What Jesus Did! 'Why Not in the Temple?' — Mark 14:49

Sunday, November 10, 2024

[To the armed mob that came to arrest him, Jesus said,] "Why didn't you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me."
— Mark 14:49 NLT

Key Thought

Just as Jesus used a question in the previous verse to confront his accusers about their injustice, [1] he confronted their fear and treachery in this verse. They came to arrest him at night in his place of prayer away from the crowds. They feared the crowds who were loyal to Jesus. They feared the people because they believed in him. So rather than conducting their "arrest" of Jesus of Nazareth in the daytime, the mob snaked their way through the darkened streets to a place they could arrest him without being seen by the crowds. However, Jesus wanted to make clear that their treacherous schemes worked only because he allowed them to work: He was determined to honor his Father's will and fulfill what the Scriptures had said about him. Jesus was about to be arrested, brutalized, and murdered by these people. However, their evil deeds happened only because he offered himself for our sins, not because they had power over him.

[1] Mark 14:48.

Today's Prayer

Father, for your Son's faith, obedience, and sacrifice, I give you thanks. May his example motivate me to be faithful no matter what circumstances I find myself facing. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 22:1-6
  • Mark 11:18, 32
  • Mark 10:32

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 14:49 NLT — "Why didn't you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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