Mark has shown us that Jesus is the King that Israel has been waiting for. You would think that the religious leaders of all people would be delighted that He has arrived. Yet what Mark calls our attention to in this section is that they do not receive him and instead seek to destroy Him. Why do they reject Him? These stories are meant to challenge our reaction to Jesus because its only those who receive Jesus as Lord and King who will experience the joy and benefits of His Kingdom. Jesus is presented as the Lord of the banquet, the Lord of the Sabbath and the Lord of life. The Pharisees were unwilling to come to Jesus as Lord of anything; therefore, they are left out of the banquet, God's rest and eternal life. If you will experience those things you must come to Jesus as Lord and King and you will enjoy fellowship with Him, rest for your soul, and life.