Mark 12:1-12

1. Let us observe God's special kindness to the Jewish Church and nation.
2. Let us observe God's patience and patience towards the Jewish nation.
3. Let us observe the hardness and wickedness of human nature, as exemplified in the history of the Jewish people.
4. Let us observe that men's consciences may be pierced, and yet they may continue impenitent.

"Let us dismiss from our minds the idea that there is any innate goodness or natural rectitude, in our hearts. Let us put away the common notion that seeing and knowing what is good is enough to make a man a Christian. The great experiment has been made in the instance of the Jewish nation. We, too, like Israel, might have among us miracles, prophets, and the company of Christ Himself in the flesh, and yet, like Israel, have them in vain."

"Let us learn from this dreadful fact, that knowledge and conviction alone save no man's soul. It is quite possible to know that we are wrong, and be unable to deny it, and yet to cleave to our sins obstinately, and perish miserably in hell. The thing that we all need, is a change of heart and will. For this let us pray earnestly."

Questions:

1. Not only Israel, nor Great Britian, but have we not (at least in Canada or in the United States also received blessings from the Lord? Do we give thanks for the various blessings or do we only grown under the evils that we see?

2. In the mercies we do enjoy, does this not only lead to thankfulness, but a desire to bear fruit for God’s glory? Do we believe that God’s kindness leads to repentance?

3. Do we believe that the ultimate problem is the human heart or a host of other issues that the world is trying to sell to us, such as skin color? Do we believe that the only hope to this problem is the gospel by which the Spirit makes us born again?

4. Do we pray for God to change our hearts and wills, the only hope we have, and so prove to be His disciples?