Mark 14
Friday, February 15, 2019
Verses 53-72
Jesus knows that the time has come for him to give away his
life. For he has read the scriptures or that he is God and knows the intent of
the Father. Submitting Himself fully to us humans and to God, he showed us the
example of what submitting actually meant. He did not defend himself as one
should when accused nor did he fight back. He took the beating and all the
torturing that followed. He suffered all these just to fulfill the scriptures,
just for us.
Peter followed Jesus probably to honor his loyalty promise but,
in the event,, he also had doubts that Jesus could be the Son of God. The
turning point for him is when he remembered what Jesus said earlier – that he
would deny Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Because of this, his
doubts started to fade away because Jesus could know what was to happen and he
already planned all this. So I believed that in this moment, Peter knew that
Jesus still had everything under control. Still he did not believe that Jesus
would rise from the dead after three days. I do believe though that through the
denials and the remembering, faith was restored again in Peter.
Sometimes, things happen in our lives that may look to us
like failures. We may have failed God multiple times, but he has never failed
us. The hope is that through every failure, we learn to trust in God more. We
learn to trust in his promises more. We learn to rest in him.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Verses 43-51
I should go and see how many scriptures that Jesus fulfilled
in his lifetime. A lot. At least 55 old testament prophecies were fulfilled
through Jesus. He knew that the scriptures will be fulfilled through him. What
a burden to carry.
I’m kind of curious about verse 51 and 52. Why did the
author leave that in there? Some commentaries say that it was Mark himself.
Some say he was an angel which appears throughout the bible in linen. But there
is no conclusion. Most of these are just suspicions. Am trying not to read too
much into it.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Verses 27-42
I used to say that I would die for Jesus. Now I know that
talk is cheap. When the moment comes, only God knows whether I will turn tail
and run or follow him all the way. I have not experienced hardships yet, and
that will be to my disadvantage at any moment.
In verse 34, Jesus uses the words “keep watch” again, which
I assume means to pray. In verse 38, he says, “Watch and pray.” I’m starting to
think that “watch” means to be aware of the happenings around us and to couple
it with prayer.
Watch = looking at the world happenings (e.g. news) through
the eyes of God and aligning ourselves to his will.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Verses 1—26
It’s amazing how God prepared someone to prepare Jesus for
burial, and also provided a place for Jesus and his disciples to eat. When you
do the will of God, little things such as a place to eat dinner will also be
provided for you. I have heard of testimonies how people in missions trips have
gotten their every need because God spoke to others to provide for them. When
you do the will of God, keep watch (pray) consistently, so that you know which
way to go, who to ask, and things you should be doing. Aligning yourself to His
will assures you of everything you need.
There will be moments when you doubt, but take heart, God
will always show Himself real to you in ways you can never imagine. Know that
He can never send you out without first providing for you. He has already
prepared every step of the way, just as how Jesus had his donkey and place to
have the Passover meal.
