The Dark Day That Gives Hope

N.T.#454 "The Dark Day That Gives Hope"

Dec. 31, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

We have all experienced dark days, but none was like the day Jesus died. Is He your hope?

Jesus could have saved Himself, but He chose to sacrifice Himself to save the world from the penalty of sin. Mark leaves out details surrounding this event. Jesus asked the Father to forgive them for didn't know what they were doing. Also, the conversation of the thieves on the and one who went to heaven. Those accounts are found in Luke 23. Then Christ tells John to take care of His mother. Jesus thirsted and they gave Him vinegar instead of water. (John 20)

It was dark from noon until 3:00 that day. The supernatural darkness was a sign of God's judgment .It was as if nature could not bear to look at its Creator dying and heaven holding its breath. (Swindoll)

My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me? (verse 34 and Ps. 22:1)

At that moment my sins, your sins, those sins of the people in the past and future were laid upon Jesus. It was such an overwhelming experience, the Jesus literally screamed. Jesus bore the weight of the sins of the world upon Him in the darkness alone. God cannot look upon sin, for He is holy. Therefore, Jesus was alone. 

Are you a sinner that needs forgiveness? We all are, friend. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

LET IT GROW 

And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. (verse 38)

Jesus had accomplished what He came to do-grant human beings access to God. By atoning for sin, Jesus made it possible for people to come into God's presence. No we have no need for priests to offer sacrifices repeatedly so we can be right with Holy God. Jesus Christ is our great High Priest, who offered Himself for sin once and for all. (Heb. 4:14; 7:27; 10:10,12)(Tony Evans)

A heavy curtain hung in the Temple, which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple. It was a place reserved by God and for God Himself. Once the curtain was torn, now we can approach our Holy God through Jesus. Jesus is our interceder for our prayers. He sits at the right hand of God in heaven speaking to the Father for us.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Him. We believe Jesus is and was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. He is the only way to get to heaven.

Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior? If not, ask Him today.

LET IT GO

Jesus, Messiah, You are Lord of all. All our hope is in You Lord, Light of the world.

We place our soul in Your hands.

Help those unbelievers to trust in You today, King Jesus.

The Mistreated King

N.T.#453 "The Mistreated King"

Dec. 30, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 9 

LET IT GLOW

What happened at the end of this chapter?

• The soldiers offered Jesus wine with myrrh to lessen the torture as He hung on the cross.
• His garments were gambled for by the soldiers, casting lots. (Ps. 22:18 and verse 24)
• Jesus was put on the cross the third hour, 9 AM. (verse 25)
• Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross: JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. Since Christ had not been found guilty of a crime, Pilate placed a title above the cross. It was written in Aramaic, the language of the Jews; Greek, the language of culture; and Latin, the official language of Rome. (John 19:19) (Falwell)
•  Jesus was crucified between two thieves. (verse 27)
• He was numbered with the transgressors. (Ps. 53:12) Swindoll tells us this verse was not in the original transcripts. a Scribe probable later got it from Luke 22:37 and jotted it down in his margin, so it was place in the writing of Mark later.) 
• Those who passed by kept on blaspheming Christ.
• The people though Jesus referred to the Temple being destroyed and rebuilt in 3 days, but He was referring to Himself. (verse 29)
• Some said for Jesus to save Himself and come down off the cross.(verse 30)
• Priests challenged Jesus that He saved others, Himself He cannot save. (verse 31)
• Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. (verse 32)

Is it faith if one sees with their physical eyes? 

LET IT GROW

In his commentary of Mark, J. Vernon McGee explains the physical versus the spiritual:

• There was spiritual darkness the first 3 hours Jesus hung on the cross because man did his worst by crucifying Him and reviling Him.
• Jesus' enemies marched around the cross, wagging their heads and ridiculing Him. He was suffering at the hands of man.
• The first 3 hours Jesus was dying because of sin; the last three He was dying for the sin of the world.
• Sin was doing all it could to destroy Jesus the first 3 hours; the last 3 hours Jesus made His soul an offering for sin.
• Jesus Christ was made sin,  for us; He became sin for us. He was forsaken of God and yet, even at that time, God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. (2 Cor. 5:19)

 We are sinners in need of a Savior, daily. What a sacrifice Jesus made for us. The One who committed no sin became sin so He provided salvation for us through faith in Him. Friend, have you asked Jesus to be your Savior? We have all sinned and come short of the standard God has for entering heaven. Jesus fulfilled that requirement for us-sinless life.

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are my King.

Help me to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You daily.

We love You Lord Jesus, for Your mercy never fails us.

*We appreciate your prayers as my husband has a knee replacement this afternoon. It had been scheduled 3 weeks earlier, but the surgeon hurt his back. Thanks.

Oh The Pain of It All

 N.T.#452  "Oh The Pain of It All"

Dec. 27, 2024

Mark 15-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

Can you hear the hammering of the nails into Jesus at the base of His hands? Ping, ping. What an excruciating painful sound They would have been like railroad spikes, 5 inches long and 3/8 inch square nail. Jesus' arms would have been stretched across the cross beam, forming a T of the two beams. Both wrists would have been nailed to the cross bar. They bent His knees, placed His feet flat against the stipes, and drove a nail through each foot. Then the soldiers tilted the cross up and guided the base into the hole in the ground. With a sudden jarring thud, the cross dropped into the securing hole. By nine o'clock in the morning, the soldiers finished securing Jesus hanging on the cross of Calvary. [Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Mark]

There hung Jesus Christ, King of the Jews, their expected Messiah, Savior to all who believed Him to be the Son of the Living God. He was despised and rejected by His own people; innocent of their charges. The Jews expected their Messiah to deliver them from the rule of Rome. Friend, are you a believer in Jesus? 

He who knew no sin became sin so we might become His righteousness. That is love to the highest degree-dying for sinners.

LET IT GROW

They offered Jesus wine with myrrh added in it, but He refused it. It was to help lessen the torture. Did you think of that? Jesus endured the pain for us so we don't have to pay for our sins. 

J.V. McGee mentions it.  No Gospel writer records the details of the Crucifixion.; they only give us incidents. It is like the Spirit of God says it is too horrible to tell.

According to Jewish time, it was 9:00 in the morning, the third hour, when they crucified Jesus. (verse 25)

There hung THE KING OF THE JEWS. A superscription of His accusation that was written over Jesus. He died in order for everyone who believed in Him could have everlasting life. Such love!!

LET IT GO

Oh, what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful? Sing hallelujah! The godly died for the ungodly, you and me.

Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins? He is waiting with open arms, stretched out, like on the cross. Is the King biding you to come to Him today?  

Living He loved me, dying He saved me, buried He carried my sins far away, rising He justified freely forever. One day He is coming, o glorious day!

Suffering

N.T.#451 

Dec. 26, 2024 "Suffering"

Mark 15-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW

Mark does not tell us about the fourth and fifth trials which Jesus went through. Luke tells us in chapter 23 about Jesus tried by Herod Antipas, the governor of Galilee. However, Herod made no specific charges against the Messiah although He was questioned at length. Then Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate, which is found in Matthew 27, for His sixth trial. 

Pilate declared Jesus to not be guilty but sentenced Him to be crucified to mollify the angry mob. Simultaneously, a man guilty of murder, treason, and sedition was released. Dying on a cross was meant to keep noncitizens in line. It was common enough that a place outside the walls of Jerusalem was used by the Roman army-the skull. The Way of Suffering leads to hope; Gethsemane and Golgotha lead to glory. (Swindoll) 

Christ claimed to be God, and by Jewish law, He should die. (Lev. 24:16) Pilate had been warned by his wife about Christ (Matt. 27:19), and now he realized that he may be dealing with the Son of God. Yet, Pilate was spiritually blind. Also, if the Jews contacted Caesar, and explained Pilate released a king who threatened Roman authority, Pilate would be guilty of treason against Rome. (Falwell)

It was a catch 22 for Pilate. After the crowd cried, "Crucify him," Pilate said to the Jewish leaders and mob:

And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. (verse 22)

Take him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. (Luke 19:6)

We have studied about the cruelness of the Roman soldiers-clothing Jesus in a purple robe, placing a crown of thorns on his head, hitting him on the head, spitting upon him, bowing their knees in a mock worship before Jesus. Then they replaced Jesus regular clothes upon him and led the Savior out to be crucified. (verse 20)

LET IT GROW

And they compeled one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and rufus, to bear his cross. (verse 21)

Simon was from the city of Cyrene, which was along the coast of present -day Libya of northern Africa. He was well known to first-century Christians by the time Matthew, Mark, and Luke published their account (Acts 13:1). It is speculated that Simon's wife cared for or mothered the apostle Paul, who lodged with the family while at the church in Antioch. 

After intense suffering in prayer, enduring an all-night trials, and being ruthlessly beaten, Jesus was too weak to carry His cross. Simon carried the cross beam of Jesus's cross along the Via Delorosa, the way of suffering, up the hill called Golgotha, an Aramaic name meaning Place of the Skull. The English word Calvary is derived from the Latin translation, Calvaria. It was a customary place for the executions and it actually looks like a skull (standing below the hill looking up). the vertical part of the cross was waiting for them on the hill called Calvary.

Friend, are we denying ourself, taking up our cross, and following Jesus? 

Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  (Matt. 16:2)

Is that what we are doing daily as a follower and believer of Jesus?

LET IT GO 

Sweet Jesus,  thank You for all that You endured in order to provide salvation for us sinners!

You are our hope and peace. 

 

 

 Merry Christmas to all!

I just wanted to thank you folks for being with me on this road of faith as we study God's Word together. 

Mark doesn't begin with the genealogy of Jesus like Matthew and Luke. He jumps right into the ministry of Jesus. 

What a plan for the Son of God provide our salvation-humbled Himself to come to earth being born in a manger, took on the form of a human, enduring all the ridicule, beatings, and the pain of nails on a cross. If that isn't love come down, I don't know what is. The wonder of it all.

Dear one, we owe everything to our God. He has given us breath of life and beat of our heart, salvation so we can spend eternity with Him in heaven.  We should be shouting like the angels who sang to the shepherds: Glory to God in the Highest!

So I wish you peace, love, joy, patience, goodness, gentleness, faith today as you do about your day in celebration. We will continue Mark 15 tomorrow.

In Christ,

Linda

Injustice

N.T.#350 "Injustice"

Dec. 24, 2024 

Mark 15-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

We read of the brutal guards, the power-hungry governor, and the conniving religious leaders that had the upper hand They didn't know the true power and authority of this man Jesus, who they tortured and condemned to death. Injustice. They aren't so arrogant now, for they know the truth that Jesus is the Messiah/Savior.

The crowd wanted Jesus crucified, the soldiers beat Him, and Pilate was afraid of a riot. A band of soldiers (600 men) took Jesus into the Praetorium to make a spectacle of Him. How did they accomplish this?

• They clothed Jesus in a purple robe, which was the color traditionally worn by royalty. (Jesus is the King of the Jews.)
• They placed a crown of thorns on His head as a mockery of a royal crown. 
• they held a mockery coronation for Jesus as King of the Jews.
• They shouted, Hail, King of the Jews! (verse 18)
• They hit Jesus on the head with a reed (as a royal staff),which drove the thorns deeper into His skull.
• They spat upon Him ,and bowed their knees as if worshipping Jesus. (verse 19)
• .Afterwards, they removed the royal robe, put His own clothes back on Jesus, and led Him out to be crucified. (verse 20)

What a harsh treatment Jesus went through in order to provide our salvation! He was beaten unmercifully, humiliated, and made a spectacle. Yet Jesus did not return evil for evil. He turned the other cheek. He didn't curse His beaters but later forgave them. (The Son of God could have called down legions of angels to rescue Him, but chose not to.) He was obedient to His Father to the end. 

LET IT GROW

It is hard to read through all that my Savior went through because He loves me. Especially it is during the Christmas season, when it is a joyful time of the year. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, sing His praises, give thanks for all He does for us. We know the purpose for His life that God had was fulfilled. It all goes together in the Father's plan.

Such injustice was done to Jesus, the One who knew no sin. He will bring justice, eventually. Yet don't we want mercy for us?

How are we to respond when justice lies beyond our reach?

1. Let go of any expectation of justice. Do not hold onto anger and bitterness, but submit to the will of God, for one day He will judge every soul.
2. Stop trying to be heard. Speak truth in love. Let God decide when, where, and how He will set the record straight.
3. Seek comfort in Christ. Place our hope in Him. [Swindoll's Living Insights on Mark]

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for Your endurance through it all.

Help us to trust You as we go through injustice.

May we show love, grace, and mercy today to those who have wronged us.

To You be the glory forever!

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.