False and True Religion

³⁸ Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law (scribes)! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. ³⁹ And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head (best) table at banquets. ⁴⁰ Yet they shamelessly cheat (devour) widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished (condemned).” Mark 12:38-40 (NLT)

With the crowd listening, Jesus taught His disciples and the people to beware of religious teachers (Mark 12:37-38, see also Matthew 23:1-2; Luke 20:45-46). In fact, Matthew’s Gospel devotes almost an entire chapter of Jesus’ warnings the people about religious teachers (Matthew 23:1-36).

As during Jesus’ time and continues today, some religious teachers loved the benefits associated with their position of authority, including wearing robes of the rich and scholarly, and to have everyone bow to them as they walk through the markets (Mark 12:38; see also Matthew 23:7; Luke 20:46). Moreover, these religious teachers love to sit in the best seats in the synagogues and at the places of honor at banquets so the worshippers can see and admire them (Mark 12:39; see also Matthew 6:1-2, Matthew 23:5-6; Luke 11:43; Luke 20:46). Sadly, these false religious teachers use their position to exploit people, cheat the poor, and take advantage of the rich for their selfish and dishonest profit (see 1 Thessalonians 2:5; Titus 1:10-11; 2 Peter 2:1-3). Since these religious teachers were not paid regular wages, they were dependent on the generosity and hospitality of the worshippers for their livelihood. Such collection system was often open to abuse, and widows and defenseless were especially vulnerable to such devious exploitation (see Isaiah 10:2; Amos 2; Micah 3; 1 Timothy 6:5). Jesus warned His disciples and the listing crowd that these false religious teachers shamelessly cheat widows, the poor, and other defenseless people out of their property for their own personal gain (Mark 12:40; see also Luke 20:47).

To cover up their falsehood and greed, these religious teachers pretend to be pious and deceived the crowd by praying long and showy prayers in public to make a good impression (Mark 12:40; see also Luke 20:47). But behind their outward appearance of holiness and respectability, these false religious teachers’ hearts were filled with hypocrisy, lawlessness, greed, self-indulgence, selfish-ambition, arrogance, and high living (Matthew 23:25, 28). Outwardly, these religious teachers look righteous, holy, and honest (Matthew 23:27-28). Yet, these greedy and deceitful religious teachers are religious hypocrites who have no genuine inward love and obedience towards God and others (Matthew 22:34-40). Sadly, some religious teachers are not concerned about the approval of God and they used their religious status to attract attention to themselves and not to glorify God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Because of their hypocrisy, greed, and pride, false religious teachers are dangerous to have around so Jesus warned the people about them (Mark 12:40; see also Matthew 23; Luke 20:45-47). Even more, Jesus warned that these false religious teachers would receive severe eternal punishment from God (Mark 12:40; see also Matthew 23:33; Luke 20:47; 2 Peter 2:12-16).

⁴¹ Jesus sat down near the collection box (treasury) in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. ⁴² Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. ⁴³ Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. ⁴⁴ For they gave a tiny part of their surplus (abundance), but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on (whole livelihood).” Mark 12:41-44 (NLT)

In contrast to the false religious teachers, Jesus revealed what true religion looks like with the poor widow (see also James 1:26-27). After warning His disciples and the people about religious leaders, Jesus went over to the collection boxes and watched as the people placed their money into the Temple’s treasury (Mark 12:41). Some people who were rich put in large amounts (Mark 12:41; see also Luke 21:1). Then Jesus saw a poor widow come to the Temple’s collections and dropped in two pennies (two small copper coins) (Mark 12:42; see also Luke 21:2). Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow gave more than all those rich people. They gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had; she gave all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44, NCV; see also Luke 21:3-4). In other words, this poor widow gave her whole life to God and Jesus praised the widow’s humble faith and dependence upon God (see Mark 8:34-35; Mark 12:30, 44).

During Jesus’ time and continues today, some people perform their religious deeds and acts for appearances only — not out of compassion but as a self-serving event and an occasion for your personal glory and admiration (see Matthew 6:1-6). Despite her small gift, Jesus celebrated the faithfulness and love of God demonstrated by the widow’s actions (see also Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-38). In reality, the widow’s offering would be embarrassing in the eyes of many. In contrast to the religious and political leaders and teachers (e.g., the scribes, the Herodians, the Sadducees, and the Pharisees), Jesus encountered a widow who gave to God without any personal recognition and selfish glorification.

Earlier, Jesus warned that when we engage in any worship functions such as praying, preaching or giving, we must perform our good deeds for God’s glory and not selfish glory, profit, and pride (Matthew 5:14-16; Matthew 6:1-18; see also 1 Corinthians 10:30). Religious rituals such as church attendance, reading the Bible, praying in public, fasting, or giving can become phony and hypocritical if your motives for doing such religious deeds are for selfish glorification and public recognition. God sees our hearts and intentions (1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Corinthians 13:12), and we receive no reward for good deeds done for wrong reasons.

Religious teachers have a great responsibility because they are responsible for shaping the faith of the people, and their words and example affect others’ spiritual lives (Matthew 23:1-2). True religious teachers are living examples of God’s mercy, compassion, and justice (Matthew 9:35-36; Hebrews 13:1-3). These true servants of God care for the widows, poor, defenseless, fatherless, and the weak (see Exodus 22:21-22; Deuteronomy 14:29; Isaiah 1:17, 23; Isaiah 10:2; Jeremiah 5:28; Ezekiel 22:6-7; Matthew 25:34-40; James 1:27). These good teachers have a selfless and generous attitude and do not preach God’s Word for power, position, and wealth. Even more, religion can be a tremendous tool for exploiting people. Thus, God will judge religious teachers more strictly, and they are subject to greater condemnation in the judgment (James 3:1).

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).

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

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

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).

Christianity 101: Week Four

All Scripture is God-breathed and inspired by God and is useful (profitable) for teaching, rebuking, convicting, correcting and training in righteousness (holy living) so that the servant of God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Many biblical scholars agree that the Holy Bible is inerrant (truthful), inspired and authored by God. The doctrine of inspiration not only explains the process of writing the Holy Bible but also provides the basis for viewing the Holy Bible as authoritative and inerrant. The next question arises what about the issues of secretaries, editors, co-authors, and assembling of the sixty-six books of the Bible and inerrancy. Biblical scholars note that the books of the Bible have gone through editorial revisions.

To resolve the inerrancy debate, many biblical scholars agree that God’s Holy Spirit was continually involved in the revisions, editing, and translations to produce the Holy Bible. God’s Holy Spirit authored the Holy Bible (2 Peter 1:21) and enabled both the educated and uneducated the ability to perceive, speak, understand, and apply God’s true Word (Jeremiah 23:28; John 14:16-17, 26, John 16:13-15, 1 John 2:20, 27, 1 Corinthians 2:6-16). The Word of God is alone reliable and guaranteed.

The fundamental tool for good biblical interpretation is a trustworthy translation of the Bible. Most respectable Bible translations make a diligent effort to be faithful to the original Hebrew and Greek. There are many different translations of the Bible. Bible translators use different models, philosophies, and hermeneutical methods to interpret and understand what a Scripture text means. For example, the literal correspondence method is a philosophy of biblical translation that tries to interpret the Bible word for word from the Bible’s original Hebrew and Greek language. Examples of literal correspondence method include the Interlinear Bible, the King James Version, and the Amplified Bible. On the other hand, some biblical translators use the dynamic equivalent philosophy. With the dynamic equivalent method, biblical translators try to interpret the ancient ideas or thoughts of the original Greek and Hebrew words of the Bible into modern language. A good example of the dynamic equivalent method includes the New International Version and the New Living Translation.

Moreover, when translating the Bible, biblical translators are also faced with the range of different meanings of a Greek or Hebrew word. A single Hebrew or Greek word may have more than one semantic domain. For example, the word “right” can be translated as the opposite of left, wrong, conservative, just, etc.

Many biblical scholars recommend selecting a good, reliable, and recent Bible translation and to faithfully read that translation, including the footnotes and margins. In general, the newer Bible translations take into account all the discoveries made and are better translations. An example of a good and easy to read translation includes the New International Version (NIV). Also, scholars recommend reading a Bible’s Preface to discover the translators’ philosophy and method of translation.

Nevertheless to get a fuller and comprehensive understanding of God’s intentions, many biblical scholars recommend using more than one Bible translation. When working with a Scripture text, often working from one Bible translation is not adequate.

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).

Grubbs, Norris and Curtis Scott Drumm, “What Does Theology Have to Do With the Bible? A Call for the Expansion of the Doctrine of Inspiration” (JETS 53/1, March 2010), 65-79.

Christianity 101: Week Three

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

The Holy Bible is God’s total Word and the final authority for our faith, life, and the church. God is the ultimate Author of the Holy Bible. Despite the Holy Bible’s long history and numerous translations, scholars have noted that the Holy Bible is inerrant (exemption from error), truthful, sufficient, and clear. God’s Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Holy Scriptures, and the Holy Bible continues to be applicable today revealing God’s truth (e.g. see 1 Corinthians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21.)

The overall message of the Holy Scriptures coherently explains to all people (educated and uneducated) the way to salvation through Jesus Christ, God’s incarnate Word (John 1:1-5, 14; 2 Timothy 3:15). God’s people do not need any other holy book other than the Holy Bible to understand God’s way of salvation. Nevertheless, understanding the Holy Scriptures require our diligent observation, interpretation, application, and summary. Modern exegesis has a tendency to be ideological and gives more emphasis to reader’s response at the expense of the author’s original intent. To understand the Holy Scriptures, we must consider the author’s original intention, the Scriptures' plain meaning, and our response as the reader. God reveals Himself in special revelation (Holy Scripture) and general revelation (natural world). The true and living God graciously gives His Holy Spirit to illuminate and help people understand the overall message (eternal truth) of the Holy Bible.

In the end, God’s Holy Spirit illuminates the Holy Scriptures and provides the basis for our true interpretation. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the Holy Bible’s truthfulness and reliability. God’s Holy Scriptures are living and breathing and continue to our new realities each day (Hebrews 4:12). The sovereign, transcendent, and all-wise God is not bound by time; therefore, the meaning of the Holy Bible is unchanging.

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).

Chicago Statement of Biblical Inerrancy (Chicago, Ill: International Council of Biblical Inerrancy, 1978.

Who Is the Messiah?

Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, He asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law (scribes) claim that the Messiah (Christ) is the Son of David? For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, ‘The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at My right hand until I humble Your enemies beneath Your feet.’ Since David himself called the Messiah (Christ) ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah (Christ) be his Son?” The large crowd (mass) listened to Him (Jesus) with great delight. Mark 12:35-37 (NLT)

After Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem during Holy Week (Jesus’ last week humanly alive on earth), the Jewish religious and political establishment descended on Jesus as He ministered at the Temple in Jerusalem. These religious and political leaders (Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees) tried their best to entrap and trick Jesus with their various questions about paying taxes (Mark 12:13-17), resurrection from the dead (Mark 12:18-27), and the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-34). However, Jesus wisely answered the religious and political establishment’s questions. Jesus then asked the religious and political leaders the most important question of all: “Who is the Messiah?” (Mark 12:35; see also Matthew 22:42; Luke 20:41). The religious and political leaders had asked their questions. Now, Jesus turned the tables and asked them a question that went right to the heart of the matter: “Who is the Messiah?” 

Jesus asked the Jewish religious and political establishment, “Why do your religious teachers (scribes) claim that the Messiah (Christ) must be a descendant (Son) of King David?” (Mark 12:35, TLB; see also Matthew 22:42; Luke 20:41). Jesus goes on to say, “David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: ‘The LORD [Yahweh, God the Father, Jehovah] said to my Lord Hebrew “Adonai”]: Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.’ David himself calls Him (Messiah) ‘Lord.’ How then can He (Messiah) be his (David’s) Son?” (Mark 12:36-37, NIV; see also Matthew 22:43-45; Luke 20:42-44). Jesus quoted from Psalm 110:1 and taught the Jewish religious and political leaders that King David prophesied through the Holy Spirit that the Messiah would be both God and human - Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23; see also Isaiah 7:14). Jesus was trying to make the Jewish leaders understand that the Son of David was also the Lord of David (Psalm 110:1). By incarnation (human flesh): the eternal Son of the living God came to earth as a human born into the family of King David, Israel's greatest king (Matthew 1:1, 18-25; Luke 1:26-38).

Of course, some of the religious and political leaders knew that the Messiah would be the “Son of David” based such Old Testament verses as 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6. God had predestined that the Messiah should come from the family of David and be born in David’s city, Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The religious leaders and political leaders did not understand that the Messiah would be far more than a human descendant of King David (Hebrews 1:1-3. 13). In fact, the Messiah would be God Himself in human form (incarnate) (see also Mark 1:1; John 1:1-5, 14; John 20:31; Romans 1:3-4). As eternal God, the Messiah is King David’s Lord, but as human, He is David's Son (see Romans 1:3; Acts 2:32-36). The Jews believed that the Messiah would be David's Son (John 7:41-42), but the only way David’s Son could also be David’s Lord would be if Messiah were God come in human flesh. The answer, of course, is the Lord Jesus Christ’s miraculous conception and virgin birth (see Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38).

The central issue for every generation and each individual is what we believe about Jesus, for our salvation and eternal destiny is dependent on what we believe about Jesus Christ (see John 3:16-18; 1 John 2:21-25; 1 John 4:1-3; 1 John 5:1). Sadly, many people have a vague belief in God but refuse to accept Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God. Yet when Jesus ministered on earth, Jesus often accepted the Messianic title “Son of David” (e.g., see Matthew 9:27; Matthew 12:23; Matthew 15:22; Matthew 20:30-31). On Palm Sunday with His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, Jesus accepted the crowds acclaimed that He was the long-waited Son of David (Matthew 21:9, 15; Mark 11:10). By using Psalm 110:1, Jesus openly declared to the Jewish religious and political establishment that He is both “the root and the offspring of David,” King David’s Lord, and the promised Messiah (see also Matthew 1:1, 20, Matthew 16:16; Mark 1:1; Mark 8:29; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16).

Jesus is Lord of lords  and King of kings (see Matthew 22:41-45; Acts 2:32-36; Acts 7:5-6; 1 Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:3, 13; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22 ). When Jesus ascended to heaven, God the Father honored Him by placing Jesus at His own right hand (see Acts 2:33-34; Acts 5:31; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22). One day, Jesus will return to conquer evil and establish His Kingdom on earth. Everyone will finally acknowledge Jesus as Messiah and Lord (Matthew 22:41-43; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44; Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 4:10; Colossians 2:9-10; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 10:12-13). Hallelujah, what a Savior (Luke 2:10-11)!

Apostle Paul: I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made Him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is His body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself. Ephesians 1:19-23 (NLT)

References

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).

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

The Living Bible (Tyndale House, 1971).

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

Christianity 101: Week Two

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-14 (NASB)

The Holy Scriptures play a special role between God and humanity. As such, the Holy Scriptures are God’s direct revelation to all humanity. The Holy Scriptures are filled with riches and wisdom (see Deuteronomy 4:8; Psalm 119:98-99; 2 Timothy 3:15). So inevitably, questions arise whether the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God, are the Holy Scriptures true, and whether the Holy Scriptures are logical.

God is the ultimate and original author of the Holy Scriptures sovereignly written by human authors over more than a millennium through God’s Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The human authors of the Holy Scriptures were essentially God’s transcribers. The Holy Scriptures are principally a historical narrative but timeless. Ultimately, the truths found in the Holy Scriptures transcend history.

Moreover, Jesus is the living Word of God full of grace and truth (John 1:1-5, 14; John 14:6). The Holy Scriptures testifies to Jesus, the living Word of God (Luke 24:44-47). The Old Testament points to Jesus, and the New Testament refers to Jesus. Essentially, Jesus lies at the heart of both Old and New Testaments and reveals God’s redemptive activity to save all humanity from their sins.

God has graciously given humanity the Holy Scriptures for our understanding and salvation (redemption) (1 Timothy 2:4). Through our faith in the living Word (Jesus), God graciously gives His people the Holy Spirit to help us understand the Holy Scriptures (2 Corinthians 3:14-18; 1 John 2:20).

Even more, God graciously sends His good teachers to help His people understand His Word (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11; James 3:1; 1 Peter 5:2). These good teachers provide practical applications of the Holy Scriptures. Good teachers do not negate our need for our close and diligent reading of the Holy Scriptures. God wants His people to read the Holy Scriptures personally and to let His Holy Spirit reveal His truths.

Repeated reading, meditation, and observation of the Holy Scriptures bring clarity and understanding of God’s Word. Good Bible study requires our observation, interpretation, application, and summary. When reading the Holy Scriptures, we must also consider the context and characters of the Scriptures as well as dating and location. If we have difficulty with the Holy Scriptures, we are to ask God to lead and guide our understanding through His Holy Spirit (see John 14:17; John 16:13). Inevitably, our repeated reading of God’s Word leads to a good understanding of the Holy Scriptures and a life that reflects the living Word of God, Jesus Christ.

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).

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).