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Past Ponderings

Sunday, May 6, 2018

PONDERING... Will You Abandon Jesus Too? (Mark 14:10-21, 26-34, 37-46, 50-52, 66-72)

VIDEO
Will You Abandon Jesus Too? (AM Sermon Notes)
GIST: Sin separates us from our Savior.
SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:10-21, 26-34, 37-46, 50-52, 66-72
10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him. 12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” 16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
17 And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. 18 And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” 19 They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” 20 He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”


I have been wrestling with how to break down the second portion of this chapter. As we mentioned Sunday night, the bulk of the chapter deals with the people closest to Jesus abandoning Him before His crucifixion. Should we look at one each week for a couple of weeks, or tackle them all together? As has been the case a few times during this study, I just could not separate them in my mind. We have a mega-sandwich passage of sorts here, pitting the unfaithfulness of Jesus’ followers against the faithfulness of Christ. This week, I want to look at those who abandoned Him and the implications that has on our lives. Next week, we’ll look at the faithfulness of Jesus in the midst of this abandonment. The gist for today? Sin separates us from our Savior.


I. THE BETRAYER (10-21, 42-46)
As I was developing the outline for this message, I was jotting down the list of subpoints to address under each point, and this “s” thing happened accidently. It might have gotten a little out of hand after that. For which, I apologize.
Setting. Let’s start by establishing when and where this took place. We know this happens after the scene with Mary we discussed last Sunday night. It was a scene where we saw Mary giving up everything for Jesus and Judas deciding to betray Him to the Pharisees. It’s after that that Jesus sends His disciples to prepare the Passover meal. It seems like the setting for the meal had been worked out ahead of time, because the disciples were told to follow the guy carrying a jar of water. Men during this time did not do this, so it was likely a prearranged sign. Remember, Jesus is a wanted man at this point.
These arrangements were made, and then the disciples reclined at table with Jesus for the Passover. This would have been a joyous occasion. Passover was the most important of the Jewish celebrations. It pointed to God’s provision as He rescued them from Egyptian bondage. We’ll talk a bit more about that this evening as we celebrate Communion, but for now it’s vital that we understand how important this time would have been to these people. They were with Jesus who they believe to be the Messiah, the deliverer, and they are celebrating God’s deliverance!
Subversion. It’s in that setting that Jesus drops this bombshell: “18b “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” We knew betrayal had been planned by Judas, and now it is predicted by Jesus. Why was Judas betraying Christ? We talked about this last time, but it seems to have been driven by selfish ambition and greed. He wanted money and prestige, not the sacrifice which came with following Jesus, so he sold Him out. However, what always strikes me most about this moment is that Jesus knew. He wasn’t shocked by Judas’ betrayal. He knew and still reclined at the table with Him. They were sharing in this intimate moment. That is the implications of “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me.” He was sharing this special meal with the one who was about to betray Him. Why? Because He loves even those who hate Him. Hold that thought. We’ll come back to that.
Suspicion. Another point to notice is the reaction of all the other disciples. They didn’t suspect Judas. This is key. They all go around the table seeking confirmation that it’s not them that will betray, but no one stops to say, “Hey guys, obviously it’s the creepy treasurer in the corner there!” Why? Because it wasn’t obvious. Like with the Pharisees, we like to paint a picture of Judas as that slimy, shifty-eyed follower. Clearly, that was not the case. We’re going to come back to this in the takeaways, as well, but let’s just pause to make this observation in case I’ve lost you entirely by that point. Looking like a “good Christian” does not make you a wholehearted follower of Christ. Let that sting...because it stings me too. We have to examine our hearts!
Sovereignty & Sin. These last two points have to be presented together because it is a truth so central to life. First, we cannot miss that this is part of God’s plan. Look at the first part of verse 21: “ 21 For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him…” God is sovereign.  This was not an accident. What has He been telling His disciples all along? ‘I’m going to be killed and rise again to save the world from sin.’ It’s why He came. Recall what Jesus said about His life in in John 10:18: “18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” Judas is part of that sovereign plan of God. However, that in no way removes his responsibility. While God uses sinners to accomplish His will, sinners are still responsible for their sin. Look at the second half of that same verse, “21b...but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” Why would it be better if he had not been born? Judas never repents of his sin. Though he had intimate contact with the Savior, he rejected him. Therefore, just like all those who will reject the salvation bought by the blood of Christ, Judas would die and go to Hell. May we likewise be warned.
42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” 43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him.


II. THE DENIER (26-31, 32-34, 37-41, 50, 66-72)
So, Judas betrays Jesus, but he is not the only one to abandon Him on this night. Let’s look at what happens after they celebrate the Lord’s Supper together (the passage we’ll consider this evening).  
26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.
Predictions and Proclamations. There are several points to make here. We have a series of predictions and proclamations. After telling the disciples that one of them would betray Him and then instituting the Lord’s Supper, Jesus takes them to the Mount of Olives to pray. This is a familiar setting for them, and it is here that He tells them that when He is taken to be killed (when the shepherd is struck), all of them will fall away. He also tells them that He’s going to rise again and gather them, but they miss that point. Peter, specifically, steps up and does what Peter does--makes a super bold proclamation, “Even though they all fall away, I will not. How does Jesus respond? ‘Yes, you will. In fact, before the evening is over, you’ll deny Me three times.’ Talk about a shock to the system. Peter makes this incredibly bold declaration only to be told he’s completely wrong. How does he react? With another bold declaration. If I must die with you, I will not deny you.Apparently the word translated emphatically here implies repetition. He kept saying this, and the other disciples seem to have joined in on the chorus. Let’s see what ended up happening later that night!
32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” ...37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners….50 And they all left him and fled.
Prayer Time. We’re going to look more at this prayer time next week, but for now let’s note Peter’s role in the garden. After saying he would never leave Jesus, he is asked to watch and pray. What happens? He falls asleep… three times! It’s in this context that Jesus says something to Peter that is really easy to skim over. Look at verse 31 again, what does Jesus call Peter? Simon. That’s his old name! When Jesus called him to be a disciple, He changed his name to Peter--the rock. Right now, he’s not living up to that name--and Jesus calls him on it.
Problem. What happened? I don’t think Peter was intentionally lying about his devotion. And Jesus says as much. How many times have we quoted this verse? “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.Peter is bold, but his confidence is misplaced. He is sure he can, but Jesus reminds him to “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation…because no matter how well intentioned you are, you cannot, by your own strength, keep yourself from falling. If you could, why in the world did Jesus come to die?
Prophecy. Peter was so sure he could do it, but, of course, many of us will remember how Jesus’ prophecy was ultimately fulfilled. After cutting off a guys ear in the garden (more on that later), Peter runs away. He then follows Jesus from a distance, and this happens:
66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
This passage is very familiar. What I want to note today is that just like Jesus prophesied, Peter denies Him three times with increasing intensity. Ultimately, swearing he does not even know Jesus and calling down a curse upon himself as insurance to the truth of this lie!
Penitence. Ultimately, however, his self assurance led to both denial and dismay. After remembering Christ’s words and realizing what he had done, he immediately regrets, breaks down, and weeps bitterly. Hold on to this, that reaction is key.


III. THE FLEE-ERS ☺ (26-28, 31, 50-52)
So we have the betrayer, the denier, and now we’ll close by briefly considering the...flee-ers (yeah...I know this isn’t a word, but I had to keep with the “er” thing ). Two of the disciples are called out by name, but the other 10 aren’t exempt.
We know that they, like Peter, proclaimed their allegiance. They had every intention of staying. They were intent on demonstrating faith. Yet, what happened?  Confronted with the reality of Jesus’ arrest, they faced fear, 50 And they all left him and fled.They didn’t deny Him with their mouths or betray Him to His enemies, but their abandonment was no less real. Jesus was left alone because of their fear.
It’s in this context that we are also given what I have always found to be a bit of a funny little side note.  “51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.” What is this? Well, it’s only included in this gospel and is almost universally accepted as Mark’s cameo. The fact that he describes himself as running away naked makes me chuckle, but that wasn’t his intention. There is seriousness here. Why put this in? In essence, he’s saying, ‘Look, they all abandoned Him, so did I. In fact, I was so scared, I ran away disgracefully.’


TAKEAWAYS
1. Don’t be nominally Christian and wholeheartedly self-serving. There is a severe warning to nearly every one of us here today: Judas was one of the 12! He walked with Jesus. He was sent out by Him with all the other disciples. He gave every impression of walking the walk and talking the talk. Yet, he was lost. You can deceive the whole world with your nominal Christianity, but if your heart is driven by desires for self, you’re not His.


2. Don't be surprised when people abandon the church. Sometimes we like to make ourselves out to be martyrs when people are not supporting “our cause”. However, that is not the purpose of the church. We are called to serve, not to be served. When Jesus was in the garden, those closest to him abandon him. One of the 12 betrayed Him. His most outspoken disciple used his voice to call down curses and deny Him rather than speak for Him. The rest of that intimate group? They ran away. One even streaked away. While on earth, Jesus was betrayed, denied, and abandoned. Today, Jesus continues to be betrayed, denied, and abandoned. Therefore, we need not take offense when people do not come to “our church”. The offense is against Christ, not you. Instead, we need pay more attention to not being those who abandon, deny, or betray.


3. Rejoice in Jesus’ forgiveness. These all have this in common: they abandoned Jesus. What they don’t have in common is that most of them didn’t stay like that. Jesus even told them they wouldn’t. Remember back in verses 27-28? “27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee (emphasis added)*”. They will be scattered, and then He’ll meet them in Galilee when He rises again! He will gather them! This reminds me of what Luke records in his parallel account. Luke 22:21-32  31“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” The “you” here is plural. This is Jesus’ grace! He came to redeem sinners, and He uses those redeemed to be His spokespeople to bring others to redemption. You’ve fallen. Yep. Come to Christ and let God use you to help others who have also fallen!  
Likewise, let’s remember Jesus knew He would be abandoned by all of these people. Still yet, not only did Jesus love them while he was with them serving beside them for three years, but he also died for them. Can we not see the implications in our life? When people mistreat and reject us, we should love them.


4. Return to Him and serve Him wholeheartedly. If you were here last Sunday night, you might remember this being the primary application point. This entire chapter is full of pictures of Jesus being abandoned. But at the very beginning, we’re given this picture of Mary doing exactly the opposite. What made the difference? By the grace of God, she gave Him her all. Likewise, while Judas never returned to Christ, Peter and the other disciples did. In fact, they all died for Him. What made the difference? By the grace of God, they gave Him their all. We avoid abandoning Jesus by serving Him!


* Side Note: The “I” here is God. Again, this is all in His hands

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