Project 119: Mark 14:22-31
| Project 119 | Amy Hirsch
I got a flu shot back in October. Recently, I started to feel pretty lethargic. I was certain that I just needed more sleep, but it turned out that I actually had the flu. Now, I was pretty cautious and tried to wash my hands, avoid people who were sick, and take lots of vitamin C during flu season–but apparently my immune system was weaker than I imagined, and even with a flu shot, it was no match for this year’s virus.
In today’s passage, we read about Christ’s prediction that the disciples will all fall away, a prophecy fulfilled from Zechariah 13:7. As the disciples and Christ left the upper room and walked down to the Mount of Olives, Jesus warned them of their abandonment. But Peter would have none of it and proclaimed that, even if the others left, he would stay with Christ until the very end! Peter and I have something in common: our flesh is weaker than we’d like to admit. We want to think that we have it all together and that we can avoid sin in our own power...but it’s just not possible, is it? I’m sure none of the disciples got up that morning planning to deny Christ. In fact, I would even guess that Judas himself didn’t join the group with intentions to betray Jesus. But sin seeps in slowly and, often, we are unaware of just how disobedient and broken we really are.
The good news is that Jesus came for sinners. Even in this passage, as Christ predicted their betrayal, He offered them the good news that He would go before them to Galilee after His resurrection (Mark 14:28). Though the sheep might scatter, the Good Shepherd would never abandon them. And this forgiveness that Christ offers is only made possible by His sacrifice on the cross, foreshadowed in verses 22-25. Because His body was broken and His blood was shed and given for us, there is hope of restoration for “the vilest sinner who truly believes”–including you and me.
Father, thank You for the hope we have in You! We confess that we are more sinful than we can even imagine. We are broken people and our hearts are prone to wander. We come to You, grateful for the forgiveness You offer through the blood of Jesus. Thank You for never leaving and never forsaking us.
Mark 14:22-31 (ESV):
22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
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.