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/

Where do you turn for answers to life’s toughest questions? In this episode, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and his wife Nancy discuss part 1 of Chapter 37 of The Great Controversy by Ellen White.

In this episode, the Wilsons highlight the one source you can trust 100%—God’s Word. Discover why the Bible is the ultimate guide to navigating deception and finding truth in these challenging times.

Read The Great Controversy by Ellen White at https://greatcontroversyproject.org/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-37-pt-1-the-scriptures-a-safeguard-pastor-ted-wilson-nancy-wilson/

1.There is a difference between giving to the work of the Lord and giving sacrificially. What is the difference and why is it important?

The difference between “giving to the work of the Lord” and “giving sacrificially” lies in the depth and quality of the giving, particularly in terms of intention and the extent of personal sacrifice.

1. Giving to the Work of the Lord: This generally refers to providing financial or other material support for religious purposes or church activities. It can be done regularly, generously, and with a good heart, but it does not necessarily involve a deep personal sacrifice. The giving may come from an abundance and not necessarily entail significant personal denial.

2. Sacrificial Giving: This goes far beyond ordinary giving. Sacrificial giving means giving in a way that involves real personal cost or difficulty. It often involves giving up something essential, whether it be time, money, or other resources. This kind of giving reflects a deeper dedication and a more intense faith, as one is willing to sacrifice personal needs and desires for the greater good or for faith.

Why is the difference important?

The difference is important because sacrificial giving expresses a deeper level of faith and devotion to God and His work. It shows a willingness to go beyond the norm and to place the well-being of the community or the cause of faith above personal needs. In many religious teachings, sacrificial commitment is viewed as a virtue that reflects a higher level of spiritual maturity and trust in God. It is an act of faith that not only shapes one’s character but also supports the work of the Lord in a special way, as it comes from the heart and is associated with a significant measure of selflessness.

2.Why has God not prevented the persecution of His people through the centuries and in the present world? How does the concept of the Great Controversy help us understand the existence of persecution?

The question of why God has not prevented the persecution of His people throughout history and today is profound and complex, touching on themes of theodicy, free will, and the great cosmic conflict between good and evil.

1. Free Will and the Presence of Evil:

God has given humans free will, meaning the ability to make their own choices. This includes the possibility of opposing God and His principles. Persecution often results from individuals who turn against God and persecute those who remain faithful. In a world where evil is in conflict with good, persecution and suffering are part of the reality that arises from the freedom God has granted humanity.

2. The Great Controversy as a Framework:

The concept of the “Great Controversy” (or “Great Conflict”) helps to understand the existence of persecution by framing world history as part of a cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan, between good and evil. In this view, Earth is the battlefield where this conflict unfolds. Persecution is a manifestation of this struggle, with Satan attempting to oppress and destroy God’s people, while God, in His wisdom and power, uses these trials to strengthen the faith and loyalty of His followers.

3. God’s Sovereignty and Purpose:

Although God allows persecution, He is in control of the overall situation. The Bible provides many examples where persecution ultimately results in blessings for God’s people, whether through strengthening faith, spreading the gospel, or revealing God’s power and grace. The suffering and persecution endured by His people are not meaningless; they fit into God’s larger plan for redemption and purification.

4. Testimony and Strength of Faith:

Persecution can also serve to test and strengthen the faith of individuals and communities. Those who suffer persecution often provide a powerful testimony of their faith, which inspires and encourages others. The steadfastness of the persecuted demonstrates the strength of faith and can lead others to turn to God.

5. Hope for the Future Kingdom:

The concept of the Great Controversy reminds us that this world is not the final destination and that the suffering and persecution of this time are temporary. There is hope for a future kingdom of God where justice, peace, and love will prevail. This hope can help believers endure persecution, knowing that God will ultimately achieve victory.

In summary, the Great Controversy provides a perspective where persecution is not meaningless but is part of a larger plan where good ultimately triumphs. The existence of persecution and suffering calls believers to stand firm in faith, to hold onto the hope of God’s ultimate victory, and to serve as a living testimony to their faith.

3.What signs of Christ’s return stand out to you in the world today?

The question of signs of Christ’s return is one that is intensely discussed in many Christian traditions. There are several biblical prophecies that believers interpret as indicators of the imminent return of Christ. Here are some signs that are particularly highlighted in today’s world:

1. Increase in Natural Disasters:

The Bible mentions “earthquakes, famines, and plagues” as signs of the last days (Matthew 24:7). Today, there are reports of an increase in and intensification of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and wildfires. Many believers see these events as confirmation of biblical predictions.

2. Moral and Social Decay:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes the last days as being marked by increasing wickedness, selfishness, materialism, and disdain for the sacred. Many people see today’s society as reflecting a decline in moral values, rising violence, corruption, and the growth of unbelief and godlessness as fulfillment of this prophecy.

3. Persecution of Believers:

Jesus predicted that His followers would face persecution in the last days (Matthew 24:9-10). In many parts of the world today, Christians experience discrimination, persecution, and even martyrdom because of their faith. This ongoing persecution is often seen as a sign of Christ’s imminent return.

4. Globalization and Technological Advances:

The Bible speaks of the possibility of the gospel being preached to the whole world before the end comes (Matthew 24:14). Today’s globalization and advancements in communication technology enable the gospel to be spread faster and further than ever before. Many view these developments as fulfillment of this sign.

5. Global Unrest and Wars:

Jesus also warned of “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6) as signs of the end. Ongoing conflicts, terrorism, political instability, and the threat of weapons of mass destruction in today’s world could be seen as fulfillment of these prophecies.

6. Israel and the Middle East:

The role of Israel in biblical prophecy is a central sign for many believers. The re-establishment of Israel as a nation in 1948 and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are often viewed as fulfillment of biblical prophecies that herald the return of Christ.

7. Increase in False Prophets and Heresies:

Matthew 24:24 warns of false prophets and false Christs who will deceive many in the last days. Today, there are numerous religious movements, cults, and teachings that deviate from traditional Christian doctrine and create confusion. This is often interpreted as fulfillment of this sign.

8. Spread of the Gospel:

Another significant sign is the global proclamation of the gospel (Matthew 24:14). Thanks to modern technology and mission efforts, the gospel now reaches nearly every corner of the earth. Many see this worldwide dissemination as a key sign of Christ’s impending return.

These signs are interpreted by many believers as indications that Christ’s return may be near. However, it is important to emphasize that Jesus Himself said that “no one knows the day or the hour” (Matthew 24:36). Christians are therefore called to be watchful and prepared without becoming overly fixated on speculation.

4.Reflect on the state of the dead and the idea that the dead sleep until Christ returns. People close their eyes in death, and what is the next thing they know? How does this understanding help us grasp that for each individual, the return of Christ is always very near?

The concept that the dead sleep until Christ returns offers a profound perspective on death and Christ’s return. When a person dies, they close their eyes in death and are not aware of the passage of time. For them, there is no sense of days, years, or centuries passing between their death and Christ’s return. The next thing they experience is awakening at Christ’s return.

This idea helps us understand that for each person individually, the return of Christ is always very near. Regardless of how much time objectively elapses, the deceased experience the moment of Christ’s return as the next event following their death. For them, it seems as if Christ’s return follows directly after their death, as they do not perceive the period of sleep in the grave.

This perspective emphasizes that Christ’s return is personally very near for every individual, as death and the subsequent awakening in resurrection are essentially connected. This can provide comfort and underscore the urgency of living a life of faith and anticipation for Christ’s return.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-the-last-days-10-7-questions-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/