Jesus condemned the religious leaders for having the attitude of lords rather than that of servants. He spoke of the religious teachers as a group, though there were exceptional individuals, of course (cf., e.g., Mark 12:34). Most Israelites of this time venerated the scribes with unbounded respect. [Note: See Lane, pp. 339-40, for some examples.] read more
Jesus’ condemnation of hypocrisy 12:38-40 (cf. Matthew 23:1-39; Luke 20:45-47)Mark condensed Jesus’ comments that Matthew recorded extensively to give the essence of Jesus’ criticism. These words signal Jesus’ final break with Israel’s official leaders. read more
3. Jesus’ condemnation of hypocrisy and commendation of reality 12:38-44Jesus proceeded to condemn His accusers who had condemned Him. They had condemned Him because He did not fit their ideas of Messiah. He had shown that the Old Testament presented a different Messiah than the one they wanted. Now He condemned them for failing to measure up to what the Old Testament required of them. This section concludes Mark’s account of Jesus’ public ministry and resumes Jesus’ teaching of His disciples. read more
Various Incidents and Discourses in the Temple1-12. The wicked husbandmen (Matthew 21:33; Luke 20:9). See on Mt.13-17. The tribute money (Matthew 22:15; Luke 20:20). See on Mt.18-27. The Sadducees and the Resurrection (Matthew 22:23; Luke 20:27). See on Mt. 26. In the bush] RV ’in the place’ (i.e. passage) ’concerning the bush.’28-34. The great commandment (Matthew 22:34). See on Mt.35-37. Is Christ the son of David (Matthew 22:41; Luke 20:41). See on Mt.38-40. Warning against the scribes (Luke... read more
(38-40) In his doctrine.—Better, in His teaching. See Notes on Matthew 23:1-7. St. Mark’s report is characteristically brief as compared with St. Matthew, and would seem to have been drawn from the same source as St. Luke’s (Luke 20:45-47). read more
Not Far From the Kingdom Mark 12:34 What became of this hopeful young lawyer I cannot tell. Whether he actually reached and entered the kingdom he was so near to, we are not informed. I. He was 'not far from the kingdom,' because he had begun to think seriously on religion. II. Because he had already begun to attach greater importance to the spirit than to the letter. III. Because he was sincerely desirous of acting up to the measure of light which he possessed. IV. Because he was amiable and... read more
CHAPTER 12:35-40 (Mark 12:35-40)DAVID’S LORD"And Jesus answered and said, as He taught in the temple, How say the scribes that the Christ is the Son of David? David himself said in the Holy Spirit,--The Lord said unto my Lord,Sit Thou on My right hand,Till I make Thine enemies the footstool of Thy feet.David himself calleth Him Lord; and whence is He his son? And the common people heard Him gladly. And in His teaching He said, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and to... read more
Chapter 12 1. The Parable of the Vineyard. (Mark 12:1-12 .Matthew 21:33-46; Matthew 21:33-46 ; Luke 20:9-19 ) 2. The Question concerning the Tribute Money. (Mark 12:13-17 . Matthew 22:15-22 ; Luke 20:20-26 ) 3. The Sadducees Questioning concerning Resurrection. (Mark 12:18-27 . Matthew 22:23-33 ; Luke 20:27-38 ) 4. The Question of the Scribe. (Mark 12:28-34 .Matthew 22:34-40; Matthew 22:34-40 ) 5. His Question. (Mark 12:35-37 . Matthew 22:41-46 ; Luke 20:41-44 ) 6. Beware of the... read more
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS The contents of chapter 12 are constituted of: · The Parable of the Householder (Mark 12:1-12 ); · The Question of Tribute (Mark 12:13-17 ); · The Question about the Resurrection (Mark 12:18-27 ); · The Question about the First Commandment (Mark 12:28-34 ); · The Question about the Son of David (Mark 12:35-40 ); and· The Incident of the Widow’s Mite. Chapter 13 is the discourse of Christ about His second coming delivered to the disciples on the Mount of Olives, in... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Mark 12:27-44
B. Jesus’ teaching in the temple 11:27-12:44This entire section contains Jesus’ teaching in the temple courtyard on Wednesday. The religious leaders first questioned Jesus’ authority (Mark 11:12 to Mark 12:12) and then His teaching (Mark 12:13-37). Finally Jesus condemned their hypocrisy and commended a widow’s action that demonstrated reality (Mark 12:38-44). Jesus functioned as a faithful servant of the Lord in the role of a prophet here. read more