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Sabbath Afternoon - Aug. 17, 2024
Scripture Reading for the Week:
Mark 10:1-52; Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Galatians 4:1-2; Romans 6:1-11; Isaiah 11:1-16.
Thought for Meditation:
The burden of His labor for them is expressed in His prayer to His Father, "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us;" "that the world may know that Thou has sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me." John 17:21, 23. His constant prayer for them was that they might be sanctified through the truth; and He prayed with assurance, knowing that an Almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached to all nations for a witness; He knew that truth armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the battle with evil, and that the bloodstained banner would one day wave triumphantly over His followers. {AA 20.2} The Acts of the Apostles, 1911
Memory Text:
“ ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’ ” (Mark 10:45).
This week's SS Lesson will consider the diverse instructions provided through the teachings of Jesus that was recorded by Mark. It includes the fundamental principles of witnessing where Christ has given us as our True Examplar.
Study Outline:
Sunday - Aug. 17, 2024
God's Plan for Marriage -Instruction on Marriage
Mark 10:1-12; Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 14:1-12; Deuteronomy 24:1-22; Genesis 1:1-31
Monday - Aug. 18, 2024
Jesus and Children - Instructions on Children
Mark 10:13-16; Galatians 4:1-2; Mark 9:1-50.
Tuesday - Aug. 19, 2024
The Best Investment - Instructions on Priorities
Wednesday - Aug. 20, 2024
Can You Drink My Cup? - Instructions on Leadership
Mark 10:32-45; Mark 14:36; Mark 15:33-47; Mark 1:1-45; Acts 12:2; Revelation 1:9; Mark 10:41; Mark 10:14.
Thursday - Aug. 21, 2024
What Do You Want Me to Do for You? - Instructions on His Mission
Mark 10:46-52; Isaiah 11:1-16; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:15; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Ezekiel 37:24; Micah 5:2-4; Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12; Mark 8:22-26.
Friday - Aug. 22. 2024
Insights and Further Study
From the Pen of Inspiration
Points to Ponder Upon
Sunday - August 17, 2024
God's Plan for Marriage -Instruction on Marriage
Mark 10:1-12; Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 14:1-12; Deuteronomy 24:1-22; Genesis 1:1-31
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mark 10:9)
Sacredness and Peace of the Family Relation
A delay was permitted, to test his faith in the power of God; but he failed to endure the trial. Thinking it impossible that a child should be given her in her old age, Sarah suggested, as a plan by which the divine purpose might be fulfilled, that one of her handmaidens should be taken by Abraham as a secondary wife. Polygamy had become so widespread that it had ceased to be regarded as a sin, but it was no less a violation of the law of God, and was fatal to the sacredness and peace of the family relation. Abraham's marriage with Hagar resulted in evil, not only to his own household, but to future generations. . . .{DG 27.1}
A Powerful Argument in Favor of the Reality of Christian Religion
A well-ordered Christian household is a powerful argument in favor of the reality of the Christian religion--an argument that the infidel cannot gainsay. All can see that there is an influence at work in the family that affects the children, and that the God of Abraham is with them. If the homes of professed Christians had a right religious mold, they would exert a mighty influence for good. They would indeed be the "light of the world." The God of heaven speaks to every faithful parent in the words addressed to Abraham: "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him." {PP 144.3}
Consider the Following
❖ The Pharisees asked Jesus whether it was legal for a husband to divorce (put away) his wife (Mark 10:2). They did it “to tempt him.” What was the trap?
❖ John had been beheaded for accusing Herod of divorcing his wife to marry his brother's wife (Mt. 14:3-4). They wanted, therefore, to bias Herod against Jesus.
❖ The text that supported the Pharisees' demand allowed the husband to divorce his wife for “some indecent thing.” But it also protected the woman, saying that this “defiled” her, and was an “abomination” to God (Deut. 24:1-4; Mark 10:5).
❖ Rabbi Hillel's followers went so far as to allow divorce for almost any reason. However, Jesus clarified that, from the beginning, God created man and woman to be united in an unbreakable bond that only adultery could break (Mark 10:6-12).
Monday - August 18, 2024
Jesus and Children - Instructions on Children
Mark 10:13-16; Galatians 4:1-2; Mark 9:1-50.
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14)
Hope and Joy even to those Who are Not Numbered Among the Abrahamic Descendants
The Spirit of God accompanied the words that were spoken, and hearts were touched. The apostle's appeal to Old Testament prophecies, and his declaration that these had been fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, carried conviction to many a soul longing for the advent of the promised Messiah. And the speaker's words of assurance that the "glad tidings" of salvation were for Jew and Gentile alike, brought hope and joy to those who had not been numbered among the children of Abraham according to the flesh. {AA 172.3}
The Children of God by Faith in Christ
Thus the Galatians were taught the fundamental truths concerning "God the Father" and "our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." "By the hearing of faith" they received the Spirit of God and became "the children of God by faith in Christ." Galatians 1:3, 4; 3:2, 26. {AA 208.1}
Have Earnest Desire to Become the Children of God
Unless you have an earnest desire to become children of God, you will not understand clearly how to help each other. To each other ever be tender and thoughtful, giving up your own wishes and purposes to make each other happy. Day by day you may make advancement in self-knowledge. Day by day you may learn better how to strengthen your weak points of character. The Lord Jesus will be your light, your strength, your crown of rejoicing, because you yield the will to His will. . . . {AH 95.3}
Cling to Jesus When Trials Come
Parents, gather the rays of divine light which are shining upon your pathway. Walk in the light as Christ is in the light. As you take up the work of saving your children and maintaining your position on the highway of holiness, the most provoking trials will come. But do not lose your hold. Cling to Jesus. He says, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Difficulties will arise. You will meet with obstacles. Look constantly to Jesus. When an emergency arises, ask, Lord, what shall I do now? {AH 207.3}
The harder the battle, the greater their [parents] need of help from their heavenly Father, and the more marked will be the victory gained. {AH 208.1}
Consider the Following
❖ The disciples thought that Jesus' time was too valuable to waste caring for children. But Jesus was outraged by the attitude of his disciples (Mark 10:13-14).
❖ Children are important to Jesus. «Jesus is attracting the children and commands us: “When Jesus told the disciples not to forbid the children to come to Him.” It is as if he were telling us: as if He would say, they will come if you do not hinder them» (EGW. DTG - Chapter56, Pg. 476).
❖ How does a child receive a gift when it is offered? (Mark 10:15).
❖ There is no question of whether the children deserve it, or if they have to pay for it. They simply extend their arms and take it with a big smile. Thus, we must accept the great gift of the kingdom of God.
Tuesday - Aug. 19, 2024
The Best Investment - Instructions on Priorities
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Mark 10:21)
Be Qualified for usefulness in this Life and for the Service of God
It is to fortify the youth against the temptations of the enemy that we have established schools where they may be qualified for usefulness in this life and for the service of God throughout eternity. Those who have an eye single to God's glory will earnestly desire to fit themselves for special service; for the love of Christ will have a controlling influence upon them. This love imparts more than finite energy, and qualifies human beings for divine achievement. {CT 495.1} Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 1913
The Constant Realization of the Preciousness of Christ's Atoning Sacrifice that Qualifies
It is the constant realization of the preciousness of Christ's atoning sacrifice in our behalf that qualifies us to point others to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. We must become exponents of the efficacy of the blood of Christ, by which our own sins have been forgiven. Only thus can we reach the higher class. . . . {LHU 293.2} Lift Him Up, 1988
Guided by the Lord and God Qualifies
Men are needed who are guided by the Lord, and whom God qualifies to give to the people a plain "Thus saith the Lord." Men are needed who pray to God for wisdom, and who under the guidance of God, can put new life into the old methods of labor, and can invent new plans and new methods of awakening the interest of church members and reaching the men and women of the world. . . . {MR311 33.3} Manuscript Releases - The Remnant Church: Its Organization, Authority, Unity, and Triumph, 1934
Consider the Following
❖ A rich young man ran to Jesus to ask for instructions on how to obtain eternal life (Mark 10:17).
❖ Jesus loved this young man who, sincerely, believed he was obeying all the commandments. However, He encouraged him to save the first one of all. He had made a god of his riches. He had to abandon that god, and completely follow Jesus (Mark 10:21).
❖ The important thing here is that the Kingdom of God occupies the highest place in the human heart,
above loyalty to any earthly kingdom. Therefore, Jesus emphasizes the lordship of God over our lives.
❖ Let's be clear about our priorities. If our priority is God, He will give us eternal life. “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27).
Wednesday - Aug. 20, 2024
Can You Drink My Cup? - Instructions on Leadership
Mark 10:32-45; Mark 14:36; Mark 15:33-47; Mark 1:1-45; Acts 12:2; Revelation 1:9; Mark 10:41; Mark 10:14.
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43)
The Voice of the True Shepherd
Those who do not follow in Christ's footsteps will find themselves following another leader. They have listened to strange voices until they cannot distinguish the voice of the True Shepherd. Little by little they ceased to heed the warnings, the reproofs, the instructions. Human wisdom came in, human imaginations were followed. Much reliance is placed upon human exertion and devices, and they imperceptibly go on until they are fully satisfied with their own wisdom, their own inventions, and are filled with their own doings. {TMK 212.2} That I May Know Him, 1964
The Invisible Leader, who was Enshrouded in the Pillar of Cloud
How few who claim to be Christians practice the lesson that Christ has given on this point! In principle this was not new teaching; for the Old Testament gave rules that should control the action of those who loved God. From the pillar of cloud, Christ had given instructions to his people, saying: "If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother; but thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. . . . For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." These words had been given to Moses to speak to the children of Israel. They were among the last words that he spoke to the Hebrew nation. Their invisible Leader, who was enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, gave these words of instruction to the people who had been chosen of God to be the light of the world. {ST, May 14, 1896 par. 3} The Sings of the Times
The Voice of Christ, the Leader of the Children of Israel
He must at God's command go out alone, and listen to the voice of Christ, the leader of the children of Israel. Jesus was on the earth to instruct and educate the chosen people of God. Abraham decided to obey the law of God, and the Lord knew that there would be no betrayal of sacred trust on his part, no yielding to any other guide than Him whom he felt under responsibility to obey. He recognized that he was accountable for the instruction of his household and his children, and commanded them after him to do justice and judgment. In teaching them the laws of God, he taught them that the Lord is our judge, our lawgiver and king, and that parents and children were to be ruled by Him; that on the part of parents there was to be no oppression, and on the part of children no unfilial disobedience. {FE 286.3} Fundamentals of Christian Education, 1923
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)
Consider the Following
❖ James and John wanted to make sure they would be close to their Lord when He reigned (Mark 10:35-
37).
❖ Is incredible! Jesus had just said that he would be betrayed, condemned, mocked, scourged, spit upon, and killed (Mark 10:32-34). Hadn't Zebedee's sons understood anything?
❖ At their request, Jesus reminded them of the cost of discipleship: they would have to suffer like their Lord (Mark 10:38-39).
❖ In the Kingdom of God, power must always be used to uplift and bless others. Service is the standard of the leader (Mark 10:42-44). He who wants to be great in the Kingdom must imitate his King (Mark 10:45).
Thursday - Aug. 21, 2024
What Do You Want Me to Do for You? - Instructions on His Mission
Mark 10:46-52; Isaiah 11:1-16; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:15; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Ezekiel 37:24; Micah 5:2-4; Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12; Mark 8:22-26.
“When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47)
Disappointment (Crowned King) through the Darkness of His Death on the Cross
Our disappointment was not so great as that of the disciples. When the Son of man rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, they expected Him to be crowned king. The people flocked from all the region about, and cried, "Hosanna to the Son of David." Matthew 21:9. And when the priests and elders besought Jesus to still the multitude, He declared that if they should hold their peace, even the stones would cry out, for prophecy must be fulfilled. Yet in a few days these very disciples saw their beloved Master, who they believed would reign on David's throne, stretched upon the cruel cross above the mocking, taunting Pharisees. Their high hopes were disappointed, and the darkness of death closed about them. Yet Christ was true to His promises. Sweet was the consolation He gave His people, rich the reward of the true and faithful. {CET 56.1} Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. WHite, 1922
O Lord, Son of David, Revealed His Divinity By His Mighty Miracles
The Pharisees had gathered close about Jesus as He answered the question of the scribe. Now turning He put a question to them: "What think ye of Christ? whose son is He?" This question was designed to test their belief concerning the Messiah,--to show whether they regarded Him simply as a man or as the Son of God. A chorus of voices answered, "The Son of David." This was the title which prophecy had given to the Messiah. When Jesus revealed His divinity by His mighty miracles, when He healed the sick and raised the dead, the people had inquired among themselves, "Is not this the Son of David?" The Syrophoenician woman, blind Bartimaeus, and many others had cried to Him for help, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David." Matthew 15:22. While riding into Jerusalem He had been hailed with the joyful shout, "Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." Matthew 21:9. And the little children in the temple had that day echoed the glad ascription. But many who called Jesus the Son of David did not recognize His divinity. They did not understand that the Son of David was also the Son of God. {DA 608.3}
In reply to the statement that Christ was the Son of David, Jesus said, "How then doth David in Spirit [the Spirit of Inspiration from God] call Him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? If David then call Him Lord, how is He his son? And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions." {DA 609.1} The Desire of Ages, 1898
The Seed of David According to Human Descent
Christ did not make-believe take human nature; He did verily take it. He did in reality possess human nature. "As the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same." He was the son of Mary; He was of the seed of David according to human descent. He is declared to be a man, even the Man Christ Jesus. "This man," writes Paul, "was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honor than the house." {LHU 74.4} Lift Him Up, 1988
Consider the Following
❖ Bartimaeus cries out and shouts to be heard above those who want to silence him (Mark 10:46-48).
❖ When they told him “Cheer up! On your feet! He is calling you” (Mark 10:49), he got up quickly. He left
behind everything he had – his cloak – with the assurance that Jesus would heal him (Mark 10:50). And Jesus never rejects those who come to Him.
❖ Once healed, he followed Jesus (Mark 10:52). However, he already believed in Jesus before he was healed. He saw in Him the Messiah, the King of Israel (Mark 10:47).
❖ Until then, Jesus had silenced all those who wanted to confess him as the Messiah, or expressed
their intention to make him King. But he did not act like that with Bartimaeus.
❖ From now on, Jesus allows himself to be openly declared Messiah. His time has come. His mission is
about to conclude.
Friday - Aug. 22. 2024
Insights and Further Study
As Christ's earthly ministry drew to a close, and He realized that He must soon leave His disciples to carry on the work without His personal supervision, He sought to encourage them and to prepare them for the future. He did not deceive them with false hopes. As an open book He read what was to be. He knew He was about to be separated from them, to leave them as sheep among wolves. He knew that they would suffer persecution, that they would be cast out of the synagogues, and would be thrown into prison. He knew that for witnessing to Him as the Messiah, some of them would suffer death. And something of this He told them. In speaking of their future, He was plain and definite, that in their coming trial they might remember His words and be strengthened to believe in Him as the Redeemer. {AA 21.1}
From the Pen of Inspiration
“What a wonderful reverence for human life Jesus expressed in His life mission! He stood not among the people as a king, demanding attention, reverence, service, but as one who wished to serve, to uplift humanity. He said He had not come to be ministered unto but to minister.... Wherever Christ saw a human being, He saw one who needed human sympathy.” EGW (Our High Calling, June 19)
“Those who believe in Christ and walk humbly with Him, ... who watch to see what they can do to help and bless and strengthen the souls of others, cooperate with the angels who minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Jesus gives them grace, and wisdom, and righteousness, making them a blessing to all with whom they are brought in contact. The more humble they are in their own estimation, the more blessings they receive from God, because receiving does not exalt them. They make a right use of their blessings, for they receive to impart.” EGW (This Day With God, December 13)
Points to Ponder Upon
What beautiful illustration does Christ gave that attracts the followers, even the children?
How did Jesus react to the trap the Pharisees ask with regards to the lawful divorce?
In what way could we save the marriages that is fallen apart by the challenges in the relationship of both parties, the husband and wife?
Why did the disciples misunderstand the role of children in the family? As the children were brought to Him.
How does the reaction of the rich young ruler portray the dealings of Christ in His vineyard related to the call in the last days? {COL 400}
See: Meat In Due Season - 1. The Eleventh-Hour Call (google.com)
When will the Christian be a "True Servant" to others? How? In what do believers manifest the right principles?
Based on the statement above, {AA 21.1}, what lessons do Christ teaches to His disciples before He left them?
https://3angelscry.org/pdf-ss-q3-l8-teaching-disciples-part-2/
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