Mark 14
So many prophecies and so many details in this account that so many of us know. We are so close to the most life-shattering moment in the history of the world. Reading this chapter, and knowing the rest of the story, makes it so bitter-sweet. This is a long chapter, and this may be a long blog, because I want to tell you what I mean.
First, bitter, the Chief Priests are so threatened by Jesus that they begin their plot to get rid of him, and yet they show how cowardly they are, that they decide it is important to wait until after the Passover feast so they wouldn’t upset people.
Second, sweet, the woman who comes and anoints Jesus with the costly perfume, as her gift to the Christ, and bitter, that Jesus knows that this is his anointing to prepare for the tomb.
Third, sweet and bitter, Judas carries out his role in the life of Jesus as first a disciple, carrying his message to the people, and then being tempted by money to turn him over to be arrested.
Fourth, so sweet that Jesus tells his disciples exactly what is going to happen to lead them to where the Last Supper will take place. All the while Jesus knows exactly what is going to happen, and yet he remains consistent in his life and teaching, and never shows anger or resentment that this is his life coming to an earthly end.
Fifth, sweet and bitter, feasting with Jesus! I cannot wait for that day where we share a table with Jesus himself, but how painful was this meal for Judas. Here is where he realizes what he has done, and Jesus lays out some piercing words, that it “would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Can you imagine? What about for the others? They had no idea if that was Jesus talking to them. I can imagine a very uncomfortable meal. Yet Jesus makes it sweet again by offering us a model for how we can share in his life through communion.
Sixth, bitter and sweet, Jesus tries to let the disciples know how difficult it is about to get, and with Jesus not among them, how much more they will be challenged and they will fall away. And Peter, the rock, in an emotional plea I am sure, stands with Jesus, and proclaims he would stand with him even to death. His moment of strength was shortened by the prophecy of his denial, and with such specific detail. You know Peter knew at that point, as with other specific instructions Mark accounted (Triumphal Entry, Where to eat the Passover), knew that it would be so.
Seventh, bitter and sweet, especially to see that in the face of extreme betrayal, persecution, and death, even Jesus was scared and anxious. And yet in the face of this, Jesus models for us what our response should be when we are in moments of trouble and despair, he “fell to the ground” and prayed. Not only that, but he asked his Peter, James, and John to pray for his protection, just as we should with our community of believers.
Eighth, again bitter and sweet, a lynch mob? Really? And Judas had the nerve to use a kiss as a sign of who Jesus was. Such fear in these leaders and such gall in Judas. All the while, Jesus uses the power of his authority and words to rebuke them even in the moment of ultimate betrayal, and the prophecy was fulfilled.
Ninth, sweet and bitter, as Jesus is brought before the Council, no one could testify to anything that would put Jesus to death, and knowing this they asked him if he was in fact the Christ. Knowing this would bring wrath, his power and authority once again came through and he states, “I am, and you will see the son of man seated at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” What power and courage as this led to them beating him out of fear and anger.
And finally tenth, bitter, as Peter falls prey to his weakness, and did as Jesus said, denied him three times in the face of persecution of his own.
As I said, this is a roller coaster chapter, and so full of deep emotion and extreme situations. Powerful stuff, what are your thoughts?
-Philip
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There is SO much in this chapter but there are two things that really stick out to me.
ReplyDelete1. The woman anointing Jesus. Think about it. He's hanging out with the guys and this woman comes over to anoint him. Not only was this out of the ordinary, it could have been perceived as scandalous. Jesus, however, is not worried about appearances and confronts the men who question her actions. I think this is really neat also because it shows that Jesus enjoyed being appreciated. Fully divine, fully human. As a human, I love to feel loved and appreciated, and this woman was lavishing her love on Christ, regardless of how it may have made her (and Jesus) look.
**2. Check out verse 13. Small little detail. "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you." What? Okay. Let's think about this. What if Jesus (or let's say Erik, so it's easier for us to picture) told us to go downtown Nashville and walk up and down 2nd Avenue until we found a man with a Nalgene just hanging around. Would that be weird to us or would we just approach that stranger, floored by faith, and follow him to a random house. This is what I love about Jesus. He takes us out of our comfort zones to reveal a plan that involves many other believers - some that we may never have met before.
I just think this is awesome and wonder if we would do it. I do think God places these challenges in our lives and we often think it sounds crazy so we avoid them, but we miss so much when we resist that calling.
This account makes me think of the Columbine shootings when the young girl was asked "are you a Christian?" she knew how she answered would decide if she lived or died, but she didnt let that stop from telling the truth. She answered "yes" and was immediately executed. How courageous to stand in the face of death and not faulter. Not like Peter, not like Judas, who didnt have the courage to stand for what they believed. They folded as soon as the pressure came. To be executed for your beliefs seems so unimaginable to us in this day and time, because we live in a "free society", but there are so many countries that treat christianity like a crime and will make you pay if caught worshipping. I wonder how many of us would have the courage to look down the gun of a barrel and say "YES I BELIEVE" and with the certainty that we would soon meet our God face to face, or if in that split second we would let doubt creep in and save our own hide and hope we have an equally pleasant eternity. God's word is very clear on what happens to those who deny Him, how could anyone test that theory?? Even if it meant your life, how could you deny Him??
ReplyDeleteVerse 7, the poor will always be with you but, when you want you can do something for them. Does this bring up some questions? Many of us have more than we need and live in areas together away from the poor. Does this mean we had rather not associate with them. I'm not saying this is wrong but it does make you think.
ReplyDeleteGod's creation has always been more than enough to meet the worlds needs. It's just that man wanted it his way and still does in most cases' so many suffer. I don't think Jesus was saying that the poor will always be around and that's just the way it is.
Sin distorts our relationships, with God, with each other and with the world. Humane well-being does not dominate in the minds of most. For example, there should be enough jobs and paychecks for all who want to work. No excuse for the lazy. Look at greed, just think about the effects it's had.
We are commanded to love and care for one another. Not be a world so consumed with business and profits. If the people of the world truly followed the commandments, would there be any poor.
When Peter disowns Jesus it displayed the human condition. We are all weak. It is easy to visualize living a righteous life full of obedience and dedication when you are in the midst of an emotional prayer or a powerful worship song or a moving message. I guarantee Peter found it easy visualizing never denying Jesus while he was in Jesus’ presence. However in our weakness we tend to fail just like Peter. But Peter displayed a very important thing, he wept afterwards. This shows he felt condemnation for denying Jesus, the same emotion we feel or pray we should feel when we sin and fall short every day.
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