Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Jesus and his disciples have joined the hundreds of thousands that have flocked to Jerusalem to celebrate the annual passover. Last week, we saw every major Jewish sect sent a delegation to trap Jesus with their questions. It did’t work. In fact, Jesus responded so clearly and definitively that “no one dared to ask him any more questions.” Today, in Mark 12:35-44, Jesus goes on the offense, no longer answering questions but asking them. Now, at first glance, the three scenes we are going to look at today seem completely unrelated but at a deeper level there is a powerful connection.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This week, in Mark 12:13-34, Jesus continues to face opposition from Jewish religious ruling authorities. In this section, Jesus is approached three times, each by a distinct group, with a question intended to trap him. These groups include the Pharisees and Herodians (v13-17),the Sadducees (v18-27), and a scribe (v28-34). This section shows us that we can have Jesus standing right in front of us and yet we still miss him. Do you see him?

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today, in Mark 11:27-12:12, we discuss the authority of Jesus. The authority Jesus exercised in his actions and during his teaching simultaneously astonished many, while infuriating others. Where did he get the authority to say the things he said and to do the things he did? This is an incredibly relevant issue as all of life, whether we realize it or not, rests on authority. We all have someone or something we trust in as the final determiner of what is true and good. Who or what has ultimate authority in your life?