Jesus says it is a higher priority to honour your father and mother with your money than it is to will your estate to the church.
Scripture: Mark 7:1-23
Sermon Notes:
- Jesus is the Holy One of God who cleanses a sinful world, making it holy. The Pharisees, however, see only Jesus’ violations of their traditions, which distinguished them from the world.
- The Sabbath, food laws, and ritual washings were emphasized to keep the Jews separate from gentile uncleanness. The Pharisees wanted to bring about the kingdom of God by becoming a holy people through their traditions.
- Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13 to expose the Pharisees’ hypocrisy.
- It is easy to play the role of a Christian; but our conformity to Christian doctrine and practice can become a hypocritical mask.
- Jesus challenges us to examine our hearts’ relation to God. The Holy Word of God is the priority over our traditions.
- Jesus says it is a higher priority to honour your father and mother with your money than it is to will your estate to the temple.
- We ought to honour the elderly, and make a priority to spend time with our parents and grandparents.
- Our neglect of the fifth commandment has opened the way to euthanasia.
- Our attitude towards money reflects our relationship to God. Paul says a holy person is characterized by a transformed, renewed mind (Rom. 12:2). Contributing to the needs of the saints is part of holiness.
- Our view of the teaching of men is likewise an area where we can idolize popular Christian teachers, holding their teaching above the Word of God.
- If you emphasize particular views as the essence of holiness, you will withdraw from fellow believers.
- When you’re nitpicking little things, you’ll miss the obvious things in the Christian life.
- His parables reveal the mystery of the kingdom of God, so Jesus urges us to pay close attention.
- Holiness comes from inside; it is the attitudes of our hearts which can make us unclean.
- Holiness is to be set apart to Christ for service in the world (cf. Mark 6:7).
- This setting apart for service in the world is meant to be a sanctifying presence in the world.
- This holy service is compassionate; Jesus interacted with the unclean people in the crowds who came to him.
- Holiness is also a wise engagement with the world; we’re to be compassionate. Love is discerning, holding to what is good, hating what is evil, and loving those in need (Rom. 12:9).
- The gospel requires eating together around the same table; this is a sign of holiness.
- It is what is in our hearts that makes us unclean: sexual immorality, sensuality, deceit, revelry, pride, foolishness, etc. (cf. Matt. 15:18-19).
- We are not pure inside. But the beautiful thing about the gospel is that Jesus ministers to unclean people.
- As we come to the Lord in repentance and faith, He makes us clean, atoning for our sin by the blood of Christ.
Application Questions:
- How are you doing on the fifth commandment? Are you honouring your father and mother?
- Do you harbour critical and judgmental attitudes toward your brothers?
- Are you serving the church, but sacrificing your family to do so?
- What is your attitude toward wealth? Does it reflect a correct kingdom orientation?