THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:32-36 “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you.” (Mark 14:36) Jesus relates to the all-powerful sovereign God very personally. He uses the Aramaic word that a child would use for their father: abba, daddy dad. Think about how Prince George and Princess Charlotte speak to their parents. Not with their titles, Prince…
Category: daily meditations
Familiar with all my ways!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:27-31 “Truly I tell you… you yourself will disown me three times.” (Mark 14:30) Jesus knows each one of us very well. He knows our gifts, and He knows our weakness. He has been working with Peter for three years. He has heard seen his self-confidence, his bravado. He has known me…
Confidence to enter!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:22-26 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:24) In the Law of Moses, a special altar was placed at the entrance to the Most Holy Room. “Put the altar in front of the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law—before the atonement…
Before regret sets in…
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:17-21 “It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Mark 14:21) Jesus is giving Judas fair warning about the seriousness of his actions. To curse the day of one’s birth is to give up on life altogether. In the midst of his extreme misery, Job felt the same…
The first supper!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:12-16 “So they prepared the Passover.” (Mark 14:16) Passover is one of the most important religious festivals in the Jewish calendar. Jews celebrate Passover to commemorate the rescue of Israel from Egypt. God spares them from death with lamb’s blood, painted on the doorposts. “The blood will be a sign on the…
Something to talk about!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:6-11 “Wherever the gospel is preached… what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Mark 14:9) Two people are mentioned here, Mary (John 12:3) and Judas. Jesus says that she will be remembered for her beautiful act. But it seems to me that Judas is remembered more than Mary….
Overflowing love?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:1-5 “She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.” (Mark 14:3) The religious leaders are planning to sacrifice Jesus to serve themselves. In contrast, this woman is prepared to sacrifice herself to serve Jesus. They are both motivated by love… but love for who, love for what? We all…
Wake up call!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:32-37 “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.” (Mark 13:36) Have you heard the phrase ‘sleeping on the job’? Usually this doesn’t happen when the boss is watching. We are Jesus’ servants, put in charge of His kingdom until He returns. Each one of us is gifted for…
Keep looking up! (again)
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:28-31 “When you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.”(Mark 13:29) Some people see the fig tree as symbol of the nation Israel. When Israel shows life again (1948, Israel restored as nation), the end is near. The generation that saw this should prepare for…
Keep looking up!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 13:24-27 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26) Jesus now shifts His focus to the last days when He will return. He quotes Isaiah 13:10 (or Isaiah 34:4), the final judgment, the “day of the Lord”. On that day the Son…