MARK 14
As we near the crucifixion, we read about many of the most profound and iconic stories leading to the death of Jesus. Just in this chapter, Jesus is anointed at Bethany, the last supper occurs, Jesus predicts the scattering and denial of the disciples, they pray at Gethsemane, and Jesus is arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. This rapid-fire style writing by Mark can leave us missing important things in the story of Jesus.
1. In verses 3-9, a woman breaks an expensive alabaster jar of perfume and anoints Jesus’ head. Some of the people present are angry at the extravagant “waste” of expensive perfume. Jesus explains that this sacrifice served to prepare his body for burial. He knew what was coming. Nard is also mentioned in Song of Solomon as the perfume of the bride. Song of Solomon 1:12 says that while the king was at his table, my perfume (nard) spread its fragrance. This beautiful story of the woman anointing Jesus is full of imagery and meaning. Jesus is the long-awaited bridegroom that has come to claim his own. As he goes through the next few days of turmoil, this scent surely would linger amidst the scents of blood and tears. The woman gave freely of a costly gift to acknowledge and worship Jesus. What do I hold back from Jesus that could be an offering of worship to him? Am I willing to make decisions that seem foolish to the world in order to serve God?
“Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
2. Impending doom is the sense that something bad is coming. Many people suffer from a continual sense that the next crisis is just around the corner. For the disciples, this sense must have been very real. Jesus had been telling them of his death for some time and now this intensifies. They are in Jerusalem, the seat of power for those against Jesus. There must have been an intense internal struggle for all of them, knowing that Jesus was prophesying his death. Where would they go? How could he die if he was the Messiah? Then Jesus tells them they are all going to be scattered. Peter denies this, saying he would never fall away. Yet before the chapter is over, Peter did exactly what Jesus had said. For many of us, we live in fear that we might fall away if the worst happens. What if I lose this important person or my job? What if the worst happens? Will I have the strength to carry on? Will God still love me? Will he be there in my darkest moment? These are important questions to ask ourselves. We can be sure that Jesus will not leave us. God does not turn his back on his children. What is the most catastrophic thing that could happen to me? How can I maintain focus on my relationship with Jesus through dark times?
“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
3. After Jesus is arrested, he is brought before the religious leadership of Israel. These men had the power to condemn Jesus to death. In the face of the political, religious and social power brokers for his people, Jesus essentially offers his own testimony that sends him to the cross. They ask him if he was God. Jesus says,”I am,” echoing the very name of God. If he was not God, this was blasphemy. But He is God. He stood before the earthly powers and spoke the words that would condemn himself to torture and death. He was not dragged to the cross, but gave himself up for our sake. Jesus was not the victim, but the victor. By his words and his life, he was paying the price for us. When I am faced with standing for Jesus, how can I look to his example of self-sacrifice as an example? If Jesus was willing to sacrifice his life for others, how should that inform how I live?
“keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2
Life Application: Easter is a time that many are willing to think about God. In your neighborhood or workplace, look for people who are open to conversations about Jesus. Use your own testimony of God’s goodness to share with those around you.
For Prayer: Pray for the people of Clermont as we head into the Easter season. Ask God to show you people that you can share the good news of the gospel and invite to church.