Hanging out with Jesus XXIII: Free but not cheap

Hanging out with Jesus XXIII: Free but not cheap

Mark 15

Cheap grace is grace without the cross.  When you hang out with Jesus, the best comes from facing the cross daily. Through the cross, he gives hope and takes life to its fullness. When you forget the cross, it is very easy to take God's grace and salvation for granted.

Often people who receive an expensive item as a gift tend to take it for granted. They fail to appreciate its value and the effort and expense the giver put into making the gift possible. As a result, they do not maintain the item well. Because salvation is a gift, you also may fail to recognize how much of a treasure it is (Mathew 13:44).  You therefore will not take it seriously. You neglect the disciplines and commitments required to maintain and sustain the experience of the gift. You lower its standards of right living.

Something special existed between Paul and knowing Jesus. He longed to know him better by focusing on the cross and pressing toward the mark of his calling. He preached the cross (1 Corinthians 1:17, 18; 2:2).  Without knowing him, he had no message – for he preached nothing but the crucified Jesus who conquered the grave.  He would have enjoyed preaching from 'Mark 15'.

Looking at Mark 15, one can answer three questions about Jesus and the cross -  how much it cost, why the trouble and what it achieved.

How much it cost

You and I receive the benefit of salvation from the showroom. Mark 15 gives a tour of the bloody mess in the workshop. Quickly you realise that salvation was free to us (Ephesians 2:8, 9) but at a great expense to Jesus. He paid an infinitely high price. If sold no one would afford Salvation. No human payment or performance can be good enough. No wonder it had to be a gift. What price can you attach to the life of the son of God for He gave his son (John 3:16). You will never know how much it cost because you will never know the metrics of God.  To start, he paid heavily to come and live in a sinful world (Philippians 2:5ff). He went through all the pressures, troubles, and temptations of human life. He was burdened, opposed, betrayed, denied, rejected, despised, treated unjustly, beaten up, and in Chapter 15 handed over to Pilate.

Before Pilate, as a sheep led to the slaughter, Jesus did not answer questions and false accusations they bombarded him with except for the charge of being the king of the Jews. To that, he responded 'You have said so'. Still not convinced Pilate appealed to the crowd. Surely, they followed him in mass and sang his praises when he entered Jerusalem. But alas, they had become a different crop that the release of a murderer Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus. Unknowingly they explained exactly what Jesus was doing for all people – dying in their places for their crimes.

Handed over to the Roman soldiers for crucifixion, they whipped him as much as 39 times with a whip loaded with pieces of metal/bones. Mercilessly they plowed through and ravaged his flesh. They pierced his head with a crown of thorns. Beat him on the head, mocked, and spat on him. After the brutal assault, he still had to carry his cross to Golgotha.  It was so unbearable that on the way, Simon from Africa (A Cyrenian) was compelled by the soldiers to help him carry the cross. It became an unexpected privilege to identify with Christ’s suffering at a point of his greatest need.

At Golgotha, they nailed him to the cross. Two criminals were crucified alongside him. Both made insults to Jesus. However, Luke notes that one in the end confessed faith in Jesus. Jesus suffered from bearing the sins of billions of people one by one all in one crucifixion. He was sentenced to death billions of times to cover each person that ever lives. He cried to God 'why have thou forsaken me'.

You need to be aware that he would still have died even if only one person lived in the world. When you see him on the cross see yourself. You can hang out with him up to Gethsemane, the place of prayer. At Golgotha the place of the skull, you can only be IN him. He hides you in himself. He was nailed and suffered on the cross for you.  He refused the wine vinegar that could reduce pain thus taking the full measure of your pain. For at least three hours, he hung there in excruciating pain until he made his last breath, gave up his Spirit to God, and died. Joseph of Arimathaea was granted the body of Jesus and he buried it in a tomb whose entrance he sealed with a big stone.

 A centurion who observed what happened acknowledged 'surely this was the son of God.'  No people involved including the disciples knew what they were doing. Jesus alone knew what he was doing. That is why he prayed to forgive them for they have no clue of what's going on.  The same is true in your life as a believer. He knows what is going on in your situation. You may not know what is happening, and others may not understand but he knows what he is doing. No one understood him until meeting him at the cross and the empty tomb. You also will not know what he is doing until you meet him at the cross. Until you have become conscious of its reality.  The cross, explains the puzzles people have about Jesus.

Why the trouble

The cross was not a divine kneejerk crisis reaction. It was God’s ultimate expression of love from the foundation of the earth.  The lamb was slain from the beginning (Revelation 13:8). God in his self-originating nature chose to put mercy at the core of his being.  No wonder at the core of the tabernacle was the mercy seat. He deposits the same in believers, the current temple. His mercies never cease and are fresh every morning. One is closest to God and being like God not when feeling goosebumps but when showing mercy.

When mercy is translated to action, it is compassion. His compassion for humanity brought him from heaven and took him through the torturous and treacherous process to the cross. Compassion allowed his persecutors to have their day. Compassion kept him on the cross. Compassion made him even die for his crucifers. He could have walked away anytime. He could have blinded them. He could have withdrawn breath from them. He could have called a legion or even one angel to sort them out. His options were limitless. But his compassion was deep enough to endure the cross for the joy to see people reconciled to God. Compassion will bring him back.

Jesus came to deal with the problem of human separation caused by sin. He died to take away the punishment that all sinners deserve (John 3:16). He did not deserve to die for he knew no sin. He however paid a debt he did not owe because you owed a debt you could not pay.

What it achieved

Jesus did not die in vain. The cross crossed out our debts and removed them away completely.  The curtain in the temple was torn into two from top to bottom. That signified that the way to the presence of God (Holy of Holies) and all he represents and offers - his mercy and favour was now open. Praise God, you now have access to come before God boldly. By placing faith in him as your lord and saviour you gain forgiveness, freedom, a new identity,  a new position, wonderful promises and provisions highlighted in the  bible (e.g. Isaiah 53, Epistles)

 Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.  (Isaiah 53:4-7)

So amazing, what cost God so much you simply believe and receive at no fees. Refuse to pay. Fees must fall.  Fears must fall. Sin must fall. Barriers must fall.  Faith must rise up. Eyes must open.

Whatever he went through you do not have to go through. All your curses are broken and removed for cursed is he who hung on a tree. It can come but it can no longer cause pain or harm (Psalm 91). It does not need to make you sleepless. He took its sting away as he did with death. Burdens are lifted at Calvary. The obstacles you face are ignorance, sin, doubt, inaction, and spiritual barriers. The cure for sin is repentance. The cure for doubt is to believe.  The cure for ignorance is prayerfully reading and meditating on God’s word. The way to deal with evil spirits is to resist them. Curses and barriers persist until a believer who knows his authority gives a stop command.

Freely you received freely give. Whatever he gave, you ought to share with others, if you received forgiveness you ought to forgive. When you release your offenders, you release yourself from the burden of offense to God's favour. Jesus released himself for resurrection when he prayed for the Father to forgive them.    

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

 

Hanging out with Jesus XXII: Breakings before the Cross

Hanging out with Jesus XXII: Breakings before the Cross

Mark 14

With the crucifixion looming, the experience of walking with Jesus through the book of Mark approaches its climax. Five breakings take place, most of them in one night.  Each breaking had profound lessons for victorious Christian living today.

The Breaking of the Perfume Jar (v3ff)

Jesus was a relational person.  The gospels were about him balancing his personal devotional relationship with father God, time with his disciples, with the multitudes, individuals as well as time with his critics.  He had a wide support network of people who valued his ministry. In Chapter 14, he and his disciples were at the house of Simon the leper where they served him a meal.  He might have healed Simon of leprosy before. In addition, the John version of the same account locates Jesus at the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Therefore, Simon may have been the father of this testimony-loaded family. What a testimony time since Lazarus was raised from the dead. It was an opportunity to show their love by sharing a meal.  While in Simon’s house a woman, Mary according to John 12:3 came with a jar of costly perfume extracted from imported pure spikenard. She broke it and poured the expensive perfume on Jesus’ head and feet. 

Martha would have been serving in the kitchen. That was her way of showing love. Mary was not a kitchen person. She liked being where Jesus was. In this instance, she showed her appreciation through a unique act of lavish giving.  She did not mind people knowing she loved him.  To break the jar she was first broken inside.  A humble and contrite heart God will not despise. Such giving is impossible unless she had given herself first.  She refused to let her critics deter her. Judas in particular saw her sacrifice as waste and voiced strong objections. They argued it would have been better if the perfume was sold and the money given to the poor.  In saying this, Judas was not clean in his motives for if it were sold he would pilfer the money (John 12:6).

Once I met a former schoolmate, years after we had finished school. It was a happy encounter until we started talking about what we were doing in life.  I talked about having been to Bible school and my ministry involvement. He turned to my wife and said, ‘what a waste’.    Whatever you do for God that is beyond the moderate and cautious average will face disapproval.  However, Jesus will defend you. He defended Mary, ‘Let her alone...’ (Mark 14:6).  To him what she had done was a good work of prophetic significance. He also said, ‘She has done what she could.’ (v.8). God does not ask for what he has not already done for you. He does not ask for what you cannot do.  Every person needs to honestly answer the question - have you done all that you could for Jesus? Have you not left something undone? How much more could you do or give? Jesus commended the woman for doing the best she could.  She as a result would be remembered wherever the gospel would be preached. Moreover, the gospel would be preached to all nations (v9).  Have you ever done something for God and you think no one noticed? What you do for the world will soon be forgotten. But what you do for Jesus will be rewarded and remembered for eternity.

The big lesson is that Jesus appreciates when you give and make sacrifices. Loving God is the greatest thing you can do.  It is fulfilling the greatest commandment to love him with all your soul, your mind, your heart, and your strength.  When you do it sacrificially and lavishly, the deeper and richer it is. The Psalmist wondered,  “How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?” (Psalm 116:12). Jesus died on the cross for you. What will you do to show your love for Him?

The Breaking of Bread (v12ff)

The time had come for Jesus to be delivered up to die for our sins. On Passover night, Jesus sent two disciples to follow a man carrying a pitcher to a house. The man of that house would provide a place for Jesus and his disciples to eat the Passover meal.  At the meal, he revealed that one of his disciples Judas would betray him. The main question on his mind however was different. He knew that in hours he would be crucified. He had spent time teaching, praying, and modeling the truth and mission to his disciples. Would they continue with the mission? What could go wrong and stop them from continuing and multiplying the work? What one last thing would he leave behind?  The one thing was to exhort them never to forget.

The highest mission risk was them forgetting him - what he had taught, promised, and done.  Without him, they could do nothing. So he instituted the ‘Holy Communion’ or breaking of bread to help them remember. ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’  Remember my finished work and the provisions by my body and my blood.   The one primary task Jesus left for his disciples before the great commission was announced is therefore to remember him. It is constantly being conscious of him and building a close relationship with him.  Remembering him and responding to him is all that was needed to be and do all that he commanded them to do. When faced with life challenges and responsibilities, do whatever it takes to know him and remember his unfailing presence and provisions.

The Breaking of Barriers (v32ff) (finding breakthrough)

At Mount Olive, once again Jesus told his disciples what was about to happen. He would be arrested and killed and they would scatter from him (v26ff Mt. olives). Peter committed to staying all the way and never deserting him.

From the mountain, Jesus went with Peter, John, and James to the garden of Gethsemane. He left the three at some point and alone went further along.  There he came face to face with the ordeal of the cross and deeply considered if there was another way. He was however stuck with the reality that there was no other way. He carried the cross in prayer. He prayed with tears and sweat as blood. Gethsemane was not a place for gentlemen. Gethsemane was a lone affair.  Those closest to him slept while he suffered.

 If you face it in prayer, you will not have to fear it in your future. You know it is in God’s capable hands. Prayer paves the way into the future. Prayer is the insurance against future temptations. Jesus warned his disciples to pray lest they be tempted.  Everything Jesus did was necessary.   If so ... No Gethsemane, no courage to face the cross. No inner peace and godly perspective.  No Gethsemane no resurrection.  He went back three times until he broke through in the Spirit.   He overcame the temptations such as quitting that came with threats and pain by advance prayer.  Pray, Pray, and pray again until barriers to your destiny are broken. Prayer is so powerful that even if you die the prayer will continue to work.

The Breaking of the Law (v43ff)

This breaking is an example to avoid.  Self-confessed God’s people, custodians of truth and the law broke and twisted rules to serve their own selfish interests (v.53, 55-59).  We also need to guard against becoming hypocrites like them by confessing Christ but living contrary to him. The High Priest, Chief Priests, elders, and Scribes presided over a kangaroo court. Evidence is that they arrested and condemned Jesus to death for no wrongful act. They already had prejudged him guilty and declared his sentence, and were therefore not objective (v1, 2). They hastily assembled the court at night, which was abnormal. They convened this court during a feast also uncommon. They met at Caiaphas’ palace (home) instead of the official court. They hired witnesses to give false evidence.  The High Priest tore his robes, which was forbidden (Lev.10:6; 21:10). Unknowingly however the act was significant. He in fact resigned and gave over the responsibility to the true high priest.  One who was able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7-9).

In response to the High Priest, Jesus admitted to being the Christ, son of the blessed.  What would happen if he had continued to be quiet? Would he have been freed? He however knew exactly the consequences but went ahead out of love for you and I

The Breaking of  Rank

Breaking rank is departing from the norm or loyalty expected as a member of a group.  People around Jesus broke ranks with him in various ways when he was arrested and crucified. 

>>Judas betrayed Jesus.  Judas solved the dilemma the religious leaders had about when to kill Jesus (v. 1,2). They had settled on the plan to kill him after the Passover because he had many sympathizers, supporters, and followers at the Passover. Jews had come from all over including from Galilee where Jesus had many followers.   Their plan was to wait until after the Passover but  God’s plan was the Passover. He was to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah, “He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter” (53:7). He was the lamb killed as Passover lambs that spoke of him were being slaughtered.

Judas offered to advise and facilitate the arrest of Jesus during the Passover in a way that would not cause an uprising.  He was paid money for it.  If you are not sold out to God, you will soon sell God out.  By selling out the author of life, he sold his soul for a few coins.  He kicked off a dominos that ended in death. For the way of sin is downhill. It leads to death. In the end, he committed suicide. Unlike Peter who cried in repentance when he had denied the Lord.

How does one check against also betraying Jesus?  Judas’ signs of betrayal were clear.  He was a lover of money and a thief (John 12). How he survived three years with the Lord and even maintained his role as purse keeper is a mystery. It speaks of the unending patience God has with people’s faults. He had questioned why expensive oil was poured on Jesus by a sold-out follower.  He was more fault-finding than solution-providing. He was also one who dipped in the dish together with Jesus. In other words, he dipped above his legitimate level of authority. He also plotted with those who hated the welfare of his group. When it was time, he used nice words when his heart was stabbing Jesus to death. He did not mean it when he came saying ‘Master, master’ to Jesus.  He also used a kiss to disguise his evil intent when he kissed him.  What a lesson to all that not all kisses are safe.  The wounds of a friend are better than the kisses of an enemy.

>>The crowd turned against Jesus.  The crowds are always fickle or prone to change. The lesson is lived by principles not by people’s applause. In  Chapter 15 they shouted crucify him yet earlier they sang hosanna in the highest when he entered Jerusalem.  A certain young man followed wrapped in linen but also fled naked leaving his linen covering behind (v.51).

>>The Disciples deserted.  They all forsook Him as he had predicted (v50). Why do people behave this way?  The reasons are varied. They include fear, lack of spiritual insight, and lives not fully surrendered. At the heart are self-interest and self-preservation.  Today people still desert Jesus and have the potential to do so for the same reasons.  It must be noted also that some women followed from afar and watched his crucifixion (Mark 15:40, 41).

>>>Peter denied Jesus (v.67ff).  While Judas looked for ways to cash in on the crucifixion of Jesus,  John and James sought to position themselves as greater in the scenario without  Jesus.  Peter was a defender of the status quo. Who lived in denial that what Jesus said about being crucified would happen.  He was strong he would not let it ever happen. He was prepared to fight to defend Jesus and the status quo.  If everyone else would desert him, he would hold the fort alone.  He had a sense of self-confidence that unfortunately hindered his dependence on God.  When the heat was white, his confidence immediately became a suspect when he was only able to follow from a distance.  In the end, he denied Jesus not once but three times in the process outdoing the cock, which crowed two times in the same time duration as he had.  He denied Jesus because he denied his human vulnerability and weakness. He was a strong man but God’s strength is perfected in human weakness.  His strong will failed him when it mattered most. He could not believe he could fail so dismally. His self-confidence broke down and he wept.  In the process, he gave his broken pieces to God in repentance.  He was forgiven and restored as Jesus spoke to him according to John (John 21) and after his resurrection. 

It did not need to take breaking of ranks for the Lord to complete the work of the cross. To accomplish the great commission God wants us to keep rank and maintain loyalty with him and one another.  We need to keep short accounts with one another and stay together, work together, and push together as families, married, teams, and communities.   We need to think skins and minds to trust God in suffering and testing. When rank was broken, the disciples scattered and each suffered alone.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima

Hanging out with Jesus XXI: Leafy and Tender Branches

Hanging out with Jesus XXI:  Leafy and Tender Branches

Mark 13

Key 13:28-29  Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:  So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors . 

In Mark 13, as we hang out with Jesus, he addresses a very important but often-misunderstood subject of the signs, and timing of end times highlighting what believers should do. History is filled with failed predictions of the end times and the second coming of Christ. The details of what to expect has also been shrouded in controversy. As a result, most people no longer take the subject seriously. Mention of the subject generates jokes such as:

This has upset me; I have only just paid off my credit this month - and to think I might have gotten away with it.

If you believe the world is ending, and would like to give away your stuff, I can send you my address. I prefer cash to checks.

That in itself contributing to the sign that Jesus will come at a time when least expected (Mathew 24:44).  While we can laugh let us also remember that a pregnant woman may have many false labor pains but one of the pains will just turn out to be the genuine.

The Bible teaches that the second coming of Christ is a certainty. If one believes all the other promises in the Bible, one has to believe this promise as well. Jesus said no one would know the day or hour. However, fools will ignore the season.  As when the fig tree produced leaves and had tender branches, it indicated it was summer time. Today’s trends and events indicate that the season for the second coming has come. If the Acts 2 outpouring of the Holy Spirit was in last days (Acts 2:17), the present time has to be in the last of the last of the last days.

The period 2014 - 2015 have experienced four blood moons (lunar eclipses). A red moon is associated with end time prophecy. Scriptures such as Joel 2:31 are used as support[1]. Four blood moons on successive years on Jewish holidays as happened in 2014-15 is rare and when it has happened in history significant world events particularly regarding the nation of Israel happened.  Other signs mentioned or implied in the book of Revelations and other prophetic books of the bible include:

·         Events around the nation of Israel. The only nation whose history and future was told in Bible prophecy making it a prophetic clock. By following events about the nation, one can tell the prophetic seasons. The period prophesied in the book of Daniel from his time to Christ has transpired. The period after Christ is for the in gathering of the harvest or the bringing in of people to Christ to form the Church. The duration of this period is unknown. After it will come the last seven years. Half way through this period an abomination of desolation will be committed in the temple in Jerusalem after which will be the great tribulation. There will be more trouble than the world has ever seen before. Many believe the church will be ruptured before the last 3.5yrs. When Christ comes to bring the great tribulation to an end he will usher in the millennium rule which will be followed by the eternal kingdom

·         The rise of the Antichrist to rule a one-world government in the last seven years before Christ’s return. This makes trends in global cooperation such as through the UN and around the millennial goals now replaced by the sustainable development goals, of interest to those who follow Biblical prophecy closely. The same are references to 'a new world order' and technological advances that make such a rule feasible and shared threats such as terrorism, wars, food insufficiency, natural disasters and wide spread economic collapse.

·         The rise of the False Prophet a religious leader of global influence who will collaborate with the Antichrist. Generally, scripture repeatedly warns that false prophets and false christs would increase culminating in this person.

·         An exciting sign of end times is the preaching of the gospel to all nations and the outpouring of God’s Spirit like never before. My favorite.

Jesus responded to a question by his disciples about signs and times regarding the destruction of the temple. In doing so, he went beyond their expectation to talk about his second coming. He warned, encouraged and instructed them on how to live in last days.  He instructed them to be on their guard to look after themselves. He exhorted ‘take heed of yourselves (v9)' by doing three specific things:

>>Keep the truth V5. 

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 

Do not be deceived. The first possible deception is found in v1-2 on Jesus' last departure from the temple.  The way you see and interpret things around you is important.   Perspective is at the heart of deception. The temple in Jerusalem built by Herod the Great was one of the wonders of the ancient world. It was an engineering marvel of the day. So the disciples are understandably impressed and proud of their temple. Jesus however saw what it was and recognized the human ingenuity behind it but saw beyond. He saw its destiny. It would not remain standing for long.

Other deceptions are around who Christ is, his teaching, his works, his messengers and return. Jesus warned believers not to be misled by many who would say, 'I am he'. Some will even perform signs and wonders (v5-6 and 21-27). Today some say Jesus was just a good man, a savior or an example. The truth is he was not a savior but is the savior. They will say they know the date and time of his return. Jesus taught that no one knows the day. Some even claim he has come already.  He will come publicly, loud and  in visible glory not in secret. Always check biblical correctness of a teaching and the character/fruit of the teacher. (Mathew 7:20). They will  be intellectually appealing, politically correct, and emotionally moving but  Do not be deceived.

Deception can also be around what believers should do. In Thessalonians, some stopped working because they were waiting for the second coming. Paul warned them that if they did not work they might as well also stop eating. The truth is you occupy until he comes.  Be wise, be productive but do all to serve him until he comes.

>> Keep the peace

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars , be ye not troubled : for such things must needs be ; but the end shall not be yet .  (v. 23ff)

Jesus said my peace I give to you and the world cannot take it away (John 14:27).  When there is trouble outside your heart, you can still enjoy peace inside.   Trouble doesn’t have to trouble your heart. Trust in the Lord (Psalm 118:8) and know that whatever happens does not change God’s character, sovereignty and his attitude of love towards to you.  It does not alter his finished work on the cross and his covenant. He is  in control even though the number of earthquakes has doubled in ten years. Even though opposition and persecution may continue for some or intensify for those currently spared. Even though there may be arrests and beatings for the faith.  Even though you may be betrayed by family members and hated everywhere. Even though you will hear of wars and rumours of war.

He said do not be troubled because I have for told the things to come and they will not catch you off guard.  Also, do not be troubled because they are birth pangs that will result in the preaching of the gospel to all nations and unprecedented revivals.

>>Keep the expectancy and fervency (V35f.).

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh , at even , or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing , or in the morning:   Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch .

Pay attention to yourself/ how you live (9-22). Don’t slumber but be alert. Keep expecting. Keep looking to the sky in hope. Prepare to meet him. In any case, if he delays coming for his church he will come for each individual when his or her life comes to an end. Stay hopeful. Order priorities to show you know he is coming soon and very soon. Read the signs of the times and understand the seasons just as you can tell summertime by the leafy and tender branches of the fig tree. 

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory  (v. 26, also Revelation 1:7)

You will not know the time. Therefore, watch always.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

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[1] To be valid, the lunar eclipse redness would have to come first since it depends on light from the sun. For the scripture also talks of the sun darkening.

Hanging out with Jesus XX: Marvelous in our Eyes

Hanging out with Jesus XX:  Marvelous in our Eyes

Mark 11:27-33; Mark 12

Key 12:11-12

Jesus was back at the temple the third day prepared to defend his actions and expose the hypocrisy of his critics. The Religious leaders quizzed and interrogated him on several issues.  They came to ask tricky questions and they got answers that left them with nothing more to say. What they did not realize was that Jesus was not only a provider of answers but was the answer.  They asked with wrong motives but for everyone genuinely looking for answers/solutions to life problems and puzzles Jesus is the answer. He is the answer for all times.  The following are the questions he was asked.

First Question: Authority

 Firstly the Chief priests, the scribes and the elders came to him (Mark 11:27-33). They did not accuse him of the losses he caused to the temple businesses, and the disruption of public order.  What they cared about was the source, reason and boundaries of his authority.  They wanted to know who gave him the right and permission to do what he did.  Who was he submitting to and serving. Who is behind you? They understood authority as delegated. They thought they could know who they were dealing with when they knew who they were serving. When you follow Jesus, your life will be puzzling to someone and will be asked to explain your secret to peace, joy and progress.

 Jesus asked them to say if John the Baptist was from heaven or of man. That would not tell the answer and neither would he tell them the source of his authority.  We however know that they were not prepared to receive his answer anyway. They were looking for ways to discredit him in the eyes of his many admirers. He has already indicated that  drove the temple ‘thieves’ out based on Isaiah 56:7.  The religious leaders were exposed as people who no longer had respect for the authority of the scriptures. Let the Scriptures be our authority (1 Corinthians 4:6) and the establishment of God’s kingdom its purpose. 

Jesus instead of answering their question shared a parable.  A master who panted and secured a vineyard and assigned servants to care for it while he went away.  Later when he sent his servants to receive fruit they beat them up, tortured and killed some. He sent his son and they killed him too. The master was extremely patient at a high price. Eventually he destroyed the servants and appointed a new team. The master re asserted his authority. The authority they were resisting and rejecting became the one enforced without which nothing was done.  It became pivotal, a primary pillar and cornerstone (v.10-11).  When God reverses the gains of his enemies, it is marvelous. He warned them by this parable that despite rejecting him he would be the cornerstone and the centerpiece (Daniel 2:35-36; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6).

This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous (Thawmastos) in our eyes (V.11)?  The doing of the Lord reverses the gains of our enemies. When it’s the Lord at work, it will be marvelous. He does mighty things. He continuously does great things.  Awesome is his name.

Second Question: Taxes

Teach time Jesus answered a question the people were amazed... Marvelous is the doing if The Lord.  The questions were tricky designed to discredit him and question his integrity (v.13).  The second question was asked by the Pharisees and the Herodians. Both groups were not comfortable with Jesus and eventually they would conspire to kill him.  For them to come together was an unusual combination because they had issues between themselves.   Their question was on a very contentious issue of the day.  Shall we give or shall we not give taxes to Caesar?  They wanted a direct answer not a parable.  Jesus answered if the money has Caesar’s image give to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what belonged to God.  What belongs to God is what bears his image. That is people for they where made in God’s image.  Give Caesar taxes but allegiance to God. Every person should completely give himself to God that is what matters most.

Third Question: Life after death

Next to come to ask Jesus were the Sadducees (v24). They did not believe in the resurrection. The religious tradition was that if a husband died without a child the wife could be married to the deceased brother. So wanted to know whose wife a woman who at the end of her life had married seven brothers would be when they all meet in the after life.  Jesus advised that their reasoning was erroneous because of two reasons (v.24, 25).

>>not knowing the scriptures. These people saw themselves as experts on the scriptures. So it was like saying to a judge you do not know the law.  They were ignorant of the human state in heaven where there is no marriage to one another.

>> Not knowing the power of God. They assumed God was limited to natural laws. They rationalized everything. Resurrection is possible because to God nothing is possible.

The two points of departure from truth are not to know the scriptures and the power of God. Holding on to one at the expense of the other leads to error.  Religion holds to a form of religion that denies God’s power.  True worshipers shall worship in Spirit and truth. Disciples of Christ should therefore embrace both the full gospel and the full power of God.  Being richly indwelt by God’s word and able to release faith to move in his power.

Question 4: Greatest commandment

Next to come was a Scribe who asked what the greatest commandment was (v.28). Jesus replied that it was to love God with all your heart, your soul, your mind and all strength. and your neighbor as yourself (29-31). God looks for those who love him and others passionately not just by fulfilling religious duty.   The Scribe admitted Jesus had said it well.  Jesus commended him for not being far from the kingdom (v.34).  We can only hope he later arrived into the kingdom. Near is not enough.

The common people heard him gladly (v.37). He explained that David referred to him as my Lord. He also warned them to beware the scribes who love public impressions with their dress and long prayers but in private devour widows’ houses.  

An occasion to illustrate what he had been teaching as he answered the questions in the temple presented itself when people filed to give their temple offerings. Unlike religious leaders who devoured widows, houses Jesus commended a widow who gave only two mites (v. 42-44). He commended her sacrifice for she gave all she had.  Her widow’s mite plus faith became a widow’s might.

One who loves God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength will not hesitate to give all he/she has.  Such one will remember to give him/herself to God fully because they bear his image. Such one will know the scriptures and God’s power.  Chose to be the one.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

Hanging out with Jesus XIX: Passion for the Mission

Hanging out with Jesus XIX: Passion for the Mission

Mark 11       Key ‘Have faith in God’ (v. 22)

Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem in style on a mission unstoppable. He rode a borrowed donkey. Crowds surrounded him shouting Hosanna, blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.  Word viral buzzed through Jerusalem that Jesus was in town.  On this visit, Jesus would be falsely accused and crucified. He however demonstrated boldness and passion to accomplish his mission (Mark 11).  Interestingly, much as he had passion for the mission he also had a mission for his passion. The two are interdependent. Passion fuels the mission and the mission ignites the passion.  His dedication to completing the mission to give his life for the salvation of humanity aroused and stirred the passion he displayed.  No wonder this last week of Jesus’ earthly life is traditionally referred to as passion week.

At Bethpage and Bethany near Jerusalem, he sent two disciples to go into the village and fetch him a donkey. They would see the donkey tied to a door and were to untie it and bring it to Jesus.  If anyone asked questions, they were to answer that the Lord needed it and would bring it back.  It was exactly as Jesus instructed.  Why would people let their donkey be taken away?  It could have been unusual favor on Jesus. But it also could be that he had established strong networks of trustful relationships.   It is noteworthy that the donkey had never been ridden before.  That it was able to do the work without tipping the Lord over is a great miracle.  The many who were cheering him as he entered Jerusalem would be cursing him within five days. That is called the fickleness of human praise. However, looking into the future, one who humbly rode a donkey into Jerusalem with followers praising will ride a royal white horse into Jerusalem in triumph with knee bowing and every tongue confessing he is Lord, at his second coming.

It was Passover the greatest of the Jewish feasts.  Jews from all over made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem. So the city must have had many visitors.  People in the city were puzzled at the style of his arrival. The people praising and singing had expectations of political deliverance. The critics were watching carefully and suspiciously.  Jesus knew what was about to happen. Scripture was being fulfilled. The donkey for its part was lost at what this all meant.  It was being ridden for the first time. It was being covered with nice cloth, hearing all the praise and stepping on people’s garments and tree branches spread on its way.  The entry into Jerusalem had brought out what is at the heart of being disciples - to give it all away in praise (1 Peter 2:9).  The donkey enjoyed the lime light and the garments as long as it carried Jesus. A fact it dared not forget and a reminder to all servants of God never to forget that it is all because of Jesus.

Jesus visited the temple for the first three days and retreated for the night to Bethany. The first day he simply observed the situation (v.27).  The second day he cleaned up the temple. On the third day, he was quizzed by chief priests, scribes and elders in the temple.   During these days, three things greatly disturbed him.

1)  The prayer less house of the Lord

The temple was intended for prayer. People perhaps came to Jerusalem with hopes to be able to offer prayer in the temple. Instead, it had become a center for commerce, and money changing.  He drove out the traders, and turned the tables of moneychangers and declared the correct purpose of the house. My house shall be a house of prayer for all people (v.17; Isaiah 56:7). It had become ‘a den of thieves’.  The merchandisers were ripping off people. They were also stealing time and space for prayer to God. Jesus came to restore to the temple and human lives kingdom purpose, basics and priorities.  The church as the temple of the Lord is also a house of prayer.  Its members become like moneychangers when they come to worship and pray with hearts that are far from God and holy things. When they sit in pews and allow their minds to become busy elsewhere. When prayer is relegated to the fringes of the church life.  When focus is diverted from God to programs, buildings, money, and leaders.  It is easy to say our music is great, our numbers have grown, our finances are more, our programs and prayer seminars are well attended. Nevertheless, do we pray? The statement, a church is as big as the people who attend its prayer meetings, is not far from the fact.

Jesus’ passion is seen in his clear and high quality choices. He chose to be hot rather than be cold in his attitude to pleasing God. His position was not ambiguous. There was no room for Luke warmness in his heart. When he felt for Jerusalem, he was moved to tears. When he saw multitudes, he was filled with compassion. When he set for Jerusalem, he was focused and undeterred. He was so moved by the abuse of the temple that his spirit groaned and his indignation took radical action that left people speechless. Looked at Jerusalem and brought moved to tears. What ever he did, he reached a point of complete victory.  Half-heartedness and apathy give the enemy an upper hand. Great victory for the nation of Israel could have been secured through Joash had he been more passionate about what he did (2 Kings 13:18, 19).

2) The fruitless fig tree

Jesus was hungry and attracted to a fig tree with leaves but lacking fruit. Promising but disappointing.  He cursed it for not having fruit out of season.  It must however be noted that it was off season for the main harvest  but time for first fruits, a small amount of fruit that ripens before the main crop.  God expects the fruit of Spiritual growth and obedience in the lives of his people. The fruit of readily receiving and searching Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11).  Especially when it is off-season. When it is not convenient. When you think it is too much. When you are under extreme pressure.   When in the troughs of life. What fruit comes out when for example your patience is tested? Do you do the work of evangelism in season and off-season?

The fig tree also had a prophetic significance regarding Israel.  How they had failed to show the fruit of repentance.

3) The faithless prayer

The necessity of prayer is unavoidable in walking with God because people need God.  Prayer is the expression of dependence on God.  When they saw the cursed fig tree dried up Peter drew Jesus’ attention to the tree (v. 21).  Jesus did not sound surprised. He knew the fig tree would never bear fruit again. So he took the opportunity to use what had happened to illustrate prayer that works.

a)  It is prayer out of faith (v.22-23). Prayer is to express faith. He answered ‘Have faith in God’.  Be empty of doubt. He implied that when he cursed the fig tree he had done so prayerfully without doubt, the fig tree would never produce fruit again after he spoke.  A lot of praying without faith in God is wasted opportunity.  What is your perspective and confession like before and after prayer?  a prayer of faith will change both.

b) It is for moving mountains (v.23).  Mountains are that which stands in the way of people experiencing the fullness of God and his purpose.  They include the cares, needs and problems people face.  Therefore, I say to you, what things so ever you desire when you pray believe that you receive them and you shall have them (v.24). It is the way to cast cares on God. When the mountains are moved, God is glorified for they moved by faith in God.

c) It is from a forgiving heart (v.25-26).  He implied that when he drove the thieves from the temple he maintained a heart free from bitterness and unforgiveness.  It is possible to be firm without being bitter. Otherwise, the fig tree would not have dried up.  Could the quality of our relationships in marriage, family, teams, and neighborhoods be where our prayers are being made ineffective? May God search our hearts and may his grace abound.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa