Mark 13:1-2 Jesus Fortells the Temple's Destruction

1 Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!” 2 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

Devotional
It appears Jesus disciple’s exuberance at the Temples’ glory caused Him to lose sight of what is eternally glorious. For though the Temple with all of its magnificence which was forty-six years in the making at the time of Christ yet it was only destined to become ruins. Even though its hewn foundation stones, some estimated to weigh 500 tones a piece, were made to endure, it was not a foundation that was built on God. Sure the Temple was dedicated to God; but it was not built for God. If it was, the ruling Temple authorities would’ve instinctively received God’s Son. Instead the architects and ruling authorities of it only saw Jesus as a serious threat to their own positions within the religious and political hierarchy there. Jesus clearly reveals this in a parable of them. That though they perceived Jesus was who He said He was, yet for love of their places and standing within ancient Judaism, they plotted to destroy Him. Just as their fathers had done, down through the centuries, to all of God’s servants, He sent to them (See Mark 12:1-12).
And thus Jesus’ response to His disciple’s being captivated by the Temple’s massive hewn stones and buildings magnificence is to only give a solemn declaration of the end of it all, saying: “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Vs. 2

Now Jesus’ declaration in many ways is not just a declaration against the Temple structure itself but the whole of ancient Judaism and its worship and service of God that was centralized within it. For worship of God is never about buildings, programs and institutions, as Jews by that time had made it to be, it’s never about preserving these or their manmade and mandated traditions, ceremonial practices and system’s. Similarly it’s never about defining for people acceptable and unacceptable mediums for evangelism and or worship styles, practices and music (this is stated within the confines of the exhortation in 1 Cor. 14:33). It’s always about God and His Son connecting people, all people, regardless of their histories and backgrounds, in a personal and intimate relationship with Himself. Anything that hinders that, and or does not point people to that is destined to become ruins. As Jesus said in His great displeasure at what the Temple and worship of God had become within it when He refused to allow people to carry wares through it, saying: “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.” Mark 11:16 For when worship of God becomes about profiteering from the things of God or people of God or people seeking God. God takes great offense. For a house of prayer for all nations means God wants a relationship with all nations and all the peoples within them. Accepting them with all of their cultural diversities and languages God now unconditionally accepts all people because of Jesus Christ’s cross. How about you me, what are the barriers to people finding and feeling accepted and loved by God have we built up in our own hearts, lives and maybe even churches? The Temple was grand, no doubt, but because of its practices it was keeping people from God, not pointing them to Him. And when it did point people to God the image they got was a God of separation, not sanctity; woman over here, Jewish men over there, Gentiles out there. Religious leadership sit up front and separate from the throngs; and not amongst them as Jesus so often did.

And in this Jesus was unashamed and unafraid to be seen with known sinful men and women; He could care a less what it did to His own reputation (Matt. 9:9-13). Or to His ceremonial standing before the priests, if He touched a defiled or unclean person to heal them with God’s hand of compassion. That healed not just their bodies, but restored their sense of self-worth and dignity. For that is how faith often takes lasting root, grows strong and ultimately saves. So that is where we find Jesus. Not amongst the Temple priests, in their house performing their temporal service with them. Nor amongst the merchants and the “titans” of this world whose “religious” men seek to please them; who collectively turn God’s house and institutions into places where they can make profit for themselves, but amongst the people. For that is where you will always find God’s Minister, amongst and reaching out to the people in need (Matt. 21:14). Therefore though Jesus’ disciple marveled at the Temple’s magnificent structure; likely seeming to him to represent the pinnacle of God’s glory and permanence amongst Israel. Yet that Temple was going to become ruins. For when God’s glory in the Person of His Son came to it and its institutions, and those who upheld them saw Him, they had no desire for Jesus Christ’s Person, Presence and Rule within their Temple. And so with their rejection of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom’s rule and power not only within their Temple, but more importantly their own lives. Jesus leaves them and their Temple alone; and so God’s Glory, Presence and Power departs from them as well. For God’s glory will not reside where God’s Son is not welcomed, exalted and kept at the forefront of all things.
Since Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone of all that God has ever built and will ever build and is now building in accord with the new creation. In which the redemption and transformation of every believing sinner, by Holy Spirit regeneration, by belief in the truth, whether Jew or Gentile is step one in God’s recreation of all of creation from sin and its horrific effects on us all. Jesus Christ Himself then being the first born from the dead to usher in this new era, covenant and specifically Temple, as the Scripture describes both us as individual believers in the Lord, but also as a collective people united by God’s Spirit as being built upon the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone which God Himself has laid (See 1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:18-20; Eph. 2:19-22). And thus we as worshippers of God in spirit and truth must build on if we hope to have anything that will remain which will have eternal impacts here and now. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. Col. 1:16-18
For with Jesus Christ’s crucifixion death to to redeem us all from sin and death God has forever ended the enmity not only between Himself and humanity, because of sin, symbolized by the tearing of the Temple veil (See Matt. 27:50-51); but also the enmity between Jew and Gentiles. For by Jesus Christ’s crucifixion death God has ended the law of separation that kept us inherently apart (Col. 2:13-14) which the Temple made with human hands epitomized and strictly enforced. And thus with Christ’s resurrection, then ascension back to God the Father in heaven, and then the Holy Spirit’s outpouring as Jesus promised into every believing person’s life; whether Jew or Gentile. God begins personally fulfilling His eternal plans for us all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to be with Him forever, by His living in us. And thus we are His building built by God as a new holy and undefiled Temple and covenant people of God bound to Him through His Spirit because of Jesus’ broken body and shed blood for us all. That is where God’s Glory and Presence now resides, not in Cathedral’s, not in local church buildings, music halls, sports stadiums and or hockey arena’s during Christian services, rallies, concerts, crusades and any other Christian functions, but within every believing person’s heart, soul and mind. That is where God is to be experienced and found. For that is how God now manifests His Person, Presence and Power on the earth, through Believers lives and witness. Looking for God then is as simple as believing in His Son. All you need and will ever need is right there. “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Col. 2:9-10
And thus there are from God now no ceremonial rituals and laws to keep, no special days and fasts to observe to find God’s acceptance. Nor do you have to feign moral sinlessness in order to find God’s favor (Please read Luke 18). If you’re real about yourself and your need for Jesus Christ there is no sin that God has not already forgiven you through Jesus Christ’s cross. And thus repentance is largely just that, turning ones heart from their sin to God, who has already atoned for it, and whose Spirit affects our change, because of Christ's cross and our faith in Jesus. And thus rebirth takes place and regeneration begins in our lives all as a work of God which has a destiny that ends in heaven with God.

Again because of Jesus Christ's being crucified for us all there are no religious hoops to jump through. No fasts and special days to observe. No ceremonial rituals to perform or laws to keep. Jesus Christ has ushered in a new and holy way to God for us all. That is why the Book of Revelation closes out with this exhortation from both the Spirit and the bride, who is Christ’s church redeemed by His precious blood and saved by the grace and work of God alone, inviting everyone to come to Jesus and experience new and everlasting life. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22:17

Have you done that? Have you come to Jesus Christ and received Him as your Lord and Savior? For He is the only Person who can alleviate your loneliness and fill that emptiness inside, or take away that terrible guilt and shame burden that you have carried for so long and try to escape from through..., or heal your broken and wounded heart because of... Jesus invites us all, at anytime and anyplace in our lives, to come to Him and receive from Him new and everlasting life, all by faith in His Person. If you would like to do that why not pray this prayer, which is not a magical formula for salvation, it is just a way to invite Jesus Christ into your heart and life.

Dear Lord Jesus I know that I need You, I have sinned and I can’t make it without You, I believe You died for me and rose from the dead so that I could be forgiven and have new and everlasting life through You. I now invite You into my heart and life to be my Lord and Savior, amen.

If you have prayed this prayer or a prayer of your own inviting Jesus Christ into your heart and life I’d love to hear from you, just leave a comment and I’d be overjoyed to pray for you and or contact you if you like. And wherever you are currently at I’d just like to wish you a merry Christmas and God’s peace and blessings for the season and upcoming year. This will be the last devotional until after December 25 since I’m going to be celebrating the holidays, as I hope you are as well, and I’ve got a couple of dogs to take care of too. So I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and I hope that God’s grace and peace finds you and keeps you all. God bless. Tom

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 12:41-44 Jesus commends a widow's two mites

41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 “for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

Devotional
Within the Temple, in the women’s court, there was an area designated for the collecting of offerings, this is where Jesus is sitting opposite from while He observes how the people put their money into the treasury. Now the treasury itself was not just one collection box. But thirteen cylindrically shaped boxes, like rams horns or ancient trumpets, into which the people deposited their offerings, whether free-will or those commanded. Some of these offerings were for the Temple service, some for ministering to the poor, and some were the commanded tithes and such that were required of Israel under the Law of Moses, and some were simply free-will offerings. Now the fact that these were done publicly and by depositing, copper, silver or gold coins into these treasure boxes shaped like rams horns must have made an interesting sound (as others have noted) as the coinage was deposited. Maybe that is why they were shaped like rams horns, to encourage more giving? For people, as Jesus noted, often love to be seen or heard when doing their charitable deeds. Yet He commands us all that when we give, we give in secret, so that our Father who sees in secret, will reward us openly (See Matt. 6:1-4). Now the passage says that as Jesus sat opposite the treasury He saw how the people put their money into the treasury. Not how much they put in, though He would’ve known that. Rather Jesus first noticed how they deposited their money into the treasury boxes. For one could be rather unassuming and ordinary about this and deposit their offerings into one of the treasure boxes and then go their way, and likely no one would’ve given them a second glance. Or one could put a little more effort and display into their depositing, and by doing so alert all around them that yes they were making an offering. Indeed if one were rich, as the passage says Jesus observed along with the widow and her two mites, many who were rich putting in much. One could make quite a public display of themselves by repeating the process over and over again, rather than just depositing their coinage and moving on without any fanfare as the widow will do.

How about me and you then? Do we seek public recognition for our charitable giving? That’s often our natural tendencies. Wanting to be acknowledged before our piers and or the public in general for our charitable deeds. Yet that is what Jesus calls elsewhere hypocrisy, not Godly charity. For if we are only motivated by receiving accolades from others, for having given, or done a charitable deed, then we are not honoring God or blessing others with our giving. We are only blessing and honoring ourselves. For charity can become divorced of love for God and or concern for ones fellow person. It’s no surprise then that the corporate world has learned to use charity often to serve their own ends, whether to build up brand loyalty and recognition by increasing their exposure in the public forum through it, or to promote some product or service that they hope to sell or offer and thus eventually profit from. Philanthropy in the twenty first century has become big business. Therefore as Christians we are called in all ways to be charitable, but not to be motivated by our lesser natures, by which we somehow hope to receive glory for ourselves (Pr. 25:27) or profit from having given, as Jesus says: “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.” Luke 6:34

Now in contrast to the many rich who were entering the Temple and putting in much. The Scripture says that Jesus also observed one poor widow who came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. Now the mite was the smallest of all coins in terms of both value and size, being made of copper. And for us there is no modern equivalent so I won’t try to draw a parallel between our currency and their ancient currency. Suffice it to say that what widow put in was utterly insignificant in terms of its value and weight. And thus when the widow deposited her offering it would have scarcely made a sound, and if it did make a sound it would’ve been lost in the sound of all the other offerings being offered simultaneously at that time in the various treasury offering boxes. Neither would've her offering made a profound impact on the Temple and it's services. Just as it would've gone utterly unnoticed by those Levites who counted and were charged with safekeeing the treasury offerings. Yet it is this obscure poor widow who nobody noticed, that Jesus notices amidst all the rich and their giving their generous gifts to the Temple treasury. And having observed her giving and what she gave Jesus immediately calls His disciples to Himself and says to them: …“Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 “for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Vs. 43-44

Now to appreciate what Jesus said about that particular widow giving her whole livelihood, it must be understood that there were no pension checks for poor widows. Nor was there a developed welfare system for them. Nonetheless God’s Law commanded that widows, along with the poor, fatherless, strangers and Levites in the land be provided for from the third year tithes, and at yearly feasts. And since the Israelites were an agrarian people all the poor at harvest time were to be permitted to glean from the corners of fields, and glean leftover grapes from the vineyards and such (Lev. 19:10; Deut. 14:28-30; 16:9-12; 24:19-24 etc.). But there was no day to day distribution of food or anything else. That largely did not arrive until the Christian era when the early church took it upon themselves to make a relief ministry to widows a priority (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 5:3-16). Therefore if a widow in Israel was destitute she had few options except for maybe remarriage, or labor as a household servant if she could find work as such (Deut. 15:12-18), or hope someone would have compassion on her as God commands (Deut. 10:16-18; Deut. 15:7-11). But there was no guarantee of any of that.

Therefore what this widow did was an incredible act of self sacrificing faith, for she put in her whole livelihood. That is why Jesus thought her offering needed to be acknowledged to His disciples. For though the rich were putting much into the treasury; they were giving as Jesus said, from their abundance, and thus their giving though appearing like much, was in that regard, proportionately very little. Or least not something that anyone should make a fuss over, especially if they already were. Yet that is precisely what often occurs. When the rich give much there is usually deferential treatment extended to them. They are placed on a special donors list and given special communiqué’s only for those "generous" supporters of the ministry. While if a poor widow today wrote a check to a ministry which essentially amounted to her whole livelihood but was relatively small in comparison, do you think anyone at the ministry office would notice her? Or invite her to sit with the ministry leader at the next fundraising dinner function as an honor to her? Yet we are commanded as members of Christ’s Body to bestow greater honor on those who lack, since God composed the Body so that was to be the norm, not the exception (See 1 Cor. 12:18-27, vs. 23-26).

There is then something terribly wrong or "worldly" when ministry becomes focused on appealing to and or catering to its wealthy supporters, while neglecting or outright ignoring those whom Jesus Christ clearly notices (Consider James 1:9-11). For you can build a church or ministry around serving the wealthy and externally achieve much. But internally there can be an utter lack of the Spirit life and power. Just as it was when the Lord Jesus visited the Temple, though a magnificent structure that marveled all who saw it. Yet all its grandeur; which was largely financed by the Herod’s and Israel's upper classes, could not make up for, nor conceal, the religious complacency and impropriety that dwelt within its confines, and thus Jesus having been rejected by the overseer's of it, when He visited the Temple, having rebuked their business practices within it (Matt. 21:12-14). He wept over it, but He also warned His disciples of what was to come of it all (Matt. 23:37-24:2).
Now in the Book of Revelations the Glorified Lord Jesus Christ in His Messages to the seven churches has a message that says something quite similar. In His finial address to the churches He says to the church of the Laodiceans: 14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Rev. 3:14-21

Notice first that they were spiritually lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. They hadn’t turned cold in their faith lives, but neither were they living dynamically in the power of the Holy Spirit, instead their faith had largely become just routine. And thus they had stopped growing, yet Spiritual life always entails spiritual growth. For anyone who has experienced Christ in their lives is to be always moving forward. Therefore the Lord Jesus gives them an ominous warning, “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Vs. 16 Now immediately following that exhortation the Lord Jesus states likely the cause of their Spiritual complacency revealing it to be rooted in their attitudes about themselves. Which Jesus reveals by saying: “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” vs. 17

Notice they were self confident, not God confident, and their confidence was that they were rich and had become wealthy. And because they had become wealthy, they thought they had need of nothing, which is the most pitiable of all states to be in. Given that the Lord Jesus says in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:3 Therefore prosperity either in our lives and or churches means nothing if our hearts are not right about ourselves and our need for and or dependency on Jesus Christ. For the Scriptures do not endorse those who boost in their wealth and or make that their confidence or lives pursuit (Job 31:25-28; Psalm 49:6-20; Matt. 6:24; Luke 6:24; James 5:1-5). And thus the Laodiceans were the opposite of being humble, something that is explicitly commanded of the rich, not to be haughty, or trust in uncertain riches (See 1 Tim. 6:17-19; James 1:9-11; 4:13-17), which very likely was the cause of their spiritual lukewarm state and blindness. For though they were externally rich, and likely their faith lives and assemblies reflected this. Jesus says they were utterly poor, for they didn't even perceive their own poverty and need. Therefore Jesus says rather frankly to them, do you not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. Five things, none of which implies being wealthy in the eyes of God as they were so sure about themselves. Now these five rebukes taken in order are, first: wretched. That is Jesus’ first exhortation to them about their spiritual condition. The word Jesus uses here appears only here and in Rom. 7:24 where the Apostle Paul having realized his own sinfulness and helplessness because of it declares himself a wretched man. Therefore though the Laodiceans saw themselves as "rich" and in need of nothing, Jesus essentially declares them bankrupt. For there is nothing worse for us, who having sinned and a sin nature within us, to be in a state of self satisfaction about ourselves; the acknowledged sinner always has hope. But the smug, arrogant, and or self assured stand in a perilous place (Luke 18:9-14).

The next word Jesus uses to describe them is miserable. In the original language this word often means to be pitied. Ironically the Apostle Paul uses it antithetically to reinforce his confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection in 1 Cor. 15:19 where he describes himself and his living and suffering for Jesus Christ as his being the most pitiable of all men, if Christ did not rise from the dead; since then there would be no life to come. Nonetheless Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and thus the Apostle Paul being supremely confident of this and the glorious future for all who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ wants us all to realize this truth for ourselves as well. Now in regards to our context and Jesus’ using that particular word, He is saying of the Laodiceans though they considered themselves all right in the sight of God, they were actually to be pitied. Since their focus seems to have been on themselves and their own prosperity rather then on the Lord Jesus and His plan and purposes for them. Similarly today there are people who thinking themselves “rich” are actually spiritually impoverished. It’s never wrong then to take a spiritual inventory as the Apostle Paul said, to make sure that one is in the Lord (Rom. 8:9).

The next word Jesus uses to describe them is poor; not as people who acknowledged their poverty; that would be commendable, for the Lord loves the repentant sinner, (See Luke 15:11-32). Instead they thought themselves rich and as needing nothing. Yet the word Jesus uses to describe them here is the lowest state of poverty, the destitute beggar. Now this word is frequently used to describe moral or spiritual poverty as well. And thus its use here is to refute their self-satisfaction about themselves. Yes they were rich and wealthy and members in the church. But that does not save anyone. Only repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ does.

The fourth word that Jesus uses to describe them is blind. The word Jesus uses is the common word for a blind man. But it is also frequently used to describe someone who is spiritually blind or lacks discernment. In this sense Jesus uses it to describe the Pharisees as “…blind leaders of the blind” also as “…blind guides who strain out a gnat, but swallow a camel” (See Matt. 15:14, 23:16, 24). The Apostle Paul also uses it in his refutation of the Jews for their spiritually blinded and unrepentant state. Yet somehow they considered themselves a guide to the blind, i.e. the Gentiles. Those they considered ignorant of the things of God; yet these had largely embraced and obeyed the teachings of God amongst them (See Rom. 2:19). Therefore though the Laodiceans were not literally blind; like the Jews, they were actually spiritually blind about themselves and their true spiritual condition. Their “riches” and likely their “prosperity” having so puffed them up that they were no longer able to discern their own spiritual poverty and need. And it’s not just them. We too can fall victim to that sort of spiritual blindness. Riches and prosperity, successes and achievements, intellect and giftedness can all have that affect on us and make us think more highly of ourselves then we really should, just as Moses warned the Israelites of that tendency, to drift from our dependency on the Lord and become self-sufficient when prosperity comes and we forget from whom it comes from (Deut.18:17-18).

Now the last word Jesus uses to describe the Laodiceans is naked. No doubt there were some finely clad men and women in that church, but that’s not the type of clothing God is looking for on us. God is looking for the Spiritual underlayment of righteousness. For that is what must lie beneath all of our fine apparel. Therefore both the Apostles Paul and Peter emphasized character, rather than mere outer adornment. For fine clothes can never be a substitute for Godly character (See 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-6). That’s one aspect of being spiritually clothed. However the other and far more important, at least from a salvation point of view, is Christ’s Righteousness. For unless we are clothed in Jesus Christ’s Righteousness, no matter how hard we strive to obey Him we are only naked before God the Father. For no one can stand approved before God in their own righteousness (Gal. 2:16, 19-21). In order to stand approved before God we must have a righteousness that is equal to His own, which mortally is impossible for us. Since God is eternally Holy without sin, and we are all born into sinful flesh. Therefore we all need not only a Substitute to die in our place to pay for all our sins through the shedding of blood which Jesus Christ has done for us all by His death on the cross. But having all our sins atoned for once and for all time (Heb. 10:14) we need a righteousness that is on par with God's own. And that is why we need Jesus Christ’s Righteousness. Since Jesus being the Son of God, He is equal with God. And thus when God imparts Jesus Christ’s Righteousness to us by our faith in His Person, we can stand forever approved in His Presence (2 Cor. 5:21). That is what Jesus is commending to the Laodiceans to do when He says to them, "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see." vs. 18
That is get salvation wholly from the Lord Jesus Christ and wholly give yourselves to the Lord in faith, love and obedience. For before practical righteousness can take lasting root in our hearts and lives there must be a change in our person, and that only happens by Jesus Christ’s Person coming into our persons and lives. Therefore Jesus says “…buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich…” For apart from Him and our having faith in Him crucified for our sins remission and raised from the dead for our justification, and thus our being clothed by His Righteousness and Person dwelling inside us, we are spiritually naked (2 Cor. 5:1-5). Therefore Jesus says rather than pursuing a faith life which only leaves you wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; one which never sees its need to invite the Lord Jesus Christ into ones heart and life, nor sees ones need to live righteously or passionately for Him. “…buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich…” for that faith endures forever (See 1 Peter 1:7-9 and 2 Peter 2:1-11, vs. 5-8).

Finally the Lord says in verse eighteen that they Laodiceans need to anoint their eyes with eye salve that is get spiritual discernment, so that they may see. Not only themselves as they really are, but others as well (Matt. 7:1-5). For there are many things that can blind a person’s eyes to the nature of false gods, and or the true cost of discipleship, but also there are those who propagate such things as well (Matt 7:13-20; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 2:15-17). For there are lots of things that can blind us to the righteous and self denying lives we are to live as Christ's disciples. So I’m going to close by saying apart from Jesus Christ we are all wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—That is our true spiritual condition apart from Jesus Christ and our standing before God the Father until when come trust in Jesus to save us and cleanse us from all our sins (John 3:16). And having done so Jesus imparts not only a new nature by the Holy Spirit into us but also everlasting life. That is why Jesus in verse twenty extends His invitation to all. Saying to everyone, from the "best" of men and women to the "worst" of men and women to all open our hearts and yeild our lives to Him, 20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Rev. 3:20

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 12:35-40 Jesus is the Messiah & Warns of the Scribes

35 Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 “For David himself said by the Holy Spirit:
‘The LORD said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’
37 “Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?” And the common people heard Him gladly. 38 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, 39 “the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 40 “who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

Devotional
Jesus having responded to the scribes question about which is the greatest commandment in the previous passage. It then concludes by saying that no one dared question Him again. It may have been that with Jesus’ response, people realized the impossibility of doing just what is commanded of us all. For though the scribe who questioned Jesus agreed with His reply, there is no indication that Jesus commended him or anyone as doing exactly that. That is loving God with all ones heart, soul, and strength and loving ones neighbor as oneself. Therefore we are all dependent on the mercies and grace of God given to us through the Lord Jesus Christ who was crucified for our sins and raised from the dead for our justification. So that we all might be justified only by faith in Jesus Christ before God. For no one can be justified before God the Father based on their own obedience or righteousness (Rom. 3:26; Gal. 2:16). Jesus then having answered the scribe while teaching in the Temple now says of them, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 “For David himself said by the Holy Spirit:
‘The LORD said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’
37 “Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?”

Notice first that the scribes had wrongly asserted to the people that the Christ is the Son of David rather than the Son of God. And thus they had wrongly given to David a higher status then that of the Messiah. A serious and fundamental error in their theology, to assert to a mortal man a higher status then the Lord Himself! So then the Lord Jesus refutes their error by citing Psalm 110:1. That’s one part of the passages implications. That David by the Holy Spirit clearly sees himself as having the Messiah as his Lord. Not that he was or would be the Messiah’s father. And thus he does not exalt his person as the scribes were doing, as if salvation were because of, or through David himself. The other is that it is the LORD (that is the Covenant Name of God, YHWH or Yahweh) who is the One who exalts the Christ to His Right hand until He makes His enemies His footstool. Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who knows the hearts of all men, new theirs, “Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” And thus Jesus asks them a question: “Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?” vs. 37

Now there is no response from the scribes in regards to Jesus’ question. There never is. For their type only like to ask questions; that they might snare people in doctrinal quagmires, but they never answer them. So their exchange concludes with the Scripture simply saying that the common people heard Jesus gladly. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees who always seemed to have a “bone to pick” with Jesus and His doctrine (See John 7:14-24) which is ironic given their lack of understanding of Psalm 110, which is a Psalm of the Messiah and His Triumph over his enemies. Thus never satisfied with the truth, they constantly viewed Christ with suspicion. Not because He did something worthy of such scrutiny rather because He openly challenged their interpretations of the Scriptures when wrong. As well the Lord Jesus refused to keep their non-Scriptural traditions, passed down to them from their fathers which they imposed upon themselves and the people. So they eyed Jesus as a threat, not a friend. Yet in contrast to them, the common people heard the Lord Jesus Christ gladly. Since Jesus Christ by His understanding of the Word of God; which alone is infallible. He brings to light the Scriptures to the common people, making God and Himself readily accessible to them and to all. While they often do not. They may have knowledge of the Word of God but not knowledge that leads one into a grace based relationship with God the Father through the work of Jesus Christ the Son. Instead the Word of God and it's paramount purpose often becomes lost on them, and those they instruct, in their zeal for their traditions. Yet Scriptures most important purpose is to bring people to reconciliation with God and thus Spirit and eternal life by faith in Jesus Christ. That is the simplicity of the gospel. Anyone then who willfully conceals their purpose through their “religion” or their "traditions" or anything else neither loves God, or their neighbor as themselves.
Now within the quoted Psalms passage is God the Father speaking with Christ the Son saying to Him, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Thus we get a clear picture of the Father-Son relationship in the Old Testament. Which David by the Holy Spirit brings forth for us. Though the passage is emphasizing the Sovereignty of God and the assured victory that not only Christ has over His enemies. But also David and every believer has because of our relationship to God the Father through Him (1 John 2:13-14; 4:4; 5:4 etc.). Now the passage itself is also a direct prophetic reference to the ascension of Jesus Christ back to the Father until God makes all His enemies His footstool. Something that begins to unfold with Jesus Christ’s ascension back to the Father forty days after His resurrection from the dead (Acts 1:1-11). Which made possible the Holy Spirits outpouring and thus our regeneration, that is the Holy Spirit transformation of everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as Lord (John 7:37-39; Titus 3:4-7). And thus our salvation becomes realized with Jesus Christ’s Presence dwelling within us by the Holy Spirit, whom we receive by Faith In Jesus Christ’s Person (Eph. 1:13-14). So first Jesus must gather the elect in Himself in every generation, before God the Father renders the second half of the verses implications unto its finial completion. “Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Now with the Jesus’ ascension back to the Father. Jesus’ intercession for all believers likewise becomes realized to us (See Rom. 8:34; Heb. 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1 etc.). Yet Jesus’ ascension back to God the Father is not the end. For their awaits for us all who believe the Promise of Christ’s return; (or second coming) when He will bring with Himself everyone who has died believing in the Lord to meet with, and be permanently reunited with everyone who believes and is remaining alive on earth with Himself. Therefore as Jesus Christ's crucifixion was the climatic event of history for mankind's redemption from sin and death so Jesus Christ's Second Coming will be the climatic event in history for our deliverance from this present evil age and the bodily death that accompanies it. For on that day we will be forever in the Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and lost loved ones. The Apostle Paul says of that day and the Lord’s return: 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thess. 4:16-18

That is the Lord Jesus' promise to every believer. That not even death will separate us from Himself or our loved ones who died believing in the Lord. It's going to be an awesome day when we see our Lord Jesus IN FULL VICTORY who saved not only us, but all those whom we love as well in the Lord. For the first Christians who had actually walked and talked with and ate and drank and laughed and cried with Jesus, and maybe even held Jesus’ hand and thus felt the hand of God on theirs or looked deeply into His eyes. The Promise of His return must have been deeply longed for. For though Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as our Comforter, and so much more, there is something about the human person, our person, that longs to be in personal touch, and in communication with, God our Savior. If you have ever lost a loved one to death then you know that looking at a picture of them does not satisfy the longing ache of your heart to be with and see them again. Neither does a conversation with them in a dream, for suddenly you awake and realize that their truly gone. How much more does this longing occur when one has sat done and personally talked with God, Love Incarnate, who took on flesh in the Person of Jesus Christ so that we all might know Him.

The Apostle Paul’s words here then are an expression of his, and us all who have come to experience the love of God and the loss of loved ones who belonged to the Lord; heartfelt longing to be reunited with them in the Lord. No longer suffering the aliments and weaknesses of our mortal flesh and minds, no longer having to endure the ridicule and gossip of the unjust, or the scorning of our faith by the ungodly. No longer having to resist sin and Satan; no longer having to endure spiritual assaults, sleepless nights, or labor unto weariness, no longer having too… For on that day we will be reunited with our Lord and Savior and our loved ones who died in the faith. And we will not only see them, we will all be like Jesus Christ in His resurrection Glory. And thus we will know Him no longer just by Holy Spirit communion, but in Person, in His Kingdom where there is no injustices, no evil, no gossip, no sin, or temptations towards it, just perfect love and peace. That is what we long for, God’s Kingdom come. Not just in our person's, but in every aspect of life. Now that was a mighty digression for sure but sometimes we need to do that to get a broader picture. Yet even in that digression we haven’t even touched on the finer points of the Lord’s second coming, or His rapture of the church, before the tribulation period and His setting up the millennial Kingdom. But that’s for another day. So then Jesus having rebuked the scribes for exalting David over the Messiah, that is Himself and the people having heard Him gladly. Now warns the people of the scribes, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, 39 “the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 40 “who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” Vs. 38-40

The impact of Jesus’ Words on a culture that revered the scribes and Pharisees as the most pious of all men must have been startling to His hearers to say the least. Consider then Christ’s Words, for He begins by saying beware of the scribes, rather than commending them to the people as examples to follow. (In Matthew the Pharisees are placed in the forefront, hence their mention here by me as well). Thus Jesus says beware of them. For though their purposes functionally was different, they were quite similar in regards to their character and conduct. And thus the passage entails not just them specifically but also anyone in any generation who makes serving God a means to one’s own end. Though they act outwardly like the most pious and religious of all men. Inwardly they are, as Jesus describes them elsewhere ravenous wolves (Matt. 7:15-20). See how Jesus describes them, first He says they desire to go around in long robes, that is in official religious garb that identifies them as men of religion, which does not mean they are men of faith as Matthew 23 clearly reveals. For outer adornment is never to be the measure of ones' faith in God. For in contrast to their dress, Christ’s or His Apostles by their adornment didn't make themselves known as priestly men, yet they were the most pious and priestly of all men; which they were identified as being because of their Spirit, character and conduct, not because of their dress. For if you think you can identify God's servants simply by their clothing, whether by their wearing religious grab or wearing something else you will get duped (Consider Matt. 23:27-28; 1 Cor. 4:11-12; Rom. 8:9). For Satan has his own emissary's who transform themselves into ministers of righteousness (not that they practice it, just that they hypocritically preach it) therefore their end will be according to their works (see 2 Cor. 11:13-15).

Second thing Jesus says of the scribes and Pharisees is that they “love greetings in the marketplaces” that is they not only like to be seen as religious men, but they like to be admonished in the public forum as religious men. Men others pay homage to publicly as such. Something that never marked the early Apostles, since that honor belongs to Christ alone. Indeed the principal that is to govern all member's of Christ's Body is that on those members we think less honorable on these we are to bestow greater honor seems lost on them, while they bath themselves in receiving honor and accolades (See 1 Cor. 12:22-25). Consider then the Apostle Peter when he by the Holy Spirit’s move went to meet with Cornelius the Gentile that the Scripture says “As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” Acts 10:25-26  Therefore obey your church leadership, (with discernment) for that is commanded of us all, but do not put them on pedestals of worship as some do (Heb. 13:17).

The third thing Jesus says that defines the scribes and Pharisees is that they love, “the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts” vs. 39  That is they love the privileges that go with their positions, i.e., the best seats in the synagogues and the best places at the feasts, i.e. seats of honor at dinner engagements and such. In regards to their taking the best places and seats it likely never enters their mind that there might be someone who is elderly or hard of hearing, or disabled, or weak of sight that could really benefit from the seat. Or that there might be someone truly more honorable themselves whom God wants to honor and place in that seat. Now in regards to this the Lord Jesus taught in a parable that taking the lowest place always ensures that one receives honor later; while taking the best places here and now may result in being ask to make way for another later (See Luke 14:7-11). “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 15:11

Jesus then concludes His warning of the scribes and their conduct by emphasizing both their greed and their hypocrisy; saying that they are those “who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” Vs. 40 In other words they prey on the most vulnerable; here Jesus emphasizes their exploiting widows and for a pretense making long prayers, something that Jesus warns us about, in His teaching us how to pray, saying that God does not hear hypocritical and unbelieving words though they be many, God hears simple and honest prayers and confessions done in faith. That is where we must start with faith in Jesus Christ and obedience towards Him by keeping His and His Apostle's commandments for that is what we are called to do. Not dress up like religious people or seek privileges through it. But rather conduct ourselves as true people of God, in humble faith, righteousness, grace, truth and most importantly in Christ’s love.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.