Mark 14:1-11
In this week’s reading of the Gospel of Mark, Mark 14:1-11 narrates the events leading up to Jesus' betrayal and sets the stage for His crucifixion. These events emphasize themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the fulfillment of Jesus' mission. Here are the key points from this passage:
1. The Plot to Kill Jesus (Verses 1-2)
Setting: The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread were approaching.
Plot: The chief priests and scribes sought to arrest Jesus secretly and kill Him. However, they feared doing so during the festival because of the potential for public uproar.
2. The Anointing at Bethany (Verses 3-9)
Setting: Jesus was at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany.
The Woman’s Act: A woman (identified as Mary in other Gospels) came with an expensive alabaster jar of pure nard (a costly perfume) and poured it on Jesus’ head.
Reaction: Some of those present, particularly the disciples, were indignant, criticizing her for wasting something valuable that could have been sold to help the poor.
Jesus' Defense of the Woman: Jesus defended her, explaining that she had done a beautiful thing in preparing Him for His burial. He added that her act of love and devotion would be remembered wherever the Gospel was preached.
3. Judas' Betrayal (Verses 10-11)
Judas' Decision: Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus.
Agreement: The priests were delighted and promised to give Judas money. From that moment, Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
As we near the end of our reading through the Gospel of Mark (there are only 10 weeks left), we approach the climax of this Gospel. The religious leaders were scheming to kill Jesus out of fear, envy, and selfish ambition. We can examine how our desires and fears sometimes lead us to push Jesus to the margins of our lives. Like the religious leaders, people today may resist the transformative power of Christ because it challenges their comfort or control. Are we willing to surrender control and trust Jesus, or are we quietly resisting Him like the chief priests?
The woman’s act of pouring expensive perfume on Jesus represents extravagant love and devotion. Jesus commended her, saying that her actions would be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached. True devotion to Jesus often looks extravagant or even wasteful to others, but Jesus values wholehearted worship. Her act was a preparation for His burial, showing insight into His mission. In stark contrast to the woman’s extravagant love, Judas betrayed Jesus for a sum of money. His betrayal came from selfishness and disillusionment. Judas' betrayal reflects how easy it is to "sell out" or trade our loyalty to Jesus for temporary gain—whether it’s for money, status, or comfort. This week, consider where in our lives we might be tempted to betray Jesus, whether in small or big ways. Are we, like Judas, choosing material gain over devotion to Christ, or like the woman who devotes herself wholeheartedly to Jesus?
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
If you are reading the Gospel of Mark with Pastor Chuck this year, below is a short and simple guide to doing so for this week:
Prayer: Heavenly Father, your words expose my innermost thoughts and desires. I am an open book before you when I read your book. May your truths work as I read of your holiness, truth, and love. May the power of your word be known in my life so that I might genuinely have the abundant life you came to give. Amen.
Read: Mark 14:1-11
Questions to guide your thinking:
1. Where in my life might I be resisting Jesus’ influence, like the religious leaders?
Reflect on whether there are areas of your life where you're hesitant to fully surrender to Jesus. Are there any hidden "schemes" or fears that hold you back from fully embracing His will?
2. What am I willing to sacrifice to show my love and devotion to Jesus?
The woman sacrificed something precious to anoint Jesus. Consider what "precious" things in your life—time, resources, habits—you might need to offer to Jesus as an act of worship and devotion.
3. Do I sometimes prioritize material gain or comfort over my relationship with Jesus, like Judas did?
Reflect on areas where you may be tempted to compromise your faith for personal gain. Are you tempted to "sell out" your loyalty to Christ for temporary success or worldly rewards?
4. Am I concerned with how others perceive my devotion to Jesus?
The woman was criticized by others for her extravagant act of love, but Jesus honored her. Do you let the opinions of others influence how openly or boldly you express your faith and devotion to Jesus?
5. How can I be more intentional about honoring Jesus in my everyday life?
Like the woman who prepared Jesus for burial, are there ways you can be more intentional in how you serve and honor Him daily? What small or large acts of love and worship can you offer today?
