More Than Meets the Eye ( Mark 12:35-40)

March 14, 2010

I.     Half of the truth is not enough, vv. 35-37.
A.     The scribes only accepted half of who the Messiah was.
     1.     They were well versed in study of the Messiah.
          a.     Accepted and used all of the Old Testament.
          b.     Believed the Messiah would descend from David.
          c.     Faithfully taught the coming of the Messiah.
     2.     They stopped short of the full truth.
          a.     The Messiah would be human only, not God.
          b.     The Messiah would be some type of political leader.
B.     Jesus used scripture to complete the truth about the Messiah.
     1.     He did not deny the human aspect of the Messiah.
     2.     Psalm 110:1 shows that the Messiah is God.
          a.     Reflects God speaking to the Messiah (Yahweh/Adonai).
          b.     This is true because David was inspired by the Spirit.
     3.     "How can the Messiah be nothing more than David's Son?"
C.     Be careful not to let human thinking limit truth.
     1.     We want things explained "our" way.
     2.     Jesus had to be both God and human.
          a.     As a human He took our place of punishment.
          b.     As God He gives forgiveness and life.
II.     Public acclaim is not enough, vv. 38-40.
     A.     The scribes used their position for selfish gain.
          1.     Much of what they did was done to impress people.
               a.     They wanted recognition for their importance.
               b.     They wanted recognition for their godliness.
          2.     They took unfair advantage of their position.
               a.     The people looked to them as trusted leaders.
               b.     They lived on the donations of the crowds.
               c.     Pressured people to give: actively sought the gullible.
     B.     Jesus said to beware of people like the scribes.
          1.     Many people misuse the "faith" message today.
               a.     Ignorance of true Bible teachings.
               b.     Sinful desire to serve self.
          2.     Important principles to learn.
               a.     God expects us to use spiritual discernment.
               b.     Don't look at outward appearance, look at attitudes.
               c.     Greater authority means greater responsibility.
                    1)     God expects more from leaders.
                    2)     There is harsher punishment for failed leaders.
               d.     All believers should live with honor and integrity.

Personal Challenges
1.     Learn to be discerning without being critical.
     a.     Develop ways of learning the Bible for yourself.
     b.     Compare what you see in any ministry with the Bible.
          1)     Look deeper than excitement and enjoyment.
          2)     Get involved and contribute to growth of the ministry.
2.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?