Join the Hit the Mark panel as they discuss Sabbath School Lesson 9 – Jerusalem Controversies.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/jerusalem-controversies-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/

Daily Lesson for Thursday 29th of August 2024

Up to this point in the Gospel of Mark, most of the religious leaders, with few exceptions, are antagonistic to Jesus. This is particularly true in Jerusalem, where Jesus has confronted the leadership over temple worship—that which stands at the heart of Judaism. Thus, for a scribe to listen to the disputes and appreciate Jesus’ responses displays both honesty and courage in face of the prevailing animosity toward Jesus. It would be easier to just stand back and watch, even if one were in sympathy with Jesus. But this man does not do that.

Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com

The scribe cuts to the heart of religion with his question as to which commandment is the most important. Jesus responds with simplicity and clarity, quoting the Shema, the confession of faith in Judaism from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. The greatest commandment, says Jesus, is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength—that is, with the totality of who you are. Jesus gives the scribe a bonus by listing the second most important commandment, citing the Old Testament again, this time from Leviticus 19:18, to love your neighbor as yourself.

Sometimes people wonder how it is possible to command love. The cultural context of the command in Deuteronomy helps explain. The language comes from ancient treaties between parties, and the term for “love” refers to being faithful to the requirements of the treaty, faithfully fulfilling them. Thus, while it does not rule out the concept of deep affection between parties, it is much more focused on actions that demonstrate such loyalty.

The scribe was honest and saw the clarity and simplicity of Jesus’ response and said so. One can imagine scowls from other religious leaders since the honest scribe has affirmed Jesus’ reply as valid, something no one else was willing to do. Jesus also affirmed the scribe for his honest answer, saying he was not far from the kingdom of God. Not far does not mean inside. What the scribe still needed was to recognize who Jesus was and follow Him, a further step in the journey of faith.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24c-09-the-greatest-commandment/

Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this quarter’s author, Dr. Thomas R. Shepherd, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson, “The Beginning of the Gospel.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/9-jerusalem-controversies-it-is-written-discussions-with-the-author/

View an in-depth discussion of Jerusalem Controversies in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris.  
Click on the image below to view the video:

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/9-jerusalem-controversies-hope-sabbath-school-video-discussion/

It is wonderful to travel through John Mark’s life and see the beautiful story climax with 
Christ The Lord Is Risen Today – Hymn 166, therefore 
Go, Preach My Gospel – Hymn 378. These two hymns give us a purpose all during this quarter to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus. May you enjoy these hymns for your theme hymn from which to choose.

“The Triumphal Entry” has many aspects sung in 
Hymn 372 – How Beauteous Are Their Feet, especially where Verse 5 states that “Jerusalem breaks forth in songs”.

 Monday, Jesus teaches us about forgiveness and what happens to the fig tree. We may raise our voices in 
Hymn 414 – Fruitful Trees, The Spirit’s Sowing which captivates these teachings, and finalises this teaching with 
Hymn 299 – Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive.

 As we go about our daily duties, where “actions speak louder than words”, we are labouring in His vineyard just as we find in Verse 4 of 
Hymn 253 – There’s No Other Name Like Jesus.

Our “Earthly Duties” (Wednesday) study, gives us the courage to know we are to 
Work, For The Night Is Coming – Hymn 375.

 “The Greatest Commandment,” teaching tells us to “love God with all your heart”. With our actions then speaking louder than our words, the lyrics of
O Brother, Be Faithful – Hymn 602 will stand out. Ellen White says this again on Friday – “They say, but do not”. Like the scribe at the end of Thursday’s study, we are to “recognize who Jesus” is and “follow Him” – 
Hymn 623 – I Will Follow Thee.

Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed and to bless many others.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

 Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given. 

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/9-jerusalem-controversies-singing-with-inspiration/