united against jesus
“[The Pharisees] immediately began to plot with the Herodians how they might destroy [Jesus].” —Mark 3:6
The Pharisees were a holy religious group who were zealous for the God of Israel (see Mt 5:20). The Herodians were a secular political group loyal to King Herod. The Pharisees opposed the Roman occupation of Israel, while the Herodians were not opposed. The Pharisees and the Herodians were two groups that had little in common. Yet they began to work together because they both opposed Jesus. The Pharisees would likely not have worked with the Herodians but for their desire to stop Jesus. The same happened with Pilate and Herod, who had been enemies but became friends in their opposition to Jesus (Lk 23:7-12).
Who would you never imagine that you could work with? If you don’t fix your eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2), deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow in Jesus’ footsteps (Lk 9:23), you might eventually find yourself preferring to work with that group of people rather than turning to Jesus. Would you ever join forces with Goliath, who insulted the Lord? (see 1 Sm 17:45)
Judas chose to work with those who opposed Jesus rather than bringing his questions directly to Jesus. There is a Judas within us, lurking to gain control of our lives. There is a civil war ever ready to break out in our hearts (Jas 4:1). But the Lord wants to train our hands for battle, our fingers for victory in the spiritual war (Ps 144:1-2). “Stretch out your hand” to Jesus (Mk 3:5), not to those opposed to Him.
Prayer: Jesus, You declared that we are either for You or against You (Mt 12:30). Grant that I may always be for You.
Promise: “Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, Who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.” —Ps 144:1
Praise: St. Ambrose wrote that St. Agnes “went to the place of execution more cheerfully than others go to their wedding.”
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Join us Oct. 18-19 for a study of the Gospel of Mark. This is a great way to rekindle your love, knowledge and commitment to the Lord. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)
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