Tag: leader

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Mark: Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Read: Mark 14:3-9

The scene comes out of nowhere, it seems. The leaders are plotting to kill Jesus, the Passover festival is swelling, and Jesus is hanging out with a leper. How can we begin to think that this is normal? The only routine that Jesus seems to have is no routine at all, except to say that His love for people is so far above my understanding that I can only read and weep.

…a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Mark 14:3

I’m in tears as I watch the scene unfold. This woman…such an outrageous act of devotion. Would I ever do anything close?

In the past, I’ve focused on the very expensive perfume, but missed the fact that both the jar and the perfume are precious commodities. Look what it says, “She broke the jar…” I suppose part of the process of creating such an extravagant perfume, the creator must seal the jar completely. The only way to get to the perfume is to break the jar.

The only way for Jesus to win for us all is to break His precious body, for His overwhelming love to flow out to us all.

Poured on His Head

Unlike tears swept with hair at Jesus’ feet, this bold act includes a closeness that suddenly creates an intimate scene. I doubt the jar was very large, something she holds in her hand. She broke it open and moved in close to Jesus. Close enough to pour the perfume on His head.

I pray that you will close your eyes, slow down a moment, and imagine the scene. A woman enters the home with a room of men honored by the presence of the Messiah. Unnoticed at first, she moves through the room with an alabaster jar in her hands. Smack! She breaks the jar open. It’s not a cork to slowly extract, there was a sharp sound, a harsh noise and suddenly the aroma fills the room. Immediately the men recognize the perfume.

For a moment, in my crazy imagination, I suspect they were excited, memories swept in, perhaps of wedding celebrations or some feast of a wealthy friend or an extravagant banquet. We remember music this way. A song takes us back to a place that we can never forget. Our sense of smell does as well. Suddenly we’re transformed to a place 20 years ago. This is that place.

I see Jesus receiving this anointing from the hands of someone who is moving in harmony with the Spirit. No words. Only action.

Time seems to stop for a moment.

In the next moment, their eyes came back into focus and they realized this woman was pouring the perfume, that perfume, on the head of Jesus.

Why this waste of perfume?

The men complained about the waste of perfume, a year’s wages dumped out for a moment of pleasure. While the aroma fills the air, the room is transformed from a dusty meeting place to one of luxurious surroundings. Those present miss the opportunity to be swept away by the beauty of the handcrafted perfume. They miss the beauty of Jesus reclining at their table. Their response is to rebuke, critique, offer their wise advise for a more appropriate use of such expensive oil.

Jesus is quick to put an end to their misguided criticism.

The Poor

The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. Mark 14:7

In a way it’s sad to read, we’ll always have poor amongst us. At the same time, we are challenged to help them — any time.

Mystery

Unnamed. Anonymous. No recognition from the men that watched, complained, stood by completely confused. Jesus not only honors the woman for her gift, He carves her action in history. What she did that day in that place at that time.

Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Mark 14:9

Lord, may this be the day that we do that action which is required by you, even when it is completely misunderstood by everyone else in the room.

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Mark: The Plot to Kill Jesus

Read: Mark 14:1-2

Following the Olivet Discourse in chapter 13, John Mark begins the chapter by pointing out the fact that the leadership is actively looking for a way to eliminate Jesus, to kill Him.

Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.” Mark 14:1-2

Jesus was too well known to simply disappear. Their plans would have to wait a bit, catch the people off guard, in order to be successful…at least in their minds. Then Judas Iscariot enters the scene (in a bit) to change their timeline. We’ll get to that later.

One of the contextual thoughts in the NIV Application Commentary (NIVAC) is the fact that during this festive time, Jerusalem probably doubled or even tripled in population. Thousands of pilgrims are flocking to the Holy city to pay their respects. From a very practical sense, the Roman police force would have been bolstered to ensure a peaceful demonstration. Their additional presence, the augmentees to use a military term, help to provide a fertile environment for the Jewish leaders.

In a day and age when killing another human was completely acceptable, something that’s hard to wrap my mind around, we see a surplus of soldiers standing by for orders. I know it’s deplorable, reprehensible to consider, but I can imagine there is a certain amount of honor given to the soldiers with the most kills under his sword. A disgusting thought, though I don’t think I’m far from truth.

If we get nothing else from Christianity, we should get that human life is supremely valuable to our Creator. War will happen, death will be inflicted, but this is much different than premeditated murder. Our thoughts matter. When thoughts are evil and opportunities arise, the results are consistently horrible. Depressing at the very best.

The leaders are only concerned with saving face as they continued to meet and discuss ways to kill Jesus. They have no idea they are playing into history. Ironic since they are the ones who teach about the coming Messiah, yet they completely miss the signs.

Lord, in the rather somber two verses, my heart is heavy. I know the rest of the story, but I feel for those who think the way these leaders demonstrated. This is very real today. Many are so self-absorbed, without any concern for others, that they cause grievous harm to innocent people. Help us, dear Lord, to maintain a sense of compassion for those who are so far from Christ. May we be wise a serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16) as we go out into this crazy world!

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Mark: Signs of the End of the Age

Read: Mark 13:3-13

As I began to read this section, I simply had to stop and ponder what it must have been like to have a private discussion with Jesus:

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Mark 13:3

Four of the disciples had the privilege of space and time. Space to be in the presence of Jesus face to face and time to sit and listen with no cell phones or emails begging for attention. No fanfare here, just four guys who were sold out to Jesus asking for a private conversation — Jesus answers them without delay.

Four Phrases

There are four phrases in particular that jumped out at me as I read this morning, perhaps they might speak to you today: watch out, be on your guard, whenever you are arrested, and everyone will hate you. As we look at these, remember this is an intimate setting, not a sermon to 5,000+. It’s important for us to surround ourselves with those who are devoted to Christ, who know His voice, who can help us discern His will in a world that seeks to deceive and destroy.

Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Mark 13:5

In their time, no one spoke like Jesus did. They didn’t have the Bible, the New Testament, seminaries, books, Google, etc., no one to lean on for clarification. They were standing at the edge of the wood, Fangorn Forest if you must, about to enter a land where no one dared to go, let alone thrive. To say there were naysayers around them puts it lightly. They weren’t to be merely ridiculed for this new found faith, they would literally be beaten by the very foundational elements of what was known as the chosen people.

“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. Mark 13:9

Flogged in synagogues, the center of Jewish local leadership. I’m thinking one of them raised their hand at this point and asked for some clarification. They were Jews. Devout. Regular working men who dropped their nets and followed Jesus. I have to believe He explained a bit more to the handful of those who heard these words.

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11

Whenever you are arrested, not “if” you are arrested. This is going to happen, you will be put on trial, you will suffer. It’s not a badge of honor. They were not going about trying to pick a fight to see how the Spirit would bail them out. Not at all! They would merely go about there way preaching the amazing good news that the Messiah came, that the leaders killed Him, and that God, the One true God, resurrected Him and we must all acknowledge Jesus above all others. That statement would provoke arrest, torture and death. Now that you know, go and spread the gospel!

Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

And this is your reward: everyone will hate you. Sign me up! This is Holy discontent at its best.

I wonder if we have what it takes to be called a disciple of Jesus, let alone refer to ourselves as disciple makers. Jesus did not compromise. He did not paint a rosy picture of a two-car garage and steady income. It’s pretty clear that being on mission for Christ has little to do with creature comforts we enjoy.

It’s hard to navigate each day with this thought in mind. Lord, teach us to pray and understand. Help us to look to You for direction, to hear Your voice above the chatter, to advance Your kingdom here on earth.

The featured image I chose for this post is a field with a broken down tractor. It appears that the crops are thriving around the tractor, but the vehicle is useless, impotent, ineffective. That tractor will contribute nothing toward the harvest. In light of yesterday’s post, may we commit to being the people who will serve in the field without relying on broken tractors.

The fields are ripe. Where are the workers?

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Mark: The Awesome Temple

Read: Mark 13:1-2

As I began to process chapter 13, The Olivet Discourse, I simply had to stop and observe the first few verses through the eyes of the disciples, with a bent toward the current state of so many churches in this country.

As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Mark 13:1-2

I had the privilege of meeting with disciples downtown on Tuesday and Wednesday morning this week. As I drove past multiple church properties, I couldn’t help but notice those that were gigantic structures, along with empty parking lots. I’m not judging the pastors, ministers, staff, etc., I’m making a statement about the system that led to this phenomena we refer to as “church.” What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!

It is my belief that these will be relics of the next generation. The new church will be much more organic, much more difficult to identify, and hardly recognizable by today’s standards. The next generation of churches has yet to be defined, but I’m confident it will not include hefty senior pastor salaries and designated parking. Giant buildings with monthly utility bills that could provide for dozens of families that don’t even have the means to have electricity will be replaced, repurposed, redesigned, redesignated, re____.

The disciples, after spending hours in the temple courts with Jesus, are excited about those who heard the preaching and teaching. Their comments about the temple come from a place of joy. Jesus has just debunked leading teachers and Pharisees, upset many who were full of pride, and supported those who humbly came to the temple to offer what they could. This was an amazing day! Walking out, they make a simple observation, but Jesus, as He does so often, turns the tables.

Historically, we have the privilege of knowing that those massive structures were indeed destroyed, but that was inconceivable by those walking out of the temple courts 2,000+ years ago. Completely unheard of.

My angst against the large church model in America is not to see them fail; rather, I want more than anything to see thriving churches, filled with disciple-making disciplers that serve their communities and pour the gospel out to everyone. No, I’m not against these entities, but I know that most are unable to be the effective church because they compromise the gospel over the system they have built, the salaries they must pay, and the infrastructure that drives the stewardship campaigns.

My prayer is for churches to wake up to their original calling, to look at large gatherings (typically on Sunday) as celebrations of the week of working in the harvest field, spreading the gospel, pouring into disciples, reaching into the workplace with hundreds of ministers (every Christian is a minister of the gospel), and building each other up as we talk about success and failures during the week.

There is much work to do. We need healthy churches and healthy leaders. We need people to work together with a common understanding of the direction that Jesus set for us, to go and make disciples. Lord, help us!

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Mark: The Widow’s Offering

Read: Mark 12:41-44

John Mark and Luke include this short narrative about giving offering for the temple, the massive enterprise, the centerpiece of Jewish culture at that time. It’s a brief look into life around the temple, but we have a few extra adjectives to describe the event that I found interesting:

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. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Mark 12:41-42

Jesus watched the crowd. Sometimes actions speak so much louder that great speeches. In my mind, I see Jesus sitting across from the procession of people making their way to the temple treasurer while the disciples are looking around trying to figure out what’s next. He’s just watching. Demonstrating that people matter more than stuff as the scene unfolds.

Rich people threw there money into the coffers. They didn’t just pay their portion, they threw in large amounts. If I understand correctly, the currency of the day would be coins of various denominations. I imagine the noise that a bag of coins might make as it enters the chest. At eCity coffee, some of the workers us a large metal tip jar. It’s embarrassing to drop in a few coins because of the loud sound it makes. Paper wouldn’t make the sound, but really? Should I tip a dollar for a 2-dollar coffee? Anyway, the rich in this story want people to know they have arrived, so they make as much noise as possible.

The poor widow put in two coins. On the other hand, the widow merely puts in her two coins. Gently, reverently, respectfully. No show, no flashy appearance, and no explanation.

The Teachable Moment

Jesus takes time to teach His disciples a significant lesson.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

This woman was committed to serving God the best way she knew how. Her understanding of demonstrating her love of God was to give all she had for the temple to continue so she would have a place to worship. She wasn’t on the board of elders, not a Pharisee, nor a teacher of the law. She was merely a person doing her best to honor God.

Like people who are dedicated to weekly attendance, I suspect there are a few who fit this woman’s character. They are doing their very best to honor Christ as the church leadership has taught. I really appreciate the story because it shows that Jesus honors those who give from their heart, those who have complete faith in the system of worship without piety or selfish intent. These will be honored by Christ.

I’m sure the juxtaposition of these men will be punished most severely (v.40) with this story is no accident. Those who misled congregations will have to answer for their behavior–not the faithful who devote themselves with all their heart.

Lord, thank you for the reminder that as we humbly offer ourselves with faith,  You will receive our offering.

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Mark: Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

Read: Mark 12:38-40

Once again, Jesus warns the people about the hypocrisy of the teachers of the law. Matthew devotes and entire chapter to the subject, while John Mark and Luke provide a very brief summary.

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, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. Mark 12:38-39

I feel like we know these guys well by this point. We see the likes of Pharisees in many different forms these days as celebrities are given undue attention for using their gifts for entertaining many or politicians for wooing people with their charisma. Then you mix the two to create a celebrity pastor — whatever that is! Sadly, you probably think of names of pastors when you read this.

Jesus doesn’t beat around the bush. He is not fooled by these guys, nor is He pleased:

They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Mark 12:40

The euphoria of public fame and fortune comes with a price. People will follow those in positions of leadership and they will follow informal leaders as well. It’s natural. We see it all the time. Jesus here leaves us with an understanding that He sees their deception. In a way, He lets us know that their behavior is obvious to Him and will not be tolerated — we don’t have to do anything — These men will be punished most severely.

As for the punishment, I have no clue what that means. The indication is there are levels of punishment, but I’m not the one who effects the discipline here. Best to leave that to God.

Given time, deceivers will be exposed. The sad reality is they leave a wake of destruction in their path. The warning is clear. The remedy is to surround ourselves with people who love us enough to tell us we are out of line, true friends that call out our weaknesses in love.

Lord, help me to be careful about seeking to be seen. Make my intentions worthy of your glory. And if I see a brother or sister in Christ leaning toward the way of the teachers in this passage, show me how to lovingly communicate with them.

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Mark: Whose Son Is the Messiah?

Read: Mark 12:35-37

Here’s a short passage that easily slips by on the Bible-in-a-year reading plan. I wonder if there are nuggets of wisdom for us to gain by slowing down and pondering why John Mark (along with Matthew 22:41-46 and Luke 20:41-44) chose this seemingly simple lesson to include among many taught in Jerusalem during Jesus’s last days on earth.

Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and poses a question that must have stopped everyone in their tracks:

David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”
The large crowd listened to him with delight. Mark 12:37

This is more like a riddle than a question. I imagine people wandering around testing each other with the answer, though only a few understood the significance of the One who was asking.

Matthew’s account adds an interesting detail:

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
“The son of David,” they replied. Matthew 22:41-42

The Pharisees, along with many others (most likely), have to wonder why Jesus would pose such a riddle. Surely there are other lessons to teach. We’re stuck without a lot of details except to suggest that this

was to show that the Messiah was more than a descendant of David—he was David’s Lord. NIV Study Bible Notes

 

In the coming days, the tests will become harder, more complicated, and the Pharisees will ultimately fail miserably. It seems to me that Jesus is giving them a hint before their exam, all but declaring: I Am the Messiah! Read your scrolls!

The Pharisees are much too busy to see the significance. We know from our perspective that they, with few exceptions, miss the connection of Jesus as the long expectant savior, the one we get to sing about over the course of the next few weeks.

In this season of Advent, may we lose ourselves in the thought that Jesus is the fulfillment of hope for all generations, past, present, and future.

Lord, help us not to miss the point: Jesus is our redeemer.

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Mark: The Greatest Commandment

Read: Mark 12:28-34

Love God. Love neighbors. Love yourself.

There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31

Done. Publish.

Not quite so fast. Not because I’m trying to add words to Jesus’s very clear answer here, but because I want to step into the shoes of the man who had the opportunity to ask one question of Jesus face-to-face. What question would you ask? What would I ask?

In this case, the Jewish leader is a teacher of the law. He’s no doubt invested his life in understanding the Torah, searching his heart and mind to not only become the man he believed God wanted him to be, but to be a better teacher, the calling for his life.

Given the chance of a lifetime, he finds himself in the enviable position to ask Jesus the clarify something for him. We know the rabbis of the day had hundreds of laws and rules, so many that it was no doubt a challenge to rack and stack them, keep them in order, etc. Modern day lawyers can appreciate this much more than I can.

What’s really refreshing about this interaction is that this man sincerely wanted to know the answer. He wasn’t trying to be clever, or at least it seems that way from his response to Jesus. The snob in me has read this differently in the past. Verse 32 starts, “Well said, teacher…” and I puff up my chest and say, you’re ___ right, this is Jesus answering your silly question! But that is not what Jesus says, not the way our savior reacts.

Take a moment and breathe in the words of Jesus as He listened intently to the man’s response:

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:34

The man reiterated Jesus’s words while I believe Jesus looked into his eyes and focused all attention on his body language, his poise, letting go of his prominent position to move from knowledge to wisdom. Jesus sees his heart and approves with incredibly gracious words. In my imagination, I see Jesus grabbing him by the shoulders, smiling, looking directly in his eyes and saying, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Oh my, that scene is so surreal. Can you imagine? Linger there for a moment.

If you had one question, what would it be?

I pray that we would ask questions and listen like the man did in this passage, that we would receive the assurance that Jesus came and died for us to appreciate. Jesus has the answers for those far from the Kingdom and those who’ve been adopted for years. Lord, help us to listen to Your answers.

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Mark: Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar

Read: Mark 12:13-17

The battle between church and state has raged for centuries. Today we are reminded of how we should approach this classic face-off as we read John Mark’s account of the interaction.

Unholy Alliance

In light of several things I’ve learned through this present study, here is another example of an alliance that is significant, in a bad way:

Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. Mark 12:13

In this case, they, implies there are talks among the Jewish and Roman leaders in the region. The Jewish leaders are obviously desperate to get rid of Jesus, even to the point of conspiring with the oppression regime that governs with a whip. Remember, just 30 years before this time, Herod had all the boys two and under killed when Jesus was born. I’m sure not much has changed in their way of thinking as evidenced by the systematic torture and execution of prisoners through crucifixion.

This is an unholy alliance, one that is not endorsed by God, but Jesus, once again, demonstrates incredibly (to say the least) how we should handle such obvious attempts to subvert God’s authority.

Teacher’s Pet

You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are Mark 12:14

I hadn’t caught this concept before reading the NIV Application Commentary, but it is true, Jesus does show favoritism to those who sincerely seek the truth. This reminds me of days when I was teaching for the University of Maryland (long time ago!). I told my students that I most definitely had teacher’s pets. Those who did their homework and turned it in on time without complaint, those who prepared for class, those who did their best — these would be my favorites and I would unashamedly show them undue partiality. They got the point.

Jesus invites those who are willing to lay down their pride and follow Him to enter into his way of life. For those who have ulterior motives, He dismisses them with more questions than they had answers for. Just a few days ago we watched this unfold as Jesus ignored the questions from the religious leaders and sent them packing without an answer (The Authority of Jesus Challenged).

Thinly Veiled Trap

The grade-school challenge is laid before Jesus,

Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” Mark 12:14-15

I’m thankful that John Mark (and Matthew 22:15-22 and Luke 20:20-26!) captured the moment for us to appreciate the separation of church and state. The hotly contested legal relationship continues to burden established churches to this day as we witness legal battles constantly attacking organized religion.

The Answer

The answer is rather simple:

Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. Mark 12:17

Simple, yes, but once again, Jesus sends His inquisitors home unsatisfied: they were amazed. Matthew’s version agrees with John Mark’s while Luke tells us they were astonished and had no response, “they were silent.”

There are many in the church world that live in fear of losing their tax-exempt status, the revered 501(c)(3) shelter for non-profit entities, in particular, religious organizations. The rationale behind the tax-exempt status has little to do with religion, which is why, so far, the code remains in place. The concept is simple: religious organizations, e.g., churches, exist for the common good of the public. This is the call for churches to remember their role in community outreach, but not merely for the sake of checking a box. Our role is to be a key part of our community. I fully believe that if we were to embody that role, we would be fine with or without the IRS Code exemption–the community would long to see us succeed.

I’m thankful for this clear cut example of how we are to balance church and state. We have so many privileges in this country, so many laws in our favor. Lord, help us to play the vital role in society as we draw people to You!

 

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Mark: The Parable of the Tenants

Read: Mark 12:1-12

In this powerful parable, Jesus speaks directly at the Pharisees, the teachers of the law, the leaders of the religious right. The words are so pointed and accurate that the crowd understood implicitly. And since the crowd understood, the religious leaders were unable to act publicly. Their plot thickened.

The Parable

“A man planted a vineyard. He fenced it, dug a winepress, erected a watchtower, turned it over to the farmhands, and went off on a trip. At the time for harvest, he sent a servant back to the farmhands to collect his profits. Mark 12:1-2

The farmhands (The Message) or Tenants were privileged to have control over the vineyard, they enjoyed the fruit of the man’s design, the choice property, the safety of the fence, and security afforded them as a result.

But they completely lost sight of an important fact: they were tenants.

Their actions were bold, brash, selfish — they beat the servants who were sent by the master to collect the profits that were due to him. Some the beat, some they killed. It’s interesting to note that the master only wanted to collect the profits, nothing more. In other words, the tenants were free to enjoy the benefits of the vineyard and were only asked to return the extra earnings from their labor.

Servant after servant the evil tenants boldness increased, until:

“He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ Mark 12:6

At this point, I imagine that Jesus paused and let the thought sink in. Everyone knows the master’s son is a person of importance, one who represents the master himself and is his heir. I can see the heads bobbing in agreement with this statement.

Then Jesus continues the story with the unthinkable:

“But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. Mark 12:7-8

First of all, they recognized who he was, make no mistake, they were aware of the authority with which he came back to the vineyard.

Secondly, their plan is misguided. Somehow in their minds they convinced themselves that by killing the master’s son, they would reap the inheritance.

Finally, they carried out their plan. The evil that filled their hearts was so intoxicating that they executed the owner’s son.

Another pause.

Coincidentally, Our Daily Bread today refers to Amos and reminds us the God is sovereign, that He will not be mocked:

“Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel,
and because I will do this to you, Israel,
prepare to meet your God.”
He who forms the mountains,
who creates the wind,
and who reveals his thoughts to mankind,
who turns dawn to darkness,
and treads on the heights of the earth—
the Lord God Almighty is his name.
Amos 4:12-13

Prepare to meet your God.

“What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Mark 12:9

The wrath of God is not something we refer to very often these days. It’s a concept misunderstood by those who are unfamiliar with the depth of love the Lord has for His created ones. The world views God’s wrath as that of a tyrant who maliciously judges people. This is not our God. He sends prophet after prophet, word after word. He is consistent.

Here’s the key phrase: “…and give the vineyard to others.”

The evil will be eradicated from the vineyard. Make no mistake, the religious leaders are not idiots, they get the point.

…they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away. Mark 12:12

I am reminded today that God is sovereign. His ways are far better than my ways. I hope I will learn that lesson once again!

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