Mark 14:1-26
Q.1. What were the religious leaders planning? What happened at Simon the Leper’s home? How did the disciples and Jesus respond? – (Mk.14:1-9)
Because Jesus was very popular, the Chief Priests and Scribes were hesitant to kill Him while the crowds were attending the Passover (Mk.14:1-2). Each night following His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus withdrew to Bethany to stay with His friends (Mk14:3 c.f. Mk.11:11-12, 19; Jn.11:55-12:1). He and His disciples had a meal in the home of a friend of Lazarus, a man named Simon the Leper. It was in Simon’s home where Mary, the sister of Lazarus, came – with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; And she broke the vial and poured it over His head (Mk.14:3 c.f. Jn.12:2-3). Some were indignant and scolded Mary because of the extravagance. Judas Iscariot, who helped himself to their funds, claimed it could have been sold and given to the poor (Mk.14:4-5 c.f. Jn.12:4-6). However, Jesus defended her action and put it into perspective by saying – 6 … she has done a good deed to Me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. 9 Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her (Mk.14:6-9). Jesus knew that there is a time and place for loving and generous devotion.
Q.2. What did Judas do? How was the Passover meal prepared? What surprising news did Jesus share? Did the disciples know about the deception of Judas? – (Mk.14:10-21)
This was a rebuff for Judas who retaliated by promising the Chief Priests that he would betray Jesus into their hands for a price (Mk.14:10-11). The slaying of the Passover Lamb signalled the time of celebration for the Jews, so the disciples sought direction from Jesus (Mk.14:12). He predicted exactly how, when, and where they would be shown an upper room in the city where their Passover meal would be convened (Mk.14:12-16). That evening Jesus and the twelve disciples gathered in the upper room. John, in his writings, inserted the details of the Lord washing the feet of His disciples, of giving the New Commandment, and of His teaching about the coming of the Holy Spirit (John chapters 13-16). When the Passover meal began, and they were all reclining around the table, Jesus revealed some unbelievable news – … Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me (Mk.14:18). He explained – 20 It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl. 21 For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born (Mk.14:20-21). This led to a discussion about who would do such a thing. They were uncertain as to the identity of the betrayer (c.f. Lk.22:23; Jn.13:22).
Q.3. How did Jesus transform the Passover meal? What did this meal foreshadow? What prediction did He make? – Mk.14:22-26)
The Passover had been celebrated for just under fifteen hundred years, from the time of the Exodus from Egypt. However, this Passover was utterly transformed by Jesus at the Last Supper when – He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them saying – Take it; this is My body [which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of Me – Lk.22:19] (Mk.14:22 c.f. Mt.26:26; 1 Cor.11:24). Following this, Jesus took the cup of wine saying – This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I say to you: I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me – Mt.26:28; 1 Cor.11:25. Jesus foreshadowed His atoning death on the cross. His death would mean that any further slaying of lambs is unnecessary – for as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until comes (1 Cor.11:26). By His One o\Offering for sin for all time and for all sinners, our salvation was signed and sealed by the precious blood of the Lamb (c.f. Jn.1:29; Heb.10:10, 12, 14, 18).