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
Mark 12 - 9.22.26
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