Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Mark 14:1-11

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. Mark 14:10-11

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 14:1-11.  Excerpts from the commentary's fourth (of four) division (vv10-11):

• The title of the fourth division per the commentary is "Extravagant Acts of Love Will Be Contrasted 
   with Acts of Betrayal." 
• "Some people find Jesus useful because of what they think they can get from Him. Others find Jesus beautiful because they get Him. This woman found Jesus beautiful and gave all she had to Him. In contrast, Judas found Jesus useful and sought to get all he could in exchange for Him." 
• "Luke (22:3) and John (13:2,27) inform us that Satan moved him to betray the Lord. Still, he made a freewill choice to do so."  
• "Verse 11 is simple and tragic all at once. The leaders of the Sanhedrin were glad to hear this and promised Judas money: 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15; cf. Zechariah 11:12-13), 'the value of a slave accidentally gored to death by an ox (Exodus 21:32).  That Jesus is lightly esteemed is reflected not only in his betrayal but in the low sum agreed on by Judas and the chief priest (Carson, “Matthew,” 593).'"
• The commentary concludes by provide a table that compares Mary's act to that of Judas - see below.

 

We are prompted to see how close Judas was to Jesus but he did not fully surrender his heart to Jesus - he was still a friend of the world - see yesterday's post and the one from the day before. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves....thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You enter my heart and remain with me as long as I remain with You.  You are the vine and I am the branches and I can only bear fruit of I abide in You. Thank You Jesus for how You feed and sustain me. I am not deserving.  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.