Saturday, November 5, 2022

#1348 Mark 16 Vacancy

 



When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

[Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include 16:9–20.]
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

9 [[Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

Jesus Appears to Two Disciples

12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

The Great Commission

14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]] Mark 16 ESV

Mark 16 

So that they might go and anoint Him - These faithful women probably didn't realize that Simon and Nicodemus had already prepared His body in haste because of the Sabbath. This is a sign of true devotion, the cost of the spices, used not to embalm but to cover up the stench. To enter a tomb would be very unpleasant, but this is an act of love, love always produces action at the cost of the giver. The women, because of the Sabbath had been unable to come prior to this, and it is still at great peril because you identify yourself with an Enemy of the state. 

…23O king, Araunah gives all these to the king.” He also said to the king, “May the LORD your God accept you.” 24“No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then the LORD answered the prayers on behalf of the land, and the plague upon Israel was halted.… 2 Samuel 24: 23-25

Who will roll away the stone for us - The women knew where He had been buried, but they were also aware of the stone, but possibly yet unaware of the guards. 

Dressed in a white robe - Here we find a spiritual being, a messenger of the Lord, an angel dressed in white, and appearing as a man. Matthew goes deeper into His appearance, so other worldly that it caused the guards to be comatose. We learn from Luke and John of another angelic being, but Mark mentions only the one who spoke on their behalf. 

…2Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.… Matthew 28: 2-4

…2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them.… Luke 24: 2-4

Do not be alarmed - Angels seem to have to say this a lot. 

You seek Jesus of Nazareth Who was crucified - The women are rewarded with being the first to know about the resurrection. Isaiah describes God as "his beloved", and these women truly love the Lord Jesus. 

He is risen, He is not here - Mary Magdalene was in such shock she didn't really grasp the moment as we learn in John's gospel. When she finds the disciples she tells them that Jesus has been moved and we don't know where they laid Him. 

Evidence for the resurrection begins with the simple yet conclusive fact that Jesus’ tomb was empty. The Roman soldiers knew it was empty (Matt. 28:11), as did the Jewish religious leaders (v. 13), the women (Luke 24:3; John 20:2), Peter and John (John 20:6–7), and others like Joseph of Arimathea. Significantly, Jesus’ enemies never disputed the empty tomb. Instead, they tried to explain it away by bribing the soldiers to lie and say His disciples had stolen the body (Matt. 28:12–15). In reality, the tomb being empty had nothing to do with the disorganized and cowardly disciples (cf. Mark 14:50; John 20:19), and everything to do with Jesus rising triumphantly from the dead, just as He promised He would do (cf. Matt. 12:40; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33–34; Luke 13:32; 18:33; John 2:19). - J Mac Precpt Austin 

He appeared first to Mary Magdalene - I think she was the most faithful follower, and it is a strange choice for the era, but compelling in retrospect, for a woman's testimony was not considered much back then.

I personally agree completely with Dr John MacArthur's critique - (See his sermon on this subject below) The result in Mark 16:9–20 is a concise patchwork drawn from various New Testament texts (especially from the other gospels and Acts). As demonstrated above, the content of the longer ending generally reflects biblical truths, with the notable exceptions of snake handling and drinking poison (v. 18), which have no scriptural precedent. It should also be noted that verse 16 does not teach the necessity of baptism for salvation, since the second half of the verse clarifies that condemnation is for unbelief, not a lack of being baptized. Beyond those points of clarification, an exposition of these verses is not warranted, since they are not original to Mark’s inspired account. Though they reflect traditions from early church history, they are not part of the inerrant and authoritative Word of God. - Precept Austin

Pick up serpents with their hands, speak in new tongues - These do follow in Luke's account of the early church pillars, which is written in his book Acts. Even if this section of Mark is not found in the earliest manuscripts one can see where it is drawn from. In Acts 2 we have the account of tongues, which gift Paul has to correct the early church about in 1 Corinthians. Oddly, many of my charismatic acquaintances use this very passage to condone their babbling, which is not the gift of tongues, but they run when I offer them a venomous snake to prove their point. Their are some very strange cult forms of Christianity that site this passage for their practice of handling venomous creatures. It is supposed to show their faith, but they don't understand that either, and some of their members have died from snake bites. Paul actually fulfills this when he is bitten by a venomous snake on the island of  Malta.

…4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language.… Acts 2: 4-6

Clearly not babbling because each heard them in his own language. It wasn't baby talk; it was understood. 

…2The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand. 4When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.”… Acts 28: 2-4






















































Friday, November 4, 2022

#1347 Mark 15 Being Born From Top To Bottom

 



And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Jesus Is Mocked

16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

The Crucifixion

21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

The Death of Jesus

33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

Jesus Is Buried

42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. Mark 15 ESV

Mark 15

Are You the King of the Jews - The Jews were originally accusing Him of blasphemy, for making Himself out to be God, and for saying He would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. Now before a Romans governor they will accuse Him of saying He is King, and He is the Messiah, but He has not come at this advent to rule but rather to die as and according to the words of the prophets. Pilate would not be impressed with a charge that this man claimed to be God, that just sounds like any other lunatic, but the Jews can press him when it comes to the charge of King, for this would set Christ against Caesar. They had already dealt with insurrections in this area so this allows them to press Pilate a little more.

…11Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” 12From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” 13When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha.… John 19: 11-13


You have said so - Jesus does not deny Who He is, but watch because Pilate does something really clever, and it doesn't save Jesus but it let's Pilate know that their claims are insincere. 

Among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas - Pilate is going to take a known criminal, one who is actually guilty of insurrection against Rome, an assassin, and offer to release him or Jesus. Now if the Jews were really concerned with loyalty to Rome then they would be very concerned about releasing Barabbas, for he was a proven enemy of Rome. Pilate made a good last ditch effort, I mean the man is a murderer and was probably headed for the very cross that Jesus will take. What a picture, but so deep is the hatred of the religious leaders, so hurt are their egos, that they will sacrifice the King of Glory.

What evil has He done - Pilate could find no real wrong in Him, and their answer, "crucify Him". This wasn't about wrong doing, otherwise Barabbas, according to their own law, as a murderer, he should be the one killed. That would be justice.

…5And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man: 6Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. 7But as for you, be fruitful and multiply; spread out across the earth and multiply upon it.”… Genesis 9: 5-7

To carry His cross - What a request, to carry the cross of someone so despised. 

Father of Rufus: Apparently Rufus was known in the early church and was himself a Christian. If this Rufus is the same one mentioned in Romans 16:13, we can surmise that Simon came to know what it really meant to take up one’s cross and follow Jesus. Perhaps his sons became leaders among the early Christians. - Enduring Word

iv. “His name was Simon: and where was that other Simon? What a silent, but strong rebuke this would he to him. Simon Peter, Simon son of Jonas, where wast thou? Another Simon has taken thy place. Sometimes the Lord’s servants are backward where they are expected to be forward, and he finds other servitors for the time. If this has ever happened to us it ought gently to rebuke us as long as we live. Brothers and sisters, keep your places, and let not another Simon occupy your room.” (Spurgeon)

Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down from the cross that we may see and believe - Imagine what it will be like for them to stand on that great day of judgment. It should give us who believe a holy fear, and we should find their souls so precious that we take no personal offence in this life. 

Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani - My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me. This is from the Psalmist, the prophet king, David. It is the beginning of a chapter that describes crucifixion in such detail, an amazing prophecy, for it was long before Rome's rise to power and this process had been developed.

1For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? 2I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest. 3Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.… Psalm 22: 1-3


And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom - God was satisfied with the offering of His Son. The curtain divided 

The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom: The tearing of the temple veil signified that now man had free access to the throne of grace by the cross and that no one should ever think again that God dwells in temples made with hands.

i. Significantly, as the wall of separation between God and man was removed, the veil was torn from top to bottom. God tore it from heaven instead of man tearing it from earth.

b. Truly this man was the Son of God! The centurion saw Jesus for who He was and is a picture of all who come to Jesus through the cross. At the cross, people saw that Jesus was the Son of God and this fulfilled Jesus’ promise if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all peoples to Myself (John 12:32). - Enduring Word

Took courage and went to Pilate - Both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus risk everything by associating with Jesus in His death and burial. So yes, it took courage, great courage.

When He learned from the Centurion that He was dead - This is the man's profession, and Jesus gave up His life of His own will, united with that of the Father. Pilate wanted to be sure though given the drama surrounding Christ.
























































Thursday, November 3, 2022

#1346 Mark 14 Betray and Deny

 



It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2 for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

Judas to Betray Jesus

10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

The Passover with the Disciples

12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” 16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

Institution of the Lord's Supper

22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled.

A Young Man Flees

51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

Jesus Before the Council

53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

Peter Denies Jesus

66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14 ESV

Mark 14

Before the Passover - Jesus is the Passover Lamb; He is the culmination of the OT sacrificial system and the prophecies.


House of Simon the Leper - You usually wouldn't go to a leper's house or even stand close to one, so this is most likely one of the lepers Jesus healed who wants to show his gratitude and introduce Jesus to his friends.


Why was the ointment wasted like that - One of the people who said this was Judas. Often the people who complain the most are least attached to reality, and Judas was truly a hypocrite who should not mention the poor.

…4But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, 5“Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.… John 12: 4-6

She has anointed my body beforehand for burial - Again He very openly references His approaching death and not avoiding it, not coming down from the cross, but going all the way to the tomb. 


The teacher says where is My guest room - He sends only two disciples and this is certainly for the sake of stealth, and He even gives them what to say. Jesus knows that Judas is betraying Him and at this point it is better to bring Judas here at the time of the supper rather than letting him have advanced notice. This is not the place or the time for Jesus capture. 

It would be better for that man if he had not been born - Though Judas is a part of God's plan and design, he is yet culpable for his part in this. This came from a heart that loved money more than God, a heart that justified stealing from the group purse, and a heart that could only conceive of immediate riches. Judas traded in the Savior of the world for very little, and in this he valued eternity as less than 30 pieces of silver. 

Whatever Judas’ motive was, it was his motive. God used the wicked work of a willing Satan, who used a willing Judas. God ordained that these things happen, but He did not prompt Judas to sin. - Enduring Word

Take this is My body - He breaks with the traditional intro given by the head of a household at Passover. Remember the first Passover was in Egypt, each family had the blood of the Passover lamb painted on their doorway, and the angel of death passed over those houses. Where there was no blood, in those houses the first born perished.

Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it: When the bread was lifted up at Passover, the head of the meal would say: “This is the bread of affliction which our fathers ate in the land of Egypt. Let everyone who hungers come and eat; let everyone who is needy come and eat the Passover meal.”

i. Everything eaten at the Passover meal had a symbolic meaning. The bitter herbs recalled the bitterness of slavery; the salt water remembered the tears shed under Egypt’s oppression. The main course of the meal – a lamb freshly sacrificed for that particular household – did not symbolize anything connected to the agonies of Egypt. It was the sin-bearing sacrifice that allowed the judgment of God to pass over the household that believed. - E Word

This is My blood of the covenant - God instituted the covenant with Abraham and with Moses, only God can make a new covenant, and here He is, Jesus is God making the covenant that completes all others. Now the covenant is to believe in Him as the Lamb that takes away our sin, Who fulfills the law. 

…14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. 15If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.… 1 John 4: 14-16

…6If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.… 1 John 1: 6-8

…13For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God! 15Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.… Hebrews 9: 13-15

I will strike the Shepherd - Jesus quotes from Zechariah, and it paints a vivid picture for His little flock, but they are still too cocky.

7Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. 8And in all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it.… Zechariah 13: 7-8

I will not - Peter insists that he won't deny Jesus or leave His side. It is well intended, but it's not what happens. Many think that Mark's gospel was given to him by Peter, and that would show a remarkable amount of growth in humility. I can't think of anyone who would tell their story in such fashion. None of the gospels are flattering to the disciples, and poor Peter, I would have to lay down my pen and put my arm around his shoulder at the telling of this. 

He fell on the ground and prayed - If there is one thing Jesus life is marked by it is prayer. For so many of us it is marked by staring off, worrying, looking to ourselves and trying with our own might, but Jesus used every chance He could to commune with His Father. It is silly and tragic that we don't look more to prayer. 

…16Rejoice at all times. 17Pray without ceasing. 18Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.… 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak - Prayer was what they needed, but sleep is an escape for the sorrowful, like strong drink, abandoning the present situation. Jesus would rather keep His wits about Him and pray to His Father. The disciples could not stay awake and finally the moment overtook them.

It is enough, the hour has come - Jesus was ready to turn Himself over to His accusers. He was on His way to the cross, to bare the punishment that I deserved. This is His body and His blood that I remember at communion. God has provided the elements for this table; we can bring nothing but our sins. 

One of those who stood by drew his sword - This we know from John's gospel to be Peter. It is quite signature that they would not divulge this in the earlier gospels. By the writing of John's work Peter was already martyred and would be no more at risk. 

But let the Scriptures be fulfilled - The cross was the fulfillment, and cursed is everyone who hangs from a tree. They hated Him without cause, and He is going to be sacrificed for all who believe. He is fulfilling all righteousness, living as we have not, and dying as we should. 

…6We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. 8By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people.… Isaiah 53: 6-8

Left the linen cloth and ran away naked - There is only one hero in the gospels, and it is not any of Jesus followers, but the Lord Himself. Everyone else ran from this moment, the greatest moment in history. Only Jesus set His face like a flint.

“It is usually supposed that Mark himself, son of Mary (Acts 12:12) in whose house they probably had observed the Passover meal, had followed Jesus and the apostles to the Garden.” (Robertson)

iii. “The modest spirit of Mark seemed to say, ‘Friend Peter, while the Holy Ghost moves me to, tell thy fault, and let it stand on record, he also constrains me to write my own as a sort of preface to it, for I, too, in my mad, hare-brained folly, would have run, unclothed as I was, upon the guard to rescue my Lord and Master; yet, at the first sight, of the rough legionaries, at the first gleam of their swords, away I fled, timid, faint-hearted, and afraid that I should be too roughly handled.’” (Spurgeon)

Began to spit on Him - They paid Him the greatest disdain their cultures knew. The guards of Rome knew so little, but they enjoyed their business. 

We should bravely bear pain and humiliation for the sake of Jesus ourselves. “How ready should we be to hear slander and ridicule for Jesus’ sake. Do not get into a huff, and think it a strange thing that people should mock you. Who are you, dear sir? Who are you? What can you be if compared with Christ? If they spat upon him, why should they not spit upon you? If they buffeted him, why should they not buffet you? Shall your Master have all the rough of it? Shall he have all the bitter, and you all the sweet? A pretty soldier you, to demand better fare than your Captain!” (Spurgeon)

And he broke down and wept - Peter was broken and came to repent, which sadly Judas did not. He took his own life which is again against the Creator of life. 
































Wednesday, November 2, 2022

#1345 Mark 13 Concerning The Second Coming and The End of The Age

 


And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

Signs of the End of the Age

3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

The Abomination of Desolation

14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18 Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

The Coming of the Son of Man

24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

No One Knows That Day or Hour

32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Mark 13: 1-37 ESV

Mark 13

There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down - Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple that is to come in 70 A.D at the hands of Rome. Very similarly, Ezekiel prophesied against the temple built by Solomon when the leaders were putting up idols, worshiping the sun, the goddess of heaven and Tammuz. They rejected the true teachings of God, murdered His prophets that preached reform, and His glory departed. This was followed by the destruction of that temple by Babylon, a 70 year captivity prophesied by Jeremiah, and then the Jews being released by Cyrus as prophesied by Isaiah. Cyrus and the Persians displaced Babylon. Now the Jews no longer sell idols or pray to them in Jesus' time, but they pervert the word of God, and they take advantage of people coming to the temple. It has become a place of outward show lacking any inward conviction, a place of hypocrisy. Malachi predicted that John the Baptist would come as the messenger and then the Lord would suddenly come to His temple. It is the temple of the living God, and this says much about Jesus, Who has surveyed the state of His temple. He is God and He is not pleased.


1“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. 2But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. 3And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.… Malachi 3: 1-3

When will these things be - The disciples are curious about the destruction of so marvelous a place and in Matthew, link above, he unfolds even more of their question.

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24: 3
 
It is really 3 questions, the destruction of the temple that He had just told them about, His second coming, and the end of the age. The disciples are still set upon immediacy, that the kingdom is about to be ushered in at any moment, and Jesus has had to tell them some three times now that Messiah must suffer, just like the prophets Isaiah, David, Zechariah foretold, and the countless pictures of sacrifice in the OT revealed. 

Many will come in My name saying, "I am he" - This will be a sign that marks the age before Christ returns. Until He comes many are going to claim to be Him, and that has happened throughout history. In Rome you have a Papal succession of Popes who claim to be Christ on earth, and they contend that this started with St. Peter who they say was a eunuch, but Scripture claims otherwise. There have been men all over the world including Haile Selassie of Rastafari fame in Jamaica. We have seen David Koresh, Inri Cristo in Brazil, Alan John Miller, Quilboy of the Philippines, who claimed to reach a sinless state with some 6 million followers, and the list goes on. In every place that the gospel has gone a counterfeit has popped up, someone who would detract men from the real Christ, the only Way to be right with God, and get men to follow them instead. This is in the spirit of antichrist. 

When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed - This must sound depressing in the disciple's ears, for it is putting things much further out, yet when it happens God is in control, it is accounted for so don't freak out.

The end is not yet - Now, just like for our disciples here, it gets more and more difficult for those who would try to fit all of this in before 70 A.D. It get's really difficult when you try to make 70 A.D. the end of the age, which is less than 40 years away from this conversation.

Earthquakes and famines, these are but the beginning of the birth pains - This is an interesting comparison, much like a pot of water over a fire, it starts to simmer, there's little bubbles, then more, then large bubbles and steam and sometimes it overflows the pot. Things are going to build like that up until a final delivery. Those that would put that at the point of Christ's death on the cross, say that the earthquake then, the eclipse of those hours fulfills all of what He is saying here still have a problem. This was the "beginning of the birth pains" with famine included. It also takes it more global with nations and rumors that you hear of other places. It is not centralized to Israel, she will always be the focal point, and that is where it is said that the Jews would return to, but watch, it will become even more than a global disaster.

And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations - This is still carrying on, but was no where near being fulfilled by 70 A.D. On a side note, some who I have talked to that believe we are now in the Millennial reign (A spiritual reign in their explanation, not literal physical one, also not literally a thousand years)  maintain that this was fulfilled to it's intent, but that is weak and there were people in the Americas and elsewhere that the old world didn't even know of yet. 

Cranfield writes “It is part of God’s eschatological purpose that before the End [of this age] all nations shall have an opportunity to accept the gospel.”

MacArthur - Even in the tribulation period, when the church has been raptured and the Antichrist is wreaking havoc, the Lord will raise up His witnesses in the world, including 144,000 believing Jews (Rev. 7:4–8; 14:1–5), the two resurrected witnesses (Rev. 11:1–13), an angel from heaven who continually proclaims the good news of salvation (Rev. 14:6–7), as well as the regenerated believers from every nation (Rev. 7:9–10).

The final fulfillment of world wide proclamation of the Gospel occurs in Revelation 14:6+ "And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people." - Precept Austin

But the Holy Spirit - The disciples and Christians throughout the Church age will suffer persecution, worse in some areas than others. When they go before their accusers or men and women of power, they are not to be afraid for the Holy Spirit will give them what to say in that hour. Remember, the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God, inspired the Word, and He will use this mightily in those who face such circumstances. 

When you see the abomination of desolation - This would take the people Jesus is talking to back to Daniel, and they would also have a historical image of this from the intertestamental period described in the history of the Maccabees. During this time between the closing of the OT and Christ first advent there was a man named Antiochus Epiphanes, who put idols in the Temple, sacrificed pigs there, and forced pork down the mouths of the Jewish priests. This made the place desolate of true worshipers. It was desolate because it had been defiled. When Jesus chases out the money changers it is for the same reason, they are not using the temple for it's intended purpose and the name of the true God is being blasphemed. 

…26Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed. 27And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him.” Daniel 9: 26-27




I agree with Dr John Walvoord who wrote "This portion of the Olivet discourse is crucial to understanding what Christ reveals about the end of the age. The tendency to explain away this section or ignore it constitutes the major difficulty in the interpretation of the Olivet discourse. In the background is the tendency of liberals to discount prophecy and the practice of some conservatives of not interpreting prophecy literally. If this prediction means what it says, it is referring to a specific time of great trouble which immediately precedes the second coming of Christ. As such, the prediction of the great tribulation is "the sign" of the second coming, and those who see the sign will be living in the generation which will see the second coming itself." (The Signs of the End of the Age)

To amplify Dr Walvoord's comments, to misinterpret Jesus' specific sign Jesus' Olivet Discourse (either Matthew or Mark) is analogous to driving to some desirable destination but to fail to correctly interpret one very crucial, strategically placed sign (how many of us haven't done that!) with the result being that one ends up lost and/or at the wrong destination! Just as it is best to read road signs "literally," so too it is best to read Jesus' sign in Mark 13:14 literally (and in context) lest one ends up "dazed and confused"! - Precept Austin

Has not been seen from the beginning of the Creation that God created until now, and never will be - This coming persecution, this global catastrophe is beyond any singular event in history. There is nothing like it, and this makes it difficult to believe that this happened in 70 A.D., especially when something similar to what happened in 70 A.D. had already taken place when Babylon destroyed the temple and later when Antiochus defiled the new temple. This goes more to the world stage, requires that more be accomplished with the spreading of the gospel, and that more persecution comes. The holocaust under Hitler was an attempt at wiping out the Jews that went over many countries, and yet they survived, and there is now a nation again. What occurred in 70 A.D. is not to the level of what is being described here. 

Look, there He is, do not believe it - Jesus actual coming will be unmistakable, don't believe false teachers and people who claim to be Him. I have heard some claim that He came back in 70 A.D. as well, and of course cult teachers like Joseph Smith claimed He went to the Indians in the Americas, other cultists claim that He went to India. You have false prophets now who are part of "signs and wonders" ministries who claim to heal and do other miracles, but they are all frauds, yet the one's closer to the end, at the time of the last week, the 7 year Tribulation, they will fool people with great signs and wonders. If you fall for the likes of Benny Hinn, Todd White, Joyce Meyer and so many other frauds now, well they are child's play compared to the last false prophets and the antichrist, you will be ripe for their picking. 

After that tribulation - Look carefully, a moment in history, after that, look what marks the coming of the Son of Man, the Messiah's return.

The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give it's light - The moon depends upon the sun; it reflects the light of the sun. This is also in contrast to the signs of the false prophets and antichrist's, this is no whisper that He is over here or in the desert, no this is clearly seen by the whole world. 

The stars will be falling from heaven - Even the side of our planet that is in night will know that something incredible is taking place. This is beyond evident, beyond anything that has ever occurred.

Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory - This will be the Shekinah. 

MacArthur on those days (in context) - The Sequence. After warning His disciples about the abomination of desolation in the temple (Mark 13:14), and the terrible holocaust that will follow it (Mark 13:15–23), Jesus explained that in those days, after the tribulation period ends, He will return. In light of the context, those days can only refer to the three and a half years of great tribulation that will follow the Antichrist’s desecration of the temple in Jerusalem (Mark 13:14–19; cf. Mt. 24:21; Rev 6–19). Earth’s final days will be characterized by unrestrained immorality, unparalleled devastation, and unrelenting violence (toward all believers and also toward the Jewish people) under the satanically inspired influence of the Antichrist and his forces. Only as the tribulation ends and its judgments are exhausted will the Lord return to conquer His enemies and establish His earthly reign and rule. (MNTC-Mark)

Tribulation (2347) see note on thlipsis

Stuart Weber - The Messiah's coming will be accompanied by supernatural manipulations of celestial bodies—or at least manipulations of their appearance, or their ability to give light. These signs in the sky will be such that all people of earth can see them and realize that the Messiah is coming, If only one of these, signs were given, it might be explained away as an eclipse or a meteor shower. But all of them together can be caused only by the hand of God. The second coming of Christ to establish his kingdom on earth will be a majestic event that will extend over many hours. The earth and its occupants will be forced to watch, amazed, as the armies of the hosts of heaven descend to the earth in the vicinity of the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14:4+). (Holman New Testament Commentary) - Precept Austin

This generation will not pass away - I believe it is the generation that sees these signs, the ones living during the time of the Tribulation, when the birth pains have reached this crescendo. Preterist try to hang a lot on interpreting this as the generation that Jesus is talking to and this has too many problems, both preterist and Amillennials rely heavily upon the book of Revelation being dated prior to 70 A.D. as well, which they haven't proven, but is necessary to their position. Here are two interpretations that are more sound and without so many technical difficulties, but I think MacArthur is right here.

(1) Jesus was using "this generation" to refer to the people who are living at the time of the Tribulation and witness all the signs Jesus had described. "The simple and most reasonable interpretation that the leaves of the fig tree represent the birth pains and the other signs of His coming Jesus has mentioned in this chapter and that this generation refers to the people living at the end time who will view those signs." (John MacArthur)

(2) Jesus was using the word generation as a qualitative term (as He had done numerous times in Matthew) and not as a quantitative term. Richard Mayhue - The pejorative view understands "generation" in the sense of referring to the category of rebellious, sinful people who have rejected God's truth and righteousness (cf. Mt 12:45; 23:35-36); this has an OT precedent in Dt 32:5, 20 and Pr 30:11-14. (See more detailed discussion)

Concerning that day or hour no one knows - Well that disqualifies the Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventist, and many other aberrant groups who claimed to know, they are cults so come out of them. We are to remain alert but we do not know the hour or the day, those that claim to are false prophets, apostates.