ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? College season is here, and along with it comes a lot of hype. As you examine this week's Explore the Bible Study: Introduced, think about all the hype that goes into anticipating an upcoming football season. Then compare this anticipation to the long awaited coming of the Messiah. Mark's gospel is going to introduce us to that long-awaited coming. Perhaps the following video will help set the context of the anticipation. Our anticipation of an upcoming football season pales in comparison to the coming of the Messiah, yet the hype was not nearly what one would expect.

While you might not care that college football is beginning again most avid college football fans have been anticipating this time of the year for months. The Gospel of Mark begins with the end of a long wait by the people of God for the coming Messiah. 

The Gospel of Mark is the second of the four gospel accounts of Jesus’ life. It is called a gospel account because it announces the “good news.” “Gospel” comes from a Greek word “evangelion,” which literally means “good news.” In the New Testament, it refers to the announcement that Jesus has brought salvation to the world through his life, death, and resurrection from the dead.

Mark begins with the introduction of Jesus to the world through a man called John the Baptist. John the Baptist had lived in the wilderness, looked different, wasn’t of royal blood, and was baptizing and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. But his most important job would be to introduce to the world, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Mark simply, yet powerfully, introduces Jesus to a primarily Gentile audience. It opens with the phrase in Mark 1:1, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” With this simple and powerful introduction, Mark takes us down a path to help us understand more fully who Jesus is, why He is the Messiah, and what it truly means that He is the Messiah. 

Even in the introduction of Jesus, we discover that the long-awaited Messiah was going to be much different, yet much more than what the Jewish people anticipated. Through this study of The Gospel of Mark, perhaps you, too, will discover that Jesus as Messiah is much different than what you might expect, and, at the same time, much more than what you ever realized.

Perhaps it will help answer the question or confirm for you regarding why you should follow Jesus. In the first three verses we see that God always sends people to be His messengers of the Good News of Jesus Christ. In this case, it was John the Baptist.

Prepare the Way for the Messiah—Mark 1:1-3

For centuries, the Jewish people had been longing for the Messiah’s arrival. But since they were expecting a military leader who would free them from Roman rule, many missed the significance of Jesus once He burst onto the scene. Mark was led by God to begin with Jesus’ earthly and public ministry instead of His birth and early years as did other gospel accounts. 

His first sentence is a declaration, a title page for the One being introduced: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This description of Jesus was very important. It presents the entire message of the gospel that is only available through Jesus Christ. 

• “Jesus” – from the Hebrew name “Joshua.” It means “The Lord is salvation.”
• “Christ” – A Greek word meaning “anointed.” Jesus was anointed by God. It also corresponds to the Hebrew world “Messiah.”
• “Son of God” – So as not to leave any doubt, Mark introduces Jesus as the “Son of God” thus proclaiming the deity of Christ and affirming that Jesus is fully God and fully man. This would a recurring theme throughout Mark’s gospel.

We are also introduced to the messenger, John the Baptist, in verse 1. In ancient cultures a forerunner would be sent ahead of a king to prepare for the king’s entrance into a town. He would make necessary arrangements and line out the path in which the king would enter. Jesus was The King. While His kingdom was “not of this world” (John 18:36), as the Son of God, He was anointed to redeem His people who were of this world.

Read Mark 1:3 again. There were two actions this messenger from the wilderness was to take.  How can these actions apply to believers today?

Believers are messengers from the wilderness as well. As believers we will or should be viewed differently from others. Our actions may seem unusual and, at times, very different than most of society. However, we are to be ones who “cry out in the wilderness” the gospel message. We are to remove all barriers so that the Messiah has a clear path to the hearts of men. 

As John prepared the way, he could have become prideful because of the results in his personal ministry. Verse 4-8 reveals this was not the case.

Move out of the way for the Messiah—Mark 1:4-8

Imagine if this were today. Because of what was taking place, would people be more attracted to the ministry of John the Baptist than to the One he was introducing? In what ways did John’s actions and lifestyle demonstrate his humility? Why do you think his humility was necessary in carrying out the mission with which he was charged?

“John was preaching something different than what the first-century Jews had been hearing. As a result, he created a great deal of excitement throughout the region. . . John’s preaching created so much excitement that it had people talking across the region. Great numbers were flocking to the countryside to hear him preach. 

This would not have been an easy trip since the Jordan River is more than twenty miles from Jerusalem, including a descent of around 4,000 feet. Those who traveled to hear him were committed to hearing what he had to say. Going out suggests that people were continually coming.” – Source, ETB Leader Commentary.

John denied any pretense of self-indulgence so that all attention would be directed toward the coming Messiah.

What if John had ignored Jesus and considered his popularity and message more important because of the crowd’s response? 

How does Acts 19:1-4 help you understand why John had to point people to Jesus? How does this help you understand that simply repenting of sin is not enough? What if John had ignored this in order to maintain His popularity?

John knew people needed to be directed to the Messiah for salvation. Yet at this point the Messiah was not present. But this was about to change. While John was preaching repentance and preparing the people for the Messiah, Jesus showed up.

Present the Messiah – Mark 1:9-13

Jesus arrived and was baptized in the Jordan by John. Jesus would have traveled around fifty miles from Nazareth to reach the Jordan River. One should also note that Jesus’ baptism was not for repentance or for salvation. Jesus needed neither. He was completely sinless. Instead, He chose to be baptized out of obedience to the will of His Father (See 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). Jesus’ baptism signified the beginning of His earthly ministry and was an example for others.

This was an epic event that revealed God’s love for His Son, and the revelation of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The introduction of Jesus was not only an affirmation but a demonstration as God’s power. 

Verse 11 gives us a declaration from God that is very much the basis for all we cherish and hold true in our faith. Most of us can relate in a small way to the love and pride God felt as He declared the words of affirmation to His Son.

Notice what took place next in verses 12-13. Notice it was the Holy Spirit that took Jesus to the wilderness. What can you learn about serving God from this passage?

Jesus had just been affirmed by the Father and His Spirit. But the Spirit had an additional task to perform. He was to “drive” Jesus into the wilderness. This is a strong word that indicates that the Spirit was insistent that Jesus go, and Jesus obeyed.

Jesus needed to come face-to-face with everything you and I would face as we seek to follow Him. 

Jesus needed to come face-to-face with everything you and I would face as we seek to follow Him. He was taken into the wilderness to be subjected to the temptations of Satan and to face the dangers of wild animals. But there is one important statement no one should forget. As Jesus was guided by the Spirit into situations where He would face temptations and danger, the angels were there “serving Him!”

How Should You Introduce the Messiah to Others?

Consider these questions as we conclude:

John was to prepare the way and clear the path for the coming Messiah. What actions should we take that prepare others to meet Jesus Christ? What actions indicate that we are clearing the path instead of cluttering the path to the Savior?

How can you remain humble when others begin to respond to you because of your faith in Christ?

How does Jesus obediently following the Spirit into the wilderness to face danger and temptation help you as you follow Jesus?

As you go about your daily routines this week, consider how you can introduce people to Jesus. Perhaps some of the characteristics of John the Baptist and the reality of who Jesus really is will change the way you introduce others to the Good News of the Gospel!

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

Had you been in Jeremiah’s shoes, what would your view of God be at this point? What would you do next after expressing this kind of gloom, despair, and agony?

What was Jeremiah’s emotional state at this point?  

What did remembering give Jeremiah?

Is it wrong to be depressed by your circumstances?

What did Jeremiah “call to mind” that helped him overcome his depression? 

What action did remembering the Lord’s faithful love and mercy prompt Jeremiah to take?

Based on this passage, what should you “call to mind” about God and Christ when things seem to be falling apart around you or you are experiencing God’s judgment because of your own personal sin?

What comfort can knowing that God does not reject you forever if you have sinned bring to a believer? 
How can this passage contrast God’s love and compassion with His discipline for sin? How is God’s judgment of sin and His love explained by Jeremiah? 
How is discipline an expression of God’s love for us?

When we observe people around us “getting away with things that are wrong,” it probably bothers us a bit. You might even wonder why they get away with things, and you can’t. The Explore the Bible Study: Just will remind us, as believers, that while judgment for wrongdoings might not ever take place this side of eternity, eventually God will judge.

Up until now in the book of Jeremiah, it seems as if God’s judgment was only against His chosen people. It seemed as if the surrounding countries who didn’t follow God were getting away with much worse.  But this wasn’t the case.  It was now time for God to reveal through Jeremiah how He was going to judge the nations. No one could escape God’s judgment for rebellion and sin. Jeremiah announced each judgment against each nation in Jeremiah 46–52.

• Egypt’s judgment was announced first in Jeremiah 46.
• The Philistines’ judgment was announced in Jeremiah 47.
• Moab’s judgment was announced in Jeremiah 48.
• The Ammonites’ judgment was announced in Jeremiah 49 as was Edom’s. Those who witnessed the judgment against Edom would compare it to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Jeremiah 49:17-18).
• In Jeremiah 49, Jeremiah also announced the judgment that would take place against Syria, including Damascus (Jeremiah 49:23-39).
• Babylon’s judgment came last and is described in Jeremiah 50:1 - Jeremiah 51:64.

It’s safe to say by this series of judgments, God was revealing Himself to the entire world as the Lord God of Armies. No one could escape His judgment. This brings us to the passage for this session. It looks further into the judgment God announced against Babylon in Jeremiah 50:11-34.

In this passage we will be reminded that God is just. While He did discipline His people for their sins, He also offered forgiveness and redemption. But, for those who refuse to acknowledge their sin before a holy God, there will be eternal judgment. Knowing this should cause believers to live differently in a world that seems so unjust.

First, God reveals the attitudes and actions of those who He is going to judge.

God Judges Those Who Mock His People—Jeremiah 50:11-16

Why are the Babylonians being judged even though they were used by God as an instrument of judgment against Israel and Judah? What were the results of God’s judgment?

The Babylonians’ haughty attitude and their view that they were invincible brought about God’s judgment. The statement “frolic like a young cow treading grain and neigh like stallions” highlights Babylon’s arrogance. 

The word “inheritance” indicates God’s special relationship with His people (Isaiah19:25). The Babylonians saw Judah as just another conquest, but God would avenge His people. 

The judgment of God was going to be comprehensive. Babylon would be humiliated and put to shame. They would become a secondary nation lagging behind all other nations. They would no longer be a superior nation. Their land would become an arid wilderness and a desert. Babylon would be a place no one would want to visit because it would be an appalling place. People would make her the brunt of her jokes. She would be threatened on all sides by enemies, and she would be helpless because there were no defense towers or protective walls. Everyone who lived there would “flee to his own land.” They would cut and run to the places from which they came to live in Babylon.

Jeremiah cited Babylon’s sins against the Lord as the reason for her punishment. The Babylonians earlier had been God’s instrument of justice, but they had shown no mercy to their captives, in addition to their pride and idolatry. The empire assumed it would last forever, but Babylon’s judgment would be swift and complete. Babylon now would experience the pain she had inflicted on others.

Believers can face the future knowing God will exact justice. In some cases, that justice won’t come until eternity. Nevertheless, He will bring justice in His perfect timing. 

What should this help you understand about how God deals with nations? With individuals?

(From the ETB Personal Study Guide, p. 113): How should these verses prompt believers to pray? How should they impact the way we face uncertain times?

As we watch world events unfold, we should always look for God’s hand in each situation. We should pray and seek wisdom from Him so that we can know how to respond and live during these experiences. We should not find solace in the judgment of those who reject Christ but sympathy for them knowing that, but for His grace, we too could be experiencing the wrath of God. 

We also see in this passage that along with justice God also brings restoration to His own people.

God Restores His People When They Turn to Him—Jeremiah 50:17-20

How does Jeremiah’s use of the imagery of Israel being a stray lamb being chased by lions help you understand the way God viewed Israel?

For most of the Jews’ history, they faced powerful enemies and had little chance against these oppressors—much like a stray lamb that, separated from the shepherd, couldn’t stand against lions. God was going to rescue that stray lamb and restore it to its pasture. He would restore His people to their homeland where agricultural and pastoral life could return to normal. 

Jeremiah uses two nations like bookends to describe how God would restore the people of God. First was Assyria. Jeremiah says they “devoured” God’s people. In 721 BC, the Assyrians conquered Samaria, capital of Israel’s Northern Kingdom and deported much of the population to other regions (2 Kings 17:6, 2 Kings 24). 

Next, the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar had conquered the Southern Kingdom and crushed his bones. In 586 BC, Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, burned the city and its temple, and deported much of the population to Babylon (Jeremiah 39:1-10). 

These twin conquests of God’s people by the Assyrians and Babylonians marked two of the darkest hours in Old Testament history. But God would restore His people and judge the rebellious Babylonians as He did the Assyrians.

God would not only rescue His people, but they would be cleansed of their iniquity (sin). Both Israel’s and Judah’s sins would not be found because they would be forgiven!

What makes this passage so special for believers? How should this change your perspective on life and on God?

Resting In His Redemption—Jeremiah 50:33-34

Read Jeremiah 50:33-34 and consider how this should change the way you view your circumstances today and the future Christ promises upon His second return.

What results would come from God’s Redemption and being their Champion?

Which of these words--Redemption or Champion-- are most meaningful to you as a believer?Which of these words give you the most comfort?

Jeremiah affirmed their Redeemer is strong. The word Redeemer denotes someone who rescues or ransoms another from a particular situation.  Jeremiah also assured his readers that God would fervently champion their cause. God Himself would represent them and contend for them. Therefore, they had nothing to fear.

God's Words to Us Today

Imagine these words are for believers today. We may be oppressed. We may be held captive to the influence of past sins or by the rules of unjust and ungodly nations who refuse to release us. But our Redeemer is strong. He is our champion who will one day bring rest to us and to the earth upon Christ’s return, but turmoil would be reserved for those who reject God and torment those who have been redeemed.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

Have you ever had someone ask for your advice, you gave it, and they chose to ignore it? Most of us will seek out the advice of others, especially if it relates to health, financial issues, or major life-changing decisions. As believers, we usually, or most certainly, should seek God’s wisdom regarding decisions as well. We seek God’s advice by going to the Bible, prayer, and mature believers. The Explore the Bible Study: Trustworthy takes you to a group who asked for God's advice but then refused to follow it.

Jeremiah 42 takes us to a time when the people of God asked for advice and protection from God. 

Leading up to this chapter, Jeremiah 37-41, describe a time when Judah’s last king, King Zedekiah (597–586 BC), sought advice from Jeremiah and asked him to pray for Jerusalem during the final Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.  Zedekiah didn’t like Jeremiah’s advice regarding repentance or disaster, so he had Jeremiah imprisoned (Jeremiah 38:1-13). Zedekiah spoke with Jeremiah one last time before Jerusalem’s fall (Jeremiah 38:14-26). Once again Jeremiah advised Zedekiah that God told him to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, but Zedekiah refused to follow God’s advice.

Jeremiah 39 describes the siege and capture of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar’s army. They slaughtered Jewish officials, killed Zedekiah’s sons, blinded the king, and led him in chains to Babylon. They also destroyed the palace, broke down Jerusalem’s walls, and exiled all but the poorest people. However, Nebuchadnezzar allowed Jeremiah to remain.

Jeremiah 40 describes Nebuchadnezzar’s appointment of Gedaliah as governor over Judah. During this time, Judean refugees returned from surrounding countries and submitted to Gedaliah’s rule. This created unrest that eventually led to the assassination of Gedaliah. Fearing Babylonian retribution, the remaining Israelites determined to leave and flee to Egypt.

Once again, with their backs against the wall, the Israelites sought advice from Jeremiah regarding their situation. 

Jeremiah 42:1-6 introduces us to the delegation that was sent to Jeremiah. This delegation expressed a desire to seek God’s direction and promised to obey whatever God would say through Jeremiah. After 10 days of seeking the Lord, Jeremiah delivered the Lord’s response to the delegation. The message God gave Jeremiah involved two options from which to choose.

This brings us to some questions we all must answer.  

First, do we only seek God’s advice when our backs are against the wall and we have tried all other options? 

Second, when God does speak, what warnings can we learn from the people’s response, about ignoring God’s advice?

The first option God gave to Jeremiah to share was the best option. 

Option 1: Stay and Trust God—Jeremiah 42:7-12

Jeremiah summoned all those who awaited his response. His audience included the delegation, the commanders of the armies (that were left) and all the remnant that remained, “from the least to the greatest.” Jeremiah reminded the people that they had asked him to bring their petition to God. The people wanted God’s guidance in-light-of the tumultuous situation in Judah following Gedaliah’s assassination. 

Imagine you are one of those hearing God’s instructions after you have seen the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the conquest of Judah. What questions or concerns would God’s advice create? Knowing what you know about the people’s situation, had you been one of Judah’s decision makers, would you have recommended moving to Egypt after hearing God’s advice?

The Hebrew wording regarding the choice God gave stresses the deliberate decision the people needed to make because their circumstances might suggest pursuing another option. With that choice God would bless them even amid a hostile reign of a pagan king.

• God would rebuild and not demolish.
• God would plant and not uproot them.
• God would relent concerning the disaster He had brought on His people. 
• God would save them and rescue them from Nebuchadnezzar.
• God would be compassionate toward them.
• God would cause Nebuchadnezzar to have compassion, resulting in them being allowed to return to their own soil. 

God’s advice included actions that would be very difficult for them to do – not only remain but not be afraid of Nebuchadnezzar. The people had seen indescribable destruction and the exile of their loved ones, and were now facing a possible retribution by king Nebuchadnezzar. They probably feared that this time, the king would leave no survivors.

But God personally promised to save and rescue His people. The Babylonians were merely God’s instrument, and He would oversee the Jews’ protection and safety. Jerusalem’s defeat was not the defeat of God. He had judged them, but now He would protect those who remained and help them rebuild and become fruitful. The Lord would accomplish all of this if the people obeyed and trusted the Lord’s message through Jeremiah. 

Has God ever given you advice that was totally opposite of what you thought should happen? Did His choice keep you in a place or situation that you felt was hostile or difficult? How difficult would it be for you to obey God?

The people did have another option.

Option 2: Don’t Stay and Don’t Trust God—Jeremiah 42:13-18

What did God say would happen if they moved to Egypt? How was this different from what they assumed would happen if they moved to Egypt? 

If you were told that the situation would not be the way you envisioned, would you change your decision? 

God knew they would reject His advice. The people had already determined that safety would be found in Egypt. It’s interesting why they would even seek God’s advice since the decision was already made. It’s almost as if they were seeking God as an afterthought, to get His stamp of approval on the decision they had already made. 

Perhaps we are guilty of doing the same thing. 

How many times have we already made decisions, then we go to God seeking His advice, only to discover that His advice doesn’t align with our decisions?

When have you felt that God’s option wasn’t the option you desired to choose?

Trusting our own plans and judgment ultimately leads to destruction. God’s ways and thoughts are infinitely beyond ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), so it makes sense to trust Him. If you do decide to ignore God, you must accept responsibility and consequences.

You must accept the consequences of disobedience—Jeremiah 42:19-22 

If people today choose to do something other than what God commands, do they usually blame God for the outcome?

Jeremiah stressed his desire that they know and understand the implications of their refusal to heed God’s warning. They thought they would escape by fleeing to Egypt for a while, but in reality, the disastrous consequences of disobedience would follow them to Egypt. 

Failing to follow God’s counsel reveals a person’s true heart. People may say they believe and trust God, but the way they follow God’s advice given in His Word, by His Spirit, or through other believers truly reveals how much they truly desire to follow Him.

Obey or Ignore God

Why would someone ask for God’s counsel and then ignore it?  (Explore the Bible PSG, p. 107)

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your dependence on God when making decisions? What adjustments do you need to make to trust Him more and lean less on your own understanding? (Explore the Bible PSG, p. 108)

What should other believers’ role be in helping you as you seek God’s direction?

God’s people must never trust their own understanding over God’s commands. When we follow God’s advice and commands, we demonstrate our trust and belief in God to others. We should also understand that, while we have a choice, choosing not to follow God’s advice will result in consequences for which we will have to take responsibility.

Ultimately, we must remember that following God’s counsel reveals what we really believe about God.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

Download PDF Version

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LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

According to Pew Research, Eight-in-ten Americans say they don’t generally answer their cellphone when an unknown number calls. While we might understand this response to unknown callers, it seems that over the past few years, more and more people have begun to ignore calls and texts from even their closest friends. While we might not admit it, there are also times when God sends us a message that we choose to ignore as well. The Explore the Bible Study: Speaks, reveals what happens when one chooses to ignore God's messages.

Imagine someone receiving a written message from God and tearing it to shreds and burning it? This is what took place in chapter 36 of Jeremiah. The king of Judah, King Johoiakim, didn’t like the message that came from God’s prophet, Jeremiah. So, he tried to dispose of it. But God’s Word could not be destroyed, and the truth it declared could not be avoided. 

In the fifth year of Judah’s evil King Jehoiakim, the Lord instructed Jeremiah to record his prophetic words on a scroll. Jeremiah 36:2-3 describes the message and the reason God sends the message:

“Take a scroll, and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations from the time I first spoke to you during Josiah’s reign until today. 3 Perhaps when the house of Judah hears about all the disaster I am planning to bring on them, each one of them will turn from his evil way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin.”  (Jeremiah 36:2-3)

Jeremiah faithfully dictated the words to Baruch, his scribe, who later shared the words with all those who came to the temple (Jeremiah 36:4-10).

An official named Micaiah heard the Lord’s words and shared what he had heard with other leaders (Jeremiah 36:11-13). Baruch then read the scroll Jeremiah had dictated to these officials. After hearing what God had said through the prophet, the men determined that King Jehoiakim also needed to hear these messages (Jeremiah 36:14-18).

What we will observe in Jehoiakim’s response to God’s Word should cause us to stop and evaluate how we might respond to the messages God sends to us through His Word and His Spirit. We should also observe the consequences when a society refuses to hear and respond to God’s Word.

God’s Message Prompts a Response – Jeremiah 36:16-21

Jeremiah 36:12 names five officials to whom Micaiah, the original recipient of Jeremiah’s message, brought the news. Try to imagine what unfolds:

• The officials heard the message and were afraid. Yet they felt the king needed to hear the message.
• The officials knew that the king would likely reject the message and come after Jeremiah and Baruch, so they encouraged them to hide.
• Instead of taking the scroll to King Jehoiakim, they left the scroll under the care of Elishama the scribe. 
• Then other officials recounted for Jehoiakim the details and requested a meeting to discuss Jeremiah’s message.
• The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll. 
• Jehudi retrieved the scroll from Elishama (v. 20) and brought it to the king. 
• Jehudi then read it in Jehoiakim’s hearing, as the other officials stood by. 

Jehoiakim’s response was vital because royal support for Jeremiah’s words could turn the country back toward the Lord. On the other hand, the king’s rejection of Jeremiah’s words would lead to God’s judgment.

Believers are called to deliver God’s Word faithfully. That can happen through preaching, teaching, or even a simple conversation. The nature of our delivery will vary, but God invites us to share in delivering His Word wherever and however we can.

Sadly, Jehoiakim responded even worse to the message than what was anticipated. 

Imagine standing before King Jehoiakim as he responds. Consider how you would feel.

God’s Message is Blatantly and Callously Ignored – Jeremiah 36:22-26

Whey you read what the king did to the scrolls what thoughts or feelings do you have regarding his actions? 

What would you have done if you were Jehudi and you observed the king’s actions?

How are people’s responses to God’s Word today like those of the king?

What might be some reasons people disregard the message of the Bible?

Jehoiakim responded with utter contempt for God’s Word, and the actions he took to destroy the scroll indicate further disdain for God and the prophetic message. Additionally, we see how his view of God’s message influenced the behavior of the entire audience in the room:

• His servants had no regard for God’s message. They heard the message, but they did not become terrified at the king’s actions, nor did they tear their clothes—an action that would demonstrate great distress or morning.
• Jehoiakim commanded some of his officials’ sons including his own son to seize the scribe Baruch and the prophet Jeremiah. 

Can you imagine the king of Judah sending his own son the sons of some of his officials to do the work of destroying God’s messenger? What does the fact that the officials Jehoiakim commanded to seize Jeremiah and Baruch were sons, one being his own son, communicate about the influence our response to God has on the next generation? 

People who reject God’s Word will try to silence it. The Bible challenges people to admit they’re sinners, and most people in this world just don’t want to do that. Consequently, they invest a lot of time and energy into discrediting the Bible—or they persecute the messengers. Additionally, they usually desire to bring down the next generation with them by encouraging their own children to reject the message and messengers of God.

What one must never forget, however, is that there is a price to be paid for ignoring God’s message.

There are Consequences When We Ignore God’s Message – Jeremiah 36:27-31 

Had you been Jeremiah, would you have felt like a failure or have possibly been unsure about writing another message for the king? What can you learn from the persistence of God to Jeremiah that he was to prepare the message “once again,” plus some additional words to the king?

Remember Jeremiah’s situation. He had prophesied for twenty years already and seen little spiritual response. Then, the king had sent God’s messages up in flames. After Jehoiakim burned the scroll, Jeremiah and Baruch could have fallen into utter despair. 

The “Therefore” in verse 30 introduced God’s dramatic conclusion.

• Jehoiakim would have no one to sit on David’s throne. Jehoiakim’s royal line ceased shortly after his death. His son, Jehoiachin, inherited a city under Babylonian siege and reigned only three months before he surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:8-12). Zedekiah, Jehoiakim’s brother, became Judah’s last king, and his rebellion led to Jerusalem’s destruction (2 Kings 24:17–25:10). 
• Jehoiakim’s corpse would be thrown out without a proper burial, exposing it to the heat of day and the frost of night. The word thrown out is a different form of the word translated “throw” in verse 23. Jehoiakim had cast aside God’s Word, so God would cast his corpse aside. 
• Jehoiakim’s officers would also be punished. Judah’s leaders had failed miserably. The word officers likely denotes leaders who served the king.
• God’s judgment would progress from the king to his descendants, to his officers, down to the residents of the capital, and finally to the general population. The Lord had repeatedly warned them about this disaster for twenty years through Jeremiah. Tragically, they did not listen to His words. While some of the people eventually returned from exile, the nation, in general, paid a terrible price for their sin.

Are We Still Ignoring God's Message?

One might think that we are past the days when those who reject God would blatantly destroy God’s Word, but we must remember that we live in a sin-broken world. We might feel as if we are relatively protected today in our society for people becoming as angry as King Jehoiakim became. Is this because people are responding differently, or is it because the message of repentance and salvation is not being proclaimed? A July 14, 2023, CNN News Post reveals how people view God’s written word in a “modern” society. It was reported that “Swedish authorities have approved a protest involving the burning of Torahs and Bibles outside the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm.” Perhaps we aren’t as immune to people responding negatively to God’s message as we think. 

What can you learn from Jeremiah regarding sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ?

How should believers respond to those who try to destroy God’s Word?

Examine your own life to consider if you have “torn out pages in God’s Word and tossed them in the fire” because you didn’t like what God said to you. 

Consider whether or not your lifestyle reflects the actions of Jehoiakim. Are there things you are doing, saying, thinking, or not doing, saying, or thinking that communicate that you have “torn out pages in God’s Word and burned them”?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources.