Thursday, Feb. 16 – Mark 14
Over the years as a pastor, I’ve counseled and consoled many families in times of pain, grief, and sorrow. Every story has been different, filled with a variety of feelings and emotions. The one thing that’s been consistent: less is more. A small group of faithful friends is medicine for the soul when you’re going through seasons of pain and suffering. In fact, I’ve never seen care done via loud, busy, large crowds. The comfort of a quiet word, soft touch, or even just sitting in silence can be just what the heart needs.
In the final days of Jesus’ life in Mark 14, we see the full expression of his humanity and divinity. Because Jesus is fully divine, he knows what’s to come. He’s always known his mission (Luke 19:10), and that it would include suffering and death. Yet in his full humanity, we see Jesus do what any of us would do when faced with fear, difficulty, and potential danger—he clung to his friends. He dines with Simon the Leper, celebrates the Passover meal with his 12 disciples, and then asks them to stay and pray with him as he goes to Gethsemane. Because when you’re hurting, often less is more. More people doesn’t mean more comfort. More people doesn’t mean more strength. It can often just mean more noise.
In verses 33 and 34, we read, “He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” He didn’t ask for the crowds, rather he wanted his inner circle of Peter, James, and John. Outside of showing us his incredible fortitude to follow through on this excruciating plan, Jesus also demonstrates a level of vulnerability that we could learn from. In his moments of need, he asked for his closest friends to be near. He could have prayed and grieved alone, but instead, he invited others into his pain and distress.
Amidst the passion story and final days of Jesus' life, don’t miss the beauty of how Jesus embraced pain, suffering, and the need for real relationships.
Questions for reflection:
- In Mark 14, where do you see Jesus demonstrating his divinity? In other words, how does he differ from a normal man? What does he do in line with God’s character?
- Conversely, where do you see Jesus demonstrating his full humanity?
- Why do you think it’s so hard for many of us to invite others into our moments of pain and distress as Jesus did?
- Do you have a small group of people in your life that you’re willing to be vulnerable with, just like Jesus was?