September 12, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Mark Chapter 16

¹ And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

² And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

³ And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

⁴ And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

⁵ And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

⁶ And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

⁷ But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

⁸ And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.

⁹ Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

¹⁰ And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

¹¹ And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

¹² After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

¹³ And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.

¹⁴ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

¹⁵ And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

¹⁶ He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

¹⁷ And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

¹⁸ They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

¹⁹ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

²⁰ And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Mark chapter 16 describes the decisive moment of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His appearances before the disciples. This chapter concludes the Gospel and proclaims the power of faith and the mission of the disciples to spread the Gospel to the whole world. The central message of this chapter lies in the hope of eternal life through the risen Christ and the commission to pass on this message.

Commentary

In the first verses (1-8) of the chapter, we learn how Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome go to Jesus’ tomb to anoint His body. They are concerned about who will roll away the heavy stone from the tomb’s entrance. When they arrive, they find that the stone has already been rolled away, and they see an angel in white robes who delivers the news that Jesus has risen. This event reflects the women’s confusion and astonishment, but also the joy that death does not have the final word.

The following verses (9-14) report on the appearances of the risen Jesus to Mary Magdalene and other disciples. It is noteworthy that, despite multiple testimonies, the disciples initially did not believe in the resurrection. This refusal to believe is rebuked by Jesus Himself, who emphasizes the importance of faith for salvation.

In the concluding verses (15-20), Jesus gives the disciples the command to spread the Gospel throughout the world. This is the Great Commission, making it clear that salvation is not meant for a small group but for all people. Signs such as miraculous healings and casting out demons will accompany this mission, affirming Jesus’ divine authority.

Summary

Mark chapter 16 tells of Jesus’ resurrection and His appearances before the disciples, who initially doubted but later received the commission to spread the Good News to the entire world. The focus of this chapter is on the power of faith, the triumph over death, and the universal mission to proclaim the Gospel. Jesus’ resurrection is the victory over death, and His disciples are called to make this victory accessible to all people.

 

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/12-09-2024-mark-chapter-16-believe-his-prophets/

11.4 Leaving Everything to Flee from Jesus
Betrayal and Flight: The Fulfillment of the Divine Plan Despite Human Weakness

Read Mark 14:43-52. What happens here that is crucial to the plan of salvation?

In Mark 14:43-52, we witness a pivotal moment in the Passion story: the arrest of Jesus and Judas’ betrayal. This passage reveals the tragedy of human betrayal and the power of God’s redemptive plan. Judas, one of Jesus’ closest confidants, betrays him, showing the profound power of sin that can take root in a person’s heart. Judas, who had walked alongside Jesus as a disciple, eventually became overwhelmed by his greed for money, which Ellen White describes as a gradually growing corruption that surpassed his love for Christ.

What makes Judas’ betrayal particularly significant is the manner in which he does it—under the guise of friendship. The kiss, a traditional sign of love and affection, becomes here a symbol of treachery. This hypocrisy intensifies the shame of Judas’ act, as he pretends to be a friend while simultaneously handing Jesus over to be arrested. The kiss becomes a symbol of outwardly appearing good while hiding evil intentions within.

As Jesus is arrested, chaos ensues. Peter, identified in John 18:10-11, attempts to intervene violently by cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant. However, Jesus, recognizing the divine plan, rebukes this act of violence and reiterates that everything is unfolding as Scripture predicted. In Jesus’ response, we see that God’s will—the salvation of humanity—remains at the center, even as human failures and sins attempt to derail it.

An important aspect of this scene is the disciples’ behavior. After following Jesus for so long, they now flee in panic. This symbolizes the human tendency to protect oneself in moments of danger and uncertainty rather than maintaining faith and loyalty to Christ. The flight also highlights the fragility of the human spirit, even among those closest to Jesus.

Particularly noteworthy is the account of the young man mentioned in verses 51-52. While his identity remains unclear, some believe he could be Mark himself. What stands out is the symbolic act of “fleeing.” The young man leaves everything behind to run away, serving as a metaphor for the universal human tendency to flee from God’s presence when the path becomes difficult. His flight, even leaving his clothes behind, represents naked fear and total abandonment.

This passage is crucial to the plan of salvation, as it shows that God’s will, despite human weakness and sin, remains unstoppable. The disciples’ flight and Peter’s violence cannot hinder the fulfillment of God’s plan. Jesus’ commitment to his Father’s will remains unwavering amid the chaos.

Summary:
Mark 14:43-52 describes the betrayal of Jesus, his arrest, and the flight of his disciples. Judas’ act, under the pretense of friendship, and the despair of the disciples reflect human weakness. Yet, God’s redemptive plan remains intact. While people flee in fear, the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation is made clear through Jesus’ steadfast obedience to the Father.

Reflect on the frightening thought that Judas, enslaved by a single vice, did what he did. What does this teach us about hating sin and overcoming it through God’s grace?

The thought that Judas, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, was capable of such a terrible betrayal because he was enslaved by a single vice—his greed for money—is truly alarming. It shows us the destructive power that sin can have over a person’s life if it is not controlled or overcome. Judas did not start as a traitor, but his continual indulgence in his greed, without resisting it, eventually led him to become completely enslaved by this sin.

This understanding should lead us to hate sin in all its forms and take it seriously, even when it seems small or insignificant at first. Any unchecked sin can gradually harden our hearts and pull us away from God. Like Judas, we risk letting a “small” weakness completely take over and lead to even greater sins that harm not only ourselves but also others.

Through God’s grace and power, it is possible to overcome any sin, no matter how deeply rooted it may seem. Judas also had the chance to repent of his sin and seek forgiveness, but he chose not to. We are reminded of how important it is to remain vigilant, regularly examine our hearts, and immediately repent when we recognize that we are on a dangerous path.

In our relationship with God, through prayer and by the Holy Spirit, we have the means to resist temptation and break the hold of sin in our lives. Every day, we should strive to receive God’s grace so we can stay free from the chains of sin and walk in His holiness.

The events of Judas’ betrayal and the disciples’ flight in Mark 14:43-52 have a deep connection to our daily lives and faith. They remind us of how quickly, in moments of fear and uncertainty, people can lose their closeness to God. This story shows us the fragility of human nature, even among those closest to Jesus. The disciples, who had followed Jesus, fled in panic when the situation became dangerous, thereby betraying their loyalty and faith.

In our daily lives, we also face moments where uncertainties, difficulties, or temptations lead us to distance ourselves from God. It is easy, during trials or fear, to fall back into old habits or lose faith in God’s plan. However, the disciples’ flight and Judas’ actions serve as a reminder of how important it is to remain firm in faith, even in challenging situations.

Judas’ betrayal, motivated by a single vice—his greed—shows us how dangerous it is to tolerate unchecked sin in our lives. What begins small can gradually take control of us and endanger our relationship with God. This realization should encourage us to stay vigilant toward our weaknesses and regularly repent when we recognize we are on the wrong path.

In our faith journey, we must rely daily on God’s grace to overcome sin’s influence. Through prayer, dedication, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can resist temptations and maintain our loyalty to Christ, even in the most difficult trials.

Trust in God’s grace, for even in moments of weakness, it leads us back to the path of faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-taken-and-tried-11-4-leaving-everything-to-flee-from-jesus-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 11, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Mark Chapter 15

¹ And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

² And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto them, Thou sayest it.

³ And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

⁴ And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

⁵ But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

⁶ Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

⁷ And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

⁸ And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.

⁹ But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

¹⁰ For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

¹¹ But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

¹² And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

¹³ And they cried out again, Crucify him.

¹⁴ Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

¹⁵ And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

¹⁶ And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

¹⁷ And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

¹⁸ And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

¹⁹ And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

²⁰ And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

²¹ And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

²² And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

²³ And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

²⁴ And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

²⁵ And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

²⁶ And the superscription of his accusation was written over, The King Of The Jews.

²⁷ And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

²⁸ And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

²⁹ And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,

³⁰ Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

³¹ Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

³² Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

³³ And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

³⁴ And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

³⁵ And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

³⁶ And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

³⁷ And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

³⁸ And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

³⁹ And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

⁴⁰ There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

⁴¹ (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

⁴² And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

⁴³ Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

⁴⁴ And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

⁴⁵ And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

⁴⁶ And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

⁴⁷ And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Mark 15 describes the final hours of Jesus before His crucifixion, His condemnation by Pilate, and His subsequent execution. The chapter highlights the political and religious tensions that led to Jesus’ death and illustrates both the injustice of the process and the profound symbolic significance of His suffering and dying. Particular emphasis is placed on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the reactions of those around Jesus, from the Roman centurion to the women who followed Him to the cross.

Commentary:

Mark 15 powerfully portrays the suffering and death of Jesus, making it clear that these events were motivated by both religious and political factors. Pilate, who recognizes the injustice done to Jesus, ultimately succumbs to the pressure of the crowd and condemns Him to be crucified. The depiction of Jesus as the suffering Messiah is central, as He consciously accepts the fate assigned to Him without defending Himself. His silence before Pilate demonstrates His determination to fulfill the divine plan. The mockery that Jesus endures contrasts with His true identity, which is only acknowledged by a Roman centurion after His death. Additionally, the darkness and the tearing of the temple curtain signify the profound meaning of Jesus’ death as a sacrifice that abolishes the separation between God and humanity.

Summary:

In the 15th chapter of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is handed over to the Roman governor Pilate, who, despite being convinced of His innocence, condemns Him to death under pressure from the crowd and the chief priests. Barabbas, a rebel, is released, while Jesus is mocked, scourged, and ultimately crucified. On the way to His execution, Simon of Cyrene helps carry the cross. Jesus is crucified at Golgotha, is mocked, and dies with the words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Upon His death, the temple curtain is torn, and the Roman centurion acknowledges that Jesus was the Son of God. Joseph of Arimathea ensures His burial.

 

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/11-09-2024-mark-chapter-15-believe-his-prophets/

11.3 Gethsemane
The Cup of Suffering: Jesus’ Prayer and Acceptance of the Divine Will

Read Mark 14:32–42. What did Jesus pray in Gethsemane, and how was the prayer answered?

In Mark 14:32–42, we see Jesus in one of the most crucial and difficult moments of his earthly life – in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, his human side is revealed in a deeply empathetic and understandable way. He is in extreme spiritual anguish as he faces the impending suffering and prays fervently that the cup of suffering be taken from him. Yet, through his words, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me! Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36), he demonstrates his complete submission and surrender to the will of God.

Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane represents an inner struggle between the natural human desire to avoid suffering and the willingness to submit to the divine plan. The use of the term “Abba” – an intimate form of addressing the Father – emphasizes the closeness between Jesus and God. Even though God seemingly answers Jesus’ prayer with a “no,” the prayer reveals the deep relationship and trust Jesus has in his Father’s plan.

God does not take the cup of suffering from Jesus, as it is through this path of suffering and crucifixion that the salvation of humanity becomes possible. Jesus accepts this divine plan, even though it brings him unimaginable pain and a sense of abandonment.

A particularly painful aspect of Gethsemane is the loneliness Jesus must endure. Three times he returns to his closest disciples – Peter, James, and John – hoping to find comfort and support. But three times he finds them asleep. This reinforces the sense of isolation that Jesus experiences in this hour of trial. While he is spiritually and physically prepared to bear the burden of the world’s sin, his disciples are not ready to share this load. They are physically present but spiritually and emotionally absent.

This scene also teaches us important lessons about prayer and community. Jesus prayed to God in his deepest distress, and although the answer was not what he wished, it was the prayer that gave him the strength to fulfill God’s will. Similarly, we are reminded of the importance of human support in difficult times. Although the disciples failed, this moment shows that Jesus longed for human companionship and comfort – something we all seek in times of trouble.

In the end, it is Jesus who wakes his disciples and calls them to face the coming trial. While he is now fully ready to bear the cross, his disciples are not. This contrast between his spiritual strength and their weakness serves as a reminder of our own shortcomings and the need to constantly align ourselves with God’s will.

The events in Gethsemane and Jesus’ prayer have a deep connection to our daily lives and faith. They teach us several key lessons that relate to both our relationship with God and our approach to difficulties and challenges in everyday life.

1. Prayer and Trust in God: Jesus prayed in his greatest need. His prayer in Gethsemane shows that it is okay to lay our fears, worries, and desires before God. Even when the answers to our prayers are not what we want, we can trust that God’s plan is greater and that he gives us the strength to handle it. In everyday life, we often find ourselves in situations where we feel overwhelmed. In these moments, Gethsemane reminds us to seek refuge in prayer and trust in God’s will, even when we don’t fully understand it.

2. Submission to God’s Will: One of the greatest lessons from Gethsemane is Jesus’ surrender to the Father’s will. He is willing to follow God’s plan, even though it means suffering and death. In our daily lives, we often try to impose our own will and shape things according to our desires. Gethsemane teaches us that true submission to God means letting go of our own wishes and trusting that his plan is best for us.

3. Loneliness and Human Weakness: Jesus’ experience of loneliness and his disappointment with his sleeping disciples often mirrors our own experiences. We long for support and sometimes feel alone, especially in difficult times. Gethsemane shows us that even Jesus knew this isolation. At the same time, it reminds us that as believers, we should stand by each other in difficult times. In daily life, we can learn from Jesus’ patience, even when people disappoint us or do not provide the comfort we hope for.

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will support those who are persecuted or oppressed. This gives us hope and comfort because we are not alone in our struggles. The Holy Spirit works within us, providing the wisdom and strength needed to overcome life’s challenges. This applies to our daily lives, where we often feel overwhelmed or uncertain. In such moments, we can trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

5. Perseverance in Difficult Times: In Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrates extraordinary endurance and a willingness to face even the greatest trial. This serves as a model for us to persevere in times of suffering and trials. Jesus’ example encourages us not to give up in our own difficult situations but to walk the path that God has prepared for us with patience and trust.

In summary, Gethsemane reminds us that the Christian life is not always easy and is often accompanied by difficulties. Yet, in these moments of distress and suffering, we can, like Jesus, find refuge in prayer, submit to God’s will, and be strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

In trusting God’s will, we find the strength to endure even the hardest trials of life.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-taken-and-tried-11-3-gethsemane-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 10, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Mark Chapter 14

¹ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Mark chapter 14 represents one of the most dramatic sections of the Gospel, where the final hours of Jesus before His crucifixion are described. The chapter covers significant events such as the betrayal by Judas, the Last Supper, the prayer in Gethsemane, the arrest of Jesus, the trial before the Sanhedrin, and finally, Peter’s denial. These passages shed light on the deep human tragedy, but also on the fulfillment of God’s plan for the redemption of humanity. In every moment, there is tension between divine providence and human failure, yet Jesus’ unwavering devotion to the will of His Father remains central.

Commentary

The chapter begins with the plans of the chief priests and scribes to arrest and kill Jesus. These sinister intentions illustrate the tension that had been building between Jesus and the religious elite. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, becomes the instrument of this betrayal, representing the sorrowful climax of mistrust and rejection.

The anointing of Jesus in Bethany (verses 3-9) brings an unexpected turn. While some consider the woman’s act of pouring expensive nard oil on Jesus’ head as wasteful, Jesus views it as a prophetic gesture—a preparation for His burial. This event demonstrates the love and devotion surrounding Jesus, in contrast to the growing hostility against Him.

The Last Supper is a central moment in Mark 14 (verses 12-25), where Jesus shares bread and wine with His disciples, symbolizing His impending sacrifice. This scene is not only a celebration of the Passover but also the establishment of the new covenant through Jesus’ death. The betrayal by Judas is also revealed here, heightening the tension and foreshadowing the approaching disaster.

The prayer in Gethsemane (verses 32-42) shows Jesus in deep spiritual anguish as He submits to His Father’s will. This passage reveals both Jesus’ humanity and His divine resolve. The disciples, however, repeatedly fall asleep, symbolizing the weakness of the human spirit in the face of great trials. Jesus prays, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you; take this cup from me! Yet not what I will, but what you will!” – a profound demonstration of His complete obedience.

The subsequent arrest of Jesus (verses 43-52) and the trial before the Sanhedrin (verses 53-65) expose the harshness of the religious leaders and their willingness to condemn the innocent. While Jesus remains silent and accepts His condemnation, Peter’s denial (verses 66-72) reveals the fragility of the human character, even among those closest to Him. Peter’s threefold denial, followed by bitter tears of repentance, illustrates the profound tension between human weakness and divine forgiveness.

Summary

Mark chapter 14 narrates the final critical moments in Jesus’ life, from the planning of His betrayal to Peter’s denial. It covers central events such as the Last Supper, the prayer in Gethsemane, and the trial before the Sanhedrin, marking the climax of the Gospel. Each of these events demonstrates the tension between divine providence and human failure, yet divine redemption remains at the center. Jesus submits to the Father’s will as He prepares for His impending death. The chapter reminds us of the fragility of the human spirit, but also of the boundless love and forgiveness revealed through Jesus’ sacrifice.

 

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/10-09-2024-mark-chapter-14-believe-his-prophets/