TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” Mark 12:24
Read: Mark 12:18-27
Listen: Mark 12
TODAY’S MESSAGE
As the Pharisees and Herodians admit defeat in their effort to trap Jesus, another group steps forward. This time it’s the Sadducees, and their question is about the resurrection. But underlying their rather bizarre question about a woman and seven brothers is the fact that the Sadducees don’t even believe in a resurrection! In their effort to discredit Jesus, they ask a question about something they deny entirely.
Asking the question, they hope to raise expectations in the crowd that Jesus should be able to answer it. His inability to do so would then reveal him to be an incompetent teacher revealed as a false Messiah. But Jesus turns the tables, answering with a question. While they hope to expose his ignorance and incompetence, they are instead exposed as unqualified to be teachers themselves.
Jesus’s answer also reminds us of his faithfulness in the past, present and future. For Jesus-followers, the truth of the resurrection is a comforting reality. Gone will be the sorrow, grief and confusion at the loss of a loved one that marks our lives today. Days of discouragement and weariness will be replaced by a day where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In every way, Jesus is the “God of the living.”
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Spend extra time in prayer by reminding yourself of God’s faithfulness both for today and the future. Then, join the Ada Worship Team as they sing, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Thank God that he provides “Pardon for sin and peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!”
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse!
GALATIANS 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
