“He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat…”

When I read Mark 14, these words from the Battle Hymn of the Republic came to mind. Jesus lived his life in perfect alignment with God’s character and purpose. In contrast to Jesus, our true nature and character are revealed. This chapter shows us four postures the human heart can assume in response to Jesus—we get to see God’s process of sifting hearts played out.

The chief priests: Hearts of Stone

And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” (v 48-49)

Secretive, stealthy, cunning…the Chief Priests, by their scheming, corruption, and disconnection from God is revealed. Their hearts are cold, hard, immovable. The priests cannot connect with God because they do not care to. Their own purpose is all that matters and that is to secure their own power and position.

The woman who anointed Jesus: A Heart of Flesh

“She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” (v 8-9)This woman has the humblest posture and is perhaps the most aligned with God’s purpose. Mere observation of Jesus was enough for this woman to understand his identity and purpose. It does not seem that she was in close daily association with Jesus, like Peter and Judas, but it does not matter. Her heart was responsive and open to God. In publicly sacrificing her expensive perfume to anoint Jesus, she shows she is not concerned with seeing her own purpose. We do not even know her name! She simply wants to honor Jesus with her best.

Judas Iscariot: A Treacherous Heart

“Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.” (v 10)I noticed that Jesus’ response to the outrage about the waste of expensive perfume is what precipitates Judas’ treachery. Judas’ heart was divided. I suppose Judas nurtured this betrayal in his heart for a while and was only looking for a suitable excuse to justify it (Gen 4:7). To me the saddest part is that Judas was included in the inner circle. He sat at Jesus’ feet daily but could never connect with his love.

Peter: A Loyal Heart

Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. (v 72)Peter thought too much of himself and rashly promises to never fall away. Peter reveals that he misunderstands both himself and Jesus. Peter speaks out of sincere emotion, but Jesus knows feeling-based loyalty without true knowledge cannot withstand the trials to come. God uses Peter’s betrayal to burn away the impurities in his heart and leave him with true loyalty. God shows mercy and deep love. There is much hope in Peter’s story.

Your Heart

Where do you find the posture of your heart in contrast to Jesus? The way Jesus lived and died is a clear call that demands a response. In Mark 14, I see we have choices. “Oh, be swift my soul to answer Him, be jubilant my feet.” Of course, I hope to be like the woman doing the anointing but may be much more like Peter. In either case, we all have hope and redemption in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.