King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Saturday, November 09, 2024
Chapters: Mark Chapter 14, Luke Chapter 22
Message: The Will of God Be Done
Hello My Friend,
As I was reading the chapters for today I thought about bread and how much I love it, but it does not love me. I have tried all kinds of gluten free breads, but none of them come close to the soft, pillowy texture and taste that a loaf of fresh hot bread coming out of the oven does. As much as I love bread, and vow to figure our how to make my own bread, the one thing that kept coming to my mind was what Jesus said when He was tempted by Satan, [Luke 4:3-4 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. 4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.]
Jesus, did not nor ever needs to prove to anyone who He is, those who truly believe in Him will not question who He is, and they dare not ask Him straight to His face who He is because He already knows their faith. Jesus, basically said that it as actually pointless for the so called worshipers of God to even ask Him if He is the Christ, [Luke 22:67-69 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: 68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. 69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.]
Jesus, could have told them that He is the Christ until He was blue in the face, but they still did not believe Him to be the Messiah. Likewise, if He were to ask them if they knew that He is the Christ, they would deny it, so it was pointless to even have that conversation. Nevertheless, as we continue in the reading of the Gospels, Mark and Luke give their account of the chief priests plotting to kill Jesus and Judas Iscariot betraying Him. Mark, tells an almost identical account as Matthew, and it all began with an alabaster box.
[Mark 14:1-4 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. 2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. 3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?]
[were some that had indignation within themselves,] We do not know how many of the disciples were angry that this woman just poured this expensive perfume on Jesus’ head, but whoever it was must have discussed it among themselves for them to speak their concern to Jesus. In fact, they were not really that concerned, they made a complaint toward her. And that is when Jesus responded the way that He did.
[Mark 14:6-9 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.]
[she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.] It is interesting that Jesus said that as the women who went to the tomb on the third day after His passion to anoint His body with embalming spices were not able to because He had risen. So, she really did anoint His body for His burial. Now, from Luke’s account, we learn something about Judas, and what led up to his wanting to betray Jesus.
[Luke 22:1-6 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. 3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. 5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. 6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.]
[Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot,] The devil himself possessed Judas, he did not send one of his demons to betray Jesus, he wanted to do this himself. This is interesting also since none of the disciples technically were saved until after Christ’s passion, he could have used any one of them, but why did he choose Judas? Satan, may not know what is in our thoughts, but he does know what is in our hearts, our desires, and he saw that Judas had no faith in Jesus.
[Luke 22:7-12 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. 8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. 9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? 10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. 11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.]
[he sent Peter and John,] Luke, specifically points out that it was Peter and John who prepared the lamb for the Passover meal, but it was Mark who revealed that Jesus knew that one of them was going to betray Him that night. However, Mark does not say that He spoke directly to Judas when they started asking Jesus who it was.
[Mark 14:16-21 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. 17 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. 18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. 19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? 20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish. 21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.]
[one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.] So, here are these men, sharing a loaf of bread, and dipping it in this sauce called Charoseth, which contained smashed fruit and nuts, mixed with vinegar and spices, including cinnamon, in memory of the clay that was used when they were slaves to Egypt and how they were set free. So, it really could have been any one of them since none of them had technically be saved yet. Nevertheless, it was His as they say, His last right to have one last meal with the men who had spent the last three and a half years with Him.
[Luke 22:15-18 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.]
[I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.] The Kingdom of God would come after His passion and He arose, this is the spiritual kingdom that all who accept Him as their Saviour become a part of the second they receive Him and what Jesus had been ingraining in their minds. And just like that dip they used to remember how they were slaves to Egypt and now set free, Jesus wanted them and all believers to do something to remind them of what Jesus did to set them free.
[Luke 22:19-23 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! 23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.]
[they began to enquire among themselves,] Here are these men discussing who it could possibly be that would betray Jesus when an argument broke out about who would be accounted as the greatest among them, which Jesus had already addressed them about, [Luke 22:24-27 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. 25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.]
[a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.] Think about it, they were all told that one of them was going to betray Jesus and wished they would have never been born afterwards so it was no wonder why the conversation came up again, each one of them swearing that they could never betray Jesus. None of us who believe in and follow Him faithfully believe that we are capable of betraying Him, but the truth is, we all are. However, Jesus, knows the difference between one who believes in Him, but acts solely in fear or truly does not believe in Him. In fact, He goes on to tell them that.
[Luke 22:28-33 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.]
[Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.] The temptations that Jesus is talking about are divers temptations, these are the trying of our faith temptations used by Satan in an attempt to get us to deny Christ all together. Again, Jesus knows the difference, [James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.]
[Satan hath desired to have you…I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:] Jesus, may have spoken directly to Peter, but He was talking to all the disciples, including us today. Until we get saved, Satan has every opportunity to posses our soul, but the second we do, he cannot, but he can continue to oppress us. That is what Jesus was referring to, and just to remind him and all of us that we are all human and capable of denying Him when we get scared, Jesus points out to all of them that they would be denying Him.
[Mark 14:27-30 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. 29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.]
[Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.] We are to never think ourselves too strong in our faith that we are not capable of denying Jesus. It is not as though we intentionally deny Christ, but if those divers temptations get the best of us, they certainly can bring us to do things that we would not think about doing otherwise, [James 1:13-14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.]
Now, what happens to us if we do fail Jesus? He will do the same thing He did when Peter and all the others denied Him, love them and put them to work. We are going to be reproached with a lot of divers temptations, but Christ will give us the way to endure them all, and even if we do fail Him from time to time, He does not give up on us because He know our true faith. Now, Jesus, has always told us that it is better to turn the other cheek than fight, but we are not push overs, there are times when He wants us to fight. Jesus, goes on to tell the disciples that now it was time for them to be ready to fight.
[Luke 22:35-38 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. 36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. 37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. 38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.]
[And he was reckoned among the transgressors:] This is the passage that Jesus was referring to, [Isaiah 53:10-12 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.]
The transgressors are all mankind, from the sins of Adam to the sins of us today, Jesus gave His live for all. We are all guilty of sin and Jesus, although He never sinned, not only was counted as a sinner became sin so that we might be able to free our soul from heading straight for hell, [2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.] And I do not care who you are, no one wants to go through pain. Although Jesus knew what was to be done and that He would resurrect, that did not stop Him in His human state from reacting like we all do when we foresee that pain is coming.
[Mark 14:32-35 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.]
[began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;] I watch my mom as she struggles with the pain she is facing because there is nothing that I or anyone else can do to fix this for her. I watch my husband as he struggles with the pain that he is facing because there is nothing that I can do to help Him either. These things are out of my control, things that bring me great sorrow and a heavy heart, but I do know the one who is in control. Whether or not He removes the cup that they have to endure, it is His will and He has a much greater purpose for their pain as He does my own, [Romans 8:27-28 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.]
Jesus, walks into the garden, literally falls down on His knees and begged His Father to remove the cup that He was about to bare, however, He also reminded Him that it was His will that needed to be done, [Luke 22:41-44 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.]
[being in an agony he prayed more earnestly:] Jesus, was is such pain and agony over what was about to happen that He was sweating drops of blood from His face, but suddenly an angel appeared, and I imagine him hugging Jesus just like He does us when we are beside ourselves in pure agony and He comforts us. There is a peace that surpasses any understanding that only Jesus can give us when we are in agony, [Philippians 4:7-8 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.]
I think about this and it reminds me that we all have a cup that we must bear that is similar to what Jesus bared (although not so severe), and we are given these little cups that we endure that keep reminding us that all things truly are possible with God. Jesus, went up into the garden three times, but each time He returned He found the disciples sleeping.
[Mark 14:37-42 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. 40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.]
[(for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.] I can truly relate to the disciples when kept falling asleep, they were mentally exhausted, not to mention it was going to be a long night. As soon as the men got up there was an army of men to capture Jesus, [Mark 14:43-46 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. 46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.]
[Whomsoever I shall kiss…take him, and lead him away safely.] Wow! That is not something that you would expect to hear from someone who would betray you. Judas, was oblivious to how serious this was, but I do believe that he was starting to develop a conscience, especially after what Jesus said to him.
[Luke 22:48-53 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? 49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? 53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.]
[Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords] Really? What exactly were these fools trying to prove? Did they think that they Jesus would fight them? Jesus, could have knocked each and every one of those fools down with one sweep, but He knew that He needed to be captured so He allowed it. And just like that everyone that knew Jesus scattered, even the disciples, except for one man who appears to have been awakened by the commotion who started following them.
[Mark 14:50-54 And they all forsook him, and fled. 51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: 52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked. 53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. 54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.]
[a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body;] This young man, followed the crowd as they were taking Jesus away, whether he was one of the disciples who knew Jesus or was just curious, the Roman soldiers took him to at least be associated with Him and when one of them grabbed a hold of the cloth around his body, he fled. This showed the seriousness of just how ruthless these people were, they did not care who it was, if they knew Jesus or followed Him, they too would have been captured. Meanwhile, there was Peter casually following at a distance, but he could not hide who he was, people in the crowd started recognizing him and just like Jesus told him he denied Jesus three times and heard that rooster too.
[Luke 22:56-66 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.]
[And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.] I know Peter was feeling pretty horrible right now, Jesus, may have looked at Peter with sorrow or disappointment at the time, but knew he was only acting out in fear and that did not stop Him from using him later on. We are not always going to endure those divers temptations very well, in fact, we will fail Him quite often, but Jesus knows our true heart and faith and does not take it personally, He just tells us to get back up, [Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.]
Since the chief priests and council really had no merit to capture and kill Jesus themselves, they tried to find witnesses that would justify their capturing Him so that they can bring Him before the governor.
[Mark 14:55-60 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. 56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. 57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, 58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. 59 But neither so did their witness agree together. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?]
[But neither so did their witness agree together.] What Jesus actually said was, [John 2:19b Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.]. He was referring to the Jews who wanted to kill Him, and He proved them right when they condemned Him to death. However, since none of them believed Jesus to be the Messiah, they used His own words to incriminate Him.
[Mark 14:61-64 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? 64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.]
[What need we any further witnesses?] Caiaphas, felt the imperative need of quick action to save the day, from the council having to release Jesus, but His admitting that He is God was enough to condemn Him to death as if any other person would come up with such a claim they would be consider blasphemers. And all this is written for our learning that we may know that Christ humbled Himself and permitted Himself to be accused, condemned, and killed for our sake, [Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [Luke 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.]
Today’s Prayer: Jesus, I know that my flesh is weak and my faith is not always strong, I might not always be in Your will, but I do know that You are with me every step of the way. Living in Your will is not always easy, I have to give up some of the things I love, suffer through some things, deal with ungodly people, who say they are Christians, even do some things I do not want to do, but I know that it comes with the greatest rewards. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power, mercy, and grace, keep my heart tender and willing, show me the path You have for me, give me the wisdom, understanding, discernment, and strength I need to endure its temptations. Keep me looking to You at all times so that I can boldly proclaim You are mine, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from all evil. I pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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