Facing Conflict in your Inner Social Circles or Family Members because of your Beliefs

When facing conflict in your inner social circles or among family members because of your beliefs, how does the notion that Jesus has endured the same offer you comfort?

Finding comfort in the idea that Jesus faced similar conflicts due to His beliefs can be deeply reassuring for several reasons.

Shared Experience

Knowing that Jesus, a central figure in Christianity, faced misunderstanding, rejection, and even persecution from those closest to Him can create a sense of solidarity. This shared experience helps believers feel less isolated in their struggles.

Divine Endorsement

 Jesus' endurance of conflict validates the believer's experience. If Jesus, who is considered sinless and perfect, faced such trials, then encountering similar issues is not necessarily a reflection of personal failure or wrongdoing.

Strength and Resilience

Jesus' ability to remain steadfast in His beliefs despite opposition provides a powerful example of strength and resilience. Believers can draw inspiration from His perseverance and aim to emulate His patience and fortitude.

Purpose and Meaning

Reflecting on Jesus' experiences can help believers find purpose in their own trials. They might view their struggles as a way to grow spiritually, deepen their faith, or contribute to a greater good, much like Jesus’ suffering is seen as having a profound purpose in Christian theology.

Compassion and Forgiveness: Jesus’ responses to conflict were often marked by compassion and forgiveness. This can encourage believers to approach their own conflicts with love, seeking reconciliation rather than harboring resentment.

Hope and Encouragement

Ultimately, Jesus' triumph over His trials—culminating in His resurrection—offers hope that current conflicts can also be overcome. Believers can find encouragement in the promise of eventual peace and resolution, both in this life and in the hereafter.

Jesus' experiences offer a model for how to navigate conflict with grace and faith, providing both practical guidance and spiritual solace.

Sabbath School Lesson 4: Parables

 

The Book of Mark

Sabbath School Lesson 4

Parables

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

------------------------------

> Download the notes for Lesson 4 video here.

---------------------- 

> Download  Mark (3rd qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here

------------------------------

Why does the fear that you might have committed the “unpardonable sin” reveal that you have not committed it?

 The fear that one might have committed the "unpardonable sin" often reveals that they have not actually committed it. This fear itself is evidence of their concern for their spiritual state and their relationship with God, which is contrary to the nature of the unpardonable sin. Here’s why:

 Understanding the Unpardonable Sin

- Biblical Context: The concept of the unpardonable sin comes from passages like Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-29, and Luke 12:10, where Jesus speaks of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as an eternal sin that will not be forgiven.

- Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit: This sin is generally understood to be a willful, persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work and testimony about Jesus, attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan.

 Why Fear Indicates You Haven’t Committed It

Sensitivity to Sin:

   - Concern for Sin: The very fact that someone is concerned about having committed this sin indicates a sensitivity to sin and a desire to be right with God. This is a sign that the Holy Spirit is still working in their heart.

   - Conscience: Those who have committed the unpardonable sin are characterized by a hardened heart and a seared conscience, showing no remorse or concern for their actions.

Desire for Forgiveness:

   - Seeking Forgiveness: A person worried about committing the unpardonable sin is likely seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God, which is contrary to the attitude of outright rejection of the Holy Spirit.

   - Repentance: Genuine repentance and a desire to turn back to God are signs that the person has not committed a sin that places them beyond the reach of forgiveness.

Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit:

   - Conviction of Sin: The Holy Spirit convicts individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). Feeling convicted and concerned about sin is evidence that the Holy Spirit is still active in one's life.

   - Hardened Heart: Those who commit the unpardonable sin typically have a hardened heart that persistently rejects the Holy Spirit’s conviction and testimony.

 Conclusion

The fear of having committed the unpardonable sin indicates a tender conscience and a responsiveness to the Holy Spirit. This fear shows a concern for one's spiritual state and a desire for God’s forgiveness, which are clear indicators that one has not committed the unpardonable sin. The unpardonable sin involves a hardened heart and a complete, willful rejection of the Holy Spirit, which is not characteristic of someone who is worried about their standing with God.

What does Jesus being Lord of the Sabbath Mean?

 Mark 2:28

"Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath."

That verse is quoted by many Adventists to somehow show that Jesus kept the Sabbath and the Sabbath is still in effect.

But does that really mean that?

We go further and say something like, Jesus said He was Lord of the Sabbath and not Sunday, so we should go to church on Saturday.

When you actually read that carefully, it makes little sense. What you are saying is that Jesus is ONLY Lord of the Sabbath, and not any other day.

Other Christians may have a problem with that. Are you saying that Jesus is not Lord of the others? Then who is?

Let's stop using this as some tactic to argue the Sabbath, and use it for what it means.

We kow very well Jesus was not trying to convict anyone of the Sabbath. His audience was Jews. They already kept the Sabbath.

If Jesus was not making this statement to prove the Sabbath, then why are we?

Jesus was claiming the rights of the Sabbath giver. He was claiming to be the Creator, the very instigator of the Sabbath.

If anyone had authority to make rules for Sabbath keeping, it was Jesus. The pharisees had set their own rules and neglected the true meaning. Jesus was setting them straight.

How dare they throw rules at Him, when He alone was, "Lord of the Sabbath."

Are trying to be your own, "Lord of the Sabbath"? Do you make up rules that conflict with others anc cause problems? What standard are you using for your Sabbath rules? The Bible, or your own traditions?

We should stop using this title in a different way than Jesus did. Let's all take an inward look at how we are keeping the Sabbath so as not to conflict with the true,

LORD of the Sabbath.

The Unpardonable Sin

 

Mark 3:28–30 states:

 "Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” (NIV)

The unpardonable sin, according to these verses, is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. In the context of this passage, Jesus is responding to the accusations made by the Pharisees that He is casting out demons by the power of an evil spirit (specifically, Beelzebul, a name used for Satan). Essentially, they are attributing the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers Jesus to perform miracles and cast out demons, to Satan.

Meaning and Implications

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit:

   - Definition: Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit involves a deliberate and persistent rejection and attributing the works of the Holy Spirit to evil. It is not a single act of disbelief or doubt but an ongoing, hardened stance against the divine work and truth of the Holy Spirit.

   - Context: Jesus was performing miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Pharisees were willfully and knowingly denying this and attributing His power to Satan. This deliberate misattribution and rejection of the Spirit’s work is the essence of the unpardonable sin.

Eternal Consequence:

   - Unforgivable Nature: This sin is described as unforgivable because it represents a complete and utter rejection of the grace and work of God, cutting oneself off from the only means of salvation. If a person continually rejects the Holy Spirit's testimony about Jesus, they cannot be forgiven because they refuse the means by which forgiveness is given.

   - Heart Attitude: The unpardonable sin reflects a heart that is so hardened and opposed to God that it will not repent or seek forgiveness. This is not about occasional doubts or sins but a deep-seated and persistent opposition to the Holy Spirit's work.

Practical Understanding

For most believers, anxiety about having committed the unpardonable sin is a sign that they have not, because their concern indicates a softness of heart and openness to God's conviction and forgiveness. The unpardonable sin is characterized by a complete and hardened rejection of God’s work and grace, which leads to a state where forgiveness is no longer sought or desired.

How does Jesus counter the charge brought by the Pharisees over Breaking the Sabbath? (Mark 2:23-28)

 

In Mark 2:23–28, Jesus and his disciples are walking through grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples begin to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees see this and accuse them of doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath. Jesus counters this charge with several points:

David's Example

Jesus refers to the incident in the time of Abiathar the high priest when David, in need and hunger, ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for priests to eat. This shows that human need can take precedence over ritual law (Mark 2:25-26).

Purpose of the Sabbath

Jesus declares that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). This means that the Sabbath is meant to benefit people, not to impose unnecessary burdens on them.

Authority of the Son of Man

 Jesus concludes by asserting his authority over the Sabbath, saying, "So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:28). This emphasizes that He has the authority to interpret and apply Sabbath laws.

By using these points, Jesus highlights the importance of mercy, human need, and His own authority, challenging the Pharisees' strict and legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath laws.

Who are those who today might be looked upon as the tax collectors were in Jesus’ day? What Should We Do?

 

In Jesus' time, tax collectors were generally despised by the Jewish population because they were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers and often engaged in corrupt practices. They were viewed as sinners and social outcasts. In modern times, there are several groups of people who might be viewed with similar disdain or mistrust. These could include:

People in Certain Professions: For example, debt collectors, lawyers, or politicians might be viewed with suspicion or hostility due to the nature of their work or perceived ethical issues.

Individuals with Criminal Histories: People who have been incarcerated or who have criminal records often face significant social stigma and are marginalized.

Immigrants and Refugees: In some societies, immigrants and refugees might be viewed with suspicion or hostility, often due to xenophobia or economic fears.

People with Substance Abuse Issues: Those struggling with addiction often face harsh judgment and social ostracism.

Adjusting Our Thinking

To adjust our thinking regarding these modern "tax collectors," we can:

Practice Empathy: Try to understand the challenges and circumstances that people face. Empathy involves seeing the world from another person's perspective and recognizing their humanity.

Avoid Judgement: Refrain from making snap judgments based on a person's profession, background, or struggles. Everyone has a unique story and set of experiences that shape who they are.

Educate Ourselves: Learn about the systemic issues that contribute to the marginalization of certain groups. Understanding the broader context can reduce prejudice and foster compassion.

Offer Support: Actively support initiatives and policies that help integrate marginalized individuals into society. This might include supporting criminal justice reform, substance abuse treatment programs, or immigrant and refugee services.

Reflect on Personal Biases: Regularly reflect on and challenge our own biases. This self-awareness can help us become more accepting and compassionate individuals.

Embrace Inclusive Attitudes: Foster a community spirit that includes rather than excludes. Encouraging inclusivity can help break down barriers and reduce the stigma faced by marginalized groups.

Follow Examples of Compassion: Look to Jesus, who showed kindness and compassion to those society deemed outcasts. His example teaches us to extend grace and understanding to everyone, regardless of their social standing.

By adopting these approaches, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society that recognizes the dignity and worth of every individual.

What Can We Take from Mark 3 For Principles of Sabbath Keeping?

 

In Mark 3, Jesus performs a healing on the Sabbath, which leads to a confrontation with the Pharisees. Here are the relevant verses:

 Mark 3:1-6 (NIV)

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

1. Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.

2. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.

3. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

4. Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

5. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

6. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Principles of Sabbath Keeping from Mark 3

Doing Good is Paramount

Jesus emphasizes that doing good and saving life is lawful on the Sabbath. This principle suggests that acts of mercy, compassion, and helping others are not only permitted but are integral to the observance of the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is for Restoration

Jesus heals the man with the shriveled hand, showing that the Sabbath is a time for healing and restoration. This can be extended to physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal

Challenge Legalism

Jesus challenges the legalistic approach of the Pharisees, who prioritized strict adherence to rules over the well-being of individuals. The principle here is to avoid a rigid, rule-based approach to Sabbath keeping that neglects the underlying purpose of rest and restoration.

Focus on the Heart

Jesus is distressed at the stubborn hearts of the Pharisees. The principle here is that the attitude and intent behind Sabbath observance are crucial. It’s not just about following rules but about having a heart aligned with God’s purposes.

Modern Challenges in Keeping the Sabbath

Work Culture

In modern society, especially in Western cultures, there is a strong emphasis on productivity and work. The 24/7 work culture can make it difficult to set aside a full day for rest and worship.

Technology and Connectivity

The constant presence of technology and the expectation to be always reachable can make it hard to truly disconnect and rest.

Consumerism

Weekendss have become major shopping days in many parts of the world, making it challenging to avoid commercial activities and focus on rest and spiritual activities.

Diverse Work Schedules

Many people work non-traditional hours, including weekends, which can make it hard to find a common day of rest, especially for families with different schedules.

Applying the Principles Today

Prioritize Acts of Kindness

Find ways to do good on the Sabbath, such as volunteering, helping those in need, or spending quality time with loved ones.

Seek Restoration

Use the Sabbath for activities that restore you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This can include attending worship services, spending time in nature, engaging in hobbies, or simply resting.

Avoid Legalism

Focus on the spirit of the Sabbath rather than strict rules. Ensure that your observance of the Sabbath reflects your values and relationship with God.

Set Boundaries

Create boundaries with work and technology. This could mean turning off work emails, setting your phone to do not disturb, or intentionally planning restful and restorative activities.

By applying these principles, you can create a meaningful and restorative Sabbath observance that fits the realities of modern life.

The Disciples Gathering Grain on the Sabbath

 

It must be noted that Jesus Himself is not recorded as gathering grain. It was only His disciples.

Why were they even walking through a grain field on the Sabbath? We have a hint as to why this was the case. In Mark 3, the family of Jesus confronts Him. They question His mental state as not even stopping to eat in what seemed to be His nonstop ministry.

It could be that they were taking advantage of "fast food." Walking and gathering grain was a way to eat on the run. This was probably not the first instance of them eating while traveling, although no other mention is made of it.

The story of Jesus' disciples gathering grain on the Sabbath is found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew (12:1-8), Mark (2:23-28), and Luke (6:1-5). According to these accounts, the disciples were picking heads of grain and eating them because they were hungry.

This act raised controversy because it was the Sabbath, a day on which Jewish law prohibited work. The Pharisees, a group of Jewish religious leaders, questioned Jesus about why his disciples were doing what was considered unlawful on the Sabbath.

Jesus responded by referring to an incident involving David, a revered figure in Jewish history. When David and his companions were hungry, they ate the consecrated bread from the house of God, which was lawful only for priests to eat (1 Samuel 21:1-6). Jesus used this example to illustrate that human need can take precedence over ceremonial law. He also stated that "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath," emphasizing his authority to interpret the Sabbath law.

The disciples were gathering grain on the Sabbath because they were hungry, and Jesus used the situation to teach about the purpose of the Sabbath and His authority over it.