Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage  you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this  sermon: Romans 9.30-33, Mark 12.1-12.

Notice God’s kindness

Notice God’s patience

Notice the continued hardness of the human heart even in the face of God’s mercy

Notice that it is possible to remain unrepentant even though your conscience is pricked

Sermon Questions

Have you been denied something you thought you were due? How did you respond to that denial?

Why do you think that the chief priests, scribes, and elders were offended by this parable?

What criticism was Jesus leveling against the chief priests, scribes, and elders?

What does Jesus reveal about human nature in this parable?

How do you respond to this parable?

What is there for you to learn from this parable?

What mercies have you received from God? What have you done to make you worthy to receive these mercies?

Do you find yourself, from time to time, spiritually indifferent? What causes your indifference?

Do you ever find yourself frustrated with the slowness with which  God seems to act? What if His slowness is a demonstration of His  patience? Has God been patient with you?

Have you ever thought that it would have been easier to believe if  you had lived to see Jesus’ miracles and to hear Him teach? Why then did  many of those who did see and hear still not believe?

What good news is there in this parable for you?

Who do you know that needs to hear this good news?

Resources Cited/Consulted

Gran Torino, directed by Clint Eastwood

Mark (Crossway Classic Commentary), J.C. Ryle

The Gospel of Mark (New International Greek Testament Commentary), R.T. France

Mark (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries), Alan Cole

In the Heavenlies, Harry Ironsides

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Steve Wood ([email protected]).