Mark Chapter 14 has many key players. Jesus, first and foremost. Jesus and the disciples. Simon the leper. The woman with the alabaster jar full of costly nard. The crowd with swords and clubs. The young man who followed, even after the disciples all fled. The chief priests, elders and scribes. The guards and the servant girl. The bystanders…

Mark paints a picture as each scene transitions. Every picture tells a story within a story. Because it was two days before the Passover, Mark 14 begins by telling us the chief priests and scribes were hatching a plan. “It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.” Mark 14:1-2

There was a plan and although the chief priests and scribes thought they were crafty and would catch Jesus off guard, they deceived only themselves. Nothing has ever, or will ever, catch Jesus off guard. Not them, not Judas the betrayer. After Jesus says one of them will betray him, they ask “Is it I?”

Mark 14:18-20; And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me.” Jesus was not taken by surprise.

Judas leaves the upper room and carries out his plan. Jesus and the other disciples proceed to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26-28; And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Here is when Jesus predicts Peter’s betrayal. Good old Peter. I identify with his propensity to stick his sandal in his mouth. Speak first, think after. Jesus tells Peter he will deny him three times before the rooster crows twice. Read the account in Mark 14:68-72.

Mark 14 contains many relational dynamics. The most important relationship is between Jesus and each one of the people who were with him in this account. There were far too many for me to examine them one by one in this blog, so I will return to the title. “Is it me?” Am I the betrayer? At this moment, the answer is no. Unfortunately, there are many times the answer would have been yes. I have betrayed my Savior.

Every time I have judged others. When I sensed I should speak out against something and I was silent. The harsh words that have come out of my mouth because I was selfish and didn’t get my way. I do not always walk out a life of obedience because I love Jesus. I choose what is easy, not best. I live a flesh-centered existence rather than a spirit-filled life. I have a long way to go and I am beyond grateful for God's grace.

Like Peter, I have denied Jesus. Like Peter, I have been forgiven and sent out to love others with the rich love I have received. I will not do it perfectly. Jesus is not surprised by my denial or by my obedience. Yes, sometimes it is me.

What about you? Have you ever “heard” the rooster crow and then realize you denied Jesus? Have you stayed stuck or have you confessed, turned away from the sin and got in step with the Master? Please consider sharing your thoughts and experiences.