Mark 15 - 9.25.26

Scripture: Mark 15:6-7

“Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. A man called Barabbas was imprisoned with insurrectionists who had committed murder during the uprising.”

Observation:

Jesus is before Pilate on trial. Pilate offers to free the king of the Jews. The Pharisees and the crowd screamed, "Crucify Jesus," so a man named Barabbas was set free and Jesus went to the cross.

What is interesting is how Barabbas is described in the scripture. First, he is described as an insurrectionist who is a murderer. Second, Jesus's sacrifice saved Barabbas's physical life when he was released. We are not sure if Barabbas was ever spiritually saved, but his name is interesting. Barabbas's name means "Son of the Father."  Jesus is "The Son of God the Father."

In an interesting lesson from Pastor Josh Howerton about the Day of Atonement, he shares about how this connects with Jesus's crucifixion and Barabbas's release. He shared how the Old Testament connects the release of Barrabas (sacrifice released) and Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins. In Leviticus 16:7-10: “Then he is to take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting. He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the Lord and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness.” Jesus was the sacrifice for our sins, and Barabbas—or insert your name—was the scapegoat. We were set free.

What caught my attention regarding Barabbas being physically saved is how it compares to some things in my own life and Mary (my wife). When I was a young kid I was hit by a car, and when Mary was a young adult, she was robbed at gunpoint. In both cases, God's Grace delivered us. It did not stop there. We still had to turn to Jesus for salvation. We can be saved physically but someday that will end. One day this body will pass but because Jesus was the sacrifice for my sins, I’ll have a new body in Heaven.

Application: 

Nothing in the Bible is there by accident. The Scriptures are the inspired word of the Holy Spirit. Every word, comma, and every period is there for a reason.  Matthew 5:18: "For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."  The Bible is not inconsistent or contradictory, as some people try and say. The Bible points to Jesus in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

John 1:1  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

If something you're reading stands out and you do not understand, write it down in your journal. Pray and read. Someday the Holy Spirit may reveal to you during your reading or hearing a sermon the scripture you had a question about.  Seven times in the book of Revelation we read, "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Jesus does not want to be a mystery to us. He wants to have a close and personal relationship with us. He wants to reveal himself to us.

““Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

Prayer

Lord Jesus, your word is Holy, your word is truthful, and your word is to be cherished. It is amazing how many different ways in your word, Jesus, you showed us your life was going to be sacrificed for our sins. May we humbly cherish our opportunity to be in your word daily. Thank you. In Jesus name Amen

- Robert Oberg

Mark 14 - 9.24.26

SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:16-26

16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. 

17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 

18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”

19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?”

20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 

21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”

23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.

25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

OBSERVATION

The Last Supper—Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

Jesus knew what was to happen and he was preparing the 12 disciples for his betrayal, arrest and death. This was difficult for them to fathom. But He told them of his sacrifice and to never forget the purpose of what was to come through the breaking of bread and the cup of the covenant.

Gethsemane/Mount of Olives and Jesus Arrested

Gethsemane, meaning “oil press,” symbolizes deep emotional struggle, prayer, and resilience, particularly in the context of Jesus’ anguish before the Crucifixion.

Gethsemane is a garden and a courtyard at the foot of the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem.

Jesus Arrested and Brought Before the Sanhedrin

The trial occurred after Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The Sanhedrin were the ruling council of the Jewish people and “experts” on the Old Testament.  They had been watching all Jesus had done in speaking God’s word and healing people. Jesus had quoted scripture they couldn’t argue with.  They were accusing him of *blasphemy and focusing on His claims of being the promised Messiah, the Son of God. 

*Blasphemy is speaking disrespectfully about God or Gods word (the Old Testament).  

Peter Disowns Jesus

At the last supper. Jesus had spoken to them, that one of the twelve would betray him and one would disown Him.  The betrayal was Judas.  But it was Peter who had spoken how could anyone betray Jesus!  So you can only imagine the heart break Peter felt when he denied knowing Jesus in fear of his own life rather than stand for the truth.

APPLICATION

BUT look what Peter did from a heart blessed by Jesus, the Messiah!  He was “a rock” that would be instrumental in establishing Jesus’s Church. And he wrote chapters I Peter and 2 Peter in the New Testament.

Disciples—The disciples knew the scriptures Jesus read to them (Old Testament) BUT seeing and believing are two different things. They would live in mourning and stunned silence at the realization of the loss of Jesus and all He went through to fulfill prophesy (the oil press).  BUT also, fear for their own safety having known Jesus personally.   Later, through the strength of HIS holy spirit they would be His disciples to tell of Him to the world they lived in and write it for eternity in the New Testament.  

Communion—Community in Union! When we partake of the elements of communion, it is a reminder of all Jesus did for us so that we have eternal life with Him. It symbolizes the blood of Jesus and the breaking of his body as a sacrifice for us.  We, as a DSC community UNITE in communion.  In community, we are to stand strong and support one another and live a life where we draw others to know HIM as the Messiah.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, my Savior, as I read these scriptures, I have tears of sadness for all you went through and cheers of joy for you calling me to be united with you forever.  And thank you, that I belong to the DSC community of believers who want to be your disciples, and to bring others to know you, Jesus.  Lord, at church for the past Sundays we have communion. And such a blessing to be reminded of what this means for all you did for us, and the joy of Salvation and the Glory that surrounds us.  As I go into my day as one of your “Community” let me live a life that portrays a living GOD and draw others to come to know you. And Jesus, call each one of my family to know you, Jesus.  Thank you, Jesus, for all you did for us and as a living God in the Holy Spirit all you do each day.  In your name, Jesus, Amen! 

- Charleen Zakarian

Mark 13 - 9.23.26

Scripture: Mark 13:11

“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.”

Observation

In this discussion between Jesus and his disciples, verse 11 stood out to me. Jesus tells them when they are arrested and brought to trial, not to worry about what to say because the Holy Spirit will speak through them. But let’s expand that – I believe that we can allow the Holy Spirit to speak to and through us in all things, if we ask and allow Him to work.

Application

I struggle with conversation. Many times, I don’t know what to say. Many times, when I do say things, they don’t come out the right way. And at times, my words are not loving and kind and honoring to God. And this is something God has been speaking to me about.

I want my words to be full of love and encouragement. I want to pour out God’s love on everyone I come across. But I understand that I can’t control my mouth by working on my public speaking skills or by sheer willpower. I need to let God work on my heart.

Luke 6:45: For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

So I’m starting each day asking God to wash my heart clean, to fill me with His love for others, and to guide me in all my interactions so they will glorify him.

Prayer

God, please examine my heart. Wash away the sin and self-centeredness and fill it to overflowing with your love. As I surrender to you, may I not stress about what to say and instead allow the Holy Spirit to speak through me to bless, encourage, and lift others up. Amen

- Debbie Dunn