Word@Work 181 - Mark 14:48-50
Published: Tue, 08/05/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:48-50 "Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." Then everyone deserted him and fled. (NIV)
Jesus often taught by asking questions. "Am I leading a rebellion?" in the NIV is better translated, "Have you come out as against a robber ... ?" (ESV). He was no thief, but He came to reclaim what had been stolen and spoiled: the authority of the law by the religious rulers, the covenant relationship with God by the nation, and the souls of men by Satan. His tactics were not stealth or duplicitous words, but the open proclamation of truth with signs of God's power. The contrast with the covert and self seeking burglar should have been obvious: but the hit squad was blind to their part in the greatest robbery on earth - taking away the priceless Son of God.
It was no part of their plan to endorse their crime by fulfilling the Scriptures - but they did. Isaiah 53:8 shows how God knew what would happen, 700 years before Gethsemane. But it was more than that. This prophecy was not just God's telescope into the future, but His plan for Satan's henchmen to do their worst, so that heaven could display its best. The 'home team' will also be a disappointment, and Zech 13:7 predicted the weakness of the disciples as they melted into the night (as Jesus had just reminded them in Mark 14:27).
This sordid little episode highlights at least two important truths: firstly, nothing escapes God's notice (even hundreds of years before it happens); and secondly whenever God announces His plan in His Word, it will always happen! The extraordinary sovereignty of God is so breathtakingly amazing for all who will trust Jesus, and devastating for those to who do not. What a confidence we can have, today, that the Lord's will is going to be done! He even uses His enemies to bring His glory.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. I am so glad that You know everything and will do whatever pleases You. Please settle this truth in my heart today, so that I may trust that all Your purposes will win through. For Christ's sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Jesus often taught by asking questions. "Am I leading a rebellion?" in the NIV is better translated, "Have you come out as against a robber ... ?" (ESV). He was no thief, but He came to reclaim what had been stolen and spoiled: the authority of the law by the religious rulers, the covenant relationship with God by the nation, and the souls of men by Satan. His tactics were not stealth or duplicitous words, but the open proclamation of truth with signs of God's power. The contrast with the covert and self seeking burglar should have been obvious: but the hit squad was blind to their part in the greatest robbery on earth - taking away the priceless Son of God.
It was no part of their plan to endorse their crime by fulfilling the Scriptures - but they did. Isaiah 53:8 shows how God knew what would happen, 700 years before Gethsemane. But it was more than that. This prophecy was not just God's telescope into the future, but His plan for Satan's henchmen to do their worst, so that heaven could display its best. The 'home team' will also be a disappointment, and Zech 13:7 predicted the weakness of the disciples as they melted into the night (as Jesus had just reminded them in Mark 14:27).
This sordid little episode highlights at least two important truths: firstly, nothing escapes God's notice (even hundreds of years before it happens); and secondly whenever God announces His plan in His Word, it will always happen! The extraordinary sovereignty of God is so breathtakingly amazing for all who will trust Jesus, and devastating for those to who do not. What a confidence we can have, today, that the Lord's will is going to be done! He even uses His enemies to bring His glory.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. I am so glad that You know everything and will do whatever pleases You. Please settle this truth in my heart today, so that I may trust that all Your purposes will win through. For Christ's 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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