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Sabbath Afternoon - September 7, 2024
Scripture Reading for the Week:
Mark 14:1-72; John 12:4-6; Romans 8:28; Exodus 24:8; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Zechariah 13:7.
Thought for Meditation:
Christ had told them before that these things would take place, but they did not understand Him. The scene of His sufferings was to be a fiery ordeal to His disciples, hence the necessity of watchfulness and prayer. Their faith needed to be sustained by an unseen strength as they should experience the triumph of the powers of darkness. We can have but faint conceptions of the inexpressible anguish of God's dear Son in Gethsemane, as He realized His separation from His Father in consequence of bearing man's sin. He became sin for the fallen race. The sense of the withdrawal of His Father's love pressed from His anguished soul these mournful words: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." "If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Then with entire submission to His Father's will, He adds: "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." {2T 206.1} Testimonies for the Church Volume 2, 1868-1871
Memory Text:
“And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will’ ” (Mark 14:36).
This week's SS Lesson will describe the events that occurred prior to the crucifixion of Jesus which include the actions of Judas, Jesus, and the people around the scenario.
Study Outline:
Judas' Actions
Sunday - September 8, 2024
Betrayal - Unforgettable
Jesus' Actions
Monday - September 9, 2024
The New Covenant - The Last Supper
Mark 14:22-31; Exodus 24:8; John 1:29; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Zechariah 13:7; Mark 16:7.
Tuesday - September 10, 2024
The Cup of Suffering - Gethsemane
Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 6:10; Philippians 4:13 14,
The Actions of Friends and Enemies
Wednesday - September 11, 2024
The Friends Flee - Leaving All to Flee from Jesus
Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 27:3-7; John 18:10-11; Mark 14:51-52.
Thursday - September 12, 2024
The Judgment and Denial
Mark 13:24-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; 2 Peter 3:3-13; Revelation 1:7; 6:12-17; 14:14-20; 19:11-21).
Friday - September 13, 2024
Insights and Further Study
From the Pen of Inspiration
Points to Ponder Upon
Judas' Actions
Sunday - September 8, 2024
Betrayal - Unforgettable
“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them” (Mark 14:10)
Jesus had Endured the Anguish of the Betrayal
The Saviour’s burden was too heavy for Him in His weak and suffering condition. Since the Passover supper with His disciples, He had taken neither food nor drink. He had agonized in the garden of Gethsemane in conflict with satanic agencies. He had endured the anguish of the betrayal, and had seen His disciples forsake Him and flee. He had been taken to Annas, then to Caiaphas, and then to Pilate. From Pilate He had been sent to Herod, then sent again to Pilate. From insult to renewed insult, from mockery to mockery, twice tortured by the scourge,—all that night there had been scene after scene of a character to try the soul of man to the uttermost. . . . But when after the second scourging the cross was laid upon Him, human nature could bear no more. He fell fainting beneath the burden. {CSA 36.2} A Call to Stand Apart, 2002
A View of the Expanse of Eternity Sustained Jesus Betrayal and Trial
There are revealed in these last days visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, and these should be dear to His church. What sustained the Son of God in His betrayal and trial?--He saw of the travail of His soul, and was satisfied. He caught a view of the expanse of eternity, and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. {CET 231.1} Christian Experience and Teachings of EGWhite, 1922
Watch and Pray to Endure the Test - The Spirit is Ready, but the Flesh is Weak
The disciples awakened at the voice of Jesus, but they hardly knew Him, His face was so changed by anguish. Addressing Peter, Jesus said, "Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." The weakness of His disciples awakened the sympathy of Jesus. He feared that they would not be able to endure the test which would come upon them in His betrayal and death. He did not reprove them, but said, "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Even in His great agony, He was seeking to excuse their weakness. "The spirit truly is ready," He said, "but the flesh is weak." {DA 689.2} The Desire of Ages, 1898
Consider the Following
— Mark presents the betrayal of Jesus as a new “sandwich” story:
(1) Mark 14:1-2. They are looking for a way to arrest Jesus
(2) Mark 14:3-9. The perfume spilled
(3) Mark 14:10-11. Judas betrays Jesus
— Two days before Easter, the priests and scribes decide to act now to kill Jesus. Before presenting Judas as the traitor, Mark presents the trigger that led him to carry out this action: his greed (the story of the spilled perfume, which occurred several days before, according to John 12:1-3).
— In Mark, the contrast between Mary and Judas is striking.
Jesus' Actions
Monday - September 9, 2024
The New Covenant - The Last Supper
Mark 14:22-31; Exodus 24:8; John 1:29; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Zechariah 13:7; Mark 16:7.
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them” (Mark 14:24)
Redemption by the Precious Blood of the Lamb
You have been chosen by Christ. You have been redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb. Plead before God the efficacy of that blood. Say unto Him: "I am Thine by creation; I am Thine by redemption. I respect human authority, and the advice of my brethren; but I cannot depend wholly upon these. I want Thee, O God, to teach me. I have covenanted with Thee to adopt the divine standard of character, and make Thee my counselor and guide,--a party to every plan of my life; therefore teach me." Let the glory of the Lord be your first consideration. Repress every desire for worldly distinction, every ambition to secure the first place. Encourage heart purity and holiness, that you may represent the true principles of the gospel. Let every act of your life be sanctified by a holy endeavor to do the Lord's will, that your influence may not lead others into forbidden paths. When God is the leader, His righteousness shall go before thee, and the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. {FE 348.2} Fundamentals of Christian Education, 1923
A Ratification by the Blood of Christ - Rescued from Death
This covenant deed was to be ratified by Christ's own blood, which it had been the office of the old sacrificial offerings to keep before the minds of His chosen people. Christ designed that this supper should be often commemorated, in order to bring to our remembrance His sacrifice in giving His life for the remission of the sins of all who will believe on Him and receive Him. This ordinance is not to be exclusive, as many would make it. Each must participate in it publicly, and thus say: "I accept Christ as my personal Saviour. He gave His life for me, that I might be rescued from death."--Review and Herald, June 22, 1897. {Ev 276.2} Evangelism, 1946
An Entrance into a Solemn Covenant with God - Sprinkled Blood of Christ
Bravely did the Israelites speak the words promising obedience to the Lord, after hearing His covenant read in the audience of the people. They said, "All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient." Then the people were set apart and sealed to God. A sacrifice was offered to the Lord. A portion of the blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled upon the altar. This signified that the people had consecrated themselves--body, mind and soul--to God. A portion was sprinkled upon the people. This signified that through the sprinkled blood of Christ, God graciously accepted them as His special treasure. Thus the Israelites entered into a solemn covenant with God. {2SAT 188.4} Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, 1994
Consider the Following
— That year, Passover began at sundown on Thursday and ended at sundown on Friday, when the Jews ate the Passover lamb sacrificed during the day.
— Late on Thursday night, Jesus met with the twelve in the upper room. At that time, he instituted a new covenant: the body and blood of the Lamb of God, represented in the bread and wine (Mark 14:22-25).
— The new covenant, like the old, was to be ratified with blood (Ex. 24:8; Heb. 9:22; Mark 14:24).
— After singing the hymn and leaving the room, Jesus made three amazing prophecies:
(1) He announced the flight of his disciples (Mark 14:26-27; Zech. 13:7)
(2) He announced his resurrection (Mark 14:28)
(3) He announced the triple denial of Peter (Mark 14:29-31)
Tuesday - September 10, 2024
The Cup of Suffering - Gethsemane
Mark 14:32-42; Matthew 6:10; Philippians 4:13 14,
“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36)
The Scene of Sufferings, they have been Foretold by Christ
Christ had told them before that these things would take place, but they did not understand Him. The scene of His sufferings was to be a fiery ordeal to His disciples, hence the necessity of watchfulness and prayer. Their faith needed to be sustained by an unseen strength as they should experience the triumph of the powers of darkness. We can have but faint conceptions of the inexpressible anguish of God's dear Son in Gethsemane, as He realized His separation from His Father in consequence of bearing man's sin. He became sin for the fallen race. The sense of the withdrawal of His Father's love pressed from His anguished soul these mournful words: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." "If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Then with entire submission to His Father's will, He adds: "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." {2T 206.1} Testimonies for the Church, volume 2, 1868-1871
Danger of the Last Days - Many are Asleep "Watch and Pray"
The experience of the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane contains a lesson for the Lord's people today. Taking with Him Peter and James and John, Christ went to Gethsemane to pray. He said to them: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, Abba Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt. And He cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Mark 14:34-38. {8T 100.2}
Read these words carefully. Many today are asleep, as were the disciples. They are not watching and praying lest they enter into temptation. Let us read and study those portions of God's word that have special reference to these last days, pointing out the dangers that will threaten God's people. {8T 100.3} Testimonies for the Church, volume 8, 1904
Necessity of Prayer for Strength to Endure
Just before His crucifixion He took His disciples aside that they might pray with Him, that He and they might receive strength to endure. It was here in His agony in the garden of Gethsemane that the cup trembled in His hand. Should He drink it, and thus be separated from God? Should He take the sins of the world upon Him? The woes of a lost race rose up before Him, and He said, "Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." Then a mighty angel from glory came to His side and strengthened Him to go through the awful trial. {2SAT 318.3} Sermons and Talks, volume 2, 1994
Consider the Following
— Arriving at Gethsemane, Jesus left eight apostles at the entrance, while he entered the garden with the other three apostles (Mark 14:32-33).
— He earnestly asked these three to watch with him, to encourage him in these distressing moments (Mark 14:34). If they had obeyed this command, they would have been prepared to remain faithful and not give in to temptation, as Peter did (Mark 14:37-38).
— For his part, Jesus asked his Father in his anguish to deliver him from the suffering that lay before him (Mark 14:35-36).
— God's answer was: “NO”. For the love of his Son, He could have freed him. But, out of love for us, he allowed Jesus to suffer and die, to give us salvation (John 3:16)
The Actions of Friends and Enemies
Wednesday - September 11, 2024
The Friends Flee - Leaving All to Flee from Jesus
Mark 14:43-52; Matthew 27:3-7; John 18:10-11; Mark 14:51-52.
“Then everyone deserted him and fled” (Mark 14:50)
The Denial of Peter - the Saviour is Dishonored and Deserted
But, as the light flashed upon Peter's countenance, the woman who kept the door cast a searching glance upon him; she had noticed that he came in with John, and conjectured that he was one of Christ's followers. She interrogated him in a taunting manner: "Art not thou also one of this man's disciples?" Peter was startled and confused; the eyes of the company instantly fastened upon him. He pretended not to understand her, but she was persistent, and said to those around her that this man was with Jesus. Peter, feeling compelled to answer, said angrily, "Woman, I know him not." This was the first denial, and immediately the cock crew. O Peter! So soon ashamed of thy Master! So soon to cowardly deny thy Lord! The Saviour is dishonored and deserted in his humiliation by one of his most zealous disciples. {3SP 108.1} The Spirit of Prophecy, volume 3, 1878
He Looked Upon the Twelve - His Suffering is Connected with His Disciples
Christ knew that the time had come for Him to depart out of the world, and go to His Father. And having loved His own that were in the world, He loved them unto the end. He was now in the shadow of the cross, and the pain was torturing His heart. He knew that He would be deserted in the hour of His betrayal. He knew that by the most humiliating process to which criminals were subjected He would be put to death. He knew the ingratitude and cruelty of those He had come to save. He knew how great the sacrifice that He must make, and for how many it would be in vain. Knowing all that was before Him, He might naturally have been overwhelmed with the thought of His own humiliation and suffering. But He looked upon the twelve, who had been with Him as His own, and who, after His shame and sorrow and painful usage were over, would be left to struggle in the world. His thoughts of what He Himself must suffer were ever connected with His disciples. He did not think of Himself. His care for them was uppermost in His mind. {DA 643.2} The Desire of Ages, 1898
Contending for the Highest Position - Dominion Becomes the Prize of the Strongest
The strife for the highest place was the outworking of that same spirit which was the beginning of the great controversy in the worlds above, and which had brought Christ from heaven to die. There rose up before Him a vision of Lucifer, the "son of the morning," in glory surpassing all the angels that surround the throne, and united in closest ties to the Son of God. Lucifer had said, "I will be like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:12, 14); and the desire for self-exaltation had brought strife into the heavenly courts, and had banished a multitude of the hosts of God. Had Lucifer really desired to be like the Most High, he would never have deserted his appointed place in heaven; for the spirit of the Most High is manifested in unselfish ministry. Lucifer desired God's power, but not His character. He sought for himself the highest place, and every being who is actuated by his spirit will do the same. Thus alienation, discord, and strife will be inevitable. Dominion becomes the prize of the strongest. The kingdom of Satan is a kingdom of force; every individual regards every other as an obstacle in the way of his own advancement, or a steppingstone on which he himself may climb to a higher place. {DA 435.2} The Desire of Ages, 1898
Consider the Following
— Hiding his betrayal behind a kiss, Judas betrayed Jesus (Mark 14:43-45).
— From that moment on, events unfold quickly:
(1) The mob arrests Jesus (v. 46)
(2) Peter defends Jesus and hurts a servant (v. 47)
(3) Jesus criticizes the way in which he is arrested (v. 48-49)
(4) The apostles abandon Jesus (v. 50)
(5) A young man (probably Mark himself) is almost arrested (v. 51-52)
Thursday - September 12, 2024
The Trial and Denial
Mark 13:24-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58; 2 Peter 3:3-13; Revelation 1:7; 6:12-17; 14:14-20; 19:11-21).
“But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” (Mark 14:61)
The Guiltless Man's Substitute and Surety, Volunteered to Die a Cruel Death
Standing as man's representative at Pilate's bar, he suffered the cruel sentence of death to be passed upon him by unreasonable and wicked men, and answered not a word to their accusations. The Majesty of heaven was brought as a lamb to the slaughter; and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. When the poor sinner inquired the way of life, Jesus did not remain silent; but when condemned to the most ignominious and cruel of deaths, he had not a word to say. He was not silent because he was guilty; for he was the embodiment of purity and holiness. He could have delivered himself from those who came to take him in the garden of Gethsemane. A few words from his lips sent the murderous throng reeling to the earth, as if smitten by a bolt of the wrath of God. But he suffered humiliation, agony, and death in silence, because he had given his life for the life of the world. He was not compelled to do it, but he volunteered to be man's substitute and surety, and "the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all." ... {RH, June 23, 1896 par. 3} The Review and Herald
Jesus Remained Calm and Silent - Against the Accusation
Caiaphas urged Jesus to answer to the charge made against him; but the Saviour, knowing that his sentence was already determined, answered him nothing. The evidence gained from the last two witnesses proved nothing against him worthy of death; and Jesus himself remained calm and silent. The priests and rulers began to fear that they would fail to gain their object after all. They were disappointed and perplexed that they had failed to gain anything from the false witnesses upon which to condemn their prisoner. Their only hope now was to make Jesus speak out and say something which would condemn him before the people. {3SP 119.1} The Spirit of Prophecy, volume three, 1878
The Son of Man Jesus is the Son of God
"Art Thou the Christ?" they said, "tell us." But Christ remained silent. They continued to ply Him with questions. At last in tones of mournful pathos He answered, "If I tell you, ye will not believe; and if I also ask you, ye will not answer Me, nor let Me go." But that they might be left without excuse He added the solemn warning, "Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." {DA 714.2}
"Art Thou then the Son of God?" they asked with one voice. He said unto them, "Ye say that I am." They cried out, "What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of His own mouth." {DA 714.3} The Desire of Ages, 1898
Consider the Following
— We now find Mark's last “sandwich” story:
(1) Mark 14:54. Peter approaches Jesus
(2) Mark 14:55-65. Jesus is judged
(3) Mark 14:66-72. Peter denies Jesus
— Not even with false witnesses were the priests and scribes able to find a clear accusation against Jesus (Mark 14:55-59).
— Faced with Jesus' silence, Caiaphas pressured him to declare whether or not he was the Messiah (Mark 14:61). The one who asks us to confess him before men could not fail to testify at that moment: “I am” (Mark 14:62; Luke 12:8).
— The wrath of everyone present fell on Jesus (Mark 14:65). As they mockingly asked him to prophesy, Jesus saw how his prophecy was being fulfilled at that moment (Luke 22:61).
Without knowing it, Peter was a demonstration that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.
— For his part, Pedro was living his own trial. But, unlike his Master, he denied his sonship (Mark 14:66-72).
Friday - September 13, 2024
Insights and Further Study
And so by the third condemnation of the Jewish authorities, Jesus was to die. All that was now necessary, they thought, was for the Romans to ratify this condemnation, and deliver Him into their hands. {DA 714.4}
Then came the third scene of abuse and mockery, worse even than that received from the ignorant rabble. In the very presence of the priests and rulers, and with their sanction, this took place. Every feeling of sympathy or humanity had gone out of their hearts. If their arguments were weak, and failed to silence His voice, they had other weapons, such as in all ages have been used to silence heretics,--suffering, and violence, and death. {DA 714.5} The Desire of Ages, 1898
From the Pen of Inspiration
“Jesus did not consider heaven a place to be desired while we were lost. He left the heavenly courts for a life of reproach and insult, and a death of shame. He who was rich in heaven's priceless treasure became poor, that through His poverty we might be rich. We are to follow in the path He trod.
He who becomes a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost”
Points to Ponder Upon
What's the significance of the Passover and the Unleavened Bread?
Please visit the sites below for more insights and information.
Meat In Due Season - 9. The Ceremonial Harvest (google.com)
Present Truth Lessons 2020 - Lesson 32 - The Feasts - Type and Antitype (google.com)
How did Mark portray the two contrasting characters of Mary and Judas?
How could you explain the events that occurred in the life of Jesus? {the betrayal and denial}
In what way does Jesus give us an example of His disciples' positive and negative actions?
Why did Jesus ask the Father to take the cup away from Him, and yet surrender His will to the Father?
How crucial is our choice, like what Judas did against His master?
Based on the statement above, {DA 714.5}, in what way did the enemy of the truth plot against those who bring light to the people? Were they successful? Why?
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