The Book of Mark – Lesson 9.Jerusalem Controversies | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series THE BOOK OF MARK with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 9.Jerusalem Controversies |
The Final Journey: Jesus’ Revelation and Challenges in Jerusalem |
Lesson 9 focuses on the pivotal events marking the beginning of the final week in Jesus’ life. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem, followed by symbolic acts such as the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple, reveals Jesus’ messianic identity and his authority over religious and worldly systems. This lesson also addresses Jesus’ responses to challenging questions from religious leaders, highlighting his wisdom and the central commandment of love for God and neighbor. These events pave the way for the coming suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which are the core of the Christian faith.
Memory Text: Mark 11:25 – “ ‘And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.’ ”
Content:
9.1 The Triumphal Entry
Jesus’ Revelation as Messiah
In Mark 11:1–11, we see Jesus deliberately fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy from Zechariah 9:9–10 by entering Jerusalem on a donkey. This act is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a public declaration of his messianic identity. The emphasis on procuring the donkey underscores both the precise fulfillment of the prophecy and Jesus’ prophetic foresight. His entry into Jerusalem marks a significant departure from the secrecy surrounding his mission, as he now openly presents himself as the promised King. The crowd’s reactions show that they recognize the significance of this act, though the ultimate consequence will only become apparent in the coming days.
9.2 A Cursed Tree and a Cleansed Temple
Symbols of Divine Judgment
In Mark 11:12–26, we see a symbolic act by Jesus criticizing the state of the temple and the religious leadership of Israel. The cursed fig tree represents Israel, which, despite outward piety, bears no genuine fruits of righteousness. This fruitlessness is also reflected in the state of the temple, which has become a place of commercial activity rather than worship. Jesus’ cleansing of the temple serves as a clear warning that true worship and righteousness are required. The withered fig and the cleansed temple are directly related: both symbolize the impending judgment on a fruitless religious system.
9.3 Who Said You Could Do That?
The Challenge to Authority: Jesus’ Wise Response to the Religious Leaders
In Mark 11:27–33, the religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority by asking him who gave him the power to cleanse the temple. They hope to trap him, but Jesus sees through their intent and responds with a counter-question about John’s baptism. This puts the leaders in a dilemma, as they cannot answer without compromising themselves. Jesus uses their inability to respond to avoid revealing his authority directly. This event shows how Jesus wisely responds to the scheming of his opponents while subtly indicating his divine authority.
9.4 Earthly Duties and Heavenly Outcomes
Taxes and Resurrection: Jesus’ Wisdom in the Face of Worldly and Spiritual Challenges
In Mark 12:13–27, the religious leaders attempt to trap Jesus with questions about tax obligations and resurrection. First, they ask about paying taxes to Rome, hoping to portray him as either a rebel or a traitor. However, Jesus wisely responds that one should give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. This answer teaches believers to fulfill their earthly responsibilities without neglecting their higher obligation to God. Later, the Sadducees pose a hypothetical question about the resurrection to discredit this teaching. Jesus corrects them by explaining that there is no earthly marriage in the resurrection and that God is a God of the living, affirming the hope of eternal life.
9.5 The Greatest Commandment
The Greatest Commandment: Love for God and Neighbor as the Core of Faith
In Mark 12:28–34, a well-meaning scribe asks Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus answers by quoting the Shema: the command to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength. This highlights the comprehensive devotion to God. Jesus then adds that the second greatest commandment is to love one’s neighbor as oneself. This dual answer emphasizes the inseparable connection between love for God and love for others. The scribe acknowledges the wisdom in Jesus’ response, prompting Jesus to tell him that he is not far from the Kingdom of God.
9.6 Summary
The Triumphal Entry: Jesus’ Public Revelation as Messiah
Lesson 9 covers Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as described in Mark 11:1–11. Jesus consciously fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 by entering the city on a donkey, emphasizing his messianic identity. The crowd recognizes the significance of this event and welcomes Jesus with “Hosanna” shouts, acknowledging him as the promised King. Through this act, Jesus publicly declares his mission and marks the beginning of the events leading to his suffering and death. The entry is a symbolic act that clarifies the expectations for the Messiah and the forthcoming fulfillment of divine promises.
The Book of Mark – Lesson 8.Teaching Disciples, Part 2 | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series THE BOOK OF MARK with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 8.Teaching Disciples, Part 2 |
Jesus’ Guidance for True Discipleship |
Lesson 8 explores the depth of following Jesus by examining the challenges, misunderstandings, and insights that the disciples experienced on their journey with him. Through various encounters—ranging from discussions about marriage and wealth to the healing of blind Bartimaeus—Jesus clarifies what it truly means to follow him. This lesson demonstrates that true discipleship requires humility, willingness to sacrifice, and a deep trust in God’s guidance. Jesus teaches his disciples that the path to greatness in the Kingdom of God is through service and devotion, not through worldly power or possessions.
Memory Text: Mark 10:45 – “ ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’ ”
Content:
8.1 God’s Plan for Marriage
God’s Original Plan for Marriage: Indissoluble Unity
In Mark 10:1-12 and Genesis 1:27; 2:24, we see that the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a tricky question about divorce. They hoped to put him in a difficult position, similar to how John the Baptist was imprisoned for criticizing Herod Antipas. However, Jesus does not answer their question directly but refers to God’s original plan for marriage. By referencing Genesis 1 and 2, Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a divine unity that should be indissoluble. His answer teaches that marriage is more than a legal contract; it is a sacred bond created and protected by God.
8.2 Jesus and Children
Jesus’ Love and Appreciation for Children
In Mark 10:13-16, we see how Jesus responds to people bringing their children to him. Despite the low social status of children at that time, Jesus rebukes his disciples for trying to keep the children away. Jesus shows great affection and appreciation for the children and blesses them. He emphasizes that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child—with pure, unconditional trust. Through this action, Jesus underscores that children have a special place in the Kingdom of God and that a child’s faith should be a model for all.
8.3 The Best Investment
The True Cost of Discipleship: Wealth vs. Devotion
In Mark 10:17-31, Jesus teaches a profound lesson about the challenges of faith and discipleship, regardless of material possessions. A rich man approaches Jesus earnestly, but when Jesus advises him to give up his wealth and follow him, the man withdraws sadly. This reveals that wealth often becomes an idol that obstructs the path to the Kingdom of God. At the same time, Jesus emphasizes that the impossible—such as salvation—is possible only through God’s grace, and the reward of discipleship is far greater than any earthly possession.
8.4 Can You Drink My Cup?
The True Meaning of Discipleship: Power through Service
In Mark 10:32-45, the disciples’ reactions to Jesus’ prediction of his suffering reveal their ongoing misunderstanding of Jesus’ true mission and the nature of discipleship. While Jesus speaks of his forthcoming suffering, James and John focus on positions of power in his Kingdom. Their request reveals a misunderstanding of Jesus’ kingship, which is characterized not by worldly rule but by sacrifice and service. Jesus seizes this opportunity to teach that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is achieved not through ruling but through serving—up to the highest sacrifice he himself will make.
8.5 “What Do You Want Me to Do for You?”
Faith That Sees: Bartimaeus’ Persistent Cry for Healing
In Mark 10:46-52, Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, shows remarkable faith and determination when he hears Jesus is nearby. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, he cries out all the more loudly to the “Son of David,” a title acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah. Bartimaeus throws aside his cloak, a symbol of his complete dependence and trust that Jesus will heal him. Jesus responds to his faith, asks him the same question he had asked the disciples, and fulfills his desire for sight. Through this healing, Jesus demonstrates that true faith recognizes who he is and that he always hears sincere requests.
8.6 Summary
Lesson of Discipleship: Insight and Devotion
In Lesson 8, it becomes clear that the disciples still struggled to grasp the true meaning of Jesus’ mission and the demands of discipleship. Jesus reveals his forthcoming sufferings and calls them to serve humbly rather than seek power and recognition. The healing of blind Bartimaeus highlights the importance of faith and spiritual insight—a call to follow Jesus with complete trust and devotion. This lesson emphasizes that discipleship requires not only knowledge but also a willingness to make sacrifices and to see the world with new, spiritually enlightened eyes.
The Book of Mark – Lesson 7.Teaching Disciples, Part 1 | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series THE BOOK OF MARK with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 7.Teaching Disciples, Part 1 |
Jesus’ Guidance for True Discipleship |
Lesson 7 focuses on the crucial moments when Jesus prepares His disciples for their future mission. In this lesson, we see how Jesus gradually introduces His closest followers to the deep spiritual truths that are meant to shape their understanding of discipleship. Through His predictions of suffering and resurrection, His emphasis on humility and readiness to serve, and His warnings about the dangers of sin, Jesus lays the foundation for true discipleship. This lesson provides valuable insights into how Jesus shaped His disciples to carry His message and legacy to the world.
Memory Text: Mark 8:34 – “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Content:
7.1 Seeing Clearly
The Gradual Revelation of Spiritual Insight
The account in Mark 8:22–30, where Jesus heals a blind man in two stages, is unique and offers deeper spiritual insights. The double touch of Jesus symbolically shows that spiritual understanding is often a gradual process. Just as the disciples only gradually understood the full meaning of Jesus’ mission, the blind man required two touches to fully see. This passage serves as a metaphor for the path of discipleship, which is often marked by gradual growth in understanding. Jesus emphasizes here that true insight and knowledge are not immediately and fully revealed, but require time and patience.
7.2 The Cost of Discipleship
The Way of the Cross: The Cost and Value of Discipleship
In Mark 8:31–38, Jesus teaches His disciples that following Him requires a high price: self-denial and the willingness to take up the cross. This path of discipleship means letting go of one’s life in order to gain true life in Christ. Jesus makes it clear that worldly achievements are worthless if they lead to the loss of the eternal soul. He calls His followers to reorder their priorities by placing God’s will above all else, even if it means enduring suffering and sacrifice. The true value lies in finding life in Christ, even if it means losing worldly possessions.
7.3 The Mountain and the Multitude
The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Jesus’ Glory and the Coming Kingdom
In Mark 9:1–13, Peter, James, and John witness the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain, where they catch a brief glimpse of His divine glory. They see Jesus in radiant light, accompanied by Moses and Elijah, who discuss His upcoming death. This experience serves to strengthen the disciples in the face of Jesus’ impending sufferings, revealing the connection between His sacrifice and His heavenly glory. The scene reminds them that the cross is not the end, but the path to glory. Despite this profound revelation, the disciples’ faith remains challenged, as shown by the events following their descent from the mountain.
7.4 Who Is the Greatest?
True Greatness in the Kingdom of God: Humility and Service Instead of Ambition
In Mark 9:30–41, Jesus’ second prediction of His death is marked by His emphasis on the upcoming betrayal without directly naming the betrayer. However, the disciples are more concerned with arguing about who among them is the greatest. Jesus corrects their thinking by teaching that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is achieved through humility and service to others. He illustrates this by placing a child in their midst and explaining that whoever receives such a child in His name is actually receiving Him, and thus God. Through this lesson, Jesus radically redefines the concept of greatness and honor.
7.5 The Healthy Man in Hell
The Radical Urgency of Avoiding Sin
In Mark 9:42–50, Jesus warns strongly about the consequences of sin and emphasizes the seriousness with which we should avoid it. He uses strong imagery to highlight the urgency of separating ourselves from anything that leads to sin, even if it means symbolically losing a hand, foot, or eye. The teachings in this section are connected through the themes of sin, fire, and salt. Jesus emphasizes that eternal life is so valuable that every effort is justified to preserve it, and that the consequences of sin should not be taken lightly. Ultimately, He calls His followers to keep their lives pure and unblemished before God.
7.6 Summary
The Essence of Discipleship: Learning, Serving, and Following
Lesson 7 focuses on the central teachings of Jesus that He imparted to His disciples to prepare them for their future roles. Jesus reveals to them His impending sufferings and explains that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is achieved through humility and service. He emphasizes the need to take sin seriously and avoid anything that weakens faith or leads others into sin. Through these teachings, Jesus ensures that His disciples understand the spiritual principles essential for authentic discipleship. The lesson demonstrates how Jesus prepared His disciples for the path of self-denial and the cross.
The Book of Mark – Lesson 6.Inside Out | Sabbath School with Pastor Mark Finley
Series THE BOOK OF MARK with Pastor Mark Finley |
Lesson 6.Inside Out |
God’s Commandments Over Traditions: The True Source of Purity and Faith |
Lesson 6 explores the challenge that arises when human traditions conflict with divine commandments. Through various encounters in Mark 7 and 8, Jesus demonstrates that true purity and faith are determined not by outward rituals but by the heart. He confronts the Pharisees with their hypocrisy, praises the faith of a foreign woman, and warns his disciples against the false teachings of religious leaders. This lesson invites reflection on prioritizing God’s commandments over human traditions in one’s spiritual life.
Memory Text: Mark 7:15 – “ ‘There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man’.”
Content:
6.1 Human Traditions Versus God’s Commandments
True Piety: God’s Commandments Over Human Traditions
In Mark 7:1-13, a significant principle is highlighted regarding the relationship between human traditions and God’s commandments. Jesus confronts the Pharisees, who focus more on ritual traditions than on the actual commandments of God. He points out that external rituals, like handwashing, are not central to faith, but rather the inner attitude towards God is. Jesus criticizes the practice of placing human traditions above divine commandments, especially when these traditions undermine God’s actual laws, as in the case of neglecting parents through the Corban law. Thus, He clarifies that true piety lies not in merely following traditions but in obedience to God’s commandments.
6.2 Clean Hands or Clean Heart?
What Really Matters?
In Mark 7:14-19, Jesus emphasizes that purity is not determined by external rituals or the type of food, but by the condition of the heart. He explains that what enters the body does not defile a person, as it does not reach the heart, but rather the evil that comes from within makes a person impure. This means that true purity is a matter of the heart and inner morality, not of external rituals. Jesus does not abolish the dietary laws but criticizes the Pharisaic tradition that prioritizes external rituals over inner piety.
6.3 Crumbs for the Dogs
Faith Knows No Boundaries: The Lesson of the Canaanite Woman
In Mark 7:24-30, Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman who begs for healing for her daughter. His seemingly harsh response, in which He uses the imagery of a dog, tests the woman. However, her humble and persistent reply reveals her deep faith and understanding that even the “crumbs” from God’s table are enough to perform miracles. Through this dialogue, Jesus shows that faith, not heritage, is the key criterion for accessing God’s grace. In the end, Jesus acknowledges her faith and heals her daughter, illustrating that God’s grace transcends all boundaries.
6.4 Tongue-tied
The Power of Touch: Jesus’ Healing of the Deaf and Mute Man
In Mark 7:31-37, a deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to Jesus, and He heals him in a very personal and direct way. Jesus takes the man aside, touches his ears and tongue, and sighs before performing the miracle. Jesus’ sigh reflects His deep concern over the spiritual deafness and unwillingness of many to accept the truth. Through this miracle, Jesus not only reveals His power to heal physical ailments but also His willingness to free those who are willing to turn to Him and confess their faith.
6.5 Watch Out for Bad Bread
Beware of False Influence: Jesus’ Warning About the Leaven of the Pharisees
In Mark 8:11-13, Jesus expresses deep disappointment with the unbelieving attitude of the Pharisees, who still demand a sign from heaven despite numerous miracles. Jesus refuses to give them this sign, as their lack of faith cannot be overcome by more miracles. Later, He warns His disciples about the “leaven” of the Pharisees and Herod, symbolizing their corrupt teachings. The disciples, however, misunderstand this as a remark about the lack of bread, prompting Jesus to remind them of His previous miracles to correct their spiritual blindness and lack of understanding.
6.6 Summary
The Heart Over Tradition: Jesus’ Teachings on True Purity and Faith
Lesson 6 addresses the conflict between human traditions and divine commandments, as described in Mark 7 and 8. Jesus makes it clear that true purity comes from the heart and is not achieved through ritual actions. He shows that faith and humility are more important than outward traditions, as in the case of the Canaanite woman, who receives healing for her daughter despite apparent rejection. Additionally, He warns His disciples about the corrupt teachings of the Pharisees and emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s power and grace. The lesson encourages prioritizing inner faith over external rituals.
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