Tag: betrayed
Condemned and spit upon!
Scripture reading for February 4th: Mark 14
Key Scriptures: Mark 14:60-65 “And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have You no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against You? But He remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard His blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned Him as deserving death. And some began to spit on Him and to cover His face and to strike Him, saying to Him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received Him with blows. ”
Mark used Peter as one of his sources of the details of passion week events. The betrayal of Jesus by Judas and the subsequent denial of Peter and all the disciples was a shameful part of the story. This record of Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin shows how Jesus was falsely accused by false witnesses and remained silent before His accusers. When asked directly if He was the “Christ”, Jesus spoke the truth very plainly and simply. This declaration of Messiahship and prophetic announcement to those sitting in judgment brought immediate condemnation for blasphemy and acts of disrespect. They spit upon Him and covered His face and turned Him over to abusive Roman guards. All this was in the plan of God to bring about salvation for all who would humbly repent and believe!
Psalm 22:6-7 “But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads: . . .”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I am humbled by the scorn and harsh treatment You received. Even Judas betrayed You and the other disciples denied knowing you. This was all before the crucifixion. Thank You for Your sacrifice. Use Me however You want to proclaim Your love and mercy.
Isaiah 53:3, 7 “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces.” . . . .”He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not his mouth.”
See! Your King Comes!
Scripture reading for October 2nd: Zechariah 9-11
“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” Zechariah 9:9-10
Zechariah was very specific about the coming ruler who will be both a priest and a king. This coming one would not be a great conqueror who would ruthlessly devour the nations or subdue them with strong-arm tactics. Instead, He would come gently, armed with weapons of righteousness and salvation. He would also be riding on the colt of a donkey. He would come proclaiming peace to all peoples and nations! His rule would extend to the ends of the earth! What a picture of Jesus Christ! (Matthew 21:2-4)
This gentle King, who announces peace, will also save and restore His people! Because of the blood of His covenant, He will free the prisoners! (Zechariah 9:11) Not only that, He will restore them double! The Lord will save His flock like a shepherd from their enemies and they will sparkle like jewels in a crown. (Zechariah 9:16-17)
The people of God were to ask the Lord for rain in the springtime. God gives showers of rain to the just and unjust, but He is responsive to His people. God was tired of shepherds who oppressed the people and promised that He, Himself, would care for the flock. He would raise up from Judah one who would be the cornerstone and the tent peg. He would bring forth the battle bow and every ruler would come from Him. (Zechariah 10:4) This again is a reference to Jesus Christ, who came from the tribe of Judah and became the chief cornerstone of the new temple! He was a peg driven in a firm place and a mighty warrior!
This King would do many things for God’s people! There are many “I will” statements in Zechariah 10. Included in these statements are promises to strengthen the house of Judah and have compassion on them. God promises to be their God and to hear and answer them. (Zechariah 10:6-12) He will gather them from where they have been scattered and they will walk in His name!
A final reference to this king is found in Zechariah 11:12-13 where the statement about the price of thirty pieces of silver for the pay of the shepherd was made. It was to be thrown to the potter! Zechariah had again left a significant word that signified that Jesus Christ was Messiah and described Judas’ betrayal for the thirty pieces of silver! (Matthew 27:3-10)
Our King is coming again! This time as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Are you ready to meet Him? Humble yourself today and ask Him to rule in your heart and life!