Lesson 9- Jerusalem Controversies

Read for This Week’s Study
Mark 11:1-33; 1 Kings 1:32-48; Zechariah 9:9-10; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11; Mark 12:1-34.

Memory Text:
    “ ‘And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses’ ” (Mark 11:25).

Sabbath Afternoon:

Key Points:

1. Controversies in Jerusalem: Jesus faced a series of six controversies with the religious leaders upon His arrival in Jerusalem, similar to earlier disputes (Mark 2:1-28, Mark 3). These controversies mark significant moments in His ministry.
   • Read: Mark 11:1-33
2. Guidance for Believers: Jesus' responses to these confrontations provide essential lessons for believers, addressing both foundational aspects of faith and practical daily living.
   • Read: Mark 11:25
3. Opposition to God: The lesson explores the reasons why people oppose God and suggests ways Christians can overcome prejudice and communicate effectively with those resistant to the Spirit’s call.
   • Read: Zechariah 9:9-10
4. Significance of the Events: The narrative in Mark 11:1-33 slows down, emphasizing the importance of the final week of Jesus' ministry, covering the events leading up to His crucifixion.
   • Read: Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11
5. Call to Forgiveness: The memory text reminds believers of the importance of forgiveness in prayer, highlighting the need to forgive others so that God may forgive us.
   • Read: Mark 11:25

Discussion Questions:

1. Why were the controversies between Jesus and the religious leaders significant for His ministry?
   • Answer: These controversies highlighted Jesus' authority and His mission to challenge and correct misunderstandings of the faith, which ultimately led to His crucifixion.
2. How can believers apply the lessons from Jesus' responses to controversies in their daily lives?
   • Answer: Believers can use Jesus' example to address challenges with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering commitment to truth, even when faced with opposition.
3. What steps can Christians take to break through prejudice and effectively communicate with those resistant to the Gospel?
   • Answer: Christians can engage with empathy, understanding, and patience, building relationships that allow for open and honest conversations about faith.

Sunday: The Triumphal Entry

Key Points:

1. Prophetic Fulfillment: Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9-10, symbolizing His role as the promised King and heir to David’s throne.
   • Read: Zechariah 9:9-10
2. Symbol of Humility: Jesus chose a donkey, a symbol of humility, rather than a horse, which represented war. This choice reflected His mission of peace.
   • Read: 1 Kings 1:32-48
3. Public Acknowledgment: Unlike previous instances where Jesus sought to keep His identity as the Messiah discreet, His entry into Jerusalem was a public declaration of His messianic role.
   • Read: Mark 11:1-11
4. The Crowd’s Reaction: The people’s response, shouting “Hosanna,” signified their recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, though many misunderstood the nature of His kingship.
   • Read: Mark 11:9-10
5. Quiet Conclusion: Despite the potential for unrest, Jesus' entry ended peacefully as He chose to retire to Bethany with His disciples, delaying any immediate confrontation.
   • Read: Mark 11:11

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the significance of Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem?
   • Answer: Riding a donkey symbolized humility and peace, contrasting with the expectation of a conquering king and fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's peaceful arrival.
2. Why did the people shout “Hosanna” during Jesus' entry, and what did they expect from Him?
   • Answer: The crowd shouted “Hosanna” as a plea for salvation, expecting Jesus to bring political deliverance from Roman rule, not realizing His mission was spiritual.
3. How can the humility demonstrated by Jesus during the Triumphal Entry inspire Christians today?
   • Answer: Jesus' humility encourages Christians to approach life with a servant’s heart, prioritizing peace and selflessness over power and pride.

Monday: A Cursed Tree and a Cleansed Temple

Key Points:

1. The Fig Tree as a Symbol: The barren fig tree symbolized Israel’s spiritual barrenness and the impending judgment due to its failure to bear fruit.
   • Read: Mark 11:12-14
2. Cleansing the Temple: Jesus' cleansing of the temple emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of worship and the temple as a house of prayer for all nations.
   • Read: Mark 11:15-19
3. Condemnation of Corruption: Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for turning the temple into a “den of robbers,” condemning the commercialization of religion.
   • Read: Jeremiah 7:11
4. Prayer and Forgiveness: Jesus used the withered fig tree as an object lesson on the power of faith, prayer, and the necessity of forgiveness.
   • Read: Mark 11:20-25
5. The Irony of Judgment: The religious leaders' plot to kill Jesus, spurred by His actions, would ironically lead to the end of the temple’s significance, as Jesus Himself would fulfill its purpose.
   • Read: Isaiah 56:7

Discussion Questions:

1. What does the fig tree represent, and why did Jesus curse it?
   • Answer: The fig tree represented Israel’s spiritual unfruitfulness. Jesus cursed it as a symbolic act of judgment against the nation’s failure to live up to its calling.
2. Why did Jesus cleanse the temple, and what lesson does this action teach us about worship?
   • Answer: Jesus cleansed the temple to restore its intended purpose as a house of prayer. This teaches us to approach worship with reverence and to guard against the commercialization of spiritual practices.
3. How does the lesson of the withered fig tree apply to our spiritual lives today?
   • Answer: The withered fig tree reminds us of the importance of bearing spiritual fruit. Faith, prayer, and forgiveness are essential components of a fruitful Christian life.

Tuesday: Who Said You Could Do That?

Key Points:

1. Authority Challenged: The religious leaders questioned Jesus’ authority to cleanse the temple, attempting to trap Him in His response.
   • Bible Text: Mark 11:27-33
2. Jesus’ Counter Question: Jesus responded with a question about John the Baptist’s authority, exposing the leaders' hypocrisy and evasion of truth.
   • Read: Mark 11:29-30
3. The Vineyard Parable: Jesus told a parable about a vineyard owner and wicked tenants, symbolizing God’s dealings with Israel and the leaders' rejection of His messengers, culminating in their rejection of Jesus.
   • Read: Mark 12:1-12
4. Warning to Religious Leaders: The parable served as a warning to the religious leaders of the consequences of their continued rejection of God’s will.
   • Read: Isaiah 5:1-7
5. Call to Repentance: Jesus’ parable offered the religious leaders an opportunity to repent and change their course, though many would choose not to heed the warning.
   • Read: Mark 12:10-11

Discussion Questions:

1. What was the significance of Jesus' question about John the Baptist’s authority?
   • Answer: Jesus’ question highlighted the religious leaders' inconsistency and fear of public opinion, revealing their unwillingness to accept the truth.
2. How does the parable of the vineyard reflect the relationship between God and Israel?
   • Answer: The parable illustrates Israel’s history of rejecting God’s messengers and ultimately His Son, symbolizing the leaders' rejection of Jesus and the consequences of their actions.
3. What lessons can we learn from the religious leaders' response to Jesus' authority?
   • Answer: The leaders' refusal to acknowledge Jesus' authority warns us against pride and stubbornness, encouraging humility and openness to God's guidance.

Wednesday: Earthly Duties and Heavenly Outcomes

Key Points:

1.     Taxes and Allegiance: The religious leaders attempted to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus' response, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s,” demonstrated the balance between fulfilling earthly duties and maintaining heavenly allegiance.

o    Read: Mark 12:13-17

2.     The Resurrection Debate: The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection, posed a hypothetical question about marriage in the resurrection. Jesus responded by affirming the reality of the resurrection and correcting their misunderstanding of Scripture, emphasizing that in the resurrection, people will be like angels, neither marrying nor being given in marriage.

o    Read: Mark 12:18-27

3.     Marriage in the Resurrection: Jesus explained that earthly institutions like marriage do not continue in the resurrection, highlighting the transformative nature of life in God's kingdom.

o    Read: Mark 12:25

4.     God of the Living: Jesus reminded the Sadducees that God is the God of the living, not the dead, affirming the hope of resurrection and eternal life for believers.

o    Read: Mark 12:26-27

5.     Avoiding Traps: Jesus skillfully avoided the traps set by the religious leaders, turning their attempts to challenge Him into opportunities to teach profound spiritual truths.

o    Read: Mark 12:24

Discussion Questions:

1.     What is the significance of Jesus' response to the question about paying taxes to Caesar?

o    Answer: Jesus' response teaches that Christians have responsibilities to earthly authorities but must prioritize their allegiance to God. This balance reflects a proper understanding of civic duty and spiritual commitment.

2.     How does Jesus' teaching on the resurrection challenge the beliefs of the Sadducees?

o    Answer: Jesus challenged the Sadducees by affirming the reality of the resurrection, something they denied. He corrected their limited understanding of Scripture and revealed the transformative nature of life in the resurrection.

3.     What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ response to the Sadducees regarding the resurrection?

o    Answer: Jesus’ response teaches us about the hope of eternal life and the importance of understanding Scripture correctly. It also reminds us that God's power will transform life in ways beyond our current comprehension.

Thursday: The Greatest Commandment

Key Points:

1.     The Question of the Greatest Commandment: A scribe asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest. Jesus responded by quoting the Shema, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength,” and added, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” summarizing the entire law in these two commandments.

o    Read: Mark 12:28-31

2.     Love as the Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus emphasized that love for God and love for others are the foundation of all commandments, indicating that true obedience comes from a heart of love.

o    Read: Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18

3.     The Scribe’s Approval: The scribe agreed with Jesus, acknowledging that these commandments are more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices, showing his understanding of the heart of the law.

o    Read: Mark 12:32-33

4.     Jesus’ Affirmation: Jesus commended the scribe, telling him that he was not far from the kingdom of God, recognizing the scribe’s insight and sincerity.

o    Read: Mark 12:34

5.     Love in Action: The lesson underscores that love is not merely an emotion but is demonstrated through action—both towards God and others—fulfilling the purpose of the law.

o    Read: John 13:34-35

Discussion Questions:

1.     Why did Jesus choose these two commandments as the greatest?

o    Answer: Jesus chose these commandments because they encapsulate the entire law. Love for God and love for others are the foundation of all moral and ethical behavior, reflecting the essence of God's character.

2.     How can Christians practically apply the greatest commandment in their daily lives?

o    Answer: Christians can apply the greatest commandment by prioritizing their relationship with God, seeking to love Him fully, and by showing love and compassion to others in tangible ways.

3.     What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself, and how does this relate to loving God?

o    Answer: Loving your neighbor as yourself means treating others with the same care and respect you desire for yourself. This love is a reflection of one’s love for God, as it manifests God's love through our actions towards others.

Friday: Further Thought

1.     Reflection on Jesus’ Teachings: The lessons from this week invite believers to reflect on Jesus’ teachings about authority, love, and the kingdom of God. Jesus’ interactions with religious leaders and His profound responses offer deep spiritual insights that challenge conventional thinking.

o    Read: Mark 11:1-33; Mark 12:1-34

2.     Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus demonstrated that the law is fulfilled in love, both for God and for others. His teachings encourage believers to move beyond ritualistic observance to a life characterized by genuine love and obedience.

o    Read: Romans 13:8-10

3.     The Call to Action: The week’s lessons challenge believers to embody the principles Jesus taught—loving God wholeheartedly and loving others selflessly—reflecting the kingdom of God in their daily lives.

o    Read: John 14:15

DISCUSSION QUESTION SUPPLEMENTARY:

1. Ponder the meaning of Christ’s cleansing the temple. How might that principle apply to our church today? How should such a cleansing take place?

Meaning of Christ’s Cleansing the Temple:

• Christ's cleansing of the temple represents His rejection of the commercialization and corruption within the place meant for worship. He was confronting the misuse of sacred spaces for personal gain and the distortion of religious practices that should lead people to God.

Application to Our Church Today:

• This principle can be applied to the modern church by recognizing and addressing any forms of corruption, commercialization, or practices that detract from true worship and devotion. This includes materialism, exploitation, or any activities that compromise the spiritual mission of the church.

How Should Such a Cleansing Take Place:

• Cleansing should begin with a call to repentance and a return to the core mission of the church, which is to glorify God and serve others. It may involve reassessing church practices, ensuring transparency in church operations, fostering a spirit of humility, and prioritizing spiritual growth over material interests.

2. All through the Gospels, again and again, Jesus refers to the Scriptures and how they must be fulfilled. What does this tell us about just how central they are to the life of faith? Why must we fervently reject any attempt to downplay the authority of Scripture, especially the idea that the Scriptures are merely people’s own ideas about God, who God is, and how He operates?

Centrality of Scripture to the Life of Faith:

• Jesus’ constant reference to Scripture emphasizes that the Bible is foundational to the life of faith. It is through Scripture that we understand God’s will, learn about His character, and grasp the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The authority and inspiration of Scripture are vital for guiding believers in truth and righteousness.

Rejecting the Downplay of Scripture's Authority:

• We must reject attempts to downplay the authority of Scripture because it undermines the foundation of faith. The belief that Scripture is merely human ideas about God diminishes its divine inspiration and the truth it reveals. Scripture is not just a historical or philosophical document but the Word of God, which is authoritative and trustworthy. Any attempt to reduce its divine authority leads to confusion, relativism, and a weakening of faith.

3. Where is the proper line between church and state? How does Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:13-17 guide this discussion?

Proper Line Between Church and State:

• The proper line between church and state is one that respects the distinct roles of each. The state has authority in civil matters, while the church has authority in spiritual and moral matters. They should operate independently yet with mutual respect for their respective domains.

Guidance from Jesus’ Teaching in Mark 12:13-17:

• In Mark 12:13-17, Jesus teaches that we should "Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s." This suggests a distinction between civic responsibilities (like paying taxes) and spiritual obligations (like worship and allegiance to God). This principle supports the idea of the separation of church and state, where neither should encroach upon the domain of the other. The church should influence society morally and spiritually without seeking to control governmental affairs, and the state should govern without interfering in matters of personal faith and religious practice.

4. Look up texts that talk about the resurrection. Why is this doctrine so central to our faith, especially considering the state of the dead?

Key Texts on the Resurrection:

• 1 Corinthians 15:12-22: Emphasizes that if there is no resurrection, then our faith is in vain and we are still in our sins. But Christ has indeed been raised, giving us hope of resurrection and eternal life.
• John 11:25-26: Jesus declares Himself as the resurrection and the life, promising that those who believe in Him will live, even though they die.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18: Provides comfort and hope by affirming that the dead in Christ will rise first at His return, and believers will be united with the Lord forever.

Centrality of the Resurrection Doctrine:

• The doctrine of the resurrection is central to our faith because it affirms the victory of Christ over death and the grave. It is the cornerstone of Christian hope, ensuring that death is not the end for believers but a transition to eternal life. Without belief in the resurrection, the promise of eternal life and the hope of reuniting with loved ones in Christ would be meaningless. It also provides the framework for understanding the state of the dead, reinforcing that death is a sleep from which believers will awaken at the resurrection.

More Discussion Questions:

1.     How can the principles taught by Jesus this week be applied to modern-day challenges in the Christian life?

o    Answer: These principles can guide Christians in navigating conflicts, prioritizing love and justice, and making decisions that honor God’s commandments.

2.     What are some practical ways to demonstrate love for God and love for others in your community?

o    Answer: Practical ways include serving others, showing kindness, advocating for justice, supporting those in need, and engaging in worship and prayer with sincerity.

3.     How can understanding the balance between earthly duties and heavenly outcomes help in making daily decisions?

o    Answer: Understanding this balance helps Christians prioritize their actions, ensuring that while they fulfill their earthly responsibilities, they do so with a mindset that honors God and aligns with eternal values.