November 2, 2016: SOAP #2526:  Job 23-24; Mark 11-12

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 12:1 He then began to speak to them in parables…

Observation:   It had been a couple of busy days.  Jesus had entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey to the cheers of the people.  The next morning, he entered the temple and drove out the money changers.  He left the city for the evening, then returned the next morning.  The religious leaders wanted to know by whose authority he had driven the money changers out of the temple.  He asked them a question about John’s authority to baptism—a question they would not answer.  Then Jesus began to do what he seemed to enjoy the most: He told them a story.  He wrapped the truth in a simple, real-to-life, easy to remember story.

Application:   The stories that Jesus told help me remember the truth he was teaching.  He still speaks to me in illustrations from my daily life.  Help me to relate stories that portray your truth to others.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, as I read your Word and look at the world around me, your Holy Spirit shows me so many beautiful, yet simple illustrations of your truth.  You are amazing!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!