THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:53-61 “But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.” (Mark 14:61) I have a hard time holding my tongue when I feel I’m being treated unfairly. When a situation shows me in a poor light, I am quick to defend myself. The harder I try to defend self, the guiltier I look….
Leading people to Jesus?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:43-52 “Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him.” (Mark 14:45) Judas has been pretending to be with Jesus. He pretends to respect Jesus by calling him ‘teacher’ (Rabbi). But most painful of all, he pretends to love Jesus by a kiss. Poor Judas, these are signs of a…
I am weak but He is strong!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 14:37-42 “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38) Jesus says this for Himself, as well as for His disciples. He is watching and praying so that He does not fall in to temptation. He was sinless by choice, but that took effort and faith on His part. He…
Thank you… Dad!
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…
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…