September 10, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Mark Chapter 14
1 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.
2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?
5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
17 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.
18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.
21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Mark chapter 14 represents one of the most dramatic sections of the Gospel, where the final hours of Jesus before His crucifixion are described. The chapter covers significant events such as the betrayal by Judas, the Last Supper, the prayer in Gethsemane, the arrest of Jesus, the trial before the Sanhedrin, and finally, Peter’s denial. These passages shed light on the deep human tragedy, but also on the fulfillment of God’s plan for the redemption of humanity. In every moment, there is tension between divine providence and human failure, yet Jesus’ unwavering devotion to the will of His Father remains central.
Commentary
The chapter begins with the plans of the chief priests and scribes to arrest and kill Jesus. These sinister intentions illustrate the tension that had been building between Jesus and the religious elite. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, becomes the instrument of this betrayal, representing the sorrowful climax of mistrust and rejection.
The anointing of Jesus in Bethany (verses 3-9) brings an unexpected turn. While some consider the woman’s act of pouring expensive nard oil on Jesus’ head as wasteful, Jesus views it as a prophetic gesture—a preparation for His burial. This event demonstrates the love and devotion surrounding Jesus, in contrast to the growing hostility against Him.
The Last Supper is a central moment in Mark 14 (verses 12-25), where Jesus shares bread and wine with His disciples, symbolizing His impending sacrifice. This scene is not only a celebration of the Passover but also the establishment of the new covenant through Jesus’ death. The betrayal by Judas is also revealed here, heightening the tension and foreshadowing the approaching disaster.
The prayer in Gethsemane (verses 32-42) shows Jesus in deep spiritual anguish as He submits to His Father’s will. This passage reveals both Jesus’ humanity and His divine resolve. The disciples, however, repeatedly fall asleep, symbolizing the weakness of the human spirit in the face of great trials. Jesus prays, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you; take this cup from me! Yet not what I will, but what you will!” – a profound demonstration of His complete obedience.
The subsequent arrest of Jesus (verses 43-52) and the trial before the Sanhedrin (verses 53-65) expose the harshness of the religious leaders and their willingness to condemn the innocent. While Jesus remains silent and accepts His condemnation, Peter’s denial (verses 66-72) reveals the fragility of the human character, even among those closest to Him. Peter’s threefold denial, followed by bitter tears of repentance, illustrates the profound tension between human weakness and divine forgiveness.
Summary
Mark chapter 14 narrates the final critical moments in Jesus’ life, from the planning of His betrayal to Peter’s denial. It covers central events such as the Last Supper, the prayer in Gethsemane, and the trial before the Sanhedrin, marking the climax of the Gospel. Each of these events demonstrates the tension between divine providence and human failure, yet divine redemption remains at the center. Jesus submits to the Father’s will as He prepares for His impending death. The chapter reminds us of the fragility of the human spirit, but also of the boundless love and forgiveness revealed through Jesus’ sacrifice.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 61—Zacchaeus
This chapter is based on Luke 19:1-10.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 is a powerful narrative of conversion, repentance, and forgiveness. It takes place in Jericho, a wealthy city known for its lush vegetation and economic prosperity. At the center of the story is Zacchaeus, a tax collector who is despised by society for his profession and wealth. However, his encounter with Jesus becomes a turning point in his life, as he experiences a radical transformation through the grace of Jesus.
Commentary:
Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, was a man who possessed wealth and power but was inwardly dissatisfied and guilty. His profession, often associated with injustice and extortion, had alienated him from his people. Yet, Zacchaeus was open to change. When he heard about Jesus, the teacher who welcomed even the outcasts, a hope for a better life was kindled within him. This shows that in every person, even the most despised, there is a desire for renewal.
The circumstances under which Zacchaeus encounters Jesus are symbolic of his inner state: he is small in stature and cannot see over the crowd. This reflects his social standing, but he overcomes this obstacle by climbing a tree—a sign of his intense desire to see Jesus. This gesture is rewarded when Jesus speaks to him directly and announces that he will stay at his house.
The reaction of the crowd, criticizing Jesus for staying with a “sinner,” is typical of the religious elites of that time who excluded people like Zacchaeus. But Jesus makes it clear that his mission is to save those who are lost, not just the righteous. Zacchaeus’ repentance is deep and sincere; he offers to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay those he has wronged four times over.
This encounter reveals the transformative power of forgiveness and grace. Zacchaeus’ conversion is an example of true repentance, which manifests in concrete actions. It is not enough to confess mistakes; they must also be corrected, just as Zacchaeus does. His decision to support the poor and make restitution shows that he has internalized Jesus’ teachings.
Summary:
The story of Zacchaeus is a narrative about conversion, grace, and the power of forgiveness. Although he was a wealthy and despised tax collector, his encounter with Jesus shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Zacchaeus’ repentance is radical and sincere, as he is willing to correct his wrongs and help those in need. This story teaches us that true conversion is not only visible in words but also in concrete actions, and that Jesus comes to those who seek a new beginning. It reminds us that God’s grace can transform even the hardest hearts.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 62—The Feast at Simon’s House
This chapter is based on Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-11; Luke 7:36-50; John 11:55-57; John 12:1-11.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
The feast at Simon’s house in Bethany, based on the Gospel accounts (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-11; Luke 7:36-50; John 11:55-57; John 12:1-11), is a profound episode in the life of Jesus. This feast, hosted by Simon, a healed Pharisee, shows us the connection between gratitude, repentance, and divine forgiveness. The accounts highlight the tensions between genuine expressions of love and the selfishness present in the hearts of the disciples and other attendees.
Commentary:
The feast at Simon’s house is particularly marked by Mary’s action of anointing Jesus with expensive nard oil. This gesture represents deep love and devotion to Christ, as Mary wanted to thank him for the forgiveness of her sins and the raising of her brother Lazarus. Her act demonstrates how true gratitude is expressed through concrete, selfless actions, regardless of external criticism. However, Judas, who considered the anointing a waste, revealed his selfish nature, which ultimately led him to betray Jesus.
It is interesting to see how Jesus gently corrects Simon’s self-righteous thoughts. While Simon had been healed by Jesus, he had not yet fully understood the depth of forgiveness. Through the parable of the two debtors, Jesus illustrates that forgiveness and love are interconnected. Those who receive great forgiveness also show greater love. Simon’s pride and judgment were exposed, and through Jesus’ gentle rebuke, he recognized his own guilt.
The reaction of the disciples, who initially criticized Mary’s action, reveals their immaturity in understanding devotion. Jesus’ acknowledgment of Mary’s deed teaches us that true devotion and love are never wasted. Jesus recognized the anointing as a symbolic act pointing to his impending death, and he blessed Mary for her prophetic insight.
Summary:
The feast at Simon’s house is a moving example of the contrast between genuine devotion and selfishness. While Mary anointed Jesus out of deep gratitude and love, Judas was driven by greed and self-interest. Through his parable and reaction to Mary’s action, Jesus shows that love and forgiveness are central to faith. Simon’s pride and Judas’ betrayal stand in stark contrast to Mary’s selfless love, which serves as a model for future generations. This episode teaches us the importance of expressing our faith through acts of love and devotion.
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