Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees — religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: ...
—Mark 12:18 NLT
Key Thought
Clearly, this period of Jesus' ministry was filled with the carefully crafted questions from his enemies. Pharisees, supporters of Herod (Mark 12:13), and Sadducees were not good friends normally. They all had their different political, religious, and social agendas. However, Jesus' popularity with the common people, his willingness to speak the truth of God boldly without relying on the support of other religious leaders, and his acceptance of the titles of Son of God, Son of David, and King of the Jews as he entered Jerusalem scared them. They did their best to try to trap him with their questions. The Sadducees had very deep differences with Jesus because they did not believe in angels or the resurrection. They were wedded to the world as they found it and survived with their faith by accommodating it to the political winds of the time. As we read the following verses, Jesus did not use polite or politically correct speech. Like the apostle Paul did in 1 Corinthians 15, Jesus directly rebuked the wrong-headed lie that denies the resurrection. Of course, Jesus' greatest exclamation mark on the truth of the resurrection was his own empty tomb and his appearances to his disciples after his death and resurrection.
Today's Prayer
Father in heaven, you are the eternal God. From everlasting to everlasting you have been, are, and will be God. I confess that I cannot completely fathom the truth of this statement of faith. However, dear Father, I do trust it with all my heart. Father, I believe in your Son, and I have shared with him in his death, burial, and resurrection through baptism. By the power of your Holy Spirit, I try to live to honor you each day. I believe that the Holy Spirit will bring me safely into your presence for eternity. Thank you for such great hope. May I never compromise my faith in this glorious truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 12:18 NLT
Key Thought
Clearly, this period of Jesus' ministry was filled with the carefully crafted questions from his enemies. Pharisees, supporters of Herod (Mark 12:13), and Sadducees were not good friends normally. They all had their different political, religious, and social agendas. However, Jesus' popularity with the common people, his willingness to speak the truth of God boldly without relying on the support of other religious leaders, and his acceptance of the titles of Son of God, Son of David, and King of the Jews as he entered Jerusalem scared them. They did their best to try to trap him with their questions. The Sadducees had very deep differences with Jesus because they did not believe in angels or the resurrection. They were wedded to the world as they found it and survived with their faith by accommodating it to the political winds of the time. As we read the following verses, Jesus did not use polite or politically correct speech. Like the apostle Paul did in 1 Corinthians 15, Jesus directly rebuked the wrong-headed lie that denies the resurrection. Of course, Jesus' greatest exclamation mark on the truth of the resurrection was his own empty tomb and his appearances to his disciples after his death and resurrection.
Today's Prayer
Father in heaven, you are the eternal God. From everlasting to everlasting you have been, are, and will be God. I confess that I cannot completely fathom the truth of this statement of faith. However, dear Father, I do trust it with all my heart. Father, I believe in your Son, and I have shared with him in his death, burial, and resurrection through baptism. By the power of your Holy Spirit, I try to live to honor you each day. I believe that the Holy Spirit will bring me safely into your presence for eternity. Thank you for such great hope. May I never compromise my faith in this glorious truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
