Expository Thoughts On Mark - Mark 12:35-44
J.C. Ryle expounds on Mark 12:35-44 to reveal Christ as the central figure of Scripture and highlights the lessons of true faith and sincere giving.
In this expository sermon on Mark 12:35-44, J.C. Ryle explores how Jesus reveals the Messiah’s identity through Old Testament Scripture and contrasts the faith of the widow with the superficiality of the rich. Ryle challenges the church to focus on essential truths and to cultivate genuine faith expressed through sacrificial giving. This sermon offers deep insight into scriptural interpretation and practical Christian living.
Text
We have seen in the former part of this chapter, how the enemies of our Lord endeavored to "catch Him in His words." We have seen how the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Scribes successively propounded to Him hard questions--questions we can hardly fail to observe more likely to minister strife than edification. The passage before us begins with a question of a very different character. Our Lord Himself propounds it. He asks His enemies about Christ and the meaning of Holy Scripture. Such questions are always truly profitable. Well would it be for the church if theological discussions were less about trifles, and more about weighty matters, and things necessary to salvation.
Let us learn, in the first place, from these verses, how much there is about Christ in the Old Testament Scriptures. Our Lord desires to expose the ignorance of the Jewish teachers about the true nature of the Messiah. He does it by referring to a passage in the book of Psalms, and showing that the Scribes did not rightly understand it. And in so doing He shows us that one subject, about which David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write, was Christ.
We know, from our Lord\
Sermon Outline
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I. Christ Revealed in the Old Testament
- Jesus questions the Jewish teachers about the Messiah
- The ignorance of the Scribes exposed through Psalm 110
- David’s inspired writings point to Christ
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II. The True Nature of the Messiah
- Christ’s divine authority and kingship
- Misunderstandings of the Messiah’s role
- The importance of correct scriptural interpretation
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III. Lessons from the Widow’s Offering
- Contrast between the rich and the poor in giving
- The widow’s faith demonstrated through sacrificial giving
- True generosity as a mark of genuine faith
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IV. Application for the Church Today
- Focus on weighty matters necessary to salvation
- Encouragement to study Scripture deeply
- Call to sincere faith and practical generosity
Key Quotes
“Well would it be for the church if theological discussions were less about trifles, and more about weighty matters, and things necessary to salvation.” — J.C. Ryle
“One subject, about which David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write, was Christ.” — J.C. Ryle
“True generosity is not measured by the amount given, but by the faith and sacrifice behind the gift.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Study Scripture prayerfully to understand Christ as its central figure.
- Practice sacrificial giving as an expression of genuine faith.
- Engage in theological discussions focused on salvation and essential truths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main question Jesus asks in this passage?
Jesus asks about the identity of the Messiah and how Scripture reveals Him.
Why does Jesus refer to Psalm 110?
To show that David’s writings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, point to Christ and to expose the ignorance of the Jewish teachers.
What lesson does the widow’s offering teach?
It teaches that true faith is demonstrated by sacrificial giving, not the amount given.
How should Christians apply this sermon today?
By focusing on understanding Scripture rightly, recognizing Christ’s centrality, and practicing sincere faith through generosity.
What does this passage say about the nature of the Messiah?
The Messiah is both David’s Lord and Son, indicating His divine authority and kingship.