Jesus rose from the dead? Say what? And that means we don’t have to fear sin or death? Say what? That sounds like great news! (Mark 16)

My God! Why have you forsaken me? How is it possible that two people who share the same essence could be ripped apart on the cross? But Jesus was forsaken, treated as a sinner instead of the beloved Son of the Father. He died. Why? So that the curtain could tear in two and sinners could become sons, enjoying life in God’s presence.

My God! Why have you forsaken me? How is it possible that two people who share the same essence could be ripped apart on the cross? But Jesus was forsaken, treated as a sinner instead of the beloved Son of the Father. He died. Why? So that the curtain could tear in two and sinners could become sons, enjoying life in God’s presence.

Jesus, in his humanity, begged the Father for another way besides the cup of his wrath. Yet he submitted everything, even his own will, to honor his father and save his sleeping “friends.” Jesus’ love is perhaps never better seen than his willingness to stay awake and endure for those who did not.

You would think that an extravagant offering for Jesus would receive the approval of the church. Not so. Judas and others criticized the the woman who anointed Jesus. The same thing happens today. Follow Jesus and the world might not approve. You’re wasting time. Wasting money. Wasting energy. Wasting your life. But Jesus defends those who love him. His approval is what matters the most, since it lasts forever.

Who would have expected an apostle to betray the Son of God? No one would. Who would have thought the most devoted disciple of Jesus would disown his Lord three times? No one would. But the events of Thursday night remind us that we are not as strong as we think. Thankfully, Jesus knows and is willing to forgive those who are too confident of their own holiness. (Mark 14:17-31)

Jesus' "pep talk" about the end of the age was less than comforting. Wars. Earthquakes. Flogging. Arrest. Hatred. Are we willing to walk with Jesus during the end times? Be hated? Die for him? If you know his promise of salvation and election, the answer is easy--Yes!

Keep watch! Jesus repeated the command to a snooze-loving culture. We assume there’s plenty of time until the Master returns, but he will arrive at an hour we do not expect. So, put to death your delayed repentance, your serious pursuit of God, and keep watch! (Mark 13:32-37)

The rich gave massive offerings that day in the Temple. But Jesus didn’t say a word or hand out an award. Instead, he noticed and praised the poorest widow who quietly gave the “smallest offering.” In our day of public recognition, what would Jesus say? He would ignore those who praise themselves and praise those who serve God in secret.

What is the most important of the 600+ laws? Love! Love God and love one another. That is the most important commandment. In our hate-filled world, that kind of sacrificial love, given freely at Jesus’ cross, is what we so desperately need. (Mark 12:28-34)