RPG Adults
A KINGDOM DIVIDED? – THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE?
LORD’S DAY, MAY 17
Mark 3:22-30
Memory verse: Mark 3:23
“…if a kingdom be divided
against itself, that kingdom
cannot stand.”
A KINGDOM DIVIDED? – THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE?
The scribes from Jerusalem were of highest honour since they came from the capital city, the holy city. They believed they were on God’s side, and God was on their side. Since they viewed Jesus as their enemy, He could not be on God’s side. The scribes could not deny the reality of the miracle. The devils obeyed Jesus. The evidence was the restoration of the man’s speech and hearing. Perhaps there was no visible sign of the devils leaving the possessed man, but the healing could not be denied. Since the devils obeyed Jesus and He was not on God’s side, He had to have exercised the power with the devil’s help! Beelzebub (i.e. the Lord of the dung) was the nickname given to the Devil. Beelzebub is of Chaldee origin. It is a parody of Baalzebub, which means the Lord of the Flies.
The serious nature of their accusation against Jesus condemned them to hell if they did not change their mind and see Him as their Lord and Saviour. Such a seriously biased view of Christ is not uncommon today! An initial, distorted view of Jesus Christ, whether in rejection or acceptance, has always been a serious transgression because the only Name under heaven that can save a sinner from hell is Christ. Once a sinner holds to a view for years, it is almost impossible to change, for to change an age-old view means to deny a lifetime of living. He has to admit that he has been wrong for a long time and has been teaching others erroneously. That is one of the most humbling and challenging things to admit. His pride stands like Mount Everest, blocking him from entering heaven because he has failed to admit his erroneous view of Christ!
Such was the case with the scribes. Their accusation of Christ as from Beelzebub only brought about an offer of salvation from a very gracious Christ. He wanted to save them from their sins when they tried to kill Him with their malicious prejudice. The salvation of the scribes must be the correct premise to approach this unusual parable of Christ and interpret it correctly.
THOUGHT: Is the kingdom of Christ divided? If not why is there division in the church?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, open my eyes to know Christ according to the Holy Scriptures, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.