Daily Lesson for Sabbath Afternoon 7th of September 2024
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Read for This Week’s Study: Mark 14:1-72, John 12:4-6, Romans 8:28, Exodus 24:8, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Zechariah 13:7.
Memory Text:
“And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will’ ” (Mark 14:36, NKJV).
Chapters 14–16 in Mark are known as the Passion Narrative because they describe the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As noted in lesson 9, the last six chapters of Mark cover only about one week. The majority of events in Mark 14:1-72; Mark 15:1-47; Mark 16:1-20 occur on Thursday and Friday of this Passion Week. Jesus’ death will occur on Friday, and His resurrection on Sunday.
This week’s lesson focuses on Mark 14:1-72, beginning with the fifth sandwich story, which interlinks two opposite actions in relation to Jesus. This is followed by the Last Supper, followed by Jesus’ struggle in Gethsemane. There He is arrested and taken before the leaders to be tried. The trial scene is linked with Peter’s denial of Jesus, forming the sixth and last of the sandwich stories in Mark. Again, two opposite actions occur, but by an ironic twist, they affirm the same truth.
Throughout the narrative, two contrasting story plots march hand in hand. In a crisp style, Mark sets before the reader these clashing plots while revealing the triumph of Jesus.
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 14.
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