Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, June 30, 2024

The Moonlight Kiss of Betrayal. Today Michael is still in Mark (we’re just about done!) and he is going to tell a story, like a story, not just reading.  True narrative format and it’s good! Jesus is talking with His disciples, letting them know, that all ‘will fall away’.  Meaning, when the going get’s tough, the disciples won’t be so tough! And this theme, with Jesus, His disciples and the message is about betrayal.   Back on topic, the disciples hear Him tell them that they will bolt when it get’s tough and they are, of course, agast.  What, “US” leave you?  Are you kidding????" Even Peter, a rock if there ever was one, cannot believe He is telling them that.  Naturally, Peter claims his undying loyalty to the cause and Jesus reminds him, even he will fall away. So, twelve of them go to the Mount of Olives (one is missing; wonder where Judas is?) and they come to a lush grove, Gethsemane, and Jesus tells them to rest, sit and pray.  Jesus leaves them and prays three times.  Each time he comes back, the disciples are asleep.  During all of this, the disciples can see Jesus is in extreme anguish and knows something very foreboding, serious is coming His way. Finally, a crowd appears to take Jesus away.  They drag him into the city and a trial will soon begin.   During all of this, Jesus suffers three betrayals: 1. Notably, Judas Iscariot. 2. The religious leaders and the system of the time. 3. HIs disciples.   Our central message this week, concerning betrayal is: "When you experience betrayal, and you will, trust God and choose better over bitter”. Today’s verses can be found in Mark 14: 27 - 52 Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.