Scripture

“Well then,” Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what belongs to God.”

Observation
Some Pharisees and supporters of Herod try to trap Jesus. They pile on the flattery before springing the trap. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?” they ask.

If Jesus says “Yes”, then he will lose support from amongst the people. If he says “No”, then they can have him arrested.

Jesus asks for a Roman coin. He asks the people whose image is on it. They reply “Caesar,” and so Jesus tells them to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God, what belongs to God.

Application

Most people hate paying tax. It was even worse back in Jesus’ day, when the taxes were going to an occupying power that treated the people of Israel as scum.

If we are to prosper in finances or in business, we are to give to the government the right amount of money that we owe them in taxes. This does not mean we have to be generous to the government and give them more than is due. It just means that we have to be open and honest in all of our dealings.

More importantly, we must give to God that which is God’s. Just as a Roman coin carried the image of Caesar, every single person carries the image of God.

We must therefore offer every part of ourselves back to God for him to use as he wishes. We are to be living sacrifices to our heavenly Father.

Prayer
Lord, please help me to discern what I should offer back to the government. What areas of my life am I holding back from you? Amen.

Scripture
“The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see.”

Observation

Jesus tells a parable about a man who planted a vineyard, dug a pit for pressing the grapes, built a wall around it, and a watch tower. He then rented it out to tenants in exchange for a share of the crop

When harvest time comes, the man sends a servant to collect his share of the crop. But the tenants beat him and send him away with nothing. The man sends more servants, but the tenants beat some and kill others. Finally he sends his son, but they kill him.

The religious leaders realise this parable is aimed at them. They want to arrest Jesus, but they are afraid of the crowds.

Application
The New Testament quotes this verse from Psalm 118, more than any other verse from the Old Testament. It is a description of how God takes those who are rejected and raises them to a position of honour. The stone that had been deemed unworthy of use in the building turns out to be perfect as the cornerstone, that is, the most important stone of all.

We see this scenario played out right through the scriptures. David, Moses, Joseph and many others come to mind.

Of course Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders and put to death on a cross. He was raised from the dead, ascended to heaven and now he is the King of kings and Lord of lords. People continue to reject Jesus, but they do so at the risk of eternal punishment.

Jesus is the only way to the Father. He is the most important of all.

Listen

Keith, I honour the way you are welcoming the people who are “the stones that the builders rejected.” Don’t give up on them.

You have heard the expression, “diamond in the rough.” This refers to an uncut diamond that looks like any other rock. When it is cut and polished by an expert tradesman, it becomes a thing of beauty and value.

My diamonds in the rough are like that. Some of them will reject me and you also. But the ones who go on and embrace all that I have for them, they make it all worthwhile.

Scripture

They demanded, “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?”

Observation
.Jesus and His disciples return again to Jerusalem. As they walk through the temple precinct, the Jewish religious leaders come to Jesus and demand to know by what authority Jesus had cleared the temple.

Jesus replies that He will tell them His source of authority if they will tell him whether John’s authority came from heaven or from man. This confounds the leaders because if they say that John’s authority was from God, Jesus would rebuke them for not listening to John. On the other hand, they would lose credibility with the people if they said John’s authority was merely human.

They confess they do not know the answer to his question. Jesus answers, he won’t answer their question either.

Application
After three years of powerful teaching, amazing miracles and even raising several people from the dead, it should have been clear to most people that Jesus had special power and authority from God.

In fact, that authority had been evident since the time when he was in the temple at the age of 12 years questioning the teachers of the law. Genuinely godly authority is obvious to those who are truly full of the Holy Spirit. There are some teachers who are wrong at some points, but they still carry the authority of the Lord despite their faults.

The problem with the Jewish leaders was not that they were unsure of Jesus’ mandate to preach and to represent the Lord. The problem was that they did not like that Jesus was rising above them in influence and power. If Jesus truly was from God, then where did this leave them?

They could see the truth that refused to confess it.

Listen
Lord, what would you say to me today about the source of authority in your kingdom?

Keith, to be a leader in the kingdom, means to be a servant to all. Authority is not about popular acclaim, fancy uniforms, or having a title. Authority comes through laying aside your own desires and ambitions in order to serve the least in the community.

A monk named Brother Lawrence was more influential than all the other monks in his order, because he chose to seek me at the kitchen sink. He wasn’t eloquent or highly educated, but he loved me with such a passion that he found me in the halls of the kitchen and showed others how to do the same.

Scripture:

“I tell you you can pray for anything, and if you believe you have received it,it will be yours.”

Observation
As they are leaving Bethany, Jesus sees a fig tree in full leaf. When he goes to see if there are any figs on it,he curses it saying, “May no one ever eat from you again.”

In Jerusalem, Jesus enters the temple and drives out the people buying and selling animals for the sacrifices. He stops people from using the temple precinct as a marketplace, saying, “The Scriptures say my temple will be called a house of prayer for the nations, but you have turned it into a den of thieves”

Jesus and the disciples leave the city for the night.

The next morning, they see that the fig tree Jesus had cursed, has withered from the roots. Jesus explains to the disciples that if we have faith in God, we can command mountains to move. If we have faith, believing that we have received something, then it will be given to us

Application
Jesus shows by words and actions that the words we speak can have powerful effects.

He curses a fig tree and it dies overnight.

Jesus tells us that the way to have prayers answered is to believe that God has already granted us what we need.

Too many of us pray wishy washy prayers, hoping for a result, not really believing.

Over and over, Jesus assures us that the Father wants to give us good gifts and that we must trust him for what we need.

This is bold and confident prayer based on a personal relationship with the Lord. It can become presumptuous and fleshly when we demand what we want, without seeking God’s will first.

God is gracious and loving. He wants to pour blessing after blessing upon us.

Listen:

Lord, there is so much to learn about prayer. What would you say to me today about this?

Keith, prayer at its heart is conversation with me. Many Christians believe it’s all one way, but if they would listen to me, they would find great depths in their prayer as well as great power.

This is important. Jesus said, “I only do what I see the Father doing.” You must look to me to see what I am doing and then pray.

Scripture

“Go into that village there,” he said to them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.”

Observation

Jesus and the disciples arrive at Bethphage and Bethany, near the outskirts of Jerusalem.

Jesus sends two of the disciples into the village. He tells him that they will find a donkey at the edge of the village that no one has ever ridden. They are to bring it back to Jesus. If anyone objects, they are to say that the Lord has need of it and will soon return it.

The disciples find everything there as Jesus had said. They bring the donkey back, and Jesus sits on it.

People in the crowd spread garments on the road, while others bring leafy branches. So Jesus is the centre of a huge procession.

People cry out, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Jesus comes into the city and goes to the Temple. After looking around he goes to Bethany for the night.

Application

It seems much longer ago than a few weeks since we celebrated Palm Sunday and then moved through Holy Week to Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

While, everyone is going about their business – whether people are minding a donkey or shouting praises in a procession, Jesus is heading relentlessly to the cross.

Did Jesus arrange the use of the donkey? Or did he Just know that there would be a donkey at that place that the owner would lend to him? It’s hard to tell from the text.

In our own lives, it can be hard sometimes to tell the difference between coincidences and answers to prayer. One person said, “I have noticed that the more I pray, the more coincidences happen.”

The key is always to trust everything we have to God – all our plans, our loved ones our church. God can handle it all.

Listen

Lord, is there more you want to say to me about the events we call Palm Sunday?

Keith, from the moment that I sat on that donkey, it was very clear that this was the start of the climax of my whole reason for coming to Earth. We laid the plans for this before we started the world. It was clear that our beloved people would fall into sin and that a provision would have to be made for their salvation. Painful and wrenching as it was, this was the whole purpose. I went to the cross seeing that my death would open the way for millions upon millions of my beloved people to be saved.

So, my time of suffering was infinitely costly, but it brought an infinitely valuable reward.

Lord, I thank you for what you achieved on the cross.

Scripture

Jesus said to him, “Go for your faith as healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

Observation

Jesus and His disciples pass through Jericho. As they are leaving, a blind man called Bartimaeus, calls out to him, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” People tell Bartimaeus to keep quiet, but Jesus tells them to bring him to him. The crowd tells Bartimaeus to cheer up and go to Jesus.

Jesus asks him what he wants and Bartimaeus responds, “I want to see.” Jesus tells him, “Your faith has healed you.” The man is instantly healed and he follows Jesus along the road.

Application

Do not be afraid to seek healing of body or soul.

The word here for healing is the same word for salvation, in Greek sozo. Jesus says, “Your faith has healed you.” In other places the same phrase is translated “Your faith has saved you.”

Salvation and healing are part of the one package. Jesus died on the cross, and we are told that by His stripes we are healed.

There are many reasons why a person is not healed. A lack of faith is one of them. We must trust that God will do what He has said He will do.

Mark loves the word “instantly” or “straight away” or “immediately”. In Greek it is all the one word. When Jesus is a round things happen quickly.

Listen

Lord, there are times when I pray for healing and nothing happens. Why is this?

Keith, the key is faith. Many people believe in the abstract sense of healing. They assent in their heads to the proposition that I can heal people. But when they consider, “Will I heal you?” they are uncertain and unbelieving. Bartimaeus knew in his heart that I was going to heal him right there and then. That is the faith that heals.

It is exactly the same as salvation. A person can believe in the facts of the gospel, they can enjoy the religious dimensions of worship, but they do not believe in their hearts that I will save them.

Faith is always particular. It is always applied to this person and this time.

Trust me for your salvation, trust me also for healing.

Scripture

“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must first be your servant.”

Observation.

Jesus and his disciples are on their way to Jerusalem. The disciples are filled with awe, but the people following are filled with fear

Jesus tells the disciples that he is about to be handed over to the Romans, who will mock him flog him and kill him, but after three days, he will rise again.

James and John come to Jesus to ask if they can have the places of honour next to Jesus when he comes into his kingdom. He tells them they don’t know what they are asking. To receive the place of honour, they must first share in his suffering.

The other disciples are indignant about what James and John have asked. Jesus calls them together and tells them that leadership in the kingdom is about serving others and not about loading it over them.

Application

Over the last decade or so, it seems that people have become aware of a self-appointed class that seeks to elevate themselves above ordinary people, imposing rules and values that are foreign.

They like their positions of importance, their titles, and the influence they have. They scorn those who disagree with them as deplorables and low information voters.

This is not the style of leadership which Jesus anoints. Our leadership comes firstly through servanthood.

In the Paradoxical Kingdom of God, we rise by lowering ourselves, we are honoured through serving.

The people of honour in God’s kingdom, are those who listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and busy themselves obeying him, The person who cleans the church building, or feeds the homeless or prays with the hurting, is at least as significant, if not more so, than the greatest celebrity preacher.

Listen

Lord, is there more you want to say to me about this passage?

Keith. it all comes down to attitudes .Proud people, entitled people, these people can never be useful in the Kingdom. Many of them cannot even be saved because they will not humble themselves to repent.

Many who are now considered great in the world and in the church have not learnt to serve, and so they cannot hold places of importance.

Scripture

“In fact it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God”

Observation

After Jesus finishes talking with the rich young man, he tells his disciples that it is hard for rich people to enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus goes on to say that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.

The disciples are amazed, and they ask, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replies that humanly speaking this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.

Peter says, “Lord, we have given up everything for you.”

Jesus replies that anyone who gives up family or possessions for God’s kingdom, will receive 100 times that, along with persecution. But they will also enter into eternal life.

Application

Jesus uses a ridiculous illustration to show that it is hard, impossible even, for rich people to enter God’s kingdom.

Some people try to soften this picture by saying that there was a narrow gate into the city of Jerusalem which was called The Needle, and camels, had to be unloaded to pass through them. There is no historical evidence that such a gate existed, and the story only goes back to the 12th century.

Jesus is really saying that it is impossible for rich people to enter God’s kingdom by their own resources alone. The point is that nobody can buy God’s favour, not even the wealthiest person you can think of.

Jesus goes on to say that this is impossible for people, but with God, all things are possible.

Jesus is the only way into God’s kingdom. Rich people and poor alike have the same opportunity to trust Jesus, turn away from their sins, and enter into eternal life.

Listen

Lord, what else do you want to say to me concerning wealth and the kingdom?

Keith, I delight in blessing people with an abundance of possessions. Nobody was ever intended to live in the grinding poverty that still exists in many places. This was never my plan.

But when people love their possessions so much that they become their gods, they can no longer rely on me. They begin to think their wealth is a sign of my special favour.

To enter my kingdom, people must learn to look to me alone for salvation. They don’t have to give away their things, but they do have to learn to lean on me and not on their stuff.

Scripture

Jesus said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like little children.”

Observation

Some parents bring children to Jesus to have him bless them. The disciples scold them for bothering him. Jesus rebukes them and says they must let the children come for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like little children. He then blesses the children.

A man comes running to Jesus and asks him what he must do to be saved. Jesus says to him, “You know the Commandments.” The man tools Jesus that he has obeyed the since he was young.

Jesus then tells the man he must sell all of his possessions and give the money to the poor. Then he will have treasures in heaven and can come and follow Jesus. The man goes away disappointed.

Application

Jesus loves children and he welcomes them into the kingdom. This is a central fact that we must always remember. In the midst of doing God’s stuff, we can get so involved in the importance of what we are doing for the Lord that we dismiss the people we consider unimportant or irrelevant to the task at hand.

I have seen the celebrity pastors so full of their importance in God’s kingdom they have no time for adults, let alone children. It is a trap for all of us. We must take time for the children, the elderly, those with disabilities

Spending time with the least important people, especially children pops our bubble of self-importance and gives us both joy and humility.

Listen

Lord, what do you want to say to me about children?

Keith, every adult was once a child, but many seem to forget about this, They want children to fit into their adult sized plans.

I want you to honour and respect all my people. Develop a culture in church where everybody is level, especially children.

Scripture

“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united to one. Since they are no longer two but one let no one split apart what God has joined together”

Observation

Jesus leaves Capernaum and travels down to Judah and the area east of the Jordan.

Some Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a question about divorce. Jesus says that, although the law of Moses permits divorce, it is only as a concession to the hard hearts of men. From the beginning, God intended a man and woman to leave their parents and become one. They are no longer two separate individuals, but one flesh. Therefore no ne should separate what God has joined together.

Later, when he is alone with his disciples, Jesus says that anyone, man or woman, who divorces their spouse and then remarries commits adultery.

Application

This section of scripture really confronts many of our society’s ideas, about sexuality and marriage.

Marriage in the Bible is a man and woman coming together to be one flesh.

There is no room for two people of the same sex coming together and calling it marriage.

Marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment. In God’s plans for his people, there is no idea of easy divorce. God joins a man and wife together. It is not up to us to separate them, nor is it up to the couple to end the relationship.

There are times when a husband or wife Is seriously abusive to their spouse. This is egregious and, I believe, nullifies the marriage covenant. Divorce is also allowed when one party commits adultery.

Marriage is more than a contractual agreement. Strong loving marriages create strong families and confident children who mature to be responsible adults. Strong marriages reduce welfare dependence and other draws on the government.

Christians must take a stand for marriage, no matter how unpopular that is.

Listen

Lord, what do you want to tell me about marriage?

Keith, I brought you halfway across the world to connect you with Margaret. Of course that is not the only reason I persuaded your parents to migrate from England to Australia, but it was part of it. Your marriage is one that I established. I joined you and Margaret together and I am committed to strengthening the bonds that hold you together.

Over the years, I have blinded you both to opportunities for adultery. When evil spirits attacked your relationships, it was in those times that I gave you greater love for one another.

Other marriages do not have my blessing in the same way. If people marry foolishly or in rebellion against me, I have not joined them together. They are on their own. Marriage gives some protection, but without my blessing it is much harder.

So honour your wife and love her and let our partnership be the three stranded cord that cannot be broken.