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.