Day 307 – Mark 11, John 12

Talking Points

• Nothing about Jesus’ sacrificial death for sinners was happenstance or suddenly thrust upon Him. Even the details of His descent into Jerusalem had been foretold hundreds of years earlier. (Zechariah 9:9)
• For His entry into Jerusalem, Jesus appoints a donkey colt which had never been ridden, appropriate for this sacred act of humility.
• Judas’ true character is revealed as a disciple-in-name-only, as he already had intentions to betray Jesus and had been pilfering from the money box. To pilfer is to steal, usually in small amounts, and usually again and again. Even Judas’ pious complaints against the sacrificial act of Mary were all just an act trying to cover for his own greedy heart. How sad to have walked with Jesus and yet not learn from Him nor love Him.
• The witness of Lazarus walking around alive was a troublesome issue for the religious leaders. In their jealousy and desire to keep their positions, the chief priests’ plans to destroy Jesus escalate to include killing Lazarus. This only serves to prove the true source of their motivations — they are following after Satan, ready to steal, kill, and destroy.
• As Jesus clears out the Temple, He quotes Isaiah 56:7. His statement is a strong indictment of the false worship of the day. Instead of “a house of prayer,” a place where people could worship and commune with God, the Temple had become “a robbers’ den” (Mark 11:17). The picture is a place where dishonest people could lounge and take refuge without fear of trouble.
• Here is an interesting side note: The place in the Temple complex where the irreverent buying and selling was taking place was the former court of the Gentiles. In effect, the Jews had excluded people for whom God had made provision. Mark quotes Isaiah, stating that God’s house would be a place of prayer for “all the nations” (Mark 11:17). Jesus sees to it!
• Jesus ties forgiveness to effectiveness in prayer. As people who have been forgiven immeasurably, we must exhibit grace and forgiveness toward others in order for our prayer lives to carry much impact.
• The cross of Christ is a deep well of profound happenings. In just these few verses in John 12, we see Jesus reveal some of what will be accomplished there. In His death, judgment is upon the world, the ruler of the world will be cast out, Christ will be lifted up, and He will draw all men to Himself. All of the prophesies would be fulfilled in the Savior who submitted Himself to death, “even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Thoughts

Have you ever had trouble with something — maybe an electronic device, maybe a piece of ready-to-assemble furniture, maybe a homework assignment — and after much frustration, some complaining, or even a call to customer support, you suddenly realize you didn’t follow the instructions? You quite possibly didn’t even read the instructions given. You just decided you knew what you were doing and how to do it best, and went out on your own. And, then… trouble, problems, vexation. Apparently, we need direction.

When I read this account in Mark 11, I see the beautiful gift of instructions and what following them brings. It’s simple, really. Just one sentence: “They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission” (Mark 11:6).

Jesus had given two of His disciples very specific directions. And, when they went to do as He had commanded, they found things just as He had said. Look at what happens when they follow Jesus’ instructions. Things go well. What He said would happen, happens.

And, that got me thinking. It’s no different today. We need direction. And, in His perfect wisdom and loving grace, God has given us direction in His Word, an instruction manual for our lives. He wants us to have the guidance needed to make wise choices. And, when we do, we, too, will find that things go well. God promises to bless obedience. Lord, help us to obey your instructions. May it be said of us, “They did just as Jesus had told them.”