Wednesday Scripture for today: Mark 6:30,31. You may wish to read the portions of Scripture indicated below.
Mark 6 30 The apostles *gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. 31 And He *said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) 32 They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.
This day, along with the Sabbath (Saturday) before Palm Sunday, is not mentioned in the Gospels. Perhaps Jesus took time this day to do what He had advised the disciples to do in Mark 6:31, come apart for awhile and rest.
The day before Jesus had given Himself totally to the people in preaching and teaching. He had also silenced the critical religious leaders. His day had started early and ended late. It was Jesus’ custom at the busiest times in His life to spend time with His Father (Mark 1:35), certainly this day would be no exception.
It is possible that this day was used by Judas Iscariot to go to the chief priests and agree to betray Jesus. Whenever Judas made the arrangements to betray Jesus, we know that it occurred before the Thursday Passover meal. You may wish to read Luke 22:1-6.
Judas may have been prompted by many events to betray Jesus. Many have suggested that the use of expensive perfume to anoint Jesus triggered envy and greed in Judas, as may be implied in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark (Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:1-11).
Perhaps Judas was disappointed that Jesus had not started His Kingdom. Whatever his motives, we can be sure that Judas put self-will before God’s will, which allowed him to be controlled by Satan.
Today, as you face the business of life, remember that our Lord found time to be alone with His Heavenly Father and encouraged His disciples to do the same. It is necessary for us to spend time in quiet reflection, in prayer and Bible reading; just spending time alone with God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, let me never become so busy with my own plans and agendas that I forget to spend quiet time with you. May Satan never find a foothold in my selfishness to harm the cause of Christ. Amen.
