Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - SS-Q3-L7: Teaching Disciples Part 1-August10-16, 2024

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary

Sabbath Afternoon - Aug. 10, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Mark 8:22-38; Matthew 20:29-34; John 12:25; Mark 9:1-50; Luke 9:30-31; Malachi 4:5-6.

Thought for Meditation:
Under the training of Christ the disciples had been led to feel their need of the Spirit. Under the Spirit's teaching they received the final qualification, and went forth to their lifework. No longer were they ignorant and uncultured. No longer were they a collection of independent units or discordant, conflicting elements. No longer were their hopes set on worldly greatness. They were of "one accord," "of one heart and of one soul." Acts 2:46; 4:32. Christ filled their thoughts; the advancement of His kingdom was their aim. In mind and character they had become like their Master, and men "took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13. {AA 45.2} The Acts of the Apostles, 1911

Memory Text:

“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mark 8:34).

This week's SS Lesson will describe the instructions given by God through Mark as it is written. It also includes the significant teaching concerning the Kingdom of Glory (The Miniature of God's Kingdom) as depicted in prophetic passages and advanced studies.

Study Outline:

Teaching in Two Phases

Sunday - Aug. 11, 2024

Seeing Clearly - Basic Instruction - Mark 8:22-30

Mark 8:1-38; Mark 10:46-52; Mark 8:22-10:52; Matthew 20:29-34; John 9:1-41.

Monday - Aug. 12, 2024

The Cost of Discipleship - Full Knowledge - Mark 8:31-38

Mark 8:31-38; Mark 1:1; Mark 1:17; John 12:25.

Teaching About the Kingdom

Tuesday - Aug. 13, 2024

The Mountain and the Multitude - The Future and the Present, Mark 9:1-13

Mark 9:1-13; Luke 9:30-31; Malachi 4:5-6; Mark 9:14-29.

Wednesday - Aug. 14, 2024

Who is the Greatest? The Largest in the Kingdom - Mark 9:30-41

Mark 9:30-41; Mark 8:31; Mark 3:19; Mark 8:27,

Thursday - Aug. 15, 2024

The Healthy Man in Hell - How to Enter the Kingdom - Mark 9:42-50

Mark 9:42-50; Deuteronomy 14:1; 1 Kings 18:27-28.

Friday - Aug. 16. 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

Points to Ponder Upon

Teaching in Two Phases

Sunday - Aug. 11, 2024

Seeing Clearly - Basic Instruction - Mark 8:22-30

Mark 8:1-38; Mark 10:46-52; Mark 8:22-10:52; Matthew 20:29-34; John 9:1-41.

And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. (Mark 8:24)

Sow the Seed of Truth in Some Hearts

When you are laboring in a place where souls are just beginning to get the scales from their eyes, and to see men as trees walking, be very careful not to present the truth in such a way as to arouse prejudice, and to close the door of the heart to the truth. Agree with the people on every point where you can consistently do so. Let them see that you love their souls, and want to be in harmony with them so far as possible. If the love of Christ is revealed in all your efforts, you will be able to sow the seed of truth in some hearts; God will water the seed sown, and the truth will spring up and bear fruit to His glory. {Ev 140.3} Evangelism, 1946

In Need of the Heavenly Anointing

The moral sight of these men is diseased; they do not feel their need of the heavenly anointing that they may discern spiritual things. They think themselves too wise to err. Men who have not a daily experience in the things of God will not move wisely in dealing with sacred responsibilities; they will mistake light for error, and specious error they will pronounce light, mistaking phantoms for realities, and realities for phantoms, calling a world an atom, and an atom a world. They will fall into deceptions and delusions that Satan has prepared as concealed nets to entangle the feet of those who think they can walk in their human wisdom without the special grace of Christ. Jesus wants man to see not men as trees walking but all things clearly. There is only one remedy for the sinful soul, and unless it is received, men will accept one delusion after another until their senses are perverted.--Manuscript 16, 1890. {Ev 593.2}

Men as Trees Walking Needs the Divine Touch

"When we are united in the unity for which Christ prayed, this long controversy that has been kept up through satanic agency will end, and we shall not see men framing plans after the order of the world because they have not spiritual eyesight to discern spiritual things. They now see men as trees walking, and they need the divine touch, that they may see as God sees, and work as Christ worked. Then will Zion's watchmen unitedly sound the trumpet in clearer, louder notes; for they will see the sword coming, and realize the danger in which the people of God are placed. {LS 327.1} Life Sketches of EGWhite, 1915

Consider the Following

— In the first phase, man is able to see blurred. In the second phase, finally see clearly.

— This miracle serves as a parable of the way in which Jesus was going to instruct his disciples, preparing them to grasp as best as possible the reality of His saving mission.

— In the first phase, the disciples had come to the conclusion that Jesus was the Christ. To secure that truth in their minds, Jesus led them to declare it by asking them an indirect question and a direct question (Mark 8:27-29).

— But they were to remain silent regarding this statement, for they had not yet understood its full implications (Mark 8:30).

Monday - Aug. 12, 2024

The Cost of Discipleship - Full Knowledge - Mark 8:31-38

Mark 8:31-38; Mark 1:1; Mark 1:17; John 12:25.

“He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31)

Count the Cost of Discipleship - Take Up the Weapons of Warfare (Heavenly Host will Stand)

God has need of workers who, as they labor with him, will comprehend the sacredness of the work, and the conflicts they must meet in order to carry it forward successfully,--workers who will not grow despondent as they see the arduous task before them. The Lord does not try to conceal from his people the stern conflicts they will meet in these last days. Instead, he shows the plan of battle; he points out the hazardous work to be done; he lifts his voice in warning, bidding men count the cost of their discipleship: but he encourages all to take up the weapons of their warfare; for the heavenly host will stand with them in the defense of truth and righteousness. {YI, October 26, 1899 par. 1} The Youth's Instructor

Christ's Seal on His Words as His Defense

Christ placed His seal on the words that Peter spoke in His defense. Close beside the disciple, as a convincing witness, stood the man who had been so miraculously healed. The appearance of this man, a few hours before a helpless cripple, but now restored to soundness of health, added a weight of testimony to Peter's words. Priests and rulers were silent. They were unable to refute Peter's statement, but they were nonetheless determined to put a stop to the teaching of the disciples. {AA 65.2} The Acts of the Apostles, 1911

The True Disciple Diffuses an Influence for Life, Courage, Helpfulness, and True Healing

The indwelling of the Spirit will be shown by the outflowing of heavenly love. The divine fullness will flow through the consecrated human agent, to be given forth to others. {COL 419.4}

The Sun of Righteousness has "healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2. So from every true disciple is to be diffused an influence for life, courage, helpfulness, and true healing. {COL 419.5} Christ's Object Lessons, 1900

Consider the Following

— In the second phase of his teaching, Jesus' words were very clear: rejection, death and resurrection (Mark 8:31-32a). But something exploded in Peter's head (Mk. 8:32b; Mt. 16:22).

— Unknowingly, Peter was using the same tactic that Satan used in the wilderness (Mt. 4:8-9; Mark 8:33). The easy path led Jesus to an earthly kingdom; the difficult one, led him to achieve salvation on our behalf.

— And that was not all. His followers had to be willing to tread the same path: take up the cross, and live or die for the precious gift of salvation, helping others achieve it (Mark 8:34-38).

Teaching About the Kingdom

Tuesday - Aug. 13, 2024

The Mountain and the Multitude - The Future and the Present, Mark 9:1-13

Mark 9:1-13; Luke 9:30-31; Malachi 4:5-6; Mark 9:14-29.

“And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus” (Mark 9:4)

The Miniature of the Kingdom of Glory

Moses upon the mount of transfiguration was a witness to Christ's victory over sin and death. He represented those who shall come forth from the grave at the resurrection of the just. Elijah, who had been translated to heaven without seeing death, represented those who will be living upon the earth at Christ's second coming, and who will be "changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;" when "this mortal must put on immortality," and "this corruptible must put on incorruption." 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. Jesus was clothed with the light of heaven, as He will appear when He shall come "the second time without sin unto salvation." For He will come "in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Hebrews 9:28; Mark 8:38. The Saviour's promise to the disciples was now fulfilled. Upon the mount the future kingdom of glory was represented in miniature,--Christ the King, Moses a representative of the risen saints, and Elijah of the translated ones. {DA 421.4} The Desire of Ages, 1898

For further studies, please visit the links below:

Meat In Due Season - 5. Mighty Stone and the Great Image of Daniel 2 (google.com)

Meat In Due Season - 6. The Establishment of the Kingdom of Glory (google.com)

Present Truth Lessons 2020 - Lesson 11: Kingdom of Glory (google.com)

PDF: God Restores His Children into the Kingdom | 3 ANGELS' CRY (3angelscry.org)

PDF: God Restores His Children Into His Everlasting Kingdom | 3 ANGELS' CRY (3angelscry.org)

PDF: The Establishment of the Kingdom of Glory | 3 ANGELS' CRY (3angelscry.org)

Sphere of Christian Duty and Cross-Bearing

The life must be like Christ’s life,—between the mountain and the multitude. He who does nothing but pray will soon cease to pray, or his prayers will become a formal routine. When men take themselves out of social life, away from the sphere of Christian duty and cross-bearing; when they cease to work earnestly for the Master, who worked earnestly for them, they lose the subject matter of prayer, and have no incentive to devotion. Their prayers become personal and selfish. They cannot pray in regard to the wants of humanity or the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom, pleading for strength wherewith to work.—(Steps to Christ, 101.) {Pr 121.1} Prayer, 2002

A Crown of Glory in the Hand of the Lord

Well might the people apply to this city the words of the prophet, "a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." At the entrancing sight, the throng join with renewed fervor in their shouts of praise. Branches are stripped from the palm trees, and placed in the path of the Saviour, while hill and mountain give back the glad shouts of the joyous and triumphant multitude. Their eyes turn to Christ, to see how he is impressed by the scene; but lo, the Son of God is in tears. {YI, February 28, 1901 par. 1}

The glad company can not understand the cause of the Saviour's sorrow; they do not know that the iniquities of Jerusalem are bringing her final calamities upon her. A mysterious awe falls upon the procession, and calms in a degree its enthusiasm. {YI, February 28, 1901 par. 2} The Youth's Instructor

Consider the Following

— Peter, James and John were not fully aware that they were glimpsing on the mountain the Kingdom of glory, a miniature representation of the Second Coming of Jesus. What they were clear about was that they wanted to stay there (Mark 9:5-6). But at that moment they did not perceive the true meaning of the words that Moses and Elijah spoke to Jesus.

— So that the dead in Christ – represented by Moses – and the living faithful of the last generation – represented by Elijah – could enter glory, Jesus had to die in Jerusalem ( Luke 9:30-31).

— Upon descending from the mountain, the present state of the Kingdom became evident. The lack of faith endangered its very structure. The apostles lacked faith, and a desperate father had lost confidence (Mark 9:14-22).

— With faith everything is possible. But, if you lack faith, cry out like that father: “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

The Mount of Transfiguration

Moses upon the mount of transfiguration was a witness to Christ's victory over sin and death. He represented those who shall come forth from the grave at the resurrection of the just.

Elijah, who had been translated to heaven without seeing death, represented those who will be living upon the earth at Christ's second coming, and who will be "changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;" when "this mortal must put on immortality," and "this corruptible must put on incorruption." 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. Jesus was clothed with the light of heaven, as He will appear when He shall come "the second time without sin unto salvation." For He will come "in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Hebrews 9:28; Mark 8:38. The Saviour's promise to the disciples was now fulfilled. Upon the mount the future kingdom of glory was represented in miniature,--Christ the King, Moses a representative of the risen saints, and Elijah of the translated ones. {DA 421.4}

Wednesday - Aug. 14, 2024

Who is the Greatest? The Largest in the Kingdom - Mark 9:30-41

Mark 9:30-41; Mark 8:31; Mark 3:19; Mark 8:27,

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Mark 9:35)

Be Converted, As Little Children - an Entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven

If we would but learn the wonderful lessons which Jesus sought to teach His disciples from a little child, how many things that now seem insurmountable difficulties would wholly disappear! When the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? . . . Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." {AH 279.4} The Adventist Home, 1952

Strife Among Disciples - The Greatest in the Kingdom

There was "a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest." This contention, carried on in the presence of Christ, grieved and wounded Him. The disciples clung to their favorite idea that Christ would assert His power, and take His position on the throne of David. And in heart each still longed for the highest place in the kingdom. They had placed their own estimate upon themselves and upon one another, and, instead of regarding their brethren as more worthy, they had placed themselves first. The request of James and John to sit on the right and left of Christ's throne had excited the indignation of the others. That the two brothers should presume to ask for the highest position so stirred the ten that alienation threatened. They felt that they were misjudged, that their fidelity and talents were not appreciated. Judas was the most severe upon James and John. {DA 643.4} The Desire of Ages, 1898

To Be Guided as Children - Be Humble as Little Child

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." {Ev 340.2} Evangelism, 1946

Consider the Following

— Jesus begins his way down to Jerusalem from Caesarea, stopping at Capernaum . He takes advantage of this period to instruct and prepare his disciples (Mark 9:30-33).

— But they, far from understanding what Jesus wanted to teach them, disputed who would be the greatest when Jesus proclaimed himself king in Jerusalem (Mark 9:34).

— To try to explain to them who was the greatest in the kingdom, he gave them two teachings:

(1) First teaching (Mark 9:35-37): Taking a child, he staged greatness in the Kingdom: the first are the last; the greatest is the servant; The smallest and humbler must be treated as if he were Jesus himself.

(2) Second teaching (Mark 9:38-41): Everyone has their part to do, and no one should be rejected when doing God's work, no matter how small it may be.

Thursday - Aug. 15, 2024

The Healthy Man in Hell - How to Enter the Kingdom - Mark 9:42-50

Mark 9:42-50; Deuteronomy 14:1; 1 Kings 18:27-28.

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt” (Mark 9:49)

Reached the Highest Standard of Moral Obligation - Defended by His Word

I speak these words to all who love and fear God. People who stand prepared to do the works of righteousness will not be deceived by the allurements of the enemy. The angels of God are by their side restraining them if they will be restrained. Their actions will be guided by an exalted sense of right. They will be enabled to distinguish between right and wrong, between truth—exalted truth—and error. Those who enter the kingdom of heaven will be those who have reached the highest standard of moral obligation, those who have not sought to hide the truth or to deceive, those by whom God has been exalted and His Word defended, those by whom principle has not been misapplied to vindicate the wiles of Satan.—Letter 188, 1905. {CTr 198.5} Christ Triumphant, 1999

Give Glory to Him who Saves Us - Golden Gates will be Opened for US

We have a heaven to win, and Christ wants us to have it. He died that we might have it. Every soul who is saved in the kingdom of God will give the glory to Him, not to any human being. Christ will open for us the golden gates; He will invite us to enter. . . . {CTr 214.7}

And we must enter heaven here below or we shall never enter the heaven hereafter. Right here on this earth we must begin to live the life of Christ, and then it will be a heaven to you and it will be a heaven to those who associate with you. . . And at last you will see the King in His beauty; you will behold His matchless charms and, touching the golden harp, fill heaven with rich music and songs to the Lamb.—Manuscript 97, 1906. {CTr 214.8} Christ Triumphant, 1999

Open Sinners and they that Resisted the Conviction of the Spirit of God

Open sinners who loathed themselves had received baptism at the hands of John; but these teachers were hypocrites. Their own stubborn hearts were the obstacle to their receiving the truth. They resisted the conviction of the Spirit of God. They refused obedience to God's commandments. {COL 277.1}

Christ did not say to them, Ye cannot enter the kingdom of heaven; but He showed that the obstacle which prevented them from entering was of their own creating. The door was still open to these Jewish leaders; the invitation was still held out. Christ longed to see them convicted and converted. {COL 277.2} Christ Object Lessons, 1900

Consider the Following

— Tie a huge stone around your neck and throw yourself into the sea; cutting off a hand, a foot, or gouging out an eye. Strange ways to save yourself, right? (Mark 9:42-48).

— If we take these words literally – as many do with the phrase “the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44, 46, 48) –, we have to reach the following conclusions:

(1) The redeemed will live eternally with a mutilated body.

(2) The wicked will suffer eternally, but at least their body will be whole.

— The lesson from this exaggeration is obvious: sin is so terrible that you must flee from it immediately.

— Abandoning sin is hard and costs sacrifice, but the result is worth it and gives us peace (Mark 9:49-50).

Friday - Aug. 16. 2024

Insights and Further Study

We can never be saved in indolence and inactivity. There is no such thing as a truly converted person living a helpless, useless life. It is not possible for us to drift into heaven. No sluggard can enter there. If we do not strive to gain an entrance into the kingdom, if we do not seek earnestly to learn what constitutes its laws, we are not fitted for a part in it. Those who refuse to co-operate with God on earth would not co-operate with Him in heaven. It would not be safe to take them to heaven. {COL 280.2}

From the Pen of Inspiration

“Every true, self-sacrificing worker for God is willing to spend and be spent for the sake of others. Christ says, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John 12:25). By earnest, thoughtful efforts to help where help is needed, the true Christian shows his love for God and for his fellow beings. He may lose his life in service. But when Christ comes to gather His jewels to Himself, he will find it again." EGW (Selected Messages, Book 1, page 78)

Points to Ponder Upon

How did Mark portray the powerful teaching and miracles of Christ in his writings?
What's the significance of Christ's healing of the two different blind men, one in Mk. 8:1-38, and the other is in Mk. 10:1-52? Is there any difference with two healings?
What's the cost of discipleship as mentioned in the book of Mark? {See: Monday's Lesson}
How does Jesus predict that some standing with Him would not taste death before seeing the Kingdom of Glory? {See: Tuesday's Lesson}
When have you experience crying out for help {Mk. 9:22}, then immediately responded?
How has the contention existed among the disciples with regards to the idea of greatness in His Kingdom related in the last days?
Based on the statement above, {COL 280.2}, what significant truth is depicted here?

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