Mark 14

Mark 14:1

Beware of the Scribes

The Lord continues to reveal the wickedness of the religious leaders and takes the place of Judge. These wicked people have the say in the temple. They are proud and arrogant. Not only is their doctrine completely flawed, but there is much that is morally low and bad in their actions. They love the honor of men, especially in religious terms. Walking in long robes is expressing themselves, so that they stand out among the people. They love the greetings in the market places, because they express what they are looking for: that special and above all open recognition.

To take the chief seats in the synagogue means that they claim honor from a social point of view (James 2:2-3). Taking the places of honor at banquets shows that they are full of their own importance. And that is not all. They take advantage of people’s worries to bring them under their influence. This goes hand in hand with great religious display, for they offer long prayers for appearance’s sake.

Thus many religious leaders behave in what today boasts of being the temple, the dwelling place of God, that is the whole of professing Christianity. These are the elements of the great Babylon that enslaves its followers or subjects to profit from it, monetarily and spiritually. The judgment of such people will be heavier than any other.

Mark does not give that detailed description of the depravity of these leaders and then pass judgment on it as Matthew does in Matthew 23. Here the Lord warns as Prophet. Here the Lord as Prophet shows the true character of the piety of the scribes and warns His disciples against them.

The Lord has just brought them all into the light as they had come to catch Him on a word. They have not repented through their defeat, but will direct all their hatred toward the disciples as well. The disciples should not be blinded by the beautiful appearance of the haters of the Lord. Even less should they become jealous to get the honor of people that way.

Mark 14:2

Beware of the Scribes

The Lord continues to reveal the wickedness of the religious leaders and takes the place of Judge. These wicked people have the say in the temple. They are proud and arrogant. Not only is their doctrine completely flawed, but there is much that is morally low and bad in their actions. They love the honor of men, especially in religious terms. Walking in long robes is expressing themselves, so that they stand out among the people. They love the greetings in the market places, because they express what they are looking for: that special and above all open recognition.

To take the chief seats in the synagogue means that they claim honor from a social point of view (James 2:2-3). Taking the places of honor at banquets shows that they are full of their own importance. And that is not all. They take advantage of people’s worries to bring them under their influence. This goes hand in hand with great religious display, for they offer long prayers for appearance’s sake.

Thus many religious leaders behave in what today boasts of being the temple, the dwelling place of God, that is the whole of professing Christianity. These are the elements of the great Babylon that enslaves its followers or subjects to profit from it, monetarily and spiritually. The judgment of such people will be heavier than any other.

Mark does not give that detailed description of the depravity of these leaders and then pass judgment on it as Matthew does in Matthew 23. Here the Lord warns as Prophet. Here the Lord as Prophet shows the true character of the piety of the scribes and warns His disciples against them.

The Lord has just brought them all into the light as they had come to catch Him on a word. They have not repented through their defeat, but will direct all their hatred toward the disciples as well. The disciples should not be blinded by the beautiful appearance of the haters of the Lord. Even less should they become jealous to get the honor of people that way.

Mark 14:3

Beware of the Scribes

The Lord continues to reveal the wickedness of the religious leaders and takes the place of Judge. These wicked people have the say in the temple. They are proud and arrogant. Not only is their doctrine completely flawed, but there is much that is morally low and bad in their actions. They love the honor of men, especially in religious terms. Walking in long robes is expressing themselves, so that they stand out among the people. They love the greetings in the market places, because they express what they are looking for: that special and above all open recognition.

To take the chief seats in the synagogue means that they claim honor from a social point of view (James 2:2-3). Taking the places of honor at banquets shows that they are full of their own importance. And that is not all. They take advantage of people’s worries to bring them under their influence. This goes hand in hand with great religious display, for they offer long prayers for appearance’s sake.

Thus many religious leaders behave in what today boasts of being the temple, the dwelling place of God, that is the whole of professing Christianity. These are the elements of the great Babylon that enslaves its followers or subjects to profit from it, monetarily and spiritually. The judgment of such people will be heavier than any other.

Mark does not give that detailed description of the depravity of these leaders and then pass judgment on it as Matthew does in Matthew 23. Here the Lord warns as Prophet. Here the Lord as Prophet shows the true character of the piety of the scribes and warns His disciples against them.

The Lord has just brought them all into the light as they had come to catch Him on a word. They have not repented through their defeat, but will direct all their hatred toward the disciples as well. The disciples should not be blinded by the beautiful appearance of the haters of the Lord. Even less should they become jealous to get the honor of people that way.

Mark 14:4

The Sacrifice of the Widow

After His walk through the temple (Mark 11:27), the Lord now sits down to show us to whom His sympathy goes. He observes “how,” that is in what way and from what motive, people put money into the treasury. He knows exactly how much we give and why we give just that amount and why no more or no less. He also observes how we make our goods and bodies available to Him. He sits as a Judge, without, however, exercising that power. That is yet to come. He also sits as a Teacher for His disciples to show them what He sees, so that they learn to observe as He observes.

The widow forms a huge contrast with the company He has just spoken about. She is a beautiful picture of the faithful remnant who entrusts itself entirely to Him. This is still connected with the old system that also makes a great impression on the disciples, because she gives her contribution to it, but her heart is with God. The Lord also wants to know from us what is in our heart for the house of God. He wants to know if His house – that is us as believers (Hebrews 3:6a) – is worth everything to us.

If she hadn’t put the two small copper coins in the treasury, it would have gone unnoticed. Her contribution was far too small for that. For those who had to count the amount, those little coins might have been difficult to count, but it is noticed and appreciated and noted by God. Now we know it too, because God wants us to see what it means to trust Him and to give what is in accordance with His thoughts.

She could have thrown in only one of the two small copper coins. That would have been a disproportionate amount of money for her as well. Where does the law dictate to give fifty percent? No, she gives hundred percent for a temple that will be destroyed within a few years. Maybe her small copper coins were even used to pay Judas for his betrayal. But she gave the money to God and that’s all that matters.

Giving is about the motive, not what people do with that gift. The Lord knows how to separate the intent of the sincere soul from the system that surrounds it. Mary also gave everything. One gave everything for the house of God, the other gave everything for Him. It’s both appreciated by Him. They gave as He gave Who also gave everything He had.

The Lord wants to teach His disciples about this and calls them to Himself. He openly expresses His appreciation for the woman. He also openly expresses His appreciation to all those who have put something into the treasury. Whatever the others have put into the treasury, He calls a gesture, they all have “put in out of their surplus” into the treasury. The amount they have put into it does not matter to Him. According to His judgment, what the woman has put in is worth more than what all have put in together.

In the face of the appearance of piety of the scribes, He makes clear what in the eyes of God really gives value to the sacrifices that are brought to the temple. The scribes received appreciation from the people because they were looking for it. This poor widow received appreciation from the Lord, even though she did not count on it at all.

He, God, does not look at the sum of the contribution, but at what we have left for ourselves. In the case of the widow, that is nothing! Those who gave of their surplus kept most of it for themselves. The much we have left for ourselves proves how little we give.

The Lord appreciates giving in the widow’s way, because it is not only the expression of giving abundantly, but also of complete trust in God.

Mark 14:5

The Sacrifice of the Widow

After His walk through the temple (Mark 11:27), the Lord now sits down to show us to whom His sympathy goes. He observes “how,” that is in what way and from what motive, people put money into the treasury. He knows exactly how much we give and why we give just that amount and why no more or no less. He also observes how we make our goods and bodies available to Him. He sits as a Judge, without, however, exercising that power. That is yet to come. He also sits as a Teacher for His disciples to show them what He sees, so that they learn to observe as He observes.

The widow forms a huge contrast with the company He has just spoken about. She is a beautiful picture of the faithful remnant who entrusts itself entirely to Him. This is still connected with the old system that also makes a great impression on the disciples, because she gives her contribution to it, but her heart is with God. The Lord also wants to know from us what is in our heart for the house of God. He wants to know if His house – that is us as believers (Hebrews 3:6a) – is worth everything to us.

If she hadn’t put the two small copper coins in the treasury, it would have gone unnoticed. Her contribution was far too small for that. For those who had to count the amount, those little coins might have been difficult to count, but it is noticed and appreciated and noted by God. Now we know it too, because God wants us to see what it means to trust Him and to give what is in accordance with His thoughts.

She could have thrown in only one of the two small copper coins. That would have been a disproportionate amount of money for her as well. Where does the law dictate to give fifty percent? No, she gives hundred percent for a temple that will be destroyed within a few years. Maybe her small copper coins were even used to pay Judas for his betrayal. But she gave the money to God and that’s all that matters.

Giving is about the motive, not what people do with that gift. The Lord knows how to separate the intent of the sincere soul from the system that surrounds it. Mary also gave everything. One gave everything for the house of God, the other gave everything for Him. It’s both appreciated by Him. They gave as He gave Who also gave everything He had.

The Lord wants to teach His disciples about this and calls them to Himself. He openly expresses His appreciation for the woman. He also openly expresses His appreciation to all those who have put something into the treasury. Whatever the others have put into the treasury, He calls a gesture, they all have “put in out of their surplus” into the treasury. The amount they have put into it does not matter to Him. According to His judgment, what the woman has put in is worth more than what all have put in together.

In the face of the appearance of piety of the scribes, He makes clear what in the eyes of God really gives value to the sacrifices that are brought to the temple. The scribes received appreciation from the people because they were looking for it. This poor widow received appreciation from the Lord, even though she did not count on it at all.

He, God, does not look at the sum of the contribution, but at what we have left for ourselves. In the case of the widow, that is nothing! Those who gave of their surplus kept most of it for themselves. The much we have left for ourselves proves how little we give.

The Lord appreciates giving in the widow’s way, because it is not only the expression of giving abundantly, but also of complete trust in God.

Mark 14:6

The Sacrifice of the Widow

After His walk through the temple (Mark 11:27), the Lord now sits down to show us to whom His sympathy goes. He observes “how,” that is in what way and from what motive, people put money into the treasury. He knows exactly how much we give and why we give just that amount and why no more or no less. He also observes how we make our goods and bodies available to Him. He sits as a Judge, without, however, exercising that power. That is yet to come. He also sits as a Teacher for His disciples to show them what He sees, so that they learn to observe as He observes.

The widow forms a huge contrast with the company He has just spoken about. She is a beautiful picture of the faithful remnant who entrusts itself entirely to Him. This is still connected with the old system that also makes a great impression on the disciples, because she gives her contribution to it, but her heart is with God. The Lord also wants to know from us what is in our heart for the house of God. He wants to know if His house – that is us as believers (Hebrews 3:6a) – is worth everything to us.

If she hadn’t put the two small copper coins in the treasury, it would have gone unnoticed. Her contribution was far too small for that. For those who had to count the amount, those little coins might have been difficult to count, but it is noticed and appreciated and noted by God. Now we know it too, because God wants us to see what it means to trust Him and to give what is in accordance with His thoughts.

She could have thrown in only one of the two small copper coins. That would have been a disproportionate amount of money for her as well. Where does the law dictate to give fifty percent? No, she gives hundred percent for a temple that will be destroyed within a few years. Maybe her small copper coins were even used to pay Judas for his betrayal. But she gave the money to God and that’s all that matters.

Giving is about the motive, not what people do with that gift. The Lord knows how to separate the intent of the sincere soul from the system that surrounds it. Mary also gave everything. One gave everything for the house of God, the other gave everything for Him. It’s both appreciated by Him. They gave as He gave Who also gave everything He had.

The Lord wants to teach His disciples about this and calls them to Himself. He openly expresses His appreciation for the woman. He also openly expresses His appreciation to all those who have put something into the treasury. Whatever the others have put into the treasury, He calls a gesture, they all have “put in out of their surplus” into the treasury. The amount they have put into it does not matter to Him. According to His judgment, what the woman has put in is worth more than what all have put in together.

In the face of the appearance of piety of the scribes, He makes clear what in the eyes of God really gives value to the sacrifices that are brought to the temple. The scribes received appreciation from the people because they were looking for it. This poor widow received appreciation from the Lord, even though she did not count on it at all.

He, God, does not look at the sum of the contribution, but at what we have left for ourselves. In the case of the widow, that is nothing! Those who gave of their surplus kept most of it for themselves. The much we have left for ourselves proves how little we give.

The Lord appreciates giving in the widow’s way, because it is not only the expression of giving abundantly, but also of complete trust in God.

Mark 14:7

The Sacrifice of the Widow

After His walk through the temple (Mark 11:27), the Lord now sits down to show us to whom His sympathy goes. He observes “how,” that is in what way and from what motive, people put money into the treasury. He knows exactly how much we give and why we give just that amount and why no more or no less. He also observes how we make our goods and bodies available to Him. He sits as a Judge, without, however, exercising that power. That is yet to come. He also sits as a Teacher for His disciples to show them what He sees, so that they learn to observe as He observes.

The widow forms a huge contrast with the company He has just spoken about. She is a beautiful picture of the faithful remnant who entrusts itself entirely to Him. This is still connected with the old system that also makes a great impression on the disciples, because she gives her contribution to it, but her heart is with God. The Lord also wants to know from us what is in our heart for the house of God. He wants to know if His house – that is us as believers (Hebrews 3:6a) – is worth everything to us.

If she hadn’t put the two small copper coins in the treasury, it would have gone unnoticed. Her contribution was far too small for that. For those who had to count the amount, those little coins might have been difficult to count, but it is noticed and appreciated and noted by God. Now we know it too, because God wants us to see what it means to trust Him and to give what is in accordance with His thoughts.

She could have thrown in only one of the two small copper coins. That would have been a disproportionate amount of money for her as well. Where does the law dictate to give fifty percent? No, she gives hundred percent for a temple that will be destroyed within a few years. Maybe her small copper coins were even used to pay Judas for his betrayal. But she gave the money to God and that’s all that matters.

Giving is about the motive, not what people do with that gift. The Lord knows how to separate the intent of the sincere soul from the system that surrounds it. Mary also gave everything. One gave everything for the house of God, the other gave everything for Him. It’s both appreciated by Him. They gave as He gave Who also gave everything He had.

The Lord wants to teach His disciples about this and calls them to Himself. He openly expresses His appreciation for the woman. He also openly expresses His appreciation to all those who have put something into the treasury. Whatever the others have put into the treasury, He calls a gesture, they all have “put in out of their surplus” into the treasury. The amount they have put into it does not matter to Him. According to His judgment, what the woman has put in is worth more than what all have put in together.

In the face of the appearance of piety of the scribes, He makes clear what in the eyes of God really gives value to the sacrifices that are brought to the temple. The scribes received appreciation from the people because they were looking for it. This poor widow received appreciation from the Lord, even though she did not count on it at all.

He, God, does not look at the sum of the contribution, but at what we have left for ourselves. In the case of the widow, that is nothing! Those who gave of their surplus kept most of it for themselves. The much we have left for ourselves proves how little we give.

The Lord appreciates giving in the widow’s way, because it is not only the expression of giving abundantly, but also of complete trust in God.

Mark 14:9

The Tearing Down of the Temple Foretold

In this chapter the Lord Jesus speaks His sermon about the last things. In accordance with the character of this Gospel, He speaks about these things to His disciples in their character as servants. This chapter therefore contains teaching for servants in times of great tribulation. The Lord warns His disciples how they can escape the judgment that comes on the beloved people because of their sins. When the time comes of which He speaks here it will be the proof of the truth of His words and also an encouragement to their hearts.

The reason for this sermon on what will happen at the end of time is the remark made by one of His disciples to Him about the temple. When He leaves the temple again, He turns His back on it as it were. He leaves the whole system to itself. However, one of His disciples turns around, sees the greatness of the temple, and praises it. He sees the temple as God’s house and the center of their service.

This gives the Lord the opportunity to share with them God’s thoughts about His ways with His people and His judgment of its spiritual state. In the same way, beautiful churches and objects of admiration can be beautiful to look at today, but God will judge it all. We see this in the fall of Babylon, the great city (Revelation 18:21).

The Lord partly repeats as a question the remark of His disciple. He does this in order to involve them in what He is going to say about the temple. Then He says straight away that nothing of all those impressive buildings, so beautiful to the eye, will be left intact. That is a shock for the disciples. They still believe that the temple is the proof of God’s presence among His people and thus the recognition of the people by God. They still see things from their religious beliefs that their Master is going to establish His kingdom. But only a few decades later the judgment on these buildings will come.

Mark 14:10

The Tearing Down of the Temple Foretold

In this chapter the Lord Jesus speaks His sermon about the last things. In accordance with the character of this Gospel, He speaks about these things to His disciples in their character as servants. This chapter therefore contains teaching for servants in times of great tribulation. The Lord warns His disciples how they can escape the judgment that comes on the beloved people because of their sins. When the time comes of which He speaks here it will be the proof of the truth of His words and also an encouragement to their hearts.

The reason for this sermon on what will happen at the end of time is the remark made by one of His disciples to Him about the temple. When He leaves the temple again, He turns His back on it as it were. He leaves the whole system to itself. However, one of His disciples turns around, sees the greatness of the temple, and praises it. He sees the temple as God’s house and the center of their service.

This gives the Lord the opportunity to share with them God’s thoughts about His ways with His people and His judgment of its spiritual state. In the same way, beautiful churches and objects of admiration can be beautiful to look at today, but God will judge it all. We see this in the fall of Babylon, the great city (Revelation 18:21).

The Lord partly repeats as a question the remark of His disciple. He does this in order to involve them in what He is going to say about the temple. Then He says straight away that nothing of all those impressive buildings, so beautiful to the eye, will be left intact. That is a shock for the disciples. They still believe that the temple is the proof of God’s presence among His people and thus the recognition of the people by God. They still see things from their religious beliefs that their Master is going to establish His kingdom. But only a few decades later the judgment on these buildings will come.

Mark 14:11

Questions About the Future

The Lord occupies a significant place: on the Mount of Olives and opposite the temple. Twice two brothers ask Him for an explanation. From the Mount of Olives they have a good view of the temple. The Lord sits again. There is peace with Him and from that peace He gives His disciples answers to their questions and leads them further into God’s plans for the future. To know God’s thoughts, we must be in an exalted place like Him. From there we can see the reality, for there He teaches prophecy.

The Mount of Olives lies to the east of Jerusalem. Between the Mount of Olives and the city runs the brook Kidron. From the Mount of Olives came the colt that brought Him to Jerusalem in a triumphal march under the cheers of the crowd (Mark 11:9-10). Near the Mount of Olives is Gethsemane. From the Mount of Olives He will go to heaven and He will return there from heaven (Acts 1:11; Zechariah 14:4).

The four disciples ask two things. They ask “when” and a “sign”. Their question for the sign proves that they are still behaving as real Jews and thinking as real Jews. The teaching that follows is therefore primarily meant for them as Jews. However, the Lord presents it in such a way that it also applies to us and especially to us as servants to follow Him in it.

Mark 14:12

Questions About the Future

The Lord occupies a significant place: on the Mount of Olives and opposite the temple. Twice two brothers ask Him for an explanation. From the Mount of Olives they have a good view of the temple. The Lord sits again. There is peace with Him and from that peace He gives His disciples answers to their questions and leads them further into God’s plans for the future. To know God’s thoughts, we must be in an exalted place like Him. From there we can see the reality, for there He teaches prophecy.

The Mount of Olives lies to the east of Jerusalem. Between the Mount of Olives and the city runs the brook Kidron. From the Mount of Olives came the colt that brought Him to Jerusalem in a triumphal march under the cheers of the crowd (Mark 11:9-10). Near the Mount of Olives is Gethsemane. From the Mount of Olives He will go to heaven and He will return there from heaven (Acts 1:11; Zechariah 14:4).

The four disciples ask two things. They ask “when” and a “sign”. Their question for the sign proves that they are still behaving as real Jews and thinking as real Jews. The teaching that follows is therefore primarily meant for them as Jews. However, the Lord presents it in such a way that it also applies to us and especially to us as servants to follow Him in it.

Mark 14:13

The Beginning of Birth Pangs

The Lord “began” to say something to them. What He says is a beginning of His teaching and not a completed whole. It is teaching that they have to work out in their lives and in which He continues to teach them more and more. The introductory words of His teaching are a warning. They indicate that His concern is not to satisfy their curiosity, but that He wants to apply His words to their hearts and consciences. All His directions and warnings are given in this Gospel for with regard to their service.

He first of all points out that the time when these things will happen will be a time of great misleading. Many will pretend to be the Messiah. Every one of those false messiahs will claim to be him. And many will be caught up in it. These false messiahs will owe their success to the unbelief of the masses who prefer to believe the lie rather than acknowledge the truth and repent. It is also a tremendously misleading time today when people have renounced the Christian faith because it has been taken away from them by religious leaders. A gap has been created into which the demons are eager to jump to fill it with their deceptive teachings.

Apart from the danger of misleading, there is also danger by circumstances. There will be wars. A war is an eruption of violence between population groups, in which violence and death make life unbearable. A war is often of a long-term nature with long-term consequences. The rumors of wars are enough to frighten people. The Lord says that they should not be frightened of it, because it is part of the end time, but it does not mean the end. Wars are also common today and frighten people, but Christians do not need to be.

Apart from misleading people and wars, there will also be natural disasters and smaller hotbeds of conflict between people. All these causes of discontent and misery are the announcement of even worse things. In most of the world there is famine and the shortage of food is getting worse. These are all direct consequences of sin. And it’s only the beginning of birth pangs.

Mark 14:14

The Beginning of Birth Pangs

The Lord “began” to say something to them. What He says is a beginning of His teaching and not a completed whole. It is teaching that they have to work out in their lives and in which He continues to teach them more and more. The introductory words of His teaching are a warning. They indicate that His concern is not to satisfy their curiosity, but that He wants to apply His words to their hearts and consciences. All His directions and warnings are given in this Gospel for with regard to their service.

He first of all points out that the time when these things will happen will be a time of great misleading. Many will pretend to be the Messiah. Every one of those false messiahs will claim to be him. And many will be caught up in it. These false messiahs will owe their success to the unbelief of the masses who prefer to believe the lie rather than acknowledge the truth and repent. It is also a tremendously misleading time today when people have renounced the Christian faith because it has been taken away from them by religious leaders. A gap has been created into which the demons are eager to jump to fill it with their deceptive teachings.

Apart from the danger of misleading, there is also danger by circumstances. There will be wars. A war is an eruption of violence between population groups, in which violence and death make life unbearable. A war is often of a long-term nature with long-term consequences. The rumors of wars are enough to frighten people. The Lord says that they should not be frightened of it, because it is part of the end time, but it does not mean the end. Wars are also common today and frighten people, but Christians do not need to be.

Apart from misleading people and wars, there will also be natural disasters and smaller hotbeds of conflict between people. All these causes of discontent and misery are the announcement of even worse things. In most of the world there is famine and the shortage of food is getting worse. These are all direct consequences of sin. And it’s only the beginning of birth pangs.

Mark 14:15

The Beginning of Birth Pangs

The Lord “began” to say something to them. What He says is a beginning of His teaching and not a completed whole. It is teaching that they have to work out in their lives and in which He continues to teach them more and more. The introductory words of His teaching are a warning. They indicate that His concern is not to satisfy their curiosity, but that He wants to apply His words to their hearts and consciences. All His directions and warnings are given in this Gospel for with regard to their service.

He first of all points out that the time when these things will happen will be a time of great misleading. Many will pretend to be the Messiah. Every one of those false messiahs will claim to be him. And many will be caught up in it. These false messiahs will owe their success to the unbelief of the masses who prefer to believe the lie rather than acknowledge the truth and repent. It is also a tremendously misleading time today when people have renounced the Christian faith because it has been taken away from them by religious leaders. A gap has been created into which the demons are eager to jump to fill it with their deceptive teachings.

Apart from the danger of misleading, there is also danger by circumstances. There will be wars. A war is an eruption of violence between population groups, in which violence and death make life unbearable. A war is often of a long-term nature with long-term consequences. The rumors of wars are enough to frighten people. The Lord says that they should not be frightened of it, because it is part of the end time, but it does not mean the end. Wars are also common today and frighten people, but Christians do not need to be.

Apart from misleading people and wars, there will also be natural disasters and smaller hotbeds of conflict between people. All these causes of discontent and misery are the announcement of even worse things. In most of the world there is famine and the shortage of food is getting worse. These are all direct consequences of sin. And it’s only the beginning of birth pangs.

Mark 14:16

The Beginning of Birth Pangs

The Lord “began” to say something to them. What He says is a beginning of His teaching and not a completed whole. It is teaching that they have to work out in their lives and in which He continues to teach them more and more. The introductory words of His teaching are a warning. They indicate that His concern is not to satisfy their curiosity, but that He wants to apply His words to their hearts and consciences. All His directions and warnings are given in this Gospel for with regard to their service.

He first of all points out that the time when these things will happen will be a time of great misleading. Many will pretend to be the Messiah. Every one of those false messiahs will claim to be him. And many will be caught up in it. These false messiahs will owe their success to the unbelief of the masses who prefer to believe the lie rather than acknowledge the truth and repent. It is also a tremendously misleading time today when people have renounced the Christian faith because it has been taken away from them by religious leaders. A gap has been created into which the demons are eager to jump to fill it with their deceptive teachings.

Apart from the danger of misleading, there is also danger by circumstances. There will be wars. A war is an eruption of violence between population groups, in which violence and death make life unbearable. A war is often of a long-term nature with long-term consequences. The rumors of wars are enough to frighten people. The Lord says that they should not be frightened of it, because it is part of the end time, but it does not mean the end. Wars are also common today and frighten people, but Christians do not need to be.

Apart from misleading people and wars, there will also be natural disasters and smaller hotbeds of conflict between people. All these causes of discontent and misery are the announcement of even worse things. In most of the world there is famine and the shortage of food is getting worse. These are all direct consequences of sin. And it’s only the beginning of birth pangs.

Mark 14:17

The Servant Is Persecuted

These verses we find only here and not in the prophetic discourse written by Matthew in Matthew 24-25 and Luke in Luke 21. Not only the circumstances are characteristic of that time, but also what will happen to themselves. The hatred of the people will focus on them as followers or servants of Christ. They will be at the mercy of courts of religious systems to be interrogated. The methods of interrogation are cruel, and interrogations will even take place in synagogues, which are buildings where teaching is given from God’s law.

In addition, worldly authorities will call them to account for Who Christ is. It will be an opportunity to make these authorities aware of His Name through which the gospel will also come to these places. Thus Paul testified before the Jewish counsel, as well as before Festus, Agrippa and even the emperor. Also the gospel has sounded and still sounds in penal camps to which faithful witnesses were banished and are still being banished. In all this it was and is important to preserve the character of truth and humility.

Thus the gospel will find its way, for before the end comes, it must first be preached to all nations. God wants His joyous message to be brought to the very ends of the earth even in the darkest times, or perhaps precisely then. God never judges without first giving a complete testimony of the way to salvation of that judgment. It is our task to do so while we see what is going on in the world.

The Lord has great encouragement for His disciples. If they are led away to be interrogated, they need not worry about what they will speak. He will make sure that they will speak the right thing at the right time. He will work that through the Holy Spirit Who will put the words in their mouth.

This is also important for any situation of threat and need that we, as servants, may encounter in order to be aware of it. The Holy Spirit wants to fill us to fulfill our task to testify (Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31). We do not need to plan tactics or establish an organization to know how to resist the enemy.

If we rely on our own insight and skills, our defeat is certain. If we trust in the Lord, He will give us victory, even if it would cost us our life. We will experience this wonder of speaking through the Holy Spirit every time we speak up for the Lord Jesus when He brings us into situations where He asks us to do so.

Each service for Christ will also reveal the hatred of the human heart. That hatred will be so great that there will be no safety even in family relationships. Authority will disappear and family ties will be torn apart. Where otherwise one brother helps the other brother, now one brother will hand the other over to death. While a child naturally finds protection and safety with his father, there is nothing left of that at that time, and a father will surrender his child when he notices that this child is a disciple of Christ.

The fact that all natural relationships are chilled is also evident in the rebellion of children against their parents and the putting to death of them. Children should honor their parents and not rise up against them. They are without natural love (2 Timothy 3:1-4). This is the result of the selfishness that prevails in families with the result that lovelessness increases hand over hand. This is how parents raise their children for death because there is no natural love anymore. Children die due to emotional neglect caused by the parents’ desire to assert themselves. The foundations of society are undermined. It’s all insidious, but very certain.

Hate will be general because hatred of the Lord Jesus is general (John 15:18-21). It is important not to let it stop us, but to endure to the end. The end is first and foremost the end of the great tribulation which the Lord will speak of hereafter. Endurance is the perfect fruit of obedience (James 1:4). He who endures is saved.

This does not mean that it depends on our own effort whether we are saved. Salvation cannot be earned, and he who is saved by grace cannot be lost. What matters here is that endurance is the proof that someone knows Christ, has chosen Him, and therefore serves Him consistently. And once there is a failure, there is also confession and restoration.

Mark 14:18

The Servant Is Persecuted

These verses we find only here and not in the prophetic discourse written by Matthew in Matthew 24-25 and Luke in Luke 21. Not only the circumstances are characteristic of that time, but also what will happen to themselves. The hatred of the people will focus on them as followers or servants of Christ. They will be at the mercy of courts of religious systems to be interrogated. The methods of interrogation are cruel, and interrogations will even take place in synagogues, which are buildings where teaching is given from God’s law.

In addition, worldly authorities will call them to account for Who Christ is. It will be an opportunity to make these authorities aware of His Name through which the gospel will also come to these places. Thus Paul testified before the Jewish counsel, as well as before Festus, Agrippa and even the emperor. Also the gospel has sounded and still sounds in penal camps to which faithful witnesses were banished and are still being banished. In all this it was and is important to preserve the character of truth and humility.

Thus the gospel will find its way, for before the end comes, it must first be preached to all nations. God wants His joyous message to be brought to the very ends of the earth even in the darkest times, or perhaps precisely then. God never judges without first giving a complete testimony of the way to salvation of that judgment. It is our task to do so while we see what is going on in the world.

The Lord has great encouragement for His disciples. If they are led away to be interrogated, they need not worry about what they will speak. He will make sure that they will speak the right thing at the right time. He will work that through the Holy Spirit Who will put the words in their mouth.

This is also important for any situation of threat and need that we, as servants, may encounter in order to be aware of it. The Holy Spirit wants to fill us to fulfill our task to testify (Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31). We do not need to plan tactics or establish an organization to know how to resist the enemy.

If we rely on our own insight and skills, our defeat is certain. If we trust in the Lord, He will give us victory, even if it would cost us our life. We will experience this wonder of speaking through the Holy Spirit every time we speak up for the Lord Jesus when He brings us into situations where He asks us to do so.

Each service for Christ will also reveal the hatred of the human heart. That hatred will be so great that there will be no safety even in family relationships. Authority will disappear and family ties will be torn apart. Where otherwise one brother helps the other brother, now one brother will hand the other over to death. While a child naturally finds protection and safety with his father, there is nothing left of that at that time, and a father will surrender his child when he notices that this child is a disciple of Christ.

The fact that all natural relationships are chilled is also evident in the rebellion of children against their parents and the putting to death of them. Children should honor their parents and not rise up against them. They are without natural love (2 Timothy 3:1-4). This is the result of the selfishness that prevails in families with the result that lovelessness increases hand over hand. This is how parents raise their children for death because there is no natural love anymore. Children die due to emotional neglect caused by the parents’ desire to assert themselves. The foundations of society are undermined. It’s all insidious, but very certain.

Hate will be general because hatred of the Lord Jesus is general (John 15:18-21). It is important not to let it stop us, but to endure to the end. The end is first and foremost the end of the great tribulation which the Lord will speak of hereafter. Endurance is the perfect fruit of obedience (James 1:4). He who endures is saved.

This does not mean that it depends on our own effort whether we are saved. Salvation cannot be earned, and he who is saved by grace cannot be lost. What matters here is that endurance is the proof that someone knows Christ, has chosen Him, and therefore serves Him consistently. And once there is a failure, there is also confession and restoration.

Mark 14:19

The Servant Is Persecuted

These verses we find only here and not in the prophetic discourse written by Matthew in Matthew 24-25 and Luke in Luke 21. Not only the circumstances are characteristic of that time, but also what will happen to themselves. The hatred of the people will focus on them as followers or servants of Christ. They will be at the mercy of courts of religious systems to be interrogated. The methods of interrogation are cruel, and interrogations will even take place in synagogues, which are buildings where teaching is given from God’s law.

In addition, worldly authorities will call them to account for Who Christ is. It will be an opportunity to make these authorities aware of His Name through which the gospel will also come to these places. Thus Paul testified before the Jewish counsel, as well as before Festus, Agrippa and even the emperor. Also the gospel has sounded and still sounds in penal camps to which faithful witnesses were banished and are still being banished. In all this it was and is important to preserve the character of truth and humility.

Thus the gospel will find its way, for before the end comes, it must first be preached to all nations. God wants His joyous message to be brought to the very ends of the earth even in the darkest times, or perhaps precisely then. God never judges without first giving a complete testimony of the way to salvation of that judgment. It is our task to do so while we see what is going on in the world.

The Lord has great encouragement for His disciples. If they are led away to be interrogated, they need not worry about what they will speak. He will make sure that they will speak the right thing at the right time. He will work that through the Holy Spirit Who will put the words in their mouth.

This is also important for any situation of threat and need that we, as servants, may encounter in order to be aware of it. The Holy Spirit wants to fill us to fulfill our task to testify (Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31). We do not need to plan tactics or establish an organization to know how to resist the enemy.

If we rely on our own insight and skills, our defeat is certain. If we trust in the Lord, He will give us victory, even if it would cost us our life. We will experience this wonder of speaking through the Holy Spirit every time we speak up for the Lord Jesus when He brings us into situations where He asks us to do so.

Each service for Christ will also reveal the hatred of the human heart. That hatred will be so great that there will be no safety even in family relationships. Authority will disappear and family ties will be torn apart. Where otherwise one brother helps the other brother, now one brother will hand the other over to death. While a child naturally finds protection and safety with his father, there is nothing left of that at that time, and a father will surrender his child when he notices that this child is a disciple of Christ.

The fact that all natural relationships are chilled is also evident in the rebellion of children against their parents and the putting to death of them. Children should honor their parents and not rise up against them. They are without natural love (2 Timothy 3:1-4). This is the result of the selfishness that prevails in families with the result that lovelessness increases hand over hand. This is how parents raise their children for death because there is no natural love anymore. Children die due to emotional neglect caused by the parents’ desire to assert themselves. The foundations of society are undermined. It’s all insidious, but very certain.

Hate will be general because hatred of the Lord Jesus is general (John 15:18-21). It is important not to let it stop us, but to endure to the end. The end is first and foremost the end of the great tribulation which the Lord will speak of hereafter. Endurance is the perfect fruit of obedience (James 1:4). He who endures is saved.

This does not mean that it depends on our own effort whether we are saved. Salvation cannot be earned, and he who is saved by grace cannot be lost. What matters here is that endurance is the proof that someone knows Christ, has chosen Him, and therefore serves Him consistently. And once there is a failure, there is also confession and restoration.

Mark 14:20

The Servant Is Persecuted

These verses we find only here and not in the prophetic discourse written by Matthew in Matthew 24-25 and Luke in Luke 21. Not only the circumstances are characteristic of that time, but also what will happen to themselves. The hatred of the people will focus on them as followers or servants of Christ. They will be at the mercy of courts of religious systems to be interrogated. The methods of interrogation are cruel, and interrogations will even take place in synagogues, which are buildings where teaching is given from God’s law.

In addition, worldly authorities will call them to account for Who Christ is. It will be an opportunity to make these authorities aware of His Name through which the gospel will also come to these places. Thus Paul testified before the Jewish counsel, as well as before Festus, Agrippa and even the emperor. Also the gospel has sounded and still sounds in penal camps to which faithful witnesses were banished and are still being banished. In all this it was and is important to preserve the character of truth and humility.

Thus the gospel will find its way, for before the end comes, it must first be preached to all nations. God wants His joyous message to be brought to the very ends of the earth even in the darkest times, or perhaps precisely then. God never judges without first giving a complete testimony of the way to salvation of that judgment. It is our task to do so while we see what is going on in the world.

The Lord has great encouragement for His disciples. If they are led away to be interrogated, they need not worry about what they will speak. He will make sure that they will speak the right thing at the right time. He will work that through the Holy Spirit Who will put the words in their mouth.

This is also important for any situation of threat and need that we, as servants, may encounter in order to be aware of it. The Holy Spirit wants to fill us to fulfill our task to testify (Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31). We do not need to plan tactics or establish an organization to know how to resist the enemy.

If we rely on our own insight and skills, our defeat is certain. If we trust in the Lord, He will give us victory, even if it would cost us our life. We will experience this wonder of speaking through the Holy Spirit every time we speak up for the Lord Jesus when He brings us into situations where He asks us to do so.

Each service for Christ will also reveal the hatred of the human heart. That hatred will be so great that there will be no safety even in family relationships. Authority will disappear and family ties will be torn apart. Where otherwise one brother helps the other brother, now one brother will hand the other over to death. While a child naturally finds protection and safety with his father, there is nothing left of that at that time, and a father will surrender his child when he notices that this child is a disciple of Christ.

The fact that all natural relationships are chilled is also evident in the rebellion of children against their parents and the putting to death of them. Children should honor their parents and not rise up against them. They are without natural love (2 Timothy 3:1-4). This is the result of the selfishness that prevails in families with the result that lovelessness increases hand over hand. This is how parents raise their children for death because there is no natural love anymore. Children die due to emotional neglect caused by the parents’ desire to assert themselves. The foundations of society are undermined. It’s all insidious, but very certain.

Hate will be general because hatred of the Lord Jesus is general (John 15:18-21). It is important not to let it stop us, but to endure to the end. The end is first and foremost the end of the great tribulation which the Lord will speak of hereafter. Endurance is the perfect fruit of obedience (James 1:4). He who endures is saved.

This does not mean that it depends on our own effort whether we are saved. Salvation cannot be earned, and he who is saved by grace cannot be lost. What matters here is that endurance is the proof that someone knows Christ, has chosen Him, and therefore serves Him consistently. And once there is a failure, there is also confession and restoration.

Mark 14:21

The Servant Is Persecuted

These verses we find only here and not in the prophetic discourse written by Matthew in Matthew 24-25 and Luke in Luke 21. Not only the circumstances are characteristic of that time, but also what will happen to themselves. The hatred of the people will focus on them as followers or servants of Christ. They will be at the mercy of courts of religious systems to be interrogated. The methods of interrogation are cruel, and interrogations will even take place in synagogues, which are buildings where teaching is given from God’s law.

In addition, worldly authorities will call them to account for Who Christ is. It will be an opportunity to make these authorities aware of His Name through which the gospel will also come to these places. Thus Paul testified before the Jewish counsel, as well as before Festus, Agrippa and even the emperor. Also the gospel has sounded and still sounds in penal camps to which faithful witnesses were banished and are still being banished. In all this it was and is important to preserve the character of truth and humility.

Thus the gospel will find its way, for before the end comes, it must first be preached to all nations. God wants His joyous message to be brought to the very ends of the earth even in the darkest times, or perhaps precisely then. God never judges without first giving a complete testimony of the way to salvation of that judgment. It is our task to do so while we see what is going on in the world.

The Lord has great encouragement for His disciples. If they are led away to be interrogated, they need not worry about what they will speak. He will make sure that they will speak the right thing at the right time. He will work that through the Holy Spirit Who will put the words in their mouth.

This is also important for any situation of threat and need that we, as servants, may encounter in order to be aware of it. The Holy Spirit wants to fill us to fulfill our task to testify (Acts 1:8; Acts 4:31). We do not need to plan tactics or establish an organization to know how to resist the enemy.

If we rely on our own insight and skills, our defeat is certain. If we trust in the Lord, He will give us victory, even if it would cost us our life. We will experience this wonder of speaking through the Holy Spirit every time we speak up for the Lord Jesus when He brings us into situations where He asks us to do so.

Each service for Christ will also reveal the hatred of the human heart. That hatred will be so great that there will be no safety even in family relationships. Authority will disappear and family ties will be torn apart. Where otherwise one brother helps the other brother, now one brother will hand the other over to death. While a child naturally finds protection and safety with his father, there is nothing left of that at that time, and a father will surrender his child when he notices that this child is a disciple of Christ.

The fact that all natural relationships are chilled is also evident in the rebellion of children against their parents and the putting to death of them. Children should honor their parents and not rise up against them. They are without natural love (2 Timothy 3:1-4). This is the result of the selfishness that prevails in families with the result that lovelessness increases hand over hand. This is how parents raise their children for death because there is no natural love anymore. Children die due to emotional neglect caused by the parents’ desire to assert themselves. The foundations of society are undermined. It’s all insidious, but very certain.

Hate will be general because hatred of the Lord Jesus is general (John 15:18-21). It is important not to let it stop us, but to endure to the end. The end is first and foremost the end of the great tribulation which the Lord will speak of hereafter. Endurance is the perfect fruit of obedience (James 1:4). He who endures is saved.

This does not mean that it depends on our own effort whether we are saved. Salvation cannot be earned, and he who is saved by grace cannot be lost. What matters here is that endurance is the proof that someone knows Christ, has chosen Him, and therefore serves Him consistently. And once there is a failure, there is also confession and restoration.

Mark 14:22

The Abomination of Desolation

The abomination of desolation is the idol working desolation (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11). The Lord here refers to the image of the beast that represents the ruler of the restored Roman Empire. This image will be put into the temple by the antichrist and everyone will have to worship it (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:12-15). This is the beginning of the great tribulation that will last three and a half years. Setting up this idol in the temple is the sign for the faithful Jews to flee. The great tribulation will reveal the faithful. It is they who will be warned, a warning they have received by reading in the Word.

The Lord states that it is vitally important to read His Word with insight, not for form. In this way we can escape the great misleading. He says it and we must pay attention to it. That is how it is with every misleading that comes to the servant. The only way not to be misled is to read God’s Word and take it to heart.

The persecution that will erupt will be so sudden that not a moment should be lost by taking anything out of the house quickly because it might be useful. Wherever anyone is, it is a matter of fleeing as quickly as possible, even leaving behind the coat that is supposed to protect them from the cold of the night. Life is more than protection from the cold.

The Lord also takes the vulnerable into account. This time will be particularly hard for the pregnant and those who are nursing babies. They will be weakened and will have to flee quickly. He even takes the weather conditions into account. He tells them to pray that these things will not happen in winter because of the extra need it will cause. They may pray, for God’s ear is open to their need, and He will save them by helping them through it. It doesn’t say here what the Gospel according to Matthew says, that they should also pray that their flight will not happen on a Sabbath (Matthew 24:20). This shows that the experiences of servants are paramount here and not, as in Matthew, the Jewish aspect.

The Lord predicts the unprecedented tribulation of those days. There has never been such a tribulation on earth and there never will be again. How great that tribulation must be! It is the time Jeremiah calls “the time of Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 3:10). It is an unparalleled time of tribulation.

However, the Lord has set a limit to that tribulation. He has fixed its duration. He has determined the measure, the boundary of the revelation of the lawless one, for the sake of His elect. The tribulation will be limited to three and a half years. Many will perish, but they will miss nothing of the realm of peace. They will participate in (the second phase of) the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4). There will also be a remnant kept alive by Him.

Mark 14:23

The Abomination of Desolation

The abomination of desolation is the idol working desolation (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11). The Lord here refers to the image of the beast that represents the ruler of the restored Roman Empire. This image will be put into the temple by the antichrist and everyone will have to worship it (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:12-15). This is the beginning of the great tribulation that will last three and a half years. Setting up this idol in the temple is the sign for the faithful Jews to flee. The great tribulation will reveal the faithful. It is they who will be warned, a warning they have received by reading in the Word.

The Lord states that it is vitally important to read His Word with insight, not for form. In this way we can escape the great misleading. He says it and we must pay attention to it. That is how it is with every misleading that comes to the servant. The only way not to be misled is to read God’s Word and take it to heart.

The persecution that will erupt will be so sudden that not a moment should be lost by taking anything out of the house quickly because it might be useful. Wherever anyone is, it is a matter of fleeing as quickly as possible, even leaving behind the coat that is supposed to protect them from the cold of the night. Life is more than protection from the cold.

The Lord also takes the vulnerable into account. This time will be particularly hard for the pregnant and those who are nursing babies. They will be weakened and will have to flee quickly. He even takes the weather conditions into account. He tells them to pray that these things will not happen in winter because of the extra need it will cause. They may pray, for God’s ear is open to their need, and He will save them by helping them through it. It doesn’t say here what the Gospel according to Matthew says, that they should also pray that their flight will not happen on a Sabbath (Matthew 24:20). This shows that the experiences of servants are paramount here and not, as in Matthew, the Jewish aspect.

The Lord predicts the unprecedented tribulation of those days. There has never been such a tribulation on earth and there never will be again. How great that tribulation must be! It is the time Jeremiah calls “the time of Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 3:10). It is an unparalleled time of tribulation.

However, the Lord has set a limit to that tribulation. He has fixed its duration. He has determined the measure, the boundary of the revelation of the lawless one, for the sake of His elect. The tribulation will be limited to three and a half years. Many will perish, but they will miss nothing of the realm of peace. They will participate in (the second phase of) the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4). There will also be a remnant kept alive by Him.

Mark 14:24

The Abomination of Desolation

The abomination of desolation is the idol working desolation (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11). The Lord here refers to the image of the beast that represents the ruler of the restored Roman Empire. This image will be put into the temple by the antichrist and everyone will have to worship it (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:12-15). This is the beginning of the great tribulation that will last three and a half years. Setting up this idol in the temple is the sign for the faithful Jews to flee. The great tribulation will reveal the faithful. It is they who will be warned, a warning they have received by reading in the Word.

The Lord states that it is vitally important to read His Word with insight, not for form. In this way we can escape the great misleading. He says it and we must pay attention to it. That is how it is with every misleading that comes to the servant. The only way not to be misled is to read God’s Word and take it to heart.

The persecution that will erupt will be so sudden that not a moment should be lost by taking anything out of the house quickly because it might be useful. Wherever anyone is, it is a matter of fleeing as quickly as possible, even leaving behind the coat that is supposed to protect them from the cold of the night. Life is more than protection from the cold.

The Lord also takes the vulnerable into account. This time will be particularly hard for the pregnant and those who are nursing babies. They will be weakened and will have to flee quickly. He even takes the weather conditions into account. He tells them to pray that these things will not happen in winter because of the extra need it will cause. They may pray, for God’s ear is open to their need, and He will save them by helping them through it. It doesn’t say here what the Gospel according to Matthew says, that they should also pray that their flight will not happen on a Sabbath (Matthew 24:20). This shows that the experiences of servants are paramount here and not, as in Matthew, the Jewish aspect.

The Lord predicts the unprecedented tribulation of those days. There has never been such a tribulation on earth and there never will be again. How great that tribulation must be! It is the time Jeremiah calls “the time of Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 3:10). It is an unparalleled time of tribulation.

However, the Lord has set a limit to that tribulation. He has fixed its duration. He has determined the measure, the boundary of the revelation of the lawless one, for the sake of His elect. The tribulation will be limited to three and a half years. Many will perish, but they will miss nothing of the realm of peace. They will participate in (the second phase of) the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4). There will also be a remnant kept alive by Him.

Mark 14:25

The Abomination of Desolation

The abomination of desolation is the idol working desolation (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11). The Lord here refers to the image of the beast that represents the ruler of the restored Roman Empire. This image will be put into the temple by the antichrist and everyone will have to worship it (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:12-15). This is the beginning of the great tribulation that will last three and a half years. Setting up this idol in the temple is the sign for the faithful Jews to flee. The great tribulation will reveal the faithful. It is they who will be warned, a warning they have received by reading in the Word.

The Lord states that it is vitally important to read His Word with insight, not for form. In this way we can escape the great misleading. He says it and we must pay attention to it. That is how it is with every misleading that comes to the servant. The only way not to be misled is to read God’s Word and take it to heart.

The persecution that will erupt will be so sudden that not a moment should be lost by taking anything out of the house quickly because it might be useful. Wherever anyone is, it is a matter of fleeing as quickly as possible, even leaving behind the coat that is supposed to protect them from the cold of the night. Life is more than protection from the cold.

The Lord also takes the vulnerable into account. This time will be particularly hard for the pregnant and those who are nursing babies. They will be weakened and will have to flee quickly. He even takes the weather conditions into account. He tells them to pray that these things will not happen in winter because of the extra need it will cause. They may pray, for God’s ear is open to their need, and He will save them by helping them through it. It doesn’t say here what the Gospel according to Matthew says, that they should also pray that their flight will not happen on a Sabbath (Matthew 24:20). This shows that the experiences of servants are paramount here and not, as in Matthew, the Jewish aspect.

The Lord predicts the unprecedented tribulation of those days. There has never been such a tribulation on earth and there never will be again. How great that tribulation must be! It is the time Jeremiah calls “the time of Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 3:10). It is an unparalleled time of tribulation.

However, the Lord has set a limit to that tribulation. He has fixed its duration. He has determined the measure, the boundary of the revelation of the lawless one, for the sake of His elect. The tribulation will be limited to three and a half years. Many will perish, but they will miss nothing of the realm of peace. They will participate in (the second phase of) the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4). There will also be a remnant kept alive by Him.

Mark 14:26

The Abomination of Desolation

The abomination of desolation is the idol working desolation (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11). The Lord here refers to the image of the beast that represents the ruler of the restored Roman Empire. This image will be put into the temple by the antichrist and everyone will have to worship it (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:12-15). This is the beginning of the great tribulation that will last three and a half years. Setting up this idol in the temple is the sign for the faithful Jews to flee. The great tribulation will reveal the faithful. It is they who will be warned, a warning they have received by reading in the Word.

The Lord states that it is vitally important to read His Word with insight, not for form. In this way we can escape the great misleading. He says it and we must pay attention to it. That is how it is with every misleading that comes to the servant. The only way not to be misled is to read God’s Word and take it to heart.

The persecution that will erupt will be so sudden that not a moment should be lost by taking anything out of the house quickly because it might be useful. Wherever anyone is, it is a matter of fleeing as quickly as possible, even leaving behind the coat that is supposed to protect them from the cold of the night. Life is more than protection from the cold.

The Lord also takes the vulnerable into account. This time will be particularly hard for the pregnant and those who are nursing babies. They will be weakened and will have to flee quickly. He even takes the weather conditions into account. He tells them to pray that these things will not happen in winter because of the extra need it will cause. They may pray, for God’s ear is open to their need, and He will save them by helping them through it. It doesn’t say here what the Gospel according to Matthew says, that they should also pray that their flight will not happen on a Sabbath (Matthew 24:20). This shows that the experiences of servants are paramount here and not, as in Matthew, the Jewish aspect.

The Lord predicts the unprecedented tribulation of those days. There has never been such a tribulation on earth and there never will be again. How great that tribulation must be! It is the time Jeremiah calls “the time of Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 3:10). It is an unparalleled time of tribulation.

However, the Lord has set a limit to that tribulation. He has fixed its duration. He has determined the measure, the boundary of the revelation of the lawless one, for the sake of His elect. The tribulation will be limited to three and a half years. Many will perish, but they will miss nothing of the realm of peace. They will participate in (the second phase of) the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4). There will also be a remnant kept alive by Him.

Mark 14:27

The Abomination of Desolation

The abomination of desolation is the idol working desolation (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11). The Lord here refers to the image of the beast that represents the ruler of the restored Roman Empire. This image will be put into the temple by the antichrist and everyone will have to worship it (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:12-15). This is the beginning of the great tribulation that will last three and a half years. Setting up this idol in the temple is the sign for the faithful Jews to flee. The great tribulation will reveal the faithful. It is they who will be warned, a warning they have received by reading in the Word.

The Lord states that it is vitally important to read His Word with insight, not for form. In this way we can escape the great misleading. He says it and we must pay attention to it. That is how it is with every misleading that comes to the servant. The only way not to be misled is to read God’s Word and take it to heart.

The persecution that will erupt will be so sudden that not a moment should be lost by taking anything out of the house quickly because it might be useful. Wherever anyone is, it is a matter of fleeing as quickly as possible, even leaving behind the coat that is supposed to protect them from the cold of the night. Life is more than protection from the cold.

The Lord also takes the vulnerable into account. This time will be particularly hard for the pregnant and those who are nursing babies. They will be weakened and will have to flee quickly. He even takes the weather conditions into account. He tells them to pray that these things will not happen in winter because of the extra need it will cause. They may pray, for God’s ear is open to their need, and He will save them by helping them through it. It doesn’t say here what the Gospel according to Matthew says, that they should also pray that their flight will not happen on a Sabbath (Matthew 24:20). This shows that the experiences of servants are paramount here and not, as in Matthew, the Jewish aspect.

The Lord predicts the unprecedented tribulation of those days. There has never been such a tribulation on earth and there never will be again. How great that tribulation must be! It is the time Jeremiah calls “the time of Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 3:10). It is an unparalleled time of tribulation.

However, the Lord has set a limit to that tribulation. He has fixed its duration. He has determined the measure, the boundary of the revelation of the lawless one, for the sake of His elect. The tribulation will be limited to three and a half years. Many will perish, but they will miss nothing of the realm of peace. They will participate in (the second phase of) the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4). There will also be a remnant kept alive by Him.

Mark 14:28

The Abomination of Desolation

The abomination of desolation is the idol working desolation (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11). The Lord here refers to the image of the beast that represents the ruler of the restored Roman Empire. This image will be put into the temple by the antichrist and everyone will have to worship it (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:12-15). This is the beginning of the great tribulation that will last three and a half years. Setting up this idol in the temple is the sign for the faithful Jews to flee. The great tribulation will reveal the faithful. It is they who will be warned, a warning they have received by reading in the Word.

The Lord states that it is vitally important to read His Word with insight, not for form. In this way we can escape the great misleading. He says it and we must pay attention to it. That is how it is with every misleading that comes to the servant. The only way not to be misled is to read God’s Word and take it to heart.

The persecution that will erupt will be so sudden that not a moment should be lost by taking anything out of the house quickly because it might be useful. Wherever anyone is, it is a matter of fleeing as quickly as possible, even leaving behind the coat that is supposed to protect them from the cold of the night. Life is more than protection from the cold.

The Lord also takes the vulnerable into account. This time will be particularly hard for the pregnant and those who are nursing babies. They will be weakened and will have to flee quickly. He even takes the weather conditions into account. He tells them to pray that these things will not happen in winter because of the extra need it will cause. They may pray, for God’s ear is open to their need, and He will save them by helping them through it. It doesn’t say here what the Gospel according to Matthew says, that they should also pray that their flight will not happen on a Sabbath (Matthew 24:20). This shows that the experiences of servants are paramount here and not, as in Matthew, the Jewish aspect.

The Lord predicts the unprecedented tribulation of those days. There has never been such a tribulation on earth and there never will be again. How great that tribulation must be! It is the time Jeremiah calls “the time of Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21; Revelation 3:10). It is an unparalleled time of tribulation.

However, the Lord has set a limit to that tribulation. He has fixed its duration. He has determined the measure, the boundary of the revelation of the lawless one, for the sake of His elect. The tribulation will be limited to three and a half years. Many will perish, but they will miss nothing of the realm of peace. They will participate in (the second phase of) the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4). There will also be a remnant kept alive by Him.

Mark 14:29

Warning of Misleaders

How tempting it is to accept a false Christ at that time of greatest need in order to be saved from need. But the Lord warns not to believe him. It is not only about the rage of satan – he is the “roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8), but also about his wiles – he is also the “angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). All those who have not accepted the love of the truth will become prey to such misleaders (2 Thessalonians 2:9). And there will be many in those days.

In addition to the false Christs, there will also be false prophets who, with beautiful speeches and brilliant puns, point out the false Christs as the true Christ. They will not only say that this is the Christ, but also perform misleading signs and wonders to support their claim. It will all seem so real that there is a tremendous misleading power in accepting that person as the true Christ.

The Lord warns emphatically that they will not be deceived. Forewarned is forearmed. He said it beforehand. This is His love for His own. He doesn’t leave us ignorant of what’s about to happen. So we can have opened eyes to the deceptions that will come and be on guard for them.

If as seeing disciples we let ourselves be deceived after all, it is due to forgetting or ignoring the Word of God in which everything has been said to us beforehand. The Word is our only safe guide to remain faithful and endure to the end. The Lord speaks as the Prophet of God announced by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18).

Mark 14:30

Warning of Misleaders

How tempting it is to accept a false Christ at that time of greatest need in order to be saved from need. But the Lord warns not to believe him. It is not only about the rage of satan – he is the “roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8), but also about his wiles – he is also the “angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). All those who have not accepted the love of the truth will become prey to such misleaders (2 Thessalonians 2:9). And there will be many in those days.

In addition to the false Christs, there will also be false prophets who, with beautiful speeches and brilliant puns, point out the false Christs as the true Christ. They will not only say that this is the Christ, but also perform misleading signs and wonders to support their claim. It will all seem so real that there is a tremendous misleading power in accepting that person as the true Christ.

The Lord warns emphatically that they will not be deceived. Forewarned is forearmed. He said it beforehand. This is His love for His own. He doesn’t leave us ignorant of what’s about to happen. So we can have opened eyes to the deceptions that will come and be on guard for them.

If as seeing disciples we let ourselves be deceived after all, it is due to forgetting or ignoring the Word of God in which everything has been said to us beforehand. The Word is our only safe guide to remain faithful and endure to the end. The Lord speaks as the Prophet of God announced by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18).

Mark 14:31

Warning of Misleaders

How tempting it is to accept a false Christ at that time of greatest need in order to be saved from need. But the Lord warns not to believe him. It is not only about the rage of satan – he is the “roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8), but also about his wiles – he is also the “angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). All those who have not accepted the love of the truth will become prey to such misleaders (2 Thessalonians 2:9). And there will be many in those days.

In addition to the false Christs, there will also be false prophets who, with beautiful speeches and brilliant puns, point out the false Christs as the true Christ. They will not only say that this is the Christ, but also perform misleading signs and wonders to support their claim. It will all seem so real that there is a tremendous misleading power in accepting that person as the true Christ.

The Lord warns emphatically that they will not be deceived. Forewarned is forearmed. He said it beforehand. This is His love for His own. He doesn’t leave us ignorant of what’s about to happen. So we can have opened eyes to the deceptions that will come and be on guard for them.

If as seeing disciples we let ourselves be deceived after all, it is due to forgetting or ignoring the Word of God in which everything has been said to us beforehand. The Word is our only safe guide to remain faithful and endure to the end. The Lord speaks as the Prophet of God announced by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18).

Mark 14:32

The Coming of the Son of Man

The end of the tribulation comes with impressive natural phenomena. It may be that what the Lord says here will be fulfilled literally. It may also be that He is referring to a total revolution and overthrow of reigning powers, of which the sun and moon are a picture. In that case the stars represent lower ruling powers than the sun and the moon. The universe is in turmoil. In the heavens, too, the spiritual evil powers that have reigned there for so long will be shaken.

When the chaos is complete, the Son of Man will come to bring order. Then He will appear, not like the first time as a helpless Baby, but with great power and glory. He will put an end to all oppression of His own. Every resistance He strikes down. He judges all iniquity.

He will use His angels to take His chosen ones from everywhere to bring them to the land that is His and where the enemy has been so raging. This is the remnant of the ten tribes that have been scattered. None of His chosen ones will be left behind.

Mark 14:33

The Coming of the Son of Man

The end of the tribulation comes with impressive natural phenomena. It may be that what the Lord says here will be fulfilled literally. It may also be that He is referring to a total revolution and overthrow of reigning powers, of which the sun and moon are a picture. In that case the stars represent lower ruling powers than the sun and the moon. The universe is in turmoil. In the heavens, too, the spiritual evil powers that have reigned there for so long will be shaken.

When the chaos is complete, the Son of Man will come to bring order. Then He will appear, not like the first time as a helpless Baby, but with great power and glory. He will put an end to all oppression of His own. Every resistance He strikes down. He judges all iniquity.

He will use His angels to take His chosen ones from everywhere to bring them to the land that is His and where the enemy has been so raging. This is the remnant of the ten tribes that have been scattered. None of His chosen ones will be left behind.

Mark 14:34

The Coming of the Son of Man

The end of the tribulation comes with impressive natural phenomena. It may be that what the Lord says here will be fulfilled literally. It may also be that He is referring to a total revolution and overthrow of reigning powers, of which the sun and moon are a picture. In that case the stars represent lower ruling powers than the sun and the moon. The universe is in turmoil. In the heavens, too, the spiritual evil powers that have reigned there for so long will be shaken.

When the chaos is complete, the Son of Man will come to bring order. Then He will appear, not like the first time as a helpless Baby, but with great power and glory. He will put an end to all oppression of His own. Every resistance He strikes down. He judges all iniquity.

He will use His angels to take His chosen ones from everywhere to bring them to the land that is His and where the enemy has been so raging. This is the remnant of the ten tribes that have been scattered. None of His chosen ones will be left behind.

Mark 14:35

The Coming of the Son of Man

The end of the tribulation comes with impressive natural phenomena. It may be that what the Lord says here will be fulfilled literally. It may also be that He is referring to a total revolution and overthrow of reigning powers, of which the sun and moon are a picture. In that case the stars represent lower ruling powers than the sun and the moon. The universe is in turmoil. In the heavens, too, the spiritual evil powers that have reigned there for so long will be shaken.

When the chaos is complete, the Son of Man will come to bring order. Then He will appear, not like the first time as a helpless Baby, but with great power and glory. He will put an end to all oppression of His own. Every resistance He strikes down. He judges all iniquity.

He will use His angels to take His chosen ones from everywhere to bring them to the land that is His and where the enemy has been so raging. This is the remnant of the ten tribes that have been scattered. None of His chosen ones will be left behind.

Mark 14:36

Parable of the Fig Tree

The Lord takes the fig tree as an example. The fig tree is a picture of Israel. Just as the branch of the fig tree will become tender again after the winter, and leaves will appear on the tree, so will the people of Israel. The people will get life again through the Spirit (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Summer time points to the time of the glorious reign of Christ. We can already see the branch tendering and the leaves putting forth.

Through what is happening with Israel, we know what time it is on the prophetic clock. We see how Israel has been a nation again since 1948. The branch has become tender and leaves put forth, but there is no fruit yet. That fruit can only come when the Spirit in Israel, i.e. in a remnant, has first worked humility (Zechariah 12:10) as a harbinger of new life. There is a visible nation of Israel, but no dependence on God yet. That will only come when the church has been taken up and the Spirit works among the people, that is, He makes a remnant alive. The leaves point forward to that time. Summer has not yet come, but it is near.

The Lord clearly states that all the things He has prophesied will happen irrevocably. They will suffer the consequences that they have called upon themselves by their rejection of the Messiah. This generation is still there, it has not yet passed away. It is not the time to eradicate this generation, not even now. The Lord will deal with this generation at His coming.

He states that the certainty of the fulfillment of His words is greater than the continued existence of heaven and earth. The existence of heaven and earth will come to an end, but His words will not. When His words have been fulfilled, they have not passed away, but the fulfillment shows the value of His words forever.

Mark 14:37

Parable of the Fig Tree

The Lord takes the fig tree as an example. The fig tree is a picture of Israel. Just as the branch of the fig tree will become tender again after the winter, and leaves will appear on the tree, so will the people of Israel. The people will get life again through the Spirit (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Summer time points to the time of the glorious reign of Christ. We can already see the branch tendering and the leaves putting forth.

Through what is happening with Israel, we know what time it is on the prophetic clock. We see how Israel has been a nation again since 1948. The branch has become tender and leaves put forth, but there is no fruit yet. That fruit can only come when the Spirit in Israel, i.e. in a remnant, has first worked humility (Zechariah 12:10) as a harbinger of new life. There is a visible nation of Israel, but no dependence on God yet. That will only come when the church has been taken up and the Spirit works among the people, that is, He makes a remnant alive. The leaves point forward to that time. Summer has not yet come, but it is near.

The Lord clearly states that all the things He has prophesied will happen irrevocably. They will suffer the consequences that they have called upon themselves by their rejection of the Messiah. This generation is still there, it has not yet passed away. It is not the time to eradicate this generation, not even now. The Lord will deal with this generation at His coming.

He states that the certainty of the fulfillment of His words is greater than the continued existence of heaven and earth. The existence of heaven and earth will come to an end, but His words will not. When His words have been fulfilled, they have not passed away, but the fulfillment shows the value of His words forever.

Mark 14:38

Parable of the Fig Tree

The Lord takes the fig tree as an example. The fig tree is a picture of Israel. Just as the branch of the fig tree will become tender again after the winter, and leaves will appear on the tree, so will the people of Israel. The people will get life again through the Spirit (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Summer time points to the time of the glorious reign of Christ. We can already see the branch tendering and the leaves putting forth.

Through what is happening with Israel, we know what time it is on the prophetic clock. We see how Israel has been a nation again since 1948. The branch has become tender and leaves put forth, but there is no fruit yet. That fruit can only come when the Spirit in Israel, i.e. in a remnant, has first worked humility (Zechariah 12:10) as a harbinger of new life. There is a visible nation of Israel, but no dependence on God yet. That will only come when the church has been taken up and the Spirit works among the people, that is, He makes a remnant alive. The leaves point forward to that time. Summer has not yet come, but it is near.

The Lord clearly states that all the things He has prophesied will happen irrevocably. They will suffer the consequences that they have called upon themselves by their rejection of the Messiah. This generation is still there, it has not yet passed away. It is not the time to eradicate this generation, not even now. The Lord will deal with this generation at His coming.

He states that the certainty of the fulfillment of His words is greater than the continued existence of heaven and earth. The existence of heaven and earth will come to an end, but His words will not. When His words have been fulfilled, they have not passed away, but the fulfillment shows the value of His words forever.

Mark 14:39

Parable of the Fig Tree

The Lord takes the fig tree as an example. The fig tree is a picture of Israel. Just as the branch of the fig tree will become tender again after the winter, and leaves will appear on the tree, so will the people of Israel. The people will get life again through the Spirit (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Summer time points to the time of the glorious reign of Christ. We can already see the branch tendering and the leaves putting forth.

Through what is happening with Israel, we know what time it is on the prophetic clock. We see how Israel has been a nation again since 1948. The branch has become tender and leaves put forth, but there is no fruit yet. That fruit can only come when the Spirit in Israel, i.e. in a remnant, has first worked humility (Zechariah 12:10) as a harbinger of new life. There is a visible nation of Israel, but no dependence on God yet. That will only come when the church has been taken up and the Spirit works among the people, that is, He makes a remnant alive. The leaves point forward to that time. Summer has not yet come, but it is near.

The Lord clearly states that all the things He has prophesied will happen irrevocably. They will suffer the consequences that they have called upon themselves by their rejection of the Messiah. This generation is still there, it has not yet passed away. It is not the time to eradicate this generation, not even now. The Lord will deal with this generation at His coming.

He states that the certainty of the fulfillment of His words is greater than the continued existence of heaven and earth. The existence of heaven and earth will come to an end, but His words will not. When His words have been fulfilled, they have not passed away, but the fulfillment shows the value of His words forever.

Mark 14:40

Day and Hour Unknown

The Lord Jesus says as the true Servant and Prophet serving God on earth that the exact time of His coming is unknown. As the eternal God He knows everything; as a Servant He submits Himself to God and does not know everything. This is incomprehensible to us, just as we cannot understand that He could increase “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). If we could understand it, we would also understand what it is that He is both true God and true Man. However, this is impossible for us, for then we would be God’s equal. His ignorance of day or hour shows how truly Human He is.

The fact that the hour is coming, right at the door, does not mean that the moment of His coming can also be calculated. The accompanying phenomena of the Son of Man’s coming indicate that He is coming soon, but His coming itself will happen at the speed of lightning.

Once again He tells them to take heed, to watch out. They have to be awake, that is to say consciously awake, not finding rest in a world in which He also cannot find rest. It is not a fearful view, but a trusting and hopeful view. That is why He adds that they have to pray. To pray means to trust that God is not out of control.

While they watch and pray like that, the Lord also gives a command. There is work to be done for every servant. He presents Himself as a man who leaves his house, that is the house of Israel, and goes abroad, that is, He goes back to heaven while giving commands to those who stay behind. On His return to heaven He has put His slaves in charge and to each of them his task. This is consistent with this Gospel where the Lord Jesus is the Servant and teaches His disciples how to serve.

After His leaving, His own service on earth is over. He lets it continue by His slaves. Here there is no question of giving talents to trade with them (Matthew 25:15), but here everyone has his task as a slave. It is about service in the house – for us it is the house of God, the church – in which every servant has his task. Each of us can act with authority in the area given by the Lord, because He has given authority to His slaves for that purpose.

The doorkeeper is told separately that he must be on the alert. He must see to it that no evil enters the house in the form of evil persons or wrong doctrine. However, the Lord emphasizes the importance and necessity of being on the alert not only in view of the evil that might enter the house, but also in view of the coming of Himself as the Lord of the house. As has already been mentioned, in this house we can see a picture both of the house of Israel and of the church.

How will He find us? Asleep? Even as Christians we can fall asleep and lose sight of His coming. Falling asleep means that we look like the unbelievers who are dead (Ephesians 5:14).

The Lord concludes His sermon by giving, for the fourth time in this short section (Mark 13:32-37), the command to be on the alert. Over the heads of the disciples, He says it “to all”, without exception, that is, expressly to us as well. The heart must be ready to receive Him. If we stop looking forward to His coming, we will begin to focus on the things of the earth. We will then have taken the first step on the path of decay. That is why it is vitally important to be on the alert and to look forward to Him.

Mark 14:41

Day and Hour Unknown

The Lord Jesus says as the true Servant and Prophet serving God on earth that the exact time of His coming is unknown. As the eternal God He knows everything; as a Servant He submits Himself to God and does not know everything. This is incomprehensible to us, just as we cannot understand that He could increase “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). If we could understand it, we would also understand what it is that He is both true God and true Man. However, this is impossible for us, for then we would be God’s equal. His ignorance of day or hour shows how truly Human He is.

The fact that the hour is coming, right at the door, does not mean that the moment of His coming can also be calculated. The accompanying phenomena of the Son of Man’s coming indicate that He is coming soon, but His coming itself will happen at the speed of lightning.

Once again He tells them to take heed, to watch out. They have to be awake, that is to say consciously awake, not finding rest in a world in which He also cannot find rest. It is not a fearful view, but a trusting and hopeful view. That is why He adds that they have to pray. To pray means to trust that God is not out of control.

While they watch and pray like that, the Lord also gives a command. There is work to be done for every servant. He presents Himself as a man who leaves his house, that is the house of Israel, and goes abroad, that is, He goes back to heaven while giving commands to those who stay behind. On His return to heaven He has put His slaves in charge and to each of them his task. This is consistent with this Gospel where the Lord Jesus is the Servant and teaches His disciples how to serve.

After His leaving, His own service on earth is over. He lets it continue by His slaves. Here there is no question of giving talents to trade with them (Matthew 25:15), but here everyone has his task as a slave. It is about service in the house – for us it is the house of God, the church – in which every servant has his task. Each of us can act with authority in the area given by the Lord, because He has given authority to His slaves for that purpose.

The doorkeeper is told separately that he must be on the alert. He must see to it that no evil enters the house in the form of evil persons or wrong doctrine. However, the Lord emphasizes the importance and necessity of being on the alert not only in view of the evil that might enter the house, but also in view of the coming of Himself as the Lord of the house. As has already been mentioned, in this house we can see a picture both of the house of Israel and of the church.

How will He find us? Asleep? Even as Christians we can fall asleep and lose sight of His coming. Falling asleep means that we look like the unbelievers who are dead (Ephesians 5:14).

The Lord concludes His sermon by giving, for the fourth time in this short section (Mark 13:32-37), the command to be on the alert. Over the heads of the disciples, He says it “to all”, without exception, that is, expressly to us as well. The heart must be ready to receive Him. If we stop looking forward to His coming, we will begin to focus on the things of the earth. We will then have taken the first step on the path of decay. That is why it is vitally important to be on the alert and to look forward to Him.

Mark 14:42

Day and Hour Unknown

The Lord Jesus says as the true Servant and Prophet serving God on earth that the exact time of His coming is unknown. As the eternal God He knows everything; as a Servant He submits Himself to God and does not know everything. This is incomprehensible to us, just as we cannot understand that He could increase “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). If we could understand it, we would also understand what it is that He is both true God and true Man. However, this is impossible for us, for then we would be God’s equal. His ignorance of day or hour shows how truly Human He is.

The fact that the hour is coming, right at the door, does not mean that the moment of His coming can also be calculated. The accompanying phenomena of the Son of Man’s coming indicate that He is coming soon, but His coming itself will happen at the speed of lightning.

Once again He tells them to take heed, to watch out. They have to be awake, that is to say consciously awake, not finding rest in a world in which He also cannot find rest. It is not a fearful view, but a trusting and hopeful view. That is why He adds that they have to pray. To pray means to trust that God is not out of control.

While they watch and pray like that, the Lord also gives a command. There is work to be done for every servant. He presents Himself as a man who leaves his house, that is the house of Israel, and goes abroad, that is, He goes back to heaven while giving commands to those who stay behind. On His return to heaven He has put His slaves in charge and to each of them his task. This is consistent with this Gospel where the Lord Jesus is the Servant and teaches His disciples how to serve.

After His leaving, His own service on earth is over. He lets it continue by His slaves. Here there is no question of giving talents to trade with them (Matthew 25:15), but here everyone has his task as a slave. It is about service in the house – for us it is the house of God, the church – in which every servant has his task. Each of us can act with authority in the area given by the Lord, because He has given authority to His slaves for that purpose.

The doorkeeper is told separately that he must be on the alert. He must see to it that no evil enters the house in the form of evil persons or wrong doctrine. However, the Lord emphasizes the importance and necessity of being on the alert not only in view of the evil that might enter the house, but also in view of the coming of Himself as the Lord of the house. As has already been mentioned, in this house we can see a picture both of the house of Israel and of the church.

How will He find us? Asleep? Even as Christians we can fall asleep and lose sight of His coming. Falling asleep means that we look like the unbelievers who are dead (Ephesians 5:14).

The Lord concludes His sermon by giving, for the fourth time in this short section (Mark 13:32-37), the command to be on the alert. Over the heads of the disciples, He says it “to all”, without exception, that is, expressly to us as well. The heart must be ready to receive Him. If we stop looking forward to His coming, we will begin to focus on the things of the earth. We will then have taken the first step on the path of decay. That is why it is vitally important to be on the alert and to look forward to Him.

Mark 14:43

Day and Hour Unknown

The Lord Jesus says as the true Servant and Prophet serving God on earth that the exact time of His coming is unknown. As the eternal God He knows everything; as a Servant He submits Himself to God and does not know everything. This is incomprehensible to us, just as we cannot understand that He could increase “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). If we could understand it, we would also understand what it is that He is both true God and true Man. However, this is impossible for us, for then we would be God’s equal. His ignorance of day or hour shows how truly Human He is.

The fact that the hour is coming, right at the door, does not mean that the moment of His coming can also be calculated. The accompanying phenomena of the Son of Man’s coming indicate that He is coming soon, but His coming itself will happen at the speed of lightning.

Once again He tells them to take heed, to watch out. They have to be awake, that is to say consciously awake, not finding rest in a world in which He also cannot find rest. It is not a fearful view, but a trusting and hopeful view. That is why He adds that they have to pray. To pray means to trust that God is not out of control.

While they watch and pray like that, the Lord also gives a command. There is work to be done for every servant. He presents Himself as a man who leaves his house, that is the house of Israel, and goes abroad, that is, He goes back to heaven while giving commands to those who stay behind. On His return to heaven He has put His slaves in charge and to each of them his task. This is consistent with this Gospel where the Lord Jesus is the Servant and teaches His disciples how to serve.

After His leaving, His own service on earth is over. He lets it continue by His slaves. Here there is no question of giving talents to trade with them (Matthew 25:15), but here everyone has his task as a slave. It is about service in the house – for us it is the house of God, the church – in which every servant has his task. Each of us can act with authority in the area given by the Lord, because He has given authority to His slaves for that purpose.

The doorkeeper is told separately that he must be on the alert. He must see to it that no evil enters the house in the form of evil persons or wrong doctrine. However, the Lord emphasizes the importance and necessity of being on the alert not only in view of the evil that might enter the house, but also in view of the coming of Himself as the Lord of the house. As has already been mentioned, in this house we can see a picture both of the house of Israel and of the church.

How will He find us? Asleep? Even as Christians we can fall asleep and lose sight of His coming. Falling asleep means that we look like the unbelievers who are dead (Ephesians 5:14).

The Lord concludes His sermon by giving, for the fourth time in this short section (Mark 13:32-37), the command to be on the alert. Over the heads of the disciples, He says it “to all”, without exception, that is, expressly to us as well. The heart must be ready to receive Him. If we stop looking forward to His coming, we will begin to focus on the things of the earth. We will then have taken the first step on the path of decay. That is why it is vitally important to be on the alert and to look forward to Him.

Mark 14:44

Day and Hour Unknown

The Lord Jesus says as the true Servant and Prophet serving God on earth that the exact time of His coming is unknown. As the eternal God He knows everything; as a Servant He submits Himself to God and does not know everything. This is incomprehensible to us, just as we cannot understand that He could increase “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). If we could understand it, we would also understand what it is that He is both true God and true Man. However, this is impossible for us, for then we would be God’s equal. His ignorance of day or hour shows how truly Human He is.

The fact that the hour is coming, right at the door, does not mean that the moment of His coming can also be calculated. The accompanying phenomena of the Son of Man’s coming indicate that He is coming soon, but His coming itself will happen at the speed of lightning.

Once again He tells them to take heed, to watch out. They have to be awake, that is to say consciously awake, not finding rest in a world in which He also cannot find rest. It is not a fearful view, but a trusting and hopeful view. That is why He adds that they have to pray. To pray means to trust that God is not out of control.

While they watch and pray like that, the Lord also gives a command. There is work to be done for every servant. He presents Himself as a man who leaves his house, that is the house of Israel, and goes abroad, that is, He goes back to heaven while giving commands to those who stay behind. On His return to heaven He has put His slaves in charge and to each of them his task. This is consistent with this Gospel where the Lord Jesus is the Servant and teaches His disciples how to serve.

After His leaving, His own service on earth is over. He lets it continue by His slaves. Here there is no question of giving talents to trade with them (Matthew 25:15), but here everyone has his task as a slave. It is about service in the house – for us it is the house of God, the church – in which every servant has his task. Each of us can act with authority in the area given by the Lord, because He has given authority to His slaves for that purpose.

The doorkeeper is told separately that he must be on the alert. He must see to it that no evil enters the house in the form of evil persons or wrong doctrine. However, the Lord emphasizes the importance and necessity of being on the alert not only in view of the evil that might enter the house, but also in view of the coming of Himself as the Lord of the house. As has already been mentioned, in this house we can see a picture both of the house of Israel and of the church.

How will He find us? Asleep? Even as Christians we can fall asleep and lose sight of His coming. Falling asleep means that we look like the unbelievers who are dead (Ephesians 5:14).

The Lord concludes His sermon by giving, for the fourth time in this short section (Mark 13:32-37), the command to be on the alert. Over the heads of the disciples, He says it “to all”, without exception, that is, expressly to us as well. The heart must be ready to receive Him. If we stop looking forward to His coming, we will begin to focus on the things of the earth. We will then have taken the first step on the path of decay. That is why it is vitally important to be on the alert and to look forward to Him.

Mark 14:45

Day and Hour Unknown

The Lord Jesus says as the true Servant and Prophet serving God on earth that the exact time of His coming is unknown. As the eternal God He knows everything; as a Servant He submits Himself to God and does not know everything. This is incomprehensible to us, just as we cannot understand that He could increase “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). If we could understand it, we would also understand what it is that He is both true God and true Man. However, this is impossible for us, for then we would be God’s equal. His ignorance of day or hour shows how truly Human He is.

The fact that the hour is coming, right at the door, does not mean that the moment of His coming can also be calculated. The accompanying phenomena of the Son of Man’s coming indicate that He is coming soon, but His coming itself will happen at the speed of lightning.

Once again He tells them to take heed, to watch out. They have to be awake, that is to say consciously awake, not finding rest in a world in which He also cannot find rest. It is not a fearful view, but a trusting and hopeful view. That is why He adds that they have to pray. To pray means to trust that God is not out of control.

While they watch and pray like that, the Lord also gives a command. There is work to be done for every servant. He presents Himself as a man who leaves his house, that is the house of Israel, and goes abroad, that is, He goes back to heaven while giving commands to those who stay behind. On His return to heaven He has put His slaves in charge and to each of them his task. This is consistent with this Gospel where the Lord Jesus is the Servant and teaches His disciples how to serve.

After His leaving, His own service on earth is over. He lets it continue by His slaves. Here there is no question of giving talents to trade with them (Matthew 25:15), but here everyone has his task as a slave. It is about service in the house – for us it is the house of God, the church – in which every servant has his task. Each of us can act with authority in the area given by the Lord, because He has given authority to His slaves for that purpose.

The doorkeeper is told separately that he must be on the alert. He must see to it that no evil enters the house in the form of evil persons or wrong doctrine. However, the Lord emphasizes the importance and necessity of being on the alert not only in view of the evil that might enter the house, but also in view of the coming of Himself as the Lord of the house. As has already been mentioned, in this house we can see a picture both of the house of Israel and of the church.

How will He find us? Asleep? Even as Christians we can fall asleep and lose sight of His coming. Falling asleep means that we look like the unbelievers who are dead (Ephesians 5:14).

The Lord concludes His sermon by giving, for the fourth time in this short section (Mark 13:32-37), the command to be on the alert. Over the heads of the disciples, He says it “to all”, without exception, that is, expressly to us as well. The heart must be ready to receive Him. If we stop looking forward to His coming, we will begin to focus on the things of the earth. We will then have taken the first step on the path of decay. That is why it is vitally important to be on the alert and to look forward to Him.

Mark 14:47

Jesus Must Be Killed

The Passover is the foundation of all other feasts. It is the remembrance of the redemption from Egypt and the deliverance of the judgment of the first-born (Psalms 78:51; Psalms 136:10). The Feast of Unleavened Bread is closely related to this. It follows it, is the result of it. It represents the sanctification of the whole life of the redeemed.

The Passover speaks of the Lord Jesus as the sacrifice through which we are delivered from the power of the world (Egypt) and the judgment of God (the death of the firstborn). The Lord Jesus is presented in this Gospel as the sin offering (in Matthew: trespass offering; in Luke: peace offering; in John: burnt offering). Whoever is delivered by Him should lead – and will want to lead – a life dedicated to Him. This is what the Feast of Unleavened Bread speaks of. That feast lasts seven days. It is a picture of the whole life of the believer, in which sin – of which the leaven is a picture –, may have no place.

The feasts instituted by the Lord Jesus Himself – He is, after all, Yahweh – become an opportunity for the chief priests and scribes to seize and kill Him Who instituted these feasts. The worst enemies are always those who have been most in touch with the light. These religious leaders, who had to teach these feasts to the people in a God worthy manner, deliberate how they will kill Him Whom these feasts speak of!

But: Man proposes, but God disposes (Proverbs 16:1). We also see this here. They say: Not during the festival. God says: During the festival. And what do people’s deliberations mean when God has long since decided that it will be during the festival? It will happen on that day and on that feast, the feast that is in fact the foreshadowing of the death of Christ. God’s sovereignty is evidenced by the fact that He uses man’s evil will to carry out His plans.

Their submission not to do so during the festival is motivated by fear of a riot among the people. They know that the people admire Christ for His works and His goodness.

Mark 14:48

Jesus Must Be Killed

The Passover is the foundation of all other feasts. It is the remembrance of the redemption from Egypt and the deliverance of the judgment of the first-born (Psalms 78:51; Psalms 136:10). The Feast of Unleavened Bread is closely related to this. It follows it, is the result of it. It represents the sanctification of the whole life of the redeemed.

The Passover speaks of the Lord Jesus as the sacrifice through which we are delivered from the power of the world (Egypt) and the judgment of God (the death of the firstborn). The Lord Jesus is presented in this Gospel as the sin offering (in Matthew: trespass offering; in Luke: peace offering; in John: burnt offering). Whoever is delivered by Him should lead – and will want to lead – a life dedicated to Him. This is what the Feast of Unleavened Bread speaks of. That feast lasts seven days. It is a picture of the whole life of the believer, in which sin – of which the leaven is a picture –, may have no place.

The feasts instituted by the Lord Jesus Himself – He is, after all, Yahweh – become an opportunity for the chief priests and scribes to seize and kill Him Who instituted these feasts. The worst enemies are always those who have been most in touch with the light. These religious leaders, who had to teach these feasts to the people in a God worthy manner, deliberate how they will kill Him Whom these feasts speak of!

But: Man proposes, but God disposes (Proverbs 16:1). We also see this here. They say: Not during the festival. God says: During the festival. And what do people’s deliberations mean when God has long since decided that it will be during the festival? It will happen on that day and on that feast, the feast that is in fact the foreshadowing of the death of Christ. God’s sovereignty is evidenced by the fact that He uses man’s evil will to carry out His plans.

Their submission not to do so during the festival is motivated by fear of a riot among the people. They know that the people admire Christ for His works and His goodness.

Mark 14:49

Anointing by Mary

Opposite the cold hatred of the religious leaders against the Lord radiates here the warmth of a woman’s affection for Him. Opposite the many haters stands this one person. She admires Him not only for His works and goodness, but also for the work He is going to do. It is Mary. Her name is not mentioned here because it’s not about who does it; it’s about what she does.

What she does happens in the home of Simon with the addition “the leper”. This he is no longer, otherwise he couldn’t dwell there, but it’s a reminder of what he was. The memory of what we were makes us thankful for Who the Lord is and what He has done. The Lord loves to be with thankful people. This is also the atmosphere in which the anointing can take place as a sign of worship.

The woman breaks the vial. It does not need to be used for anything else after this act. By breaking it, the contents can flow over His head unhindered. The vial shouldn’t get the attention, but the nard. Our life is like that vial. The more our life is broken for Him, the more He gets from our life the honor that is due to Him. Admiration should not be for a human being, but only for Him.

Mark 14:50

Reactions to the Anointing

The reaction of some of His disciples is disappointing. Here it appears that not only Judas blames the woman. Judas reacts out of greed for money. That doesn’t have to be the case with the other disciples. With them it may be more the insensitivity to what occupies the Lord. They understand nothing of Mary’s deed. They think what she is doing is just a waste of money that in their opinion could have been spent so much better. In this way they show that He is not precious in their eyes. What is done to Him is never a waste. He deserves the best we have.

Supposedly, they also have a noble motive with which they believe they can substantiate their indignation about her deed. It would have been better given to the poor. We can apply that to today. A lot of time and money is spent on all kinds of social work, but if the Lord Jesus is not given the honor, the work is for the glorification of man himself.

We hear no defense from the woman. The Lord stands up for her. He asks His disciples why they are bothering her. What’s the real reason? They should think about that. He says of the woman that she did a good deed to Him. She has come to do so because she has chosen the good part: sitting at His feet (Luke 10:39; 42). Nor has she done anything for Him, but to Him. Doing good to the poor is also a good work, but only if it is done at His command and in fellowship with Him. The poor will always be there, but He will go away from them, back to heaven.

The Lord gives her the compliment that only He can give. When He says that she has done what she could, it is with the perfect knowledge of all her efforts to come to this deed. That includes not only saving for this fortune, but also performing the deed. The incomprehension that this gives her makes her act even more impressive. What is misinterpreted by Judas, and the other disciples, is clothed by the Lord’s testimony with the light of Divine understanding. What a world of difference of judgment! Misunderstood by men, recognized by the Lord, that is the part of those who, through true love for Him, accomplish deeds which mean a waste of energy and resources for carnal Christians.

The woman, perhaps the only one, has sensed that the Lord will die. He has told the disciples several times, but they have never understood its reality and it has not marked their actions. This woman is unique to Him. He has not found such sympathy with anyone else. She has anointed Him beforehand for the burial. Others will also want to anoint Him when He is buried. Although that is also a good deed, they will come too late for it to be done.

The act of Mary will always be inextricably linked to the gospel that is preached. In other words, the salvation of sinners must result in God being worshiped. The Father seeks worshipers (John 4:23). Christ’s work is to ensure that the Father will also find these worshipers, as Mary was. What deeds do we do which are worthy to be proclaimed to the world in connection with the Lord Jesus and have the effect that the Father is worshiped?

Mark 14:51

Reactions to the Anointing

The reaction of some of His disciples is disappointing. Here it appears that not only Judas blames the woman. Judas reacts out of greed for money. That doesn’t have to be the case with the other disciples. With them it may be more the insensitivity to what occupies the Lord. They understand nothing of Mary’s deed. They think what she is doing is just a waste of money that in their opinion could have been spent so much better. In this way they show that He is not precious in their eyes. What is done to Him is never a waste. He deserves the best we have.

Supposedly, they also have a noble motive with which they believe they can substantiate their indignation about her deed. It would have been better given to the poor. We can apply that to today. A lot of time and money is spent on all kinds of social work, but if the Lord Jesus is not given the honor, the work is for the glorification of man himself.

We hear no defense from the woman. The Lord stands up for her. He asks His disciples why they are bothering her. What’s the real reason? They should think about that. He says of the woman that she did a good deed to Him. She has come to do so because she has chosen the good part: sitting at His feet (Luke 10:39; 42). Nor has she done anything for Him, but to Him. Doing good to the poor is also a good work, but only if it is done at His command and in fellowship with Him. The poor will always be there, but He will go away from them, back to heaven.

The Lord gives her the compliment that only He can give. When He says that she has done what she could, it is with the perfect knowledge of all her efforts to come to this deed. That includes not only saving for this fortune, but also performing the deed. The incomprehension that this gives her makes her act even more impressive. What is misinterpreted by Judas, and the other disciples, is clothed by the Lord’s testimony with the light of Divine understanding. What a world of difference of judgment! Misunderstood by men, recognized by the Lord, that is the part of those who, through true love for Him, accomplish deeds which mean a waste of energy and resources for carnal Christians.

The woman, perhaps the only one, has sensed that the Lord will die. He has told the disciples several times, but they have never understood its reality and it has not marked their actions. This woman is unique to Him. He has not found such sympathy with anyone else. She has anointed Him beforehand for the burial. Others will also want to anoint Him when He is buried. Although that is also a good deed, they will come too late for it to be done.

The act of Mary will always be inextricably linked to the gospel that is preached. In other words, the salvation of sinners must result in God being worshiped. The Father seeks worshipers (John 4:23). Christ’s work is to ensure that the Father will also find these worshipers, as Mary was. What deeds do we do which are worthy to be proclaimed to the world in connection with the Lord Jesus and have the effect that the Father is worshiped?

Mark 14:52

Reactions to the Anointing

The reaction of some of His disciples is disappointing. Here it appears that not only Judas blames the woman. Judas reacts out of greed for money. That doesn’t have to be the case with the other disciples. With them it may be more the insensitivity to what occupies the Lord. They understand nothing of Mary’s deed. They think what she is doing is just a waste of money that in their opinion could have been spent so much better. In this way they show that He is not precious in their eyes. What is done to Him is never a waste. He deserves the best we have.

Supposedly, they also have a noble motive with which they believe they can substantiate their indignation about her deed. It would have been better given to the poor. We can apply that to today. A lot of time and money is spent on all kinds of social work, but if the Lord Jesus is not given the honor, the work is for the glorification of man himself.

We hear no defense from the woman. The Lord stands up for her. He asks His disciples why they are bothering her. What’s the real reason? They should think about that. He says of the woman that she did a good deed to Him. She has come to do so because she has chosen the good part: sitting at His feet (Luke 10:39; 42). Nor has she done anything for Him, but to Him. Doing good to the poor is also a good work, but only if it is done at His command and in fellowship with Him. The poor will always be there, but He will go away from them, back to heaven.

The Lord gives her the compliment that only He can give. When He says that she has done what she could, it is with the perfect knowledge of all her efforts to come to this deed. That includes not only saving for this fortune, but also performing the deed. The incomprehension that this gives her makes her act even more impressive. What is misinterpreted by Judas, and the other disciples, is clothed by the Lord’s testimony with the light of Divine understanding. What a world of difference of judgment! Misunderstood by men, recognized by the Lord, that is the part of those who, through true love for Him, accomplish deeds which mean a waste of energy and resources for carnal Christians.

The woman, perhaps the only one, has sensed that the Lord will die. He has told the disciples several times, but they have never understood its reality and it has not marked their actions. This woman is unique to Him. He has not found such sympathy with anyone else. She has anointed Him beforehand for the burial. Others will also want to anoint Him when He is buried. Although that is also a good deed, they will come too late for it to be done.

The act of Mary will always be inextricably linked to the gospel that is preached. In other words, the salvation of sinners must result in God being worshiped. The Father seeks worshipers (John 4:23). Christ’s work is to ensure that the Father will also find these worshipers, as Mary was. What deeds do we do which are worthy to be proclaimed to the world in connection with the Lord Jesus and have the effect that the Father is worshiped?

Mark 14:53

Reactions to the Anointing

The reaction of some of His disciples is disappointing. Here it appears that not only Judas blames the woman. Judas reacts out of greed for money. That doesn’t have to be the case with the other disciples. With them it may be more the insensitivity to what occupies the Lord. They understand nothing of Mary’s deed. They think what she is doing is just a waste of money that in their opinion could have been spent so much better. In this way they show that He is not precious in their eyes. What is done to Him is never a waste. He deserves the best we have.

Supposedly, they also have a noble motive with which they believe they can substantiate their indignation about her deed. It would have been better given to the poor. We can apply that to today. A lot of time and money is spent on all kinds of social work, but if the Lord Jesus is not given the honor, the work is for the glorification of man himself.

We hear no defense from the woman. The Lord stands up for her. He asks His disciples why they are bothering her. What’s the real reason? They should think about that. He says of the woman that she did a good deed to Him. She has come to do so because she has chosen the good part: sitting at His feet (Luke 10:39; 42). Nor has she done anything for Him, but to Him. Doing good to the poor is also a good work, but only if it is done at His command and in fellowship with Him. The poor will always be there, but He will go away from them, back to heaven.

The Lord gives her the compliment that only He can give. When He says that she has done what she could, it is with the perfect knowledge of all her efforts to come to this deed. That includes not only saving for this fortune, but also performing the deed. The incomprehension that this gives her makes her act even more impressive. What is misinterpreted by Judas, and the other disciples, is clothed by the Lord’s testimony with the light of Divine understanding. What a world of difference of judgment! Misunderstood by men, recognized by the Lord, that is the part of those who, through true love for Him, accomplish deeds which mean a waste of energy and resources for carnal Christians.

The woman, perhaps the only one, has sensed that the Lord will die. He has told the disciples several times, but they have never understood its reality and it has not marked their actions. This woman is unique to Him. He has not found such sympathy with anyone else. She has anointed Him beforehand for the burial. Others will also want to anoint Him when He is buried. Although that is also a good deed, they will come too late for it to be done.

The act of Mary will always be inextricably linked to the gospel that is preached. In other words, the salvation of sinners must result in God being worshiped. The Father seeks worshipers (John 4:23). Christ’s work is to ensure that the Father will also find these worshipers, as Mary was. What deeds do we do which are worthy to be proclaimed to the world in connection with the Lord Jesus and have the effect that the Father is worshiped?

Mark 14:54

Reactions to the Anointing

The reaction of some of His disciples is disappointing. Here it appears that not only Judas blames the woman. Judas reacts out of greed for money. That doesn’t have to be the case with the other disciples. With them it may be more the insensitivity to what occupies the Lord. They understand nothing of Mary’s deed. They think what she is doing is just a waste of money that in their opinion could have been spent so much better. In this way they show that He is not precious in their eyes. What is done to Him is never a waste. He deserves the best we have.

Supposedly, they also have a noble motive with which they believe they can substantiate their indignation about her deed. It would have been better given to the poor. We can apply that to today. A lot of time and money is spent on all kinds of social work, but if the Lord Jesus is not given the honor, the work is for the glorification of man himself.

We hear no defense from the woman. The Lord stands up for her. He asks His disciples why they are bothering her. What’s the real reason? They should think about that. He says of the woman that she did a good deed to Him. She has come to do so because she has chosen the good part: sitting at His feet (Luke 10:39; 42). Nor has she done anything for Him, but to Him. Doing good to the poor is also a good work, but only if it is done at His command and in fellowship with Him. The poor will always be there, but He will go away from them, back to heaven.

The Lord gives her the compliment that only He can give. When He says that she has done what she could, it is with the perfect knowledge of all her efforts to come to this deed. That includes not only saving for this fortune, but also performing the deed. The incomprehension that this gives her makes her act even more impressive. What is misinterpreted by Judas, and the other disciples, is clothed by the Lord’s testimony with the light of Divine understanding. What a world of difference of judgment! Misunderstood by men, recognized by the Lord, that is the part of those who, through true love for Him, accomplish deeds which mean a waste of energy and resources for carnal Christians.

The woman, perhaps the only one, has sensed that the Lord will die. He has told the disciples several times, but they have never understood its reality and it has not marked their actions. This woman is unique to Him. He has not found such sympathy with anyone else. She has anointed Him beforehand for the burial. Others will also want to anoint Him when He is buried. Although that is also a good deed, they will come too late for it to be done.

The act of Mary will always be inextricably linked to the gospel that is preached. In other words, the salvation of sinners must result in God being worshiped. The Father seeks worshipers (John 4:23). Christ’s work is to ensure that the Father will also find these worshipers, as Mary was. What deeds do we do which are worthy to be proclaimed to the world in connection with the Lord Jesus and have the effect that the Father is worshiped?

Mark 14:55

Reactions to the Anointing

The reaction of some of His disciples is disappointing. Here it appears that not only Judas blames the woman. Judas reacts out of greed for money. That doesn’t have to be the case with the other disciples. With them it may be more the insensitivity to what occupies the Lord. They understand nothing of Mary’s deed. They think what she is doing is just a waste of money that in their opinion could have been spent so much better. In this way they show that He is not precious in their eyes. What is done to Him is never a waste. He deserves the best we have.

Supposedly, they also have a noble motive with which they believe they can substantiate their indignation about her deed. It would have been better given to the poor. We can apply that to today. A lot of time and money is spent on all kinds of social work, but if the Lord Jesus is not given the honor, the work is for the glorification of man himself.

We hear no defense from the woman. The Lord stands up for her. He asks His disciples why they are bothering her. What’s the real reason? They should think about that. He says of the woman that she did a good deed to Him. She has come to do so because she has chosen the good part: sitting at His feet (Luke 10:39; 42). Nor has she done anything for Him, but to Him. Doing good to the poor is also a good work, but only if it is done at His command and in fellowship with Him. The poor will always be there, but He will go away from them, back to heaven.

The Lord gives her the compliment that only He can give. When He says that she has done what she could, it is with the perfect knowledge of all her efforts to come to this deed. That includes not only saving for this fortune, but also performing the deed. The incomprehension that this gives her makes her act even more impressive. What is misinterpreted by Judas, and the other disciples, is clothed by the Lord’s testimony with the light of Divine understanding. What a world of difference of judgment! Misunderstood by men, recognized by the Lord, that is the part of those who, through true love for Him, accomplish deeds which mean a waste of energy and resources for carnal Christians.

The woman, perhaps the only one, has sensed that the Lord will die. He has told the disciples several times, but they have never understood its reality and it has not marked their actions. This woman is unique to Him. He has not found such sympathy with anyone else. She has anointed Him beforehand for the burial. Others will also want to anoint Him when He is buried. Although that is also a good deed, they will come too late for it to be done.

The act of Mary will always be inextricably linked to the gospel that is preached. In other words, the salvation of sinners must result in God being worshiped. The Father seeks worshipers (John 4:23). Christ’s work is to ensure that the Father will also find these worshipers, as Mary was. What deeds do we do which are worthy to be proclaimed to the world in connection with the Lord Jesus and have the effect that the Father is worshiped?

Mark 14:56

The Betrayal of Judas

What Judas is about to do contrasts sharply with what Mary has done. She has done a good work; he is going to do an evil work. Judas is called “one of the twelve”. It is particularly painful that someone from the circle of the disciples is going to do this extremely bad deed.

The chief priests consider Judas as a gift from heaven, while he comes in connection with hell. The hypocrites don’t care either, as long as they can get rid of this Jesus. That someone comes out of His company is very pleasing to them. They rejoice about it with a devilish joy. No one can give them more reliable information about Jesus than someone who has been with Him for years.

They want to tie the traitor to themselves with some money and make him their accomplice. Money is exactly why Judas wants to commit his betrayal. Greed has him in its grip (1 Timothy 6:10). The agreement is made and Judas goes looking for an opportunity to betray the Lord. He will get that opportunity at the convenient time, which is the time determined by God.

Mark 14:57

The Betrayal of Judas

What Judas is about to do contrasts sharply with what Mary has done. She has done a good work; he is going to do an evil work. Judas is called “one of the twelve”. It is particularly painful that someone from the circle of the disciples is going to do this extremely bad deed.

The chief priests consider Judas as a gift from heaven, while he comes in connection with hell. The hypocrites don’t care either, as long as they can get rid of this Jesus. That someone comes out of His company is very pleasing to them. They rejoice about it with a devilish joy. No one can give them more reliable information about Jesus than someone who has been with Him for years.

They want to tie the traitor to themselves with some money and make him their accomplice. Money is exactly why Judas wants to commit his betrayal. Greed has him in its grip (1 Timothy 6:10). The agreement is made and Judas goes looking for an opportunity to betray the Lord. He will get that opportunity at the convenient time, which is the time determined by God.

Mark 14:58

Preparation of the Passover

While Judas is busy looking for an opportunity to betray the Lord, the other disciples want to commit themselves to Him that He can eat the Passover. It has now become Thursday, the fifth day of the week that will be the most memorable of all the weeks that have ever been on earth. The Lord knows that during this Passover, He will be slain as the Lamb in order to work a better salvation than that from Egypt.

As visitors to Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover, He and His disciples have no home of their own. With the hustle and bustle it will also be difficult to find a vacant building. Their question shows that their hearts go out to this celebration. Above all, they understand that it is His desire. They want to make preparations for the Passover so that He can eat it.

What seems to be a practical difficulty is not a difficulty for the Lord. He knows where He can go. He sends out two of His disciples and gives them directions to come to the place where He wants to celebrate the Passover with His disciples. He does not give an address, but some characteristics. This means that they must be careful to see if they can perceive the attributes He has given.

They have to look for someone to meet them – they don’t have to pass anyone – who is carrying a pitcher of water. Normally women carry the pitchers, but this is a man. If they see that man, they must follow him. The water in the pitcher is most likely the water with which the Lord will wash the feet of the disciples (John 13:5). The place of the Lord is a clean place, where cleansing takes place.

Here we have a beautiful picture of how Christ brings believers to the place where He meets with them. It is not about an address, but about the heart of the seeker. The man carrying the pitcher of water represents a believer who is guided by God’s Word, of which the water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26). The Lord Jesus wants to bring believers seeking the place of gathering around Him into contact with believers who place their lives under the authority of God’s Word. Such believers can from that Word teach others about the gathering of believers and show them what, according to Scripture, are the spiritual characteristics of that place of gathering. We prepare it for Him when we are there in accordance with what befits Him.

The disciples should follow the man to the house where he enters. Then they may ask the owner of that house in the Master’s name for His “guest room”. They may also say what He needs that guest room for. “Guest room” is the same word as “inn”. Both words are wonderful names for what the church is supposed to be. We are guests with Him, the Master, and He has brought us, who once were in the power of satan, into the inn of the church (cf. Luke 10:33-35). As a church we are allowed to have this ‘inn function’ for others as well.

It is “My” guest room, the guest room of the Lord Jesus, because the church is His. The word ‘inn’ is the same as in Luke 2, in which there was no room for Him at His birth (Luke 2:7). In the world where there is no place for Him, He Himself has an inn for His own, where He receives them with Himself.

The disciples will discover that there is not only a large upper room furnished and ready, but also a prepared heart with the lord of that house (cf. Mark 11:3). The upper room has the following characteristics: 1. It is a “large” upper room, there is room for many. 2. It is a “furnished” upper room, everything is present, nothing needs to be added. 3. It is a “ready” upper room, the room is ready to use, nothing needs to be organized to make it all run smoothly. 4. It’s an “upper room”, it’s a space elevated above the bustle of the world. In such a place, believers may come together to honor the slain Lamb for the work He has done.

As always, it also happens now as the Lord has said. Only those who obediently do what He says will experience this. All those who know this do not boast of it, but acknowledge that it is a great grace that they were allowed to obey and act according to His Word.

Mark 14:59

Preparation of the Passover

While Judas is busy looking for an opportunity to betray the Lord, the other disciples want to commit themselves to Him that He can eat the Passover. It has now become Thursday, the fifth day of the week that will be the most memorable of all the weeks that have ever been on earth. The Lord knows that during this Passover, He will be slain as the Lamb in order to work a better salvation than that from Egypt.

As visitors to Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover, He and His disciples have no home of their own. With the hustle and bustle it will also be difficult to find a vacant building. Their question shows that their hearts go out to this celebration. Above all, they understand that it is His desire. They want to make preparations for the Passover so that He can eat it.

What seems to be a practical difficulty is not a difficulty for the Lord. He knows where He can go. He sends out two of His disciples and gives them directions to come to the place where He wants to celebrate the Passover with His disciples. He does not give an address, but some characteristics. This means that they must be careful to see if they can perceive the attributes He has given.

They have to look for someone to meet them – they don’t have to pass anyone – who is carrying a pitcher of water. Normally women carry the pitchers, but this is a man. If they see that man, they must follow him. The water in the pitcher is most likely the water with which the Lord will wash the feet of the disciples (John 13:5). The place of the Lord is a clean place, where cleansing takes place.

Here we have a beautiful picture of how Christ brings believers to the place where He meets with them. It is not about an address, but about the heart of the seeker. The man carrying the pitcher of water represents a believer who is guided by God’s Word, of which the water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26). The Lord Jesus wants to bring believers seeking the place of gathering around Him into contact with believers who place their lives under the authority of God’s Word. Such believers can from that Word teach others about the gathering of believers and show them what, according to Scripture, are the spiritual characteristics of that place of gathering. We prepare it for Him when we are there in accordance with what befits Him.

The disciples should follow the man to the house where he enters. Then they may ask the owner of that house in the Master’s name for His “guest room”. They may also say what He needs that guest room for. “Guest room” is the same word as “inn”. Both words are wonderful names for what the church is supposed to be. We are guests with Him, the Master, and He has brought us, who once were in the power of satan, into the inn of the church (cf. Luke 10:33-35). As a church we are allowed to have this ‘inn function’ for others as well.

It is “My” guest room, the guest room of the Lord Jesus, because the church is His. The word ‘inn’ is the same as in Luke 2, in which there was no room for Him at His birth (Luke 2:7). In the world where there is no place for Him, He Himself has an inn for His own, where He receives them with Himself.

The disciples will discover that there is not only a large upper room furnished and ready, but also a prepared heart with the lord of that house (cf. Mark 11:3). The upper room has the following characteristics: 1. It is a “large” upper room, there is room for many. 2. It is a “furnished” upper room, everything is present, nothing needs to be added. 3. It is a “ready” upper room, the room is ready to use, nothing needs to be organized to make it all run smoothly. 4. It’s an “upper room”, it’s a space elevated above the bustle of the world. In such a place, believers may come together to honor the slain Lamb for the work He has done.

As always, it also happens now as the Lord has said. Only those who obediently do what He says will experience this. All those who know this do not boast of it, but acknowledge that it is a great grace that they were allowed to obey and act according to His Word.

Mark 14:60

Preparation of the Passover

While Judas is busy looking for an opportunity to betray the Lord, the other disciples want to commit themselves to Him that He can eat the Passover. It has now become Thursday, the fifth day of the week that will be the most memorable of all the weeks that have ever been on earth. The Lord knows that during this Passover, He will be slain as the Lamb in order to work a better salvation than that from Egypt.

As visitors to Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover, He and His disciples have no home of their own. With the hustle and bustle it will also be difficult to find a vacant building. Their question shows that their hearts go out to this celebration. Above all, they understand that it is His desire. They want to make preparations for the Passover so that He can eat it.

What seems to be a practical difficulty is not a difficulty for the Lord. He knows where He can go. He sends out two of His disciples and gives them directions to come to the place where He wants to celebrate the Passover with His disciples. He does not give an address, but some characteristics. This means that they must be careful to see if they can perceive the attributes He has given.

They have to look for someone to meet them – they don’t have to pass anyone – who is carrying a pitcher of water. Normally women carry the pitchers, but this is a man. If they see that man, they must follow him. The water in the pitcher is most likely the water with which the Lord will wash the feet of the disciples (John 13:5). The place of the Lord is a clean place, where cleansing takes place.

Here we have a beautiful picture of how Christ brings believers to the place where He meets with them. It is not about an address, but about the heart of the seeker. The man carrying the pitcher of water represents a believer who is guided by God’s Word, of which the water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26). The Lord Jesus wants to bring believers seeking the place of gathering around Him into contact with believers who place their lives under the authority of God’s Word. Such believers can from that Word teach others about the gathering of believers and show them what, according to Scripture, are the spiritual characteristics of that place of gathering. We prepare it for Him when we are there in accordance with what befits Him.

The disciples should follow the man to the house where he enters. Then they may ask the owner of that house in the Master’s name for His “guest room”. They may also say what He needs that guest room for. “Guest room” is the same word as “inn”. Both words are wonderful names for what the church is supposed to be. We are guests with Him, the Master, and He has brought us, who once were in the power of satan, into the inn of the church (cf. Luke 10:33-35). As a church we are allowed to have this ‘inn function’ for others as well.

It is “My” guest room, the guest room of the Lord Jesus, because the church is His. The word ‘inn’ is the same as in Luke 2, in which there was no room for Him at His birth (Luke 2:7). In the world where there is no place for Him, He Himself has an inn for His own, where He receives them with Himself.

The disciples will discover that there is not only a large upper room furnished and ready, but also a prepared heart with the lord of that house (cf. Mark 11:3). The upper room has the following characteristics: 1. It is a “large” upper room, there is room for many. 2. It is a “furnished” upper room, everything is present, nothing needs to be added. 3. It is a “ready” upper room, the room is ready to use, nothing needs to be organized to make it all run smoothly. 4. It’s an “upper room”, it’s a space elevated above the bustle of the world. In such a place, believers may come together to honor the slain Lamb for the work He has done.

As always, it also happens now as the Lord has said. Only those who obediently do what He says will experience this. All those who know this do not boast of it, but acknowledge that it is a great grace that they were allowed to obey and act according to His Word.

Mark 14:61

Preparation of the Passover

While Judas is busy looking for an opportunity to betray the Lord, the other disciples want to commit themselves to Him that He can eat the Passover. It has now become Thursday, the fifth day of the week that will be the most memorable of all the weeks that have ever been on earth. The Lord knows that during this Passover, He will be slain as the Lamb in order to work a better salvation than that from Egypt.

As visitors to Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover, He and His disciples have no home of their own. With the hustle and bustle it will also be difficult to find a vacant building. Their question shows that their hearts go out to this celebration. Above all, they understand that it is His desire. They want to make preparations for the Passover so that He can eat it.

What seems to be a practical difficulty is not a difficulty for the Lord. He knows where He can go. He sends out two of His disciples and gives them directions to come to the place where He wants to celebrate the Passover with His disciples. He does not give an address, but some characteristics. This means that they must be careful to see if they can perceive the attributes He has given.

They have to look for someone to meet them – they don’t have to pass anyone – who is carrying a pitcher of water. Normally women carry the pitchers, but this is a man. If they see that man, they must follow him. The water in the pitcher is most likely the water with which the Lord will wash the feet of the disciples (John 13:5). The place of the Lord is a clean place, where cleansing takes place.

Here we have a beautiful picture of how Christ brings believers to the place where He meets with them. It is not about an address, but about the heart of the seeker. The man carrying the pitcher of water represents a believer who is guided by God’s Word, of which the water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26). The Lord Jesus wants to bring believers seeking the place of gathering around Him into contact with believers who place their lives under the authority of God’s Word. Such believers can from that Word teach others about the gathering of believers and show them what, according to Scripture, are the spiritual characteristics of that place of gathering. We prepare it for Him when we are there in accordance with what befits Him.

The disciples should follow the man to the house where he enters. Then they may ask the owner of that house in the Master’s name for His “guest room”. They may also say what He needs that guest room for. “Guest room” is the same word as “inn”. Both words are wonderful names for what the church is supposed to be. We are guests with Him, the Master, and He has brought us, who once were in the power of satan, into the inn of the church (cf. Luke 10:33-35). As a church we are allowed to have this ‘inn function’ for others as well.

It is “My” guest room, the guest room of the Lord Jesus, because the church is His. The word ‘inn’ is the same as in Luke 2, in which there was no room for Him at His birth (Luke 2:7). In the world where there is no place for Him, He Himself has an inn for His own, where He receives them with Himself.

The disciples will discover that there is not only a large upper room furnished and ready, but also a prepared heart with the lord of that house (cf. Mark 11:3). The upper room has the following characteristics: 1. It is a “large” upper room, there is room for many. 2. It is a “furnished” upper room, everything is present, nothing needs to be added. 3. It is a “ready” upper room, the room is ready to use, nothing needs to be organized to make it all run smoothly. 4. It’s an “upper room”, it’s a space elevated above the bustle of the world. In such a place, believers may come together to honor the slain Lamb for the work He has done.

As always, it also happens now as the Lord has said. Only those who obediently do what He says will experience this. All those who know this do not boast of it, but acknowledge that it is a great grace that they were allowed to obey and act according to His Word.

Mark 14:62

Preparation of the Passover

While Judas is busy looking for an opportunity to betray the Lord, the other disciples want to commit themselves to Him that He can eat the Passover. It has now become Thursday, the fifth day of the week that will be the most memorable of all the weeks that have ever been on earth. The Lord knows that during this Passover, He will be slain as the Lamb in order to work a better salvation than that from Egypt.

As visitors to Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover, He and His disciples have no home of their own. With the hustle and bustle it will also be difficult to find a vacant building. Their question shows that their hearts go out to this celebration. Above all, they understand that it is His desire. They want to make preparations for the Passover so that He can eat it.

What seems to be a practical difficulty is not a difficulty for the Lord. He knows where He can go. He sends out two of His disciples and gives them directions to come to the place where He wants to celebrate the Passover with His disciples. He does not give an address, but some characteristics. This means that they must be careful to see if they can perceive the attributes He has given.

They have to look for someone to meet them – they don’t have to pass anyone – who is carrying a pitcher of water. Normally women carry the pitchers, but this is a man. If they see that man, they must follow him. The water in the pitcher is most likely the water with which the Lord will wash the feet of the disciples (John 13:5). The place of the Lord is a clean place, where cleansing takes place.

Here we have a beautiful picture of how Christ brings believers to the place where He meets with them. It is not about an address, but about the heart of the seeker. The man carrying the pitcher of water represents a believer who is guided by God’s Word, of which the water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26). The Lord Jesus wants to bring believers seeking the place of gathering around Him into contact with believers who place their lives under the authority of God’s Word. Such believers can from that Word teach others about the gathering of believers and show them what, according to Scripture, are the spiritual characteristics of that place of gathering. We prepare it for Him when we are there in accordance with what befits Him.

The disciples should follow the man to the house where he enters. Then they may ask the owner of that house in the Master’s name for His “guest room”. They may also say what He needs that guest room for. “Guest room” is the same word as “inn”. Both words are wonderful names for what the church is supposed to be. We are guests with Him, the Master, and He has brought us, who once were in the power of satan, into the inn of the church (cf. Luke 10:33-35). As a church we are allowed to have this ‘inn function’ for others as well.

It is “My” guest room, the guest room of the Lord Jesus, because the church is His. The word ‘inn’ is the same as in Luke 2, in which there was no room for Him at His birth (Luke 2:7). In the world where there is no place for Him, He Himself has an inn for His own, where He receives them with Himself.

The disciples will discover that there is not only a large upper room furnished and ready, but also a prepared heart with the lord of that house (cf. Mark 11:3). The upper room has the following characteristics: 1. It is a “large” upper room, there is room for many. 2. It is a “furnished” upper room, everything is present, nothing needs to be added. 3. It is a “ready” upper room, the room is ready to use, nothing needs to be organized to make it all run smoothly. 4. It’s an “upper room”, it’s a space elevated above the bustle of the world. In such a place, believers may come together to honor the slain Lamb for the work He has done.

As always, it also happens now as the Lord has said. Only those who obediently do what He says will experience this. All those who know this do not boast of it, but acknowledge that it is a great grace that they were allowed to obey and act according to His Word.

Mark 14:63

Celebrating the Passover

It is evening, the evening before the last night of the Lord Jesus’ life before His death. He is perfectly aware of all that will come on Him. He does not flee, but “came” with the twelve. Every step of Him is a conscious step toward His death.

Then they recline and eat the Passover. While they are at rest and eating the Passover, they will have thought of the exodus from Egypt and the wondrous deliverance that God has worked. Suddenly their thoughts are startled by a remark of the Lord Jesus. He does not want them to be occupied now with a memory, with the past, but with the present, with the fulfillment of what the Passover refers to.

He introduces His remark with “truly”, emphasizing the certainty of what He is about to say. Then He speaks of His being betrayed by one of them. He does so without mentioning a name. He wants everyone to test themselves (1 Corinthians 11:28) and wonder if he is able to do so. It is also to ask oneself: Why am I here: Out of love or out of habit?

His remark disturbs the festive character of the meal. The disciples are saddened and ask Him one by one: “Surely not I?” There is no spokesperson here to ask on behalf of the other disciples who it is. Each one comes personally with his question to the Lord about a possible involvement in this betrayal.

That gives the question that each of the eleven disciples asks, something that is beautiful and striking. None of them, except Judas, thinks about betraying Him. His word, however, is true. Their hearts recognize this, and there is a great mistrust in each one of them in the presence of Christ’s words. There is no proud self-confidence in them that they will not do it, but their hearts bow down to these serious and terrible words. They have more confidence in the Lord’s words than in themselves. This is a beautiful testimony of their sincerity.

The Lord does not mention a name, but makes it clear by an act who will do it. This act of affection, an expression of friendship, should strike the heart of Judas, if it were not yet completely hardened.

The Lord says that He will go to the cross, a way that is in accordance with what is written about Him. However, that does not take away the responsibility of the human being who will deliver Him to that way. He declares that it would have been good for this man that he had not been born.

What He says has to do with the responsibility of Judas. Judas is fully responsible for what he does. He too has had enough chances to repent, but he didn’t want to. The closer a person is to God’s blessings outwardly, the further away he becomes from them spiritually if he doesn’t take them in his heart.

Mark 14:64

Celebrating the Passover

It is evening, the evening before the last night of the Lord Jesus’ life before His death. He is perfectly aware of all that will come on Him. He does not flee, but “came” with the twelve. Every step of Him is a conscious step toward His death.

Then they recline and eat the Passover. While they are at rest and eating the Passover, they will have thought of the exodus from Egypt and the wondrous deliverance that God has worked. Suddenly their thoughts are startled by a remark of the Lord Jesus. He does not want them to be occupied now with a memory, with the past, but with the present, with the fulfillment of what the Passover refers to.

He introduces His remark with “truly”, emphasizing the certainty of what He is about to say. Then He speaks of His being betrayed by one of them. He does so without mentioning a name. He wants everyone to test themselves (1 Corinthians 11:28) and wonder if he is able to do so. It is also to ask oneself: Why am I here: Out of love or out of habit?

His remark disturbs the festive character of the meal. The disciples are saddened and ask Him one by one: “Surely not I?” There is no spokesperson here to ask on behalf of the other disciples who it is. Each one comes personally with his question to the Lord about a possible involvement in this betrayal.

That gives the question that each of the eleven disciples asks, something that is beautiful and striking. None of them, except Judas, thinks about betraying Him. His word, however, is true. Their hearts recognize this, and there is a great mistrust in each one of them in the presence of Christ’s words. There is no proud self-confidence in them that they will not do it, but their hearts bow down to these serious and terrible words. They have more confidence in the Lord’s words than in themselves. This is a beautiful testimony of their sincerity.

The Lord does not mention a name, but makes it clear by an act who will do it. This act of affection, an expression of friendship, should strike the heart of Judas, if it were not yet completely hardened.

The Lord says that He will go to the cross, a way that is in accordance with what is written about Him. However, that does not take away the responsibility of the human being who will deliver Him to that way. He declares that it would have been good for this man that he had not been born.

What He says has to do with the responsibility of Judas. Judas is fully responsible for what he does. He too has had enough chances to repent, but he didn’t want to. The closer a person is to God’s blessings outwardly, the further away he becomes from them spiritually if he doesn’t take them in his heart.

Mark 14:65

Celebrating the Passover

It is evening, the evening before the last night of the Lord Jesus’ life before His death. He is perfectly aware of all that will come on Him. He does not flee, but “came” with the twelve. Every step of Him is a conscious step toward His death.

Then they recline and eat the Passover. While they are at rest and eating the Passover, they will have thought of the exodus from Egypt and the wondrous deliverance that God has worked. Suddenly their thoughts are startled by a remark of the Lord Jesus. He does not want them to be occupied now with a memory, with the past, but with the present, with the fulfillment of what the Passover refers to.

He introduces His remark with “truly”, emphasizing the certainty of what He is about to say. Then He speaks of His being betrayed by one of them. He does so without mentioning a name. He wants everyone to test themselves (1 Corinthians 11:28) and wonder if he is able to do so. It is also to ask oneself: Why am I here: Out of love or out of habit?

His remark disturbs the festive character of the meal. The disciples are saddened and ask Him one by one: “Surely not I?” There is no spokesperson here to ask on behalf of the other disciples who it is. Each one comes personally with his question to the Lord about a possible involvement in this betrayal.

That gives the question that each of the eleven disciples asks, something that is beautiful and striking. None of them, except Judas, thinks about betraying Him. His word, however, is true. Their hearts recognize this, and there is a great mistrust in each one of them in the presence of Christ’s words. There is no proud self-confidence in them that they will not do it, but their hearts bow down to these serious and terrible words. They have more confidence in the Lord’s words than in themselves. This is a beautiful testimony of their sincerity.

The Lord does not mention a name, but makes it clear by an act who will do it. This act of affection, an expression of friendship, should strike the heart of Judas, if it were not yet completely hardened.

The Lord says that He will go to the cross, a way that is in accordance with what is written about Him. However, that does not take away the responsibility of the human being who will deliver Him to that way. He declares that it would have been good for this man that he had not been born.

What He says has to do with the responsibility of Judas. Judas is fully responsible for what he does. He too has had enough chances to repent, but he didn’t want to. The closer a person is to God’s blessings outwardly, the further away he becomes from them spiritually if he doesn’t take them in his heart.

Mark 14:66

Celebrating the Passover

It is evening, the evening before the last night of the Lord Jesus’ life before His death. He is perfectly aware of all that will come on Him. He does not flee, but “came” with the twelve. Every step of Him is a conscious step toward His death.

Then they recline and eat the Passover. While they are at rest and eating the Passover, they will have thought of the exodus from Egypt and the wondrous deliverance that God has worked. Suddenly their thoughts are startled by a remark of the Lord Jesus. He does not want them to be occupied now with a memory, with the past, but with the present, with the fulfillment of what the Passover refers to.

He introduces His remark with “truly”, emphasizing the certainty of what He is about to say. Then He speaks of His being betrayed by one of them. He does so without mentioning a name. He wants everyone to test themselves (1 Corinthians 11:28) and wonder if he is able to do so. It is also to ask oneself: Why am I here: Out of love or out of habit?

His remark disturbs the festive character of the meal. The disciples are saddened and ask Him one by one: “Surely not I?” There is no spokesperson here to ask on behalf of the other disciples who it is. Each one comes personally with his question to the Lord about a possible involvement in this betrayal.

That gives the question that each of the eleven disciples asks, something that is beautiful and striking. None of them, except Judas, thinks about betraying Him. His word, however, is true. Their hearts recognize this, and there is a great mistrust in each one of them in the presence of Christ’s words. There is no proud self-confidence in them that they will not do it, but their hearts bow down to these serious and terrible words. They have more confidence in the Lord’s words than in themselves. This is a beautiful testimony of their sincerity.

The Lord does not mention a name, but makes it clear by an act who will do it. This act of affection, an expression of friendship, should strike the heart of Judas, if it were not yet completely hardened.

The Lord says that He will go to the cross, a way that is in accordance with what is written about Him. However, that does not take away the responsibility of the human being who will deliver Him to that way. He declares that it would have been good for this man that he had not been born.

What He says has to do with the responsibility of Judas. Judas is fully responsible for what he does. He too has had enough chances to repent, but he didn’t want to. The closer a person is to God’s blessings outwardly, the further away he becomes from them spiritually if he doesn’t take them in his heart.

Mark 14:67

Celebrating the Passover

It is evening, the evening before the last night of the Lord Jesus’ life before His death. He is perfectly aware of all that will come on Him. He does not flee, but “came” with the twelve. Every step of Him is a conscious step toward His death.

Then they recline and eat the Passover. While they are at rest and eating the Passover, they will have thought of the exodus from Egypt and the wondrous deliverance that God has worked. Suddenly their thoughts are startled by a remark of the Lord Jesus. He does not want them to be occupied now with a memory, with the past, but with the present, with the fulfillment of what the Passover refers to.

He introduces His remark with “truly”, emphasizing the certainty of what He is about to say. Then He speaks of His being betrayed by one of them. He does so without mentioning a name. He wants everyone to test themselves (1 Corinthians 11:28) and wonder if he is able to do so. It is also to ask oneself: Why am I here: Out of love or out of habit?

His remark disturbs the festive character of the meal. The disciples are saddened and ask Him one by one: “Surely not I?” There is no spokesperson here to ask on behalf of the other disciples who it is. Each one comes personally with his question to the Lord about a possible involvement in this betrayal.

That gives the question that each of the eleven disciples asks, something that is beautiful and striking. None of them, except Judas, thinks about betraying Him. His word, however, is true. Their hearts recognize this, and there is a great mistrust in each one of them in the presence of Christ’s words. There is no proud self-confidence in them that they will not do it, but their hearts bow down to these serious and terrible words. They have more confidence in the Lord’s words than in themselves. This is a beautiful testimony of their sincerity.

The Lord does not mention a name, but makes it clear by an act who will do it. This act of affection, an expression of friendship, should strike the heart of Judas, if it were not yet completely hardened.

The Lord says that He will go to the cross, a way that is in accordance with what is written about Him. However, that does not take away the responsibility of the human being who will deliver Him to that way. He declares that it would have been good for this man that he had not been born.

What He says has to do with the responsibility of Judas. Judas is fully responsible for what he does. He too has had enough chances to repent, but he didn’t want to. The closer a person is to God’s blessings outwardly, the further away he becomes from them spiritually if he doesn’t take them in his heart.

Mark 14:68

Institution of the Supper

While they were eating the Passover the Lord institutes the Supper. So the Supper is different from the Passover. At the same time it is very closely related to it. Like the Passover, the Supper speaks of Himself. But there is a difference. The Passover is the memory of an event. It is not a memory of the lamb, but of the passing of judgment. The Supper, on the other hand, is first and foremost the memory of a Person.

The Lord does not take a piece of the Paschal lamb, but of the bread. He takes something new and institutes something new. In the bread He introduces Himself. The broken bread represents Him in His surrender on the cross. Paul later, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adds another new thought to the bread. The one bread represents the whole church (1 Corinthians 10:17). The church is also called the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18).

The Lord Jesus gives His disciples the broken bread. It is His meal and He is the Host. Judas is no longer there. The Supper is only for children of God and not for unbelievers. With a short and therefore meaningful “take” He invites them to take from the bread. He explained what they were allowed to take: they were allowed to take His body. It is that body in which He has served God perfectly as the true Servant and Prophet. Everything He is and has done is made available to us in the ‘take’. He was able to do this because He surrendered His body to death, for He gives the bread as broken bread.

The doctrine of the roman-catholic church that the bread changes into the real body of Christ is a pernicious error. When the Lord here says to His disciples “this is My body”, He Himself is still physically present. He means to say that this bread represents His body, that it is a symbol of it. We can compare it to a picture that someone shows to someone else and says: “This is my wife.” No one’s going to think of seeing his wife in that piece of paper. It’s about the picture. Thus the bread at that moment is the picture of the body of Christ, while it is and remains ordinary bread.

The cup is also part of the Supper. The Lord takes it, gives thanks for it, and gives it to His disciples. They all drink from it. The cup goes around. It symbolizes the fellowship they have with one another. The drinking cup was not part of the Passover either. It’s not spoken of in Exodus.

The Lord says what the cup represents. The wine in it represents His blood. He says of the blood: “My blood of the covenant.” Thus He points to the result of His work. The disciples know the blood, but as something that protected against judgment in Egypt (Exodus 12:13). But here the blood is the foundation of the new covenant. Because of His shed blood, many will participate in the new covenant that God will make with His people.

On the basis of the old covenant, Israel has forfeited all promises and awaits only the judgment. The old covenant has also been ratified with blood, but that is the blood of judgment (Exodus 24:8). Through the blood of Christ, God can make a new covenant with His people. While the people have failed to fulfill all of God’s demands, Christ has fulfilled them completely. The new covenant asks nothing of man. He has done everything necessary for the new covenant. All who repent to God and believe in the Lord Jesus will receive the blessings of that new covenant. For Israel these are the earthly blessings promised in the Old Testament and for the church these are the spiritual heavenly blessings.

He Himself will no longer drink from the fruit of the vine. This means that the blood represented by the wine, the fruit of the vine, speaks not only of the forgiveness of sins, but also of the joy resulting from the shedding of His blood. The wine speaks of the joy of those who belong to Him. This joy contrasts with the fear that characterized the Passover night. Paul therefore speaks of the cup of blessing (1 Corinthians 10:16). That our sins are forgiven is a cause of joy.

In connection with the new covenant, it also speaks of the blessings of the kingdom of peace on earth. The kingdom of peace in which the new covenant will be fulfilled is not yet there. Because of His death there is no more earthly joy for Him. Therefore He not any longer drinks of the fruit of the vine. But the time will come when the kingdom of God will be established on earth. Then He will drink of the fruit of the vine in a new way. Then He will enjoy to satisfaction the great joy of the glorious results of His work concerning Israel (Isaiah 53:11). For us, that joy is there already now in the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).

Despite the suffering that awaits Him, the Lord sings the praises of God with His disciples at the end of the meal. That must have been Psalms 113-118. Then they go out to the Mount of Olives. There, in Gethsemane, He will fight the toughest spiritual battle ever in view of the work He has just set out for the hearts of His disciples in the Supper.

Mark 14:69

Institution of the Supper

While they were eating the Passover the Lord institutes the Supper. So the Supper is different from the Passover. At the same time it is very closely related to it. Like the Passover, the Supper speaks of Himself. But there is a difference. The Passover is the memory of an event. It is not a memory of the lamb, but of the passing of judgment. The Supper, on the other hand, is first and foremost the memory of a Person.

The Lord does not take a piece of the Paschal lamb, but of the bread. He takes something new and institutes something new. In the bread He introduces Himself. The broken bread represents Him in His surrender on the cross. Paul later, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adds another new thought to the bread. The one bread represents the whole church (1 Corinthians 10:17). The church is also called the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18).

The Lord Jesus gives His disciples the broken bread. It is His meal and He is the Host. Judas is no longer there. The Supper is only for children of God and not for unbelievers. With a short and therefore meaningful “take” He invites them to take from the bread. He explained what they were allowed to take: they were allowed to take His body. It is that body in which He has served God perfectly as the true Servant and Prophet. Everything He is and has done is made available to us in the ‘take’. He was able to do this because He surrendered His body to death, for He gives the bread as broken bread.

The doctrine of the roman-catholic church that the bread changes into the real body of Christ is a pernicious error. When the Lord here says to His disciples “this is My body”, He Himself is still physically present. He means to say that this bread represents His body, that it is a symbol of it. We can compare it to a picture that someone shows to someone else and says: “This is my wife.” No one’s going to think of seeing his wife in that piece of paper. It’s about the picture. Thus the bread at that moment is the picture of the body of Christ, while it is and remains ordinary bread.

The cup is also part of the Supper. The Lord takes it, gives thanks for it, and gives it to His disciples. They all drink from it. The cup goes around. It symbolizes the fellowship they have with one another. The drinking cup was not part of the Passover either. It’s not spoken of in Exodus.

The Lord says what the cup represents. The wine in it represents His blood. He says of the blood: “My blood of the covenant.” Thus He points to the result of His work. The disciples know the blood, but as something that protected against judgment in Egypt (Exodus 12:13). But here the blood is the foundation of the new covenant. Because of His shed blood, many will participate in the new covenant that God will make with His people.

On the basis of the old covenant, Israel has forfeited all promises and awaits only the judgment. The old covenant has also been ratified with blood, but that is the blood of judgment (Exodus 24:8). Through the blood of Christ, God can make a new covenant with His people. While the people have failed to fulfill all of God’s demands, Christ has fulfilled them completely. The new covenant asks nothing of man. He has done everything necessary for the new covenant. All who repent to God and believe in the Lord Jesus will receive the blessings of that new covenant. For Israel these are the earthly blessings promised in the Old Testament and for the church these are the spiritual heavenly blessings.

He Himself will no longer drink from the fruit of the vine. This means that the blood represented by the wine, the fruit of the vine, speaks not only of the forgiveness of sins, but also of the joy resulting from the shedding of His blood. The wine speaks of the joy of those who belong to Him. This joy contrasts with the fear that characterized the Passover night. Paul therefore speaks of the cup of blessing (1 Corinthians 10:16). That our sins are forgiven is a cause of joy.

In connection with the new covenant, it also speaks of the blessings of the kingdom of peace on earth. The kingdom of peace in which the new covenant will be fulfilled is not yet there. Because of His death there is no more earthly joy for Him. Therefore He not any longer drinks of the fruit of the vine. But the time will come when the kingdom of God will be established on earth. Then He will drink of the fruit of the vine in a new way. Then He will enjoy to satisfaction the great joy of the glorious results of His work concerning Israel (Isaiah 53:11). For us, that joy is there already now in the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).

Despite the suffering that awaits Him, the Lord sings the praises of God with His disciples at the end of the meal. That must have been Psalms 113-118. Then they go out to the Mount of Olives. There, in Gethsemane, He will fight the toughest spiritual battle ever in view of the work He has just set out for the hearts of His disciples in the Supper.

Mark 14:70

Institution of the Supper

While they were eating the Passover the Lord institutes the Supper. So the Supper is different from the Passover. At the same time it is very closely related to it. Like the Passover, the Supper speaks of Himself. But there is a difference. The Passover is the memory of an event. It is not a memory of the lamb, but of the passing of judgment. The Supper, on the other hand, is first and foremost the memory of a Person.

The Lord does not take a piece of the Paschal lamb, but of the bread. He takes something new and institutes something new. In the bread He introduces Himself. The broken bread represents Him in His surrender on the cross. Paul later, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adds another new thought to the bread. The one bread represents the whole church (1 Corinthians 10:17). The church is also called the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18).

The Lord Jesus gives His disciples the broken bread. It is His meal and He is the Host. Judas is no longer there. The Supper is only for children of God and not for unbelievers. With a short and therefore meaningful “take” He invites them to take from the bread. He explained what they were allowed to take: they were allowed to take His body. It is that body in which He has served God perfectly as the true Servant and Prophet. Everything He is and has done is made available to us in the ‘take’. He was able to do this because He surrendered His body to death, for He gives the bread as broken bread.

The doctrine of the roman-catholic church that the bread changes into the real body of Christ is a pernicious error. When the Lord here says to His disciples “this is My body”, He Himself is still physically present. He means to say that this bread represents His body, that it is a symbol of it. We can compare it to a picture that someone shows to someone else and says: “This is my wife.” No one’s going to think of seeing his wife in that piece of paper. It’s about the picture. Thus the bread at that moment is the picture of the body of Christ, while it is and remains ordinary bread.

The cup is also part of the Supper. The Lord takes it, gives thanks for it, and gives it to His disciples. They all drink from it. The cup goes around. It symbolizes the fellowship they have with one another. The drinking cup was not part of the Passover either. It’s not spoken of in Exodus.

The Lord says what the cup represents. The wine in it represents His blood. He says of the blood: “My blood of the covenant.” Thus He points to the result of His work. The disciples know the blood, but as something that protected against judgment in Egypt (Exodus 12:13). But here the blood is the foundation of the new covenant. Because of His shed blood, many will participate in the new covenant that God will make with His people.

On the basis of the old covenant, Israel has forfeited all promises and awaits only the judgment. The old covenant has also been ratified with blood, but that is the blood of judgment (Exodus 24:8). Through the blood of Christ, God can make a new covenant with His people. While the people have failed to fulfill all of God’s demands, Christ has fulfilled them completely. The new covenant asks nothing of man. He has done everything necessary for the new covenant. All who repent to God and believe in the Lord Jesus will receive the blessings of that new covenant. For Israel these are the earthly blessings promised in the Old Testament and for the church these are the spiritual heavenly blessings.

He Himself will no longer drink from the fruit of the vine. This means that the blood represented by the wine, the fruit of the vine, speaks not only of the forgiveness of sins, but also of the joy resulting from the shedding of His blood. The wine speaks of the joy of those who belong to Him. This joy contrasts with the fear that characterized the Passover night. Paul therefore speaks of the cup of blessing (1 Corinthians 10:16). That our sins are forgiven is a cause of joy.

In connection with the new covenant, it also speaks of the blessings of the kingdom of peace on earth. The kingdom of peace in which the new covenant will be fulfilled is not yet there. Because of His death there is no more earthly joy for Him. Therefore He not any longer drinks of the fruit of the vine. But the time will come when the kingdom of God will be established on earth. Then He will drink of the fruit of the vine in a new way. Then He will enjoy to satisfaction the great joy of the glorious results of His work concerning Israel (Isaiah 53:11). For us, that joy is there already now in the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).

Despite the suffering that awaits Him, the Lord sings the praises of God with His disciples at the end of the meal. That must have been Psalms 113-118. Then they go out to the Mount of Olives. There, in Gethsemane, He will fight the toughest spiritual battle ever in view of the work He has just set out for the hearts of His disciples in the Supper.

Mark 14:71

Institution of the Supper

While they were eating the Passover the Lord institutes the Supper. So the Supper is different from the Passover. At the same time it is very closely related to it. Like the Passover, the Supper speaks of Himself. But there is a difference. The Passover is the memory of an event. It is not a memory of the lamb, but of the passing of judgment. The Supper, on the other hand, is first and foremost the memory of a Person.

The Lord does not take a piece of the Paschal lamb, but of the bread. He takes something new and institutes something new. In the bread He introduces Himself. The broken bread represents Him in His surrender on the cross. Paul later, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adds another new thought to the bread. The one bread represents the whole church (1 Corinthians 10:17). The church is also called the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18).

The Lord Jesus gives His disciples the broken bread. It is His meal and He is the Host. Judas is no longer there. The Supper is only for children of God and not for unbelievers. With a short and therefore meaningful “take” He invites them to take from the bread. He explained what they were allowed to take: they were allowed to take His body. It is that body in which He has served God perfectly as the true Servant and Prophet. Everything He is and has done is made available to us in the ‘take’. He was able to do this because He surrendered His body to death, for He gives the bread as broken bread.

The doctrine of the roman-catholic church that the bread changes into the real body of Christ is a pernicious error. When the Lord here says to His disciples “this is My body”, He Himself is still physically present. He means to say that this bread represents His body, that it is a symbol of it. We can compare it to a picture that someone shows to someone else and says: “This is my wife.” No one’s going to think of seeing his wife in that piece of paper. It’s about the picture. Thus the bread at that moment is the picture of the body of Christ, while it is and remains ordinary bread.

The cup is also part of the Supper. The Lord takes it, gives thanks for it, and gives it to His disciples. They all drink from it. The cup goes around. It symbolizes the fellowship they have with one another. The drinking cup was not part of the Passover either. It’s not spoken of in Exodus.

The Lord says what the cup represents. The wine in it represents His blood. He says of the blood: “My blood of the covenant.” Thus He points to the result of His work. The disciples know the blood, but as something that protected against judgment in Egypt (Exodus 12:13). But here the blood is the foundation of the new covenant. Because of His shed blood, many will participate in the new covenant that God will make with His people.

On the basis of the old covenant, Israel has forfeited all promises and awaits only the judgment. The old covenant has also been ratified with blood, but that is the blood of judgment (Exodus 24:8). Through the blood of Christ, God can make a new covenant with His people. While the people have failed to fulfill all of God’s demands, Christ has fulfilled them completely. The new covenant asks nothing of man. He has done everything necessary for the new covenant. All who repent to God and believe in the Lord Jesus will receive the blessings of that new covenant. For Israel these are the earthly blessings promised in the Old Testament and for the church these are the spiritual heavenly blessings.

He Himself will no longer drink from the fruit of the vine. This means that the blood represented by the wine, the fruit of the vine, speaks not only of the forgiveness of sins, but also of the joy resulting from the shedding of His blood. The wine speaks of the joy of those who belong to Him. This joy contrasts with the fear that characterized the Passover night. Paul therefore speaks of the cup of blessing (1 Corinthians 10:16). That our sins are forgiven is a cause of joy.

In connection with the new covenant, it also speaks of the blessings of the kingdom of peace on earth. The kingdom of peace in which the new covenant will be fulfilled is not yet there. Because of His death there is no more earthly joy for Him. Therefore He not any longer drinks of the fruit of the vine. But the time will come when the kingdom of God will be established on earth. Then He will drink of the fruit of the vine in a new way. Then He will enjoy to satisfaction the great joy of the glorious results of His work concerning Israel (Isaiah 53:11). For us, that joy is there already now in the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).

Despite the suffering that awaits Him, the Lord sings the praises of God with His disciples at the end of the meal. That must have been Psalms 113-118. Then they go out to the Mount of Olives. There, in Gethsemane, He will fight the toughest spiritual battle ever in view of the work He has just set out for the hearts of His disciples in the Supper.

Mark 14:72

Institution of the Supper

While they were eating the Passover the Lord institutes the Supper. So the Supper is different from the Passover. At the same time it is very closely related to it. Like the Passover, the Supper speaks of Himself. But there is a difference. The Passover is the memory of an event. It is not a memory of the lamb, but of the passing of judgment. The Supper, on the other hand, is first and foremost the memory of a Person.

The Lord does not take a piece of the Paschal lamb, but of the bread. He takes something new and institutes something new. In the bread He introduces Himself. The broken bread represents Him in His surrender on the cross. Paul later, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, adds another new thought to the bread. The one bread represents the whole church (1 Corinthians 10:17). The church is also called the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18).

The Lord Jesus gives His disciples the broken bread. It is His meal and He is the Host. Judas is no longer there. The Supper is only for children of God and not for unbelievers. With a short and therefore meaningful “take” He invites them to take from the bread. He explained what they were allowed to take: they were allowed to take His body. It is that body in which He has served God perfectly as the true Servant and Prophet. Everything He is and has done is made available to us in the ‘take’. He was able to do this because He surrendered His body to death, for He gives the bread as broken bread.

The doctrine of the roman-catholic church that the bread changes into the real body of Christ is a pernicious error. When the Lord here says to His disciples “this is My body”, He Himself is still physically present. He means to say that this bread represents His body, that it is a symbol of it. We can compare it to a picture that someone shows to someone else and says: “This is my wife.” No one’s going to think of seeing his wife in that piece of paper. It’s about the picture. Thus the bread at that moment is the picture of the body of Christ, while it is and remains ordinary bread.

The cup is also part of the Supper. The Lord takes it, gives thanks for it, and gives it to His disciples. They all drink from it. The cup goes around. It symbolizes the fellowship they have with one another. The drinking cup was not part of the Passover either. It’s not spoken of in Exodus.

The Lord says what the cup represents. The wine in it represents His blood. He says of the blood: “My blood of the covenant.” Thus He points to the result of His work. The disciples know the blood, but as something that protected against judgment in Egypt (Exodus 12:13). But here the blood is the foundation of the new covenant. Because of His shed blood, many will participate in the new covenant that God will make with His people.

On the basis of the old covenant, Israel has forfeited all promises and awaits only the judgment. The old covenant has also been ratified with blood, but that is the blood of judgment (Exodus 24:8). Through the blood of Christ, God can make a new covenant with His people. While the people have failed to fulfill all of God’s demands, Christ has fulfilled them completely. The new covenant asks nothing of man. He has done everything necessary for the new covenant. All who repent to God and believe in the Lord Jesus will receive the blessings of that new covenant. For Israel these are the earthly blessings promised in the Old Testament and for the church these are the spiritual heavenly blessings.

He Himself will no longer drink from the fruit of the vine. This means that the blood represented by the wine, the fruit of the vine, speaks not only of the forgiveness of sins, but also of the joy resulting from the shedding of His blood. The wine speaks of the joy of those who belong to Him. This joy contrasts with the fear that characterized the Passover night. Paul therefore speaks of the cup of blessing (1 Corinthians 10:16). That our sins are forgiven is a cause of joy.

In connection with the new covenant, it also speaks of the blessings of the kingdom of peace on earth. The kingdom of peace in which the new covenant will be fulfilled is not yet there. Because of His death there is no more earthly joy for Him. Therefore He not any longer drinks of the fruit of the vine. But the time will come when the kingdom of God will be established on earth. Then He will drink of the fruit of the vine in a new way. Then He will enjoy to satisfaction the great joy of the glorious results of His work concerning Israel (Isaiah 53:11). For us, that joy is there already now in the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).

Despite the suffering that awaits Him, the Lord sings the praises of God with His disciples at the end of the meal. That must have been Psalms 113-118. Then they go out to the Mount of Olives. There, in Gethsemane, He will fight the toughest spiritual battle ever in view of the work He has just set out for the hearts of His disciples in the Supper.