WILL THE REAL CHRISTIAN PLEASE STAND UP

WILL THE REAL CHRISTIAN PLEASE STAND UP?
Mark 12:35-44

Please turn in your Bible to Mark 12. In the Bible in front of you, it is page 879 or 897.
To Tell the Truth was an American television game show produced by Goodson-Todman Productions and has been aired since 1956. It is one of two game shows in the United States to have aired at least one version every decade for the past six decades. The other is The Price is Right, which is currently America’s longest running daily game show.

The basic premise of To Tell the Truth was this: a panel of 4 celebrities were trying to identify a contestant from a choice of three possibilities. One of the contestants normally held an unusual occupation or had done something noteworthy, and it is this person whom the panel had to attempt to identify. Two of the people would tell lies, while the real person had sworn “to tell the truth.” Then once all the questioning and guessing was completed, the host would say: Now, would the real (the name of the person) please stand up. And the true character would then stand and the truth would be revealed to all.

In the final days of Jesus’ public ministry and life before the cross, burial and resurrection, that battle over the truth of who Jesus was came to a head. The religious leaders, who were trying to destroy Jesus, picked up the intensity of their attacks, trying to say that they were really the true spiritual leaders. Jesus was stating clearly who He was, the frauds that the religious leaders were; and what was going to happen to Him as a result. He was also trying to prepare His disciples for what they were going to face in the years to come.

They would have to carry on without the visible presence of Jesus; although He promised to “be with them to the end of the age” and would leave the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide them. Our focus this morning, in Mark 12, are three brief passages, where Jesus explains the difference between someone who is a real Christian and someone who is just playing a game and trying to deceive.

Let me challenge you, this morning, to consider yourself one of 3 possible contestants, which are being questioned as to whether or not you are living as the true Christian. The standard is what Jesus said to those who were listening to Him a few days before His death, in the final episodes of His public teaching ministry.

Last week, we heard Jesus give the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and with all your strength. Today, we find out 3 specific areas in which that is tested.

John was getting ready to travel overseas, and several people warned him to be on the lookout for pickpockets when he got to a particularly busy city. If he went down to the crowded subway, a pickpocket could grab his wallet and get on the train, the doors would shut, and the pickpocket would be gone. So John determined to be very careful.

One evening after arriving in the city he was dressed casually in a sport coat, and he came to the crowded subway. Sure enough, just about the time the door opened and people were pouring on, a fellow bumped up against him and he thought, That was strange. So he reached into this pocket and his wallet was gone! So, he grabbed this guy’s coat just as the door began to close and began to pull.

Finally he got the coat all the way off the man, even thought the guy was struggling, and the door closed, leaving the guy staring in amazement as the train sped away. Proud of himself, Jeff thought: I was ready and I showed him. But, when he looked through the coat to find his wallet, it wasn’t there. Now, he was more upset. This guy somehow got my wallet into his pocket or hand and let me have his empty coat!

As Jeff got back to his hotel room, ready to report this man to the police, his heart sank. There on his hotel room desk, was his wallet – just where he had left it – oops! Perhaps, you have been the culprit or victim in a case where someone knew a fact: the wallet is gone; and then assumed something completely untrue – this man had stolen my wallet.

This is what Jesus was experiencing with the religious leaders of His day. In this first passage, they accepted a fact: The coming Messiah was from the line of David. However, their assumptions about that fact, and their refusal to accept other important facts, led to dangerous and spiritually destructive conclusions. In your notes, on your outline, point one:

1. The religious leaders accepted some of what the Bible said about Jesus; but failed to apply the whole truth to their lives.

Mark 12:35 – “And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, how can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?”

Jesus is back in the temple courts and he is teaching. Jesus points out that the scribes wrongly emphasized only one aspect of the relationship between the Messiah and the line of David. Jesus was not saying that this was not true; but that they were saying one thing at the exclusion of something equally important. The scribes taught that the coming Messiah (the Christ), was a descendant of David.

This belief had caused people to mistakenly think that Jesus could not be the promised Messiah:

John 7:40-42 – “When they heard these words, some of the people said, This really is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”

I guess they didn’t take into account that Jesus was, indeed, born in Bethlehem, as the Scriptures said; but they considered Him solely from Galilee. People saw what Jesus did and they heard what Jesus said, and they wondered: Could this be the Christ, the promised Messiah of the Old Testament? They knew the prophecy:

Isaiah 9:6,7 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.”

The people were looking for a Messiah, from the line of David, that would come, take over, and rule. They emphasized the line of David part; but failed to recognize the subjection of David to the Messiah. Jesus wanted to make sure they knew that it is also true that the coming Messiah was the Lord (master) of David and all His descendants. This was an important point to make. Jesus continued:

Mark 12:36 – “David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.”

Jesus quoted from Psalm 110, which the people would have known well. He quotes David himself, since it was the relationship between David and the Messiah which was at question. Jesus points out that David spoke this under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; so it carries the authority of God. Scholars Walvoord and Zuck walk us through this verse:

“Jesus said: The Lord (God the Father) said to my (David’s) Lord (the Messiah): Sit at My (the Father’s) right hand, the place of highest honor and authority, until (or ‘while’) I (the Father put Your (the Messiahs) enemies under Your (the Messiahs) feet, bringing about their subjugation (submission).”

The fact that Jesus was bringing out was this: that David called Him (the Messiah) Lord.

Mark 12:37 – “David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son? And the great throng heard him gladly.”

The question, a rhetorical one, is this: How can the Messiah be the descendant (son) of David (which is what they were emphasizing) when the Bible says that David said that the Messiah was his Lord, His master. The answer is obvious, which makes this question rhetorical.

The answer is this: He isn’t just the son of David. He isn’t just the Messiah. He is BOTH! That is what Jesus as getting at. You have got to accept Jesus for everything that He is. There is the implication, here, that the Messiah (Jesus) was both God (being David’s Lord) and man (being David’s Son).

The implication is also about Jesus Himself, who was claiming to be the Messiah. Yes, He was from the line of David and He would one day set up His Kingdom. But not yet; and not in the way the religious leaders were expecting. Plus, they did not accept that it was He, Jesus Christ, who was the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Consider what the main problem has been all along: the religious leaders were not willing to accept Jesus Christ for who He claimed to be: the Son of God, the promised Messiah. They knew a lot of the Old Testament prophecies, but they were not able or willing to make the real life connection between those prophecies and the reality of Jesus Christ, who was standing right in front of them. But, this type of religious pursuit did not stop 2,000 years ago. It continues today:

Woody Hochswender, in his book, The Buddha in Your Rearview Mirror, reasons that you may be a Buddhist and not even know it: “We all believe in the oneness of the world. We all believe there’s spiritual truth inside us, an indwelling kernel. We all seek the happiness of others as a gateway to our own, right?”

According to an article in USA TODAY, Woody believes the Buddhists of today need not master a strict discipline, renounce desire or retreat to the woods. No special clothes or postures are required. Yet, every day he participates in faithful, focused, rapid, rhythmic chants, while facing a scroll inscribed with Chinese symbols. He says that he concentrates on the benefits he seeks: “Try it, and you’ll see immediate benefits, produced by you, proof in your own life now. Buddhism doesn’t ask you to believe in God. Buddhism asks you to believe in yourself. No matter what your goal is in chanting, at the very least you will become a more disciplined person. All of us want to be more disciplined.” This type of Buddhism is practiced by 10,000,000 people in Japan and millions more worldwide.

There are many people, religious people today, that talk about faith in some God or higher power; but have not applied the teaching of the Bible about Jesus Christ to their life.

According to verse 37,the great throng heard him gladly. They loved hearing Jesus speak. There was great excitement at that Passover time. However, they were not necessarily understanding what He was saying. They liked hearing about the coming kingdom; but were not yet ready to fully accept Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Also, keep in mind that the verse divisions we have in our copies of the Scripture were not put there by the Holy Spirit or by the men who were guided by the Holy Spirit in their writings. The verse divisions, including making the last phrase here a part of verse 37, was first done by a man named Stephanus in the sixteenth century. According to commentator Barclay, he put them in while riding from his house to his printing factory. So, this commentator and others suggest the last phrase of verse 37 actually goes better with verse 38. If that is true, then what the crowd was really pleased to hear was the condemnation and confrontational style Jesus is now taking with the religious leaders. But before that, we ask the question:

Will the real Christian please stand up?
Christian #1 says that he believes in God and in His Son Jesus Christ. He believes that we are all God’s children because, as the Bible says: Jesus died for the sins of the world. A loving God would not send anyone to Hell.

Christian #2 says that believing in God is good; but he further believes that Jesus was God in the flesh, here to die for our sins. But, in order to receive the gift of eternal life, we need to believe on Him and live the right kind of life. Going to church, giving to the needy, taking care of the environment and being kind are ways to ensure, that when life is over, we will be with God.

Christian #3 admits that he is a sinner and does not deserve eternal life; even now. He has trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and sees good works as a demonstration of that relationship. He has fully accepted who Jesus Christ said he was, for his own personal life. He believes what the Bible says about his future; as well as the future judgment and reign of Christ. He lives each day, failing, but trusting in the saving grace of God.

Will the real Christian please stand up? And number 3 rises. It may have been easy for you to discern which the real Christian is from my description; but it is much more difficult in our world today, isn’t it? We hear athletes, actors, politicians, our neighbors, friends and family, talk about faith; but sometimes the faith they speak of is not the faith of the Bible – it is not saving faith.

SO WHAT?
Believe all the Bible says about Jesus, making Him your Savior and your leader.

Don’t deceive yourself like the spiritual leaders of Jesus’ day did. They knew the Bible, they had a huge list of rules which they thought would please God. But, they did not fully accept or apply to their lives the entire truth about who Jesus Christ was and who He needed to be for them. What can you do to keep learning more about Jesus Christ? Have you made Him your Savior yet, trusting in Him alone for salvation? Are you treating Him as your Lord, your master, allowing Him to have full control of every aspect of your life?

In the next few verses, Jesus deals with another aspect of true Christianity versus those who just look the part:

2. The religious leaders used religion for personal gain and would be judged for it.

Their worship was all about them. Jesus described them and gave this warning:

Mark 12:38 – “And in his teaching he said, Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces.”

The scribes were the teachers of the law. The long robes were long white linen garments with fringes worn by priests, law teachers and Levites. This set them apart and made them look religious. If I wore a robe or collar, you might think I was more holy or was spiritually special. They loved hearing people call them by their formal title: Rabbi (teacher), master, father. Jesus had said elsewhere, in his condemnation of the Pharisees:

Matthew 23:8-10 – “But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.”

Jesus is not saying that you cannot call your dad father or talk about someone as your teacher. He is telling the spiritual leaders that they are not to seek the titles that make them sound more important or spiritual than they are. And they are not to take any positions that really belong only to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I told our Discovering Grace class last week what I would like them to call me. Every new person to our church wonders how they should address me. I tell them that when I first came here to Grace, I gave all of you two options, in one of my first messages: I said you could call me the most high and holy reverend Whiting; or you could call me Greg. I prefer Greg. It is the name my parents gave me. Only my dad still calls me Gregory.

For me, it is a safety measure, a protection against the seed of pride growing in my heart. When I hear the name Greg, it reminds me that I am like everyone else. I am a regular person, who is on the same spiritual journey, with its victories and failures. When I hear the name Greg, it makes me think that the person calling me that understands that I need other people to see me as one of them: in need of being challenged, accountable, in need of support and encouragement, just like everyone else.

When I earned my doctorate in ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary, I had a choice to make: do I hang up my degree; and if so, where should I hang it? My parents bought me a nice frame; and there seems to be a tradition and a little pressure to hang up your degrees, at least doctorates, somewhere. I finally decided I would hang it up – in my office - in my bathroom. So, if you want to see it, feel free to sit on the toilet and take a look. Having it in the bathroom reminds me that if I am not being faithful to God and His Word, in leading this church; then having a degree isn’t worth anything – in fact, it should be flushed down the toilet if I am not humbly leading our church to glorify God. I don’t criticize people who put up their degrees for all to see. They are great accomplishments. But I know my own heart; and it reminds me of the truth.

I don’t share these stories with you to tell you that I am a humble person. I don’t see myself that way. I struggle with pride like everyone else. And it because of my constant struggle, that I must deal with issues of my name and degrees in these ways: to help remind myself of who I really am in Christ; and that all titles and glory go to him.

Now, some people choose to call me Pastor Whiting or Pastor Greg or other things of their choosing; and that is o.k. I know some people really struggle with calling me Greg. It doesn’t bother me; but at least you have a little better idea as to why I prefer my name without titles. Jesus explained that instead of titles, this was to be the focus of spiritual leaders:

Matthew 23:11,12 – “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Jesus, here in Mark 12, continues describing what the religious leaders were seeking:

Mark 12:39 – “and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts,”

The best seats in the synagogue were those up front, reserved for the dignitaries, in front of the ark that housed the scrolls of Scripture; and these seats would face the congregation. They sat on their thrones, if you will, and everyone could look at them.

At the feasts, the banquets, they would have the seats of honor, next to the host and would receive special treatment. Jesus keeps going:

Mark 12:40 – “who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

According to the First Century historian Josephus, the Pharisees had managed to convey to people that there was no higher duty and privilege than to support a rabbi in comfort, that, in fact such support would undoubtedly entitle him or her who gave it to a high place in the heavenly academy.”

These teachers of the law (Scriptures) did not receive pay, so they were the benefactors of hospitality from the Jewish people. The accusation from Jesus that they “devoured widows’ houses” was a verbal picture of how these teachers would take advantage of people’s generosity.

I remember hearing a report some years ago about how some older women, widows in particular, would watch religious programming and an impressive religious speaker would plead for money. Many people would then send in amazing amounts of money, sometimes money they could not afford, simply because the man with the rolex watch convinced her that she would be blessed if she sent him more; or God would take his life if people didn’t give 4 million more dollars in the next couple of days. It has happened; and it has had a negative impact on people’s lives. Even religious leaders can take advantage of people; and that is what these teachers of God’s law were doing.

Jesus also said they “made long prayers” for what He described as “pretense”. That is, they gave lengthy prayers in public so that people would be impressed by their spirituality and would trust in their spiritual leadership. They must be close to God if they pray that long, right?

But Jesus condemned their pretend spirituality and said: “they will receive the greater condemnation.” Perhaps you have read in the Bible this warning:

James 3:1 – “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”
Those who teach God’s Word have a greater responsibility for how they handle the Word of God. Because these teachers of the law were using it to wield their own power and greed, without the truth of a godly life, they would be judged for that. They were more concerned about their religious position than they were about the spiritual well being of the people.

Will the real Christian please stand up?
Christian #1 is dressed up every Sunday. He always looks good, stating that He dresses His best for God. He has a big Bible and he is not afraid to use it. He always, and I mean always wears his “I love Jesus” pin, wherever He goes. He sits in the front row of the church, attends every service available and always has a smile on his face.

Christian #2 dresses appropriately, but comfortably, and is sometimes criticized for being too casual in the house of the Lord. He sometimes gets his facts of Scripture mixed up and gets embarrassed when answering incorrectly in Sunday school. When asked to pray, he struggles with the right words, as he just pours out his heart to God; and is sometimes criticized here as well, for sounding too familiar with God in his prayers. He also gets some strange looks as he worships God freely with bodily expression. He talks often about his sin struggles and failures as He attempts to walk with God. That makes some people uncomfortable.

Christian #3 is looked up to by everyone at church. He holds several leadership positions in the church and community. He knows the right answers, and is often approached by people who have a biblical question. He is the most sought after teacher in church; and people absolutely love to hear him pray. He can go on for 10 minutes, remembering all the sick people of the church, listing several of the biblical names for God; and is able to quote Scripture with his eyes closed! He seems to live right all the time; and he is willing to talk about it.

Will the real Christian please stand up?
Christian #2 hesitates but then stands up. This doesn’t mean that a real Christian won’t dress up or know biblical things or be able to pray in public. But, the person Jesus would say is the real thing is the person who has the right heart attitude. He understands what a sinner he really is. He is not trying to play pretend Christianity. He is going to be real about his struggles and pursuit of God. In the end, he knows it is about the internal heart, not the external appearances.

This is a struggle for me. For most Christians I know, we are fighting our natural tendencies to look the part of the real Christian, but at times not being intimate with Christ or pursuing him in a real way. We want it in our hearts, but sometimes fall back into the “just say the right things and look the right way” religious, church mode. We also tend to look at other people with the same, critical view.

SO WHAT? Pursue God in a real, honest way, caring only what He sees in you.

Is there an area of your spiritual pursuit that has become all about the externals? Have you made the externals your focus in criticizing others? Is there something you need to do to get back to pursuing God in a real, intimate way? What is one thing you can do to get back on the right track?

There is one more area Jesus addressed that we will look at in Mark 12 this morning. Jesus uses a common issue of worship in the church to discuss what full commitment, loving God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength really means. Jesus knew that the issue of money and giving would touch a cord with all of them.

You may have seen this before…consider the attitude VIDEO: The Offering Plate

You see: this isn’t just about giving money. This is about the temptation to divide the resources of our life and give them to what makes us comfortable, what seems to be most pressing; what brings us the greatest pleasure. And then, basically, we leave God out of what He deserves – everything we have. Jesus observations about the giving box in the temple court makes this point.

Mark 12:41 – “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums.”

Those who were wealthy were putting in all kinds of coins: gold, silver, copper and bronze. In contrast to the large amounts the rich were putting in:

Mark 12:42 – “And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.”

These small copper coins didn’t even make up 3% of a day’s wages. Mark used the Roman term penny, to explain how little this amount was. If we stop there, based on a common spiritual measurement, we would say that those putting in the large amounts of money are the spiritual ones. They are giving huge amounts, which can then be used for the church’s ministry. This older woman hardly put in anything. Of course, these people over here are more honoring to God then, right?

Then, Jesus sets the record straight:

Mark 12;43 – “And he called his disciples to him and said to them, Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.”

Jesus revealed that God’s measuring stick is different than ours. He said: this poor woman has given more than all of these who have poured money into the offering plate. WHAT? Jesus: did you see what we saw? How can you say that? Jesus saw what the casual observer could not see.

Here was a woman in widow’s, poor, clothing; as opposed to the wealthy who looked it. She was probably ignored by everyone; whereas the spiritual leaders loved for people to notice them in public. She would not have even been invited or considered at parties; but the religious teachers were the VIPS and loved to have the seats of honor. But she received praise from Jesus and the religious leaders received judgment.

Mark 12:44 – “for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

3. The religious leaders gave for show while the woman gave everything, with great sacrifice.

The wealthy had given a little bit of what they had. She had given everything. Perhaps they gave 5% and she gave 100% of what she had at that time. For these guys, it was a show with the extra change they had. For her, it was a sacrifice: like giving of your food money, your vacation money, your mortgage money. This was sacrificial giving.

Remember, Jesus is not saying that those who have more money than others are automatically ungodly. Having money is not evil, but:

I Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root for all kinds of evil.”

Those who have a lot of money should give a lot; but it is not about show or just giving some to look good. It is remembering this truth:

Deuteronomy 8:18 – “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…”

In relation to the rest of the world, we are all wealthy. God has given us many blessings. And if we remember that He is the one who gave us everything we have, we should be able to give of our lives back to Him. Jesus Christ, Himself, was going to give the greatest example of total commitment, just a few days from then. He would voluntarily give up His own life and die a cruel death, so that others could be saved eternally.

The disciples were experiencing all of this; and they were going to have to make a decision. It wasn’t about money per se. It was about a full commitment to give of themselves to Jesus and the truth they were given the responsibility to spread. The fact is: they would fail – a lot; and so do we. But, the challenge still remains: to give of ourselves: completely, sacrificially to God for His glory.

Will the real Christian please stand up?
Christian #1 is often looked down upon by others in her social circle and even in her family. When she could be spending her money on the newest comforts or buying things they want, she gives sacrificially to God through the church and freely gives to others in need. She goes without a lot of the extras her money could provide. She also gives of her time and energies, more than her friends would like, to give to the church ministries. Compared to others, she doesn’t give much at all and would not be considered as one who contributes a lot in any area to the kingdom of God.

Christian #2 gives a lot of herself to good causes. If the church doors are open, she is there. She is early to Sunday school and church and would win the perfect church attendance award. She is constantly helping in activities and programs, many times leading them. She is very vocal about her faith. Everyone who knows her, including her family, would say that she is completely dedicated to God and the Church, even at the expense of her family and other responsibilities. She believes that if she gives more of her time, energies and money than the regular church goer, God will bless her with heaven and many eternal rewards. Plus, everyone thinks she is a great Christian, although she is not so sure she believes everything the Bible teaches.

Christian #3 is a church treasurer’s dream. She gives large amounts of money; although if truth be told, it is extra change for her; having inherited a fortune from her father. It is an easy way for her to feel good about her faith and important contributions. She even donated all the money needed to build a playground, only insisting that her name be engraved on every piece of playground equipment. She says that the large bills she drops into the offering plate for everyone to see is so that she can set a good example for everyone else in their giving. The church is afraid to ever lose her money – that is, of course, afraid to lose her faithfulness to God and to the church!
Will the real Christian please stand up?
Christian #1 rises. Why? Because according to Jesus, it is not about the amount of money, time or energy that you give; but the true commitment and sacrifice with which you give it. It is not about what other people know or think. But, between you and God, it is about what you have determined in your heart to give: joyfully, voluntarily, sacrificially.

SO WHAT?
Give all of who you are and what you have for the service and glory of God.

He may not ask you to do what He asked the rich young ruler to do: sell all you have and give it to the poor. But, He is asking you to be a good steward of the finances, time and talents God has given you. 100% of all you have comes from Him. He is asking for you to set aside some of your own plans and desires and give your life back to Him. He asks that you set out to live for Him and His approval each day. He asks you to take a sacrificial percentage of what you earn or are given and give it back to His service through your local church. He asks for a total commitment of your life, dedicated to glorifying Him.

Is there some area of your life, in which you would have to admit, you are holding back? I’m not asking if you are perfect. I am asking if you are fully committed to give God all you have, which He has given you? Is your life dedicated to Him? Is there one thing in your life that needs to be given back to Him? Are you willing to do it?

Will you stand to pray with me please?As we sang earlier, it should be our commitment to be a generation of people who seek God’s face with commitment and humility. Our prayer is that we would humbly pursue Him, giving Him our life commitment.