# 692 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 14:19,20 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is it I?" And another said, "Is it I?" 20 He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish.
The sorrowful ones asked Jesus one by one, Is it I?” The unsorrowful one is separated from the 11 here with the words, “And ANOTHER said, is it I?” This can be no one but Judas. (No sorrow) Jesus doesn't give a specific name, but rather a specific act. “one who dips with me in the dish.”
It was not uncommon in the days of Jesus, to share a bowl for dipping bread with others at meal. ” We have a modern day example of this practice of dipping in a dish. We call it double dipping. Taking a tortilla chip, dipping it into the salsa, biting half of it and then sticking it in the salsa again. “Yuck!” This is a social no no in our world.
Yet if you would allow for someone to double dip, who would it be? It would be someone whom you deeply trusted and cared for. And that is the point that Jesus is making here.
It had to be someone seated near Jesus and sharing the same bowl, someone who would dip in the same bowl feigning love and trust, for the sake of personal gain. That someone was Judas, and this act of intimacy with Jesus makes his betrayal all the worse.
Woe to those who are willing to give up Jesus after being intimate with Him. Woe to those who lack sorrow.
Father, thank You for being willing to “double dip” with such a sinner as I. Keep my love for You and my loyalty to You forever aflame.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Never Underestimate The Evil You Are Capable Of
# 691 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 14:17 In the evening He came with the twelve. 18 Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me." 19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is it I?" And another said, "Is it I?"
Jesus and His precious twelve. The twelve that He had chosen to be a part of His ministry after spending a night in prayer. The twelve that he had empowered to go out and deliver people from disease and demons, now gathered with Him to celebrate the Jewish passover meal.
At some point during the meal, He drops the bombshell. “One of you here tonight, eating with Me will betray me! The word betray here means to yield up. They all knew exactly what He meant. Someone was going to yield Jesus up to the authorities.
They also knew enough about their Master that He knew how this betrayal would take place. Only one disciple had the same knowledge. One by one they ask Him, “Jesus will it be me? Will something happen in my heart that will turn me against You? Oh Jesus say it isn't me!
Why would the eleven have to ask such a question? Why couldn't the eleven just say, “Well it's not going to be me?” I believe the Holy Spirit has a very valuable lesson for each of us here. DON'T PUT ANYTHING PAST THE WICKED CAPABILITIES OF YOUR HEART. Jer 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?.”
Beloved, know this about your own heart and pray that Jesus will guard it from ever abandoning Him.
Father, rescue me from my own evil heart. Let me never underestimate the evil that I am capable of.
Jesus and His precious twelve. The twelve that He had chosen to be a part of His ministry after spending a night in prayer. The twelve that he had empowered to go out and deliver people from disease and demons, now gathered with Him to celebrate the Jewish passover meal.
At some point during the meal, He drops the bombshell. “One of you here tonight, eating with Me will betray me! The word betray here means to yield up. They all knew exactly what He meant. Someone was going to yield Jesus up to the authorities.
They also knew enough about their Master that He knew how this betrayal would take place. Only one disciple had the same knowledge. One by one they ask Him, “Jesus will it be me? Will something happen in my heart that will turn me against You? Oh Jesus say it isn't me!
Why would the eleven have to ask such a question? Why couldn't the eleven just say, “Well it's not going to be me?” I believe the Holy Spirit has a very valuable lesson for each of us here. DON'T PUT ANYTHING PAST THE WICKED CAPABILITIES OF YOUR HEART. Jer 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?.”
Beloved, know this about your own heart and pray that Jesus will guard it from ever abandoning Him.
Father, rescue me from my own evil heart. Let me never underestimate the evil that I am capable of.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The Uninterrupted Meal
# 690 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 14:12 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, "Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?" 13 And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. 14 "Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' 15 "Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us." 16 So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.
It was time to make the preparations for the Passover meal. Note the instructions given to the two disciples. (Peter and John according to Luke's account) Even they would not know where the meal would be eaten. They were to look for the unusual sign of a man carrying water, (usually women's work) and follow him to their destination. Why the secrecy?
Because Judas was not to know where this place would be. The Last Supper would not suffer interruption by those wishing to arrest Jesus. He will institute it this night and it will continue in His Church, uninterrupted, until he comes again.
This is the way perfect fellowship with Jesus should be, and one day it will be fully realized in heaven at the marriage feast of the Lamb. Imagine if you will, perfect fellowship with Jesus and others, with no more interruptions from the enemies of Christ!
When you think about it, isn't that what the devil and his demons are all about. Using any and all means possible to either prevent or interrupt our fellowship with Jesus. Don't allow him to keep you away from the Lord's Table. Celebrate this sacred meal often, for Jesus Himself said, This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." (1 Cor 11:25)
Father, strengthen our resolve for fellowship with You through Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
It was time to make the preparations for the Passover meal. Note the instructions given to the two disciples. (Peter and John according to Luke's account) Even they would not know where the meal would be eaten. They were to look for the unusual sign of a man carrying water, (usually women's work) and follow him to their destination. Why the secrecy?
Because Judas was not to know where this place would be. The Last Supper would not suffer interruption by those wishing to arrest Jesus. He will institute it this night and it will continue in His Church, uninterrupted, until he comes again.
This is the way perfect fellowship with Jesus should be, and one day it will be fully realized in heaven at the marriage feast of the Lamb. Imagine if you will, perfect fellowship with Jesus and others, with no more interruptions from the enemies of Christ!
When you think about it, isn't that what the devil and his demons are all about. Using any and all means possible to either prevent or interrupt our fellowship with Jesus. Don't allow him to keep you away from the Lord's Table. Celebrate this sacred meal often, for Jesus Himself said, This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." (1 Cor 11:25)
Father, strengthen our resolve for fellowship with You through Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Beware of Snits
# 689 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.
In John's account of this event, we know it was Judas who said, “Why wasn't the money spent on this perfume given to the poor?” And Jesus replied to him, “leave her alone.”
Isn't it amazing that such a seemingly mild rebuke can trigger such a major snit?
Admit it, there have been times when those closest to you have rebuked you and you went off on your own little snit! “I'll show him!” or “I'll show her!” There's a little bit of Judas in all of us.
Never forget that Judas was a thief. Money was the most important thing in his life, and this money spent on perfume could've been in the treasury where he could've gotten his greedy little hands on it. And in the mind of a thief, he believes he is now owed some re-imbursement. And he had an idea where he might get it.
Why not turn Jesus over to the authorities? Surely they would be willing to pay him to turn Jesus over to them in such a way that the arrest would be done quietly without stirring up the masses!
I don't think Judas believed the situation would get that far out of hand. Well, it did, and you know what?
We should all think about that before we go off in our little snits.
Father, guard my heart, from this mindset. Let me be open to rebuke, lest my mind and heart become a playground for the devil,
In John's account of this event, we know it was Judas who said, “Why wasn't the money spent on this perfume given to the poor?” And Jesus replied to him, “leave her alone.”
Isn't it amazing that such a seemingly mild rebuke can trigger such a major snit?
Admit it, there have been times when those closest to you have rebuked you and you went off on your own little snit! “I'll show him!” or “I'll show her!” There's a little bit of Judas in all of us.
Never forget that Judas was a thief. Money was the most important thing in his life, and this money spent on perfume could've been in the treasury where he could've gotten his greedy little hands on it. And in the mind of a thief, he believes he is now owed some re-imbursement. And he had an idea where he might get it.
Why not turn Jesus over to the authorities? Surely they would be willing to pay him to turn Jesus over to them in such a way that the arrest would be done quietly without stirring up the masses!
I don't think Judas believed the situation would get that far out of hand. Well, it did, and you know what?
We should all think about that before we go off in our little snits.
Father, guard my heart, from this mindset. Let me be open to rebuke, lest my mind and heart become a playground for the devil,
Friday, February 10, 2012
Prepared For the Next Prophetic Event
# 688 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 14:8 "She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. 9 "Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her."
Mary. Good old sit at the feet of Jesus Mary. She got it, most of the others didn't. That should tell us something about the importance of sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Oh, how important it is to take in His Word.
While others blew off his statements about going to Jerusalem to be crucified and buried, or just didn't want to talk about it, Mary took Him literally and prepared for the event. I wonder how long she had this oil in her possession?
With great foresight she breaks out the oil now while Jesus is with her, because who knows what kind of chaos will surround the crucifixion, making it impossible to do any anointing. Mary was prepared for this event and her preparedness will be spoken of wherever the gospel is preached. Because it begs us to answer the question, “are we prepared for the next prophetic event of the Lord?
Are we ready for His return? Those who have sat at the feet of Jesus know that He is coming soon, and we know better than to be like the foolish virgins who did not keep the oil in their lamps. Be prepared! Walk in the Spirit. Keep the oil flowing through contrition, repentance, and absolution.
Father, I can get so sloppy with this gift of faith. Lukewarmness seeks to overtake me at every turn. Guard my heart. Let me ever be open to correction, and give me the desire to follow hard after Jesus, ever relying on Your mercy and strength. God, give me oil in my lamp I pray.
Mary. Good old sit at the feet of Jesus Mary. She got it, most of the others didn't. That should tell us something about the importance of sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Oh, how important it is to take in His Word.
While others blew off his statements about going to Jerusalem to be crucified and buried, or just didn't want to talk about it, Mary took Him literally and prepared for the event. I wonder how long she had this oil in her possession?
With great foresight she breaks out the oil now while Jesus is with her, because who knows what kind of chaos will surround the crucifixion, making it impossible to do any anointing. Mary was prepared for this event and her preparedness will be spoken of wherever the gospel is preached. Because it begs us to answer the question, “are we prepared for the next prophetic event of the Lord?
Are we ready for His return? Those who have sat at the feet of Jesus know that He is coming soon, and we know better than to be like the foolish virgins who did not keep the oil in their lamps. Be prepared! Walk in the Spirit. Keep the oil flowing through contrition, repentance, and absolution.
Father, I can get so sloppy with this gift of faith. Lukewarmness seeks to overtake me at every turn. Guard my heart. Let me ever be open to correction, and give me the desire to follow hard after Jesus, ever relying on Your mercy and strength. God, give me oil in my lamp I pray.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Poverty Provides Opportunity
# 686 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 14:7 "For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always.”
Have you ever considered this statement from Jesus about the poor? They will always be with us. We will have hunger and poverty issues until the Lord returns!
Why? Why doesn't Jesus just snap His fingers and alleviate the pain and suffering of poverty? He's telling us that no matter how much we do to rid the world of poverty, it will always be with us. Does that mean we should stop trying? Of course not!
First of all as we give to the poor, we become a living parable of the gospel. Giving to the poor is a picture of what God has done for us through Jesus. We are nothing but spiritual beggars, but God so loves us that He gave. No strings attached. And every time a poor person receives just a cup of cold water, from a follower of Jesus it is a snapshot of the gospel. Freely received, freely given.
Still another reason is that giving to the poor is one of the spiritual disciplines linked to the followers of Christ. It is right there with prayer and fasting. Jesus made that clear in the sermon on the Mount when he said, “when you give to the needy,” (Mt 6:2)
Did you catch the word, “when?” It's not a matter of IF we give to the poor. It is WHEN. Look for the opportunity.
Friend, are you a follower of Jesus Christ, then PLAN to give to the poor! Go over and above your tithe to your local congregation. Discipline yourself to set money aside for your local food pantry, or Food For the Poor, or World Vision, or any other trusted relief agency.
Remember, every time you do this, you are painting a picture of what Jesus did for you!
Have you ever considered this statement from Jesus about the poor? They will always be with us. We will have hunger and poverty issues until the Lord returns!
Why? Why doesn't Jesus just snap His fingers and alleviate the pain and suffering of poverty? He's telling us that no matter how much we do to rid the world of poverty, it will always be with us. Does that mean we should stop trying? Of course not!
First of all as we give to the poor, we become a living parable of the gospel. Giving to the poor is a picture of what God has done for us through Jesus. We are nothing but spiritual beggars, but God so loves us that He gave. No strings attached. And every time a poor person receives just a cup of cold water, from a follower of Jesus it is a snapshot of the gospel. Freely received, freely given.
Still another reason is that giving to the poor is one of the spiritual disciplines linked to the followers of Christ. It is right there with prayer and fasting. Jesus made that clear in the sermon on the Mount when he said, “when you give to the needy,” (Mt 6:2)
Did you catch the word, “when?” It's not a matter of IF we give to the poor. It is WHEN. Look for the opportunity.
Friend, are you a follower of Jesus Christ, then PLAN to give to the poor! Go over and above your tithe to your local congregation. Discipline yourself to set money aside for your local food pantry, or Food For the Poor, or World Vision, or any other trusted relief agency.
Remember, every time you do this, you are painting a picture of what Jesus did for you!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Worthy of All Manner of Honor and Praise
# 686 Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 14:5b And they criticized her sharply.
6 But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. 7 "For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always.
The murmurings of the heart found their escape through the sharp tongues of the disciples. They verbally got into her face about wasting this perfume on Jesus! In an obtuse way, they were in reality attacking Jesus. How could HE even allow this waste of money, He who is such a champion of the poor?
But Jesus intervenes for Mary immediately. “Let her alone!” “Back off boys! She is doing something incredibly good for Me. She is bestowing honor on Me sacrificially and in a tangible way.
She is like that person in your church who purchased something to enhance the beauty of the sanctuary. Sometimes we find ourselves grumbling like these disciples, but who are we to question their motives? They may have had a strong yearning to honor Christ in this way. Leave them alone. If their motive is wrong, God will deal with it.
In the meantime, why not let the fragrance of their offering bless you, instead of holding your nose and complaining about it. Why not pause and thank God for it, because no matter the motive, it gives you opportunity to pause and consider the honorable Son of God, who died for your sins!
Jesus, You are worthy of all honor and praise, let us learn to rejoice whenever and however we see that honor and praise bestowed.
6 But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. 7 "For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always.
The murmurings of the heart found their escape through the sharp tongues of the disciples. They verbally got into her face about wasting this perfume on Jesus! In an obtuse way, they were in reality attacking Jesus. How could HE even allow this waste of money, He who is such a champion of the poor?
But Jesus intervenes for Mary immediately. “Let her alone!” “Back off boys! She is doing something incredibly good for Me. She is bestowing honor on Me sacrificially and in a tangible way.
She is like that person in your church who purchased something to enhance the beauty of the sanctuary. Sometimes we find ourselves grumbling like these disciples, but who are we to question their motives? They may have had a strong yearning to honor Christ in this way. Leave them alone. If their motive is wrong, God will deal with it.
In the meantime, why not let the fragrance of their offering bless you, instead of holding your nose and complaining about it. Why not pause and thank God for it, because no matter the motive, it gives you opportunity to pause and consider the honorable Son of God, who died for your sins!
Jesus, You are worthy of all honor and praise, let us learn to rejoice whenever and however we see that honor and praise bestowed.
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