Lent Gospel is a campaign for people to read through the whole of Mark’s Gospel during Lent, in 40 short readings. Helpful notes on each day's reading are available from www.usefulbible.com/lent-gospel; and you can download the whole series in PDF or Kindle format (it's free - just right-click on the links then select ‘save as...’ to download). Of course, it doesn’t have to be for Lent... why not begin now?
Last part: Debate Day 26 Mark 12:1-27
· Read: Mark 12:28-44
The teachers of the law were the religious experts of Jesus day. They were important men: impressive in their learning, distinguished in their appearance. But not all of them shared the same attitudes.
It was true that many of them cared about nothing but their own honour. They insisted on the most important seats both at public worship and at feasts. They knew how to impress people with their long prayers and flowing robes. And often they used their power corruptly, taking advantage of widows. In short, their religion was a pretence.
But we should never imagine that they all behaved like that. The one who asked Jesus about the greatest commandment cared much more for Gods honour than his own. Not only did the teacher agree with Jesus, he developed and stressed the point that Jesus was making. Love for God is more important than any gift we may offer him, he said.
Even Jesus was impressed by such a wise answer.
|
Next part: Rumour Day 28 Mark 13:1-23 |
© 2012, Keith Simons.