BlogBud

3/29/07

Read Mark 14:27-52
(You can also copy the link below into your web browser)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2014:27-52;&version=31;

Have you ever been falsely accused for something you did not do?  Perhaps it was all a big mistake or misunderstanding.  How did that make you feel?  You were probably hurt, especially if it was by a friend or someone you trusted.  But there is Someone that has experienced every emotion that we will ever face.  Keep that in mind as we look at this passage.

First of all Jesus predicts that Peter will deny Him three times.  But Peter refuses to believe it will happen.  He tells Jesus that he would die with Him before he would ever deny Him.  What would be your response to Jesus if you were there?

Next Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him and told them to stay and keep watch while Jesus goes by Himself to pray.  Jesus was deeply troubled and distressed, to the point of death.  He was willing to submit to the Father’s will.  Two times He went back to the disciples and found them sleeping and says could you not keep watch for one hour?  Each time He reminds them to pray that they may not enter temptation.  The second time when He finds them sleeping, He tells them the time has come and Jesus is betrayed into the hands of sinners.  What about you?  Are there times that you would much rather sleep than do what God asks you to do?

So here comes a crowd armed with swords and clubs and Judas is leading them.  Judas had already arranged a signal so they would know who to arrest.  Notice how he betrays Jesus – with a kiss.  Judas calls Him Rabbi, which means Teacher, then he kisses Jesus.  So Jesus is arrested.  In the process someone draws out his sword and cuts an ear off the servant of the high priest.  We are not told here who that was, but we are told in John 18:10-11 that it was Peter.  Jesus questions those who arrest Him.  Was He a criminal? They had ample opportunity when He was teaching in the temple courts, so why arrest Him now?  He told them the Scriptures must be fulfilled.  It is important to keep this truth in mind.  It was not the direct result of man, but it was all a part of God’s original plan.  Then everyone deserted Him and fled.  If you were there, what would you have done?  Would you have stayed with Jesus or would you have run away, also?

In closing, I would encourage you to read and reflect on John 17, which is the prayer of Jesus, and ask yourself the questions above to see where your heart is before God.  Until next time, always remember that God loves you.

Posted: March 29, 2007