Serving the Saviour - Studies in the Gospel of Mark - 11
The Attitude of the Servant
This time we are studying chapter 14 of Mark's Gospel. The servant of the Lord will be characterised by certain attitudes. It will be clear when someone loves the Lord and wants to serve him, and when someone is opposed to Christ.
This chapter shows us the attitude of both. Certain attitudes will be apparent in those who love Christ. The events of this chapter revolve around the Passover and the betrayal of the Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 1 and 2 show us that those who have no love for the Lord Jesus will seek to eliminate him. We read, "Now the Passover and the feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to arrest Jesus and kill him". These were the religious leaders of the nation. How may we identify a wolf in sheep's clothing? Well, although they may have position in the church they seek to undermine Christ as Saviour and Lord. They attack the Scriptures. They try to explain away the miracles.
It is entirely different for those who love the Lord. They show their love by pouring themselves out in sacrificial devotion to him. We see this in verses 3 to 9. Verse 3 says, "While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive ointment She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head". Others who were there criticised her and said that the perfume could have been sold for a years wage. The woman gave all she had to Jesus. The perfume, which represented a whole years wage, represents the giving of her life, totally to the Lord. Why would we want to give our moments and our days to Him? Because we love Him, and we want to show Him that we do.
Verses 10 and 11 record for us the betrayal of Christ by Judas. We read, "Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money ". Here we see one of the Lord's intimate companions aligning himself with God's enemies. Those who have no love for Christ will betray him. Beware of the Judas spirit arising in your heart. We betray Christ when we do not live as Christians amongst family, friends, workmates and neighbours; when we remain silent as the name of Christ is ridiculed; when we live by double standards and the world sees no difference in us.
We see in verses 12 to 16 that obedience and sacrifice are the qualities found in someone who loves the Saviour. Jesus is about to inaugurate the Lord's supper. We read in verse 13, "So he sent two of his disciples telling them 'Go into the city'". The disciples did as they were asked straight away. That is real obedience. Jesus told them that they would meet a man there with a jar of water and they were to follow him. He said in verse 14, "Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'the Teacher asks where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?". The house owner happily gave Jesus the room. Those who love the Lord will be prepared to give what the Lord asks of them.
Verses 22 to 25 records the institution of the Lord's supper. We read in verses 22 and 23, "Jesus took bread ... saying, ‘Take eat, this is my body; afterwards He took the cup ... and they all drank from it. 'This is my blood poured out for many', He said". The servant of God will be happy and keen to observe the Lord's supper.
Peter was a great servant of the Lord but he was a little too self confident. He said in verse 29, "Even if all fall away, I will not". Jesus replied in verse 30, "Before the cock crows twice you yourself will disown me three times". In the Christian battle we must rely on the Lord and his strength. Peter did not say to the Lord, "with your help", or, "by your grace". We read in 1 Corinthians 10 verse 12, "So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall".
The devoted servant of God will be alert and watchful in prayer. Verses 32 to 42 records Jesus’ praying in agony in the garden of Gethsemane. He left his disciples and went further into the garden to pray privately. When he returned his disciples were asleep. Jesus said in verse 38, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation". Do you easily give into temptation? Maybe it is because your prayer life is lethargic? Someone once said, "seven prayerless days make one weak!".
Verses 43 to 51 contain the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. We read in verses 43 and 44, “Judas ... appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs ... now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: 'The one I kiss is the man' “ Judas was a hypocrite. He showed a hypocritical affection. The true servant of the Lord will be genuine in his devotion to Jesus Christ.
Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin. Verses 53 to 72 records his arrest, and Peter's denial. We read in verse 55, "The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put Him to death, but they did not find any". Peter was not far away and had the opportunity to stand up for the Lord Jesus, but he did not. In Peter we see the steps of the backslider. Verse 54 says, "Peter followed Him at a distance ". The backslider does not walk as close with the Lord as he once did. Is that true of you? We read, "He sat with the guards". The servant of God, who has grown cold, is happy with the company of worldly people. Do you find yourself more in the company of worldly friends than God's people? Peter also, "Warmed himself at their fire". The backslider is taken up with the comforts of the world. All this was while the Saviour was being mocked. The Lord Jesus is mocked and rejected openly today. Could it be that you fail to impact your friends for Christ because you're out of touch with the Lord? Is your relationship with Him better than it was a year ago, or is it worse? Are you preoccupied with worldly comforts and aims? Peter verbally denied Christ as the Lord predicted he would. Verses 71 and 72 say, "(Peter) swore to them, 'I don't know the man you are talking about'. Immediately the cock crowed a second time".
We have looked at the positive marks that should be seen in the servant of the Lord. We have seen the weaknesses we should avoid. I trust your service for Christ will be keen and commendable.