Bible In A Year | Read: Mark 12
15 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, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”Mark 11:15-17
Overview of Chapter
Jesus tells a story of a man who leaves his vineyard to caretakers. The caretakers show no respect for the owner and even kill his son. This is another way Jesus points out Israel’s failure. The owner is God, and the caretakers are the religious leaders. Jesus is predicting that his death in a few days will make Israel worthy of destruction. The religious leaders then try to get Jesus in trouble by asking trick questions. They are designed to make him unpopular. Jesus doesn’t care about his popularity and responds to each with indisputable truth.
Jesus asks them what image is on the coin. Everything belongs to the image it’s made in, which implies we are God’s because we are made in His image. Jesus also makes an important observation about giving. It is not the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the sacrifice. A big sacrifice requires more faith that God will provide. A big gift from a wealthy person that does not impact the wealthy person’s life doesn’t take much faith. Even a small gift from a poor person takes faith.
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
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