebrates God’s grace with you and prays for you regularly? Most of us have good Christian friends, but will you take your friendship to a deeper level? Find ways to share your spiritual journey – pray together, share Bible verses or talk about the opportunities God is giving you at work or at home to live for him – and spur each other on to godliness.

• Who do you have in your life that can ask you questions that are purposefully invasive that pertain to your devotional life, purity, relationships, integrity in the workplace, and the desires of your heart?

Someone once asked blind and deaf Helen Keller, “Isn’t it terrible to be blind?” To which she responded, “Better to be blind and see with your heart, than to have two good eyes and see nothing.” So it was with blind Bartimaeus – he could not physically see, but God opened his heart spiritually so that that he could see who Jesus was.

Sadly today, there are many who attend church and claim to follow Jesus, but when we watch their lives we get the overwhelming sense that they are pretend believers, make-believers, professors but not possessors. The Bible says there are many who are so self-deceived that they think they are serving Jesus, yet one day He will say to them, “Depart from me, I never knew you.”

So how do you help those who think they’re saved, but aren’t? Taking them through the acrostic P.H.O.N.Y. may be a helpful tool.
 
P–Proclaim Christ
Have them share their testimony. Listen for words that talk about faith, repentance, and their love for Christ. Listen for a heart that desires to pursue Christ and has a willingness to confess Him before all men. Matthew 10:32-33 says, “32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”

H–Heart for Christ
Ask them to evaluate whether Christ is their first and greatest love. Find out if there is anything or anyone they love more than Jesus. 1 Corinthians 16:22, “If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed.” Luke 14:26, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”
 
O–Obedient to Christ
1 John 2:4 says, “Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” This verse is talking about more than not disobeying. Some of the marks of a faithful, true believer are faithful attendance to a Bible believing church where they are an active member, giving sacrificially, serving in ministry, functioning in community, etc. It’s important to note that being obedient to Christ is more than focusing on externals. A true believer wants to obey Jesus from his heart. Romans 6:17 says, “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed.”

N–No Idols
In order for us to help the marginal church attender or make-believer see their unsaved, hell-bound status, we need to help them see the idols of their heart that are replacing Christ. It could be a spouse, kids or wealth. It could be finding a husband or wife or having a boat. Anything people love more than Jesus is an idol.

Do you remember how Jesus helped the rich young ruler? He showed him how good, perfect, and holy God was - which showed him how bad he was – strike one. Next, Jesus exposed him to the Law of God so that he could see his sin, and his desperate need for repentance – strike two. Then Jesus exposed his idol which was his love of wealth – strike three. The rich young ruler went away without salvation. 1 John 5:21 says, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”
True Christians love Christ first – they do not keep idols. Help people see they can’t love two masters. Find out if they have picked up their cross, denied themselves and are following Jesus – everyday.

Y–Yielding to Christ
Being a Christian is more than making an emotional decision that fades away over time. It’s an ongoing relationship where we are indwelt by Christ and are being transformed into His image. It’s a moment-by-moment lifestyle that constantly yields to Christ - more of Christ and less of us. New Testament verses that test the P.H.O.N.Y. ask these questions – is Christ in you, and are you growing in your relationship with Him?

2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith; Test yourselves!”

2 Peter 1:10 says, “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:5-7 tells us “these qualities” are “faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” Verse 8 says “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
 
Help the P.H.O.N.Y. by asking if they Proclaim Christ, have a Heart for Christ, are Obedient to Christ, are putting Christ first where they have No Idols, and are Yielding to Him?

Christ was a servant and a slave, then was exalted by His Father, and given a name which is above any other name – President, king, billionaire, sports legend — better, showing us the path to greatness is not the world’s way, it’s God’s way . . . not self-promotion, but self-denial. So are you aware of . . .

1. The missing OPPORTUNITY—CONNECTEDNESS
To serve others, you have to be around those you are to serve. Who are you roped to? Like a mountain climber, you were never meant to climb solo as a Christian. Your family was never meant to stand alone as Christians. Sadly today, weak churches have encouraged a spectator mentality where it’s okay to watch the Sunday show occasionally, without any mention of the commands to serve and love each other.

The joy and blessing of Christ is found in the community of the local church – there are some pains, yes, but great joy! No Christian school, or para-church ministry ever replaces the local church. This is the Body of Christ, His Bride. Therefore, you are to function in ministry, you are to be interconnected to people of the local church relationally. That is not optional for an obedient Christian. Get involved in a small group, get tied into a ministry where people know you, support you, pray for you, love each other, build each other up, disciple each other – that is normal New Testament Christianity.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• What keeps you from joining a small group?
• Are you the person who has the “spectator mentality” that enjoys watching the Sunday show?

 
2. The missing COMMITMENT—SERVICE
The greatest among us are the servants – and servants serve! Don’t let anything stop you from serving. Don’t allow sports, entertainment, functions, family, health, job, or relationships get in the way of faithfully serving. This is the only path to true spiritual greatness, and true spiritual impact in this life. Everything we do that’s filled with the Spirit does count for God’s glory. But to be obedient, to be great, to be in the Spirit, you will faithfully use your gifts to serve others in the church. Commit to faithfully serve.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• What ministry do you need to get involved with where you can serve and connect with others who can know you, support you, and pray for you?
• How is God challenging you in the area of serving others?
• Where would this church be if everyone served like you?
• How are you serving those who can give you nothing in return?
• In what ways are you afraid to serve the Lord and the church?

3. The missing MISSION—EVANGELISM
As we truly serve others and slave for others, it puts Christ on display and gives us the perfect opportunity to share about how Christ served and sacrificed for us. Your purpose on this planet is to let others know that God became a man to bear God’s wrath for your sin, then rise from the dead to be unashamed. Calling others to repentance is what brings joy to Heaven and to our hearts.

APPLICTION QUESTIONS:

• Who do you need to speak to about how Jesus became a man to bear the wrath for their sin, then rose from the dead so they can live forever with Him?
• Where would you be if Jesus served and sacrificed like you?

4. The missing ATTRIBUTE—HUMILITY
Only those who are willing to slave, to consider everyone to be your master, to humble yourself so you could wash the feet of the ungrateful – only those will experience true greatness in God’s eyes, and true joy in your heart. Do you see yourself as a slave, doing whatever Christ commands? Only the humble follow God’s Word, no matter what. To be a servant, then a slave, requires a humble heart. And every humble heart will serve, even slave, for God’s glory.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Is there any area of service that you feel is “below you?” If so, can you hear how prideful your answer is?
• What area of service do you need to humble yourself in so you can be pleasing to God and helpful to others?

5. The missing RESOURCE—DEPENDENCE
Christ alone can change your heart so that you want to obey. Christ alone transforms you so that you want to follow Christ. Christ alone causes a person to become obedient from the heart. And that means if you’re a genuine believer you will follow Christ, obey Christ, become a servant, desire to slave, and imitate Christ. And true Christians know they can’t do any of this on their own – we must depend on the Holy Spirit in order to serve and slave.
Those who self-promote live by their own strength. Those who self-deny depend on the Spirit’s strength. Don’t self-promote, do self-deny. Flee self-promotion, pursue self-denial. Depend on Christ to serve and slave for His glory. Let’s worship Christ now by our obedience to His Word.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

• Are you a self-promoter, or are you pursuing self-denial?
• What areas of your life do you need to pursue and practice self-denial?

It is perhaps the number one question on the minds of men and women around the world: where is God when I am suffering? Many times, when we come to stories like Ruth and Naomi’s, we don’t really know what to do with them. We end up extracting a vague moral lesson – have courage like Daniel and Rahab, have faith like Ruth or David – but we go away feeling like we’ve missed something. In the book of Ruth, we are going to be witnesses to the incredible transforming, healing, and restoring effect of our God who is huge and merciful, in control and loving, and just and faithful. In chapter 1 we see a famine that caused Naomi’s family to move, the death of Naomi’s husband and two sons, Naomi’s decision to return with Ruth in tow, and the painful arrival to Naomi’s homeland where she and Ruth were empty and alone.
Famine - 1 In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion.

• SHOULD HE STAY OR SHOULD HE GO: It would be easy to assume that Elimelek made the wrong decision to leave Judah, but the author of Ruth does not criticize his decision. We all struggle with decision-making from time to time. When you don’t know what the outcome of a decision will be, how can you be sure you are making the right decision? HINT: Proverbs 3:5-6
• BE ENCOURAGED: You may be living with the consequences of bad decisions; most of us are. But don’t bow to Satan’s pressure to keep raking yourself over the coals because of them. Whatever poor choices you have made in the past, God is still in control. He does not waste any of your tears or suffering but uses them for your good and His glory. Romans 8:28-29 proves it. 
• GOOD COUNSEL: Moving forward, resist the urge to do whatever seems right to you without seeking God. Pray, ask for His wisdom, listen as He speaks through His Word and, if it is appropriate, ask the advice of mature believers who know you well.
  

Bereavement - 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, 5 and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.

• WHERE IS GOD IN TOUGH THE TIMES: God is sovereign over the affairs of every person who is on this earth. He has got the whole world in His hands, including your difficult situation.
• NAOMI’S SITUATION: Naomi felt cut off from life, to the point that there was no way out, no silver lining in regard to her circumstances. She had nothing to look forward to. With the death of her husband and two sons, Naomi had to grapple with God’s providence in an intensely personal way.
• WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A HARD PLACE: Don’t be surprised or knocked off course when you face difficult times. Trust in God’s providence. He knows your struggles, unanswered questions and grief. ‘Every detail in our lives is worked into something good.’ Bring your circumstances before God and meditate on the truth of David’s words found in Psalm 139:1-6. 
• APPLY IT: Are you experiencing a situation where you feel trapped and hopeless? It’s OK to practice the four elements of lament: 1) turn to God for help; 2) bring your complaint to God; 3) ask God boldly for help; 4) choose to trust in Him.
  

Return - 6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food. 7 So she set out from the place where she was with her two daughters-in-law, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.

• Verse 6 reminds us that we should be thankful for God’s care and provision in our lives. The provision of food caused Naomi and her two daughters-in-law to head back to Judah.
• IMPORTANT: It was God who broke the famine and opened the way home.
• ACTION STEP: Remember that every good and perfect gift you have comes from God - James 1:19. What do you need to give thanks for?

8 But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother's house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.

• HARSH REALITY: Life is full of tearful goodbyes – friends move out of state; kid’s go to college; parent’s die.
• WHAT CAN WE DO: When we are apart from those we love, there is very little we can do to help them with their daily lives and struggles. The best thing we can do is commend them to the love of God. Though we cannot be with them, God’s faithfulness will never leave them. ON YOUR OWN: Read and claim the promises found in Psalm 121.

10 And they said to her, “No, we will return with you to your people.” 11 But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, 13 would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.”

• WHAT DID NAOMI MEAN IN VERSE 11: Notice Naomi’s theology. She did not say, ‘God turned his back on me and everything went wrong.’ She did not suggest that the affairs of her life were out of control. She affirmed God’s sovereign control in that He brought to pass all that He willed for her. Naomi’s complaint was bitter, but it was also cloaked in firm faith. She recognized that famine, exile, bereavement and childlessness all proved to be God’s plan for her. She knew that God was too wise to make mistakes, and too kind to be cruel. 
• DO YOU BELIEVE THIS ABOUT GOD? WHY, OR WHY NOT?

14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 And she said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” 18 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.

• SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS: Ruth wasn’t just agreeing to go on a short-term mission trip. Her statement meant saying goodbye to Orpah, goodbye to familiarity, goodbye to everything that has meant security to her, and hello to the great unknown. She was choosing an uncertain future as a widow in a land where she knew no one. She was agreeing to stay with Naomi, ‘till death do us part.’ Even in death, Ruth promised to be buried with Naomi’s people; that was a huge commitment. Ruth’s deep conviction came not only because of Naomi herself, but also on account of Naomi’s God.
• SERIOUS QUESTION #1: Can you say these words to Christ? ‘I’m committed to you through thick and thin. Where you go, I’ll go. What you do, I’ll do. Whom you love, I will love.’
• SERIOUS QUESTION #2: Do you need to leave something or someone behind to follow Christ? Are you willing to make that kind of sacrifice? Are you ready to be challenged and tested in these commitments?

Arrival - 19 So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” 20 She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?” 22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.

• NAOMI’S ANSWER WAS BRUTAL: What do you think of Naomi’s brutal honesty? How would you have responded to Naomi?
• WHAT IF YOU DON’T LIKE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES IN LIFE: Take a deep breath and step back from your current situation. Stop searching for explanations, stop grappling with doubt, stop being side-tracked by other people’s questions and opinions. Instead, focus on God. Write down all you know and have experienced of His character: He is all-powerful, all-present, all-knowing and all-sufficient.
• YOU MAY HAVE MISSED THIS: Verse 1 states that “there was a famine in the land.” Verse 22 states, “And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest.”
• PRAISE: He is the Almighty One, your El-Shaddai. Leave the explanations and responsibilities with Him.

Kids are full of excuses. They say things like, “I forgot.” “I didn’t hear you.” “It’s too hard.” “It makes me nervous.”
 
Christian adults have developed some excuses for not being involved in evangelism – none of them compelling.
 
One of them is, “I don’t have the gift of evangelism.” True evangelism is the spontaneous overflow of a glad heart in Jesus Christ, not a program, or a gift.
 
Another excuse is, “Well, God is sovereign in salvation. He’ll save His children, whether I speak about Him or not.” The problem with that is that God is also sovereign over the means of communicating His saving message, and that is through Christians verbalizing their faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
 
Some have said, “I’m too busy.” These are the folks that see evangelism as an event, instead of a lifestyle of witnessing for Christ everywhere they go.
 
Others believe their priority is to help the poor, stop immorality, and change our government. Instead of fishing for souls, these folks want to clean up the fishbowl. But here’s the thing. What good does it do to help the poor live in a better house if they still spend eternity in Hell? Let’s share Christ first.
 
Some people don’t share because they “don’t know what to say.” If you know enough of the Gospel to become a Christian, then you know enough of the Gospel to share Christ with a non-Christian.
 
In today’s passage, we see that coming to Christ involves more than “just praying a prayer.” Jesus shows us how to share the Gospel the way God intended – the narrow gate that few find, the great struggle that few win, and the costly choice that few pay. The young man in this story failed the greatest test of his life. He was offered a choice between himself and God, between fulfillment here on this earth and fulfillment in the life to come. Sadly, the rich young ruler chose the here and now, not God and Heaven.
 
As you are involved in the work of evangelism here a few things to consider.

1. STOP giving BAD invitations.

Stop inviting people to accept Jesus, to make Him their “personal Savior.” Stop saying, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” Don’t ever say, “Just choose Jesus.” Instead, call people to submit and surrender to Christ. Teach them the importance of turning from their sin in repentance. Do you see the difference?

2. EXPLAIN the INGREDIENTS of the GOSPEL.
Point to the goodness of our perfect God and show the unsaved how offensive their sin is to Him. Show people where they’ve failed externally and internally in their obedience to God’s Law, which reflects His perfect character. Call the lost to repent, and to turn from their sin. Plea with them to serve, worship, and love Christ first – above all other loves or idols.

Many people (even church people) have prayed to ask Christ to be “their personal Savior,” but they have never repented of the sinful idols of their heart. These people are self-deceived, thinking they can love Christ while protecting and worshipping their idol(s) at the same time.
 
When calling the unsaved to Christ, explain to them that coming to Jesus means serving and submitting to Him as Lord and Master. It means to worship Him exclusively and to love Him supremely. Otherwise, they can’t be saved.
 
What are some of the idols unsaved people deal with? Here is a shortlist. Comfort, money, pleasure, addiction, sports, family, children, leisure, fitness, immorality, drugs, ministry, career, friends, reputation, position, control, autonomy, and self-reliance.
 
Jesus says to the unsaved, “If you’re going to follow Me, you have to be willing to completely give up your idols, surrender them to Me, and make them #2.” We have to hate them, sell them (in the case of the young rich ruler), turn from them, and repent of them.
 
Even after we are saved, we need to be killing the idols of our hearts on a daily basis so that we can grow in our progressive sanctification.

3. EXPLAIN what REPENTANCE is.
True repentance is turning 180-degrees from our sinful idols and following Christ. It’s turning from sin to righteousness, from pride to humility, from independence to dependence.

Repentance is demonstrated by a changed behavior that comes from a changed heart.
In the case of the rich young ruler, Jesus was calling him to give up his wealth which was his real “god.” Sadly, he refused.
 
4. LOVE the LOST as Christ did.
In the midst of all his self-righteousness, Jesus loved the rich young ruler. If Christ can love a lost sinner like him, so can you. Give gifts, write letters, express care, and serve as you share the Gospel with the unsaved. Then trust God to change their hearts in His time. He is the one who does the work of salvation, not you.
 
5. MAKE CERTAIN you are GENUINELY SAVED.
Do you have an idol you need to repent of? What do you worship, serve, love, or follow more than Christ? Is this idol keeping you from genuine salvation?
 
Do you see God as perfect, and yourself as sick with sin? Are you a massive lawbreaker? Have you turned (180 degrees) in repentance from your sin? Are you following Christ in obedience? Have you forsaken your idol(s) to worship and serve Christ alone? If the answer is no, you need to examine yourself to see if you are in the faith.
 
Why did the rich young ruler walk away from eternal life with Jesus? Mark 10:22 says, “for he had great possessions.” The demand Jesus placed on the rich young ruler was costly, but his response proved that the Lord’s diagnosis was correct. He preferred his present earthly possessions to God’s future spiritual rewards. He wanted God, but not at the cost of giving up his gold. He wanted life, but not at the expense of giving up his luxury. He was willing to “serve” Jesus, but not to the point of sacrificing His wealth.

Children can blow us away with their innocence and insights. However, their actions and thinking patterns remind us of how selfish and sinful mankind is. Observe these 10 examples.

1. If I like it, it’s mine.
2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
5. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I’m building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it’s mine.
8. If I saw it first, it’s mine.
9. If you’re playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes theirs.
10. If it’s broken, it’s yours.

Though sinful to the core, Mark 10:13-16 reminds us of the very special place children have in God’s plan.

Christ’s love for children is CERTAIN
All those who share the mind of Christ share His love for children.

Christ’s love for children is NOT IDOLATROUS
Parents, you are to love Christ first over your kids. There should never be a time where your children think you love them more than Jesus. In the way you obey Scripture, love His church, serve Him in ministry, give financially to His work – they must see that you love the Lord with all your heart. When you habitually skip church because of sports or some other sort of entertainment, you need to repent.

Christ’s love for children focuses on their SALVATION
The greatest blessing parents can confer on their children is to lovingly evangelize them. They should not be forced or manipulated to pray a prayer of salvation. Christ should be modeled by parents that live out the Word of God. Children should be taught about their sinfulness and their inability to do anything to save themselves. Parents, your life priority is to evangelize your children. A child’s salvation is a work of God, but parents are to be the agent by which that work is done. Parents are to be the primary, not the exclusive, missionaries in the lives of their children.

Christ’s love for children is never UNBIBLICAL
Christ didn’t baptize infants, nor force them to pray a prayer. He didn’t isolate them from the body of Christ. He didn’t tell parents to keep their children from the influence of other believers. He didn’t sentimentalize children. He never forgot that their hearts are sinful. He never restricted parents from the use of the rod in order to lovingly correct children. Christ didn’t change His mind – everything in His Word about parenting is still the best process to dependently follow.

Christ’s love for children is OVERWHELMING
At the time this story took place, the cruel shadow of the cross was just over a week away. Even in the midst of the coming torture when God’s wrath was going to be poured out on Him for our sins, Jesus made time to take the children in His arms. He loved them, blessed them, smiled at them, and maybe even played with them.

GOSPEL CONNECTION: You have to come to Jesus the same way children come to Him – simple, open, weak, trusting, unpretentious, dependent, lacking achievement, and humbly. The teaching of the New Testament is that you come to Christ with nothing to offer - just like a baby. The only thing that you contribute is the sin that makes salvation necessary. Coming to Jesus is ALL about God’s grace.

Here is one of the key tests of your belief in the authority of the Word of God. Will you obey God, even when your marriage is in agony? Will you uphold what God says, or will you do what the Pharisees did – misinterpret the Word of God in order to do what you want? The excuses for divorce are plenty – you’ve heard them.

• It’s better for the children, they won’t see us argue anymore.
• Divorce is the lesser of two evils – God led me to this divorce.
• We’re incompatible.
• There are irreconcilable differences.
• I’m not happy anymore.
• The feelings are gone.
• I don’t love him anymore.

Old songs like, “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” by the Unrighteous Brothers, or Usher’s “Papers”, or “Mr. Know It All”, or “King of Anything” encourage a divorce mentality. Marriage is not a business deal, a civil contract, a piece of paperwork, or an acquisition that can be dissolved. Marriage is a covenant between you, your spouse, and God.

The question this study guide will work through today is this. Is divorce or remarriage ever allowed by God? Scripture gives four circumstances where the answer is yes.

ONE: When there is the DEATH of a spouse
God actually encourages remarriage for younger widows. 1 Timothy 5:14 says, “So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.” Romans 7:2-3 gives us further instruction: “ ² For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. ³ Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.”
 
TWO: When a divorce or remarriage takes place PRIOR TO TURNING TO CHRIST
People who divorce when they are unsaved are slaves to sin. For the person who is now saved and is struggling with this question, our Pastoral advice would be for them to consider this question: is there any chance that your previous marriage can be reconciled into a CHRISTIAN marriage? Here are some guidelines:

• If the person’s ex-spouse has become a Christian (and never remarried), and wants to reconcile as Christians in a Christian marriage, then as Pastors we would say that should be the person’s first consideration. However, if God is clearly saying in this person’s heart to not remarry then that person has to be willing to obey God’s voice. Remember, as a Christian, our priorities are this: 1) Obey God’s Word. 2) Obey our conscience that is in harmony with God’s Word and led by the Holy Spirit.
• If the person’s ex-spouse is remarried and they want to reconcile, the answer is “no” because that would require that another divorce take place.
• If the ex-spouse is an unbeliever and that person wants to reconcile, the answer is “no” because that would result in being “unequally yoked” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
• IMPORTANT: God never tells us to commit sin in order to obey another biblical command or to correct a previous sin.

We do not believe the Bible prohibits this person from remarriage because they were unsaved when they sinned in their previous marriage. We can expect nothing more from sinners than to SIN. We cannot bind God’s commands to Christians on the unsaved. They are incapable of keeping them. Yes, they are accountable to God’s law in the sense they will be condemned to hell for their sin if they reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ… but in daily life, they only become responsible to follow Christian teaching once they actually become a Christian (this is the issue of salvation not sanctification). They certainly may have consequences to deal with from their unsaved life, but remember that BEFORE they became a follower of Christ they did not have the Holy Spirit living in them to enlighten their hearts to spiritual truth.

THREE: When there is a particular kind of ABANDONMENT
In 1 Corinthians 7:15 we are taught that divorce and remarriage is biblical: “But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.” If a non-Christian couple gets married, then one spouse gets saved and the unbelieving spouse no longer wants to live with the Christian, and the unbeliever divorces the believer because of the believer’s faith, and the unbeliever leaves, that Christian is free to remarry. 1 Corinthians 7:15 says, “they’re not under bondage” (NASV).
 
FOUR: When there is ADULTERY
Jesus makes this really clear in Matthew 5 and 19. Matthew 5:32 says, “But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Matthew 19:9 says, “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another commits adultery.”

Apart from death and pre-Christ divorce – remarriage, adultery, and abandonment are the only circumstances where divorce can be considered as a last resort option for the true believer, who genuinely will not desire it. Adultery breaks the marriage union, and abandonment breaks the marriage vow. Those actions sever what God designed, and what God has joined. But never forget – although divorce is allowed under those exceptions, divorce is never commanded nor required. If the sinning partner repents of his/her sexual immorality reconciliation and restoration are God’s ideals. Divorce is not a command; but divorce is a concession.

ONENESS IN MARRIAGE: How do you live with your spouse Biblically so that divorce can be prevented?

Pursue ONENESS in your marriage. Do you have it? Do you know what “oneness” looks like? Here are some questions to consider:

Does your marriage have “Common Direction?”

• Do you know where you and your spouse are going as a couple?
• Are you both excited about getting there?
• Are you dreaming together?

Does your marriage have “Emotional Connection?”

• Do you and your spouse communicate deeply and openly?
• Do you feel connected to your spouse?

Does your marriage have “Mutual Commitment?”

• Are you and your spouse committed to each other and your marriage?
• Are you willing to pursue new ways to better your marriage?

Does your marriage have “Spiritual Commitment?”

• Are you growing in the Lord – together and separately?

Does your marriage have “Physical Connection?”

• What does your physical intimacy look like?
• Do you hold hands and hug often?
• Do you kiss? When was the last time you grossed your kids out by your demonstrable affection?

Cherish, adore, delight in and take care of your spouse – are you doing this?

Forgive your spouse like Christ forgave you – 70×7. Don’t keep score.

Love your spouse, even when they act like an enemy (Jesus told us to love our enemies).

Endure under the trial of an indifferent or difficult spouse.

Stop all damaging behavior, habits or words that hurt marriage – like removing the idea of divorce from your mind and mouth.

Fight for regular time with your spouse without the kids.

Become a member of MTBC – we will love you enough to pursue you, chase you, and confront you if you ever give into the temptation to leave your spouse.

Study marriage - read great books and listen to helpful sermon series on marriage. Next to Christ, your spouse is your highest priority, over your kids and jobs. Husbands work at your marriage. Wives cooperate with your husbands.

Make time to invest in your marriage. Consider Biblical marriage counseling from one of the Pastors if you need to clarify marriage issues. 

49 “For everyone will be salted with fire.”
Q: What does this strange verse mean?
A: Salt was added to sacrifices as a symbol of God’s enduring promise. As a preservative, salt represented enduring faithfulness. As a spice, salt brought flavor to life. Salt was sought after and was attractive. One particular sacrifice fits the imagery found in Mark 9:49 perfectly – it’s found in Leviticus 2. Here you have the description of the grain offering (2:13). “You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.”

There were actually five offerings. Four of them were animal sacrifices – the burnt offering, peace offering, sin offering, and guilt offering. All four of these offerings represented the need for the atonement of sin.

The grain offering was not an animal offering or a sin offering. It was an offering of devotion and dedication that symbolized total devotion to the Lord.

The Old Testament saints gathered up their best grain, and they made a sacrifice of that grain on the altar. It was then covered with salt, which spoke of the faithfulness and the permanence of this offering to God. God would keep His promise, and by sprinkling salt on the grain offering, God was stating that He was faithful. His faithfulness to the Old Testament saints was symbolized in the salt.

As a New Testament saint, you are to be faithful to God. “For everyone will be salted with fire” (9:49) means your life is an offering to God. Every day you are making a total sacrifice of your life to God. You are a living sacrifice to Christ. So “for everyone will be salted with fire” means that you are offering your life every day, in every task, to the Lord. Jesus is calling you to commit your life to Christ as a sacrifice.

Romans 12:1 states it this way: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” That’s what we see in the grain offering. This is denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Christ. This is giving yourself totally to Christ in the language of an enduring sacrifice. “Fire” is sacrifice, and “salt” is faithfulness. You’re not going to crawl off the altar at the first whim. You’re salting your life making it a permanent sacrifice of faithfulness to God – in good times and in times of suffering.

50 "Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another."
Q: Why was salt such a big deal in Jesus day?
A: In a world with no refrigeration and no ice, salt was required to preserve food. Plus, salt was a tasty way to flavor food. God intends for you to be “salt” to others by being involved in influencing others to desire Christ.
Q: Why is it a problem for salt to lose its saltiness?
A: Salt does not lose its saltiness unless it is mixed with another chemical like gypsum (this was a common problem). The mixture makes salt worthless. This is a picture of your dedication to Christ. You are not to desire to live for Christ (salt) and the world (gypsum). You are to serve Christ and live a life of “saltiness” in a way that would cause the unsaved to desire Christ.
Q: What does the phrase “have salt in yourself” mean?
A: Jesus is calling you to live a life of “saltiness” that is not mixed with gypsum or anything else. He wants your “salt” to be undiluted, unmixed, and uncorrupted. Christ commands you to live an unmixed life.
Q: Why did Jesus add the phrase “and be at peace with one another.”
A: Remember, Jesus’ disciples were fighting about who was the greatest. He was saying, “Stop fighting. Stop elevating yourselves. Stop competing.” These verses are pointing a finger at you to (1) stop being the cause of temptation, (2) to love each other extremely, (3) to deal with sin severely, (4) to sacrifice your life wholly, and (5) to obey the Word of God fanatically.

APPLICATION
Romans 12:9-21 gives a series of adverbs that describe how we can “be at peace with one another” (cf. Mark 9:50b).

1. SINCERELY (9a) – “Let love be genuine.” Paul is talking about sincere love (agape love) because of its prominence in the commands of Christ and in the life of the church. If there was one characteristic that was to mark the followers of Jesus and to make them unique in the world, it was love (cf. John 15:12; John 13:35).
2. PURELY (9b) – “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” The believer’s posture towards good and evil cannot be passive. Evil is not to be tolerated; it is to be hated. “Good” is not just to be hoped for; it is to be clung to. Paul has in mind the kind of evil that destroys Christian relationships. Gossip, slander, bitterness, hurtful words, anger, lying, selfishness, racism, pride, sexual sin. All of these things are destructive to the purity of the church and the bond of love.
3. AFFECTIONATELY (10) – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” This is the kind of “affection” that one would have for family. In seasons of persecution this was very practical since following Christ divided families. We are to treat one another with family like “affection.” Paul also says, “we should outdo one another in showing honor” (cf. Philippians 2:3)
4. PASSIONATELY (11) – “Do not be slothful in zeal” - Believers are not to be lazy in their commitment to one another; “be fervent in spirit” - The word “fervent” has the idea of bubbling, boiling, of constant activity; “Serve the Lord” - While we are pouring into people who are part of the body, we are always aware of the fact that ultimately our service is an offering of worship to the Lord.
5. STEADFASTLY (12) – “Rejoice in hope” – Here we see the theme of perseverance. Believers are to endure by rejoicing in the hope that awaits them (cf. Romans 5:3-4); “Be patient in tribulation” - Believers are called to face difficulties by not giving up, not becoming anxious, and by standing firm. During seasons of persecution, the church was to help one another remain steadfast; “Be constant in prayer” – the community of faith is to be marked by a continual devotion to prayer, especially when the people of God are facing opposition.
6. GENEROUSLY (13) – “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” The body of Christ is also to be marked by generosity as it helps people in need. A Christian mindset is reflected in seeing your money and your possessions as the means of God’s grace to others. This is where being a “living sacrifice” becomes very practical. Do you give regularly and sacrificially? Are you quick to meet the needs of people with your possessions or time? Do you open your home to people? Sacrificial giving and Christian hospitality make unique and clear statements to the world about who we are and what we love.
7. GRACIOUSLY (14) – “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” This is one of a number of revolutionary and counter-cultural dynamics when it comes to Christianity. Instead of seeking revenge, instead of being angry or striking back, a Christian mindset embraces blessing. As Jesus prayed for His persecutors (Luke 23:34), believers are to be gracious in the midst of unfair treatment.
8. EMPHATICALLY (15) – “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Our lives are to be connected to one another in a way that we are neither alone nor isolated, no matter what the circumstance. The body of Christ is marked by a radical other-centeredness.
9. HARMONIOUSLY (16A) – “Live in harmony with one another.” Jews and Gentiles had generations of animosity toward one another, and Paul is urging them to love one another despite their differences. Differences, when played together, can create something beautiful and attractive. Diversity of background and gifts should advance the cause of unity not disunity.
10. HUMBLY (16B) – “Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” The church is to be marked by people who do not think arrogantly about themselves. Instead, the church is to be characterized by people who love one another regardless of their status in life and who care for people, even if those relationships do not help us climb some social, political, or relational ladder.
11. KINDLY (17) – “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Followers of Jesus need to resist the natural human tendency to seek revenge. The lack of retaliation would be recognized by even non-believers as honorable and commendable. Responding to evil with kindness, control, and non-retaliation is a stunning statement to the world. The Christian community is to be marked by kindness in the face of evil.
12. PEACEABLY (18) – “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” “Living sacrifices”, as much as possible, live at peace with people. Christianity is supposed to breed love, harmony, and selflessness between people. In the midst of a culture filled with animosity, conflicts and self-centeredness, the followers of Jesus are called to be the kind of people who create and make peace.
13. TRUSTINGLY (19) – “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Instead of seeking revenge, a follower of Jesus is called to trust in God’s ability to deliver justice. There is future accountability where justice will be served. God will hold everyone accountable.
14. MERCIFULLY (20) – To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Instead of seeking vengeance or retaliation, living as a believer means treating enemies mercifully. Mercy must be more than just something that takes place internally. Enemies are to be cared for as if they are friends, since this is the way that God, through Christ, has treated us.
15. INTENTIONALLY (21) – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Followers of Jesus are not to allow the evil that is done to them to overwhelm them in such a way that they respond in a similar fashion. Instead, they are called to conquer evil by doing good to people who do not deserve it.

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea (Mark 9:42).
Q: Who is Jesus referring to when He uses the phrase “little ones”?
A: Jesus is using a physical child as a symbol for a spiritual child. Therefore, the term “little ones” refers to – a fellow Christian. The warning is that as Christians we are not to lead a fellow-Christian (or non-believer) into sin.
Q: What does the phrase “it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea” mean?
A: One millstone weighed several tons. Jesus is saying that you’d be better off dying a horrible death than to lead another person into sin.
Q: How can you lead a person into sin?

• Through DIRECT temptation - you can do this by encouraging someone to lie, lie, gossip, steal, or be involved in immoral behavior.
• Through INDIRECT temptation – you can do this by provoking your child to anger because of your indifference or harsh unkindness; by flaunting what you have in front of others; by refusing to forgive; by having overbearing expectations.
• Through a SINFUL example - no one sins in isolation, and when others see your unrepentant choices to sin, sometimes they are encouraged to follow.

APPLICATION: You should shrink in horror over the idea of leading another Christian into sin. Instead of drooling over that next morsel of juicy gossip or giving into the urge to criticize your spiritual leaders, or tearing down a Christian family, or ripping into a believer with slander – you actually should consider cutting your tongues out before you would tempt another to person to stumble and fall into sin. Mark 9:43-48 tell us why.

43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
Q: Why did Jesus use sever language like “cut it off”?
A: Jesus is using a metaphoric hyperbole. He is saying, “Mortify sin—kill sin.” He knows that you must crush sin in order to survive spiritually. He wants you to hate sin because of its devilish destruction. The puritan John Owen said, “Kill sin, or it will kill you.” Sin is grim. The Lord is visualizing the amputation of body parts – hands, feet and eyes. Hands are for everything you do, feet are for everywhere you go, and eyes are for everything you see. This covers everything that relates to the behavior of your life.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Jesus is obviously not calling for physical mutilation. Just because a person may hack off his body parts (eyes, hand, legs) is not a guarantee that he will conquer sin in his life. Sadly, there have been those throughout church history who’ve tried to conquer sin through self-mutilation, but this will never work. You see, the problem isn’t your body parts. The problem IS YOUR HEART! The issue is the sin on the inside of you. Your heart is seriously sick and decaying with sin (cf. Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 5:27-28; Mark 7:15,21-22).

• The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it (Jeremiah 17:9)?
• 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:27-28).
• 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness (Mark 7:15, 21-22).

VITAL: To not get serious about sin means ending up in Hell. Hell is the disastrous alternative to not seriously attacking sin in your life. The Lord is describing the initial repentance and faith that accompanies true salvation. Continued repentance is evidence that you’re truly delivered from eternal Hell. Repentance implies you hate sin and want to turn away from it.

49 “For everyone will be salted with fire.”
Q: This is a strange verse. What does it mean?
A: Salt was added to sacrifices as a symbol of God’s enduring promise. As a preservative, salt represented enduring faithfulness. As a spice, salt brought flavor to life. Salt was sought after and was attractive. One particular sacrifice fits the imagery found in Mark 9:49 perfectly – it’s found in Leviticus 2. Here you have the description of the grain offering (2:13). “You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.”

There were actually five offerings. Four of them were animal sacrifices – the burnt offering, peace offering, sin offering, and guilt offering. All four of these offerings represented the need for the atonement of sin.

The grain offering was not an animal offering or a sin offering. It was an offering of devotion and dedication that symbolized total devotion to the Lord.

The Old Testament saints gathered up their best grain, and they made a sacrifice of that grain on the altar. It was then covered with salt, which spoke of the faithfulness and the permanence of this offering to God. God would keep His promise, and by sprinkling salt on the grain offering, God was stating that He was faithful. His faithfulness to the Old Testament saints was symbolized in the salt.

As a New Testament saint, you are to be faithful to God. “For everyone will be salted with fire” (9:49) means your life is an offering to God. Every day you are making a total sacrifice of your life to God. You are a living sacrifice to Christ. So “for everyone will be salted with fire” means that you are offering your life every day, in every task, to the Lord. Jesus is calling you to commit your life to Christ as a sacrifice.

Romans 12:1 states it this way: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” That’s what we see in the grain offering. This is denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Christ. This is giving yourself totally to Christ in the language of an enduring sacrifice. “Fire” is sacrifice, and “salt” is faithfulness. You’re not going to crawl off the altar at the first whim. You’re salting your life making it a permanent sacrifice of faithfulness to God.

50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another (Mark 9:50).
Q: Why was salt such a big deal in Jesus day?
A: In a world with no refrigeration and no ice, salt was required to preserve food. Plus, salt was a tasty way to flavor food. God intends for you to be “salt” to others by being involved in influencing others to desire Christ.
Q: Why is it a problem for salt to lose its saltiness?
A: Salt does not lose its saltiness unless it is mixed with another chemical like gypsum (this was a common problem). The mixture makes salt worthless. This is a picture of your dedication to Christ. You are not to desire to live for Christ (salt) and the world (gypsum). You are to serve Christ and live a life of saltiness in a way that would cause the unsaved to desire Christ.
Q: What does the phrase “have salt in yourself” mean?
A: Jesus is saying to live a life of “saltiness” that is not mixed with gypsum or anything else. He wants your “salt” to be undiluted, unmixed, and uncorrupted. Christ commands you to live an unmixed life.
Q: Why did Jesus add the phrase “and be at peace with one another.”
A: Remember, Jesus’ disciples were fighting about who was the greatest. He was saying, “Stop fighting. Stop elevating yourselves. Stop competing.” These verses are pointing a finger at you to (1) stop being the cause of temptation, (2) to love each other extremely, (3) to deal with sin severely, (4) to sacrifice your life wholly, and (5) to obey the Word of God fanatically.

Athletes seek to set records; business people seek a higher position; laborers lust after higher pay; students seek better grades, more influence, and cooler friends. But there is a danger in that pursuit. The higher up we find ourselves in terms of power, influence, and wealth, the more vulnerable we are to pride, and the more prone we are to be blind to our spiritual needs and deficiencies. The sly encroachment of pride will render us useless to God and others. Pride manifests itself in many subtle and lethal ways. Are you a proud person or a humble person? Carefully read the differences between a proud heart and a humble heart.

• The proud heart focuses on the failures of others; the humble heart is overwhelmed with their own spiritual need.
• The proud heart is critical and fault-finding; the humble heart is compassionate and forgiving.
• The proud heart is independent and self-sufficient; the humble heart is dependent and recognizes its need of others holding them accountable.
• The proud heart wants to prove it is right; the humble heart is willing to yield the “right” to be correct.
• The proud heart claims their "rights"; the humble heart yields their "rights."
• The proud heart desires to be served and to receive; the humble heart desires to serve and to give.
• The proud heart desires to be a success; the humble heart is motivated to be faithful and make others a success.
• The proud heart has a drive to be recognized and appreciated; the humble heart carries a sense of unworthiness.
• The proud heart thinks how lucky others are to have "me" serve "them"; the humble heart thinks how incredible God is to use me at all.
• The proud heart is wounded when others are recognized; the humble heart rejoices when others are recognized.
• The proud heart is sad and remorseful over their sin; the humble heart is genuinely repentant, desiring to forsake its sin.
• The proud heart is confident in how much it knows; the humble heart is humbled by how much it needs to learn.
• The proud heart is self-conscious; the humble heart is not concerned with self.
• The proud heart privately keeps others at arm’s length; the humble heart is willing to risk getting close to others.
• The proud heart is quick to blame others; the humble heart accepts responsibility and sees where it could be wrong.
• The proud heart has a hard time saying, “I was wrong”; the humble heart is quick to admit its failure and seek forgiveness.

True Greatness In God’s Eyes Involves Dying To Self (Mark 9:30-32).
Q: How does God see yo?
A: God sees you as being imperfect, flawed, corrupted, messed up, distorted, defiant, and rebellious in sin. He knows that you violate His law, distort His character, and resist His perfect plan.

Q: Do you see yourself the same way God sees you?

Q: How is Jesus the perfect model of humility?
A: As the perfect Son of God, Jesus left heaven to live as a man for 33 years, then die for the sins of the world. His death was the death of a criminal – tortured on a cross. Romans 5:6; 8 says, “⁶ For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁸ but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus demonstrated true humility by solving our sin problem on the cross which is the perfect example of humility.

Q: What is humility?
A: Humility is dying to self. It is serving others, giving yourself away, and seeking what is best for others.

Q: On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself in the area of being humble?
 
True Greatness In God’s Eyes Involves Serving Others (Mark 9:33-35).
Q: In what ways are Jesus’ words counter-cultural – both today and in Jesus’ day?

Q: How does your heart respond to Jesus' words: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Q: Who should you serve?

1. Serve one another – (Galatians 5:13).
2. Serve others with your giftedness in this local church – (1 Peter 4:10-11).
3. Serve your unsaved neighbor – (Matthew 5:16).

 
True Greatness In God’s Eyes Involves Caring About Those No One Else Cares About (Mark 9:36-37).
Q: Why did Jesus hold a child in His Arms?
A: In Jesus' day, children were not seen as being sweet and adorable. They were insignificant and had no status.

Q: What was the message Jesus was sending when He welcomed and embraced this child?

Q: Who are the so-called “insignificant” people in our day?
A: The mentally impaired, the physically disabled, the aged, the orphans, the needy and sick, the poor, the imprisoned, the socially awkward.

Q: How do you need to better serve these people?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 
Q: Below are three tests of pride. What kind of grade would you give yourself regarding these three areas?

1. The Test of PRECEDENCE: How do you react when another person is selected for the assignment you expected? How do you respond when a co-worker is promoted and you are overlooked? What happens in your heart when another person outshines you in gifts and accomplishments?
2. The Test of SINCERITY: In moments of honest self-criticism, you may say hard things about yourself and really mean them. But how do you react when others, especially your rivals, state the exact same things about you that you know to be true?
3. The Test of CRITICISM: Does criticism arouse resentment in your heart and cause you to flee to immediate self-justification? Are you quick to criticize your critic?

CALL TO ACTION: Only when you compare yourself to Christ, who humbled Himself by dying on a cross for your sins will you begin to be overwhelmed by the vile pride in your heart. Take time this week to deeply remember and give thanks for the incredible example of Christ’s humility by dying for a proud, defiant sinner – like you.

IMPORTANT QUESTION: What does it mean to become a Christian?

1. Becoming a Christian is not accepting Jesus in your heart so you can have “fire insurance” from hell and then continue to live sinfully for yourself.
2. Becoming a Christian involves coming to an end of yourself. It means that you hate your sick, proud, and selfish sin.
3. Becoming a Christian means that you surrender your life to Christ, believe that He took the punishment for your sins on the cross and that He rose again from the dead and lives to give you eternal life.

If you’ve never come to an end in yourself, but in your heart, you are sick of your pride, and see it as God does, then humble yourself and turn to Jesus Christ alone to be saved.

HOW DO YOU DO THIS:

1. Admit that you have sinned against God and ask Him for forgiveness of your sins.
2. Believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for you on the cross, rose from the dead, and is Lord.
3. Call upon Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior.
4. Allow a mature Christian to help you grow in your relationship with Christ.

Christ Foretold - Little Town of Bethlehem - Micah 5:2
 
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel… (Micah 5:2)
 
WHAT’S IN A NAME: Bethlehem was well known as the hometown of David, Israels greatest king.
Q: Bethlehem means House of Bread. What implications does this have for your Christian life?
A: As believers, we get to feed on Christ, who is the Living Bread (John 6:35) when we come to Bethlehem! Let’s be nourished by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 8:3)!
Q: Ephrathah means fruitfulness or abundance. What implication does this have for your Christian life?
A: He alone is the One who can produce within you real spiritual fruit for His glory (John 15:5). When our hearts are sinful, they are unfruitful and barren. Our spiritual fruitfulness is found in obeying and loving Jesus.

GETTING FROM HERE TO THERE: The Roman emperor Caesar Augustus had issued an order that every citizen was to return to his hometown for a census.  This was in the providence of God as it caused Mary and Joseph to leave Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus would be born.  Otherwise, Jesus would have been born in Nazareth and would not have fulfilled the prophecy of the Messiah.

Micah says the Messiah would be born in a little town called Bethlehem. Read Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 2:1-6; John 7:40-42 to see the events that led up to this event.

Here's the grand truth behind these passages. Caesar might have been ruling, but God was overruling. God was just moving the pawns on the chessboard as he wished (Proverbs 21:1).
Q: How do these events recorded in the Gospels strengthen our walk with the Lord?
A: God is always in control and is working out His plan that can never be thwarted. He is sovereign over our lives in every area.

GOD LOVES THE WEAK THINGS: Bethlehem is scarcely worth counting among the clans of Judah, yet God chooses to bring his magnificent Messiah out of this town. God chose something small, quiet, out of the way, and did something there that changed the course of history and eternity.

The deepest meaning of the littleness and insignificance of Bethlehem is that God does not bestow the blessings of the Messiah — the blessings of salvation — on the basis of our greatness or our merit or our achievement (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

WRAPPING IT UP: Read Micah 5:2 again: But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
Q: What important things does the phrase “coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” show us about Jesus?

• It shows us the glory of Jesus, that He is far more than a man
• It shows us the love of Jesus, that He would leave the glory of heaven for us
• It shows us the nature of Jesus, that He would add humanity to His deity
• It shows us the sympathy of Jesus, that He remains fully man and fully God

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Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).

BELIEF IN THE VIRGIN BIRTH IS ESSENTIAL TO AFFIRM THE TRUTHFULNESS OF THE BIBLE.
Q: Why is it important to believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin?
A: If we do not hold to the virgin birth despite the fact that the Bible asserts it, then we have compromised the authority of the Bible, and there is in principle no reason why we should hold to its other teachings. Thus, rejecting the virgin birth has implications reaching far beyond the doctrine itself (Millard Erickson).
Q. If Jesus were not born of a virgin, what implication would that have for the Gospel?
A. There is no other answer that will leave the Gospel intact. The virgin birth explains how Christ could be both God and man, how He was without sin, and that the entire work of salvation is God’s gracious act. If Jesus was not born of a virgin, He had a human father. If Jesus was not born of a virgin, the Bible teaches a lie.
BELIEF IN THE VIRGIN BIRTH IS ESSENTIAL TO AFFIRM THE DEITY OF JESUS.
Q. What does the term deity of Christ mean?
A. It means that Jesus is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity.
Q. Why is it important to connect the virgin birth with the deity of Christ?
A. The virgin birth assumes the preexistent, divine sonship of Jesus. The virgin birth is fitting for one who is already Son of God before the incarnation. Our Savior is not only a man, but he is the divine Son of God. He is uniquely the God-man—the only one who can accomplish salvation. He is Immanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23).
Q: What some other verses teach the deity of Christ?
A: John 1:1; John 1:14; Hebrews 1:8; John 8:58
BELIEF IN THE VIRGIN BIRTH IS ESSENTIAL TO AFFIRM THE SINLESS HUMANITY OF JESUS.
Q: Why is it important to connect the virgin birth of Jesus to His sinless humanity?
A: The virgin birth shows us that our redeemer is fully, truly a man—yet without sin. Jesus was born supernaturally, but not in a way that makes his humanity different from ours (Hebrews 2:10–11). As one who was conceived uniquely of a woman by the agency of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is guarded from original sin and stands uniquely parallel to Adam. Were Jesus to have been born with a sinful nature, he would not be the sinless Savior. The virgin birth is the means by which the holy Son of God was incarnate, born without sin.
BELIEF IN THE VIRGIN BIRTH IS ESSENTIAL TO AFFIRM THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAVIOR.
Q: Must one believe in the virgin birth to be a Christian?
A: It is conceivable that someone might come to Christ and trust Christ as Savior without yet learning the Bible teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin. A new believer is not yet aware of the full structure of Christian truth. The real question is this: Can a Christian, once aware of the Bible’s teaching, reject the virgin birth? The answer must be no.
BELIEF IN THE VIRGIN BIRTH MEANS YOU BELEIVE JESUS IS GOD WITH US.
Belief in the virgin birth means that you believe Jesus is God with us.
Q: What is the significance of Jesus' birth fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah? (see Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:27-38; Luke 2:1-20)
A: Immanuel is God, with us, acting on our behalf, doing what we could not and would not do for ourselves. Having God with us is life-changing. Immanuel is changing the world. Guilt, alienation, shame, and futility have given way to forgiveness, reconciliation, hope, and purpose. Immanuel has opened the way from decay and death to God’s redemption and restoration. Nothing is the same because God came in Jesus. Celebrate Immanuel: God with us!
Q: How does it make you feel to know that God is with you, He knows your name, you are precious to Him, and He loves you (Isaiah 43:1-5)?
Q: God forgives and forgets our sins for His own sake, not wanting to be burdened with them (Isaiah 43:24-25). What are the implications for us regarding His command for us to forgive others as we have been forgiven?
 
MORE DISCUSSION QUESTION:
Q: A person says to you, “It doesn’t really matter what you believe, just so you believe in something.” How would you answer him, especially at it refers to the virgin birth of Christ?
A: A few doctrines are not “fundamentals” of the Christian faith. Sincere Christians may differ on their understanding of the non-fundamentals--such areas as prophecy, spiritual gifts, and views of baptism. But to deny the fundamentals of the faith is to depart from the core of what it means to be a Christian in the historical sense of the word. The virgin birth is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. To deny it requires that we deny the authority and truth of the Bible, the deity and sinless humanity of Jesus Christ and that He is the Savior as taught in Scripture. Or, stated positively, to affirm these essential doctrines, we must affirm the virgin birth.
Q: Some critics argue against the virgin birth because Mark, John, and Paul are silent on it. How would you answer them?
A: Even if the virgin birth was taught by only one biblical passage, that would be sufficient to obligate all Christians to the belief. We have no right to weigh the truthfulness of biblical teachings by their repetition in Scripture. We cannot claim to believe the Bible is the Word of God and then turn around and cast suspicion on its teaching.
Q: How would you answer a critic who said that the virgin birth sounds like other pagan legends?
A: It’s not surprising that Satan would invent many counterfeit stories to confuse and cloud the facts surrounding the birth of the Savior. But invariably, such mythical stories sound like fables, whereas the biblical accounts read like factual history.
Q: Is it possible to believe in the virgin birth and incarnation of the Savior and yet not be saved?
A: Salvation does not depend upon affirming the creeds. Salvation depends upon personally receiving the free gift of eternal life which God offers to you through His eternal Son who took on human flesh through the virgin Mary on that first Christmas, who offered Himself as the substitute for sinners on the cross. If God is truly with us in Christ, then we must come to God only through Christ.
Q: How should the virgin birth affect my worship of Jesus?
-Because of the virgin birth, Christ was sinless.
-Because Christ was sinless, He was able to make atonement for our sins.
-Because Christ was able to make atonement for our sins, He is able to forgive us of our sins.
-Because Christ is able to forgive us, we have the hope and promise of heaven.
 
Apart from the virgin birth, we have no hope of salvation. Thank God—Jesus stepped out of Heaven and was born of a virgin. No wonder the angel said, “Good news of great joy, that will be for all people” (Luke 2:10).

JESUS EXPLAINED THE PLAN (Mark 8:31).
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Q: How must Jesus prediction of His suffering and death sound to His disciples?

• They were shocked and appalled that such an infamous end would interrupt this ministry of miracles which drew such big crowds.
• They expected upward not downward mobility in His future.
• The Christ was supposed to be a symbol of strength, not weakness!

Q: What is the significance of Jesus identifying as the Son of Man?

• He self-identifies as the Son of Man. This is indicative that the role of the Messiah is come to serve men and die so that all people may live.
• He must suffer many things. The suffering of Jesus shows that His anointing and appointment highlights the depth and breadth of human rebellion against God.
• He must be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes. He would be rejected by the civic leaders, the spiritual leaders, and the religious experts. He would be rejected by those esteemed to have the utmost human wisdom. His rejection is the thorough evidence of the incomprehensibility of the love, grace, mercy, and righteousness of God Almighty!
• He would be killed. We have no shortage of animosity against our Creator, that we not only would murder Him but that we would subject Him to ignominy and humiliation in doing so.
• After three days, he would rise again. It almost seems like an afterthought, this promise of victory. It demonstrates that Jesus would in fact die…and remain dead for three days. There would be no way to suggest that Jesus did not really die, that He merely swooned. His resurrection was inevitable, but for it to pass, He must die!

JESUS IS REBUKED FOR THE PLAN (Mark 8:32).
And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
Q: How does verse 32 describe Jesus teaching?
Verse 32 clearly teaches that all these things Jesus said plainly. He wasn’t trying to be metaphorical or vague. This was a clear, consistent private teaching of Jesus.
Q: How could Peter rebuke the one he had just called the Christ?
Although it's not advisable, it is conceivable to argue with a provincial king, but not with the King of the Universe!
Peter's idea of "the Christ" may still be blurry. He may not have seen Jesus as a suffering servant, but a conquering king.
JESUS WOULD NOT BE DETERRED FROM EXECUTING THE PLAN (Mark 8:33).
But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.
Q: How did Jesus respond to Peter, and how does He similarly respond to our contemporary mistaken approaches to Jesus?

• Jesus was so focused on the cross that He would not tolerate any suggestion to veer from His mission.
• Jesus rebuked Peter, and he rebukes our carnal, man sized views of who Jesus is.
• Jesus is not available to accommodate our selfish agenda for the Savior of the World.
• He is not beholden to our limited views, our impaired perception, and our appalling purposes for Him.
• He is God! He alone had the authority to rebuke Satan and rebut any carnal agenda.
• In going to the cross, Jesus showed the ultimate folly of men’s plans to force the will of God.
• He will not be constrained, restrained, obstructed, or undone.
• The cross could not hold Him, the grave could not imprison Him, and you cannot control Him!

Q: How do we sometimes/often settle for a less than who He truly is appreciation of Jesus?

• Some people have a cheap appreciation for Jesus as Savior. They see Him as saving them from the mess they are in at that moment, or from the mistakes they have made, but they don’t appreciate their own sinful nature or the depth of their own depravity that can only be atoned for by the death of the Spotless, Sinless Lamb of God.
• Some people see Jesus as a good example or the idealized human who offers a sage approach to life, but without any realistic expectation of living consistently the way He lived.
• Some people see Jesus as the timeless therapist, the Cosmic Counselor who offers them therapeutic aid for their circumstances, without requiring anything more of them in an ongoing way.
• Some people see Jesus as their God in a box, who they can put on the shelf to be accessed for their circumstantial need and put away at all other times.

We all face questions and are forced to make decisions daily. Some of those are insignificant, and others can have lasting implications. However, none are more important than the question Jesus posed to the disciples: whom do you say that I am? How we respond to that question will have eternal implications. It is a question that all must answer, and one that is impossible to avoid. Those who refuse to deal with the question have in essence chosen to reject Jesus as the Christ.
 
A GENERAL QUESTION (Mark 8:27-28).
27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way He asked His disciples, Who do people say that I am? 28 And they told him, John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.
 
Q. Jesus asks the disciples what other people are saying about him; namely, who others think He is. What are their responses?

• John the Baptist - There was rampant gossip that Jesus was John the Baptist, resurrected from the dead (Mark 6:14-16).
• Elijah - The Jewish people expected, according to Malachi 4:5, Elijah to return as a precursor to the Messiah.
• One of the prophets - Many thought Jesus was another in the long line of prophets, sent by God to deliver divine messages to His people.

Q: What are some of the mistaken thoughts that people have about Jesus today? 

• That Jesus was a great teacher.
• That Jesus was a good example of the human ideal.
• That Jesus is a myth, or a legend.
• That Jesus never claimed to be the Christ, or God Himself.
• That Jesus is just one incarnation of God, but no different than Buddha, Allah, or any number of other deified personalities throughout human history.
• We American Christians have a way of taking the Jesus of the Bible and twisting Him into a version of Jesus that we are more comfortable with. A nice middle-class American Jesus. A Jesus who does not mind materialism and would never call us to give away everything we have. A Jesus who is fine with nominal devotion that does not infringe on our comforts. A Jesus who wants us to be balanced, who wants us to avoid dangerous extremes, and who for that matter wants us to avoid danger altogether. A Jesus who brings comfort and prosperity to us as we live out our Christian spin on the American Dream (Platt, My Take).

A SPECIFIC QUESTION (Mark 8:29).
29 And He asked them, But who do you say that I am? Peter answered Him, You are the Christ.
Q. What stands out to you about Jesus specific question in verse 29?

• Jesus transitioned from the matter of what everyone else was thinking/saying to what the disciples personal understanding of Him was.
• Jesus was emphasizing that it was their (the disciples) personal understanding that mattered, not what was popular or even commonly thought about Him.
• His question centered on their understanding of His identity, not His function.
• Peters response illuminates Jesus as Messiah, the Savior of the world, promised from the beginning (Genesis 3:15-16), and prophesied throughout history.

A STRICT COMMAND (Mark 8:30).
And He strictly charged them to tell no one about Him.
Q. Why do you think Jesus forbade the disciples from telling others that He was the Christ? 
The Messianic Secret is a common theme in Mark. Publicly, Jesus did not permit His identity as Messiah to be popularized, possibly because the widespread politicization, misunderstanding, and outright ignorance pertaining to the mission of the Messiah. However, privately, Jesus sought and affirmed this understanding from His disciples.
PARADOX: Jesus repeatedly told people not to spread the word of who He is and what He had done, but people went and told others anyway. Today, Jesus has a standing command for us to tell others about Him, and yet, many people never tell anyone else about who He is!

APPLICATION:
Q. Who do YOU say that Jesus is? What does it mean that Jesus is the Christ, as Peter declared?

• He is the Christ, the Savior of the Jews and Gentiles, slave and free, male and female, barbarian and Scythian, circumcised and uncircumcised.
• He is the One anointed and appointed to atone for the sins of humans, who alone came to save the world from the impending judgment and wrath of God against all unrighteousness.

Q. Who is Jesus to YOU?
Q. What difference does this make in how YOU live each day?
Q. What difference might it make if YOU took more seriously your confession of Jesus’ identity?

Spiritual Site -- Mark 8:22-26

COMPASSION  People brought the blind man to Jesus and begged Him to heal the man (Mark 8:22).
And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 
 
Q: What is significant about Bethsaida?
A: Jesus had done many miracles here. Bethsaida is close to where He fed the 5,000.
Q. What can we learn about the people’s compassion.
A: They were attuned to the needs of this man.
Q. Why are we often not attuned to the needs of others?
A: We are absorbed in our own feelings, problems, worries and desires. We overlook the needs of those God puts in our path and ignore the opportunity to help them.
Q: How can you grow in your compassion for others?
A: It is impossible to be annoyed and compassionate at the same time. Frustration, suspicion, irritation, bitterness, dislike and anger are all signs that we may be looking at others without compassion. Ask God to cultivate a spirit of compassion within you.

CONNECTION  Jesus took the blind man by the hand (Mark 8:23).
And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, Do you see anything?

Q: Why is it significant that Jesus took the man by the hand.
A: Touch is an essential human need. When we shake hands or put an arm across a friend’s shoulder, the body releases neurological chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin that feel good, while also inhibiting chemicals that cause stress. But touch doesn’t just feel good; it is vital to being human. When babies and children are deprived of touch, their brain development is permanently impaired, which can destroy the growth of social abilities and result in lower intelligence.
Q: Why did Jesus lead the man out of the village?
A: Such a move may have been due to Jesus judgment on the town for its unbelief. Recall that Jesus refused to give the Pharisees a sign of His identity given their persistent unbelief in the face of His many miracles (vv. 11–13). Since Jesus also condemned Bethsaida for its disbelief even after the people there had seen Him do many signs and wonders (Matt. 11:21; Luke 10:13), His healing the man outside the town confirms His unwillingness to continue performing miracles before those who refuse to accept His teaching about His person and work.

CONVICTION  Jesus spit in the blind mans eyes (Mark 8:23).
23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, Do you see anything?

Q: Why did Jesus spit on the blind man’s eyes?
A: Ancient people generally believed that saliva had healing properties. The deaf man would have understood that Jesus’ use of saliva meant He intended to heal him.

CONVERSION  The blind man could partially see (Mark 8:24).
And he looked up and said, I see people, but they look like trees, walking.

Q: What is the meaning of this verse?
A: First, it's possible the man hadn’t always been blind. He was able to identify the people around his as people. Second, the man’s healing was not complete. He could discern light and shapes, but he could not see clearly.

CLARITY  The blind man finally saw everything clearly (Mark 8:25).
Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Q: Why did Jesus heal this man in stages?
A: This miracle was a sign to the disciples. And this is confirmed by the fact that Jesus had already asked them about their vision of Him (v. 18). He was now leading them by the hand to the point at which their sight would become much clearer. They, too, needed the second touch from the hands of their Master.
Q: What is the importance of having spiritual sight?
A1: Looking at our world through our mind’s eyes can bring stress, worry, fear, depression and hopelessness. But Jesus came that we may have life AND light. He gives us spiritual eyes to see!
A2: In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prays for his fellow believers – I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.

COMMISSION  Jesus sent the man home (Mark 8:26).
And he sent him to his home, saying, Do not even enter the village.

Q: Why did Jesus tell the man to not enter the village?
A: As before, Jesus sent him home with a command not to enter the village. No need for a show. No desire to make him a spectacle. This miracle was for his physical eyes, and it was for the disciples’ spiritual eyes. That it accomplished those two purposes was enough.

TAKE AWAYS:

1. God has created human beings with two sets of eyes, or two vision systems. There are your physical eyes so that you can see physical things, and spiritual eyes - or the eyes of the heart - so that you could perceive spiritual things.
2. Sin blinds! And it so fundamentally blinds us that it blinds us to our blindness! This passage really is about this dynamic of spiritual blindness.
3. The fact that Jesus may work in a manner that seems slower in some cases than in others—such as the blind man in Bethsaida—is encouraging. It tells us that we should not give up on those who seem to be hardened the most against the gospel. God may yet change their hearts, so we should continue praying for them and preaching the gospel to them as we have the opportunity.
4. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to be our glasses through which we see life differently than the world sees. We need to develop our spiritual eyesight by spending time with God through being in the Word and prayer.

Sprirtual Dullness - Mark 8:14-21

A WORD ABOUT LEAVEN: Yeast is the secret to making bread rise. When added to a lump of bread dough, the yeast ferments the starches in the dough and causes the dough to increase in size. Without yeast to leaven the dough, the loaf that comes out of the oven is flat. Remarkably, it takes little yeast to make the dough rise. A small amount is sufficient to leaven dough thoroughly.

In todays passage, Jesus alludes to this phenomenon of yeasts making dough rise in order to teach a spiritual lesson. It is a natural image to use because our Lord has just fed four thousand people with seven loaves of bread, and the disciples are noting how they forgot to bring enough bread for a meal with them in the boat (Mark 8:1to10, 14 to15). Jesus issues this warning: Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.

Since it only takes a small amount of yeast or other leavening agents to transform an entire lump of dough, Jesus must mean that it takes only a little bit of what the Pharisees and Herod have to offer to ruin a person. We say ruin because Christ is giving a warning statement and because leaven almost always represents sin in the New Testament.

Just a smidgen of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod suffices to transform what is good and useful into something bad and useless.

THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES AND THE LEAVEN OF THE HEROD (Mark 8:14-15).
14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.
 
Q. What does the leaven of the Pharisees signify (Mark 8:15)?
A1: Doctrinal error (resurrection of the body and immortality of the soul) and personal hypocrisy (willingness to use the temple to exploit people financially) - (Luke 12:1).
A2: System of works righteousness and superficial externalism that produced spiritual frauds that looked good on the outside but left a person dead on the inside (Matthew 23:27).

Q: What does the leaven of the Herod signify (Mark 8:15)?
A1: The leaven of Herod refers to the depraved, immoral behavior that characterized Herod Antipas and all who imitated him (Mark 6:21-28).
A2: The Herodians welcomed the immoral influences of Roman culture. They lived for comfort and luxury. They loved status, prestige, and the favor of people. They had their ear to the ground to be able to manipulate and maneuver politically and thus to advance themselves.

Q. What does the leaven of the Sadducees refer to?
A1: Though this group is not talked about in today’s passage, the leaven of the Sadducees refers to rationalism.
A2: The Sadducees denied the supernatural. They felt that everything could be explained by what one can see, taste, touch, smell, and feel. They believed that there is no power beyond man and that man is sufficient to himself

APPLICATION: Is there any leaven in your life that you need to rid yourself of?

THE DISCIPLES HARDNESS (Mark 8:16-21).
16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up? They said to him, Twelve. 20 And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up? And they said to him, Seven. 21 And he said to them, Do you not yet understand?
 
Q: What are the dangers of allowing leaven to work in us?
A1: Leaven can blind and deaf to the life-giving Word.
A2: It can cause us to take our relationship with Christ for granted.
A3: It can deceive us into thinking we are immune to the destructive effects of sin simply because we go to church regularly or because we have professed faith in Christ for many years.
A4: Just because we know Christ does not make us resistant to sin if we do not understand and apply what He has revealed.

Q: Why did Jesus chide the disciples for getting caught up in their concern regarding their lack of bread?
A: Because such worry and prolonged discussion over the matter (see vv. 14, 16) was possible only because the disciples still lacked the kind of faith that characterized those who are fully committed to Jesus. After all, if they had understood His identity, they would have just asked Him to meet their need for bread. They had seen Him feed thousand people with only a meager amount of food on two occasions already, and that is what made their shortsightedness so frustrating to our Lord (vv. 19–21; see 6:30–43; 8:1–10).

FURTHER QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
Q: Does leaven always equal legalism?
A: No. Leaven can refer to any distorted doctrine that is attached to the Gospel. We must be careful as we follow and listen to religious leaders who are great communicators or creative in their presentations. They might be fun to listen to, and they may speak bits of truth once in a while; but if there is a leaven of bad doctrine in their message, it can hinder us from obeying the truth of the Gospel as it creeps into every corner of thought and life. We are no better than the disciples who Jesus warned of this or the churches in Galatia and Corinth, who were warned by Paul. So, we must always be on guard as we listen to and follow religious leaders and communicators.
 
APPLICATION: Are there any clever communicators that you need to stop reading and listening to?

Q: How are leaven and self-sufficiency connected?
A: Self-sufficiency is a universal tendency. Our children often say, Mother, please, I'd rather do it myself! We don't want any help. We don't even want to tell people our problems, to let them know that we are not sufficient in ourselves. We all have this tendency within us to want to protect our images and to look as if we've got it made and don't need help. If someone makes us mad by offering aid, we tell them to: Get lost! Drop dead! I don't need you! That is leaven. It can take all kinds of forms.

APPLICATION: Are you pretending that you are in control and are self-sufficient?

In Luke 12:1, Jesus said, Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Another word for hypocrisy is pretending. We do a lot of this. We pretend we don't have any problems when we do. We pretend we're spiritual when we're not. We pretend we're joyful when we're unhappy and filled with misery. We pretending we tell the truth when we don't. All of this is hypocrisy, leaven, which comes from this detestable aversion to admitting that we need help.

APPLICATION: Where are you pretending?

Q: How do we purge leaven from our lives?
A: To purge the leaven means we must remove every vestige of sin from our lives. We must search it out and ruthlessly dispose of it. No sin, however small, should be allowed to remain. It’s very clear-cut with no grey areas or excuses. It is a process that should continue forever.

The fact that God called an annual feast was a reminder to His people to repeat the process. It’s not a one-time thing. It’s ongoing. We are reminded that sin sneaks back in, often under the guise of something useful or desirable, and we need to constantly eradicate it.
Is there “leaven” spreading in your life?
 
 

Mark 8:11-13

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

Lord I Need You

Verse 1
Lord I come I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
And without You I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Chorus 1
Lord I need You oh I need You
Ev'ry hour I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You

Verse 2
Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Bridge
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay

Chorus 2
Lord I need You oh I need You
Ev'ry hour I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You
My one defense my righteousness
Oh God how I need You

The King In All His Beauty

Verse 1
O lift your eyes to Heaven see
The Holy One eternal
Behold the Lord of Majesty
Exalted in His temple
As symphonies of angels’ praise
Now strain to sound His glory
Come worship fall before His grace
The King in all His beauty

Chorus
How worthy how worthy
How worthy
The King in all His beauty

Verse 2
Now see the King who wears a crown
One made of shame and splinters
The sacrifice for ruined man
The substitute for sinners
As Earth is stained with royal blood
And quakes with love and fury
He breathes His last and bows His head
The King in all His beauty

Verse 3
Now see the Savior lifted up
The Lamb who reigns in splendor
The hope of every tribe and tongue
His kingdom is forever
Bring praise and honor to His courts
Bring wisdom power blessing
For endless ages we’ll adore
The King in all His beauty

Show Us Christ

Verse 1
Prepare our hearts O God
Help us to receive
Break the hard and stony ground
Help our unbelief
Plant Your Word down deep in us
'Cause it to bear fruit
Open up our ears to hear
Lead us in Your truth

Chorus
Show us Christ show us Christ
O God reveal Your glory
Through the preaching of Your Word
Until every heart confesses Christ is Lord

Verse 2
Your Word is living light
Upon our darkened eyes
Guards us through temptations
Makes the simple wise
Your Word is food for famished ones
Freedom for the slave
Riches for the needy soul
Come speak to us today

Bridge
Where else can we go Lord
Where else can we go
You have the words of eternal life
(REPEAT)

Amazing Grace

Verse 1
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see

Verse 2
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Verse 3
Through many dangers toils and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home

Verse 4
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun

CCLI Song # 4755360
John Newton
Words: Public Domain
Music: Public Domain
For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 2612225


CCLI Song # 6169253
Bob Kauflin | Doug Plank
Copyright 2011 Sovereign Grace Praise (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
Sovereign Grace Worship (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License # 2612225


CCLI Song # 7124322
Matthew Boswell | Matthew Papa
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Sign Seekers - Mark 8:11-13

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHT: There is a proverb which states, There are none so blind as those who will not see. It means if your mind is set on one direction, it will be almost impossible to convince you of something different. Such is the frame of mind of the Pharisees concerning Jesus. When they approach Him and ask for a sign from heaven, their mind is already made up that Jesus is fake. Their intention is to expose Him as such and thus to undermine his authority and even hopefully, to completely discredit Him and have Him lose popular support.

SIGNS DEMANDED (Mark 8:11)
The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
 
Q: Why did the Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus?
A: A popular Jewish superstition alleged that demons could mimic earthly miracles (like the signs performed by the magicians in Pharaohs court; Ex. 7:11 to 12, 22), but only God could work wonders in the sky. The religious leaders could not deny that Jesus performed miracles on earth, but they insisted that He did so through the power of Satan (cf. Mark 3:22). Thus, if Jesus were unable to perform a miraculous sign in the heavens, it would bolster their claim to the people that He was not empowered by God.

Q: What do you think the Pharisees and Sadducees response would have been if Jesus had given them a sign from heaven?
A: On this and other occasions, the religious leaders exhibited permanent spiritual blindness: they responded to additional light with more intense rejection. The Pharisees and Sadducees were no different than Pharaoh who, with each sign that Moses performed, hardened his heart even more (Ex. 8:32; 9:12, etc.). Rather than responding in faith to the light of the Savior, they retreated even farther into the darkness.

SIGNS DENIED (Mark 8:12)
And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.
 
Q: Why did Jesus sigh deeply?
A: Jesus responded emotionally to their resolute faithlessness. The willful blindness of the religious leaders broke the Lord’s heart, later causing Him to weep over the people of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41).
 
Q: What did Jesus mean by asking his condemning question, Why does this generation seek a sign?
A: Jesus indicted the entire generation of Israelites who followed their apostate teaching (cf. Matt. 16:4). Like their ancestors who fell into apostasy (cf. Deut. 32:20; Judg. 2:10 to 11) and persecuted the prophets (cf. Matt. 23:29 to 36), the Jews of Jesus’ day proved similarly faithless.

Q: Why did Jesus refuse to give a sign?
A: Their willful rejection was such that no sign would convince them to believe. When confronted by the light, they ran deeper into the shrouded gloom of their self-righteous traditions. There was therefore no reason for Jesus to perform another miracle, since it would have only compounded their guilt. The permanence of their blindness was such that Jesus issued an unalterable verdict. the Lord would not oblige the wicked demands of hard-hearted unbelievers.

SAD DEPARTURE (Mark 8:13)
And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

Q: What is the significance of Jesus leaving the Pharisees and Sadducees?
A: This exchange constituted Jesus’ final conflict with the religious leaders in Galilee. Once again, they tried to put Him to a test He would fail (cf. Deut. 6:16). And once again, they failed and He rebuked them for their hard-hearted unbelief. From this point forward, the Lord’s miracles, like His parables, would primarily be intended for His disciples, and not for the religious leaders or even the crowds. Moreover, His public ministry in Galilee had come to its end. When He later made a trip through the region, He did so secretly (cf. Mark 9:30). The populace of Galilee had been given ample opportunity to repent and believe, but they did not (cf. Matt. 11:20–24). Having been finally rejected by them, Jesus shifted His focus to Judea and Jerusalem, and ultimately the cross.

FOUR LESSONS FOR US TODAY:
 
1. In ministry work, there will always be people we cannot please.
The writer and preacher Gordon MacDonald gives initials to several types of people we may meet: VRPs, VIPs, VTPs, VNPs and VDPs. The VIPs, of course, are the Very Important People, and the VRPs are Very Resourceful People – both are great people to have around. But the interesting category here are the VDPs. They are the Very Draining People. They are never happy; never satisfied; never appreciative. To reach the lost you could swim through shark-infested waters, trudge for days through desert and quicksand, wrestle wild animals, risk death from hostile tribes, all to bring the gospel to people in a far-off land, and the VDPs will ask Why didn’t you go last year? or You mean only ten came to faith? What about the other two?

2. There is great danger in presenting the Gospel in a way that is pleasing to the unsaved.
The Pharisees had seen and heard almost everything Jesus had done. He just fed thousands of people with a few loaves and fish, but the Pharisees wanted a sign from heaven and, of course, they had their own idea what that meant.

Jesus would not yield. He would not let anyone tell him what he must do. Only God set his agenda. He told his disciples: …the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does (John 5:19). He would not deviate.

Most of us know that car sales people will negotiate on price. Whatever the sticker says, that’s only their starting point. We offer less, they ask for more, we come up a bit, they come down a bit, and finally a price is agreed. In other words, they adjust to what the customer is willing to pay.

Jesus would not adjust. These Pharisees had set their own terms for following him, and he would not meet their demands. Take him as he was; accept the evidence already there. They were loved; they were wanted; this was something they needed to do. But there would be no discount on discipleship to suit their preferences.

When it comes to Christianity there is only one Master. That is Jesus, and no-one can manipulate him to fit their preferences.

3. Often people will not be one to Christ by debating with them.
Jesus did not engage in debate with these people. They were not honest enquirers; they were people who had come to trap him. He didn’t ask them what they meant by a sign from heaven or whether, if they got a sign, they’d demand another sign and then another and another. Questions like those would all have been good debating points, but if they were ever to be won over it would not be by debate.
 
4. Ultimately, not everyone will be won to Christ.
Jesus did not win everyone. In the last part of Luke 9 (verses 57-62), there are three people who all had reasons they could not follow Jesus, or at least not yet:

• A man who promised to follow but did not seem to have counted the cost.
• Another who wanted to prioritize burying his father but Jesus would not let him wait.
• Another who wanted to put family needs first and Jesus told him he could not look back.

FOUR LESSONS FOR US TODAY adapted from https://www.seminary.edu/dealing-with-draining-people-mark-811-13/