Articles
Religious Discussions in Mark 12
Religious Discussions in Mark 12
Politics and Religion make for strange bedfellows. People of opposing viewpoints often align themselves together in order to fight against a perceived greater enemy. So it was in the days of Jesus. Before Jesus came, the various religious parties in Judea were often in debates between themselves. With Jesus' coming, they aligned themselves against Him.
In the twelfth chapter of Mark we see this recorded. "They [the scribes and elders] sent some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians to trap him in his talk" (vs. 13). Then the Sadducees came and publicly asked Him about their favorite topic to discuss (18-27). Again, this wasn't to learn, but to have Him make a public statement whereby they could denounce him as a teacher.
Seeing that Jesus had answered these questions well, there came the question of one of the scribes as to which was the greatest commandment. This may have been a legitimate question. If so, it was the only one of the day by the Jewish religious teachers. At any rate, Jesus answered the question and "after that no one dared to ask him any more questions" (vs.34).
Turn about is fair play, so Jesus then publicly (in the temple) asked an open question (that is, it was not said to be addressed to anyone in particular). This is followed by Jesus warning the people: "Beware of the scribes… they will receive the greater condemnation" (vs. 38-40).
Religious discussions are often like this. They often generate a lot of 'heat' but very little light. They are often entered NOT to find truth, but to expose and denounce the perceived enemy. Even the correct answer doesn't change their mind, but rather raises the anger and hatred.
I guess there could be two responses to this situation. One is to just avoid discussing religion with anyone. This however will produce NO light on what is the truth. The other, that which is advocated by the teaching of Jesus, is to always seek truth. If one is seeking truth, he may lose the 'debate' and win his soul! Such IS the case with the Bereans that are commended. They heard something different than what they had believed and been taught up to that time. We read that "these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." The result? "Many of them therefore believed" (Acts 17:11-12).
Hugh DeLong
