Mark 14:21

“For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.””

This verse is helpful, though it may seem logically inconsistent. What do I mean by “logically inconsistent?

First, we see that it was already written that the Son of Man was appointed to die. In other words, God had already determined that Jesus would be murdered. He was innocent. We see that in places like Genesis 3:15 and Isaiah 53, written long before Jesus was born. On the other hand, those involved in his death will be judged. To convey this personal responsibility, Jesus said, “It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

To some, this seems inconsistent or contradictory. How can God judge people for what hundreds of years prior, He had said would happen to Jesus?

My answer is this. God is not looking over the railing of heaven, wondering what will happen each day, kinda hoping for the best. He is involved, accomplishing His will. We always pray for God to do things on earth, even if his actions override someone’s free will. “Father, do whatever it takes to cause Joe to believe.” We never qualify our request by adding, “But don’t override Joe’s free will.”

However, we make real choices every day and will be held accountable for those decisions. Somehow, a sovereign God has the capacity to make those two things (His determinative actions and our “free will”) work together in a way that makes sense to Him.

Father, help me not stumble over things I don’t quite understand. Please help me to be faithful in the areas that I do understand, and by faith to trust you in the areas I don’t understand. Amen.

Mark 13:11

“And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus gave this instruction to the disciples in the context of their own persecution for their faith. However, I think it can be helpful for us in the context of sharing our faith with those around us.

He said, “Do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”

If you are anything like me, you might find yourself becoming anxious when talking with unbelievers about the Lord. Jesus tells us not to be anxious. Why? Because the Holy Spirit will speak through us.

I understand that to mean two things. First, I get anxious because I am trying to figure out the best thing to say. Here, the focus is on my knowledge, wisdom, and ability. Second, the Holy Spirit will guide me if I don’t focus on myself and trust the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and words. Here, the focus is on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Father, help me to lean into your Spirit and rely less on myself. Amen.

Mark 12:17

“Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.”

This was Jesus’ answer to a trap question. They marveled at Him because he never fell prey to their trap questions. The reason he never fell into their trap wasn’t merely that he was more clever, but because he dealt with the heart.

Notice that he doesn’t say, “Don’t pay your taxes.” He goes to the heart. “Give to God what belongs to Him.” The application is if you belong to God, give yourself – all of yourself – to Him.

What is more important, Caesar or God? Notice that in rearranging the question, he not only addressed the more pressing issue, but he also avoided offending Rome.

Father, please help me remember to whom I belong. Then, help me be more faithful in rendering myself to you. Amen.