TEXT:    MARK 14

BY:        BRO. ATIGBI, WILRED,

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Introduction:

Mark 14 emphasizes that, in His final hours, when He needed friends the most, Jesus stood without a friend. That idea challenges each of us to be His faithful friend.

1. REFLECTING ON THE ISSUES THAT LED TO THE CRUCIFIXION OF OUR LORD JESUS:

• He stood without a friend; Jesus friends failed Him when He was taken by Jewish leaders to Pilate.
• Judas betrayed Him on a day of feast. (Matt. 26:15-25).
• The apostles had forsaken Him (Mark 14:27-37,50).
• Peter, James and John failed Him. After the last supper, Jesus had taken these three to the garden of Gethsemane with Him.

He asked them to keep watch with Him as He prayed in agony. (Mk. 14: 34,35, 37 & 38).

• Peter denied Him (Mk 14: 29-31). Three times Peter denied knowing Jesus or being His disciple (Mk. 14:68-71).

1. HOW WILL I BE A FRIEND TO JESUS?:

Good friends never failed as we have the opportunity to be Jesus friend.

• By honoring Jesus: A woman proved to be His friend before hand for the burial (mk. 14:8)
• By defending Jesus – we must defend His course and His Church, as His Church is constantly under attack.
• We must make sure that we are doing right and setting good examples.
• We are to stand for the truth and not support the enemies of Jesus.
• We must speak the truth in love, respecting the rights of others to make their own decisions to do right or wrong.
• By helping Jesus, we must help those whom Jesus would help if He were on the earth today. (Matt. 25: 31-40).
• We can be His friend by doing good to all people as we have the opportunity (Gal. 6:10, Jam. 1:27)
• By obeying Jesus; You are my fried if you do what I command you; (John 15:14, Mk 1:15, mk 16:16, Lk. 12:8-9, Heb. 10:25).

By preaching Jesus Christ; whether under threat (Jn. 15:13), the great commission, (Mk 16:15, Lk. 19:10). Christ came to seek and save that which was lost. (Jn 4:35). We must leave our comfortable home and go out to seek the lost. (Jn. 4:35).

Jesus can change failure into success by forgiving us (2Tim. 4:7-8).

CONCLUSION:

Jesus wants to be our friend. Will you allow Him to be? He holds out His hands and invites you and me to take it, but He does not force you to accept His offer of friendship and salvation. If you will obey Him, then Jesus will walk beside you, as your friend all your days.

(Hymn 246, I’ll be a friend to Jesus).

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