Mark 12 ~ Of all the commandments, which is the most important?

 

Mark 12

1 Jesus then began to speak to them in parables: "A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 2 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.

6 "He had one left to send, a Son, whom He loved. He sent Him last of all, saying, 'They will respect My Son.'

7 "But the tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 8 So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.

9 "What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Haven't you read this passage of Scripture:
" 'The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;

11 the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes' ?"

12 Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch Him in His Words. 14 They came to Him and said, "Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn't we?"

But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. "Why are you trying to trap me?" He asked. "Bring me a denarius and let me look at it." 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?"
"Caesar's," they replied.

17 Then Jesus said to them, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

And they were amazed at Him.

18 Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 19 "Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children. 21 The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third. 22 In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too. 23 At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?"

24 Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25 When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 26 Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob' ? 27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!"

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:
" 'The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet." '
37 David himself calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"
The large crowd listened to him with delight.

38 As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely."

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

Jesus replied to Jeremiah's writings by saying
John 20:29
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Jesus was doing something in this passage we should listen to - He was listening. On several occasions, He cried out - if you have ears - Listen. Jesus rose up at one of the Holy Days, in the midst of the dry routine and He jumped up and said:

John 7
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive.

And when Jesus taught He taught in parables. Because He was asking us not merely to hear the Word, but to be doers. Know the Scriptures and know the Power of God. Living Water is flowing into us as God's Believing Children.

The Holy Spirit will draw up a lesson and apply your life and your knowledge of His Word - the same Word that called Jesus into being - and all things He created - and if you listen - if you pray - if you have a continual conversation with Him - if you allow your mind to dwell richly on His Words. He is never going to leave or forsake you. If you seek Him with all your heart - your efforts will please God - and Jesus will answer you.

Rev. Allen Hughes said it's almost like a skip in the "Matrix" movie. God places Himself near and close and with His Beloved. If you see a coincidence, if your mind attaches two things - PRAY. I'm not in any way, shape or double meaning saying life is the Matrix, I'm saying, Expect God.

So, who did this in the Scriptures and was ordinary. Good question. All the people in the Scriptures are real and ordinary. All will fail. All will fall short. Of God. Because we are not Home with God. God's works don't belong to Moses or David - they belong to God. The One who takes you are, you are, Today and says "Beloved."

Why we fall short - well, that's easy. We are selfish, but we are trying to apply the Living Law of God - Honor Him first, then love others AS ourselves. Oops, that's part of the problem. We then start loving to our own detriment, Not called to do that. WE then want more - perhaps we should feel guilty. And then we bounce or swing like a yo yo between Jesus, saying He fulfills the Law and the Law of Love. Or we just hike out on our own.

The question - who expected God and wasn't like Moses or Jeremiah or someone overwhelming. Ok. Solomon. Solomon expected God. God wanted to speak to Solomon and praise him and gave him wisdom. Solomon promptly married the Pharaoh's daughter and set out on the hike of "suits me." And God responded. Solomon left the Temple he built and ran off to the high places, which sounds good. Except, Solomon took all that new 'wisdom' from the foreign wives and went into the incense of selfish 'ooom'. Solomon was demanding his own time, his own method, his own way and wanted God To Speak with the King.

Jesus tells us - the law of love is - Honor God First. Keep finding your gratitude in allowing God to make your life sufficient. Praise God for the moments HE will provide in the day to let you know - it's ok. Feel unblessed? List all your blessings - your hearing, your sight, your family, your health, your provisions, your joys in life and say 'I will give up this blessing." You might suddenly feel considerably more blessed. See the beauty He bestows in your life with renewed interest. Home!

We cannot be like Solomon and run down our own path and expect God to continually shower us with His Blessings. But like the Prodigal Father - Solomon did find - at the end of his life - God would also run to him and Solomon returned to His Beloved Father God. And without living the blessings - the Kingdom was divided and did fall during Solomon's uppity son's reign.

The Honor God first thing - HE knows what HE is about and means what He says!!!

…Before Abraham, I Am. John 8:58

…And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. John 1: 34

…are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25

…We have found the Messiah which, is being interpreted, the Christ. John 1:41

…I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

…through the knowledge of the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. II Peter 2: 20

..a name written King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Revelation 19:16

…I am the Light of the World. John 8:12

God is the same yesterday, today and Tomorrow!!!

.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Psalm 136 ~ His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

 

Psalm 136

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,

for His steadfast love endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods,

for His steadfast love endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for His steadfast love endures forever

4 to Him who alone does great wonders,

for His steadfast love endures forever

5 to Him who by understanding made the heavens,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

6 to Him who spread out the earth above the waters,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

7 to Him who made the great lights,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

8 the sun to rule over the day,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

9 the moon and stars to rule over the night

for His steadfast love endures forever;

10 to Him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

11 and brought Israel out from among them,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

13 to Him who divided the Red Sea in two,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

16 to Him who led His people through the wilderness,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

17 to Him who struck down great kings,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

18 and killed mighty kings,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

19 Sihon, king of the Amorites,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

20 and Og, king of Bashan,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

21 and gave their land as a heritage,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

22 a heritage to Israel His servant,

for His steadfast love endures forever.

23 It is He who remembered us in our low estate,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

24 and rescued us from our foes,

for His steadfast love endures forever;

25 He who gives food to all flesh,

for His steadfast love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,

for His steadfast love endures forever.

Deuteronomy 18:18

I will raise up for them a prophet like you 

from among their fellow Israelites,

and I will put my words in his mouth.

He will tell them everything I command him.

The Psalm of Many Mercies

God wants - God will Receive
What our Father God sets His Heart to do - what God Plans - God will Receive
Our Hope and Future God foresees is to save you - save me - save thousands of years of His people Yesterday, today and tomorrow - to Salvation in Jesus Christ.

Why?
 To enjoy living and moving and dwelling with us in His Kingdom.
God's Kingdom - where His will is perfectly accomplished.
As He can do on earth and practices all and daily in God's Heaven.

Thanksgiving. For the Plans of God.
Thanksgiving for the Amazing Plan of our Father God of Love

The Psalm of Many Mercies.

Our God will steadfastly Love.

Abba, Father,

We ask You for all Your Willing Blessings.

And what You give us is all we have. 

Every gift we have has come from You. Every day. Every thought. 

Everyone we Love. 

All goodness is from You.

Abba, what I can give You, that You did not give me - I can give You my sincere Thanks.

 I can tell You all about the person I am and You will care and listen.

Thank You, Father God, for Your Sincere Steadfast Love.

When I pray I am leaning against You, Father. 

And as I tell You, I know I am precious to You. I receive Your mercy. 

I know all happiness in Your mercy. 

Psalm 139 tells me - Your thoughts of me are more than the beaches hold sand.

I remember the delight my young sons had in the Joy of Steadfast Love.

 And this Psalm is living and active in this Joy. 

Covering us all in God's Love.

The Good News - nothing cuts us off From God. 

God reaches beyond all barriers to bring us His Love.

Thank You, God.

Thank You for Jesus Christ.

You are our comforter. Our Help. 

Our Helper. 

We have Peace in You.

Amen in Jesus Christ.

We are the Easter people. 

God's New Covenant is Love for one another.

In the Name of Jesus. 

We Pray Amen with our Alleluia. 

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes Bless The Lord Jesus

Yes Thank You Father

Luke 20:27-40 ~ raise up offspring

 

Luke 20:27-40

27 There came to Him some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, 28 and they asked Him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 

The brother who died, the goal was not to lose the brother,

to have an heir for the lost brother. To name the next child after the deceased.

To increase the family, provide for the widow. 

Safety in numbers. More likely to have more skills

and live in peace with more family.

29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And the second 31 and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. 32 Afterward the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.”

34 And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, 36 for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 

37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 

38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” 

39 Then some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” 

40 For they no longer dared to ask Him any question.

The topic of Luke 20 is ancient and goes all the way back to the Exodus.   Look at something that makes God look foolish and the Fruit of the Tree in Eden, more wise.

2 Peter 2:14-16

14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. 

They entice unsteady souls. 
They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 

15 Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. 

They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, 
who loved gain from wrongdoing.

  

Balaam of the talking donkey wasn't finished when he couldn't un bless the Children of Israel. Balaam began to try to seduce them with trouble and sin. Look at this, not this. Look at this, not that.  This was done to Julius Caesar as well. He was maligned as a boy toy and not a man of ability. The ploy is to remove ability and cause the slandered to peddle harder, to prove a lie is a lie. Remove abundant life and add in fear. Look at anger, arguments, confusion, sex, harm, controversy, have Fear. Not going to rattle Jesus. Nope, Jesus has this under His Feet. God is not worried.

Jesus tells us, He came to have life abundant.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

2:1-9 Though the way of error is a hurtful way, many are always ready to walk therein. Let us take care we give no occasion to the enemy to blaspheme the holy name whereby we are called, or to speak evil of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. These seducers used feigned words, they deceived the hearts of their followers. Such are condemned already, and the wrath of God abides upon them. God's usual method of proceeding is shown by examples. Angels were cast down from all their glory and dignity, for their disobedience. If creatures sin, even in heaven, they must suffer in hell. Sin is the work of darkness, and darkness is the wages of sin. See how God dealt with the old world. The number of offenders no more procures favour, than their quality. If the sin be universal, the punishment shall likewise extend to all. If in a fruitful soil the people abound in sin, God can at once turn a fruitful land into barrenness, and a well-watered country into ashes. No plans or politics can keep off judgments from a sinful people. He who keeps fire and water from hurting his people, Isa 43:2, can make either destroy his enemies; they are never safe. When God sends destruction on the ungodly, he commands deliverance for the righteous. In bad company we cannot but get either guilt or grief. Let the sins of others be troubles to us. Yet it is possible for the children of the Lord, living among the most profane, to retain their integrity; there being more power in the grace of Christ, and his dwelling in them, than in the temptations of Satan, or the example of the wicked, with all their terrors or allurements. In our intentions and inclinations to commit sin, we meet with strange hinderances, if we mark them When we intend mischief, God sends many stops to hinder us, as if to say, Take heed what you do. His wisdom and power will surely effect the purposes of his love, and the engagements of his truth; while wicked men often escape suffering here, because they are kept to the day of judgment, to be punished with the devil and his angels.

Is Matthew Henry way out of line? No, not in the Garden of Eden. No, not during the Exodus and by passing Balaam. Indeed, no, the Sadducees do not design Heaven nor the Resurrection.

No matter the controversy, God understands more wisely, more compassionately. God doesn't dig up trouble and leave it to grow. No lingering doubts. No insufficiency. The seed of Heaven doesn't do anything but grow, put out branches inviting those eager for Jesus. All the birds want to sit among the Branches of Heaven.

Nehemiah 8:10

“Then He said to them, 'Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, 
and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; 

for this day is holy to our Lord. 

Do not sorrow, 

for the joy of the Lord is your strength. '”

Jesus was known to be a glutton and a drinker. Having a meal, a party with those not of the correct righteousness.  One of the many differences between Jesus Christ and Samson, Jesus wasn't a Nazarene, eating and drinking a specific holy set of rules. Jesus believed He brought Joy.  Jesus said find give us this day.

Repent
Accepting all have fallen and need the Grace Jesus provides. Jesus was never uptight. Jesus sitting to teach, man believes he has the logic to understand God. God understands further than mankind.

Jesus just wasn't fussed. He sat down to discuss God with His people. Bringing Joy, Healing and Love. If the Sadducees didn't see, God wasn't going to change. His Plan. His Promise. His Unchanging Love.

1 Peter 2:25 

 For you were straying like sheep, 

but have now returned to the Shepherd

 and Overseer of your souls.

The Only Son of God wasn't fussy,

scolding for all things

easily offended

He didn't rush into Bars, to haul people out.

Didn't pop in to do a Holiness Check.

Jesus grabbed hearts and warmed

with His Love

His Grace

His Healing

Abba, Father

With the Holy Spirit alive and well. We fight the Good Fight.

Jeremiah 30:10

'Fear not, O Jacob My servant,' declares the LORD, 'And do not be dismayed, O Israel; For behold, I will save you from afar And your offspring from the land of their captivity. And Jacob will return and will be quiet and at ease, And no one will make him afraid."

Jeremiah 30:18

"Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob And have compassion on his dwelling places; And the city will be rebuilt on its ruin, And the palace will stand on its rightful place."

We will never, never, never give up the Calling of the Holy Spirit. To comfort those in need. And plan to look to our Father God expectantly with Joy for His Goodness. And provide security and protection for our children and grandchildren.

 Praying Jesus Love for those yet to be born. 

Blessings from Heaven to earth, in His Good Will.

Making our hearts, mind and soul where Jesus is proud of us.

 Today and tomorrow!

Our prayers. Our works. Our words. Our Hope. Our Future.

 Jesus be in these hopes for a plan.

Send Your Word, Please. 

You uphold the Universe With Your Word.

We pray with the weather for gentle rain. God bless.

We are the Easter people. God's New Covenant is Love for one another.

In the Name of Jesus. 

We Pray Amen with our Alleluia. 

Amen.

In Jesus Christ is 

Our Love, Joy and Hope.

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes Bless The Lord Jesus

Yes Thank You Father

Matthew 12:15-21 ~ in His name the nations will put their hope.

 

 

The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Rembrandt van Rijn. Luke 15:11-32.  

Luke 15: 20

So he got up and went to his father.

      "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, 

threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Matthew 12:15-21

Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, 16 warning them not to tell who he was. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

 18 "Here is my servant whom I have chosen,

      the one I love, in whom I delight;

   I will put my Spirit on him,

      and he will proclaim justice to the nations.

 19 He will not quarrel or cry out;

      no one will hear his voice in the streets.

 20 A bruised reed he will not break,

      and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,

   till he leads justice to victory.

    21 In his name the nations will put their hope."

[Isaiah 42:1-4]

Matthew 1:21

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

We have previously join a small group to work on the book “Just Walk Across the Room” by Bill Hybels. I adore my small group, I’ve known them all about 17 years. Evangelism is a difficult subject; I’ve planted seeds for 31 years and don’t know how God has watered them. We did ‘cliff notes’ on the book this last week (our book shipment is still in transit), it seems reasonable and balanced. When we love the Lord, we know He is the Father running to His son – we are that child of God. We want to share God’s love.

Matthew 3:17

And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; 

with Him I am well pleased."

Luke 9:34-35

While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, 

and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 

A voice came from the cloud, saying, 

"This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him."

John 14:1-3

1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 

2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, 

I would have told you.

 I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going."

My Facebook discussion today was with some of my friends from my Pennsylvania High School; I never knew John Lennon had a born-again portion of his life (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/music/news/2007/001-22.0.html)  and wasn’t aware Bob Dylan claims off and on to have left his behind.  Reading about the pressure to leave faith in Jesus’ salvation, it would be really tough to endure on a public scale. I haven’t ever had public pressure like that to leave my faith, but I have lost a child. I realized that apart from Jesus Christ, I have no good. The waters in life are too swift and deep for me to claim I row or steer my voyage in life without help. His Help. His Comforter. 

The Christian call to witness and evangelize, when taken seriously, can be overwhelming. But we should look to the Words God spoke to us. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God.

Abba, Father, 

In God’s eternal promises, rejoice! 

      Jesus, the one I love, in whom I delight;

His Holy Spirit

      and He will proclaim justice to the nations.

He will not quarrel or cry out;

      no one will hear His voice in the streets.

How much Jesus accomplished

without the strong arm tactic

of any threat.

Jesus proclaims

Through Jesus Christ, 

to whom be glory forever and ever. 

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes Bless The Lord Jesus

Yes Thank You Father