Mark 14:27-42
Q.1. Why did Jesus’s disciples desert Him? What did Jesus tell them about His impending suffering? Did Peter accept Christ’s prediction? – (Mk.14:27-31)
Jesus had already told His disciples that He would be betrayed by one of His own. He had instituted the Lord’s Supper, to be celebrated by His followers, until He comes (Mk.14:17-26). It would have shocked the disciples when Jesus said that they would all stumble because of His arrest. He quoted Zechariah 13:7 in support (Mk.14:27 c.f. Mt.26:31). Peter was adamant that – Even though all may fall away, yet I will not (Mk.14:29). Jesus knew otherwise and predicted that Peter would deny three times that he knew Him, before a rooster crowed twice (Mk.14:30). Peter became more insistent – Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You (Mk.14:310). All the disciples made the same promises. They all had much to learn.
Q.2. What happened at Gethsemane? What did Jesus pray? Did the disciples keep their watch? What followed His praying? – (Mk.14:32-42)
The disciples, including Judas Iscariot, were familiar with the Garden of Gethsemane (c.f. Jn.18:2). Jesus took Peter, James, and John further on – and began to be very distressed and troubled. He told them, My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch (Mk.14:33-34). Dr Luke reported that Jesus was in such agony that drops of blood seeped through His sweat glands (Luke 22:44). In His distress, Jesus prayed fervently, asking His Father that, if possible, the hour might pass Him by. He said – Abba! (i.e. ‘Daddy’!). Father! All things are possible for You; Remove this cup (of death) from Me; Yet not what I will, but what You will (Mk.14:36 c.f. Jn.10:18). He repeated this prayer three times (Mk.14:39 c.f. Mt.26:39-44). On each occasion when Jesus returned, He found the disciples sleeping. He urged them – Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Mk.14:37-41 c.f. Mt.26:40-45). In His crisis Jesus was all alone, except for His Father’s presence. He knew all that was to happen to Him, and said to His disciples – behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going; Behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand! (Mk.14:41-42).