Northpoint Church
Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Welcome to Northpoint! We are so glad you have chosen to worship with us today.
The Lord Said to My Lord
Mark 12:35-44
Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview:
Jesus concludes His time in the Temple by teaching, warning, and observing. He teaches the scribes how to understand the Old Testament in light of the promised Messiah. Not only is He David’s greater Son—He is also David’s Lord. He then warns against religious hypocrisy, which is evident in those whose lives are high on spiritual pretense but low on actual performance. This warning is followed by Jesus’ observation of a widow who is poor in the eyes of others but rich toward God. She gave little by the world’s standards but kept nothing back from the Lord. In each of these cases, Mark highlights the significance of seeing life as God has designed it to be—with Christ exalted above all, and with us responding by giving Him our all.
Mark 12:35-44 ESV
01. We underestimate the importance of Jesus when we say less of Him than is revealed in Scripture. He is the promised Messiah, the Son of God, the King of kings, the Judge of all the earth, and the Savior of all who come to Him.
02. We overestimate our self-importance when we give to God less than He deserves from us. We should read the Bible with care, point others to Christ, serve those in need, pray without pretense, and give without reserve.
Questions for Discussion and Discovery:
1. When Jesus cites Psalm 110, He states that David himself wrote it “in the Holy Spirit” (Mark 12:36). What does this comment tell us about the nature of biblical inspiration? Are the words of Scripture merely human words, or are the words of Scripture given through humans by God Himself? See also 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Questions for Discussion and Discovery:
2. According to Psalm 110, Jesus is exalted at the right hand of the Father. What does this action imply about the uniqueness of Jesus? How does He stand above and apart from all others, including founders of other religions? Think of people you know who believe all religions are the same. How does this text provide a corrective to that point of view?
Questions for Discussion and Discovery:
3. What is the basis of Jesus’ criticism of the scribes (verses 38-40)? In what ways can our “success” as Christians lead us away from doing God’s will? What famous religious figures can you think of whose ministries got off track once they became famous?
Questions for Discussion and Discovery:
4. Jesus watched people giving their offerings at the Temple (verse 41). What does this statement suggest to you as you give your offerings to Northpoint? Do you believe that Jesus measures our giving by how much we give to Him or by how much we keep for ourselves?
Questions for Discussion and Discovery:
5. What are your thoughts from this text regarding what God values and what we normally value? How can this text help us to practice genuine commitment to the Lord?