poolsandpastures
Thoughts on the Gospel, Life, and Ministry
The NT365 Experiment: Mark 12
When I was in the 10th grade (it may have been 11th), my English teacher assigned the Elie Weisel’s classic book, Night, for us to read. (If you’ve never read it, you should!) As I read the tragic story of Weisel’s firsthand account of the atrocities of Nazi imprisonment at Auschwitz, I was deeply moved. I was inspired by humans’ ability to overcome the most dire circumstances and to survive in the midst of death, but I was deeply convicted, saddened, and challenged by the reality of humans’ other side. We are capable of great things and doing great good; we are also capable of horrific things and doing great evil.
Though not nearly as emotionally extreme, I had a similar experience while reading Mark 12. The story of the widow’s offering (vv. 41-44), the Parable of the Tenants (vv. 1-12), and Jesus’ teaching on the greatest commandment (vv. 28-34) both inspired and encouraged me. Here’s why.
First, in the parable, the owner promised judgement to the wicked tenants who have rebuffed his oversight while plotting against him and beating and killing his servants and his son. The wicked will receive their due punishment. This is a grace of God and a wonderfully encouraging promise to the faithful people of God. Presently, it may not always appear that the wicked will be judged. In fact, it may even seem as if they are the ones who receive blessing. But, we can rest assured that eternal judgement will come their way by the hand of a righteous and faithful God. And, if this is the case, then eternal reward will be given to those who remain faithful to God and his calling upon their lives in Christ Jesus.
Second, the teaching on the greatest commandments communicates the simplicity of the Christian life. It is really as simple as loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and loving our neighbors as ourselves. We (at least I do) have a tendency to make the Christian life a lot more difficult than it really is. But, it is simple: Love God in faith and love others as we love ourselves. Get rid of all the other stuff and just start living a life of love for God and for other people. What an encouragement!
Third, the story of the widow’s offering inspires me to live a life of simple devotion to God. The woman had nothing more than two little coins to give to God, and she gave them. According to worldly standards, that’s not a big gift. It wouldn’t have accomplished much, but in the eyes of God it was precious. Why? Because she gave all she had for the sake of the glory and kingdom of God. Her gift demonstrated her heart’s devotion to God and her heart’s commitment to his purposes and kingdom. She gave her all, and she would be rewarded. It’s not about how much we have to give; it’s about giving all we have to the glory of God.
These same stories and the others contained in the chapter, however, brought deep conviction to my soul. As I finished reading this morning, I had some burning questions on my mind. They were:
- Do I try to trap Jesus like the religious leaders did? Do I think of myself as more intelligent than him?
- Do I live the simple Christian life of love for God and love for others? Or, do I try to add to Jesus’ simple commandments?
- Is my life characterized by Christian integrity — consistency between my confession of faith and the life I live? Or, am I a glaring hypocrite?
- Am I willing to give my all to Jesus? Have I given my all to him?
I pray that you have been or will be both inspired and convicted when reading Mark 12. And, I pray that the Holy Spirit will minister to your soul through his word and bring you closer to Christ.
poolsandpastures 