Dear Zikora,
Today’s reading is from Mark chapter 14, and it tells the story of Jesus’s betrayal and arrest. There is so much to learn from Jesus’s human experience and this is the start of the “Exploring the Human Experience of Jesus” series. The many lessons in this reading are another reminder that we do have an understanding saviour, because Jesus has experienced and can relate to whatever it is we are experiencing. Jesus has truly seen it all and by understanding Jesus’s experience, we can be able to understand and navigate some pesky real life issues, such as:
1) The Nature of Enemies:
Today’s reading opens with a little backstory and we learn that two powerful sets of people: the Chief priest and the Scribes, were plotting to kill Jesus. Now during Jesus’ time, chief priests were highly respectable keepers of the Jewish temple and they also represented the Jewish people. The scribes on the other hand, were highly educated people who studied and interpreted the Jewish law, prophesies etc. Although these groups were powerful, yet, they did not want to provoke the common people by capturing and killing Jesus during the upcoming festivities. So, two days before two important festivals, these people in high places were already brainstorming on how to execute their plan. Now there is a lot to unpack in this first two verses:
A) Jesus’s enemies were not just the regular everyday people from his town. His enemies were the highly respected, highly educated and powerful people.
B) Jesus’s enemies were his own people who already knew that Jesus is the truth, the true Messiah (case in point, Judas Iscariot, the scribes, and the chief priest).
C) Jesus’s enemies were very strategic and understood their opposition, so they left nothing to chance. (Even when Judas Iscariot went to betray Jesus, he gave an unmistakable sign-vs 44).
D) The ultimate enemy is not an outsider (vs. 10-11).
2) The Triviality of Worry:
While Jesus’s enemies were plotting, Jesus was having a ball! Jesus was relaxed and having supper in Simon the leper’s house, and “as he [Jesus] 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”-Mark 14 vs 3b-4.
This scenario is important for various reasons, but I want to focus on this: Jesus knew beforehand that he would soon be arrested and killed. Jesus revealed this information again when he was referring to the people scolding the woman with the alabaster flask: “She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial” vs. 8). That said, he was not letting this sad news worry him. In fact, he was relaxed, emphasis on the word “reclining”.
From the picture painted in verse 3 to 9, it is obvious that there are quite a few people in this gathering, and that it was not a gloomy supper.
This portion of the story is another reminder for us, urging us to go through life relaxed. We have been told that we will face trials and troubles, but that we shouldn’t worry, because God has overcome it all (John 16 vs 33).Yet, do you still worry? I want you to remember this and calm down. By being a child of God, saved by Jesus, I promise you, you will not go through any hardship alone, so stop worrying, and relax.
In addition, Jesus already knew the particular disciple that would betray him, yet, he still sat calmly, relaxed, and ate with his betrayer. Here is a direct quote: “And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 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”- vs 17-18. Take a moment and realize the significance of this. If you knew someone was going to betray you, would you still associate closely with them? My advice? Don’t worry about who will betray you. Don’t worry about anything. God will turn that betrayal/source of worry around for your own good and for God’s glory. So go through life unbothered!
But, do you see the irony in it all? Jesus was betrayed by his friend but it led to your salvation!
3) Hypocrisy in Friendships:
While Jesus was still at Simon the leper’s house, a random woman comes and starts anointing Jesus with costly oils and perfumes (vs. 3-4). It is important to note that (from this story), this woman was not among Jesus’s circle of friends. The other guests at this supper were annoyed at the woman for doing that. Here is what they had to say: “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor”. And they scolded her [the woman]-vs 4-5.
Now my first question is: did those people who were annoyed know that Jesus was the Messiah? I think they did. Did they not like Jesus? They probably did. Now if they did know and like Jesus, why did they think that Jesus did not deserve to be splurged on?
Jesus on the other hand loved the experience, disagreed with the others, defended the woman and called what the woman did “beautiful”. Here is a direct quote: “But Jesus said, “leave her [the woman] alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 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. She has done what she could, she has anointed my body before burial. And truly I say to you, whereever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her”-Mark 14 vs 6-9.
This moment is monumental and highlights an important character of Jesus: Wisdom and understanding. Jesus understood exactly what those people were trying to do and he eloquently calls out their hypocrisy and does not let the people guilt or shame him (as they tried to do using the woman). Finally, using their own argument, he turns it back on those people all while not sounding accusatory.
You see, those people saying that the ointment should have been sold and the money given to the poor did not say that out of love for the poor, and Jesus knew that!
So what does this portion of the story teach us?
- Practice self-awareness; Pay attention to the way you make people feel.
- Before replying, strive to understand the situations, meanings of the words people say and the motivations behind those words or actions.
- People will remember how you make them feel.
- Know how to wield the power of language.
- Do not be stingy to yourself or your friends. Give thoughtful, memorable gifts.
Human relationship is important and going all out, doing special things for people earns you a blessing. The woman who anointed Jesus’s feet with the expensive ointment did something touching for Jesus, and it was an expensive gift. Jesus appreciated this so much and blessed her even though everyone around her disapproved of her actions and called it a waste of money. This also teaches us not to be stingy and make memories.
4) The Nature of Betrayals:
Although the people in power wanted to capture Jesus, they couldn’t do it on their own. They needed help, and who better to help them than someone in Jesus’ inner circle!. However, here is where it gets interesting, Jesus’s powerful enemies did not try to tempt any of Jesus’s friends into betraying Jesus. Instead, one of Jesus’s friend went to Jesus’s enemies and offered to betray Jesus to them! This is how it played out: “Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him”-vs 10-11. I think that the story of Jesus’s betrayal by one of his 12 diciples tells us that betrayals are not only inevitable, but they will come from those we know and not strangers. If it is the will of God, one day we might be betrayed by someone we picked and trusted. Ofcourse God uses it for our greater good and for his glory. This doesn’t mean we should be careless when picking our friends, but it means that we can never be too careful. Jesus already knew that one of his disciples would betray him, and he knew which one it was (vs 17-21), but he also knew that it was part of the will of God for God’s glory and the salvation of mankind.
5) The Authority of Jesus and How Jesus Exercised It:
Jesus is powerful and from our reading, we know that he was also powerful then. This next portion of the story depicts another example of Jesus’ authority.
So on the first day of the festival of Unleavened Bread, Jesus’s disciples needed a venue to prepare Jesus’s supper. Here is a direct quote: “And he [Jesus] 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, and whereever he enters, say to the master, “The teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us”. And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he [Jesus] had told them, and they prepared the Passover”-Mark 14 vs 13-16.
I love this part of the story so much, because it really depicted the authorithy of the name of Jesus. Jesus did not even have to show up in person, just the mention of his name to this stranger, and everything was sorted!. I hope that this portion of the story reminds you of the mighty power in the name of Jesus. I hope that you confidently call on the name of Jesus in every situation that challenges you.
This goes to show that Jesus can make a way where there seems to be no way. He will create people to help and provide what is needed.
Now when Jesus and his disciples were having supper, Jesus already knew that the disciple who would betray him was also eating with him, but Jesus did not use his authorithy to make the betrayer change his mind. Doing this would be abusing Jesus’s authorithy because it was the betrayal was all in God’s plan. Instead, “Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me” vs. 18-19.
Further along in this chapter, we observe that this same Jesus, with all his authority, felt distressed and sorrowful and he acknowledged it (vs 34). We also notice that Jesus never tried to change his “bestie” Peter. Jesus already knew that Peter was fearful and would deny him, although Peter swore that he wouldn’t. “And Jesus said to him [Peter], I tell you, this very night, before the cook crows twice, you will deny me three times” vs 30. Jesus did not use his authorithy to stop that from happeneing. Having your best friend deny you publicly sounds shameful, but Jesus let it happen to him. As the story unfolds, we also observe that Jesus endured a lot. Jesus let himself be captured (vs 43-53), he endured the ridiculous trial before the high priest(vs. 53-64) and the humiliation. Here is a direct quote of some of the humiliating things Jesus endured: “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!”–vs.65.
In addition to highlighting the authority of Jesus, by observing how Jesus used his authority, we learn other lessons such as:
a) Practicing humility especially when we are in a position of authorithy or power.
b) The importance of not letting our position or “identity” stop you from seeking help or acknowledging your humaness and emotions.
c) Acknowledging God’s will and not abusing your power.
d) Allowing people (our friends especially) to be true to themselves and not using our authority to enforce loyalty or manipulate their behaviour etc.
6) Recognizing, and Naming our Emotional states and Trusting God:
Towards the end, Jesus was sorrowful, distressed, and troubled. He recognized his emotional state, named it and told his trusted friends. He was not afraid or ashamed of his emotions or emotional state even though he knew that this was all God’s plan and God’s purpose. Still, knowing this, he prayed to God; expressing his feelings to God, and asking God to even remove this suffering, but concluding with and agreeing that God’s will be done. Here is how the Bible tells it: “And they went to a place called Gethesemane. And he said to his disciples, “sit here while I pray”. And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “my soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch. And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 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”-vs 32-37.
Sometimes it is God’s will for us to go through a particular difficult season. Sometimes it is God’s will for us to go through a particular challenge. We can pray that it goes away, or for strength, but always remember to pray for God’s will to be done. Honoring his feelings did not make Jesus weak, it made him stronger and encouraged. And it again teaches humility, faith, and courage.
Also notice how Jesus confided in only three of his disciples and not all of them? This portion of the story teaches us that we will not be close with all our friends. And likewise, we shouldn’t expect that all our friends will be close with us. It is important to know this when navigating platonic relationships.
7) Get Comfortable Being Alone/ Going Through Situations alone:
Despite having many friends or a few trusted confidiantes, there are many situations that you must go through alone. Although Jesus was with his trusted friends at Gethsemane, when he was feeling distressed and sorrowful, he was the only one going through it. Even when he asked his friends to watch and pray, he still was the only one praying because his friends fell asleep and didn’t help in watching or praying. He asked them for their emotional support three times, but they kept on falling asleep each time he asked (vs 32-42). This goes to show that many times we will go through hard situations alone despite the support network that we have. This is why we must trust God always and not put out our hope in people. If you don’t have friends, or you have a few, and you are sad about this, remember Jesus had friends, yet at his hour of need, when he specifically asked for their emotional support, they fell asleep and weren’t helpful at all. Perhaps Jesus’s friends were tired and had their own needs to meet first. Remember also, when it came time for them to physically defend Jesus, these friends all ran away and Peter, who swore that he wouldn’t deny Jesus, denied Jesus 3 times!!! (vs. 66-72).
8) The Nature of Platonic Friendships/Relationships:
Here are some do, don’ts and what to expect in this type of relationships:
- Don’t micromanage the relationships or your friend’s emotions towards you; let your friends be who they are. Here is a direct quote: “And he came and found them [his 3 close disciples] sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?” vs.37.
- You will not be close to all your friends, so figure out your close 3 (vs 33).
- In the same vein, don’t expect that all your friends will consider you one of their 3 closest friends. So don’t let this make you abandon or cancel your friends.
- Be prayerful; as someone’s friend, you occupy a special and priviledged position in someone’s life. It is important to be prayerful so that the devil doesn’t use you to harm your friends. Here is how Jesus puts it: “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing but the flesh is weak”. vs 38.
- Don’t be overly dependant on your friends for emotional support. vs 32-42.
- We should always endeaveour to understand people. Perhaps understanding the intentions behind actions helps us know how or if to continue in relationships with people. Perter was probably scared… however, sometimes, these let downs are all part of the plan. Jesus did not let the momentary disappointment derail the ultimate plan (Peter went on to testify and do miracles in Jesus name and lead people to Jesus. Read Acts chapter 3).
- Be prepared for disappointments in friendships/relationships. Don’t dwell in anger and hatred when your friends disappoint you, because they will. Remember Jesus also experienced all these, learn from how Jesus handled his experiences in Mark 14.
- Give of yourself in your platonic relationships. Be honest and generous often, and make it a habit of sharing memorable moments together. (vs. 22-25).
9) Jesus’s Reaction to Hostile Environments/His Enemies:
If you are sent by God to do great work, people will hate you and try to stop you, slander you, hurt you, etc. That said, from time to time, you will experience hostile people or hostile environment be it at work, in relationships, or even where you live. We see confirmation of this in the part of this story where Jesus faced his enemies. Each time Jesus faced his enemies, new lessons emerge, here are some:
a) When Jesus ate with his betrayer: we learn to be calm and control our emotions. Jesus did not lash out emotionally and wonder why Judas chose to betray him. He understood what must happen, and also knew that God will handle the matter (vs. 17-21).
- When Jesus faced the soldiers who came to capture him: Again, when Judas actively betrayed Jesus and the soldiers seized Jesus, Jesus remained peaceful. He called for order even when one of Jesus’s supporters cut off a soldier’s ear (vs. 47). He spoke rationally and activated the spirit of reasoning in his captors. Here is a direct quote Jesus gave when he faced his captors “And Jesus said to them, “have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled”. And they all left him and fled” (vs. 48-50).
- When Jesus faced the high priest and the Council:
The charges that were brought against charges were ridiculous and Jesus did not go on and on trying to defend or prove himself. Jesus knew who he was and stood in his power. Most importantly, Jesus knew when to stay silent, and when to set things clear, and Jesus spoke with confidence and authorithy. Jesus was not intimidated. Take a look: “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?” But he [Jesus]remained silent and made no answer. Again, the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the tight hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven”-vs 60-62.
In addition, when you find yourself in a situation where people are making up stories/lies against you, don’t worry about what they are saying. Don’t be afraid, if God has not willed that you will be hurt by it, then no harm will come to you no matter how hard they try. Remember, even the people witnessing against Jesus didn’t have reasonable arguments and their testimony kept getting thrown out out until it was the appointmed time for Jesus to be crucified. The false witnesses’ testimonies “did not agree”. Here is a direct quote: “For many bore false witness against him [Jesus], but their testimony did not agree…” (vs 57-59). In other words, their lies didn’t match up and they kept on making a fool of themselves.
10) Standing Bold and Forgiveness:
Even in the midst of the unfair trial, Jesus stood boldly, answered boldly and never sugarcoated his words or lied despite what was at stake. A glaring example for us to stand in our intergrity. If it is the will of God, then we have nothing to worry about as God will always protect us and have better plans for us.
Also forgiveness; although Jesus’ friends were not there for him emotionally at Gethsemane, and Peter denied Jesus 3 times, Jesus still forgave them. Ultimately, Jesus died to save those who did not like or believe in him. But he did it so that we can have access to God the father. What a selfless act of love! A proper example for us. So don’t be quick to withhold love or forgiveness, you have a saviour who experienced it all and still showed love and forgiveness. Now this is not to say that you should stay in a toxic, or hostile relationship. All I am saying is: Don’t let the awful things people have done to you make you bitter or hateful. You can love and forgive and still leave toxic or unhealthy relationships or environment (there are many examples of when Jesus did this, and we will get to those in future posts). See: How To Love God, Yourself and Others
Although, I’ve heard this story many times, the insights I’m gaining is new and I am grateful for it. I hope that you are able to fully appreciate the significance of the human experience of Jesus.
Prayer:
Thank you Jesus for today’s reading. Thank you that I have a saviour who has experienced all of my human experiences. Thank you for loving me so much and enduring everything for my salvation. You loved me even before I knew of you!
Please help me to continue to learn from your words and to gain the correct insights. Thank you Jesus for the gift of salvation, please may I not take it for granted. Thank you my king for answering my prayers, in Jesus name, Amen.
