Day Five Mark 12:35-40
35 Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said,
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’
37 Since David himself called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with great delight.
38 Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. 39 And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. 40 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.” - Mark 12:35-40
Discover
1. What misconception do the teachers of religious law have concerning the Messiah (verses 35-37)?
2. How does Jesus use that misinterpretation to warn the crowd (verse 38-40)?
3. What does the fruit of these religious leaders’ lives show about their true character? What would be a modern-day example?
Respond
When Jesus warns the crowds about the teachers of religious law, He plainly points out their selfish desires for attention, position, and wealth. Jesus says that because these teachers are leading so many others astray, they will be more severely punished (see these similar words from James). What teachers do you follow? Hold them up to the standard Jesus lays out. Do they help you know the Scriptures properly, pointing you to the power of God in them? Is there anything in their life that shows an unhealthy desire for attention, position, or wealth? Ask God to give you discernment in the teachers you follow.
For Further Reading: David’s Prophecy of Christ
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.