Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled. Mark 14:49
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, my focus is per the commentary, the third division of the text from Mark 14:26-52 - vv43-52.
- Using the Sword Bible Study Method focusing just on the text for today - vv43-52: (1) God in the text: Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the temple guard; Jesus of course has an opportunity but does not stop his arrest, as we know from the other gospel accounts (John 18:1-11, Luke 22:47-53, and Matthew 26:47-56) that Jesus tells Peter (who struck one of the high priests with his sword) to “[p]ut your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”; He sought to fulfill scriptures - v50; (2) people in the text: Judas arrives with the temple guard, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders (v43); Judas is referred to as both one of the twelve and as the betrayer (vv43-44), perhaps alluding to how God seeks to give everyone many second, third, etc. chances to repents and be saved; those arresting Jesus "laid hands" on Him (v46) - ironically, scripture uses the same language we often use when we pray for someone we are sending out; consistent with his impulsive nature (seeking with good intent to protect Jesus), Peter strikes one the servants of the high priests but is told by Jesus to "back down"; Jesus knew this was the appointed time even as He rhetorically questions the timing - v49; the disciples flee in fear v50 (3) Sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey: we should see Jesus fulfilled scripture and we can rely on the veracity of the Word and how all of God's promises find there yes in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20). We are called to follow Jesus' example to understand God's will for our lives and to follow His will.
- The title of the second division (vv43-52) per the commentary is "The King Would Be Arrested and Forsaken Alone."
- We are referred to OT prophecy from Isaiah 53:3-12 for how Jesus fulfilled the law.
- RE: the young man in vv51-52: "[c]hurch tradition says the young man was Mark, the author of our second Gospel. So again, as it was in the garden of Eden, our nakedness is exposed as we desert the God who loves us and has graced us so abundantly with His kindness and good gifts."
- "[Jesus] is arrested, and He is forsaken. He is all alone to face the wrath of men and the wrath of God. He will receive receive all that we deserve, that we might receive all that He deserves. The “Great Exchange” has begun."
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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God that willingly sent Your Son to die on the cross so that I could have freedom from sin in this life and for eternity. Thank You! I am not deserving of what Jesus did on the cross for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
