Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 28, 2019

“But It Shall Not Be So Among You”   Mark 10:32-45   Bible Study   04/28/19

This morning’s text is, in many ways, the key to understanding Mark’s gospel. As Jesus moves towards Jerusalem and the cross, He articulates clearly the nature of His mission and calls His disciples to follow Him in it.

1. Contextual Considerations

• little children in 10:13-16
• rich young man in 10:17-31

2. A Repeated Prophecy (32-34)

• Judea by Jordan (10:1)
• first prophecy in 8:31-34 and reaction
• second prophecy of 9:31-32 and reaction
• moving towards Jerusalem and the intrepid leadership of Jesus
• “The Saviour, what a noble flame was kindled in His breast, when, hasting to Jerusalem, He marched before the rest!” (Cowper)
• third prophecy of 10:32-34 and reaction

3. A Selfish Request (35-37)

• what James and John got right
• staking a claim for the place of honor (Matt. 19:28, 20:20)

4. The Cup and the Baptism of Jesus (38-40)

• taken to task by the Master
• drink cup: get one’s fill of suffering (Psa. 75:8, Mark 14:36, John 18:11)
• baptized with baptism: immersion in suffering (Psa. 42:7, Luke 12:50)
• adjudication and qualification (Matt. 20:23)

5. Reaction and Response (41-45)

• indignant disciples
• reference to Gentile “lording”
• different measurement of true greatness
• deacon and bondslave
• grounding principle: service and sacrifice of Jesus

6. So What?

• Only as you are served by Jesus can you serve others in His name.
• Move beyond the idea of inspiring example to enabling sacrifice.
• Let the direction of your life be determined by the destined glory of Jesus.
• Grasp the principle of gospel humility: “…not about feeding my ego but feeding the faith of others.” (Piper)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 21, 2019

Easter Message

“An Easter Benediction”   Hebrews 13:20-21   Bible Study   04/21/19

This morning, as we celebrate the living hope of all who rely on Jesus, we will turn our attention to the glorious benediction at the close of the book of Hebrews.

1. Consider the Context

• big picture of Hebrews: Jesus is greater…
• 13:1-8: Jesus Christ the same…
• 13:9-16: the sacrifice of praise and bearing His reproach outside the camp
• 13:17: responding to human shepherds
• 13:18-19: author’s request for prayer

2. Bask in the Benediction (20-21)

• a “good word”
• structure: invocation, amplification and doxology
• …God of peace…
• brought again from the dead…the great shepherd of the sheep… (Isa. 63:11-14)
• by the blood of the eternal covenant (Jer. 31:33, Zech. 9:11, Heb. 13:12, 1 Pet. 1:19-20)
• …equip…working…pleasing…through Jesus Christ
• …glory forever. Amen.

3. So What?

• The resurrection of the Great Shepherd from the dead is the hinge on which every hope of His sheep hangs.
• He who laid down His life for you will never let you down.
• two key Easter benefits: confidence and conformity
• “The sheep get the joy. The Shepherd gets the glory.” (Piper)
• “Morning breaks upon the tomb! Jesus dissipates its gloom! Day of triumph through the skies, see the glorious Saviour rise! Christians, dry your flowing tears; Chase those unbelieving fears; Look on his deserted grave; Doubt no more his power to save.” (W. Collyer)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 14, 2019

“A Glimpse of Glory”   Mark 9:1-13   Bible Study   04/14/19

This morning we will focus on the event known as the transfiguration of Jesus. Also recorded in Luke 9:28-36 and Matthew 17:1-13, this event, as recorded by Mark, comes on the heels of Jesus having foretold His impending death and resurrection. Mark 8:31-38 indicates that the life of a disciple inevitably calls for sacrifice and suffering. What follows in our passage is the reminder regarding another side of discipleship. With an almost tantalizing brevity, Mark’s account indicates that the life of a disciple looks forward to seeing and sharing in the glory of Jesus.

1. Considering the Context (1-2)

• reference of verse 1 and connection to 8:31-38
• after 6 days, Peter/James/John, mountain, transfiguration
• seeing the power and glory of the Kingdom in an altogether new way
• “…foretaste of glory divine.”

2. Observations about the Transfiguration (3-8)

• transfigured-“metamorphosed”
• exceeding “whiteness” of the clothing of Jesus
• appearance and conversation with Moses and Elijah-“exodus” (Luke 9:31)
• Peter’s desire to make “three tents” and its implications
• overshadowing cloud and the voice out of it
• timeless verification and command
• Jesus only

3. Understanding the Transfiguration (9-13)

• descending, He instructed…
• question about Elijah
• slow to understand
• response to Elijah a foreshadowing of the response to Jesus-rejection
• Peter’s later perspective (2 Peter 1:17-19)

4. So What?

• You grasp something of the glory of Jesus now only as you listen to the Father’s testimony concerning Him.
• “A Christ without a cross is a king without a throne. If our ministry is to have power, it must all center in the death for the world’s sins.” (Maclaren)
• “I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face; Content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss, my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.” (E. Clephane)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 7, 2019

“Crumbs for Canines”   Mark 7:24-30   Bible Study   04/07/19

This morning we will focus on a perplexing encounter that Jesus had with a pagan woman. It teaches us much about the person and work of Jesus.

1. Contextual Considerations

• truth and tradition in 7:1-13
• external and internal in 7:14-23

2. Intentional Mission to Gentiles (24)

• from Galilee to the region of Tyre/Sidon
• deliberate ministry to Gentiles (Gerasene Mark 5, food clean Mark 7, Decapolis Mark 7)
• bracketed between feeding of 5000 (Mark 6) and 4000 (Mark 8)
• Elijah in Zarephath (I Kings 17)

3. Analysis of the Encounter (25-30)

• Matthew 15:21-28
• identity of woman
• appeal of woman
• response of Jesus
• insightful persistence of the woman
• commendation and healing from a distance
• fulfillment of Psalm 87:4

4. So What?

• Because Jesus is the gracious, merciful and only Savior of the whole world, trust Him to deliver you.
• “Missions is not an OT or NT thing. It’s a Bible thing.” (L. Duncan)
• Praise God for His massive ability to meet miserable need.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 31, 2019

“Utterly Trustworthy”   Mark 6:1-56   Bible Study   03/31/19

In Mark 6, we are presented with several “snapshots” of the public ministry of Jesus as it soars in popularity. However, in this same chapter we also may observe some indications of the rising tide of opposition to the identity and authority of Jesus. With his fast-paced commentary, Mark answers two key questions regarding Jesus: 1) Who is Jesus? and 2) Can this Jesus be trusted? His affirmation of the identity and utter trustworthiness of Jesus continues to assure and encourage current readers of his gospel.

1. Unbelief at Nazareth (1-6a)

• return visit to Nazareth (Luke 2:51)
• engagement in Kingdom work
• amazement of the people
• opposition of the people
• impact of opposition
• response of Jesus

2. The 12 Sent Out (6b-13)

• moving on to spread the good news
• distinction between fearless perseverance and foolish persistence
• sent with authority
• minimum of personal supplies/urgency of message
• shaking off contracted contamination

3. Death of John the Baptist and Herod’s Self-Indulgence (14-29)

4. Jesus as the Faithful Shepherd (30-44)

• return of disciples and instruction to rest
• compassion on the crowd
• feeding of 5000 (Ezek. 34:23, Ex. 18:21, Psa. 23:2)
• Mark’s “delayed” answer

5. Jesus Walks on Water (45-52)

• abrupt transition and its explanation
• alone to pray
• the 3:00 a.m. test
• It is I
• hardness of heart and glory of the Master

6. Ministering to Endless Needs (53-56)

• from the fourth watch of the night to the heat of the noonday sun

7. So What?

• Because Jesus is utterly trustworthy, entrust yourself to His compassionate care.
• Recognize that nearness to Jesus can be both delightful and dangerous.
• Maximize the message and minimize the messenger.
• See John 10:11!
• “Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me, and on His shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me. And so through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never; Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise within Thy house forever.” (H. Baker)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 24, 2019

“Called Out and Raised Up”   Mark 5:21-43   Bible Study   03/24/19

This morning we will turn our attention to a text which dramatically demonstrates the dynamic power of Jesus over disease and death. As He did in chapter 3, Mark again employs the “split-screen” technique to tell the story of the earthly ministry of Jesus. We also can observe the continued emphasis of the twin themes of the identity and authority of Jesus. He remains today the Great Physician who calls out and raises up desperate people.

1. Reviewing the Context

• Mark 4: sower 1-20, lamp/basket 21-25, seed 26-29, mustard seed 30-34, calms storm 36-41
• Mark 5: healing of demon-possessed man
• authority over creation, demons, disease, death
• setting for 5:21-43: back across the sea and crowds

2. A Desperate Synagogue Ruler (22-24)

• approach and appeal of Jairus
• 12 year-old daughter near death (see verse 42)
• the accessibility and availability of Jesus
• the crowd-again

3. A Desperate Diseased Woman (25-34)

• illness for 12 years
• drained of financial and physical strength
• a desperate touch and an immediate healing
• the perception of Jesus and dismay of disciples
• the woman’s admission
• the pronouncement of Jesus

4. The Deliverance of a Desperate Man’s Daughter (35-43)

• notification of her death
• two commands from Jesus
• Peter, James and John
• death/sleep connection
• ridicule of mourners
• words and touch of Jesus
• miraculous restoration and strict charge

5. So What?

• Ponder the glorious “preview.”
• Because He is authoritatively compassionate, trust Jesus to call out and raise up the desperate.
• In the midst of your utter helplessness, trust Jesus to be who He is and to do what He does.
• Remember that “interruptions” don’t affect Jesus. He is Lord of time and eternity.
• Respond with gratitude to the Great Physician!
• Go into peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 17, 2019

“The Real Deal”   Mark 3:20-35   Bible Study   03/17/19

This morning our text continues to build on the twin themes of the identity and authority of Jesus. Because of His identity, He has authority over all things-including creation, disease, the devil and death.

1. Considering the Context

• Mark 2: call of Matthew 13-17, fasting question 18-22, sabbath question 23-28
• Mark 3: healing 1-6, followed by crowd 7-12, calling of disciples 13-18
• the “split screen” effect in 3:20-35

2. Scene 1: Concern in the Family Circle (20-21)

• home (Capernaum 2:1) and crowd
• family concern and assessment

3. Scene 2: Jewish Theologians Oppose Jesus (22-30)

• the charge: demon-possession and casting out of demons
• refutation: exposure of logical incoherence
• explanation: a ministry of destruction and deliverance (Heb. 2:14-15)
• application: a sober warning regarding the “unpardonable sin”
• evaluation: mad, bad or divine?

4. Scene 3: Clarification about the Family Circle (31-35)

• seeking family members
• unexpected response
• the will of God and identification with Jesus (1 John 5:3)

5. So What?

• When you submit to the authority of Jesus, doing His will becomes your ultimate objective.
• Pray for a tender and teachable sensitivity.
• “May the living God, who is the portion and rest of the saints, make these our carnal minds so spiritual, and our earthly hearts so heavenly, that loving Him, and delighting in Him, may be the work of our lives.” (R. Baxter)
• “Jesus, of Thee shall be my song. To Thee my heart and soul belong. All that I have or am is Thine. And Thou, blest Savior, Thou art mine. Jesus, my Lord, I Thee adore. O make me love Thee more and more.” (Henry Collins)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 10, 2019

Guest Speaker: Dr. David Norman

Adventures in Missing the Point
Mark 2:1–12

We often do silly things with stories from the Bible. We make heroes out of minor characters. We project our own insecurities and emotions upon characters where the text is silent on those points. In Mark 2, we come to a story that is familiar to many of us. But the biblical author is making a very important point—one we dare not miss.

I. Do incredible things occur in Jesus’s house? Yes. Is this the point? No.

• After preaching and healing in Galilee, Jesus returns home to Capernaum.
• Jesus was preaching the word and had gathered a crowd.

II. Should we bring our friends to Jesus? Yes. Is this the point? No.

• Jesus’s preaching had gathered a crowd.
• Four men brought a paralytic to Jesus.
• They “unroofed the roof.”

III. Jesus forgives sin. Is this the point? Close. Jesus is God.

• Jesus’s claim to forgive sins is to claim his divinity.
• If he is not God, he is blaspheming. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
• Jesus’s healing of the paralytic is a sign to them that he has the authority to forgive sin.

In this morning’s passage, Jesus forgives sin, perceives the scribes’ thoughts, and heals the paralytic. But we miss the point of this passage—we miss the point of Jesus the Messiah—if we fail to grasp the world-tilting reality of Jesus’s identity as the eternal Son of God. When we recognize this central truth, we cannot help but be amazed and we cannot help but sing praises to him.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 3, 2019

“As One with Authority”   Mark 1:1-20   Bible Study   03/03/19

1. Overview of Mark’s Gospel

• writer: John Mark (Acts 12-13; Col. 4:10), connection to Peter
• recipients: Gentile audience (7:3-4, 5:41)
• date: first of the four gospels written (50-60)
• central message: 10:45
• character: “action” gospel, uses “immediately” at least 40 times
• first section: authority revealed (1:1-3:6)

2. Orientation to Authority (1-8)

• concise summary
• gospel as fulfillment of OT prophecy (Mal. 3:1 and Isa. 40:3)
• role of John the Baptist (2 Kings 1:8)

3. Verification of Authority (9-11)

• baptism: identification with humanity
• visible verification
• audible verification (Psa. 2:7 and Isa. 42:1)
• trinitarian symmetry

4. Fortification of Authority (12-13)

• driven by the Spirit into wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11 and Heb. 4:15)
• 40 days: testing/judgment
• with wild animals
• ministered to by angels

5. Articulation of Authority (14-15)

• beginning of ministry in Galilee after John’s imprisonment (6:17-29)
• time fulfilled, kingdom of God, repent and believe, good news

6. Initiation of Authority (16-20)

• Simon, Andrew, James and John
• follow me…fishers of men
• mending/equipping

7. So What?

• Because Jesus is God’s Messiah and is endowed with all authority, follow Him confidently and completely.
• Let Scripture, not sentiment, shape your view of Jesus.
• Celebrate and submit to His authority!
• “Take up thy cross and follow Me, I heard my Master say. I gave my life to ransom thee. Surrender your all today…” (B. B. McKinney)