Friday, September 30, 2022

September 30 = Life of Christ #195 (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34) Religious Leaders Question Jesus About The Greatest Commandment

Religious Leaders Question Jesus About The Greatest Commandment
Matthew 22:34-40
Mark 12:28-34

Intro Questions



Jesus Discusses the Greatest Commandment

Matthew 22:34–40; Mark 12:28–34

Mt 22:34When the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they came together in the same place. Mk 12:28One of the scribes approached. When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all? [Mt 22:36Which commandment in the law is the greatest?]”

29“This is the most important [Mt 22:38greatest and most important commandment],” Jesus answered: “ ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord. 30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31The second is: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. Mt 22:39bAll the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”

Mk 12:32–33Then the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher! You have spoken in truth that He is one, and there is no one else except Him. 33And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34When Jesus saw that he answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any longer.[1]



[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 194–195). Holman Bible Publishers.


  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?

  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
https://youtu.be/OWXSgz52KLA





More Resources:

Mark 12:28-34 — Kingdom Priorities
http://johnmarkhicks.com/2012/05/14/mark-1228-34-kingdom-priorities/



https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Notes:


#Sadducees

Although they were not as numerous as the Pharisees, the Sadducees were a powerful and influential group in Jesus’ day. They were from the upper echelon of Jewish society. Many of them were prosperous merchants and businessmen. Their ranks also included the high priests and the most influential members of the priesthood (Acts 5:17).

The Sadducees accepted only the first five books of the Old Testament as authoritative. They did not believe in the resurrection because it was not supported, so they claimed, by these five books. As antisupernaturalists, they also denied the existence of angels and spirits (Mark 12:18–27). These beliefs may have been motivated by their power and status in Jewish society. Since they did not believe in the resurrection and life after death, they did not have to worry about rewards or punishments in the afterlife.

The Sadducees probably argued with the leaders of other Jewish groups and condemned their beliefs. In this situation, they hoped to undermine Jesus by making Him look ridiculous.




Document for DBS

Series: The Generous Life “Open Heart & Hands”

Title: When Giving Hurts

Bookmark: Click Here

Opening Thoughts: Most of us have a "generosity threshold." Our giving rarely exceeds our comfort level. But what would happen if we gave until it hurt? Sacrificial giving forces us to give up control and rely on God.

v  Imagine dating question. How much effort do I need to give to be okay with you?

o   Where is your “Generosity Threshold”?

 

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Text: Mark 12:38-44

Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

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

The Widow’s Offering

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

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everythingall she had to live on.”

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Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.

v  Review and retell the story.

Reflections for applications:

v  They are calling attention to themselves (vs. 38-40)

v  The widow gives attention to God. (vs. 41-44)

o   Many Christians have one issue that haunts them and never falls silent. The issue that haunts me is money. It hangs over me. It keeps me off balance, restless, uncomfortable, nervous. I feel pulled in opposite directions over the money issue. Sometimes I want to sell all that I own and join a Christian commune and live out my days in intentional poverty. At other times I want to rid myself of the guilt and enjoy the fruit of our nation's prosperity. –Philip Yancey

o   Does Jesus expect us to give everything?

o   Luke 18:22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

v  What are some handles for this?

o   Consider stretching your threshold of generosity.

o   Are you giving until it hurts?

 

Digging Questions:

·         How will you respond in generosity?

·         What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?

·         What is God calling us to do?

Take Away Challenges

·         What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

·         Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

·         What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?

Hash tags #Give #Generosity

Sunday sermon link          https://youtu.be/OWXSgz52KLA

Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources: Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes

Comments and resources with some more resources:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12%3A38-44&version=NIV


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