Mark 14 - I Am

by Becky

LINK: Mark 14

This is a long chapter! Please read it before reading this devotional.

BACKGROUND

This chapter covers the same events as Matthew 26, which Katrina wrote about HERE.

It is important to realize when reading the gospels that most of them don't try to arrange the events chronologically.

REFLECTION

What a contrast we see between the woman who broke the expensive perfume on Jesus' head and the attitude of those who were indignant about it, especially Judas, who, we are told, betrayed Jesus for money. The woman was extravagant in worship and didn't consider the cost either in reputation or money when she poured out her love for Jesus. Jesus' answer doesn't mean that we shouldn't care for the poor, but reveals that His death is the center of our purpose. Notice, too, that He prophesies here that the gospel will be preached through the whole world! The core of that gospel is Jesus' death and resurrection, not caring for the poor. We should care for the poor, BECAUSE of Jesus' love for us, not because the poor (or any people) are the focus.

In verses 53 - 65 we see Jesus on trial before the high priest and Sanhedrin. There is no doubt from this text that Jesus claims to be Jehovah God. When asked if He is "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One" (v 61), Jesus replies, "I am.... And you will see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." (v 62) Jesus refers to Himself as "I am." That is how Jehovah referred to Himself when He spoke to Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3:14). And it's clear from the reaction of the high priest that he understood that Jesus was referring to Himself as God. He accused Jesus of blasphemy.

I am so glad for Peter! He gives me hope. He failed utterly in this chapter. He'd thought that he would be faithful to his Master, but when it got tough he caved in. I thank the LORD that He gives us very real pictures of the imperfect people who followed Jesus. Peter's failure here didn't mean an end to his service of the Lord. In fact, I believe that the failure was used for good in Peter. He came face to face with his own weakness and need to rely on the Holy Spirit. Paul spoke to this in 2 Cor. 12: 7 - 10: "When I am weak then am I strong."

APPLICATION

Do you sometimes doubt that Jesus is Jehovah God? Reread this passage carefully.

It's easy to let our focus slip off of the Lord and doing things for His sake to doing things for the sake of people. Why do you do what you do? Who do you focus on in ministry?

Do you feel like a failure? Have you failed? If either is true, thank the Lord for that. It is only when we know we are weak that we truly rely on Him.

PRAYER

Open our hearts' eyes and ears so that we may read and learn and apply what each of us truly needs. There is so much in this passage, LORD! Thank you for what Jesus endured for us. We haven't even gotten to His death and resurrection and already we see how often He was betrayed and forsaken for us.