“See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Mark 13:1-23

“See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. Mark 13:5-8

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 13:1-23.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and the first (of three) division (vv1-8):

• The title of this chapter of the commentary covering this text is "What Did Jesus Say About the End Times? Part 1" and the main idea for the entirety of the text (vv1-23) is "[w]e should be on guard so that we are not deceived or anxious about the end times."
•  We are encouraged not to predict end times nor be led astray by those who do and heed scripture where it says that no one knows the day or hour and to be alert and on-guard.
• "Mark 13 is a difficult text to interpret, with faithful, Bible-believing teachers differing on the details. Some are convinced Jesus is only addressing the destruction of Jerusalem, which took place in AD 70. Others are equally certain He only has in view the end of the age. I, personally, think there is a third and better understanding. Jesus does indeed address the imminent destruction of the temple and Jerusalem. And in doing so, He provides a preview of distant attractions: His Second Coming and the end of the age."
• "Jesus will employ no less than 19 imperatives in verses 5-37 as He instructs us on how to be prepared for the end times. Many will be surprised both by what He says and by what He does not say." 
• The title of the first division per the commentary is "Deception Is Coming, so Do Not Be Led Astray." 
• "Jesus leaves the temple for the last time. The glory of the Lord has departed (cf. Ezekiel 11:23). One of the disciples draws attention to the magnificent splendor of the temple, one of the great architectural wonders of the world. Built with large white stones and lavishly decorated with gold, it was blinding blinding when struck by the sunlight. The Jewish people believed it to be the very sanctuary of God and therefore virtually indestructible until the end of time. Thus, Jesus’ response could not have been more shocking: 'Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down!'"  
• "The disciples are thinking about the final consummation of history. They did not expect a long interval between the destruction of the temple and the end of the age. But Jesus does not address the issue of timing, though He does use the soon coming destruction of the temple and Jerusalem as a type or foreshadowing of end-time events. The imminent destruction of the temple is the lens through which we should view the distant destruction of this present evil age and the return of the Son of Man, the Lord Jesus (13:24-27)."  
• Signs to watch for: false prophets, wars and rumors of wars, conflicts of all kings including within families.  
• "Human history is headed toward the birth of a new Messianic Age and kingdom, of that we can be sure. But before it comes, we can expect times of worldwide trouble and tribulation. Like the labor pains of a woman that grow in intensity before the blessed birth of the baby, distress will increase before the glorious end. This was true leading up to the destruction of the Jewish temple in AD 70. It especially will be true as the curtain on world history comes down."

Jesus tells us these things so that - for one - we can take comfort in knowing that He is saving a place for us in Heaven, that Heaven will be glorious and beyond our earthly imagination, and the victory over sin and death is already won!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, thank You for loving me first and for loving and saving me while I was still an enemy and hostile to You.  Thank You for saving me and for saving a place in Heaven for me.  I am not deserving of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Mark 13:1-23

And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. Mark 13:5-8

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 13:1-23, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God cares for us - He does not want us to trust in things of this world - such as a wonderful temple (vv1-2).  He seeks for as many as possible to be saved - despite how all of us are broken and sinful.  He seeks for us to avoid falling prey to false prophets (v5).  God will pronounce judgement and He wants us to know in advance what will happen - see vv7-8, 19, 23.  He seeks for us to bear witness before others - v9 - and to proclaim the gospel to all nations v10.  When we are persecuted in His name, He will guide us in what to say - v11.  He will save those who endure - v13.    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Many are manipulative and deceptive - seeking glory for themselves - wrongfully and sinfully.  Even family and loved ones will betray us - see v12.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid putting to much trust in the world and in other people - above God.  God will save those who endure.  Trust in Him above all to help You during times of trouble - He will guide You, hold You, protect You and give You words to say.  Take comfort in knowing what will happen now and during end times - be prepared, stay close and abide in Him.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who protects, guides, and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

 Mark 12:41-44

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:41-44.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv43-44) as I continue a focus on what scripture says on money, extending my study on this topic for another day of my reading and study:

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "Jesus Knows Why We Give." 
• The second and third truths from the commentary that shares scripture on money: Grace Giving Is to Be Guided by Proper Principles, and Grace Giving Is to Be Guided by Proper Practice. 
• Expanding these core truths: Giving is to be viewed as investing with God (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 6:38); if you cannot handle money, you will not be able to handle spiritual riches either (Luke 16:11); [g]iving is to be sacrificial (Mark 12:42-44; 2 Corinthians 8:1-3); [g]iving is not just a matter of what we have (Luke 16:10); [e]ach individual determines the amount to give (Luke 19:8); [g]iving can be in response to a need (spontaneous and special; Acts 2:42-47; 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Philippians 4:14-20); [g]iving should demonstrate love, not law (2 Corinthians 8:8); [g]iving should demonstrate love, not law (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:6-7); [g]iving is to be generous (2 Corinthians 8:2-3; Phil 4:14-20);[g] iving is to be joyful (2 Cor 9:7); [g]iving is to be complete (2 Corinthians 8:5); [g]iving biblically always results in God’s blessings (Acts 20:35; 2 Cor 9:6-11; Phil 4:19).      
• "In light of God’s indescribable gift of His Son Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15), it is hard to imagine doing anything less. God gave His all. He gave His best. So should we." 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who provides for all my needs - You also save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love, provide, and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

 Mark 12:41-44

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:41-44.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv43-44):

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "Jesus Knows Why We Give." 
• The commentary for this second division, including a conclusion for this chapter of the commentary covering the entirety of the text vv41-44, extended into another day of my reading and study - hence another post on this text.  Additionally, because money is a very important topic for believers, I did not want to shortcut my study on it. 
• "Giving is an act of worship. In the Word of God, numerous truths are set forth to help us in our understanding of grace giving (what also can be called Christian stewardship)[.]"  These truths posited by the commentary include: "Grace Giving Is Guided by a Proper Perspective (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 3:21-23, 4:1-2, 9:17, Psalms 24:1, 51:10-12, Haggai 2:8, Philippians 4:13, 19, 1 Timothy 5:8, Colossians 3:23-24, Hebrews 11:4)."  This truth and the supporting text is further expanded by sharing that "all that I am belongs to God, all that is belongs to God, God has entrusted His possessions to me, God's possessions entrusted to me have a purpose, and God's assets build and glorify God's kingdom through me."

Core to all of this is how, in light of God's love for us, how He saves us despite our sin, is that we are utterly dependent on God for all things and He is total control.  We must remain humble and allow Him to work through us. More tomorrow on this as the commentary shares two additional truths on money as it wraps this chapter. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who loves, provides, and saves.  Thank You Jesus as You do this and more....I am not deserving as my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Mark 12:41-44

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:41-44.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv43-44):

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "Jesus Knows Why We Give." 
• "With piercing divine insight Jesus saw both the gift and the heart, both the act and the motive behind the act. He knew those who gave only because others were watching, and He knew those who would have given if no one was watching. And then He once again turns the value system of the world on its head."  
• We are exhorted to give sacrificially as we pointed to William Kelly's commentary that shares: 'The test of liberality is not what is given, but what is left.' 
• The commentary then encourages us to study more deeply on what scripture says about God's purpose for money, sharing six purposes: "God wants to grow us spiritually by growing our faith (Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:19). God wants to finance His earthly ministry through us for His glory and our good (Malachi 3:10). God wants to unite Christians who have needs with those who have surplus (2 Corinthians 8:14-15). God wants to reveal clearly His infinite power (Deuteronomy 8:18). God wants to help give direction in our lives (Proverbs 3:5-6). God wants to fulfill His promise to supply our needs (Matt 6:31-33; Philippians 4:19)."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who provides for all of my needs - most importantly my spiritual needs.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.

Mark 12:41-44

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. Mark 12:41-42

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:41-44.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and the first (of two) division (vv41-42):

• The title of this chapter of the commentary covering this text is "The Poor Woman Who Gave All She Had" and the main idea for the entirety of the text (vv41-44) is "[b]iblical giving is a voluntary act flowing from a thankful heart, which involves giving of one’s self and all that one has." 
• The title of the first division per the commentary is "Jesus Sees What We Give." 
• "The preceding paragraph mentioned widows as the object of religious exploitation (v. 40). The simple piety of this “poor widow” stands in stark contrast to the self-centered ambition of the scribes. She also must be contrasted with the rich young ruler (10:17-31) who loved his money more than he loved God. In this lady we find a marvelous example of one who “love[s] the Lord [her] God with all [her] heart, with all [her] soul, with all [her] mind, and with all [her] strength” (12:30)."  
• Hurtado's commentary on Mark highlights how the poor widow exemplified Mark 10:31 where the text shares how the last will be first. 
• "Our Lord always has an eye for the individual. He hears the cry of the blind beggar Bartimaeus when no one else does (10:46-52). Now He sees the generous and sacrificial gift of a poor widow when no one else sees a thing. No doubt she came alone, quietly hoping no one would notice her. Being poor and a widow and a woman, she was the least of the least in the cultural context of the day."  
• We are reminded of Samuel's search for a king that found David and that God focuses where man often does not - on the heart - see also 1 Samuel 16:7.

Believers should be grateful that God softens our hearts to be saved (Ezekiel 36:26), and our focus should then turn to how through spiritual disciplines such as daily study of God's Word and prayer transforms our heart and mind to be more like Him.  This is how we can love and give as the poor widow did. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves and saves.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and mercy...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Mark 12:41-44

“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 12:41-44, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God knows both our actions and our intent - our heart, motives.  He is all knowing.  See these examples from scripture about how God knows everything.  He cares most about our heart and our intent.  Many people put large sums of money into the treasury (v41).   The poor widow put in a very small amount but her motive and intent was to give as a true sacrifice, depending on God for her provision.  That is what God seeks from us - motives, intent and a heart to obey His command to love Him and then others. See also vv28-34.   
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Many act as means to bring glory to themselves.  See v41 as an example where rich people put in large sums of money into the temple treasury - the text contrast this from the widow who gave out of sacrifice.  The actions of the rich people are prideful and not what God seeks.  We must glorify God (not ourselves) in all that we do - this is why we exist.  See 1 Corinthians 10:31.   
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid pride.  Follow the example of the widow to give sacrificially.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You know everything about me, including my sin yet You loved me first, and while still an enemy and hostile to You, saved me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.