Word@Work 185 - Mark 14:57-59
Published: Mon, 08/11/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:57-59 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.' " Yet even then their testimony did not agree. (NIV)
Jesus is still in the courtroom, and now another twist to truth is about to come out. Any intention to destroy Herod's temple would have been terrorism; and that is how the false witnesses presented what Jesus had said. But John tells us what really happened. John 2:18-22 says: Then the Jews demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." The Jews replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?" But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. (NIV)
They had heard the words from Jesus' mouth, but not understood the meaning from His heart. The disciples did not do much better; it was only after the resurrection that they were able to join the dots and understand what He had meant. So, why did this 'terrorist confession' fail to bring a conviction? Mark says that the eye/ear witnesses all said something different! This is as important as it is fascinating. Words are very important, but only if hearers get the right meaning. We do not just listen to words, but we interpret them according to the context and our understanding of the speaker. Those who were determined to resist the Lordship of Jesus, would never understand Him; and so they had no way of receiving His message. It is the same today!
So keep on saying what is true about Jesus! You may be misquoted, misunderstood, and maligned - but you are in good company with the Old Testament prophets (cf Matthew 5:11-12), and Jesus. But you must keep on saying it, because there is no other way for people to be saved ... and despite your doubts, some will listen and bow to Jesus, even in your workplace!
Prayer: Father God. Although I get discouraged when people speak against me because I love You, please help me to understand how much You love them and want them to believe in Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Jesus is still in the courtroom, and now another twist to truth is about to come out. Any intention to destroy Herod's temple would have been terrorism; and that is how the false witnesses presented what Jesus had said. But John tells us what really happened. John 2:18-22 says: Then the Jews demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." The Jews replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?" But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. (NIV)
They had heard the words from Jesus' mouth, but not understood the meaning from His heart. The disciples did not do much better; it was only after the resurrection that they were able to join the dots and understand what He had meant. So, why did this 'terrorist confession' fail to bring a conviction? Mark says that the eye/ear witnesses all said something different! This is as important as it is fascinating. Words are very important, but only if hearers get the right meaning. We do not just listen to words, but we interpret them according to the context and our understanding of the speaker. Those who were determined to resist the Lordship of Jesus, would never understand Him; and so they had no way of receiving His message. It is the same today!
So keep on saying what is true about Jesus! You may be misquoted, misunderstood, and maligned - but you are in good company with the Old Testament prophets (cf Matthew 5:11-12), and Jesus. But you must keep on saying it, because there is no other way for people to be saved ... and despite your doubts, some will listen and bow to Jesus, even in your workplace!
Prayer: Father God. Although I get discouraged when people speak against me because I love You, please help me to understand how much You love them and want them to believe in Jesus. In His Name. 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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