They didn’t recognize WHO JESUS WAS
Mark 14:60-64 New Living Translation
60 Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” 61 But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
63 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Why do we need other witnesses? 64 You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”
“Guilty!” they all cried. “He deserves to die!”
They did not understand WHAT HE WAS DOING
Mark 14:57-58 New Living Translation
57 Finally, some men stood up and gave this false testimony: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.’”
Mark 14:29-31 New Living Translation
29 Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.”
30 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
31 “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.
Mark 14:46-50 New Living Translation
46 Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 47 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
48 Jesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? 49 Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.”
50 Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away.
Mark 14:71-72 New Living Translation
71 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.
Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
Mark 8:35 New Living Translation
35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.
They didn’t VALUE HIS PRESENCE
Mark 14:1-9 New Living Translation
14 It was now two days before Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law were still looking for an opportunity to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 2 “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”
3 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.
4 Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. 5 “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.
6 But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? 7 You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”
Mark 14:34 New Living Translation
34 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Mark 14:37-41 New Living Translation
37 Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 38 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
39 Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before. 40 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open. And they didn’t know what to say.
41 When he returned to them the third time, he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
Sermon Questions
- Recognizing Jesus’ Identity: Luke stated in his sermon: “If you don’t know Jesus, you don’t know yourself.” How might we today fail to recognize who Jesus is in our own lives or in the lives of others? What steps can we take to ensure we fully acknowledge and honor Jesus’ identity and authority in our daily actions and decisions?
- Understanding Jesus’ Actions: Reflect on Mark 14:57-58, 29-31, 46-50, and 71-72. Despite Jesus’ clear explanations and prophecies, His disciples did not understand His mission and actions, leading to fear and desertion. In what ways do we misunderstand or misinterpret Jesus’ purpose and actions in our own lives? How can we cultivate a deeper understanding of His teachings and trust in His plan, even when it conflicts with our expectations?
- Valuing Jesus’ Presence: Analyze Mark 14:1-9, 34, and 37-41. The disciples and others around Jesus often failed to value His presence and understand the significance of their time with Him. How do we sometimes take Jesus’ presence for granted in our lives? What practices can help us remain vigilant and appreciative of His constant presence, especially in moments of spiritual struggle or distraction?