Mark 14:10-11
Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.
Read Mark 14:10-11 letting the full impact of Judas’ act sink in.
Mark warned us that Judas would betray Jesus (Mark 3:14-19), but as the act unfolds in front of us it is hard not to feel bewildered that someone so connected to Jesus’ community of followers would find it this easy to turn on him. In contrast to the complete devotion of the woman who freely anointed Jesus with costly fragrant oil, Judas seems to value money over the life of the Messiah.
Was it the money? Was Judas trying to force Jesus into a display of strength? Sit for a moment and imagine the possibilities for Judas’ betrayal.
Read Mark 14:10-11 again noting the response of the “leading priests” – these men who were appointed to lead the people of Israel in their worship and devotion to God.
Often we underestimate the pull of peer or societal pressure until we are faced with taking a stand. We can have good intentions and believe that we are committed to a certain cause or way of thinking but when pressure comes from other people we can find ourselves speaking or acting in ways that undermine our loyalty.
The way of Jesus is the way of surrender. Truly following Jesus means taking up our cross and laying down the power-plays and violence of the world so we can love God with heart soul mind and strength and love others, even our enemies, as ourselves. It is not the easy way, but the way of Jesus leads to life, meaning, purpose and intimacy with God.
What do you value most in life?
If those around you, even those in your religious circles, began to act in ways that were contrary to the way of Jesus, would you know Jesus and his teaching well enough to recognize it?
Considering Jesus rejected shows of power and strength, how would you make a stand for Jesus if those around you were straying from his ways?
As you end this time of reflection, talk to Jesus about anything you are thinking or feeling. If you feel the nudge of Jesus toward a specific practice or action, make a plan for following through.
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Are you finding these meditations to be helpful? If so, please forward them to a couple of friends.
