Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 24, 2023
Christmas Message
First Christmas Comprehension
Luke 2:1-15
1. Historical Setting 1-5
• acknowledgement of earthly governmental activity
• from Nazareth to Bethlehem with his betrothed, who was pregnant
2. Holy Birth 6-7
• the time came for Mary to give birth to her firstborn son
• wrapped in cloths and placed in a manger
• an ancient “no vacancy” issue
3. Heavenly Announcement 8-15
• singling out the shepherds
• angelic appearance and shining of glory
• fear acknowledged and addressed with the ultimate birth announcement
• peace for whom?
4. So What?
• Because of the first Christmas, sinners like us can know true liberation that leads to lasting celebration.
• “God of God, Light of Light. Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb; very God, begotten not created…” (F. Oakeley, verse 2 of “O Come, All Ye Faithful”)
• “The very mention of the cross should be far removed not only from a Roman citizen’s body, but from his mind, his eyes, his ears.” (Roman orator Cicero in a speech to the Senate a 100 or so years before Paul penned Phil. 2:5-11 under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit)
• “He was poor, that he might make us rich. He was born of a virgin, that we might be born of God. He took our flesh, that he might give us His Spirit. He lay in the manger, that we may lie in paradise. He came down from heaven, that he might bring us to heaven…that the ancient of Days should be born… that he who thunders in the heavens should cry in the cradle…that Christ should be made of a woman, and of that woman which himself made, that the branch should bear the vine, that the mother should be younger than the child she bare, and the child in the womb bigger than the mother; that the human nature should not be God, yet one with God. Behold love that passeth knowledge! Come and worship!” (Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 26, 2023
Guest Speaker: Dr. Jim Sibley
Messiah
The Undercover Messiah
Deuteronomy 18:15-19
I. The Prophet Prophesied: Deuteronomy 18:15–19
a. The Prophet as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah (Isaiah 40–55)
b. The Prophet as the Authoritative Word
II. His Encounter with the Woman of Samaria: John 4
a. An Understanding of the Samaritans’ Identity
b. An Understanding of Jesus’ Identity: John 4:19
1. The Discussion Regarding Water: John 4:10
2. Supernatural Knowledge: John 4:16–18
c. The Unanticipated Result
1. In the Village: John 4:39, 41–42
2. In the Nation: Ezekiel 37:15–22; Acts 8
III. The Feeding of the Five Thousand: John 6
a. The Miraculous Provision of Bread: John 6:8–13
b. The Identity of Jesus Revealed: John 6:14
IV. The Transfiguration: Matthew 17
a. The Correspondence of Time: Exod 24:16; Matt 17:1
b. The Correspondence of Companions: Exod 24:1; Matt 17:1
c. The Correspondence of the Clouds: Exod 19:9; Matt 17:5
d. The Correspondence of the Countenance: Exod 34:29; Matt 17:2
A. M. Ramsey writes, “Moses went up into the Mount . . . and when he came down to the people the skin of his face shone. Here, in contrast is the new and greater Moses, whose face shines not with a reflected glory but with the unborrowed glory as of the sun’s own rays.”
e. The Conversation on the Mount
1. The Exodus of Jesus
2. “Listen to Him”!
Dale Allison says, “It is natural to see in [Matthew] 17:1–9 the greater than Moses theme; for, at the last, Moses and Elijah disappear, and the reader is left with the command to ‘hear him,’ that is, the one Son of God, Jesus.”
The Prophet Still Speaks, “Listen to Him”!
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 12, 2023
When Christ, the Mighty Maker, Died…
Mark 15:33-39
1. Context
• emphasis on sovereignty and scriptural fulfillment (10:45) and the connection between 1:1 and 15:39
2. Cover of Darkness 33
• darkness during the day (Dt. 28:29, Amos 8:9)
• darkness/Passover connection (Ex. 10:21-23, 1 Cor. 5:7)
3. Cry of Desolation 34
• connection to Psalm 22:1 and significance of the address of Jesus
4. Continued Derision 35-36
• misunderstood words and connection to Psalm 69:21
5. Cry of Completion 37
• significance of a loud cry and John 19:30: “It is finished!” (1 Pet. 2:24, 2 Cor. 5:21, Gal. 3:13)
6. Curtain Torn 38
• a supernatural separation (Ex. 26:31-35) and indicator of access (Heb. 6:19-20)
7. Convinced Centurion 39
• commentary consistent with Mark
• conviction and not skepticism (14:61)
8. So What?
• Assured of the Father’s plan and the fulfillment of Scripture in the death of Jesus, marvel at the sovereignty and sensitivity of the “great exchange.”
• Recognize the Father’s reconciling and retaining work at the cross.
• “Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut His glories in, when Christ, the mighty Maker, died for man, the creature’s sin…” (Watts, “Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed”)
• Acknowledge accurate theology: “…Till on that cross where Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied…” (Townend/Getty, “In Christ Alone”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 5, 2023
His First Throne
Mark 15:22-32
1. Context
• delivered by Pilate to be crucified (6-15), mocked by soldiers and the compulsion of Simon (16-21)
2. Details at the Cross 22-28
• Golgotha/Calvary: “place of a skull”
• drink refused (Prov. 31:6)
• description of fact
• division of garments and casting of lots (Psa. 22:18)
• designation of time: the third hour or 9:00 a.m.
• disclosure of inscription: The King of the Jews
• crucified between two thieves (Isa. 53:12, Mark 10:39)
3. Derision at the Cross 29-32
• participants: those who passed by, chief priests, thieves (Psa. 22:7-8)
• despised as prophet (Mark 14:58, John 2:18-22)
• mocked as priest
• humiliated as king
• the taunts and the truth (Isa. 53:10)
4. So What?
• Because King Jesus made the cross His first throne, seize the benefit of His sacrifice and celebrate its lasting impact.
• “Crucified as a king, He was king still. He made the cross His first throne.” (S. Ferguson)
• “A sacrificial death is the true work of the Messiah of the law, prophets and psalms and because He did not come down from the cross, therefore He is ‘crowned with glory and honor’ in heaven, and rules our gratefully redeemed hearts on earth.” (Maclaren)
• “God forbid that Christ’s agony would ever become a matter of dispassionate interest.” (K. Hughes)
• “The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak. They rode, but Thou didst stumble to Thy throne. But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak; and not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.” (E. Shillito, “Jesus of the Scars”)
• “What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered was all for sinners’ gain. Mine, mine was the transgression but Thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Savior, ‘tis I deserve Thy place. Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace…” (Bernard of Clairvaux, “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 29, 2023
Sour Grapes
Mark 12:1-12
1. Background
• penetrating parable in the context of escalating conflict with the religious establishment
• preceded by the questioning of the credentials of Jesus (11:27-33)
2. Jesus Highlights the Resources of God 1
• judgment parable about wicked vineyard keepers
• every provision for maximum fruitfulness
• imagery of Isaiah 5
3. Jesus Highlights the Revelation of God 2-8
• escalating violence leading to murder in the vineyard
• revelation through His servants and their treatment
• revelation through His Son and His treatment
4. Jesus Highlights the Goodness and Severity of God 9
• warning of Rom. 11:22
• the problem of receiving resources and rejecting revelation
5. Jesus Uses Scripture to Highlight His Certain Triumph 10-12
• rejected stone has become the chief corner stone (Psa. 118:22-23)
• the last question and the only answer
• pathetic picture of misplaced fear
6. So What?
• Because receiving God’s resources and rejecting His revelation results in inevitable judgment, rely completely on Jesus.
• Recognize the distinct contrast between sour grapes and saving grace.
• “You put your finger in the eye of God when you slight His Son.” (Spurgeon)
• “Jesus is the corner stone, came for sinners to atone; though rejected by His own, He became the corner stone. When I am by trial oppressed, on the stone I am at rest; when the seeds of truth are sown, He remains the corner stone…Till the breaking of the dawn, till all footsteps cease to roam; ever let the truth be known, Jesus is the corner stone.” (L. Goss, “Cornerstone”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 22, 2023
By What Authority?
Mark 11:27-33
1. Setting
• part of a section (11:27-13:2) focused on confrontation with the Jerusalem establishment
• contrast between the Jerusalem authorities and the Jerusalem crowd
2. A Question about Authorization 27-28
• continuing emphasis on “authority”
• these things: triumphal entry, fig tree cursing, temple cleansing
• by or who…?
3. A Calculated Response to Opponents 29-30
• counter-question of Jesus
• statement of condition
• reference to John’s baptism (1:1-11)
4. A Dilemma for the Religious Establishment 31-33
• dialogue about their response
• two problematic options
• confession of inability to decide
• the last word with Jesus
5. So What?
• In light of His assigned and exercised authority, eagerly and gladly submit to Jesus.
• “Obedience is the organ of spiritual knowledge.” (F. W. Robertson)
• Jesus always refuses to entertain or endorse hypocrisy.
• Actively promote Jesus as the sole focus of saving faith.
• “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same; and He must win the battle.” (Luther, “A Mighty Fortress”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 15, 2023
Not in My House!
Mark 11:15-19
1. Background
• preceded by triumphal entry and fig-tree cursing
• issue of authority and second temple cleansing
• prophetic, priestly and kingly roles of Jesus
2. Intervention of Jesus 15-16
• driving out those desecrating the house of God (2 Chron. 7:1-3)
• flipped tables and halted traffic
• repudiation of “business as usual” (Ex. 30:11-16)
• confirmation that appearances can be deceiving
3. Intention of Jesus 17
• designed to be a house of prayer for the nations (Isa. 56:7)
• not a place of refuge for the rebel (Jer. 7:11)
• replacing besmirching with blessing and exploitation with evangelism
4. Alarm of Religious Establishment 18-19
• threatened leaders and astonished crowd
• authority challenged and confirmed (27-33, Zech. 14:21, Mal. 3:1-4)
5. So What?
• In light of God’s holiness, pursue purified worship which reflects His person and results in productivity for His glory.
• Consider the “temple” connection. (1 Cor. 3:16-17)
• the atmosphere of biblical worship: humble, prayerful and missional
• See prayer as a key indicator of your dependence on God.
• “Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring! Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever! Crown Him, Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!” (F. Crosby, “Praise Him! Praise Him!”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 8, 2023
He Went Away Sad
Mark 10:17-31
1. Context
• preceded by discussion of greatness and section on salty stewardship
• immediately preceded by receiving the kingdom like a child
2. Exchange with a Rich Young Ruler 17-22
• a question and a question
• character and commandments
• confession of conformity
• compassion and condition
• sad departure
3. Exchange with His Astonished Disciples 23-31
• kingdom of God emphasis
• caught in the eye of a needle
• question of possibility
• comfort for the committed
• a change of order
4. So What?
• Because King Jesus is the key to kingdom entrance, depend on Him like a little child.
• “I heard the voice of Jesus say, ‘Come unto Me and rest; Lay down, thou weary one, lay down your head upon My chest.’ I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad; and I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.” (H. Bonar, “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 1, 2023
Salty Disciples
Mark 9:42-50
1. Background
• a redirection in the context of a discussion about greatness
• two key concepts: sensitivity and stewardship
2. A Responsibility to Grasp
• someone is watching you
• someone is listening to you
3. A Surgery to Perform
• what you do
• where you go
• what you see
• not physical mutilation but spiritual mortification
• what you think about hell
4. A Perspective to Adopt
• salt points to sacrifice
• fire points to persecution
5. So What?
• Because Jesus calls disciples to promote a thirst for Him, pursue the sacred stewardship of saltiness.
• Deal with sin radically.
• Dare to live sacrificially.
• “Go, then, earthly fame and treasure! Come, disaster, scorn, and pain! In Your service pain is pleasure, with Your favor loss is gain. I have called You Abba, Father; You my all in all shall be. Storms may howl, and clouds may gather, all must work for good to me.” (H. Lyte, “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken”)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 24, 2023
Unwashed Hands and Unclean Hearts
Mark 7:1-23
1. Background
• foretaste of confrontation in Jerusalem
• from actions to teachings: the issue of purity
• source of opposition: delegation from Jerusalem (3:22)
2. The Unwashed Hands Issue 1-8
• disciples caught “dirty handed”
• parenthetical commentary
• citation (Isa. 29:13) and identification (“hypocrites”)
3. A Scathing Rebuke 9-13
• problem: elevation of the external above the internal and human tradition above Scripture
• specific example: Exodus 20:12 and “Corban”
• circumventing biblical commands
4. The Unclean Hearts Issue 14-23
• root of uncleanness: internal/moral rather than external/ritual
• from the superficial to the substantive: food never enters a man’s heart
• the perennial problem: unclean hearts (Jer. 17:9, Prov. 4:23)
5. So What?
• Because a relationship with God hinges on the heart, aim for an internal sensitivity that produces an external consistency.
• Recognize the distinction between personal preference and biblical principle.
• “Legalism is always nailing a sign to the cross that says ‘necessary, but not enough.’” (J. MacGorman)
• Mind the gap! (Eph. 3:14-21)
• “Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love…Take my heart. It is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne…” (F. Havergal, “Take My Life, and Let It Be”)
