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Sabbath Afternoon - Aug. 24, 2024
Scripture Reading for the Week:
Mark 11:1-33; 1 Kings 1:32-48; Zechariah 9:9-10; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11; Mark 12:1-34.
Thought for Meditation:
Character building is the most important work ever entrusted to human beings, and never before was its diligent study so important as now. Never was any previous generation called to meet issues so momentous; never before were young men and young women confronted by perils so great as confront them today. {CG 169.2} Child Guidance, 1954
Memory Text:
“ ‘And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses’ ” (Mark 11:25).
This week's SS Lesson will describe the events that occurred upon Christ's entrance to Jerusalem as fulfillment to the prophecy. It includes the principle that encompasses the public ministry of Jesus.
Study Outline:
First Day in Jerusalem
Sunday - Aug. 25, 2024
The Triumphant Entry
Mark 11:1-11; Zechariah 9:9-10; 1 Kings 1:32-48.
Second Day in Jerusalem
Monday - Aug. 26, 2024
A Cursed, Tree and a Cleansed Temple - Purification
Mark 11:12-26; Leviticus 19:9; Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 23:25; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11;
Third Day in Jerusalem
Tuesday - Aug. 27, 2024
Who Said You Could Do That? - The Authority of Jesus
Mark 11:27-33; Mark 12:1-12; Isaiah 5:1-30.
Wednesday - Aug. 28, 2024
Earthly Duties and Heavenly Outcomes - Malicious Questions
Mark 12:13-27; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Exodus 3:1-22,
Thursday - Aug. 29, 2024
The Greatest Commandment - A Sincere Question
Mark 12:28-34; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18.
Friday - Aug. 30, 2024
Insights and Further Study
From the Pen of Inspiration
Points to Ponder Upon
First Day in Jerusalem
Sunday - Aug. 25, 2024
The Triumphant Entry
Mark 11:1-11; Zechariah 9:9-10; 1 Kings 1:32-48.
“Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9)
Jesus the Son of David and the Son of God
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} The Desire of Ages, 1898
An Expectation to Take The Throne of David
They expected him to take the throne of David. Quietly returning to the temple, they heard the voices of men, women and children praising God. Upon entering, they stood transfixed before the strange scene being enacted before them. They saw the sick healed, the blind restored to sight, the deaf receive their hearing and the cripple leap for joy. The children were foremost in rejoicing. They repeated the hosannas that were shouted the day before, and waved palm-branches triumphantly before the Saviour. The temple echoed and re-echoed with acclamations of "Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord!" "Behold, thy King cometh unto thee. He is just and having salvation!" "Hosanna to the son of David!" {3SP 25.4} The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3, 1878
As Jesus in the temple solved the mysteries which priests and rulers had not discerned, so in the closing work of this earth, children who have been rightly educated will in their simplicity speak words which will be an astonishment to men who now talk of 'higher education.' As the children sang in the temple courts, 'Hosanna! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord,' so in these last days, children's voices will be raised to give the last message of warning to a perishing world. When heavenly intelligences see that men are no longer permitted to present the truth, the Spirit of God will come upon the children, and they will do a work in the proclamation of the truth which the older workers cannot do, because their way will be hedged up. {PH124 19.6} Pamphlets - What Shall We Teach?
When will this be Fulfilled as they expected? Not their Time! Then, to Whom?
Read: Micah 3:12; 4:1-2
But ancient Israel did not fulfill God's purpose. The Lord declared, "I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?" "Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself." "And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard. What could have been done more to My vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For . . . He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry." Jeremiah 2:21; Hosea 10:1; Isaiah 5:3-7. {PK 19.2}
"In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure." {PK 499.1}
Meat In Due Season - 6. The Establishment of the Kingdom of Glory (google.com)
Consider the Following
— Jesus knew that there was a colt in Bethphage that he could use. He knew how to answer its owners so his disciples could take it away (Mark 11:1-7). He knew that by imitating Solomon at his coronation, he was fulfilling Zechariah's messianic prophecy (1 Kings 1:33-34; Zech. 9:9).
— It is evident that Jesus planned his exaltation. He wanted the people to recognize him as their king (Mark 11:8-10). However, it did not precipitate events. Upon entering Jerusalem, he slipped through the crowd unnoticed, and silently entered the temple (Mark 11:11).
— The Roman soldiers did not have to intervene. There was no attempt at rebellion. The Jewish leaders, filled with fear, breathed a sigh of relief when Jesus quietly left the Temple to return to Bethany.
— But the spark was lit. Now Israel had to decide whether to accept Jesus or reject him.
Second Day in Jerusalem
Monday - Aug. 26, 2024
A Cursed, Tree and a Cleansed Temple - Purification
Mark 11:12-26; Leviticus 19:9; Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 23:25; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11;
Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it” (Mark 11:14)
“On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves” (Mark 11:1)
Curse of Sin, Purification by Fire
Through a repetition of sin, the impression made on the conscience by sin has no longer force enough to arrest the transgressor, diseased, depraved, and dying. The voice no longer echoes the voice of God, or gives expression to the music of a soul sanctified through the truth. The heart, in which God should be enthroned, is a place from which come forth all kinds of abominations. How has the fine gold become dim?--Man has lost the reflection of God's character. {BEcho, May 21, 1900 par. 3}
This calamity is well-nigh universal. There is no place upon earth where the track of the serpent is not seen and his venomous sting felt. The whole earth is defiled. The curse is increasing as transgression increases. The earth is preparing for purification by fire. {BEcho, May 21, 1900 par. 4}
Seriousness of Sanctuary Truth - Purification
While Christ is cleansing the sanctuary, the worshipers on earth should carefully review their life, and compare their character with the standard of righteousness.--Review and Herald, April 8, 1890. {Ev 224.1} Evangelism, 1946
Cleansing of the Sanctuary is Typical and Real Service
What is the cleansing of the sanctuary? That there was such a service in connection with the earthly sanctuary, is stated in the Old Testament Scriptures. But can there be anything in heaven to be cleansed? In Hebrews 9 the cleansing of both the earthly and the heavenly sanctuary is plainly taught. . . . {FLB 206.2}
The cleansing, both in the typical and in the real service, must be accomplished with blood: in the former, with the blood of animals; in the latter, with the blood of Christ. {FLB 206.3} The Faith I Live By, 1958
For Further studies please visit the links below:
Meat In Due Season - 25. Purification of the Church - Ezekiel 9 (google.com)
Meat In Due Season - 22. The Cleansing Fountain and the Mighty River (google.com)
Meat In Due Season - 18. The Judgment and the Seven Seals (google.com)
Consider the Following
— Mark presents us with his fourth “sandwich story”:
(1) Mark 11:12-14. Jesus curses the fig tree
(2) Mark 11:15-19. Jesus purifies the Temple
(3) Mark 11:20-26. Teachings from the dried fig tree
— In the central part of the sandwich, Mark shows us God's purpose for his people. The story surrounding it [the fig tree] shows us how Israel acted:
(1) The Temple [God's purpose]:
(a) He offered salvation for all (Mark 11:17a)
(b) But he was corrupt (Mark 11:17b)
(c) It was restored by Jesus (Mark 11:15-16)
(2) The fig tree [Israel's performance]:
(a) Its leaves attracted (Mark 11:13a)
(b) But it was not good for food (Mark 11:13b)
(c) It was rejected by Jesus (Mark 11:20)
— The plan of salvation is carried out through the Church. If the Church fails, God restores it. But those who corrupt the message of salvation and do not repent will be rejected.
Third Day in Jerusalem
Tuesday - Aug. 27, 2024
Who Said You Could Do That? - The Authority of Jesus
Mark 11:27-33; Mark 12:1-12; Isaiah 5:1-30.
“By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” (Mark 11:28)
Authority of the King of Heaven
Of the loyal and true who do not bow to the decrees of earthly rulers against the authority of the King of heaven the revelator says, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” {CTr 315.5} Christ Triumphant, 1999
Time no Longer...The Mighty Angel (Jesus Christ) has Supreme Power and Authority
And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, . . . that there should be time no longer. Revelation 10:5, 6. {CTr 344.1}
The mighty Angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part that He is acting in the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan. This position denotes His supreme power and authority over the whole earth. The controversy has waxed stronger and more determined from age to age, and will continue to do so to the concluding scenes when the masterly working of the powers of darkness shall reach their height. . . . {CTr 344.2} Christ Triumphant, 1999
Unmistakable Evidence of Christ's Power and Authority
The priests and elders had had unmistakable evidence of Christ's power. In His cleansing of the temple they had seen Heaven's authority flashing from His face. They could not resist the power by which He spoke. Again in His wonderful deeds of healing He had answered their question. He had given evidence of His authority which could not be controverted. But it was not evidence that was wanted. The priests and elders were anxious for Jesus to proclaim Himself the Messiah that they might misapply His words and stir up the people against Him. They wished to destroy His influence and to put Him to death. {COL 273.3}
Jesus knew that if they could not recognize God in Him or see in His works the evidence of His divine character, they would not believe His own testimony that He was the Christ. In His answer He evades the issue they hope to bring about and turns the condemnation upon themselves." I also will ask you one thing," He said, "which if ye tell Me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?" {COL 273.4} Christ's Object Lessons, 1900
Consider the Following
— No one dared to rebuke Jesus when he expelled the merchants from the Temple court. However, the next day they decided to publicly discredit him by asking him about his authority (Mark 11:27-28).
— But Jesus also knew how to ask (Mark 11:29-30). Now the ball was in his court. Whether they accepted or rejected John's authority, they were to do the same with Jesus (Mark 11:31-33).
— As the debate ended in a tie, Jesus went on to counterattack. Isaiah compared Israel to a vineyard from which God “expected judgment, and behold, vileness; righteousness, and here is a cry” (Isaiah 5:1-7). Jesus used
the same figure to portray the attitude of the leaders (Mark 12:1-11). They saw themselves reflected in the parable, but were not willing to rectify their behavior (Mark 12:12).
Wednesday - Aug. 28, 2024
Earthly Duties and Heavenly Outcomes - Malicious Questions
Mark 12:13-27; Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Exodus 3:1-22,
"But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked” (Mark 12:15a)
“But he, perceiving their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you tempting me?” (Mark 12:15a)
Pharisaical Pride, Hypocrisy, Jealousy and Malice Prevented Christ to Save Jerusalem
Christ came to save Jerusalem with her children; but Pharisaical pride, hypocrisy, jealousy, and malice had prevented Him from accomplishing His purpose. Jesus knew the terrible retribution which would be visited upon the doomed city. He saw Jerusalem encompassed with armies, the besieged inhabitants driven to starvation and death, mothers feeding upon the dead bodies of their own children, and both parents and children snatching the last morsel of food from one another, natural affection being destroyed by the gnawing pangs of hunger. He saw that the stubbornness of the Jews, as evinced in their rejection of His salvation, would also lead them to refuse submission to the invading armies. He beheld Calvary, on which He was to be lifted up, set with crosses as thickly as forest trees. He saw the wretched inhabitants suffering torture on the rack and by crucifixion, the beautiful palaces destroyed, the temple in ruins, and of its massive walls not one stone left upon another, while the city was plowed like a field. Well might the Saviour weep in agony in view of that fearful scene. {DA 577.2} The Desire of Ages, 1898
Living in the Closing Scenes of the World's History
As he followed down the prophecies he saw that the inhabitants of the earth were living in the closing scenes of this world's history; yet they knew it not. He looked at the churches, and saw that they were corrupt; they had taken their affections from Jesus and placed them on the world; they were seeking for worldly honor, instead of that honor which cometh from above; grasping for worldly riches, instead of laying up their treasure in heaven. He could see hypocrisy, darkness, and death everywhere. His spirit was stirred within him. God called him to leave his farm, as He called Elisha to leave his oxen and the field of his labor to follow Elijah. {SR 357.1} The Story of Redemption, 1947
Consider the Following
— In order to trap Jesus, the Pharisees and Herodians joined together. They were even willing to praise him, and make an apparent public recognition of his status as a teacher (Mark 12:13-14a).
— The question was clearly malicious (Mark 12:14b). Admitting that they had to pay tribute meant being condemned by the people. To admit that they should not pay taxes was to be condemned by Rome.
— But not only was he freed from all condemnation, but he clarified the true relationship between state and church: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's” (Mark 12:15-17).
— It was the turn of the Sadducees to make Jesus look ridiculous. They used a parable that they commonly used to ridicule the Pharisees (Mark 12:18-23). Jesus revealed the two errors they were making (Mark 12:24-27):
(1) “you are ignorant of the Scriptures.” Contrary to what his parable implied, the Bible teaches that our resurrected bodies will not be the same as the ones we now have [“they will be like the angels”]; and that life after the resurrection will not be a mere continuation of it [“neither shall they marry nor be given in marriage”].
(2) “you are ignorant…of the power of God.” God can give life to the dead. Therefore, before Him all who accept Him are alive [“God is not God of the dead, but God of the living”]
Thursday - Aug. 29, 2024
The Greatest Commandment - A Sincere Question
Mark 12:28-34; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18.
“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” (Mark 12:28)
A Living Example of What All Must Be was Given by Christ
Christ came to this world to give them a living example of what they all must be, and parents who claim to believe the truth for this time are to teach their children to love God and to obey His law. This is the greatest and most important work that fathers and mothers can do. . . . It is God's design that even the children and youth shall understand intelligently what God requires, that they may distinguish between righteousness and sin, between obedience and disobedience. {CG 80.3} Child Guidance, 1954
First and Most Important Work - Sons and Daughters Under Control of God's Holy Law
If parents would prepare their children to be useful in this life, and to enjoy the future life, they must educate them to fear God and keep his commandments. They should feel that it is their first and most important work to bring their sons and daughters under the control of God's holy law. It is not enough that they give instruction and counsel showing the right way. They should feel that it is a solemn duty to restrain their children from entering forbidden paths. {HS 286.2} Historical Sketches of the Foreign Mission of SDA, 1886
Consider the Following
Excited by the conversation, the scribe summarizes Jesus' response, and adds his own conclusion: “loving […] is more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices” (Mark 12:32-33).
— Jesus recognizes the man's sincerity, and invites him to take the step: you are close... you just need to accept me as your Savior (Mark 12:34a).
— If they kept asking him, in the end Jesus would manage to convert even the scribes and Pharisees. Just in case, they stopped instigating him (Mark 12:34b).
Friday - Aug. 30, 2024
Insights and Further Study
Christ's act in cursing the fig tree had astonished the disciples. It seemed to them unlike His ways and works. Often they had heard Him declare that He came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. They remembered His words, "The Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke 9:56. His wonderful works had been done to restore, never to destroy. The disciples had known Him only as the Restorer, the Healer. This act stood alone. What was its purpose? they questioned. {DA 582.2}
God "delighteth in mercy." "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked." Micah 7:18; Ezekiel 33:11. To Him the work of destruction and the denunciation of judgment is a "strange work." Isaiah 28:21. But it is in mercy and love that He lifts the veil from the future, and reveals to men the results of a course of sin. {DA 582.3}
The cursing of the fig tree was an acted parable. That barren tree, flaunting its pretentious foliage in the very face of Christ, was a symbol of the Jewish nation. The Saviour desired to make plain to His disciples the cause and the certainty of Israel's doom. For this purpose He invested the tree with moral qualities, and made it the expositor of divine truth. The Jews stood forth distinct from all other nations, professing allegiance to God. They had been specially favored by Him, and they laid claim to righteousness above every other people. But they were corrupted by the love of the world and the greed of gain. They boasted of their knowledge, but they were ignorant of the requirements of God, and were full of hypocrisy. Like the barren tree, they spread their pretentious branches aloft, luxuriant in appearance, and beautiful to the eye, but they yielded "nothing but leaves." The Jewish religion, with its magnificent temple, its sacred altars, its mitered priests and impressive ceremonies, was indeed fair in outward appearance, but humility, love, and benevolence were lacking. {DA 582.4}
From the Pen of Inspiration
“Scribes, priests, and rulers were all silenced. Baffled and disappointed, they stood with lowering brows, not daring to press further questions upon Christ. By their cowardice and indecision, they had in a great measure forfeited the respect of the people, who now stood by, amused to see these proud, self-righteous men defeated.
All these sayings and doings of Christ were important, and their influence was to be felt in an ever-increasing degree after His crucifixion and ascension. Many of those who had anxiously awaited the result of the questioning of Jesus were finally to become His disciples, first drawn toward Him by His words on that eventful day”. EGW (The Desire of Ages, pg. 594)
Points to Ponder Upon
How is Christ's closing ministry has been marred with oppositions?
Do the church leaders at that time succeeded against Jesus?
What significant prophesy had been fulfilled when Jesus had entered Jerusalem? Is it the final fulfillment or just a partial revelation?
Why did Jesus cursed the fig tree that have not bear fruit?
How did Christ reacted when the temple had been made a market, and what authority He is projected here?
What law is Christ presenting to the people when He was tested by the Pharisees and Sadducees?
Based on the statement above, {DA 582.4}, what lesson did Jesus leave with the Jewish nation regarding their condition as it was given in an act of cursing the barren fig tree?
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