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A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to MARK
PART 8 - Christ's Passion and Death (Mark 14:1 - 15:47)
4. Preparing the Passover (Mark 14:12-16)MARK 14:12-16 Jesus had long intended to pass this last evening with his disciples on earth, and to make the new covenant with them as a close of his ministry. He allowed neither his enemies nor Satan to confuse this sacred occasion. Therefore, he did not speak before Judas in public about the place in which he would celebrate the Passover with his disciples, but spoke to those whom he charged to prepare the supper in a hidden way, that the traitor might not be able to betray him. At the same time, Jesus showed what kind of man was he who was prepared to enter his house and celebrate the Passover with him. Thus, Jesus sent two of his disciples to prepare for him the last supper in the holy city. He directed them how to find the place and, and guided them to a certain man, from among hundreds of men, who was prepared to receive the guest of God. What was the notable sign of this man? He was carrying a jar of water, and it is not an ordinary thing to find a man carrying a jar of water, for this job is women´s work. However, this man was not afraid of being seen as a servant. Probably his wife was sick, and therefore he humbled himself and took upon himself the responsibilities of the house. This is the distinct sign: Preparedness for service until the Son of God enters the house of a man. Christ commanded his two disciples to follow this man, as if he said to them: “The service is appointed for you in future”, for Christ prefers to come to servants rather than to the proud. He said of himself that the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Christ guided his two disciples to speak to this man, not as beggars, but as ambassadors of the Lord, and to communicate to him Jesus’ words, that he might think of this important message. Christ’s coming to a certain house signifies honor and blessing on one part, and danger and persecution on the other part. Therefore, it was not good to compel him to receive Christ in his house, but rather to give him enough time to decide. Note that Christ does not come alone to a man’s house, but with his disciples, and he fills the house with joy and peace. Jesus knew beforehand that this man was prepared to receive the Son of God at any cost. Wherever missionaries obey God’s guidance in our days, they find open doors and prepared hearts. Sometimes, we experience refusal and dislike in our ministries, because we preach to men who do not want salvation, and therefore they cannot accept it, being unprepared for this spiritual calling. Ask Christ to guide you to people who long for God’s salvation, for the Holy Spirit has prepared them. The two disciples obeyed Christ’s word. They found the man, and prepared the supper in his house for Christ and his disciples. This is the purpose of our service and the result of our obedience: to prepare others for Christ’s coming to them, and their union with him in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. PRAYER: O Lord Jesus, we thank you because you intended to unify us together with all those who are prepared to accept you. Forgive our negligence of your important calling, and help us to obey the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that we may find those who long for your coming, and preach to them your salvation and your coming to them. Help us not to behave in the ministry according to our own wishes, but to obey your word, that we may actually find those who are prepared to hear your gospel. Amen. QUESTION:
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