Lesson 3.Controversies
The Controversies Surrounding Jesus’ Ministry

In Lesson 3 of the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a series of controversies that Jesus faced with the religious leaders and his own family. These disputes reveal not only the challenges that Jesus encountered in his earthly ministry but also profound truths about his character, mission, and the nature of true faith.

The healing of the paralytic, the calling of Levi and the question of fasting, the dispute over the Sabbath, and the reactions to Jesus’ tireless work—all these events demonstrate how Jesus’ radical message and actions met with resistance and misunderstanding. It becomes clear that Jesus did not come to confirm existing religious structures but to question and renew them.

In these controversies, Jesus redefines fundamental principles: Faith is manifested in acts of love, compassion takes precedence over rigid religious rules, and true community is based on shared obedience to God’s will. Through his responses and actions, Jesus invites his listeners to enter into a deeper and more authentic relationship with God.

This lesson challenges us to examine our own faith and religious practices. It calls us to recognize and live out the true spirit of the Gospel by practicing compassion, flexibility, and a strong commitment to God’s will in our daily lives.

3.1 Healing a Paralytic
Faith, Healing, and the Power of Forgiveness

Read Mark 2:1-12. What was the paralytic seeking when he was brought to Jesus, and what did he receive?

The paralytic in Mark 2:1-12 was seeking healing when his four friends brought him to Jesus. This physical healing was the obvious goal of their efforts, as shown by their removing the roof and lowering the paralytic down to Jesus. This was an extraordinary expression of their faith and persistence. Jesus recognized this faith and responded by first forgiving the paralytic’s sins.

Faith can be seen through the actions it inspires. The paralytic’s friends demonstrated their faith through their determination and effort to bring their friend to Jesus despite the obstacles they faced. This illustrates that faith, like love, becomes visible through actions. The friends’ faith led them to spare no effort to help their friend.

Jesus’ initial response of forgiving the paralytic’s sins addresses a deeper need than physical infirmity. This shows that Jesus considers holistic healing, encompassing both physical and spiritual aspects. The forgiveness of sins was a central point that Jesus wanted to emphasize, even though it was not what the onlookers expected.

The religious leaders who witnessed this scene doubted Jesus’ authority to forgive sins and considered his words blasphemous. Jesus met this doubt with a rabbinical argumentation style known as “from the lesser to the greater.” By healing the paralytic and enabling him to walk, Jesus demonstrated his divine authority and confirmed his ability to forgive sins.

This event in Mark shows the depth of faith and Jesus’ power to bring both spiritual and physical healing. It teaches us that true faith is often visible through determined and loving actions, and that Jesus addresses both our visible and invisible needs.

Read Micah 6:6-8. How does this text explain what was happening between Jesus and the leaders?

In Micah 6:6-8, the prophet Micah calls the people to reflect on God’s true requirements. Instead of emphasizing outward sacrifices and rituals, the text explains that God desires justice, mercy, and humble conduct before Him. These principles contrast with mere religious formalities and emphasize an inner attitude of dedication and ethics.

This lesson from Micah directly applies to the interactions between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time. The religious leaders focused their attention on adhering to and defending external religious practices and traditions. They were so focused on their own conception of piety and law that they neglected the core principles of justice, mercy, and humility.

Jesus embodied and taught these essential values, yet the religious leaders did not recognize this. Their obsession with defending their view of God and religion made them blind to God’s work happening right before their eyes. Even when Jesus read their thoughts and healed the paralytic—clear evidence of his divine authority—they did not change their minds. Their hearts were hardened, and they could not interpret the signs that should have shown them that Jesus was truly sent by God.

Micah 6:6-8 reminds us that true religiosity lies not in outward rituals but in living a life of justice, mercy, and humility before God. These values should be at the heart of our faith and actions. The religious leaders in Jesus’ time forgot this, and thus missed the deeper truth that Jesus was revealing to them. Their inability to recognize the significance of his actions illustrates the danger of prioritizing the external form of religion over its inner values.

How can we ensure that we do not fall into the same trap as these men, becoming so obsessed with the forms of religion that we lose sight of what true religion is all about (see James 1:27)?

James 1:27 describes true religion as “to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” This definition directs our focus away from external forms and rituals toward practical love and personal integrity. To avoid falling into the same trap as the religious leaders in Jesus’ time, we should consider the following principles in our faith life:

1. Focus on Charity:

   • Active Engagement: Actively participate in your community and society by helping those in need. Look for opportunities to serve others and alleviate their suffering.

   • Empathy and Compassion: Develop an open heart for the needs of others. Try to understand the perspectives of those who are less fortunate and be willing to stand by them.

2. Justice and Mercy:

   • Promoting Social Justice: Engage in promoting just structures in your community and society. Advocate for fair treatment and opportunities for all.

   • Practicing Mercy: Be ready to forgive and show compassion. Remember that Jesus calls us to mercy, not judgment.

3. Humility before God:

   • Humble Heart: Recognize your own limitations and dependence on God. Be open to His guidance and willing to lay aside your own pride and ego.

   • Living According to God’s Will: Seek God’s will through prayer and Bible study. Strive to implement His commandments in your daily life.

4. Purity and Integrity:

   • Moral Purity: Endeavor to live a life characterized by honesty, faithfulness, and moral integrity. Avoid temptations and influences that might lead you away from God’s ways.

   • Self-Reflection and Repentance: Regularly examine your heart and motives. Be willing to admit mistakes and practice repentance when you have strayed.

5. Balance between Tradition and Heart:

   • Appreciation of Tradition: Traditions and rituals can be valuable if they help us deepen our faith and strengthen our community. However, ensure they do not become an end in themselves.

   • Priority of the Heart: Ensure that your religious practices come from a sincere heart that loves God and neighbor.

By adhering to these principles, we can avoid falling into the same trap as the religious leaders who lost sight of the true values of religion. Instead, we can maintain a vibrant, authentic, and transformative relationship with God and our fellow humans that aligns with the true religion described in James 1:27.

The story of the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12 offers valuable lessons for our daily lives and faith. Here are some practical connections:

1. Faith that Shows in Actions:

   • Practical Application: Our faith should be reflected in our actions. Like the friends of the paralytic, we should be willing to overcome obstacles to help others and make God’s love visible.

   • Engagement: Actively seek opportunities to live out your faith in everyday life. This could be through volunteer work, supporting those in need, or through small daily acts of kindness and compassion.

2. Community and Support:

   • Joint Efforts: The story highlights the importance of community. The paralytic’s friends worked together to bring him to Jesus. In our lives, we should seek and offer support and fellowship with other believers.

   • Networks of Help: Build and maintain relationships that can help you stay strong in faith and find support in times of need. Be ready to provide this support to others as well.

3. Trust in Jesus’ Power and Authority:

   • Faith in God’s Intervention: Believe that Jesus can still intervene in our lives today. This can be through prayer, faith, and trust in His guidance and healing.

   • Forgiveness and Healing: Remember that Jesus brings both spiritual and physical healing. Seek not only material or physical solutions but also spiritual renewal and forgiveness.

4. Humility and Openness:

   • Heart Attitude: Maintain a humble and open attitude toward God’s work in your life and in the lives of others. The religious leaders missed God’s work because they were proud and narrow-minded.

   • Learning and Growing: Be willing to learn from various experiences and people. Stay open to what God wants to show you through different circumstances and encounters.

5. Mercy and Forgiveness:

   • Practicing Mercy: Just as Jesus first forgave the paralytic’s sins, we should learn to be merciful and forgive others. This promotes healing and reconciliation in our relationships.

   • Genuine Compassion: Show compassion for the needs of others, both physical and spiritual. Let your actions be characterized by love and mercy.

6. Active Steps of Faith:

   • Taking Initiative: The friends of the paralytic did not wait passively but took the initiative. Be willing to take active steps to find solutions and seek God’s help.

   • Faith in Action: Let your faith be visible through concrete actions, whether in your personal life, family, workplace, or church.

By implementing these principles in our daily lives, we can maintain a vibrant and transformative relationship with God and our fellow humans, strengthening our faith and serving others. The story of the healing of the paralytic encourages us to live an active, engaged, and compassionate faith.

Let our faith be visible through bold acts of love and perseverance, for true faith is shown in action, just as the friends of the paralytic brought their friend to Jesus.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-controversies-3-1-healing-a-paralytic-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

July 14, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Zechariah Chapter 2

¹ I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.

² Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.

³ And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,

⁴ And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:

⁵ For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

⁶ Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the Lord: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the Lord.

⁷ Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.

⁸ For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

⁹ For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me.

¹⁰ Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord.

¹¹ And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

¹² And the Lord shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.

¹³ Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

The Second Vision: The Four Horns and the Four Craftsmen (Verses 1-4)

In the second vision, Zechariah sees four horns and asks the angel about their meaning. The horns symbolize the powers that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. The number four often represents the entirety of the earth, suggesting that this destruction was comprehensive. The four craftsmen that Zechariah sees afterward are sent by God to overthrow the horns and thereby eliminate the powers that have oppressed Israel. This vision demonstrates God’s willingness to save His people and to destroy the forces of evil.

The Third Vision: The Man with the Measuring Line (Verses 5-9)

In the third vision, Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line who is measuring Jerusalem. This vision symbolizes the rebuilding and restoration of Jerusalem. The angel explains that Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls because of the great number of people and livestock. God Himself will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem and will display His glory within it. This signifies God’s protection and His glory being present in the city.

The New Era for Israel and the Nations (Verses 10-17)

In the final verses of this chapter, the Lord calls the Israelites to flee from the land of the north (symbolic of the lands of their dispersion). God has scattered His people to the four winds, but now the time for their return has come. God will raise His hand over the nations that have plundered Israel, and they will become the plunder of those who served them. This passage emphasizes God’s faithfulness and protection toward Israel.

Finally, God calls the daughter of Zion to rejoice because He will dwell among His people. Many nations will join the Lord and become His people. This indicates the future inclusion of the Gentiles into God’s people, which is an important aspect of the messianic prophecy. Judah will once again be God’s inheritance in the Holy Land, and Jerusalem will be chosen once more.

God ultimately calls all people to be silent before Him because He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling. This is a call for reverence and respect for God’s present and future actions in the world.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 47: Ministry

This chapter is based on Matthew 17:9-21; Mark 9:9-29; Luke 9:37-45.

Read online here

 

Commentary

Jesus had spent the whole night with his disciples on the mountain. As morning broke, they descended into the plain. The disciples were silently reverent, deeply impressed by the events of the night. The place where they had experienced the heavenly light and Jesus’ glory seemed holy to them. But down below, the people were waiting for them, longing for Jesus.

At the foot of the mountain, a crowd had gathered around the disciples who had stayed behind. No one knew where Jesus was. As he approached, he commanded the disciples to remain silent about what had happened until he had risen from the dead. They were to keep this revelation in their hearts to avoid the ridicule and contempt of the people. Even the other disciples were to learn of it later, as they could not yet understand the event.

When Jesus appeared, many ran joyfully to him, but he immediately noticed the embarrassment and unease in the crowd. His disciples were also downcast. During his absence, a father had brought his son, plagued by an evil spirit, to them, but the disciples had been unable to heal him. Although Jesus had given them power over unclean spirits, they had failed this time, which gave the scribes a reason to mock and portray them as frauds. The mood in the crowd turned against the disciples.

When Jesus appeared, the situation changed abruptly. His presence brought calm and reverence. He went directly to the possessed boy and asked what the people were arguing about. The boy’s father recounted his futile efforts to find help. Jesus, saddened by the unbelief, commanded that the boy be brought to him.

As the boy was brought before Jesus, the spirit threw him to the ground. At that moment, the Lord of life and the prince of darkness faced each other once again. Jesus allowed the evil spirit to show its power to make the subsequent deliverance all the more evident. The father, desperate over his son’s suffering, pleaded with Jesus for help and was reminded of his doubts. Jesus explained that everything is possible for one who believes. The father exclaimed, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

With a command, Jesus drove out the spirit. The boy, initially motionless, was grasped by Jesus and lifted up. He was completely healed, and father and son praised God. The crowd was amazed and reverent, while the scribes withdrew in shame.

Jesus’ power was not limited, and he demonstrated that faith makes all things possible. Faith connects us with heaven and gives us the strength to overcome the powers of darkness. The disciples had failed because their faith was weak. Their doubts and jealousies had left them unprepared. Jesus explained to them that this kind of spirit could only be driven out by prayer and fasting. They needed to strengthen their faith and place their trust in God.

The mustard seed, small and insignificant, holds the potential for great growth. So it is with faith. If we nurture and cultivate our faith, it will grow and fill us with heavenly power. Nothing will be impossible for the one who believes.

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 48: Who Is the Greatest?

This chapter is based on Matthew 17:22-27; Matthew 18:1-20; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:46-48.

Read online here

 

Commentary

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, he did not visit the well-known places but withdrew with his disciples into a house. His goal was to instruct his disciples rather than minister to the masses.

During their journey through Galilee, Jesus had tried to prepare his disciples for the upcoming events. He spoke again of his death and resurrection and added that he would be betrayed. The disciples did not understand him and were more concerned with arguments about who would be the greatest in the coming kingdom. They tried to hide these discussions from Jesus.

After they reached Capernaum, the tax collector asked Peter if Jesus paid the temple tax. This tax was an annual payment for the upkeep of the temple. Eager to defend his master’s honor, Peter answered without consulting Jesus that he would pay the tax.

Jesus used this opportunity to teach Peter and the other disciples. He asked Peter whether the kings of the earth collected taxes from their own children or from strangers. Peter replied, “From strangers.” Jesus then explained that the children are exempt. This meant that as the Son of God, Jesus was not obligated to pay the temple tax. Nevertheless, he instructed Peter to obtain the amount through a miracle to avoid causing offense.

Shortly after their arrival in Capernaum, Jesus asked the disciples what they had been discussing on the way. In light of his presence and question, they remained silent, ashamed, as they had been arguing about their rank. Jesus explained to them that whoever wants to be the greatest must be the last and the servant of all.

To illustrate his teaching, Jesus placed a small child among them and said, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” He emphasized the importance of simplicity, self-forgetfulness, and trusting love.

Jesus pointed out that true greatness does not lie in earthly dignity or display of power. In his kingdom, the rich, the poor, the learned, and the unlearned are united and dependent on him. He explained that a sincere and repentant heart is precious in God’s eyes.

An incident prompted John to ask Jesus if they had acted correctly when they forbade a man from casting out demons in Jesus’ name. Jesus replied that they should not have forbidden him, for no one who performs a miracle in his name can soon afterward speak evil of him. Jesus emphasized the importance of compassion and openness towards all who work in his name.

Jesus also spoke about the serious responsibility of not causing others to sin. He said it was better to mutilate oneself than to commit a sin that could lead to death. He emphasized that every believer has a responsibility towards the weak.

Jesus explained to the disciples the steps to take when a brother sins. They should first rebuke him privately, then with one or two witnesses, and finally involve the congregation if he does not listen. If the sinner refuses all these steps, he should be treated as a Gentile and a tax collector but still with compassion.

Jesus assured the disciples that their actions on earth would have heavenly consequences. He promised his presence and support wherever two or three gather in his name and agree in prayer.

Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of humility, compassion, and unity in faith. He showed the disciples that true greatness lies in serving others and in devotion to God’s will. His example and words should inspire them to represent his kingdom on earth through love and selfless service.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/14-07-2024-zechariah-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/