The Cup - Mark 14:23

Mark wrote, “And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eats with me shall betray me. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dips with me in the dish. The Son of man indeed goes, 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. And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body”, and in chapter fourteen and verse twenty-three of his book, Mark shared how Jesus, “took the cup, and … gave it to them”, where we read:

And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.

The verse reads, “And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them:” Mark began with the words, “and he took the cup which means “and Jesus lay hold of the drinking vessel”, “and when” or “and at the time and moment” “he had given thanks” which means “Jesus expressed gratefulness and thankfulness”, “he gave it to them” or “Jesus delivered, furnished and supplied the cup to His disciples”. Mark shared how Jesus lay hold of a “cup” at the passover meal, expressed thankfulness for it and distributed the drinking vessel to His disciples.

The verse continues, “and they all drank of it.” Mark added the words, “and they all” which means “each, every, the whole and everyone of Jesus' disciples”: “drank of it” or “imbibed from the cup”. Mark shared how Jesus' disciples “drank” from the blessed “cup” Jesus gave to them.

When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus initiated the second part of His “communion, eucharist, Lord's supper or blessed sacrament”. The “cup” represented the “blood” Jesus shed for the remission of the sins of mankind. Because He came to the world to die on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of every person, Jesus shared this “cup” reminder of what He did for them. Hebrews chapter nine and verse twenty-two says, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission”, and those who yield their lives to Jesus will appreciate what an awesome sacrifice Jesus made so they may live with His Father God forever.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus, “said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Take, Eat: This is My Body - Mark 14:22

Mark wrote, “And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eats with me shall betray me. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dips with me in the dish. The Son of man indeed goes, 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”, and in chapter fourteen and verse twenty-two of his book, Mark how Jesus said, “Take, eat: this is my body”, where we read:

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said,

Take, eat: this is my body.

The verse reads, “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, ...” Mark began with the words, “and as they did eat” which means “and during the time Jesus and His disciples consumed and devoured the passover meal”, “Jesus” or “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate whose name means Jehovah is Salvation” “took bread” which means “lay hold of food composed of flour mixed with water and baked”, “and blessed” or “and consecrated the bread with solemn prayers”, “and brake it” which means “and tore the bread”, “and gave to them” or “and bestowed, supplied and furnished His disciples”, “and said” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed”. Mark shared how Jesus “took” some “bread” at the passover meal, consecrated it and tore it into pieces and distributed it to His disciples as He proclaimed the following.

The verse goes on to say, “Take, eat: this is my body.” Mark continued with the words, “Take, eat” which means “receive and procure the bread, consume and devour it”: “this is my body” or “the bread is Jesus' physical body”. Mark shared how Jesus gave direction to His disciples to receive and “eat” the bread He blessed, broke and distributed to them, and Jesus told them the “bread” was His own “body”.

When we consider Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus began what is known as “communion”, the Lord's supper”, the Eucharist” or the “blessed sacrament”. Jesus used the “bread” to show His disciples how His body would be “broken” for them, and they were to “consume” the “bread” as a reminder of what He did for them. Jesus gave His body to be spat upon, beaten and crucified for the sins of every person, and those who believe and trust in Him and His sacrifice will be “saved” and receive “everlasting life” with His Father God.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus, “took the cup, and … gave it to them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Woe to the Man Who Betrayed Jesus - Mark 14:21

Mark wrote, “And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eats with me shall betray me. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dips with me in the dish”, and in chapter fourteen and verse twenty-one of his book, Mark shared how Jesus says, “woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed”, where we read:

The Son of man indeed goes, 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.

The verse reads, “The Son of man indeed goes, as it is written of him:” Mark began with the words, “the Son of man” which means “God's Son Jesus” “indeed goes” or “even so is lead under, withdrawn and departed”, “as it is written of him” which means “in likeness as Jesus' departure is delineated or formed in letters on a tablet, parchment, paper or other material”. Mark shared how Jesus confirmed the idea that His betrayal was “written” in advance of it happening.

The verse continues, “but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed!” Mark added the words, “but woe” which means “however, nevertheless, moreover and alas as an expression of grief” “to that man” or “to the person whether male or female” “by whom the Son of man” which means “through whom God's Son Jesus” “is betrayed” or “is delivered over treacherously”! Mark shared how Jesus gave a grave warning of “woe” to the person who “betrays” Him. Jesus knew His disciple Judas Iscariot would deliver Him up to the religious leaders, and yet He died for not only his sins, but also anyone who would “betray” Him in the future.

Finally the verse says, “good were it for that man if he had never been born.” Mark ended the verse with the words, “good were it for that man” or “excellent, choice, surpassing and precious would it have been for the person who betrayed Jesus” “if he had never been born” which means “if the man who betrayed Jesus would never have been engendered, begotten or conceived”. Mark shared how Jesus said it would have been better if the person who “betrays” Him was never “conceived” and birthed. Those who are wise yield their lives to Jesus who alone was betrayed on behalf of all mankind.

When we think through Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus was aware of all the events leading to His betrayal and eventual crucifixion upon the cross. He made the statement that it would have been better for His betrayer to never have “been born” rather than betray the Son of the Living God. Those who read these words should understand that all “betrayers” of Jesus would be better off to never be conceived rather than spend eternity separated from God, and those who are wise will avoid all acts of betrayal against Jesus and put their faith and trust in Him.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus says, “Take, eat: this is my body”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

One of the Twelve that Dips - Mark 14:20

Mark wrote, “And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eats with me shall betray me. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?”, and in chapter fourteen and verse twenty of his book, Mark shared how Jesus answered, “Is is one of the twelve, that dips with me in the dish”, where we read:

And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dips with me in the dish.

The verse reads, “And he answered and said unto them, ...” Mark began with the words, “and he answered” which means “and Jesus responded and began to speak” “and said unto them” or “and uttered, declared and proclaimed to His disciples”. Mark shared how Jesus responded and began to speak to His disciples questions as to whether they were the one who would betray him.

The verse goes on to say, “... It is one of the twelve, that dips with me in the dish.” Mark continued with the words, “It is one of the twelve” which means “the betrayer of Jesus is the one of His twelve disciples”, “that dips with me” or “who wets by contact with a fluid alongside Jesus” “in the dish” which means “into the deep bowl”. Mark shared how Jesus told His disciples it would be one of His twelve that would “wet their bread by dipping it” into a bowl.

When we consider Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus did not openly tell His other disciples who His betrayer was, but used the disciples' “dipping” into a “bowl” with Him to identify him. Unleavened bread was served at the passover meal, and usually there were various bowls filled with different dipping sauces for which the eaters could partake. Jesus said the “disciple” who “dipped” with Him was the one who would betray Him which turned out to be Judas Iscariot. (See John 13:23-27). God the Father and Jesus His Son knew who would deliver Him to the opposition, and because God so loves people so much, He allowed His Son Jesus to go through these things even though He knew them in advance. Oh what love the Heavenly Father has exhibited through His Son Jesus, and those who are wise will not only know these things but also understand they were provided for their salvation.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus says, “woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Is it I? - Mark 14:19

Mark wrote, “And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eats with me shall betray me”, and in chapter fourteen and verse nineteen of his book, Mark how how the disciples of Jesus ask, “Is it I?” where we read:

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?

The verse reads, “And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I?” Mark began with the words, “and they began” which means “and Jesus' twelve disciples started and made a beginning” “to be sorrowful” or “of grieving, being in heaviness and affected with sadness”, “and say unto him” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed to Jesus”, “one by one” or “each particular and certain one by each particular and certain one”, “Is it I?” or “am I the one or is it me”? Mark shared how all of the twelve disciples of Jesus were “grieving and sad” as one by one they asked Jesus if they were the one who would betray Him.

The verse continues, “...and another said, Is it I?” Mark added the words, “and another said” which means “and one other of the twelve disciples uttered, declared, proclaimed and asked”, “Is it I?” or “am I the one or is it me”? Mark shared how each of the other disciples questioned Jesus as to whether they were the one who would betray Him.

When we think through Mark's words in this verse, we see the reaction of Jesus' twelve disciples to His declaration that one of them would betray Him. This indeed was the proper reaction, however, it appears that none of them actually knew if they were the one who would actually “betray” Him. Because they had been around Jesus for some three years now, and they were under His tutelage during that time, we might not be able to comprehend that one of them would “deliver” Jesus over to His opposition. God knows all people, and His desire is to “save” them from their “sinful” lives. Were it not for the grace of God, every person would “betray” Jesus, and only those who turn from the “errors and mistakes” and yield to Him will be “saved” and receive everlasting life from God.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus answers, “Is is one of the twelve, that dips with me in the dish”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

One of You Shall Betray Me - Mark 14:18

Mark wrote how Jesus said, “Go you into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. And wheresoever he shall go in, say you to the goodman of the house, The Master said, Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us. And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And in the evening he came with the twelve”, and in chapter fourteen and verse eighteen of his book, Mark how Jesus says, “One of you which eats with me shall betray me” where we read:

And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you,

One of you which eats with me shall betray me.

The verse reads, “And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, ...” Mark began with the words, “and as they sat” which means “and as Jesus and His twelve disciples were seated or reclining” “and did eat” or “and devoured and consumed the passover meal”, “Jesus said” which means “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate whose name means Jehovah is Salvation uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “Verily” or “truly and surely” “I say unto you” or “Jesus utters, declares and proclaims to His disciples”. Mark shared how Jesus and His disciples were seated or reclining as the ate and Jesus certified the following statement to them.

The verse goes on to say, “...One of you which eats with me shall betray me.” Mark continued with the words, “One of you” which means “a certain and particular one of the twelve disciples” “which eats with me” or “who consumes and devours the passover meal with Jesus” “shall betray me” which means “will deliver Jesus up treacherously”. Mark shared how Jesus told His twelve disciples that “one” of them would treacherously deliver Jesus over to those who oppose Him.

When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus made a declaration during the time when He and His disciples were reclining and eating the “passover meal”. He told them, one of them would “betray” Him, and oh might we imagine how a great silence came over the room. Jesus knew in advance who it was that would “deliver” Him over to His opposition, and because this also was part of His plan for the salvation of mankind, He allowed the “betrayer” to continue on his path. God wants everyone to receive His Son Jesus as their “Savior and Lord”, but He knows there will be many who will “betray” Him, and woe be to those who choose that path.

Next time Mark shares how Jesus the disciples ask, “Is it I?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".