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THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Abi Figueroa and are based on Mark 14 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
John 13:21-30, John 21:15-19, Luke 10:38-42
55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree.
60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”
61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
Sunday August 3 - The suspense builds
Now the Passover... was only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. Mark 14:1
I love a good suspense film – one that builds and builds, and towards the end you know that you are about to discover the truth and feel sure that there will be a dramatic, unexpected twist that will leave you recommending the film to all your friends!
Well, if you are like me you will love Mark 14! In my opinion this is one of the most exciting chapters in the whole Bible! It doesn't get more tense than this! I recommend taking a moment today to read the whole chapter in one sitting, to really capture the intensity of the scene! There is plotting, betrayal, arrest, violence, aggression, rejection, denial... if this were a film we would be on the edge of our seats, biting our nails!
After all of Jesus’ teaching and miracles we are now in the final couple of days before the climax of his mission here on earth – his death and (spoiler for Chapter 16!) his resurrection! He has hinted at this ‘unexpected twist’ to his disciples but they still don't understand, and you can cut the atmosphere with a knife!
This week we will see how Jesus never obliges anyone to follow him, but his mere presence forces a dramatic reaction in each person. So get ready – you are about to be confronted with the Event that changed history! How will you respond?
Lord Jesus, please help me to understand the significance of what you did as you went to the cross. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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