St. Mark - session 5
Level 1
All four Gospels record the large crowd that greeted Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. They spread large branches, perhaps to cover the dusty roads, as Jesus came riding on a donkey into the city. They shouted,
Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! (Mark 10:9,10)
Twice before, Jesus told His disciples that he would be betrayed, captured and put to death, but that He would rise again in three days. None had believed Him, but later they would remember it well! Jesus also spoke of His coming again (Mk 13:26-37).
The main theme seems to be, Be prepared! No one knows the day or the hour; not even the angels, nor Jesus. This is found in Matthew 24:36-44, "Watch and be ready, for the son of man [the Messiah] will come when you least expect Him."
The disciples gathered with Jesus to celebrate the "Feast of the Unleavened Bread". Following an ancient custom, a sacrificial lamb was killed in preparation for the Passover Supper. This celebrated the deliverance of the Hebrews out of Egypt as God had directed Moses.
The main theme seems to be, Be prepared! No one knows the day or the hour; not even the angels, nor Jesus. This is found in Matthew 24:36-44, "Watch and be ready, for the son of man [the Messiah] will come when you least expect Him."
The disciples gathered with Jesus to celebrate the "Feast of the Unleavened Bread". Following an ancient custom, a sacrificial lamb was killed in preparation for the Passover Supper. This celebrated the deliverance of the Hebrews out of Egypt as God had directed Moses.
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The meal was thought to have been prepared by Mark's mother in her home. Mark was most probably twelve years old at the time and perhaps served the meal. It was during this time that Jesus initiated the Service of Remembrance. You can read the exact words that are still used in the age old Eucharist (Mk 14:22-24). The church uses this service as a "giving" of ourselves in thanksgiving for the sacrifice of Jesus, which gave us the gift of His life in us. The word eucharist means "giving thanks".
Meanwhile, as you read this account, it is easy to understand how furious the proud Pharisees were. Here was someone claiming to have been sent by THEIR GOD, whom He called FATHER! They plotted to capture Him in secret to avoid the crowd who might riot.
Meanwhile, as you read this account, it is easy to understand how furious the proud Pharisees were. Here was someone claiming to have been sent by THEIR GOD, whom He called FATHER! They plotted to capture Him in secret to avoid the crowd who might riot.
Level 2
Later that night Jesus took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, outside of the city. Judas was not with them. He had gone to betray Jesus, who knew before hand what would happen. Jesus asked His friends to stay awake, but, alas, they could not. We can only imagine the agony He felt, as He poured out His HEART to His Father. Matthew and Luke record His words,
Take this cup from me, yet not my will, but yours be done.
I especially like to read in Luke 14:32-42, that an angel appeared to strengthen Him.
When Jesus was arrested He was compliant. He was "complete" within Himself. He only said the few words that His Father gave Him to say. For all the martyrs for Christ, past, present, and future, this presence of mind, this inner peace, is and will be their view of what it means to be fully complete in Christ.
My suggestion is this: that you read slowly the last two chapters of Mark (15 and 16). Nothing I could say could add anything to this account.
When Jesus was arrested He was compliant. He was "complete" within Himself. He only said the few words that His Father gave Him to say. For all the martyrs for Christ, past, present, and future, this presence of mind, this inner peace, is and will be their view of what it means to be fully complete in Christ.
My suggestion is this: that you read slowly the last two chapters of Mark (15 and 16). Nothing I could say could add anything to this account.