Content 🫠 Can be Dangerous 🫣

The story you are about to read is true. The names have not been changed to protect the guilty. We all have had to ask ourselves that question “What do I do?🥺” at one time or another. My first experience with drugs was like that. I had just gotten married a few months ago and one day when all looked as if things were going to get better I got orders to leave where I was stationed, Duluth Minnesota. Within 30 days I was gone to a place I didn’t want to be. I was 20 years old and in a place where friends were hard to come by. It took a while but I began to hang around with this small group of three. One night I couldn’t find them. I had looked and looked, when I found them they were acting funny. I said what’s going on with you guys? They looked at each other and I was introduced to hash. At that point I had a choice to make, take the chance of losing these young men as my friends or joining in with them and  doing something I knew was wrong. It wasn’t just wrong, the consequence if caught would be very high. My choice was the wrong one. I joined in and it took me for a ride that lasted more than one night. Why didn’t I walk away? The same reason Pilate didn’t “willing to content” willing to do what you know isn’t right just to content with others. 

Mark 15:15 (KJV) And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. Well how long did I keep those friends? Until our tour of duty was up. But my new friends introduced me to much more and my life became a roller coaster ride of ups and downs until the day I gave my heart to Jesus and got saved. Wow that was over 50 years ago now and I can’t write of all the good things that have happened since that day. Sure there have been bad days, sorrowful times to which I didn’t have the answers. But God without doubt has been good to me and gave me much more than I deserved. I would love to write and reminisce of the great things God has done. But that’s not my intent here. Instead I want to lift up my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of all the great things He has done and will do for all who place their trust in Him. Here is one rule to live by “If God is Against It So Am I❗️Don’t do what you know is not right. What should I have done that night? Walked away, it would have saved me a lot of heartache and trouble. Oh let me not forget the loss of much. Why didn’t I? To keep friends. Where are those friends today? I have no idea. I haven’t seen them or heard from them since we waved goodbye many years ago. Lesson of life, the friends you have today may one day be gone forever. It can be dangerous willing to be content.  

Envy Destroys 🤢

Wow 🙀 As I read these verses I have to ask myself how cruel can mankind be? Jesus has been snatcked up in the night. Brought to the high priest where the chief priest, the elders and the scribes were assembled, where they had a kangaroo court, then taking Jesus to Pilate where Jesus was sentenced to death. Wow! But wait, wait there’s a custom Mark 15:6 (KJV) Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. They what? Desired! Thank goodness surely their Desire will be to release Jesus for He hasn’t done anything wrong. It was out of envy He was delivered.   Mark 15:10 (KJV) For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. Looks like Jesus is about to be released. Surely the people will see through this. What is this I hear  

Mark 15:12 (KJV) And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

Mark 15:13 (KJV) And they cried out again, Crucify him. Are these people mad? What has happened? Jesus who has done nothing but good. Jesus fed the hungry, this man Jesus brought gladness to those who were sad not only that He had been the dearest friend they had ever had. The people are saying release Barabbas, a convicted hot tempered murderer. Are you serious? Well that’s what happened. Why? Because Pilate didn’t want to upset the people and envy destroys good people and in this case a  perfect person, Jesus. 

Mark 15:15 (KJV) And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. So this same problem is going on today. It's okay to do wrong as long as the people are content. That’s a bunch of baloney. It's impossible to make everyone content or happy! As Bob Jones Sr said “It is never right to do wrong in order to get a chance to do right.” Wrong is always wrong! Oh but we don’t do stuff like that any more. Really, if you think not then you are not paying attention. 

No Defense

The night is over and the sun is rising in the eastern sky and like any new day, decisions must be made. The first thing on the agenda is what are we going to do with Jesus. Mark 15:1 (KJV) And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

Consultation “The act of consulting; deliberation of two or more persons, with a view to some decision.”

Their decision was to deliver Jesus to Pilate. They bound Him and took Jesus to Pilate. Don’t know if you have ever given it much thought but our sin always gets others involved. If you drink you go to a bar, night club or have friends over. Enough written. After they arrived, what was the first question out of Pilate’s mouth?  Mark 15:2 (KJV) And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it. Jesus, are you the  King of the Jews? Jesus said I am. This is no secret if you remember when the wise men came from the east they asked this question; 

Matthew 2:2 (KJV) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Jesus couldn’t deny who He was, Jesus didn’t try to cover up who He was; like one of His disciples did around the fire. Then the chief priest accused Jesus of many things.  Mark 15:3 (KJV) And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. Just because you are accused doesn’t mean you are guilty. So what did Jesus do? Jesus didn’t speak a word. Could this be a lesson for us? If you aren’t guilty then what is there to prove. Pilate asked “are you the King of the Jews” Jesus said yes. Then Pilate speaks up after the chief priest accused Jesus and Jesus spoke not a word. He asked why aren’t you speaking up Jesus? You are not helping Yourself here. There are many witnesses saying many things against thee. Hold it, hold it, wait just a minute here. What did we read in chapter 14?  

Mark 14:56 (KJV) For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. Pilate is right but these witnesses were false witnesses. 

Mark 15:4 (KJV) And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

It’s easy to see why Jesus didn’t try to defend Himself. I am sure that Jesus could have easily defended Himself but as I read this I have to ask myself what is Jesus doing? Is He not teaching us maybe how we should act when not guilty? So I ask myself if I were on trial for a murder I didn’t commit, what would I do? My answer is I’m not sure and I hope no one that looks like me ever does such. Pilate just wondered why Jesus wasn’t defending Himself. But haven’t you too wondered why Jesus came to save a sinner like you? Jesus loves you that’s why. You may not trust Jesus as your savior but you won’t ever forget Him.

Listen 👂

Where is Peter? You remember the one who said these others might be offended but I won’t.

Mark 14:29 (KJV) But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. Why, Peter even said he would die with Jesus. Mark 14:31 (KJV) But he (Peter)spake the more vehemently, If I (Peter) should die with thee, I (Peter) will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. Well when the rubber met the road Peter ran off quicker than a Jack Rabbit. But then Peter followed afar off. Peter has now managed to work his way into the palace of the high priest. What is Peter doing in the palace of the high priest? He is blending in, is what I would say, what do you think?  Mark 14:54 (KJV) And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. Then it happened just like Jesus told Peter it would. There comes one of the maids of the high priest. When she saw Peter warming himself by the fire trying to blend in this maid said I know you! You 🫵were with Jesus? Here we go, here's another opportunity to do what you said; you know die with Jesus. So Peter does what?  Mark 14:68 (KJV) But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. You did what, Peter? Don’t know? Don’t understand what she is saying? Liar, liar pants on 👖🔥 Ok maybe Peter convinced those he had buddied up with around the fire. But it wasn’t long before it happened again.  Mark 14:69 (KJV) And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. Do you think Peter spoke up and said yes I know Jesus, why, I have spent the last 3 years with Him. NOPE! This is what he did.  

Mark 14:70 (KJV) And he denied it again. What 😮! Not again. Oh there’s more to come in the same verse

And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.  Your what gave you away Peter? Your speech. You hang around with Jesus and your vocabulary changes. What did Peter do? He went to cussing and swearing trying to be like those he was around. 

Mark 14:71 (KJV) But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. Then It happen the preacher opened up his mouth and preached, listen. Mark 14:72 (KJV) And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept. God don’t always use people to preach. What happened when that  preacher preached? “Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him” Peter remembered the Words Jesus spoke. Then Peter thought of the Words that Jesus said unto him. Then Peter acted on the Words Jesus spoke unto him. Peter heard the preacher, Peter remembered. That’s the importance of a good Preacher. What preacher will preach unto you today? Who’s fire are you warming up to? What words will come from your lips today? Who are you wanting to please and what kind of people do you want to be around? Listen for the preacher today!

What’s Real Love?❤️

Well they found something, some evidence they have no need for any witnesses now. Remember what I wrote last time? About if you're not guilty keep your mouth shut, that’s what Jesus did. Then the High Priest asked Jesus a question and then Jesus answered it. Mark 14:61 (KJV) But he [Jesus] held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? Then Jesus answered

Mark 14:62 (KJV) And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Look what happened when Jesus answered truthfully.

Mark 14:63 (KJV) Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?  

Mark 14:64 (KJV) Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. Oh my the high priest said you all heard that this man just dishonored God what do ye say the verdict should be?  They all condemned him to be guilty of death. But their hatred for Jesus went even further than just a vocal expression it went physical Mark 14:65 (KJV) And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. How awful, this is not the way to treat someone for telling the truth. The name of Jesus; yes you either Love Jesus, or you are neutral toward Jesus or you hate Jesus. The outward expression shows where these people were. So will our outward expression show how we feel. The thing that we must remember is that we can't control our outward expression. Our talk will not let us. Luke 6:45 (KJV) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. If there is hate in my heart it will come out my mouth, 😯Oh I didn’t mean to say that, yeah you did. The more hate the more action. Some spit on Him others covered his face and hit him with their fists while others slapped Him. Those outward actions were just the inward feelings of the abundance of their hearts. After all the hatred that was administered, Jesus still asked God on their behalf to forgive them. Forgive them? Why would He do that? Same reason they did what they did, the abundance of His heart “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good” We can’t help it, it’s what’s in our heart coming out our mouth in actions. We can say we love but if love never comes out then love isn’t in our heart. What is love? Love is actions, expression never expecting anything in return. Love is giving of oneself. Jesus said this on the cross in excruciating pain with unkind people with hearts filled with hatred. Listen to Him  Luke 23:34 (KJV) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

That’s love!

Nice to Unkind in a Flash 🗯️

Jesus is in front of the high priest, their purpose was to put Jesus to death, stop Him, shut Him up. They need someone to be a witness against Him. As we read  it looks like many were willing to witness against the Lord Jesus, saying something bad, accusing  Him, but their witness wasn’t true.

Mark 14:56 (KJV) For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. But their witness was false. It doesn't matter who you are, how much good you do for others, there’s always going to be those who are more than willing to talk about you. There was no charge, yet they took Jesus. Their thoughts must have been, we will arrest Him and then we will figure out some death penalty for Him. They weren’t having a hard time finding witnesses but they were having a hard time finding witnesses that were truthful. I find it interesting that Jesus was arrested for doing good and great things among the people. 

• He healed the sick, 

• made the blind to see, 

• the lame to walk, 

• the lepers  cleansed, 

• the mentally unsound He gave them a sound mind, 

• He encouraged the discouraged, 

• He gave hope to the hopeless, 

• faith to those who had no faith, 

• He taught those who were hungry to learn, 

• trained those who put their trust in Him. 

• Oh and let’s not forget those He gave life back too. 

So please tell me again, what did Jesus do to deserve death? The high priest said

Mark 14:60 (KJV) And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? Learn something by this, if you aren't guilty then why speak? You can’t defend yourself if there is nothing to defend. That’s what a good friend of mine said to me one day. He said “aren’t you going to say anything about what others are accusing you of?” I looked at him and said I didn’t do what they are saying I did. If I try to defend myself then I only look guilty of what I had no part with.

There are those today that want the name of Jesus never spoken again. 

• They don’t want to hear how He died for their sins  

• how they need a savior. 

• They just say I’m happy the way I am. 

I was out looking for an address one night. I couldn’t find it so I thought there was a mistake when the address was given to me. I went to a home near by and knocked on the door. A nice lady opened the front door and I asked her if she knew where this person lived. She didn’t know but out of her kindness she went to her husband who began to look for this person's name. After a while her husband came and said no one by that name lives in this subdivision. He then left and went back to what he was doing.  I then asked the lady if they attended Church anywhere and if not we would love to have them come visit our Church. She looked at me and didn’t say a word but her whole countenance on her face changed. We thanked her and left. It wasn’t long before a car pulled up beside me as I walked down the street. Why it was that nice man who took time to try to help me find the person I was looking for earlier. As I greeted him he asked me if I was going to go to a home I was about to go to? I said yes. He then told me in a very stern and unkind way not to and to leave their subdivision he was going to call the police. What changed this very nice person into someone unkind? Jesus! He disliked Jesus and what He stood for so much that he left the comforts of his home to run me down and express his feelings of hatred of Jesus. Not everyone loves or even likes Jesus and everyone isn’t going to like you either. I was amazed how just the mention of Jesus turned one man who I’m sure was a nice and kind man into something totally different. Jesus, you either Love Him or you dislike Him and maybe even hate Him.

That may very well true but look what Jesus said  Mark 16:15 (KJV) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

13 Mark 16:16 (KJV) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.