Rough Going

N.T.#432 "Rough Going"

Nov. 27, 2024 

Mark 14-Part 10

LET IT GLOW 

Where are you in your walk with Jesus? Are you staying close to Him or has circumstances cause you to follow Him from afar. You are not alone, friend. The disciples went through it, too. When the going got rough, they got going. Check it out.

Jesus and His disciples went upon the Mount. of Olives, teaching them final lessons, preparing them for the difficult hours to come, and confusing days that would follow. Jesus discussed many things with the eleven. The disciples would temporarily fall away from their loyalty to Jesus due to weakness and fear. However, God would remain faithful.

All shall be offended because of Me this night; for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (Zech. 13:7)

Offended means trip up; stumble; entice to sin. 

Skipping to verse 50, And they all forsook Him and fled. (verse 50)

Probably it was Mark who fled from them naked. (verses 52)

Peter followed Jesus afar off., even to the palace of the high priest and later denied knowing Jesus three times. (verses 54, 66-72)

John was at the foot of the cross with Mary, Jesus' mother, to whom Christ told to take care of His mother.(John 19:26)

However, John18:9 tells us Jesus told those arresting Him to let these go their way. (John 18:8) 

Christ knew it would have been too severe a test for their faith. (Hendriksen)

After all, He wanted those disciples to share the Good News and develop the church.

At times it may seem that events conspire to cause you to stumble in your relationship with Him. You do not initiate them, but they arise from opposition or the intensity of your circumstances. Failure may be the end result. Remember that the disciples faced such fierce opposition to their Lord that they all failed Him when Jesus was crucified. Afterwards, they met with Jesus in Galilee. They became spreaders of the Gospel later.

The love of Jesus lasts forever, as well as His forgiveness. So let's praise our Lord and thank Him this week for His faithfulness.

LET IT GROW 

But after I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. (verse 28)

Jesus promised to meet the disciples in His post-resurrection form. (Matt. 28:16) 

Nevertheless, there was hope, for He also prophesied of their reunion and restoration after He had risen from the dead. (8:31, 9:31, 10:34)

Have you met Jesus, the Savior? He is waiting, if you have not. 

LET IT GO

Help us let go of our pride to follow You, Jesus.

Mold us into the person You want us to be.

Thank You for going before us into death.

What hope in everlasting life You have provided!

All hail King Jesus!