March 24-28

Responding to Jesus

And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” – Mark 14:41(ESV)

On April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg. Multiple warnings had been sent earlier that day, but the radio operators ignored them because they were too busy transmitting personal messages for wealthy passengers. By the time they realized the danger, it was too late. Over 1,500 people lost their lives (A Night to Remember). Similarly, Jesus calls us to respond to Him, but many ignore His voice until a crisis comes. The question is, will we respond before it’s too late?

Jesus asked His disciples to stay awake and pray in Gethsemane, but they repeatedly fell asleep. Instead of responding to Jesus’ urgent call, they ignored His warning about the spiritual battle ahead. Many people today do the same. They hear about Jesus, but they delay responding—assuming they have more time. But faith isn’t something to put off for later. Jesus calls us to follow Him now. Will you respond in obedience, or will you sleep through the opportunity? Just like the Titanic’s crew ignored the warnings, ignoring Jesus doesn’t make the danger go away—it just leaves us unprepared.

Reflection Questions
1. In what areas of your life might you be delaying obedience to Jesus?
2. How can you actively respond to His call today?

Suggested Prayer
Lord, I don’t want to delay my response to You. Wake me up spiritually, and help me to follow You wholeheartedly today. Give me the courage to say “yes” to whatever You ask of me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Some People Willingly Betray Jesus

And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him. – Mark 14:45-46 (ESV)

In 2018, a man tried to rob a bank by passing the teller a note that read, “Give me all your money.” The problem? He wrote it on the back of his own paycheck—with his name and address clearly visible. He was arrested within minutes (New York Post). Betrayal often backfires. Judas thought selling out Jesus would benefit him, but he soon regretted his decision.

Pastor Jim reminded us that some people willingly betray Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss—a symbol of closeness turned into an act of deception. Betrayal isn’t always dramatic; sometimes, it’s simply choosing something over Jesus—compromising faith for personal gain. Have you ever prioritized success, relationships, or comfort over obedience to Christ? The world tempts us to trade Jesus for temporary rewards, but those choices always lead to regret. Don’t sell out—Jesus is worth more than anything this world can offer.

Reflection Questions
1. Have you ever compromised your faith for something temporary?
2. What steps can you take to ensure Jesus remains your highest priority?

Suggested Prayer
Father, keep my heart from betraying You for the things of this world. Help me to remain faithful, valuing You above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Some People Foolishly Abandon Jesus

And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked. – Mark 14:51-52 (ESV)

During the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, a Greek soldier ran 26 miles to deliver a message of victory, only to collapse and die from exhaustion. Today, people voluntarily run marathons for fun! Imagine if that soldier had run halfway and quit—his mission would have failed. Just like running a race, following Jesus requires endurance (The First Marathon). But too often, people start strong and then give up when things get tough.

When Jesus was arrested, His followers fled—even an unnamed young man ran away so fast he left his clothes behind! Fear made them abandon Jesus. It’s easy to follow Him when life is smooth, but what happens when it gets difficult? Do we stay faithful, or do we run? True discipleship requires commitment, even when it’s uncomfortable. Will you follow Jesus when it’s hard, or will you retreat?

Reflection Questions
1. Have you ever been tempted to abandon your faith in tough times?
2. What helps you stay committed to following Jesus?

Suggested Prayer
Lord, give me the strength to follow You, even when it’s difficult. Keep me from running away when challenges come. Help me stay faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Some People Totally Reject Jesus

And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows. – Mark 14:65 (ESV)

In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested in Birmingham for leading peaceful protests. Many criticized him, accusing him of stirring trouble. But King refused to back down because he knew justice was worth the cost. Similarly, Jesus was falsely accused, mocked, and beaten—not for wrongdoing, but for standing for truth. His rejection by men fulfilled God’s plan for salvation.

In Acts 14, the religious leaders rejected Jesus, not because He did wrong, but because He exposed their hearts. People still reject Jesus today—some mock Him, others ignore Him, but rejection is rejection. What about you? Have you fully embraced Jesus, or are there parts of your life where you’re still keeping Him at a distance? He’s not just a teacher or a good example—He’s the Savior. Don’t make the mistake of rejecting the One who gave His life for you.

Reflection Questions
1. Are there areas in your life where you’re resisting Jesus’ authority?
2. What does fully accepting Jesus as Lord look like in your life?

Suggested Prayer
Father, I don’t want to reject You in any part of my life. Help me to fully embrace Jesus and follow Him wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Some People Completely Deny Jesus

But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. – Mark 14:71-72 (ESV)

In 2019, a man called in sick to work so he could go to a baseball game. His boss saw him on TV, cheering behind home plate. Busted! He later admitted, “I panicked and lied, but that just made it worse” (ESPN). Peter panicked too—denying Jesus three times. But unlike that baseball fan, Peter’s failure led to repentance and restoration.

Peter swore he’d never deny Jesus—until pressure hit. Fear can make us do things we never thought possible. Have you ever stayed silent when you should have spoken up about your faith? Have you ever acted differently to avoid criticism? Denial isn’t just verbal—it’s any time we live as if Jesus isn’t our Lord. But the good news? Jesus forgave Peter, and He forgives us too. The question is: Will we return to Him after we fail?

Reflection Questions
1. Have you ever denied Jesus by your words or actions?
2. How can you boldly stand for Jesus in your daily life?

Suggested Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I have denied You—whether by words, actions, or silence. Give me the boldness to stand for You in every situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.