Mark 15:21-26 - The King on the Cross

Mark 15:21-26 
21 They *pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross.
22 Then they *brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. 23 They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. 24 And they *crucified Him, and *divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take. 25 It was the third hour when they crucified Him. 26 The inscription of the charge against Him read, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”


Message: The King on the Cross

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is on his way to being crucified. He has been tried before the Jewish Council for blasphemy because he has admitted to being the Messiah, the Son of God and then the Jewish leaders take Him before Pilate with the charge He is King of the Jews. Jesus agrees but throughout all of the other assaults on him verbally he remains silent. A crown of thorns is placed on his head and then a reed or staff is used to whip that crown and drive those thorns into him while others spit on him and mock him. 

It is Friday and Jesus is on his way to being crucified for the crime of being King of the Jews. The Jewish people want him crucified, having been persuaded by the chief priests, scribes, and Jewish leaders who I believe are threatened by Him. 

Jesus' crucifixion was carried out by Roman authorities for they had jurisdiction over capital punishment. On the way to being crucified the prisoner would carry a crossbeam or patibulum and then when arrived at the site of the crucifixion would be joined with a stipes or upright post. Jesus has already been beaten and scourged to the point that his body can't carry the crossbeam. They *pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross. The soldiers grabbed Simon as he passed by to help Jesus bear the crossbeam and carry it. Then they *brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. At this point the upright post is joined to the crossbeam.

They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. It was a custom of the Jews to offer to those preparing to be crucified a strong drink or narcotic to help dull the pain or mask the pain the person would be enduring on the cross. But Jesus would not take it. Jesus would bear the full burden of pain.

And they *crucified Him. Mark does not here dwell on the specific events of the now crucifixion, but simply remarks that He was crucified though this period of time would be a longer period that other Gospel writers go into more detail about. Mark instead emphasizes the garments of Jesus and dividing them up. and *divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take. This act was prophesied by the Psalmist - They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots. (Psalm 22:18). This is really another moment of humiliation. The only thing that Jesus owns at this point is the clothes on his back and even at this moment, those clothes are stripped from him and they are taken by the soldiers and divided up among them.

It was the third hour when they crucified Him. This is a point many have brought up as a contradiction because John states in 19:14 - it was about the sixth hour. And he *said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!” The Pulpit Commentary offers these words - "The third hour would literally be nine o'clock. But we gather from verse 33 that our Lord was on his cross, and still alive, at the sixth hour, that is, at twelve o'clock. The simplest mode of solving the chronological difficulty seems to be this: The Jews divided their day into four parts, which they called hours, namely, the first, from six to nine; the third, from nine to twelve; the sixth, from twelve to three; and the ninth, from three to six. It was, then, within the third hour, that is, between nine and twelve, that they crucified him; and it was from the sixth to the ninth hour that he was actually upon his cross. St. John employs the Asiatic mode of computing time."

The inscription of the charge against Him read, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” This inscription was meant to humiliate Him and yet Jesus has proclaimed this to be the truth when questioned by Pilate. He is the King of the Jews but this was the reason for the execution because Caesar was instead the true emperor over everyone in the land.

Summary - Jesus is taken to Golgatha to be crucified but he is to weak to carry the crossbeam and so a passerby is pulled in to bear the cross and carry it for Jesus to Golgatha. At this place the upright post is fastened to the crossbeam and Jesus is brought up to hang on the cross. He denies the offering of a strong drink by the Jews to help alleviate some of the pain. His garment is divided up among the soldiers, thus humiliating him more and a sign is placed over him bearing his crime, King of the Jews.

Promise: Matthew Henry states here - Whenever we look unto Christ crucified, we must remember what was written over his head; he is a King, and we must give up ourselves to be his subjects.

Prayer: Jesus, you were crucified to death for me. You were the lamb led to the slaughter. You experienced a pain I never will. I avoid pain at all costs and hate it when it disturbs my life. Thank you for suffering for me. I want to live for You. I thank you for bearing my pain and going to be crucified. Help me to not forget this especially as I take the Lord's Supper. Use that time taking the Lord's Supper to take me back to the pain that you experienced for me.

Mark 15:16-20 - The Soldiers Mock Jesus

Mark 15:16-20
16 The soldiers took Him away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium), and they *called together the whole Roman cohort. 17 They *dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him; 18 and they began to acclaim Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him, and kneeling and bowing before Him. 20 After they had mocked Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they *led Him out to crucify Him.

Message: The Soldiers Mock Jesus

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has been seized on Thursday evening, then taken back and witnesses came but then Caiaphas question Jesus and he admitted he was the Messiah, the Son of God and would sit at the right hand of God. Caiaphas took this as blasphemy and wanted him to die. The people spat on him and beat him. They turned him over to Pilate for Roman authority carried out capital punishment. Pilate questioned him about being King of the Jews and he admitted it. There was an opportunity to pardon someone but the Jewish people wanted Barabbas, a man who revolted against Roman authority pardoned, and despite questions by Pilate of what should come of Jesus, the people responded in the same way the chief priests responded - Crucify Him.

In the scripture, when God deals with a people it is often through Gentiles. The Gentiles became instruments of God to deal with the sins of people - their turning their back on God or serving other God's. He used his chosen people's enemies to bring about judgment on His chosen people. However, these Gentiles were not aware of this, they were all acting for their own reasons. And though each was responsible they were also serving the role of God. God works all things together is what Romans 8:28 says. The sovereign Lord of history uses people for His purposes. It is for his good that often doesn't feel like good. And present day people don't understand this when our highest good is comfort, safety, personal enjoyment and being entertained. We are a people that not only hate to feel bad, but everything in our lives is about making sure nothing hurts. Tolerance is preached from the mountain tops which means we are never to have a hard day and never to pass judgment on anyone.

In this moment with Jesus he is being dealt a blow by his enemies at the time. The Jewish leaders were threatened by Him, not because He was was right, but because he was different. And their authority in that day was being threatened. And they wanted him to die. And they got the people to think the same thing and form a mob. They were responsible, but Jesus also predicted his death. Jesus was to die. He knew it. He prayed I think that he would have the strength, the human strength to go through with it.

He was a man without sin. Did he deserve this? No. But his purpose was carrying out and showing God's wrath for human sin. The Lamb must be slaughtered. God preached substitution atonement. Each person is responsible for their own sin but each person is incapable of enduring the wrath for their own sin. They need a substitute. The world cries out that each person is to "do the best they can" but God says "no one is worthy."

Today, I look at Jesus being mocked. In verse 15, Jesus has been scourged. But now in addition to being beaten in different ways -  twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him - they took a crown of thorns that when we touch a thorn in the garden we put on special gloves to prevent those thorns from pricking our hand because we hate that pain. We hate pain. And Jesus had a crown of thorns placed on His head. Every time he moved a thorn would jab him. Every time someone beat him it would press against his head. I hate thorns. I hate the stinging pain. He had a crown of thorns. What pain he experienced. They kept beating His head with a reed. While the crown of thorns was on his head, the reed was a scepter or instrument that inflicted more pain on him. Again, the reed would hit his head and drive those thorns into his temple. I'm not sure of the makeup of this reed. But, it was used to inflict more pain.

There was spitting on Him. They spit on his face. It was demeaning. And they kneeling and bowing before Him, so they mocked Him. They took his dignity away. O how we hate to have our dignity threatened. Many people spend years dealing through the pain of words.

Summary - Jesus has already been scourged to the point of death, but now he receives a crown of thorns and continued pain is inflicted on him as those thorns continue to prick his head and then he is mocked and spit on and mocked some more. Jesus takes all this pain. He stands their silent. He does not run. He does not try to get away. He accepts it.

Promise: The Lord endures suffering for me. What I am learning day by day to hate more than anything in this life is unease, discomfort, pain, feeling bad -- Jesus endured these things for me. He took the punishment and the pain.

Prayer: O Lord, I am so weak. I am getting trained in this world each day in the wrong way. Lord, I am to toil for you. I am to work hard. Yet Lord, my greatest goal is to protect myself from this to the point that I feel like many times I have graduated from pain. I just want things to be fixed. Lord Jesus thank you for taking my pain. I hate thorns and I protect myself against them but for you there was no protection. You took all the pain. Lord, my words of thanks will never be good enough, but help me to know that I can live my life in a better way. I can submit and surrender to You and give it my all each day to toil for you. Forgive me for looking for the easy road, the road of comfort and ease. Help me instead to surrender to You and accept what You provide. Make me withstand this in life.

Mark 15:6-15 - Pilate Capitulates To The Crowd

Mark 15:6-15
6 Now at the feast he used to release for them any one prisoner whom they requested. 7 The man named Barabbas had been imprisoned with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the insurrection. 8 The crowd went up and began asking him to do as he had been accustomed to do for them. 9 Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he was aware that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead.12 Answering again, Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” 13 They shouted back, “Crucify Him!” 14 But Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!” 15 Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Message: Pilate Capitulates To The Crowd

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - It is Friday morning and the chief priests have consulted and concluded Jesus is guilty of blasphemy, but now they take him to Roman authority, Pilate, to recommend his execution. Blasphemy carries no weight with Pilate so they mention that He proclaims himself to be King of the Jews. Pilate addresses Jesus and he admits it and then others accuse him but he remains silent to these many other accusations.

In verse 10, the text remarks that Pilate was aware that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. This was the concern that the Jewish leaders had with Jesus. They felt like he would rival their authority. This is interesting because in life sometimes conflicts are over authority and not necessarily what is best for the people. From Peter's perspective, the Jewish leaders had envy for Jesus because they saw the audiences that he commanded and they saw how people flocked to him, walking many miles to see Him. They didn't have that type of popularity or notoriety.

As Pilate now is going to bring these criminals before the people it is known that at this time of year, during the Passover feast he used to release for them any one prisoner whom they requested. To this day the president prior to leaving office will pardon criminals or set them free. And this appears to be the custom at this time of the year. Pilate wondered if Jesus was the one that would be released. Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” This is now the name of Jesus, King of the Jews, and not messiah, healer, provider, but rather the name that the Jewish leaders took the greatest offense.

The man named Barabbas had been imprisoned with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the insurrection. Barabbas is the one brought forth to be released. He was a rebel who had been imprisoned for staging a revolt against the Roman government which was often the case among people. The Jewish government ended up being there only for spiritual matters while the Roman government had the weight of criminal items. Thus, it had more weight and there were those that didn't like this, like Barabbas, who had in the past sparked a revolt against the Roman authority. And the idea of Pilate releasing someone is repeated - The crowd went up and began asking him to do as he had been accustomed to do for them. The custom had been for someone to be released at the Passover.

But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead. The chief priests wanted to make it clear that the one to be released was Barabbas and not Jesus. So it was clear that Barabbas would be released so Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” Pilate seems to be experiencing some inward struggle as he then asks the people what would be the fate of the one they call King of the Jews. Jesus is not simply called the King but is known to be the king by the people is Pilate's assertion. Though Pilate is willing to let Jesus go, the people respond with They shouted back, “Crucify Him!” This was prompted by the chief priests and then now echoed by the crowd. Yet even after hearing this pronouncement by the people, Pilate wonders again - “Why, what evil has He done?” but the response is still the same But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!” This is a mob scene. I recall a movie called the Oxbow Incident that I always thought showed the picture of this. In that story is the idea that they people are convinced of the guilty of 3 men and stage a lynching of those men for the murder of one of their own, and yet in the end they discover that even after the lynching the guilty party is still at large and they go back to a salon in sorrow for what they have done.

It seems the crucifixion of Jesus takes on a similar tone and one we have to be mindful of and careful of, even today. There is a tendency in us to go along with the crowd and ignore the facts but to have in us this desire to see another man's demise because it is somewhat easy and at the time we want Justice.

Pilate does what the people ask him to do. Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. The chief priests have gotten what they wanted, Jesus to be crucified.

Summary - It is Friday and the fate of not only Jesus but also a rebel is up for grabs. The chief priests want to see Jesus' demise. Pilate is going to pardon someone, but the attention of the pardon is turned towards Barabbas who has been an insurrectionist or rebel of the Roman authority. The people recommend his removal. But do not want Jesus to be pardoned. Jesus, the chiefs priests felt, was a rebel to their own authority. Despite a couple of attempts by Pilate to set Jesus free, he turns Jesus over to the people to have Him crucified.

Promise: Every time we trust in earthly princes we come to be apart of the crowd that crucified Jesus. Our allegiance is not to be with the crowd and the pressure we may feel to be a part of that crowd, but to focused on the Truth, the Truth of God.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for going along with the crowd often instead of doing what is right. I am never promised a rose garden, but in fact there will be hard toil as I labor for You and desire to achieve maturity as a believer in Christ. Help me God to beat to the correct drum. O Lord, my Lord, how majestic is Your name in all of the earth. I am to praise Your name and do the right thing, no matter the cost.

Mark 15:1-5 - Taken to Pilate

Mark 15:1-5
1 Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. 2 Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He *answered him, “It is as you say.” 3 The chief priests began to accuse Him harshly. 4 Then Pilate questioned Him again, saying, “Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!” 5 But Jesus made no further answer; so Pilate was amazed.
Message: Taken to Pilate

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus was arrested at night time after having spent time praying in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Passover meal and Lord's Supper in which he announced that someone among them would betray him. They all said, "not me." Despite this response when Jesus needed them to watch out while he was praying they fell asleep. And come evening there was the chief priests and elders showing up to arrest him. They took him Thursday night and immediately had a court of sort where they had witnesses to testify against him. But this didn't merit much until Caiaphas asked him if he was the Messiah, the son of God. He admitted he was and that he would sit at the right hand of God. Caiaphas called this blasphemy and others there started to spit on Jesus and fist pump him. At this point, Peter, who had followed Jesus there as well as John, was asked by the high priests servant girl if he was a part of Jesus group and Peter denied his affiliation or that he even knew Jesus. This was just as Jesus had predicted and Peter wept.

It is now Friday morning. Jesus has not slept. All night they have spent accusing him and then starting to spit on him and punch him. Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. I wonder if interrogations like this always move this fast or because this is Jesus it is moving faster than normal. The chief priests and council ruled on religious matters but at some point they would then take an issue to Pilate, the Rome authority who would carry out capital punishment. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea. He is in Jerusalem because of the major Jewish feasts because of the number of people in the city and having to deal with any issues.

Although blasphemy was the offense that the Sanhedrin Council had, blasphemy meant little to Pilate. Evidently, the Sanhedrin Council brought the issue of Jesus being king of the Jews to Pilate. Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” This is the crime Pilate is concerned about because he thinks it has something to do with usurping the authority of Rome.

And He *answered him, “It is as you say.” Jesus' response to this was thou sayest. So he acknowledges that what has been said is valid. But then the accusations start rolling in even harsher towards Jesus and to these he does not respond. The chief priests began to accuse Him harshly. Then Pilate questioned Him again, saying, “Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!” But Jesus made no further answer; so Pilate was amazed. He has said all that he needs to say. The fact that Jesus stands silent speaks more to the fact of his character because he was in fact blameless.

Summary - Now that the Sanhedrin, Jewish, Council has come to a conclusion that Jesus is a blasphemer, they take him before Pilate and pronounce before him that Jesus claims to be king of the Jews. Jesus admits this and the chief priests and scribes continue to assault him with accusations, but for these he remains silent. Jesus has said all that He needs to say.

Promise: Sometimes there is nothing more to be done when being accused than to be silent as Jesus was silent. Only other people can help with an acquittal though Jesus is carrying out a commission by the Father.

Prayer: O God thank you for taking the blame for my sin. The accusation were true that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, the Son of Man, King of the Jews, but people continually don't understand you well. But, it is for your children that you care for and I praise you and thank You for your great love for me. Help me to be a person of love and echo your message as is needed in the world I live in.

Mark 14:66-72 - The Rooster Crow

Mark 14:66-72
66 As Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest *came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and *said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” And he went out onto the porch. 69 The servant-girl saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, “This is one of them!” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too.”71 But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man you are talking about!” 72 Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he began to weep.

Message: The Rooster Crow

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has just been convicted and sentenced to death by the high priest and the people began to spit on and fist pump Jesus. The reason for his conviction is a culmination of events of how the priests have been threatened by Jesus since he has come on the scene. And now Jesus himself has confessed that He is the Messiah, the Son of God and that He will be at the right hand of God. The charge to Jesus is blasphemy. It is Thursday, in the middle of the night, about 3 am. Peter and John are nearby having followed the assembly of people to the court area to see what would happen.

As Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest *came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and *said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus has already had made bold predictions about future events - his death and resurrection and then also the scattering of the sheep and how they would reject him. And now in this moment Jesus was not only being arrested but now spit on and beaten. The disciples initially fled when Jesus was arrested, but then curiosity led them to where the courts were accusing him. But, they are reverting back to their previous position now of innocence. What makes this denial more significance was how the accusation was insignificant. It wan't the high priest making the church, but a servant and a servant girl of the high priest. Peter took this as possible future danger.

How often has this occurred in life when I have shrugged off my affiliation with God or things spiritual simply out of a fear of being associated with Jesus. I have a danger in life of blending in, not going against the flow. Peter's response is:

1. But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.”

And he went out onto the porch. The servant-girl saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, “This is one of them!” The first time was alone and now she says the same thing but with an audience.

2. But again he denied it. 

And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too.” Now it has gone from the servant-girl to the bystanders. So, there is no trial at all, no association at all with a high priest, just harmless people who possible were involved in the spitting on. But, the result is the same.

3. But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man you are talking about!”

It is a sad affair as Peter has clearly denied His affiliation with Jesus. He denies being a part of the group of people following Jesus and then he makes it clear that he doesn't even know Jesus. He clearly shows that he has nothing to do with Jesus whatsoever.

Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he began to weep. In the moment of it occurring we are concerned about the audience, but then afterward, we are convicted and see first hand that what we have done is what we have said we do not want to do and that is deny our association with Jesus.

Summary - Jesus has been accused of a crime and Peter has been a witness to this. The crime is being the Messiah, the Son of God. The high priests servant girl asks him by herself, then in the company of bystanders and then the bystanders themselves ask - Peter denies being part of the group of followers and then denies even knowing Jesus. But, apart from the group, Jesus is embarrassed by His actions and weeps over his sin of denial.

Promise: It is good to think of our sin for then the Holy Spirit will remind us of our sin. This is the mark of a Christian.

Prayer: Lord, I need to be aware of my sin more. Remind me of my wrongdoing. I too quickly justify My behavior. I too quickly spend time protecting myself from any accusation. I gather with Christians and proclaim Your name but before men I go along with the crowd. Forgive me Lord. Forgive me Lord. I am embarrassed before You My God. Lord, if I can help others see this, show me the Way. 

Mark 14:63-65 - The Humiliation of Christ

Mark 14:63-65
63 Tearing his clothes, the high priest *said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. 65 Some began to spit at Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in the face.

Message: The Humiliation of Christ

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has been arrested and it is Thursday night. He has been seized under the cover of darkness, after he had prayed. The disciples and people fled; even one man who started to get apprehended got away naked, but he still got away. But, then Peter and John followed Jesus to the Sanhedrin court. They first accused Jesus improperly and so Jesus didn't respond. But then they asked Him if he was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed (God). And this time Jesus answered and acknowledged and even spoke of His future.

Jesus has just remarked to this question - “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One? And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” And the response Tearing his clothes, the high priest *said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?” Blasphemy is speaking sacrilegiously of God. It is not showing reverence to God. The high priest felt like he had all the evidence he needed to condemn Jesus to death because he had admitted to being the Messiah, the Son of God.

Jesus had admitted in the previous verses that He had a special relationship with God. He admitted that He was the Son of God and then He also calls himself the Son of Man. Now the question that has been raised is blasphemy here referring just to Jesus having a special sort of relationship with God or it referring to him having more than just a special relationship but being God himself. Traditional Christianity would be the latter while many religions such as Muslims, Jehovah Witnesses and liberal Christians say the former.

What we do know for sure is he was utterly offended. We know this because of the tearing his clothes. This was probably a man of multiple tunics and tearing ones clothes was a sign of exceptional grief. But this wasn't simply a tearing of one's clothes, but it was a violent tear. The Greek word is rent and it implies violent dramatic action. The high priest is making a point. He is calling attention to Jesus' words. But I still wonder what his motivation was in doing this. He wasn't someone that wanted or felt like there was a need for any more evidence. He had all the evidence he needed and getting witnesses to testify against Jesus was more of a formality. So perhaps the tearing of His clothes was more to enunciate with clarity that nothing more is needed for Jesus has made the claim. Was Jesus just embodying an exceptional person or was he stating that He was equal with God and thereby God.

And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. It seems that the JW's for one focus not on Jesus admitted he was the son of God, but instead focus on Jesus saying that he had a special place of distinction at the right hand of God. Whatever this meant at the time, the people felt like he was worthy to be condemned to death. Would Jesus claiming that God has reserved for him a special place be enough for him to be crucified or was this more likely because he was proclaiming to be God.

Some began to spit at Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps. It is now about 3am. Jesus has not slept as the night before was his last night of sleep. What follows now is not just contempt but the greatest contempt that people would have on someone. To spit on someone was a sign of this sort of contempt. And then if that wasn't enough there was blindfolding and then beating him with their fists. And Mark and Luke record that they would say to Jesus to Prophesy.

In some ways this is puzzling because nowhere have we seen this type of rage of Jesus and yet it must have been present. There must have been many that equally hated Jesus as those who loved Him in a great way.

Summary - It is now late into the morning and because of Jesus saying that he is the Son of God and calling himself the Son of Man, the charge of blasphemy is given and Jesus is now being spit on, blindfolded and struck with fists.

Promise: Jesus is voluntarily taking this humiliation.

Prayer: Lord, you were humiliated for me. That is clear. Please continue to reveal yourself to me. You were hated in a way I have not seen recorded yet in the Scripture. I worship You.

Mark 14:61-62 - The Son of Man at The Right Hand of Power

Mark 14:61-62
61 But He kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”

Message: The Son of Man at The Right Hand of Power

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has appeared before the Sanhedrin court after being seized under the cover of darkness by the elders, priests, and scribes. Witnesses have been brought to the court as they seek evidence against Jesus. The only item mentioned is Jesus stating that the temple will come down in 3 days, though this was referring to His body, the temple and not a literal temple. Throughout all of this He (Jesus) kept silent and did not answer. Silence was actually a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:7). Peter and John have followed him to the courts to watch, after initially fleeing from the scene when Jesus was arrested.

The court scene is continuing to occur. Again the high priest was questioning Him. Up to now Jesus had been silent. There was no reason to speak for he was completely innocent of everything. But the high priest continues to question Jesus, which is what the high priest(s) have been doing often over the last 3 years. The high priest was saying to Him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" The question presented is whether Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Mark doesn't use the name God but instead refers to God as the Blessed One, which was common at this time because the name of God should not be mentioned or the Jewish people often wouldn't use the name of God.

Jesus responds now for the first time with "I am" affirming that what has been said is correct. He didn't respond when things were said to Him that were not true. But now he responds with a quote from the Old Testament as was often the way Jesus responded to questions. Jesus says and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” He uses the name Son of Man which was the most common way that he addressed himself. But the Son of Man that he is quoting from Daniel is also referring to God incarnate so He is claiming Himself to be God. Daniel 7:13 says, "I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him." Psalm 110:1 also says, "A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet." So there is a combination of these verses and the sentiment from Jesus of the prophecy of himself.

Jesus uses words from the Old Testament that are clearly prophecies of the Messiah and His position before God and how He will come in the future. He is stating that He is the Messiah and aligning Himself with God.

Summary - Jesus responds to the answer from the chief priest, most likely Caiaphas about whether Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, Son of God. Jesus responds for the first time with the affirmative because what is asked of him is a valid question with an affirmative response.

Promise: Jesus affirms his deity, his purpose and that he is the Messiah.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for confirming who you are, the Son of Man, the son of God, the Messiah as predicted. Help me Lord to always proclaim You as such. It saddens me to see how you are put forth and projected in our world today. Forgive me for sitting there and laughing along with it. Be praised God. I do want to praise Your name.

Mark 14:53-60 - Jesus on Trial

Mark 14:53-60
53 They led Jesus away to the high priest; and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes *gathered together. 54 Peter had followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, and they were not finding any. 56 For many were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimony was not consistent. 57 Some stood up and began to give false testimony against Him, saying, 58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’” 59 Not even in this respect was their testimony consistent. 60 The high priest stood up and came forward and questioned Jesus, saying, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?”

Message: Jesus on Trial

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - The high priests, scribes and elders have seized Jesus after he had finished praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, under the cloud of darkness. After he is taken away everyone around him flee's; they do not go with him. Even another man who was thought to be part of Jesus was seized but he got away. Jesus willingly went. It is now still late Thursday night.

They led Jesus away to the high priest; and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes *gathered together.  The high priest was Caiaphas, though first probably taken before Annas, in his palace. Peter had followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers and warming himself at the fire. Though at first, Peter and all the others had fled from Jesus and his seizure, but later they would follow after him, he and John, to see what would happen to him. It was a chilly night and Peter was warming himself by the fire that was made in the center of the court.

Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, and they were not finding any. The chief priests and Council had an objective already and that was to put him to death. They had already decided this (Mark 12:12) as they wanted to simply shut him up for good. But they still were looking for a reason so they didn't appear to be unfair. For many were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimony was not consistent. They are eager to find witnesses against Jesus. Yet Mark records the words that even in so doing, it was false testimony for there was no witness that was viable or true. And therefore it was all not consistent. 

Some stood up and began to give false testimony against Him, saying,“We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’” Not even in this respect was their testimony consistent. Mark seems to be showing the inconsistency in the testimonies and that the normal requirement of two or three witnesses needed to land a conviction had not complied. It is interesting that his accusers go back to 3 years ago to accuse Jesus of something he said then. It is recorded in John 2:18-21 - The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. So even in the witnesses trying to speak of an event to condemn him as they were misunderstanding its application for he wasn't even speaking of the temple, but his own body. Jesus never said that he would build another temple without hands.

The high priest stood up and came forward and questioned Jesus, saying, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” There was no reason for Jesus to respond for all that was said was false nor is it necessary for him to respond when he knows his words would not be received. I discovered this as well when I speak to people that are confronting the claims of Jesus. It is not like they are trying to figure out an answer, but they already have the answer and are just looking for ways to beat it down and show that it is illogical.

Summary - Jesus begins to be on trial but the way he is accused is not done very well. The testimonies of people conflict. His accusers bring up an event from 3 years ago and then misquote Jesus. Jesus remains silent. There is nothing to respond to as nothing is said in any truth, but also there is no reason because the leaders have already decided his fate and are simply going through this process as a formality.

Promise: Jesus suffered injustice from evil men and this helps us to better understand His mercy.

Prayer: O Lord how majestic is your name. You endured unjust accusations and yet you had a mission to forgive sin through your death in spite of the backwards ways of your accusers and unjust claims they were making. Thank You for saving my soul. Thank You lord for making me whole. Than you Lord for thy great salvation so wonderful and free.

Mark 14:50-52 - The Fleeing Disciples

Mark 14:50-52
50 And they all left Him and fled. 51 A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they *seized him. 52 But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked. 

Message: The Fleeing Disciples

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is now being held captive by the chief priests and scribes and elders of the Jewish council. He has been betrayed by Judas and Judas did it with a kiss (seemingly of affection) and calling him Rabbi (teacher). Jesus had been praying in the garden of Gethsemane, anticipating his death, not looking forward to it and even asking that this Cup pass from him. The disciples  were acting like they would always have his back, but when he asked them to watch while he prayed, they fell asleep. Jesus had said that one among them would betray Him, but everyone felt like it wasn't them. But, in fact he said that all would scatter, but at one point he would gather them together again.

And they all left Him and fled. Jesus is now alone. In some ways He has always been alone with the Father. No one stayed with Jesus instead they all went another way. Possibly, they feared their own life. None of them seemed to want this day to come. Every time Jesus spoke of His death, they didn't want to believe it and were at times angry that Jesus would be saying this. Now, as he is seized they flee. Jesus had predicted this in saying His sheep would scatter. Despite the disciples saying that they would always be by His side, in fact, they fled.

At this moment, they had been trying to trust Jesus, but they also did not now the entire story. They didn't know yet for sure about His resurrection, though He had told them it would happen. It is sad that they fled, but how often have a skirted away from sharing the truth of my relationship with God, thinking it wasn't the appropriate time or I too feared what people would think. There seemed to be a group of people not the elders and scribes that were with them to seize him or watch, so there seemed to be a crowd coming to see his demise but was there also a crowd there to come to his aid, it is not clear there was any or if they all fled. If I rely on my own strength then I will be one of those that runs away as well, but if I stop and trust in the Lord and stand firm in Him and look to Him for strength then I can be faithful.

Jesus has been captured. But Mark explains that there was someone else and as is often the case with Mark in his explanations he is not specific of who this young man was that was following Him (Jesus). But, Mark does state that he is a follower. In the process of seizing Jesus they seized him, this man, who some believe is Mark, the one who writes this narrative. This man was wearing a linen sheet over his naked body. But, as the leaders were seizing Jesus and then tried to seize this man he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked. Mark makes mention of the man's clothes and his nakedness to possibly explain the fact that all that he wanted to do was get away. And being naked didn't matter as long as he was not going to be seized as well. In this moment, are we fine with Jesus being seized, but we really don't want anything to happen to our safe and secure life and so if necessary, we will get away, even it means embarrassing ourselves as long as we remain free. And yet what we call free is really a continued bondage to the world.

What would the story have looked like if others had been seized along with Jesus? It remains an amazement to me to hear of people being martyred for their faith. Recently, there was a pastor that was killed in Cameroon after only being there for 2 months after spending years raising support to be there long term. There are many others that out of their boldness remained a follower. If others had stayed with Jesus and perhaps been crucified along with Jesus as His follower, what an interesting picture that would be. But instead what we have is people running away.

Summary - Jesus has been arrested under the cover of night. Jesus makes a point that in darkness is when he is seized, when he has been avaiable many times in the day light. He is taken at Gethsemane while he was praying. The Jewish leaders have seized him, thanks to Judas who has betrayed Jesus. After he is taken, all that were with Him, including the disciples, fled. They didn't remain by His side. They left and even when there was an attempt to seize one of them he escaped, even though it meant him being running off naked.

Promise: As Tabletalk states - The temptation to flee our Christian profession is strong when there is a real cost to our obedience, and if we trust in ourselves, we will fail. We need to ask the Lord for strength and grace to persevere under trial.

Prayer: O Lord, on my own I do not surrender to You and I am not proud of how I conduct towards others. On my own, I only look out for myself and what I think is best for me. Lord, as I navigate through life, help me Lord to surrender to You always and look to you for strength and perseverance. I admit Lord, I am too conditioned often to want the approval of people I can see versus you that I cannot see. Yet, Lord, your word is true and I want to stand close to You and be known by You. I want to pledge my allegiance to you and truly follow You in easy times and hard times.

Mark 14:43-49 - Arrested Under The Cover of Night

Mark 14:43-49
43 Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, *came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.” 45 After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 They laid hands on Him and seized Him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? 49 Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures.”

Message: Arrested Under The Cover of Night

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is praying in the garden of Gethsemane, preparing for it is ahead, death and dying which he knows will include being beaten and scourged. Whether the will of God or not, he is to go through it and he asks for the cup of wrath to find another way. In the process, he asks the disciples to keep watch, but instead they go to sleep, despite them saying during their meal time they would never deny Him.

Jesus has just pronounced to his disciples as he had been asking them to keep watch and pray that the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners and now it is coming true before their eyes, for a large group of religious leaders were coming for him. Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, *came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 

I have previously talked about Judas' betrayal and how this last act of his would define him for his life. This act made everything he had done before not believable. Jesus had called men to follow Him and he had risen up to do that, but in light of this betrayal is the wonder of what his motives were in following Jesus. Was it really a heart decision? For Judas betrays Jesus in an emphatic way here. As if the leaders didn't know who Jesus was, Judas stated that he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.” After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. They laid hands on Him and seized Him. 

Judas' Kiss is now the sign of betrayal. It accented the betrayal of Jesus. Jesus knew it would occur as he had also told the disciples but it was being fulfilled with complete clarity with Judas referring to Jesus as Rabbi or teacher. Rabbi was a title of honor. And Judas gives him a sign of affection. It almost looks like Judas has been put up to a double dare. He shows that no matter what his words or actions may have been his heart was in a different place. Again, Judas' act was necessary as Jesus will say - but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures but Judas is still responsible for his actions. The decree of God and the responsibility of man are separate, thus God is sovereign over everything in our lives. He will carry out his actions even if that means through the disobedience (or obedience) of His children. God can work independently of man, but he also works through man.

During this process of arrest one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. The gospel writer John records this as Simon Peter who did this. Peter is providing these words to Mark and yet Mark shows it as one of those so perhaps Peter didn't want to state that it was him or Mark didn't want to state this. This is obviously not what Peter wanted to see and he was bothered that this man that he had been with for years now had betrayed Jesus.

And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; Jesus reveals something about those that have come to seize him wondering maybe why this is such a scene but also partially embarrassing them for the way in which they have done it. Jesus has made him self available many times to them. But instead of doing it where he was at, they come after him like they would come after a robber. Luke reports that Jesus healed the man that Peter had struck. They came at night upon Jesus, not during the day, not in front of everyone, not at the Temple where the crowds were. They are seizing Jesus somewhat in a secret manner. They were really only doing this because Judas was helping it all happen, providing further motivation for it to happen.

Summary - Jesus was now being taken away. It was happening. His death had been predicted but the way it was happening he had not necessarily been mentioning. The disciples had been tasked to keep watch, but they failed. Judas had said he would follow Jesus, but he failed. Jesus was being arrested like he was a criminal, under the shroud of darkness, in a hidden way. But Jesus went willingly. The scriptures were being fulfilled.

Promise: Jesus was being treated as a sinner, even at this point, though He would have no sin of His own.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sacrificing for me. Thank you for experiencing this humiliation on my behalf and going willingly. Many have betrayed you but I am chief among sinners. Thank you for forever making me free and clean before God. On this day I want to do things your way.

Mark 14:37-42 - Willing Spirits and Weak Flesh

Mark 14:37-42
37 And He *came and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 And He *came the third time, and *said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

Message: Willing Spirits and Weak Flesh

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is preparing for a distressing time. He knows it. He comes down from the Mount of Olives to pray. He has predicted his death. But, he still asks for another way out, another way to satisfy the will of God. But no matter what He asks the will of God to be done. It is the night before He is crucified.

Up to this point, Jesus knows that Judas will betray Him. I wonder at this point if the Judas was with them. It seems that  he is not. Because it seems that one reason here in these verses as to why Jesus was asking Peter, James, and John to keep watch is because He knows that He will be given over to leaders, but He needs to pray. So he asks them to keep watch. Jesus is in great distress at this time, as has been recorded. And He *came and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? The disciples are to do what Jesus says but continually they fail. And in this serious moment they have fallen asleep. Could you not keep watch for one hour? The task was somewhat simple. Whether the disciples thought this was an important task or not, they still had a task to do.

Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. This statement was for a specific purpose and yet it can be applied to many areas of our ongoing lives. Do I actively watch and pray that I may not come into temptation? I wonder if I take my flesh serious enough. I am doing a better job in these months of training myself by God's word. God has given me a great love for my wife and I continue to make her #1 and I am fortunate because she responds well to me as well. She enjoys my company so I have no reason to look elsewhere and thus, temptations are lessened. I work hard on that relationship. The kids are leaving and that relationship is central in my life. The kids needs are less and yet they still need the Word of God. I am not speaking into their lives enough. I am not asking to pray for their needs like I should be doing. Pamela and I need to be a stronger force regarding prayer. I do not need to get too big for my own britches or think that I am safe and all is good. I need to continue to watch and be careful not only for temptations that hit me but temptations that hit my family. I am their leader.

Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. What a sad picture this is of the Lord and His followers. Christ gives so much to us, his life. He bore the sin of the world and we take it for granted. He remains faithful to pray for us and I need to take my commission before the Father more serious.

And He *came the third time, and *said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; - It is sad to see this response by the disciples at this moment, but I also see a similar response by me and Jesus has come to me way more than 3 times and I have not replied.

the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” Get up. Get ready. Get going. Don't delay. It is time.

Summary - Jesus is preparing His death. It is getting closer and his betrayal is closer at hand. He needs his disciples to stand by Him. They have said they won't deny him but then they fall asleep and don't watch when they are needed. The commission of God is for Him to be seized, but man is still responsible to be alert and watch for those that may come for Jesus. It is the day before his crucifixion.

Promise: The message is simple here today but the application is hard. The message is 'people be ready' but the application is we are to be ready. Seek God's face. My flesh is weak. Serve the Lord and follow through on this daily. Wake me up.

Prayer: Lord, help me to stand watch over me and my family for temptations that enter our lives. Forgive me Lord for not protecting my family better. Help me God to encourage them and pray for them as you direct me to. They are your children and they all need you, whether they are here in this house or farther away. Help me to protect my wife as well. Yes, your Spirit is willing, but Yes our flesh is weak and we resort to being trained too often by the world and its ways. Thank you for using this verse to instruct me. Keep me faithful. Lord, I need to turn to your more. Lord, free up those things that so often distract me and pull me away from living for You. Wake me up O God.

Mark 14:32-36 - Jesus in Gethsemane

Mark 14:32-36
32 They *came to a place named Gethsemane; and He *said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” 33 And He *took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled.34 And He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” 35 And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. 36 And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.”

Message: Jesus in Gethsemane

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus was anointed with oil by Mary 2 days before the passover and Judas questioned this. Judas would go to betray him and Jesus prepared for our gathering of the disciples for the Passover meal with the Lord's supper where he gave his body to take through bread a cup for His blood, given to many (not all). He mentioned that one would betray him though the disciples didn't think it was anyone of them. He stated that he would die by the plan of God and the disciples and followers would scatter. The disciples didn't think that any one of them would ever deny Him before men, but Jesus knew better. But they would return to Him.

They *came to a place named Gethsemane - Gethsemane was a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives. They are down now from the Mount of Olives which is where Jesus gave his discourse in the previous set of verses. He *said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” Jesus needs to take a moment to pray and talk to God. He is distressed. It seems somewhat normal to be distressed in this moment. I can think of times when I knew something difficult was ahead - it may be a meeting that I am preparing for or it may be a medical procedure or going to the dentist or doing anything difficult - I know in those times I was distressed. When I was younger, I remember preparing to go on the air at the radio station and I would often have diarrhea prior to going live on the air. My stomach was twisted and in knots. Jesus I think here is anticipating his death. He knows it is coming. While he has predicted it and spoke of it and even stated over and over it would happen, the closer it gets the more real it gets. And He *took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. He is a man of no sin that is preparing to take on all sin and bear the full wrath of God for that sin. It is definitely a distressing time.

And He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” To take on the sin of the world is an enormous weight, of all. I'm often reminded of the Passion of the Christ movie that was done several years ago and the detail at which it showed the death of Jesus. It is a very real picture of this death. And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. His prayer was wondering if it was possible for this hour to pass. Even through all the preparation and prediction He reveals His human nature and does not want this to occur. He manifests His true human nature here. Even though the cross was the only way, he still asks for another way. And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” How often do we pray something like this, going to God recognizing that He has all power and can take care of this situation in a word - whether it is a foxhole confession during war, a student asking God for a good grade on a test, securing a job -- the present situation appears to have no clear outcome that we are looking to and so we ask God with the idea that all things are possible for You, do this. Step in. Jesus does the same thing here. He has just prayed and said that the cup of His blood, the sealing of justification, of the wrath of God for all people is given for all, to take, but now He asks God to remove this cup from Me. 

Yet, in the end, the message is yet not that I will, but what You will. Though Jesus pleas to God, he still wants His will to be done.

Summary - Jesus comes down from the Mount of Olives, to Gethsemane, to pray to God. He is distressed and asks God to take this cup from Him and asks for another way to fulfill the wrath of God. While this time has been predicted He still asks for another way.

Promise: Though Jesus asked for another way out of this situation, He still wanted the will of God. May this be the same way that I come before God with my requests.

Prayer: Lord, your will be done in my life. You be praised and glorified. But I admit, like Jesus that sometimes I don't want to experience the pain and weight of sin. Yet, you so often carry me through. Help me in those moments to keep my faith secured on You. No matter what it takes I trust in Your will and ways.

Mark 14:26-31 - The Scattering of Sheep

Mark 14:26-31
26 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
27 And Jesus *said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written, ‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP SHALL BE SCATTERED.’28 But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 29 But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not.” 30 And Jesus *said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” 31 But Peter kept saying insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing also.

Message: The Scattering of Sheep

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has just finished the Passover meal and Lord's Supper gathering with his disciples, announcing that one of them would betray Him and then giving the Lord's Supper telling them His body is broken for them and His blood marks a covenant between Him and many people.

After singing a hymn - interesting. this is the first time that I have seen the mention of singing a hymn and this was probably a Psalm. they went out to the Mount of Olives - so they headed back to the spot they have been spending most of their time resting.

At this moment, Jesus quotes from the prophecy of Zechariah in regards to the Messiah and the final salvation of the people Israel. Zechariah 13:7 says, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones." The reality is that while the priests and leaders put Jesus to death, they were acting on their own evil purposes. But, the Lord was behind it all as recorded in these words, I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD. Jesus will bear the wrath of God in order to save people from their sin. I'm not sure I have ever really put this together. I have thought that God's wrath was fulfilled in Jesus, but to say that the Lord worked through the Jewish leaders to strike down the shepherd is a little different. It makes sense, though. So man is responsible for his actions but God is carrying out his purposes through man, thus He is sovereign. I suppose that is what is meant by that term. I am not sure I have ever really understand that term before - sovereign, that is - but I think this it. God works, but man is still responsible.

AND THE SHEEP SHALL BE SCATTERED.’But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” This is also part of God's divine will. The sheep will go through a refining process. This happens in the life of Christians. We watched the movie "I'm not Ashamed" about Rachel Scott who was killed at the Columbine shooting in April 1999. It was about her life and despite trusting in Christ as Savior and Lord she returned to her lifestyle of dancing with danger. There was a mountaintop experience followed by a valley and then a return to life lived in submission to God. And yet in the end this got her killed. But, the point is our lives follow this trajectory. We run away, but those that have been truly grafted return to their true faith in Christ. 

The remainder of this passage is the disciples believing at the time that falling away was not possible. This is normal. But Peter said to Him, “though all may fall away, yet I will not.” And Jesus *said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” But kept saying insistently, “if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing also. Again, this is what we think. It's normal to think that at this high moment we are always going to live our lives in surrender to the Lord and will never compromise that position. But Jesus is clear, even to Peter, it will happen.

Summary - Jesus has had the Passover meal with his disciples and then given the Lord's Supper and then returns to the Mount of Olives to talk to them about his divine appointment with death and then the scattering of the disciples and sheep. They will deny him. It will happen whether they think it will happen or not.

Promise: Though we think it is not possible to fall away, we can still. I need to remember this and forgive people's mistakes. Mistakes doesn't mean it's over, as redemption can still occur and often does.

Prayer: Lord, I am truly thankful for this study of Your word and really the study of Your life through the eyes of Peter as told to Mark. Thank you for the truth of your message and helping me understand terms like sovereign. God, your will is eternal and ordained, but I am still responsible for my actions. Thank you for redeeming mankind through the death of your son. Thank you for church and the sweetness of that time with You. I pray for people and that they would return to you - like my son and my father - I pray they would come back to the Son. 

Mark 14:22-25 - Jesus' Blood of the Covenant

Mark 14:22-25
22 While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” 23 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Message: Jesus' Blood of the Covenant

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - It is Thursday, and the day before the Passover. Jesus is leading the disciples through the Lord's Supper, having prepared a place for them to gather. He has just stated that He will be betrayed by one of them. Each disciple responds in disbelief. That person's life will forever be remembered for that one act. Earlier in the day Jesus was anointed at the house of Simon the Leper.

The Lord's Supper is an interesting act that has been repeated by the church and His followers in services throughout history. This was the only Lord's supper that occurred prior to the Lord's crucifixion. Whether looking forward here or back, which is what we now do, it is all about remembering the atonement and resurrection.

As in most practices in Scripture, I notice that different belief systems practice different things about the Lord's Supper. The Roman Catholic Church believe that Christ is personally and physically present int he bread and wine and the invisible essence of the elements becomes Christ Himself, body and soul. I've also noticed many different frequencies of it being practiced. I remember the Church of Christ did it every single Sunday and can recall if you missed church Sunday morning, you had an opportunity to partake in it Sunday evening. Others do it quarterly or monthly (my church). I have a friend that is 7th Day Adventist and they bury the bread and wine not consumed after the service. There is also the belief that this practice is only for believers or those that have confessed Jesus as Lord of their life.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke's wording of the Lord's Supper is not very different, but Paul when speaking of it seems to add "as often as you do this." And therefore, the church has followed this practice is doing it often. Paul's account was probably about 20 years after the gospel narratives and was there to mention problems that seem to have arisen from its practice which means that it was a practice that was repeated after it was instituted by Jesus prior to his death. So he simply confirmed that it was an event to practice repeatedly.

As a person that has partaken of the Lord's Supper many times I must admit that it is a practice I follow but I struggle sometimes with feeling its significance. In the church service, worship takes on a meaning because I am giving of myself. As I sing, I praise the Lord. As I give tithe, I take what has been given me and return it, but I also make a conscious decision to not hold onto that which has been given, and even in the listening of the message I am seeking to learn from the Lord what I can take in and hopefully apply in my life going forward. But, the Lord's supper is taking a moment to remember what has been done and often it remains unclear what I am doing in that moment. Yes, I am thinking God for his specific sacrifice in shedding his blood, in having his body beaten. I am thankful and appreciative and His sacrifice was great, so I suppose this is why it needs to be repeated. But His body was broken once and I began living for Him and then continue to trust Him so how many times do I need to hear "The Body of the Lord broken for me?" In essence I just continue the practice because it seems to be a practice that has been practiced successively, frequently following its first occurrence. But, again, I suppose I expect that it should produce in me more of a feeling of significance as it occurs.

Perhaps what I need to see through this event is simply that my life is all about Christ and his sacrifice provided me life. Right now, my stomach is grumbling for food, but my stomach should also grumble each day for His word. I have been faithful of late, which seems to be a common practice for me in the winter times of the year. But, can i sustain this throughout the year.

While they were eating, - so to me this means that while they were eating the Passover meal or the Lamb and herbs, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” That must have been a radical experience for them. There is no mention of Judas not being there. Christ offers his body for all, his sacrifice for all. But the response to that offering differs. Jesus will soon offer his body as a physical sacrifice. He has already said he will be scourged and beaten. So he is saying that he is offering his body for us, for his followers.

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many." These are also interesting words. This is not just my blood, but the blood of the covenant. By using these words Jesus seems to bring them back to the covenant Moses gave the people of God form Exodus 24:8 - Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words." Blood marked a sealing of an agreement between people. It is an act that is carried to this day. Often in western movies a person would cut his hand and then seal an agreement with another person through the blood. For Moses blood was sprinkled on the altar and then on the people and this married the two. Jesus is doing the same thing in stating this union now between His blood and many. Note, his blood is not poured out for all, but for many.

Truly I say to you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. He takes the blood and now refers to it as the fruit of the vine. In the Gospel of John, Jesus referred to himself as the vine. It seems that the next time Jesus would share this Supper with his disciples would be in heaven when they arrive. His followers would practice until they are united again. Jesus is going away but one day we will be united again with Him.

Summary - While the disciples were eating the Passover meal, Jesus gives them his Body through bread and his blood through a cup and tells them His blood has been poured out for many. They were to take it. This was given in anticipation of his upcoming sacrifice. But, it is also a practice continued to be practiced until we return to Him in the Kingdom of God.

Promise: We need Christ more than food. Life itself is found in him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember you and your sacrifice for me. Your body was broken for me. Your blood sealed me forever with you. I trust in You. I believe in You and I live for you. Help me Lord to experience this Joy in You each time I take the Lord's Supper. Make that time special.

Mark 14:17-21 - Jesus Pronounces an Oracle of Woe

Mark 14:17-21
17 When it was evening He *came with the twelve. 18 As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” 19 They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” 20 And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl.21 For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

Message: Jesus Pronounces an Oracle of Woe

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - It is Thursday now. Jesus was in Bethany the day before having received the anointing from Mary in the house of Simon the Leper and afterwards Judas had begun to betray Jesus by going to the chief priests and telling them he would take them to Jesus and in exchange Judas would get money - perhaps for himself or for others. Jesus is in preparation for the Passover meal and has two of his disciples go and locate the place and prepare the place for the meal.

The Passover celebration was a joyous one for Jesus and His disciples. When it was evening He *came with the twelve. Jesus has arrived at this guest chamber with his disciples. It was now the evening as the sun is setting. The lamb has spent the afternoon cooking. Judas was back with them, but at this moment not aware of where he was going. As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.  Jesus really sort of drops a bomb on them of information. In Mark's telling of this event, the washing of the feet is not mentioned. Jesus remarks that one of the disciples will betray Him.

The disciples respond, seemingly unaware of what was going on. The fact that I would suspect Judas must have meant that we don't have the complete story of the events and while Judas questioned Jesus' anointing, perhaps questioning Jesus and what he was doing was not uncommon among the disciples. And him wandering off must have meant that other disciples had wandered off at times. They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” At this point, it is puzzling in a way that Jesus brings this up. But then also the way the disciples respond almost make it sound like they each must have thought about turning from Jesus at some point. While they may have suspected Judas they may have also suspected themselves. I mean, although our allegiance is toward Christ, how often do we live like it isn't? How often do I turn from him and seek self? And then hope that pleasing self is proper? Maybe each one, in their grief, thinks they have been found out.

Jesus responds with And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl. He shows who this person is, that he is one that has up to this point partaken in everything he has been given and provided. But many were eliminated at this point because there were probably just 3 or 4 near Jesus that was using the same bowl as he was. The truth is getting closer to be revealed.

For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Now this is interesting. Jesus as Son of Man, and therefore, is proclaiming his human quality is to go to die as it is written. He will be sacrificed as it is written. Jesus will achieve the outcome of death. Yet, each person is still responsible for their own sin. This is a difficult concept in itself. Jesus is to die but the person involved in killing him would have been better to not have lived. The latter phrases give the impression that if that person hadn't then Jesus wouldn't have died, but I don't think that is what is being said. Instead Jesus is separating the outcome from the person responsible and saying the person is still responsible. I still think this is a tough statement by Jesus - It good for that man if he had not been born. This then means that the error is in the heart of man and what motivates him. It also speaks to the seriousness of the betrayal because it is very well possible that Judas did many good things in his life up to this point, but his life is going to be marked often by his one act.

As Tabletalk pronounces here on October 20 2016, "The Bible is clear that human beings cannon blame God for their sin even though sin is included in God's predetermined plan for His creation." John Calvin states that "God ordained Judas' betrayal of Jesus, but He did so to achieve the good of our salvation. Judas betrayed Jesus, yet He did not do so because He wanted to see sinners saved but because he loved money more than the Lord." What motivates us?

Summary - Jesus is now at the Passover table and the disciples are eating. Jesus takes a moment though to call out the betrayal of one of the disciples, but he doesn't call out that person, but instead will slowly reveal him over time. In that moment all the disciples feel guilty and each one is in a way responsible, but we know that there is only one for this one issue of betrayal and his life will forever be remembered by that one act.

Promise: God is only about good. Man is intent on pleasing self. The story may appear the same but each one has a different motivation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the truth of Your word. Your gospel message of redeeming us and setting us free is illuminated even more clearly when we see our own sin. So help me to continue to examine myself so that the Light and Glory of who you are is then praised. Thank you for revealing truth to me and helping me see that Judas and I are responsible for our sin despite that fact that sin is part of your Story. You mean it for good, we mean it for something else, often selfish gain. Thank you for helping me see this. You are to be praised.

Mark 14:12-16 - Preparing for the Passover

Mark 14:12-16
12 On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples *said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 13 And He *sent two of His disciples and *said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; 14 and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 15 And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.”16 The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

Message: Preparing for the Passover

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is preparing for the Passover. Along the way the priests are preparing to seize Him though they thought that because of the Passover and the crowds they couldn't right now. Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the Leper when Mary poured a bottle of expensive perfume on Jesus' head, anointing him. Jesus praised her for this act, but not everyone was impressed as a disciple felt like the perfume could be sold and used to help the poor. But Jesus confirmed what Mary had done was right. Afterwards, Judas leaves the scene to betray Jesus before the priests in exchange for money.

The chief priests had mentioned at the beginning of this chapter that thought they wanted to seize Jesus and kill him, the time of the Passover was probably not the best time. Many were coming into town from out of town, to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. This probably meant homes were opened up for people to stay in them. As it begins, On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples *said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover? It was Thursday morning as he had spent Wednesday in Bethany. He awakes this morning, but will never sleep again. This is a fitting question by the disciples - where to? The Lamb had already been provided, per order on the 10th day of Nisan, the same day that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt, signifying him, the final sacrifice.

And He *sent two of His disciples and *said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; Jesus begins to give instructions, but the instructions are not clear. Jesus has a traitor now among his group and he knows that this traitor is ready to give him over but he still has things to do with his disciples. He is working towards the Lord's Supper. Jesus sent two disciples - Luke says these two disciples are Peter and John. It is interesting that Peter given this account to Mark does not mention himself. The directions are specific and yet with all the people in the City how would they be able to see a man carrying a pitcher of water. The reason was that the task of carrying water was a woman's and a man carrying a pitcher of water would stand out.

and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” So they will follow this man carrying water to a house. Perhaps Jesus has set this up prior or perhaps the man is led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls the guest room His so perhaps it was prepared in advance. And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.” Again, the room is ready to be used by Jesus and disciples. It has the furnishings, the pillows to be reclined on; it is prepared.

The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover. Jesus has been speaking up until this moment, providing them directions and now in this verse they carry out the directions and it happens as Jesus has said. They prepared the Passover or they obtained the Lamb, the wine mixed with water, the unleavened cakes, the bitter herbs -- everything necessary for the meal. Jesus was obedient to the Law in practicing the Passover.

Summary - It is Thursday now, the day before his crucifixion and death, but all the disciples know at this point is it will be a death, but they may have wondered still what that meant. Jesus directs two of the disciples to go ahead and go to the room that the Passover will be conducted in and get everything ready for the meal. Only these two disciple would know the whereabouts of this meal. Judas would not know. Everything happened just as Jesus had directed them.

Promise: Christ was intent on following the Law of God, keeping the Passover.

Prayer: Lord, you are the God of the details and the Lord of plans. I can trust you to take care of thing in my life just as you have taken care of this in yours. These details are not here by accident but our necessary given the circumstances. Thank you for even this lesson of preparation.

Mark 14:10-11 - Premeditated Betrayal

Mark 14:10-11
10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. 11 They were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time.

Message: Premeditated Betrayal

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - It is 2 days before the Passover and Jesus is headed to the cross. The religious leaders are out to get him but with the Passover many will be in town so they wonder if this is the right time. Jesus is in Bethany and visiting Simon the Leper's house and someone in the house (Mary) breaks open a bottle of perfume and pours it on Jesus' head, signifying an anointing. She was most likely led by the Holy Spirit and Jesus remarks that this act was significant. Judas thought the money could be spent on the poor.

In the Gospel of John, at this point, Judas is already on the scene because he was the one that questioned the use of the perfume that Mary had poured on Jesus. Judas had remarked that the money could have been better served by selling it and giving it to the poor. But, Mark did not attribute those words to Judas. Perhaps Peter didn't remember it was he or perhaps at the time Peter did not think it was important, but at this moment Judas is know to have left the twelve in order to betray Jesus.

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. I am sure Judas knew, as all the disciples knew, that at this point the chief priests were looking for a way to seize Jesus. Something motivated Judas at this moment to do this act. Perhaps his faith all along was weak. The disciples questioned Jesus at various times in His ministry and Judas might have been part of those groups, wondering why Jesus would be talking about death and resurrection, as it didn't make sense given how popular he was to the people and them. Perhaps Judas was motivated by money and feeling inside that the money could be used for other purposes, like helping those in need. Evil is a funny thing.

Judges 17:6 remarks that people without a king, without a leader directing them, these people did what was right in his own eyes. Paul says in Romans 1:21 that people began to turn away from God and started to not give thanks and in the process became futile in their own thinking. The human condition is interesting. How we often do things for our own best interests and then not for the benefit of others. We have many scriptures that have to remind us to trust in God and thank God or people and Jesus even said we must live for others, but still we have faith in God. It's an interesting phenomenon.

They (the priests) were glad when they heard this, and promised to give him money. And he began seeking how to betray Him at an opportune time. Judas wanted money. His desire for money was greater than His love for God or the things of God. Perhaps he felt like his partially noble act of giving to the poor justified this behavior. And yet while he is himself responsible for his actions his actions ultimately were part of the plan of God for Jesus to be arrested, scourged, beaten and die. That's the puzzling dichotomy at times for me - man chooses, but God uses man's choice to accomplish His purpose. I read that and understand those pieces but still don't comprehend why it is that way. Perhaps I think it is that God creates, man departs from God, their are consequences and while God knows the events that will occur and knew that things would end up in His son dying on the cross, it was more of a coincidence that it all worked out in this way. I mean, if there was no Judas it would have happened but maybe another way? I'm not sure.

Granted, in this instance Judas is responsible. John Calvin writes, "Judas was inflamed with the desire to steal; long practice had hardened him in wickedness, and now when he meets with no other prey, he does not scruple to betray basely to death the son of God, the Author of Life, and, though restrained by a holy admonition, rushes violently forward."

Summary - Judas was there watching Mary pour the vile of perfume on Jesus. Perhaps he cringed over this waste when he saw the worth of the vile and the money that could come from it. Meanwhile, Jesus is 2 days from Passover and is preparing for death. And now it seems the Judas is involved in that death. It is something God knew all along, but we are finding out now.

Promise: When evil desires creep up in us, we can indulge in them or turn from them. Consequences will result in each choice, one glorifying Man and his ways and the other glorifying God. Choose life.

Prayer: Lord, I read and understand this scene whereby Judas betrayed you. From my vantage point money was more important to him. And Lord perhaps I don't understand completely your sovereignty and I wonder if Judas was not the one would there be something else to get this carried out. Could Judas have chosen differently? Those are questions I have God and asking You for wisdom in understanding the answer. Meanwhile, I remain yours and seek to trust in You and Your ways, to love You and love my neighbor. Help me today in this. I'm struggling with that love toward others and how in fact to put them first while being fair. Work challenges me in my faith. And I look to you for guidance. Thank you for this time in Your word.