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Mark: Judas to Betray Jesus

Read: Mark 14:10-11

The emotional scene of the preceding verses leaves us with a sense of wonder about this woman who anointed Jesus and His proclamation that she is the one we will remember wherever the gospel is preached. Though unnamed, she symbolizes what it means to honor the Savior.

John Mark is careful to point out that not all see it that way. This reminds me of The Chronicles of Narnia where C.S. Lewis so eloquently writes:

At the name of Aslan each one of the children felt something jump in its inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or some delightful strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy got the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and realize that it is the beginning of the holidays or the beginning of summer. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Chapter 7

It seems the men in the room experienced a similar range of emotional responses when the perfume filled the room. Judas’ reaction was particularly horrible:

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Mark 14:10-11

Then.

Up to that point, Judas has been taking notes, handling the treasury, paying bills, etc. Then this woman walks in and, in his mind, wastes perfume. Judas’s perspective on Jesus’s reaction was obviously one of contempt. Enough. Time to set the record straight.

Has Judas been secretly listening to the Pharisees? Perhaps one or two got to him early, planted seeds of doubt, watered them by pointing out how Jesus wasn’t following their traditions that were steeped in Mosaic law. Something added up to Judas to the point that this episode was the event that finally won him over.

They were delighted.

Yes, Judas, well done, you finally see the light. Just in time for the latest Star Wars saga to appear. One of the trusted few, he had complete access to Jesus.

Why Judas? Why not a spy, someone in the crowd, a person that came out of nowhere. I think it was Judas to make a point for us to consider–any of us can become a Judas. Maybe not in such a huge way that would change the course of human history, but in subtle ways that shift our focus off of Jesus, our ministry, our calling. Not so bold as to sell out completely, but perhaps just slip enough that we make someone else fall.

I’m grateful it was Judas, in a warped sort of way.
It lets me know it could be me on any given day.
I’ve walked with Jesus more years than I can say.
At times I wonder if Judas is in me, even in a small way.

This is the gift: the nagging thought that I could betray,
that helps me guard my heart to watch the words I say.

Lord keep us safe, so
when we are tempted,
no matter how sweet the sound,
we would remember Judas
and instead in You be found.

Love God. Love others. Love yourself.

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Mark: Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Read: Mark 14:3-9

The scene comes out of nowhere, it seems. The leaders are plotting to kill Jesus, the Passover festival is swelling, and Jesus is hanging out with a leper. How can we begin to think that this is normal? The only routine that Jesus seems to have is no routine at all, except to say that His love for people is so far above my understanding that I can only read and weep.

…a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Mark 14:3

I’m in tears as I watch the scene unfold. This woman…such an outrageous act of devotion. Would I ever do anything close?

In the past, I’ve focused on the very expensive perfume, but missed the fact that both the jar and the perfume are precious commodities. Look what it says, “She broke the jar…” I suppose part of the process of creating such an extravagant perfume, the creator must seal the jar completely. The only way to get to the perfume is to break the jar.

The only way for Jesus to win for us all is to break His precious body, for His overwhelming love to flow out to us all.

Poured on His Head

Unlike tears swept with hair at Jesus’ feet, this bold act includes a closeness that suddenly creates an intimate scene. I doubt the jar was very large, something she holds in her hand. She broke it open and moved in close to Jesus. Close enough to pour the perfume on His head.

I pray that you will close your eyes, slow down a moment, and imagine the scene. A woman enters the home with a room of men honored by the presence of the Messiah. Unnoticed at first, she moves through the room with an alabaster jar in her hands. Smack! She breaks the jar open. It’s not a cork to slowly extract, there was a sharp sound, a harsh noise and suddenly the aroma fills the room. Immediately the men recognize the perfume.

For a moment, in my crazy imagination, I suspect they were excited, memories swept in, perhaps of wedding celebrations or some feast of a wealthy friend or an extravagant banquet. We remember music this way. A song takes us back to a place that we can never forget. Our sense of smell does as well. Suddenly we’re transformed to a place 20 years ago. This is that place.

I see Jesus receiving this anointing from the hands of someone who is moving in harmony with the Spirit. No words. Only action.

Time seems to stop for a moment.

In the next moment, their eyes came back into focus and they realized this woman was pouring the perfume, that perfume, on the head of Jesus.

Why this waste of perfume?

The men complained about the waste of perfume, a year’s wages dumped out for a moment of pleasure. While the aroma fills the air, the room is transformed from a dusty meeting place to one of luxurious surroundings. Those present miss the opportunity to be swept away by the beauty of the handcrafted perfume. They miss the beauty of Jesus reclining at their table. Their response is to rebuke, critique, offer their wise advise for a more appropriate use of such expensive oil.

Jesus is quick to put an end to their misguided criticism.

The Poor

The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. Mark 14:7

In a way it’s sad to read, we’ll always have poor amongst us. At the same time, we are challenged to help them — any time.

Mystery

Unnamed. Anonymous. No recognition from the men that watched, complained, stood by completely confused. Jesus not only honors the woman for her gift, He carves her action in history. What she did that day in that place at that time.

Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Mark 14:9

Lord, may this be the day that we do that action which is required by you, even when it is completely misunderstood by everyone else in the room.

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Mark: The Plot to Kill Jesus

Read: Mark 14:1-2

Following the Olivet Discourse in chapter 13, John Mark begins the chapter by pointing out the fact that the leadership is actively looking for a way to eliminate Jesus, to kill Him.

Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.” Mark 14:1-2

Jesus was too well known to simply disappear. Their plans would have to wait a bit, catch the people off guard, in order to be successful…at least in their minds. Then Judas Iscariot enters the scene (in a bit) to change their timeline. We’ll get to that later.

One of the contextual thoughts in the NIV Application Commentary (NIVAC) is the fact that during this festive time, Jerusalem probably doubled or even tripled in population. Thousands of pilgrims are flocking to the Holy city to pay their respects. From a very practical sense, the Roman police force would have been bolstered to ensure a peaceful demonstration. Their additional presence, the augmentees to use a military term, help to provide a fertile environment for the Jewish leaders.

In a day and age when killing another human was completely acceptable, something that’s hard to wrap my mind around, we see a surplus of soldiers standing by for orders. I know it’s deplorable, reprehensible to consider, but I can imagine there is a certain amount of honor given to the soldiers with the most kills under his sword. A disgusting thought, though I don’t think I’m far from truth.

If we get nothing else from Christianity, we should get that human life is supremely valuable to our Creator. War will happen, death will be inflicted, but this is much different than premeditated murder. Our thoughts matter. When thoughts are evil and opportunities arise, the results are consistently horrible. Depressing at the very best.

The leaders are only concerned with saving face as they continued to meet and discuss ways to kill Jesus. They have no idea they are playing into history. Ironic since they are the ones who teach about the coming Messiah, yet they completely miss the signs.

Lord, in the rather somber two verses, my heart is heavy. I know the rest of the story, but I feel for those who think the way these leaders demonstrated. This is very real today. Many are so self-absorbed, without any concern for others, that they cause grievous harm to innocent people. Help us, dear Lord, to maintain a sense of compassion for those who are so far from Christ. May we be wise a serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16) as we go out into this crazy world!

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Mark: The Day and Hour Unknown

Read: Mark 13:28-37

There will be signs, evidence that is hard to miss, but we don’t know when — no one knows when the day will come. Keep watch, but don’t let this paralyze you!

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Mark 13:31

If Jesus’s words will outlast the world, it seems pretty important to listen well. The Bible is the starting point, but it’s not all Jesus has to say and certainly not all that Jesus said. His words come in many forms, in nature, in whispers, in screams. All around us we see signs and wonders, if we look. When we look, I would suggest we should be in awe, we should be amazed, we should be stirred to action for there is much work to do.

When?

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Mark 13:32

Fox News provided this headline: “Biblical prophecy claims the world will end on Sept. 23, Christian numerologists claim” — seriously. The idea that anyone would publish such an article, full of disclaimers and non-support, should be a sign in and of itself. People want to know when. Sadly, there are those that actually listen to such claims.

We don’t know when, but we do know Jesus, so let us go about building relationships, making disciples that make disciples. When we are part of a healthy growing community of believers, such fanatical claims will cause us to pray for those caught up in their fantasy worlds.

Watch

If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” Mark 13:36-37

Jesus tells everyone to be on the lookout, to watch. Instead of paralysis, this is our call to action, to be on the offense, not build walls and layers of protection. If we read through the prophecies in detail, it’s pretty obvious that there is nothing we can do to stop the end of time, much less cause a delay.

Lord help us to heed your words and cause us to act as a result.

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Mark: The Coming of the Son of Man

Read: Mark 13:24-27

In this short paragraph, John Mark provides prophetic words from Jesus, red letter words, about the end of time.

It’s easy to fly through the text, but I would encourage us to use this paragraph as an opportunity to simply rest in the words and let the Spirit do the work.

24 “But in those days, following that distress,

“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
25 the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

Mark 13:24-27

In those days, words of comfort, as Jesus is telling His disciples about the incredible hardship He is about to endure and for those that are coming their way as a result of following Him.

We read about those who are modern martyrs, something we definitely don’t like to talk about, but nonetheless, we know about the reality of their existence. Not likely in this country, though there are always exceptions, many are beaten, tortured, maimed, or killed outright, for merely professing that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the only way to heaven.

For those who fight the spiritual battles in physical form, the words of Jesus in this passage provide some comfort.

Such personal assurance from Jesus, His angels will gather His elect. That is a song we should write, a chorus we should sing, over and over again.

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Mark: The Abomination of Desolation

Read: Mark 13:14-23

I’m no expert on the end times. Most of what I read about eschatology is filled with dire warnings of destruction, of bomb shelter building and preparation with rants of the end is near! Like many theological debates, I suppose I’m required to declare a position on cessation of Spiritual Gift, dispensationalism, premillennialism, postmillennialism, etc. Sadly, I’m not so smart.

Given my limited education, I simply read the scholarly writings on the subject and glean from this passage what I hope to gain as words for us to act on today.

“When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Mark 13:14

When you see this thing happen: run! Don’t wait, don’t sit and write a plan, head to the mountains!

There are several sources that consistently point to the abomination of desolation as this event:

In 167 B.C. a Greek ruler by the name of Antiochus Epiphanies set up an altar to Zeus over the altar of burnt offerings in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. He also sacrificed a pig on the altar in the Temple in Jerusalem. This event is known as the abomination of desolation. Got Questions

For the Jews of that day, such an abomination would no doubt be well known. The thought of this happening again, especially given the context of the disciples’ observation about the majestic temple, is quite revolting. Jesus gives us the indication that this is about to happen.

When it does happen, it will be dreadful for those who are trying to nurse children or who are pregnant. What an awful time to have to pack up and leave!

Pray that this will not take place in winter, because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. Mark 13:18-19

Matthew adds, “or on the Sabbath” to the list of prayers about this event since the Jews were not allowed to work at all on the Sabbath (let alone run for your life!).

These will be confusing times as many will arise as false messiah’s.

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time. Mark 13:22-23

The NIVAC provides this insight that I find most useful:

The message is simply this: God’s way, God’s Christ, and God’s people will be vindicated in a conclusive manner that all will recognize. The disciple is not called to eliminate his ignorance of the timing of the End, he is called to cope with it, and respond to it appropriately.

Perhaps it’s best to rely on Jesus’s words of warning: be on your guard.

If you know that a punch is coming, it makes sense to duck, to bob and weave. Don’t just stand there like nothing is happening! When you see there is no way to avoid impact, brace yourself! To have any chance in a battle, we have to be prepared. The discipline of reading the Bible, spending time with the Father, is one of the core methods for discernment. Time with other believers who are fighting the battles of this world is another.

Lord, I don’t know much about where we are in relation to the End times, but it sure seems like each day we lose ground in the earthly battle. We are confident that in the end, you win. With that assurance, we have a responsibility to reach out to those who are far from Christ, to bridge the gap, to work each day to make disciples of all nations. Lord help us!

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Mark: Signs of the End of the Age

Read: Mark 13:3-13

As I began to read this section, I simply had to stop and ponder what it must have been like to have a private discussion with Jesus:

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Mark 13:3

Four of the disciples had the privilege of space and time. Space to be in the presence of Jesus face to face and time to sit and listen with no cell phones or emails begging for attention. No fanfare here, just four guys who were sold out to Jesus asking for a private conversation — Jesus answers them without delay.

Four Phrases

There are four phrases in particular that jumped out at me as I read this morning, perhaps they might speak to you today: watch out, be on your guard, whenever you are arrested, and everyone will hate you. As we look at these, remember this is an intimate setting, not a sermon to 5,000+. It’s important for us to surround ourselves with those who are devoted to Christ, who know His voice, who can help us discern His will in a world that seeks to deceive and destroy.

Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Mark 13:5

In their time, no one spoke like Jesus did. They didn’t have the Bible, the New Testament, seminaries, books, Google, etc., no one to lean on for clarification. They were standing at the edge of the wood, Fangorn Forest if you must, about to enter a land where no one dared to go, let alone thrive. To say there were naysayers around them puts it lightly. They weren’t to be merely ridiculed for this new found faith, they would literally be beaten by the very foundational elements of what was known as the chosen people.

“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. Mark 13:9

Flogged in synagogues, the center of Jewish local leadership. I’m thinking one of them raised their hand at this point and asked for some clarification. They were Jews. Devout. Regular working men who dropped their nets and followed Jesus. I have to believe He explained a bit more to the handful of those who heard these words.

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11

Whenever you are arrested, not “if” you are arrested. This is going to happen, you will be put on trial, you will suffer. It’s not a badge of honor. They were not going about trying to pick a fight to see how the Spirit would bail them out. Not at all! They would merely go about there way preaching the amazing good news that the Messiah came, that the leaders killed Him, and that God, the One true God, resurrected Him and we must all acknowledge Jesus above all others. That statement would provoke arrest, torture and death. Now that you know, go and spread the gospel!

Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

And this is your reward: everyone will hate you. Sign me up! This is Holy discontent at its best.

I wonder if we have what it takes to be called a disciple of Jesus, let alone refer to ourselves as disciple makers. Jesus did not compromise. He did not paint a rosy picture of a two-car garage and steady income. It’s pretty clear that being on mission for Christ has little to do with creature comforts we enjoy.

It’s hard to navigate each day with this thought in mind. Lord, teach us to pray and understand. Help us to look to You for direction, to hear Your voice above the chatter, to advance Your kingdom here on earth.

The featured image I chose for this post is a field with a broken down tractor. It appears that the crops are thriving around the tractor, but the vehicle is useless, impotent, ineffective. That tractor will contribute nothing toward the harvest. In light of yesterday’s post, may we commit to being the people who will serve in the field without relying on broken tractors.

The fields are ripe. Where are the workers?

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Mark: The Awesome Temple

Read: Mark 13:1-2

As I began to process chapter 13, The Olivet Discourse, I simply had to stop and observe the first few verses through the eyes of the disciples, with a bent toward the current state of so many churches in this country.

As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Mark 13:1-2

I had the privilege of meeting with disciples downtown on Tuesday and Wednesday morning this week. As I drove past multiple church properties, I couldn’t help but notice those that were gigantic structures, along with empty parking lots. I’m not judging the pastors, ministers, staff, etc., I’m making a statement about the system that led to this phenomena we refer to as “church.” What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!

It is my belief that these will be relics of the next generation. The new church will be much more organic, much more difficult to identify, and hardly recognizable by today’s standards. The next generation of churches has yet to be defined, but I’m confident it will not include hefty senior pastor salaries and designated parking. Giant buildings with monthly utility bills that could provide for dozens of families that don’t even have the means to have electricity will be replaced, repurposed, redesigned, redesignated, re____.

The disciples, after spending hours in the temple courts with Jesus, are excited about those who heard the preaching and teaching. Their comments about the temple come from a place of joy. Jesus has just debunked leading teachers and Pharisees, upset many who were full of pride, and supported those who humbly came to the temple to offer what they could. This was an amazing day! Walking out, they make a simple observation, but Jesus, as He does so often, turns the tables.

Historically, we have the privilege of knowing that those massive structures were indeed destroyed, but that was inconceivable by those walking out of the temple courts 2,000+ years ago. Completely unheard of.

My angst against the large church model in America is not to see them fail; rather, I want more than anything to see thriving churches, filled with disciple-making disciplers that serve their communities and pour the gospel out to everyone. No, I’m not against these entities, but I know that most are unable to be the effective church because they compromise the gospel over the system they have built, the salaries they must pay, and the infrastructure that drives the stewardship campaigns.

My prayer is for churches to wake up to their original calling, to look at large gatherings (typically on Sunday) as celebrations of the week of working in the harvest field, spreading the gospel, pouring into disciples, reaching into the workplace with hundreds of ministers (every Christian is a minister of the gospel), and building each other up as we talk about success and failures during the week.

There is much work to do. We need healthy churches and healthy leaders. We need people to work together with a common understanding of the direction that Jesus set for us, to go and make disciples. Lord, help us!

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Mark: The Widow’s Offering

Read: Mark 12:41-44

John Mark and Luke include this short narrative about giving offering for the temple, the massive enterprise, the centerpiece of Jewish culture at that time. It’s a brief look into life around the temple, but we have a few extra adjectives to describe the event that I found interesting:

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Mark 12:41-42

Jesus watched the crowd. Sometimes actions speak so much louder that great speeches. In my mind, I see Jesus sitting across from the procession of people making their way to the temple treasurer while the disciples are looking around trying to figure out what’s next. He’s just watching. Demonstrating that people matter more than stuff as the scene unfolds.

Rich people threw there money into the coffers. They didn’t just pay their portion, they threw in large amounts. If I understand correctly, the currency of the day would be coins of various denominations. I imagine the noise that a bag of coins might make as it enters the chest. At eCity coffee, some of the workers us a large metal tip jar. It’s embarrassing to drop in a few coins because of the loud sound it makes. Paper wouldn’t make the sound, but really? Should I tip a dollar for a 2-dollar coffee? Anyway, the rich in this story want people to know they have arrived, so they make as much noise as possible.

The poor widow put in two coins. On the other hand, the widow merely puts in her two coins. Gently, reverently, respectfully. No show, no flashy appearance, and no explanation.

The Teachable Moment

Jesus takes time to teach His disciples a significant lesson.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

This woman was committed to serving God the best way she knew how. Her understanding of demonstrating her love of God was to give all she had for the temple to continue so she would have a place to worship. She wasn’t on the board of elders, not a Pharisee, nor a teacher of the law. She was merely a person doing her best to honor God.

Like people who are dedicated to weekly attendance, I suspect there are a few who fit this woman’s character. They are doing their very best to honor Christ as the church leadership has taught. I really appreciate the story because it shows that Jesus honors those who give from their heart, those who have complete faith in the system of worship without piety or selfish intent. These will be honored by Christ.

I’m sure the juxtaposition of these men will be punished most severely (v.40) with this story is no accident. Those who misled congregations will have to answer for their behavior–not the faithful who devote themselves with all their heart.

Lord, thank you for the reminder that as we humbly offer ourselves with faith,  You will receive our offering.

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Mark: Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

Read: Mark 12:38-40

Once again, Jesus warns the people about the hypocrisy of the teachers of the law. Matthew devotes and entire chapter to the subject, while John Mark and Luke provide a very brief summary.

As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. Mark 12:38-39

I feel like we know these guys well by this point. We see the likes of Pharisees in many different forms these days as celebrities are given undue attention for using their gifts for entertaining many or politicians for wooing people with their charisma. Then you mix the two to create a celebrity pastor — whatever that is! Sadly, you probably think of names of pastors when you read this.

Jesus doesn’t beat around the bush. He is not fooled by these guys, nor is He pleased:

They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” Mark 12:40

The euphoria of public fame and fortune comes with a price. People will follow those in positions of leadership and they will follow informal leaders as well. It’s natural. We see it all the time. Jesus here leaves us with an understanding that He sees their deception. In a way, He lets us know that their behavior is obvious to Him and will not be tolerated — we don’t have to do anything — These men will be punished most severely.

As for the punishment, I have no clue what that means. The indication is there are levels of punishment, but I’m not the one who effects the discipline here. Best to leave that to God.

Given time, deceivers will be exposed. The sad reality is they leave a wake of destruction in their path. The warning is clear. The remedy is to surround ourselves with people who love us enough to tell us we are out of line, true friends that call out our weaknesses in love.

Lord, help me to be careful about seeking to be seen. Make my intentions worthy of your glory. And if I see a brother or sister in Christ leaning toward the way of the teachers in this passage, show me how to lovingly communicate with them.

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