Bible, NT-13, Gospel-4, Mark
Part 2
LESSON 13
THE GOSPEL 4
MARK
PART 2
By Rev. G. Evan Newmyer
And when they came near to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, He sent forth two of his disciples (11:1).
This begins the events for the week of the Cross, although we covered these events in Matthew, we will review them as they relate to the Blade; however, we won’t go over details producing redundancy (hopefully).
Jerusalem means, God’s City Of Peace, the Mount of Olives is where the Sermon on the Mount took place giving us the least Commandments of God’s Mercy. The Mount of Olives is not in Jerusalem, neither is Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives. The names Bethphage and Bethany add to the events of this week, Bethphage means, Fig House; whereas Bethany means Date House, thus Bethphage refers to the House of the fig tree, whereas, Bethany refers to the Oasis of God. Both Bethphage and Bethany reflect on the House of God in Jerusalem, the cleaning of the temple, the lacking fig tree, and the promise yet to come.
The two disciples will find the colt between two ways, the two ways reflect to the two ways facing many of us. Some attempt to use the house of the fig tree, others find the Oasis of God from where the River of Life flows.
And said unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as you be entered into it, you shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you, Why do you this? say you that the Lord has need of him; and strightway he will send him here (11:2-3).
The wording “Over against you” means “Ahead of you”. When Jesus sends us, the Holy Ghost has already gone before us to prepare the way. The Anointing doesn’t follow us, it goes before us.
And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do you, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go (11:4-6).
These men knew what they were told, they limited their efforts to the command, much different from the time when Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration when they went beyond the command. We can’t use these Scriptures to venture off in some self-gain adventure either, the disciples Heard and Obeyed, they didn’t hear from their own souls or act on presumption. Some of us say, “The Lord has need of this”, when in truth it’s “I want it”.
And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way; and others cut down branches off the trees, and strewed them in the way (11:7-8).
The disciples prepared the place where Jesus would sit, the people prepared the Way by tossing their defiled garments on the ground, some of them cut the branches off the trees. This one day in all of man’s history would begin a week repeated everyday in the heart of the Believer.
If one knows anything about young horses, they also know it was a feat just sitting on this unbroken animal, much less riding it through the people with all the garments and branches being tossed about. When Jesus touched the “wild”; peace came, the colt knew it could continue the course without fear of destruction or failure, therefore, even this little colt becomes a symbol of faith.
This would be the weekly sabbath, during all this Jesus didn’t obtain the colt, He didn’t put garments on the colt, He didn’t toss the branches before the colt, but He did ride the colt, which would seem to be a violation of the sabbath. Everyone involved in this event leading up to the entry into Jerusalem violated the sabbath in one way or another, as they enter the city the Pharisees have a Pharisaical traditional fit to end all fits.
And they that went before, and they that followed, cried saying, Hosanna; blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that comes in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest (11:9-10).
The “kingdom of David” is the kingdom of heaven, not the Kingdom of God. Mercy is the sign of the kingdom of David, here Jesus as the Passover Lamb of God is being prepared and accepted before the people.
And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when He had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, He went out into Bethany with the twelve (11:11).
Jesus inspects the purposed temple, the same place where He would stand trial. Before the time comes we also find He was inspecting the Methods of the religious leaders. They were fleecing the sheep, not a good thing. This inspection will predicate what happens to the “fig tree”.
And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, He was hungry: and seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find any thing thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet (11:12-13).
The fig tree is representative of Israel’s religious order, the verse prior talked about the temple, indicating a relationship between the events here and the temple. Later Jesus will speak on the Parable of the fig tree connecting all this together. We know Adam used a fig leaf to cover this flesh after the fall, from which the symbol derived regarding the fig tree; however, the order didn’t give man power over the flesh. Therefore, we must also take into consideration how Jesus knew the first fruit on the tree related to the second fruit yet to come. The fig tree is much different from the olive tree; the fig tree has two types of fruit, the “first fruit” is not eatable, but the “second fruit” grows over the first fruit, making the second fruit eatable. On the other hand one cannot take an olive directly from the olive tree and eat it. The olive must soak in lye, yet in order to get the “oil” out of the olive, it must be pressed under great pressure. It’s one thing to be plucked, another to be prepared.
The Fig Tree in question here will have “leaves” showing it had the first fruit, but it did not have the second fruit (time of figs); we find the first fruit was so lacking the second fruit would have been completely corrupt, thus the Parable speaks of the leaves, there will no more fruit.
And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of you hereafter forever. And His disciples heard it (11:14).
Jesus never cursed the Fig Tree, or the Olive Tree. Peter will make another one of his misstatements, presuming the tree was cursed, but Jesus is not in the business of cursing, rather He made a statement of fact, really this is a blessing. The statement of fact was based on the observation and inspection of the first fruit of the “fig tree”. This is a real fig tree, it’s not the olive tree, or a mountain, yet Jesus will make reference to a Mountain.
The parable of the Fig Tree points to the Time of Comfort when it produce Leaves, yet no Fruit. The Remnant will not be faced with the corrupt fruit of the past, when the “leaves” come forth they will be based in Mercy, yet even they won’t produce fruit, as the Seventh lukewarm church shows.
The chain of events up to this time explain why Jesus spoke to the Tree; the people received Jesus, but the religious leaders didn’t based on their envy, thus Jesus really didn’t curse the tree, it cursed itself, Jesus made an observation of one thing as compared to another.
And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple (11:15-16).
The “fig tree” was a den of thieves, surely not what God purposed, yet it’s something God knew. The Temple came at the request of David, but David dictated it to God. It’s obvious the Pharisees and religious leaders polluted the Temple, yet none of them fell down dead. However, the two sons of Aaron tossed strange fire into the Tabernacle and died on the spot. The difference is who requested what, God requested the Tabernacle, based on something in heaven. David requested the Temple based on something on the earth. The Temple was in the hands of man, but dedicated to God, thus Covenant principles dictate man has the obligation to maintain the integrity of the Temple, God maintained the integrity of the Tabernacle. Jesus is correct in cleaning the Temple, but He won’t force change, it would be in the hands of the religious leaders to make the changes.
The Pharisees will ask Jesus, “Who gave You the authority to do this?”; both David and Solomon desired the Temple for God and the people, thus when the people said, “Hosanna; Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord” they gave Jesus permission to enter and inspect the temple. However, the Pharisees told Jesus, “Master, rebuke Your disciples” (Luke 19:39). In truth Jesus had the authority before the foundation of the world. The Pharisees, like all Pharisees assumed the temple was their private property, when in fact they were servants to the temple.
This would be the day after the weekly sabbath or on a Sunday; since Jesus allowed all the activity on the sabbath, the religious rulers were convinced Jesus was attempting to change the Law. However, it was suspected on their part, it was not evidenced, they needed some viable evidence to prove their case.
We know the Pharisees held many traditions, one such tradition is still a common Jewish tradition is the length of time any Jew must stay in hell. According to the tradition, the longest a Jew remains in hell is one year, their prayers then take them to Eden (Paradise). This same tradition has drifted into some cult systems, but we do see the Jew believes there is a hell. When Jesus taught on hell being a place where one couldn’t escape, indicating it lasts forever, the Pharisees were offended. In their traditional minds, it would be better to be wrong about Jesus and spend a year in hell, rather than spend the rest of their existence on earth under His authority.
And He taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but you have made it a den of thieves (11:17).
Jesus quoted Isaiah, when God brings His holy mountain, and makes for them a joy (peace) in His house of prayer, the house shall be called a House of Prayer for All people (Isa 56:7). Here Jesus says, “shall be called”, indicating a future time, this connecting to the Fig Tree not bearing fruit points to the time when the Sixth church will spread the knowledge of the Lord to all people, even the synagogue of Satan will worship at the feet of the Sixth church, yet then it will be a house of prayer and mercy.
And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy Him: for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His doctrine (11:18).
Clearly Jesus caused Offense, but was it His intent? No, He brought exposure. Exposure to bring about clarity to remove the deception at times causes offence in those who refuse the exposure. All they had to do was look around, did the Law of Moses grant them the right to cheat people? No, these were their neighbors, would they want to be treated like that? They were violating the same Law they vowed to keep.
The intent behind the religious rulers was envy based in fear, not faith. They saw the people gather to Jesus, they saw the people respect Jesus, surely the people would follow Him, if they did, what would happen to their jobs and income?. Envy births its own brand of deception unto hate, the religious rulers wanted respect, but they refused to give it, they really wanted what Jesus had, but since they didn’t, they decided to get rid of Jesus.
The people had to follow someone, remove Jesus, then the people would again follow the religious leaders. Little did they know Jesus was in the process of Building the Rock, after Pentecost the religious rulers would fine their problems increased, they would be faced with many who had Jesus in them of a Truth.
And when even was come, He went out of the city. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the Fig Tree dried up from the roots (11:19-20).
This is the Fig Tree, appoint of importance when Jesus explains the process. The Fig Tree is assigned to the Sand of the Sea, not the Sea, or the Stars. From the time Jesus spoke to the Tree until the next morning the Roots began to dry, or lose “water” (mercy). The Mercy of God endures forever, but it doesn’t mean it will always be in the hands of man. The Pharisees had a great opportunity, they were offended, they were really hurt, but rather than apply mercy, they made the choice to apply death. The death removed the water (mercy), causing their own roots to dry up. The fig tree will lay dry for years, but then one day the purpose will come forth when the 144,000 become the leaves.
Jude said the Wicked are Trees whose Fruit withered, no water, twice dead (second death), plucked up by the Roots (dried roots – Jude 12). They are religious, but they still use the spirit of the world, thus they are the he in the world. It’s what we are seeing, the rejection of the offense caused the Roots to dry up, they refused to see the purpose of the offense causing the Tree to be void of water. Since Jude made reference to a tree, it stands the disciples were going to receive a lesson, one to set them free.
This would be Monday, two days past the time Jesus rode into the city. It would take Three days for the chief priests to form their plans of destruction, it would take Three days for Jesus to free us from destruction. Two ways, two areas, thus God doesn’t change events, He changes us in the event, or changes us By the event. These chief priests had the opportunity to change paths by repentance during the three days. All this was seen by God before the foundation of the world, it’s still a Marvelous event, regardless of how evil the acts of the scribes and chief priests may seem at the moment.
And Peter calling to remembrance said unto Him, Master behold, the Fig Tree which You cursed is withered away (11:21).
This doesn’t say Jesus cursed the tree, it says Peter assumed He did, it was Peter who said, “not so Lord”, and Peter who said, “Be it far from You, Lord”. Jesus will explain something happened to the Fig Tree, an invasion of something causing it to cease from producing good fruit. This entire lesson is joined, we can’t take one area from another. Peter saw two things, “death” and “curse”, since they related one to the other under the Law of Moses, thus it becomes the Law of sin and death. This Fig Tree experience opened an area for the disciples, one they won’t understand at first, but will gain the full knowledge of on Pentecost. The Fig Tree was it’s own problem, the lack of Mercy caused the roots to dry up, without roots the blade cannot grow. The Parable of the Sower was seen, we apply Mercy, the Root grows, then comes the Blade.
With this Fig Tree withering away before their eyes the disciples wondered, How could anyone obtain atonement? How could these disciples exist without the ability to sacrifice? What possible means could Jesus have for them? Didn’t He say He didn’t come to destroy the Law (Fig Tree)? What is this?
And Jesus answering said unto them, Have faith in God (11:22).
Before this they had “faith in the Law” (fig tree), or “faith in their own ability”, but now Jesus has opened the Street, the way is Clear, man can place his faith directly in God, the Just still live by Faith. However, in just a few days they would forget all about this saying, as well as many of the sayings, as they run to hide in the house.
This verse expands our definitions of Atonement and Pardon. The Atonement is like a parole, we are released early from punishment, based on our good behavior; however, the crime remains on our record. A Pardon (not Parole) views the evidence, then makes a decision based on some circumstance pointing to our innocence to remove the crime from our record, thus the Authority finds there is not enough sufficient evidence to prove we committed the crime, yet the suggestion of crime remains. Remission is the concept of being totally innocent, no evidence or suggestion existing which can be placed against us. When Jesus said, Your sins are forgiven, He was saying, I Pardon you, there isn’t sufficient evidence to bring this curse upon you, but He wasn’t telling them “you are completely innocent”. To the Pharisees Pardon was not only impossible to grant, it was also impossible for anyone to acquire. Remission was completely out of the question, thus when we enter the Justification process we have entered the Remission by the Blood of Jesus. The Just live by faith, if we are Justified we will be glorified. Since Life is a process, then the Just are in a process of being Justified unto the saving of their soul.
We will make mistakes, but if one is Born of God, they walk in Love, and Love still covers a multitude of sin. The potential for sin is much different from being bound in the sin nature, the sin nature is more prone to commit sin than not. Those who live by faith are more prone not to commit sin than not. We have the instant forgiveness by the Mercy of the Father, instant access by the Faith of Jesus, because we walk in the Spirit. This is the value of Mercy, we are in a constant state of forgiveness, thus forgiveness is in a constant state in us.
Even after the disciples hear, “Have faith in God”, they will still look upon the great stones of the temple, missing the Great Cornerstone. This phrase opened the ability for these men to place their faith in God alone, not in the Law, not in the temple, surely not in themselves. This commandment is still true, if we place our faith anywhere, but in God, it’s a misuse of faith.
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be you removed and be you cast into the sea: and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he said shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he said (11:23).
Wait, we went from the Fig Tree to a Mountain? From the Sand of the Sea, to the Sea, what gives? What happened to the Tree? Peter’s statement was about the Tree, here Jesus says, “unto this mountain”, what Mountain? Who said anything about a Mountain? “I’m so confused, I think I will lay down”. Ahh, a mystery, Peter’s statement was “mountain” based regarding the tree, it’s the mountain Jesus is talking about removing, to rid Peter and us of “God isn’t” thinking. The language shows this mountain sits on them, its the mountain of the self, the place where man looks for the cursing first when events don’t please him, the element separating man from God, the very thing they need to be separated from.
This is clearly Covenant talk, we must have faith in (toward) God, which we know is a tenet in the Doctrine of Christ. Faith is based in a future hope, thus the faith is in God removing the mountain, knowing we can’t. However, we find another clue, we must believe in what we said. What did we say? Go to the Mountain, we didn’t say, “come here mountain”, thus this lesson is being rid of something. If we tell it to Go, what are we doing? Loosing or Binding? We are loosing the binding element, yet we remain in one place. We are not being removed from the mountain, it’s being removed from us. Since the Sea is a metaphor for the world, the mountain relates to the world, thus it’s connected to the he in the world, a product of the spirit of the world, it holds the nature keeping us from receiving from God. Yet, this mountain has one main element, something we must do in order to see the mountain go.
Therefore I say unto you, what things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses (11:24-26).
Here is how we say “Go” to the mountain, there responsibilities regarding our walk based in belief, faith and forgiveness. In some cases teaching those elements will thin down the mailing list, or empty pews, the old nature of man refuses to accept the responsibility of forgiveness. This is the area of Belief, our faith is useless if we refuse to believe God is. In this case our faith is in God removing the mountain, but our belief must center on God Is able.
This is a prayer issue. What was the founding element of the mountain? Unforgiveness, the one hindering element causing more problems for us than the devil himself. This is very clear, we asked God to forgive us, yet the prerequisite is for us to forgive as we are forgiven. This a prayer issued based on a decision, the ability comes from God. This again is faith at work, we know we must forgive in order to be forgiven, yet there is the mountain, it keeps telling us we need validation, we must have revenge before we can forgive. Yet, here is the key issue regarding faith in God, we make the decision in prayer, God grants us His Mercy, granting us the power to forgive. Will it be immediate? If so, why are to have faith in God? Will it come to pass? It’s why we have faith in God.
From this we find Peter equated the event to the natural, he assumed Jesus cursed the Tree because of anger, or unforgiveness. His vision was disrupted based on his own observations, the same as “be it far from You Lord”. When the mountain is on it’s way back to the Sea, Peter will have a different view of things.
Later in John we will see the Ingress Aires, the ability to remit sins done unto us as a prerequisite to receiving the Holy Ghost (Jn 20:21-23). The Breath of Jesus on us grants us the ability to remit the sins done unto us, a pure Mercy ability we all need. If we have problems in this area, we need the breath of Jesus, ask, believe you receive. The context points to loosing and binding, if we fail to forgive we bind God’s Mercy in heaven from us, but if we forgive we Loose God’s Mercy on us, thus Mercy keeps us in Grace. The Keys were not given to God, they were given to us by God.
And they come again to Jerusalem: and as He was walking in the temple, there come to Him the chief priests and the scribes and the elders, and say unto Him, By what authority do you do these things? and who gave You this authority to do these things? (11:27-28).
This is a two part question, not only did they want to know by what authority, but who gave it, they knew none of them did. No one was allowed to harm the temple, repair the temple or restrict anyone from entering unless the authority came from the high priest; however, the high priest is suppose to be responsible to God. The religious leaders made the mistake of thinking Jesus was subject to them, or they were the only ones who could touch the Temple. Jesus is over the Temple, not subject to it, thus He remained separated from the religious conceit and hypocrisy.
This authority question is one which plagues those who are run by religious conceit. The Pharisees asked John the Baptist, “Why baptize you then, if you be not the Christ, nor Elijah, neither the Prophet” (Jn 1:25). This is a question of authority, regarding what Authority (Name) John operated under. The phrase “By The Name Of”, refers to the point of authority, the phrase “In the Name of” points to position.
And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer Me. And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven: He will say, Why then did you not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering said unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things (11:29-33).
Mark shows All the people counted John a prophet indeed, these Pharisees answered their own question, but were so blind they couldn’t discern it. One of the elements of the destroying mountain is the shadow of deception. We first need clarity in seeing ourselves, before we can discern others. The natural mind wants to reverse it, we want to see the faults in others, while we ignore our own. Jesus told us the process was have the beam removed from our eye, so we could help our neighbor remove the twig from theirs.
If John gained his authority from heaven, why didn’t they believe him? If the people, whom these religious men taught, considered John a prophet, why then didn’t they believe as the people? Jesus won’t stop “doing the things”, the Things He does are always Things producing a reason to believe, including the discernment of the offense, or bringing the correction. This same question comes to us, If they love the Lord, why don’t they love those who operate in His Name? Envy is a killer, it brings death wherever it reigns, here the Pharisees were bringing the death to the fruit of their own Fig Tree, yet they presumed they were doing God a service.
Jesus as the Great Passover Lamb is still being inspected by the religious leaders, they are searching for fault, yet they won’t find any. Leaving them with having to make up some excuse to put the Passover on the Cross.
And He began to speak unto them by parables, A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the wine vat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went to a far country (12:1).
This parable is one of stewardship, which not only entails caring for the item, but doing so for the Master, even if the Master is nowhere around. This parable tells the Pharisees, scribes and chief priests, all they are doing is known by God, exposed and seen by every angel in heaven, yet not seen by the Pharisees. Self-deception is the biggest tool of the enemy, clarity the weapon to destroy it.
Self-deception assumes it can hide the mountain; the evidence is attempting to hide things from others as well. A mask is a mask, only a fool wears a mask assuming they are not naked and open before God (Heb 4:13). Their secret plans are only a secret to their own minds, the religious rulers were convinced they were doing God a service, yet they were doing the lusts of their father the devil. They were given the vineyard, they accepted the responsibility, now they were refusing to be accountable for their actions, yet they assume they are protecting the vineyard from invasion. Paul says the false lay in wait to deceive, meaning they make secret plans in which to trap others. Preach the Truth in Love, don’t be caught making plans of destruction.
And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive the fruit of the vineyard (12:2).
In this case the fruit of the vineyard was ready, the result of the labor was in hand, but it belonged to the owner, not the husbandmen. The husbandmen assumed their stewardship was the same as ownership. The exposure is found in the attitudes of the Pharisees regarding the temple, who gave Jesus the authority? Who is this Jesus? What right does He have to come in here? What’s wrong with making a little money for the work of the Lord, even if we have to cheat a widow or two?
And they caught him and beat him and sent him away empty. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. Having yet therefore one son, his well-beloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. But those husbandmen said among themselves, this is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have you not read this Scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? (12:3-11).
The word Marvelous means Wonderful, or Fundamentally exceptional in direction, it also notes a Wonder, as in seeing someone so ignorant of something so obvious, one stands in Wonder. On one hand God saw the work of the cross as Wonderful, on the other, He wondered how the Pharisees could be so ignorant.
Jesus shows a progression of events, the first messengers were beaten then rejected. The second was wounded in the head, or better their authority was rejected, causing them to be sent away shamefully. The third was killed, afterward the others were either beaten with the stones of theological abuse, or their purpose was killed by the religious conceit of the Pharisees. Finally came the Son, yet they treated Him in the same manner, beating Him, rejecting Him, belittling Him, using their stones of theological abuse, finally killing Him. They cared for the tombs of the prophets, but rejected the call of the Prophets, thus they were no different from those who killed the prophets. Self-deception leads us down the path of destruction, while calling it the path of righteousness. One pillar of our prayer life is asking God to expose those areas of self-deception, but it becomes our duty to recognize the exposure. The offense was there, the truth was there, the desire to receive wasn’t.
And they sought to lay hold on Him, but feared the people: for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them: and they left Him, and went their way (12:12).
They knew the parable was directed toward them, they knew any action on their part would prove the parable true, yet they refused to repent, refused to receive the purpose of the parable, then devised wicked plans to arrive at conclusions they assumed would produce a Godly result, yet by their very actions they were proving the parable true.
And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in His words (12:13).
Jesus is in the midst of warfare, His method, is our example. The example of these religious leaders is also a warning to us, don’t get caught with their attitude. These were experts in entrapment, their sole purpose was to gain evidence, but their intent is evil in nature. They knew how to use words for their benefit, they used the guise of placing the person at ease by using questions to lead a person into their topic, therein setting the theological trap. This same technique is used by the modern day Pharisee and Herodian; being able to discern the intent by the Spirit exposes the source, while answering the intent, rather than debating the issue. This is still showing how Jesus responded to the event, He didn’t react.
And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, we know that You are true, and care for no man: for You regard not the person of men, but teach the way of God in Truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? (12:14).
They began by separating man from God, then showing Jesus doesn’t care about the ways of man; all this is true, but their intent was still to lead Jesus into a question where they could trap Him. The first part of their question regards giving taxes in any form, whether one is Jew or Gentile. Taxes are not voluntary, yet the Law of Moses commanded the tithes from the people as well commanding the religious rulers to take tithe. According to the Law of Moses, there was no provision for taxes, only the Tithe, thus they supposed they were not obligated to give their money to any government, whether the government was Jew or Gentile; however, according to the Law of Moses, the money at question was from the Jews, not from a Stranger. They were Jews if they land of their own, they were Strangers if the land was under the hand of another nation.
Shall we give, or shall we not give? But He knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt you Me? bring Me a penny, and I may see it (12:15).
The question now falls back on the tempters, if they have a coin belonging to Caesar, they belong to Caesar, making their question a trap. How important is this? The nation was to give to the temple, for the purpose of keeping the temple sound. According to the traditions of the Jews, if the temple was in the hands of the heathen, the temple was defiled. They used the premise to form the money exchanging, but their exchange was not Even, but Unequal in their favor. They took something in the Law, twisted it so they could rob the people, yet call it holy.
Here the trap was to force Jesus to take sides, it didn’t matter which side He took. Why? If He said, “Yes it is Lawful (under Caesar’s law) to give”, they would claim He violated the Law of Moses, but if He said “No, it is not Lawful (under Moses Law) to give”, they would have turned Him over to Caesar. How could He answer this? Either Yes or No would have resulted in His arrest. Ahh, there are times when Yes or No are not answers to questions.
And they brought it. And He said unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto Him, Caesar’s (12:16).
The word Superscription means To Inscribe or Write on, the word Image means the Profile, Representation, or Seal. Caesar by decree wrote on the coin, making it his, then he put a seal on it to prove it was his, then placed his image on the coin as his identification mark, all who trusted in the coin were trusting in Caesar. God seals us by the Holy Spirit, writes His laws on our hearts, we identify with Christ by the Spirit, thus we are Sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.
God was nowhere on Caesar’s coin, even if the name of God was placed on the coin, it would still be hypocrisy. The coin was used by the heathen for heathen interests, to support ungodly endeavors. However, the biggest lesson was in where they got the coin. If they demanded money changers in the temple based on the concept of Caesar’s money being defiled, what were they doing with one of Caesar’s coins? In their zeal to find Jesus guilty, they proved their own guilt.
In all this, Jesus isn’t saying the use of the money was sin, rather the hypocrisy regarding the money was the sin. Saying “money is evil”, then using it ourselves is hypocrisy. Saying the government is wicked, then trusting in their system is nonetheless hypocrisy. If we think money is evil, then don’t use it. If we understand it’s not the using, but the love of money which is the root of all evil, we can still remain free of loving it, but nonetheless use it.
And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marveled at Him (12:17).
Pure division and separation with all things in their proper order. If Caesar said it was his, then it was his, but if God says it’s His, then it’s God’s. Jesus separated the things of man from the things of God, whereas the religious minded mixed the things of Caesar with the things of God.
Then come unto Him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked Him saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man’s brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife (12:18-23).
The Sadducees are always Sad You See, they didn’t believe in the resurrection, why then do they center their question on “in the resurrection therefore, when they Shall rise”? Their question leads one to think they believed in the resurrection, yet they didn’t; therefore, they bring the second leg of deceptive questioning, proving their own hypocrisy. If they truly didn’t believe in the resurrection, they wouldn’t have any questions regarding the resurrection, it would be a moot subject. This is found in those who fight the concept of the Trinity, yet they have many questions regarding the Trinity, but truly lack the answers. The sad part is, we have the answers, but they don’t what to hear them. A Sadducee mind? Yes. Some ask, “in the Trinity, is it one plus one plus one; it seems to be three not one?”. They err in their math, it’s not one plus one, but One Times One, Times One, which equals One; thereby opening the equation for all of us. No matter how many of us enter the equation as sons of God, it still ends as One Family, just as the One Body of Christ has many members, yet it’s still One.
This is another example of laying in wait to deceive, they had their question all set, but they could care less about the answer, rather the question was used to trap Jesus. They limited their question to the Law of Moses, yet the Law doesn’t address the resurrection as such. There is only one marriage in heaven, this teaching dispels any concept of polygamy being blessed of God. The only marriage in heaven is between the Lamb and His Bride, any other marriage is a form of polygamy, making it adultery.
And Jesus answering said unto them, Do you not therefore err, because you know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God? (12:24).
They knew the Traditions of the Elders, but they didn’t perceive the Scriptures, or the Power of God in regard to the resurrection. Wait, they read the Scriptures all the time. Reading and perceiving are different. Their studies were based on their traditions, not in finding the truth.
Some consider the Bible the work of a translator, but the Bible is the Introduction Manual from the Manufacturer. In order to know how to work with the provided Equipment, we must go to the Manufacturer to receive personal instruction. The Bible Introduces us to the Lord, the Spirit Instructs us in the Lord. The Scribes had the introduction, but failed to have the knowledge to put the Manual into action.
For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven (12:25).
Jesus didn’t say, “When you rise from the dead”; He separated these questioning Sadducees from being raised. Marriage according to the Sadducees was to bring a reproduction of the flesh, it had nothing to do with love. If the concern is leaving a son or daughter behind, then they married for the self-based reason of seeing their name continue on. The Sadducees didn’t know the Power of God, because they didn’t understand the Ways of God. Religion can take on the same error, the local church can become a place to gain numbers, rather than converts.
These Sadducees were walking around, talking, taking part in the temple duties, but they were nonetheless among the walking dead. Instead of questioning the things of death, they needed to investigate Life.
There are three resurrections noted in the Gospel, each has a division. The Resurrection of the Just, is the same as the First Resurrection, since the Just still live by faith. The First Resurrection has not passed, it is not complete until those who are Partakers are Raptured. The division shows the dead in Christ are taken, then there are those who soul sleep in Jesus through the Night, then the drunken who go into the Night. The Last resurrection is also divided, some with the resurrection unto life, some with the resurrection unto damnation. The resurrection, regardless of which one, gives the person a body not made of the dust of the earth, but eternal which fits the eternal soul. In our case we are Resurrected because we have life, we are not resurrected unto Life. Paul used two different words regarding the resurrection (Ph’l 3:10-11), one means from a power within, the other means from a power without. He wanted to know Jesus and the Power of His Resurrection, which would be the First Resurrection, or the one based on the power within. However, if he missed one he wanted to attain the one based on the power from without unto Life. The First one is based on the death of Jesus, the second is based on the death of all mankind.
The Sadducees didn’t see the word “resurrection” in the Law, so it must not be. Like the wording “Born Again”, Nicodemus didn’t see it either, but Jesus told him, “are you a master (teacher) of Israel, and know not these things?” (Jn 3:10). The principle is seen, the words may not be.
And as touching the dead, that they rise: have you not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spoke unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living, you therefore, do greatly err (12:26-27).
Jesus went back to the time before the Law of Moses, yet a time recorded in the Law, showing there is more to the Books of Moses than the Law of Moses. The Sadducees were looking at death, but God is the God of the living. Although the men died in the flesh, it was the same God who knew them as the living.
One of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all? (12:28).
This scribe is not tempting Jesus, rather he heard how Well (Good) Jesus answered the tempting questions, he really wanted to know which is the most important (first place) of all the Commandments. This question will take us back to Render unto Caesar the things of Caesar, and unto God the things of God.
And Jesus answered him, the first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord: And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment (12:29-30).
The last question ended with Jacob, now Jesus moves to Israel, the product of the promise; therefore, showing the one error the Pharisees, Herodians and Sadducees all entered was equating and defining the things of God to the flesh, by the flesh.
Jesus begins with the premise, Hear, those who have ears to hear, can hear the Greatest Commandment of all. The word Lord used here is the Greek equivalent to Jehovah, connecting to Mark 12:36. Jesus told us, we must First seek the Kingdom of God, this is the means we use to seek the Kingdom. If we don’t love the Lord, we will never endure, rather when affliction or persecution comes we will run to the spirit of man, or fall back on the old nature. We can learn man’s theology, study the psychology of religion, thereby learning to live with death, but it doesn’t mean we’re free of it. Without placing our Love in God, we will never place our Faith in God.
Why then don’t we leave some of the letters out of the name of Jesus, like the Jews did with Jehovah? Because they were separated from God, we are joined to Him. For us it’s ABBA Father, for them it was JAH.
And the second is like, namely this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is none other commandment greater than these (12:31).
Although Jesus gave us Two Commandments, He incorporated them into One Royal Commandment, based in Love. We can do the second, yet not the first, as the letters to the churches in the Book of Revelation show, but in most cases if we do the first we will do the second. John will show although they heard the Commandment they lacked the ability (I Jn 2:7). The New Birth gives us the ability to Love without hypocrisy, as we are able to love as Jesus loves us.
First John is a teaching letter, yet he says we have no need of a teacher. If it’s the case, we have no need of the Holy Ghost, who is our Teacher. This has to mean something else, it does. We can read about God’s Love, we can be taught about God’s Love, but no human is going to teach us How to Love like God. Only the Holy Ghost through the New Man is going to Show us how to walk in Love. When we walk in Love we have completed the commandments.
And the scribe said unto Him, Well, Master, You have said the Truth: for there is One God; and there is none other but He: and to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices (12:32-33).
The love we have for God has a greater benefit than all the sacrifices given by man since the beginning of time. The scribe used the word Understanding in place of Soul, but the context is the same. The physical brain is not the place of understanding, it’s the place to store experiences for the soul to make decisions. The brain is a piece of flesh, thus it’s flesh related, the soul is not flesh, thus it uses the brain to make the connection to the flesh. The soul feels what the brain feels, the lost soul seeks to gain the feelings for the flesh. However, when we are Born Again the soul changes positions to follow the Spirit. Our understanding moves from the precepts of man to experiences with God, wherein we can discern the thoughts and intent of the soul by the Word in us.
And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, You are not far from the Kingdom of God. And no man after durst ask Him any question (12:34).
The word Discreetly means Prudently or Relating to the mind, thus showing the scribe received what Jesus said by relating to it; however, he was not in the Kingdom, but near it. Why? The Spirit had not yet been given, but this man knew Truth and accepted it, thus, he was at the doorway, if he continued in the Truth, he would enter.
And Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? (12:35).
The Pharisees, Herodians and Sadducees all came with “it is written”; now Jesus wants to know how they gained the knowledge of Christ being the Son of David, when David wasn’t the Christ of God? Why did these hypocrites demand for Jesus to view the verses as they understood them, yet reject His words regarding the Scriptures? Those who lie in wait to deceive carry all sorts of hypocrisy.
The Jews have a term called Agenda, which means an opinion suspected from the text. The Pharisees held an Agenda regarding the resurrection, the Sadducees called for specifics. The same holds true for all Pharisees, Herodians and Sadducees, they tend to say, “Oh yea, where is it written?”, yet they hold traditions no one can find in the Bible. When their error is exposed they respond with, “we can’t fellowship with you anymore, we have different doctrines”. How true, our Doctrine is the Doctrine of Christ, theirs sits in the doctrines of men. They may be right, don’t fellowship with them, preach the Truth in Love, but don’t fellowship.
These hypocrites shot their darts of theological abuse, but there was no target. Jesus was not offended by them, since there was nothing in Him to draw the offense, thus He is the Armor of God. Jesus was distressed for the hypocrites, but not at them, there is a difference. When the words of religion, unbelief, secular views, hypocrisy and doubt come through the air as darts, they will only have effect if we have a target. If we are offended, the test can be a benefit, as the exposure is a blessing, if we receive it, with ears to hear.
For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit You on My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool. David therefore himself called Him Lord: and whence is He then his son? And the common people heard Him gladly (12:36-37).
Jesus answered their questions, now He asks one they should know, the people are all waiting for the answer, but no answer came.
And He said unto them in His doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation (12:38-40).
This is the type of love the scribes held, they didn’t love the Lord, they loved to be recognized as those associated to a religion which recognized the Lord. They were more God’s enemy than the devil, they used their position to devour the widows, to take, rather than give. Jesus would also see a widow who loved the Lord, she was rendering the things of God to God, as well as rendering the things of Caesar to God as well.
What does all this have to do with the Mountain? The religious rulers were using the religion God gave them against Jesus, they came with God on their lips, but the power of the world in their thoughts. They quote Scripture, but do so to either exalt their self, or belittle others.
And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called to Him His disciples and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow has cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury. For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living (12:41-44).
The context here goes far beyond money, the rich gave a portion of their income, the widow gave it all to the Lord. She didn’t care what the scribes did with the money, she was giving to God. She loved the Lord with all her heart, then proved it, she did what the rich man refused to do. One could be worth a million dollars, then brag on giving ten thousand, yet one can be worth five dollars, yet give it all based on their love for the Lord never bragging, the latter is far better in the eyes of God.
The widow woman was poor going in, and poor going out, but only poor in material things, she was rich in love. The rich were rich coming in and rich going out, but so very poor in love. God doesn’t look at the amount, He sees our heart, ten percent of a million, doesn’t match one hundred percent of a dollar. However, there are many times when God tells us to give a specific amount, thus it still takes ears to hear. In such cases God has a purpose equated to the amount, as well as, a test regarding our obedience. Our Free Will giving is based on the giving, not the return.
It still takes ears to hear, the cheerful heart is the foundation of a Cheerful Giver. The widow woman is a symbol of a cheerful giver, the scribes didn’t pay attention to her, much less twist her arm into giving. If one gave much, the Scribes would be joyful, but when this widow woman gave, they could care less, yet she gave more than all the rich, if one figured the percentage she gave much more.
“What if I give, yet they misuse the money?”, it’s their problem, not yours. Jesus provided money for Peter to give taxes to Rome, yet Jesus didn’t sit around wondering how they were going to use it. Did He have Peter put a note on the money with all the conditions? No, He knew once given, it was up to those who received. It’s the same premise behind, “freely you received, freely give”, we are told to, but doing it is still in our hands. Rome knew the thoughts of Israel, but they didn’t care, they used the money to benefit Rome. Who would pay for the error? Rome, not Peter.
And as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said unto Him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! (13:1).
Buildings only impress the carnal minded, the widow woman caught the attention of Jesus.
And Jesus answering said unto him, See you these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down (13:2).
In 70 AD a drunken soldier under the command of Titus threw a torch into the temple, causing a great fire. The gold in the temple melted, then flowed between the stones, thus in order to get the gold, they had to take apart the stones. The widow gave all she had, but the Pharisees and scribes catered to the rich, yet, all the gold melted, falling into the hands of the heathen, while the giving of the widow woman went on forever.
And as He sat upon the Mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? (13:3-4).
The question came in response to the temple being destroyed, thus the disciples equated it to the end of time. Today we assume the beginning of the end will be the building of the temple, both concepts are in error. On the Day of Pentecost Peter said, “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel; and it shall come to pass in the last days…” (Acts 2:16-17). Showing the “last days” began on the Day of Pentecost with the Day first, then comes the Night when no man can work.
Here the context is different from Matthew, in these verses we’re looking for the fulfilled prophecy, or the coming signs. The Blade knows there will be many previews, although previews are close, they are not close enough. Israel seeking peace and Israel having peace are two different things, the world seeking peace and the Time of Comfort are very different. The disciples in this case are asking, “When and What”, in Matthew it was “When, What and Sign” (Matt 24:3). The three part question in Matthew is answered in the Book of Revelation, as we find the seven angels have a sound, a saying, and a vial, each points to one of the three questions. Here in Mark it’s a little different, but nonetheless informative.
And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: for many shall come in My Name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall deceive many (13:5-6).
The context here points to the “Many”, not “Some”, or the “Few”, Jesus is speaking from the first person, thus this doesn’t mean they will come saying they are the Christ, rather they will admit Jesus is the Christ, but they themselves will fail to be Christ Like. We see this as the person saying they are Christian but lacking the attributes to prove it. They will hold to social change without being changed by the Spirit, there will be more of them, than those who are changed by the Spirit.
And when you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be you not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet (13:7).
If we hear of wars in the world, or rumors of wars, the end is not yet, these things, regardless of how evil they may seem, must be, in order to prepare the evil heart of man for the Time of Comfort. Man refuses to seek peace if there is some similarity of peace, but man seeks peace out of fear of total destruction. The more weapons of mass destruction, the more man seeks peace, but it’s only based on the threat of destruction, not on “love thy neighbor”. Yet, peace for man will not come until the Night begins, yet it ends in sudden Destruction. These are things which must be in the world, if we hold to the world, we will have tribulation.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows (13:8).
The word Sorrows means birth pains, it doesn’t mean the birth itself, nor does it mean pain from tribulation, rather the pain is a sign of the birth being near; therefore, these signs in the world are reflective to the pains of the Woman (city) as She will travail over the years until the birthing of the Time of Comfort. Paul said, We know the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now (Rom 8:22). These pains were around in Paul’s day. Isaiah said, before the Woman travails, She brought forth; before Her pain came, She was delivered of a Man Child (Isa 66:7). Therefore, the Man Child came “before” Her pain. John said, the Woman brought forth the Man Child, then She was seen in the wilderness, as She travails in the wilderness (Rev 12:2, 12:6, 15:8 and 8:1). Her time is in hand when she is the center of all religious activity in the world. Today the earthly city of Jerusalem is still being trodden under foot by the Gentiles. The conflict in Israel is not to whom the nation belongs, but to whom the city belongs. The Muslims claim it, the Palestinians claim it, the Jews claim it, and some Christians claim it in some degree. As long as the conflict remains the pains remain; this shows as long as we have wars and rumors of wars it’s not “Peace and Safety”, thus it’s still Day, still the dispensation of Grace.
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues you shall be beaten: and you shall be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them. And the Gospel must first be published among all nations. But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what you shall speak, neither do you premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak you: for it is not you that speak, but the Holy Ghost (13:9-11).
All these things were about to happen to Jesus, the servant is not above the Master. When Jesus was delivered the guilt fell on those who delivered Him, the same is true for those who deliver the innocent into the hands of the ungodly. The Body is established on restoration, if some among us deliver us up to condemn us, they are not of us, rather they are of the Synagogue of Satan. However we have the advantage, we can forgive them, thereby we can gain even in the face of adversity.
The word Premeditate means To rehearse, or Plan beforehand, if we form the words in our minds, the Spirit can’t manifest, but if we place our hearts on the Word, the Spirit will hear from the Holy Ghost and manifest. These verses were directed toward the disciples, as the wording, “But take heed to yourselves” indicates; but it also includes us, and shows when we must “answer”, let the New Man do it. This would be speaking before the masses, something the Holy Ghost fills us to do.
Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death (13:12).
This is still in relationship to the council’s, or synagogues; the phrase brother against brother refers to civil war, or battles within the same house. Brother did betray brother, the father did condemn the son, the children did come against their parents, it hasn’t stopped. These religious rulers putting Jesus on the Cross proves the point. Jesus came on behalf of the Father, but He was a brother to the Jews, as the “children” of the Father the religious rulers came against Jesus. There was also a brother by the name of Judas, who not only betrayed Jesus, but he betrayed his brothers.
After Pentecost the Pharisees, as the fathers, did kill the children, as evidenced by the deaths of Stephen and James, thus the called children came against their parents (Israel). The synagogue of Satan doesn’t refer to the Jews, rather it’s the Wicked, the Gathering of the Wicked in this Season, who come up out of the Earth in the Night as the Beast of the Earth. Jesus shows the Wicked will come against the brothers, they will slander, accuse, or search out supposed faults, they will say “it’s for the Lord”, but they are feeding their own egos, by using the spirit of the world, against the Spirit of Christ.
And you shall be hated of all men for My Name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end shall be saved (13:13).
The phrase “shall be saved” would mean they weren’t saved in the enduring process, what gives? Ah, the purpose of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. This is the same context of Mark 16:16, we endure by our belief to reach Shall be saved.
But when you shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that reads understand,) then let them that be in Judea flee to the mountains (13:14).
The phrase, “let him that reads understand” moves this to the Night, indicating the division, the same one found in Acts 1:6-8. These words point to a future tense event, after the Rapture. The disciples didn’t see the abomination, yet Jesus said, “when you shall see”; however, He is talking to Jews. The mystery is in the word See, which is the Greek Eido meaning to perceive, understand, or have knowledge of; therefore, explaining the phrase, “Let him that reads understand”. This would seem strange since Jesus is talking, thus it means to “read” something all ready written in Daniel (Prophets).
The warning isn’t for New York, Moscow, Africa or Europe, it’s for those in Judaea, today all Jews are equated as members from the tribe of Judah, or members of Judaea; therefore, the context of this teaching changed from the Body to the Jew, showing the Church will be gone at this time, there is no need for us to “run to the mountains”, we have the Spirit as Another Comforter. This is still in context with the Cross, with Salvation came Judgment, with the Day came the Night.
And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: and let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take his garment (13:15-16).
We found in the Prophets how the people worshiped idols on the rooftops, but we also see a connection to, “not one stone left” (Mark 13:2). The House of David will be opened when the Night opens, they will have their temple, but when the time comes the Temple won’t save them, neither will their gods, or “Images”.
But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days (13:17).
On the way to the cross Jesus will say, “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, whose wombs are never bare, and the paps which never gave suck” (Luke 23:28-29). This is directed to the daughters of Jerusalem, not the Body, nor the Nation Israel, it points to the City.
And pray you that your flight be not in the winter. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be (13:18-19).
The winter months are before the Passover, yet, after the Day of Atonement, thus, Jesus tells them to pray it doesn’t come in a time when their sin will be held against them. The Affliction is still from within, John shows our prayers mixed with the coals from God’s altar pouring from heaven bringing the plagues. Also, it’s an angel of God, who opens the pit loosing the devil. The Seven Angels don’t come forth until all Seven Seals are opened, yet the Fifth Seal sees the Dead in Christ under the Altar of God, the Sixth Seal sees the opening of the Night when the devil is bound. Our concern is not the “very end”, but the time for the Rapture. If the Wicked and Foolish can get us to think on the very end, rather than the Rapture, we have lost the battle before it begins. Our concern is not the Woman, rather we fight the good fight of faith to be a Partaker in the First Resurrection.
God will be forced to do these things in the end, the Book of Revelation, along with the Prophets show us the plagues come based on the failure of man to repent, thus evil draws evil, God doesn’t. Their iniquity will lead to their sin, then the Cup of God’s wrath is poured out. We take of One Cup, to avoid the Other. Clearly, the events here are those of Judgment, not Salvation, if we mix the two we end with a mixed report so full of fear, there is no room for faith.
And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, who He has chosen, He has shortened the days (13:20).
The days have already been shortened in God’s eyes; the elect are the Remnant whom He has already chosen. Jesus will divide the seasons further, showing the signs. This is the “short space” John talks about when the Seventh church opens the door for the Eighth (Rev 17:10).
And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, He is there; believe him not (13:21).
This comes back to the Rock, if anyone tells us Jesus is returning while any man yet lives on this earth, believe them not. Today we know it’s accepted to say “I see Christ in you”, or “Christ in me, the hope of Glory”. This verse goes beyond our time and Season to the time after the Rapture. Here we find there will be no “Christ Like” people, since there will be no Spirit of Truth on earth to make them Christ Like, thus to say in any regard “Christ is here” would be a false statement. This is our hope, we’re gone before the Night comes, much less when the plagues fall.
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect (13:22).
This is one group, but divided into two Seasons, in our Season they are false Christs, those who say they are Christian, but are not. After the Rapture they will be false prophets, thus the false prophet is antichrist in our Season, but Lawless in the next, it begins because they are Unequal.
But take you heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. But in those days, after the tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken (13:23-25).
This is our warning, the Night is not for Salvation, to assume we will wait and see if the Rapture is true before we ask for the Spirit is the “tree of foolishness”. The premise here is After the Tribulation, not before or during. The Greek has the neuter, yet Jesus says, the moon is a she, rather than an It. This is not the same earthquake noted by John at the opening of the Sixth Seal. John says, the sun will become black as sackclothe as a sign of repentance; as the moon will become as blood (Rev 6:12-13). When John sees the Woman in the wilderness, she has the cup of abominations, as she is riding the Beast, but when he saw her prior, she had the Sun as Her covering, the tribes of Israel as her crown, but her mother as the Moon under her. Since the “Moon” is under her we gain the clue to this Woman, the Moon is a metaphor for Zion of the earth, thus this Woman is Jerusalem of the earth.
It’s after the call of “Babylon is destroyed” when the Moon’s light shines no more, John says, the light of the candle will no more shine in the Woman at the very end (Rev 18:23). Candle? The seven candles? Yes, the 144,000 won’t be castaway, but the candle for the seventh church will be removed.
The Woman is known as Babylon, thus it’s not Peace within the Woman, it’s when she is “destroyed” the end comes. Therefore, John also separates the Seasons with two different earthquakes, showing the first earthquake at the Fifth and Sixth Seals turning the Sun to sackclothe, as the Two Witnesses are dressed in sackcloth, thus showing the change from the Day when it’s time to work, to the Night when no man can work. The Last Earthquake is different from the others, it turns the earth inside out, thereby bringing to pass, It’s appointed unto all men once to die, then comes the judgment.
Both Jesus and John use the dream of Joseph to depict the Sun, Moon and Stars, all of which are symbols of Israel, not the Body, or the world (Rev 12:1 & Gen 37:9-13).
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory (13:26).
Jesus changed from saying, “You shall”, to “They shall”, incorporating Revelation 1:7, where John says, every eye will see Him, those who pierced Him and those who wail because of Him, yet the Christ Church doesn’t fit either group (Rev 1:7). As Jesus left, so shall He come, when He left, the Spirit was not on the earth, after He ascended the Holy Ghost came with the gift of the Spirit; therefore, He (the Holy Ghost) who now lets, will continue to let people be Born Again, until the other he (the devil) is bound, then we who are alive and remain will be caught up to the clouds to meet the rest of the dead in Christ, from there we will meet Jesus in the Air to Forever Remain With Him.
And then shall He send His angels, and shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven (13:27).
This refers to two groups, not one; John says, the four winds are stayed until the 144,000 finish their course (Rev 7:1-8). At the same time John sees a multitude so large they can’t be numbered, who are all Gentile, they are seen in heaven with Jesus (Rev 7:9).
The four trade winds, or jet streams will cease, the weather will remain as it was in the days of Noah. The Jews and those of the “earth” are those who pierced Him, those who wail because of Him are those of the Sea, thus there will be some who Sleep in Jesus “through the Night”, the Wicked who are drunk with power going into the Night, but there are also the Remnant, the Mountains (nations), and the Woman (city) who go into the Night as well.
Does it mean all are lost if they don’t make the Rapture? Hardly, if it was the case why have the Judgment? John sees to multitudes, the first can’t be numbered, yet the end thereof can be seen, after the Judgment he sees another, one wherein it can’t be numbered, but the end thereof cannot be seen. This is also seen in two numbers of ten thousand times ten thousand is adding to, but thousands of (from) thousands is taking away from. The Day adds to, the Night is a taking away from, yet those who sleep in Jesus will be added to the last multitude, as will others who find their name in the Book of Life (Rev 20:11-15). However, we can’t dismiss the Call, we are to seek to be among those who sleep, or the 144,000 we are suppose to be children of the Day, not children of the Night
Now learn the parable of the fig tree: When her branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near: so you in like manner, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that it is near, even at the doors (13:28-29).
Here the entire premise boils down to the Fig Tree, not the Olive Tree, yet we gain a great clue. Jesus equates the Fig Tree to a Her, this is not the City, but the religious order of Israel. The Woman is Jerusalem of the earth, Peter was a member of the church in Jerusalem, he referred to Jerusalem as “Babylon” (I Pet 5:13).
When the Fifth Seal is opened, the Door for the Church is closed, the Sixth Seal will open the Door to the House of David, as the stars of heaven will fall to the earth as “a fig tree casts her untimely figs” (Rev 6:13, 4:1-2, 3:7 & 3:20). This shows the Leaves of the Fig Tree will be active during the Night. The Time of Doors points to more than One Door, it shows our Door closes when the Door to the House of David is opened. At the time we are taken by the Spirit through One Door, as Jesus opens the Door to the House of David. It’s not the other way around.
The people being in a land they call Israel is not the same as Israel having her land. The border of Israel really goes to the Euphrates river, which is hardly the case today. Today she has a foothold, the taking of the land will not be by war, but by an earthquake. When the 144,000 as “her” puts forth the leaves of Mercy, then Peace fills the earth, but the Rapture will be history.
Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done (13:30).
The Generation here is equated to the Fig Tree, not the Olive Tree, thus when Jesus said “this generation” still relates to the generation associated with the Fig Tree.
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away (13:31).
Whenever someone tells us “it’s passed away” we can say, “heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of Jesus will not”.
But of that day and that hour knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the son, but the Father (13:32).
When the disciples wanted to know about the Restoration of Israel, Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in His own power. But you shall receive power, after that, the Holy Ghost is come upon you” (Acts 1:6-8). The context in the above verse (13:32) is “the son”, not the Son of man or the Son of God, but “son”, meaning we are the sons of God, thus we are not to know the Time. In Acts 1:6-8 we find the “son” Jesus is referring to here pointing to us, those who have the evidence of being “sons of God” by the Witness. This is clearer when Jesus tells us the Son of Man will return for Judgment, thus He does know when He will return, but we as “sons of God” don’t, neither do the “sons of men”. Jesus is not obligated to tell us everything He as God the Son knows, or everything the Mind of the Lord retains, rather we are told what we as sons of men and sons of God need to know.
Jesus now brings the words, “Watch” and “Pray” into the equation, these point to our concern, to be Partakers of the First Resurrection, rather than look for the end of the world. These areas of Watch and Pray will become important when we see the Garden prayer is based on the fourth cup of the Passover, the cup of the wrath of God.
Take you heed, watch and pray: for you know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch (13:33-34).
Here Jesus uses the title, “Son of man”, but prior it was “son”, thus separating Jesus as The Son from those as sons. This also shows Jesus returns as the “Son of man”, not the “Son of God”; therefore the “sons of God” are those who became partakers of the First Resurrection by the Spirit. The Porter is the Holy Ghost, Jesus is telling us how the kingdom will work. Jesus will go to sit at the right hand of the Father, the Holy Ghost brings us the Gift, the Gift is Grace based in the Spirit. The voice of the Lord we hear is the New Man telling us things he has heard, but when Jesus stands, the Seasons change.
Watch you therefore; for you know not when the master of the house comes, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning (13:35).
Obviously the Master knows, it’s the servants who don’t know, which explains the “son” in the prior verse is not Jesus, for the Son knows. Notice the times, they refer to the Night Watches, not the Day Watches, showing how the Son of man will come in the Night, not the Day. The phrase “cockcrowing” is defined for us here, it points to a time, not a bird in the courtyard.
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say to you I say unto all, Watch (13:36-37).
Jesus didn’t limit this to the disciples, rather He included all time. Jesus used the word Watch four times to cover all four watches, but the four watches covered are the night watches, from midnight to morning. Our Season is the Season of the Day, the Night comes when no man can work, but nonetheless we are commanded to Watch, or be ready.
We find phrases like, “thief in the Night”, and “while you sleep”, all pointing to the Night, thus Jesus is warning us not to seek the Night, or seek to become a “child of the Night”, as some do, but seek to be a Child of the Day, by praying and watching so we don’t get caught in the Night.
The word Watch means more than one staying awake, rather it has a root word meaning, Raise from death, thus pointing to the constant vigil to become partakers in the First Resurrection. Paul said, “But if the Spirit of Him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He who raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit dwelling in you” (Rom 8:11). Paul opened an area never considered by the Pharisees or religious rulers of old. Not only does Paul say, Jesus was raised, but he makes notation of others who are Christ Like being raised from the dead as well, yet it’s the same Spirit, meaning it connects to the same Resurrection.
After two days was the feast of the Passover, and of Unleavened Bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by craft, and put Him to death (14:1)
We were just told they wouldn’t question Him anymore, thus they changed methods, not intent; now they would use Craft, rather than words. The word Craft means A Decoy, or Subtlety connecting to their actions, thus proving they were doing the lusts of their father the devil.
The Craft required something the Pharisees lacked, it would take someone from within the group who was ordained by Jesus to betray Him. This lesson shows the world can’t stop the Body, but we can stop ourselves, thus failure in the Kingdom is a decision to fail. The gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church, but they will come against the Rock, yet in the Rock are many “churches”, but they are not The Church. We war to move from the Rock to the Church, there we find true Peace.
A house divided will fall, the “enemy” (devil) planted his tares in the Field, not the Church. The Beast can’t separate us from the Head of the Body, but the Body can yoke itself from the Head. Those outside of the kingdom can never cause us harm, it’s the sons of perdition, or their followers who bring down the house in the end. The house in our season is The Rock, but the Wicked many “rocks” (independent broken off pieces) left behind at the Rapture (catching away).
But they said, Not on the Feast Day, lest there be an uproar of the people (14:2).
They weren’t afraid of offending God, they were afraid of the people, the moment we are afraid of the people, we have entered rebellion becoming involved in witchcraft (I Sam 15:23-24). This also shows the Feast Day as the High Sabbath, the day after Passover, they picked the Preparation day for the Feast Day, but don’t confuse the Passover and Feast Day for the sabbath according to the Commandment, they are different.
Mark now regresses to show us what triggered the tare in the heart of Judas, or motivated him to betray Jesus.
And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on His head (14:3).
John tells us this woman was Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, this would be after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, at the beginning of the Week of the Cross (Jn 12:1-3). John also tells us the house was not Simon Peter’s; rather it belonged to Simon the leper, the father of Judas (Jn 12:4). Judas’ father was healed of his leprous condition of the flesh, but Judas retained his leprous heart, following the flesh, yet the anointing was taking place in a house he grew up in.
John and Mark may seem to differ here; John says Lazarus was there, he also says the “feet” of Jesus were anointed. So, what is it? Both, the house belonged to Simon the leper, the father of Judas, but Lazarus was there. Mark shows how the “head” of Jesus is anointed, pointing to the Authority; John looks at the “feet” or the area where Judas would begin to form the footstool of the Lord. We also see the Anointing runs from the Head to the Feet, if we’re in the Body we’re anointed of the Lord.
And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? (14:4).
John adds to Mark, both show this indignation started with Judas, as Judas led the others into their sin of complaining (Jn 12:4-6). Just as we found the disciples wanted to please the people, yet failed to cast the devil out of the lad, here we find they heard the words of Judas, then started to follow his concept of “stewardship”. At this time they were the elect, but not the very elect. If it were possible the Wicked could fool the very elect, thank God it’s not possible. Don’t they know Judas will betray the Lord? No, not at all, the actions of the disciples toward Judas show he was liked among them, they turned to him to feed the 5,000, they listened to his comments about the oil; later when Jesus identifies the traitor as one who would sup with Him, then within seconds Judas dives into the sup, no one, except Jesus suspected, or knew the traitor was Judas. Indicating no one suspected Judas, meaning he was liked among them, not considered the one to betray the Lord.
For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her (14:5).
Their concern was for the poor, what could be wrong with that? Judas was using the poor to fill his pockets. Feeding the poor or using the concept of feeding the poor to make money are vastly different.
The disciples had compassion for the poor, Judas used it to steal money, feed some of the poor, take the rest; Judas was a user and an abuser.
And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble you her? she has wrought a good work on Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whensoever you will you may do them good: but Me you have not always. She has done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint My body for the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world this also that she has done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her (14:6-9).
This didn’t mean the poor are equated to Judas, it means the ministry to feed the poor is always open; however, there are some ministries to come along once in the entire span of man’s time. The ability to do Mercy is always with us, Judas knew his concern was not the poor, but the money (Jn 12:6). His concern for money was so great he attempted to buy his repentance with thirty pieces of silver.
Mary will not have time to anoint Jesus after the cross, the only time open for her ministry was at this one moment. Mary was doing her ministry, the disciples thought about theirs, Judas thought about his bank account. The disciples would have a ministry after the Cross, but the ministry of Mary was for this one day in all of man’s history.
There is stewardship based on what we assume is the proper care of the Lord’s property, there is stewardship on what we know to be proper care for the Lord’s property. Some of us are waiting in caves wondering if our time has passed us by, yet there are some ministries set for a particular time in God’s timing. Our concern is to be prepared for the task, by not using the pride of life to bring the time to pass prematurely.
The anointing was on Friday, Jesus rode into the city on Saturday, cleaned the temple on Sunday, taught on the end times on Monday. On one hand Judas saw how the people followed Jesus, thus Jesus had Power over the fig tree, held authority in the temple, displayed great wisdom, but then he assumed Jesus was making a mistake. Judas also heard the words “famine, pestilence, wars and the poor you have with you always”, he then made his decision not to face famine, or have the poor with him at all. However, the mistake of Judas was in his method to free himself, in essence he was attempting to save his own soul.
James and John had the same fear of facing the persecution to gain the benefit, but at least they went to Jesus, then accepted the Cup and Baptism, whereas, Judas was attempting to avoid the Cup, Baptism and Persecution. Judas wanted the benefit, but he wanted it his way. Judas had a plan, but his plan included using the Pharisees, thus he thought using wicked ways to arrive at what he assumed was a Godly result was within the will of God. Judas was turning the stones into bread, he was taking Jesus to the top of the temple to push Him so all could see the angels save Him. Judas was bowing before the Pharisees to bring about his self-will.
Since Judas was among the very first to join the earthly ministry, he had the knowledge of the three temptations, as well as many of the teachings Jesus gave pointing to this very moment. What good is it for a man to have the whole world, yet lose his soul? Peter would make a mistake attempting to do something for Jesus he was not equipped to do, ending suffering a sifting by Satan, but Judas was using all three of the temptations of the devil to bring about his self-will, instead of doing something for Jesus, he was going to do something for himself, by using Jesus.
Didn’t Jesus know? Yes, Judas would provide the means to bring about the Cross. Wow, perhaps Judas did do something right. Not so, Judas was acting on his own behalf, Paul said none of the princes knew what the Cross would bring, for if they had known, they would never have crucified the Lord of Glory (I Cor 2:8). Although God allowed the error of Judas, although it was in the Plan, it doesn’t mean God blessed Judas for betraying the Lord. Judas followed the rulers of darkness, not the teachings of the Lord, the acts of evil Judas were turned for the good of those who love the Lord, as well as those called according to His purpose, but Judas was nonetheless a traitor.
And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray Him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray Him (14:10-11).
This would be Tuesday, this isn’t the only event happening this day, the other disciples will be preparing the Table in the Room, thus all these events will connect. Judas is putting together his plan to force Jesus to bring the Kingdom into the natural and physical realm, the disciples will be preparing the Table to break through into the spiritual realm so they can enter the Kingdom. Two completely different works, yet both involve the Kingdom.
And the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover, His disciples said unto Him, Where will You that we go and prepare that You may eat the Passover? And He sent forth two of His disciples, and said unto them, Go you into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him (14:12-13).
The Day of preparation was the Passover Day, this is the day when the Passover is killed, which was the day prior to the High Sabbath for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. We know the weekly sabbath is according to the Commandment, always falling on Saturday, regardless of the date, but the High Sabbath Days for the Feast Days fall on a date, regardless of the day. When we see the word “sabbath”, we have to determine if it’s the weekly sabbath, or a high sabbath. If we confuse the two, we will have Jesus going to the Cross on a Friday, wherein we end with Him in the grave two nights and one day, rather than three nights and three days. The traditions of man do make the Word of no effect.
The killing of the Passover was done on the Preparation Day, the Day before the Feast Day, we just found the religious leaders didn’t want to use the Feast Day for the Cross. These verses are still the 13th of Abib, until sunset, then it would become the 14th of Abib, since the Jews keep a day from sunset to sunset, not midnight to midnight.
The man the disciples were to look for would be carrying a Vessel of Water. This is similar to the servant of Abraham who went to the well to find the bride of Isaac. This is the beginning of the Feast for the Bride, but the Feast will not end until the Great Sacrifice on the last day.
And wheresoever he shall go in, say you to the goodman of the house, The Master said, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with My disciples? And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us (14:14-15).
Some seem to think this house is the same one wherein the Upper Room was located; however, the house where the upper room was located belonged to Mark’s mother; whereas this house belonged to a “goodman” (Acts 12:12). The guestchamber was also known as the bridechamber, or as we know it the honeymoon suite. The room was prepared, when we enter the Rest of God, we will find the house is all prepared for the Good Work of the Lord.
And His disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as He had said unto them: and they made ready the Passover (14:16).
When Jesus told them about the colt, they found the events exactly as He foretold. When He told them about the room, they found the events and room exactly as He foretold. When He told them of the cross and Resurrection, they didn’t believe, but found the events exactly as He said they would be. Why then do we have trouble believing the events yet to come will be exactly as He said they will be?
And in the evening He came with the twelve (14:17).
It’s now evening meaning it would be the next day, or Passover, which would be the 14th of Abib (Lev 23:5). This day will continue until sunset the next day.
And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eat with Me shall betray Me (14:18).
There is a difference between denying the Lord in those times of great pressure, and betraying Him when there is no pressure. The only thing Judas was thinking about at this point in time was being in charge of the greatest treasury of all time. Judas was not challenged, he was not pushed into this, he planned it, then caused it to happen, yet God allowed it, thereby fitting it into the plan.
And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto Him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? And He answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve that dip with Me in the dish. The Son of man indeed goes, as it is written of Him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born (14:19-21).
One would think it would be simple enough to detect which one betrayed Him; however, during the same time John tells us Jesus told Judas, “What you do, do quickly” (Jn 13:27). Judas became so self-deceived, he assumed Jesus just gave him a blessing for his deeds. John shows Judas never made it to the Bread or Cup, rather Judas took of the bitter herbs, as his wormwood heart ate him up.
And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take eat, this is My Body (14:22).
The day prior to the Passover is a day of fast for the firstborn son, according to the Jewish religion, Bread is the most important product of their everyday life. Not having bread in the house during the eight days prior to Passover is a constant reminder to the Jew of the Exodus. Bread has been a symbol of life to the Jew since the first Passover, to the Jew it displays their change from slavery under Egypt, to a free people under God, yet we know when they entered the wilderness their own minds kept them in bondage to the Egypt mentality. As strange as it seems, today the Jewish tradition says the piece of Matzo to be eaten must be about the size of an Olive. Without knowing it they are pointing to the Olive (Anointing) Tree in the Passover, rather than the Fig Tree.
When Jesus said, “This is My Body”, it went much further than the stripes and holes, it showed the Body of Jesus is completely free of leaven. Why? Because He is completely free of leaven. Jesus is what the Jews call, sh’mura mishaat k’tsira, or the Guarded Highest Grade Of Bread one can possess. This type of matzo is watched from the time the wheat is ripe in the field until it’s cooked. Not one ounce of leaven can remotely come near the Guarded Matzo, the Rabbis stand guard day and night to insure the Matzo is pure. With Jesus, the Holy Ghost stood by day and night to make sure the Body remains pure. The Bread or Matzo is presented in three pieces, free of cracks or breaks, but it must be pierced and stripped to assure the cooking takes no longer than seven minutes.
The disciples assumed the meal was like all past Passovers, a memorial to history, but this meal was the Reason for history, it opened the present to the future. The promise to Abraham, the bondage in Egypt, the Exodus, the Law, the Jewish history, and Prophets all pointed to this one Passover as a change in Seasons was about to take place.
The meal begins with a hard-boiled egg in saltwater, representing the crossing of the red sea. The bitter herds are usually a horseradish, representing the bitter slave existence in Egypt. The large Cup is known as The Cup or the Third Cup of the meal. After the meal this cup is filled for Elijah the Prophet. A person assigned as the baal-haggada then goes to the door to recite a supplication for God to destroy His enemies and those of His people. To the Jew Malachi said, Elijah would come, then the Dreadful day when the Messiah would destroy the enemies of the Jews; however, Elijah would first come to Prepare the Way, not cause destruction. The Jew leaves the Door open for Elijah; however, Jesus said, He is the Door to the Sheepfold, therefore, John the Baptist, as Elijah, pointed and prepared the Way for the Door. Jesus tells the Sixth church, He is the one who opens the Door, no man can open it or close it (Rev 3:8). However, it’s the Door to the House of David, which opens the Time of Comfort. There is another Door, one of interest. Regarding the Door Jesus told us to open it, then He will come in and Sup with us (Rev 3:20); thus it’s the time of Doors, not Door.
The Bread is taken one piece at a time, beginning with the first, calling it Abraham. The bread is blessed then put back in the Matzo Napkin, then the second, known as Isaac, then the third known as Jacob, all three are replaced back in the Napkin. The third is taken again, only this time it’s called Israel, then it’s put back. Isaac is taken as the promised son as it Becomes The Promised Son, the Seed of Abraham, not seeds as many, but Seed is One, as Christ. However, the Jew sees it somewhat different, they see Isaac as the unchanged Promise. The piece representing Isaac is broken, the other pieces remain in the napkin.
The Bread is our connection, Paul said we are the Bread; therefore, we are the Body, as Jesus Gave us His Body, but the Blood contains the New Testament, thus the Body is the wilderness, the womb to the Kingdom of God, the place of Mercy, the place where the Power of Mercy is found. The Body is not the New Covenant of Grace, it’s the preparation place for the Bride to enter the New. We are in the Body, the Kingdom of God is in us. Jesus will bless the cup, but He took, blessed and broke the Bread. His Body will be Broken for us, He gave His Life so we may have Life, we give our Life so He may Live His Life through us by the Spirit.
And He took The Cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And He said unto them, This is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many (14:23-24).
One must wonder what would have happened if the disciples refused to drink when Jesus said, “This is My Blood, now drink”? Many days prior some of the disciples heard how one must eat of the Body, and drink of the Blood, yet many walked with Jesus no more (Jn 6:66). Here the disciples find what the truth of the saying is, if only the others would have rejected their self-will and submitted to Jesus, they would be sitting at the same table gaining discernment.
Why would the disciples refuse the Cup? First, their tradition said, only Elijah could pick up the Cup, next it was a violation of the Law to drink Blood, or anything purported to be Blood. Jesus told them John was Elijah, here Jesus takes the Cup. They had enough reason in the Law alone to reject the cup, or walk out of the service, but there stood Jesus, it was more than enough reason to cast away traditions to do as He says.
More important in this verse is the word “many”, rather than “all”. The Body is open to All, but not the Blood. Jesus will build His Church from the Body, but the New Covenant is still in His Blood. No one is going to be the Bride of Christ unless they first enter the Body, but they must also accept the Blood of Christ to become the Church. How is the Blood manifested? In the New Birth, our evidence is the Seal of the Holy Spirit, as the evidence of the Kingdom of God within.
What does the Shadow show us about this? Did the high priest drink the blood? No, not at all, so what does this mean? Where was the blood of the animals spread? In the Tabernacle, ahh, the mystery, we become Tabernacles unto the Lord, thus in the end we find God tabernacling with the tabernacles. When we take of His Blood we are in fact placing the Blood within the our Tabernacle to Remember how the Blood by the Spirit is cleaning, restoring, repairing, bringing us into the Promise by forming us into God’s Son, so we can be sons of God.
Jesus will say He will not drink of the Vine until the Day is complete, but we are told to Drink, thus, Jesus is in one Vow, we’re in another, until all is complete.
Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God (14:25)
The word “New” brings us an understanding of how New this Covenant is, it means Never before, not an addition, not a supplement, it’s something no man prior was privy to, thus showing as great as John the Baptist was, the least in the kingdom is greater.
And when they had sang an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said unto them, All you shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered (14:26-27).
This is after the meal, as they move toward the Garden. The Shepherd came to gather the sheep, yet Jesus says, they will be scattered. This type of scattering is not evil, it has a purpose based in a Good intent to bring a Good result. When the sheep are scattered because the leaders are evil, the intent and result are evil; however, in this case the scattering is to expose the hearts of the disciples, bringing their unbelief to the surface so it can be dwelt with.
When the conflict falls on them, their feet will also hit the pavement running for cover, yet they were not Born Again, thus they still heard the old man. Unless those tares are exposed, they will not be removed, meaning we can’t be healed. Peter’s pride and self-confidence had to be exposed before he would face it. Simply talking about denying the self means nothing, doing it means everything. We don’t “try” the saving of the soul, we do it. We try on clothes, we do the Things of God.
But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee (14:28).
Jesus didn’t say, “if I am risen”, thus He is pointing to an event to happen, they are to go to Galilee, so will they? Not hardly, they will hide in a house scared half to death. The only ones with the nerve to venture out of the house will be the women, yet they will be the first to see Jesus is raised from the dead.
This is just another example of Jesus calling something a were, while it was still a not. Don’t forget this is just hours before the Cross, this is the place of faith, the one place wherein the disciples could have rested in what appeared to be certain destruction. The storm on the lake was nothing compared to seeing Jesus beaten, then put on the Cross.
We know Jesus was seen of Mary, the two witnesses on the road, finally the disciples saw Him in Jerusalem, not Galilee. It would seem Jesus either changed His mind, or didn’t know where He would be after the Resurrection. Not the case, this is a command for the disciples to go to Galilee, yet we know they didn’t. Jesus knew they wouldn’t or He would never have appeared at the house, rather He would still be in Galilee waiting. This is another area akin to Peter walking on the water, they were told one thing, they did another. Simply because we miss it, doesn’t mean it wasn’t presented. The purpose didn’t change, the disciples did go to Galilee after they were upbraided with their own unbelief.
But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I (14:29).
“Hung by the tongue”, now Peter makes a statement based in pride, yet Jesus will allow Peter to take a gut punch (sift) to drive the pride to the surface so Peter can see himself as he is seen, in order to make room for a humble and contrite heart.
What does this have to do with going to Galilee? Nothing, Peter is still stuck on “you will deny Me”. Peter is not only justifying himself, but he really believes he has the power and ability to stand. Self-justification comes from pride, as do all the self traits, thus Pride is deception, it makes one think they are more than they are, or less then they are, but never what they are. Luke shows a similar statement was made by Peter at the table, here it’s on the way to the Garden (Luke 22:31-34). Putting Luke and Mark together we find this would be the second time Peter would interject his self-justification. Rather than say, “do you think so Lord?”, he is saying, “You don’t know me Lord”, yet it was Peter who didn’t know Peter. Peter is weak, but doesn’t know it, the sifting will almost take him in the other direction, wherein he will think “I’m not worthy”.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto you, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, you shall deny Me thrice (14:30).
This isn’t belittling Peter, it’s warning him, the offense will come, but it has a purpose with a Godly result. Satan will be exposed, Peter won’t have to hear, “Get you behind Satan” again, rather he will be able to say it.
But he spoke the more vehemently, If I should die with You, I will not deny You in any wise. Likewise also said they all (14:31).
Adding Luke to this, we find this is the third time Peter made his statement of self-imposed courage, these three all add to the events yet to come. All the three’s help to explain why Jesus asked Peter the three questions after the Resurrection (Jn 21:15-18). Peter lacked the Spirit, he lacked the Ingress Aires, he lacked the ability to confess Jesus, as Jesus confessed the Father; however, without the exposure he would always lack those abilities.
The word Vehemently means by Forcefulness Of Expression or centered in Intensity of Emotion. Peter assumed he was giving a statement of faith, yet he was calling Jesus a liar, thus he was using his emotions. Faith begins by hearing, but it must be based on our Belief of “God Is”, Peter just heard, but he lacked “God Is” belief, meaning his retort was “No” Vehemently, hardly faith.
This also shows us the violence coming against the Kingdom, don’t forget Jesus is the Kingdom of God. This also proves spiritual matters to carnal minds are foolishness, Peter was convinced Jesus was wrong, yet he will find Jesus was right all along. There are times when our assumed statements of faith are based in fear, or pride, lacking any faith at all. We use the word faith, but remove Hope, lack the foundation of God Is, producing a statement of unbelief. We say God Isn’t, or the devil Is, removing ourselves from having Godly faith. We seem to think we have great faith when the event is under our control, yet the test of faith comes when the event is out of our control, yet we still praise the Lord. Jumping from mountain top, to mountain top isn’t faith; it’s a fear of having our faith tested. Faith is the vehicle to get us through the valleys to the mountain tops, not a means to call the valleys, mountain tops, nor a method we use to run from the valleys.
And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and He said to His disciples, Sit you here, while I shall pray. And He took with Him, Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy (14:32-33).
Peter made his statement before going to the Garden, his ability to truly overcome was before him, but he decided to sleep. The wording “Sore Amazed” means Deeply Distressed, we know Gethsemane means Winepress, or Place of Pressure. The table is the place for the sons of men to find how to become sons of God, the Garden is the anguish Jesus feels over the sons of perdition.
All this is going on while Judas was making his plans, forming his foundation to become the first son of perdition, yet Jesus was praying for him and all who would follow the Judas mindset. The premise is Jesus has lost none, except for the son of perdition, so the Scriptures can be fulfilled (Jn 17:12).
And said unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto the death: tarry you here, and watch (14:34).
Whose death? There are some standing here who shall not taste of death, yet one was tasting of it while making his plans of betrayal. This is clearer when Jesus said He has come to give Life, not take it, plus we know He knew of the Cross and looked past it to the Resurrection. The Cross was not easy, it would be painful, the victory however would be sweet, and glorious. What would the death of Jesus bring? Salvation? Of course, what else? Judgment, it’s the sorrow, if there is Eternal Salvation, there must be Eternal Judgment. The Joy of the Cross is Day related, the Sorrow Night related.
The words Tarry and Watch are sisters; prior Jesus told the disciples, “Watch and pray: for you know not when the time is” (Mark 13:33). Prior, He told them to Tarry while He, Peter, James and John went to the Mount, we know what happened when they failed to tarry. There is a time to Tarry, but if we Tarry, we watch and pray, if we move, we should have prayed prior as we are being watchful in the process.
The title “son of perdition” only appears twice in the Bible, once in John and once in II Thessalonians 2:3; however, the word Perdition is a New Testament word from the Greek Apolia translated as Destruction, Waste and Perdition some twenty times, all in the New Testament. The last time is in reference to the Eighth who goes into Perdition (Rev 17:11), but we also find when Judas said, “why was this waste of the ointment” he identified his own position, since the word Waste is Apolia (Perdition).
Peter would learn this lesson, as he would be able to describe the sons of perdition to a tee, yet not hold unforgiveness or hate toward them. They are the worker of Iniquity, the Just live by faith, the Unjust work at their Iniquity. The last time we see any of these people mention Judas is in Acts chapter one, afterward it refers to the Position, not the man. When we speak of Judas the person it’s his behavior before the Cross, thereafter it’s the position. This Garden proves Judas broke the heart of Jesus, as do all the sons of perdition. They have choice, but more so, they have the ability to do what is right. Peter says, many shall follow their pernicious (perdition) ways, they are covetous, using feigned words to make merchandise of us, they are presumptuous, self-willed, not afraid to speak evil against the children of God, they have eyes full of adultery, and unstable souls, following the way of Balaam, wells without Water, carried about with wanton theology, full of self-desires, self-importance, pride, ego and arrogance. While they promise us liberty, they themselves are servants of corruption (death – II Pet 2:1-22). Peter knew how close he came to falling head long into perdition, but he also understood the phrase, “those who are baptized and continue to believe shall be saved”.
And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, If it were possible, the Hour might pass from Him (14:35).
This is not merely Jesus the man, this is Jesus the Head of the Body of Christ, as the Head of the Body He is praying for the Body. This prayer was answered; we are in Jesus, as He is in us, we are spared from the Hour of Temptation. This goes with “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”, the evil God is delivering us from is the result of the Cup Jesus will take in this Garden. This takes us to, All things are possible with God, but not all things are profitable.
The first prayer related to Judas before the Cross, as Jesus was praying for those who persecuted Him. The other two prayers were alike, one for the Day, the other for the Night, yet both relate to those who enter, yet refuse to do the will of the Father. The Father is handing Jesus the Cup, thus is not a war of wills, but a manner of Jesus wanted to give all mankind to the Father, yet the Father knows the goats have no right to the Son.
The Hour started the moment the Son of man was betrayed, thus it related to the betrayal (Mark 14:41). The Hour of temptation on the world hasn’t passed, nor is it something yet to come, it has been here since Pentecost, it will continue until the end, yet we are free of the wrath of God by what Jesus did for us. Although we are free from the Hour, we still pray for God to deliver us from the evil, by exposing any hindering element in us. If we remain in the world, we will have tribulation, but Jesus has overcome the world, thus the Greater He in us will overcome the he of the world.
John was among the three in the Garden, later he would write, “Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes Jesus is the Son of God” (I Jn 5:5). This sounds easy enough, no one who claims to be a Christian has trouble with the concept of Jesus being the Son of God; however, the word Believe goes further than a mental concept based on ones opinion. John also added, “It is the Spirit bearing Witness, because the Spirit is Truth” (I Jn 5:6). The Spirit of Truth in us is the Greater He, the Greater He is how we Believe Jesus is the Son of God, because we are sons of God by the Spirit. Without the Spirit we will hold theological opinions based upon our knowledge of the events as we see them, yet we will still use the spirit of man to interpret them. The Spirit in us is part of the Witness, if we receive the witness of man, the Witness of God is Greater (I Jn 5:9). We received the witness of these men through the knowledge they left us; yet if have received the Witness of God through the Water, Blood and Spirit by the New Birth we have a more firm secure foundation.
And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto You; take away this Cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what You will (14:36).
This now changes from Mercy to Grace, the Spirit bears witness with our Spirit granting us the position to say ABBA Father. The Third Cup will spare us from the Fourth Cup of the Wrath of God yet to come. Clearly this refers to being Born Again, we only find the title “ABBA Father” three times, once here, once in Romans 8:15, and once in Galatians 4:6, both Romans and Galatians define the ability as based on having the Spirit in us.
Could the Father give the Cup to an angel? Could He ignore it? After all, He knew about the Cup from the foundation of the world, His prophets talked about it for years, Jesus preached on it. Could the Father now take the Cup away? The only possible means to remove the Cup was to remove the Cross, making everyone on earth accept Jesus subject to the wrath of God. Without the Cross there is no grave, without the grave there is no Resurrection, without the Resurrection there is no hope, without hope there is no reason for faith. Without the Resurrection we can’t impute death to have the Spirit, yet without the Spirit we can’t be Justified, If we are not Justified, we won’t be Glorified. The connection is still if there is Eternal Salvation, there must also be Eternal Judgment.
After Pentecost Peter’s understanding of events was clear, he knew the forth Cup would have to be poured out. Yet he also knew the longsuffering of Jesus related to this very issue (II Pet 3:9-10). Could it be possible for every person to receive the Seed, then Sleep in Jesus? It’s possible, but not profitable.
The desire of Jesus knows All things are possible, His faith knows, “not what I will, but what You will”. This was not a battle of wills, it was desires and methods, Jesus was willing to bring every creation to the Father, the Father desired to make the enemies of Jesus His footstool (Acts 1:6-8). Jesus was willing to suffer the pains of the Cross even for those who would reject Him, mock Him, or spit on Him. As the Son of man the Mercy came forth as great drops of blood, they were not blood, but nonetheless we find Jesus prayed very hard for the Wicked. Let this mind be in you, which was first in Christ Jesus.
And He came and found them sleeping, and said unto Peter, Simon, sleep you? could not you watch one hour (14:37).
Jesus didn’t say, Peter could you not preach one hour? Jesus went back to the name Simon, rather than using Peter. When Peter went to sleep, Simon (the old man) was preparing the flesh for failure. There are two Greek words used for the English word Sleep. One means Sub-silence, it’s akin to a word meaning Inferior in position and condition; however, the word used here means to Lie Down In Rest, which would relate to those who “sleep in Jesus”. Peter as an example of those without the Spirit who will sleep through the Night. Of course Peter will change positions on Pentecost entering the position of those who are dead in Christ.
These prayers are also for the victims of the sons of perdition, those victims were robbed of having the Spirit, thus they will Sleep in Jesus as well. However, they will also operate in Mercy, thus we will not rob them of their reward, but they will have to sleep until the Night is complete then enter the resurrection unto Life.
Watch you and pray, lest you enter into Temptation. The Spirit truly is Ready, but the flesh is weak (14:38).
This isn’t the Spirit of Peter, the Spirit is Ready, the time was close, Peter should have been praying the prayer of forgiveness, but he was still “born of the flesh”, the flesh is weak as Peter will find out shortly.
The Greek also has two words for the English word Ready, one means to prepare to be ready; however, the other is the reference here, it means to Be predisposed to do something in advance with speed and quickness, showing how the Spirit was fully ready to come as soon as the Holy Ghost was released, with the predisposed awareness of the victory of the Resurrection.
And again He went away, and prayed, and spoke the same words (14:39).
This gives us two Seasons, not one. When the Body is broken, the Beast of the Earth will remain. In our Season they are among those who can be termed a “false Christ”, in the Night they move to the position of being a “false prophet”, but in both Seasons they are the Wicked, the workers of iniquity (unequal). We find this in the last prayer being like the prior, even with the same words being used. The last or second prayer was for our Season, the next one is pointed to the Season to come, thus the Body will be Broken, no one can stop it. We also see the call to repent is continual, God will not give up on the sons of perdition, they are the ones who separate themselves, it’s not the other way around.
And when He returned, He found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither knew they what to answer Him (14:40).
This time Peter didn’t think about saying anything, or doing anything on the spur of the moment. This verse would almost seem out of context in reference to the next verse which tells us Jesus “came the third time”; however, they connect, when He came the Third time He found them asleep.
And He came the third time, and said unto them, Sleep on now and take your Rest: it is enough, the Hour is come, behold the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayed Me is at hand (14:41-42).
This verse shows what He said when He came the third time. Yet when He returns will He find Faith? Or will He find the Season of night when no man can work? When He calls us up, will He find Faith? Or will He find us asleep? Will He find us running about saying something, just to say it? Will He find us doing something, just to do it? Or will He find us Watching and Praying? Truly He will find Many asleep, but He will also find a Few who are wide awake and praying.
The Gospel started with, “repent, the kingdom is at hand”, now it moves to, “he that betrayed Me is at hand”. The Hour of Temptation was not prior to this time, rather it could only begin when someone from within the kingdom of heaven, rejected the promised Kingdom of God for the self nature. Judas made a decision, starting a position with members. John says they came from us, they are the antichrists or as Jesus said, the false christs, like Judas they were within, something we tend to forget.
They kiss the Son with deceit, they hold out their hands of greed, twisting Scripture to fit their self-desires, wells without the Water of Life, clouds of unbelief full of fear, holders of the cares of this world, destroyers of faith, thieves of belief, cursed vessels in the kingdom of heaven, yet we don’t fight against flesh and blood, we fight to remain free of becoming one of them. Paul termed this aspect of warfare as “spiritual wickedness”, or “spiritual iniquity”, meaning we war against spiritual iniquity by having the Spirit as well as being Spiritual in nature.
And immediately, while He yet spoke, came Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders (14:43).
It’s vital for us to discern how the betrayal came from within, keeping us from running around looking for some heathen to come forth as a mystic Antichrist. This is all very interesting, Judas could not betray the disciples, but he did betray the Lord. The Pharisees had no power whatsoever against Jesus until Judas joined them; therefore, the Wicked are found within the field, but never in the Kingdom of God. The workers of iniquity as the vessels of dishonor fail at Mercy, not Grace.
And he that betrayed Him had given them a token, saying Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He; take Him, and lead Him away safely (14:44).
The sign the Pharisees sought would be provided by the traitor. Judas was so kind, his concern for Jesus being taken safely was touching, yet it was still based on the self-will of Judas. “Now boys, don’t hurt Him, by the way is this real silver?”. Judas didn’t want Jesus hurt; he simply wanted his own agenda to be carried out by those who were opposed to the Lord. Judas used the Lord of Glory to bring about his self-desire, rather than being used by the Lord to bring about the Will of God. Judas promoted his self-nature, rather than denying it, he sought to preserve his flesh, rather than see it crucified, he prepared his own table before the idol of self, rather than prepare his heart to receive the Table of the Lord.
And as soon as he was come he went straightway to Him, and said, Master, master: and kissed Him. And they laid their hands on Him and took Him. And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are you come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take Me? (14:45-48).
We know Peter was the one with the sword and Malchus was the servant who lost his ear. Jesus healed the man’s ear then told Peter to put away the sword of destruction. The word Stave means a Club, Jesus wants to know what He stole from them, what crime has He committed? Just as Jehovah asked the people many years prior, Jesus asks, What wrong did I do to you? Many of those who come against us need to hear the same question.
Peter’s statement was factual to him, but nonetheless, it was self-deception. Peter really believed he was able to stand and fight to the death, he honestly felt his courage would prove to the Lord how loyal he was, or show how wrong the Lord was about him; however, the courage required here is much different, this required patience, mercy, kindness, and strength beyond the ability of natural man.
I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you took Me not: but the Scriptures must be fulfilled (14:49).
These Pharisees and rulers knew God sought Mercy, why then were they able to do evil? Wasn’t God greater than their evil? How could this be? Ahh, in the plan, God didn’t excuse their evil, but worked it into the plan. This shows the evil is not condoned, or ordained by God, but it doesn’t mean God can’t use the temptation to bring about Good for the called of God (I Cor 10:13). Did they think they were putting the Passover Lamb on the Cross? Did they presume Jesus is the Lamb of God? Not for a second, they thought they were doing one thing, but really did another. However, since they were having success, they assumed God approved of their actions, they assumed they were doing God a great service, after all God didn’t stop it. The failure of the Wicked is equating success for the moment as God condoning their activity, when in truth God is allowing for a purpose, to show His Mercy on the vessels of honor. The event may not turn out “pleasant” at the moment, but the result will tell the tale, not the event itself. Here is the absolute proof of the statement, the Cross seemed anything but good to the disciples at the moment, it even seemed like a pleasure for the religious leaders for the moment, but it all turned within three days.
And they all forsook Him, and fled (14:50).
Prior Peter made a statement, in the statement he joined all those who were following Jesus. Peter said, “Lo, we have left all, and have followed You”; thus the test was upon them all, not just Peter (Mark 10:28). A confession is not based on words alone, a confession is based on actions. The testing of our faith is for our benefit, do our words match our actions?
And there followed Him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked (14:51-52).
The Greek word for Young Man, or Young Men is Neaniskos meaning one under forty years, this is different from the Greek Paidion. This is a reference to the Full Ear, rather than the Blade. The Young Man (Full Ear) had the linen cloth which was a common garment to wear during Passover, especially for the meal, yet other Young Men took hold of him, making him run into the night Naked, which shows how the “covering” was taken. It is felt by many the reference points to Mark, indicating he was an eye witness. It may be, but the context shows the old covering was removed, the lad was naked. Hebrews 4:12-13 gives us the correct method, the Word of God is Jesus in us, the Greater He, Another Comforter, yet the Word is dividing and separating to make us open and naked before God, no masks or facades, just open and honest.
And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes (14:53).
It was bad enough holding a trial at night, but they also involved all the elders and scribes into their evil. When the self-will makes a decision to do as it will, it will involve others with it. The high priest was promising liberty for the nation, yet he, himself was a slave to corruption (II Pet 2:19).
There were three groups, two of which were involved in the trials, one of which had no idea these trials were going on. The high priests, scribes and elders didn’t make the arrest, rather they sent their watchdogs to do the dirty work (Mark 14:43). If their plan turned bad during the arrest, they could sit in their secret chamber claiming innocence, if the plan went their way, they could hold their trial. Hiding behind men is always a sign of the false, they sit behind an elder, pastor, or scholars, usurping the authority, but if anything goes wrong they are quick to point to their source, rather than take the blame.
The third group were all the Jews who were keeping the Passover, all those who were busy at home, or resting in their beds. They were sleeping while the tares were hard at work condemning the hope of Israel. This trial was planned to be at a time when most of the people wouldn’t be around, just a few hand-picked people who would either do as the high priest desired, or do nothing.
And Peter follows Him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire (14:54).
The servants would have been those who did the arresting, here Peter is warming himself, or making his flesh comfortable among the Wicked, while his Master was being accused. Peter was still following Jesus, but “afar off” (at a great distance); thus one can claim to follow Jesus, but nonetheless be “afar off”, meaning they fail at truly Following Him.
The procedure was specific, first came the accusation, supported by two or more witnesses, who must be eyewitnesses, whose witness must agree, then and only then was a trial to be held, yet it had to be in the presence of the congregation. In this case, they arrested Jesus in secret, held the trial at night, held it in front of those who did the arresting, sought the witnesses after the fact; all of which were violations of the Law. Today this would be an instant appeal for reversal; however, it was still in the plan, the princes of the world were still completing the will of God, but only Jesus was doing the Will of God. God’s will being carried out, and being in God’s will are different.
In all this we have the five trials, yet in each case it would appear as if Jesus is losing. Some might contend it a “great victory” would have been Jesus being set free at the first trial, but we know it would have been total failure. Not all “court cases” end in supposed victory, are victory, not all ending in failure, are failure; therefore, the question is, “did we praise God in the failure, as much as we did in the success?”.
And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put Him to death; and found none (14:55).
Their intent was to put Jesus to death, thereby bringing another violation: only after the trial was ended, would the evidence lead to the verdict. Here, they had a goal, sought the support from others to complete their goal in spite of the Law, yet used the Law as their excuse to bring the punishment. Pharisees, their watchdogs, and the like, all set out with the intent of destruction, based on exalting themselves, as they use twisted false evidence as their support. They were moved by envy, their source was the spirit lusting to envy. By joining with Judas they enforced their wickedness, becoming members of the son of perdition.
For many bare false witness against Him, but their witness agreed not together (14:56).
There were many who said, “He did blaspheme”, but none could agree on the specifics, the witness must be based in specifics, not vague accusations. This trial lacked Mercy from the beginning to the end, in it we see Jesus, who humbled Himself as He submitted to death, even the death of the Cross (Ph’l 2:8).
And there arose certain, and bare false witness against Him, saying, We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together (14:57-59).
It’s not simply the phrase, but when it was said, who was there, who else heard it, where was it said, what else was said, more important, What was the intent? These witnesses made statements about what they thought was said, rather than what was said.
Where did Jesus say this? In John 2:19 we find Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”, this He said regarding His body. They took a statement added a couple of words, took other words out of context, then put them all together to fit their purpose. This is the result of envy, not a nice picture. In reference to the false statement, the Jews were present when the statement was made, they knew the account given was false, they were obligated by the Law to say so.
The sign was the Resurrection of Jesus, yet at the time of the trials they were yet to see the sign. It would be after the Resurrection for the Pharisees and religious leaders to have their chance to believe, yet the Book of Acts shows their acts at this time established a stronghold causing them to reject the Truth later.
And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answer You nothing? what is it which these witness against You? (14:60).
Jesus wasn’t going to justify Himself, He wasn’t going to answer the false witness, it wasn’t up to Him to make any statement, rather it was up to the high priest to ask for witnesses to support the contents of the accusation.
But He held His peace, and answered nothing, Again the high priest asked Him, and said unto Him, Are You The Christ, the Son of the Blessed? (14:61).
The Greek word for Peace is Stopao meaning Involuntary Stillness or Inability To Speak, also, it means to be Calm or Still As Quiet Water. The Mercy, courage and position of Jesus was complete Mercy, He remained in a humble state. He didn’t lash out, He didn’t yell at the high priest or the witnesses. Some of us would have been on top of the table telling them all, we’re the anointed of God, who do they think
they’re messing with, anyhow? Not the mind of Christ, self-justification is so easy to fall into, Jesus could have said, “it was the religion you gave Me”, but He didn’t. There are many times when we think words would serve us best, but Mercy serves the Lord better, the Spirit will use the bit of Stopao to keep our mouths closed at times.
And Jesus said, I Am, and you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of Power, and coming in the clouds of heaven (14:62).
Does this mean the high priest was saved? Does it mean Jesus returned, or all this is a figment of our imagination? Jesus answered a question, He didn’t make a statement. John answered this with one verse, which reads: “Behold, He comes with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all the kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him” (Rev 1:7). It’s still appointed unto all men once to die, then comes the judgment; at the judgment every eye will see Jesus, whether they lived five thousand years ago, or two seconds before His coming.
This high priest will see Jesus as the “Son of man”, he knows the saying, “every idle word men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned” (Matt 12:36-37). The high priest had the opportunity to conduct this endeavor with Mercy, or use the spirit of disobedience, the choice was his, the result of his choice is in the hand of God. If we are ever appointed to conduct a meeting wherein someone has brought an accusation, Truth must be the goal, Mercy the foundation, if not, we are the guilty one.
The high priest rent his clothes, and said, What need we any further witnesses? (14:63).
The answer should have come from the council, Jesus didn’t say He was the Christ, the high priest said it, Jesus merely agreed with the statement. Even if Jesus said, He was the Christ, it still wasn’t enough to convict Him of heresy or blasphemy, rather they needed specific teachings or actions supporting the direct accusation, we know Jesus said, “Son of man”, thus there is no accusation, the prophets were called sons of men.
The Renting of clothes was a sign of repentance, but in this case it was used to generate emotionalism to manipulate the crowd into agreeing with the high priest, even if they didn’t. This form of manipulation forced the people to follow the demands of the high priest, but these people were all man pleasers, now they prove it. Prior Jesus taught His disciples in reference to the use of this type of manipulation; the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion, or authority upon the people, rather than for the people (Matt 20:25). However, it shall not be so among us, whosoever will be great among us, let him be our minister, whosoever will be chief among us, let him be our servant (Matt 20:26-27). This trial shows what happens when leaders are self run, as they allow the old man to sit as judge. The high priest will add to his manipulation, by pulling others into his sin.
You have heard the blasphemy, what think you? And they all condemned Him to be guilty of death (14:64).
The blasphemy was obvious, but it wasn’t on the part of Jesus, it was being conducted by the high priest and his followers. The renting of the clothes displayed what the high priest wanted, the others followed out of fear. The high priest could now say, it was the people, not him; after all he did ask, they answered of their own “free will”. The pulpit is a powerful tool, it can be used to draw people to the Lord, or push them from the Lord.
What was the “blasphemy”? When Jesus said, “sitting on the Right Hand side”, it was the same as saying He is God the Son, the One with the same and equal authority and power as the Father, but He also added “Son of man”, so in truth there was no violation. The Jews knew what it meant, for them to use the phrase would have been blasphemy, but there is no Lie or Guile in Jesus, thus, Jesus Himself showed His positional authority, ending for all time any heretical thinking of Him as someone who merely did good, and had some things to say, He is the Word made flesh to save man.
And some began to spit on Him, and to cover His face, and to buffet Him, and to say unto Him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands (14:65).
The importance of the position of Peter is now unveiled, he was standing with the servants of the religious leaders, the same ones who were striking his Lord and Master. The high priest knew the Old Testament better than most of us, he was looking upon this and should have recalled, “I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them who plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting” (Isa 50:6). Jesus told the high priest, “I Am”; now Jehovah is asking again, “Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have you sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away” (Isa 50:1). The sign was before the high priest, the Truth was already written, but his natural soulish desire to see his own will completed blinded him to the truth.
And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there came one of the maids of the high priest: and when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And you also were with Jesus of Nazareth (14:66-67).
This maid was the door keeper, she was associated with the high priest, but Mark shows she is coming from one location back to the fire, thus it is very probable she was also among those who hit and spit on Jesus, since she is the door keeper it would be her who saw Peter and “the other disciple” enter. Her accusation is one of anger, she is just as prepared to spit on Peter, as she was on Jesus.
But he denied saying, I know not, neither understand I what you say. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew (14:68).
The word Understand means Acquainted With, it was used in John in reference to the teaching on the Porter and Door. Jesus said He is the Door, the Porter opens and guides the sheep into the sheepfold, where they can Hear the Voice of the Lord (Jn 10:1-5). When Jesus spoke this parable to the Pharisees, they “understood not what things they were which He spoke unto them” (Jn 10:6). The Pharisees were not acquainted with either the Lord or the Holy Ghost; however, in this case Peter denies being acquainted with the sayings, acts, ways of Jesus. This maid was the keeper of the priests door, Peter was denying the true Door, as he was looking for the rear exit.
And a maid saw him again and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them (14:69).
Prior it was one on one, now this maid is talking to others, she is now pulling Peter into the conversation. The pit begins with a little hole, then it gets bigger and bigger. Peter didn’t jump up in front of the high priest to deny Jesus, it was among the servants of the high priest, or just a few at a time.
Peter was willing to die in a good fight, but to toss away his life for an idea, even for an idea of truth was beyond his concept of courage. There are some who will die for religious reasons, presuming their efforts will get them into heaven, thus they fight with the self-based, self-deceived motive of murder gaining them honor, yet the devil is the murderer, like the Pharisees, they self-deceived as they do the works of their father the devil.
And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely you are one of them: for you are a Galilaean, and your speech agrees thereto (14:70).
Many days prior Nathaniel heard about Jesus, and said, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (Jn 1:46). Peter was being pinned to a specific locale and a specific group. Prior the maid made the reference vague, perhaps Peter knew about Jesus, but now it’s getting real specific, as they say, “you are one of them”. Peter was going to distance himself further from Jesus by moving deeper into the fire, as the sift is beginning to work the more.
But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom you speak (14:71).
My, my, a corruption eruption. First Peter said, I don’t understand, then What are you talking about? Now it’s a direct denial of even knowing Jesus, not only did Peter deny the Lord, but he did it “the more vehemently” (Mark 14:31). As convinced as Peter was regarding his courage, now he is as convincing others he has nothing to do with Jesus, but it would all fall apart when Peter finds the Lord knows the deep things in a person, yea even their hearts and minds.
And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said to him, Before the cock crow twice, you shall deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept (14:72).
This experience is a perfect example of something appearing evil on the surface, but the intent and purpose end Good. Peter’s ego, arrogance and the pride of life he trusted in, are all being exposed before his face. Peter will look into the face of Jesus and see the Christ he talked about before, but never knew. Jesus didn’t call out, “Peter you jerk I told you, but no, you won’t listen, well My friend will you listen now”. The context shows us Peter saw Mercy he knew Jesus was forgiving him at the same time Peter was in denial.
Later Peter will have another decision to make, it won’t take all day, it will only take a few seconds. Peter will face a net with 153 fish, then hear, “Son of Jonah do you love Me more than these?”. Peter will come to the conclusion, “Lord You know all things”, rather than, “you know I don’t know”.
Since this started prior to the midnight watch, it would be morning before the high priests would have their lies and witnesses coached enough to present their case to Pilate. We know the term “cock crow” is a method of keeping time, it would morning when the guard crowed the second time. It was not some chicken chasing Peter around, it was at a specific time (Mark 13:35).
And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate (15:1).
This consultation was the prearranged manipulation of the high priests to involve the civil government in their evil plans. Pilate didn’t care if Jesus, or any other Jew, would have made the religious claim of being The Christ, or being Christ Like, but a claim of being a king or one higher than the civil authority would have drawn the interest of Pilate.
And Pilate asked Him, Are You the King of the Jews? And He answering said unto him, You said it (15:2).
The only information Pilate had was the accusation of Jesus being the King of the Jews. If the accusation was religious in nature, Pilate would have rejected the priests and sent them away, the priests knew this, thus they attempt to make this a civil violation, with the intent of forcing Pilate to do their dirty work. An interesting note it was not the violation at their trials, they changed the charge to entice Pilate into their plan (Mark 14:61-62).
We know Herod was a Jew appointed by the Romans as king, the Romans felt any person who said they were king of the Jews was out to overthrow the Romans, but Pilate sees Peace on this Jesus, yet envy in the faces of the Religious leaders.
And the chief priests accused Him of many things; but He answered nothing. And Pilate asked Him again, saying, Answer You nothing? behold how many things they witness against You. But Jesus answered nothing; so that Pilate marveled (15:3-5).
The chief priests said Many things, yet the only thing they brought before Pilate was the accusation of Jesus being King of the Jews. Pilate will attempt to pull all this back into a religious element, by saying Jesus is called the Christ (Matt 27:22), but the religious leaders keep going back to the king issue.
Again, Jesus refused to answer, or justify the accusations, if the people wanted to believe the statements were false after seeing the signs and wonders for two years, so be it, it was their own choice.
Now at the feast he released unto them one prisoner, whosoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection (15:6-7)
Here is the paradox, they deliver Jesus based on the premise of Him being the ”King of the Jews”, yet they attempted to make it a type of insurrection against the Romans, yet the one who will be released was convicted of insurrection. We know about Barabbas, but Mark will add an element; if the people called for the release of Barabbas they were also condoning insurrection, yet they claimed Jesus was committing insurrection. Their own actions would condemn them, by exposing their hearts before Pilate. Why would these people be so concerned about a Man, whom they say made a claim tantamount to insurrection, yet demand the release of one who was not only directly involved in the insurrection, but committed murder? The only possible reason was envy in an evil heart full of the self-nature.
And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them. But Pilate answered them, saying, Will you that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew the chief priests had delivered Him for envy (15:8-10).
Even Pilate saw how envy moved the religious rulers, but the religious rulers didn’t see it, it’s the point. Sin is deceptive, we can see it in others, but do we see it in ourselves? At times the Beam seems so small, who cares? Then, when clarity comes, we see the same beam is as big as a telephone pole.
But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will you than that I shall do unto Him whom you call the King of the Jews? (15:11-12).
The chief priests were not allowed to influence the people in reference to political matters; even in taking a vote, the youngest started first, unto the eldest, to make sure the youngest was not influenced by the elders, yet here the elders are forcing the vote to influence the people.
Pilate pointed to the people saying, “Whom you call the King of the Jews”; rather than saying, Whom you accuse of being the King of the Jews. Pilate knew the reputation of Jesus, it was his business to know what was going on among the Jews, thus he had information regarding the ride into Jerusalem. Pilate was reminding the people of their confession, but here they changed in midstream, now it’s Crucify Him, rather than “Hosanna” (v. 11:9). This would be Wednesday morning, Jesus rode into the city on Saturday, not many days hence. The phrase, “kingdom of our father David” in Mark 11:10 was the same as calling Jesus The King of the Jews. Pilate is attempting to set Jesus free, yet by this time the wild unsaved emotions of the people are guiding them.
And they cried out again, Crucify Him (15:13).
How many of these same people were crying, “Jesus, Thou Son of David, have Mercy on me” just days prior? How many of them received Mercy, or heard the kingdom was at hand? How many of them saw the Mercy of Jesus displayed? How many of them are willing to give Mercy now? Were they told to be merciful as their Father in heaven? Yes, thus now it’s their time to render Mercy for the Mercy they received. This shows how Mercy is mandatory, but we need Grace by the Spirit to maintain both Mercy and Grace.
We found the Wicked enter the kingdom based on the Mercy of the Father, but they refuse to give Mercy. Here we find Judas and his works following; Judas was one man, but these many people are doing his works. Whether any of these people had been healed by Jesus or not isn’t noted, but this we do know, the “fame” of the Good works of Jesus did go throughout the land, they had the information, none of the “fame” ever said Jesus harmed one soul.
Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil has He done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify Him (15:14).
Pilate’s question was legitimate, how could he condemn a man to death, unless there was an evil committed worthy of death? So far Pilate doesn’t have the evidence to convict Jesus of any crime, much less one unto death.
If Jesus did anything, this was the time to speak up, but the people had nothing against Him, the chief priests knew they had nothing against Jesus. The blasphemy is taking the Lord’s Name in vain, or equating one’s self to being God, but the accusation of Jesus being the Son of God, is different from being God the Son. Today the Jew believes the Messiah will be a man, who will lead them through the Time of Comfort, the Pharisees during the earthly ministry felt the same. If Jesus didn’t remove Pilate, take Rome, then bring about the Time of Comfort, He must not be the Messiah. They confused times and Seasons; prior to all this Jesus reminded the Pharisees, Elohiym, Himself called the religious rulers Elohiym, how then could Jesus be committing blasphemy for saying He was the Son of Elohiym (Jn 10:33-37 & Ps 82:1-8). The priests accused Jesus of “many things”, none of which held any truth, yet even their accusations were not enough for Rome to inflict death. Not one accusation was supported by evidence under the Law of Moses, none of them held any civil or religious validity (Mark 15:3). There are times when evil appears to be ruling, or the envy of religion appears to be overcoming us, but the result will determine the event, the event never determines the event. We don’t judge the event to the event, we hear the Spirit as we put our trust and faith in God to find the Precious.
This event looked anything but Good, the disciples ran, Peter denied the Lord, Judas betrayed Him, Pilate attempted to save Jesus, but was ineffective, the high priests had their way, the people were like putty in their hands, yet all this was Marvelous in the eyes of God. Our problem is not the event, it’s our soulish reaction to the event producing the problem.
And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged Him, to be crucified. And the soldiers led Him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band (15:15-16).
The Praetorium is the Common Hall, or Hall of Judgment, which was an open edifice, it was a place of imposing appearance and size. The entire area was called to witness the punishment. This same concept of witnessing the brutal punishment by a whip went on for years, even into the 18th Century. Aboard ships of Her Majesty’s Navy the punishment was witnessed by all hands, the purpose of warning them what happens when they break the codes. In this case, Pilate was hoping against hope the beating would be enough to suffice the morbid minds of the people. We already know what the whip caused, as violent as it was, the Precious says, By His Stripes You Were Healed.
And they clothed Him with purple, and plaited a crown of thorns, and put it about His head, and began to salute Him, Hail, King of the Jews! And began to smote Him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees worshipped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple from Him, and put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him (15:17-20).
Jesus took the thorns (curse) for us, He produced our hope unto the saving of the soul. Thorns choke out the Word, when the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts for other things come as the thorns, we remember what Jesus did for us, He holds the victory, His Faith has proven itself (Mark 4:19 & Rev 3:1-3).
All these efforts were in the plan, God isn’t making up the plan, rather all these things were seen before the foundation of the world. On the same note, the religious rulers had a plan as well, but their plan was subject to change based on the circumstance, yet motivated by anger. They were being Anti Christ as they were coming against Jesus the Christ. The enemy was behind it wanting Jesus to justify Himself, to call the angels down, to jump from the Cross. The religious rulers wanted Jesus to call out in pain, thereby showing His guilt; however, Jesus never so much as uttered one word against any of these people, He never justified Himself, although they mocked Him to His face; He never rendered evil for evil; He who did no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth, never used His liberty as a cloak of maliciousness, when He was reviled, He reviled not again (I Pet 2:13-24). For what glory is it, if, when you are buffeted for your faults, you shall take it patiently? but if, when you do well, and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable before God (I Pet 2:20). Peter remembered what he saw, he learned his lessons well.
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His Cross (15:21).
Simon is a Hebrew name meaning Hearing, or He Who Hears; this Cyrenian was a Gentile, with a Hebrew name representing all of us who make the decision to pick up our Cross. Alexander means Man Defender or A Helper Of Man; whereas Rufus means Red it’s the same meaning as Esau; this man didn’t bring the Cross, but he did bow and carry it. The same is true for us, we can bow and pick our cross up, thereby, accepting the death of Jesus in our place. This helps explain the Grain Of Mustard Seed further; Jesus said, the Grain must die before life can come forth. He died for us, so we can have live, in order to live for Him.
Today there is a place called the Dome Of The Rock Mosque, where Islam says Mohammed ascended into heaven, but where the Jews know Abraham gave the sacrifice; however, Abraham said, the Place was Called Jehovah-Jireh. Abraham said “it shall be seen”, what shall be seen? Zion is the mount of God, but the Mount where the Lord was crucified is called Golgotha, the Place of the Skull.
We receive our Mount of Olives to obtain Mercy, we move to the Mount of Transfiguration for the process of Metamorphose unto the change by Grace; however, it all begins when we give ourselves on the Mount of the Skull, as we impute the old nature dead on the Cross of Jesus. The action of our faith places us in the Grave to gain the knowledge of the Resurrection, then we enter the Fullness of our Pentecost to acquire God’s Wisdom to speak as spiritual children of the most High God by the Spirit. This is the faith of the mustard seed, line upon line, precept upon precept, enduring through the Growth to become the Power of His Christ.
And they bring Him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of the skull (15:22).
When Abraham found the ram, it was caught by its horns, or caught by the head. The Father wounded the head of the wicked house (Hab 3:13), here Jesus as the Head of the Body provided the place of Separation, one where death can occur so life can begin.
Jesus was not crucified under the Skull, but on it, which means His Feet were over it, thus He was raised above death, raised above His enemies, He blessed us, forgave us, died for us, gave Himself so we can be Multiplied in the Spirit. He possessed the Gate of His enemies, thus the gates of hell shall not prevail against us.
The word Blessed means a Reason to be Happy, thus we can be blessed, yet fail to receive it. God can place a glass of water before a man dying of thirst, yet if the man doesn’t reach for it, he will die looking at his blessing. The Kingdom is always At Hand, it’s our faith putting it In Hand.
And they gave Him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but He received it not (15:23).
Jesus said, He would not drink of the fruit of the vine until He entered His Kingdom, the Cross is part of His Glory, but not all of it. The Glory comes as the result of the Resurrection, the death is the beginning of the race, Life the goal. Jesus knew the Cross was connected to the Grave, just as the Resurrection connected to Grace, it would be worth it when the disciples were filled with Joy to the brim when the Holy Ghost brought the Gift. Then the saying, that Born of the Spirit is Spirit would be fact in the hearts of the disciples.
The wine used here is vinegar, the addition of the myrrh made it a type of sedative. We obtain our English word Vinegar from the Latin, the Latin came from the Greek. The word Vinegar is a compound word meaning, Sour Wine or the product of Sour Grapes. The Cross was not Sour Grapes to Jesus, it was a joy being able to give something, even Abraham couldn’t give. Abraham was willing to give his only son, the product of the promise, but Abraham was not asked to give of himself for a sacrifice. Abraham believed God was able to raise the lad, even from the ashes of death (Heb 11:19). God accounted Abraham as righteous, but Abraham accounted God as able to raise the dead to complete the promise. Abraham obeyed God, Isaac obeyed his father, both are symbols of our walk.
And when they crucified Him, they parted His garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him (15:24-25).
Psalm 22 depicts the events of the three days, but here Mark says Jesus was crucified at the Third Hour or 9:00 AM, yet he also says Jesus wasn’t placed on the Cross at noon (Mark 15:33). Mark divides the Cross into three sections of three hours each, giving us a total of Nine, there are Nine fruits of the Spirit, and Nine areas of the Manifestation of the Spirit, none of which are a cursing. If we have the Nine areas of the Fruit of the Spirit, and display the Nine areas of the Manifestation of the Spirit, we are a Blessing.
When Jesus was delivered to Pilate, it was the same as handing Him over to sinners. The Crucifixion included more than the Cross, Mark incorporates the beatings, mocking, and such into the Crucifixion, we must do the same, or we haven’t received the Cross. From 9:00 AM until Noon Jesus went from one beating to another, from one mocking to another. From Noon until 3:00 PM Jesus endured more beatings and trails, then came the Cross at 3:00 PM, He hung there until the sun was beginning to set.
And the superscription of His accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS (15:26).
We saw how important this sign was, as it connected to the past, the time at the moment and to our Season, as well as the one to come.
And with Him they crucify two thieves; the one on His right hand, and the other on His left (15:27).
Not only did this insure the promise in the blessing of unanswered prayer, but it was a preview of things to come. The one on the left represents the sons of perdition, the one on the right, the vessels of honor. Both men had done wrong, both were subject to their punishment, but only one knew Jesus was innocent. The other called out, “Save Yourself and me too”, the sons of perdition seek the self-pleasure, the self-glory, they continually contrive methods to get around the responsibility of the Cross. Excuses of ineffectiveness are based in carnal reasoning to get around the requirements of the Cross, produce unbelief, doubt, then end in envy and strife. On the other hand there are those who receive the duties and responsibility of the Cross, they suffer their grave time, but Joy in having the Power of the Resurrection.
And the scripture was fulfilled, which says, And He was numbered with the transgressors. And they that passed by railed on Him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, You that destroys the temple, and builds it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the Cross (15:28-30).
The scripture completed here is Isaiah 53:12, which reads “Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the Strong; because He has poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered among the transgressors; and He bare the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors”. We are the Strong who hold the Strength of the Spirit, Jesus forever makes intercession for us; however, it doesn’t mean He is standing before the Father speaking, rather it means the Blood of Jesus is the Intercession in our lives, the sprinkling of the Blood provides our intercession.
Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; Himself He cannot save (15:31)
This is an admission of the Power of Jesus to save others, they admit Jesus did in fact Save others, but their unbelief has blinded them to the purpose of the Cross. This also explains why Mark told us the process started at 9:00 AM. Prior it was the heathen who mocked Jesus, now the chief priests join the mocking, what they feared the most had surely come upon them ( Mark 15:20).
Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the Cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with Him reviled Him (15:32).
Here as in Matthew we find both thieves began to mock Jesus, but when one hears, “Father, forgive them”, he acknowledges the Mercy of Jesus, producing a change of heart , thereby showing his change of heart as a form of repentance, which in turn brought the saying, “today you shall be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:34 & 23:39-43).
To Revile means to Despise or Regard as Vile, the prophet said, “we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (Isa 53:3-4). When Jesus picked up the Cross, He carried our sorrows, thus by His Stripes we were healed. When Jesus was beaten, the process started, each mark from the whip frees us from some physical element, each thorn on the crown frees us from some mental torment or curse, regardless of the curse , if we receive it.
These religious rulers confessed the confession of doubt and unbelief, their fruit was exposing their hearts, yet they missed it. The Root can detect the confessions of unbelief in others, but only the Blade can discern their own confession (I Jn 4:1-5). God uses His mirror to expose our confession for our good, not to accuse us. The works of the devil allows us to go about with confessions of doubt and unbelief thinking we are something great. It’s better to be exposed by the mirror of God, than fall into the ditch.
If God is progressive, how is did the Cross grants us the Adam like living soul condition? God is progressive, but God didn’t fall (regress), man did. The Cross is the place where the Father forgives us for Christ’s sake, as we forgive to be forgiven. However, in order to gain Life More Abundantly (which is God’s progression) we must enter the power of the Resurrection. Before the fall, Adam had not sinned, but the potential for sin was present when God said, “In the day you eat thereof….”, yet Adam never had the Blood of Jesus, the power of the Resurrection, the ability to be Born Again, the Spirit of Christ, the New Covenant, Grace, or Life More Abundantly, thus we were raised back to what Adam lost, then granted the ability to have much more than Adam even thought of.
Therefore, we find the Wicked receive the Cross, but reject the purpose, although they cast out devils in the Name of Jesus, or do wonderful works, unless they refuse to walk in Mercy, meaning they like Adam, but not like Christ, thus Jude says they are twice dead (Jude 12).
And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour (15:33).
From the sixth hour (12 noon) to the ninth hour (3:00 PM), the darkness was all the sinful nature of mankind, Jesus being sinless took on sin for us. The Cross made it possible for us to accept the Death of Jesus as we impute ourselves dead, completing the Law of Moses, then by the Life of Christ through the Faith of Jesus we find we can Live unto God.
Even the regard of Mercy to Grace was taking place, under Mercy we are told to “go and sin no more”, under Grace it’s, My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (I Jn 2:1-2).
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, He calls Elias. And one ran and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed and gave Him to drink, saying, Let alone, let us see whether Elias will come to take Him down (15:34-36).
This would be about 3:00 PM, as the beginning to set the captives free (Ps 22 & 68); the religious rulers said, Come down and we will believe; the people said, Let Him suffer and see what happens. Both wanted to see something before they would believe, but we believe whether we see or not. Here at the Cross the people entered unbelief, not one disciple moved to preach the Gospel, they were looking for places to hide. However, they were not Born Again, although Jesus talked about the Resurrection, they didn’t understand it.
The one with the sponge didn’t make the statement, rather the “They” who thought Elijah must come made the statement. They confused the Great Day of the Lord with the Cross, Elijah had come, but they refused the message, they did whatsoever they pleased. We are like men as Elijah, with like passions, we give the message as we Prepare the Way of the Lord, but we can’t make them believe.
And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost (15:37).
The phase “gave up the ghost” is not the same as “losing the Spirit”, rather it means, A separation between the soul and physical body (Greek ExPsuche), it has nothing to do with the Spirit. Ananias heard the voice of Satan, as he allowed the deceitfulness of riches to pull him head long into greed (Acts 5:1-2). When Ananias held the property in his hand, he could do whatsoever he desired with it, as soon as he made his Vow, the responsibility of the property changed. Ananias didn’t hold back all the gift, he held back part of the gift, by so doing, he lied to the Holy Ghost. Peter discerned the heart of Ananias by the Spirit saying, “you have not lied unto men, but unto God” (Acts 5:4). Ananias rejected the saving of the soul, as he allowed Satan to fill his heart to lie to the Holy Ghost (Acts 5:3). Was Peter reading the man’s mind? No, he was discerning by the Spirit.
Ananias fell down dead and gave up the ghost, he didn’t give up the Spirit (Acts 5:5). The Greek word for Soul is Psuche, but the Greek word for Wax Cold is Psucho, this word means to breathe, but it doesn’t mean The Breath of God, rather it means the ability to breathe in and out. The Greek word for Spirit is Pneuma, not Psuche or Psucho. The Phrase, Gave Up The Ghost is not the Greek ExPsucho or ExPneuma, the Greek Ex means Out Of Place pointing to a Action separating one thing from another or an action preceding the event. Giving up the Ghost is giving up the ability to breath, or the removal of the soul from the physical body, which causes the flesh to lose the ability to breath. This shows Jesus fought the battle as a Soul, He already gave His Spirit to the Father for security, His physical body was in the grave, but Jesus the Son of man wasn’t. Jesus had to defeat the devil and death as a Son of man, not a Son of God. God’s Mercy makes us sons of men, but we need the Resurrection power to be sons of God, yet we must be sons of men and sons of God in order to fulfill the Promise.
And the Veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom (15:38).
The Veil in the temple was eighteen inches thick, it separated the holy of holies from the people. On the way to the Cross the Gentile court was opened to the inner court, here on the Cross the holy of holies was opened. It may not seem like a big deal to our Gentile minds; however, only the high priest was allowed to enter the holy of holies once a year on the Day of Atonement. The high priest would take the requests of the people before the Mercy Seat, the people could make the proclamation of their atonement, but the high priest never told the people, “go your sins are forgiven”, rather he would tell them their efforts were presented. There were two angels over the Mercy Seat, one representing our Season, the other the next, but the Mercy Seat is not the Throne of Grace, it’s the place of Mercy. When the Veil was ripped, the ability for each of us to step up to the Mercy Seat was also granted. We no longer needed a deed presented to a man for us, now we come boldly to the Throne of Grace to obtain Mercy, and find Grace.
And when the centurion, which stood over against Him, saw that He so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this Man was the Son of God (15:39).
This centurion showed more belief and respect than the high priests’; however, the centurion used a past tense phrase, not a present tense phrase. The centurion saw how Jesus endured knowing this Man was more than man, had more courage than any man the centurion had ever seen on a Cross, had more Mercy than any man he had ever seen. His observation was close, the Son of man was on the Cross, the Son of God would be declared by the Spirit of Holiness at the Resurrection (Rom 1:3-4).
There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses and Salome (15:40).
John tells us the women included the mother of Jesus, His mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Cleophas and Mary Magdalene (Jn 19:25). Matthew says the women were, “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children” (Matt 27:56). Either there were fifty woman named Mary at the Cross, or we are given the truth regarding Joseph, as well as who the brother of Joseph was, with the type of ministry Jesus had and why.
The name Zebedee is Hebrew, meaning A Gift or Giving and the Hebrew root is translated once as Dowry. The Hebrew has two words translated as Dowry, one is the root word for Zebedee, the other is Mohar meaning To bargain. The difference between the two is, Mohar calls for a bargain; whereas the root for Zebedee means the same as Cheerful Giver. When Leah had her sixth son, she said, “God has endued me with a good dowry: now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons”, she called her sixth, Zebulun (dwelling – Gen 30:20). The name Cleopas is Greek meaning Glory from a Remote father; whereas the Greek Cleophas also means Alpheus, coming from the Hebrew meaning Exchange. Going over the written historical information, we find Andrew and Peter are brothers, but Peter was in partnership with James and John Zebedee, Matthew’s father was Alpheus, thus James, John and Matthew were the natural sons of Alpheus Zebedee. James the less wouldn’t be the natural son of Alpheus Zebedee, but would acquire the name James The Less when he was incorporated into the family. Mary the mother of Jesus was noted as the mother of James the less, Joses (Jude) and Salome. Paul said, James the less was also the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and the brother of Jesus (Gal 1:19). Jude said, he was the brother of James, but he didn’t say he was the brother of Jesus (Jude 1). Within the family order of Zebedee, according to the natural birth and the Law of Moses, there would be James, John, Matthew, James the less, Jude and Jesus, giving us six sons, according to the purpose for Leah’s prophecy (Gen 30:20). The others give us Andrew and Peter as brothers, as was Joseph and Benjamin, then Philip who was from the same city as Andrew, this Philip was the one who went out and found Nathaniel, both were incorporated him into the ministry. Thaddaeus was also known as Lebbaeus and Jude; Bartholomew was also known as Nathaniel (Matt 10:3 & Mark 3:18). Thaddaeus means Strong, as in Standing, Lebbaeus means A man of heart or a man of courage. Bartholomew points to being a grandson, rather than son, Nathaniel means Given of God, whereas Matthew means Gift of God. The only ones not connected to the family order in some form, were Thomas, the double minded, and Judas the traitor; however, we also find the double-minded can make a decision to believe and be restored.
James the less was also known as the son of Alpheus, as was Matthew. Putting all this together, we find Joseph was dead before the earthly ministry started. Mary went to live with Joseph’s brother, Alpheus Zebedee, but Alpheus was married to another Mary, who by the Law became the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus. Mary the mother of Jesus would take the responsibility of raising Mary Zebedee’s children as her own, as well as raising her own, we also find Zebedee had grandsons living with him. Jesus would look at Alpheus Zebedee as the Exchange, but the symbol shows how Jesus engaged the family into the earthly ministry to bring the Remote Father, their true Father (God the Father) by the Gift of God’s Dowry of Glory. This also shows why the “brothers” of Jesus didn’t believe, yet some did (Jn 7:3-4).
We were given a hint of this, when we were told John the Baptist was related to Jesus. This helps us understand the saying, “Who is My mother, or my brethren?”; with, “behold My mother and My brethren! For whosoever shall do the Will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister and mother” (Mark 3:33-35). James used this to show the Faith of Jesus coupled with Wisdom (James 2:1-2 & 3:17). Nonetheless, historical records show Mary had one son, yet she took care of the sons of Joseph’s brother.
When Peter attempted to fill the slot of Judas, he went all the way back to the baptism of John, showing Judas was the second disciple to come from John’s ministry, with Andrew being the first. Since they were able to find someone from John’s ministry on Pentecost within the 120 souls, we can see Jesus was right, the disciples of John would be accepted in the time and timing of God.
(Who also, when He was in Galilee, followed Him, and ministered unto Him;) and many other women which came up with Him unto Jerusalem (15:41).
The women had the same purpose as the men, they all ministered unto Jesus, yet Jesus said, He came to minister, not to be ministered unto (Matt 20:28). Ministry is a two way street, we must be as willing to be ministered unto, as we are to minister, or as willing to minister as we are to be ministered unto. As willing to receive, as to give, or give as well as receive.
And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath (15:42).
This is not the end of the Passover day, neither is it the Feast day, it’s Passover, the day of preparation for the Feast day. The preparation day for the weekly sabbath is Friday, for Saturday the sabbath according to the Commandment; however, the sabbath in this verse has to be the High Sabbath according to the Law. Making the Passover Wednesday, the Feast day a Thursday. The Jewish days begin at sunset, thus the Passover was ending, the Feast day as a sabbath was beginning. We can’t confuse the High Sabbaths with the weekly sabbath, they are different.
Joseph of Arimathaea an honorable counselor, which also waited for the Kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the Body of Jesus (15:43).
The word Arimathaea is the Greek rendering for Hebrew Ramah, Jeremiah was set free in Ramah by Nebuzaradan the captain for Nebuchadnezzar (Jere 40:1). Ramah was also a sign of Ephraim being cut off for his idol worship (Hosea 5:7-9). The phrase Honorable Counselor means Joseph was a high ranking member of the Jewish Sanhedrim, as was Nicodemus (Jn 19:39). Both of these men had to prepare the Body of Jesus, if a common person would have touched the Body, then the entire effort would have been for naught. Whether these two men said anything to the Sanhedrim, or whether they were even present at the trials is unknown; however, two men could not form a quorum, thus even if they would have objected, it would have made little difference. They were now making it known they supported Jesus.
And Pilate marveled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the Body to Joseph (15:44-45).
By this time the spear had pierced Jesus between the fifth and sixth rib, bringing forth Water and Blood (Mercy and Grace). This centurion is noted as “the centurion” or the one in charge who was standing by, who proclaimed, “truly this Man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39). Not one bone of His Body was broken, there was no need to break His legs, truly only God could put this together and keep it so perfect in holiness, while evil was running about, thinking it won the battle.
And he bought fine linen, and took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen, and laid Him in a sepulcher which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulcher. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where He was laid (15:46-47).
John tells us Joseph and Nicodemus covered the Body of Jesus with a hundred pounds of aloes, this is different from the spices the women prepared. Aloes preserved the Body, but the spices gave off a pleasing odor while the Body was decaying; however, the Body of Jesus saw no corruption. The process used by Joseph and Nicodemus has been known for years; they take pieces of cloth approximately two inches wide then soak them in the aloes, then wrap the body, it is not the same as mummification, the internal organs are left, the entwining of the clothes keeps the body together. After the process is complete a large sheet would be placed under the Body, starting at the feet, running along the Body, over the head and back to the feet. This cloth was used to soak up the excess aloes, giving the Body added protection until the spices could be added.
The phrase “day before the sabbath” could stand for the weekly sabbath or a high sabbath; however the clue is in the wording “it was the preparation” referring to the Passover which was the preparation day for the Feast of Unleavened bread. The aloes are different from the spices, the spices had to be prepared over several hours, since the High Sabbath was at hand, the women wouldn’t have time to prepare the spices, thus they rested on the High Sabbath, prepared the spices on the weekly preparation day (Friday) then rested on the weekly sabbath according to the commandment (Saturday – Luke 23:55-56). This is clearer in Luke 23:56 as well as in Mark 15:40-41, the women are seen at the Cross at sunset, thus the High Sabbath was just beginning, showing they were not home making spices, clearly the Passover being the Preparation day was ending, the High Sabbath for the Feast of Unleavened Bread was beginning, yet the women at the Cross shows they could not be cooking spices, neither would they on the High Sabbath; leaving the Weekly preparation day of Friday, where Mark 16:1 picks up.
The Sepulcher they just so happen to pick, never had death or a dead body in it prior. This didn’t vacate the Law, rather Jesus would show the Law of Moses was the shadow. Jesus waited for the seven days before entering the Holy of Holies to present Himself before the Father as our Sacrifice, truly Jesus completed the Law and Prophets making us the benefactors. The Sepulcher was owned by Joseph, not only was Jesus buried among the rich, He was buried In The Rock. The Rock of our Salvation was placed In The Rock, so we could be a part of the Rock, so we could be established in the Church by the Holy Spirit.
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him (16:1).
This verse doesn’t say the women prepared the spices, but it does show two things, they had to cook the spices, and the sabbath had passed. Add Luke 23:54-56 where we find they saw where Jesus was laid, then returned and prepared spices, then rested on the sabbath according to the commandment, thereby giving two sabbaths, one before the day they prepared the spices, and one after. This verifies the High Sabbath was on a Thursday, the weekly preparation on a Friday, then they rested on Saturday. Then on Sunday morning before the sun rose they would go to the tomb to apply the spices. They must have been frustrated, even Martha knew after three days, “surely He stinks”, yet they had the prior evidence of Lazarus being raised, meaning it was not necessarily the case.
If the Law was nailed to the Cross, why did these women hold the sabbath? Although the Law was nailed to the Cross, they didn’t know it until later; therefore, we can be under bondage with freedom at our finger tips. Being free, and knowing you are free are different.
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun (16:2).
The first day of the week is Sunday, not Monday. The phrase “at the rising of the sun” also means, “when it was yet dark”, or a time just before morning breaks (Jn 20:1).
And then said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher? (16:3).
Again we find two things, first God knows we have need before we ask, second the men knew nothing of the women going to the tomb. The stone was not perfectly round, but it was round in shape, it took several men to move it. The stone could not be moved without those around knowing. The weekly sabbath didn’t end until sunset, which limited the light and ability to properly apply the spices, but as soon as they could see they were there on Sunday morning.
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great (16:4).
Their natural conclusion was no different from ours, the first thing entering their mind was, Someone else has been here. Jesus said He would be three days and nights in the grave, on the third day He would be raised, thus by the time they got to the grave site, Jesus was already raised, in truth He was raised on Saturday, the third day.
And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment, and they were frightened (16:5).
Matthew adds one more at the door, thus giving us the two angels of the Mercy Seat, but we also see Mercy and Grace, with Grace at the Right Hand Side.
And he said unto them, Be not frightened: You seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him (16:6).
Today we can open many tombs, we can find the remains of kings, mummies of historical value, but this one tomb was emptied as fast as it was filled, yet there remained something left behind, the burial clothes. When we break out of the tomb, we leave the burial clothes behind.
But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goes before you into Galilee: there shall you see Him, as He said unto you (16:7).
Peter didn’t lose his position, he lost his standing, made clear when he is restored in the last chapter of John. The command is clear enough, but we know they didn’t go, in fact, it took all the courage Peter could muster to visit the tomb twice, much less go to Galilee.
And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulcher; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man, for they were afraid (16:8).
It would appear from this, the women didn’t tell the disciples; however, it refers to telling anyone along the way. Mark will make a division, which John and Luke fill in.
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils (16:9).
Why must we know Mary at one time in the past had seven devils? What difference does it make now? If we have to know, why not tell us in the beginning of the account? Because she is a vital lesson, showing us something about Peter. They are in the house, here comes Mary Magdalene saying, “I have seen the Lord!”. “Okay, yeah, isn’t she the one who had seven devils? Seen the Lord indeed”. However, put it with “and He charged them that they should tell no man until the Son of man were raised from the dead” (Mark 9:9), and “For He taught His disciples, and said unto them…..He shall rise the third day” (Mark 9:31), and “and shall kill Him: and the third day He shall rise again” (Mark 10:34). Three teachings given to Peter regarding the “third day”, not withstanding the fact there had to be two or three witnesses to establish a fact. Mary will be one of those witnesses, the two on the road as the remaining witnesses, plus the teachings, yet Peter still resisted the Truth because he mind was locked into facts. “Wake up girl, Jesus is dead, you lost your healing, the devils are back”. The devils were not back, the devil had not won, or even made a dent in the Plan. All was well, except in the mind of Peter.
And she went and told them that had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that He was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not (16:10-11).
This separates the two reports by Mary; John shows Mary first reported the tomb being empty, now she reports having seen the Lord. The wording “believed not” means just that, they were so busy mourning for the dead, they couldn’t believe unto life. Mary was blinded when she was looking for the living among the dead, even when she saw Jesus, she didn’t recognize Him. But the “voice of the Lord” in the Garden woke her, she knew her Lord Lives. When Adam heard the voice of the Lord, he made an excuse.
This verse opens the teaching for those Who Believe; the ending verses in Mark have been questioned by some, the usual comments about the “best manuscripts” not having these verses is only partly correct. We find suspicious areas where the verses could fit, plus many of the church fathers commented on the verses, as well as the concepts being used by others, including Paul. The events in Acts show these verses coming to pass, the wording in Mark and other accounts support the text, more important, those who use the Bible to define the Bible find the verses fit the overall structure of the Gospel perfectly.
Peter denied the Lord three times, was told three times in John “do you love Me” by Jesus, with the addition of Mark we find Peter had three chances to believe Jesus was raised from the dead. A Bible teacher will use the Bible to define the Bible, but they will also use external evidence to support the Bible, not define it. There is more than enough evidence to accept the verses in Mark as canon, as we will see.
Looking among the dead for life is never the goal, looking for Life in Christ is. Now enters the other witnesses, they also show us how we can be blind, once we allow unbelief to enter, or use the event to define the event, even when Jesus is standing before us.
After that He appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country (16:12).
This doesn’t mean Jesus was some sort of quick change artist, rather it shows His bruises were healed, the only evidence of the Cross, were the marks in His hands and feet, the “crown of thorns” was no longer at issue, neither were the stripes, they ended at the Cross. The marks in His hands will be signs for the Remnant on the last day (Zech 13:6).
The word Form means the outward appearance, the last time these disciples saw Jesus, He was beaten to pieces, bones were showing, sinew was exposed, His head was so swollen, He was not recognizable. The two witnesses return and tell Peter they saw the Lord, now Peter has three witnesses, plus the three separate events; two of which proved the tomb was empty, surely he was ready to believe. These two witnesses counter the words of the false witnesses at the trial, in three days Jesus was raised, thus there are times when the Truth comes later, perhaps not during the time of the false accusation, but it will arrive if we are patient.
And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them (16:13).
The word Residue, indicates these two witnesses were among the group, thus Mary testified of the empty tomb, then she testified how she had seen the Lord. The two witnesses from among the elders testified they had seen the Lord, but the other disciples believed not. The people put Jesus on the Cross without two witnesses in agreement, but these disciples won’t believe with three witnesses all in agreement.
The two or more were in hand, but the unbelief of the disciples held them back, as well as holding the Lord to the earth. This is vital, connecting to the following verses. Matthew told us they were holding the feet of Jesus, or restraining Him, although they worshipped Him. He told Mary He must ascend, so why didn’t He?. Their unbelief was holding Him bound to the earth, they had to be rebuked in order to join the reason for the Cross.
Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and harness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen (16:14).
This is another area showing the value of these verses, it was bad enough when they refused to believe the words spoken by Jesus regarding the Resurrection, but to deny the witness of their own? Jesus didn’t upbraid them for their unbelief, He upbraided them With their unbelief, it’s the only way we can see how much unbelief we really hold. The word Upbraid means to Disgrace, or Revile. It’s interesting how some refuse to accept these verses, they are offended by the concept of how one can hold unbelief after entry into the Body, but we know it is possible, Judas proved it, now the eleven prove it. Those times when we begin to slip into unbelief is a good time to read and accept these verses.
If Jesus is going to upbraid us with our unbelief, how do you suppose He would do it? By showing us the rewards for believing, those who believe will have the signs and wonders following them, the unbelievers will have their unbelief. Unbelief and hardness of heart are sisters, the wording Hardness Of Heart means Destitution Of Perception, or An Inability To Perceive The Things Of God. The Children in the Wilderness started with the ability to have a soft heart, but they made their own hearts hard, the hardness grew to an evil heart full of unbelief (Heb 3:12). Unbelief is a sin, it keeps us from entering in (Heb 3:17-18). Why couldn’t the children enter in? They could not enter in because of unbelief (Heb 3:19). A wicked man hardens his face: but as for the upright, he directs (reconsiders daily) his way (Prov 21:29). He who hardens his heart shall fall into mischief (Prov 28:14). Ezekiel faced the rebellious house of Israel yet God told him, “the house of Israel will not hearken unto you; for they will not hearken unto Me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted” (Ezek 3:7). Why was this issue so important? What damage was it doing to the disciples? Their unbelief was destroying their own process; without belief they could not enter faith, meaning they could never enter Grace, the very purpose for the Cross. If it was the case, how would Iniquity fit in? Easy, the Iniquity is the failure to believe when one has the ability to, the sin would be the unbelief filling the void the iniquity left. Therein is the danger of Unequal, if one is Unequal they leave a void, which the spirit of the world will fill with the he of the world. Jesus was going to be gone for seven more days, if they couldn’t believe for three days, how would they for seven?
And He said unto them, Go you into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature (16:15).
They were upbraided with their unbelief, yet He is sending them forth? What gives? Whether they believe or not doesn’t stop the command, they must go forth. The next verse will talk about those who hear and believe. We presume no one can preach unless they believe, yet here Jesus upbraids them with their unbelief, then in the same breath tells them to Go. The anointing preaches through the person, the person who preaches enters error when they think they are the cause and purpose of the preaching. One can fail to believe yet teach and preach, perhaps another area offending some. They think if they can preach or teach they are okay with God, not so according to these verses.
He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned (16:16).
We talked about this verse prior, the baptized part points to the entrance into the Body, the Token of water baptism is our acceptance of the conditions of God’s Mercy, as someone from the Body accepted us into the Body. The premise here shows one must be of the Body, first and foremost. To be dunked, sprinkled or immersed in water without the purpose being to enter the Body with the vow to continue to believe, is merely getting wet. However, the warning here shows one can be of the Body, yet if they fail to believe, the premise of, “shall be saved” doesn’t apply. This is not a discourse on baptism or the Name used, it speaks of believing after entry. Paul warned the Corinthians of this very issue, they were of the Body, had the Spirit, but refused to be spiritual. Paul also used the same tense when he told us to believe in our heart Jesus is raised from the dead, then we shall be saved (Rom 10:9). It has to relate as it connects to these verses, since their problem was failing to believe Jesus was raised from the dead.
All this shows, simply being in the Body is no guaranty of “shall be saved”, which Peter, Paul, Jude and James affirm. Jesus himself said, “he who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who believes not is condemned already” (Jn 3:18). Therefore the issue here is not the baptism alone, but the continual belief, thus He upbraided them regarding belief not faith. Faith must begin with the belief of God Is, here they are saying, God isn’t.
Just because the disciples didn’t believe Jesus was raised, doesn’t mean others won’t, thus He is sending them out to preach, even if they fail to believe. However, He isn’t giving up on them, He upbraided them to correct them. They were of the Rock, if they continue to believe, they will fit, “shall be saved”, with signs following.
It’s interesting the next verses are for those Who Believe, yet there are those who say “I don’t believe them”. Those very words are upbraiding unbelief in action; talk about hung by the tongue!
There are nine shall’s in these verses, they all connect to Authority, but have nothing to do with going about looking under rocks for snakes. Fools use spiritual concepts to do foolish things, saints use the Wisdom of God to accomplish spiritual matters.
These signs shall follow them that believe; In My Name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with New Tongues (16:17).
Two things are important, the Signs, not the Preaching follow, it doesn’t belittle preaching, rather it shows these signs pertain to those preached to, not those doing the preaching. First and foremost we find Believe, going right back to verse 16. It all links together showing the foundation of belief must be established. In First Corinthians 12 Paul talks about the manifestation of the Spirit, it’s not the issue here, here it’s believing producing the Ways of Mercy. It is vital, since the issue here is how they failed to believe, yet they had the basis to believe, if we can’t believe Jesus is raised from the dead, how can we believe we will be?
In Matthew it was Teach, Baptize, and Teach, here is the result of those who hear the teaching who become baptized and continue to believe after the teaching. Jesus placed one element of Mercy with another, all these are how one is “upbraided”. If they wanted to continue to remain in their unbelief the signs wouldn’t follow them, but they would follow those who heard and believed as they look for signs rather than produce them. Like the signs in Egypt, the danger for the unbeliever is a hardened heart, the reward for the believer is the signs.
Why is this important? We see someone preach, another who hears has a sign follow, we think it was the power of the preacher, it wasn’t, it was the one who believed the preaching. It’s the point here, the signs follow the one who believes the words spoken.
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (16:18).
Prior they were told to go out and heal the sick, even the 70 reported how the devils were subject to them by the Name of Jesus, yet Jesus said they would tread on serpents and scorpions. Here, it’s “take up”, but before it was “tread”, so do we take up what we tread on? No, to tread means they cannot harm us, as they have no authority over us. Prior when the religious rulers showed up, Jesus stepped between them and His disciples, the disciples never confronted the religious rulers, until after Pentecost (Acts 5:17-33). How did they approach the religious leaders after Pentecost? By Grace? Nay, by Mercy and belief (Acts 5:29). However, here in Mark it’s a different context, this takes it one step further, confirmed in Jude and other places. The metaphor Serpent doesn’t mean some snake, it means Malicious, or Slanderous in nature. It refers to the intent to do harm, this would include those who are like Saul the Christian hunter. The key to this is hope, found in the wording “shall take up”, which is the Greek Aheero meaning among other things “to take up”, in classic Greek it was used in the context of “taking up a fish”, or to “lift high”, it would make no sense at all, except for Paul. When Paul was Saul he was a serpent, a malicious Pharisee who had papers allowing him to capture and kill Christians, his reputation was so bad, even the Apostles feared him, yet he was caught in the Net and Lifted. If we pick up some snake, we miss this Sign by miles. Playing with serpents is not the issue, bringing in the fish is.
This area is supported by the obvious verses, but directly mentioned in Jude 21-22. This is just another area abused by some, but the context means being able to preach the Truth in Love to those who are serpents by nature as they are lifted into the kingdom.
The disciples preached to people prior, but not to the religious leaders. This is also one of those areas for the Believer, if one believes, they will seek the truth in these verses, if not, they will upbraid themselves by attempting to disprove them.
The phrase Shall Recover comes from one Greek word Kalos meaning Well, denoting Doing Well or Being Well. Jesus did all things Well (Kalos), He makes both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak (Mark 7:37). If we fail to lay hands on the sick, what would it be? Iniquity? Yes, resisting the call to do well. The test here is not whether we’re well or not, but whether we laid hands on the sick and did Well. The issue here is whether or not we do the effort of laying on of hands, whether anyone gets healed or not.
Don’t confuse the deadly drink with Elisha putting the meal in the pot to rid it of the poison in II Kings 4:40-41, although one could make a point how the Bread (meal) removed the poison. The key to the poison is found in the phrasing, this doesn’t say “will not kill”, which one would think would be the case, rather it says “hurt”. The word Hurt is the Greek Bdeloosso meaning To render foul, or To cause to turn away, but not “death”. This changes the entire meaning showing how killing words spoken to us will not cause us to turn away from our stand on Mercy, we will not render evil (poison) for evil (poison), yet because we believe and walk in mercy those same words will not harm us, we will be able to stand in Mercy, by not falling into bitterness.
Their purpose of the poison is not only to knock us to our knees, but to make us turn, and use poison for poison. The word Drink is the Greek Pino, it’s the same word used in reference to us Drinking the Cup with the Blood of Jesus, so is the Blood of Jesus deadly? No, this refers to our ability to discern, even Mercy has a discernment. One who walks in mercy can detect deception and unbelief. If we are in Belief, then unbelief will be anti-our stand, as it’s sent to harm us. The Greek word Pino in a figurative sense means to Drink into the soul what serves to refresh or nourish unto eternal life, but if we add the word “deadly”, it changes the context to something intended to cause us to become Unjust, thus making us turn from Just to Unjust. This is the same as “be angry and sin not”, “let no corrupt (poison) communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good to the use of edifying” (Eph 4:26-29).
What other Bible defining evidence do we have? We can show many manuscripts have these verses, we can show words from the church fathers using them, but we must allow the Bible to define the Bible. We saw some connections, but continuing, we find verse 16:16 is supported by Matthew 24:3, Acts 15:11 and Romans 10:9. One may avoid Mark, but there are other verses saying the same thing pointing right back to Mark. Other areas are supported as well, Luke 11:20, Acts 16:18 and other places show us how we are to cast out devils. Speaking in New Tongues is supported by Mark 13:11, Acts 4:20, Roman 6:19, I Corinthians 1:10 and 2:6. Serpents in the true context as being malicious by Matthew 10:16, 23:33 and Luke 10:19; deadly things by Job 6:4, Psalms 58:4, 140:3 and Romans 3:13; laying on of hands by Acts 8:18 and Hebrews 6:2; signs following by Acts 2:22, 4:30, Romans 15:19 and more verses all supporting these verses in Mark. Since the verses are supported by verses, the Bible has defined itself, thus the entire context stands. Of course if one searches out a reason not to believe them, they have in fact proved them. Their unbelief shows they have failed to continue to believe, in their zeal to avoid the call they are in the process of upbraiding themselves with their own unbelief. On the other hand we can make the choice to Believe, then Continue to believe knowing Signs will follow us.
New tongues is perhaps the most common of the signs, when someone accepts the Mercy of the Father a change takes place in the way they talk, they project the Mercy in words of Mercy, it’s a different manner of conversation.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the Right Hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen (16:19-20).
Luke tells us, after the Seven Days for the Sacrifice, the Lord spent forty days with the disciples telling them of the Kingdom. Their belief grew, they understood the power of mercy. Now it’s time to learn more of Denying the self, in order to pick up our Cross.
By Rev. G. E. Newmyer – s.b.i. les13rev7/ © 2003
