I've been doing a Lent devotional to prepare for Easter.
Recently I read Mark 14 and my heart was so touched by Jesus’ unconditional Love,
His beautiful sacrifice, and His complete surrender to the Father.
We see the familiar story of the Last
Supper. Can you imagine eating with your friends, knowing one will deny you
three times and one will betray you to be murdered? I would want to call them
out. I would try to stop the injustice (after all if I were Jesus I would have
lived a perfect, sinless life). But Jesus let it happen. He chose to be silent
and let this story play out.
Then Jesus has to tell one of his best
friends, “You will disown me three times.” Peter and all the other disciples
responded with, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” These
are the same men who fall asleep when Jesus asks them to pray. They run in fear
(one of them fleeing naked) when Judas leads men to arrest Jesus. And we know
what Peter does (or does not do for that matter).
And betrayed by a kiss? What was Judas
thinking? As if Jesus wouldn’t see right through this greeting. “Oh hey Jesus,
I’m not sure why these men are following me with swords but I’m going to greet
you with a kiss and act like everything is normal.” Really, Judas? But even as
I type this I know I have been guilty of betraying Jesus too. I have run in
fear instead of standing with Jesus. I have denied Him in my actions. My sin
sent Him to the cross.
But Jesus didn't have to go. Mark 14:36: “Abba,
Father,” He said, “everything is
possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You
will.” I think this is one of the most important moments in the entire Bible.
Jesus could have stopped after “take this cup from me” but He chose God’s will over His will. This selflessness is true Love. This
Love is what saves us!
Verses 43-65 are not easy to read. Jesus, the spotless Lamb,
is arrested by sinners and questioned until He gives them the answer they are waiting
for. “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the
Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
“Then some began to spit at him; they
blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the
guards took Him and beat Him.” (Mark 14:65) Meanwhile Peter disowns Jesus. As
you know this is just the beginning.
Not the type of fairy tale we grow up
daydreaming of. But is there any greater love displayed in history than
Jesus dying for me and for you? “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice
it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also
to take it up again…” John 10:18 NLT.
I encourage
you to spend some time this week thinking about what Jesus did on the cross and
what that means to you. Who do you identify with most in this chapter?
Are you willing to pray as Jesus did, “Not my
will be done, but Yours”? If not, what is holding you back?