The scars of my salvation

(Part 1 of 2)

“Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away.”-Mark 14:50

Seems like a strange verse to lead with, however, this particular passage help us to lay the groundwork for the disciples state of mind. The disciples were just finishing up the celebration of Passover. They had fellowship together, sang hymns, and had an all night prayer vigil with Jesus; however the evening comes to a dramatic close with Jesus being arrested. The disciples respond by running away. 

I don’t know about you, but as a believer in Jesus Christ, I don’t always feel saved.  Anybody else every have that feeling? Circumstances, trials and poor choices seem to steal away our sense of peace with God. As I continued to study, at least Peter seemed to regroup enough to follow Jesus as He is being led away. However, when questioned about his relationship with Jesus later that evening in the courtyard, he adamantly denied even knowing Jesus (Mark 14:71-72). The scripture tells us that after his denial, Peter broke down and wept. 

I wonder how many of them that night, in that moment, felt saved? I wonder if Peter began to question his relationship with Jesus? 

If that wasn’t enough to shake their faith. Matters go bad to worse as Jesus’ is later led out to be crucified:

“By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. hen Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.When the Roman officer[b] overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.”-Luke 23:44-49

Jesus’ friends stood at a distance and watched as He was crucified like a common criminal.  Although it was that very act that would save our souls, as He breathed His last breath, I can’t help but wonder if they felt saved in that moment. 

Three days later they would rush to an empty tomb (Luke 24:1-12). They would see the grave clothes and hear from others who claimed to have encountered Him after His resurrection. Their hearts would be filled with wonder, but John 20:19 tells us that they went right back into hiding for fear of the Jews. They were a firsthand witness to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection; yet they remained unconvinced. What they saw didn’t save them!

Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church