Mark 14:17-21

Passage

In the evening, Jesus came with the disciples to the upper room.  As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus informed His disciples that one of them was about to hand Him over to the religious leaders.  They began to be sorrowful and grew confused, each wondering if it was going to be him.  Jesus tells the disciples that indeed, one of those who were dipping their hands into the bowl that evening would hand Him over.  Jesus them reminds the disciples that the Son of Man will go out and do what has been written that must be done.  Woe to the person who hands Jesus over to the authorities.  Jesus says that it would be better for that person had he not been born.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus is aware of the betrayal, yet He continues to let it happen.  He continues to let Judas be among them.  He continues to seek relationship with Judas even after Judas has arranged to hand Him over.  That is love.  That is the true love of God on display.  Most of us would have pushed Judas away and barred him from entry to the Passover.  Most of us would have taken the opportunity to slander Judas’ name.  Jesus does not do this at all.  Jesus loves Judas in spite of what Judas has conceived in His heart.  In doing so, He challenges all of us to love the unlovable – even the ones we consider enemies.

How difficult is true godly love?  Where have you genuinely seen godly love in your life?  Where have you seen sacrificial love that cares even for the enemy?

Second Thought:

Jesus tells the disciples that what will happen must happen.  He tells them point blank that He is going to go out and this night He will fulfill scripture.  He does this because He knows that this is going to begin an incredibly difficult night for the disciples.  They need to be prepared as much as possible.  They need to understand as much as possible.  Even if they don’t get it all – which they don’t – they need to be told so that in the end they can remember.  Spiritual mentors do their best to prepare their students, especially when something difficult lies ahead on the road.

Have you experienced a mentor preparing you?  Have you had a moment in life when you wished you had a mentor to prepare you?  How difficult do you think it was for Jesus to have to prepare His disciples knowing what lay ahead of them all that evening?

Third Thought:

Jesus warns Judas.  Jesus also prepares Judas.  He tells Judas that the one who hands Him over will wish he was never born.  Mark doesn’t tell us the fate of Judas, but we know he commits suicide.  Matthew tells us that he does it after unsuccessfully trying to give back the money the religious leaders paid.  Judas does eventually wish that He was never born.

Have you ever crossed God?  How did that end up?  How does it make you feel when you do what God tells you is not good for you?  Knowing this, why do we still disobey?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 14: 22-25