Taken and Tried
THIRD QUARTER 2024
SABBATH SCHOOL INSIGHT #11
SEPTEMBER 14, 2024
"TAKEN AND TRIED".
The Gospel of Mark is a gospel of action. When describing the work of Jesus, Mark uses a word we have become familiar with this quarter, and that is the word “immediately.” Scholars believe that this book was written by John Mark, an individual who it would appear had little interaction with Jesus with the exception of a passage found in this week’s lesson. Mark 14: 51,52, NKJV, says, “Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around hisnaked body. And the young men laid hold of him, and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.” The “certain young man” was not named, but the expression has similarities to the apostle John’s reference to himself in his gospel as “the disciple whom Jesus loved. That the “certain young man” spoken of in the verse is John Mark cannot be proven, but if it is the case, this is the only mention of John Mark in proximity to Jesus Christ. But why would John Mark keep using this word, “immediately”?
The gospel of Mark deals more with what Jesus did rather than what He said, hence in red letter editions of the Bible, there is much less red in the gospel of Mark than the other synoptic gospels or the gospel of John. Another significant aspect that makes Mark unique is the geographic component. Mark starts at the Jordan River, one of the lowest points in Palestine, where Jesus was baptized, and slowly moves uphill to Galilee, up to Mount Hermon, then up to Caesarea Philippi where in Chapter 8 we see a turning point in his whole narrative. From there he moves up to Jerusalem, where he has been anxious to bring us. In Sabbath afternoon’s lesson, the author informs us that the last six chapters of Mark cover just one week, and that the majority of events in Mark chapters 14-16 occur from Thursday to Friday. It has been Mark’s intent to bring us “immediately” to the cross, hence the sense of urgency with which he has presented what Jesus did. His desire is that we understand that Jesus Christ was working tirelessly to save us. For John, the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the focal point of the gospel.
Chapter fourteen is our study this week and covers crucial incidents in the final days of Christ’s life on earth. There is the “anointing at Bethany,” Judas agreeing to betray Jesus, Jesus celebrating His final Passover with His disciples and instituting the “Lord’s Supper.” This is followed by Jesus’ suffering in Gethsemane, His trial before the Sanhedrin and the confrontation with the high priest, culminating with Peter’s denial of his Lord. All Scripture references will be from the NKJV. In this Insight we will simply let Scripture and Ellen White speak.
Ellen White says, “In order to fully realize the value of salvation, it is necessary to understand what it cost. In consequence of limited ideas of the sufferings of Christ, many place a low estimate upon the great work of the atonement. The glorious plan of man's salvation was brought about through the infinite love of God the Father. In this divine plan is seen the most marvelous manifestation of the love of God to the fallen race. Such love as is manifested in the gift of God's beloved Son amazed the holy angels. 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. This Saviour was the brightness of His Father's glory and the express image of His person. He possessed divine majesty, perfection, and excellence. He was equal with God. ‘It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.' ‘Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies For The Church, Volume 2, p. 200.
Jesus had just eaten the Passover meal with His disciples. He warned them, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.” And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, “Is it I?” And another said, “Is it I?” He answered and said to them, “It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish.” (Mark 14:18-20). Jesus and eleven of the disciples left the meal, went across the Kidron Valley to the garden which was on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. Interestingly, the Mount of Olives is 400 feet above the Kidron Valley and 300 feet higher than the temple. He walked with the disciples through the Sheep Gate, which He would do again on His way to Calvary. Jesus was to suffer without the gates of Jerusalem where felons and murderers were executed, proclaiming to a dying world that Jesus died for all humanity. This time however He was going to Gethsemane.
“Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.’ He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.' (Mark 14:32-36).
“Jesus had been earnestly conversing with His disciples and instructing them; but as He neared Gethsemane, He became strangely silent. He had often visited this spot for meditation and prayer, but never with a heart so full of sorrow as upon this night of His last agony. Throughout His life on earth, He had walked in the light of God's presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very spirit of Satan, He could say, 'He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.’ John 8:29. But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God's sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father's love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, 'My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.’” —Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 685.
“We can have but faint conceptions of the inexpressible anguish of God's dear Son in Gethsemane, as He realized His separation from His Father in consequence of bearing man's sin. He became sin for the fallen race. The sense of the withdrawal of His Father's love pressed from His anguished soul these mournful words: 'My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.’ ‘If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.’ Then with entire submission to His Father's will, He adds: 'Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.’” —Ellen G. White, Testimonies to the Church, Volume 2, p. 206.
“Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself.” —Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 690.
He is still just in Gethsemane. If nothing has blown our minds yet, this last paragraph ending with that last sentence should blow our minds! The love of God so rich and pure, measureless!
But let us look at the angelic hosts. “Could mortals have viewed the amazement and the sorrow of the angelic host as they watched in silent grief the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from the beloved Son of His bosom, they would better understand how offensive sin is in His sight. The sword of justice was now to awake against His dear Son.”—Ellen G. White, Testimonies to the Church, Volume 2, p. 207. Then the messenger of the Lord declares, “Who can comprehend the love here displayed!” —Ibid.
There is a lesson for us here as we observe the intensity with which Christ prayed. But this intensity did not suddenly manifest itself in the moment of the fiercest fight of His life here on earth. “Through the day He labored earnestly to do good to others, to save men from destruction. He healed the sick, comforted the mourning, and brought cheerfulness and hope to the despairing. He brought the dead to life. After His work was finished for the day, He went forth, evening after evening, away from the confusion of the city, and His form was bowed in some retired grove in supplication to His Father. At times the bright beams of the moon shone upon His bowed form. And then again, the clouds and darkness shut away all light. The dew and frost of night rested upon His head and beard while in the attitude of a suppliant. He frequently continued His petitions through the entire night. He is our example. If we could remember this, and imitate Him, we would be much stronger in God.” — Ibid., p. 202.
“If the Saviour of men, with His divine strength, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of prayer—fervent, constant prayer!... Those who profess the truth for these last days, above every other class of professed Christians, should imitate the great Exemplar in prayer.” —Ibid.
Jesus retraced His steps over the Kidron Valley, past the gardens and olive groves, and through the streets of Jerusalem to face the Sanhedrin and the high priest. “And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes”. …Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death but found none. For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. ..And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, ‘Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?' But He kept silent and answered nothing. …Again, the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, ‘Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?’ And Jesus said, ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.'” (Mark 14:53,55,56,60-62).
How do we respond when we are persecuted, or falsely accused? Have we ever had an urge to vindicate ourselves? Jesus could have given a few words of vindication, exhortation, and a Bible study in history and prophecy, mixed with reproof, but He spoke no burning words. He was calm, patient and gentle. But let us consider this sobering thought from Ellen White. “The Jews were looking for a Messiah to be revealed in outward show. They expected Him, by one flash of overmastering will, to change the current of men's thoughts, and force from them an acknowledgment of His supremacy. Thus, they believed, He was to secure His own exaltation and gratify their ambitious hopes. Thus, when Christ was treated with contempt, there came to Him a strong temptation to manifest His divine character. By a word, by a look, He could compel His persecutors to confess that He was Lord above kings and rulers, priests and temple. But it was His difficult task to keep to the position He had chosen as one with humanity.”_ —Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 700. Jesus had bound Himself to humanity, and with His Father entered into a solemn pledge, that Christ would become the surety for the human race. He would be faithful to Their covenant over which They had clasped hands. He would save humanity at any cost to Himself.
He patiently listened to the conflicting testimonies. He said nothing in self-defense. “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). However, when Caiaphas asked the question, “Are you the Christ?”, Christ could not remain silent. There is a time for silence and a time to speak. He was asked a direct question, “are You the Christ?”, to which He had to answer directly: “I Am.”
There was one who was watching — Peter. Mark 14:66-72 describes Peter’s denial of Jesus three times and the cock crowing two times. “While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter's lips, and the shrill crowing of the cock was still ringing in his ears, the Saviour turned from the frowning judges, and looked full upon His poor disciple. At the same time Peter's eyes were drawn to his Master. In that gentle countenance he read deep pity and sorrow, but there was no anger there.” —Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 712.
“The sight of that pale, suffering face, those quivering lips, that look of compassion and forgiveness, pierced his heart like an arrow.” —Ibid. That look of Jesus, saved Peter’s life.
This discussion would not be complete without addressing what Jesus said to His disciples during the anointing at Bethany. “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her” (Mark 14:9). The gospel calls forth a response. As we behold the Lamb of God, slain for us, helpless human agents, gratitude arises in our hearts, and we say, we would rather have Jesus than anything this word could give us.
“Mary knew not the full significance of her deed of love. She could not answer her accusers. She could not explain why she had chosen that occasion for anointing Jesus. The Holy Spirit had planned for her, and she had obeyed His promptings. Inspiration stoops to give no reason. An unseen presence, it speaks to mind and soul and moves the heart to action. It is its own justification. Christ told Mary the meaning of her act, and in this He gave her more than He had received. ‘In that she hath poured this ointment on My body,’ He said, ‘she did it for My burial.’ As the alabaster box was broken, and filled the whole house with its fragrance, so Christ was to die, His body was to be broken; but He was to rise from the tomb, and the fragrance of His life was to fill the earth. Christ ‘hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.’ Ephesians 5:2. ‘Verily I say unto you,' Christ declared, ‘Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.’ Looking into the future, the Saviour spoke with certainty concerning His gospel. It was to be preached throughout the world. And as far as the gospel extended, Mary's gift would shed its fragrance, and hearts would be blessed through her unstudied act. Kingdoms would rise and fall; the names of monarchs and conquerors would be forgotten; but this woman's deed would be immortalized upon the pages of sacred history. Until time should be no more, that broken alabaster box would tell the story of the abundant love of God for a fallen race.” —Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 560-563.
The love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
~Lyndi Schwartz