Take Two: Mark 12, Proverbs 22

In the opening parable in the chapter, Jesus teaches of the coming judgment of those who were poor stewards of the vineyard (Mark 12:1-12). This parable was given in the hearing of the Pharisees and they fully understood that Jesus was speaking to and about them. They took what was given them, the world as a vineyard, which was intended to produce from the vine for the vineyard owner (God). After rejecting the servants of the Owner/God, they ultimately killed the Son of the Owner/God. Had they finally accomplished their task? No. The Vineyard Owner was coming again to exercise judgment and give the vineyard to others whom He chose (Mark 12:9).

In Mark 12:13-17, Jesus is confronted by some who would try to trick Him into a public statement of anarchy. He recognized them for that they were and responded in a way that made them marvel.

Mark 12:18-27 is a picture of the Sadducees. They were devout religious people who did not believe in the resurrection. They present one of the theological questions that "justified" for them why there was no resurrection. Since there could be no answer (in their mind) that was consistent with their understanding of God's Word, then there must not be a resurrection. Jesus' response was simplistic in that He told them that they had too narrow of a view of the Kingdom.

It is funny...I have had to answer this question for some "Baptists" over the years. They thought of marriage as "the point." They considered that divorce and remarriage...or marrying after being widowed or a widower would create some type of "domestic" disturbance in heaven. The truth is...marriage on this earth is a wonderful institution/covenant which foreshadows the ultimate marriage between a Christ-follower and the Christ. We know one another in heaven...but we are so enamored with the Lord, that He is our only focus. He is the Point!

Mark 12:28-34 contains Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment. Mark 12:35-40 is a strong afront toward the scribes. Jesus points out an apparent inconsistency in the approach of the scribes. The great king, King David, would have a throne that lasted forever; yet, David called the Messiah (in the Spirit), who was his descendent, "Lord." David did not take a position of superiority, but one of humility. Jesus was pointing out that if the scribes "truly" understood the nature of God and the calling of God's people, they would not walk about as elitists, but as humble servants (Mark 12:38-40).
THIS IS A POINT OF WARNING/APPLICATION: Sometimes Christians can begin to look at the world as though "we have arrived" or that "we are 'chosen'," or that we are somehow better off than others. The nature of being a Christ-follower is not one of superiority and pridefulness, but one of humility before God and service in the world.

This is seen in the final parable of the chapter (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus calls the disciples to observe that a widow has given two pennies to the temple treasury. He then tells them that she has given more than anyone since she gave from her poverty (all that she had), while others had given from their abundance (from their comfort/excess only). The giving was related to the heart and not the amount. The credit was based on the heart position and not the size of the gift. The HEART was observed by the level of sacrifice of the giver. It was NOT POSSIBLE for those who gave from their surplus to claim that they loved God so much that they gave large amounts of money to Him. Jesus said they gave less than the widow. In God's economy, the level of sacrifice is directly tied to the level of devotion. No sacrifice, no devotion. Limited sacrifice, limited devotion. Total sacrifice (regardless of amount) is total devotion.

Proverbs 22:2 is the takeaway today. As I read this, especially in reflection of the principle taught above, I am reminded that God is God of both the rich and the poor. He does not love or value one more than the other. We cannot say that He blesses the rich more than the poor. God does not respect/choose one man over another in this way. God does entrust people as stewards of His creation. He does entrust people with a Stewardship of His Mission...a divine cooperation. Often times (not always), wealth is a function of stewardship. As Lord of all...God has the same rights to the wealth of the rich man as He does the poor man.