Arise and Abide

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 15:33-47 (NLT) ~The Death of Jesus, The Burial of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The example of Jesus for us to follow. Some were still hoping for their version of the outcome to be fulfilled. The unexpected declaration of the Roman officer. The regret of those who were in the room but could not stop the murder of Jesus. We think our problems are this or that when in reality the problems are the lies in our hearts.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 15:16-32 (NLT) ~The Soldiers Mock Jesus, The Crucifixion Trial before Pilate~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The soldiers mocking Jesus, and the Jewish people in general. Mocked by people who took offence and missed the point of His teachings. Acknowledging that He saved others. Human nature of justifying actions and doing wrong.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 15:1-15 (NLT) ~Jesus’ Trial before Pilate~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The encouragement for the hard times to keep going in Jesus’ spirit. Psalms 11. Following Jesus example of ignoring lies instead of responding from the flesh. The crowd effect and how it can sway opinions. Putting ourselves in the different perspectives of those around.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:66-72 (NLT) ~Peter Denies Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus speaking truth about His identity, and Peter denying who he really was. Peter denies on instinct of self-preservation. The end justifies the means in our logic. The realization and conviction in Peter’s heart.

Reading Psalms 11 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Sovereignty of God. The love of God that allows us to choose our own way and takes note of our hearts. Why do bad things happen? God slow to judgment to maximize opportunity for us to repent. It takes a change of perspective to go through hard things and say, “God, You are Good!”

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:53-65 (NLT) ~Jesus Before the Council~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The leaders condemn Him for saying He is who they have been waiting for. Lies reveal themselves, and truth speaks for itself. Jesus responds to the question of His identity. Jesus speaks truth and we can accept it or choose our selfish way. What sin looks like when its grown.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:43-52 (NLT) ~Jesus Arrested~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The human response to come prepared for violence. How fear drives a brutal response. How we rely on our own power instead of looking to and relying on God. Isaiah 53:7-12 (NLT). We are the rebels.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:32-42 (NLT) ~Jesus Prays in Gethsemane~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The sadness of the passage as Jesus faces his death and experiences grief. Wanting to immolate Jesus and His prayer “your will be done” in the dark times and struggles. Sin, Jesus taking on sin, being separated from the Father, and the Father being separated from the Son. Being alert, keeping watch for opportunities to share the good news and the love of God.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:27-31 (NLT) ~Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Not knowing what you are going to do until you are in the situation going though it. Peter not seeing things the way Jesus sees. Jesus warns of the scattering and wants His disciples to be prepared for the challenging times. Finding it helpful to enter hard times knowing that it will be tough but remembering Jesus’ words and encouragement.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 14:12-26 (NLT) ~The Last Supper ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The growth of the Disciples to trust Jesus’ instructions. Learning to hear and act on the voice of the Good Shephard. God tells us to “Go” and “Do” it is not in our own efforts that we find success. The disciples were worked up over the news of the betrayal and Jesus reassures them of His love. Singing a hymn, choosing Joy in the somber moment.