Teaching from the book of Mark

[achurchchat]

Well, we've covered a lot so far in the book of Mark, but there's a lot yet to come.  We'd seen where Jesus sort of summarized things up to the end, we saw the plot earlier in this chapter of the sanhedrin against Jesus.  He put the religious leaders in their place...period.

Now, we're going to get into where Judas plots against Jesus.  Now, let us not confuse Judas Iscariot with Jesus' brother Judas, as was in Matthew 13:55.  That being said, we'll start now.

Mark 14:10 
And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.

 Mark 14:11 
And when they heard [it], they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

Ohhhh, here's some religious leaders that are tickled to death now.  Judas starts plotting with them against Jesus.

Mark 14:12
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?

And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover....The disciples said to Jesus....where will you have us go and  They wanted to make plans for that.

On the calendar of the passover feast....it goes from Sunday to Sunday.  This is Thursday when they kill the passover lamb...so, this day here is Wednesday.

 Mark 14:13
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.

Jesus sends two of his disciples into the city, and tells them there's a man bearing a pitcher of water....follow him.

Mark 14:14 
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?

Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house....the Master says..Where is my guest room, where I may eat tthe passover with my disciples?

Mark 14:15
And he will shew you a large upper room furnished [and] prepared: there make ready for us.

Jesus tells them how to find it, and what's going to be there.

Mark 14:16
And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

They found it like Jesus said, didn't they?  Now, I got something to ask you tonight.  Jesus tells us what about peace?  My peace I give unto you.  Right?

Now, why do we sometimes fear so much?  Jesus has promised us peace beyond understanding.  Hillybillygranny:  what you're going through.....Jesus is going to give you His peace.  I didn't know I was going here, but it's ok anyhow.

Jesus told these disciples just what they'd find, and that's EXACTLY what they found.  Jesus tells us not to worry.  But, yet we do.  Each and every one of us do.

Let us do like these disciples here, and just follow Jesus' commands.  Trust HIM.  Praise the Lord!  WE make it complicated...NOT Jesus.

Mark 14:17 
And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.

Mark 14:18 
And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

Now....here's a disturbing announcement.  One of you that eats here is going to betray me.  One out of twelve is going to betray me.

Mark 14:19
And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, [Is] it I? and another [said, Is] it I?

They were disturbed about that.  They asked....is it me......is it me?

Mark 14:20 
And he answered and said unto them, [It is] one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

It is one of the twelve that dips with me in the dish.

Mark 14:21 
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.

Woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed.  It would have been better if he had not been born.

Mark 14:22
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.

Now...here, if you will notice....Jesus is serving the disciples, isn't he?  Jesus takes the bread and breaks it.  The bread represents Jesus' body.

Mark 14:23 
And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave [it] to them: and they all drank of it.

Now, Jesus gives the cup to them, and each drinks of it.  ALL of them did, including Judas Iscariot.

Mark 14:24 
And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.  One thing Jesus was teaching here was servitude.  He also was teaching them about what a price He was going to pay for mankind.

More than likely, these disciples had forgotten what Jesus told them 4 times earlier in this book.I believe Judas did partake of this.  It said ALL of them...and they all drank of it.

Mark 14:25 
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.

Verily, or truly I say unto you....I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day I drink it new in the kingdom of God.  I don't believe they understood it...At least not fully.

14:26 
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Wow!  They had singing here.  You know what?  Let's look at this verse again.

Mark 14:26
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Who is they, here?  The disciples and Jesus....right?  They, including Jesus sang.  You didn't know Jesus was a singer too, did you?  Jesus and the disciples sang.

Mark 14:27 
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.

Here's another bold statement now.  ALL of you are goign to be offended because of me this night.  Why?  For it is written....I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.  Jesus knew what was ahead.

Mark 14:28 
But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

But.....after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.  Here is another promise.

Mark 14:29
But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet [will] not I.

Ohhhhh, here's Peter now saying....All might be offended, but I will not.  Have we ever said we will do something and not do it?  Have we ever said we're NOT going to do something, and then do it?  I'm guilty.  We ALL are.

Mark 14:30 
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.

This day....even in this night....Before the rooster crows twice....you're going to deny me three times.

Mark 14:31 
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.

Peter sounds pretty bold here, don't he?  Peter says this emphatically....If I must die with you, I will not deny you...And then.....all of them said the same.

I believe that this is faith you THINK you have, but DON'T.  Talk is easy, until you're in that situation.

You'll have to come back tomorrow night to get unhung.  Now....I'm going to leave you all hanging here tonight, and we'll continue tomorrow night. 

We've hopefully seen a few things here tonight.  I hope we can think on these things.

[achurchchat]

Mark 14:32 
And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

Now, let us remember.....Jesus had told the disciples they would all abandon him...And even told Peter that before the rooster crows twice, he would deny him three times.  Now, Jesus tells his disciples to sit there while he goes to pray.

Mark 14:33 
And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

Now, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John.  Jesus was greatly distressed and troubled here.

Mark 14:34 
And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

Jesus tells them...my soul is very sorrowful, even to death.  Remain here and watch.  Jesus got them a closer seat to where He was going to pray.  Jesus knew what was ahead, and I'm sure he was dreading it, to say the least.

Mark 14:35 
And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

Jesus went a little farther....fell on the ground...then he prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

Mark 14:36 
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.

He was facing an awesome responsibilty.  Abba, Father.  All things are possible unto you..... Take away this cup from me...yet, not what I will, but what you will.  Jesus still wanted to to his Father's will, no matter what.

Mark 14:37 
And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

Now, Jesus comes and finds the disciples sleeping.  Then he says....Peter, Simon...are you asleep?  Couldn't you watch one hour?  One hour.  Wow!

Mark 14:38 
Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak.

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  This nails the problem all of us have, don't it?  I think each and every one of us are willing.....but this ole flesh gets in the way.

Mark 14:39 
And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

Again, Jesus goes away, and prays the very same thing.

Mark 14:40 
And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

He returns and finds them sleeping again.  Their eyes were heavy, andthey didn't know what to answer him.  Jesus was awake.

Mark 14:41 
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.

Now, Jesus does this a third time.  Then, He says....Sleep on now, and take your rest.  It is enough...The hour is come.Look the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Mark 14:42 
Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

Get up....let us go...The one that betrays me is here.

Mark 14:43
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.

Immediately, here comes Judas, with a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, scribes, and the elders.  The "religious leaders"

God knew ahead of time what was going to happen.  Judas walked with Jesus, and was close to Jesus.  There's one scripture I'm thinking of.....Jesus went through everything for us.  Here, Jesus felt the pain of betrayal.

Have you ever had someone you thought was a friend that betrayed you?  I sure have.  Jesus went through that here, too.  He suffered ALL things, and betrayal was in there with that.  Yet, Jesus overcame that for us.

Until then, Jesus hadn't been betrayed.  He had enemies in the religious leaders of those days, but they were outright up front enemies.  Judas was supposed to be a friend.

Folks, we're going to be betrayed.  But, like Jesus, we can overcome it...For Jesus did, and He set the example for us.  Later, we're going to see Jesus forsaken by all his friends.

Mark 14:44 
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.

Here was the sign that Judas gave them...Judas was going to give a kiss to the one to take away.  Notice this part here at the last.  Take him, and lead him away safely.  I may be wrong.....but I don't think Judas realized the seriousness of what he had done.  It's possible that he thought they would only put Jesus into prison and that would be it.  Just a thought there.

Mark 14:45 
And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

Here, Judas runs up to Jesus...he says master, master....then kisses him.

Mark 14:46 
And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

They laid they hands on him and seized him.

Mark 14:47 
And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

One of them that stood by drew a sword, and cut off the ear of the high priest.  This one was Peter.

Matthew 26:51 
And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out [his] hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.

Matthew 26:52 
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Matthew 26:53 
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Mark 14:47
And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

Mark 14:48 
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and [with] staves to take me?

Simple question here.  Have you come out as agaisnt a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?

Mark 14:49 
I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.

Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me.  But.....let the scriptures be fulfilled.  God's word was to be fulfilled...Period!

<sparks1> always surprises me that the police send all their men to capture one man, lol
<&RLG> Yes, sparks1.
<&RLG> That's still happening today, as well.

Mark 14:50 
And they all forsook him, and fled.

They ALL forsook him, and fled.  Jesus also went though not having a friend, didn't he?  There might come a time in life when you think you don't have a friend either....But Jesus has done been there...And.....if you have Jesus, you DO have a friend.....the BEST friend.  No matter what happens.....Jesus is still a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.  Praise the Lord!

Mark 14:51 
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:

Mark 14:52 
And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

No doubt, this wasn't one of the 12 disciples, but another follower.  He even deserted Jesus as well.  I believe this was included to show that there was NO ONE that stood by Jesus.  ALL the followers left Him.  The Lord wanted to include that everyone left Jesus.

So, in this scripture tonight.....we see that Jesus was not only betrayed....but also deserted or abandoned.  Tonight....I'm glad that we will ALWAYS have a friend.  He will never forsake us.  He will never abandon us.  He is there whether we realize it or not.  Praise the Lord!

Now, the disciples got boldness when Pentecost came.  THEN,.,.they started preaching the Gospel, or the good news of Jesus.  But, they hadn't been empowered with the Holy Ghost yet.

Heavenly Father, we come now to you tonight, thanking you that Jesus bore it all for us.  He not only endured physical pain......he endured mental pain, and he endured loss for us as well.

Forgive us for feeling sorry for ourselves when hard times come.  Help us to look at Jesus, and what HE went through for each and every one of us....yet He overcame.

Thank you that Jesus loved us enough to do this for us.  I pray now, as we look even farther into this, that we would receive strength and power from it.  Touch each need here tonight now.

Give healing to each and every one here.  Each has an infirmity, and we ask for your touch upon that.  Lord, supply financial needs tonight.  Supply emotional needs tonight.

Supply spiritual needs tonight.  We come now thanking you for all these things, and ask them in the name of Jesus, our wonderful Savior...Amen! 

[achurchchat]

Now, they had taken Jesus after Judas betrayed him with a kiss.  This is where we're at right now in the lesson.

Mark 14:53 
And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

Not a good group there.  All the "religious leaders" of that day.

 Mark 14:54 
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.

Peter followed Jesus afar off.....in other words...at a distance.  Now, I'm going to say this.....if we follow Jesus at a distance, we start getting into a bad shape.  It takes following Jesus CLOSELY.....NOT at a distance.  Let us look at what happens at following at a distance...Or, afar off.

Mark 14:55 
And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

Ohhhhh, they couldn't find witnesses against Jesus.

Mark 14:56 
For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.

Many lied, but their lies didn't agree.  Usually, lies won't agree, either, will they?

Mark 14:57 
And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

Mark 14:58 
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.

Now, these took what Jesus said literally, about the temple they worshipped in.  But, we all know Jesus was talking about himself.

Mark 14:59 
But neither so did their witness agree together.

Just couldn't get liars' lies to agree with each other at all.  Wouldn't you say they were frustrated?

Mark 14:60 
And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what [is it which] these witness against thee?

Now....have you got no answer to make?  What is it that these testify against you?

Mark 14:61
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?

Jesus just kept quiet.  I'm sure this frustrated the high priest and all his accusers even more.  Then....here comes the question:  Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

Mark 14:62 
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.

I am, he says.....And you shall see me sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Mark 14:63 
Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?

The high priest finally got what he wanted.  Why do we need any more witnesses?

Mark 14:64 
Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.

You have heard the blasphemy?  What do you think?  All of these religious leaders condemned him to death.  Now....here starts the physically hard things for Jesus.

Mark 14:65 
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.

Now, remember Jesus told his disciples that he would be spit upon...And hit.  Sure enough, they spit on him, hit him, or struck him......Then, said Prophesy.....and the servants hit him with the palms of their hands....In other words...they slapped him.

Mark 14:66
And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

Peter here was below in the courtyard....One of the servant girls of the high priest came.

Mark 14:67 
And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

She saw Peter warming himself by the fire....she looked upon him, and said....You also were with the Nazxarene, Jesus.  Another hillybilly typo there....Nazarene*

Mark 14:68
But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

Now, Peter denies it.  He says:  I neither know nor understand what you mean.  Then, he went out into the gateway, and the rooster crowed.  Here is once of the rooster crowing.

Mark 14:69 
And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is [one] of them.

Another servant girl sees Peter now, and says to the bystanders.....this man is one of them.

Mark 14:70 
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].

Peter denies again, for the second time....A little later, those that stood nearby said:  Certainly you are one of them...for you are a Galilaean, and your speech is like one.

Mark 14:71 
But he began to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not this man of whom ye speak.

What happened?  Peter begins to curse and swear....saying I don't know this man of whom you speak.  Third time denying Jesus here.

Mark 14:72 
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.

The rooster crows again....and Peter is reminded what Jesus said to him...that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crows twice.  Then, Peter thinks about that, and weeps.

Peter was afar off from Jesus, and what happened?  He got weak in the faith.  His boldness was gone.  His heart got in the wrong place.  Tonight....we all can get in the same shape.  It's not hard to do.

Notice here that Peter is miserable?  This also results from not being close to the Lord.  Notice that Peter sheds tears?  This also results from not being close to the Lord.  We can see the results of not being close to Jesus...Just from this scripture.  But.......if WE stay close to the Lord, we'll have a lot less sorrow, a lot less crying, a lot less misery.

Let us strive to be close to Jesus, and God's will.  Remember how bold Peter was before, when he was close to Jesus?  But now, we can see a BIG difference.

[achurchchat]

We are into a very hard part here.  Jesus now has already gone through the priests and scribes slapping him, and spitting on him.  But, he's going to go through more.

<mum> they also punched him out like boxers
<mum> and ripped his beard off
<&chippie> almost makes you sick
<mum> yes and it hadn't even gotten bad yet

Now, as far as the time table....Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane in what was Wednesday...And before the priests and scribes wednesday night.

Mark 15:1 
And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried [him] away, and delivered [him] to Pilate.

Soon as it was morning, these chief priests held a consultation with the elders, scribes, and the whole council (probably Sanhedrin).  They bound Jesus, led him and delivered him to Pilate.

Mark 15:2
And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest [it].

Pilate said:  are you king of hte jews?  Jesus answered, you have said so.

Mark 15:3 
And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

Here again, the chief priests accuse Jesus, and he answers nothing...Not a word.

Mark 15:4 
And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

Pilate more or less says:  have you no answer to make?  See how many chargees they bring against you.

Mark 15:5 
But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

Here, a heavily accused man, many accusations against him.....he answers nothing, and this amazes Pilate.

Mark 15:6 
Now at [that] feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

For the feast of the Passover, Pilate had a custom to release one prisoner...whoever the people wanted released.

Mark 15:7 
And there was [one] named Barabbas, [which lay] bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

One named Barabbas, he was a rebel that they had in prison.  He had committed murder in the insurrection...Making controversy, dissension, uproar

<mum> Chuck Swindoll thinks he was the one who was to be crucified that day
<&RLG> He would probably have been had it not been for Jesus.

Mark 15:8 
And the multitude crying aloud began to desire [him to do] as he had ever done unto them.

The crowd came up and began to ask Pilate for the release of one prisoner as he usually done for them.

Mark 15:9 
But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

Do you want me to realse for you the King of the Jews?  Pilate knew the chief priests had delivered him up out of envy

Mark 15:10 
For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

Mark 15:11 
But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

Here, the chief priests started working the crowd, so to say, that Barabbas should be released instead of Jesus.

Mark 15:12 
And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do [unto him] whom ye call the King of the Jews?

Again, pilate asks them, and says....what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?

Mark 15:13 
And they cried out again, Crucify him.

Here, the crowd, having been worked by the chief priests, said crucify him.

Mark 15:14 
Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

Why, what evil has he done?  They cried out louder....crucify him.

Mark 15:15
And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.

Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas....then they scourged Jesus, and delivered him to be crucified.  This scourging was using a whip in public.  More than likely, it was what they called a cat of nine tails.

The whip had pieces of either metal or fish bone on the ends.  Imagine that going across his back.  Jesus knew what was ahead, but yet loved us enough to go through all this for us.  Let's look at some prophecy about this:

Isaiah 53:1
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

Isaiah 53:2 
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.

No extraordinary beauty in Jesus' body or face.

Isaiah 53:3 
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Despised and rejected of men.  The disciples ran away from him when they led him away.  Definitely, no friend.....a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.  And we hid as it were our faces from him.

<sparks1> Oh dear Lord, forgive us for what we did!
<mum> in other words turned our backs

He was despised (especially by the religious leaders of that day)...And we esteemed him not.  We saw in these last few lessons how all this came about.

Isaiah 53:4 
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.  He was stricken....smitten of God, and afflicted.

Isaiah 53:5 
But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

He was wounded for our transgressions.  This not only includes the transgressions we've done.....but those done to us as well.  He was bruised for our iniquities...Our sins, our evil...both what we had done, and what's been done to us.

When they hit Jesus with their fists, it had to have left bruises.  The chastisement of our peace was upon him.  They chastised Jesus for things he hadn't done.  That is so we can have that peace today, folks.  And with his stripes we are healed.

<sparks1> we have no idea what He went through, for us, even me!

Those stripes that came from his being whipped.....those were for our healing.  Not only physically, but our spiritual healing, and our emotional healing.  Jesus had already went through a lot of pain here, even before he was crucified.

<mum> He was whipped the roman way, until almost death
<mum> there wasn't an inch on him that wasn't torn, ripped or bruised
<sparks1> it was a rough road to follow
<&RLG> No doubt, he probably wasn't even recognizable.

All this was because he loved us.  A mother's love is strong, but this is even beyond that love.  More than I can comprehend sometimes.......but I'm thankful for it.

<&chippie> boggles the mind to think of it
<sparks1> no other could love us that much

sparks1: Jesus died for you. 
chippie: Jesus died for you. 
mum:  Jesus died for you.
hillybillygranny:  Jesus died for you
sweetrose:  Jesus died for you.
susie:  Jesus died for you.
reticent:  Jesus died for you.

Jesus died for me.  Praise the Lord.

There's other accounts in the other 3 gospels that goes into more detail of what Jesus went through.  But let us remember....Jesus loved us even when we were unlovable.

I ask each of you to think on that love during the day tomorrow.  I'm glad to tell you....there's ALWAYS someone that loves you.  Jesus does.

[achurchchat]

Well, in the past lessons, we'd seen where Jesus had been spit upon,
hit with their fists, slapped, and then scourged, or whipped close to the point of death.  That's not enough, though, for these soldiers, chief priests, scribes, etc.

Mark 15:16
And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

They gathered the whole battallion of soldiers, now.  This hall was the governor's headquarters.

Mark 15:17 
And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his [head],

Clothed him with purple.....made a crown of thorns, and put it on his head.  Now, have you ever been stuck with a thorn?  Those can hurt.....but imagine a whole crown of thorns there.  They put a crown of thorns on Jesus's head.

<sparks1> his crown was thrust deep upon His head

Yes, sparks1, it sure was.  Now, this still isn't enough for them, though.

Mark 15:18
And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

Mockingly saluted him

Mark 15:19 
And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing [their] knees worshipped him.

Mocking him to the fullest.  Hitting him on the head with a reed.  Spitting on him.

Mark 15:20
And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

Then, they took that purple robe off of him.....put his own clothes back on him,  then led him to be crucified.

<sparks1> and still not a word out of His mouth

Still not a word.  Let's look at some of the prophecy of this:

Isaiah 50:6 
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Isaiah 53:9 
And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his mouth.

Psalms 22:7 
All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, [saying],

Psalms 22:8 
He trusted on the LORD [that] he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

Psalms 22:16 
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Psalms 22:1 
<To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? [why art thou so] far from helping me, [and from] the words of my roaring?

Psalms 22:18 
They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

All this mockery they done.....it shows the degreadtion of the human heart.  These soldiers mocked him tremendously. but.......there are people that bad today, too.  Jesus had to fulfill the plan of salvation for us, though.

Mark 15:20 
And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

Mark 15:21 
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. )

Mark 15:22 
And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

Jesus was so weak, that he couldn't carry the cross.  He had been whipped close to the point of death, beaten, slapped, his beard pulled out.  You see, he paid a VERY heavy price for us.  They took him to Golgotha.

Mark 15:23
And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received [it] not.

<mum> that was to ease the pain, but He wanted to feel it all

Folks, Jesus done a lot of suffering for each and every one of us.  It's hard to imagine the price He paid.  How many of you have seen the movie:  the passion?

<mum> I have
<@hillybillygranny> yes
<mum> and it doesn't show it all
<sparks1> i have it, not seen it yet
<@hillybillygranny> no, it doesn't

It don't show it all, but it's enough to make you stop and think a bit.  I'd seen it.  As we go into the night, and into tomorrow, let us think of that price that Jesus paid for us.

The devil, I believe, tried to use this against Jesus.  He tried to get Jesus to give up before he would arise from the grave.  I'd venture to say, that he wanted to make Jesus give up before he got to the cross. 

But......God takes the bad, and turns it out for good.  It was horrible the things Jesus went through.....but God turned it around to salvation.  God can also take the bad that's happening in your life....and turn it around to good.

Tonight, we might be going through some things.....but let us look at what Jesus went through here.  All his "friends" had deserted him.....one of his own betrayed him.  Even the young man that had followed at a little distance deserted him.

We are blessed to have some friends.  Jesus didn't have any that day.  Jesus went through more pain than we'd ever go through....All alone, at that. 

Folks, we don't have it no where near as rough as Jesus did.  Let us be thankful tonight.

[achurchchat]

Well, so far, we've seen some of the punishment and pain Jesus went through.  He was beaten, bruised, hit, slapped, spit upon, deserted, betrayed, and humiliated.  He went through it all...Yet, it isn't over yet.  He still has more suffering to go.

Mark 15:24 
And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

They divided his garments when they had crucified him.  This was on Thursday....the day they killed the lamb for Passover.  About 9 am, they hanged Jesus on the cross.  Now, they're more or less gambling over his garments.

Mark 15:25 
And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

The third hour was 9 am.

Mark 15:26 
And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Pilate had this written over Jesus' head on the cross...The King of the Jews.

Mark 15:27 
And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

Now, even in Jesus' death, he was still with sinners.  Let us remember....Jesus had been with publicans and sinners....he taught to them, and preached to them.  He loved them and wanted them to have salvation too.

Mark 15:28 
And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

He was numbered with the transgressors.  You can be guaranteed that every little dot and every t will be crossed when it comes to fulfillment of the scriptures

Mark 15:29 
And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days,

Here again.....here's more mockery of Jesus.  You that destroys the temple, and rebuilds it in three days.

Mark 15:30 
Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

Save yourself and come down from the cross.  I believe this was another attempt from satan to get Jesus to not be crucified.

Mark 15:31
Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

More mockery now....He saved others, and he cant' save himself.

Mark 15:32 
Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Those two that were crucified with Jesus reviled him, or chided, reproached

Mark 15:33 
And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Now, when the sixth hour, which would have been 12 noon came, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, which would have been 3 pm.  Darkness when it should have been the brightest light of the day.

Mark 15:34 
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Mark 15:35
And some of them that stood by, when they heard [it], said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

How they were mistaken here.  They thought Jesus was calling for Elijah.  Again, this is fulfillment of the scriptures here.

Mark 15:36 
And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

A sponge full of vinegar.  Think you'd like to have that to drink?  Vinegar here was soured wine.  Still, more mockery of Jesus.

Mark 15:37 
And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed his last breath.  Now, here comes a shuddering part.

Mark 15:38 
And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to bottom.  The veil of the temple separated the holiest of holies.  The priests were the only ones that were to go into there, and they had to meet certain criteria...Even down to the clothing they wore.

But, when that veil was torn in two, Jesus became our High Priest.  No more need for priests to intervene between us and God.  We have Jesus now.

<&chippie> did they replace the veil
 
I don't know, chippie.  I hadn't read where it says they did or not.

Mark 15:39 
And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Now, here is a believer.  This centurion, which saw how Jesus died, said "truly this man was the son of God." 

Now, Jesus died at the 9th hour.  Guess what time the passover lamb was to be slain?  It was to be slain at the 9th hour...or, 3 pm.  Jesus fulfilled the scripture right down to the letter...And don't think for a minute, that Jesus' suffering was over when he started hanging on the cross.

The nails in his hands ripped the flesh if he used them to hold himself up.  The nails in his feet ripped the flesh if he used them to hold himself up.  Fluid gathered in his lungs all this time, making it hard to breathe.  Jesus more or less endured pain that day from 6 am to 3 pm....Plus what all they done the night before.

The love Jesus had for us is beyond what I can fathom.  He had a love like no other would ever have for me and you.  I hope that you all will read over all that Jesus went through, and think on this thought.......
the love Jesus has for us.

[achurchchat]

Well, we've gotten through where Jesus dies on the cross.  We'd seen all the suffering and pain he went through.

Mark 15:40 
There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

Mark 15:41 
(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

Here, there were some that followed afar off.

Mark 15:42 
And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

This was Thursday here.  The passover sabbath (Friday) was about to come.  Remember....the Jewish sabbaths started at sundown the evening before, to sundown the next evening.  This was the same day the Passover lamb would be slain....the day Jesus died.  They had to prepare for the feast...the passover feast

Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Now, Joseph of Arimathaea was a member of the Sanhedrin.  He waited for the kingdom of God.....He went in boldly to Pilate.  He asked for the body of Jesus.

Mark 15:44 
And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling [unto him] the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

Pilate here wanted to be sure that Jesus was dead.

Mark 15:45 
And when he knew [it] of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

Now, Joseph gets the body of Jesus.

Mark 15:46 
And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

wow!  Not just linen....but FINE linen.  It was probably bleached linen.  He wrapped him in it, laid him in a sepulchre, or tomb that was carved out of a rock.  Then....Joseph rolled a stone against the entrance of that tomb.

Mark 15:47 
And Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother] of Joses beheld where he was laid.

Now, notice this.  Jesus' mother went all she could go there, didn't she  She couldn't go any farther than the grave.  You know what?  We can't go any farther than the grave with anyone, can we?  I'm glad to know I have someone that will go farther than the grave, though.  Praise the Lord!

Mark 16:1 
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

Now, the sabbath was past, and these women had bought sweet spices, to anoint Jesus with them.  The Passover feast now was done...And the festival of firstfruits was to start now.

Jesus was the FIRSTfruit of what we will do one day.

Mark 16:2 
And very early in the morning the first [day] of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Soon as they had enough light, they went to that tomb on Sunday.

Mark 16:3 
And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

Now, they had a problem.  They didn't have anyone to roll the stone away so they could probably anoint Jesus again.  You ever have a problem that you didn't know how it was going to turn out?  I think we all have.

Mark 16:4 
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

The stone was rolled away...It was very great.  In all probability, this stone probably weighed about half a ton or so.

Mark 16:5 
And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

Now, they see a young man on the right side of the tomb....wearing a long white garment....and these women were afraid.

Mark 16:6 
And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Ahhhh.  Don't be afraid.  You're looking for Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified.  He is not here.  He is risen.  Look at the place where they laid him.

Jesus had told the disciples, but no doubt, they had forgotten it.  I'd say Mary had heard Jesus tell it as well.  With God, all things are possible.

Mark 16:7 
But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

Go.  Tell his disciples and Peter that he goes before them into Galilee...Just like he told you.

Mark 16:8 
And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any [man]; for they were afraid.

They didn't waste time getting out of there, did they?  They were trembling and astonished.  It over took them...They were afraid, and didn't tell anyone.

You know, if someone that was dead just raised up, it would scare a body.  A man I used to work with worked at a funeral home before.  They went to get an elderly woman that had died.  She had rheumatory arthritis....And while they were hauling her, she raised up....part of the reaction of the body after death....It scared that man to death.

So you can imagine this now.  Some other friends of mine had a hearst.  They bought it from the funeral home.  They were driving along the Interstate, and one was laying down in the back.  He raised up, and it scared the other motorists pretty good.  Almost made a big wreck there.

<sparks1> i worked with a fellow, he would not go through the prep room, lol
<mum> ever think of speaking life back into a dead body as we have been told we can do, and them opening their eyes and looking at you?

Folks, one of these days, though.....

1 Thessalonians 4:13 
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:14 
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1 Thessalonians 4:15 
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1 Thessalonians 4:17 
Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:18 
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

This is a promise here to us.  The dead in Christ shall rise first.  Jesus was the firstfruits of that.  Amazing that this day would also start the festival of fruits, isn't it?

Let us remember...that we as Christians have hope everlasting....not just in this life.

<sparks1> and the beginning without End!!

Good phrasing there, sparks1.  It looked awfully gloomy when Jesus was dying, and when he was buried.....but.....the good news...Jesus is alive, and sitting at the right hand of God, ready to intercede for you and me.

No more need for priests.  Jesus now is our mediator to God the Father.

[achurchchat]

Mark 16:9  
Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

We had studied this earlier in Matthew, if I'm not mistaken.

Mark 16:10  
[And] she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

Now, Mary Magdalene here went and told the disciples that Jesus was risen from the dead.  You see, they all had been full of grief because Jesus had been crucified.  No doubt, they had forgotten him telling them he would rise up again from the grave.  He had told them this about four times earlier.

Hmm.  Have you all ever had something go right over your head, even though you'd been told multiple times?  I think we all have.

Mark 16:11  
And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

They heard her tell it, but they didn't believe it.

Mark 16:12  
After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

Now, Jesus appears in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country.

Mark 16:13  
And they went and told [it] unto the residue: neither believed they them.

They went back and told the rest, still the rest didn't believe them.

Mark 16:14  
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

Afterwards he appeared uto the eleven as they were eating...They were more or less reclining at the table, and Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of their heart...They didn't believe those who had seen Jesus.  Now, they have him in person.

Mark 16:15  
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

What a commission there.  There was a two fold purpose for Jesus coming to the disciples in person.  First, was to prove that He was alive...And second, to instruct them as what to do, and tell them about what their future ministry would involve.

Notice this....Preach the gospel only to the jews?  No!  Preach the gospel to EVERY creature.  EVERY one.  Jesus opened the doors for you and me, who were heathen, or gentiles, to be saved.  We could have salvation.

Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

He that believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 16:17  
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

Now, Jesus tells the signs of those that would believe.  Did you know that the weakest Christian scares the demons when he's on his knees praying to the Lord?

Mark 16:18  
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Wow!  Now, we saw an example when Paul was on Malta.  He had gathered up wood, and a viper bit him.  The people waited for him to fall over, but he never did...it didn't harm him at all.  Quite a few signs of believers here.

Mark 16:19  
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Jesus, after instructing them was caught up to heaven, and sat on the right hand of God....Then...what happened?

Mark 16:20  
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

They went, preached every where, and confirming the word with the signs Jesus talked about.  The book of Mark summarizes this up.  Some of the other gospels tells more of the details of what all happened during this time...From Jesus' resurrection to his being caught up to heaven.

The book of Mark was more simple written than the other gospels, but it's still been good.