Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.

MARK 1, Verses 1-20

Today we move to the New Testament. In Mark's Gospel the Lord Jesus can be noticed in His service, particularly as a Prophet.

He is at work in the early verses of the first chapter. No ancestors given as in Matthew and Luke; this would not be expected for a servant. Nor are there many miracles or long talks in this Gospel. This Gospel gives the actual order in which things took place more than any of the other Gospels.

Mk 1:1-8 John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord, preaches the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (not Christian baptism, for people were baptized by John, and then needed Christian baptism (Acts 19:5), and announces a more glorious Servant (verse 7 tells how unworthy he felt).

Mk 1:9-11 The Lord Jesus takes His place with His people the Jews, and is baptized by John. The Spirit of God descends upon Jesus, and God speaks from heaven, declaring His delight in His beloved Son. So we see here the Trinity. The Son is revealed as a Man; the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father's voice is heard. Remember that all God's purposes of blessing centered in Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:47 describes two men, Adam, the first man... Christ the second Man. Adam's race failed God, so we can understand why the Father's delight is expressed here.

Mk 1:14-15 Remember it was the "gospel of the kingdom" which Jesus preached. The kingdom was announced but never established, because He was rejected. But He shall yet come again and set it up in power - Rev. 11:17.

Mk 1:16-20 Two sets of brothers are invited to follow the Lord Jesus. They become disciples and apostles of His. Notice two words in verse 18. "Forsook" and "followed", and four words in verse 20... "they left" and "went after". They were so attracted to Jesus that they forsook their nets and left their father!

#791

God has put a wall - an unseen wall - of grace around us.

MARK 1, Verses 21-45

Mk 1:21-45 The miracles we read of here are not simply a sign and proof of His power, but also were a demonstration of His tender love and goodness.

Mk 1:40-45 The leper knew of the Lord's power, but did not know if He was willing to heal him. Jesus shows His compassion. The power and willingness are freely shown to the poor leper (a picture of sin which contaminates all who are touched) and Jesus touches him (but Jesus is not contaminated).

Mk 1:44 Only when we go through an experience of His love and grace is our heart really drawn to Him, and our lips opened to tell others.

#792

We must learn to know God in secret if we would be courageous for Him in public.

MARK 2

Jesus is the Preacher, verse 2; the Healer, verse 11; the Caller, V.17; the Bridegroom, V.19; the Lord of the Sabbath, V.28.

Mk 2:1-12 The consciousness of our need, and the confidence in the love, grace and power of the Lord combine to bring about this deliverance from sickness and sin (the true root of all evils) Psalm 103:3. God delights to forgive.

Mk 2:14-17 Matthew (Levi) was a Jew and a tax-collector for the Romans. The Jews hated to acknowledge that a Gentile nation was over them, the people of God. But they detested a Jew who would work with the Romans. The scribes and Pharisees raise the question as to how it could be possible that a righteous teacher would sit and eat with unclean men and sinners. Grace is the opposite to law, with all its hardness.

Mk 2:15 They eat, but then they follow Jesus!

Mk 2:18-22 Jesus is the Bridegroom. He was present, so His followers did not fast. But later they would, for the joy of His presence would be turned into sorrow by His absence. The other reason is this: it was impossible to mix two systems - Christianity and Judaism. The new wine (the true and the spiritual power of Christianity) could not be put into the old bottles (the old institutions and ceremonies of Judaism). If done it would destroy the bottles. Sad to say present day Christianity has taken on many of the Old Testament ceremonies - rituals - music - ministers - altars - thus adapting itself to appeal to the old nature in us.

Mk 2:23-28 The Sabbath, the last day of the week, was a sign of God's rest in the first creation. It also was a sign of the covenant (agreement) He had made with Israel. Because of sin, man can never share this rest with God. God tried again, and gave man a covenant - the law - but immediately they broke it by building the golden calf. Then finally, they crucified God's Son. The only Man, God could have communion with - the Son of His love - the Lord of the Sabbath. From man's side, - all was broken and finished. David is used here as a picture of the same point. The Sabbath - the sign of the first covenant was broken and so disappears. Christianity is founded on a new work - the cross of Christ. He remained dead over the Sabbath and rose on the first day of the week - the Lord's Day - Sunday. So resurrection is the beginning of the new creation.

#793

God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us a comforter. (2 Cor. 1:4)

MARK 3

Mk 3:1-6 God finds His true rest in showing His love to a world of evil. Graciously the Lord Jesus heals the poor man. The Pharisees thought nothing of doing evil so long as tradition was maintained. They hated the Herodians. Here they are discussing together the destruction of Jesus, Jesus the Doer of all good!

Mk 3:7-12 The Lord withdraws from prominence and contact with the Jewish leaders, but continues His healing and work of grace and love.

Mk 3:13-21 He withdraws further to a mountain, and there calls those He chose to be His apostles. They were to "be with Him". Only Mark says this.

Mk 3:21-30 His friends think He is out of His mind; the leaders ascribe His wonderful works to the power of Satan! The Lord shows how impossible this last point is.

Mk 3:31-35 Because of the above, Jesus renounces all relationship with His people. He now is forming new links with souls.

#794

Never does the human soul become so strong as when it dares to forgive an injury.

MARK 4, Verses 1-25

Mk 4:1-20 The Lord had come to collect the fruit from His vineyard (Israel) but there was none. So He becomes a Sower of seed (the Word of God). The Word is received in different ways. How deeply it penetrates the heart is the factor. Does the Word of God affect our heart and life? The devil wants to take away the Word. Unless the conscience has been touched, the Word at first brings joy, but it does not last. When the conscience has been awakened then there is no joy at first. But when the seed works, then the light reaches in, and confidence in God develops, and joy follows.

Mk 4:21-25 A serious warning. Let the things we hear in the Word take hold of us. "Take heed what ye hear". Most of our problems stem from not doing this.

#795

God formed us; sin deformed us; Christ transforms us.

MARK 4, Verses 26-4l

Mk 4:26-29 Interesting and instructive. The Lord came to earth, worked, sowed the seed. At the end He will come back for more work at harvest time. But in between these two He "sleeps" (He is away in heaven), is out of sight, seated on the right hand of God. He allows the gospel to grow, apparently without having anything to do with it until the harvest. In secret He is working. Let us not think He does not see all!

Mk 4:30-32 The seed is small when planted. Christianity at the beginning was very limited... just in Israel. But now has been spread over the whole earth.

Mk 4:35-41 A parable with great meaning for us. The Lord was going away, and it would appear that He is separated from them, and us. The Lord gets into a boat to cross the sea, and falls asleep. A storm comes up, the disciples are afraid and wake Him. He rises, speaks, stills the storm, and then has a word for them and us. Do we think the boat holding the Son of God could have sunk with all on board?

In all the difficulties and dangers of the Christian life, during the whole journey we are conscious we are in the same boat with Jesus, if we are doing His will. It may seem as if He is sleeping. But His security is ours. Will He fail to carry out in the future what He promises in verse 35?

#796

Where would you be if your physical and financial condition were suddenly adjusted to match your spiritual condition? (2 John 2)

MARK 5

Mk 5:1-21 Yesterday, His power over nature and storms, today over demons. A picture of the world being influenced by Satan, and preferring Satan to God. The great power of God is able to drive away the evil power of Satan, but Satan persuades the people to drive away God in the Person of Jesus. The power of God is more terrible to man than the power of Satan. The swine probably are a picture of the end of Israel under Satan's influence in the tribulation. The man who is cured is quiet and wishes to be with Jesus. Possibly a picture of the remnant of Israel to be healed in the future during the tribulation period.

Mk 5:22-43 Another picture of the relationship of God with Israel. Jesus came to heal Israel, but Israel was in fact dead (speaking spiritually). When Jesus arrived, it was necessary to raise Israel from the dead, this is portrayed in the damsel. He came to do it the first time, but shall carry it out in the millennium.

Mk 5:25-34 But coming in before the final healing of the girl (Israel) a woman in deep need has individual faith, and she is completely healed. Sincerity is nice, but it is not enough. Faith is needed. Faith is always answered. He may make us wait, but He will not fail us.

Mk 5:35-43 The girl appears to be dead. Jesus raises her. So in the last days, Israel shall be restored! But it will be the Lord's voice which will do it.

#797

Christ's yesterday was the accomplishment of redemption. His tomorrow is the having His Church with Himself in glory. But He is a living Christ for today.

MARK 6, Verses 1-29

Mk 6:1-6 Jesus leaves Jerusalem and goes up North to where He had lived most of His human life. He preaches in their synagogues, but the people can't understand how a person who was a carpenter could speak such wisdom and do such miracles. They couldn't relate the greatness with the humanity. They didn't know that Almighty God had become a Man, and that He was speaking to them! But we must remember that what God is, is much more displayed in the humbleness of this Man than if He had come as a powerful and glorious king! Only being a carpenter was enough to make the people reject Him.

Mk 6:5 tells us the effect of unbelief!

Mk 6:7-13 The Lord sends out His twelve apostles. We have a proof of His power more remarkable than His own miracles, and that is that He gives others the power to perform miracles themselves. Only God could do this.

Mk 6:11 What a judgment pronounced by one Who had the power to carry it out!

Mk 6:14-29 When King Herod heard of the works of Jesus, his conscience bothered him, and he immediately recalled what he had done to John the Baptist. The details of that dreadful party are told. Herod prided himself on his power, but it only proved his weakness, and his wickedness.

#798

Your life either sheds light, or casts a shadow.

MARK 6, Verses 30-46

Mk 6:30-32 The disciples come back and recite to Jesus all that they had done and taught. He gently leads them to a quiet spot to rest. The flesh had become excited, and this is dangerous for a believer. Particularly when there has been success. We need to get alone with Jesus.

Mk 6:33-44 The disciples are glad of the rest, but displeased at the crowds coming to spoil it. Jesus has loving sympathy, teaches and feeds them. Read Psalm 145:16. This shall be fulfilled completely in the millennium, but Jesus was a Man here on earth Who could do this now.

Mk 6:37 The Lord does not say, "I will give them food", but "Give ye them to eat". The Lord wants us to use His power in bringing blessing to others.

Mk 6:45-46 The story of Jesus present and future. Now we are in the boat on our way to the other side. He is separated from us because this world has rejected Him. But verse 55 goes on to the millennium, when He shall be received with joy, and blessings will richly flow out from Him.

#799

God's ways are behind the scenes; but He moves all the scenes which He is behind. We have to learn this, and let Him work, and not think much of man's busy movements: they will accomplish God's. The rest of them all perish and disappear. We have only peacefully to do His will.

MARK 7

Mk 7:1-23 Two important points to learn here. The religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees is exposed and judged by Jesus. All these washings were despised by God. Secondly, the Lord shows that what comes out of a man's mouth defiles him, because it comes out of his heart, not what goes in. People can be religious without being holy. They washed their hands, but not their hearts. Believers may fail, and often do, but the soul that is resting on the grace of God only looks to God for approval.

Mk 7:24-30 He goes up to the north and shows the wonderful grace of God to a poor Gentile woman who was outside Israel. Her humble remarks show that she knew she deserved nothing. God in His grace brought blessing to her. The only condition too for blessing to any.

Mk 7:31-37 The state of this poor man represents the state of His beloved people... they were deaf to the voice of the good Shepherd, and their tongue was tied so that they could not give the praise to God. Israel was without speech or hearing! The Lord sighs, the ears are opened, and the tongue is loosed.

Mk 7:37 "He hath done all things well". Do you see that many times a day?

#800

In God's service our greatest ability is our availability.

MARK 8, Verses 1-21

Mk 8:1-9 They have seven loaves. The number "7" is the complete number. Seven baskets are filled with the food left uneaten. The number fed was 4,000. The number "4" is that which speaks of "universal" - going out in four directions - North, East, West and South. God's grace and love and provision go out world wide. Another way it can be applied. Three represents heaven - the Trinity, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Four represents the earth - as mentioned above. Seven is completion, when heaven and earth shall be in harmony, and Christ shall be the centre of all - Eph. l:10.

Mk 8:10-13 Israel had rejected Him, yet they persist in asking for a sign. It was useless to give proof to hearts which had decided not to believe. The trial was over. So He groaned in spirit with sorrow.

Mk 8:14-21 The disciples themselves were really blind, not willfully, but in fact. So here, the Lord has instruction for them. They had faith, but lacked understanding.

Mk 8:15 Pharisees = hypocrisy; Herod = worldliness.

#801

Those who can see God's hand in everything can best leave everything in God's hand.

MARK 8, Verses 22-38

Mk 8:22-26 Possibly the blind man's experience was like the disciples... they saw only partially. The Lord keeps on, until the blind man saw clearly. When the Holy Spirit came down, then the disciples saw plainly.

Mk 8:27-33 The Lord asks a vital question. Upon Peter's reply, He tells them not to tell any about Him. Why? Because He had been completely rejected. So He turns their thoughts to the cross. But notice He does not say that Christ must suffer, but the "Son of Man". This is His rejection title, and also that by which He shall be known when He comes in glory and power - Matthew 26:46. Peter did not understand that the cross was the road to glory.

Mk 8:33 The Lord knew that what Peter had just said was not understood by the other disciples, so He speaks very strongly to Peter.

Mk 8:34-38 To follow the Lord down here is not an easy road. It will mean taking a low place, enduring sorrow and loneliness. But the end of that road is glory.

#802

The moment we stop learning, we start forgetting.

MARK 9, Verses 1-32

Mk 9:1-10 The Lord always connects suffering with glory. He has been speaking of suffering, so now He is going to show some of them the glory. Read Peter's own words in his Epistle, 2 Peter l:16-18, where he tells of this experience. What a privilege for stumbling Peter to be a witness of the Lord's glory. Soon it will be ours too! And forever!

Mk 9:5 Ever-impetuous Peter desires to put Christ, Moses and Elias (Elijah) on the same level. But Moses and Elias disappear and Jesus only is seen.

Mk 9:9-10 Although this experience was well-suited to strengthen the faith and increase the intelligence of the disciples, they were not to speak about it until Christ's resurrection.

Mk 9:11-13 We need to listen to God. Then we understand plainly.

Mk 9:14-29 Another example of the Lord's patience. Notice that the poor father does not lose out because of the failure of the disciples. "Bring him to Me", must have been sweet music to the father. What was lacking? Power? No. Prayer and fasting.

#803

Never let the things you don't understand rob you of the joy of the things you do understand.

MARK 9, Verses 33-49

Mk 9:33-37 When Jesus was repeatedly reminding them of the future cross for Him, they are arguing as to who was the greatest! Little wonder that they lacked power. (Sin allowed in our lives is the only thing which weakens us.)

Mk 9:38-40 The cause of their reasoning is found in the words -"he followeth not us".

Mk 9:41-50 The Person of Christ is the deciding factor. A cup of water given in His name would not lose its reward.

Mk 9:43-48 An eternity of blessing with Christ is better than to keep a right hand, foot or eye, and find oneself in eternal torment. The fire is a picture in Scripture of the searching out power of divine judgment.

Mk 9:48-49 Salt represents the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us from all that is impure.

#804

I can take the bitter as well as the sweet, knowing that the cup is mingled by One who loves me too well to add one ingredient that may be spared.

MARK 10, Verses 1-27

Mk 10:2-12 God created man in innocence. But with the entrance of sin by man, the relationships of life have been spoiled. The Pharisees ask a question regarding the married state. God takes us back to what He instituted at the beginning. Doing what we want brought in the break up of marriage.

Mk 10:13-16 Children (in Scripture) are a picture of what believers should be... dependent and trusting.

Mk 10:17-27 God created the beautiful nature around us, although thorns and thistles are found in it. We find that which is lovely sometimes in a person's character, sometimes even in an animal. But in man as man, is there really any good? Paul gives the answer in Romans 7:18. This is clearly seen in the rejection of Christ. The young man has many nice qualities in his character. The Lord says there is no good in a person (Romans 3:10). The man was looking at the Lord as a Rabbi. The Lord is God, although He hid His divinity in human form. The man did not know who the Lord was. He, like the world today was seeking his own interests and pleasures; and really has no heart for God at all.

Mk 10:21 The Lord exposes the human heart, the young man's true state. The love of riches ruled his heart. He finds himself in the presence of Him Who searches the heart! Did his riches keep him from being grieved? No, they never satisfy; only Christ can.

#805

Where He places you as a laborer in His harvest is His decision, but whether you will be His disciple is your decision.

MARK 10, Verses 28-52

Mk 10:28-31 The disciples are astonished at what had been said to the young man. If a rich, good-living man, who had kept the law, was far from the kingdom of God, who then could be saved? In the Old Testament God had blessed a faithful man. But with the coming of the Lord Jesus, the true, lost condition of man was exposed. We all need to realize our lost condition, and that we need to be saved.

Mk 10:32-34 Once more He tells of the cross. Understanding of this only came later.

Mk 10:35-45 How little they were learning what the Lord had been teaching, may be seen in this part. James and John had faith that He would reign, but the old nature in them comes out. The Lord leaves to the Father the right of choosing: His part is the cross!

Mk 10:46-52 This poor beggar has no false ideas of his worth or condition, and he receives a blessing. In verse 47 we have the sinner's call: in verse 49, the Saviour's call and the servant's call. The man rose, came, and followed!

#806

There is one reality for every man - Jesus Christ.

MARK 11

Yesterday's chapter ended the story of Jesus in His lowly service to Israel.

Mk 11:1-11 Today we begin a new section. The humble Servant rides into Jerusalem on a donkey and presents Himself as a King. Once more He carried out what was written hundreds of years before in the Old Testament about Him. Read Zechariah 9:9 - isn't that a thrilling verse!

Mk 11:9-10 "Hosanna" is like a prayer in heaven to bless the One (Jesus),who comes in the name of the Lord.

Mk 11:11 The people really had no interest in Him, so as it was late in the day, He left His city of Jerusalem and retires to the little village of Bethany. How sad!

Mk 11:12-14 This fig tree is a picture of Israel. Because Israel bore no fruit (would not obey God and would not have Him), Israel is set aside. The curse is pronounced on the tree. But always remember that Israel is yet going to come into blessing. But it is going to be because the Lord Jesus died for them.

Mk 11:15-19 Though He would not defend Himself, He is very jealous for God's house - the temple. We must remember that after He is totally rejected, God Himself turns away from that temple. It became a dead place - Luke 13:34-35, Mark 14:1-2.

Mk 11:17 Read Mal. 3:1-2.

Mk 11:27-33 This is the third time in this one chapter that Jesus comes into Jerusalem. This time, the religious leaders try to catch Him with words. But He reduces them to silence. He had told them Who He is, but they would not believe. To reject the Lord Jesus is fatal.

#807

No one asked more questions than Peter; he was not just curious, he wanted to know! This is how we grow.

MARK 12, Verses 1-17

A simple story with an important meaning. "A certain man", is the Lord. A vineyard is the land and people of Israel. "Husbandmen" - the leaders of Israel. "A servant" refers to the prophets of the Old Testament.

Mk 12:3-11 This is Israel in the Old Testament.

Mk 12:6 What a lovely picture of God's beloved Son!

Mk 12:10 Refers to the Lord Jesus in the future.

Mk 12:12 The wicked men to whom the Lord had been telling the story, realized its meaning, yet it did not change their attitude toward Him.

Mk 12:13-17 They try to catch Him in another way. What a perfect answer He gave them.

#808

Compassion is love in action.

MARK 12, Verses 18-44

Mk 12:18-27 The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection. So they try to corner Him with this supposed case. The blessed Lord Jesus not only has all the answers, but He Himself is the answer to all our problems and questions. God is a living God, and God of the living.

Mk 12:28-34 This man understood that obedience to God is more important than offering God sacrifices.

Mk 12:35-37 The answer to this question proves that Jesus is Divine. He is Lord of David, as God. He is the Son of David, as Man.

Mk 12:41-44 The poor woman is noticed by the Lord. Read 2 Samuel 24, the middle of verse 24. To follow the Lord will cost us something. This chapter has shown us many classes of people, and what the Lord thought of each. The woman is devoted to a place. In 14:3, a woman is devoted to a Person!

Mk 12:10, 24 and 26 In each an appeal to go to the Scriptures.

#809

Materialism is not what you have, but what has you.

MARK 13, Verses 1-13

From chapter 11 and the following, we have been seeing the changes resulting from the Lord's rejection. In chapter 11, verse 11 we read of Jesus entering the Temple. In verse 1 of today's chapter, we see His going out of the temple. We do not read in this gospel of His going into it again. The Lord left the temple, the glorious centre of the Jewish religion. God was finished with it. A new one will come later (V. 35) and He will be its Master. Just think of how many people today, Jews, Catholics and Protestants, are clinging to the old customs and traditions. (Read 2 Cor. 5:17).

Mk 13:3-4 The disciples question Him about what He had said in verse 2.

Mk 13:5-end The Lord gives them a grand outline of what would take place in their lifetime and right on till when He would return in His glory. But four times He said "take heed", (watch for them), and then look at the last word of our chapter.

Mk 13:5-8 The main character of Satan, the Devil, is to deceive. (From the Garden of Eden - 2 Cor. 11:3 to the end in Rev. 12:9 - Satan, in these verses is like the "deceiving serpent". (V. 5, 6, 22).

Mk 13:9,12,13 But here as the "roaring lion" in violence. (Satan's two characters.)

Mk 13:10 This refers to "the gospel of the kingdom" which Jesus and His disciples preached when He was on earth. The nation of Israel rejected it. Today we have the gospel of the grace of God, going out to all the world. But this verse is the future. (After the believers are taken to be with the Lord). Then those in the world, who may not have heard the gospel, will then have an opportunity (see also Matthew 24:14).

Mk 13:11 In the meantime they could count on the Spirit of God (after Jesus had returned to heaven) to give them help as to what to say.

Mk 13:12-13 The more closely they lived to please the Lord, the more they would be misunderstood and hated. We too... (2 Tim. 3:12).

#810

God will never allow a situation to develop in any believer's life to which he cannot respond Biblically.

MARCOS 13, Verses 14-37

Mk 13:14,17 The "great tribulation" commences in the middle of the 7 years ("D" on your chart) and goes on for 31/2 years.

Mk 13:18 His loving care was so great that He even thought of the weather!

Mk 13:20, 22, 27 Wonderful to see that the Lord's chosen ones, the "elect", will be preserved through these hard days.

Mk 13:21-23 Many would claim to be the Messiah. The antichrist (the false Messiah) will appear on earth soon after we believers have been taken to be with the Lord.

Mk 13:24-37 These verses are more precisely referring to the "great tribulation".

Mk 13:37 But this surely applies to us today! Watch. For we certainly need to be very careful that we are not deceived by things which are being said these days.

#811

Father, make me sensitive to eternity, that I may see beyond this little time box I'm in.

MARCOS 14, Verses 1-31

Mk 14:1-2 In two days the great annual celebration of the Passover would take place. The Passover had been kept periodically since Moses first received instructions from God, about 1,300 years before this. Every Passover reminded God of His beloved Son who would die. God makes them carry out their wicked plans on the very day the Passover was killed.

Mk 14:3-9 Some calculated the cost of this perfume; what a working man might earn in a year. Though the disciples may have felt the increasing hatred of the leaders against Jesus, this woman, probably Mary (John 12:1-8) knew that it was going to mean death. And her love to Jesus was so strong that she understood the true situation better than the disciples. Another thing - we don't find this Mary at the grave of Jesus, looking amongst the dead people. She knew and remembered Him as living.

Mk 14:10-11 The opposite - a heart not pure. Though none of the disciples could see any difference in the life of Judas, now the secrets of his heart come out.

Mk 14:12-25 Now we see what was in the Lord's heart... love and concern for His followers. He must show them the way He will give Himself for them. So He starts a new thing here... the remembrance of Him by His followers during the long time between His cross and His coming again. We rest in the finished work of the first, and with joy we wait for the second. Taking the bread and the wine each Lord's Day, is a link with both. Actually to verse 21 is the Passover. From 22 to 25 the remembrance of the Lord in a new way. In the Passover they remembered the lamb, but in the bread and wine, they remembered Him!

#812

We need never to be afraid of our weakness. What we may be afraid of is our imaginary strength.

MARK 14, Verses 32-72

Mk 14:32-42 The three who were with Jesus on several special occasions now have this privilege. But as so often happens when the Lord gives us something to do, there is failure. But never when He does a work. Did you find that word mentioned three times? We had better "take heed" and "watch" too, for we are living in difficult days.

Mk 14:37 Read again verse 29. Now read verses 37, 54, 68, 70 and 71. Peter thought he knew himself.

Mk 14:50 Totally forsaken! What loneliness for Him!

Mk 14:55-72 As you read these verses, turn to Isaiah 53:7 and you will realize how perfectly this latter scripture was fulfilled. Peter denies the Lord in verses 67, 68, and 71.

#813

You show your strength by what you stand for - your weakness by what you fall for.

MARK 15

Mk 15:1-15 Today we read of Jesus standing before Pilate, and yesterday in verses 53 to 72 we had read of Jesus before the High Priest. In both He is condemned for what He had said of Himself. Who Jesus is, is the most important single subject of your whole life. If He were not God, then there is no heaven nor hell, there is no eternity, the Bible is not true. But He is God, therefore all these things are real and true. Everything hinges on this.

Mk 15:16-20 Jesus before King Herod; they mock Him, strike Him and spit on Him. But the real hatred of Jesus was seen in the priests.

Mk 15:21-47 His crucifixion, and death and burial.

Mk 15:32 The chief priests said that if they saw Christ come down from the cross they would believe Him. But read 16:11 and Luke 16:3l; John 20:29. We believe with our hearts - Romans 10:10.

Mk 15:33-34 Here we stop. We cannot follow Jesus into the darkness. This was His alone. In these three hours, He bore the punishment for the sins of all who believe on Him. Here He was punished for sin by God. What He had suffered from men during the first three hours on the cross was for righteousness. We may share the first three hours never the last three.

Mk 15:34 The only words spoken on the cross recorded by Mark.

#814

Love to Christ is produced in the very same ratio that I know His love to me.

MARK 16

The story of His resurrection is quite short in Mark. The mighty power of God had raised the Lord Jesus from among the dead. The women believed in His person - that He was the Son of God, but the resurrection was just a little beyond their faith. But the women certainly had more faith than the men! We never read of a woman in the New Testament ever speaking a word against the Lord!

Mk 16:9-10 Mary Magdalene was the first to see the Lord, because she was the most devoted to Him at this moment.

Mk 16:14 Even after He had risen from the dead, some of the disciples did not believe. And so He had to speak strongly to them.

Mk 16:19 Finally the Lord is received up into heaven to sit at God's right hand.

Mk 16:20 There was no excuse for not believing. They had plenty of proof, for it says "signs following". The Lord gave proof of the truth of His word by signs and miracles being done.