Author: Bill Hall

Mark 14:5
   The ointment was considerably valuable. The idea here was based on a pretended piety. Indeed, many ungodly things have been done in the name of piety. Giving to the poor is not, by itself, of utmost importance. Glorifying God is the chief end. It just so happens to be that giving to the poor usually meets that purpose quite well. However, having Christ himself there present provided a ready exception. To give this directly to the Lord was the right thing to do. Had he wished for it to go to the poor be would have said so. This once again reveals the thinking of the disciples. As Jews, they were going by the standard if the law, which would suggest just such a course as was suggested. But the Lord of the law was there, and he took precedence. Besides, Judas only said it as a pretence anyway.

Heavenly Father, when we think in our limited way we just cannot grasp truths about you. Help us to rely upon the understanding we can get from you through the Spirit. Thank you for your Word! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:4
   Now we know from the other gospels that it was Judas who said this. But, apparently others agreed with him when he voiced his opinion. We can immediately see that this is a case where agreement stemmed from the existence of an argument. This happens quite frequently. Humans tend to want to align themselves with the opinions of others so as to feel part of the crowd. But this is often quite foolish.

Heavenly Father, we want to value your opinion above all else. What you say and want is of the utmost importance. We can never overestimate your influence upon our lives. We need you every hour, quite literally. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:3
   Though not a popular or common scent today, spikenard is still expensive. I found one pound worth online for sale for over $500. Thus, this is a very valuable scent, and is not to be used carelessly. This was a very special gift and it carried with it great significance and love. This woman obviously understood that Jesus was more than deserving of such a sacrifice.

Heavenly Father, may we all offer our best to you, for you are worthy. We will never be able to make up for all that you have done for us. But, your goodness inspires us to do all we can for you. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:2
The Jewish leaders were interested only in maintaining their power. This is how worldly politics works. It is based on fear and public opinion. These men had to maintain a very careful balance, staying in the people’s favor while at the same time keeping Rome happy.

Heavenly Father, we smile as we think of the politics of this world. It is much like a circus. But, we thank you that the future will be nothing like that. We know that you will rule, and all will be at peace. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:1
   This is not the first time that this planning had occurred. These men had been trying to resist the ministry of Christ, and John the Baptist, from the beginning. We get the idea that they were finally successful becuase they figured out how to go about it. But, really, Jesus prevented their success. Almighty God had already planned this all out. Had it not been for the offer on the part of Judas to betray Christ, the purposes of these men would have failed again. But, Judas’ role was prophesied, so that is why it is the way that this plan finally came to fruition.

Heavenly Father, thank you for moving everything forward by your purposes. You alone have the wisdom needed to guide this universe. Only you know what to allow and what to prevent. And, only you can hold back all opposition. Thank you for your work in my life! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 13:37
   This is what we like to call a fair warning. This world will be going along as if nothing devastating is about to happen, when something devastating will indeed occur. The world system steams on, largely oblivious to the warnings of Scripture. And, that is a dangerous course. This old Book is nothing to be ignored. It is the very fabric of life, for it is the treatise of the Life-Maker.

Heavenly Father, we can never stop thanking you! May our lives honor you and bring glory to your name! You are worthy of every praise and we love you very much. You alone are holy, just, and pure. You alone are good, kind, and gracious. Your mercy is wonderful, and your grace is indeed amazing! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 13:36
   What would be the implication of finding a person sleeping? Well, though we do all individually need to be aware and alert, I think he is speaking of the nation of Israel, and the world as a whole. Jesus will very likely catch most people off guard. This is a warning not to be a part of that sleeping majority.

Heavenly Father, you always want the best for all of us. So, we want what you want. We bow now in praise seeing that you are the God of All. You see what we could never know or understand. Please allow us to honor you with our every breath. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 13:35
   It seems from Scripture and early Christian literature that the early believers thought the Lord Jesus would be returning fairly quickly. Were they wong to have that perspective? Absolutely not! What Jesus is saying here is that we, as they, should expect him to come just any time now. But, unlike them, we understand his words experientially as well. We have seen over two thousand years of history since that time. So we clearly see that he meant it might be a longer time. But again, like the early Christians, we should live expecting it to be very soon.

Heavenly Father, you are glorious, wonderful and mighty. We cannot conceive of your greatness. Yet you allow us to praise you. How can we understand you? If you did not reveal yourself there would be no hope of knowing you as you are. Thank you for your goodness in showing yourself to us! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 13:34
  Jesus is giving us an idea of what we should do in this age. We should be prepared for his coming, and be busy about the work he has given us to do. And, we see here something that we tend to forget. By the power of the Spirit, Jesus has given us all that we need to get the job done. In other words, we want to get the gospel out, but we tend to shoot each other while we are at it. The truth is that the Lord has put into us as the body of Christ the authority to carry out the command.

Heavenly Father, thank you for taking care of us even when life seems to be against us. You know your plan for us. Thank you for your love! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Not feeling well today, no post.