11.2 The Last Supper
The New Covenant: Jesus’ Sacrifice and the Promise of Salvation

Read Mark 14:22-31 and Exodus 24:8. What major significance for the Christian faith is found in this account?

The passage from Mark 14:22–31 and Exodus 24:8 reveals central aspects of the Christian faith and has profound significance for understanding the Lord’s Supper.

The Last Supper takes place on the first day of Unleavened Bread, at the time when the Passover lamb is sacrificed. This is more than just a traditional meal; it marks the introduction of a new memorial service by Jesus. On this evening, a transition occurs from the Jewish Passover to the institution of the New Covenant. The New Covenant is not sealed with the blood of a Passover lamb but with the blood of Jesus Himself. This directly relates to the sealing of the Old Covenant in Exodus 24:8, where Moses sprinkles the people with the blood of sacrifices and declares: “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you.”

Jesus uses this evening to convey a profound meaning: He Himself is the “Lamb of God” (cf. John 1:29), whose blood seals the New Covenant. The bread He breaks symbolizes His body, and the cup represents His blood, shed for many (Mark 14:24). This signifies a fundamental change in the relationship between God and humanity. The New Covenant fulfills the promises of the Old Testament and is established through Jesus’ sacrifice.

Amidst this solemn moment, Jesus announces that all His disciples will abandon Him. He quotes Zechariah 13:7, which speaks of the striking of the shepherd and the scattering of the sheep. This grim prediction reflects human weakness and the failure that Jesus will experience. Despite this dark prophecy, Jesus adds a message of hope: the prediction of His resurrection and the promise that He will meet His disciples in Galilee. This underscores the importance of the resurrection as a sign of new life and hope.

The prediction that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows twice is another central point. This announcement highlights human frailty and the challenge of faith in times of trial. It plays a key role in the Passion narrative and Peter’s denial, showing the depth of divine providence and human weakness.

Overall, the Last Supper reveals a fundamental transformation in the relationship between God and humanity through Jesus’ sacrifice. It stands at the heart of Christian faith by replacing the old sacrifices and establishing the New Covenant through the blood of Christ. At the same time, it is a moment of reverence and hope, reminding us of the profound significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Have you ever promised God to do or not do something, and then failed to keep that promise? What can you learn from this?

Yes, this is an experience many believers have had when they promise God something but fail to keep it. In moments of devotion or repentance, there is often a strong desire to change or commit to God, but over time, it becomes difficult to remain faithful to these resolutions.

From such situations, we can learn valuable lessons:

1. Human Weakness: These experiences show us how limited our human strength is. Even the best intentions can fail due to temptations, fatigue, or neglect. It reminds us that we are dependent on God’s grace and strength in all things to do what is right.

2. Humility: Failing to keep promises teaches us humility. It shows that we are flawed people who need forgiveness and patience—both from God and from ourselves.

3. Grace and Forgiveness: Such moments emphasize the importance of God’s grace. Even when we fail, God forgives us if we sincerely repent. This helps us not to give up but to keep trying, trusting in God’s support.

4. Dependence on God: When we fail, we learn that we cannot rely on our own strength alone. We must ask God for guidance and support to grow in our spiritual life.

5. Patience with Ourselves: Repeating mistakes can be frustrating, but it also gives us the opportunity to practice patience with ourselves and recognize the constant need for growth and maturity.

Through these experiences, we learn that our faith and relationship with God is a journey, not a one-time success. It’s about returning again and again, continuing to learn, and allowing ourselves to be shaped by God’s hands.

The connection between the Last Supper and our daily lives and faith lies in the deep symbolism of Jesus’ sacrifice and the introduction of the New Covenant, calling us to self-reflection and a realignment in our faith.

1. The New Covenant and Our Daily Relationship with God: The Last Supper marks the beginning of a new covenant centered on Jesus’ sacrifice. In everyday life, this reminds us that our relationship with God is not based on our own achievements but on His grace and the sacrifice of Christ. It calls us to live our lives in gratitude and dedication, knowing that our salvation is secured through Jesus.

2. Human Weakness and the Failure of the Disciples: In Mark 14:22–31, we see how Jesus predicts that His disciples will abandon Him. This reflects our own human weakness when, despite our best intentions, we often fail to obey God or keep our promises. In daily life, this understanding can help us be patient with ourselves and trust in God’s grace instead of condemning ourselves for our mistakes.

3. Hope Through Jesus’ Resurrection: Despite the grim prediction that His disciples will abandon Him, Jesus gives them the hope of His resurrection. For us in daily life, this means that even in moments of failure, despair, or suffering, the hope of renewal and forgiveness through Jesus is always present. The resurrection reminds us that God always offers us the chance to begin anew.

4. The Significance of the Lord’s Supper in the Life of Faith: The Lord’s Supper is not just a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice, but also a constant invitation to renew our connection with Him. When we take the bread and cup, we affirm our trust in the New Covenant and our dependence on God’s grace. This regular practice can help us focus on the essentials of faith: love, dedication, and communion with God.

5. Forgiveness and Restoration: The prediction of Peter’s denial shows that even those closest to Jesus can fail. Yet, after his failure, Peter experiences forgiveness and later becomes a significant leader in the early church. This teaches us that we, too, can be restored after failure and that God can do great things through us when we return to Him.

In summary, the Last Supper connects our daily spiritual journey with the constant reminder of God’s grace, forgiveness, and the hope we have through Jesus Christ. Our faith life, like that of the disciples, is a journey full of highs and lows, but it is always supported by the promise of redemption and the love of God.

Every day is a new opportunity to experience God’s grace and grow in His love.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-taken-and-tried-11-2-the-last-supper-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 9, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Mark Chapter 13

¹ And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!

² And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

³ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

⁴ Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

⁵ And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:

⁶ For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

⁷ And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.

⁸ For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

⁹ But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

¹⁰ And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

¹¹ But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

¹² Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

¹³ And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

¹⁴ But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

¹⁵ And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:

¹⁶ And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.

¹⁷ But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

¹⁸ And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

¹⁹ For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

²⁰ And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

²¹ And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:

²² For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

²³ But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

²⁴ But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

²⁵ And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.

²⁶ And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

²⁷ And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

²⁸ Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

²⁹ So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

³⁰ Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

³¹ Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

³² But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

³³ Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

³⁴ For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

³⁵ Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

³⁶ Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

³⁷ And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Mark chapter 13 is a significant prophetic discourse by Jesus, commonly referred to as the “Olivet Discourse” or the “Apocalyptic Discourse.” In this chapter, Jesus speaks about the coming destruction of the temple, the signs of the times, the impending suffering of believers, and his final return. These words were directed at his disciples to prepare them for difficult times and to emphasize the urgency of vigilance and readiness. The text contains elements of warning, comfort, and encouragement for believers who must endure the trials of life.

Commentary

Jesus begins this discourse with a powerful prediction: the magnificent temple, the pride of the Jewish nation, would be destroyed, with not one stone left upon another (verses 1-2). This statement shocks the disciples and prompts them to ask “when” and “how.” Their curiosity is understandable, as the temple was the center of their religious world. However, Jesus shifts their focus from the physical destruction to the spiritual challenges that are to come.

He speaks of false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, and persecutions (verses 5-13), which the disciples should expect. These events, however, are merely the “beginning of the birth pains,” not the end itself. A key point here is that the Gospel must first be preached to all nations before the end will come (verse 10). Followers of Christ will face persecution and betrayal, but they are called to endure in faith, as the Holy Spirit will guide them through these trials (verse 11).

The “abomination of desolation” (verse 14) is a direct reference to the book of Daniel and points to a time of great tribulation that will force people to flee. Jesus describes this period as an unprecedented time of suffering, which will be shortened for the sake of the elect (verse 20). Here, it becomes clear that during the end times, false prophets and false messiahs will arise, attempting to deceive even the elect.

At the climax of this discourse, Jesus announces his own return (verse 26). The coming of the Son of Man will be with great power and glory, and he will gather his elect from the ends of the earth (verses 26-27). This section offers believers hope, that despite all the trials and hardships they must endure, the return of Christ will ultimately be the final resolution.

Finally, Jesus calls for vigilance (verses 33-37). No one knows the exact time of his return, so believers must always be ready. This call to constant watchfulness, illustrated by the parable of the fig tree and the house owner, emphasizes the urgency of being prepared at every moment.

Summary

Mark chapter 13 presents Jesus’ end-time discourse, where he prepares his disciples for coming persecutions, deceptions, and disasters. He predicts the fall of the temple and stresses the importance of being watchful in the face of false prophets and false Christs. At the same time, he gives believers hope with the promise of his glorious return. Jesus emphasizes the urgency of remaining vigilant, as the exact time of his return is unknown. This discourse challenges believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst persecution and suffering, while preparing for the ultimate salvation and the return of Christ.

 

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/9-09-2024-mark-chapter-13-believe-his-prophets/

Lesson 11.Taken and Tried
Betrayal and Faithfulness: Jesus’ Final Path to Crucifixion

11.1 Unforgettable
Devotion and Betrayal: An Unforgettable Contrast

Read Mark 14:1-11. Which two accounts are intertwined here, and how do they amplify each other?

Mark 14:1-11 weaves together two very different accounts that amplify one another and create a powerful contrast. The first account deals with the conspiracy of the religious leaders and Judas’ plan to betray Jesus. The second account tells the story of the woman who anoints Jesus’ head with expensive perfume. These two parallel stories represent two completely opposite actions – the woman’s selfless devotion contrasts with Judas’ treachery.

The woman, whose name is not revealed by Mark, offers Jesus a generous and costly gift. Her act is one of love, reverence, and a deep understanding of the significance of Jesus’ impending death. In contrast, Judas, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, is driven by greed and plans to betray his Master for a sum of money.
This “sandwich” of two intertwined stories heightens the tension: the woman’s action is described as “good,” while Judas is searching for a “good opportunity” to betray Jesus. This underscores the stark contrast between the motives of the two characters. The woman is praised by Jesus and remembered for her act, while Judas’ betrayal goes down in history as a symbol of selfishness and destruction.

These two accounts show that, even in God’s plan of salvation, evil and betrayal contribute to the fulfillment of His divine will, as they lead to the salvation of humanity through Jesus’ crucifixion. Both actions, though opposite, ultimately play a role in the proclamation of the Gospel.

How does Romans 8:28 help explain what will happen here?

Romans 8:28 states: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This promise helps explain what happens in Mark 14:1-11, by showing that even negative or seemingly evil events, such as Judas’ betrayal and the religious leaders’ plot, are ultimately woven into God’s plan and lead to good.

In Mark 14, we see two opposing actions: the woman’s loving, sacrificial gesture, and Judas’ betrayal. At first glance, the betrayal and conspiracy seem solely negative, but Romans 8:28 demonstrates that God can use even these evil acts for good. Jesus’ death on the cross, made possible by Judas’ betrayal, leads to the redemption of humanity.

Thus, Romans 8:28 helps us understand that God works all things, even betrayal and suffering, into His divine plan to fulfill His purpose and ultimately bring salvation to those who love Him. The woman acts out of love and devotion, while Judas acts out of greed and betrayal, but both events play a part in God’s plan to spread the Gospel.

The story of devotion and betrayal in Mark 14:1-11 has a strong connection to our everyday lives and faith. It shows us that our actions and motives in life can have profound consequences and how crucial it is to act from the right inner attitude. The woman who anoints Jesus with costly perfume acts out of pure love, devotion, and reverence. Her act is a reminder that our love for God is expressed through generous and sincere actions—regardless of what others think or how society judges them.

Judas, on the other hand, represents the temptations we face in everyday life, such as selfishness, greed, and betrayal. His decision to betray Jesus shows how easily we can stray from our true purpose and calling due to wrong motives. In our faith journey, we are often faced with the choice: Will we act like the woman, who makes sacrifices out of love and devotion, or like Judas, who takes the path of betrayal driven by selfishness and greed?

The application to our daily lives lies in the fact that we are repeatedly faced with the decision to choose love and devotion to God or to give in to the short-term temptations of life. Even when we are confronted with suffering, betrayal, or disappointment, as was the case in Jesus’ life, Romans 8:28 teaches us that God can bring good even from the darkest moments. This gives us hope that our trust in God will guide us through all challenges, and that every action, whether good or bad, can serve a purpose in God’s greater plan for salvation.

In our faith journey, this story encourages us to examine our motives and to sincerely devote ourselves to God. At the same time, it shows us that God, despite human mistakes and betrayals, fulfills His plans for the salvation and good of those who love Him.

Each day offers the chance to act with love and devotion, thereby fulfilling God’s plan in our lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-taken-and-tried-11-1-unforgettable-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 8, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Mark Chapter 12

¹ And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

² And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.

³ And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

⁴ And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.

⁵ And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.

⁶ Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.

⁷ But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.’

⁸ And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.

⁹ What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

¹⁰ And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

¹¹ This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

¹² And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

¹³ And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.

¹⁴ And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

¹⁵ Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.

¹⁶ And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s.

¹⁷ And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.

¹⁸ Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,

¹⁹ Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man’s brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

²⁰ Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.

²¹ And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.

²² And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.

²³ In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.

²⁴ And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

²⁵ For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

²⁶ And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

²⁷ He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

²⁸ And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

²⁹ And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

³⁰ And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

³¹ And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

³² And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

³³ And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

³⁴ And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

³⁵ And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David?

³⁶ For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

³⁷ David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

³⁸ And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,

³⁹ And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:

⁴⁰ Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

⁴¹ And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

⁴² And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

⁴³ And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

⁴⁴ For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Mark Chapter 12 includes a series of teachings and parables that Jesus delivers in the temple before various groups – Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes. The topics range from questions about taxes, the greatest commandment, and the resurrection to critical statements about the hypocrisy of religious authorities. This chapter demonstrates Jesus’ wisdom and authority as he responds to religious and political traps, emphasizing the central message of love and justice in faith.

Commentary:

The parable of the wicked tenants (Mark 12:1-12) is at the heart of this chapter and serves as a sharp critique of the religious leaders who neglected their responsibility to God and His people. The vineyard symbolizes the Kingdom of God, while the tenants represent the leaders of Israel. The mistreatment of the servants and ultimately the killing of the owner’s son reflects the rejection of the prophets and, finally, of Jesus himself. This parable points to the impending judgment of God and the transfer of the Kingdom to those who are faithful.

In the subsequent discussions, Jesus reveals that his wisdom penetrates every trap set by the Pharisees and Sadducees. In the question about taxes (Mark 12:13-17), Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the questioners by emphasizing a clear distinction between duties to the state and duties to God. In the question about the resurrection (Mark 12:18-27), he corrects the Sadducees’ misunderstanding and demonstrates that resurrection is a reality that transcends earthly concepts of human relationships.

The teaching about the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-34) is a central statement from Jesus. Here, he emphasizes that love for God and love for one’s neighbor is the foundation of faith. In his criticism of the scribes (Mark 12:38-40), Jesus highlights the hypocrisy of those who appear outwardly pious but are, in truth, driven by selfish motives.

Finally, the behavior of a poor widow (Mark 12:41-44) is praised as she gives everything she has, despite her poverty. This example stands in stark contrast to the wealthy who give only from their surplus.

Summary:

Mark Chapter 12 is a powerful collection of Jesus’ teachings, where he criticizes the religious hypocrisy of the leaders of his time and highlights the true values of faith – love, devotion, and justice. In the parable of the wicked tenants, Jesus foretells his own rejection by the religious elite and God’s coming judgment. In the subsequent discussions, he shows that true wisdom and devotion are not found in outward actions but in the inner attitude of the heart and love for God and fellow human beings.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/8-09-2024-mark-chapter-12-believe-his-prophets/