Jesus' Brilliance - Deut 11-19 & Mark 12-13

Maybe you've never thought about it before, but Jesus was brilliant. As you read through the gospels with this thought in mind it's obvious. Not to mention the fact that two thousand years later millions upon millions of people are followers of His and are still trying to come to grips with the meaning and implications of what He taught.

In chapter 12 of Mark we see the religious leaders continually questioning Jesus, either trying to stump or trap Him, but they were completely unsuccessful. They ask Him about paying taxes, they ask Him about Heaven, and they ask Him what is most important when it comes to rules. But each time His answer is brilliant. Particularly His answer to the most important rule. Notice that the questioner was seeking a singular answer - the most important commandment. But Jesus gave two answers that He claimed were one in the same. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. That is to say, if you're not loving God with all that you are, you won't be able to love your neighbor as yourself. And vice versa, if you don't love your neighbor as yourself, you are not loving God with all that you are. And as we dwell on these things, we find that it is in fact true, that all of the other laws hang on these two commands.

In chapter 13 of Mark Jesus talks about the future. This is something that a lot of people spend a lot of time talking about. Especially Christian authors. But here is what I gleam form this passage (and it goes pretty much directly against what most Christian authors write). No one except God the Father (not even Jesus or the angels) knows when Jesus is coming back. And if someone claims that He has come back, don't believe them. Because the Bible teaches here in Mark 12:26 that everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds. You will not miss it!!! And yes, there will be sings preceding it, but to be honest the signs that are suppose to preceed this event have been happening for two thousand years, so we don't know when it's going to happen. And so the main teaching in this passage is to be ready at all times. Don't start getting more ready when there is an earthquake or a flood or another war. Just live a life worthy of meeting Jesus whenever He comes back and you will be in good shape. It's nothing to be scared of if you're ready. Take heart and look forward to it!