Day 298

The Noose Tightens

Read: Mark 12-14

Opposition to Jesus mounts. He adds fuel to the fire by telling a parable about the owner of a vineyard who sends servants to collect what is his, and when they fail sends his own son. The religious leaders realize the parable is about them and would have arrested Jesus then and there, but are afraid of how the multitudes would react. So they try to get him to make statements which will cause him to lose his popularity.

They try to get Jesus to make a statement about taxation which will either turn the people against him or make him liable to the charge of tax evasion. He answers by calling on them to give the government what it deserves and God what he deserves.

Then the Sadducees give Jesus a trick question which enables him to turn the tables against them and show their lack of understanding of Scripture. Finally, a scribe asks about the greatest commandment and Jesus shows it is the commandment to love God and neighbor.

They then try another tactic, to bribe Judas to betray him so they can capture him in a secluded place where the multitudes cannot interfere. They conduct a trial full of illegalities. Then Jesus makes a statement in which he admits to being the Messiah. This was true, but they take it as a statement of blasphemy and condemn him to death. The end is near, but it turns out to be a new beginning.

PRAYER
Father, work in the hearts of many today who oppose Jesus and lead them to repentance and faith. Amen.