Word@Work 169 - Mark 14:17-19
Published: Fri, 07/18/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:17-19 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me - one who is eating with me." They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?" (NIV)
The Passover Supper was ready. The two disciples in the advance guard had completed their preparations and Jesus now comes in with the other ten men. The habit of reclining on mats around a low table led to informality and relaxation despite the formal rehearsal of the usual words recalling the first Passover. But the atmosphere was shocked by Jesus' prediction that one of the twelve would betray Him.
Their shaken-ness was understandable. They had all spent the past two and a half years with Him. Usually, most of every day was spent in His company. Yes, they had their difficult moments and disagreements, but surely they were all 'on side'. They had no clue that the traitor in their midst was the trusted treasurer. But Jesus' statement left them grieved in their hearts. Each knew something of their own tendency to go astray or to question or even to criticise Jesus. Each felt that the finger of Jesus was pointing at them. Such is the power of a guilty conscience.
Like us, each of them had the potential to deny or be disloyal to Jesus. If we had been there, would we have had any less of a conscience - knowing that Jesus had seen right through us. Indeed the desire to get rid of the voice of God, and to do what suits us better, is the essential mark of sin that is on each person. And it was for that sin that Jesus was to die.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for this reminder of my sinful nature and my potential to deny or defy You. Help me to learn to walk with you without hiding anything from You - so that I will glorify You and not betray You. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
The Passover Supper was ready. The two disciples in the advance guard had completed their preparations and Jesus now comes in with the other ten men. The habit of reclining on mats around a low table led to informality and relaxation despite the formal rehearsal of the usual words recalling the first Passover. But the atmosphere was shocked by Jesus' prediction that one of the twelve would betray Him.
Their shaken-ness was understandable. They had all spent the past two and a half years with Him. Usually, most of every day was spent in His company. Yes, they had their difficult moments and disagreements, but surely they were all 'on side'. They had no clue that the traitor in their midst was the trusted treasurer. But Jesus' statement left them grieved in their hearts. Each knew something of their own tendency to go astray or to question or even to criticise Jesus. Each felt that the finger of Jesus was pointing at them. Such is the power of a guilty conscience.
Like us, each of them had the potential to deny or be disloyal to Jesus. If we had been there, would we have had any less of a conscience - knowing that Jesus had seen right through us. Indeed the desire to get rid of the voice of God, and to do what suits us better, is the essential mark of sin that is on each person. And it was for that sin that Jesus was to die.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for this reminder of my sinful nature and my potential to deny or defy You. Help me to learn to walk with you without hiding anything from You - so that I will glorify You and not betray You. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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