He Took Our Punishment

N.T.#449 "He Took Our Punishment"

Dec. 23, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW 

What a time to be studying the end of our Savior's life when the world is celebrating His birth. It puts things in the right perspective, doesn't it? 

What evil had he done, indeed. Nothing warranted Jesus being crucified, yet the crowd desired it. So Pilate delivered Jesus, had Him scourged, to be crucified. He released the murdering Barabbas in His place. Don't you know Pilate saw this as a frame-up? the Jews hated him and the Roman Empire he represented, yet they asked him to convict one of their fellow Jews of treason and give him the death penalty. 

Crucifixion was the Roman penalty for rebellion. Only slaves or those who were not Roman citizens could be crucified. Jesus' death would be the death of a rebel and slave, not of the king He claimed to be. The Jewish leaders wanted to put the blame for killing Jesus on the Romans. Besides, if Pilate didn't carry out their wishes, then they would report Pilate to Caesar. (John 19:12) Such a report accompanied by a riot, could cost him his position and hopes for advancement. (Life Application Study Bible)

How many times do we do something in order to appease another? Maybe it would secure our job if we didn't tell the truth. 

LET IT GROW

According to Luke, Pilate had Jesus scourged in an attempt to punish Him and then release Jesus, hoping it would satisfy the crowd. (Luke 23:16)

Scourged means to whip; lash as a public punishment.

It was a grim art of torture to beat a man within an inch of his life. 

this scourging was conducted with a whip consisting of a wooden handle to which metal-tipped leather thongs were attached. It ripped the flesh down to the bone, causing severe bleeding. Prisoners often died from such a beating. (MacArthur)

An innocent man was going to die. Jesus took my place and your place as punishment for our sins. We are the guilty ones, not Him. Love so amazing!

LET IT GO

He became sin that knew no sin, that we might become His righteousness. He carried the cross. Love so amazing. Jesus Messiah, name above all names-Blessed Redeemer, Beautiful Savior, Emmanual. The.  ransom for sinners, Jesus Messiah, Lord of all.

Is Jesus your Savior today?

Who Would You Have Released?

 N.T.#448 "Who Would You Have Released?"

Dec. 20, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

Until you are sitting on a jury, listening to evidence, it isn't appropriate to pass judgment on one in court. Pilate had a hard time with his court case-Jesus.

Jesus and Pilate had a discussion about Jesus' kingdom and the truth, which is found in John 18. Afterwards, Pilate pronounced that he found no fault in Jesus. It was clear to Pilate that Jesus was innocent of wrong doing. Mark does not give us those details. He jumps forward.

.It was a custom of one man being released from prison during the Passover festival as a goodwill gesture. Normally, it was someone accused of a relatively minor offense. Pilate thought he might dissuade the crowd from demanding the death of Jesus by offering to release a notorious criminal. It was Barabbas who had committed murder. So naturally thinking, Jesus ' accusation was not as bad as that man, so the people would want Him released.

Pilate knew it was because of envy that the Jewish chief priests wanted Jesus killed. After all, Jesus disrupted the extras the priests were getting (money and power). He was teaching contrary to them (loving the poor). He got followers after those miracles He did (healings, food). Repentance of sin and loving others was not their cup of tea. Then Jesus talked about His kingdom to come, which is not political nor of this earth, but a spiritual heavenly kingdom. 

So Pilate asked the crowd if they wanted him to release the popular teacher, the King of the Jews. The chief priests stirred up the crowd so they asked for Barabbas instead. When Pilate asked them what they wanted him to do with Jesus, they demanded that He be crucified. (verses 12-13)

Pilate asked them why, what evil had Jesus done.  (verse 14) To which the replied, crucify him. (verse 14) Pilate wasn't concerned with justice, but wanted to avoid a riot and please the crowd. Pilate released the murderer and handed over the sinless Son of God to be crucified. 

LET IT GROW

Which side would we have been on-the Jews or Pilate? It would be easy to go along with the crowd. 

What about today? Do we go along with the crowd in sin or do we take a stand against sin? Adultery, homosexuality, and abortion is outright sin against God. Where do you stand?

LET IT GO

Help us let go of sins that separate us from You, God.

Fill us with love, joy, peace this time of year.

May we lift up Jesus as our Savior, Redeemer, and Almighty God.

Do You Marvel About Jesus?

 N. T. #447 "Do You Marvel About Jesus?"

Dec. 19, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

There are a few things I marvel at-birth of a child, a person being saved, answered prayers, healings. Yet I know the source of all of them. What causes you to marvel? Someone is our reading today marveled, too.

We are reading about Trial #4 as Jesus stood before Pilate, the governor of Judea. John records that the Jewish leaders demanded that Pilate agree to the death sentence they had already pronounced on Jesus. (John 18:30) Pilate refused so the leaders presented their false charges against Jesus, as found in Luke 23:2:

• perverting the nation- Pervert means to distort; misinterpret or corrupt; perverse; turn away.
• forbidding to give tribute to Caesar; Forbidding means supreme in authority; God, Lord, master. Tribute refers to a tax.
• saying that he himself is Christ a King.  

So the charge was Jesus having turning away people form the Roman government, not paying taxes, and setting Himself up as King. Those charges were false, of course, for Jesus encouraged people to render unto Caesar that which was Caesar's. 

That is why Pilate questioned Jesus, to see if He declared Himself to be King of the Jews. (verse 2) Pilate was looking for a definite answer as to if Jesus was the King of the Jews. However, he got none. All Jesus replied was, It is as you say. (Luke 23:2 NAS)

Truly, Jesus is The King of the Jews whether or not they recognize He is. He paid His taxes to Rome. Peter found the gold coin in the mouth of a fish's mouth. (Matt. 17:27) Also, He advocated people obey God rather than man when it comes to a choice, but he did not lead in rioting against the government. 

People back then did not realize Jesus could have snapped His fingers and they could have fallen dead. Yet, He restrained in order to fulfill His Father's plan.

How much will we endure in order to carry out God's plan for us, our church, a ministry?

LET IT GROW

Jesus answered nothing to the accusations in order to fulfill Isaiah 53:7, as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 

Pilate marvelled.(verse 5) Marvelled means to wonder; to admire. 

Do we marvel, wonder, whenever we read about the birth of Christ? What about the trials and crucifixion of Christ? Does His resurrection cause us to marvel at it? some things we just don't forget when Jesus does a marvelous things for us.

My finite mind can't wrap around to things. Such love Jesus showed for us to leave heaven, live as a man, endure beatings and accusations, perform miracles, die on a cross a painful and embarrassing death. Not only that, His own disciples also deserted Him through it all. (Except John and Peter followed from afar.

Aren't we guilty of doing the same things?

LET IT GO

Oh, what a Savior! How wonderful You are, King Jesus!

Lord, I stand in awe of You, Jesus.

Teach us when to keep our mouth shut and when to speak.

Who is Your King?

 N. T. #446  “Who is Your King?”

Dec. 18, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus had already had three previous trials in the dark-Anna’s, Caiaphas the high priest, and the Sanhedrin. Jesus was accused of blasphemy since He claimed to be the Messiah. This only made Him guilty of a Jewish law, not an offense against the Roman government.  The Jews could not sentence one to death. Therefore the religious leaders had to take Jesus to trial before Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea. 

Now we read about His fourth trial before Pilate, so pursued a line of questioning. Fist of all, Pilate had to know if Jesus claimed to be the Messiah. So he came right out and asked Jesus directly, 

Art thou the King of the Jews? (verse 2a)

How did Jesus answer? 

Thou safest it. (verse 2b) If you say so is a paraphrase. 

Why didn’t Jesus admit it? 

• To say yes would have put Jesus on the same level as previous false messiahs who stood before Pilate. Pilate needed the opportunity to know Jesus as Savior without dismissing His case.
• Saying yes would have played into Pilate’s preexisting notions and prejudices instead of leading him closer to the truth. 
• To say yes would divert attention from the crucial question: “Whom say you that I am?” (8:29)

[Reference: Swindoll’s Living Insights on Mark]

LLET IT GROW 

Who do you say Jesus is?

If you are new to our study, I invite you to examine the Scriptures.  Everyone needs to answer this question.

Peter answered Jesus, “You are the Christ” (8:29b)

Matthew 16:16 records Peter’s answer as, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living. 

Peter acknowledged the Lord Jesus’ deity. Pilate needed believe Jesus to be the King of the Jews, Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and so do we all.

If you have believed  and trusted Jesus to be your Savior, I rejoice with you.

 Is Jesus the King of your life? Have you surrendered all to Him? During this season we tend to focus on Jesus’ birth instead of His death and resurrection. It all goes together in a wonderful gift God gives us. Are you seeking His love today?

Seek and you shall find.

LET IT GO

Jesus, we love you. Help us know you are near.

Use us to share Your love story with others.

How wonderful You are!

How Are We Portraying Jesus?

N.T.#445 “How Are We Portraying Jesus?”

Dec.17,2024 

Mark 15 

LET IT GLOW 

Poor Peter, don’t we tend to give him a hard time, come down hard on him for denying Christ three times? Yet how many times do we let the opportunity slip by when we could have stood up for Jesus? Guilty. 

Another thing, a bystander recognized that Peter was a Galilean by his speech. It was a give away. They could tell by his accent when Peter spoke. It’s like around here we can tell a northeasterner when they talk. Or when we go to our daughter’s in Rhode Island, they can tell we are from the south by our speech. 

The thing that stood out for Peter was his having been with Jesus, associated with Him, and his speech. How about us? Do others recognize that we have spent time with Jesus? How are the words we speak and the things we do? Especially when we wait in long lines to pay for Christmas gifts, are we patient and appreciative?

Peter received the Lord’s forgiveness and so can we. Just ask.

LET IT GROW 

Then the religious Jewish leaders had their meeting. The big wigs were there-Sanhedrin, chief priests, elders, scribes. What do we not read of them doing? They didn’t pray. Wasn’t that their job-to pray for Jews and Israel, along with doing the sacrifices, and teaching the Word? Those leaders would have discussed the charges and how to present them in order to get a death sentence for Jesus. Yet it was in the plan of God for His Righteous Son to die for us sinners. Such love.

So they bound Jesus, and delivered Him to Pilate. (verse 1b)

There is and has been so much hate, jealousy, evil, violence, and greed in people in this world. Yet, one day God will make it right with justice being carried our. Friends, I want to mercy of God. How about you?

LET IT GO

What do you need to let go of today so you can show the love of Jesus?

Are you speaking with kindness and love?

We are the only Jesus some will ever see. How are we portraying Him?

Whew! I fall short. But Jesus forgives and helps us in our weaknesses.  

Denials and Confessions

N.T. #444  “Denials and Cinfessions”

Dec. 16, 2024 

Mark 14-Part 23  

LET IT GLOW 

 Here we have Peter, the one who told His Lord that he would not forsake Jesus, even if the other disciples did. Peter had followed Jesus’ procession from Gethsemane to to homes of Anna’s and Caiaphas. 

While the trial occurred, Peter remained in the courtyard, warming up to a fire. Caiaphas’ house was a huge palace with several courtyards 

Then what happened?

• A servant girl to the high priest recognized Peter as one of Jesus’ followers as having been with Jesus. (Verse 67) Peter denied knowing Jesus. And the rooster crowed once.
• The girl saw Peter again and said, This is one of them. (verse 69) For a second time, Peter denied Christ Jesus.
• A little later it was said of Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech afterthought thereto. (verse70)
• The third time of denial, Peter cursed and sweared he knew my Jesus. And the rooster crowed a second time.
• Then Peter recalled Jesus telling him before the rooster crowed twice, he would deny his Lord Jesus.
• Then Peter wept. (verse 72)

Peter broke down and cried over what he had done. Have you had those moment? You came face to face with the reality of your sins and failures, and repented.

Or have not forgiven someone and know you need to do so and make things right. It is heartbreaking, yet Jesus mends broken hearts.

LET IT GROW 

Was Peter fearing for his life, since he was a disciple of Jesus. Was he afraid those religious ones would kill him, too? Peter was drowning in sorrow, bitter weeping, filled with shame. Jesus could have left Peter wallowing in his muck and pit of sin, but He didn’t. 

John 21 tells us Jesus didn’t condemn Peter, but loved him after His death and resurrection. The Lord asked Peter 3 times if he loved Jesus. And Peter said yes. Jesus gave Peter a task, to feed His sheep. Peter went on to preach about his wonderful Savior and thousands believed in Jesus. 

Have you admitted your shame and guilt of sin to the Savior? He is waiting with loving arms open.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of the past hurts and failures, turning to You, sweet Jesus.

Cleanse our heart, Savior, and fill us with Your grace and mercy.

Use us in Your kingdom work.

Mistreatment Reactions

N.T. #443 “Mistreatment Reactions “

Dec. 13, 2024 

Mark 14-Part22

LET IT GLOW 

The glorious, holy Messiah and Savior admitted He is the Son of God as well as Israel’s expected Messiah, was accused of blasphemy by the Sanhedrin.  In reality, those religious leaders were the ones guilty of this sin, not Jesus. No more witnesses were needed as far as they were concerned. In their opinion, this Galilean rabbi had condemned himself. (verse 64) (Tony Evans)

How was Jesus treated? The religious leaders used thi time to vent their hatred forJesus, taking turns spitting, punching, ridiculing, and taunting Him. It was against their rule that brutality against the accused was not permitted. (Swindoll)

For the Jew, to spit in another’s face was the most gross and most hatred form of personal insult. Their hearts were revealed when Jesus was hit with clenched fists. (MacArthur)

Sitting at God’s right hand in the place of power, Jesus would come to judge His accusers, and they would have to answer His questions. (Rev. 20:11-13)

LET IT GROW 

So, how do we react whenever we are falsely accused?

What is our reaction when we are mistreated? 

What an example we have in Jesus. Do we pray for those who lie about us? Do we turn the other cheek?

LET IT GO

Do we need to let go of pride, self centeredness, unforgiveness?

Are we loving our enemies and those who despitefully use us?

Do we realize all that Jesus went through in order to provide our salvation?

Such indescribable love!

 

Who is Jesus?

 N.T. #443 “Who is Jesus?”

Dec.12, 2024

Mark 14-Part 21

LET IT GLOW 

We are continuing with the second trial of Jesus. He is before the Sanhedrin, 70 men who held religious and civil authority in Israel. The Roman government ruled the area so executions were restricted to it. The Sanhedrin tried Jesus in their court by night, at the high priest’s house, using only their false witnesses. This was all breaking their own laws. But hatred and jealousy ruled their hearts.

Jesus was accused of saying He would destroy the temple made with hands and would rebuild it in 3 days. (verse 58) Jesus was actually referring to their destroying His body and He would rise from the dead in 3 days. See how the evil ones twisted words? How could He remain quiet with all the charges made against Him, the priest wanted to know.

Jesus answered nothing to the accusation, for what would it accomplish? (verse 61) Then the high priest asked Jesus if He is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed. (verse 61b)

Christ (Christos) means anointed; the Messiah.

Blessed means adorable.

Jesus affirmed His position by quoting Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13. In the future they would see the Son of man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven. 

Our Messiah Savior is interceding for us believers while sitting on His throne next to Almighty Holy God. 

Did Caiaphas believe who Jesus is? No, he tore his robe and accused Jesus of blasphemy.(verse 64) The council all heard what Jesus said, and agreed He was guilty of blasphemy (saying He is the Son of God) and deserved to die. 

If anyone was guilty of treason in this trial, it was the Sanhedrin. The people were condemning their innocent King.

LET IT GROW 

What say you about Jesus Christ? Was He perfectly sinless or not? Is He The Son of God, the Expected One, The Savior?

He is whether you believe it or not, dear one. Do you choose to trust in Jesus as your Savior and ask His forgiveness of your sins?

Jesus is the only way to get into heaven  No one comes to the Father God only through. Will you ask Him to today?

For us who have already been saved from the penalty of our sins, are we sharing the Good News?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for Your grace and mercy.

You are Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Prince of Peace, and Everlasting Father.

Praise and glory belongs to King Jesus!

False Accusations

N.T. #442 “False Accusations”

Dec. 11, 2024 

Mark 14-Part 20

LET IT GLOW 

First of all, many things concerning the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin were illegal:

• It was held at night  
• It was held in secret  
• It was not held in the council’s meeting hall in the Temple.
• No advocate for the accused had been provided.
• All capital cases were supported to begin with an accusation and then moved immediately to arguments for acquittal.
• There was no formal charge and an improper vote. (Swindoll)

Of course, one might think these leaders had the trial all planned out. How obvious it was, the religious leaders were out to get rid of Jesus, killing Him ice and for all. It nothing can destroy the Son of God. He lives forever. 

Keep in mind where this trial is taking place-Caiaphas, thigh priest’s house. 

Whose side are you on? The Sanhedrin or the Savior’s side?

LET IT GROW 

What did one of the false witnesses say? They misquoted Jesus by saying they heard him say” I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another without hands.”

In John 2:19, Jesus is quoted as actually saying, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Do you see the difference? Jesus was referring to the destruction of His body and His resurrection from the dead. He didn’t say that He was going to destroy the Temple building, then rebuild it within 3days. 

The witnesses twisted the words of Jesus to make Him appear guilty of blaspheming the temple. 

The Hebrew phase translated “made with hands,” referred to anything constructed for the purpose of worshipping false gods. (Swindoll)

Well, the witnesses did not agree nor was their testimony consistent  

Did Jesus answer them? No, He kept silent regarding all of the charges . (verse 61) What good would it have done? Indeed, it would have gotten Him nowhere.  

LET IT GO

Sometimes it is better for us to keep our mouth shut and walk away. 

Pray for our false accusers, show them the love of Jesus. 

Perhaps they will see the Light.   

*My computer is old and the internet quit on me I plan to purchase a new one and to get everything set up soon so I can continue to type our study faster. Please be patient with me.

 

What Kind of Witness Are We?

 N.T.#441 “What Kind of Witness Are We?”

Dec. 10, 2024

Mark 14-Part 19

LET IT GLOW 

What kind of witness are we?

There were 6 trials Jesus went through:

1. Annas, a former high priest, with no specific charges;
2. Caiaphas, the current high priest, with charges of blasphemy (claiming to be the Messiah and Son of God);
3. Sanhedrin, with charges the same;
4. Pilate, governor of Judea, charged with treason against Rome;
5. Herod Antipas, governor of Galilee, with no specific charges, but questioned at length;
6. Pilate, who declared Jesus not guilty, but sentenced Jesus to be crucified because of the angry mob.

[Resiurce: Swindoll’s Living Insights in Mark]

What the enemies of Jesus intended for evil, God used for good of humanity. God’s divine plan has been at work since Adam and Eve fell into sin. Jesus came to give His life as an atoning sacrifice for sin. All through out His life Jesus committed no sin so He was the One who could meet God’s requirements. 

Have you admitted you sins to Holy God and asked Jesus to be your Savior?

LET IT GROW 

Take note that there was no witness against Jesus to put Him to death. (verse55) Many bared false witness against Him, but they didn’t agree. (verse 56)

What kind of witness are we for Jesus? Are we a true follower of Jesus, sharing what a difference He has made in our life? Or are we a false witness, not surrendered to Him?

LET IT GO

And the people sing holy, all creation sings holy, worthy is the Lamb of praise and glory. 

*My husband’s surgery is postponed until Dec. 30. The surgeon hurt his back. 

Are You Following From Afar?

N.T. #440  "Are You Following From Afar?"

Dec. 9, 2024 

Mark 14-Part 18

LET IT GLOW 

How close do we want to get to Jesus? Peter followed Him from afar. How about you?

Things were happening that night: Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss and 30 pieces of silver, then hanged himself (Matt. 27:5); soldiers came to take Jesus away to be put away; Peter cut off an ear of the soldier (probably aiming for his head) and Jesus healed the ear; Mark fled naked due to his robe being grabbed;  the disciples disappeared, scattering and fleeing. Hours earlier the disciples vowed never to desert Jesus. (verse 31)

Jesus was taken to the high priest where all the chief priests and elders and scribes were assembled. It was all planned out. The religious leaders issued a warrant for Jesus' arrest. Keep in mind that it was illegal to hold a trial in dark hours, but this was the darkest time in Israel and for those Sanhedrin (70 men who held religious and civil authority in Israel).

Jesus is now brought before Caiaphas, the high priest who was acceptable to Rome. Annas, his father-in -law, was actually the high priest according to the Mosaic Law. Jesus was first brought before Annas, which John records. Some believe that Annas was the real rascal behind the plot to kill Jesus. (J.V. McGee) (verse 53)

These are considered the first and second trials of Jesus. 

We had better watch what kind of plans and schemes we make. Jesus knows everything; even when we plan to retaliate for some mistreatment of ours. 

Jesus has good plans for us, according to Jeremiah 29:11-For I know the plans I have for you,  declares the Lord, plans to to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Are we seeking the plans Jesus has for us? Are we obedient to those plans? Do we give Him the honor?

LET IT GROW 

Peter, Peter, here you go again. Remember when Jesus warned Peter that he would deny Him 3 times before the rooster crowed. (verse 30)

And Peter followed Him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. (verse 54)

There was Peter, standing in the courtyard, hiding his identity and warming himself by a fire with a group of servants and soldiers. John was known by the high priest and the woman at the door allowed him entrance. John spoke with her and Peter was allowed into the courtyard, too. (John 18:16)

How close do we want to follow Jesus? Do we tend to follow Jesus afar off? Is Sunday morning enough for us to converse with Jesus? (Sorry is I am speaking to the choir.)

Is our relationship with Jesus as one associated with Him afar off? Is our fire insurance (salvation) enough for us? Or do we hunger and thirst for His Word, HIs righteousness, and His love?

I, for one, want to be following closely in His footsteps.

LET IT GO 

Help us let go of whatever hinders us from fully following You, Sweet Jesus.

Whom Seek Ye?

 N.T.#439 "Whom Seek Ye?"

Dec. 6, 2024 

Mark 14-Part 17

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus was completely aware of Judas' plan. He may have left the garden to meet the crowd as they approached the gate. At some point in time:

• Judas kissed the Master in order to identify Him. 
• Jesus was surrounded by a band (600 soldiers) of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees (according to John 18). This was the first time Judas openly betrayed Jesus before the other disciples. This band of soldiers had lanterns, torches, and weapons. 
• The soldiers took hold of Jesus and arrested Him. 
• Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest, but Jesus healed it with a touch of the Master's hand.  (Luke 22:49; John 18:10))
• Sometime during this Mark attempted to leave the situation, but the linen cloth which was wrapped around him came off his body (like a blanket) when they tried to seize him and Mark fled away naked.(verse 51) That explains why he did not write as much detail of Jesus' arrest as the other disciples did.
• For the first time, Jesus' disciples ran away from Him. (Matthew 26:56)

Whom seek ye? (John 18:4) 

What a question for us to answer within our self. Whom or what are we seeking this Christmas season? Is it the Savior? Is it the sales item someone wants? Is it recognition at the job? 

Isaiah 55:6 tells us to Seek the LORD while He may be found: Call upon Him while He is near. 

LET IT GROW 

Jesus rebuked so people during His arrest:

• Peter so he would put up his sword. (John 18:10)
• The mob for treating Him like a common criminal. (verse 48)

What do we do when Jesus rebukes us, reveals our sin? Do we admit our sin and seek His forgiveness?

LET IT GO

Jesus, keep us near the cross, there a precious fountain, which flows from Calvary's Mountain.. 

Free to all who comes to drink, 

Near the cross, be my glory ever. 

The Betrayer

N.T.#438 "The Betrayer"

Dec. 5, 2024 

Mark 14-Park 16 

LET IT GLOW 

And so it begins. The time was at hand. In the dark, Jesus' betrayer arrived (verse 42) and Judas brought with him a mob carrying swords and clubs. Judas was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, mind you. He allowed himself to be bought off. For 30 pieces of silver a friend betrayed the One who loved him the most. Turned Him in so the religious ones could get rid of Jesus. (I wonder if Judas though about Jesus being hung on a cross. Did he think Jesus would merely be run out of town, band from Jerusalem and the Temple? Or did he know all along what would happen to Jesus and he turned the Messiah in anyway? Doesn't matter, for it happened.) Obviously, Judas knew Jesus would be in the garden as was customary for His prayer time. 

Apparently, the chief priests, scribes, and elders did some planning behind the scenes before this occurrence. When Judas stepped into the garden, the Lord Jesus was waiting for him, along with the other disciples. Judas brought with him a small army of Roman troops which surrounding the garden.

Judas had to identify Jesus among the group of disciples. the mob needed to know which man to grab, so he preplanned a sign for them-whomever he kissed would be the one to arrest. (verse 44) A kiss was common in those days as a greeting between a disciple and his master. It was a sign of respect, but this time it was different-betrayal. Judas handed over the Son of God to those who hated Him. (verses 45-46)

LET IT GROW 

So the army seized Jesus by force. Jesus had been teaching in the Temple publicly for 3 days. Why didn't they arrest Him there? The religious ones feared the daytime crowds. (11:32 and 14:1-2) However, God used their wicked choices to fulfill the Scriptures and accomplish His will. (verse 49) Keep in mind that all of this took place during the week celebration the Passover. The ultimate Lamb of God was about to be sacrificed for our sins-Jesus.

How terrifying it must have been for those followers of Jesus. Yet it has continued to happen ever since as followers of Jesus as arrested or killed for their faithfulness. How faithful of a follower of Jesus are we? Are we prepared to pay the price?

LET IT GO

May we always be ready to share the Good News with others.

Oh, what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful! Christ was born, died for us sinners so we don't have to pay for our sins, arose from the dead, and sits at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us.

Keep us close to You, King Jesus, so we remain faithful and not betray You.

 

Have Any Struggles?

N.T.#437 "Have Any Struggles?"

Dec. 4, 2024 

Mark 14-Part 15

LET IT GLOW

Are you struggling, friend? This is such a busy time of year. so many things to get done. Please keep on praying and studying God's Word for encouragement. Jesus had struggles, too. He overcame them. Will we overcome our struggles or will they overcome us?

The betrayal was in process while Jesus agonized in prayer with His Father. His three closest friends could not keep awake and keep watch. All He wanted the trio to do was watch and pray, but they kept falling asleep. 

Jesus challenged them so they might have strength to deal with the temptation that was approaching. Even Peter, who had boasted of his commitment, had succumbed to weariness in spite of his Master's plea. The guys had inner desire to follow Jesus, but their physical exhaustion would make them susceptible to the devil. (verse 38) They needed to seek the strengthening that only God could provide. (Tony Evans)

Nothing required Jesus to suffer on the cross...except His unconditional love for people and unreserved obedience to His Father. He felt the powerful lure of self-preservation. He looked for a way out, but Jesus arrived at a place of submission to God's will. Jesus could have slipped away into the night like a vapor. (Swindoll) 

But He didn't. The cross was a place of victory, victory over sin, the grave, and the devil. Jesus was sent to provide that victory. 

Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth Me is at hand. (verse 42) 

Jesus told His men to rise and go. He wanted them to witness first-hand His betrayal, mistreatment, injustice, death, burial, and resurrection. the struggle was over. Jesus stepped forward to greet His betrayer friend. He met the challenge head on. No turning back, no pleading now. The time had come to face the reality of what sins of others could do. And it killed Him (physically). Probably hurt Jesus emotionally, too, since He had spent 3 years with Judas.

When a friend betrays you, it hurts. When they turn their back on you and leave, it hurts. Words can be cutting you to the bone, cut your heart out. Yet, God's Word is like salve to the wound. His love sooths our soul.

Dear one, do you need that soothing love over your pain? Go to Jesus; He has been there, too.

LET IT GROW

 For many of us, there will be more than one Gethsemane-a time when we are tempted to avoid doing what we should because we know that doing right will cost us dearly and hurt us deeply. 

Charles Swindoll gives us at least 4 types of Gethsemane experiences, where we trust in God alone.

1. Relational struggles-family, friends, and spouse may turn their backs on us, but Jesus will not. It comes down to obedience or selfishness.
2. Vocational struggles with your work, your calling. Will we obey or will we quit? Obey first.
3. Personal struggles can weigh us down. Addiction, depression, resentment, racism, narcissism, or mental health disorders try to overcome us. Bring the sacrifice of pride to the Master, admitting we need help. this Gethsemane calls us to follow through on what we know is right, setting aside selfish pride.
4. Spiritual struggles deal with giving Christ first place, preeminence as our Lord, Master. do we honor Him more than anything or anyone else? do we fight against His will? 

Gethsemane calls for sacrifice over comfort. Set it all aside and love God most of all. Then we experience grace.

LET IT GO

Help us step back for a minute, Jesus, and see our life as You see it.

We lay our struggles down at Your feet to handle.

May we let go of them today and cling to You, Savior and Friend.

Together, we can do this.