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.

Does It Matter Which Fire 🎬🔥

They have Him and  they take Him to the high priest. This is big, this is the moment they had planned and dreamed of and now it’s here. They have Jesus bound and in their power or at least they think they do. I’m afraid many today think the same. Many go about doing and saying what they will. Somehow they think Jesus can be bound and they are in charge. I heard a man say this not long ago, he said “if a person says they are going to heaven when they die and continues to enjoy living in sin and it doesn’t bother them. Then what they say is questionable.” Peter said  Mark 14:29 (KJV) But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. Everyone may abandon you but I won’t. What did Peter do? He ran off and left Jesus. Then he follows Jesus afar or at a distance.

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.

Maybe Peter felt sorry for the way he acted after what he told Jesus? That’s good, that’s what I’m saying when one does wrong and it doesn’t bother them. Peter is showing some remorse but he is still not where he needs to be.  Peter has not only followed Jesus afar he has now gotten closer. He is standing at a fire warming himself when all of a sudden he is spotted.  Mark 14:66 (KJV) And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:

Mark 14:67 (KJV) And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

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. Peter didn’t act like it bothered him because he denied Jesus 2 more times. But that last time Peter gets more aggressive and tries to be more convincing and throws in some cuss words.  Then the words of Jesus ring in his heart. 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. If there has ever been a time in a person's life when they have spent time with the Lord and in His Word. They have been around God’s people and they get away or follow afar off and get around the wrong people as Peter did and it doesn’t bother them like it did Peter. I would say maybe they didn’t have what they thought they had. The big day is coming. It may not be today but it’s coming. It doesn't matter how old you are, just stop and ask yourself where has the time went? The older you get the faster it goes and gets closer to the big day. What is the big day? It’s the day that has been appointed just for you. 

Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Your appointed day of death is coming. How close are you following Jesus? What fires are you warning yourself around?

Britt and Cliff Who???👀🤷🏼‍♂️

The Lord disciples, you know the ones that were willing to die for Him and with Him. Well they are gone. But look there someone else.

Mark 14:51 (KJV) And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: I don’t know who this is but he is following. Remember it’s night, some of the writers say it was one who was woken up by the noise. I guess that it was possible, there was a multitude and I’m sure they had some type of light which I would assume was a torch of some kind; there was no electricity and no batteries for a flashlight. We are told of his dress, a linen cloth cast about him. But then this man laid hold on Jesus.  Maybe it was like the night on  April 8, 1974 when two teens by the names of Britt Gaston and Cliff Courtenay. I’m sure you have no idea who those two teens are. But on the evening of April 8, 1974 they ran onto the pages of history. Maybe just like this unknown man. Who were these two teens? They were only 17 years old at the time?  On this night as these two jumped onto the field at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium at the first base line. To run and lay hold on a man named Hank Aaron.  As he rounded the bases after breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record set in 1935. I don’t know but it’s possible. Jesus was well known and sought after. Are we running to lay hold on Jesus?

A Gift For Others 🎁

 Mark 8:31 (KJV) And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Mark 11:27 (KJV) And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

Mark 14:43(KJV) And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

The Chief Priests, The Scribes and The Elders they have, with the help of Judas Iscarot’s kiss, gotten Jesus. How did they know they had the right man?

Mark 14:45 (KJV) And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. It was Peter who jumps into action and cuts of a ear Mark 14:47 (KJV) And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. We know it was Peter and we know the mans name of the servant's ear that hit the ground. John 18:10 (KJV) Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

That’s just great but what are three men against a great multitude that are armed? So what did they do? It’s time to step up to the plate; did you not each say you would die with the Lord? It’s time to die! Sit back get the popcorn and let’s read how these disciple fought to their death. 

Mark 14:50 (KJV) And they all forsook him, and fled. Do what? Run! Not you brave men who were just a few verses ago willing to die and now when it’s time all we see is a cloud of dust. Oh don’t get to hard on them there’s not many who will give their life for others. It was a long time ago and most have forgotten a Marine by the name of Thomas Craig on a day in February 1968. When a live grenade was thrown by the Vietnam army. By the quick thinking of Thomas Craig he runs and covers the grenade with his body. Yes he lost his life but he saved many and once again I say there are few that will give their life for others. No, there was no big write up, just a broken body sent back home. How do you say thanks, for such an action of another??? Jesus Christ heads to Calvary to die for us all. How or have you thanked Him today?

Sorry I Fell Asleep 🥱

Jesus and His Disciples now come to Gethsemane. Gethsemane is only mentioned two times in the Bible and both times in the New Testament. Each time it was a place of Prayer. As I wrote last time about the singing and making melody in the heart which is a wonderful experience. But we must remember that without prayer there will be no melody. In this case Jesus knows what’s ahead as He goes to pray. Mark 14:32 (KJV) And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. As Jesus heads off to pray He turns and says to Peter, James and John you boys come with Me.

Mark 14:33 (KJV) And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;  Why? Jesus tells them why.

Mark 14:34 (KJV) And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. Jesus is asking these three brave men that would die for him, not to die but to pray because he  is Exceeding sorrowful unto death.  What do you think? These men got down on their faces and prayed. No, they did this. Mark 14:37 (KJV) And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?  Come on guys, pray.

Mark 14:38 (KJV) Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. Watch out for temptations! Here is a good lesson for me. My spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. Back when Peter said he would die for the Lord Jesus that was the spirit part of him talking and his spirit really meant it. But when it came down to it his flesh was weak; we will see that a little later. Ok these disciples got busted, caught sleeping when they were supposed to be praying. Here is another lesson for me: Jesus is ready and willing to give another chance.  Mark 14:39 (KJV) And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. In a little while Jesus returned and the disciples were praying. No, but they were sleeping. Mark 14:40 (KJV) And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. Well that’s twice they were caught doing what they wanted and not praying for the Lord Jesus whom they claimed that they would die for.  Now Jesus returns the third time. Mark 14:41 (KJV) And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. What’s the lesson? Why was this here for us to read? Here’s what I think. The Lord is more than patient with us. But when we are distressed others are not as distressed and they may or may not pray. There was a time my heart was so broken, I remember taking a shower and as the water hit my body I bent over and wept and prayed. But I'm sure no one else prayed as I did. Why? Because just like these disciples were asked to pray they just didn’t feel like the Lord Jesus did so they were able to sleep. When others ask us to pray, how do we pray or do we? I have a good friend now that is dying and I pray for him but I assure you I’m not praying like he is nor his children are. I must be careful that some temptation doesn’t keep me from praying for others.  

Not Me 😱

 The Passover is done, Jesus and His disciples  are leaving; we are not told but I wonder if they cleaned up after they were finished with the Passover? Lol.  I’m sure they did because Jesus isn’t going to ask His disciples to go make ready and then leave the guest chamber a wreck. I'm sure that the guest chamber was cleaner than before. When all was done they sung a hymn and then left. 

Mark 14:26 (KJV) And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Paul tells us in the book of Ephesians that singing hymns makes melody in our hearts unto the Lord.

Ephesians 5:19 (KJV) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; If It’s a happy heart I want, then here are the questions I need to ask myself. How many Psalms or parts of Psalms do I have in my heart? How many spiritual songs do I have in my heart? How many Hymns do I have in my heart? Whatever the answer will determine the level of a happy heart. 

The Mount of Olives was a place of Sending 

Mark 11:1 (KJV) And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

A Place of Explaining Mark 13:3 (KJV) And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

A Place of Telling of Future Events  

Mark 14:26 (KJV) And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Mark 14:27 (KJV) And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 

Mark 14:28 (KJV)  But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

Peter then says wait a minute Lord, these other guys might run off in the night and leave you but you can rest assured I won’t. Mark 14:29 (KJV) But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. Jesus didn’t say what Peter wanted to hear. Oh no, quite the opposite.  Mark 14:30 (KJV) And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter tonight you will deny Me three times. I can see myself in Peter for I too have said “I’ll NEVER DO THAT! Only to find myself doing or saying what I said I would never do or say. As we will see in the life of Peter that fear will cause us sometimes to do what we would not normally do. Then Peter says Oh No Lord I won’t! You’ll see, I will die for You Lord if it comes to it.  Mark 14:31 (KJV) But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. This tells me three things about Peter. First Peter wants to do what he said but he doesn't know the cost of what he said. “If I should die with thee”

Second Peter didn’t know himself as well as he thought. “I will not deny thee in any wise”

Third Peter didn’t realize all those who had confidence in him “Likewise also said they all” I wonder how many have confidence in me? I am not sure but some do. Principle # 7 says “Our sinful habits do hurt those who follow us.” So it is important what I say and what I do, where I go and the people I let influence me. Because it makes an  impact on others. If Wayne goes there and does this or that it’s got to be alright or he wouldn’t do it. Peter was wrong in what he said for he knew not what he would do. But he’s about to find out.

Is It Me?😳

Here comes Jesus and the 12 men He has been working with and training. 

Mark 14:17 (KJV) And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. These men go to the upper room and sat down and began to eat, Jesus didn’t talk about how the weather was nor anything else that was going on. The first words from His lips were “one of you guys that are sitting here will betray me.

Mark 14:18 (KJV) And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you 🫵which eateth with me shall betray me.  Well what was their reaction to that? First they were sorrowful 😢 then they were unsure😯 about themselves. In that room sitting at the Passover table how do you think you would have felt? But how would you have felt if you knew you were the one Jesus was talking about? But these words that Jesus spoke should have shook Judas’s world Mark 14:21 (KJV) The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born. Oh you might say if that has been me I would have changed my mind right then and there. Would you? Probably not, and the reason I say that is that many are hanging on to a lie. They know within themselves that they have never really asked the Lord to come into their lives. If they were asked has there ever been a time in your life that it really changed? Some would say sure, but has it? They lay in bed having sex outside of marriage and it doesn’t bother them at all and they feel no guilt. But God in His book the Bible says “don’t do that!”

Matthew 19:18 (KJV) He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Well that lets me off the hook we aren’t married. Really then look up the word fornication. Then there are those who lie and call it business. God never said it was ok to lie in  business but He did say  Exodus 20:16 (KJV) Thou shalt not bear false witness [lie]  against thy neighbour. The lying doesn’t bother you either. Why do we think that we can go to heaven like we are? What if I were to go to the ER at the local hospital and tell them I was a doctor and would like to work in their ER. I sure that they would ask for some type of credentials as well as references. Do you think that Jesus died on the cross for your sin and you just fly by life doing what you want too and what make you feel good and God says ok that’s alright come on in? I think not. The reason I say that is because of what the Bible says for all have sinned, if you will confess, if any person does there’s a noticeable change. It's not what I’m doing, it’s what I'm not doing. It’s not going to church, it’s not giving your money or time. If today you were asked why you think you are going to heaven what would be your answer? Because I’m good, I haven’t done anything really bad. Great! But the Bible says this.

Romans 3:12 (KJV) They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. We have all done bad things, some worse than others. We have all done good things but it didn’t say do more good it simply says we have all done no good, not good enough to really matter. Un-oh😳 Is it me Lord? Have I, did I, am I oh my is it me?