Introduction

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It's a joy to gather with you today, to share in the fellowship of our faith, and to find our hearts warmed by the love of Jesus Christ. We are here, not by accident, but by divine appointment. God has brought us together to share in this time of worship, to learn from His word, and to grow in our walk with Him.

Today, we are going to open our Bibles to the book of Mark, chapters 14 through 15, verses 1 to 47. These chapters contain some of the most powerful and poignant moments in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are chapters that speak of trust, surrender, and triumph - themes that resonate deeply within our own lives.

As we approach these passages, we do so with humility and reverence, knowing that we are standing on holy ground. We are about to encounter the living God, the One who loved us so much that He gave His only Son so that we might have eternal life. As we read these words, let's remember that they are not just ancient texts, but the living and active word of God, speaking to us today.

Trusting in God's Plan

The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "Visit many good books, but live in the Bible." And so, let's live in these passages today, letting them shape us and mold us into the image of Christ.

[Insert Mark 14:1-15:47]

As we prepare to delve into these passages, let's bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day, for the gift of life, and for the privilege of gathering together as Your people. We thank You for Your word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As we read these passages today, we ask that You would open our hearts to receive Your truth. Help us to trust in Your plan, to surrender our will to You, and to find triumph through our surrender. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Transition. So, dear friends, are we ready to trust in God's plan? Are we ready to turn over our will? Are we ready to find triumph through surrender? Let's find out together.

1. Trusting in God's Plan

In the heart of the Gospel of Mark, we find Jesus in the midst of a plot against His life. The religious leaders of the day, the chief priests and teachers of the law, were scheming to arrest Him secretly and kill Him. Yet, in the midst of this, Jesus remained calm and composed. He didn't panic or try to escape. He didn't even try to defend Himself. Instead, He trusted in God's plan.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew the pain and suffering that awaited Him. Yet, He trusted in God's plan. He knew that God was in control and that His plan was perfect. This is a powerful example for us. We face trials and tribulations that seem unfair and unjust. We face situations that are painful and difficult. Yet, in the midst of these situations, we are called to trust in God's plan.

This trust actively seeks God's will and follows it. It's a trust that believes in God's promises and holds onto them, no matter what. It's a trust that is willing to surrender our own plans and desires to God's plan. This trust is also not solitary. It's a trust that is shared with others. It's a trust that is willing to stand up for what is right and just, even when it's difficult.

This trust lasts. It's a trust that endures through the ups and downs of life. It's a trust that remains steadfast, even when the circumstances change. It's a trust that is rooted in the unchanging character of God.

This trust goes deep! It's a trust that penetrates the surface of our lives and reaches into the depths of our hearts. It's a trust that transforms us from the inside out. It's a trust that shapes our character and molds us into the image of Christ.

Jesus demonstrated this deep, enduring, active, and shared trust in God's plan. He didn't waver. He didn't falter. He didn't give up. He trusted in God's plan, even to the point of death.

As we reflect on these passages, let's ask ourselves: Do we trust in God's plan? Do we trust in His promises? Do we trust in His character? Do we trust in His love? Do we trust in His power? Do we trust in His wisdom? Do we trust in His timing?

Transition. If we do, then let's follow the example of Jesus. Let's trust in God's plan, no matter what. Let's surrender our plans and desires to His plan. Let's share this trust with others. Let's endure through the ups and downs of life.

Turning Over Our Will

As we continue to reflect on the events of Mark 14 and 15, we find ourselves at the foot of the cross, witnessing the ultimate act of surrender ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO