The Apostle Paul wrote that the word of the cross is a "stumbling block" - literally, a scandal - to unbelieving people. But to those who are called, the word of the cross is the wisdom and power of God. Why? What is so wise and powerful about the cross of Christ?

The Apostle Paul wrote that the word of the cross is a "stumbling block" - literally, a scandal - to unbelieving people. But to those who are called, the word of the cross is the wisdom and power of God. Why? What is so wise and powerful about the cross of Christ?

Blasphemy was a not a crime under Roman law. Therefore, if the chief priests and scribes and elders wanted to see Jesus put to death, they needed to come up with a different charge that would get Rome’s attention. The charge they settled upon was treason. They accused Jesus of claiming to be the King of the Jews.

Chapter 14 of Mark's Gospel teaches us three truths: 1) The only way to overcome temptation and to confess Christ by word and deed is to watch and pray. 2) For the true believer, the shame of denying Christ is infinitely worse than the pain of confessing Christ. 3) Grace will have the final word in the life of every disciple of Christ.

To whom does God grant "all things that pertain to life and godliness?" It is not to everyone, but only to those who have been justified by faith in the righteousness of Christ. Before we receive the power for godliness, we must receive the pardon for sin.

In the Garden of Eden, the first Adam said, "Not Thy will, but my will be done," and all humanity was plunged into ruin and separation from God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the second Adam said, "Not My will, but Thy will be done," and a new humanity was redeemed and will be gathered into the blessing of eternal fellowship with God.

God Himself inaugurated the very first Passover Meal as a permanent reminder - that He Himself rescued Israel from the bondage of Egypt. In Mark 14:12-26, Jesus inaugurated a permanent reminder that He Himself is the Passover Lamb.

Jesus ordained that this woman's act of love be proclaimed along with the gospel because it is a beautiful expression of what real love is and what real love does. You cannot believe in Jesus without loving Jesus, and sometimes that love is expressed in extravagant ways.

When The Master returns, will He find you awake, alert, and faithful about His business of proclaiming the coming judgment and the kindness of God? View your life through the lens of this chapter and ask yourself, are you ready?

What the biblical prophets saw as a single event often has multiple fulfillments in the history of redemption, with each fulfillment making up the whole. Jesus issues an exhortation - be ready.