10-18-93 Bill Cooper (UB paper 177)
This is a story about John Mark and Jesus. At the time of these events John was 15 years old. He had followed along with Jesus’ preaching tours for most of the past two years. He was part of Jesus’ camp and was present at every opportunity
to hear Jesus teach his apostles and other followers. He was like a junior apostle.
This story takes place on Wednesday before the last supper on Thursday evening and before Jesus’ betrayal, trial and execution on Friday. Jesus knew he was about to die. He had talked to his followers about this several times in the preceding week. On Tuesday he had been very direct with his apostles and followers regarding his impending death, his brief return and then his departure to be with his Heavenly Father. Jesus’ followers were finally realizing that this was about to happen, and they were stunned that their beloved teacher and friend was about to die.
So as our story begins, it is breakfast time in Jesus’ camp on Mount Olivet on Wednesday. All is solemn and pervaded by an ominous silence as the meal proceeds.
About half way through breakfast Jesus speaks to all present and says, “I want all of you to take today as a day of rest. Take time to think about everything that has happened while we have been in Jerusalem, and meditate on what is just ahead, of which I have plainly told you. Make sure that the love of our Father abides in your lives and that you daily grow to be more like him.”
After breakfast Jesus advised Andrew that he would be absent for the day and suggested that the apostles should spend the time according to their own choosing, except that under no circumstances should they go within the gates of Jerusalem.
Jesus then made ready to go into the hills alone. He put on his outer robe and tied it, laced his sandals and picked up his staff. As he did this, David Zebedee and three of his men approached. David spoke to Jesus,”Master, you well know that the Pharisees and rulers seek to destroy you and yet you make ready to go alone into the hills. To do this is folly; I will therefore send these men with you, well prepared to see that no harm befalls you.”
Jesus looked over the three well-armed and stalwart Galileans, and said to David, “You mean well, but you fail to understand that the Son of Man needs no one to defend him. No man will lay hands on me until that hour when I am ready to lay down my life in conformity to my Father’s will. These men may not accompany me. I desire to go alone, that I may commune with the Father.”
On hearing this, David and his armed guards withdrew. Then as Jesus started off alone, John Mark came forward with a small basket of food and water. He suggested that if Jesus intended to be away all day, he might become hungry. The master smiled at John and reached down to take the basket.
As Jesus was about to take the lunch basket from the boy’s hand, John ventures to say, “But Master, you may set the basket down while you turn aside to pray and go on without it. Besides, if I go along to carry the lunch, you would be freer to worship, and I would surely be silent. I will ask no questions and will stay by the basket when you go apart by yourself to pray.”
The nearby listeners who had just heard Jesus tell David Zebedee that David’s men could not accompany him, were astonished that John would implore Jesus so insistently to go with him. There John and Jesus stood, both still holding the basket. At last Jesus released the basket and, Looking down at the lad said, “Since with all your heart you long to go with me, it shall not be denied you. We will go off by ourselves and have a good visit. You may ask me any question that arises in your heart, and we shall comfort and console each other. You may start out carrying the lunch; and when you grow weary, I will help you. Follow on with me.”
Now I want to stop and consider what has happened. Jesus has just granted John’s request but he has also released john from every promise John had made in bargaining for Jesus’ consent. So we see there is no price required to be with Jesus. Jesus had denied David’s proposal because David’s men wanted only to protect Jesus and he needed no protection. John Mark’s proposal was accepted because he longed with all his heart just to be with Jesus.
Jesus spent his last day of quiet on earth visiting with John and talking with his Paradise Father. Jesus sincerely enjoyed this day with John.
This event became known on high as “the day which a young man spent with God in the hills.” It is an event of cosmic significance in our universe. Forever this occasion exemplifies the willingness of the creator to fellowship the creature. Even a spiritually inexperienced person, a youngster, if the desire of the heart is really supreme, can command the attention and enjoy the loving companionship of the Creator of the Universe, actually experience the unforgettable ecstasy of being alone with God in the hills and for a whole day. And such was the extraordinary experience of John Mark on this Wednesday in the hills of Judea.
And remember why this happened, because this is still the technique by which fellowship with Jesus and with our Heavenly Father can be had. Jesus said, “Because with all your heart you long to be with me, it shall not be denied you.”
It isn’t how smart, how rich, how powerful, or even how spiritual you are. The experience of knowing God is available to whomever longs sincerely to be with him.