Category: Uncategorized

Mark 14:10
   After a while it became obvious to Judas that Jesus wasn’t going to help him accomplish his aims. Judas was a theif, and had motives to match. And yet he was well esteemed, apparently. So he surely planned to continue in the same vein as Jesus set up his kingdom on earth. But, Jesus didn’t set up his physical kingdom on earth at that time.
   Some have suggested that Judas had good motives. They say either that Jesus told Judas to betray him, or they say that Judas was trying to get Jesus to establish his royal claim. If Judas had been instructed to do what he did the Scriptures wouldn’t say that the devil entered him at the Last Supper. And, he wouldn’t have killed himself. If Judas was only trying to get Jesus to act then that was only a lie he was telling himself to salve his conscience. Ultimately, he realized that he was deceived and used as a pawn in the devil’s hands.

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us the truth. You do not steal from your servants. You give to us. You encourage us. You enable us. Your work in our lives is a wonder, and we praise you for it! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:9
   Now, this is one of those verses that lots of people will want to say was added later. But, when you start taking things out of God’s Word just because they don’t fit your measure, you step into dangerous territory.
   The fact is that this is one of the most stunning examples of Christ’s prescience. He knew that these words of his would end up in the gospels, and that they would be reiterated over and over. Jesus is one of the few among the prophets that gets this specific on such a narrow subject. Indeed, his statement itself brought about the fulfillment, a characteristic that prophecy sometimes displays. It is truly amazing for he is truly amazing!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the way that you communicate with us. When needed, you are very specific. But, in your infinite wisdom, you choose to keep some things very general. We see your wisdom, but cannot fully grasp why you do what you do. We just stand back in awe. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:8
  She did what she could. What exactly does he mean by this? In other words, this was the best way she had to bring worship to him. It was giving her all. Jesus looks not for the size or grandeur of the gift, but the effort and heart behind it. She gave what she could, not less than she could. She did not fail to give, like so many others.

Heavenly Father, be honored by our gifts! You are worthy of our every praise. You alone deserve the best gifts of our lives. May we always give you what we can! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:7
   The poor are always available. This is an interesting teaching. Even at the end of time, there will be poor people. Human society will not eliminate this vice, even if it seems that way.
   Jesus was not speaking here of his presence as the Son of God. He is always present everywhere. But his physical body is in one local area at any given time. He was then on the earth, but would soon depart.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Christ. He is all that we need. By him we have eternal salvation and life. Thank you for your amazing mercy! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:6
   Jesus rebukes the disciples who agreed with Judas. We don’t know how many did, but it could have been as few as one or two others. He helps them to understand that this woman is doing a good work.
   This is actually quite an important teaching. The Jews, including the disciples, thought of good works as things we do to keep the law and to establish our righteousness. Jesus is teaching that good works are not done to secure salvation. Neither are they just done for the sake of obedience. They are done out of a desire to worship. We do good works because the Lord has done so much for us. It is a matter of obedience to be sure, but genuine obedience and love go hand in hand.

Heavenly Father, to worship you is our utmost desire. When we think of what you have done for us, we are overwhelmed. Your mercy, grace, and love are incredible! Give us the breath to praise you. We cannot stop! You’re plan is amazing, and we thank you so much for it! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

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.