Paper 177 Overview: Wednesday, the Rest Day

Jesus and his apostles took this Wednesday as a day of rest before the difficult events ahead. Jesus went alone into the hills with young John Mark, having a special day of teaching and fellowship with him. The apostles remained at the camp, worried about Jesus's safety and discussing matters among themselves.

Judas Iscariot secretly met with the chief priests to arrange for Jesus's betrayal. He agreed to help them arrest Jesus in exchange for recognition and honor. The other apostles spent an uneasy evening with Jesus, feeling that something important was about to happen.

When Jesus and his apostles weren't busy teaching the people, they usually rested on Wednesdays. On this particular Wednesday, they ate breakfast later than usual, and everyone was quiet. Jesus told them to rest, think about what had happened since coming to Jerusalem, and consider what was ahead.

Jesus told Andrew he would be gone for the day and that the apostles should not enter Jerusalem. David Zebedee tried to send armed guards with Jesus, but Jesus refused, saying he needed no protection. Young John Mark followed Jesus with a lunch basket as he headed into the hills.

As Jesus was about to take the lunch basket from John Mark, the young man asked if he could go along and carry it for Jesus. John promised to be quiet while Jesus prayed. Jesus agreed to let John join him, saying they would have a good visit together and John could ask any questions he had.

Jesus spent this last free day on earth visiting with this truth-hungry youth and talking with God. This special day became known as "the day which a young man spent with God in the hills." Jesus warned John not to tell anyone what they discussed, and from that time forward, John Mark stayed close to Jesus for the rest of his time on earth.

While talking with John Mark, Jesus spent much time comparing their childhood experiences. When John asked how Jesus knew he would become a "mighty messenger of the kingdom," Jesus explained that John's good home life and upbringing by loving parents had prepared him well for future service.

Jesus explained how a child depends on parents for early ideas about everything, including spiritual matters. He taught that a person's entire life is influenced by their early childhood years. The gospel of Jesus, founded on the father-child relationship, cannot be fully accepted worldwide until home life includes more love and wisdom.

The apostles spent most of the day walking on Mount Olivet and visiting with other disciples. By afternoon, they grew worried about Jesus. Nathaniel gave a speech about how they should have been more eager to go with Jesus, like John Mark was. Later, runners brought messages to David Zebedee from his mother and Jesus's mother.

David arranged for Jesus's family to come to Jerusalem, but kept this secret from everyone. Some Greek followers arrived at the camp and met with Peter and John. When Jesus returned that evening, he spent time with these Greeks. Meanwhile, the religious leaders in the city were puzzled that Jesus did not return to address the crowds.

After Jesus and John Mark left the camp, Judas Iscariot disappeared, going to meet with Caiaphas the high priest. This was an informal meeting of the Sanhedrin to discuss the charges they would bring against Jesus. The day before, Judas had told some relatives that he believed Jesus was not the expected deliverer of Israel.

Judas became resentful that Jesus hadn't given him a position of greater honor. He wanted recognition and was upset with Peter, James, and John for being closer to Jesus. Judas arranged with Caiaphas to betray Jesus, not for money but for honor and glory. He promised to help them arrest Jesus quietly without stirring up the crowds.

That evening at the camp was meant to be a social hour, but the apostles were all feeling uneasy. Jesus tried to cheer them up, but they sensed that difficult events were coming. Jesus warned them not to trust the support of the crowds, who might quickly turn against them when trouble came.

The Master warned that the religious rulers would unite against him, and some who claimed to love the truth would desert them. The atmosphere in the camp was tense, with messengers coming and going secretly. Near midnight, Jesus told his apostles to go to sleep, saying they had one more day to do the Father's will.