Adeline's posts with tag: bible study
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Had this easter homework from my dear mentor to study Mark 14:17-52, on the Lord's supper by Tuesday, which was yesterday, and I'm one day late! Nevermind that. I'd not have sat down to meditate on Easter, amidst Upbeat and Easter rehearsals among other things, had she not given homework, so bless her heart for that!
She shared 6 Ts as a guide for personal devotions since the start of MG, which I haven't applied since then.
Here they are:
1. Through a bible book
2. Ten minutes
3. Thought
4. Title your thought
5. Take it down
6. Tell it
Well I didn't exactly do this in just ten minutes, but the thoughts that struck me in this passage are summarised in 3 words: Purpose, Prepare, Pray.
1. (Observation) Purpose
Jesus knew from the very start he lived to die for the sins of many and that his very life was a fulfilment of scripture. He said so three times in verses 21, 27 and 49 that he was fulfilling His Father's will and thus, scripture. This struck me hard again. That Jesus lived to die, brought into this world to die, and he knew it. I don't think I grasp the weight of it all, and in light of how we are living out our personal destinies and purposes.
2. (Interpretation) Prepare [the way]
As I read this passage, I found myself putting myself in Jesus' shoes, asking myself what Jesus' intent/heartbeat was in saying all these things to his disciples, including the three verses mentioned above - To prepare the twelve disciples of what is to come. In particular:
v 18:
"I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me - one who is eating with me."
v 25: "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."
To Simon Peter in v 30: "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today - yes, tonight - before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."
3. (Illumination) Pray [keep watch]
The key takeaway for me was illuminated in Jesus' command to Peter, James and John to keep watch as he prayed. He repeated that in verses 34, 37 and 38. Especially in vs 37-38 where he spoke directly to Simon Peter these words: "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
I thought it pointed of Jesus to direct this to Peter, after Jesus predicted that Peter would disown him 3 times in v30. And that Peter insisted with confidence that he would never disown Jesus. And I can identify with that - the confidence that I will be sold out for Christ, obey and follow Christ wholeheartedly, or that God spoke to me and led me in a certain way, yet there is no/less corresponding action to support that belief after that. The body is indeed weak! Hence, Jesus' advice to: Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Lastly, verses 48-49 also gripped me.
"Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled."
I can't quite articulate what I feel (or how Jesus felt) when I read these verses. Except that there is a non-human resignation behind this that Jesus is saying he's been single-mindedly doing the same thing - teaching in the temple courts every day - fulfilling his purpose to give hope to mankind all these while, yet the men chose to treat him as a danger/threat and come with swords and clubs to capture him in such a menacing way. But he knew the Scriptures must be fulfilled. What a heartbreak.
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