Tag Archives: Mark

Mark 14- The Trial of Christ

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And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together. Mark 14:55-59

The religious leaders were desperately looking for any evidence they could use against Jesus to legally put him to death, however they couldn’t find anything. Many false statements and accusations were made against Jesus, however none of their stories would line up. Finally one tried to quote Jesus by saying “I will destroy this temple in 3 days” , now we know that this is a reference to John 2:19 “Destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days”

Obviously the religious leaders had no idea what Jesus was talking about, they took Christ’s statement out of context and twisted it to fit their agenda, does that sound familiar? We know that Jesus was prophesying about his own resurrection, Jesus was referring to his own physical body not the physical temple

And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Mark 14:60-62

Finally the religious leaders just ask Jesus straight out, “Are you the Messiah”? Jesus makes it clear by saying “I AM”, notice the reference to the Great I AM statement by God in Exodus 3. Jesus makes 7 “I AM” statements throughout the gospel of John demonstrating his deity

Jesus adds further that he is The Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Father, coming in the clouds! This is an obvious reference to Daniel 7, the religious leaders knew exactly what Jesus was talking about, he is the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecies

Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. Mark 14:63-65

The amazing thing is, even after Jesus revealed his deity to them, the religious leaders rejected all the evidence and sentenced him to death! The religious leaders killed their own Messiah! Just as Jesus predicted they would do in the Parable of the Wicked Tenants

All of this was to fulfill the mission that Jesus came to do, to do for the sins of the world. The time was coming for the Lamb of God to be the atonement for our sins, to be the suffering servant, to bear our curse on the tree, Amen!

Mark 14- The Garden

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And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. Mark 14:32-34

The Garden of Gethsemane was the location where the fulfillment of our sins began to take place. It’s interesting that Sin entered into the world at the Garden of Eden but atonement began at the Garden of Gethsemane. How was Jesus to begin this agonizing event where he crushed the head of the serpent, by prayer to the Father!

He asked his disciples to stay with him , however they didn’t understand the significance of this event and fell asleep. This seems like the Church today, we don’t understand the significance of what Christ did for us, and the Church has fallen asleep again! If we understand the importance of Christ for our salvation, we would be on every street corner preaching the gospel to every soul headed to Hell

And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Mark 14:35-37

Jesus , being in human form, knew the punishment and suffering he was going to face to pay the penalty for our sins. However he was still obedient to the will of our Heavenly Father, even to the point of death on the cross! 

The cup which Jesus talks about is the cup of wrath. The wrath of God for the wages of our sins. Jesus took that cup in our place, God poured out his wrath on Christ to be our sacrificial lamb. The debt has been paid all because Jesus loves you!

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Mark 14:38-41

 The hour has come, for the Son of Man to be crucified in the hands of sinners! The Hour has come for Christ to pay the penalty for our sins! The Hour has Come for Jesus to rise on the 3rd day , defeating sin and death forever!

What were the discipes doing? Sleeping! What is the Church doing today? Sleeping! Wake up Brothers and Sisters in Christ! The Hour is coming when Jesus will return to rapture His Church and establish His eternal Kingdom Amen!

Mark 14- The Sheep Are Scattered

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And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. Mark 14:27-29

As Jesus predicted, once the Shepherd was removed the sheep were scattered. Even though Christ is still with us, the sheep are still scattered today. We see over 40,000 different Christian denominations, we see even a lot of Christians not even gathering together anymore. The sheep have been scattered, it’s time to listen to the voice of the Great Shepherd and come back home to the flock!

One man who said he would never flee is Peter, yet Jesus prophesied to him , not only will he flee, but he will also deny Christ three times. Peter believed his faith was strong and he would never deny The Lord, however when his life was on the line his faith failed him. I’m sure we can relate to Peter at times, I’m sure there was a time when our faith failed Jesus. Its good to know our Lord is merciful and loving!

And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. Mark 14:30-31

The night Jesus was arrested, Peter denied him three times as predicted. At that moment Peter felt like his life was over. He failed The Lord and he could never be redeemed again. However after Christ was Risen, he came looking for Peter and told him to “Feed His Sheep”! Jesus not only forgave Peter but gave him a calling!

Eventually Peter did lay down his life for The Lord, as he was crucified upside down on a cross for preaching the name of Jesus. Let Peter be an example for us all, that we are not perfect and even if we fail The Lord, its not over until God says its over!  Feed The Sheep in Jesus name Amen!

Mark 14- The Lords Supper

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And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born. Mark 14:20-21

As we talked about yesterday, Judas was evil and sold out The Lord for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus is revealing this now to his disciples, that one of them will betray him. When Jesus made this statement, the disciples looked at each other, having no idea who the son of perdition was. Even Judas tried to cover it up by saying “Surely not I Rabbi” (Matthew 26:25) Judas was filled with Satan and as Jesus said “It would have been better if he was never born”

But God uses the evil of this world for his own good, the scripture told us the Messiah must die for the sins of the world. God used the evil in Judas heart to fulfill this requirement. Its just hard to imagine, Judas spent 3 years with The Lord and would betray him for some money. As Jesus said “What does it profit you to gain the whole world but to lose your soul”

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Mark 14:22-24

Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper or known as the Eucharist or Communion. This is a fulfillment of the Passover Feast. As the Apostle Paul stated “Jesus is our Passover Lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7) Jesus is the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world (John 1) The final sacrifice for sin is about to take place and Christ has fulfilled this. The Lords Supper is the remembrance of this event, where God has provided us salvation

As Jesus taught us, the bread is symbolic for his broken body on the cross. The cup is symbolic for the shedding of Christ’s blood which purifies our sins. The blood is a sign of the New Covenant Jesus established on the cross! The blood of the New Covenant that was shed for many not just Israel

Jesus also stated “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19) Jesus commanded the Lords Supper as a sacrament that shouldn’t be neglected. As Paul stated “As often you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26) Proclaim Jesus as your Passover Lamb often, Do this in remembrance of Christ! Amen!

Mark 14- The Anointing

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And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. Mark 14:3-5

Jesus came back to visit the town of Bethany, this was the hometown of Lazarus , whom Jesus raised from the dead. They were hosting a dinner in honor of Jesus, Mary who is Lazarus’ sister , took a pint of perfume and anointed Jesus’ head with it and washed his feet. Nobody realized it at the time but she was actually prophesying about the death of Christ, which was going to happen only a few days later.

Judas Iscariot, rebuked Mary for wasting the perfume on Jesus, and claimed they could have sold it to feed the poor. Obviously we know Judas is wicked and only wanted to sell the perfume for his own profit. Judas also didn’t love Jesus as he sold him for 30 pieces of silver. The time was coming for the Son of Man to be delivered to the wicked to die for the sins of the world

And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. Mark 14:6-9

Jesus openly rebuked Judas in front of everyone, this probably came as a shock to him and everyone there, as woman in the first century were typically treated as lower class citizens. For Jesus to defend a woman over a man, especially a disciple , made a statement! Of course Jesus knew the wickedness also of Judas heart, his other disciples did not realize that Judas would betray Christ and have him killed

As Jesus stated “She has come beforehand to anoint my body for burial” this act was a prophecy of the death and burial of Christ. Nobody understood it at this time, but Mary was performing a sacred act, and Jesus said “What she has done will be spoken of as a memorial of her” A simple act of a loving disciple will be remembered by The Lord forever!

The hour is coming, for Christ to go to the cross, and die for our sins. The hour is coming for Jesus to rise again on the 3rd day defeating sin and death forever! The hour is coming for Christ to return again, are you ready? Be a humble servant like Mary, lay down at the feet of Christ, for Jesus is Lord Amen!

Mark 13- Always Be Ready

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But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Mark 13:32-34

Theres alot of false teachers that have made alot of money , predicting the return of Christ. All you have to do is read your Bible, Nobody knows the day or hour, Nobody! So anyone claiming to know when Christ will return is a false teacher. 

So what do we do while we wait for Christ to return? The scripture tells us “Christ gave authority to his servants (Church) to do his work and watch. What is the work of The Lord? The Great Commision, preaching the gospel, building Gods Kingdom one person at a time. Serving the least of these. Many Christians have taken a vacation from The Lords work, don’t slumber because Christ returns like a thief in the night

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. Mark 13:35-37

Keep your lamps lit like the 5 loyal virgins! Never slumber or fall asleep, for you don’t know when your Master will return. Keep yourself prepared and worthy to meet The Lord, if Christ came today would you be ready? What would Jesus say to you? “Well done good and faithful servant” or “Depart from me I never knew you”!

Let nobody deceive you, listen to the words and promises of your Master. He is coming back soon, and you will give an account for your life. The harvest is ready but the labors are few, how very true today. Churches are closing their doors at a rapid pace, why? Because the servants are few!

The Son of Man is coming in the clouds, are you ready? Are you watching? Are you laboring? Are you rejoicing the day when your Savior brings you home? Be ready for the King is coming soon! Amen!

Mark 13- The End Times

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And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Mark 13:1-2

The destruction of the physical temple was a significant event for many reasons. Jesus foretold about this even to his disciples, the religious leaders used this prophecy as a charge of blasphemy against Jesus, imagine that. The destruction of the temple was a sign of completion of many things including the Old Covenant. Even until today, the temple has never been rebuilt and the Mosaic Law can’t be followed

In AD 70 , the physical temple was destroyed by the Roman Empire, as prophesied by Jesus. This fulfillment is the sign of the end of Judaism as known in the Bible, and demonstrated the arrival of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. 

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Mark 13:3-6

The disciples were puzzled and asked Jesus privately, when will all these things happen? Jesus gave them signs of the end. For centuries theologians debated on when the end of the world or return of Christ will happen, remember Jesus said “Nobody knows the day or hour” (Matthew 24:36) also Gods time is not the same as our time.

The destruction of the temple was a kickoff for the clock until Christ’s return. Jesus first warns about false prophets and the Anti Christ. Till this day we see many false religions and false teachers who claim to be a prophet or have divine knowledge and have misled millions of people to Hell. Don’t be deceived!

And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published among all nations Mark 13:7-10

Many cling to the last scripture “The gospel must first be preached to all nations” as the final completion for Christ’s return. Those who are preterist, has this really already happened? With today’s technology, the gospel is being preached worldwide everyday at lightning speed. We could see in our lifetime the gospel reached to every nation, literally!

The fact is we know Christ will return, when it doesn’t matter! We need to always be ready, as he is coming as a thief in the night, keep your lamps lit in Jesus name Amen!

Mark 12- The Widows Offering

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And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: Mark 12:41-43

One thing you should start to understand from Jesus’ teachings, is that our relationship with God is about our heart. That is why the Proverb says “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverb 4:23) When the Bible talks about the Heart, its not talking about the physical organ in our body, its talking about the center core of our being. 

Here we see a poor old widow, who has basically nothing in this world physically, but she gave all that she had to God. Why? Because she understands that money and possessions are not going to save your soul. As Jesus said “What does it profit you to gain the whole world and lose your soul”? (Mark 8:36) This widow was poor by Earthly standards, but was rich by Gods standards

Jesus was very impressed with the widow’s faith to give all she had to God, and rely on God to supply her needs. Remember a widow back in this time, couldn’t get a job. Women in the first century were reliant upon a husband or family member to provide for them. By this widow giving all she had, she could potentially starve to death and be homeless. How many of us demonstrate this faith to God?

For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark 12:44

While all the religious men lined up to give their tithe, to demonstrate to people how honorable they were, Jesus was not impressed. Why? Because these men didn’t love God with all their heart, mind, and soul. They were just checking off another box on their list. This widow loved God more than she loved her own life. She gave it all to him, and it pleased The Lord so well he esteemed her higher than all the religious men in the synagogue.

Who holds your heart? What do you love so much that you could never give it away to God? Anything we put ahead of God is idolatry. To gain the world will only be temporary, but the Kingdom of God is eternal Amen!

Mark 12- Son of God

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And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. Mark 12:35-36

One of the great mysteries or revelations was foretold by David via The Holy Spirit. One of the mysteries is “How can the Son of God also be the Son of David”? The line of David is revealing Jesus’ human side along with his deity. As we know from the scriptures, the Messiah had to die for our sins, in order for the Son of God to die, he must first become human. This is why the incarnation is such a glorious event

Israel didn’t understand the incarnation of the Messiah. They believed the Messiah would just be a human, a mighty political warrior like David. However the Messiah was much more than that, God manifested in the flesh. So how can the Son of God also be the Son of David? If you read the genealogies from Matthew and Luke, it explains Mary and Joseph were from the line of David. Even though the Messiah was conceived by the Holy Spirit, the womb of Mary was human. What a marvelous mystery!

David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly. Mark 12:37

Jesus reveals “David himself addresses the Messiah as Lord, demonstrating that David is not talking about himself” David was revealing a prophecy about the Messiah, that the Son of God will sit at the right hand of the Father, does that sound familiar? 

Peter reveals in Acts 2, David again prophesied about the Messiah (Psalm 16) The Holy One will not see decay, however as Peter addressed David was dead and buried for many years. (Acts 2:29)  Demonstrating that David was not foretelling about himself but he was prophesying about Jesus, who rose from the dead on the 3rd day!

There are over 300 Messianic prophecies throughout the Old Testament that all were fulfilled by Jesus , Amen!

Mark 12- The Greatest Commandment

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And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:28-31

Once again Jesus was tested and challenged by the religious leaders. They asked Jesus “What is the greatest commandment”? This is obviously a trick question they tried to trap Jesus in saying the wrong thing, however they fail to realize Jesus is the Son of God. 

Jesus stated to “Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind” This is actually known as the “Shema” in the Jewish culture. But its the root to your true faith, do you truly love God above all things? Are your actions and motives aimed at pleasing God? 

The Second commandment Jesus said is most important is “To Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” the entire Law of God can be summed up as Love God and Love People. This should be the anthem for all Christians!

And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. Mark 12:32-34

Notice that truly loving God is more important than going through the rituals of sacrifices and burnt offerings! Alot of Christians today think if they do a list of things, check off some boxes, they are good with God. Jesus came to give us a personal relationship with God, love him with all your heart, soul, and mind not to just check off some boxes

Its not easy to Love People, however we are called and commanded by our Lord to do so. Remember while Jesus was on the cross he said “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) If our Lord can forgive those who sinned against him then we can also, Amen!