Mark 14, Part One

The plot to kill Jesus (vs. 1-2)—Again, much of this chapter is found in Matthew 26, so I will be copying some of my material from that location. In these first two verses, the Passover neared, and the Jewish religious leaders, incensed by Christ’s popularity and His humiliation of them, plot to kill Him (v. 1). But because of Jesus’ esteem with the people, these leaders figured they would have to delay their plans. Judas, however, will give them an opportunity to take Him and crucify Him at night, so they will fulfill their nefarious schemes during the feast.

Jesus anointed by Mary (vs. 3-9)—From my thoughts on Matthew 26:6-13—“Matthew doesn’t give us the name of the woman, but in John’s account (John 12), he tells us it was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. There are some commentators who think two different incidents are involved, but the similarities seem conclusive for the same event. John includes that Mary also anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. The oil was expensive—300 denarii, John informs us, which is close to a year’s wage for an average worker (see Matthew 20). Some of the apostles—notably Judas (John 12:4) complained about the waste, arguing that "this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor” (Matthew 26:9), but the beloved John also tells us Judas was a thief and often stole from the store of cash he kept for the group. But Jesus commends Mary: “For she has done a good work for me” (v. 10), “for in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for my burial” (v. 13). It’s really doubtful that Mary understood that last point; if she believed that Jesus was going to die and be buried and resurrected, then she was far ahead of just about anybody else in her faith and understanding. But Jesus praised her and that is sufficient, and His final words on the matter are certainly true because I am writing about her right now: “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her" (v. 13).” Mark adds nothing substantial to this.

Judas agrees to betray Jesus (vs. 10-11)—Matthew 26:14-16—“Judas went to the chief priests and asked what they would give him to “deliver Him to you”. Thirty pieces of silver. The chief priests knew what Jesus looked like, of course, but they needed to know where He might be so that they could seize Him at an opportune time. That’s what Judas provided for them—information about His whereabouts.” And when He would be there.

Jesus, His apostles, and the Passover (vs. 12-31)—His disciples weren’t sure where to prepare for the Passover, but Jesus told them to go into the city and a certain man would show them the place. This they did and all was as Jesus said (vs. 12-16). Incidentally, Mark adds the note in verse 12, “on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb.” His Roman readers would probably appreciate that clarification. When Jesus and His apostles met for the Passover, the first thing Christ announces is that one of them will betray Him (v. 18). They all began to ask Him “Is it I?” (v. 19). Well, it will be one of you, Jesus told them, and “woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born" (v. 21). They then eat the Passover feast—the bread and “fruit of the vine” (v. 25). Jesus informs them that “I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (v. 25). This “Lord’s Supper” is commemorated each week by His church (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:23-26). In the passage in I Corinthians 11, where Paul discusses the Lord’s Supper, he refers back to this Passover night and even quotes Jesus’ words as He instituted the feast. He is with us, of course, each week as we partake of the memorial in His kingdom, the church (Col. 1:13). This section ends with Jesus predicting that none of His disciples would stand with him “this night” (v. 27); indeed, such was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Peter asserts that he will ever forsake Jesus, and then Lord makes His famous prediction about Peter’s coming denial, that very night (vs. 28-31).