Podcasts about Mark 12

Pastor Freddy T. delivers a message from Mark 12:41-44 Listen in as Freddy T. Helps us see the benefits of committing to giving as a church. Keep It Real. Keep It Jesus. To learn more, text "mission" to 97000 or visit https://www.reallifesango.com

2026.01.11 The Lord Of The Vineyard | Mark 12:1-12 | Bradley Chwastyk by EP Church Annapolis

Caleb Drahosh When the Pharisees, Herodians, and the Sadducees approach Jesus, they do so out of antagonism. Jesus keeps turning the tables on them, showing that He's the One who is over them. Jesus doesn't go into His final days with His back up against the wall; He goes to the cross in full control, completely unrivaled. But now a scribe comes questioning Jesus. Unlike the others, the scribe is happy for an answer. He is close to the kingdom because He believes Jesus' answer. But will this belief be validated by submission to Jesus?

What Is Love? Mark 12:30-31

ABOUT SILVERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH Silverdale exists to lead people into an authentic relationship with Christ so they will worship God, grow in their faith, and serve the Lord in our community and world. Silverdale's Lead Pastor is Tony Walliser. FIND US ONLINE Website http://silverdalebc.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/silverdalebcInstagram https://www.instagram.com/silverdalebcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverdalebc

After a month away from our study in Mark, we're returning to the middle of chapter 12, where Jesus faces a series of challenges from religious leaders in Jerusalem during his final week. After Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of Hosanna and cleansed the temple, a delegation from the Sanhedrin questioned his authority. Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap him with a question about taxes to Caesar, and Sadducees pose a hypothetical about marriage, hoping to prove there is no resurrection. This Sunday, we'll examine the final question from a scribe—a legal expert on God's law—regarding the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-37). This leads to a discussion that highlights how someone can be remarkably close to God's kingdom without actually entering it. The main point is that true entry into the kingdom requires more than intellectual agreement with God's truths or admiration for Jesus; it demands recognizing, trusting, and submitting to Jesus as Lord, the divine Son of God, who alone has kept God's commandments in our place and, in the new birth, enables us to love God and others. I. The Foundational Truth of God's Law (v. 28-31) II. The Full Agreement Of A Lost Sinner (v. 32-34) III. The Faith That Enters The Kingdom (v. 35-37)

John Baumgartner Another group faces off against Jesus with a tricky question. The Sadducees think they understand the Bible, but they only use it to win their arguments. They are proud of their knowledge while being ignorant of the scriptures. Jesus reveals their ignorance by beating them at their own game. He is the true King of Israel, and He is defeating His adversaries with the Word of God.

“Jesus replied, ‘The most important commandment is this: “Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these.’” (Mark 12:29–31 NLT) In this month’s devotions, we’re going to look at the Gospel of Mark. And we’re going to start with one of the key passages of the New Testament. According to Mark 12:28, “One of the teachers of religious law” asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” (NLT). He was testing Jesus. At that time, Jewish religious leaders recognized over 600 different laws. And they spent a lot of time ranking them according to importance. The questioner wanted Jesus to say something controversial so that Jesus’ enemies could use it against Him. Instead, Jesus gave him the wisdom of the ages. “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these” (Mark 12:29–31 NLT). With those words, Jesus highlighted the connection between loving God and living in a way that pleases Him. He established the template of the Christian life. If you really love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, then you will not want to break the other commandments. If you really love God as you ought to, then you will not take His name in vain, have other gods before Him, or make images that you bow down before. And if you really love your neighbor as yourself, you will not steal from him. You will not covet what belongs to him. And certainly, you will not kill him. So, if we master the basics of loving God and loving others as we ought to, then obeying other commandments will come naturally. In daily life, this looks like resisting temptation instead of choosing what feels good in the moment. In fact, it looks like making daily choices that keep you away from tempting situations. It looks like studying God’s Word purposefully to become acquainted with what pleases Him. It looks like keeping open a line of communication with Him—a daily prayer routine through which you receive guidance, direction, and encouragement. Augustine said, “Love, and do what you will.” It’s a provocative statement, but it makes sense. If you really love God as you ought to—with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength—then you will naturally do what He wants you to do. Reflection question: How do you know when you’re loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Mark 12:28-34 “Understanding God's Love”Series: Christmas from the Gospel of Matthew Preacher: Bill HarritSunday MorningDate: 28th December 2025Passage: Mark 12:28-34

Caleb Drahosh Some Pharisees again come to Jesus with the intent of trapping Him. They ask Jesus about paying taxes: is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar? Taking a Roman coin Jesus asks about the inscription on it: whose likeness is it? It's Caesar's. Jesus says to give Caesar that which bears Caesar's likeness and give to God that which bears God's likeness. We are created in God's image. God gives earthly governments and civil authorities real, but limited, authority. Our final allegiance is to the One who has placed His image on us.

Send us a textSupport the showStay engaged with new and up-to-date content, including newsletters, articles, podcasts, etc. Download the Teach Me the Bible App from any app store or Apple TV/Roku device.

Sermon by Davy Lee on December 21, 2025. 

mark 12

Sermon by Davy Lee on December 14, 2025. 

Send us a textFootball Friday NFL picks with Mark? (12/12/25)This is podcast Season #4, episode #141Get Help Dad Podcast with Bad jokes and tips and tricks to make your life  alittle bit better.Instagram: get.help.dad.podcastTiktok: @get.help.dad.podYoutube: Get Help Dad PodcastFYI: You are a great parent!!You can send in your own parenting advice, Dad topics, tell us where you are listening from or lawn care advice to gethelpdad@gmail.com.  We are excited to hear from you.  Please let us know your Name, City/Country you are from.  The Eagles are SuperBowl Champions, Again!!!!

Send us a textSupport the show

THE WIDOW'S OFFERING Mark 12:41–44 Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus: Jesus sees value where the world sees insignificance. The God who notices a poor widow's two pennies is the same God who sees you and knows you. SERMON SUMMARY Jesus sits in the temple, watching people give their offerings. In a surprising move, He draws His disciples' attention—not to the wealthy, powerful, or impressive, but to a poor widow who drops in two tiny coins. Her gift, seemingly worthless, becomes one of the most famous moments of worship in all of Scripture. Coleton teaches that Jesus uses this woman as an object lesson to form His disciples—and us. The heart of the message is this: Jesus highlights this woman because He wants His followers to live with her kind of obedience, sacrifice, and trust. Coleton explores three reasons Jesus focuses our attention on this woman's life. 1. Be Obedient With the Seemingly Insignificant Stuff Mark 12:41–42 “Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.” Jesus watches people give. Many contribute large sums, but a poor widow drops in two lepta—the smallest coins in circulation. Mark Strauss writes: “Two lepta could almost purchase a handful of flour… less than one penny today.” In other words, her gift can't pay for anything. If we watched her give, most of us would be tempted to say, “Ma'am, please keep it. It won't help.” But she gives anyway. She does not give based on outcomes or impact—she gives out of obedience. This is the first lesson: Obedience is not about impact. It's about faithfulness. Christians often fall into disobedience because we think: What difference will forgiving them make? What difference will praying make? What difference will reading my Bible make? What difference does kindness make? But Coleton reminds us: Nearly everything God calls His people to do looks insignificant in the moment—but God loves to use small acts to unleash enormous outcomes. Examples from Scripture: Moses: “Raise your staff over the sea.” Joshua: “March around Jericho.” Samuel: “Anoint the youngest son, the shepherd boy.” And the results? A sea split, walls fell, and David became Israel's greatest king. Examples from Jesus' ministry: “Fill the jars with water.” “Bring me what bread you have.” “Go show yourself to the priest.” Again and again, God works through small acts of obedience. Coleton then shares the story of David Wilkerson, the small-town pastor who obeyed a tiny, strange prompting: stop watching TV at night and pray instead. That insignificant act eventually led him to New York City, to ministry among gang members, to founding Teen Challenge, and to beginning Times Square Church—now influencing 140 nations. What began with giving up TV changed lives worldwide. Coleton also shares from his own life: A simple prayer to surrender his life to Jesus Reading Scripture daily Going to counseling Turning the other cheek Fasting and praying None of these felt dramatic in the moment. All of them changed his life. Point: God delights to work through the small things. Jesus points to this woman because she obeys God even in the places that seem insignificant. 2. Be Obedient Even When It Costs You Mark 12:44 “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” The widow's obedience isn't just small—it's costly. She gives all she has. Literally, she “lays down her whole life.” James R. Edwards paraphrases the Greek: “She lay down her whole life.” This is the second reason Jesus points to her: Jesus wants followers who obey even when obedience costs them something. Coleton notes that Western Christians often prefer convenient obedience. But true discipleship requires sacrifice. C.S. Lewis wrote: “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give… The only safe rule is to give more than we can spare… If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small.” This doesn't apply only to money. It applies to: Forgiveness — which costs us comfort and pride Confession — which costs our image Serving the poor — which costs our time and resources Living within our means — which costs our wants Marriage and parenting — which cost our preferences and independence Coleton gives honest, vulnerable examples: In marriage, he could “win” arguments by being bigger and louder—but that would crush intimacy. As a father, he could refuse to sacrifice his time—but Teddy would pay the price. In friendships, refusing to risk or be selfless leads to loneliness. We want life on our terms but still want the fruits of obedience. But we cannot have both. Then Coleton shares a story about Teddy getting stuck in a playground structure—terrified and refusing help because doing it “Dad's way” felt worse than being stuck. That posture, he says, is all of us: We would rather stay stuck than trust Jesus when His way feels costly. Jesus points to the woman because her costly obedience leads to life. Jesus doesn't ask for sacrifice to harm us but to heal and free us. 3. Trust Him Even When It Doesn't Make Sense This widow doesn't just obey—she trusts God with her entire life. Jesus celebrates her because she trusts God beyond her understanding. Coleton illustrates this with one of the most powerful stories of trust ever recorded: Charles Blondin, the tightrope walker who crossed Niagara Falls. After crossing the falls multiple daring ways, Blondin decided to cross with another person on his back. His manager, Harry Colcord, was the one who climbed onto him. Before stepping onto the rope, Blondin told him: “Don't look down. Look up… You must be one with me. If I sway, sway with me. Do not attempt to do any balancing yourself. If you do, we will both go to our death.” Harry later said: “I learned more religion on that wire than in all my life.” Solomon says the same thing in Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Jesus calls us to trust Him because He wants to lead us into places we could never reach on our own. Coleton names the hard questions: Why trust Jesus when it doesn't make sense to surrender? Why trust when prayer feels pointless? Why forgive enemies? Why give sacrificially? Why wait on God? Why believe He can use suffering for good? Jesus is not dismissing the tension—He's saying: “Stop trying to balance yourself. Let Me carry you.” The widow shows us what that kind of trust looks like. FINAL CHALLENGE Jesus points to this woman because: She obeys God in the insignificant things. She obeys God even when it costs her. She trusts God even when it makes no sense. And Jesus wants the same kind of life in us—not to burden us, but to lead us into freedom, joy, and the abundant life He promises. He has already proven His love by giving everything for us. Therefore, we can entrust everything to Him. Discipleship Group Questions Where in your life does obedience feel insignificant or pointless? What might God be asking you to do anyway? What is one area where following Jesus currently costs you? How might obedience in that area lead to greater freedom? Which of Jesus' commands do you struggle to trust because it doesn't make sense to you? How have you seen God work through something small or seemingly insignificant in your life? What would it look like this week to “sway with God” instead of trying to balance your own life?

Sermon by Davy Lee on December 7, 2025. 

Send us a textFootball Friday picks with Mark!! (12/5/25)This is podcast Season #4, episode #138Get Help Dad Podcast with Bad jokes and tips and tricks to make your life  alittle bit better.Instagram: get.help.dad.podcastTiktok: @get.help.dad.podYoutube: Get Help Dad PodcastFYI: You are a great parent!!You can send in your own parenting advice, Dad topics, tell us where you are listening from or lawn care advice to gethelpdad@gmail.com.  We are excited to hear from you.  Please let us know your Name, City/Country you are from.  The Eagles are SuperBowl Champions, Again!!!!

Full grasp that love, when rightly understood and applied, is indispensable to genuine Christian living.

On Sunday, we will continue our study in Mark, focusing on chapter 12:18-27. We've already seen Jesus in the Temple courts, rebuking the chief priests and scribes by comparing them to wicked tenants in God's vineyard. We've observed Him skillfully outmaneuver the Pharisees and Herodians' trap regarding paying taxes to Caesar. Now, the scene shifts to another challenge from the religious elite—the Sadducees—who try to discredit Jesus and the idea of resurrection with a crafted riddle about marriage in the afterlife. Although there are several related questions we will attempt to work through, the Sadducees ultimately seek to demonstrate how foolish the idea of a resurrection is. (They did not believe in an afterlife and accepted only Genesis through Deuteronomy as God's Word.) As Jesus skillfully outmaneuvers these Sadducees, just as He did with other leaders trying to trap Him with His words, He teaches us about the glorious hope of our resurrection with Him. This hope isn't mere wishful thinking; it is based on Jesus' clever response to the Sadducees, which exposes their mistake in denying God's power and His Word. God's power to transform His people assures us that He defeats death, sin, and loss, giving us confident hope for eternity. Jesus then directs the Sadducees to Exodus (a part of Scripture they accepted) and shows (based on the tense of a verb!) that resurrection is real. He points to Exodus 3:6, where God says, "I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" in the present tense, even though they had died long ago. This demonstrates ongoing life and a covenant with God, because He is the God of the living, not the dead. Resurrection is built into God's Word, even in verb tenses, and reaches its pinnacle in Jesus' own resurrection as the ultimate proof, giving us comfort in grief and confidence that death does not end our story. The Theological Trap: Denying Resurrection (vv. 18-22) Jesus' Response: Ignorant of God's Power (vv. 24-25) Jesus' Response: Ignorant of God's Word (vv. 26-27)

Sermon by Davy Lee on November 30, 2025. 

Sharon Doran explores Mark chapter 12 (part 1), focusing on Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and the rich symbolism of the eastern gate. The episode traces connections from Mount Moriah and Abraham's near-sacrifice to Jesus as the promised Lamb of God. Sharon highlights Mary as the Eastern Gate and the House of Gold, explaining traditions about her Immaculate Conception, presentation in the temple, and role as the vessel through which God enters creation. The talk ties these biblical and patristic images to the Eucharist and the temple's imagery.

Mark 12 (NKJV)Andrew and Edwin learn hope and trust from a poor widow. They also recognize this chapter has been setting the stage for all the coming discussion about judgment on Jerusalem and the temple.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23545The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Mark 12 (NKJV)Andrew and Edwin talk about inspiration, the authorship of psalms, and an incredible prophecy about the Messiah from the pen of David.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23534The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

2023-03-13 - Our Greatest Command： Mark 12_28-44 [fxm02WQgTLo] by Salvador Flores III

2023-03-06 - What Belongs to God？： Mark 12_13-34 [z8Nt5kPBLSw] by Salvador Flores III

Mark 12 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin discuss what we can learn from a scribe who seemed to be asking Jesus an honest question and recognizing a wise answer.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23517The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

By Pastor Dan Nash

Mark 12 (NKJV)Andrew and Edwin talk through the Sadducees' resurrection scenario and highlight the Sadducees' failure to see God's power.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23505The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Mark 12 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin learn from the exchange over taxes the percentage we are supposed to give to God.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23494The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

JESUS IS BETTER Mark 12:35–40 Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus If corruption, hypocrisy, and abuse inside the church have ever made you question Jesus, let this sink in: Jesus condemned those things even more fiercely than you do. What you hate about religion is often the very reason you might love Jesus — because He exposes that darkness and stands against it. Sermon Summary In this message, Coleton walks deeply into one of Jesus' sharpest public confrontations with religious leaders. Drawing from Mark 12:35–40, he exposes three behaviors of the teachers of the law that still plague the church today — behaviors that cause people to lose trust, walk away, or become disgusted with religion altogether. But instead of letting these failings push us from Jesus, Coleton argues they should push us closer to Him, because Jesus Himself condemns these very abuses more clearly, more passionately, and more fiercely than we ever could. What follows is Coleton's three-point framework, each grounded in Scripture, history, and modern examples, ultimately leading us toward a posture of repentance, discernment, and deeper intimacy with Jesus. 1. Hypocritical Lifestyle — Appearing Righteous (vv. 38, 40) Scripture: “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect… and for a show make lengthy prayers.” — Mark 12:38, 40 Historical Note (Mark Strauss): “Teachers of the law wore long white linen robes… These garments imitated the robes worn by priests and so ‘signified' religious devotion.” Jesus' critique:   They projected holiness to gain admiration, honor, and spiritual credibility, but inside they were spiritually dead. Coleton highlights Jesus' words from Matthew where He calls them “whitewashed tombs” — clean and impressive on the outside, but hiding decay beneath. He describes Bryn Gilet's painting of the Pharisee and tax collector, showing a beautifully posed, self-righteous Pharisee whose “worship” is nothing more than polished emptiness. Modern Example: Coleton shares his disillusionment with a once-admired pastor whose hidden lifestyle contradicted everything he preached. The fallout devastated a church, wounded countless people, and embodied this exact hypocrisy Jesus condemned. Main Idea: Hypocrisy in spiritual leaders makes people question everything — the church, the message, even Jesus Himself.   But Jesus is not soft on hypocrisy. He hates it.   He exposes it, condemns it, and warns His followers to stay alert to it. 2. Using God to Get Better Treatment & Better Stuff (vv. 38–39) Scripture: “They like to… be greeted with respect… and have the most important seats… and the places of honor at banquets.” — Mark 12:38–39 Commentary (David Guzik): “They taught that teachers were to be respected almost as much as God… The greatest act someone could do was to give money to a teacher… Of course, it was the teachers themselves who taught this.” What's happening here? These leaders used Scripture as a tool to extract honor, wealth, and privilege for themselves. They weren't shepherds — they were spiritual opportunists. Modern Examples: Coleton highlights real stories we all see far too often: Pastors who demand honorific treatment.   Churches where members must publicly declare their tithes.   Preachers who use the pulpit to justify private jets or lavish lifestyles.   Leaders who shame people into financial giving.   He tells of a man who built a multi-million-dollar home for a pastor and said simply, “This is why I don't trust the church.”   He didn't know Scripture — he just knew something felt wrong. Main Idea: When spiritual authority becomes a platform for personal gain, the world sees right through it — and they should.   Jesus Himself calls out this manipulation long before modern critics ever did. 3. Using Power to Prey on the Weak (v. 40) Scripture: “They devour widows' houses…” — Mark 12:40 Commentary (David L. McKenna): “Scribes served as consultants in estate planning for widows… They convinced lonely and susceptible women that their money should be given to the scribe… There is no better way to assure the confidence of widows than by a show of spirituality….” What Jesus is condemning: Religious leaders using spiritual authority to exploit and financially drain vulnerable people — particularly widows. Modern Examples (summarized): Coleton cites a heartbreaking list: Southern Baptist Convention's report documenting 700 abusers in a decade and systemic cover-ups.   Prosperity preachers promising healing in exchange for “seed money.”   Stories of people dying from illness after being taught to give instead of seek treatment.   “Miracle cash cards,” “resurrection seeds,” “holy water,” and other manipulative schemes. Coleton notes how reading these cases was “brutal.”   Comments under these articles echoed the same cry: “This is why I want nothing to do with God or the church.” Main Idea: Spiritual abuse is real. It is evil. And Jesus does not tolerate it.   Jesus says those who do this will receive greater condemnation — a warning stronger than any critique we could offer. A Turning Point: Why These Failings Should Draw You Closer to Jesus Coleton makes a stunning and deeply pastoral turn: If church corruption disgusts you, you have more in common with Jesus than you think.   Jesus agrees with you.   Jesus condemns what you condemn — and even more strongly. He uses the opening verses of the text (Mark 12:35–37) to show that Jesus distance Himself from corrupt religious leaders by proving they don't truly understand Scripture nor the identity of the Messiah. “David himself calls him ‘Lord.' How then can he be his son?” — Mark 12:37 Jesus is saying:   “They don't know Me. So don't confuse them with Me.” Their failures do not represent Him. What This Means for Us — Applications 1. Fight the Temptation to Look Good on the Outside We all want to hide flaws, curate an image, and appear righteous.   But image-based faith is like Banksy's graffiti-cleaner artwork — adding paint on top of paint, looking busy but doing nothing real. 2. Watch Out — Guard Your Heart Church hurt is real, but Jesus warns:   “Watch out.”   Don't let the sins of others lead you to cynicism, bitterness, or disobedience.   Be discerning — not hardened. 3. Know Jesus So Well You Can Spot Counterfeits Coleton shares an Anne Graham Lotz story:   A Scotland Yard expert studied real money so intensely that counterfeits were obvious. Likewise:  Know the real Jesus deeply, so when someone distorts Him, you can see it — and not walk away from Him because of someone else's misrepresentation. Closing Gospel Picture — Jesus Is Not Like Them Coleton ends with three contrasts showing why Jesus is worth drawing near to: Jesus didn't just appear righteous; He was righteous — and took our place on a cross.   Jesus didn't use His position to gain luxury; He gave up heaven's throne to rescue us.   Jesus didn't abuse power; He submitted to humiliation so that we could experience God's blessing.   Jesus is nothing like the corrupt leaders who misuse His name.   So draw near to Him.

Caleb Drahosh Jesus tells a parable of a man who plants a vineyard and leased it to tenants to work. When he sent a servant to collect from his portion of what was produced, the tenants beat him and sent him away. The same thing happens a second time. And then the next servant they kill Finally, the owner sends his son; they kill him also. Jesus says that the owner will then come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. God mercifully delivers His Word to us. Will we receive it with increasing hostility or humility?

Sunday, we will return to Mark and the final week of Jesus' earthly life. Mark 12:13-17 continues the confrontations between Jesus and religious leaders. He entered Jerusalem amid cries of Hosanna and cleansed the temple of money changers. He also rebuked the scribes and elders with the parable of the wicked tenants. At this point, the leaders of Judaism want Him out of the way, but three times, Mark tells us they feared the crowds. In the next sections, groups of high-ranking religious leaders will try to trap Jesus with questions so the crowd will turn against Him, or perhaps He will say something that could offend Rome. Mark 12:13-17 presents a political question about taxes with no good answer. Yet, Jesus recognizes and reveals the hypocrisy of those asking questions and offers one of His most famous sayings, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's” (v. 17). In this simple statement, Jesus shows us how authority should be properly ordered. He does not mean that some things belong to Caesar and others belong to God, and that each should be kept separate. Jesus exposes their trap and hypocrisy by illustrating the hierarchy of authority. Caesar does have legitimate, God-ordained authority (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pt. 2:13-17), but Caesar's authority is also limited. There is only one Lord of all, not two, and just as Caesar's image appears on the coin that belongs to him, you are made in God's image, and therefore, all you are belongs to Him. Christians are to submit to earthly authorities God has ordained, but no authority except God commands our highest allegiance and total obedience. Sunday, we will explore this passage in detail and ask, "Since we bear God's image, what are we to render to Him?" I. Jesus Faces A Political Trap (v. 13-14) II. Jesus Exposes The Questioner's Hypocrisy (v. 15-16a) III. Jesus Explains Proper Authority (v. 16-17)

Jesus exposes the difference between religious showmanship and genuine devotion. In Mark 12:38–44, He warns against leaders who seek honor while exploiting the vulnerable, and He highlights a widow whose small offering reveals both her faith and the corruption of the system around her. This week, Pastor Korey challenges us to recognize false spirituality, protect the vulnerable, and remember that God sees the heart—not the performance.

The Greatest Command — Mark 12:28–34 Culture of Gospel One of the things we want as a church is to grow in our ability to share about Jesus with those who don't know Jesus. Use this summary statement to share with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus: “Jesus isn't inviting you into cold religion or a list of demands—He's inviting you into the kind of love that reshapes your life from the inside out. The God of the universe doesn't want your performance; He wants your heart. Sermon Summary Introduction Coleton opens by naming the central question every follower of Jesus must answer: What matters most to God?  Not: What matters most to Christians, churches, or religious culture… but what matters most to God Himself. Jesus answers that question directly in Mark 12. And Coleton's goal is simple: To show what God values most. To show why it matters. To show what this means for our church and for each person individually. 1. What Matters Most to God? Mark 12:29–30 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 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 most important thing to God is that you love Him.  Not that you serve Him. Not that you behave correctly. Not that you meet moral standards. Not that you avoid sin. Love is the highest command. What Most People Think Matters Most to God Coleton names the most common assumptions Christians carry: “God mostly wants me to get saved.” “God mostly wants me to stop sinning.” “God mostly wants me to pray more, read more, go to church more.” “God mostly wants me to serve the poor, give money, volunteer, or be more missional.” All important. But not most important. Jesus' Rebuke of Ephesus—Proof That Good Works ≠ Love Revelation 2:2–5 “I know your deeds… Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first… Repent.” This church was doctrinally strong. Morally clean. Active in service. Enduring hardship. Doing everything “right.”  And Jesus still says: You do not love Me anymore.  And failing to love Him is so serious that Jesus warns: “If you do not repent, I will remove your lampstand.” God cares more about your affection for Him than the actions you perform in His name. Key Point Doing things for God is not the same as loving God. 2. Why This Matters: Love for God Shapes Who You Become One of the main reasons this is the greatest command is because love is what transforms you. God wants His people to be: Compassionate Generous Sacrificial Humble Pure Joyful Loving toward neighbor and enemy But these things don't come from effort or trying harder. They grow naturally out of love. Illustration: Coleton and Rainey's Early Relationship When they were dating long-distance: He drove 8 hours overnight just to spend a few hours with her. He wrote letters daily. He spent money he didn't have to buy her meals and gifts. He thought about her constantly. Why?  Not because she handed him a list of rules.  Because he loved her. Love makes sacrifice a joy.  Love makes devotion natural.  Love makes obedience a delight. This Is What God Wants With You When you love Him… Spending time with Him becomes natural. Sacrificing for Him becomes joy. Worship becomes expression, not obligation. Caring for the poor flows from His heart in yours. Sin loses its power because your love is captured elsewhere. Spurgeon Quote (used by Coleton) “Jesus loved you when you lived carelessly… when you were hiding your every sin… even when you were at hell's gate… Think of His great love towards you… and your love will grow.” Why Other Commands Aren't “Most Important” Because all of them grow out of the soil of love for God.  Love is the tree—everything else is fruit. 3. What This Means for Our Church Coleton gives a strong pastoral warning:  Churches die not because culture changes or neighborhoods shift.  Churches die when they stop loving Jesus. Revelation 2 Revisited Jesus says to Ephesus: “If you do not repent, I will remove your lampstand.” Meaning: I will remove your church.  Not Satan. Not culture.  Jesus Himself. Why?  Because a church that doesn't love Jesus can't represent Jesus. A church that doesn't love Him… Won't love people the way He does. Won't reflect His character. Won't look like Him. Won't be shaped into His image. Won't show the world what God is like. Coleton's Burden He described visiting dying churches—churches with excuses: “The neighborhood changed.” “Young people don't want church.” “Culture is too secular.” No.  The lampstand was removed. He says: “I do not want us to be a church He removes.”  We cannot simply be a church that does many things for God.  We must be a church that loves God. 4. How Do We Grow in Love for God? Jesus tells Ephesus: “Do the things you did at first.” — Revelation 2:5 Coleton's Example: Relearning Love Three years into their relationship, he and Rainey “fell out of love.”  Counselor's advice: “Go do the things you did at first.” Jesus says the same:  Return to: The places you prayed. The songs that once moved you. The Scriptures that once awakened your heart. The memories of grace that once fueled your love. The habits you had when your heart was alive. What Were You Doing When You First Loved Him? Coleton gave examples: Marveling that He forgave you. Tears during worship songs. Hours in Scripture. Memorizing verses. Sharing the gospel with everyone. Private prayer retreats. Celebrating your spiritual birthday. Teaching or serving with joy. Returning to the place where you first believed. Biblical Foundation 1 John 4:19 “We love because He first loved us.” Love grows by remembering His love toward you. Conclusion The most important thing to God is not that you serve Him, work for Him, or perform for Him.  He wants your heart. He wants your love. Ask Him: “Remind me of who I was when You saved me.” “Help me love You again the way I once did.” “Grow my love for You this year more than last year.” And as love grows, life follows. Discipleship Group Questions When you think about what God wants most from you, what is your instinctive answer—and how does Jesus' teaching challenge that? Can you identify a time in your life when your love for God felt stronger or more alive? What were you doing in that season? Which “good works” in your life are you tempted to mistake for love? How can you reorder them so they flow from affection instead of obligation? What first steps can you take this week to “do the things you did at first”? How would our church change if our primary goal became loving Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength?

Jesus asks a question that turns everyone's expectations upside down: Who is the Messiah really? In Mark 12:35–37, He shows that the Messiah is not just David's son—but David's Lord, the risen King who reigns with full authority now. This week, Pastor Korey reminds us that Jesus is not a political figure or a distant teacher, but the divine King who sits at the Father's right hand and calls for our worship and allegiance.

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Matthew23:37–24:31;Mark12:41–13:27;Luke21:1–27 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Matthew22:23–23:36;Mark12:18–40;Luke20:27–47 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

Series: The King's Authority

FROM TODAY'S RECAP: - Article: What is a Levirate Marriage? Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our own. SHOW NOTES: - Follow The Bible Recap: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube - Follow Tara-Leigh Cobble: Instagram - Read/listen on the Bible App or Dwell App - Learn more at our Start Page - Become a RECAPtain - Shop the TBR Store - Credits PARTNER MINISTRIES: D-Group International Israelux The God Shot TLC Writing & Speaking DISCLAIMER: The Bible Recap, Tara-Leigh Cobble, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.