Most Important Commandments

²⁸ One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” ²⁹ Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. ³⁰ And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” ³² The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. ³³ And I know it is important to love Him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.” ³⁴ Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask Him (Jesus) any more questions. Mark 12:28-34 (NLT)

After the Sadducees failed to trap Jesus regarding the resurrection, one of the teachers of the religious law (scribe or lawyer) who was standing there listening to Jesus and the Sadducees debating realized that Jesus had given the Sadducees a good answer (Mark 12:28; see also Matthew 22:34). In Mark’s Gospel, the religious teacher showed respect for Jesus’ wisdom and His answer given to the Sadducees regarding the resurrection (Mark 12:28). However, Matthew’s Gospel stated when the Pharisees heard that He [Jesus] had silenced the Sadducees with His reply, they met together to question Jesus once more (Matthew 22:34). One of the Pharisees was an expert in religious law, and he tried to trap and test Jesus with a question (Matthew 22:35).

The religious teacher (scribe or lawyer) asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” (Mark 12:28, TLB; see also Matthew 22:36). According to Mark’s Gospel, the religious teacher’s question was a serious question and not an attempt to discredit Jesus. For the centuries, the Jewish religious teachers had been debating the issue of the most important commandments. By Jesus’ time, the Jewish religious teachers believed the Law of Moses contained 613 commandments (laws). Some of these laws were negative commands while others were positive commands. The Jewish religious teachers were constantly weighing these 613 laws as greater (heavy) and lesser (light) commandments. However, the error behind this approach was obvious: one needed only to break one law to be guilty before God (see Matthew 5:19; Galatians 3:10-10). “A person who follows all of God’s law but fails to obey even one command is guilty of breaking all the commands in that law” (James 2:10, NCV).

To resolve this debate, Jesus summarized all of God’s laws by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18 found in the Old Testament law. (Jesus was Jewish). Jesus taught the religious teacher the first and most important commandment, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only God and you must love Him with all your heart and soul (life) and mind (intellect) and strength” (Mark 12:29-30, TLB; see also Matthew 22:37-38, Luke 10:27, quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is part of the Shema, used by all Jews in their daily prayers and confession of faith. Then, Jesus taught the religious teacher the second and equally important commandment, “You must love others as much as yourself” (Mark 12:31, TLB; see also Matthew 22:39, quoting Leviticus 19:18). This love for others includes our enemies too (see Mark 5:43-44; Luke 6:35; John 13:34-35) by loving others through good deeds and actions (e.g., see Matthew 5:14-16; Galatians 5:14, 22-23; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 John 3:16-18). Many biblical scholars have noted that Jesus’ simple teaching summarized the two halves of the Ten Commandments (duty to God and duty to our neighbor). Love demonstrates the true reality of our salvation (John 13:34-35; see also Romans 5:5; 1 John 3:14; 1 John 4:20-21).

With these two Old Testament quotes, Jesus taught the religious teacher there are no other commandments greater than these two commandments (Mark 12:31). These two commandments summarize the Ten Commandments and the other Old Testament moral laws (Matthew 22:40; see also Matthew 7:12; Romans 13:10). The law demands our wholehearted devotion to God and genuine love for one’s neighbor. When you love God wholeheartedly and care for others in need, then we have fulfilled the original intent of the Ten Commandments and the other Old Testament laws (see John 13:34-35; Romans 13:8-10; Colossians 3:14; James 2:8). If we sincerely love God, we will experience His love within and will express that love towards others. Acting in self-giving love towards God and others is obeying God’s deepest demands (Matthew 5:17-20). According to Jesus, these two commandments are joined and cannot be separated (see also 1 John 4:20-21).

The teacher of religion (scribe) replied to Jesus, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He and to love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices” (Mark 12:32-33, NKJV). Realizing the religious teacher’s response, Jesus said to the teacher, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34, TLB). Jesus discerned (recognized) that the religious teacher’s heart was sincere and honest as he publicly agreed with Jesus’s teaching (Mark 12:32-33). Not all of the Pharisees were hypocrites. After that, no one dared to ask Jesus any more questions (Mark 12:34).

As a side note, we are also to love Jesus with all our hearts, all our mind, and all our strength because Jesus is God incarnate (human flesh) (e.g., see John 1:1-5, 14; Colossians 1:15, 19-20; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:1-3). Jesus is part of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and Jesus deserves our love, devotion, and allegiance. 

Amazingly, Jesus’ summary of the Law of Moses is essentially the same answer given by the Jews in the Old Testament. The Old Testament prophets repeatedly taught that there was more to the Jewish religion than offering sacrifices, religious rituals, and keeping laws (e.g., see 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6-8; Psalm 51:16-17; Psalm 141:1-2; Isaiah 1:11-17; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21-23; Micah 6:6-8). Even more, the New Testament Epistles agree with Jesus’ teaching (e.g., Hebrews 10:5-8). If we love God, we will also love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 7:12; 1 John 3:10-18; 4:7-21). God wants our compassion, fairness, and mercy towards others as well as our total allegiance and obedience to Him as the only true and living God (see Exodus 20:3-6; Deuteronomy 4:35; Deuteronomy 5:7-10; Deuteronomy 10:12; Isaiah 33:15; Isaiah 45:21; Amos 5:4; Micah 6:6-8; Habakkuk 2:4). Where there is a real love for God and others in our hearts, there will be service and obedience (see John 14:21; John 15:10). We do not live by rules but by relationships, a loving relationship to God that enables us to have a loving relationship with others. We are to walk in love in all of our relationships (Galatians 5:14; Ephesians 5:2). For Jesus, one cannot fulfill the requirements of the Shema in rituals or sacrifice without a wholehearted love of God complemented by a genuine love of others (see also 1 John 4:7-12). A right relationship with God will lead to a moral relationship with others.

The events described in Matthew and Mark’s Gospels are similar to an event described in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 10:25-37; see also Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34). However, Luke’s Gospel describes a different conversation with an “expert in the law” who asked Jesus how “to inherit eternal life” (see Luke 10:25). Jesus informed the “expert in the law” that loving God and loving others brings life (Luke 10:27-28; see also Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22). God’s requirement for eternal life is to love Him wholeheartedly and to love your neighbor as much as yourself.

Our love for others as Jesus commanded includes loving all people of other ethnicities, sexualities, and religions (see Luke 10:29-37). In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus taught the importance of showing compassion, kindness, and mercy to all people in need regardless of race, creed, or social backgrounds (see also Luke 6:27-35; John 15:12; Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 4:10-11). Love of others knows no national boundaries. God requires His people to show mercy and forgiveness, even to strangers, aliens, and enemies (e.g., Exodus 22:21; Exodus 23:4-5, 9; Leviticus 19:33-34; Micah 6:8). Giving unselfish and unlimited assistance to others in need is true love in action (1 John 3:17-20).

⁴ Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love does not want what it does not have. Love does not strut, does not have a swelled head, ⁵ does not force itself on others, is not always “Me first,” does not fly off the handle, does not keep score of the sins of others, ⁶ does not celebrate when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, ⁷ puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (MSG)

References

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Life Essentials Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011).

Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

The Holy Bible NIV 2011 (Grand Rapids, MI: Biblica, 2011).

The Living Bible (Tyndale House, 1971).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Christianity 101: Week One

Knowledge begins with respect for the LORD. Proverbs 1:7 (NCV)

Everyone today wants to believe the Holy Bible and accept the Holy Bible as the source of our faith. However not too many people want to obey and respect the Holy Scriptures’ teaching. To get around obeying God’s teaching from the Holy Bible, some people will try to twist and contort the Holy Scriptures to say what they want the Holy Bible to say so they can continue an unholy lifestyle. Also, some people take figurative language and keywords found in the Holy Bible beyond the authors’ original meaning (e.g., Revelation 22 and connection with Genesis chapters 1 through 3). Hence, there is the need for hermeneutics or exegesis. Exegesis is the science of interpreting the Holy Bible to help people understand God’s Word. 

For most modern people trying to understand the Holy Bible, they approach the Holy Bible with their personal agendas, worldviews, and beliefs –consciously and unconsciously – before actually reading the text itself. Sadly, many people, particularly non-Christians, frequently deny the absolute truth and the existence of God. To understand and interpret the Holy Bible, one must acknowledge first that God the Creator exists and that He has communicated to humanity through His created world and the Holy Bible (see Romans 1:19-21). Even more, one must humbly submit our personal agendas, worldviews, and beliefs to God and His teachings found in the Holy Bible (see Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10; Isaiah 50:10). True knowledge begins with respect and reverence for God (Proverbs 1:7). With our submission to God, God’s Holy Spirit will help everyone distinguish and absorb God’s true teaching (see John 14:17; John 15:26; John 16:13). Diligent study of the Holy Bible and God’s Holy Spirit give readers significant judgement and insight to distinguish counterfeit teaching and false doctrine (see 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:13-16). 

Throughout church history, people have tried numerous methods to interpret the Holy Scriptures. In the early church, many church fathers commonly interpreted the Holy Scriptures through allegorical methods as the pagan world. For example, Origen of the early church spoke of the Holy Bible having a three-fold meaning or sense: body, soul, and spirit. The body of the Scripture is the Scriptures plain or literal meaning. The soul of the Holy Bible means the practical or moral application. The spirit points to Jesus Christ, His Gospel and eternal truths. During the Reformation period, the church fathers aimed to get to the true meaning of the Holy Scriptures and to accept the Bible as God’s final authority and not church doctrine, church council nor Rome. Modern theologians today support the grammatical and historical interpretation to ascertain God’s true meaning of the Bible. According to these theologians, one cannot understand the Holy Scriptures without first understanding the grammatical and ancient culture of the Bible authors. S.R. Driver is a modern theologian who appreciated the awareness of the ancient world to interpret fully and understand the Holy Scriptures. 

Regardless of your approach, the Holy Scriptures calls everyone to study God’s Word so one can understand God and His teaching. When we study God’s Word carefully and invest time understanding His teachings, we absorb God’s truth and gain true knowledge for living (Proverbs 2:1-5).

 

References

McCartney, Dan. Let the Reader Understand (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presb. and Reformed Publishing, 2^nd Edition, 2002)

Schwab, George, Ph.D., Professor of Exegesis (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Schwab, George, Ph.D. “Origen: The Principles and Methods of His Exegesis As Seen In Comparison with S.R. Driver” (1993).

Our Resurrection

¹⁸ Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees — religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: ¹⁹ “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that if a man dies, leaving a wife without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name. ²⁰ Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children. ²¹ So the second brother married the widow, but he also died without children. Then the third brother married her. ²² This continued with all seven of them, and still there were no children. Last of all, the woman also died. ²³ So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her.” ²⁴ Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you do not know the Scriptures, and you do not know the power of God. ²⁵ For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven. ²⁶ “But now, as to whether the dead will be raised — have you not ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ ²⁷ So He is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error.” Mark 12:18-27 (NLT)

After the Pharisees and Herodians failed to entrap Jesus with their tax question, the Sadducees questioned Jesus about the resurrection (Mark 12:18; see also Matthew 22:23; Luke 20:27). The Sadducees were wealthy and sophisticated Jewish religious leaders who believed there was no resurrection from the dead (Mark 12:18; see also Matthew 22:23; Luke 20:27). Not only did the Sadducees believe there was no resurrection, they also did not believe in future punishment and reward or the existence of angels and spirits (Acts 23:8). The Sadducees only upheld the written Pentateuch (Genesis — Deuteronomy) and they believed the written Pentateuch had no direct and exact teaching about the resurrection, future judgement, and angels (Acts 23:8; see also Acts 4:1-2). However, the Pharisees, another Jewish religious group, believed in the life after death, resurrection, final judgment, angels, and spirits (Acts 23:8). The Pharisees upheld not only the written Pentateuch (Genesis — Deuteronomy) but also the oral traditions of the elders that interpreted the Pentateuch. 

The Sadducees asked Jesus: “Teacher, Moses gave us a law that when a man dies without children, the man’s brother should marry his widow and have children in his brother’s name” (Mark 12:19, TLB; see also Matthew 22:24; Luke 20:28, quoting Deuteronomy 25:5-10). So, the Sadducees proceed to say there were seven brothers and the oldest married a woman and died, and left no children (Mark 12:20; see also Matthew 22:25; Luke 20:29). Next, the second brother married the widow, but soon he died too and left no children. Then the next brother married her and died without children (Mark 12:21; see also Matthew 22:26; Luke 20:30). This continued until all seven brothers died, and still there were no children conceived by the woman (Mark 12:22 see also Matthew 22:26; Luke 20:31). Finally, the woman died too (Mark 12:22; see also Matthew 22:27; Luke 20:32). Then, the Sadducees asked Jesus, “In the resurrection, whose wife will she be, for she had been the wife of all seven brothers?” (Mark 12:23, TLB; see also Matthew 22:28; Luke 20:33). 

With their line of questioning, the Sadducees wanted to make a mockery of not only Jesus but also their enemies, the Pharisees, regarding the levirate marriage. According to Old Testament law, when a man died without a male child, his brother had to marry the widow and produce children to care for the widow and allow the family line to continue (Deuteronomy 25:5-10; see also Genesis 38:8-10; Ruth 4:1-12). However, many biblical scholars believe the Jewish people rarely performed this marriage law. The Sadducees (who had no belief of the resurrection and the afterlife) tried to trip Jesus up on this question with a fictitious example of the “levirate marriage,” but Jesus saw through the Sadducees’ scheme.

Jesus said to the Sadducees, “Your trouble is that you do not know the Scriptures and do not know the power of God” (Mark 12:24, TLB see also Matthew 22:29). The true and living God is all-powerful and He has the power and sufficiency to raise the dead (e.g., see Luke 24:6-7; John 5:21; Acts 2:24; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 1:9). Furthermore, Jesus said, “For when these seven brothers and the woman rise from the dead, they will not be married — they will be like the angels” (Mark 12:25, TLB see also Matthew 22:30; Luke 20:36). In the resurrection, men and women will not marry because there is no married state and no death in the after-life. In the resurrection, resurrected saints relationship change and we will be as angels (see also 1 Corinthians 15:35-50). In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus replied to the Sadducees, “Marriage is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage and they will never die again” (Luke 20:34-36, NLT). 

Then Jesus taught the Sadducees and said, “But now as to whether there will be a resurrection — have you never read in the book of Exodus about Moses and the burning bush? God said to Moses, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and I am the God of Isaac, and I am the God of Jacob’ (Mark 12:26, TLB; see also Matthew 22:31-32; Luke 20:37, referencing Exodus 3:6). Jesus goes on to say, “The living God is God of the living, not the dead. You are way, way off base” (Mark 12:27, MSG; see also Matthew 22:32; Luke 20:38). Luke’s Gospel also added that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are alive with God (Luke 20:38). Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were alive with God when God spoke those words to Moses (see Exodus 3:6, 15-16). God did not tell Moses that He was (past tense) the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Instead, God said to Moses, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6). Therefore, Jesus taught that the Sadducees had overlooked Exodus 3:6 because the Pentateuch teaches that there is life after death. All true believers of Jesus will enjoy the resurrection and eternal life with God (e.g., see Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22). 

Matthew’s Gospel added that when the crowds heard Jesus’ response on the resurrection, they were astounded at Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 22:33). Luke’s Gospel said that some of the religious teachers of the law who were listening to Jesus’ response to the Sadducees said, “Well said, Teacher!” (Luke 20:39, NLT). “No one dared to ask Him (Jesus) any more questions” (Luke 20:40, NLT). The Sadducees thought that they were smart, but Jesus soon revealed He is smarter (Matthew 22:31-33). 

Many people have questioned the afterlife. In Jesus’ day, the Sadducees and many others denied the resurrection from the dead (e.g., see Acts 4:1-4; Acts 17:18). Doubters of the afterlife continue among many groups today (among them Black Muslims, Buddhists, Marxist, and most atheists). For the Apostle Paul, he saw the issue of the resurrection the most important issue for the church. According to the Apostle Paul, “For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless” (1 Corinthians 15:13-14, NLT). The Apostle Paul was a Pharisee (Acts 26:5; Philippians 3:5) and he believed in the resurrection of the dead, final judgment, angels, and spirits (see Acts 23:6-8; Acts 24:15-21). In his New Testament writings, the Apostle Paul revealed how Jesus finally conquered death (1 Corinthians 15).

Apostle Paul:  ³ I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. ⁴ He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. . . . ¹² But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? ¹³ For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. ¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. ¹⁵ And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that cannot be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. ¹⁶ And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. ¹⁸ In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! ¹⁹ And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. ²⁰ But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. ²¹ So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another Man. ²² Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. . . . ⁴⁵ The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. . . . ⁵⁷ But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸ So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 12-22, 45, 57-58 (NLT)

Reference

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

The Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Church and State

¹³ Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which He could be arrested. ¹⁴ “Teacher,” they said, “We know how honest You are. You are impartial and do not play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us — is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? ¹⁵ Should we pay them, or should we not?” Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap Me? Show Me a Roman coin, and I will tell you.” ¹⁶ When they handed it to Him, He asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. ¹⁷ “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply completely amazed them. Mark 12:13-17 (NLT)

During Jesus’ public ministry, Jewish religious and political leaders often plotted against Jesus to trick and trap Him to discredit His ministry and to arrest Him (e.g., see Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:6; Mark 11:27; John 5:18; John 11:53). The religious and political leaders continued their entrapment attempts during Holy (Passion) Week – week of Jesus’ arrest, suffering, sacrificial death, and resurrection to bring world salvation (Mark 12:13; see also Matthew 22:15; Luke 20:20). According to Luke’s Gospel, these religious and political leaders were spies and they pretended to be honest men, but they were hypocrites (Luke 20:20; see also Matthew 6:2, 5, 16). These men tried “to catch Jesus in His words” to expose Jesus as a false teacher and report Him to the Roman governor so He would be arrested (Luke 20:20).

On one occasion, the religious and political leaders said to Jesus, “we know You tell the truth no matter what! You are not influenced by the opinions and desires of men, but sincerely teach the ways of God. Now tell us, is it right to pay taxes to Rome, or not?” (Mark 12:14, TLB; see also Matthew 22:16-17; Luke 20:21-22). These religious and political leaders were Pharisees and Herodians, and they wanted to entrap Jesus about the oppressive Roman taxation. The Pharisees, a Jewish religious group, bitterly opposed the Roman occupation of Israel. The Herodians, a Jewish political party, supported Roman rule over Israel and Herod Antipas. Normally, the Pharisees and Herodians were bitter enemies, but here they form an unlikely alliance against Jesus. If Jesus gave a positive view of the Roman taxation system, then Jesus’ response would alienate Him with the Jewish people. Many Jews despised the Roman’s unjust taxation. However, if Jesus disapproved of the Roman taxation system, then His response would lead to execution for treason against Rome. Thus, the Jewish leaders tried to corner Jesus with their loaded and flattering question about Roman taxation. A brilliant plan on the surface. However, Jesus’ reply was even more brilliant (Mark 12:17; see also Matthew 22:22; Luke 20:25-26).

Jesus immediately saw through the Jewish leaders’ hypocrisy, evil intentions, and deception (Mark 12:15; see also Matthew 22:18; Luke 20:23). In fact, Jesus knew that the Jewish leaders’ real motives were not to get an answer to a question, but to entrap Him. As God incarnate (in human flesh) (John 1:1-5, 14), Jesus saw these leaders’ hearts and true motives (e.g., see 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 29:17; Psalm 44:21; John 2:24-25; 2 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:4). God is all knowing and all seeing (omniscience) (e.g., see Psalm 33:13-15, Jeremiah 16:17; Hebrews 4:13). So, Jesus said to the Jewish leaders, “show Me a coin and I will tell you” (Mark 12:15, TLB; see also Matthew 22:18; Luke 20:24). The Jewish leaders gave the coin to Jesus (Mark 12:16; see also Matthew 22:18). Then, Jesus asked the Jewish leaders, “Whose picture and title is this on the coin?” (Mark 12:16, TLB; see also Matthew 22:20; Luke 20:24). The leaders replied, “Caesar’s” (Mark 12:16; see also Matthew 22:21; Luke 20:24). Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17, NIV; see also Matthew 17:25; Matthew 22:17, 21; Luke 20:25; Romans 13:6-7). Ultimate authority comes from God alone (e.g., see Exodus 18:11; 2 Kings 5:15; Psalm 24:1). At Jesus’ wise and brilliant response, the religious leaders were amazed and baffled (Mark 12:17; see also Matthew 22:22; Luke 20:26). Luke’s Gospel adds the religious and political leaders failed to trap Jesus by what He said in front of the people (Luke 20:26).

In essence, Jesus avoided this evil trap by recognizing that God’s people have dual citizenship and obligations to both God and the government (Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:13-17). For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God (Romans 13:1; see also Daniel 4:17; John 19:11). God controls the world including the governmental systems and rulers (Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 45:1; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Corinthians 10:26). All God’s people are to live at peace with the state, do what is right, and pay governmental taxes (Romans 13:1, 3-4, 6-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14, 16; Titus 3:1; see also Proverbs 24:21).

Our citizenship in the nation requires that we submit and honor government authorities and pay taxation (fees) for the services and benefits we receive from the government (Romans 13:1-7). Today, these services include fire and police protection, national defense, the salaries of the government officials who manage the affairs of state, special programs for the poor and underprivileged, etc. God’s people must accept the fact that God has established governmental authority (see also Proverbs 8:15-16; Daniel. 2:21; 1 Timothy 2:1-6). Human government is essential to a safe and orderly society in a sinful world. In fact, many of God’s servants serve in governmental positions (remember Daniel and Joseph) (Romans 13:4). Thus, God’s people must respect government authorities, obey the law, pay taxes, and pray for all who are in authority (see Jeremiah 29:4-7).

Nevertheless, God’s people are also required wholeheartedly to worship, obey, and love God first. We are created in God’s image and must live under God’s authority foremost (Genesis 1:26-27). Our devotion and allegiance to God do not excuse God’s people from their responsibilities to civil government. Jesus and His apostles, including Apostle Paul, never disobeyed the government for personal reasons. If Jesus and His apostles did disobey, it was only to obey and follow God’s moral standards and authority first. Thus, when the two authorities have conflict, God’s people have their first allegiance and obedience to God first before our duty to the government (e.g. see Exodus 1:17; Acts 4:19-20; Acts 5:29). God’s people are to pray regularly for our government and governmental officials (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Our sincere prayers will have powerful results (James 5:16).

References

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Jesus Is the Cornerstone

Jesus:  “¹⁰ Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone (capstone). ¹¹ This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous (wonderful) in our eyes?’” Mark 12:10-11 (NKJV)

On the Tuesday of Holy (Passion) Week, Jesus began teaching the people with various story-illustrations (parables or allegory) about Israel’s relationship to God’s Son (Mark 12:1-12; see also Matthew 21:33-46; Luke 20:9-19). Jesus not only healed people, performed exorcisms, and worked miracles, but He also taught the people about God and God’s Kingdom. Jesus’ favorite way of teaching people about God was using parables (e.g., see Matthew 13:2-3; Luke 8:4; Mark 3:23; Mark 4:2, 10-11, 13, 33-34). In general, parables are a comparison of two objects for teaching, usually in the form of a story.

In one of the stories, Jesus said a landowner (God) planted a vineyard (Israel) (Mark 12:1; see also Matthew 21:33; Luke 20:9). The landowner (God) built a wall around the vineyard (Israel), dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower (Mark 12:1; see also Matthew 21:33). Then, the landowner (God) leased the vineyard to tenant farmers (Israel’s religious leaders) and moved to another country (Mark 12:1; see also Matthew 21:33; Luke 20:9).

In this parable, Jesus reminded Israel of God's goodness to them as a nation. Jesus pictured Israel as God’s vineyard (see Isaiah 5:1-7). God had cultivated Israel to be His special treasure – “a kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation” – from among all the peoples on earth order to bring salvation to the world (Exodus 19:5-6; see also 1 Peter 2:5, 9-10). Even more, God the Father blessed Israel with material and spiritual blessings, and He only asked that they obey His commandments and give Him a “spiritual harvest” of good fruit for His glory. Instead of being grateful for their blessings and joyfully giving God with good fruit, Israel and Israel’s religious leaders (the chief priests, teachers of the law, elders, Pharisees, and Sadducees) not only frustrated God’s purpose; they also killed God’s faithful servants from Israel. These servants were God’s prophets and priests who remained faithful to Him and faithfully preached to Israel (see Nehemiah 9:26; Jeremiah 7:25-26; Jeremiah 25:4-7; Matthew 23:29-39; Acts 7:52; Hebrews 11:36-38). Again and again in the Old Testament, God sent His faithful servants a message from God: “Turn from the evil road you are traveling and from the evil things you are doing. . . . Do not provoke My anger by worshiping idols you made with your own hands. Then I will not harm you.” (Jeremiah 25:5-6, NLT). However, Israel and their leaders would not listen or pay attention to rid themselves of hatred, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil of every kind and bear good fruit (Jeremiah 25:4, 7; see also Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:25-32; 1 Peter 2:1). Finally, God sent His beloved Son (Jesus) as the Heir to the vineyard to collect the spiritual harvest (Mark 12:6-7; see also Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22). However, Israel and their leaders killed Jesus. God is faithful, loving, gracious, patient, and compassionate but He will not tolerate our continually sin and wickedness (Exodus 34:6-7). Throughout the Holy Scriptures, God called His people to be holy (perfect, mature, and restored) (e.g., see Exodus 19:5-6; Leviticus 11:44-45; Matthew 5:48; 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Peter 1:15-16), and God has graciously sent His Holy Spirit through faith in His Son (Jesus) to be holy (see Romans 8).

At the time of the grape harvest (harvest time), the landowner (God) sent one of His servants (Old Testament prophets or messengers) to collect some of the fruit from the vineyard (Mark 12:2; see also Matthew 21:34; Luke 20:10). However, the tenant farmers (religious leaders) grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed (Mark 12:3; see also Luke 20:10). Matthew’s Gospel adds that the tenant farmers grabbed the landowner’s servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another (Matthew 21:35). Again, the landowner (God) sent another servant (prophet or messenger), but the tenant farmers insulted the servant and beat him over the head (Mark 12:4; see also Matthew 21:36; Luke 20:11). The next servant God sent was killed (Mark 12:5). Other servants sent from the landowner were beaten, and others were killed (Mark 12:5; see also Luke 20:12).

In trying to reach Israel with His love and grace, the landowner (God) sent His dearly loved Son (Jesus) (Mark 12:6; see also Matthew 21:37; Luke 20:13). The landowner (God) sent His Son thinking, “surely they will respect My Son” (Hebrews 1:1-3). However, the tenant farmers (Israel’s religious leaders) said to one another, “Here comes the Heir to this estate. Let us kill Him and get the estate for ourselves” (Mark 12:7; see also Matthew 21:38; Luke 20:14). So, the tenant farmers (Israel’s religious leaders) grabbed the landowner’s Son (Jesus), murdered Him, and threw His body out of the vineyard (Mark 12:8; see also Matthew 21:39; Luke 20:15; Hebrews 13:12-13). The tenant farmers ignored God's gracious gift of His Son.

Then, Jesus told the listening crowd, “What do you suppose the landowner (God) of the vineyard will do?” (Mark 12:9; see also Matthew 21:40; Luke 20:15). Jesus said that the owner (God) will come and destroy those wicked and stubborn tenant farmers (Israel’s religious leaders) and lease the vineyard to others (Gentiles) (Mark 12:9; see also Luke 20:16). In Matthew’s Gospel, Israel’s religious leaders responded to Jesus’ question by saying, “He (God) will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give Him His share of the crop after each harvest” (Matthew 21:41, NLT). Jesus’ prediction of Israel’s coming destruction was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed by Rome (Mark 12:9).

Finally, Jesus reminded His listeners the statement from the Old Testament book of Psalm: “Did you not ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The Stone that the builders rejected has now become the Cornerstone (Capstone). This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see’” (Mark 12:10-11, NLT, quoting Psalm 118:22-23; see also Matthew 21:42; Luke 20:17). Luke’s Gospel also adds that Jesus said, “Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on” (Luke 20:18, NLT). Jesus referred to Himself as the Stone rejected by the builders. Although the religious leaders rejected Jesus, Jesus predicted He would become the Cornerstone of a new “building” called the church (Acts 4:11-12; Romans 9:32-33; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:4-7).

Matthew’s Gospel further added that Jesus informed the religious leaders:  “the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation (Gentiles) that will produce the proper fruit” (Matthew 21:43; see also Galatians 5:22-23). In other words, God took the vineyard away from Israel and gave to the church, which is composed largely of Gentiles (1 Peter 2:9-10). The Apostle Paul turned to the Gentiles, when the Jews, for the most part, rejected Jesus and the Gospel message (e.g., see Acts 13:46; Acts 18:6). By the second century, the church was composed mainly of Gentile Christians. Although Jesus was rejected by many Jewish people, He became the saving Capstone or Cornerstone of a new building, the church (Acts 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:7; see also Isaiah 28:16). In His death and resurrection, Jesus became the chosen, precious, and life-giving Cornerstone and all who wholeheartedly believe in Jesus will be saved (1 Peter 2:4-5, 7-8; see also Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11-12; Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 15:45).

Then, Israel’s religious leaders wanted immediately to arrest Jesus (Mark 12:12; see also Matthew 21:46; Luke 20:19). The religious leaders clearly knew Jesus was directing the parable directly at them (Mark 12:12; see also Matthew 21:45; Luke 20:19). Sadly, Israel’s religious leaders knew they were the wicked tenant farmers in His story deserving of God’s punishment (Mark 12:12; see also Matthew 21:45; Luke 20:19). Israel’s religious leaders not only frustrated Israel’s purpose but they also killed those who were trying to fulfill God’s original mission for Israel - “a kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6; see also 1 Peter 2:9-10). However, Israel’s religious leaders were afraid to touch Jesus for fear of inciting a riot during Passover (Mark 12:12; see Matthew 21:46; Luke 20:19). Matthew’s Gospel added that the people considered Jesus to be a Prophet (Matthew 21:46). The religious leaders left Jesus and went away (Mark 12:12).

In this parable, Jesus described God’s entire dealing with Israel and Israel’s leaders in the Old Testament. God sent various servants (prophets and priests) to His people Israel. Then in the New Testament, God sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus’ represented God’s hope to turn Israel to love and obey Him. However, Israel and their leaders rejected Jesus as they had other servants of God. God will continue His vineyard through the church.

References

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Jesus’ Authority

²⁷ Again they (Jesus and His disciples) entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to Him. ²⁸ They demanded, “By what authority are You doing all these things? Who gave You the right to do them?” ²⁹ “I will tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. ³⁰ “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer Me!” ³¹ They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, He will ask why we did not believe John. ³² But do we dare say it was merely human?” For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone believed that John was a prophet. ³³ So they finally replied, “We do not know.” And Jesus responded, “Then I will not tell you by what authority I do these things.” Mark 11:27-33 (NLT)

Once again, Jesus returned to Jerusalem after He cleansed the Temple of the moneychangers and merchants who were using the Temple as a marketplace (Mark 11:27; see also Mark 11:15-17; Matthew 21:12-13; Luke 19:45-46). This begins Tuesday of Holy Week – week of Jesus’ arrest, suffering, sacrificial death, and resurrection to bring world salvation. While Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the religious leaders who witnessed Jesus’ clearing of the Temple came up to Him (Mark 11:27). Matthew and Luke’s Gospel add that Jesus was teaching the people and preaching the Good News (Gospel) in the Temple when confronted by the religious leaders (see Matthew 21:23; Luke 20:1). These religious were the “heavy weights” of the first century – the leading Jewish priests, religious elders, teachers of the law, Pharisee, and Sadducees. These religious leaders will all join forces to kill Jesus.

In the days that followed Jesus’ cleansing, the Jewish religious leaders and political establishment descended on Jesus as He ministered in the Temple. These religious leaders were not seeking truth from Jesus. Instead, they were looking for evidence to use to destroy and kill Jesus (Mark 11:18; see also Mark 3:6). Jesus’ cleansing not only defied the religious leaders’ authority but also hurt their monetary profits! Jesus previously told His disciples to expect conflict and suffering when they arrived in the Holy City of Jerusalem (e.g., see Matthew 16:21; Mark 10:33-34; Luke 9:22). Once in Jerusalem, these religious leaders challenged Jesus and asked Him various questions to find fault with His ministry. Jesus had called these religious leaders “thieves” and “robbers.” These religious leaders were to protect God’s Temple but instead they had turned God’s Temple into a “religious business” for profit (see Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46; John 2:13-17; 2 Corinthians 2:17).

The religious leaders demanded from Jesus, “Show us Your credentials. Who authorized You to speak and act like this?” (Mark 11:28, MSG; see also Matthew 21:23; Luke 20:2). After witnessing the Temple cleansing, the religious leaders wanted to know who gave Jesus the authority to stop their “religious business” in God’s Temple. Jesus countered the religious leaders’ question with a question about John the Baptist to expose their hypocrisy. He asked, “I will tell you if you answer one question!” (Mark 11:29, TLB; see also Matthew 21:24; Luke 20:3). Jesus asked the religious leaders, “John’s baptism -- was it from heaven or from men? Tell Me!” (Mark 11:30, NIV; see also Matthew 21:25; Luke 20:4). The religious leaders discussed Jesus’ question with one another and said, “If we reply that God sent him, then He will say, ‘All right, why did you not accept Him?’ But if we say God did not send him (John), then the people will start a riot” (Mark 11:31-32, TLB; see also Matthew 21:25-26; Luke 20:5-6). The religious leaders were afraid of the people for all believed strongly that John was a true prophet sent from God (Mark 11:32; see also Matthew 21:26; Luke 20:6).

As God-appointed messenger, John authoritatively preached repentance from sin and obedience to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming (Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18; John 1:15-34; see also Isaiah 40:3). The people were moved by John’s preaching because he spoke God’s truth and did not preach for personal profit. John preached God’s Word with sincerity to further God’s Kingdom (see also 2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 1 Timothy 6:5-10). Thus, the religious leaders admitted to Jesus that they did not know the answer to His question (Mark 11:33; see also Matthew 21:27; Luke 20:7). In response to the religious leaders’ admission, Jesus said, “Then I will not answer your question either!” (Mark 11:33, TLB; see also Matthew 21:27; Luke 20:8). Jesus knew if the religious leaders could not recognize God’s authority in John the Baptist, no amount of argument would persuade them that He acted on God's authority.

References

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

The Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Cleaning House

After Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus begins to deal with the Israel’s attitude and the condition of God’s Temple. Mark’s Gospel frames this section by the fig tree stories and ends with Jesus’ teaching on faith. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke differed from Mark on the timing of these events. Mark’s Gospel recorded the actual chronology while Matthew and Luke’s Gospels gave a more topical arrangement within the broad chronology.

On the next day, Jesus returned from Bethany to the Temple in Jerusalem (Mark 11:12). During His last week on earth (often called Holy Week), Jesus spent His nights outside Jerusalem in Bethany, a village on the Mount of Olives and entered Jerusalem during the day (Mark 11:11; see also Matthew 21:17). That Monday morning of Holy Week as Jesus and His disciples were returning to Jerusalem, Jesus was hungry (Mark 11:12). Jesus noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so He went over to see if He could find any figs (Mark 11:13). However, the fig tree was fruitless and had only leaves because it was too early in the season for any fruit (Mark 11:13). Then, Jesus said to the fig tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” (Mark 11:14, NLT). Jesus’ disciples overheard Jesus cursing the fruitless fig tree (Mark 11:14).

Many biblical scholars believe Jesus’ harsh words to the fig tree applied Israel. During Jesus’ day, Israel appeared fruitful on the outside. However, Israel was spiritually barren inside and bore no good fruit (see Matthew 3:2, 8-10). The Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, and Micah repeatedly proclaimed to Israel God’s desire for good fruit and deeds (e.g., mercy, fairness, truth, humility, and goodness) more than religious rituals (e.g. see Isaiah 1:10-20; Isaiah 66:3; Jeremiah 6:20; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21; Micah 6:6-8). John the Baptist first announced before Jesus’ arrival that God’s people must repent and manifest good fruit (see Matthew 3:2, 8-10) and the Apostle Paul’s messages also emphasized the need for God’s people to bear good fruit (e.g., love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) (see Matthew 7:16-20; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9). The Holy Scriptures clearly state we are saved and declared righteous through our wholehearted faith in God and also His Son, Jesus (e.g., see Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 3:22-26; Romans 10:4-10; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-5; Hebrews 10:37-38). Our genuine faith in God will also manifest righteous living, loving deeds, good fruit, and good works for God’s glory (e.g., see Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Corinthians 10:31; James 2:14-26). Genuine faith means bearing fruit for God's glory. God is always seeking “the first ripe fruit” from His people (Micah 7:1) and for God’s people to be fruitless is sin (John 15:16).

¹⁵ When they (Jesus and His disciples) arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the moneychangers and the chairs of those selling doves, ¹⁶ and He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. ¹⁷ He (Jesus) said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” Mark 11:15-17 (NLT)

When Jesus and His disciples arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple (Mark 11:15; see also Matthew 21:12). Jesus had previously surveyed Temple on Sunday, His first day in Jerusalem (Mark 11:11). On His second day in Jerusalem, Jesus began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices (Mark 11:15; see also Matthew 21:12; Luke 19:45). Jesus knocked over the tables of the moneychangers, and the chairs of those selling doves and He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace (Mark 11:15-16; see also Matthew 21:12). Then, Jesus declared in the Temple, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves” (Mark 11:17, NLT; see also Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11; Matthew 21:12; Luke 19:46). This was the second time Jesus cleansed the Temple of “religious business.” John’s Gospel records Jesus cleansing the Temple at the beginning of His public ministry (John 2:13-16). Jesus opened His ministry by cleansing the Temple during His first Passover visit to Jerusalem three years earlier and proclaimed, “Stop turning My Father’s house into a marketplace!” (John 2:16). Thus, in spite of Israel’s many privileges and opportunities, many people during Jesus’ day was outwardly fruitless (the tree) and inwardly corrupt (the Temple).

The Temple’s original purpose was for all people to have access to the presence of God. God created the Temple to be a house of prayer for all nations without charge and with no commercial value. In Jesus’ day, activities at the Temple had taken on a commercial cast with buying and selling in the Temple, particularly during Passover. Moneychangers and merchants did big business in the Temple. The outer court of the Temple, accessible to non-Jews (Gentiles), covered a huge area the size of ten football fields. The “buying and selling” took place in the larger outer court of the Gentiles. Some business there was legitimate: out-of-town pilgrims needed a way to obtain sacrificial animals and to change money into local currency. Sadly, what began as a service and convenience for visitors soon turned into a lucrative business filled with greed, dishonesty, and corruption. This system became more for profit and wealth than for the true worship of God (Isaiah 56:6-7). No wonder Jesus was angry! Jesus responded to this religious business and commercialism by aggressively turning out these “robbers,” and then by turning His attention to the people with real needs – the poor, blind, and the lame (Matthew 21:14; see also Matthew 4:23). God’s House is a place of worship, godly teaching, and healing, not a place for making a profit!

When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill Him (Mark 11:18; see also Luke 19:47). The religious leaders understood Jesus’ action as a direct threat to their political, authoritative, and financial status. Jesus was preaching against injustice and corruption. Instead of praying for the people, the religious leaders were preying on the people! People take action when their money and power are affected. However, the religious leaders were afraid of Jesus because the people were so amazed and captivated by His authoritative teaching (Mark 11:18; see also Luke 19:48). Matthew’s Gospel adds that the leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw Jesus’ wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David” (Matthew 21:15). However, the religious leaders were indignant against Jesus (Matthew 21:15). The religious leader’s stubborn refusal to believe in Jesus is contrasted with the high-spirited faith and praise of little children (Matthew 21:15).

²² In reply, Jesus said to the disciples, “If you only have faith in God — ²³ this is the absolute truth — you can say to this Mount of Olives, ‘Rise up and fall into the Mediterranean [sea],’ and your command will be obeyed. All that is required is that you really believe and have no doubt! ²⁴ Listen to Me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you have it; it is yours! ²⁵ But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too.” Mark 11:20-25 (TLB)

On the third day (Tuesday), Jesus’ disciples passed by the fruitless fig tree Jesus had previously cursed. The disciples noticed the tree had withered from the roots up (Mark 11:20). Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day (Monday) (Mark 11:21). As the spokesperson for the disciples, Peter shouted, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree You cursed has withered and died!” (Mark 11:21, NLT). Then, Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart (Mark 11:22-23, NLT; see also Matthew 21:21; Mark 9:23). The all-powerful and living God can do anything we ask in prayer to Him when we obey and seek His will (see; Matthew 6:10; Matthew 19:26; Matthew 26:42; Mark 14:36; John 15:7-14; James 4:3; 1 John 5:14-15). Nothing is too hard for God (see Jeremiah 32:27; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37). Therefore, we must constantly trust God and live in an attitude of wholehearted dependence on Him. We can only move mountains by trusting God. Faith produces fruitful prayer. Nevertheless, God does not grant prayers that would hurt and harm others or ourselves, or that would violate His own holy nature or will.

Next, Jesus said to His disciples, “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you have received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too” (Mark 11:24-25, NLT see also Matthew 21:22). Some manuscripts add Jesus also saying, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses” (Mark 11:26, NKJV). True prayer involves both forgiveness as well as faith. We must be in good fellowship with God in heaven and our fellow brothers and sisters on earth if God is to answer our prayers (see Matthew 5:23-26). True faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). If we have faith in God, we will also have love for one another (e.g., see Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28; John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:7; 1 Timothy 3-7).

References

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1988).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

Cabel, Ted. The Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).