Part 2, of Lesson 3.
Sunday, 27th August 2017
●● THE HIGH CLASS (Matthew 23:17; Mark 10:17-23)
~> The Willing But Unready (Mark 10:17-23).
Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me” (v. 21).
▶ v. 17: There was that great desire on the part of this rich man to serve (...what shall I do…). Jesus isn't moved by the readiness to serve stemming from an unsaved heart.
▶ v. 18: Jesus was never carried away by neither this rich young ruler's flattery nor his wealth. How do we ‘feel’, individually and corporately, in our programmes, when we see the high and mighty among us, ministers and members, inclusive (Jas. 2:1-13)?
▶ vv. 19,20: The list of God's rules is endless (Exodus 20:4-17), and the Owner does not accept 99% compliance (Jas. 2:8-13). What part of the Bible do you obey? By self righteousness, he qualified/justified himself, but only Christ’s righteousness will guarantee us His Kingdom (Isaiah 64:6-7; Romans 10:3-4). Don't rely on self righteousness.
▶ v. 21: Jesus looked at him in his pride, self-deceit and self-justification, yet, still LOVED him (cf. John 3:16; Romans 5:6-11). Jesus pitied him because He knew his true conditin; he lacked salvation (real need). Jesus didn't hesitate to tell him what he needed, not what he wanted to hear (cf. II Timothy 4:10-15). What do you tell such people when they come to you (I Timothy 6:17-19)?
▶ v. 22: He was sad at parting with worldly properties, popularity, position and pleasure. He went away, ignoring his salvation. Was he interested in the first place? Salvation messages are not, most times, palatable to hear.
▶ vv. 23ff: Instead of Jesus trying to mellow down the gospel truth to make the rich ruler happy/comfortable, like some of us would do today, He used the scenario to strengthen the committed. Who knows the positive impact Jesus’ attitude would have has on that young man.
~> The Unwilling, Unready Antagonists (Matthew 23:17)
But woe to you, scribes and Pharisee, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in (v. 13).
▶ vv. 2-4: The Scribes, Pharisees, High Priests and Sadducees belong to the top echelon of the religious and political activities in Israel. However, they were pretenders (cf. II Timothy 3:5), obstructing people from coming into the Kingdom. Their remnants are still in churches. Beware!
▶ vv. 5-7: To show they were the authority, they antagonised all that Christ is and came for (Mark 11:28; Luke 20:2). All their works, they do to be seen of men, unlike the humble Jesus (cf. 9:30; Mark 1:42-44). Big clothes may make big but not good people. Jesus seriously warns us against undue popularity (vv. 8-12)
▶ Is godfatherism, sycophancy, unnecessary accolades and encomiums not the order in our churches? Workers/ministers are in position for service, not self-glory (Jeremiah 23:1-2; Ezekiel 34:1-5; Acts 6:1-6).
▶ The effect of ungodly people in authority is devastating. They mislead, criticise and antagonise (I Kings 11:1-6; II Kings 5:22-23; Acts 4:6-7). Christ didn't hesitate to rebuke them. Those who would stand against ungodliness in our churches and society, must be people with proven Christly integrity (I Samuel 15:22-23; II Kings 1:16; Daniel 5:20-28).
▶ vv. 13-17: It is a pity that those who sit in Moses’ seat have their ulterior motives (Mark 12:38-39). The hypocritical leaders, in their unholy zeal, look for fortunes from widows, the rich and political class. No wonder they were sharply rebuked by the Ultimate Ruler.
LESSON DERIVED
★ It is not enough to observe the law, it is more important to observe the condition of the people around you and care for them.
★ Let us check our attitude towards the high-class people. Is it partiality or presenting the right gospel?
QUESTIONS
→ Why do we need to encourage children's participation in of Church programmes?
→ Men and women, like the Pharisees/high priests, are still in our churches and society today. Discuss? How should we relate with them?
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