Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:38
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 14:26-52, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method:
- What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus knows how we all sin yet He still loves us and upon confession forgives us. He knows about how the disciples will fall away (v27) - not in the same way that Judas fell away because Judas had apparently yet to fully surrender to Jesus - yet still loves them. Jesus feels anguish about what is about to happen to Him and He prays the same prayer at least twice that He follow God's will...knowing that the Father's will is for Him to die on the cross. Jesus prays alone (vv34-36, 39). He instructs Peter, James and John to "watch" (v34, 38) so that they not enter into temptation. He willingly submits to His arrest....all to follow His Father's will and to fulfill scriptures (v49).
- What do we learn from the passage about people?: We all sin and betray God with our sin...both sins of commission and omission. We all have periods where we let our guard down and allow temptation to enter our hearts.
- Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should pray as Jesus did to follow the Father's will for our lives - both to understand God's will and to follow it. We should watch and be alert as Peter shares (1 Peter 5:8) lest Satan capture more of our heart and attention. "[T]o stand against the schemes of the devil," we should put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). We should see Jesus in all scripture and how Jesus fulfills all of the law (Matthew 5:17).
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My Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your Word and how You reveal Yourself to me and how You started and continue a work in me to make me more like You. You most importantly save me and pour out mercies every day that never cease. Thank You. I am not deserving as I continue to have sins both of commission and omission. Please reveal my sin to me so that I can confess and turn from my sin towards You. 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.
