Holy WeekSample

A lot happens on this day of Holy Week, but it can be simplified into the religious leaders of the day trying to trap Jesus and Jesus teaching on judgment. In chapter 12, the Pharisees challenge Jesus with questions four times in an attempt to arrest him. Yet Jesus responds to each question in an unexpected way. Jesus is different from the religious leaders who lack authenticity and humility. Though unassuming, Jesus’ power and knowledge transcend the knowledge and power of the leaders at that time. Jesus breaks down their traditions and legalistic beliefs. He paves a new path, making it clear what the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God looks like by exposing the hypocrisy and dishonoring tactics of the Pharisees and other religious leaders.

One person Jesus brings to the attention of his disciples is a poor widow. He points out how she gives more than the rich because “she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:44). This observation of her deep faith comes right after Jesus condemns the teachers of the law who like to “walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces” (v. 38). They want worldly honor and influence, and they “devour widows’ houses” to gain wealth and power (v. 40). Jesus declares they will be severely punished. God’s kingdom values people the world overlooks. Jesus’ lessons on this day show that God doesn’t care about how people perceive us; He cares about our heart.

When we follow Jesus, our life won’t always look the way we expect. Jesus upends vain and empty traditions and challenges legalistic ways. He doesn’t call us to pursue power and influence; He calls us to follow Him. He wants us to be faithful and discerning in a dark and distressing world, but he also reassures us that the dark days are not the end. In Mark 13:26-27, before He is even crucified, Jesus foretells of His second coming. Jesus is our hope!

As we follow Christ, we grow more like Him, someone who isn’t “swayed by others” but “teach[es] the way of God in accordance with the truth” (Mark 12:14). As we continue to examine Christ’s last days during Holy Week, let’s remember to commit to following His way. May we all build a life with Christ as our foundation. As Jesus, our cornerstone, says, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Mark 12:10).

1. Which parable stood out the most to you today? Why? What can you learn from it?
2. These are some of the last teachings of Jesus before His crucifixion. Does that affect how you view these chapters? Why or why not?
3. In chapter 13, Jesus talks a lot about end times, often telling us to “be on guard.” What do you think this means? How does this affect the way we are to live? Read Romans 13:11.

By the Way

Jesus references Exodus 3:6, which is God declaring who He is to Moses before giving him a mission. He refers to Himself first by a name that Moses knows well, declaring that He is the same God of his forefathers in faith, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Later in the chapter, God reveals a new name: “I AM WHO I AM” (v. 14). This essentially means “I am and always will be”. God expands on his first reminder of who He is known to be by revealing His omnipresence.