2. 25. Questions and Questioners Mark 12:13-37 p. 936

3. Questions for God  Simple or deep... Why is it that all worthwhile things are hard? Is there life out there in the universe? Why is there so much suffering?  Many come to Jesus with Questions...  Not for answers – but to “catch him in his words”

4. 1. Testing  “They” sent people to test Jesus (v 13) “They” = Sanherin (Jewish governing council). Made up of Pharisees, Sadducees, & Scribes [Teachers]  First – Pharisees (& Herodians) Question about hated Roman “Poll tax” Paid with a “Denarius” (one day’s wages for worker) No automatic conflict between government and God. Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s

5. 1. Testing...  Second – Sadducees (wealthy elite of Jerusalem) Resurrection not mentioned in Torah (first 5 books). There are two errors with their thinking:  Resurrection life is not the same as life on earth – no marriage  Deals with them on their own prioritizing of the scriptures  Goes back to Torah (Ex 3:6)  Shows resurrection is assumed  Could have quoted Isaiah 26: 19 or Psalm 49:15  They do not know the Scriptures or the Power of God  Scriptural ignorance is Spiritual starvation  God’s power is more than adequate for life’s challenges

6. 2. Talking  Question of deep practical & spiritual significance  What is the greatest commandment?  Love God and Love your neighbour Our love for God should be all-consuming More than a feeling – active and directive Second commandment cannot be separated (1 Jn 4:20). To love God is to love those made in his image (Gen 1:27)

7. 3. Thinking  Psalm 110 – of David v 1. “The Lord said to my Lord” Messiah is son of David – why would David call him Lord? Ancient culture: wrong for a father to call his son Lord. “Son of David” is incomplete (v 37) Messiah is more....

8. Questions & Motivations  These questioners trying to trap Jesus  Will we accept God’s answers?  What motivates our questions? Questions are not a problem Conditional willingness to accept the answers is.