Joshua 12-13 - An Incomplete Conquest

Joshua 12-13

Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the Lord said to him, "You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed." (13:1)

Message: An Incomplete Conquest

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 12 of Joshua is a list of the kings that were defeated. It is a comprehensive list. Chapter 13 specifies the areas that have not yet been defeated. 

These are some passages that are a little hard to come to terms with or rather many people to come to terms with - this idea that God is simply about love and yet in these verses, and passages, we have people that are falling, being overtaken, killed so that Joshua and the people of Israel, as called by God will come out ahead. God has given them the land of Canaan. It is their gift and yet in that gift they still have a response - to receive it - to follow through. They still must stand up to these people, to these kings and overthrow them. A war or fighting is actually not really mentioned. What is mentioned is the people falling. 

To me is the reality that some people come out on top and some people do not. We see this throughout life. The have's and the have-nots. Some have peace in their life and some do not. Some follow God and live their lives in obedience to Him while others do not. 

I know often we want God to fit into the box that we want Him to be. The kind and gentle God that allows all people everywhere to be part of the saved. I was speaking to a co-worker about this last night and she was in that camp - not really wanting to believe that this message of salvation is restrictive or has tons of rules, but rather is simply full of love and acceptance. That life is more or less what you want it to be. And religion she thinks is just a big jumble of all of these different ideas and beliefs - a conglomeration of all the ideas and doesn't matter who you are what you call him, it all seems fine and no one should be dogmatic thinking their way is the only way. That is the world we live in right now where everyone is right.  

But the reality of our scripture and what we read is not everyone is coming out on top. And yet I am not sure if it is as restrictive as many today make it out to be. In some ways there is some extreme to this idea I think. I think we all must remember that God looks at our hearts and I think he sees in ways we do not see. We only see actions and words. 

In chapter 12, there is an exhaustive list of "the kings of the land whom the sons of Israel defeated and whose land they possessed" helping us see that while they did not govern every inch, there was enough of the land that they possessed to show they are a success. 

The first six verses speak of the land that Moses had defeated. Then in verse 7, is "the land whom Joshua and the sons of Israel defeated (smote) beyond the Jordan toward the west." Moses to the sunrise (the east) and now Jordan to the west. Again, the list is not exhaustive but still represents a lot of land that has been conquered - enough. 

In chapter 13, verse 1 is the mention that there is still "land remains to be possessed." And in this description again is the promise of God in verse 6, "I will drive them out from before the sons of Israel." Many lands are described as a gift of God's inheritance to them. In verse 14 though it is mentioned "to the tribe of Levi he did not given an inheritance" but as stated in verse 33, "the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance." 

Deuteronomy 18:1 states, “The Levitical priests, the whole tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the LORD’S offerings by fire and His portion." 

Could this be an inference to the clergy? That there are those whereby land and possessing it, their home and their possessions is not the gift that God gives them but instead the gift He gives is his very self. They are scattered among the people, among the tribes. There are people set aside for the purpose of ministry. 

I saw this quote in the pulpit commentary: 

"For the law is entrusted to the priests and Levites, and they devote their energies to this alone, and without any anxiety are able to give their time to the Word of God. But that they may be able to do this, they ought to depend upon the support of the laity. For if the laity do not allow the priests and Levites all the necessaries of life, they would be obliged, to engage themselves in temporal occupations, and would thus have less time for the law of God. And when they had no time to spare for the study of God's law, it is thou who wouldst be in danger. For the light of knowledge that is in them would grow dim, because thou hast given no oil for the lamp, and through thy fault it would come to pass, what the Lord said, 'If the blind lead the blind, shall they not both fall into the ditch?'" (Orig., Hom. 17 on Joshua)

This perhaps is revolutionizing my thinking. I have always been of the opinion that there should be lay people, or bi-vocational ministries. I think we need to do a better job of people shouldering the load of service. But maybe we do try to do this. It seems our church has minimal staff at the moment. We need these ministers and clergy to lead us down the right path, studying scripture and speaking it to us in the right way. 

Summary: Land to the east and the west has been conquered, but other lands still remain not possessed. To the tribe of Levi (the priests), the Lord is their inheritance. 

Promise: We must continue to believe to secure our whole inheritance. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your plan is consistent and true. Thank you for setting aside the tribe of Levi and clergy, our leaders to show us the way for piety, to be our model and to lead us in the right understanding of your truth. Thank you God for providing us great leaders, great teachers. These people give me a greater desire to learn and know your truths and to walk with You, growing in my dependence of You. May you unmask and remove the deception of people. I am reminded of that truth I have seen that we need to train ourselves daily in your word, train myself for Godliness and if I don't, I will get trained by the world and its ways. Thank you for keeping me close to You and Your word and Your ways. You chose Your people. Thankful for this. Want me to be grafted in and pray they would be. Draw more people to You. 

 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Peter 2:9 - God's Royal Priesthood

I Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of Him, who has called you of darkness into His marvelous light. 

Message: God's Royal Priesthood

Time: Peter wrote to a group of people that probably included Jews and Christians at the time of probably AD 64, as the persecution of Christians by Nero was ramping up. It is thought Peter spent his final years in Rome. Peter calls people to root themselves in the perseverance and presence of Christ. 

What the Lord is Saying: The last 2 lessons have emphasized the principle of having a mediator. The old covenant had a priest, a person designated by God to be the mediator between God and man for the purpose of offering sacrifices and atoning for sin and entering the Holiest of Holies. But then in Christ, God provided atonement for all sin through the One that was fully man and yet equal with God. 

But, is it necessary to have these two distinct groups still - those that are deemed ordinary Christians while others are truly Spiritual Christians? There are distinctions for people have different roles, but another thing that happened 500 years ago in 1517 was this move to think of people at the same level spiritual, no matter their vocation. Thus, a laypersons service to God is equal to a ministers service to God. A layperson has the same access to God as a minister. 

The phrase that has come to describe this is "the priesthood of all believers" and is rooted in I Peter 2:9. 

I Peter 2:9 is a quote from Exodus 19:6 which states, "...and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel." This text is part of what we refer to now as the Mosaic Covenant. It is a conditional covenant which followed the unconditional Abrahamic covenant. That covenant established God's blessing on His people. The Mosaic covenant is God's expectation for His people. Works follows blessing is an important distinction. The Mosaic covenant established the Law of God, judgments and the governance of Law so that people knew how to approach God. The Abrahamic Covenant established that God will make Israel a great nation and would bless them and make them great to all the families of the earth. 

I Peter starts as a message in verse "to those who reside as aliens." Peter is speaking to all people set apart for the service of God - Jew and Gentile. And it is to these people that are attributed now the role of priests. We are all a royal priesthood. We are "choice and precious in the sight of God" in verse 4. And "built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood" in verse 5. And then culminates in verse 9 as "a chosen race." Chosen from all the peoples of the earth (Amos 3:2). 

What is our sacrifice? Ourselves. Romans 12:1 - "I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual services of worship." We proclaim His excellence, each of us, all of us. All of our lives are a service to Him: as neighbors, in our vocations, in our families. All Christians are alike. 

Summary: There is no distinction among believers. We are all a chosen race and all set apart as priests to proclaim the excellence of Him. 

Promise: No matter what you are called to do in life, God honors your service when you seek to love Him and other people through your work. 

Prayer: O Lord, as I read your word more and more, I see consistency and a God that has never changed. You have called people to be yours and we are all to serve you in the same way. Thank you for choosing. I pray that my life is a praise to You and is a life that does proclaim You. I pray that it is acceptable to You. I believe it is, not because of me, but because of Christ and His work in life and on the cross. What makes me acceptable to you is not my deeds but the forgiveness of my sin and then in response I live for You. Give me that strength and help me to continue to live for You each day I am on this earth. 

1 Timothy 2:5-6 - Christ Our Mediator

I Timothy 2:5-6 - For there is one God, [and] one mediator also between God and men, [the] man of Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony [borne] at the proper time. 

Message: Christ the Mediator

Time: Paul is writing to a young pastor in Timothy. He is writing to Timothy in about AD 63, who is serving the church in Ephesus. He is writing about church leadership and organizing the church. Paul gives practical and pastoral advice. 

What the Lord is Saying: I didn't realize this lesson would be on Christ the mediator as I was studying the last lesson because in that lesson I was noticing that the priests of the Old Covenant (Old Testament) were the mediator for God's chosen people. God had ordained the priests to be the mediators between their sin and atonement. They were the one's to offer the sacrifices on behalf of the people. I feel like I have known this, but perhaps in that lesson it came together more clearly in my mind. 

And so now I come to this lesson and this passage from Paul to Timothy. In my bible, this passage is in the section of Paul giving charge of conduct and action concerning public worship. The passage starts in the first verse by Paul stating that "Prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men." In essence he is telling the people of God, the church, that they are to mediators for one another through the act of prayer. And so prayer is a way for each person to be a mediator between men and God. We pray because verse 4 states that "God our savior desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." And what is this truth? Verse 5 and 6 - "the man Christ Jesus." This is why Paul preaches and this is why we must pray. 

A mediator is a go-between who can represent the interests of both parties. The old covenant priests served as mediators offering sacrifices for our transgressions. But sins were not taken away, simply blotted out. These sacrifices had to be repeated. Hebrews 10:3-4 states, "But in those [sacrifices] there is a reminder of sins year by year, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats tot take away sins." Honestly, I am not sure why God set it up this way, starting with a temporary fix that would lead to a permanent fix of man's sins. In many ways, both speak of the same message - God providing the way to atone for sin. And both remind us that man cannot be the atoner of sin. Both reinforce that God provides atonement; man does not work for atonement. 

Paul remarks in this passage that Christ Jesus is a man. He is emphasizing his manhood. And yet we remember Paul's words to the Philippians. Philippians 2:6 says, He (Jesus) existed in the form of God...taking the form of a bond-servant, being made in the likeness of men. He existed in the form of God but became like men. And like a man he died and God highly exalted Him so that every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord. So let's never forget, he is God and he is like man. 

Christ is the only mediator. In the old covenant, people were chosen and the chosen had their sins passed over. In the new covenant, the chosen have faith. Christ as mediator is offered to people by their faith in Him. 

Summary: The priests of the old covenant provided a temporary atonement for sin. Christ, one time is the ransom for all. And now man is a mediator for people through prayer.  

Promise: Christ is the all-sufficient Mediator, and we can approach God in humble confidence when we go through Him to the Father. 

Prayer: God, thank you for your perfect message and your complete message. As I speak to others in other faith systems, it is surprising that they must feel like this truth needs to be more. This truth is everything. You are the Holy God and in your Holiness and perfect way provide the only way for man to be truly saved - through the mediator Christ. Thank you for this message of mediator, showing me the priest of old, showing me Jesus and then also showing me myself as I am a mediator in my prayers between you and others. It reminds me to be focused on this in my life and how I need to continue in this endeavor and never give up on offering prayers for others. 

Leviticus 8 - The Old Covenant Priesthood

Leviticus 8, specifically verses 12 and 13 - "Then he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him, to consecrate him. Next Moses had Aaron's sons come near and clothed them with tunics, and girded them with sashes, and bound caps on them, just as the Lord had commanded Moses." 

Message: The Old Covenant Priesthood

Time: There is sufficient evidence that Moses penned Exodus and Leviticus including references to Leviticus by New Testament authors. Its name means "pertaining to the Levites" and its purpose was to instruct the Israelites on right living and proper worship. The most likely time for this is 1446 BC. The book communicates that receiving God’s forgiveness and acceptance should be followed by holy living and spiritual growth.

What the Lord is Saying: Our fundamental need of having a right relationship to our Creator - 

• Forgiveness of sins (Romans 3:21-26)
• Imputation of Christ's righteousness; justification (Romans 3:21-26)
• Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31)
• The Holy Spirit to regenerate us (John 3:1-8)

Our pathway to achieve these is having a mediator in order that we will be rightly related to God, approved by Him and accepted into His kingdom. It in Jesus that our sins are forgiven, that we are justified or made right with God and the Holy Spirit, who is God, regenerates us. 

In the Old Testament, the Messiah was anticipated and people in their daily lives saw a type or foreshadowing of the Messiah through the old covenant priest. The priest is mentioned often in the Old Testament as one who is set apart for service. The priest is commissioned via the anointing of oil, through offering sacrifice and even by receiving special clothing. Perhaps baptism, confession and being born again sets us apart today in these ways. The priest must be set apart because only he was able to enter the inner parts of the tabernacle to offer sacrifices to cover people's sins. The priest was the go-between man and God. And only the high priest could enter the holy of holies and once a year, the day of atonement.

The priest enabled the people to worship the Lord. And yet there was still this separation as ordinary people could not enter the Holy of Holies and the service of the priests was distinct or separate from other people's service to the Lord. 

Yet, it is important to recognize this history. This reminds me the importance of sin and it's seriousness in our lives and yet how we do not have the means on our own to be made right with God. We need someone else to provide this for us. In the old covenant, it was provided by the priest through sacrifices and entering into the holiest presence of God. Throughout the history man has not been able to absolve his own sins. He has needed someone else to do this. 

Summary: God has always provided a substitute and a mediator between God and man to reconcile us (Priests, Jesus). Man sins. God provides the way for righteousness. 

Promise: We have no need for earthly priests today. Christ is our mediator. We study the old covenant revelation to better understand the work of Christ. 

Prayer: O Lord, thank you for the consistency of Your Word and showing me the place of a mediator you have always provided to remove sin and make me righteous. It was a priest in Old Covenant time and it is Jesus today and for always. There is nothing that man does to make himself holy and yet you want us to be a people that obeys you because You are a God to be obeyed. You are Holy and we need to rightly obey You. Thank you for these lessons and reminders from your Word. 

Mark 15:1-5 - Taken to Pilate

Mark 15:1-5
1 Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. 2 Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He *answered him, “It is as you say.” 3 The chief priests began to accuse Him harshly. 4 Then Pilate questioned Him again, saying, “Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!” 5 But Jesus made no further answer; so Pilate was amazed.
Message: Taken to Pilate

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus was arrested at night time after having spent time praying in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Passover meal and Lord's Supper in which he announced that someone among them would betray him. They all said, "not me." Despite this response when Jesus needed them to watch out while he was praying they fell asleep. And come evening there was the chief priests and elders showing up to arrest him. They took him Thursday night and immediately had a court of sort where they had witnesses to testify against him. But this didn't merit much until Caiaphas asked him if he was the Messiah, the son of God. He admitted he was and that he would sit at the right hand of God. Caiaphas called this blasphemy and others there started to spit on Jesus and fist pump him. At this point, Peter, who had followed Jesus there as well as John, was asked by the high priests servant girl if he was a part of Jesus group and Peter denied his affiliation or that he even knew Jesus. This was just as Jesus had predicted and Peter wept.

It is now Friday morning. Jesus has not slept. All night they have spent accusing him and then starting to spit on him and punch him. Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. I wonder if interrogations like this always move this fast or because this is Jesus it is moving faster than normal. The chief priests and council ruled on religious matters but at some point they would then take an issue to Pilate, the Rome authority who would carry out capital punishment. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea. He is in Jerusalem because of the major Jewish feasts because of the number of people in the city and having to deal with any issues.

Although blasphemy was the offense that the Sanhedrin Council had, blasphemy meant little to Pilate. Evidently, the Sanhedrin Council brought the issue of Jesus being king of the Jews to Pilate. Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” This is the crime Pilate is concerned about because he thinks it has something to do with usurping the authority of Rome.

And He *answered him, “It is as you say.” Jesus' response to this was thou sayest. So he acknowledges that what has been said is valid. But then the accusations start rolling in even harsher towards Jesus and to these he does not respond. The chief priests began to accuse Him harshly. Then Pilate questioned Him again, saying, “Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!” But Jesus made no further answer; so Pilate was amazed. He has said all that he needs to say. The fact that Jesus stands silent speaks more to the fact of his character because he was in fact blameless.

Summary - Now that the Sanhedrin, Jewish, Council has come to a conclusion that Jesus is a blasphemer, they take him before Pilate and pronounce before him that Jesus claims to be king of the Jews. Jesus admits this and the chief priests and scribes continue to assault him with accusations, but for these he remains silent. Jesus has said all that He needs to say.

Promise: Sometimes there is nothing more to be done when being accused than to be silent as Jesus was silent. Only other people can help with an acquittal though Jesus is carrying out a commission by the Father.

Prayer: O God thank you for taking the blame for my sin. The accusation were true that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, the Son of Man, King of the Jews, but people continually don't understand you well. But, it is for your children that you care for and I praise you and thank You for your great love for me. Help me to be a person of love and echo your message as is needed in the world I live in.

Mark 14:53-60 - Jesus on Trial

Mark 14:53-60
53 They led Jesus away to the high priest; and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes *gathered together. 54 Peter had followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, and they were not finding any. 56 For many were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimony was not consistent. 57 Some stood up and began to give false testimony against Him, saying, 58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’” 59 Not even in this respect was their testimony consistent. 60 The high priest stood up and came forward and questioned Jesus, saying, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?”

Message: Jesus on Trial

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - The high priests, scribes and elders have seized Jesus after he had finished praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, under the cloud of darkness. After he is taken away everyone around him flee's; they do not go with him. Even another man who was thought to be part of Jesus was seized but he got away. Jesus willingly went. It is now still late Thursday night.

They led Jesus away to the high priest; and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes *gathered together.  The high priest was Caiaphas, though first probably taken before Annas, in his palace. Peter had followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers and warming himself at the fire. Though at first, Peter and all the others had fled from Jesus and his seizure, but later they would follow after him, he and John, to see what would happen to him. It was a chilly night and Peter was warming himself by the fire that was made in the center of the court.

Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, and they were not finding any. The chief priests and Council had an objective already and that was to put him to death. They had already decided this (Mark 12:12) as they wanted to simply shut him up for good. But they still were looking for a reason so they didn't appear to be unfair. For many were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimony was not consistent. They are eager to find witnesses against Jesus. Yet Mark records the words that even in so doing, it was false testimony for there was no witness that was viable or true. And therefore it was all not consistent. 

Some stood up and began to give false testimony against Him, saying,“We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’” Not even in this respect was their testimony consistent. Mark seems to be showing the inconsistency in the testimonies and that the normal requirement of two or three witnesses needed to land a conviction had not complied. It is interesting that his accusers go back to 3 years ago to accuse Jesus of something he said then. It is recorded in John 2:18-21 - The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. So even in the witnesses trying to speak of an event to condemn him as they were misunderstanding its application for he wasn't even speaking of the temple, but his own body. Jesus never said that he would build another temple without hands.

The high priest stood up and came forward and questioned Jesus, saying, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” There was no reason for Jesus to respond for all that was said was false nor is it necessary for him to respond when he knows his words would not be received. I discovered this as well when I speak to people that are confronting the claims of Jesus. It is not like they are trying to figure out an answer, but they already have the answer and are just looking for ways to beat it down and show that it is illogical.

Summary - Jesus begins to be on trial but the way he is accused is not done very well. The testimonies of people conflict. His accusers bring up an event from 3 years ago and then misquote Jesus. Jesus remains silent. There is nothing to respond to as nothing is said in any truth, but also there is no reason because the leaders have already decided his fate and are simply going through this process as a formality.

Promise: Jesus suffered injustice from evil men and this helps us to better understand His mercy.

Prayer: O Lord how majestic is your name. You endured unjust accusations and yet you had a mission to forgive sin through your death in spite of the backwards ways of your accusers and unjust claims they were making. Thank You for saving my soul. Thank You lord for making me whole. Than you Lord for thy great salvation so wonderful and free.

Mark 14:1-2 - Cowardly Priests and Scribes

Mark 14:1-2
1 Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread were two days away; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him; 2 for they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people.”

Message: Cowardly Priests and Scribes

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - About 5 days has passed since Jesus entered Jerusalem. During that time he has entered Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling prophecy, checked out things in the Temple, come back into town and cursed a fig tree, questioned the way the temple leaders were running the temple, using it as a way to sell things and earn money and then Jesus hears many questions from temple priests, scribes and other religious leaders. Jesus responds to them and solidifies that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Son of Man, and God. He then prophecies of the destruction of the temple and that He will be a shepherd to all people and the Gospel will be proclaimed beyond Jerusalem.

Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread were two days away. It is Wednesday, the last week of Jesus' earthly life. Passover began the week long Feast of Unleavened Bread. Passover was about the Jews sacrificing lambs and spreading the blood on the doors of Israelite homes so that the Lord would pass over the Israelite homes and instead inflict His wrath on the firstborn sons of the Egyptians. Thus, the Israelite people were redeemed through the blood. Blood symbolically covered the sins of the Israelites. Christ's death would shield everyone from God's judgment. Jesus would be the Passover Lamb: I Corinthians 5:7 - Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.

the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him. Jesus has been a problem for them. They had been the authority for people of faith and Jesus was coming in and questioning this authority. Jesus had gained a hold on the people, specifically the people of Galilee. Jesus was even saying that they were not fulfilling their mission correctly and allowing the Gentiles to come into the temple area. As they questioned Jesus they knew that he was outwitting them. They would not bow to him, even if what he was saying was right. They had people subscribing to their rules and Jesus was talking about motives and the condition of people's hearts.

Jesus' words were valuable to the crowds. They liked what he said. And the Jewish leaders knew this and knew that their authority was fleeting. Although they wanted him dead they were not sure when the correct timing was to take him by force. for they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people.” Multiple people were coming to Jerusalem because of the week long celebration and they wanted to hold off taking Jesus by force for they feared all of these people, who had probably received benefit from Jesus and His teaching, would come to His defense. However, they wouldn't end up being able to wait after Judas' betrayal. God's plan would supersede.

Summary - It is 2 days prior to the Passover, to the crucifixion. The priests and scribes are wanting to seize Jesus but they don't want to do it right now because of the number of people that would be in Jerusalem because of the Passover and the beginning of the week long celebrated of Unleavened Bread.

Promise: God has a sovereignty over events. Despite people's best intentions things will be carried out according to God's plan.

Prayer: Lord, you are Savior. You are Lord. You carry out your purposes in your perfect timing. Despite the anger people have toward You, You had a purpose. Lord, use this study to continue to minister to me so that I truly understand your message and your purposes and ways. I want to be equipped. Thank you for Your truth and Your upcoming sacrifice - for me.

Mark 11:27-33 - The Authority of Jesus

Mark 11:27-33
27 They *came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders *came to Him, 28 and began saying to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?” 29 And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.” 31 They began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet. 33 Answering Jesus, they *said, “We do not know.” And Jesus *said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Message: The Authority of Jesus

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface - Jesus is in Jerusalem. It is his 3rd day there with the disciples. He came in on a colt, cursed a fig tree, removed his presence from the temple, pronounced dissatisfaction on the chief priests and scribes for turning the temple into a market for their own benefit rather than reaching out or making the Gentiles welcome, and then took time to talk about the importance of being a servant and having faith in God. We are to trust God and then to forgive others. Our focus is to be on God and others.

They came again to Jerusalem - It seems that they are going from Jerusalem to Bethany and to the Mount of Olives and back and forth. It is perhaps day 4 and maybe still day 3. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him. The chief priests had just recently been bothered by the words that he had said about turning the temple into a robbers den. Perhaps this was the same group. But, this time they were coming to him.

They began saying to Him. By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?” This is interesting. Jesus had spoken with an heir of authority toward the scribes and chief priests and they obviously don't understand who he is. Yet, this question they asked was meant to trap Jesus. They had seen earlier what he had done in forgiving the paralytic sins and it seemed clear already that he was doing things that were possible only if the Lord had his backing.

Jesus responds to their question with his own question about John's baptism. But, they didn't answer because they were concerned of how their response would sound. The elders question was clearly not asked to contend for truth, but rather victory over Jesus and this was found out when Jesus responded for they refused to answer, lest they look bad. They were concerned about how they looked before the people than contending for truth (they were afraid of the people). 

From the pulpit commentary (edited by Joseph Exell and Henry Donald Maurice Spence who pulled together the notes of 100s of authors during the 19th century):

The argument is incontrovertible. It is this: "You ask from whence I derive my authority - from God or from men? I in my turn ask you from whom did John the Baptist derive his authority to baptize and to teach? from heaven or from men? If he had it from God, as all will confess, then I too have the same from God; for John testified of me, saying that he was but a servant, the friend of the Bridegroom; but that I was the Messiah, the Son of God: and this too when you sent messengers to him for his special purpose, that you might know from him whether he was the Messiah."

Summary - This time for Jesus in Jerusalem culminates with a question by the chief priests and scribes and elders on Jesus' authority, but Jesus uses it as an opportunity to discover people's true motives. And unfortunately it is clear that they were wanting to trap Jesus not get to the truth. 

Promise: Christ is the highest authority. We are to submit to His words, that is Scripture, as our highest authority. 

Prayer: Lord, you are my authority. I think of how I answered someone the other day who asked a question about why you do something and I must lean on your written Word for the answer. This is my source of asking. 

Mark 11:18-19 - An Assault of God's Glory

Mark 11:18-19
18 The chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching.
19 When evening came, they would go out of the city.
Message: An Assault of God's Glory

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem. After giving basically highlight of Jesus' ministry in chapter 1-10, Mark will now get into the detail of Jesus in Mark 11-16 and detail he is given. Jesus has ridden in to town on a colt fulfilling messianic prophecy and the next day comes upon a fig tree where he pronounces a judgment on it as well the people of Israel and then is more clear on this judgment as he enters the temple as the priests have made the temple about personal gain rather than heeding the call to reach beyond the Jews to the Gentiles and having a welcome place for them.

On the heel of Jesus coming on the scene in the Temple and asserting that "you (priests) have made my house a robber's den" naturally The chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him. They have been confronted. Whether it is truth or not to them doesn't matter, they have been confronted which is a position priests and scribes don't experience much. They are usually the ones doing that confrontation on others. Now Jesus sees a problem in what they are doing. It is not clear if they think they've done anything wrong, but they don't like the assertion that they are doing anything wrong. So they are seeking now to destroy Him. 

But they were afraid of Him. They were afraid. Possibly they had used the temple like this for some time. No one said anything before, though how could someone. They feared the authority that Jesus put forth. And the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching. The chief priests and the scribes were all astonished at his teaching.

When evening came, they would go out of the city. The disciples and Jesus left the city. Jesus had said about the fig tree - May no one ever eat fruit from you again! It appears that he is taking the same position now regarding the temple. It's purpose is lost. There is no going back. God is patient. He gives people the opportunity to turn to Him. He gives many warnings. He has done this for centuries. But at some point it is over and the total disregard of him will have consequences.

Ezekiel 10-11 describes the glory of God departing from the temple and heading east, outside of Jerusalem, to the Mount of Olives. Ezekiel 11:23 - The glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood over the mountain which is east of the city. Sin had become so horrendous that God glory now departs from this Holy Place. But still God pledged to return his Glory to His temple.

Jesus (God) is returning to the City of Jerusalem, from the east, as predicted. But the leaders respond by seeking to destroy him. How often we act in the same way. We are so proud of the people we have become that we are not willing to accept his criticism, his correction.

Summary - Jesus has confronted the chief priests and scribes at the temple calling the work that is going on at the temple not what his purpose is for the temple. They have gotten off course. And the chief priests and scribes don't like this. They grow afraid of him and the people are astonished. So Jesus leaves. He leaves the temple.

Promise: - Christ is coming. Am I ready? Am I ready for his return or will Jesus find something else with me that is contrary to what he has called me to be?

Prayer: Lord I am a sinner. And daily I disobey you. I need you Spirit to keep working through me and speaking to me and turning my heart toward Jesus so that I can continue to do what he has called me to be - a servant to many. I get so selfish Lord and I start busying myself with things that seem good to me but they are still not your purpose. I want to stay committed to your calling. Lord, I desire to hear good news upon your return. I need to get ready.