Mark 14 - 2.28.24

Scripture

Mark 14:39-40

Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

Observation

The disciples failed Jesus in his time of need. When they realized what they had done, “They did not know what to say to him.” How many times have I found myself in that same position - Lord, what can I say? I don’t deserve it, and yet you love me.

Application

Mark 14 describes the last supper, Jesus’ time of prayer at Gethsemane, his arrest and trial. As I read this chapter, which is leading directly to the crucifixion, I noticed that Jesus was failed over and over by those closest to him. Judas, one of only 12 chosen to spend time in discipleship with Jesus, turned him in to be arrested and killed. At Gethsemane, Jesus tells Peter, James, and John, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death …. Stay here and keep watch.” I don’t think Jesus is prone to melodrama - this should have caught their attention. But three times he came back and found them sleeping. Peter denies him, again and again.

Jesus knows exactly what is in store for him. He knows that the authorities are going to arrest him, beat him, torture him and kill him. But he also knows that those closest to him, the ones he loves the most and he has poured his heart and time into, are also going to betray him. And still, he is willing to make the sacrifice. 

The idea that Jesus would sacrifice himself for those that were so close to him, but repeatedly failed him is so hard for me to understand. The fact that he does the same for me is beyond my comprehension. I am overwhelmed. 

Prayer

Thank you for your incomprehensible love and forgiveness, Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for continuing to work on my heart. 

Mark 13 - 2.27.24

SCRIPTURE:  Mark 13:5-7, 32-33

5  Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

“32 But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[e]! You do not know when that time will come.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus is talking to his Disciples about the end times. There’s a lot to absorb in this chapter but the one thing that stood out to me are not the world events but the personal warnings and the connected promises. Yes, there are lots of warnings in this chapter about the events before Christ returns. Apparently, one of those warnings is of key importance because he warns about false teachers twice. The first warning is in verses 5 – 6 but then in verse 21 – 23, he warns us:

21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

APPLICATION:  Jesus was especially concerned about us being led astray. He knows our weakness (Hebrews 4:15). He knows we can be tempted (Hebrews 2:18). He knows our fears (John 14:27). He is intimately acquainted with all our ways (Psalm 139:3). In knowing us so well, this chapter is a blessing in preparation (verse 23: So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time). Being prepared for the end times is just like preparing for an emergency. When we are prepared, we have the tools ahead of time to help us through the emergency and to safety. The same is true for these end time warnings. He wants us to be prepared and not fall victim to false teachers or false messages and ultimately be ready for His return.

He also doesn’t want us to be concerned about the day or time of his return. He prepares us by letting us know no one knows the exact day or hour of Christ’s return but to “be on guard! Be alert!.” We don’t have to worry about the details but He simplifies everything by saying to just be ready.  

Throughout this chapter, Jesus gave us some great action words to help us: Watch out, be on guard, be alert, and don’t be alarmed. How can we accomplish all of these action words? How can we be prepared but well prepared?  One roadmap in the Word is in the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10 – 17). It is only when we’re prepared and watchful to these signs, knowing they must take place (verse 7), we can then avoid the false teachers. Each step, each event is one step closer to the blessing and promise: Christ’s return. In the end, we have the sweet return of Jesus!

PRAYER:  Thank you, Lord, for preparing us in your return. You are such a loving and caring God. You have given us everything we need to be prepared for your return. Help me to be on guard and alert to all of these warnings. Help me to be strong and ready for everything that brings your return closer! Come Lord Jesus. Amen.

- Mary Oberg

Mark 12 - 2.26.23

Scripture

Mark 12:41-44

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Observation

Jesus highlights the poor widow’s offering to His disciples. Although the amount was not as much as the rich people were putting in, He honored her gift above the other offerings because in faith, she gave everything she had.

The poor widow gave in faith, while the rich gave what they were comfortable with or felt safe with. The poor widow who gave in faith is who Jesus pointed out, not the rich, who probably just gave what they could spare.

Application

Do not compare the gifts you are able to offer to the Lord with the gifts your neighbor is offering to the Lord. Instead, give what He has given you and called you to give, in faith.

It’s like the parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. What I love about that story is that “talents” does not only relate to money, but to time, gifts, talents, and abilities as well. God wants us to invest our “talents” for the Kingdom and although each person in the parable were given different amounts of talents, they were judged based on what they did with them. The Master was pleased with the servants who invested the talents He gave them, but was displeased with the servant who hid his out of fear.

It is not about the amount we have to offer. It is about the heart behind what we are offering. What is He calling You to give?

God doesn’t judge the outward appearance, He judges the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Prayer

Dear Lord, Your Word says that without faith, it is impossible to please You. I pray that we would live our lives in faith and give of our time, money, ability and talents, investing it in the Kingdom and not bury it in the ground until You return. You have called us to be Your lights in this darkened world and not to hide. I pray against fear, complacency and idleness that cause us to want to live life in safety and for ourselves. May You replace that with faith in You and a faith that moves us to action to serve You and others. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi