The Silence of Jesus
Read: Mark 15:1-5 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make?” . . . But Jesus made no further answer. (vv. 4-5) As we begin chapter 15 of Mark, we see that the religious leaders have led Jesus to be tried before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Although they wanted Jesus dead, they […]
A Profile in Courage
Read: Mark 14:54, 66-72 Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. (v. 54) It is easy to criticize Peter for his denial of Jesus. But in reality, his denial never would have happened had he not had a huge amount of courage and commitment to Jesus. Think […]
Abba, Father
Read: Mark 14:32-42 Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will. (v. 36) This must have been one of the most difficult moments in Jesus’ life. Verse 33 tells us that Jesus “began to be greatly distressed and troubled.” Then he […]
The New Covenant
Read: Mark 14:22-26 Take; this is my body . . . This is my blood . . . which is poured out for many. (vv. 22-24) These words are familiar to many of us. We often hear them at worship on Sundays. They are called “the words of institution.” They are spoken as part of […]
You Can’t Fool God
Read: Mark 14:17-21 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.” (v. 18) When discussing God’s attributes and character, theologians often use the Latin prefix omni, which means “all” or “every.” With reference to God, they […]
A Large Upper Room
Read: Mark 14:12-16 He will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. (v. 15) There was no mistake that it was during the Jewish feast of the Passover that Jesus and his disciples found themselves nearing Jerusalem. Little did the disciples realize that one greater than the lambs being sacrificed in the temple […]
April Prayer Guide 2020
NEPAL — “Nepal is in lockdown due to the Covid-19 situation,” shares Words of Hope’s Nepali ministry leader. “I am staying home with family with a prayerful heart for the world. Please pray that God would intervene in this global phenomenon. Pray for Words of Hope’s global leaders!” Pray that radio outreach will be especially […]
An Ugly Thing
Read: Mark 14:10-11 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. (v. 10) As we prepare for Easter in the weeks ahead, we will consider the final chapters of Mark, and the last week of Jesus’ life on earth. In today’s reading, […]
Hope for the Sinner
Read: 1 John 1:5-10 The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (v. 7) Before I was married, I lived in a small apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey. One day, while looking at the tiles in my shower, I noticed that some mildew had built up and they needed cleaning. I got […]