RELIGIOUS LEADERS PLOT TO KILL JESUS
14 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.
2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
vs 1 In two days they will celebrate Passover. This pilgrimage festival remembers Gods deliverance from slavery in Egypt by the killing of all firstborn sons and animals, in which the doorpost were not marked in the blood of the sacrificial lamb.
vs 2 The leaders did not want to risk an uprising of the Jewish people. The people still regarded Jesus as the Messiah.
The crucifixion did take place on the Passover, against the wishes of the religious leaders. Jesus was in control the entire time.
vs 2 The leaders did not want to risk an uprising of the Jewish people. The people still regarded Jesus as the Messiah.
The crucifixion did take place on the Passover, against the wishes of the religious leaders. Jesus was in control the entire time.
MARY OF BETHANY ANNOINTS JESUS
3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?
5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?
5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
Comments on vs 3 through vs 9. This event recorded by Mark took place the previous Saturday. Jn 12:1
vs 3 They are having supper at Simon the lepers house. Jesus probably healed Simon, now Martha are there to help prepare the meal for everyone. Mary has something else far more important to do than prepare a meal. We cannot know if Mary understood the significance of her actions, in relation to His sacrificial death, but we can see her love and commitment to Jesus. This was a precious item of great cost that she was pouring out.
vs 4 Judas who was in charge of the money, was upset that such a costly item be poured out. It appears that some of the other disciples shared in his outrage. This once again highlights everyone's misunderstanding of the events about to take place.
vs 5 Three hundred pence would equal almost a years wages.
vs 6 Jesus rebukes them. I believe He did with authority.
vs 7 Ministering to the poor will continue as long as this world exists. Jesus sacrifice is happening right now.
vs 8 There will not be time to anoint Jesus's body after the crucifixion due to the Sabbath. What Mary has done is in anticipation of this.
vs 9 Mary's legacy of love for Jesus endures and is a witness to all that know what she did. The contrast of the disciples reaction to her anointing of Jesus and her sacrificial love is stark.
vs 3 They are having supper at Simon the lepers house. Jesus probably healed Simon, now Martha are there to help prepare the meal for everyone. Mary has something else far more important to do than prepare a meal. We cannot know if Mary understood the significance of her actions, in relation to His sacrificial death, but we can see her love and commitment to Jesus. This was a precious item of great cost that she was pouring out.
vs 4 Judas who was in charge of the money, was upset that such a costly item be poured out. It appears that some of the other disciples shared in his outrage. This once again highlights everyone's misunderstanding of the events about to take place.
vs 5 Three hundred pence would equal almost a years wages.
vs 6 Jesus rebukes them. I believe He did with authority.
vs 7 Ministering to the poor will continue as long as this world exists. Jesus sacrifice is happening right now.
vs 8 There will not be time to anoint Jesus's body after the crucifixion due to the Sabbath. What Mary has done is in anticipation of this.
vs 9 Mary's legacy of love for Jesus endures and is a witness to all that know what she did. The contrast of the disciples reaction to her anointing of Jesus and her sacrificial love is stark.
JUDAS PLOTS BETRAYAL
10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
vs 10 Jesus is not doing what He needs to do. If He is the Messiah then He will have no choice but to become what Judas thinks He should become.
vs 11 The religious leaders now have a way to take Jesus without having the crowds around.
vs 11 The religious leaders now have a way to take Jesus without having the crowds around.
PREPARATION OF PASSOVER
12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
15 And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
PASSOVER CELEBRATED
17 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.
18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.
21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.
21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
LORDS SUPPER INSTITUTED
22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
PETERS DENIAL PREDICTED
26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
GATHSEMENE PRAYER
32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
vs 32 Gethsemane means oil press or olive press. It is possible that the olive press was located here. Symbolically Jesus is now at a moment of great pressure. The garden is located at the base of The Mount of Olives.
The garden would have been on the way back to Bethany and Jesus would separate Himself to pray, so the disciples would not have reason to think tonight is any different than every other night.
vs 33 Jesus took with him the inner circle of disciples for this moment. Peter the one that will preach on the day of Pentecost, James who will be the first martyr, John will be the last living Apostle, pen a gospel, several epistles, and the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
The moment had come in which Jesus in human form is coming to an end. Ahead is torture, crucifixion and separation from the Father as He accepts the sins of the world.
vs 34 Jesus has a simple request, "tarry ye here. and watch". He has just told them at the end of chapter 13 to watch. Here the disciples succumb to the weakness of the flesh. Here we see Jesus wanting all to be praying. Those closest to Him, were not supporting Him, when He needed them most. Not only did Jesus exemplify a life of prayer but also corporate prayer. Jesus also exemplifies the emotions of all us when faced with momentous events in our lives.
vs 35-36 Jesus in human form appears to have limited His supernatural powers to that of all of humanity. He certainly performs miracles, but those powers are then also given to the disciples. The source of the power seems to be supernaturally supplied when the request of the person accompanied by their faith, aligns with the will of the Father. Jesus knows that the Father can do all things, however it is His will that will be done. Jesus will submit even though He could run. The use of Abba is significant due to its intimacy. The fully God and fully Man become clear in Marks highlighting Jesus' humanity. In vs 38 when Jesus states that the spirit is ready, but the flesh is weak, may speak to himself as much as to the disciples that cannot stay awake.
vs 37 Of all the disciples, the one that would die for Him, Peter is sleeping on the job. Jesus calls him Simon, no longer Peter, the man. The idea that Peter would die for Jesus, but won't even stay awake for an hour seems to be a contradiction. Just as many times we don't understand the importance of the moment, Peter thinks it is just another evening on the way to Bethany.
vs 38 Jesus needed not only his prayer, but that of intercessory prayer by the inner circle. Temptation is that which will slow or stop us from doing the will of the Father.
vs 39 The moment is so overwhelming that Jesus will ask again. Elijah did not stop praying until the rain was on the way. Paul will tell us later to pray without ceasing.
vs 40 The disciples that Jesus chose have all proven to be weak. None have come to his aide, nor have they prayed for the Father to grant them strength for the events that about to take place.
vs 41 It is over. The time for spiritual battle is over. It seems as though the Adversary has overcome, the moment is at hand. All of the disciples are about to understand what Jesus had attempted to convey to them about His mission. All that they anticipated Jesus would do, was about to be challenged.
vs 42 Jesus had just prayed to have the mission changed, now that the Fathers will is clear, Jesus focuses on what He will face, with confidence and courage.
The garden would have been on the way back to Bethany and Jesus would separate Himself to pray, so the disciples would not have reason to think tonight is any different than every other night.
vs 33 Jesus took with him the inner circle of disciples for this moment. Peter the one that will preach on the day of Pentecost, James who will be the first martyr, John will be the last living Apostle, pen a gospel, several epistles, and the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
The moment had come in which Jesus in human form is coming to an end. Ahead is torture, crucifixion and separation from the Father as He accepts the sins of the world.
vs 34 Jesus has a simple request, "tarry ye here. and watch". He has just told them at the end of chapter 13 to watch. Here the disciples succumb to the weakness of the flesh. Here we see Jesus wanting all to be praying. Those closest to Him, were not supporting Him, when He needed them most. Not only did Jesus exemplify a life of prayer but also corporate prayer. Jesus also exemplifies the emotions of all us when faced with momentous events in our lives.
vs 35-36 Jesus in human form appears to have limited His supernatural powers to that of all of humanity. He certainly performs miracles, but those powers are then also given to the disciples. The source of the power seems to be supernaturally supplied when the request of the person accompanied by their faith, aligns with the will of the Father. Jesus knows that the Father can do all things, however it is His will that will be done. Jesus will submit even though He could run. The use of Abba is significant due to its intimacy. The fully God and fully Man become clear in Marks highlighting Jesus' humanity. In vs 38 when Jesus states that the spirit is ready, but the flesh is weak, may speak to himself as much as to the disciples that cannot stay awake.
vs 37 Of all the disciples, the one that would die for Him, Peter is sleeping on the job. Jesus calls him Simon, no longer Peter, the man. The idea that Peter would die for Jesus, but won't even stay awake for an hour seems to be a contradiction. Just as many times we don't understand the importance of the moment, Peter thinks it is just another evening on the way to Bethany.
vs 38 Jesus needed not only his prayer, but that of intercessory prayer by the inner circle. Temptation is that which will slow or stop us from doing the will of the Father.
vs 39 The moment is so overwhelming that Jesus will ask again. Elijah did not stop praying until the rain was on the way. Paul will tell us later to pray without ceasing.
vs 40 The disciples that Jesus chose have all proven to be weak. None have come to his aide, nor have they prayed for the Father to grant them strength for the events that about to take place.
vs 41 It is over. The time for spiritual battle is over. It seems as though the Adversary has overcome, the moment is at hand. All of the disciples are about to understand what Jesus had attempted to convey to them about His mission. All that they anticipated Jesus would do, was about to be challenged.
vs 42 Jesus had just prayed to have the mission changed, now that the Fathers will is clear, Jesus focuses on what He will face, with confidence and courage.
JUDAS BETRAYAL
43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
vs 44 Judas betrays with a kiss. Bill Creasy highlights the irony in relation to psalm 2: 7-12.
7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me,
Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance,
and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings:
be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry,
and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me,
Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance,
and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings:
be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry,
and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
JESUS TRIED BEFORE SENHEDRIN
53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.
57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,
58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
vs 62 Jesus quotes Daniel 7: 13-14
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,[a] coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
All of those present would understand that Jesus is declaring that He is the Messiah.
13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,[a] coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
All of those present would understand that Jesus is declaring that He is the Messiah.
PETER DENIES JESUS
66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.
68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.
69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.
70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.
71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.