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God cares about justice and He wants the courts to be just. For example, God said to the Israelites through the prophet Moses, “Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (Deuteronomy 16:20 NIV)

In spite of this clear instruction in the Law of Moses, the religious rulers perverted the court system in order to condemn Jesus. Since they did not have the authority to put anyone to death, they dragged Jesus before the Roman governor. Mark tells us what happened in chapter 15, verses 1 through 15 of the Gospel which bears his name. “Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, bound Jesus, carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered, “So you say.” The chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you!” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate marveled. Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of him. There was one called Barabbas, bound with his fellow insurgents, men who in the insurrection had committed murder. The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them. Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead. Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they cried out exceedingly, “Crucify him!” Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified.”

When the authorities brought Jesus before Pilate, they apparently thought he would merely confirm the death sentence they had already pronounced. Pilate, to his credit, refused to do so and forced the authorities to present their charges against Jesus.

This presented the authorities with a real problem. The case against Jesus was based on blasphemy. This was nothing which would stand up in a Roman court. The Romans did not care about religious disputes. Luke tells us what charges the authorities made: “…We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.” (Luke 23:2 NIV)

The first accusation was an outright lie. Jesus had never told anyone not to pay their taxes. On the contrary, He had said to “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Mark 12:17).

Pilate apparently knew enough about Jesus’ teaching to see through the accusation about taxes, but he had to investigate the accusation about Jesus claiming to be a king. In other words, was Jesus guilty of sedition – inciting revolution against Rome? He asked Jesus to state whether He was a king. Jesus affirmed that He was, but from the way He said it, it was apparent that His kingdom was not a physical or political one. The truth is that on the occasion when He fed 5,000 people Jesus had already turned down the people’s attempt to make Him king. Whether Pilate knew this or not, he was astute enough to realize that Jesus was no threat to Rome.

The religious authorities accused Jesus of many other things. To Pilate’s surprise, Jesus did not dignify any of the accusations with a reply. By His silence Jesus condemned His accusers.

At this point another factor entered the picture. Pilate had the prerogative of releasing a prisoner during the Passover feast. The crowd asked him to do so. Instead of allowing the crowd to say which prisoner they wanted released, he gave them a choice – Jesus or Barabbas, who was a notorious criminal. No doubt Pilate did this in the attempt to highlight how absurd the accusations against Jesus were. He knew Jesus was innocent and that Jesus’ accusers were motivated by envy. It must have been a profound shock to him when the crowd chose the guilty Barabbas over the innocent Jesus. It’s also highly ironic that they did so. One of the reasons the authorities wanted to kill Jesus was that He had called Himself God’ Son (John 5:18). Barabbas’ name means “the son of the father.” So, the crowd chose the false son over the true Son.

In his confusion over this development Pilate asked what should be done with the King of the Jews. How pathetic that the judge tried to avoid making a decision and asked the crowd for a verdict. The crowd’s verdict was immediate and brutal – “Crucify him!” Once more Pilate tried to reason with them by asking what crime Jesus had committed. The crowd was not interested in reason or justice. They wanted blood.

Up till now, Pilate had acted honorably. Weak perhaps, but at least he had maintained his own integrity. But now he crossed over the line of moral compromise. He perpetrated an injustice in the hopes that it would prevent a greater injustice – he had Jesus flogged. Floggings themselves were sometimes enough to kill a man. In this case instead of arousing pity, it only stoked the crowd’s lust for blood. Pilate finally gave in and condemned Jesus to crucifixion.

Before facing the horror of being nailed to a cross Jesus had to endure yet another humiliation. In verses 16 through 20 John writes, “The soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Praetorium; and they called together the whole cohort. They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him. They began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, and spat on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him. When they had mocked him, they took the purple off him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him.”

Like the soldiers many people, even today, despise and mock the true King. They bow before Him in ridicule and false devotion. Conversely, many offer true worship and service to false Christs. Little do they realize that one day, “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Philippians 2:10-11) We should bow before Jesus in humility and devotion now, before the time comes when we are forced to bow before Him against our will.

The truth is that we do not know how we will act in a given circumstance until we actually come face to face with that situation. For example, we like to think that we will sacrifice ourselves for those we love. But it is not until the needs of a loved one conflict with our own desires that we find out how sacrificial we really are. We like to think that we will stand firm when threatened. But it is not until we actually face a threat that we find out how brave we are.

We also tend to boast the loudest in our areas of greatest weakness. The man who is truly honest does not need to tell others how honest he is. His character speaks for itself. In contrast, the person who brags about how loyal or faithful he is, is usually the one who is the least dependable. As the Scripture warns us, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV) The life of the Apostle Peter provides us with an illustration.

Though Jesus repeatedly told the His disciples it would happen they could not imagine that He would ever be arrested and condemned to death. Even worse was Jesus’ statement that one of the disciples would betray Him. Jesus went on to say that all the disciples would abandon Him. In reply Peter boasted, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” (Mark 14:29) Jesus warned Peter that his boast was misplaced, “…tonight – before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times. But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”…” (Mark 14:30-31)

Shortly after this, the religious authorities arrested Jesus and put Him on trial in an upper room in the palace of the high priest. Though all the disciples fled at Jesus’ arrest Peter, to his credit, returned and followed the arresting officers as they took Jesus to the high priest. However, Peter could not enter the courtyard of the palace until John, whom the high priest knew, spoke for him to the servant girl on duty at the door. Upon entering the courtyard, Peter joined the Temple police warming themselves at a fire. He apparently tried to blend in, as if he was one of them. In chapter 14, verses 66 through 72 of the Gospel account which bears his name, Mark tells us what happened next.

“As Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the maids of the high priest came,
and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him, and said, “You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus!” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know, nor understand what you are saying.” He went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed. The maid saw him, and began again to tell those who stood by, “This is one of them.” But he again denied it. After a little while again those who stood by said to Peter, “You truly are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” But he began to curse, and to swear, “I don’t know this man of whom you speak!” The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the word, how that Jesus said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that, he wept.”

To understand this incident we must remember that Peter was alone, surrounded by potentially hostile people who could have turned him over to the same authorities who put Jesus on trial. We do not know where John was while Peter warmed himself by the fire. Perhaps he went upstairs to witness Jesus’ trial and did not know about the drama taking place in the courtyard. In any case, he offered no support when Peter came under suspicion.

The first to accuse Peter was the same servant girl who let him inside. She identified him as one of Jesus’ disciples. Perhaps she did this because she did not appreciate Peter’s attempt to blend in and hide his identity. More likely, it was from conceit. She wanted to show the men around the fire that she knew something they didn’t. Whatever her motives, her statement was enough to panic Peter. He lied about his relationship to Jesus and moved away from the fire. However there was no escape. No doubt the door to the outside was shut again and Peter did not have the authority to order the doorkeeper to let him out.

Once more a servant girl accused Peter of being Jesus’ disciple. This time she did not speak to Peter directly, but to the other people in the vicinity. In contrast to Jesus who remained silent when accused, Peter interrupted the discussion and denied again that he was a disciple of Jesus. The word Mark uses indicates that Peter did not make a simple statement, but denied his relationship to Jesus at some length.

Aside from displaying his cowardice, Peter’s denial only created more trouble for himself. By speaking at length his Galilean accent became obvious to those who heard him. In their minds his accent proved that Peter really was one of Jesus’ followers. When they pointed this out, Peter not only denied it, but swore and called down curses upon himself. The man who had once boldly confessed that Jesus was the, “…Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) now was so frightened that he called God as his witness that he didn’t even know the man they were talking about. He acted as if he had never before heard the name ‘Jesus.’

At this point two things happened. By now the high priest had concluded his farce of a trial and found Jesus guilty. The authorities and guards mocked and beat Jesus before dragging Him off to the court of the Roman governor. Luke records that while this was going on Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter. The other thing which happened was that the rooster crowed.

The sound of the rooster and Jesus’ look undid Peter. He remembered Jesus’ prophecy that Peter would deny Him three times. The courtyard door opened to let the crowd pass on their way to the governor. Peter went out and wept bitterly.

When we read about this incident we tend to look down on Peter and boast, “If I had been there I would not have denied my Lord!” But if we wear the name of Christ we need to ask ourselves this question: Do I deny Christ by the way I live? When I do not do what Jesus has told us to do am I not denying Him? At least Peter repented of his denial. Are we honest enough to do the same?

The Bible teaches us that God is righteous and just. God will not condemn someone for a sin he has not committed. For example, when Abraham plead with God to spare Sodom he said, “…Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:23-25 NIV)

In light of this it was the height of hypocrisy for religious leaders who claimed to represent and serve God to, themselves, break the law and violate justice when they put Jesus on trial. In chapter 14, verses 53 through 65 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark tells us what happened:

“They led Jesus away to the high priest. All the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes came together with him. Peter had followed him from a distance, until he came into the court of the high priest. He was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony didn’t agree with each other. Some stood up, and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’” Even so, their testimony didn’t agree. The high priest stood up in the middle, and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it which these testify against you?” But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus said, “I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky.” The high priest tore his clothes, and said, “What further need have we of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” They all condemned him to be worthy of death. Some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with fists, and to tell him, “Prophesy!” The officers struck him with the palms of their hands.”

In three different places in this book Mark wrote that the religious authorities were already seeking an opportunity to kill Jesus. The purpose of the court they convened was not to serve justice, or even to uncover the truth, but to find a pretext to accuse Jesus of a capital crime. To put it another way, the religious authorities had already determined the outcome of Jesus’ trial and merely needed a way to give their decision to put Him to death the appearance of legality.

Though the authorities wanted to cover their decision with the cloak of legality they did not hesitate to break the Law in order to obtain the outcome they wanted. It is unjust to accuse someone of wrongdoing until a crime has been committed. The purpose of a trial is to determine whether the accused person has, in fact, committed the crime. However, in Jesus’ case, the authorities turned things around. Instead of starting with a crime and trying to find who had perpetrated it, they began with the man they wanted to destroy and went looking for a crime with which to accuse him.

The authorities’ plot fell apart. The Law of Moses clearly states, “On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.” (Deuteronomy 17:6 NIV) The requirement for two or three witnesses did not apply only to capital crimes. In another place the Law says, “One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (Deuteronomy 19:15 NIV)

Even though the authorities brought out many false witnesses to accuse Jesus, none of their accounts matched. No case could be made on the basis of their testimony. Finally, two of these false witnesses claimed that they heard Jesus threaten the Temple. This was a misrepresentation of a statement Jesus had made some three years in the past. The temple Jesus referred to was His own body, not the Temple in Jerusalem where the Jews made their sacrifices. Even so, the witnesses’ statements did not agree. Their testimony was not legally valid even if the judges let stand the distortion of what Jesus actually said.

To salvage the case the High Priest turned to Jesus and asked Him to respond to the testimony. Jesus did not fall into the trap; He remained silent. To have said anything – even to dispute the testimony – would have been to acknowledge that it was admissible. Jesus’ silence only highlighted the fact that the testimony against Him had no legal standing.

With the case in jeopardy the High Priest abandoned altogether his strategy of calling witnesses and questioned Jesus directly. By doing so he threw away all pretense of acting as an impartial judge and became a prosecuting attorney. However, the question he asked went right to the core issue of Jesus’ identity and the authorities’ main objection to Jesus. Was Jesus the Christ, that is, the Son of God?

Up to this point Jesus had remained silent, but for Him to remain silent now would have been to deny His own identity. So, He boldly and forcefully asserted that He was, indeed, the Christ. Not only was He the Christ, His accusers would personally witness how God would exalt Him. While making this astonishing statement Jesus also identified Himself as the ‘Son of Man’ foretold by the prophet Daniel, whose kingdom will never be destroyed. By His own confession, Jesus is the ‘Son of Man,’ the ‘Son of God’ and the Christ. To reject any of these titles is to call Jesus a liar.

Jesus’ answer was exactly what the High Priest wanted. He accused Jesus of blasphemy which carried the death penalty. Overthrowing normal court procedure he called for a voice vote from the other members of the court. They joined in condemning Jesus rather than accepting the truth of His identity. Then they did something which demonstrated how corrupt their court was: They spit at Jesus, blindfolded Him, struck Him and demanded that if He were a prophet to tell them who hit Him. After they had their fun they turned Jesus over to the guards for another beating.

We often have a higher estimation of our own moral strength and courage than is the case. We hear about someone yielding to pressure to do wrong and say, “I would never do that!” However, when it is we who have to face the temptation or the pressure to do wrong we find that our boasting about what we would or wouldn’t do was misplaced.

Jesus’ disciples found that they were not able to live up to their boasts. After Jesus and the disciples ate the Passover meal together they went to the Mount of Olives. In chapter 14, beginning with verse 27 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark records what happened. “Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.” But Peter said to him, “Although all will be offended, yet I will not.” Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you, that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he spoke all the more, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” They all said the same thing.”

Even though Jesus plainly told them on more than one occasion that He would suffer and die, the disciples could not grasp it. They expected Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom in which they would have positions of honor. This misunderstanding of Jesus’ kingship and their own ambitions blinded them to the reality of their weakness. During their meal Jesus had already shocked the disciples by saying one of them would betray Him. Now He quoted the prophet Zechariah to warn the disciples that all of them would abandon Him. Instead of taking Jesus’ warning to heart and preparing to face the test which was coming, each of the disciples declared that he was more loyal than all the others.

The reasons for the disciples’ vulnerability to temptation became apparent a little later. In verses 32 through 42 Mark writes, “They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.” He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed. He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch.” He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.” He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you watch one hour? Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words. Again he returned, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they didn’t know what to answer him. He came the third time, and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Arise! Let’s get going. Behold: he who betrays me is at hand.””

It is ironic that the people who declared their undying loyalty to Jesus would, a few minutes later, not comply with His request to keep watch. Instead of remaining vigilant the disciples gave way to slumber. The disciples’ actions provide us with a lesson why we also find it difficult to resist temptation. When we fail to follow Jesus’ instructions, fail to pray and fail to keep up our guard then, like the disciples we, too, will be unfit for the difficulties and trials which come upon us.

In contrast to the disciples, Jesus prayed earnestly that God would spare Him from the ordeal which was coming. Since Jesus was arrested, condemned and crucified, many would say that God did not listen to Jesus’ prayer. However, the writer of Hebrews assures us that God did hear Jesus’ prayer to be saved from death. How can this be? It is true that Jesus died, but it is also true that God raised Him from the dead. Jesus now lives forever. Death has no hold on Him. In this way God answered Jesus’ prayer to be saved from death in the most significant way possible.

Why did God grant Jesus’ prayer? Mark writes that Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done regardless of His own desires. The writer of Hebrews points out that God heard Jesus because of His reverent submission. If it seems like God is not listening to us when we pray, perhaps it is because we are asking from selfish motives instead of asking for God’s will to be done.

Jesus repeatedly admonished His disciples to watch and pray. In verses 43 through 52 Mark tells us what happened the last time He did this, “Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came—and with him a multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I will kiss, that is he. Seize him, and lead him away safely.” When he had come, immediately he came to him, and said, “Rabbi! Rabbi!” and kissed him. They laid their hands on him, and seized him. But a certain one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Jesus answered them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me. But this is so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.” They all left him, and fled. A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself over his naked body. The young men grabbed him, but he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.”

Few actions are so despicable as betrayal cloaked in love. Perhaps it was with Judas’ betrayal in mind that the Apostle Paul later wrote, “…Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (1 Corinthians 16:20) But Judas was not the only one at fault. Because they had not prepared themselves to face temptation, the disciples’ prideful boasts of loyalty turned into craven desertion. True, one of them tried to defend Jesus with a sword but this, too, came from a failure to understand Jesus’ purpose and the nature of His kingdom. Other accounts of this incident record that Jesus not rebuked Peter for resorting to armed violence, he healed the man Peter wounded. With that, bravado turned to fear and all the disciples fled. Scholars believe that the young man who fled naked was none other than Mark who wrote this account.

Jesus also pointed out the cowardice and hypocrisy of those who arrested Him. Jesus openly taught at the Temple. They could have arrested Him there. Instead they chose darkness in which to arrest the “Light of the World.” They brought weapons to subdue the unresisting, ‘Prince of Peace.’

We like to think that our lives count for something – that God has a purpose for us. A sense of purpose motivates us to keep going in spite of difficulties.

What was the purpose of Jesus’ life? Why did He continue to teach and serve others even when the religious authorities sought to kill Him? Mark tells us in the account of Jesus’ last meal before His death. In chapter 14 of the Gospel which bears his name, verses 12 through 16 he writes, “On the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the Passover, his disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare that you may eat the Passover?” He sent two of his disciples, and said to them, “Go into the city, and there a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters in, tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ He will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Get ready for us there.” His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found things as he had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.”

The Passover was one of the most important feasts of the Jewish people. It commemorated their deliverance from Egyptian slavery. Because the Egyptians at first refused to release the Israelites, God sent a series of plagues upon them. In the last of the plagues God took the lives of all the Egyptian firstborn. To spare the Israelites from the same disaster God commanded them to kill a lamb and apply the blood to the sides and top of the doorway to their houses. When the angel of death saw the blood he passed over that house and did not kill the Israelite firstborn.

It is ironic that it was during this meal intended to celebrate deliverance that Jesus had to inform His disciples that one of them would betray Him to His death. In verses 17 through 21 Mark writes, “When it was evening he came with the twelve. As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, one of you will betray me—he who eats with me.” They began to be sorrowful, and to ask him one by one, “Surely not I?” And another said, “Surely not I?” He answered them, “It is one of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish. For the Son of Man goes, even as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.””

The disciples were stunned by Jesus’ disclosure that one of them would betray Him. To eleven of them, such a foul deed was unthinkable. It must have been a shock to Judas to discover that Jesus knew about his betrayal. It is a mark of Jesus’ compassion that He did not denounce Judas to the others. Instead Jesus gave Judas every opportunity to repent.

Judas would suffer the consequences for his infidelity. However, Jesus recognized that Judas’ betrayal was also a fulfillment of prophecy. In the Psalms, King David wrote, “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9 NIV) Other Psalms also predict Jesus’ suffering. Isaiah’s prophecies also give a detailed account of what Jesus was about to experience.

After alluding to the prophecies which predicted His suffering Jesus did something extremely significant. In verses 22 through 26 Mark writes, “As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed, he broke it, and gave to them, and said, “Take, eat. This is my body.” He took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them. They all drank of it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it anew in God’s Kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

The Jewish people ate the Passover meal in memory of the sacrifice which bought them freedom from physical slavery. The bread used during this meal was unleavened to symbolize the absence of sin. By calling the bread ‘His body’ Jesus did not mean that the bread was somehow changed into His actual flesh for He was still physically present with the disciples. Instead, through the bread He identified Himself with the pure and unblemished Passover sacrifice – the sacrifice of deliverance. Many years later the Apostle Paul wrote, “Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:7-8 NIV)

In a similar way Jesus called the wine, “my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” With these words Jesus alluded to Isaiah’s prophecy about Him, “…he poured out his life unto death, …For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12 NIV) Just as God ratified the covenant He made with the Jewish people with blood, Jesus’ blood would usher in the New Covenant which the prophets predicted. This covenant would not be for the Jewish people only but would bring deliverance from sin for all who wish to enter it.

Drinking from the cup pictures fellowship. Though Jesus declared that this would be His last meal before His suffering, it did not mean that He would no longer be present with the disciples. Jesus would fellowship with them again in God’s Kingdom. The church is included in the Kingdom. Today the followers of Christ gather each Sunday and eat unleavened bread and drink the fruit of the vine in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice. As they do Jesus is present with them.

It was traditional to end the Passover meal by singing from Psalm 118. That Psalm contains the words, “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things! The LORD’s right hand is lifted high; the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.” (Psalm 118:14-17 NIV)

Because Jesus became our Passover lamb we are able to live. He is our sacrifice of deliverance. It is through Him that we have victory over sin and death. Have you accepted Him as your Passover lamb?

Have you ever found yourself criticizing someone for doing good? He saw a need and tried to help; he sensed another’s hurt and tried to comfort. We did not help, we did not comfort, yet we are quick to object to the other person’s compassion and kindness. A situation like this happened to Jesus a few days before His death. Mark records what happened in chapter 14, verses 1 through 11 of the Gospel which bears his name.

“It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize him by deception, and kill him. For they said, “Not during the feast, because there might be a riot among the people.” While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard—very costly. She broke the jar, and poured it over his head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, “Why has this ointment been wasted? For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor.” So they grumbled against her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying. Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of her.” Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that he might deliver him to them. They, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. He sought how he might conveniently deliver him.”

Mark writes that the religious leaders wanted to arrest and kill Jesus. We know from another Scripture that this was not merely a desire; they issued an arrest warrant. “…the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him.” John 11:57 NIV)

Why did the authorities want Jesus dead? The Apostle John writes they were afraid everyone would believe on Jesus and the authorities would lose their positions. They would not let anyone stand in the way of their personal ambition. So, rather than acknowledge Jesus as the Christ and submit to Him, they decided to kill Him. There are many today who have the same attitude. Self is their god and they will suffer no rival. They refuse to serve another – even God’s holy Christ.

Though the authorities had issued an arrest warrant and ordered anyone who knew of Jesus’ whereabouts to report it, there were at least two families in Bethany who disobeyed the orders of the ruling Council. These were the households of Lazarus and Simon the Leper. Far from turning Jesus in, they held a dinner in His honor. This was particularly bold because it appears that Lazarus’ household was well connected to the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. There could be no clearer statement that they were going to side with Jesus even if it meant losing their friends and social connections.

The dinner took place at the house of Simon the Leper. We don’t know who Simon was. Presumably he was someone whom Jesus had healed. On this occasion it is probable that Simon acted as the host, while Lazarus’ sister Martha prepared and served the food.

While the banquet was in progress, Lazarus’ sister Mary anointed Jesus’ head. She demonstrated the extent of her love by not just using water or oil, but lavishly pouring out an extremely expensive perfume. But that is not all. The other accounts of this incident say that Mary also anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped up the excess perfume with her hair. In terms of the Jewish culture, this was shocking. For a woman to let down her hair in front of outsiders was considered indecent. Mary not only showed Jesus love, and lavished her wealth on Him, she entrusted her very honor and reputation to Him. In other words, she gave Jesus total commitment.

How expensive was the perfume Mary used? Mark writes that it was worth about 300 denarii. A working man could expect to receive one denarius per day in wages. In other words, the cost of the perfume was equivalent to about a year’s wages.

Not everyone was thrilled with Mary’s gift. Jesus’ disciples objected strenuously. “What a waste! The perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Jesus rebuked them sharply. “You can help the poor any time you like. You won’t always have Me. Mary has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.”

At first Jesus’ words might seem indifferent toward the poor. But Jesus wasn’t making a statement about poverty. He was teaching a lesson about priorities. There is no point in healing somebody’s physical body if we neglect to tell them about the One who can heal their souls. There is no point in feeding the hungry unless we also point them to the bread from heaven and the water of life. Our priority must always be Jesus.

If anyone tells us that we’re spending too much time with Jesus or that we’re giving Him too much devotion, it’s an indication that their motives aren’t right. In Judas’ case, he didn’t really care about the poor. The Apostle John tells us that he was a thief. All he could see in Mary’s action was a lost opportunity to line his own pockets.

Mary, on the other hand, was not concerned about anything but Jesus. Surely she knew about the arrest warrant. Mary apparently realized that in just a little while, Jesus was going to die. She could not prevent His execution but she did what she could for Jesus. She expressed her love while she had the opportunity. What about us? Have we done what we could for those who are dear to us? Is there someone to whom we need to say, “I love you” before it’s too late?

In contrast to Mary, Judas decided to betray Jesus to those seeking His life. If he couldn’t profit from Mary’s perfume he would find another way to fatten his purse. He sold his own honor as well as the One he claimed to serve for a few coins. Do we love money more than Jesus?

What does the future hold? When and how will the world end? People spend much time worrying about such questions. One time Jesus’ disciples pointed out to Him the magnificence of the Temple in Jerusalem. In reply Jesus told them that the Temple would be completely destroyed. Naturally, the disciples asked for signs by which they would know this destruction was near. Jesus told them what to look for, but He also gave them a warning. Mark records what Jesus said in chapter 13, verses 21 through 23 of the Gospel which bears his name. “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ don’t believe it. For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. But you watch. “Behold, I have told you all things beforehand.”

During troubled times there will always be people who take advantage of people’s fears and anxieties. Such people do not hesitate to make false claims in order to get followers. Many believe that signs and miracles show God’s approval. This is not always the case. Jesus said that false Christs and prophets perform miracles even though they proclaim a false message. There is an important lesson for us in this. Whenever someone makes a claim, we need to evaluate it by the truth which God has already revealed. If the message is not in harmony with what God has already said, then the person who proclaims it is a false Christ or a false prophet even though he performs miracles. For example, we know that Christ has already come. Therefore, we should not be taken in by someone else who claims to be the Savior.

The destruction of the Temple is also a metaphor for the end of the world. After giving His warning about false Christs and prophets, in verses 24 through 27 Jesus went on to say, “But in those days, after that oppression, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light,
the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
Then he will send out his angels, and will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.”

There is no question that, one day, Jesus will return to this earth. Scripture is clear that instead of coming to bring salvation to mankind as He did in His first coming, Jesus will return to judge the world. One thing which will herald His return will be signs in the heavens. The stars and heavenly bodies will act in unusual ways. In making this point Jesus used language which is very similar to that which is found in several prophecies in the Old Testament. While it is clear from other passages that Christ’s coming will be accompanied by unusual celestial phenomena, the Old Testament passages use this type of language to describe political upheavals and the fall of nations. It may be that Christ’s coming will be preceded by major changes among the world’s political and national powers.

In addition, Jesus said that He would come in power and glory. There will be no mistake about His identity because His majesty will be visible to all. He will be accompanied by angels whom He will send throughout the earth to gather His people together in spite of the barriers of culture, language, tradition and custom which separates them today. It goes without saying that no false Christ will have the power to issue such a summons.

In view of Christ’s return, what should our response be? In verses 28 through 37 He said, “Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender, and produces its leaves, you know that the summer is near; even so you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors. Most certainly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don’t know when the time is. “It is like a man, traveling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch. Watch therefore, for you don’t know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he might find you sleeping. What I tell you, I tell all: Watch.”

Jesus pointed out that we know how to predict changes in the seasons. We know when summer is near by the changes we observe in trees and plants. In the same way, we should not be taken by surprise by the things which Jesus prophesied. When we see the rise of false Christs and false prophets, when we see massive upheavals among the national and political powers, when we observe unusual portents in the sky, they should alert us that Christ’s return is near.

Jesus’ words are somewhat perplexing because He said that generation would not pass away until His words were fulfilled. Mark writes that when Jesus was crucified a few days later, darkness covered the face of the earth for about three hours (15:33). Shortly after Jesus’ resurrection the Holy Spirit came in power upon the disciples. On that occasion the Apostle Peter said this was a fulfillment of a prophecy proclaimed by Joel. In the passage Peter quoted, Joel uses language which is very similar to the language Jesus used concerning His coming again. Perhaps we can say that Jesus has already returned in the sense that He established His Kingdom, the church, upon the earth that day. However, this is only a foreshadow of the greater return which is still in the future.

Though Christ’s return should not take us by surprise, we should also not fall into the mistake of thinking we know precisely when it will occur. Throughout history, many people have claimed to know the exact time when Christ would return. This is ironic because Jesus plainly told His disciples that no one except God, the Father, knows the day or time. We can be sure that when someone claims they know, they are wrong. Let us not be deceived.

Many people make the opposite error. They assume that because we do not know when Christ will come, it is nothing to concern ourselves about. Jesus said that such people will be caught unaware and unprepared. Because we do not know the exact time when Christ will return, we must always be prepared for it. What about you? Are you prepared for Christ’s return?

We tend to think that everything will continue as it currently is. We tell ourselves that if there will be any change, it will be for the better. Even when we know that conditions are getting worse and trouble is coming, there is still something in us which believes that it won’t affect us or that it will pass us by. But, sometimes, things do not get better. Sometimes trouble and destruction does overwhelm us. Sometimes we do experience suffering.

One time Jesus had to correct His disciples’ view of the future. Mark tells us about it in chapter 13 of the Gospel which bears his name. In verses 1 through 20 he writes, “As he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings!” Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone on another, which will not be thrown down.” As he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus, answering, began to tell them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and will lead many astray. “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don’t be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains. But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them. The Good News must first be preached to all the nations. When they lead you away and deliver you up, don’t be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. But when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let him who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter in, to take anything out of his house. Let him who is in the field not return back to take his cloak. But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babies in those days! Pray that your flight won’t be in the winter. For in those days there will be oppression, such as there has not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be. Unless the Lord had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the sake of the chosen ones, whom he picked out, he shortened the days.”

This teaching of Jesus is one of the most difficult to understand. What causes the difficulty is that we know from other accounts in Scripture, the disciples not only asked about the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, but also about Christ’s return and the end of the world. It is not easy to determine which of Jesus’ answers applies to what question. However, in spite of the difficulties in interpretation, we can learn many things from what Jesus said which apply to us today.

When the disciples boasted to Him about how magnificent the Temple was and how big its stones were, Jesus replied that not one stone would be left upon another. No doubt this shocked the disciples. How could such a massive and magnificent building suffer such destruction? Nevertheless, what Jesus said is true. In 70AD the Romans did such a thorough job of destruction that though the huge platform upon which the Temple was built still remains, we do not know the exact location where the Temple stood.

From this we learn that size and splendor do guarantee permanence. We humans are often impressed by how big something is, but God has other values. The Temple in Jerusalem had failed in its purpose. God desired it to be a house of prayer for all nations; it was to draw people from all backgrounds to God. Unfortunately, the hypocrisy of the religious leaders turned the Temple into a hindrance. They emphasized the Temple rather than God in whose honor it was built. In another sense, the Temple had also fulfilled its purpose. The Temple was where the presence of God dwelt among men. Jesus supersedes the Temple because He is the image of God in human form. Where we have the reality, we no longer need a picture. For both these reasons the Temple had outlived its usefulness; it was appropriate for God to do away with it.

Jesus also cautioned His disciples to not believe everything they heard. Sadly, not everyone who claims the name of Christ really belongs to Him. There are many who deceive others in the name of Christ and prey on their fears of judgment in order to benefit themselves. In speaking of the judgment, Jesus once said, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22-23 NIV)

Jesus also warned His disciples not to become upset by rumors. Wars and natural disasters are part of the normal course of events. They do not necessarily herald the end of time. God will not destroy the world until Christ’s message has been preached to all nations. In the same way, persecution is not a sign that the end is near. Suffering for Christ is the normal condition of His followers.

If wars, natural disasters and persecution are not signs that the end is near, what is? Jesus gave His disciples a specific sign from the writings of the prophet Daniel by which they would know that the destruction of Jerusalem was approaching. The ‘abomination that causes desolation’ which Daniel prophesied, pointed to the Syrian king who defiled the altar of burnt offering in the Temple in 167BC. However Jesus indicated that there would be another fulfillment. When the disciples saw the abomination approaching, they were to flee the city. History tells us that Jesus’ disciples took His instruction seriously. When they saw the Roman armies march on Jerusalem they fled to another city and so were spared.

The main lesson in what Jesus said on this occasion is that we must be ready at all times. We do not know when the end will come – will our souls be right with God whenever it arrives? The followers of Christ were spared when Jerusalem was destroyed because they were ready and obeyed what Jesus told them. How ready are we for Christ’s return and the judgment?