Tuesday (Third day of the Week)

Scripture:

"But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. And you will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations." (Mk.13:9, 10)


Meditation: Real Deal with Jesus Christ

In the morning, Jesus and His disciples returned to Jerusalem. On the way, Peter said, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”(Mk.11:21). Jesus taught the importance lesson about the power of prayer. Jesus said, “Therefore I say to you whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mk.11:24). The key to answering prayer is being able to forgive and receive forgiveness from God (v.25).
Jesus now came back to the temple which He cleansed yesterday, came to see face to face with the chief priests, scribes, and elders. They questioned Him on His authority. Jesus answered the question by asking question back to them. It is a showdown. Jesus related back to John the Baptist who was known to all people as prophet of God, including Pharisees. Remember that John the Baptist was proclaiming about Jesus as the Lamb of God. Then, if they accept John the Baptist, they must accept Jesus as well.



Now Jesus was teaching and answering questions from people regarding His coming, death and resurrection. The parable of the wicked vinedressers (Mk.12:1-11) was direct hit to the hearts of enemy of Jesus (Mk.12:12). The questions like these were answered by Jesus at that day in the temple; is it lawful to pay tax to Caesar? Who will be the husband of a woman when the resurrection comes? Which is the first or the most importance commandment of all?
Jesus saw one great thing about a widow woman’s deeds among the wicked hearts that surrounded Him that day. That widow woman gave two mites which she had for everything. Jesus praised about her giving.
Jesus took off from temple to the mount Olives just opposite of the temple. Here may be the best place that God the Father spoke from Heaven with a voice for the third time directly to Jesus. And this is also the last time God the Father spoke with a voice while Jesus was present on earth. The Father said, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” (Jn.12:28). People heard it, disciples heard it and surely John heard it clearly.
Jesus prophesized about future when Peter, James, and John asked about end time. Here Jesus told the signs to watch out and caution to take about truth and false doctrines (Mk.13:3-37). There will be a great tribulation and the promise of Jesus return as King of kings.
That evening, Jesus rested at the Mount Olives with His disciples.

Application:

Today, the lesson for us is about being able to see who Jesus Christ really is. His reason of coming to this world, being a sacrificial Lamb, and coming again as King of kings and Lord of lords with authority are clearly stated in His teaching and testimony. The question is that are we like those Pharisees who had doubtful and harden their hearts? Or are we just simply believe when we see the evidences of who Jesus Christ is? Scriptures says “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Ps.95:7, 8). Let us believe in Jesus Christ who is the only way that God has provided for the mankind for the salvation.