Lesson 10.The Last Days
Prophecies About the End Times – An Overview 

Lesson 10 introduces us to the profound and prophetic teachings of Jesus concerning the end times and His second coming. This lesson focuses on the pivotal events that will shape world history and the signs that announce the imminent end. Jesus speaks in urgent terms about times of great tribulation, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the coming of the Son of Man in glory. He admonishes vigilance and urges His followers to be prepared, as the exact timing of His return remains hidden. The teachings of this lesson encourage us to remain steadfast in faith amid challenges and uncertainties, in hope of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

10.1 Two Little Coins in the Offering
The True Meaning of Giving – An Example of the Widow

Read Mark 12:41–44. How much did the widow give, and what did Jesus have to say about it?

The story of the widow who puts two small coins into the offering box is a powerful example of true dedication and sacrifice. Despite her material poverty, she gives all she has, demonstrating a deep, sincere love for God and trust in His care. Jesus praises her, not because of the amount of her contribution, but because of the depth of her devotion. In contrast, the wealthy give much, but only from their abundance.

This narrative teaches us that the value of a gift is not determined by its material worth but by the heart behind it. God sees the sacrifice of the heart and the willingness to give oneself for Him, regardless of the size of the material contribution. In a world that often admires wealth and outward generosity, this lesson reminds us that true generosity lies in the willingness to sacrifice and trust in God.

The account also shows that even amidst corruption and misuse in religious institutions, faithfulness and giving to God are not in vain. The widow might have been aware of the corruption, but her actions were not dependent on people but motivated by her love for God. Jesus emphasizes that such sacrifices are not overlooked and that God blesses those who give from a pure heart.

This story challenges us to reflect on our own giving: Do we give from our abundance, or are we willing to give ourselves, even if it costs us something? The widow reminds us that God does not count the amount but the sacrifice and dedication we offer.

What should this account teach us about the importance of being faithful in what we give for the work of the Lord?

The account of the widow and her two small coins teaches us a profound lesson about the importance of faithfulness and dedication in giving to the Lord’s work:

1. The Heart Matters More Than the Amount: The widow gave a small amount that might seem insignificant compared to the gifts of the wealthy. Yet Jesus praised her because she gave all she had from her poverty. This shows us that God looks at the attitude of our hearts, not the material value of our gifts. It’s not about how much we give, but how faithful and sacrificial we are in what we give.

2. Trust in God: The widow gave even though she had little, showing great trust in God’s provision. This trust is crucial when giving to the Lord’s work. Even in difficult times, we should not hesitate to contribute, knowing that God knows our needs and will provide for us.

3. Independence from External Circumstances: The religious leadership at Jesus’ time was often corrupt, yet the widow did not hold back. This teaches us that our faithfulness in giving should not depend on the actions of others. Even if we have doubts about the integrity of those handling the funds, our responsibility to give faithfully remains. Ultimately, we give not for people but for God and His work.

4. Blessing Through Faithfulness: Jesus emphasized that the widow gave more than all the others, even though her amount was small. This shows that God blesses those who are steadfast in their faithfulness and dedication. Our gifts, no matter how small, hold great value in God’s eyes when they come from a faithful and sacrificial heart.

This account reminds us that our giving to the Lord’s work is an expression of our love and trust in God. It is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act reflecting our faithfulness, trust, and dedication. By being faithful in what we give, we testify to our faith and contribute to building God’s kingdom, regardless of the circumstances around us.

The story of the widow and her two small coins has a deep meaning for our daily lives and faith. It reminds us that true dedication and sacrifice are not bound to material wealth but to the willingness to give our best to God, regardless of our external circumstances. Here are some connections to our daily life and faith:

1. Prioritizing Dedication: In our daily lives, we are often tempted to focus our time, resources, and energy on material things or worldly goals. However, the story of the widow challenges us to rethink our priorities. It encourages us to give to God not just from our abundance but to put Him first, even if it costs us something. This might mean intentionally dedicating our time, talents, or financial resources to God and our fellow humans, even when it challenges us personally.

2. Trust in God’s Provision: The widow gave all she had because she trusted in God’s provision. This attitude can encourage us to be bold in trusting God to provide for us in times of uncertainty or need. This trust allows us to be generous, even when it’s difficult, knowing that God is aware of our needs and will care for us.

3. Faithfulness Despite Imperfect Circumstances: The story shows that despite the corruption and inadequacies of the religious leaders of her time, the widow remained faithful. This teaches us that our dedication and faithfulness to God should not depend on external circumstances or the behavior of others. In daily life, this means remaining consistent in our relationship with God and serving Him faithfully, even when circumstances are tough or we are disappointed by people in positions of authority.

4. Blessing Through Small but Faithful Acts: We often feel insignificant or think our contributions don’t make a big difference. The story of the widow reminds us that God sees and values the small things we do in faithfulness. In everyday life, this means that every small act of love, giving, or service is valuable in God’s eyes. It encourages us to be faithful in the little things, trusting that God will bless that faithfulness.

In summary, this story teaches us that our daily lives and faith should be marked by a heart of dedication, trust, and faithfulness. It reminds us that in God’s eyes, it’s not the size of our contribution that matters but the depth of our dedication and trust in Him. This can inspire us to strive for this kind of dedication and faithfulness in all areas of our lives.

True generosity is not measured by the value of what is given but by the depth of the heart that gives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-the-last-days-10-1-two-little-coins-in-the-offering-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 1, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Mark Chapter 5

¹ And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

² And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

³ Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:

⁴ Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

⁵ And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

⁶ But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,

⁷ And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

⁸ For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

⁹ And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

¹⁰ And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

¹¹ Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.

¹² And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

¹³ And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

¹⁴ And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.

¹⁵ And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

¹⁶ And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

¹⁷ And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.

¹⁸ And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.

¹⁹ Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

²⁰ And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

²¹ And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.

²² And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

²³ And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

²⁴ And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

²⁵ And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

²⁶ And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

²⁷ When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

²⁸ For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

²⁹ And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

³⁰ And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

³¹ And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

³² And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

³³ But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

³⁴ And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

³⁵ While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

³⁶ As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

³⁷ And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

³⁸ And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

³⁹ And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

⁴⁰ And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

⁴¹ And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

⁴² And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

⁴³ And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

The fifth chapter of the Gospel of Mark recounts two remarkable miracles performed by Jesus. First, he frees a man from an incurable state of possession, and then he heals two women—one suffering from a long-term illness and another who is believed to be dead. These narratives showcase Jesus’ power over evil, sickness, and death, highlighting that faith in him brings salvation and healing. This chapter offers deep insights into the nature of faith and the mercy of God.

Commentary:

Mark 5 is a powerful testament to Jesus’ authority and the transformative power of faith. The story of the possessed man illustrates that no situation is too hopeless for Jesus to intervene. The people’s reaction to the miracle—fear and the request for Jesus to leave—raises questions about their willingness to engage with the divine, especially when it disrupts their familiar lives.

The healing of the woman with the issue of blood and the raising of Jairus’ daughter emphasize that faith plays a central role in one’s relationship with Jesus. Both women—one through her trust and the other through her father’s intercession—experience healing and life through faith. These stories encourage us to trust in God’s actions, even when circumstances seem hopeless.

Overall, this chapter underscores the profound significance of faith in Jesus and his ability to overcome any form of suffering. It invites us to reflect on these miracles and examine our own readiness to trust Jesus and welcome him into our lives.

Summary:

The chapter begins with Jesus and his disciples encountering a possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes. The man, tormented by many demons, is freed when Jesus commands the demons to enter a herd of pigs, which then plunge into the sea. The people of the region are frightened and ask Jesus to leave. The healed man wishes to follow Jesus, but he is instructed instead to proclaim God’s grace in his homeland.

Next, Jesus encounters a large crowd, including a synagogue leader named Jairus, whose daughter is near death. On the way to Jairus’ house, Jesus is touched by a woman who has suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years. Through her faith, she is immediately healed. Despite receiving news that Jairus’ daughter has died, Jesus urges Jairus to believe. He then raises the girl from the dead.

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 60—The Law of the New Kingdom

This chapter is based on Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 18:31-34.

Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Chapter 60 highlights the deep spiritual lessons that Jesus taught his disciples on the way to Jerusalem, just before he experienced his suffering and death. In this section, Jesus prepares his disciples for the upcoming events and reveals to them the law of his new kingdom, which fundamentally differs from worldly kingdoms. Instead of seeking power and dominion, Jesus calls his followers to humbly serve and sacrifice themselves for others, thereby attaining true greatness in the kingdom of God.

Commentary:

This chapter offers a powerful reflection on the contrasts between worldly notions of power and the spiritual ideal of service in the kingdom of God. Jesus corrects the ambitions of his disciples, who are still influenced by earthly ideas of a messianic kingdom, by revealing to them the true nature of his reign. His response to John and James, who request privileged places in his kingdom, demonstrates that true greatness in the kingdom of God is not achieved through positions or titles, but through self-sacrifice and service to others.

The teachings Jesus imparts in this chapter are radical and challenge the prevailing societal understanding of power and authority. In a world where rank and influence are often exercised through oppression and control, Jesus shows that true authority lies in the willingness to serve others, even at the cost of one’s own life. This teaching not only shapes the disciples but also forms the foundation of Christian ethics, as practiced in the early Christian communities.

Jesus’ words remind us that the pursuit of power and influence in the worldly sense has nothing to do with the nature of his kingdom. Instead, it is humility, service, and sacrifice that matter in the kingdom of God. This is embodied in the life and death of Jesus himself, who paid the ultimate price to redeem humanity.

Summary:

Chapter 60 describes how, on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus prepares his disciples for his impending suffering and the true character of his kingdom. Despite their hopes for earthly power and honor, Jesus teaches them that true greatness in the kingdom of God is achieved through humility, service, and self-sacrifice. John and James, who seek places of honor in his kingdom, are reminded that such positions are not attained through personal ambition but through suffering and bearing the cross. In a world characterized by power and control, Jesus shows that the principles of his kingdom are based on love and selflessness. These teachings not only shape the disciples but also the early Christian community, which is characterized by a spirit of unity and mutual love.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/1-09-2024-mark-chapter-5-believe-his-prophets/

In this episode, join Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, for part two of his discussion on Chapter 36 of The Great Controversy by Ellen White. Explore the urgent warnings this chapter makes about the growing deceptions and the peril of neglecting God’s Word.

Read The Great Controversy by Ellen White at https://greatcontroversyproject.org/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-36-pt-2-liberty-of-conscience-threatened-pastor-ted-wilson/