Category: Mark

The resurrected Jesus continues to reveal himself and also hands the disciples his mission before ascending to Heaven.

The mission of Jesus is clear and complete.

Part of God’s plan is to hand off his mission to those who have been transformed by Jesus.

Even disciples of Jesus struggle with faith- believing completely in what can’t fully be seen.

Remember, this is still the mission of Jesus. And it is to be pursued today!

Seems to me that the ongoing specific mission of Jesus (disciple making) gets too little attention.

Jesus, help me be on mission with you every day.

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Resurrection! Jesus is alive!

Someone rising from the dead was as wild of an idea then as it is now.

Jesus does exactly what he said he would do.

Verse 8 says “astonishment overwhelmed them”. Accurate

Add “worship” & “lifelong devotion” to “astonishment”.

For early witnesses of the resurrection there was a tension. They were confused, excited, cautious, and terrified. They weren’t sure who to tell. But as they all put the pieces together their terror turned to excitement about what had happened…and what was happening. It is ok to be a bag of emotions. Tell the gospel story- all of it.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your resurrection power!

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Jesus is crucified and buried.

This was the most humiliating and excruciating death imaginable.

The crucifixion and resurrection is the apex of God’s great redemptive plan.

There is much injustice and evil here, and that is exactly why Jesus is laying down his life.

Never get over the cross.

The purposeful death of Jesus is essential to Gospel conversations. In fact, Jesus paying for the sins of the people IS the good news. You can’t emphasize this enough.

Lord Jesus, awake my heart with wonder at your matchless grace poured out so generously.

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Pilate reluctantly hand Jesus over to be crucified.

While Pilate had the authority, his main objective was to keep the peace. The chief priests had bullied their will on the people inciting a potentially riotous atmosphere.

God is determined to carry out his plan- steadfast.

The villains in this passage are the chief priests. Ironically, the job of the high priests was to help people be close to God. Instead, they incited the crowd to call for the execution of Jesus…which would ultimately make a way for people to be close to God. God is sovereign!

I need to let thankfulness and worship rise in my heart toward Jesus. He took my place.

Jesus was mostly silent. His intent was to die this very specific, very purposeful death. This is why he came to Earth!

My Jesus, I love you.

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Before the arrest, Jesus predicted Peter’s denial. After the arrest, it happened just as Jesus said.

I think it was recognized that Peter’s denial was motivated by fear and self preservation.

Jesus knows, and he still loves you.

Even Christ-followers can be overtaken by fear.

Trust the character of Jesus, not my own.

This denial hurt, but Jesus never gave up on Peter. That says much about the character of Jesus then and now.

Lord Jesus, fortify my faith and allegiance to you alone.

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Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin religious court to find a way to condemn him to death.

This self-serving court was familiar to the locals.

Jesus is very up front with who he is (v.62).

These religious leaders thought they were the ultimate authority. That may have gotten a facepalmed laugh from His Majesty.

My life belongs to Christ.

The mock trial, false witnesses, religious posturing…Jesus patiently endured it all.

Lord Jesus, you are the King of kings and Lord of lords.

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Jesus is betrayed.

No surprise here. The temple leaders have plotted this for a long time.

Jesus laid aside his divine power and authority to fulfill the mission at hand.

The mob thought they were in control.

Stay close to Jesus no matter what.

The betrayal of Jesus by one of his hand picked disciples stung. This is still an important detail when having spiritual conversations with seekers. Jesus understands heartbreak and betrayal.

Lord Jesus, I don’t want my life to betray you in any way.

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Jesus prays in the garden to prepare for a physically and spiritually grueling mission.

It’s obvious that Jesus fully knows what is going to happen. Yet he does not run and hide. Instead, he prepares.

Jesus needed time with the Father to prepare for the days ahead.

We do not see the spiritual clearly.

Stay [spiritually] awake!

This should be very eye opening for Christ-followers. If Jesus needed intense prayer time with the Father, what about me?

Lord Jesus, teach me to pray and prepare for what is ahead.

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Jesus shares Passover with his disciples- the last supper.

Jewish people would likely begin connecting the dots between the traditional Passover elements and Jesus’ death.

God’s long plan of redemption is being unveiled at last.

Betrayal and denial are part of man’s story.

Recognize God’s great work and worship Jesus.

This supper was a familiar one to the Jewish people…and it all points to Jesus.

Jesus, you are the perfect sacrificial lamb.

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Religious leaders plot specifics about how to kill Jesus. Meanwhile, a lady anoints the feet of Jesus as an act of worship.

The plotting would not have surprised them. These leaders were known shot callers.

Jesus is worthy of any worship I can bring him and more.

By this time the temple leaders and Judas have already made up their minds where they stood with Jesus.

Be a worshipper, not a denier.

Eventually each person has to decide where they stand with Jesus. Neutral is not an option.

Jesus, help me express my overflowing love, admiration, and devotion through the kind of worship you deserve.

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