For or Against:

Context:

• Someone was casting demons out in Jesus name.

• This someone wasn’t following Jesus with the disciples.

• The disciples tried to stop the ‘outsider’.

Mark 9:39-41 “...But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward...”

Matthew 12:30 “...Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters...”

Why did Jesus not want the man stopped?

• Mighty works in Jesus name bring people closer to the truth of Jesus.

• Not working against Christ is working for Christ.

Taken together, what are these verses saying about a person’s standing with Christ?

• There is no middle ground. There is no gray area.

• Our actions are either for or against Christ.

• If we’re not against Him, we’re for Him.

• If we’re not with Him, we’re against Him.

• Our actions either put us in agreement or disagreement with His purposes.

• There is no neutral, secular ground.

How do these words of Jesus speak against denominational elitism and arrogance?

• Not following “our way” should not be confused with working against Christ.

How does the ‘...cup of water...’ relate to the premise of these verses?

• You don’t have to be an exorcist performing a mighty work to be FOR Jesus.

• The simplest supporting act, a cup of water to a Christian, identifies someone as FOR Jesus.

Skandalise:

Context:

• Now Jesus gets a bit more graphic in his For or Against teaching.

• “Cause to sin” refers to enticing or provoking a disciple to turn away from Jesus, resulting in serious spiritual damage.

Matthew 18:6 “...but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea...”

Mark 9:42 “...Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea...”

Luke 17:1-2 “...And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin...”

What are the consequences of damaging someone’s faith and responsiveness to Jesus?

Is being drowned in the sea a desirable consequence.

• It’s better than the consequence of mistreating those that the world would classify as inferior.

How can we be guilty of damaging someone’s faith and responsiveness to Jesus?

Matthew 18:7 “...Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!...”

Luke 17:1 “...And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!...”

What are the chances that you will be tempted to sin?

• Temptations are sure to come.

Why are temptations necessary?

• Without options to sin, there can be no obedience.

How can a person tempt another person to sin?

• Anything that is not For Christ, is against Him.

• Anything that is inconsistent with God’s intentions for a person is sin.

• Anything that distracts a person from devotion to God’s truth is sin.

What does God think of Advertisers? Porn producers? Drug dealers? Secular Humanists? Etc.?

• It’s bad enough to make a choice for yourself. It’s horrendous to lead another person into sin.

Greatest in the Kingdom:

Mark 9:33 “...And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?...”

Context: How would you respond if you...

• Watched Jesus transfigured on the mount?
• Watched Jesus cast a a demon out of an “epileptic” boy?
• Heard Jesus say he was going to be killed and raised from the dead?
• Watched a fish give Jesus His tax money?

How did the disciples respond to the sequence of events in Matthew 17?

• Matthew 18:1 “...At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?...”

•  Luke 9:46 “...An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest...”

• Selfish wondering about their position and status.

• This is far more typical than we care to admit.

Are we more concerned about ourselves than about kingdom purposes?

Matthew 18:3-5 “...and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me...”

Mark 9:35-37 “...And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me...”

Luke 9:48 “...and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great...”

What does it mean to become like children?

• It doesn’t mean to be selfish, self-centered, me first brats.

• The disciples were already showing some of this.

• It does mean accepting a position without power or rank, that relies upon the love and care of others.

What does it mean to receive a child?

• It doesn’t mean to lord it over people as if you’re superior.

• It does mean to welcome and care for others.

What is the benefit of receiving a child?

• To welcome and care for others is to receive Jesus.

• To receive Jesus is to receive the Father.

Why is it challenging to be a “...servant of all...”?

The Coming Passion:

Matthew 17:22-23 “...As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed...”

Mark 9:30-32 “...They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him...”

Luke 9:44-45 “...Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying...”

What did Jesus know?

• He knew He would be delivered into the hands of men.
• He knew He would be killed.
• He knew He would rise on the third day.

Why didn’t the disciples understand?

• It was concealed from them.

• They were afraid.

How does distress affect our ability to understand reality?

• When we want what we want we aren’t free to see clearly and accept reality.

• The words of Jesus are plain enough, but we are confused by our preferences.

What is the value of “...Let these words sink into your ears...”?

• The words of Jesus are the words of reality.

• Any words that contradict the words of Jesus are deception.

• The words of Jesus proclaim truth and prepare us to face reality.

• We can get beyond distress and fear when the truth sinks in.

• Some words aren’t for the present, but will be needed for future benefit.

Fishing for Taxes:

Context:

• Jesus was Transfigured on the Mount.
• Jesus delivered a boy from a demon.
• Jesus told of His upcoming death and resurrection.
• Now Jesus moves from the supernatural to the natural - paying taxes.
• Or does He?

Matthew 17:25-27 “...He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself...”

What was the two-drachma tax?

• It wasn’t a tax from the Roman government.
• It was a yearly temple tax, paid to the Jews.
• It was used to purchase animals for the daily sacrifice; wood, incense, etc.
• It was a voluntary offering.

Exodus 30:13 “...Each one who is numbered in the census shall give this: half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs), half a shekel as an offering to the LORD...”

• The temple tax was likely derived from the ½ shekel offering

Why did Jesus imply that the tax need not be paid?

• Kings do not tax their own sons.

• The two-drachma tax was for the temple-service.

• This service was for God.

• The Son of God wouldn’t be required to pay this tribute.

Why did Jesus say that they would pay the tax?

• To avoid offending the Jews.

• Did Jesus always go out of His way to avoid offending the Jews? [NO]

How did Jesus come up with the money for the offering?

• Supernaturally.

Would you like to have your taxes paid supernaturally?

Are you able to pay your taxes by the Grace of God?

How much did Jesus give for the ½ shekel offering?

• A whole shekel.

• Twice the expected amount.

Why?

• It was for “...for me and for yourself...”

• They may have been at Peter’s house, which exempted the other disciples.

• I would have liked it to be a demonstration of going the “second mile”, but this doesn’t appear to be the case.

Does Jesus help you meet your obligations?

Faith for the impossible:

Context:

• Jesus is coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration.

• There’s a crowd there, arguing with the scribes (Mark).

Mark 9:16 “...And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?...”

• A man kneels before Him and asks Him to heal his son.
• He was having what we would call epileptic seizures.
• The man explains how the disciples couldn’t heal him.

Matthew 17:17 “...And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me...”

Mark 9:19 “...And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me...”

What did Jesus think of the situation?

• He seemed a bit annoyed, but was simply exposing a major problem.
• He accused the generation of being faithless and twisted.

What is a twisted (perverse) generation?

• People who hold opinions turned or perverted from the truth.

• People who respond to life in an incorrect way.

How do you think Jesus would view our generation?

What happened when they brought the boy to Jesus?

• Mark 9:20 “...And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth...”

What additional information did Jesus obtain?

• Mark 9:21-22 “...And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us...”

• The destructive behavior had been going on since childhood.

• A concerned father was hoping Jesus could do something about it.

How did Jesus respond to the father’s request?

• Mark 9:23 “...And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes...”

Do you believe that Jesus can heal epileptics?

How did the father then respond to the comment of Jesus?

• I believe, help my unbelief.

What did Jesus do?

• Mark 9:25 “...And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again...”

• Matthew 17:18 “...And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly...”

• He rebuked the demon and it came out of the boy.

• The boy was healed instantly.

• The Mark account describes a terrible convulsion, and the boy appearing dead, before Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up.

Why couldn’t the disciples get the job done?

• Matthew 17:20 “...He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you...”

• Mark 9:29 “...And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer...”

• Focusing on one’s own power or ability won’t work.

• Connection with the Kingdom of Heaven is required.

• Believing the connection is possible is a prerequisite.

Why do people normally want to move mountains?

• For their personal gain or gratification.

Why did Jesus move this mountain?

• To liberate someone from captivity.

• For the benefit of another person.

• To bring the Father’s good will into reality on earth.

How do people try to remove this particular type of mountain?

• By the power of health care education.

• By medication.

How do the results differ from the results of Jesus?

• Life long drug use with side effects.

• Failure to liberate from captivity.

Are we a faithless and twisted generation?

• We have sincere people, who really care, who do the best they can.

• We are not bringing the power of heaven into our earthly struggles.

Without faith, we find many things are not possible.

The Kingdom on Earth:

Daniel 7:13-14 “...I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed...”

Matthew 16:28 “...Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom...”

Mark 9:1 “...And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power...”

Luke 9:27 “...But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God...”

What is being said here?

• The kingdom is coming.
• The kingdom will be seen.

Context:

• Peter got it - Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
• Peter missed it - rebuking Jesus for suggesting that He was heading to His death.
• Denying self is necessary to follow Jesus.
• Jesus declares that some standing with Him would not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.
• Six days later (8 in Luke), Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain.

How was Christ transfigured?

• Matt.17:2,3 - face shone like sun, clothes white as light. Moses and Elijah came and talked with Him.
• Mark 9:3,4 - clothes radiant, intensely white. Elijah and Moses talked with Him.
• Luke 9:29-31 - face altered, clothing dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and “spoke of His departure”.

Was the Kingdom revealed on earth? Was the plan in motion?

• Luke 9:34-35 “...As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!...”

• Matthew 17:7-9 “...But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead...”

• Mark 9:9-10 “...And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean...”

Why do some see and hear what others do not see or hear?

• Do some people walk more closely with Jesus than others?

Matthew 17:12 “...But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands...”

Mark 9:12-13 “...And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him...”

Why did the disciples ask about Elijah (Mark 9:11)

• Were they connecting what they had just seen with the teachings they had heard from Micah?

• Malachi 4:5-6 “..Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction...”

What did Jesus say about Elijah’s coming?

• “...Elijah has come...”

The disciples realized Jesus was talking about whom?

• Matthew 17:13 “...Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist...”

Hebrews 9:27-28 “...And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him...”

Did Elijah die?

•  2 Kings 2:11 “...And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven...”

Did John the Baptist die?

• Mark 6:27 “...And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison...”