Three Kinds of People

Mark 12:35-44

Introduction

1.      The Bible is a book of life and a book about life

2.      There are examples of people who do the right thing and people who do the wrong thing

3.      There are rules and regulations, do’s and don’ts

4.      Jesus seemed to bring out the best in people and the worst  

Discussion

1.      Those who love to argue

a.       The scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees

                                                            i.      Jesus asked questions to challenge – Matt 16:26

                                                          ii.      They asked questions to embarrass – Mark 12:14, 28  

b.      Those who know a little and think they know a lot – Matt 22:41-46  

c.       The “natural man” of Corinth – 1 Cor 2:14; 1 Cor 1:18-24

                                                            i.      He thinks that he can answer all questions about the origin of the earth

                                                          ii.      He thinks that he can understand the nature of God

                                                        iii.      He thinks that he has the answer to every problem  

2.      Those who love honor, fame, power and glory

a.       The scribes

                                                            i.      Seen in the way they dressed

                                                          ii.      Seen in the titles by which they were addressed

                                                        iii.      Seen in their actions toward the poor

                                                        iv.      Seen in their “affected” piety – the long prayers – perhaps also Matt 6:5-6

b.       The two sons of Zebedee who asked for places of authority under Christ  

c.       The carnal man (the man of flesh) in 1 Corinthians – 1 Cor 3:1-3  

3.      Those who only want to serve the Lord

a.       The poor widow who gave her last two coins is our example  

b.      She had no control over what would be done with what she had given  

c.       She understands Psalm 23:1  

d.      Her example stands in stark contrast with that of the scribes in the previous verses  

Conclusion

1.       What do you want to be remembered for? – for arguing, for always getting your way, for always showing up others . . . ?

2.      Consider some examples:  Richard Nixon, George Washington, John the Baptist, Abraham

3.      The man who remembered coming home late at night to find his father slumped over the kitchen table with his Bible open in front of him

4.      “Let Him have His way with Thee”