QT 9/17/2024 Mark 10:42-45, Humility as a leader

Mark 10:42–45 (ESV) —

42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

NOTE: I see people on LinkedIn with the title "Servant-Leader." The problem is that I know them and they are not (at least when I knew them) servant-leaders. It's a catchy title and it should emphasize that the person is more concerned about their people than their own careers, but I don't think that is the case. Still, I should give them credit for realizing that the title is good and that people look for that type of leader. What is it that people imagine when they see the title, servant-leader? In my mind, it is a humble person. It is a person who will take the bullet for the team when something comes apart. It is a person who wants the team to get credit for the work, not him or herself. It is the person who is always talking about the individuals on the team and the work they are accomplishing, and who downplays his/her own role. It is the person who is thinking about individuals and how to make them better and how to get them promoted. It is someone who cares.

 

The same thing applies in the Christian ministry. We need humble leaders. We need servants. We don't need people who require the limelight. They are happy seeing God exalted and the ministry progressing. They are comfortable becoming less like John the Baptist.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I need to hear my name mentioned in something I was involved in?
2. Am I comfortable being forgotten in order to see God exalted?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray as you continue to humble me, help me to see where I show pride. Help me as I work at de-emphasizing myself.

QT 2/12/2024 Mark 16:9-13, A poorly written script if made up

Mark 16:9–13 (ESV) —

9 Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

 

NOTE: Why did everyone not believe? Why was it a woman chosen first to see Jesus? Why was it a woman who believed whereas most of the men did not believe? Why? Because, the story is true and not made up. This is what happens in the real world. If the story was made up, the script would have been written much differently by the people of that time. The heroes and leaders would have been the first to hear. They would have immediately believed. And they would have gone to their death never denying their story. The latter is pretty difficult if it is only a story. No one likes to die early. All but one of the apostles died early because they refused to deny the truth. Some disciples, like Stephen, died within a year of the resurrection.

 

Acts 7:54–60 (ESV) — 54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 

There is no excuse a logical person can make. A person does not believe because they do not want to believe.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I searched the scriptures honestly, not looking for contradictions, but believing it is true and then understanding what I read? Our presumptions make all the difference.

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to share my faith boldly and respectfully. Give me the words to answer those who truly seek. Help me to see those who don't truly want to believe.

QT 2/9/2024 Mark 16:1-8, He is risen -- the most important statement ever made in history

Mark 16:1–8 (ESV) —

1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

 

NOTE: Wow, just picture yourself as one of the women. The rush to bury Jesus had robbed them of the time to apply the spices. They discussed somewhat mundane items of getting into the tomb only to find the stone rolled away, and I assume the soldiers gone. Then someone is sitting in the tomb, clothed in white, and telling them not to fear. He says that Jesus is risen and will meet them in Galilee. Do you cry or scream with joy or wonder what trick is being played upon you? What does it all mean? Where is Jesus' body? What is happening? Who will believe our story? Even though Jesus did tell them that he would be killed and rise from the dead, that story was probably interpreted in some symbolic or futuristic day. But here it is, it happened. I would be scared to death, giddy with excitement, and in tears, for my savior is alive (or at least I hope). What a story to tell. Oh, and they forgot to get the name of the young man who told them so. Are all angels young? Will we return to our young selves when we receive our new bodies. The bible is clear that when people die the do NOT become angels, but Jesus does say that we will be like them in certain ways.

 

PONDER:

What does this story do to your heart when you read it and place yourself in the moment? If it doesn't emotionally affect you, do you really know the savior?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for what you did. The story is awesome because it was so unexpected. A person has never risen from the dead. This is the one fact, later verified by many individuals, that should cause every person who honestly wants to know the truth to seriously consider Jesus' words and his claims. Open people's eyes who seek to find this immeasurable gift.

QT 2/8/2024 Mark 15:42-47, More threatening historical facts

Mark 15:42–47 (ESV) —

42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

 

NOTE: As to the "swoon" theory, that is not a new thought or something the Romans forgot to check. When the big guy asks if he is dead already, you make sure he is dead already before answering. This is probably what caused the Centurion to put the spear up into the body from the lower abdomen into the heart. The Romans were very experienced at crucifying people. They knew all the tricks. And they knew if you pierced into the heart you would see copious amounts of water and blood rush out. Jesus was certainly dead. There was no swooning. No, the only explanation for his being alive on Sunday was that he had risen from the dead. He is the first and he is the promise that we too will have new bodies and we will also arise from the dead. There is no other explanation except the checking of a person's brain at the door in order to deny the facts.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I willing to consider the historical facts?
2. Or are the facts too threatening to consider?

 

PRAYER: Father, I have a sure salvation. Jesus' death, the burial, and the resurrection, and the eyewitnesses cannot be ignored. You have done the impossible.

QT 2/7/2024 Mark 15:33-39, The crucifixion happened as did the events surrounding it

Mark 15:33–39 (ESV) —

33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

 

NOTE: Jesus' death opened access to God. Figuratively and in actuality, the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. As the darkness lifted in the ninth hour, Jesus died, and a Gentile, a Roman Centurion, proclaimed, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" Atheists like to scoff that Jesus never said he was the Son of God, which is not true, but even if it was, certainly everyone else knew his claim, even a Roman soldier. Jesus died for Jew and Gentile, for slave and free man, for male and female. Jesus took all of our sins upon himself, and God the Father turned his face from God the Son because he could not look upon sin. The events, darkness for three hours, the tearing of the curtain, and also an earthquake (not mentioned in Mark) were all signs that something unique in human history was occurring. It happened. Eyewitnesses chose death over denying the facts. So, the question remaining is what do we do with the truth?

 

PONDER:

1. What does Jesus' crucifixion mean to me?
2. How do I respond to the historical facts surrounding the event? Do I pick and choose what I believe -- a lazy man's approach to fact?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am so thankful that my sins, past - present - future, were paid on the cross. My life was redeemed. And I, unworthy me, have the promise of a glorious future. Thank you God.

QT 2/6/2024 Mark 15:21-32, We are all sinners

Mark 15:21–32 (ESV) —

21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

 

NOTE: What is there to say that has not already been said or wrote? The savagery toward Jesus -- who came to save us, preached a message of love and service -- is amazing. People, some, hated him greatly. Why? Because Jesus is a reminder of our rebellion against God. He reminds us that we are sinners who do not want to truly obey God. The sad part is that includes the  chief priests and scribes. We are all in rebellion to God, it's just that some of us fake that they are not. Some of those are the religious, the "fake church-goers," -- those who are whitewashed tombs. I see too many of those in the church. They are interested in the accolades, but the only accolade we should wish for is from God -- "well done, good and faithful servant." I hope and pray that will always be enough for me. And I hope and pray that I hear those words.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I serious about pleasing God or that people think I am pleasing God?
2. Am I more interested in being noticed or serving without notice?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am a sinful man. I am far too often interested in being seen or being known. My pride asserts itself often. I fail you far too often. Have mercy on me. In this third season of my life, help me to live the quiet life of a servant who does not need to be acknowledged by anybody but you.

QT 2/5/2024 Matt 15:16-20, Wanting to be gods

Mark 15:16–20 (ESV) —

16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

 

NOTE: Why so much anger? There a few possibilities. 1) Men, sinful human beings, find it amusing to bully another human being for no reason. 2) They had heard some of the rumors of his teaching and did not like the moral restrictions on their behavior. 3) They did not like their assignment (location or job) or the Jew's religion and associated Jesus with this job. 4) Satan incited them against Jesus because of his hatred of God (Satan thought he was winning).

 

The story is full of irony. Jesus was and is the King of Jews. He will subdue all enemies and place them under his feet someday in the future. They will kneel down before Jesus, but not in jest next time. I like to think that later some of these soldiers repented and kneeled in submission to his authority.

 

The issue harkens back to the garden of Eden, where the couple wanted to be their own gods, to determine good and evil for themselves. They did not want to submit to God's rules, but wanted to be like God. That is still the problem today. No one wants to submit to rules that they don't agree. You see it while driving. A person does not stop at the stop sign because no one is there. A person goes through the red light because he can. Nowadays, theft has become so common at stores, that self-serve checkouts are being eliminated. We have lost our moral baseline. We are brainwashed by society to believe morality is subjective and relative. We have become our own gods choosing what is right and wrong for ourselves.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe in objective truth?
2. Do I believe God's truth is the ultimate truth for society?
3. Would I have acted like one of those soldiers?

 

PRAYER: Father, for those of us who are honest, we are debased, sinful human beings who glory in our "freedom" and "god-ship." But, our real need is not freedom but submission to your Lordship. We will never be truly happy until we see your word as the truth for life, and Jesus as our hope of salvation.

QT 2/1/2024 Mark 15:1-15, He died because of my sins

Mark 15:1–5 (ESV) —

1 And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

 

NOTE: It is an interesting situation for Pilate. He has to balance appeasing Rome, the leaders, and the populace while also maintaining control. Rome was not unjust unless it served their interests. Jesus committed no crime nor did he seem willing to defend himself against the charges brought against him. He was not violent. And for Pilate, there was his wife's warning about not getting involved. But Pilate here represents the Gentiles. And the leaders (chief priests, elders, scribes, and whole council) represent the Jewish people. The Jews wanted him killed but the Gentiles held the authority to make it happen. In the end, Pilate gives the order to crucify him. By all accounts, Pilate did not want to crucify him. But that does not absolve him of the action. Of course, it was God's will that he die for all people. Pilate was a low-level actor in a grand plan. His involvement destroys the idea that Jews were the Christ-killer. All mankind, represented by Jew and Gentile, killed the Christ, the messiah. And we are all guilty of his death if only that our sins required a substitute if we were ever to be restored and saved.

 

PONDER:

Our sin, and God's love put Christ on the cross. Do I realize how fortunate I am for this death for me?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for your great love to save a sinner like me. I am undeserving of all that you have and continue to do for me. Thank you!

QT 1/31/2024 Mark 14:66-72, The problem of injustice

Mark 14:66–72 (ESV) —

66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

 

NOTE: Technically, Peter had broken no laws by being with Jesus. In fact, as the trial was going on, no laws were found that Jesus broke, except at the end -- he claimed to sit on the right hand of the Father. But as is typical of injustice, association makes you guilty even when people espouse "innocent until proven guilty." Not only is an injustice occurring, it is extending to others who haven't even been accused, except for association. Why is there this desire to hold an axe over an innocent person's head? What was the servant girl desiring? Was she ashamed of her own knowledge of Jesus since she recognized Peter, and this was a way to deflect association to another?

 

We are such a sinful people. We were not created that way, but we have twisted the creation into an evil thing. We all desire justice, but not really. We take "joy" in seeing certain people suffer. Is that not proof enough of our sinful nature?

 

PONDER:

1. Do we recognize our sinful nature?
2. Do we understand that there is nothing good we can do that can make us right before God?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray you would help us to see our sin and repent of it. I pray that we would desire real justice, your justice, not ours.

QT 1/30/2024 Matt 14:53-65, Focus on the gospel, not the other stuff

Mark 14:53–65 (ESV) —

53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

 

NOTE: Elsewhere it has been observed how many Jewish rules were violated in this trial (I recommend The Trial of the Messiah, MBS009, Dr Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Ariel Ministries Digital Press). In his short paper, Fruchtenbaum addresses 22 major judicial laws that were violated. Many are included in the above passage, but three of the most important stand out here, 1) the accused cannot testify against himself, 2) the High Priest was forbidden to tear his garments, and 3) a person cannot be condemned on the basis of his own words alone. There are many other examples in this passage, but it is amazing how rules, morality, and truth are thrown out the door when individuals are so enraged about an issue. We see this today in the political arena. There are so many lies (from both sides) and nobody seems to care about truth. There is no one who approaches things rationally. We are an emotionally-directed nation with no sense or care about what is true or not. What is true in this country is what a person wants to be true. Morality and truth are secondary to achieving the end goals.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I allow the news to emotionally move me? Or can I listen to the news and objectively view it?
2. Am I more serious about politics or am I more serious about people hearing the good news of Jesus Christ? What really motivates me?

 

PRAYER: Father, I want to be focused on the gospel and getting the gospel message out to a dying and deceived world. Give me courage, boldness, and ideas to do that.

QT 1/29/2024 Mark 14:43-50, He is our friend now

Mark 14:43–50 (ESV) —

43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled.

 

NOTE: In the Michael Card song, Why, the lyrics highlight this passage. It is hard when your enemies attack you, but when a friend turns against you, it is incredibly defeating. You feel used and abused. Of course, Jesus knew of his duplicity, but it is hard to say when Judas made the decision to betray Jesus. And so for some time, he was a good close friend as the other eleven were.

 

Why did it have to be a friend

Who chose to betray the Lord?

And why did he use a kiss to show them

That's not what a kiss is for?

 

Only a friend can betray a friend

A stranger has nothing to gain

And only a friend comes close enough

To ever cause so much pain

 

Not only is he betrayed by a friend, but he is abandoned by his other friends. As the commercial displayed yesterday, "Jesus gets us." He knows the pain of life. It is not the world he created. The rebellion destroyed creation's beauty and promise. Jesus came to restore paradise, and he will. The days are coming, very soon.

 

PONDER:

1. What kind of friend am I?
2. Would anyone consider me their best friend or a friend that they could count on in the worst of times?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for Jesus' sacrifice for me. He is my best friend. He has never let go of me despite my frailties and failures. Thank you.

QT 1/25/2024 Mark 14:26-31, The long process of living like Christ

Mark 14:26–31 (ESV) —

26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

 

NOTE: They had spent time with him, they saw the miracles, they listened to the words of wisdom, and they all promised to die before they would deny him. Not many hours later, they all denied him and scattered. I imagine they all went and wept. Of course, they would change. In another 7 weeks, the Holy Spirit would fill them and they would be different men. Well, different but not perfect. We all want to do the right thing, and then we fail, and we wonder if we can ever walk in godliness because it seems we fail so often. As long as we have this body of flesh, we will fail. And as long as the Spirit dwells within us, we can confess our sin, we can with the Spirit's help pick ourselves up, and start afresh again. If we are serious, I believe we get closer to godliness each time. We will never make it, but we will continue to be transformed into Christ's likeness.

 

PONDER:

1. Where do I need to start? What do I need to confess?
2. What or where do I need the Spirit's help to begin again?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me when I fall and sin. I confess those sins to you. I am weak and I need you. Give me strength today to stand against the evil one. Protect me from his attacks.

QT 1/24/2024 Mark 14:22-25, Assured of eternal life

Mark 14:22–25 (ESV) —

22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

 

NOTE: There are four cups in the seder. I believe this is the third cup, the cup of redemption because of the use of the words "fruit of the vine." It also follows the eating of the afikomen, the middle matzah that is broken in two and given to each. The fourth cup is the cup of salvation, and it could be that as well since a hymn follows. Of course a hymn follows or ends the ceremony whether it is the third or the fourth cup. Mark did not give us a detailed description of the ceremony, which includes many other elements such as the plagues and the retelling of the Passover.

 

The Passover was an incredibly important ceremony for the Jewish people. That Old Covenant ceremony was transferred to a New Covenant ceremony that we call communion, because the New Covenant replaces the Old Covenant. The writer of Hebrews says that it is founded on better promises. Ceremonies seem old hat, but communion celebrates and incredible promise, Jesus' death and resurrection, cleanses us from all sins and gives up the assurity of eternal life to those who believe.

 

PONDER:

1. What is my hope for the future based upon?
2. Or does life just end with death, a meaningless existence?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the salvation I have in Jesus. Thank you that it was not dependent on anything I did other than accept the free gift.

QT 1/23/2024 Mark 14:17-21, What is your excuse?

Mark 14:17–21 (ESV) —

17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

 

NOTE: So much has already been written about these verses, but a few things here bear repeating. None of the disciples picked up that it was Judas. Each of the men's biggest concern was that individually, it was him. Although later, Peter would declare that if everyone fell away, he would not. And yet before the day was over (meaning Passover which started Thursday at sunset), he would deny Jesus three times. They were all normal men with normal fears and normal weaknesses, and yet in 50 days, each would be transformed by the Holy Spirit to the extent that they would all (except John) die a Martyr's death. John spend the latter part of his life in prison for his faith. Eyewitnesses do not die for lies. And these events, especially the disciples' deaths, recorded by multiple authors, testify to the truth of the historical writings. For those of us who have heard the gospels, all or part, we have no excuse before God. We may try the old - "what about people who have not heard?" - but that does not let us off of the hook. We who have heard stand before God with no excuse.

 

PONDER:

1. What is my excuse for not believing? Do I really think it is unanswerable?
2. Does my life match my testimony? Do I say I believe but live as if I did not believe? One cannot fool God.

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to see the truth of our lives up against our claims. I pray we would not fool ourselves. And I pray for those of us who truly know the savior, that our lives would bring people to Jesus, not away from Jesus.

QT 1/22/2024 Mark 14:10-11, We live for Jesus, not this life

Mark 14:10–11 (ESV) —

10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

 

NOTE: This passage immediately follows Mary's anointing of Jesus with a perfume that was worth a year's wages. The disciples thought it was a waste of money (as probably most men would), but Jesus saw it as a beautiful thing (as a women sees beauty, sacrifice, and giving a gift to someone). A flower is a useless gift too, it dies in a few days. But a flower communicates to a woman that she is special, just because of the act and sacrifice of purchasing it for her.

 

I don't know if Mary's act enraged Judas or was the final straw in his idea of a kingdom not materializing. Like many so-called Christians today who see salvation as making a good life better, that is not what salvation is about. Jesus is going to destroy our ideas of a kingdom and replaced it with a much better kingdom, but it might not happen for hundreds of years. I think it will happen soon, but I need to sacrifice my ideas of the comfortable life, and be about the ministry of telling others of Jesus.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I attached to this world and a good life getting better? Or am I attached to JESUS?

 

PRAYER: Father, there is much pain in this life. It doesn't seem to end. But I live for you and not this life. Help me to encourage others and trust that you are bringing good out of the pain in this life.

QT 1/19/2024 Mark 14:1-9, Stepping back and viewing things from a different perspective

Mark 14:1–9 (ESV) —

1 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

 

NOTE: The first two verses show how God is able to change the plans of men into his plan. Jesus, the lamb of God, represents the Passover sacrifice for all people. The sacrifice was essential to occur on the Passover. Yet the leaders did not want it to happen during the feast. God did and they didn't. So, it happened during the feast.

 

The second group of verses are interesting. It is a comparison of how men and women view the world. Men saw the waste of the perfume as a lost opportunity to use the money for other more important things. Jesus saw so much more. Jesus says, "Leave her alone, …. She had done a beautiful thing to me." Jesus, as God-man, understands women much better than men. Beauty and the recognition of beauty is an attribute women possess in more abundance than men. Women can appreciate the soft things of life, a sunset, a flower, a chat, a child, that is often ignored or under-appreciated by men. When God made man and woman, he made them different and with unique skill sets. Satan has done all that he can to try to destroy the differences, but for those who are willing to open their eyes, they can see the beauty of the two sexes and the distinct roles.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I let God manage my schedule? Do I get frustrated when my plans are interrupted?
2. Do I quantify everything? Or can I view things from a different perspective and appreciate things that are not so obvious to me? It takes time and effort.

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for life. It would be so much greater without the rebellion, but for now we will have to wait until the redemption of life is complete.

QT 1/18/2024 Mark 12:32-37, Be prepared

Mark 13:32–37 (ESV) —

32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

 

NOTE: We don't know the day or hour of his return, that is the day of the Lord, meaning his second coming, not the rapture. The rapture precedes the tribulation, but does not signal the beginning. The signing of the peace treaty between the Antichrist and Israel signals the beginning of the 7-year tribulation period. The abomination that causes desolation signals the beginning of the last half of the tribulation called the Great tribulation. And the Jews acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah signals the time will be at hand for Jesus' return. We are to understand the signs and the season. We can't pinpoint the day of the Lord's return, but we can recognize the signs. We are close in my estimation. Most events have already occurred, but there are still a few remaining. Russia (Magog and Rosh), Iran (Persia), and Put and Cush (Ethiopian and Somalian Islamic terrorists) have partially attacked Israel. They are all sided together. We also need a one-world government that splits into ten regions. And we need the emergence of the Antichrist. A time with a false sense of peace and security will follow. How long will that all take? Five, ten, twenty years are all good guesses.

 

PONDER:

1. The command to stay awake means to fulfill the responsibilities that were given to us. What has God called me to and what am I doing about it?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be faithful in the things you have assigned to me. Protect me from sin. Provide my daily bread.

QT 1/17/2024 Mark 13:28-31, It is so important to be a good witness in these days

Mark 13:28–31 (ESV) —

28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

NOTE: According to these verses, we should know how to interpret the signs to determine that the season, summer, is near. So what are the signs? One, the gospel must be delivered to all the nations. There are only a handful of people groups who have not heard the gospel or have a translation in their language. Second, we will also see a widespread persecution of believers. I don’t see that as widespread or as bad as other times have been. But I do see an attitude that suggests it. Speaking against homosexuality or multiple sexes is heavily frowned upon, even people losing their jobs and livelihood for daring to oppose these ideas. Third, the abomination that causes desolation, will be a tribulation event. But a rebuilt temple may be possible sign. Fourth, reviewing other signs: world wars started 110 years ago; the nation of Israel was regathered in unbelief 70 years ago; there is certainly great anger in the world over the Jewish-Arab fighting, suggesting a peace treaty supported by the world and guaranteeing security is not far away; and lastly the church is far along in its apostasy. We are close.

 

PONDER:

1. What can I do in the last days? I hope no one suggests hiding. This is the time for true believers to tell others of their hope in Jesus

 

PRAYER: Father, the days seem to be coming to a close, the climax of this stage of history. I pray we would be holy and obedient to you. I pray we would witness the love of Christ and not the anger of the world.

QT 1/16/2024 Mark 13:24-27, Jesus is coming

Mark 13:24–27 (ESV) —

24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

 

NOTE: This is clearly after the 7-year tribulation period. The Son of Man (Daniel's name for the Messiah), Jesus, the Son of God will be clearly visible in his second coming. The elect are the tribulation saints, the OT saints, and the church saints in heaven. They will all gather together as we begin reigning during Jesus' millennial reign. The remaining dead, who did not believe, will be resurrected at the end of the millennium to face final judgment.

 

It does seem unbelievable, and yet it really is not. Jesus' first coming has already happened as was prophesied. Jesus rose from the dead and was witnessed by hundreds proving his power over death. The ability, power, and assurity is clearly there. It is now only a matter of time. The rebellion of the world to God is even greater proof since all the end times' passages tell us of the apostasy in the church, the hearts of many growing cold, and an increase in wickedness across the globe.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I doing to prepare for those days? (And I do not mean storing food or building shelters, I mean what are we doing to warn our friends, families, and neighbors?)

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray we would not waste these days but would use them to honor and glorify you, and to bring people to knowledge of the end times and their need for faith in Jesus.

QT 1/15/2024 Mark 13:14-23, Signs relating to the tribulation time

Mark 13:14–23 (ESV) —

14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

 

NOTE: I believe that the Luke 21:20-14 (Jerusalem surrounded) and this Mark 13:14-23 passage refer to two different events. Luke's passage answers the question concerning the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD. Mark's passage explains the tribulation period that ends with Jesus' return. Essentially the sign of Jesus' return is the tribulation period. The middle of the tribulation, when the abomination that causes desolation is placed in the temple puts Jesus' return at 3.5 years away, but also begins a period of great tribulation to Israel. The treaty will be broken, and just as Jerusalem was destroyed and a million Jews killed in 70AD, so it will be open season on the Jews again in the last half of the tribulation.

 

Finally, as the next passage will conclude, don't be fooled by people claiming to be Jesus, Jesus' coming will be undeniable.

 

PONDER:

Whether we like it or not, the US will no longer be a supporter of Israel. We certainly can pray for the country, but God will allow evil to win temporarily. Our focus needs to be on the spiritual, not the material -- what am I doing to share Christ?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be bold and to warn others of the coming days. I will probably sound like a nut or weirdo, but that does not change biblical facts. Give me grace to proclaim Christ.