Category: Bible Studies

Bible Studies

SOLUS CHRISTUS (Christ Alone)  

Loring Schultz

Last week we looked at the first of the Five Solas of the Reformation, ‘Sola Scriptura’ or scripture alone. The Bible being sufficient for all we need in the way of Salvation records the truth of Jesus’s own words in the gospel of John, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’ (Jn.14:6) The second solas is ‘Solus Christus’ which states that salvation is only through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ alone. There is no other way to get to the Father except through Jesus and He doesn’t need any of our help to get us there. He is totally sufficient.

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During the Reformation period, the church’s greatest need was to regain its focus on Christ as the head of the church. With that accomplished through Luther and the rest of the Reformers, the next step was to ensure the teaching of Scripture that Christ alone through faith was the only necessary means of salvation. Scripture confirms that Jesus is fully God and fully man making it possible for Him to be the only bridge between God and man. It was important for the Reformers to establish the Divine nature of Christ and His Human nature. The Reformers affirmed “The statement of faith made by the Council of Chalcedon (451). It reaffirms the Christological definitions of Nicaea and Constantinople and formally repudiates the errors of Nestorius and Eutyches. It declares Christ to be one Person in two natures, the Divine of the same substance as the Father, the human of the same substance as us; these are united unconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, and inseparably.” (1)

Jesus as the only Savior, and the only way to God is the predicted Messiah in the Old Testament who was to come. The Hebrew word for Messiah is ‘mashiach,’ which means ‘anointed one.’ ‘Mashiach’ translated into Greek as ‘christos” translated into English as ‘Christ.’ Therefore Jesus Christ is the ‘Anointed One, Jesus the Messiah, the Savior.’

Note some verses from Scripture stating ‘Christ alone’ in Salvation. Jesus says to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (Jn. 14:6 nlt) And Jesus speaking to Nathanael after He called him to be His disciple said to him, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” (Jn. 1:51 nlt) Jesus is referring to the book of Genesis and Jacob’s dream of a ladder descending from heaven. Jesus, the Messiah, is the ladder for access between God and man.

All of us are lost in our sin estranged from God with no help of reconciliation on our own. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” (Is. 53:6 nlt) The Reformers witnessed the church falsely instructing people to secure their Salvation through indulgences and human works. Salvation is only available when full payment for our sin is paid for by the only one able to do so, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the sinless Son of God. And by faith in Christ (the ladder) and His death and resurrection, we have forgiveness of our sin and eternal life. ‘Solus Christus’ Christ alone is all sufficient for our Salvation.

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(1) https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095600808

Bible Studies

SOLA SCRIPTURA (Scripture Alone)

Loring Schultz

“I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, since it is neither right nor safe to go against conscience. May God help me. Amen.” (Luther at Diet of Worms, 1521)

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Over the next five weeks we will be addressing the ‘Five Solas’ of the Reformation. These are five Latin phrases from the Reformation period of the 16th century. “Sola’ in Latin is the English word ‘only.’ The early reformers recognized a drift away from Scripture in the Catholic Church essential to the teaching of the gospel. The “Five Solas’ represent the very core of the Christian faith. They are as follows, Sola Scriptura: Scripture is the only infallible authority for faith and practice. Solus Christus: Christ in His person and work is the only Savior. Sola gratia: Only the sovereign grace of God accomplishes salvation. Sola fide: Faith is the only instrument by which we are untied to Christ and receive all His benefits. Soli Deo gloria: The purpose of salvation is to give all glory to God alone. We begin with ‘Sola Scriptura.’ Scripture is the only infallible authority for faith and practice.

The apostle Paul declared in 2 Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17 esv) Since Scripture is breathed out by God, His words spoken to us, it stands to reason that His Word stands. It is the only one that counts. The Bible is the only authority for the church today and always has been. The Bible is verbally and divinely inspired. They are the very words of God. It is the highest authority possible for it comes from God Himself and is the only source of His voice to us today.

The Bible is sufficient for all we need in the way of Salvation and how we are to live. There are no rules to follow that supersede or add to the teaching of Scripture. Again, ‘Scripture is the only infallible authority for faith and practice.’ Church constitutions and rules of procedures are important but we must be careful not to add or subtract the truth of Scripture.

The reformers knew Christians often looked for God’s power in external things of the church rather than Scripture itself. It didn’t help that most church goers of the day didn’t have access to the Scriptures. The reformers task was to then restore confidence in the people of the church in the Word of God and with understanding that God’s power and truth was in His Word and His Word alone.

The perspicuity, or clarity, of Scripture is affirmed by Scripture itself. God instructed Israel to teach their children His commandments. (Dt. 6:6-9) God gave us His Word for all to understand even the youngest among us. The Holy Spirit also guides us as he illuminates the words of Scripture to us in comprehending the truth of Salvation.

“Sola scriptura also fueled the translation of the Bible into German, French, English, and other languages, and prompted Bible teaching in the common languages of the day, rather than in Latin. In this way, the good news of Jesus Christ could be read by the ordinary people.” (Evangelical Alliance UK)

Bible Studies

Advent 2025: The Word in a Manger    

Loring Schultz

Read: John 1:1-5, 14 NLT – Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word – In – Bible Gateway

“So, the Word became human and made his home among us.” John 1:14 NLT

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We have reached the fourth Sunday of Advent and are only four days away from Christmas. Preparations are being made for the big day which will start with our Christmas Eve service. Many carols sung that evening in churches around the world will reflect the ‘babe in a manger’ born on that silent night. Most people may know that child is the ‘Christ child born of Mary,’ but how many truly know who He is. How about you, do you know?

The apostle John gives a detailed description of who this baby is. Although the story of Jesus’ birth is found only in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, John recaps it in one simple verse. “So the Word became human and made his home among us.” (Jn.1:14 nlt) John wrote his gospel to prove the deity of Christ. Jesus as the Son of God, very God in the flesh. He begins immediately with the very first verse, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Jn.1:1 nlt)

John’s reference to the ‘Word’ was used as both Jews and Gentiles would have been familiar with what John was expressing. One of the uses of this term by the Greeks would have been ‘divine reason.’ The Jews used it as a term relating to God. When John used ‘Word’ in verse one the Gentiles would think ‘divine reason’ and the Jews would think God. So, what did John say? The ‘Word’ always existed. The ‘Word’ was with God in the beginning and the ‘Word’ was God.

This baby is the ‘Word’ in a manger, the one who created the world and holds its existence. He is the light of world bringing salvation to all who put their trust in Him. The ‘Word’ in a manger is Jesus Christ, the second person of the trinity. He is God in the flesh. ‘O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.’

Bible Studies

Advent 2025: A Pivotal Event for All   

Loring Schultz

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. And he will stand to lead his flock with the LORD’s strength, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world.” Micah 5:2, 4 NLT

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The birth of the King of the Jews in Bethlehem was a pivotal historic event. The prophet Micah was prophesying of the destruction that would come upon Judah. This devastation will come about due to their continual disobedience to the Lord their God. The people of Judah will be carried off to Babylon as their land would now be occupied by the conquering nations. Although the Jews did go back to the land, restoring worship and rebuilding the Temple, they never had full autonomy, but were a province under foreign kings.

One day Judah and all of Israel will have their land back and full autonomy under the Messiah Jesus Christ during the millennial period. Micah writes of that future king being born in the little town of Bethlehem. ‘A ruler of Israel will come from you.’ Bethlehem was the birthplace of King David and the Messiah will be a descendant of David born in the same city. The remnant of Jews will accept Christ as their Messiah in that future day. Christ’s birth in Bethlehem was a pivotal event concerning the future of the Jewish people and the nation of Israel.

Christ’s birth was also a pivotal event for the entire world. Micah says the baby who was born that night in Bethlehem has His ‘origins are from distant past,’ meaning He is the eternal God. Jesus Christ, God the Son, left heaven’s glories emptying Himself by giving ‘up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form.” (Ph.2:7 nlt) Jesus did this to offer Himself as the only perfect sacrifice possible to save us from our sins and reconcile us back to God. That holy night in Bethlehem was indeed a pivotal event for all.

Bible Studies

Advent 2025: In the midst of plunder; a promise of peace  

Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7 NLT – Hope in the Messiah – Nevertheless, – Bible Gateway

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” Isaiah 9:2 NLT

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A very familiar passage of the coming Messiah is found in Isaiah chapter 9. Part of this passage reads, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” (kjv) The child Jesus was born. God’s Son Jesus was given for us. This is a fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy concerning Jesus Christ, but not the only prophecy fulfilled in this portion of scripture. There is a backstory we should also glean from it.

The prophet Isaiah was prophesying to the ten tribes of Israel of their coming destruction  by the Assyrian king and his army. Having disobeyed God repeatedly after constant warnings, Israel was now about to be plundered and taken captive by Assyria. But the announcement of their pending doom also comes with a promise of peace. The land will once again be filled with glory. “Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.” (Is.9:1 nlt)

Zebulun and Naphtali were the most northern tribes on the northeast border of the Sea of Galilee. Isaiah addressed them as they will be the first ones to encounter the invading Assyrian army. Dark days are ahead of them, but light is coming in the promised Messiah walking and preaching through the land of Galilee. Matthew records this fulfillment of prophecy, “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali…… the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” (Mt.4:15-16 nlt) This same light shines on our dark souls plundered by sin. It is the promise of peace and reconciliation with God through our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. God has fulfilled His promise of peace to us, have you accepted His Son who was given.

Bible Studies

Advent 2025: Christ’s Victory Over Satan    

Loring Schultz

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”     Genesis 3:15 NIV

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This Sunday we are at the start of the advent season. Four ‘Advent Sundays’ that lead up towards the 25th day of December, Christmas Day. Most advent calendars will begin on December 1st and count down the twenty-four days before Christmas. Great anticipation builds as the big day approaches, especially for the children in our lives. That’s not to say that adults take a passive attitude towards it, we just don’t show it as much. Well imagine waiting 6,500 years for Christmas day, it did happen and it was worth the wait.

Genesis chapter 3 gives the beginning of the story in a well-known story, Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit. Our first parents sinned against God spiraling the entire human race into a sin nature. Paul writes in the book of Romans, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Ro.3:23 niv) Sin had entered the world alienating each of us from God. We needed a way to be reconciled back to the Lord and God had a plan right from the beginning. He would send His Son Jesus to reconcile us back to Him.

God said to Satan, the evil one, there will be hostility between your seed (the spiritual descendants of Satan) and her seed (those in the family of God). “He (Jesus) will crush your head, and you (Satan) will strike his heel.” (Gen.3:15 niv) This is a portrait of the cross. Jesus defeated Satan at the cross even though Satan was allowed to inflict suffering on the savior, but as His suffering led to Jesus’ death it paid the penalty for our sin. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead assuring us of eternal life. Satan was defeated.

The promise was made. A savior was born, His name is Jesus, and He will save His people from their sins. It was a long first advent, but it came. ‘Joy to the World’ the Lord has come. Have you accepted God’s plan of salvation?

Bible Studies

“The Resurrection” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark      

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 15:42-16:8 NLT – The Burial of Jesus – This all happened – Bible Gateway

“but the angel said, ‘Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.” Mark 16:6 NLT

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We have come to the end of our study in the book of Mark with more than a ray of hope, but a sun filled assurance of hope that our savior lives. Christians don’t hope as the world does, we have a certainty that God’s Word is true and Jesus Christ defeated death by rising from dead assuring us of eternal life. This is good news.

Last week we ended with those who witnessed Jesus’ death on the cross, Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph), Salome, and many other women who had followed Him. The Roman officer in charge exclaimed as Jesus cried out with His last breath, “This man was truly the Son of God!” (Mk.15:39 nlt) Jesus, the Son of God, had suffered a horrific death on our behalf as He took on Himself the sins of the whole world.

Since the Sabbath was about to start in a few short hours, “Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.)” (Mk.15:43 nlt) Pilate granted his request after inquiring if Jesus had already died. Most men who were crucified died two or three days after being nailed to a cross. Pilate was surprised Jesus was dead. After confirming His death Pilate released Jesus’ body to Joseph who “bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance.” (Mk.15:46 nlt) Some of the women who were there saw where Jesus’ body was laid and going home they prepared spices to bring to the gravesite.

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Mark records for us that the next day at sunset marking the end of the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out to buy additional spices to anoint Jesus’ body the next morning. The Jews did not embalm their dead. The women were planning to offer the spices they had prepared and purchased as an act of devotion and love. They obviously were not expecting anything other than to find a sealed grave when they got to the tomb. In fact, they even discussed on the way how would they get the stone rolled away. So, “Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’” (Mk.16:2-3 nlt) But to their surprise when they arrived, they saw the stone had already been moved aside.

The Bible says the women were shocked at what they saw as they entered the tomb. Entering through the main entryway into the fore chamber they preceded to  the back into a low rectangular opening leading to the burial chamber. That is where they saw an angel in a white robe sitting on the right side. The angel said to them, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.” (Mk.16:6 nlt) He then told the women to go and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen and He was going to Galilee and they were to meet Him there. The women left the tomb frighten and bewildered by what they had just witnessed.

We learn from the other gospel writers the women did report to the disciples all that had happen and that Jesus was alive. The disciples all doubted at first, but all came to believe that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. Note the special attention given to Peter. “Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee.” (Mk.16:7 nlt) This wasn’t addressed to Peter because he was the leader, but to reassure him that he was still one of Jesus’ disciples. This should be a great encouragement to us knowing that the Lord never gives up on us or discards us when we disobey Him and even deny Him.

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The climax to the gospel of Jesus Christ is His resurrection. He is declared the Son of God in great power. “and he (Jesus) was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Ro.1:4 nlt) Jesus was raised so we can be raised. He is alive at this very moment sitting at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus’ resurrection assures all of us eternal life who accept Him as Lord and Savior. This is the good news, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining us each Sunday in our look at the book of Mark in ‘Biblical Insights.’  I pray is has been a huge blessing!

Bible Studies

“The Crucifixion” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark                 

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 15:16-47 NLT – The Soldiers Mock Jesus – The soldiers – Bible Gateway

“Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” Mark 15:34 NLT

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The book of Mark as you know if you have been following along each Sunday is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news. This week as we near the end of our study we come to the reason why Jesus came down to earth, Mark writes in the tenth chapter of this book, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt) Indeed, Jesus came to give up His life so we may be saved from eternal damnation and hell fire. Jesus is about to be led to the cross after being released by Pilate into the hands of Roman soldiers after the crowds selected Barabbas to go free and Jesus to be crucified. For this purpose, Christ came, to save us from our sins.

“The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment.” (Mk.15:16 nlt) The praetorium was the headquarters of the Roman Cohort and also served as the official governors residence in Jerusalem. The soldiers job was to carry out crucifixions under Pilate’s orders. They took extra time before leading Jesus up to calvary’s hill as they mocked Him as the King of the Jews. Dressing Him in a purple robe, an old military cloak to represent royalty, they weaved a crown of thorns from a prickly plant and placed it on His head. The soldiers proceeded to mock Jesus by striking Him, spitting on Him, bowing down to Him mockingly and shouting ‘Hail, King of the Jews.” After they had their fill the soldiers led Jesus out to be crucified.

Due to lack of sleep the night before and the crucial beating Jesus received by the Roman soldiers He was to weak to carry the crossbeam all condemned prisoners were to carry to their crucifixion. The soldiers forced a man named, Simon, from Cyrene a city in Libya with a large Jewish population, to carry Jesus’ crossbeam. Simon was most likely in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. An interesting note concerning his two sons being mentioned, Alexander and Rufus, we do not know  much about them. Though unknown, however, they must have been well known to the people Mark was writing to because he made note of them.

“And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”).” (Mk.15:22 nlt) Golgotha is an Aram. Word meaning ‘skull.’ It possibly got its name from the frequent crucifixions that took place there. As was customary, they gave Jesus wine mixed with myrrh to deaden the pain, but Jesus refused it. The solders proceeded to nail Him to the cross and divided His clothing in which they cast lots for as predicted in the Old Testament. “They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.” (Ps.22:18 nlt) They placed a sign above His head, which was also customary, stating the crime in which each criminal was being put to death for. Jesus’ simply said, ‘The King of the Jews.’

On each side of Jesus was a criminal, both of whom were arrested for taking part in an insurrection, which was a capital crime that carried a death sentence. We know from other gospel writers that one of them insulted Jesus by telling Him to save Himself and them, but the other criminal realizing his guilt and just punishment asked Jesus to remember him when He went into His kingdom. A lesson for each of us to take seriously that everyone is saved the same way, admitting our sin and confessing to the Lord. Failure to do so will result in not being in the Kingdom of God.

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Ridicule and insults were being tossed at the servant Jesus on the cross. From the passers-by to the religious rulers all were taunting Jesus to come down from the cross and prove Himself to be the Son of God. “Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” (Mk.15:32 nlt)

At noon the Bible says darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mk.15:33-34 nlt) Again, from a reading in the Old Testament book of Psalms, David writes “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Ps.22:1 nlt) Jesus felt the deep abandonment from His Father as God the Father cannot look upon sin. God saw the sin of the whole world placed on His Son Jesus; He could do nothing but turn His back. A price felt by Jesus that was more painful than the physical pain He endured during the crucifixion. He did that for each one of us.

Jesus then cried out loudly and breathed His last. His death was not like most who have died from crucifixion. Most would be on the cross two or three days, their bodies exhausted and slipping into unconsciousness before death. But “Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last.” (Mk.15:37 nlt) Mark then records the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. There was no need any more for anyone to offer a sacrifice for sin. Christ paid that price with His own blood once and for all time. The writer of Hebrews notes, “Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” (Heb.10:11-12 nlt)

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A Roman officer, who may have been the closest witness to Jesus on the cross, exclaimed after what he just saw, “This man truly was the Son of God!” (Mk.15:39 nlt) This officer who was in charge and seen many crucifixions knew this was no ordinary death. Jesus had the strength to call out in a loud voice, evidence that He laid down His life for us, it wasn’t taken from Him. The Roman officer was right; Jesus truly is the Son of God.

Next week we end our study in the book of Mark with the resurrection of Jesus Christ which gives us all assurance of eternal life for those of us who believe on His name. Until next week……

Bible Studies

“Jesus on Trial” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 14:53-15:15 NLT – Jesus before the Council – They took – Bible Gateway

“Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, ‘Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?’ But Jesus was silent and made no reply.” Mark 14:60-61 NLT

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“Then the leading priests kept accusing him of many crimes, and Pilate asked him, ‘Aren’t you going to answer them? What about all these charges they are bringing against you?’” Mark 15:3-4 NLT

Jesus now deserted by His closest followers is led to Caiaphas’ house, the high priest, for His trial. Jesus’ trail is in two stages, a Jewish trial and a Roman trial. Each one comprised of three separate inquiries. In order to cover every segment of the two trials one needs to review all four gospels. Not one of the gospel writers compiled Jesus’ trials in totality, each gave more emphasis to certain portions of each stage. Here now, is Mark’s account of ‘Jesus on trial.’

“They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered.” (Mk.14:53 nlt) All the ruling Jewish leaders were present. This ruling body made up the Sanhedrin who were the ones examining this case and the charges that would be brought against Jesus. They probably met at Caiaphas’ house and at night to ensure secrecy from the people. Their goal was to find evidence to be able to put Jesus to death. Many false witnesses were brought in to collaborate their testimonies to find two or three who agree. Two or three witnesses were needed according to Jewish law for conviction. The problem was, they couldn’t find any who agreed.  

The high priest decided to push Jesus for an answer to the accusations He was hearing about Himself. Caiaphas didn’t understand Jesus’ silence through these allegations. Caiaphas finally asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” (Mk.14:60 nlt) But Jesus gave no answer. Caiaphas then push Him further by asking, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” (Mk.14:61b nlt) Jesus answered this time by saying, “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mk.14:62 nlt) The high priest torn his clothes at Jesus’ response. He considered the answer as blasphemous, dishonoring the name of God. Jesus claiming to be the Messiah and having the authority only belonging to God was enough for what they were looking for to condemn Jesus. “Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, ‘Why do we need other witnesses?’” (Mk.14:63 nlt) They declared Jesus guilty and deserving of death. They preceded to mock Him, spit on Him, and beat Him before sending Him on to Pilate.

Meanwhile, Peter is in the courtyard having followed the crowd to Caiaphas’ house. Standing by the fire in the chill of the night air he is noticed by a servant girl who confronted him saying this man has been with Jesus. Peter denied it. She began telling others, but again he denied it. Then a third time, “A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, ‘You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.’ Peter swore, ‘A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!’” (Mk.14:70-71 nlt) Immediately, the rooster crowed and Peter remembered Jesus’ words telling him that ‘before the rooster crows you will deny me times.’ At this Peter went out and weep bitterly.

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The scene now shifts to the early morning hours where a second meeting of the Sanhedrin takes place to legitimize the trial and Jesus’ guilty verdict. It was illegal to hold a trial at night, so they sort of made it official in the morning light. They also had no authority from the Roman government to carry out capital punishment. Jesus had to be brought before Pilate. “Very early in the morning the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law—the entire high council—met to discuss their next step. They bound Jesus, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.” (Mk.15:1 nlt)

Pilate had only one concern as Jesus was brought to him by the Jewish rulers, was He asserting Himself to be king. Pilate asked Him, ‘“Are you the king of the Jews?’ Jesus replied, ‘You have said it.’” (Mk.15:2 nlt) The leading priests were continuing to throw accusations of many crimes committed by Jesus. It wasn’t uncommon for multiple charges to be made in a criminal case. Again as with Caiaphas, Pilate was confused why Jesus wouldn’t answer back against those charges. But Jesus didn’t utter a word.

During the Passover celebration it was Pilate’s custom to release a prisoner of the peoples choice. Pilate knew that the religious rulers brought Jesus to him out of envy. This was Pilate’s out, for he knew Jesus was innocent. But the leading priests stirred up the crowd to ask for Barabbas, an insurrectionist and a murderer. When Pilate then asked. ‘“Then what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’ ‘Why?’ Pilate demanded. ‘What crime has he committed?’ But the mob roared even louder, ‘Crucify him!’” (Mk.15:12-14 nlt) When Pilate saw he was getting nowhere; he appeased the crowd by releasing Barabbas, the murderer, and handing Jesus over to be crucified.

It is very much like our current day. Crowds can be stirred up to participate in the cruelest acts. Releasing the guilty and punishing the innocent. We live in a world that is corrupted by sin. Its influence is seen and felt every day. The world has a sin problem; we have a sin problem. As unjust as Jesus’ trials were, it was God’s plan of salvation for each one of us who believe in Jesus Christ. And Jesus accepted His Father’s will and remained silent letting the trial come to completion leading to cross where we pick it up next week……….

Bible Studies

“Your Will Be Done” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark   

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 14:32-52 NLT – Jesus Prays in Gethsemane – They went – Bible Gateway

‘“Abba, Father,’ he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’” Mark 14:36 NLT

Our last time in the book of Mark we covered the conclusion of the Last Supper. Jesus gave new meaning to the Passover meal by applying the unleavened bread and the wine to Himself. The bread of affliction symbolized His broken body as He would be nailed to the cross, and the cup of wine represents the blood He would shed for the remission of sins. Jesus then tells His disciples “I tell you the truth, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.” (Mk.14:25 nlt) Scripture says they then sung a hymn and proceeded to the Mount of Olives.

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Jesus with the disciples came to Gethsemane, an Olive Grove on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives. Gethsemane means ‘oil press’ where olives are crushed for the oil. This was one of Jesus’ favorite places to go, and ironically it is representative of His body being crushed and His blood being spilled for us. “He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’” (Mk.14:3-4 nlt) Jesus wanted these three, the leaders of the disciples, with Him during His time of sorrow. Jesus’ grief was so great He was at the risk of death just from His extreme sorrow.

While Peter, James, and John stay behind, Jesus went a little further from them and fell down and prayed. He asked His Father if the hour before would pass Him by. The hour was the time of God’s plan of salvation where Jesus would suffer and die. Jesus cried out, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me.” (Mk.14:36 nlt) ‘Abba’ is an expression of a close loving relationship such as the term ‘daddy.’ Knowing that there isn’t anything His Father, can’t do, Jesus asked if this cup, meaning the ‘cup of death and God’s wrath’ upon Him be taken away. Jesus would have the sin of the entire human race placed on Him causing God His Father to turn His back on Him as Jesus paid the price for our sins. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2Cor.5:21 nlt)

Although Jesus knew of the physical suffering He would go through and that His Father would turn His back on Him for God cannot look upon sin, Jesus said, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mk.14:36b nlt) Jesus resolved to do the Father’s will. It was the Father’s plan of salvation to save mankind and it was and still is the only way of salvation. David Guzik, Christian pastor and author states, “This prayer of Jesus eliminates any other way of salvation. If there is another way, His death was not necessary, and His prayer was not answered.” There is no other way.

Jesus returned and found Peter, James, and John sleeping. He called out Peter as the leader of the leaders, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?” (Mk.14:37 nlt) Jesus called Peter ‘Simon’ perhaps because he wasn’t living up to the name Jesus gave him. All three were then told, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mk.14:38 nlt) The disciples are soon going to be challenged and they are to be faithful in the threat of temptation and upcoming attacks on them. They would soon be tested as Jesus is arrested. If Peter had been watching and praying perhaps, he would not have denied Jesus.

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Leaving them a second time, Jesus went and prayed the same thing to the Father. Upon retuning He found them asleep again. The Bible says, “And they didn’t know what to say.” (Mk.14:40 nlt) They had nothing to say because they had no excuse. How many times are we without excuse when we should be watching and praying and the Lord finds us asleep, not paying attention to the signs of His coming and His command to us to make disciples. It happen a third time and this time Jesus said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” (Mk.14:41-42 nlt)

A company of Roman soldiers along with servants of the court and the Temple guard led by Judas make their way through the garden of Gethsemane to Jesus. The order to arrest Jesus came from the Sanhedrin. “As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. ‘Rabbi!’ he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him..” (Mk.14:45-46 nlt) Judas had arranged for them to arrest the one who he greets with customary Middle Eastern greeting of a kiss. But there were several methods of this greeting kiss. Judas chose the most intimate one, a kiss on the cheek, as in a pupil and a teacher (Rabbi), and in the most despicable  way.

Mark records that one of the disciples drew a sword and cut off an ear of the high priest’s servant. We know from other gospel records that this disciple was Peter, and we also know that Jesus touched the servant and he was healed. Yet, the arrest continued to take place. Jesus then confronted them by asking “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me?” (Mk.14:48 nlt) A revolutionary would be arrested under the cloud of darkness, but not a man who everyone knew preaching openly at the Temple every day. But that is why they arrested Jesus secretly. There were no grounds to arrest Him. And this was prophesied in the Old Testament, “Unjustly condemned, he was led away…… He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.” (Is.53:9-10 nlt) As Jesus foretold His disciples they would all abandon Him, (Mk.14:27) they did.

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The garden scene ends with a young man who was following behind wearing only a linen sheet. None of the other gospel writers record this instance. It seems to be out of place, but it is thought to be Mark himself the writer of this gospel. Having caught wind of Jesus’ upcoming arrest he hurriedly ran to the seen perhaps jumping out of bed not taking the time to fully dress. In his haste to also escape he lost his only covering he had on him except for some undergarments.

Next week we begin to look at the trials of Jesus……….