Wednesday Morning: 29 May 2019 – Mark 14:43-65 ~ on betrayal, arrest, desertion, and false witnesses

Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 14:43-65 (NLT)

Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested

And immediately, even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders. The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss. Then you can take him away under guard.” As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. “Rabbi!” he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss.

Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.

Jesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.”

Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away. One young man following behind was clothed only in a long linen shirt. When the mob tried to grab him, he slipped out of his shirt and ran away naked.

Jesus before the Council

They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and went right into the high priest’s courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.

Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find evidence against Jesus, so they could put him to death. But they couldn’t find any. Many false witnesses spoke against him, but they contradicted each other. Finally, some men stood up and gave this false testimony: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.’” But even then they didn’t get their stories straight!

Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”

“Guilty!” they all cried. “He deserves to die!”

Then some of them began to spit at him, and they blindfolded him and beat him with their fists. “Prophesy to us,” they jeered. And the guards slapped him as they took him away.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary,
that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?
Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day.
But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.” – Mark 14:48-49

Jesus had prophesied his betrayal and arrest; but the tragic events are still shocking as they unfold.

+ Betrayal – by Judas, one of the Twelve (those closest to him), and triggering Jesus’ passion with a kiss of greeting of all things.

+ Arrest – in the middle of the night, by armed police and soldiers (their equivalent of a SWAT team.) Why? There was nothing to fear from Jesus.

+ Scriptures fulfilled – including Isaiah 53:3, 7-9, 12 and Zechariah 13:7 (follow links)

+ Desertion – the immediate response of the disciples was to run away. Their instinct for self-preservation overcame their loyalty to Jesus. The young man in the story was so eager to abandon Jesus that he was willing to run through the crowd naked.

+ False Witnesses – everything takes place in the dark of night; the grand jury investigation, the predetermined outcome, the liars arrayed against him. The single truth in the whole affair was Jesus’ open admission of his messiahship.

Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” – Mark 14:61-62

+ Humiliation – the religious leaders vent their anger by physically attacking Jesus – spitting in his face as a way of repudiating him and insulting him. But think of that for a moment – can you imagine spitting into the face of the Son of God?

Question for consideration:

Can you think of a time when your instinct for self-preservation overcame your loyalty to Jesus? Perhaps you were concerned for your physical safety, or wanted to avoid a confrontation with a family member, or were afraid of losing a friendship, or damaging your reputation, or disrupting an event? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for the families and loved ones of those being persecuted:

Heavenly Father: Comfort the families that are affected by the persecution of their loves ones. Open up safe channels and opportunities for them to support and/or visit those who are imprisoned, or otherwise detained. Empower them by your Spirit to remain faithful to you and to their loved ones, even as they wait patiently for deliverance and release. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My prayer:

Lord Jesus: The instinct for self-preservation is a powerful force operating within me; driving me to “go along to get along” – to run away instead of standing up for what I believe. Forgive me my failures, and fortify me with your Word and Spirit, that I might do the work you have given me to do, to love and serve you as your faithful witness – no matter the cost. For your name’s sake I ask it. Amen.
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“From The Depths Of Woe” – Indelible Grace

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 28 May 2019 – Mark 14:32-42 ~ on the agony of Gethsemane

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 14:32-42 (NLT)

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before. When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t know what to say.

When he returned to them the third time, he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”
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Morning Reflection:

on the agony of Gethsemane

“Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you.
Please take this cup of suffering away from me.
Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” – Mark 14:32

We can’t begin to fathom the agony that Jesus experienced in Gethsemane. The physical dimension to Jesus’ suffering has been described by medical experts in excruciating detail. But what of his spiritual suffering – the prospect of bearing God’s wrath for the world’s sins and experiencing separation from His Father?

Jesus said: “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” (vs 34) The original words Mark used describe bewilderment, fear, uncertainty and anxiety. The agony that Jesus experienced was much more than any mere martyr has ever had to endure; it was unique to the Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

So how did Jesus pray?

+ Jesus expressed his confident faith in God with whom all things, consistent with His nature, are possible.
+ Jesus expressed his willing submission to God’s will, to renounce himself, as agonizing as that might be.
+ Jesus expressed his complete dependence on God to save him, whether before or after his suffering and death.

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever prayed for God to relieve you or a loved one from suffering? How did it work out? Please explain.
How do you distinguish between your will and God’s will when it comes to suffering? Please explain.
What does spiritual wakefulness mean to you, especially when it comes to suffering and prayer? Please explain.
In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul writes: “If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” (Romans 8:16-18) What does that mean to you? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for those who are doing the persecuting:

Merciful God: Open the eyes and soften the hearts of the people who have brought unfathomable suffering and abuse upon Christians around the world. Remind us again that you sent your Son to save the whole world, and that you don’t want anyone – even these people – to perish. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer: For Submission to God’s Will – Joseph Mercier

O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do; give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me and to accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will. Amen.

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“Go to Dark Gethsemane” – Page CXVI

Go to dark Gethsemane,
feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conﬂict see,
watch with Him one hour,
Turn not from His griefs away;
Turn not from His griefs
Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
Turn not from His griefs

See Him at the judgment hall,
beaten, bound, arraigned;
O the wormwood and the gall!
the pangs His soul sustained!!
Shun not suffering, and shame;
Oh Shun not suffering!
Learn of Christ to bear the cross.
Shun not suffering

Calvary’s mournful mountain climb;
adoring at His feet,
Mark that miracle of time,
God’s sacriﬁce complete
“It is ﬁnished!” hear Him cry;
Oh It is ﬁnished, done
Learn of Jesus Christ to die. It is ﬁnished, done

He wept,
we wept …
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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday Morning: 27 May 2019 – Mark 14:17-31 ~ my body, my blood

Monday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for the Renewal of Life – Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 14:17-31 (NLT)

The Last Supper (Continued)

In the evening Jesus arrived with the Twelve. As they were at the table eating, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me.”

Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one?”

He replied, “It is one of you twelve who is eating from this bowl with me. For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take it, for this is my body.”

And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice for many. I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.”

Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

On the way, Jesus told them, “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,

‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

“No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.
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Morning Reflection:

my body, my blood

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it.
Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying,
“Take it, for this is my body.” – Mark 14:22

My body:

In keeping with the tradition of Passover, The bread Jesus ate would have been the unleavened, and the blessing would have been bread a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the bread. Jesus’ distribution of the bread to the disciples was more significant than His breaking of it. By passing it to them He symbolically shared Himself with them.

And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it.
He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them,
“This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people.
It is poured out as a sacrifice for many.” – Mark 14:23-24

My blood:

The common cup likewise symbolized Jesus’ sharing Himself with the disciples and their unity as disciples. Jesus’ viewed His blood as the ratifying agent of the New Covenant, just as animal blood had made the Old (Mosaic) Covenant valid. The Greek word translated “covenant” is diatheke, a word that describes an agreement made by one person for others. A different word, syntheke, describes an agreement that two parties made in which both had obligations to each other. The “many” includes the whole human race.

Now Jesus and the disciples anticipated suffering and death, but then they would anticipate joy and glory.

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for Christians in the midst of persecution.

Heavenly Father: I pray for Christians suffering persecution and hardship because of their faith. Meet them in their deepest sorrow and comfort them. Strengthen them in faith that they may continue to follow you, and empower them with your Spirit to respond in love to the evil shown by their persecutors – that doors will open to share the Good News of your Kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Memorial Day: Anglican Church in North America

O King and Judge of the nations: We remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our armed forces, who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy; grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, now and for ever. Amen.
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“Taps” – The buglers of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” perform over 5000 missions a year in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Saturday Morning: 25 May 2019 – Mark 14:1-16 ~ on the sacrifice of worship

Saturday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 14:1-16 (NLT)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law were still looking for an opportunity to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”

Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

The Last Supper

On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go to prepare the Passover meal for you?”

So Jesus sent two of them into Jerusalem with these instructions: “As you go into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. At the house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is where you should prepare our meal.” So the two disciples went into the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.
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Morning Reflection:

on the sacrifice of worship

“I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” – Mark 14:9

This story of Jesus’ anointing contrasts with the hatred of the religious leaders, the disciples shock at the woman’s waste, the betrayal of Judas, and the preparations being made for Passover.

The woman’s selfless act of devotion teaches us that Jesus is worthy of giving our all for Him, because He gave his all for us – as remembered in the Lord’s Supper.

“The intent of the Good News is that people should come to Jesus and waste themselves on Him, i.e. to bring each one of us to a true estimate of His worth.” – Watchman Nee

Questions for consideration: Is Jesus worth the waste?

Financially: The woman gave expensive perfume worth a years wages. What does it cost you financially to worship Jesus? Do you give sacrificially? Please explain.
Socially: The woman risked embarrassment and ostracism in the middle of a dinner party. What does it cost you socially? Do you give away your pride? Please explain.
Reputationally: The woman received immediate criticism from everyone except Jesus. What does it cost your reputation, your loss of friends? Are you willing to face public criticism? Please explain.
Is there something you need to give up, in order to worship and/or serve Jesus sacrificially?

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Morning Prayer:

The Persecuted Church: Prayer for the practical needs of persecuted believers:

Heavenly Father, our provider and sustainer: Attend to the needs of your family suffering great hardship and persecution, especially –

+ That they would have access to a Bible…
+ That they would have the courage to remain in their homelands…
+ That those rejected by their family and friends would be welcomed into your family where they are loved and supported emotionally and physically…
+ That socially vulnerable women and those who have lost custody of their children would be protected and their children returned…
+ That those who are destitute would find jobs and safe places to live…

Heavenly Father, you know each one of your children by name: Have mercy on them and attend to their needs according to your perfect will. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus: Nothing that I can give or do can ever match your sacrifice for me on the cross. Fill me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, love, and devotion – that I may waste myself on you in the sacrifice of worship to the glory of your name. Amen.
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“All To Jesus I Surrender” – Robin Mark

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Friday Morning: 24 May 2019 – Mark 13:24-37 ~ on Jesus’ return and our readiness (end times part 2)

Friday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Mark 13:24-37 (NLT)

Jesus Speaks about the Future (Continued)

“At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!”
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Morning Reflection:

on Jesus’ return and our readiness

In the second half of his conversation with his disciples, Jesus describes his glorious, victorious return, and our need to be vigilant and ready.

+ on Jesus’ return –

preceded by great anguish; believers will experience suffering and persecution
preceded by cataclysmic events in the heavens, both celestial and spiritual
return in great power and glory to judge the heavens and the earth; the world will watch in awestruck wonder
believers will be in-gathered to him and he will become the universal center of attention; and then he will begin reigning

+ on our readiness –

the timing is in the Father’s hands; no one else knows
be on guard, stay alert; he could return any moment or time
do the work that has been entrusted to you
don’t slack off, keep watch for his return

Heaven and earth will disappear,
but my words will never disappear
– Mark 13:31

Questions for consideration:

How does Jesus’ promise to return with great power and glory affect how you live from day to day? Please explain.
Jesus spoke these words over two thousand years ago. Are you tired of waiting? Please explain.
Why do you think that so many believers are preoccupied with the timing of Jesus’ return? Please explain.
In the story of the slaves and master, each slave was given work to do as part of the household. Do you consider yourself God’s slave? What is your job? Are you doing it? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for world leaders to fight against Christian persecution:

Sovereign Lord: All authority vested in governance comes from you and is accountable to you. Stir the hearts of every world leader to carry out their responsibilities justly and peacefully with special attention to Christians who are defenseless, in need of protection. Give them the wisdom to enact the necessary policies and procedures to make a lasting, global difference. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ: Thank you for your promise to return with great power and glory. I look forward to the vindication and justice that will accompany your return. Count me among those whom you have chosen to gather to yourself, and keep me vigilant, prepared to welcome you any day or hour. Thank you for the work you have given me to do in your household. Help me to fulfill my responsibilities faithfully, to the best of my abilities. I ask this for your name’s sake. Amen.
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“Days of Elijah” – Robin Mark