Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen, the last week of our Lord was filled with specific prophetic events with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane experience. Today we move to the arrest and mock trial according to the gospel of Mark.

1. Jesus was betrayed and arrested! (Mark 14:43-46)

“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. 44And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. 46And they laid their hands on him, and took him.”

A betrayal kiss by the traitor named Judas who the devil had entered became the sign to the others that Jesus would be the one to be arrested.

“And they all forsook him, and fled.” (Mark 14:50)

So much for the brave disciples… wonder how many would stand with Jesus today?

“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: 52And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.” (Mark 14:51,52)

Many scholars believe that the young man that fled was the author of this gospel the Holy Spirit used named John Mark.

2. Jesus appeared before the different authorities and false witnesses! (Mark 14:53 -58)

“53And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.”

It seems evident that the religious crowd were the main ones who wanted to get rid of Jesus.

“55And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. 56For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. 57And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, 58We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.”

False witnesses lied. The devil will use anybody.

“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.” (Mark 15:1)

Pilate was a compromiser. He caved into the crowd instead of doing what was right. However, it was all according to God’s plan.

Barabbas released:

“6Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. 7And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.” (Mark 15:6-7)

Barabbas was guilty. Jesus was innocent. But God’s redemptive plan was being fulfilled.

“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? 13And they cried out again, Crucify him.” (Mark 15:12)

Pilate tried to wash his hands lily white but Jesus reminded him of his accountability to God. Tradition claims he committed suicide.

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen the last week of our Lord was filled with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper. This devotion will explore the next event which was located in the Garden of Gethsemane.

1. The Exercise and Need for Prayer! (Mark 14:32-35)

“32And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.”

What a lesson! If our Lord Jesus, who was God, demonstrated the need to pray, how much more do we need to practice the power of prayer. The key to victory is talking to our Father. Lord teach us to pray.

2. The Exchange of the Will! (Mark 14:36)

“And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”

Here is the nonnegotiable. God’s will over our will. If we are going to live a life of wisdom and blessing, then our will must be broken. Is your will broken?

3. The Encouragement to stay awake because the flesh is weak but the Spirit is willing! (Mark 14:37-38)

“37And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”

The flesh is another enemy to overcoming in this life. But the Spirit can be more powerful. Are you trusting the Spirit over the flesh?

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. Even the mock trial had to happen. Studying the last week of our Lord’s life would be well worth our time. After riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, Jesus gathered His disciples to celebrate the Passover. But first, His body had to be prepared for the burial. This prophetic insight was recognized by a woman who anointed Him.

1. The Anointing (Mark 14: 3-9)

“3And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 6And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. 9Verily I say unto you, 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.”

Little did the disciples know that this woman would be preparing Jesus’s body for the crucifixion and burial. After some of the disciples criticized her, Jesus spoke up and commended her by saying she had done what she could. I love that! Have we done what we could?

2. The Passover (Mark 14:12-15)

“12And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? 13And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 15And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.”

(Mark 14:22-25)
“22And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. 23And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 25Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

This is what is called the Last Supper. It was a commemoration of the Passover Feast that God instituted after delivering the Israelites out of Egypt. Jesus was instituting a New Covenant through His blood instead of the blood of lambs, which were to be without blemish. To this day, we still remember the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Perhaps by far, these events were the most important in human history.

Introduction: Bible Prophecy is amazing; its precision, the accuracy is unprecedented. Zechariah’s prophecy is no exception. In addition to numerous prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, the one concerning His triumphant entry, is fascinating to say the least.

1. The Prediction of Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry! (Zech 9:9)

“9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

If you did a study on the context of Zechariah chapter nine you would discover other predictions besides the triumphant entry. Alexander the Great fulfilled the first part of this chapter. There is no book like the Bible.

2. The Fulfillment of Jesus’ Triumphant entry! (Luke 22:28-31)

“And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. 29And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 30Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. 31And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.”

Imagine “the Lord hath need of him,” this was precisely the time when Zechariah predicted. Another fulfillment of the Bible.

Jesus said that if those who praised Him ceased their praise, then the rocks would cry out. Today’s application? Don’t let the rocks beat you!

Introduction: There are certain “special” times in our CHRISTian journey that Jesus seems nearer. I love those times. However, the CHRISTian life is not a 40 yard dash. Instead, it’s a marathon… plus!

Yet, Isaiah spoke to Israel about those special times in our devotion today.

1. Seeking the Lord while He May be found! (Isa 55:6)

“6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found.”

The Hebrew word for “seek” is דָּרַשׁ: (daw-rash’), which means to resort to, seek. In other words this is purposeful, intentional, or to put it another way, deliberate. Are you resorting to be deliberate in “seeking” the Lord? Make a choice today.

“…call ye upon him while he is near.”

Interesting to note, the word “call” can mean to read. In other words, read what the Lord is doing. Speaking of “near,” James reminds us to go closer – near – to God and He will get closer to us. What a fantastic thought!

“7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

Here is a great promise… Yahweh (Israel’s God – and ours) will have compassion on those that turn back to Him. Not only will He show compassion but He will also forgive. Do you need forgiveness?

Conclusion: Are you seeking the Lord? Are you calling upon Him? Are you willing to return to Him for pardon? God will keep His promises.

Introduction: Do you ever feel “Worn Out”? This appears to be a chief tactic the devil has used and will use in the future. The man of God named Daniel gives us some prophetic insight as to Satan’s strategy in the end times.

1. The Antichrist will WEAR Out the saints! (Dan 7:25)

“And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High..”

The word “wear out” is בְּלָא: (bel-aw’), which means to wear away or wear out. This tactic is working today…many are worn out! And once we get worn out we become ineffective. Unable to be spiritually sharp, we become dull. Discernment leaves us. Complaining replaces thanksgiving. Fear over rides faith. Insecurity becomes the norm. Bad thoughts….. wrong attitude…. and lack of concern plagues the believer. The devil wins.

2. Jesus Christ will WEAR Out the devil, Antichrist, and the false Prophet! (Dan 7:27)

“And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.”

Jesus Christ has won the battle. With Him leading and filling our life, we have supernatural strength. We need Him every moment of everyday.

1. Who is Jacob? (Jer 30:7)

“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.”

2. When is the Time of Jacob’s trouble? (Jer 30:7)

“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.”

3. How is the Time of Jacob’s trouble going to end? (Jer 30:7)

“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.”

Israel will finally possess the total Realestate that is theirs. Jesus told Peter that some would share His throne.

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matt 19:28)

Introduction: Are you spiritually healthy? The book of Revelation reveals some BLESSED vitamins to take in order to make a difference in this life and in the life to come.

1. B Vitamin – Testimony! (Rev 1:3)

“3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

Obedience is better than sacrifices! How are you doing?

2. B Vitamin –  Family! (Rev 14:13)

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Influence in your family is crucial… without beating them over the head with the Bible! Let the light shine!!

3. B Vitamin – Ministry! (Rev 16:15)

“15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”

Being busy about the Master’s business is the key to being prepared when Jesus comes again!

4. B Vitamin – Legacy! (Rev 19,22:14)

“14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

At the moment, life seems hectic. Troubles and trials pull us down. But once we enter into the pearly gates, it will be worth it all!

Conclusion: In order to be a healthy CHRISTian we have got to eat the right vitamins – especially B Vitamins. Are you taking the right B Vitamins?

Introduction: Not only will Jesus come in the rapture (1Cor 15) but He will also come in what is called His second coming – after the tribulation (Luke 21).

But the questing is how will He appear in His second coming? John writes to describe this event.

1. Jesus will come as a Thief! (Rev 16:15)

“15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”

2. Jesus will come as conquerer! (Rev 16:16)

“6And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”

Introduction: Do you need POWER to overcome? How late is it? Jude writes concerning the last days. 

“18How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” (Jude 1:18,19)

Admittedly, it is late! But how can we tell?

1. How can we tell it is a LATE DAY & need REVIVAL POWER? (Jude 1:3,4,5-18)

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This text describes 3 ways to tell it is a LATE DAY:

* Spiritual Apostasy!

“earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3)

* Attack on Israel’s Sovereignty!

“having saved the people out of the land of Egypt.” (Jude 1:7)

* Demonic Activity!

“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (Jude 1:6-8)

Certainly the days in which we are living in the present are challenging as were in the days of Jude. Can you tell?

2. How can we live in this LATE DAY with REVIVAL POWER? (Jude 1:20-25)

*Constructively 

“20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” (Jude 1:20)

* Confidently 

“21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 1:21)

* Compassionately 

“22And of some have compassion, making a difference.” (Jude 1:22)

* Convincingly

“And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:23-25)

How are you doing?

Conclusion: The case is made. While it is definitely a late hour, praise the Lord, because there is POWER for the hour!