BIBLE STUDY
We completed the unit of lessons this past Sunday on When You Have Difficult Decisions. We are learning from Mark, Chapter 14 what to do when situations arise that overwhelm us. Previously, we were taught from the Scriptures to follow the example of Jesus and first go to our Heavenly Father in prayer.
When we have difficult decisions, we should commit to do God’s will.
Verses 41-44 of Mark Chapter 14 reveal that Jesus was solely committed to the will of the Father. When Jesus found the disciples sleeping for the third time, He woke them and told them the time was now; His betrayer was coming. He did not retreat; instead, He said, “…..rise, let’s go.” He went toward, not away from His enemy, clearly demonstrating His willingness to allow them to take Him, though knowing His fate. Why? Because it was the Father’s will that He become the blood sacrifice to cleanse all sin of man. This also tells us we should confront our difficult decisions. They do not go away when ignored!
Judas, one of the chosen twelve, first approached Jesus and identified Him to the enemies by greeting Him with a kiss on the cheek, a common way for a disciple to greet a beloved teacher. What treachery! Three groups were represented in the mob that came to arrest Jesus: the chief priests who were Roman political leaders; the scribes who were Jewish Bible scholars; and the elders, who were temple officials.
When we have difficult decisions, we should keep the commitment.
In verses 45-50, we read of the arrest of Jesus, which was illegal according to Roman law. No arrest (or trial which followed) was to be held at night. After Judas identified Jesus with a kiss and addressing Him as Rabbi, He was arrested. Only one of Jesus’ followers (identified as Peter in John 18:10) attempted to resist the mob. Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s slave. In the midst of the injustice toward our Savior, He paused and healed the wounded man!
Turning his attention back to the situation, Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of his captors. He pointed out that they came as if to capture a dangerous criminal, though they could have taken Him into custody any day as He taught publicly in the temple area.
Jesus did not resist nor instruct the disciples to resist what has happening. He was fully prepared to keeping His commitment. His intense time of prayer had helped Him commit to fulfilling the Scriptures. He stepped forward—humbly submitting, humbly obeying. Sadly, we read in verse 50, that His earthly friends deserted Him. He was alone.
In doing the will of God, we may find ourselves without the support of family or friends. At these times, we have no choice but to rely on the Holy Spirit for support and confidence that we have made the right decision in difficult situations.
When we face difficult decisions, we should use the example of Christ and pray: not my will, but yours be done. We pray best by not seeking to change His mind but by being willing to change ours. When Jesus found the disciples sleeping, He went away to repeat His prayer. His example teaches us to persevere in prayer until we know for sure that we are in line with God’s will. We should prayerfully identify God’s will, commit to His will and keep that commitment.
Sunday we will begin a new unit of lessons, When Life is Unfair. (Is it ever fair?) This lesson begins on page 108 in our study book and will be taken from Mark, Chapter 15. Read this chapter and the book lesson and come prepared to share thoughts, insights, and questions.
Have a great week! Stay cool! See you Sunday!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Jean – Jim’s sister; for good report from mammogram test last week.
Danny and JoAnn – death of step Dad, Leo, last week.
Melanie – Robert’s Mom’s daughter’s friend; mid 30’s, mother of 3; stage 4 breast, lung, & liver cancer.
Dana & son Zach – Janice’s friend; brain damage from auto accident 1 yr. ago; in N.O. for treat-ment to help restore various functions.
Amanda – to locate an affordable place to live.
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