Mark 12

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 jBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 11 2 8 0 0 CHAPTER XII) Outline of Chapter 12) Theme: The Work Which Thou Gavest Me To Do) 12:1 12 The Parable of the Wicked Tenants, and Its Sequel) 12:13 37 Captious Questions and Authoritative Answers) also) Christ s Own Question) 12:38 40 Denunciation of the Scribes) 12:41 44 A Widow s Offering) ) 12:1 12 The Parable of the Wicked Tenants, and Its Sequel) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.33-40.21.46|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.33-40.21.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:33 46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.9-42.20.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.9-42.20.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:9 19) 1 13 2 8 0 0 12 1 He began to speak to them in parables:) A man planted vineyard, He set a fence around it, dug a trough for the winepress, and built a tower. Then he leased the vineyard to sharecroppers,��570�� and went abroad. 2 At the proper time he sent a servant to the sharecroppers to collect from them his share of the vineyard s fruit. 3 But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Then he sent another servant to them. They struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. He sent him last of all, saying, They will have regard for my son. 7 But those sharecroppers said to each other, He is the heir; come on, let s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours! 8 So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard. 9 What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those sharecroppers and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you never read this passage of Scripture:) The stone which the builders rejected) This became the cornerstone;) 11 By the Lord was this done;) And it is wonderful in our eyes ? ) 12 And they were trying to arrest him, for they knew that he had spoken this parable against them.

But they were afraid of the crowd. So they left him and went away.) ) In its main traits the parable is the same in all three Synoptics. The minor differences present no real conflicts. The most important variations in telling the story are as follows:) a. Luke abbreviates, as he often does. He omits any mention of fence, winepress, and tower.

On the other hand, he does mention one fact not found in the others: the owner of the vineyard, having gone abroad, stays away a long time.) b. In Matthew the servants are represented as being sent group by group; in Mark and Luke singly. However, here again we must figure with the fact that Luke abbreviates. Besides, the one servant of Mark and Luke may represent a group. And Mark also recognizes group sending .) c. In Matthew and Luke what happens to the son is described as follows: They cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.

In Mark the order is reversed . In other words, Matthew and Luke are giving us the historical order; Mark, the climactic, as if to say, They killed him, and this in a most shameful manner, casting him out of the vineyard as an accursed one. Again, there is no contradiction or conflict.) d. In Matthew the question, What will the owner of the vineyard do to these sharecroppers? is answered by the audience, Jesus himself as the subsequent context shows being in thorough agreement with the answer given. Hence, in the other two Synoptics the answer is described as Christ s own. Well, it was!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.44|AUTODETECT|” e. In Luke the doom pronounced on the wicked sharecroppers evokes the audience s response, God forbid! Also, the passage which in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.44|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.18|AUTODETECT|” (A.V.) is probably unauthentic is authentic in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.18|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Interesting variation amid essential unity. Inspiration all along the line!) 1. He began to speak to them in parables. Jesus was in the temple. Cf. 11:27, 28. It is still Tuesday. In fact it was probably still rather early in the day, closer to the time indicated in 11:20 than to that implied in 13:1. It will be recalled that Christ s opponents had asked him to give an account of his actions. They resolutely refused to acknowledge his greatness and authority. For such people the parabolic form of teaching had special significance. At the same time it was adapted to the needs of his true followers. See above, on 4:11, 12.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Mark uses the plural: parables. Yet in the present connection he records only one, the one about the vineyard, clearly based on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:1 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Matthew, on the other hand, in 21:28 22:14 presents a trilogy of closely connected parables. Therefore Mark has every right to use the plural, for he knew that Jesus at this particular time uttered more than one parable.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.2|AUTODETECT|” The parable here recorded was that of the wicked tenants or sharecroppers. It begins as follows: A man planted a vineyard. He set a fence around it, dug a trough for the winepress, and built a tower. This man reserved a portion of his ground for a vineyard. He planted vines in that plot, enclosed it with a fence or hedge as a protection against thieves and animals, and equipped it with a winepress and a watch-tower. The winepress generally consisted of two excavations dug into the earth and lined with stonework, or hewn out in a cliff. The upper cavity, wide and shallow, served as a receptacle for the grapes. Here they were crushed by the feet of the grape-treaders 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 63:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.63.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=37.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ). Through a pipe the juice would run into the lower, narrow and deep compartment. Afterward it was put into jars 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=37.2.16|AUTODETECT|” Hag. 2:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ). The watch-tower may have been constructed from the very stones that had been gathered when the ground set aside for the vineyard was cleared 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=22.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ). A watchman had to be stationed in such a tower to warn of any danger from pillagers, jackals, and foxes 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=22.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Sol. 2:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The tower could also be used for storage.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 When the owner had thus fully prepared his vineyard, Then he leased the vineyard to sharecroppers, tenants or lessees who, as the parable indicates, had to give the owner a definite amount of the vintage. Having made this arrangement the owner went abroad, that is, went away from home. ��571��) 2. At the proper time he sent a servant to the sharecroppers to collect from them his share of the vineyard s fruit. This servant must be distinguished from the tenants or sharecroppers. The latter are the vinegrowers with whom the owner has made a contract, amounting to this: I will let you manage this vineyard and harvest its crop for yourselves provided that at the time of the vintage you give me this or that definite portion of the grapes. The servant, on the other hand, was commissioned by the owner to collect and carry to the master s home the portion of the fruit that belonged to him.

Having been delegated by him, it follows that the servant was invested with the master s authority. He made his demand or request in the owner s name. The request was altogether proper, for a definite agreement had been made, and the proper time, that is, the time of the vintage had arrived.) 3. But they seized him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. The tenants proved to be wicked men, scoundrels, dishonest and cruel. When the servant asked for the portion of the grape harvest to which the owner had a legal claim, he was refused.

Not only that, but he was even seized and beaten. When he was finally released, he returned to the owner emptyhanded.) One might have expected that the owner would have responded most vigorously to the cruel treatment his servant had received, treatment which at the same time was an insult to himself. But he did not. He decided to give the sharecroppers another chance to do their duty, and still more opportunities after that, for the story continues as follows:) 4, 5. Then he sent another servant to them. They struck him on the head and treated him shamefully.

He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.��572��) The parable now reaches a dramatic climax: 6 8. He had still one other, a beloved son. He sent him last of all, saying, They will have regard for��573�� my son. But those sharecroppers said to each other, He is the heir; come on, let s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours! So they took him and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Still one other, a son beloved 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )! What intense feeling emotion, love, pathos is implied in He sent him last of all, saying, They will have regard for my son, meaning. They will be ashamed of hurting him. They will respect him. So, he decided to make even this sacrifice.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.2.4|AUTODETECT|” But what happens? When these wicked tenants see his son approaching they begin to plot. They enter into a consultation with each other. Accordingly, what they are going to do to him is not a matter of impulse. On the contrary, it is malice aforethought, the result of wicked deliberation, of corrupt, selfish scheming. It is premeditated murder.

They reason as follows: This is the heir. When we kill him, there will be no other heir to worry about. So the inheritance which he would have obtained will be ours. In their sinister folly they forget that the owner, the son s father, is still alive, and will certainly wreak vengeance. How blatantly foolish is sin! How absurd!

He who dwells in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will hold them in derision 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 6 2 8 0 0 The villains carry out their wicked plan. When the son arrives they take him, cast him out of the vineyard and kill him. On a previous page the sequence killed him and cast him out of the vineyard instead of cast him out of the vineyard and killed him (as in Matthew and Luke) has already been commented upon.) The story is finished. Jesus has told it but has not yet explained it. So he now asks his audience, 9. What then will the owner of the vineyard do?

The answer, here in Mark presented as given by Jesus himself, is: He will come and kill those sharecroppers and give the vineyard to others. In other words, not the sharecroppers but the owner of the vineyard triumphs in the end. And so does his son, as will be shown. Here the meaning of the parable is surfacing. The owner is God, and his Son is Jesus, the Christ. This is the key to the explanation of the words which immediately follow in verses 10, 11.

Have you never read this passage of Scripture:) The stone which the builders rejected) This became the cornerstone;) By the Lord was this done;) And it is wonderful in our eyes?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” Jesus surprises his audience, particularly his bitter opponents the chief priests and the scribes and the elders (11:27, 28) by reminding them of this passage from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|” (LXX 117):22, 23. There a similar transaction had been described. Builders had rejected a stone; meaning: leaders, prominent men of other nations, had scoffingly denigrated Israel. Nevertheless, Israel had become in a very true sense the cornerstone, the head of the nations 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 147:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” ). This, moreover, had not happened because of Israel s own intrinsic moral and spiritual excellence or because of its own power. On the contrary, by the Lord this wonderful thing had been accomplished. Jesus now shows that the words of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|” reach their ultimate fulfilment in the owner s son, that is, in himself, the true Israel. He is that stone that was being rejected by the chief priests, scribes, elders, and their followers; at Calvary, by the nation as a whole . See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|” John 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . But something marvelous was going to happen: the rejected stone would become the cornerstone: Christ crucified would rise again triumphantly. And what about the nation, namely, the old unconverted Israel, the rejectors of the Messiah? From you, says Jesus, the kingdom of God, that is, the special kingdom privileges the special standing in the eyes of God which this people had enjoyed during the old dispensation, to which had now been added the blessed words and works of Jesus will be taken away. Why? Because they had not lived up to their obligations.

They had been like the sharecroppers who at the time of the vintage had refused to render to the owner that portion of the vintage that was his due. So, in the place of the old covenant people there would arise was it not already beginning to happen? a nation producing its fruit, a church international, gathered from both Jews and Gentiles.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.2.12|AUTODETECT|”

Briefly, therefore, the thrust the one main lesson of the parable can be expressed in the words of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.2.12|AUTODETECT|”

Ps. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

Kiss [or: pay homage to] the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way; for soon shall his wrath be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him. ) 1 2 2 8 0 0 As to the subsidiary meaning of the separate items of this parable, to the extent in which a figurative meaning can be attached to them, see N.T.C. on Matthew, bottom of p. 786. In addition to what is said there, note the following:) God s precept) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.9.8-7.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Among the fruit-producing growths that are frequently mentioned in Scripture three are outstanding: the olive tree, the fig tree, and the grapevine. Sometimes they are mentioned in close succession 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.9.8-7.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Judg. 9:8 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; and, in a different order, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=35.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Hab. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ). Also in connection with the events of Passion Week we are reminded of all three: the olive tree 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.3|AUTODETECT|” 13:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.26|AUTODETECT|” 14:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), the fig tree (11:12 14, 20, 21; 13:28), and the vine (vineyard, 12:1 ff.).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.8|AUTODETECT|” Their purpose was, of course, to bear fruit. In this respect they symbolize God s precept for human life: Herein is my Father glorified that you bear much fruit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.8|AUTODETECT|” John 15:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ). When plants or trees do not enrich their owner with a bounteous harvest, they have failed to reach their goal. Whether they yield worthless fruit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.13|AUTODETECT|” ), fruit that is unjustly withheld from the owner (the present parable), or no fruit at all 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.14|AUTODETECT|”

14. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.6|AUTODETECT|” Luke 13:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.7|AUTODETECT|”
15. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” ) makes no basic difference. In all these cases God, who distributes his gifts lavishly, fails to receive his due from the hearts and lives thus symbolized. The circle is broken. The blessings poured down by him are not returned to him in the form of happy thanksgivings, surrendered hearts, rescued lives. The precept stands: Bear much fruit. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 God s patience) In the present parable, when the first servant returns to the owner empty-handed, what does the latter do? At this point the parable becomes very touching, and this not because it is so true to life, but because it is not! In fact, it far surpasses what the average person s reaction would have been. Unless a person is so very familiar with the parable that for him its keen edge has worn off, he is surprised, perhaps even somewhat shocked, to read that when this servant returns from his errand, he not only carries with him no grapes but in addition shows the evidences of the physical abuse he has received. Nevertheless, the owner does not immediately fly into a rage and punish the offenders. No, he simply sends another servant.

And when that one is killed, the owner sends others. Finally, he even sends his own son, whom he dearly loves. And the owner symbolizes God!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.20|AUTODETECT|” This is the God who manifested his longsuffering at the time of the deluge 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.20|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.10.18|AUTODETECT|” ). He is the God whose throne-chariot, with its accompanying cherubs, stood still at the door of the east gate of the house of the Lord, so reluctant was he to leave his chosen Zion 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.10.18|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 10:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.10.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.10.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.7|AUTODETECT|” ). His marvelous restraint in inflicting punishment is symbolized, in another parable, by the vinedresser s plea, Leave that tree alone this year also until I dig around it and fertilize it 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.7|AUTODETECT|” Luke 13:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ). He even gives notoriously corrupt Jezebel time to repent 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.21|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ). Touchingly Peter writes 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.9|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.22-1.18.33|AUTODETECT|” ), He is longsuffering toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should make room for repentance. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.22-1.18.33|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:22 33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.6|AUTODETECT|” 55:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.8|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 11:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.18|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 7:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 God s punishment) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.29.1|AUTODETECT|” The present parable also shows that it is entirely wrong to emphasize God s love at the expense of his holiness, righteousness, and avenging wrath. Note: He will come and kill those sharecroppers (12:9). See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.29.1|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 29:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.5-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.5-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:5 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.1-23.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.1-23.6.5|AUTODETECT|” 6:1 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=34.1.1-34.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=34.1.1-34.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Nah. 1:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=36.1.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=36.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Zeph. 1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.1-40.23.36|AUTODETECT|” (the entire chapter); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.1-40.23.36|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:1 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.6|AUTODETECT|” John 15:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.29|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.29|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 12:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.12-66.6.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.12-66.6.17|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:12 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.17-66.14.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.17-66.14.20|AUTODETECT|” 14:17 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.18.1-66.19.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.18.1-66.19.21|AUTODETECT|” 18:1 19:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.23|AUTODETECT|” But this outpouring of wrath and punishment does not in any way imply the frustration of God s plan of salvation. Note that in the parable the owner s action or reaction does not cease when he has killed the wicked sharecroppers. No, he adds & and give the vineyard to others. The vineyard must be given away. The house must be filled 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 14:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.4.14|AUTODETECT|” ). And see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=17.4.14|AUTODETECT|” Esther 4:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.46|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.46|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.29-40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” It must not be supposed that what, in its main features, is symbolically described in this parable never actually happened. On the contrary, God did indeed send his servants often called by this very name to his people Israel. In various ways these prophets were indeed scorned, wounded, and rejected 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.29-40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:29 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.49-42.11.51|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.49-42.11.51|AUTODETECT|” 11:49 51) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.31-42.13.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.31-42.13.35|AUTODETECT|” 13:31 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.52|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.52|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:52) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.12|AUTODETECT|” ). See also N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.10|AUTODETECT|” . But even then God did actually send his only-begotten, beloved Son 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.5|AUTODETECT|” ; etc.). He sent him first of all to Israel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.24|AUTODETECT|” 15:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.12|AUTODETECT|” ). He, too, was rejected by the Jews 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.12|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|” John 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.37-43.12.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.37-43.12.41|AUTODETECT|” 12:37 41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.10|AUTODETECT|” 4:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ); exception: the believing remnant destined for everlasting glory 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.12|AUTODETECT|” John 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.41|AUTODETECT|” ). The privileges once granted to Israel were subsequently transferred to the church universal 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.41|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” 28:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.46|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.46|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.11|AUTODETECT|” ), a truth whose realization was already foreshadowed when Jesus walked on earth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.11|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.28|AUTODETECT|” 15:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.41|AUTODETECT|” 4:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.16|AUTODETECT|” 10:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.20|AUTODETECT|” 17:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The parable, accordingly, is not an abstraction. It pictures reality.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 To a certain extent even Christ s opponents sensed this. Hence, Mark continues:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.45|AUTODETECT|” 12. And they were trying to arrest him, for they knew that he had spoken this parable against them. The pronoun they refers to the men mentioned in 11:27: the chief priests and the scribes and the elders; that is, the body of the Sanhedrists. Some of these men were Pharisees 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.45|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Again and again they were looking for a way to arrest Jesus. Now especially, since they realized that it was against��574�� them that Jesus had spoken the parable. They must have sensed that, as Jesus saw it, they were symbolized by the wicked sharecroppers, destined for destruction.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 What prevented them from carrying out their plan at this particular moment is stated in these words: But they were afraid of the crowd. That is not very surprising, for:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.46|AUTODETECT|” a. these people held Jesus to be a prophet 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 b);) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.8-41.11.10|AUTODETECT|” b. on the preceding Sunday they had been shouting hosannas in his honor 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.8-41.11.10|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:8 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|” c. on a previous occasion they had tried to make him their king 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|” John 6:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 1 2 8 0 0 d. for many, Passover Week was a period during which political enthusiasm ran high, and hero worship would be difficult to control; and) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.39|AUTODETECT|” e. very recently many believers whether their faith was genuine or whimsical had been added to the ranks of those who sided with the Prophet of Galilee, for he had brought back to life Lazarus, who had been dead four days 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.39|AUTODETECT|” John 11:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.43|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.43|AUTODETECT|” 43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.44|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.44|AUTODETECT|” 44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.10|AUTODETECT|” 12:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.17-43.12.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.17-43.12.19|AUTODETECT|” 17 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 5 2 8 0 0 Result of all this was that, for the moment at least, Christ s opponents recognized that they had not as yet found what they were looking for: a way to destroy Jesus. So they left him and went away.) ) 12:13 37 Captious Questions and Authoritative Answers) also) Christ s Own Question) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.15-40.22.22|AUTODETECT|” verses 13 17 Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.15-40.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:15 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.20-42.20.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.20-42.20.26|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:20 26) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.23-40.22.33|AUTODETECT|” verses 18 27 Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.23-40.22.33|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:23 33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.27-42.20.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.27-42.20.40|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:27 40) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.34-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” verses 28 34 Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.34-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:34 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ��577��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.41-40.22.46|AUTODETECT|” verses 35 37 Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.41-40.22.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:41 46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.41-42.20.44|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.41-42.20.44|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:41 44) 1 26 2 8 0 0 13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, Teacher, we know that you are truthful and court no one s favor, for you are not partial to anyone but truthfully teach God s way. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay? ) 15 But Jesus, aware of their hypocrisy, said to them, Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius that I may look at it. 16 So they brought it. He said to them, Whose likeness and inscription is this? Caesar s, they told him. 17 Jesus said to them, What is due to Caesar render to Caesar, and what is due to God render to God.

And they were amazed at him.) 18 Then some Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection, came up to him and asked him this question, 19 Teacher, they said, Moses wrote for us that if a man s brother dies, leaving behind a wife but not leaving a child, that man must marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one took a wife and when he died left no children. 21 The second took her and died, leaving no children; and so did the third. 22 None of the seven left any children. Last of all the woman herself died. 23 In the resurrection��575�� whose wife shall she be, since all seven had her as wife? ) 24 Jesus said to them, Is not this the reason you are deceiving yourselves, that you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when the dead rise, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels in heaven. 26 Now concerning the dead, that they are raised up, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob ? 27 He is not the God of the dead but of the living. You are badly mistaken. ) 28 Then one of the scribes, on hearing them arguing, came up, and recognizing how well Jesus had answered them, asked him, Of all the commandments which is the foremost? ) 29 Jesus answered The foremost is, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 31 The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. ) 32 The scribe said to him Right! Teacher,��576�� you have truthfully stated that he is one, and there is no other but he. 33 Moreover, to love him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, means far more than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices. ) 34 And when Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God.

And from then on no one dared to ask him any more questions.) 35 Now while Jesus was teaching in the temple he asked, How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36 David himself, moved by the Holy Spirit. declared:) The Lord said to my Lord,) Sit at my right hand) Until I put your enemies under your feet. ) 37 David himself calls him Lord. How then can he be his son? The huge crowd enjoyed listening to him.) ) Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?) This little paragraph can be divided into a. introduction, b. body, and c. conclusion. Mark s introduction is very brief: A committee consisting of Pharisees and Herodians is sent to Jesus to catch him in his words. Matthew adds that the mission of this committee was undertaken after a more or less formal decision. Lengthiest of all is Luke s introduction: the enemies watch Jesus and send spies.

These spies are insincere. Their purpose, and also that of their sponsors, is to discover some pretext that would enable them to deliver Jesus to the governor.) As to number of words devoted to this incident, the conclusion reveals similar diversity. Mark is again shortest: Christ s answer results in amazement. Matthew adds that the committee left Jesus and departed. Luke reports the committee s also the sponsors discomfiture, amazement, and silence. His conclusion, like his introduction, is again the lengthiest.) As to the body of the paragraph the committee s question and Christ s answer , here Matthew and Mark are closely parallel, while Luke abbreviates.

Nowhere is there even a semblance of disagreement.) 13. And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.) It is necessary to keep the context in mind. The Sanhedrists had bluntly questioned Jesus authority. This attack had failed. By means of a counterquestion Jesus had silenced them. Not only that, but by means of the parable of The Wicked Tenants he had predicted their doom.

So, more than ever they were determined to kill him. But they were afraid of the crowd (12:12).) So they now decide to use the opposite method. For implied accusation they substitute adulation. At the same time they probably figured that their clever device would result in discrediting their enemy in the estimation of the people, at least of a large group.) They no longer criticize him for what he did yesterday cleansing the temple ; instead, they try to catch ��578�� him in what he says today.) Note the combination Pharisees and Herodians. So also in Matthew (22:16, a parallel passage), though that Gospel points out that the committee which was sent to Jesus consisted not of the veteran leaders but of the younger disciples of both of these groups. Mark does not deny this.

It just happens to be a little touch which, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, was jotted down by Matthew. According to Luke these men were spies. ) In Mark s Gospel this combination of Pharisees and Herodians was mentioned also in an earlier connection (3:6). What was said there can be repeated here: it was a strange coalition between the sanctimonious and the sacrilegious. Well, not so very strange after all, and this for the reason already stated in the explanation of 3:6; see on that passage.) The Herods were lovers of pagan art, architecture, athletics, etc. The Herodians followed in their train. Only in a very external sense did these people practice the Jewish religion.

Their real philosophy was that of Hellenism. So now the two groups, Pharisees and Herodians, combine against Jesus. Those who were or made believe that they were very concerned about keeping God s law, and those who were easy-going and cared little about the divine commandments, promote a common aim: getting rid of Jesus.) Each group had its own reason for wishing to destroy him. Did not his teaching imply a denunciation of the self-righteousness of the Pharisees and of the worldlimindedness of the Herodians? Besides, the Herodians cannot have been happy with Jesus royal entry into Jerusalem, nor the Pharisees with his entry as the Son of David, the Messiah. Also, both envy Jesus because, as they see it, his influence over the people is becoming too pronounced.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.38|AUTODETECT|” 14. They came to him and said, Teacher, we know that you are truthful and court no one s favor, for you are not partial to anyone but truthfully teach God s way. As to Teacher, this form of address was certainly correct. Not only do the evangelists constantly describe Jesus as such, but so do also many others 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.38|AUTODETECT|” Mark 4:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.35|AUTODETECT|” 5:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.17|AUTODETECT|” 9:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.38|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.38|AUTODETECT|” 38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.17|AUTODETECT|” 10:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.5|AUTODETECT|” John 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.49|AUTODETECT|” ; etc.). In fact, Jesus himself stated that teaching was one of his main activities 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.49|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:49) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.55|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.55|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:55) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.20|AUTODETECT|” John 18:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ). He was the greatest Teacher ever to walk the earth. Being God s true Prophet he taught men as the Father had taught him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” John 1:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.34|AUTODETECT|” 3:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.28|AUTODETECT|” 8:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.49|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.49|AUTODETECT|” 12:49) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It was a pity that those who now addressed him as Teacher did not accept his teaching.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 And now the flattery. These men tell Jesus that he is truthful and that he truthfully teaches God s way. The word way, as here used, indicates manner of faith and conduct. The way of God is the manner in which God wants people to think and to live. It is his will for man s heart, mind, and behavior. They are saying, therefore, You are a teacher on whom people can depend; you faithfully declare the will of God for doctrine and life. ) In further explication of what they have in mind they say, You court no one s favor ; literally, and not is it a care to you concerning no one, that is, You speak your own mind, without trying to cater to any person s likes or dislikes.

Along the same line is, You are not partial to anyone ; literally, You do not look on anyone s countenance, They meant, No matter to whom you speak, what you say is still the same. You do not allow yourself to be swayed by rich or poor, learned or unlearned, master or slave.& ��579��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.37|AUTODETECT|” Thinking, perhaps, that by means of their kind (?) words they have completely disarmed Jesus, having dispelled any suspicion which he might otherwise have entertained with respect to their motives, they now spring their question, Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay?��580�� The tribute to which the present passage refers was a capitation tax which, after the deposition of Archelaus (a.d. 6), was collected by the procurator from every adult male in Judea, and was paid directly into the imperial treasury. Since this coinage bore the image of the emperor, who ascribed divinity to himself and claimed to possess supreme authority not only in political but even in spiritual affairs , and since, in addition to this, it reminded the Jews that they were a subject nation, it is understandable that payment of this tax was very distasteful to many a freedom-loving, devout Jew. It was in connection with the introduction of this imposition that Judas of Galilee had vehemently proclaimed, Taxation is no better than downright slavery. He had blasted it as being no less than high treason against God. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.37|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; Josephus, Jewish War II.117, 118; Jewish Antiquities XVIII.1 10.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.20|AUTODETECT|” The question put to Jesus was therefore a very clever scheme. If he answered affirmatively, he would be alienating ever so many devout, patriotic Jews; but a negative reply would be exposing himself to the charge of rebellion against the Roman government 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.20|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.2|AUTODETECT|” 23:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.18|AUTODETECT|” 15. But Jesus, aware of their hypocrisy, said to them, Why put me to the test? Jesus was aware of a. their wickedness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.23|AUTODETECT|” ), unscrupulousness, readiness to do anything, no matter how wicked, to attain their purpose 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.18|AUTODETECT|” ), and specifically (Mark) b. their hypocrisy or duplicity. Their question, after an introduction of honeyed words, sounded like a pious request for direction in deciding what to do in a difficult matter of ethics, but their real intention was the destruction of Jesus. It is not surprising that Jesus, fully aware of their dishonesty, called them hypocrites 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.13|AUTODETECT|” ). Why, says Jesus, do you put me to the test? See on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 1:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Their action was diabolical. While feigning innocence, they thought they had lured their enemy in a trap from which, as they saw it, he would not be able to escape.) 1 13 2 8 0 0 Jesus continued, Bring me a denarius that I may look at it. The denarius or denar, a small silver coin equal to a laborer s average wages for one day s work, was the amount fixed by law for the payment of the poll-tax. It is held by many that Christ s asking for this coin implied that he himself was so poor that he did not possess that much. To this observation some add that it showed that even his disciples did not have any denarius. But perhaps this is reading into the account something that is not really there. One could, for example, advance an entirely different explanation for this request, namely, that Jesus wanted the coin to come from the pockets of his opponents, so as to impress upon them the fact that they themselves were using this coinage, were benefiting from its use, and had accordingly accepted the resulting obligations.

That explanation has in its favor that it fits into the succeeding context. But this point need not be pressed. That I may look at it implies that Jesus is going to direct his own attention and that of the audience to what was shown and written on this coin.) Continued: 16. So they brought it. He said to them, Whose likeness and inscription is this? Caesar s, they told him.

A denarius from the reign of the then ruling emperor Tiberius pictures on its obverse side the head of that ruler. On the reverse side he is shown seated on a throne. He is wearing a diadem and is clothed as a highpriest.) The inscriptions, with abbreviations as indicated and with V representing our present U, are as follows:) Obverse) TICAESARDIVI AVGFAVGVSTVS) Translated:) TIBERIUS CAESAR AUGUSTUS) SON OF THE DIVINE AUGUSTUS) Reverse) PONTIF MAXIM) Translated:) HIGHEST PRIEST) The tension must have been very high when 17. Jesus said to them, What is due to Caesar render to Caesar, and what is due to God render to God. Explanation:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.2|AUTODETECT|” a. Jesus was not evading the issue, but was clearly saying, Yes, pay the tax. Honoring God does not mean dishonoring the emperor by refusing to pay for the privileges a relatively orderly society, police protection, good roads, courts, etc., etc. one enjoys. At this particular time the Roman Empire had brought peace and tranquility to the people under its sway, and this to a degree seldom if ever experienced either before or afterward. Such a blessing implies a responsibility. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.2|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.17|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Thus, no truthful charge of sedition could be made against Jesus.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.18.19-12.19.37|AUTODETECT|” b. He was qualifying his yes answer by stating that the emperor should be paid (given back) only what was his due. Hence, the divine honor which the emperor claimed but which is due to God alone must be refused. How could the Pharisees find any fault with that? Besides, this word was a warning to all from the most exalted emperor to the subject lowest in rank not to claim undue honors. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.18.19-12.19.37|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 18:19 19:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.9-14.32.23|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.9-14.32.23|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 32:9 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.28-27.4.32|AUTODETECT|” ; Isa. 36, 37); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.28-27.4.32|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:28 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.0|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.20-44.12.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.20-44.12.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:20 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.29.0|AUTODETECT|” c. By adding and to God what is due to God Jesus was stressing the fact that all the service, gratitude, glory, etc. due to God should be constantly and gladly accorded to him. Nothing must be withheld. See, for example, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.29.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.0|AUTODETECT|” 95) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.96.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.96.0|AUTODETECT|” 96) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.116.0|AUTODETECT|” ; 103 105; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.116.0|AUTODETECT|” 116) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” John 17:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.33-45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.33-45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:33 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” 10:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.1|AUTODETECT|” 16:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . One does not give God what is his due by plotting to destroy his beloved Son! But this was exactly what these spies and their teachers were trying to do.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.36|AUTODETECT|” d. By drawing a distinction between what is due to Caesar and what is due to God Jesus was rejecting the very claim of Caesar, a claim made on the coin and otherwise, to the effect that his was not only a physical kingdom but also a spiritual . Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.36|AUTODETECT|” John 18:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.34|AUTODETECT|” . Naturally God is Sovereign over all 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.34|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.11|AUTODETECT|” ), even over the emperor. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.11|AUTODETECT|” John 19:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.1-45.13.7|AUTODETECT|” . The emperor, to be sure, should be respected and obeyed whenever his will does not clash with the divine will. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.1-45.13.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:1 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.29|AUTODETECT|” . But when there is a clash the rule laid down in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.29|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 must be followed.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 By means of this answer Jesus had discomfited his enemies. We are not surprised to read: And they were amazed at him. They had not expected this kind of answer. Jesus had frankly and courageously answered their question. The answer implies: Yes, the tax must be paid. There must be an adequate response to privileges enjoyed. But though the emperor must receive his due, he must not receive more than that; that is, he must not receive the divine honor he claims. At the same time, God must receive all the glory and honor In all candor, who could find fault with this answer? Certainly no one.) In the resurrection whose wife shall she be?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.13-41.12.17|AUTODETECT|” The same interesting variety amid unity, witnessed in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.13-41.12.17|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:13 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and its parallels, is again clear. Between Matthew s report and Mark s there is very little difference. Matthew alone, however, relates that question 1 and question 2 were asked on the same day. He reports the reaction of the people to Christ s answer: They were astounded at his teaching ; Luke has, Well said, Teacher! (the reaction of some scribes); also, They no longer dared to ask him any question. Mark and Luke have in common the indication of the source of the words, I am the God of Abraham.& The words themselves are recorded in all three (direct discourse in Matthew and Mark, indirect in Luke). The source, not given in Matthew, is the book of Moses & the passage about the bush. Mark alone reports that Jesus ended his argument with the Sadducees by saying, You are badly mistaken. ) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Remarkable is the difference in the length of the three accounts. Often Luke s coverage is the shortest, but not in this case. Shortest of all is Matthew s. Note especially the difference in the length of the words ascribed to Jesus. In the original, about 60 words in Matthew, 70 in Mark, 75 in Luke. The corresponding figures in A.R.V. are: Matthew 78, Mark 97, Luke 109.

Words of Jesus reported by Luke alone are: The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age, even to the resurrection from the dead (neither marry, etc.) & for they can no longer die & being sons of the resurrection & for all live to him. ) 18, 19. Then some Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection, came up to him and asked him this question, Teacher, they said, Moses wrote for us that if a man s brother dies, leaving behind a wife but not leaving a child, that man must marry the widow and raise up children for his brother.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.1|AUTODETECT|” It should be emphasized that those who now approach Jesus in order to undermine his influence differed in many respects from those who had put him to the test a moment ago. On one point all the adversaries were in agreement: Jesus must be destroyed! In connection with the discussion of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark 7:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 we have given five reasons showing why it was that the Pharisees hated Jesus (reasons a-e). As to the Sadducees, it should be borne in mind that this was the priestly party, from whose ranks the highpriest was selected. The temple was their special domain, the very temple which only yesterday Jesus had cleansed! The crass materialism of the Sadducees was as repugnant to the heart of Jesus as was the pompous ceremonialism and loveless legalism of the Pharisees. As to both Pharisees and Sadducees see N.T.C. on Matthew, pp. 201 203. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Sadducees now, in turn, attack Jesus. This time, however, the attack is not an attempt to impale him on one of the horns of a dilemma, as was the case with respect to the preceding question (12:14), but rather to ridicule his faith in the afterlife.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.34|AUTODETECT|” In fact, it must be considered altogether probable that these men intended to strike a double blow. In exposing what they regarded as the foolishness of Christ s teaching regarding the glory awaiting himself and his followers on the other side of death, would they not at the same time triumph over the Pharisees, who likewise believed in a resurrection from the dead? If we are permitted to assume that news of the victory of Jesus over the Pharisees (and their allies) soon reached the ears of the Sadducees in view of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 not an unreasonable assumption , may we not also assume that the latter were already saying to each other, We ll show the Pharisees that we can do better ? Were they perhaps already chuckling over the prospect of killing two birds with one stone, that is, of exposing to ridicule both Jesus and the Pharisees?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.5|AUTODETECT|” For their word of address, Teacher see on verse 14. They continue with an appeal to the great law-giver Moses . It should be borne in mind that the Sadducees regarded the Pentateuch as being higher in value than the other books of the Old Testament. They now make ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 25:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.7-5.25.10|AUTODETECT|” the springboard of their question. In that passage the law of levirate��581�� marriage is given to Israel. According to this law, if a wife loses her husband before any male child has been born, the brother of that husband or else the nearest of kin must marry the widow, so that the first child born of this marriage may be counted as a child of the deceased, and the latter s line may not die out. Disobedience to this command was frowned upon 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.7-5.25.10|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 25:7 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.8-1.38.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Half-hearted obedience, so that a man was willing to marry the widow but not to raise offspring by her since such a child could not be counted as his own, was in the case of Onan punished with death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.8-1.38.10|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 38:8 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.4.1-8.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ). For an interesting application of the law of levirate marriage see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.4.1-8.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Ruth 4:1 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . To what extent this law was still being obeyed during Christ s sojourn on earth is not clear.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 The Sadducees, then, make use of this commandment in order to show how thoroughly absurd, as they see it, is belief in the resurrection of the body. Whether the story which they are about to relate was a report on an actual event, as some commentators believe, let the reader judge for himself. I, for one, am inclined to believe that they fabricated it.) They continue: 20 23. Now there were seven brothers. The first one took a wife, and when he died left no children. The second took her and died, leaving no children; and so did the third.

None of the seven left any children. Last of all the woman herself died. In the resurrection whose wife shall she be, since all seven had her as wife? Provided that their basic assumption namely, that married life continues in the hereafter was correct, two husbands would have been sufficient to prove their point. But seven makes the story more interesting and might also make belief in the resurrection seem even more absurd. Think of it: when the dead arise, this woman husband-killer? will have seven husbands!

Of course, that cannot, must not, be. She is allowed to have only one, but which one?) It is clear, of course, that the entire representation was absurd. It was atrociously unfair; for Jesus, though believing in the doctrine of the physical resurrection, did not believe that for people who before they died had become married, this married state would continue after the resurrection. What the opponents were doing, therefore, was setting up a man of straw, to be bowled down very readily. Not the doctrine of the resurrection but the assumption from which the Sadducees were proceeding was false. In fact, it was grotesquely fictitious.) In his masterful reply Jesus does four things: He a. shows why it is that the Sadducees commit such a glaring error (verse 24); b. proves this assertion by demolishing their false assumption that marriage is resumed at the time of the resurrection (verse 25); c. proves the doctrine of the resurrection from Scripture (verses 26, 27a); and d. draws the only possible conclusion and states it, using exactly two words.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.5|AUTODETECT|” a. 24. Jesus said to them, Is not this the reason you are deceiving yourselves, that you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? Had they known the Scriptures, they would have known that there is nothing in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 25:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.17|AUTODETECT|” that makes it applicable to the life hereafter, and they would also have known that the Old Testament in various passages teaches the resurrection of the body. And had they recognized the power of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.19|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), they would have understood that God is able to raise the dead in such a manner that marriage will not longer be needed.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The proof of this assertion, a proof that demolishes the false assumption from which the Sadducees have proceeded is now furnished:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.5|AUTODETECT|” b. 25. For when the dead rise, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels in heaven. The glorious resurrection body Jesus says nothing about the resurrection of the wicked is going to be immortal. Since there will be no death, the race will not have to be reproduced. Marriage, accordingly, will be a matter of the past. In not marrying and not being given in marriage the blessed will therefore resemble the angels, for they too do not marry. The saved will be like the angels in this one respect; yes, like the angels whose very existence the Sadducees also deny 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.5|AUTODETECT|” Acts 23:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.1|AUTODETECT|” ), and this in spite of the fact that the Pentateuch, accepted by them, teaches their existence 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.28.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.28.12|AUTODETECT|” 28:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.1|AUTODETECT|” 32:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )! Does not verse 25, taken in its entirety, and in connection with what is known of the beliefs of the Sadducees, prove that these men know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Although the Sadducees ridicule a wonderful truth accepted and taught by Jesus, namely, that of the resurrection of the dead, he does not refuse to impart needed instruction to them on this very subject:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.5|AUTODETECT|” c. 26, 27a. Now concerning the dead, that they are raised up, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead but of the living. Have you not read? says Jesus. Certainly those who try to base their argument on Scripture 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 25:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1-41.16.8|AUTODETECT|” ) should know Scripture! They should be acquainted with Scripture as a whole, not just with one passage, which they then misapply. Now it is true that the Sadducees did not have the New Testament, which mentions or implies the resurrection (whether of Jesus himself or of his people, or even of all the dead) again and again 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.1-41.16.8|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:1 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.0|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.28|AUTODETECT|” John 5:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.24|AUTODETECT|” 11:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.0|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.0|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.24-44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.24-44.2.36|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:24 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.10|AUTODETECT|” 4:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.31|AUTODETECT|” 17:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.0|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.11-66.20.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.11-66.20.15|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20:11 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.9-19.16.11|AUTODETECT|” , to mention but a few of all the many passages in which this doctrine is taught). But even the Old Testament is not lacking in references to the bodily resurrection. Clearest, perhaps, are ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.9-19.16.11|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 16:9 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.27|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.27|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.31|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.31|AUTODETECT|” 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.2|AUTODETECT|” ) and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.2|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 12:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.14.14|AUTODETECT|” . Worthy of consideration are also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.14.14|AUTODETECT|” Job 14:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.19.25-18.19.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.19.25-18.19.27|AUTODETECT|” 19:25 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.15|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 17:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.24-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.24-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” 73:24 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.26.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.26.19|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 26:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.37.1-26.37.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.37.1-26.37.14|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 37:1 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.13.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.13.14|AUTODETECT|” 13:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.55|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.55|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:55) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.24-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” ); passages which, though not always directly teaching the resurrection of the body, may well imply belief in this truth. Take for example, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.24-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 73:24 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.7|AUTODETECT|” , which clearly teaches the blessed after-death existence of the believer s soul in heaven. Does not this very existence of the soul in the intermediate state demand the resurrection of the body? Two facts certainly point in that direction: a. the creation of man as body and soul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.19|AUTODETECT|” ), and b. this very passage, He is not the God of the dead but of the living. Note also that Abraham surely believed in the possibility of a physical resurrection 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.19|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Jesus, however, refers to another passage, I am the God of Abraham & , and implies that since God is not the God of the dead but of the living, the conclusion is that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are still alive, and are awaiting a glorious resurrection.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark (followed by Luke), but not Matthew, reports Jesus as saying that the quotation is found in the book of Moses, that is, in the Pentateuch, the very book which by the Sadducees was esteemed above all others. More precisely, Jesus points out the very place in the Pentateuch where the quoted words are found, namely, in the passage about the bush, ��582�� that is, the burning bush that was not consumed. The reference is, of course, to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ff; see verse 6, and cf. verses 15, 16.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Attempts have been made to rob Christ s argument of its value. It has been said, for example, that the expression, the God of Abraham simply means that while Abraham was on earth he worshiped Jehovah. However, a study of the context in which ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.10|AUTODETECT|” and all similar passages occur, quickly proves that the One who reveals himself as the God of Abraham & is the unchangeable, eternal covenant God who blesses, loves, encourages, protects, etc. his people, and whose favors do not suddenly stop when a person dies but go with that person beyond death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 16:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.5|AUTODETECT|” 17:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.23-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.23-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” 73:23 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Another fact must be mentioned in this connection. The men with whom the immutable Jehovah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” ) established an everlasting covenant 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.28.1-5.28.14|AUTODETECT|” ) were Israelites, not Greeks. According to the Greek (and afterward also the Roman) conception, the body is merely the prison-house of the soul. See N.T.C. on I and II Thessalonians, pp. 110, 111. The Hebrew conception, product of special revelation, is entirely different. Here God deals with man as whole, not only with his soul or merely with his body. On the contrary, when God blesses his child he enriches him with physical as well as spiritual benefits 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.28.1-5.28.14|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 28:1 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.21-16.9.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.21-16.9.25|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 9:21 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.14|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 104:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.107.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.107.0|AUTODETECT|” 107) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.136.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.136.0|AUTODETECT|” 136) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” ; and many similar passages). He loves him body and soul. He is going to send his beloved Son in order to ransom him completely. The body, accordingly, shares with the soul the honor of being the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ). The body is for the Lord, and the Lord for the body 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.13|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God loves the entire person, and the declaration, I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob (note the triple occurrence of the word God, mentioned separately in connection with each of the three to stress personal relationship with each) certainly implies that their bodies will not be left to the worms but will one day be gloriously resurrected. The burden of proof is entirely on the person who denies this. See also H. W. Robinson, The People and the Book, Oxford, 1925, p. 353 f.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Jesus now states the only possible conclusion:) d. 27b. You are badly mistaken.��583�� The original uses only two words to express this conclusion: one of them is badly, the other is you-are-mistaken, all one word in Greek. Instead of you-are-mistaken, this can be rendered you-are-deceiving-yourselves. The verb is the one also used in verse 24. If one wishes to retain the two word sentence, You blunder might not be a bad rendering. When a person departs from the Scriptures he is bound to blunder, to be badly mistaken, to wander. See also on 13:5.) Some other words and deeds of Jesus regarding the resurrection) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.41|AUTODETECT|” a. He restored some from death to life: the daughter of Jairus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.41|AUTODETECT|” Mark 5:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.42|AUTODETECT|” 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.14|AUTODETECT|” ), the son of the widow of Nain 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.43|AUTODETECT|” ), and Lazarus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.43|AUTODETECT|” John 11:43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.44|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.44|AUTODETECT|” 44) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.52|AUTODETECT|” b. Some were raised at the moment of his death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.52|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:52) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.53|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.53|AUTODETECT|” 53) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.31|AUTODETECT|” c. He predicted his own resurrection on the third day 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.31|AUTODETECT|” Mark 8:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.31|AUTODETECT|” 9:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.34|AUTODETECT|” 10:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.0|AUTODETECT|” d. In fulfilment of these predictions, he himself rose gloriously 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.0|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.0|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21|AUTODETECT|” John 20, 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.25|AUTODETECT|” e. With reference to the spiritual resurrection he said, The hour is coming yes, has already arrived! when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear shall live 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.25|AUTODETECT|” John 5:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.32|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 15:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.28|AUTODETECT|” f. With respect to the physical resurrection he said, The hour is coming when all who are in the tombs shall hear his voice and shall come out; those who have done good, for the resurrection of life, and those who have practiced evil, for the resurrection of condemnation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.28|AUTODETECT|” John 5:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.15|AUTODETECT|” ). Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.15|AUTODETECT|” Acts 24:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Note the close connection between e. and f. in John s Gospel.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.25|AUTODETECT|” g. In every sense Jesus Christ is himself the cause of his people s resurrection: I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live; and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never, never die; do you believe this? 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.25|AUTODETECT|” John 11:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.26|AUTODETECT|” . ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.19|AUTODETECT|” ). Yet a little while, and the world no longer sees me, but you see me. Because I live, you too shall live 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.19|AUTODETECT|” John 14:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.44|AUTODETECT|” h. Filled with significance is also Christ s statement, No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.44|AUTODETECT|” John 6:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). For at the last day see also 6:40, 54, and compare Martha s use of the same phrase (11:24).) 1 2 2 8 0 0

• • • • ) Of all the commandments which is the foremost?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.25|AUTODETECT|” The present incident is reported only by Matthew and Mark. Luke has no parallel, although there are similar features in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.25|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ff. It is immediately clear that as between Mark s account and Matthew s, the former is the most comprehensive by far. It includes the Shema , contains and with all your strength in the summary of the first commandment, and above all, describes in some detail the scribe s reaction to the words of Jesus. It even reports what, in turn, was the Master s encouraging reply to that reaction. None of this material can be found in Matthew.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 On the other hand, Matthew, in his very brief report, mentions a few details not found in Mark. He leaves the impression that the scribe who now asks Jesus a question did not act solely on his own accord. He seems to have been delegated by the Pharisees in a meeting held with that purpose in new (22:34, 35). Also, according to Matthew, after Jesus had given his summary of the law he said, On these two commandments depend the whole law and the prophets. Here Mark has Jesus saying, There is no other commandment greater than these. The two accounts are mutually complementary.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.34|AUTODETECT|”

28. Then one of the scribes, on hearing them arguing, came up, and recognizing how well Jesus had answered them, asked him, Of all the commandments which is the foremost?��584�� Jesus had silenced the Sadducees 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.7|AUTODETECT|” ). His victory pleased the Pharisees, for the latter, as well as Jesus himself, believed in a bodily resurrection, a doctrine denied by the Sadducees. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.7|AUTODETECT|” Acts 23:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.23.8|AUTODETECT|”

8. 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . We can well imagine how triumphantly the Pharisees gloated over the defeat suffered by the deniers of the resurrection.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.35|AUTODETECT|” Yet, from another point of view, the Pharisees cannot have been too pleased, for they did not want Jesus influence with the general public to be strengthened. They still wanted to kill him! So, once again they decided to put him to the test. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.35|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .��585��) 1 3 2 8 0 0 For this purpose they select a certain scribe, a law expert. We receive a favorable impression of him. Having learned from many previous passages in Mark s Gospel how very hostile most scribes and Pharisees were toward Jesus (2:7; 3:2, 6, 22; 7:1, 2, 5; 8:31; 10:33; 11:18; 12:13), and how he, in turn, condemns them, a fact of which we are reminded again in the present chapter (see verses 38 40), we find it surprising that this not unfriendly scribe was chosen to represent the Pharisees in testing Jesus. Was it because they did not really know this man? Or did they indeed know him rather thoroughly, and did they send him, thinking, him Jesus will not suspect, and we may still be able to trip up our enemy because of the answer he will give ? We do not know.) What we know is that this man, too, had taken note of the fact that Jesus had answered the Sadducees very well.

Is it not possible that his own motivation and that of those who put him forward did not entirely coincide; that is, that with him approval had triumphed over misgiving and a desire to discredit?) The question asked by this scribe, this expert in the knowledge of the whole body of Jewish religious literature God s written law and its oral interpretation and application , could be expected of him. The rabbis, devoted to hairsplitting legalism, carried on lengthy debates about the commandments, arguing whether a particular one was great or small, heavy or light. It was natural, therefore, that they debated the question, Which of the 613 commandments, 248 of them positive, 365 negative [according to their count] is foremost of all? ��586��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.5.33-40.5.37|AUTODETECT|”

Among the Jews two contrary tendencies were at work. One was to analyze the law, dividing it into ever so many hairsplitting ramifications. A good example is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.5.33-40.5.37|AUTODETECT|”

Matt. 5:33 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.23.16-40.23.18|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.23.16-40.23.18|AUTODETECT|”

23:16 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

. The other tendency was the very opposite, namely, to synthesize, that is, to express the summary of the law in one brief sentence. Even before the time of Jesus several famous rabbis had tried to do this, with varying success.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.23.23|AUTODETECT|”

In a way this latter attempt was excellent. Religion is, after all, a matter of selecting the right priorities. If that is not done, it easily degenerates into majoring on minors. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.23.23|AUTODETECT|”

Matt. 23:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

Jesus very concisely contrasts the good way with the bad: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you tithe mint, dill, and cummin, but have neglected the more important requirements of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. ) 1 2 2 8 0 0

29 31. Jesus answered, The foremost is, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.) Jesus here teaches that:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.13.9|AUTODETECT|”

a. The whole duty of man, the whole moral-spiritual law, can be summed up in one word: love. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.13.9|AUTODETECT|”

Rom. 13:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.13.10|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.13.10|AUTODETECT|”

10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|”

; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|”

I Cor. 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.6.4|AUTODETECT|”

b. This love must be directed first of all toward God. In this connection Mark reports that Jesus began his summary of the law by quoting ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.6.4|AUTODETECT|”

Deuteronomy 6:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|”

, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|”

5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0

Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.& In the original Hebrew, the first word of this quotation is Shema , ��587�� meaning Hear. In English literature the Hebrew form is often transliterated Shema, and the entire quotation is generally called the Shema. Today, the ancient custom of beginning the synagogue service with the recitation of the Shema is still being observed.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.4-5.6.9|AUTODETECT|” This holds, too, with respect to the Jewish phylacteries. These contain the Shema in its longer form 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.4-5.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Deuteronomy 6:4 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.11.13-5.11.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.11.13-5.11.21|AUTODETECT|” 11:13 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). For more on this see N.T.C. on Matthew, p. 823.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Finally, we should make mention of the mezuzah, a rectangular piece of inscribed parchment enclosed in a metal or wooden case, and attached to the upper section of a Jewish dwelling s right hand door post. The inscribed material consists of the Shema in its longer form. It is written in twenty-two lines, in accordance with definite rules) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” It is readily understood that the Shema was and is the very foundation of monotheism. Not only that, but it stresses the fact that this one and only God wants to the loved!. This is in harmony with the fact that he himself is a loving God. This is a truth taught not only in the New Testament 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” 8:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.33.27|AUTODETECT|” ; etc.) but also, either directly or by implication, in such Old Testament passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.33.27|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 33:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.27.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.27.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 27:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.87.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.87.2|AUTODETECT|” 87:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.8-19.103.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.103.8-19.103.14|AUTODETECT|” 103:8 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.8|AUTODETECT|” 145:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.9|AUTODETECT|”

9. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.146.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.146.8|AUTODETECT|” 146:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.1-19.147.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.1-19.147.3|AUTODETECT|” 147:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 3:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.55.7|AUTODETECT|” 55:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.31-24.31.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.31-24.31.34|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 31:31 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.8|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 11:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=32.4.11|AUTODETECT|” Jon. 4:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.18-33.7.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.18-33.7.20|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 7:18 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; etc.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.4.23|AUTODETECT|” c. Heart, soul, mind, and strength must co-operate in loving God. The heart is the hub of the wheel of man s existence, the mainspring of all his thoughts, words, and deeds 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.4.23|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 4:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ). The soul the word used in the original has a variety of meanings (see on 8:12, footnote 370) is here probably the seat of man s emotional activity; the mind is not only the seat and center of his purely intellectual life but also of his dispositions and attitudes. In the Hebrew original (and also in the LXX) of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.30|AUTODETECT|” the reading is heart, soul, and might (or power). ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.30|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.27|AUTODETECT|” has heart, soul, mind, and strength. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 No essential difference is intended. We must not begin to over-analyze. What is meant in all these passages is that man should love God with all the faculties with which God has endowed him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” d. Moreover, man must use all these powers to the full. Note fourfold all & all & all & all. The point is that God s wholehearted love must not be answered in a halfhearted manner. When God loves, he loves the world; when he gives, he gives his Son, hence himself. See N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” . He gives him up. He does not spare him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.13|AUTODETECT|” ). Greater love,��588�� more marvelous self-giving, is impossible 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.13|AUTODETECT|” John 15:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.6-45.5.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.6-45.5.10|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:6 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.33-45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” ). Surely, the response to such love must not be less than that indicated in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.33-45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:33 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” 10:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.2|AUTODETECT|”
10. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.12-51.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.12-51.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:12 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|” e. This love must be directed not only toward God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” ) but also toward man 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.29-41.12.31|AUTODETECT|” ). The question whether or not Jesus was the first to combine these two passages,��589�� which in the Old Testament are separated, is not very important. If this point is pressed, the objection might be raised, What about the author of The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, where Issachar (5:2) is introduced as saying, Love the Lord and love your neighbor ? It should be pointed out, however, that Issachar s statement is not nearly as full as is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.29-41.12.31|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:29 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.27|AUTODETECT|” , and besides, that it is hard to determine how much in this writing, falsely ascribed to the twelve patriarchs, is original and how much is Christian interpolation. A stronger argument for the position that Jesus may not have been the first to combine these two Old Testament passages into one is found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|” . But this does not necessarily imply that the combination of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” with ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 originated with the lawyer there mentioned. There are those for example, C. G. Montefiore, The Synoptic Gospels, London, 1927, Vol. II, p. 464 who believe that the combination was apparently a commonplace, equally familiar to Christian and to Jew. That, too, cannot be proved.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.30|AUTODETECT|” What is, however, far more important is that Jesus, not only by word but also by very deed, was the first to set forth the true meaning of perfect love toward God united with perfect love toward man. When two say the same thing, they may not actually be saying the same thing. What a vast contrast between the two speakers in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.30|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.31|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.31|AUTODETECT|”
11. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.27|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ! Yet, both say essentially the same thing. The context of these two passages indicates Christ s big-heartedness and the lawyer s small-mindedness.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.20|AUTODETECT|” f. The second commandment resembles the first in this respect: both require love. Moreover, love toward the neighbor, who is God s image bearer, flows forth from love toward God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.20|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.21|AUTODETECT|”
12. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.43|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.43|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.12|AUTODETECT|” 7:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.19|AUTODETECT|” 19:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.32-49.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ). Conversely, the love which from the heart of God radiates toward his children, helps them to love their fellows 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.32-49.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Ephesians 4:32 5:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.43-40.5.48|AUTODETECT|” g. Love your neighbor as yourself. Man has been created with love for himself. That love for self should be the measure whereby he decides how to love his neighbor. This is a very practical precept, a rule of thumb. And that neighbor, moreover, is anyone who has been providentially placed in his path for sympathy and help. A person should really never ask, And who is my neighbor? Instead, be himself should be a true neighbor to those in need, even though they be his enemies. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.43-40.5.48|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:43 48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.30-42.10.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.30-42.10.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:30 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 h. Jesus brings his answer to a climax by declaring, There is no other command greater than these. And why are these two commandments the greatest?) First, faith and hope take, love gives. Faith appropriates the salvation that is in Christ. Hope accepts the promise of the future inheritance. Love, however, means self-giving, self-impartation.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” Secondly, all other virtues are included in love. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . According to that chapter active, intelligent, voluntary love implies patience, kindness, and humility (verse 4), unselfishness (verse 5), faith and hope (vase 7).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Thirdly, human love, in its noblest expression, is patterned after God, for God is love. The all-surpassing character of love is clearly taught in Scripture 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.8|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.14|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.8|AUTODETECT|” 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 32, 33. The scribe said to him, Right! Teacher, you have truthfully stated that he is one, and there is no other but he, Moreover, to love him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, means far more than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices.) It was with delighted, unqualified approval that this scribe accepted the answer given by Jesus. The law-expert s reaction begins with an exclamation, Right! Teacher.& ��590�� For Right! one might substitute Excellent! or even Beautiful! For Teacher see on 12:14.

It is clear that the words of Jesus had made a very deep impression upon this man, and that he is honest enough to admit it, even doing this with joy and enthusiasm. He adds that Jesus had spoken truthfully, and he then virtually repeats what the Master had just said.) The variations between Christ s own words and their near-repetition by the scribe are very slight. The scribe does not permit himself the privilege of uttering the Sacred Name. He substitutes understanding ��591�� for mind, and leaves out soul. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.1.9|AUTODETECT|” The man also adds something, namely, that such love as here described means far more than all burnt-offerings��592�� and sacrifices. The first term refers to offerings that were wholly consumed by fire 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The second may indicate offerings or sacrifices in general; in the present case the reference is most likely to all other sacrifices. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.22|AUTODETECT|” It would seem that this man was rather thoroughly at home in the Scriptures. At least what he says here is the very truth emphasized and constantly repeated in the Old Testament. See especially the following passages: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.15.22|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 15:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 40:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.40.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.16|AUTODETECT|” 51:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.10-23.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.10-23.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:10 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.6.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 6:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.6.6-33.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.6.6-33.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 6:6 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 34. And when Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. We really know very little about this specialist in Jewish law. Had he been favorably inclined toward the Lord from the very beginning of the present incident, and perhaps even earlier? Or had he been hostile at first, and had his unfavorable attitude melted in the presence of Jesus and because of the latter s succinct and beautiful summary of God s law? Whatever may have been the case, it is clear from verses 32, 33 that he warmly endorsed the answer Jesus had given. So Jesus, in turn, encourages the scribe. The Teacher saw that the man had answered wisely, that is, as a person who had a mind��593�� and used it to good advantage.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.3|AUTODETECT|” So Jesus encouraged him by saying, You are not far from the kingdom of God. Were other scribes still immersed in thousands of hairsplitting legal trivialities 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 7:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.23|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.23|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ), as if their observance was necessary for entrance into the kingdom? Not at least, no longer this one. He understood that the key that unlocked the door of the kingdom was LOVE; God s own love for sinners, their all-out love for him and for the neighbor created as his image-bearer. If this scribe would now, by God s grace and power, take one more step, namely, actually come to that is, believe in Jesus as his Savior and Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:28 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.35|AUTODETECT|” John 6:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), he would have advanced from a position of being not far from to one of being inside the kingdom of God. Of one thing there can be no question: by means of this very word of encouragement, You are not far from the kingdom of God, Jesus was urging him to enter that kingdom.��594��) 1 13 2 8 0 0 What has just been said introduces us to the subject of) Jesus, the Great Encourager) We have seen how he encouraged the scribe by telling him that he was not far from the kingdom of God. The conversations and discourses of the Lord are full of similar encouragements. Leaving out such words as were spoken in immediate connection with healings , note the following, all of them taken from Mark s Gospel:) I will make you become fishers of men (1:17).) Son, your sins are forgiven (2:5).) Here are my mother and my brothers (3:35).) Fear not, only believe (5:36).) Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid (6:50).) Let the little children come to me, and stop hindering them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God (10:14).) There is no one who has given up house or brothers& who shall not receive a hundredfold & (10:29, 30).) Whatever you ask in prayer, believing that you received it, it shall be yours (11:24).) Whenever you are arrested and taken to trial, do not worry beforehand about what you should say. On the contrary, whatever is given you at that time, that you must say, for it is not you who are speaking but the Holy Spirit (13:11).) But he that endures to the end, he shall be saved. (13:13).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.1-40.5.16|AUTODETECT|” All this in addition to the numerous similar words of comfort and encouragement found in the other Gospels. For just a few among the many see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.1-40.5.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:1 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.28-40.11.30|AUTODETECT|” 11:28 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.27|AUTODETECT|” 14:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.31|AUTODETECT|” :32; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.31|AUTODETECT|” 22:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.43|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.43|AUTODETECT|” 23:43) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; John, the entire fourteenth chapter; 15:11; 16:24, 33; etc.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.28|AUTODETECT|” This is not to say that our Lord limited himself to words of encouragement. Definitely not. When denunciation or sharp reproof was in order, he supplied it. See, for example, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.28|AUTODETECT|” Mark 4:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.6-41.7.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.6-41.7.13|AUTODETECT|” 7:6 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.19|AUTODETECT|” 9:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.38|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.38|AUTODETECT|” 12:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.39|AUTODETECT|” 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.0|AUTODETECT|” ; and see especially ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The emphasis, however, was on the positive, a hint for every preacher and witness-bearer.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.21|AUTODETECT|” To be sure, sin must be exposed in all its honor. Without the knowledge of sin there is no salvation. The preacher who fails to describe sin as it truly is defiance of God s holy will , and who neglects to point out again and again what are its terrible consequences, is not a true interpreter of the Word of God. On the other hand, the pulpiteer who neglects to address words of comfort to penitents, and to encourage them with messages of cheer taken from or based on Scripture, is not true to the maxim, engraved on many a pulpit, Sir, we would see Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.21|AUTODETECT|” John 12:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0

• • • • ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.40|AUTODETECT|” And from then on no one dared to ask him any more questions. Something similar is reported in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.40|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.46|AUTODETECT|” and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.40|AUTODETECT|” . A possible explanation would be that after the second question, the one touching the resurrection, the Sadducees had been silenced so effectually that they lacked the courage to ask any more questions 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.40|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.34|AUTODETECT|” ). After the third question, Of all the commandments which is the foremost? the same timidity smote the Pharisees 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.34|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), a fact not reported by Matthew until after he had related how Jesus had embarrassed his opponents with his own question (22:46). Thus interpreted, there is no contradiction between these three somewhat similar statements.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 The main fact is that Jesus had completely crushed the opposition, and in the process of doing this had even succeeded in drawing a member of a largely hostile group closer to his own side.) Christ s Own Question: Whose Son Is the Christ?) The record of this incident is found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Between the latter two there is, as often, a close resemblance. Matthew s account is much longer. Mark informs us that it was while Jesus was teaching in the temple that he raised the question here reported. We may assume that it was still Tuesday. In view of the fact that so much had already happened on that day, the present confrontation probably took place in the afternoon.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.1|AUTODETECT|” Those present were Jesus and his disciples 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.45|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.41|AUTODETECT|” ), Pharisees 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.41|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.35|AUTODETECT|” ), among whom were several scribes 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.37|AUTODETECT|” ), and a huge crowd 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.37|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 b).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The main difference between Matthew, on the one hand, and on the other Mark and Luke, is that it is Matthew alone who records this incident from its very beginning. If the following harmony is accepted, there is no conflict between the three accounts:) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.0|AUTODETECT|” Matthew 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.0|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.0|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 1 2 2 8 0 0 41, 42 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, What is your opinion of the Christ? Whose son is he? They said to him, David s. 35 Now while Jesus was teaching in the temple,) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.41|AUTODETECT|” he asked, How can the scribes say that Christ is the son of David? Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.41|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.42|AUTODETECT|”

42. 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 1 3 2 8 0 0 43 He said to them, How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying: 36 David himself, moved by the Holy Spirit, declared: saying: ) ) ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.44|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.45|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.22.45|AUTODETECT|”
43. 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.36|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.42|AUTODETECT|” (continued); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.42|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (continued)) 1 7 2 8 0 0 The Lord said to my Lord,) Sit at my right hand) ETC.) A few slight variations are: a. While Matthew and Mark ascribe the words of David to their source, namely, the (Holy) Spirit, Luke informs the reader that this quotation is found in the book of Psalms. Also, Luke substitutes a stool for your feet for Matthew s and Mark s under your feet. ) As for the reaction of the audience to the words of Jesus, Luke is silent; Mark writes, The huge crowd enjoyed listening to him ; and Matthew, And no one was able to say a word in reply, nor from that day on did anyone dare to ask him another question. ) * * * ) 35. Now while Jesus was teaching in the temple he asked, How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.42-41.15.46|AUTODETECT|” At first glance there seems to be no connection between this paragraph and the immediately preceding one. Mark states only that the incident now related occurred in the temple. Nevertheless, over against his vagueness as to some of the circumstances, it is but fair to state that there is, after all, a probable link between verses 28 34 and verses 35 37. A moment ago, in his summary of the law, Jesus had placed all the emphasis on love, as being the fulfilment of the Decalog. And now he is putting this love into practice by directing the attention of his audience to faith in himself, for apart from such faith and from the right conception about the Christ no scribe (or anyone else) can be saved. Although we know that most of those to whom the Master s question was addressed continued to harden themselves, is it not possible that the man to whom Jesus had said, You are not far from the kingdom (12:34) was brought completely into the kingdom when he pondered Christ s question?

Not all scribes were equally bad. Not all the Jewish leaders permanently rejected Jesus. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.42-41.15.46|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:42 46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.57|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.57|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:57) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.50|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.50|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:50) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.51|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.51|AUTODETECT|” 51) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.38|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.38|AUTODETECT|” John 19:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.39|AUTODETECT|” 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . But regardless of all this, nothing can detract from the fact that Jesus, in causing this kind of audience (remember 12:13!) to come face to face with the question Whose son is Christ? (implied), is revealing his marvelous love. He is conversing with these men publicly for the very last time, and therefore asks the most important question of all.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.42|AUTODETECT|” It is clear that the Master is referring to himself when he says the Christ. The question is, however, so phrased (namely, in the third person) that the Pharisees are able to give a ready answer without affirming that Jesus is himself the Christ. In fact, the idea that Jesus would be the Christ was repugnant to them. The expected Messiah (of which Christ is the Greek translation) was, indeed, the Son of David. This they knew, and this they taught 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.42|AUTODETECT|” John 7:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.12|AUTODETECT|” ). Moreover, in so far they were correct, for that is the teaching of Scripture 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.12|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 7:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.78.68-19.78.72|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.78.68-19.78.72|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 78:68 72) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.3|AUTODETECT|” 89:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.34-19.89.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.34-19.89.37|AUTODETECT|” 34 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.9.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.9.11|AUTODETECT|” Amos 9:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 5:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.23|AUTODETECT|” ; etc.). But hearing Jesus called the Son of David, how they hated that! See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.23|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.15|AUTODETECT|” 21:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.36|AUTODETECT|” There was one more thing which Pharisees and scribes knew. It was this, that Jesus had made no objections to the title Son of David. He had rebuked neither the disciples nor the children when they, by implication, had called him this. However, the air must be purified. The earthly ideas attached to the concept Son of David or Messiah must be removed. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.36|AUTODETECT|” John 18:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The time has arrived to prepare the audience for the idea that the title Son of David means more than was generally realized. Pharisees and scribes must learn that David s Son is also David s Lord. David s Son is God s Son. Accordingly, when Jesus now says, How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? he means, How can they say that the Christ is merely the Son of David? After all, not only is he man; he is also God!) 1 6 2 8 0 0 This truth should have been clear to the scribes, from the Old Testament. 36, 37a. David himself, moved by the Holy Spirit declared:) The Lord said to my Lord,) Sit at my right hand) Until I put your enemies under your feet.) David himself calls him Lord. How then can he be his son?) Explanation:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.0|AUTODETECT|” a. The quotation is from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 110) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.10.24|AUTODETECT|” (LXX 109):1. Between, on the one hand, the original Hebrew text faithfully reproduced in the LXX Greek text, and, on the other, Mark s version, there is no essential difference. Whether, with the Hebrew and the LXX, one says, until I make your enemies a (foot)stool for your feet ; or, with Mark (recording the words of Jesus) Until I put your enemies under your feet, in both cases the figure that results is that of an enemy lying before a person in the dust, so that the conqueror s feet can be placed upon his neck. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.10.24|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 10:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Complete triumph over every foe is assured by the Lord to the Lord. ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. Jesus ascribes this psalm (110) to David, and asserts that the latter wrote it in, that is, moved by the Holy Spirit; hence, by inspiration. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.0|AUTODETECT|” c. Jesus is here declaring that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 110) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.34|AUTODETECT|” is a Messianic Psalm. It was so regarded also by Peter 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.34|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.25|AUTODETECT|” ), by Paul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.25|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and by the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews (1:13; cf. 10:13).��595��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” d. In this psalm David is making a distinction between YHWH (Jehovah) and Adonai. YHWH, then, is addressing David s Adonai; or, if one prefers, God is speaking to the Mediator. He is promising the Mediator such preeminence, power, authority, and majesty as would be proper only for One who, as to his person, from all eternity was, is now, and forever will he God. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:20 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5-50.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5-50.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:5 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.1-66.5.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.1-66.5.10|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 5:1 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.5|AUTODETECT|” 12:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.12|AUTODETECT|” e. Nevertheless this same exalted Lord is David s son 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.12|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 7:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.132.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.132.17|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 132:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.0|AUTODETECT|” ). That Jesus satisfies this description is clear from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.23-42.3.38|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.23-42.3.38|AUTODETECT|” 3:23 38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.30|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.8|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 5:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Thus Christ is both God and man.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.16|AUTODETECT|” f. The words, David himself calls him Lord. How then can he be his son? do not mean, the Messiah cannot be David s son, but must mean, cannot be David s son merely in the sense of his descendant. He is far more than that. He is the root as well as the offspring of David 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.16|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 22:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 11:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 It is as if Jesus were saying to his critics, You have found fault with me for accepting the praises of those who called me the Son of David. Bear in mind, then, that I am the Son of David in the most exalted sense, for David himself called me my Lord. Therefore whoever rejects me is rejecting David s Lord. Yet, Jesus is not as yet openly telling the enemies that he is indeed the Christ. That will come a little later. See 14:61, 62.) g. It is comforting to know that not only according to 12:10, 11 (see on that passage) but also according to the present passage Jesus a few days before his most bitter agony was fully aware that the way of the cross would for him lead home, to the crown!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.22|AUTODETECT|” 37b. The huge crowd enjoyed listening to him. The fact that just now Jesus had been criticizing the scribes did not seem to bother the large listening crowd. In fact, these people were enjoying what they heard. The statement is general, however. Throughout his ministry, whenever possible large crowds came to Jesus. At times they sought healing for themselves or for their dear ones; at other times they came mainly to listen to his words 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Mark 1:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.2|AUTODETECT|” 2:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.1|AUTODETECT|” 4:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.34|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.34|AUTODETECT|” 6:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.28|AUTODETECT|” :1; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.15|AUTODETECT|” ). The two purposes were often combined 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.15|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.17|AUTODETECT|” 6:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.31|AUTODETECT|” But enjoying a sermon or a discourse any word whatever, coming, whether indirectly or directly, from the mouth of the Lord is not the same as being spiritually benefited by it. So often, when we read 12:37b we forget that Mark has used these identical words (see the original) in another context, namely, in connection with the eagerness with which Herod Antipas listened to John the Baptist, the very man whom he, the king, as about to murder! See on 6:20 above. Memory s bell should have awakened us immediately to that previous passage, and also, for that matter, to Ezekiel s experience. Was it not said with reference to him that in the estimation of his audience he was a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument, and was not the following comment added: for they hear your words but do not do them ? See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.31|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 33:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.5|AUTODETECT|” ; also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 13:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.26|AUTODETECT|” . Do not such people resemble the man who built his house on sand instead of on rock 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.26|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )? Undoubtedly among those many people who were enjoying what Jesus was saying there must have been at least some who a few days later were going to join their voices to the Crucify him! refrain.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Nevertheless, while the point just made deserves considerable emphasis, we must not forget where the main stress lies, namely, in once more pointing to Jesus as the Great and Victorious King, the One who exercised control over everything, including even audiences, while he was carrying out the task which the Father had assigned to him.) ) 12:38 40 Denunciation of the Scribes) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.1-40.23.36|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.1-40.23.36|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:1 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.45-42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” ; especially 23:6, 7a; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.45-42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:45 47) 1 2 2 8 0 0 38 And in his teaching he was saying, Be on your guard against the scribes, who relish parading about in long, flowing robes, formal salutations in the market-places, chief seats in the synagogues, 39 and places of honor at the banquets. 40 Those who devour widows houses, and for show��596�� offer lengthy prayers, they shall receive a heavier sentence.) ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.38-41.12.40|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:38 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.45-42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” is repeated almost word for word in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.45-42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:45 47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.6|AUTODETECT|” . Some of the same accusations and characterizations are also found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.5-40.6.7|AUTODETECT|” a; and on offering lengthy prayers cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.5-40.6.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:5 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.0|AUTODETECT|” One may, perhaps, consider these three verses of Mark to be a very brief summary of Christ s Fifth Great Discourse, The Seven Woes, found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 9 2 8 0 0 From an attack upon the teaching of the scribes (12:35 37a) Jesus now proceeds to an attack upon their practice.) 38a. And in his teaching he was saying.& By thus expressing himself, both here and in 4:2, Mark makes clear that what follows is no more than an extract from the Master s teaching.) 38b 40a. Be on your guard against the scribes,) who relish parading about in long, flowing robes,) formal salutations in the market-places,) chief seats in the synagogues,) and places of honor at the banquets.) Those who devour widows houses,) and for show offer lengthy prayers.& ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.33|AUTODETECT|” Illustrations of the manner in which the scribes tried to harvest praise for themselves are now given. Nowhere does Jesus even suggest that the following description was a true picture of every scribe. The one sketched in 12:28 34 must have been a totally different kind of person. At a later time, too, among those who joined Christ s army, or at least defended believers rights, there were both Pharisees and priests 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.33|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.7|AUTODETECT|” 6:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ff.). Nevertheless, it is safe to assume that what Jesus here said was a true description of very many scribes of that day and age. They were proud, selfish, insincere, untrustworthy.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.45|AUTODETECT|” Be on your guard against them, said Jesus to his disciples, in the hearing of all the people 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.45|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��597�� He then lists six items with respect to which these men show their evil traits:) 1 1 2 8 0 0 a. who relish��598�� parading about in long, flowing robes. These men are putting on airs: they walked around attired like kings or priests,��599�� about to perform official functions.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.21|AUTODETECT|” b. formal salutations in the market-places. Though the word for salutation that is here used can indicate a friendly spoken greeting, or a written message of regards 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.21|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.18|AUTODETECT|” Col. 4:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.17|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.7|AUTODETECT|” ), here it has a more formidable connotation, as the immediate context in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 indicates ( & the formal salutations in the market-places, and to have the people address them as rabbi. ). What the men who are here rebuked were always longing for was not a mere token of friendliness but rather a demonstration of respect, a public recognition of their prominence.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 c. chief seats in the synagogues. Those were the seats in front of the raised platform on which stood the prayer leader and the reader of the Scriptures. Thus seated, a man had the double advantage of being near the person reading or leading in prayer, and of facing the congregation and thus being able to see everybody. Besides, being ushered to such a seat was regarded as a mark of honor.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.8|AUTODETECT|” d. places of honor at the banquets. Jesus issued a warning against this very sin of seeking the best seat at a banquet or dinner 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 14:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). James condemned the sin of assigning the best seat to the rich, while telling the poor man to stand or else to sit on the floor near someone s footstool (2:2, 3).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 e. widows houses. The scribes here condemned are described as devouring fattening themselves on the houses of these lonely women.��600��) The question, Just how did these men do this? has been answered differently. Some of the answers that have been suggested are: to funds under their control and from which they, these scribes, could draw, they asked widows to contribute more than could reasonably have been expected of them; or, they offered their help in settling estates that fell to widows, meanwhile taking for themselves more than was coming to them; or, they took unfair advantage of material support which initially had been volunteered by widows. Whatever may have been the method used, it is clear that Jesus is here condemning the crime of extortion practiced on widows, according to Scripture a most heinous wrong indeed; see on verses 41 44. The history of the church supplies many examples of this evil. Read C. Chiniquy s chapter, The Priest, Purgatory, and the poor Widow s Cow. ��601��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.5|AUTODETECT|” f. praise from men. & and for show��602�� offer lengthy prayers. It was for the purpose of drawing attention to themselves that the scribes offered these almost endless prayers. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.5|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . All they were seeking was honor from men.& Or, was this really all? The close grammatical juxtaposition of devouring widows houses and offering lengthy prayers have led some��603�� to suggest that between these two activities there was a very close connection, the meaning being: they devour widows houses and to cover up their wickedness they make long prayers. The longer they pray for the widows (or at least in their presence), the more they can prey upon them! Whether there is sufficient evidence for this interpretation let everyone decide for himself. Even apart from it, the evil here condemned was scandalous. For lengthy prayers see N.T.C. on Matthew, pp. 323 325.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 As with a crash of thunder doom is pronounced upon those hypocrites: 40b. they shall receive a heavier sentence, more severe punishment, overflowing condemnation. For those people, the very men described here in such detail the students, interpreters, and teachers of the law, who therefore had every reason to know that God required humility, sincerity, and love , for them the retribution is going to be all the more severe.) * * * ) The lessons taught in this little paragraph) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.44|AUTODETECT|” a. Jesus warns against the sinful craving to be somebody, that is, to be prominent, to be honored above everybody else. Greatest is he who is willing to be least, that is, to serve 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.44|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” 45) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. He rebukes all sham in religion. Christ s true followers are unpretentious. They resemble little children (10:15).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.5|AUTODETECT|” c. He condemns using religion for gain 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.5|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.3.2|AUTODETECT|” d. He predicts that those who, though they know God s law, persevere in these sins that is, in the So Big philosophy, hypocrisy, simony shall receive a heavier punishment 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.3.2|AUTODETECT|” Amos 3:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.48|AUTODETECT|” 48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.9-44.8.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.9-44.8.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 8:9 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.1-19.139.6|AUTODETECT|” e. He reveals that his all-seeing eyes penetrate the veil by means of which pious frauds try to hide their real intention 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.1-19.139.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 139:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.25|AUTODETECT|” John 2:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” 21:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.13|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 4:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.23|AUTODETECT|” f. The true solution for everyone is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.23|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 139:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ) 12:41 44 A Widow s Offering) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.1-42.21.4|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.1-42.21.4|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:1 4) 1 2 2 8 0 0 41 And as he sat down opposite the treasury, he was watching how the crowd dropped their money into the treasury. Many rich people were dropping in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and dropped in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43 Calling his disciples to him he said, I solemnly declare to you that this poor widow dropped more into the treasury than all the others. 44 For they all gave out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty dropped in all she had, her whole living. ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.14|AUTODETECT|” This happens to be one of the few units of Gospel material occurring only in Mark and Luke. See N.T.C. on Matthew, p. 21. Luke s account impresses one as being an abbreviation of Mark s, and not much besides. It is very understandable that the sympathetic and beloved physician 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.14|AUTODETECT|” Col. 4:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) did not wish to omit a story that so eminently served his purpose of picturing Jesus as The Sympathetic Highpriest.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.0|AUTODETECT|” The close connection between the immediately preceding report and this one can hardly escape us. That connection is twofold: a. temporal: though the exact time is not indicated, it seems reasonable to infer that after Jesus had delivered his Fifth Great Discourse, The Seven Woes, reproduced in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.38-41.12.40|AUTODETECT|” and briefly summarized in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.38-41.12.40|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:38 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.45-42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.45-42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:45 47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.41|AUTODETECT|” ), he would take a brief rest during which he watched the people, as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.41|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 indicates; and b. material: the same loving Savior, who has just now denounced the scribes for devouring widows houses (12:40), shows, by his own example, how widows should really be treated. One should help them, and, as here, praise them whenever such praise is in order.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.1-44.5.11|AUTODETECT|” 41. And as he sat down opposite the treasury, he was watching how the crowd dropped their money into the treasury. The phrase opposite the treasury has given rise to different interpretations. See, however, the sketch of The Ground Plan of The Temple, p. 448. Consult also what was said in connection with the Women s Court, with its thirteen trumpet-shaped chests, that is, receptacles for gifts and dues, p. 450. It may well have been, therefore, that Jesus had seated himself near the opening of that court, perhaps in the vicinity of The Beautiful Gate.

From that spot these receptacles,��604�� at least some of them, would be in full view. Jesus, then, was watching or carefully observing��605�� how the people dropped their money��606�� into the treasury, that is, into its receptacles. In a sense, he has been doing this ever since, is still doing it. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.1-44.5.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:1 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.6|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.4.13|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 4:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.25.2|AUTODETECT|” Many rich people were dropping in large amounts. By means of letters of the Hebrew alphabet each receptacle was marked, so that the people would know for what distinctive purpose the money it received would be used, whether for the temple tribute, for sacrifices, incense, wood, or whatever. Jesus noticed that many rich people were dropping in large amounts. Well, those with large holdings should give large sums. There was nothing wrong with that. The Bible makes mention of several rich men who can hardly be thought of as having ever donated large amounts to any good cause 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.25.2|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 25:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.25.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.25.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.25.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.25.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.25.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.25.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.16-42.12.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.16-42.12.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:16 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.19-42.16.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.19-42.16.21|AUTODETECT|” 16:19 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Nevertheless, as Jesus saw it, it was not the amount of the gift that mattered most but the heart of the giver.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.28|AUTODETECT|” This becomes clear from verse 42. But a��607�� poor widow came and dropped in��608�� two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. According to the original, this widow dropped in two lepta, which means a quarter.��609�� A quarter of what? Of a dollar? No, of an as or assarius. And an assarius was worth only one sixteenth of a denarius! The denarius was a laborer s average daily wage 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 18:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.2|AUTODETECT|” 20:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.22.19|AUTODETECT|” 22:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Due to constantly varying monetary values it is impossible to indicate with any degree of accuracy what such coins would be worth today in American or in English money. If the denarius be viewed as the equivalent of 16 18 American cents, then the assarius would be worth about a cent, the quarter or quadrant only about � cent, and the lepton merely 1/8 cent.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 The little copper coins which this widow dropped into the trumpet were literally thin ones. Not only were they very small, they were also very thin or light. When one thinks of a lepton, he should remember that our English word leaf is related to it. The two lepta, taken together, should be regarded as being worth no more than a fraction of a penny.) By human calculation what the widow gave was insignificant.& Measured by divine standard, however, her contribution was priceless, as is clear from verses 43, 44. Calling his disciples to him he said, I solemnly declare to you that this poor widow dropped more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty dropped in all she had, her whole living.) Note the following:) a.

What this widow did was so important in the eyes of Jesus that he summoned his disciples, in order to rivet their attention upon it. This calling to himself of The Twelve had happened before, that is, on very important occasions (3:13; 6:7; 8:1, 34; 10:42), and this was another.) b. In line with this is the fact that the Master introduces his teaching by saying, I solemnly declare to you, showing that what he was about to say was of great significance and should be taken to heart by them. See on 3:28.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.20|AUTODETECT|” c. This poor widow dropped more into the treasury than all the others, said Jesus. In his estimation the two copper coins were sparkling diamonds. One might even say: they resembled talents which over a period of time doubled in value 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.20|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 25:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ); yes, doubled and redoubled, for her deed and Jesus comment have inspired thousands of people to follow her example.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 d. When the question is asked, What was it that made her gift so precious? the answer is that all the others had given out of their abundance, ��610�� she out of her poverty, her want or lack.��611��) Shall we say that she might at least have kept one of these small, thin copper coins for herself? But no, she gave both. In fact, she, knowing that God would not fail her, sacrificed everything. These two coins represented all she had to live on.��612�� How did Jesus know this? For a discussion of this question (the inter-action between Jesus human and divine nature) see on 2:8; 5:32; 9:33, 34; and 11:2, 13.

The point to be emphasized is that this poor widow gave most generously, spontaneously. She gave in faith. It is for this reason that Jesus praises her so lavishly.) Lessons) a. It is not the amount of the gift that matters most, but the heart (attitude, purpose) of the giver.) b. Strikingly beautiful is what Scripture teaches with respect to the manner in which God provides for widows:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.68.5|AUTODETECT|” (1) God is a father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.68.5|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 68:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.22.23|AUTODETECT|” They are under his special care and protection 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.22.23|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 22:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.10.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.10.18|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 10:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.15.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.15.25|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 15:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.146.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.146.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 146:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.14.29|AUTODETECT|” (2) By means of the tithe and the forgotten sheaf he provides for them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.14.29|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 14:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.24.19-5.24.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.24.19-5.24.21|AUTODETECT|” 24:19 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.26.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.26.12|AUTODETECT|” 26:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.26.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.26.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.16.11|AUTODETECT|” ). At the feasts which he has instituted, they too should rejoice 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.16.11|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 16:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.16.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.16.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.17|AUTODETECT|” (3) He blesses those who help and honor them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.7.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.7.6|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 7:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.22.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.22.3|AUTODETECT|” 22:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.22.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.22.4|AUTODETECT|” 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.22.22|AUTODETECT|” (4) He rebukes and punishes those who hurt them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 22:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.24.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.24.17|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 24:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.27.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.27.19|AUTODETECT|” 27:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.24.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.24.3|AUTODETECT|” Job 24:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.24.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.24.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.31.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.31.16|AUTODETECT|” 31:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.94.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.94.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 94:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.7.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.7.10|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 7:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 3:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.42|AUTODETECT|” (5) They are the objects of Christ s tender compassion, as is clear from the Gospels, especially from the Gospel according to Luke 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.42|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.43|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.43|AUTODETECT|” 43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.11-42.7.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.11-42.7.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:11 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.3|AUTODETECT|” 18:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” 20:47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.2|AUTODETECT|” 21:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.1-44.6.6|AUTODETECT|” (6) In the early church they were not forgotten. It was the neglect of certain widows which led to the appointment of the first deacons, so that in the future widows might receive better care 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.1-44.6.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 6:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.27|AUTODETECT|” ). And according to James, one of the manifestations of a religion that is pure and undefiled is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.27|AUTODETECT|” James 1:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.3-54.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.3-54.5.8|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:3 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 8 2 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 12) By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you the authority to do them? the chief priests, scribes, and elders had asked Jesus. In return he had asked them, The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Answer me. Result: embarrassment for them, because they had hardened themselves against the truth.) So, here in chapter 12, in order to expose these leaders and at the same time to warn them, Jesus tells the parable of The Wicked Sharecroppers. These tenants not only refused to give the owner what was due to him, but even increasingly maltreated his servants. Finally, they did not shrink from killing the owner s only son, with dire consequences for themselves.) Christ s opponents caught on that, according to the meaning and intention of the parable, they themselves were definitely included among the wicked sharecroppers.

So they wanted to arrest Jesus, but were afraid of the crowd (verses 1 12).) They now try to catch him in his words, his teaching. They ask him three questions, as follows:) a. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar? The question was asked by Pharisees and Herodians. Jesus answers, What is due to Caesar render to Caesar, and what is due to God render to God. ) b. One by one marrying and then dying, seven brothers successively married the same wife; in the resurrection whose wife shall she be?

The Sadducees, who rejected the doctrine of the resurrection, asked that question. Jesus answers, When the dead rise they neither marry nor are given in marriage & God is not the God of the dead but of the living. ) c. Of all the commandments which is the foremost? a scribe asked. Answer: The foremost is, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.& You shall love your neighbor as yourself. When the scribe declared perfect agreement, Jesus told him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.0|AUTODETECT|” Christ s own question was, How can the scribes say that the Christ is (merely) the son of David, though in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 110) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 David, moved by the Holy Spirit, calls him his Lord? Implication: This Son of David is no other than the Son of God; hence, he is David s Lord. All of this is found in verses 13 37.) 1 8 2 8 0 0 Having just now attacked the doctrine of the scribes, Jesus next exposes their corrupt practice. His criticism is not aimed at every scribe but at the group. He brands them as being vainglorious and deceitful. At times they are even cruel to widows, devouring widows houses (verses 38 40).) What then is the proper attitude toward widows? This is shown in the closing little paragraph (verses 41 44), in which Jesus praises the poor widow who dropped into the offering receptacle two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. It was all she had to live on.

Calling his disciples to him Jesus said, I solemnly declare to you that this poor widow dropped more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty dropped in all she had, her whole living. ) 570 Or tenants ; literally workers of the soil. ) A.V. Authorized Version (King James)) 571 In verse 1 P�������� = Q�x �t� �����, that which is under the winepress; hence, a pit, trough, or vessel to catch the grape juice. The word ������ or tower reminds one of the German Burg or the Dutch burcht (castle, stronghold, citadel, fortress, tower).) 572 Both ������ (verse 3) and �������� (verse 5) are forms of ����: to skin (cf. epidermis, dermatologist), flay, beat. The form in verse 3 is third per. pl. aor. act. indic.; the one in verse 5, the pl. pres. act, participle. Another third per. pl. aor. act. indic. is ����������, they struck on the head, related to ������, head (cf. capital).) 573 The verb is ������������ third per. pl. fut. indic. passive of ������, with active or middle sense, something like: they will turn themselves about, being ashamed of hurting ; hence, they will stand in awe of, will have respect or regard for.

German: Sie werden sich vor meinem Sohne scheuen. Dutch (Nieuwe Vertaling): Mijn zoon zullen zij ontzien. ) N.T.C. W. Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.1|AUTODETECT|” 574 Here ���� followed by the acc. means against. For a similar use of this preposition see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.6.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 6:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.19|AUTODETECT|” 24:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.11|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.6|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 13:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.25-42.10.28|AUTODETECT|” 577 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.25-42.10.28|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:25 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is parallel only in a secondary sense. It parallels the summary of the law. But the circumstances are different and so is the story itself.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 575 Some manuscripts add when they rise again. ) 576 Or Beautiful, Teacher! ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.4|AUTODETECT|” 578 �������� third per. pl. aor. (here ingressive) active subjunctive of �����. Cf. ��� 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.4|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), a catch of fishes. The verb belongs to the vocabulary of fishing and hunting. In the New Testament it occurs nowhere else. The parallel passage in Matthew (22:15) uses a synonymous verb, meaning to set a trap. See N.T.C. on Matthew, p. 800, footnote 753. Another synonym is used by Luke (20:20), to latch on to, grab hold of, catch. There is, of course, no essential difference.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.12|AUTODETECT|” 579 The phraseology here used is probably typically Hebraic. For way, as here used, see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.12|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.21.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.21.8|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 21:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.2|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.9|AUTODETECT|” 19:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.14|AUTODETECT|” 24:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.15|AUTODETECT|” . So also looking on a person s countenance immediately reminds one of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.15|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.16.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.16.7|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 16:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.82.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.82.2|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 82:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.34|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.34|AUTODETECT|” Acts 10:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.25|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.1|AUTODETECT|” James 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . It must be admitted, however, that idioms such as these may develop in more than one language; for example, Greek as well as Hebrew. Nevertheless, when a Hebrew, or one versed in basically Hebrew conversation and literature, uses this phraseology, such use in all likelihood is rooted in ancient Hebrew idioms.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 580 �����, in both cases first per. pl. aor. active subjunctive (here deliberative) of ������.) A.R.V. American Standard Revised Version) 581 Levirate is from the Latin levir (for devir; cf. Greek ����), a husband s brother; hence, brother-in-law.) 582 This is one of the normal meanings of ��� followed by the genitive.) 583 Greek ���z ��������. For ���� see on 9:26, footnote 411.) 584 �����������, gen. pl. masc. pres. participle of �������. See on 8:11, footnote 368. Note the three aorist participles: ���������, ������, 0���. The temporal order is actually: having heard, having recognized, and having come up, he asked him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.1|AUTODETECT|” 585 Is it necessary, with some interpreters e.g., Lenski, op. cit., p. 336 , to assign a favorable meaning to �������� in this parallel passage? The verb has no such connotation in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.1|AUTODETECT|” 16:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.3|AUTODETECT|” 19:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.18|AUTODETECT|” 22:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.13|AUTODETECT|” ; or in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 1:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.8.11|AUTODETECT|” 8:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.2|AUTODETECT|” 10:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.15|AUTODETECT|” 12:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.35|AUTODETECT|” . Assigning a milder meaning to the participle as used in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.35|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.35|AUTODETECT|” for example, attempting to discover whether he was able to give the right answer, but not attempting to catch him in a trap with the ultimate aim of destroying him results from the fact that, literally interpreted, the testing of which ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.35|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 speaks is ascribed to the noble law expert (or scribe) himself. Note the singular. A possibility would be to regard the language as an abbreviated expression see N.T.C. on John, Vol. I, p. 206 , the full meaning being and one of them a law expert, asked him a question, (by means of which those who sent him were) testing him, the words between parentheses being implied. Since even then the agent did the actual testing, a change from sing. to pl. would not be necessary. Both in ordinary speech and in literature such abbreviated expressions are not at all exceptional. Whatever the answer be, it is very improbable that the bitter opponents of Jesus had suddenly become friendly toward Jesus.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.2|AUTODETECT|” 586 Note the meaning of ����� in ����� �����. As in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.36|AUTODETECT|” , so also here, the sense is probably the commandment of greatest significance. That interpretation also brings the question into harmony with its wording in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.36|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . For the meaning of ����� see above, on 7:8, footnote 319.) 1 12 2 8 0 0 587 This form is the Qal imper. sing. masc. of the verb shma .) 588 In the original you shall love is ��������. Is there a distinction between ����� and �����; and if so, what is that distinction? See on 10:21, footnote 475.) 589 The position taken by W. Barclay, op. cit., p. 309.) 590 Because of its position in the sentence it is better to regard ����� as an exclamation than to construe it with �V���, and then to translate Well said. ) 591 ��������, gen. sing. of �������, related to �������, to put (two and two) together, to understand. Accordingly, ������� means understanding, comprehension, insight.) 592 A��������� from E��� (whole) and ����, to burn.) 593 The adverb ��������, occurring only here in the New Testament, is the equivalent of �����������. See M.M., pp. 430, 431.) 594 A fact that is also pointed out by Lenski; op. cit., p. 341.) 595 According to S.BK., Vol.

IV., p. 452 ff. the Messianic character of this psalm was also accepted by the rabbis.) 596 Or: to attract attention.) 597 The durative present ������� �� means: continue to look away from (the scribes), avoid them, turn your backs on them; hence, Beware of, Be on your guard against, as in 8:15. Though the idiom as here used may be regarded as a Hebraism, it has been found in the papyri.) 598 The present participle ��������, from ����, has here the meaning relishing, taking delight in. Note that it is followed both by an infinitive and by three nouns in the accusative.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.5|AUTODETECT|” 599 Though for ����� the translation stole here and also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.16.5|AUTODETECT|” Mark 16:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 15:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.46|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.46|AUTODETECT|” 20:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.9|AUTODETECT|” 7:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.14|AUTODETECT|” 22:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 would not be wrong, this English word is rather ambiguous, since it can also denote the narrow cloth band which priests and bishops wear around their neck, and which descends from their shoulders; and it can even mean an article of feminine apparel, that is, a long wide scarf.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 600) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” Why the sudden change from the genitive (or ablative) after ������� �� to the nominative ������������ & ��� & �������������? Would not the genitive have been more natural? To solve the problem of this construction some would call �1 ���. ��� an anacoluthon, the agreement with ��� �������� being merely according to sense. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:47) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , by using not a participle but a relative plus indicative, makes reading easier. Here in Mark some of the manuscripts have dealt similarly with the problem.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 What is probably the easiest and the best and, after all, not resulting in such an unusual Greek construction is to regard the two substantive-participles of verse 40 as belonging to a new sentence, the subject of which is the demonstrative pronoun �W���, with the two participles in apposition, the predicate verb being ���� �����, and ����� the latter s object.) 601 Fifty Years in the Church of Rome, New York, Chicago, Toronto, 1886, pp. 41 48.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.22|AUTODETECT|” 602 In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.22|AUTODETECT|” John 15:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , however, the meaning of �������� is valid excuse.) 1 8 2 8 0 0 603 See the renderings by Williams, Beck, Phillips; also Lenski, op. cit., p. 348.) 604 The term ������������� consists of two parts: ���� Persian for treasure, and ������ guard, safeguard; hence, a chest into which treasures or gifts could be dropped and safely kept.) 605 ������, third per. sing. imperf. active of ������. For the fine distinctions between various New Testament words for seeing consult N.T.C. on John, Vol. I, p. 85, footnote 33.) 606 ������, see above, on 6:8.) 607 ��� = the indefinite article.) 608 Notice striking contrast between, on the one hand, ������ and ������ (verse 41), and, on the other, ���� (verse 42). The present and imperfect picture what was happening all the while. These verbal forms describe the background of the story. The constative aorist tells what the widow suddenly did.) 609 Greek ��� ������, borrowed from the Latin quadrans.) 610 � ��� ������������� �P����; literally, of what was overflowing to them. See N.T.C. on Ephesians, p. 84, footnote 25.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.11|AUTODETECT|” 611 The noun Q��������, in the New Testament occurring only here and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.11|AUTODETECT|” Philippians 4:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , is related to the verb Q������. See above, on 10:21, footnote 477.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 612) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.44|AUTODETECT|” Here 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.44|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.4|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.43|AUTODETECT|” ) and also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.43|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.14|AUTODETECT|” (if authentic) ���� indicates means of subsistence, living, livelihood. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.12|AUTODETECT|” the reference seems to be to the present life and its pleasures; in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.12|AUTODETECT|” Luke 15:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.17|AUTODETECT|” , to property. Somewhat similar is the meaning of ���� in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.17|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.16|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.16|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ): worldly goods, material possessions, while in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.4|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.2|AUTODETECT|” the reference is probably to civilian (as contrasted with military) life. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.2|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 the reference is to everyday life, life as it is lived from day to day.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 As to the distinction between ���� and ���, in general ��� is the life by which we live, while ���� is the life which we live. In the New Testament ��� generally points to the higher life, salvation, victory over sin and its consequences. For more detail on ��� see N.T.C. on John, Vol. I, pp. 71, 72, 141, 142). On the distinction between ���� and ��� see also R. C. Trench, op. cit., par. xxvii.)