Mark 12 – What God Really Wants

Part of the “Bikes & Bible Verses” Weekly Series

In Mark Chapter 12, Yeshua continues confronting religious leaders who reject Him while offering clear, powerful teachings on what matters most to God. We get parables, wisdom, and a front-row seat to what true love and trust look like. This chapter asks the question: Are we giving God our leftovers or our lives?

The Parable of the Vineyard (Mark 12:1–12)

Yeshua tells a parable about a landowner who sends servants and eventually his son to collect fruit from tenants. They reject and kill them all. It’s a clear image of Israel’s leaders rejecting the prophets, and now the Messiah.

Takeaway: God has been patient, but there is a point when rejection has consequences. He sends His Son not to condemn us but to call us back to Him. Will we listen?

Traps About Taxes and Marriage (Mark 12:13–27)

The Pharisees and Sadducees try to trap Yeshua with tricky questions. He answers about taxes: give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s...and about resurrection, showing God is the God of the living.

Takeaway: Wisdom comes from knowing God, not just knowing Scripture. We belong to God. Let’s live like it.

The Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28–34)

A scribe asks which commandment is the most important. Yeshua responds: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself. There is no command greater than these.

Takeaway: If you want to know what God really wants, it’s love. Not burnt offerings. Not ritual alone. But full-hearted, sacrificial love; for Him and for others.

Warnings and the Widow (Mark 12:35–44)

Yeshua warns against religious leaders who seek attention while taking advantage of others. Then He praises a poor widow who gives just two small coins. She gave more than all the wealthy because she gave everything she had.

Takeaway: It’s not about the size of your gift; it’s about the size of your trust. God sees the heart behind the action.

Weekly Takeaways

• Don’t reject the voice of God when He calls.

• Give to God what belongs to Him; your whole life.

• Love is the foundation of all God’s commands.

• Trusting God with your “two coins” is powerful in His kingdom.

A Short Prayer

Yeshua, give us ears to hear when You speak and hearts that respond with love. Teach us to love You with everything we have and to love people the way You do. Help us trust You with the little we have, knowing You can do much with our surrender. Amen.

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