The Greatest Commandment

 last 2 weeks = people questioning Jesus to discredit Him
   ie:  Sadducees, Pharisees, Herodians

Now = an individual = "a teacher of the Law" - expert in the Law
         (a lawyer .... and The Law = law of Moses)
NOTE:  He seems ... impressed with Jesus' answers
                             .... sincere in his inquiry

Mark 12:28   613 commands (248 thou shalts and 365 thou shalt nots)
Was a common debate  "which = greater?  weightier?  most important?

Jesus' answer - Mark 12:29-31
1st. half of the answer = from The Shema - (Deut. 6)
Shema = basic statement of faith for Jews
              is recited morning and evening - (and beginning of Synagogue)

Breakdown - (1)  The Lord is One - there is only one God and it is YHWH
                     (2)  The Lord ... OUR God is One - ie:  the only true God - the God of Israel!!  (to distinguish from all other people groups)
                     (3)  You are to love the Lord... with ALL your .. heart - soul - mind - strength.  

Meaning???  your Whole being!!! (Hebrews "with your utmost)
                    heart - affections/emotions/feelings
                    soul
                    mind = intelligence/ reasoning powers
                    strength - ability/ might/ power/ ACTIONS!!

Deut. 6:4-9   - (1)  impress these on your children
                       (2)  talk about them ... when lie down and rise up!
                       (3)  tie them on your arms and forehead
                       (4)  Write them on your door frames

So... (1)  Recited (at least) twice a day (lie down/ rise up)
        (2)  tied on as Phylacteries 
        (3) written on door posts as Mezuzahs   

The point being  (1)  a constant awareness of God.  (His Word, Laws, Presence/ Promises)
                         (2)  Visual and Verbal expressions of Faith in God. 
                                   which = a witness, testimony of your Faith in YHWH

2nd. half of Jesus' answer - Lev. 19:18
Plus very important addition from Matt. 22:37-40   
In other words, (1)  the Most Important Command = love the Lord your God
                        (2) the 2nd. Most Important Command - love your neighbor as yourself
                And  (3)  all the laws and other writings HANG on THESE 2!!
(If do the first 2, will do all the rest.)

Illustration:  Door (2 hinges (#1 and #2) / list on the door - other 611) moral laws
Hence we have 611 commentaries (explanations) of HOW TO FULFILL #1 and #2!!! (examples)

Back to Mark 12:32-33 - are not minimizing ceremonial laws .. But - recognizing these are symbolic expressions of Faith ... And are Secondary to true faith!!

Old Testament examples:  1 Sam. 15:22-23
                                        Hosea 6:6
                                        Isa. 29:13
                                        Matt. 15:8

1 more verse to examine - Mark 12:34

Jesus .... (1) Recognizes the man's wisdom (in seeing the true meaning of sacrifices and the true expressions of faith)
              (2)  Commends his current faith postion - "not far from Kingdom" = close to!!
     And  (3) thus (temporarily) silences His critics

OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATIONS

(1)  We are to love the Lord with our WHOLE being
ie:  internally and externally... as we express love for God we develop love for God!!

"Acting out behavior of love prompt corresponding feelings of love.  Going through the motions fosters feelings.  (from a rabbi on a Jewish website)

(2)  We are to love our neighbor  AS OURSELVES!! 
common denominator here = LOVE!!!  (Greek - Agape)  The same way God loves.
Luke's account (different occasion) = a 2nd. question ... Luke 10:29  Good Samaritan Story - Luke 10:36-37

(3)  These are COMMANDS from God  (Not suggestions/ not options/ not multiple choice

(4)  These are the MOST IMPORTANT commands of God. 
      to violate ANY moral law ==> loosening the hinges ==> the door begins to hang ASKEW!!

(5)  Recognizing this is Wisdom - Mark 12:34  "Jesus saw he answered wisely...."  (to not recognize this is foolishness)

(6)  Practicing this is GREATER WISDOM!!  Matt. 7:24
Godly wisdom ==> practice (application) of wisdom.
Application of that wisdom ==> practical outcome!!  (results)

(7)  "not far from the Kingdom....." is still NOT IN the Kingdom!!  - example:  rich young ruler.
      (still outside.  Being close does not count.)

The Error of the Sadducees

 Last week = confrontation with Pharisees and Herodians

NOW = confrontation with Sadducees - Mark 12:18

Pharisees were right wing, conservative, nationalistic, Law of Moses keepers
Opposed Jesus for religious reasons - interpretation of the Law

Herodians were liberal, left wing, Jews who were in bed with Rome
Opposed Jesus for political reasons (feared dis-favor with Rome_

Sadducees were in between!  Claim YHWH - Claim Judaism - But ... seek success in this life!! - all about here and now. 
Example:  Pragmatists - ie:  if it works for me, then = true (truth)
Had a foot in each camp!!  (liberal and conservative)
Not much mention of Sadducees in scripture but were very influential.

Sadducees = small group - wealthy, urban, upper class, educated, sophisticated, successful, ... AND they intended to stay that way!!!

Were fewer in number, and Not popular with the people.  But, were very influential!! 
Example = were Keepers of the Temple  (multi-billion dollar operation)
Were the movers and shakers in the Sanhedrin (ruling body) 
Were influential with Rome - the emperor, governors

Sadducees opposed Jesus because .. (1)  He's a country bumpkin - poor, uneducated, Galilean
Example:  Josephus' words concerning the Sadducees - "The Sadducees are, even among themselves, rather boorish in their behavior and, in their intercourse with their peers, are as rude as aliens."

(2)  He's popular with the people - (and they are not!)

(3)  He's perceived as a threat - to their comfortable and prosperous life-style - because he might upset Rome!!!  "don't rock the boat"

(Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees all  oppose Jesus!  Rome = indifferent to Him!!)  It's His own people who are opposed to Him.

What the Sadducees believed (and didn't believe)
Believed - (1)  theTorah - 1st. 5 books of the Bible - written by Moses  (believed they were the only authority)
therefore, (2)  YHWH - the 1 true God
(3)  should keep the Law to receive blessings in this life!!

Didn't believe - (1)  oral tradition (unwritten laws)
                       (2)  other 34 books of the Old Testament
                       (3) in Angels!?!
                       (4)  in afterlife!?!  no heaven, no hell.  This life only!
Therefore, (5)  in judgment ... in punishment or rewards  (ie:  in an afterlife)
(6)  the Resurrection ..... this is not about Jesus' resurrection.  (no one was even thinking of that!)
                                      = the general resurrection of believers.

Definition:  general Resurrection = God raising to life the Physical body and re-uniting it with the spirit/soul

John 5:25-29
John 6:39-40
John 11:23-24
(also found in Isaiah, Daniel, Romans, 1 Cor., 1 Thess., Revelation..)

So.....hoping to show Jesus as an ignorant and unlearned hillbilly ... Sadducees present rhetorical situation!

Mark 12:19-23  (from Deut. 25:5-6 - designed to protect widow and guarantee continuance of family lineage and inheritance)

Jesus' reply - Mark 12:24-27 with Luke 20:34-38

Emphasis on Mark 12:24 - "ye do err because Don't Know!!!!  God's Word, God's Power.....
Major insult to the Sadducees.

I)  You don't Know God's Word (the scriptures)
On one hand then knew the text well  (ie:  head knowledge)
However, Faith is more than intellectual grasp of Scripture.

Faith includes... (1) proper interpretation (of scriptures)
                         (2)  a resulting confidence (in God)

Compare to use of "Know" in Gen. 4:1 - "Adam Knew Eve....."
Point is more than head knowledge.  = personal intimacy!

(in other words, you know His words ... but do you Know Him?) 
hence, Bible Time verse - Phil. 3:10 - "That I might know Him.."

II)  You don't Know God's Power - ie:  His ability to do things BEYOND your comprehension and imagination!!

in context ... much of next life = like this life (personhood, interaction, seeing, hearing, speaking, touching, feelings,)
However, much will be different!  (evil, sin, sickness, death AND marriage as we know it.  

Objection!!   Body is here but person alive There??  And eventually body is raised?  renewed?  re-united to spirit/soul???

Answer:  is beyond out comprehension, but not beyond God's power!!!
Scripture examples:  1 Thess.4:13-17
                                1 Cor. 15:51-52
                                1 John 3:2

Jesus' final words - Mark 12:27 = "You are BADLY MISTAKEN!"

Some Observations/Applications

(1)  We can easily repeat the Sadducees error...
ie:  NOT knowing God's Word or God's Power
On one hand, we can't know it all  (He = infinite)
However, we can know enough to trust  - Deut. 29:29

(2)  Your logic (understanding) is a poor argument against God's knowledge.

(3)  True faith is not knowing all about God.... true faith is knowing enough about Him to trust Him in things we don't understand.  Deut. 29:29

(4)  Your view of the next life will influence your behavior in this life.

(5)  Beware a vain, prideful, smug attitude.  It prevents acquisition of knowledge! - Prov. 16:18

(6)  Don't ever under-estimate the power of God!!
This was the error of the Sadducees!

Giving Caesar His Due

Mark 12:13 - approximately Tuesday, 2-3 days before the cross.  Jerusalem is bustling with hundreds of thousands of people at this time.

Pharisees (came into being after the exile, a couple hundred years ago) = a religious sect/conservative politically and theologically, right wing nationalist, strict "LAW" (Law of Moses) Keepers"  They opposed Jesus for religious reasons - ie:  His view of LAW, His authoritative claims, His popularity with the people.

Herodians = supporters of Herod family - liberal, left wing, on one hand, Jewish, however in bed with Rome, were mostly a political faction.  They opposed Jesus for political reasons.  Fear that their good standing with Rome would be jeopardized by Jesus' teachings and Jesus' followers - Rome didn't tolerate rebellion - they feared Jesus might lead or cause one.

These two factions were at odds with one another, nevertheless, joined forces against Jesus!!  Both feared what Jesus might do.

NIV - "catch Him" = trap, ensnare, a hunting term

Mark 12:14-15 - "is it lawful?"  (according to Moses)
This = Poll Tax - annual tax on every adult male.  Amount = 1 denarius;  average day's wage for working man

It's a TRAP?  If Jesus answers "yes" = admitting to Caesar's right to rule and tax and loses favor with the people who don't think Caesar has that right.
If Jesus answers "no" = opens himself to a charge of rebelling against Rome and fueling an insurrection!!

In other words, Jesus = in trouble either way He answers!!!

Mark 12:15-16 - He knew they were not seeking truth, God's Will.  Example:  the coin:

            

Side 1 - has silhouette of Tiberius with abbreviated inscription "Tiberius Caesar son of the Divine Augustus
Side 2 - Tiberius on throne - Pontiff Maxim"  (which means Highest Priest)
The coin flaunts both his right to rule (politically) AND his right to religious rule.
To add salt to the would ... the tax and to be paid with This coin!!!  Not Jewish coinage.  (so you can understand the Jews' objection!!!)

But Note:
Someone among these had this coin on his person ...in the temple area!  Point = they may object but (practically) they had already submitted to it!

Jesus' Answer = Mark 12:17 - "render.."
People's response = "amazed" - Not because He had outsmarted them..... but because He gave a proper, practical answer ... He showed true wisdom!!!

Look further at His answer  (in a political context)
Rom. 13:1-7
1 Pet. 2:13-17

Simply put:  (1)  obey the authorities when you can!  (without violating God's law/will)
                   (2)  obey regardless of your personal preference/opinion

This does not mean absolute obedience, submission - example = Jesus & Apostles expect us to know that!!!
Acts 4:18-20   God is supreme.  Authorities are not!

This doesn't mean don't object, seek to correct ... means don't Rebel unnecessarily!!

Jesus - "go extra mile"  "turn other cheek"
Paul - "as much as it is possible .... live in peace"

Our model = Jesus - on one hand, made no active resistance to such things (paid poll tax, temple tax, etc)
However, He didn't blindly submit to these authorities.

But ... this is not all the answer  (ie:  render unto Caesar)
Other half of the answer = "render unto God that which is God's"
ie:  praise, honor, thanks, loyalty, obedience, service!!

This = the more important part of His answer!
This = the part the Pharisees and Herodians needed most!!

OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATIONS

(1)  giving proper due is expected of Christians - Rom. 13:7-8

(2)  You can give political due (respect) without being disloyal to God.
on one hand "cannot serve 2 masters"
However, can render respect to earthly authority.  (Jesus paid poll tax, temple tax, etc)

(3)  Obedience to authorities is a Kingdom Issue!  1 Pet. 2:13

(4)  Hypocrisy is living a lie (pretending to be what you're not).  trying to appear more righteous than you are.    Maintains an air of goodness, Godliness.

(5)  the remedy for hypocrisy is confession and repentance. 
            Confess ... admit to 'self and to God  (example:  AA step 1)
            Repent = turn around, walk the other way

(6)  But.... if you're not open to truth, you won't (generally) find it!
Pharisees and Herodians NOT moved by Jesus' answer!!  - the truth didn't affect them.

Therefore, (7)  those open to truth will (generally) recognize the wisdom of God!
                   common people = "Amazed!!"

John 8:31-32 - "set you free" But ... only if you respond to it!!!

Rubber Band Sunday

 "Thanks to God" is referenced more than 150 times in Scripture - (hundreds of places)
Add - "Praise Him for what He's done" = many hundreds of  times. 
Point: few subjects are more emphasized in Scripture!!

Question:  why so often referenced? 
3 reasons:

#1.  God deserves our thanks! - (giving Him His rightful due)

#2.  Giving Thanks benefits us!!  - doesn't benefit Him at all.  He is complete.  (Nothing we can say or do can add to Him.)
         A)  as individuals - every study shows being thankful leads to better attitude, outlook, relationships, response to difficulties ... having psychological + physical benefits.   Is true without exception.  Actually have a command to "give thanks"!

         B)  as a group - marriage, family, community, nation....
WHAT IF:  news outlets devoted 25% of screen time to good news?!"
Because, thanksgiving is both Beneficial and Contagious!

#3.  We tend to take our blessings for granted.  (why is repeated over and over in scripture)
Therefore we overlook them, get caught up in negative outlooks

So... what should we do?  (especially as Christians)
#1.  Count your blessings = be consciously aware and specifically thankful.
   (an occasional specific review would do us all good)

#2.  Be thankful  (Attitude)

#3.  Give thanks - (action!)  for every 1 reference to "be thankful" there are 50 references to "give thanks!!"
Short summary verse:  1 Thess. 5:18 - in all circumstances, not necessarily for all circumstances.

So, Rubber Band =
           (1)  reminder to give thanks for blessings
AND  (2)  reminder to BE a Blesser!! - actively, consciously
                       Phil. 2:3-5 - Jesus' attitude to be a blessing
                       Matt. 10:8
                       2 Cor. 1:3-4 - (context = comfort/ broader sense = He has blessed us SO we might bless others!

Definition:  "to Bless" in scripture...
        (1)  to pray God's favor upon (Jesus blesses children)
        (2)  to speak well of (praise) - "bless the Lord, O my soul"
        (3)  to cause to prosper

Now looking at these individually:

I.)  To Pray God's favor upon someone.
by  (A)  praying for them
by (B) praying for them IN THEIR PRESENCE!  - shows concern!!
(how often these opportunities are missed)

II)  To Speak well of someone - Greek word = in English - Eulogy
Question?  Does a eulogy benefit the deceased??
Then why not do it while they = alive and aware??

Can't brag on everyone you meet, but often an honest compliment is in order!

The Power of the spoken Word....
Prov. 12:18, 15:4, 16:24, 18:21
by contrast:  Matt. 12:36
hence ... Eph. 4:29

III)  Basic needs of all people
  to be loved  (which = they are lovable)
  to be valued (which - they are valuable)
  to be recognized as significant  (which = they Matter)

Anything that communicates the above = a Blessing
(anything that communicates the opposite of the above = Curse!!  

All that is necessary to Bless another is to....
(1)  Decide -  intentionality - more likely to hit what you aim at!

(2)  Look for Opportunity - consciously - on purpose!
(how often this is missed and later regretted)

(3)  Act = example:  a gathering = "gonna attempt to bless ____ people"
on one hand, is easier for some (their gift)
However, is the responsibility of all  Prov. 3:27, Heb. 10:23-24

All people desire blessing - even those who appear to reject it!!

One more thing.... Acts 20:35 = more than blessed to give ..
Point -- one of the best ways to Receive a blessing ... is to Give a blessing!!

So.... Rubber bands are to remind us (this week) to
          (1)  be aware of, give thanks for your blessings
 to...   (2)  be a blessing - make it a point to bless those around you!

Final verse:  John 1:16
     (1)  give thanks for your blessings
     (2)  pass the blessings on to others!!!

Jesus' Authority - Tuesday AM of Passion Week

 Mark 11:27-28 - Jesus' last trip to Jerusalem for Passover

What "things"?  (1)  cleansing the Gentile court
                        (2)  teaching the people (not a trained rabbi!) - in the temple courts of the Gentiles
                        (3)  challenging the established authorities!  OPENLY!!!

So..... "by what authority?  who gave You authority?"

Definition:  authority = delegated right to decide, give orders, take charge
= official permission to act - granted by Higher authority

In other words, they are saying "by what right do you do this?  who gave You control?  Put You in charge .... OVER us?!?!    (who do you think you are????)

Jesus answer - Mark 11:29-30 - ie "who gave John (John the Baptist) authority to preach, teach, baptize, criticize, and direct people?"
(incidentally ... these same men challenged John's authority also!! - John 1:19-26)

Their Response - Mark 11:31-32 - "can't say!" - bacause....??

So..... Mark 11:33 - (however, they did know)

Note difference between John and Jesus - John = great preacher, great following BUT "did no miracle" (John 10:41)

However, Jesus worked how many?  Miracles?  - no way to tell
Witness by how many people??? Scores

So.......... John 10:37-38 - even if don't believe me, believe the miracles

Contrast these leaders (a)  with common folk - example:  John 9:28-33 - believed Jesus was from God
                                  (b)  with some fellow leaders - example John 3:1-2

We might give these leaders benefit of doubt.....
But ... Jesus didn't!!  Mark 12:1-22 - He knew their hearts - that they knew and wouldn't admit it.
(Parable with allegorical elements) 

(1)  owner of the Vineyard = God/Father
(2)  the Vineyard = Israel, the nation
(3)  the tenants - Leadership of Israel
(4)  the servants of the owner - prophets
(5)  the Son - Jesus (Christ)
(6)  the "others" who received the Vineyard = Christians, Church

The meaning?  message? = pretty clear!!

Question:  Did the leaders understand this? - Mark 12:12

NOW they want not just to discredit Him.  They want to Kill Him - John 11:49-50, 53

So enraged, they want Lazarus eliminated also!!! - John 12:9-11 - He was a living testimony to Jesus' power and authority.

Now = extreme hostility!!!

Some lessons and applications for us:

1)  Refusing to answer a valid question does not excuse you from responsibility!
Example = leadership  "we don't know"?
Paul's comment on that?  Rom. 1:21 - didn't stay neutral, but became more and more calloused.

2)  don't let your education, social status, position, success, popularity, or pride get in the way of your common sense!!  Example =  leadership Not Recognizing Jesus!!   If He's God, He's God!!  Rom. 1:22

3)  If you determine not to believe ... nothing will convince you!  (against your will)
Example:  Abraham to the rich man (in hell) - Luke 16:27-31   Bowl judgments - Rev. 16:10-11
(don't wait 'til your heart is hard!!!)

4)  If you follow Christ, you will experience persecution (from a world that doesn't want His Moral Laws!)
Example:  Lazarus!! What did he do?  and yet they want to kill him!  2 Tim. 3:12 - promise that we will be persecuted for living Godly life in Christ Jesus.

5)  Jesus Is Lord!! ..... with ALL Authority!!
fully demonstrated in the Resurrection!! - Matt. 28:18

6)  Therefore ... you should accept Him, follow Him, Serve Him!!

Monday Before Crucifixion Friday

 Mark 11:12-26 - (long passage, all intertwined)

I.  The Fig Tree = 1 of 2 destructive miracles  (other = pigs in chapter 5)

? "not the season for figs"?? = was Jesus petulant?  ill-tempered?
Are many explanations BUT ... Don't Miss the Point!!

ie:  a claim of without fruit!!!    Promise without Product!!
Jews chosen to bring people to God, but were excluding them!

Therefore, this = an acted out parable!  other examples:  Ezekiel adn the dirt cities; Hosea - marry prostitute, separate, reconcile

All directed at Israel!!  the temple, their attitude, etc.  God's intent, purpose = DRAW MEN!!
Compare:  Luke 13:6-9

II.  The Cleansing = once?  twice?  John's account???

But (again) DON'T MISS THE POINT

Purpose of the Law, the Temple, chosen Israel = DRAW, NOT exclude!

Distinction here... (1)  welcome all men
                           (2)  Include all who repent and turn  (accept)!! 

Question:  Did Jesus sin here??  Poll taken shows large percentage of people believe He did.
But, this = (1) Righteous anger  (contrast our tendency)
                (2)  showing His authority over the temple

III.  Prayer Promises - Mark 11:22-24 ??

? taken literally  on one hand, "1st. sense is usually best sense".
However, in practice????  examples:  Paul's thorn  (2nd. Cor.)
                                                         Paul's friend (2 Tim. 4:19-20)

Mis-use = "the power ot obtain = in my ability to believe"  vs. "the power and the decision = in God's hands", not my ability to believe

IV.  Prayer Stipulations - Mark 11:25 ???
So,... if I don't forgive, I can't have answered prayer(s)???

What's CLEAR is.... (1)  Prayer matters  (Makes a Difference)
                                (2)  Faith matters  (Makes a Difference)
                                (3)  Forgiveness matters  (Makes an Difference)

OBSERVATIONS:

(1)  We are called to be fruitful
as a people group (Christianity)
as a denomination
as a church  
as an individual
example:  Parable of the Talents - (charge = didn't use, produce)

(2)  Your faith, religion on one hand must be personal
However, your faith, religion is NOT for you alone!!
You = part the the plan to "Connect People to God"

John 12:32 = double meaning = (1)  the cross   (2)  testimony (verbal and lifestyle)

(3)  Jesus is both Lion and Lamb
On one hand, gentle, mild, long-suffering, forgiving, sacrificial!
On the other hand, HeWill execute Judgment on sin(s)!!
ie:  Both corporately (Israel, USA?)
    and Individually  - we will be judged, not talking about salvation

(4)  Jesus is LORD
ie:  He has all authority!!  examples:  fig trees, temples, disease, death....
and Hi will (at the proper time) use that authority!!
(and, you want to be in good standing when He does!)

(5)  "Worldly Success" is not necessarily evidence of Divine Favor. - example:  the temple

Don't misinterpret your success as being a sign of pleasing God.

The Triumphant Entry (Palm Sunday)

 (6 days before the cross)  

Mark 11:1-10 -  (hundreds of thousands of people came to Passover.)
                       - approaching Jerusalem - vs. 9 - common greeting
                                                            - vs. 10 - recognition as the possible or probable Messiah
(cloaks on the road common for kingly procession)

Matt. 21:4-5 - from Zechariah

Luke 19:35-40 = fulfilled AD 70

John mentions palm branches ... hence Palm Sunday

I)  The Entry marks a change in Jesus' ministry
The END of avoiding crowds, protecting His secrecy
The Beginning of (1) open confrontation with opponents
                and....(2)  open declaration of His ministry  (which culminates in the cross)

II)  The Passover celebrates the Jews' release from bondage  (in Egypt) - roughly 1500 years before this time
Therefore, Messianic Fervor ... in hopes of....
     (1)  the Messiah coming
     (2)  their release form bondage .... to Rome!!
     (3)  re-establishment of the Davidic Kingdom

And ... Who better to fulfill that role than Jesus of Nazareth.  worked untold # of miracles, no one ever spoke or taught like Him.

III)  The Donkey identifies and portrays the King
identifies who He is, AND portrays what He's like.
Zech. 9:9-10 - donkey is not an animal of War, but of peace

Compare to 2nd. Coming!!  Rev. 19:11-16 - whole different set up when He returns

IV)  The Entry was not ALL joyous!  Luke 19:41-44 - literally fulfilled about 40 years later.

Why weep?  Ezek. 33:11   1 Tim. 2:4

V)  The Entry was anticlimactic - Mark 11:11 - "looked and left"

OBSERVATIONS:

1)  sometimes God's methods are beyond our understanding - (understatement!!)
Isa. 55:8-9,  So..... John 12:16

Faith is not understanding all things about Christ ....
Faith is understanding enough about Christ to Trust Him in all things!!
Ex =:  Hab. 3:16-18   ex. = Job - Deut. 29:29

2)  The disciples got it wrong!!  (about the Kingdom)
That doesn't mean Jesus was wrong!!

Point = Christina leaders will often mis-understand, mis-interpret and therefore mis-teach (apply) God's Word,

But... their mistakes and failures should Not shake your faith in Christ!!  (your faith is in Him; not man's interpretation of Him)
= doctrinal errors, = moral failures

3)  Rejection of Jesus as Lord and Christ has definite and serious consequences.
Example:  Israel as nation / AD 70/ dispersion 1900 years!!

example:  individually - John 8:23-24

Note:  He is a s much King Now as will be then!!
But now = you have option (and opportunity) to bow the knee!!
Then it will be too late!

The next 4 chapters of Mark = The Passion Week - much teaching, preaching, instructing, confrontation But not every thing that happened is recorded.  What IS recorded is for a distinct prupose!!

all 4 gospels = same goal/purpose;  summarized by John ... John 20:30-31

Application = that you might know Christ, trust Christ, follow Christ.