Mark 14

Mark 14:1-2

Mark 14:1-2 Commentary On Mark 14:1-2J.W. McGarvey Preparations for the Death of Jesus, Mark 14:1-52 Council of the Chief Priests and Scribes, Mark 14:1-2. (Matthew 26:1-5; Luke 22:1-2) 1, 2.— Mark here goes less into detail than Matthew. He simply states the fact that it was now two days to the Passover, while Matthew represents Jesus as reminding his disciples of this fact, and telling them that then he would be crucified. Mark also mentions the bare fact that “the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death;” while Matthew describes a formal assemblage for this consultation at the palace of Caiaphas. (See, for notes, the parallel in Matthew.) Luke is briefer still than Mark.

Mark 14:3-9

Mark 14:3-9 Commentary On Mark 14:3-9J.W. McGarvey The Anointing at Bethany, Mark 14:3-9. (Matthew 26:6-13; John 12:1-9) For a discussion of the chief points in this incident, we refer the reader to the notes on the parallel in Matthew, but Mark furnishes a few graphic touches which we must notice here. 3. she broke the box.— The box was doubtless the small vase of alabaster, then in common use, which had a very small neck, intended to emit but a drop at a time of the very costly ointment; but the woman, wishing to lavish it all on Jesus, broke off the neck and poured it freely on his head, and, as John adds, on his feet. (John 12:3.) 5. three hundred pence.— As usual, the word rendered “pence” is denarios, the Greek form of the Latin denarius. This coin being equal to fifteen cents in Federal money, the estimated value of the ointment was more than forty-five dollars. Its costliness is further seen in the fact stated by John that there was only one pound of it. (John 12:7.) 8. What she could.— Jesus here expresses in a most beautiful and touching manner, the weakness of Mary in the presence of the appalling calamity which she foresaw. Believing that her Lord was about to perish as he had so often predicted, she was willing to do all in her power to lessen a calamity which she could not avert. In her weakness, she could do nothing more than to lavish on him this costly token of her undying love. Jesus accepted the tribute, ineffectual as it was, and exclaimed, “She has done what she could.” What a blessed encomium! And may not the same indulgent Lord say of us, when we meet him in the great day, These were feeble children, that were not able to do much for me, but they have done what they could. Angels can do no better, though they may do more.

Mark 14:10-11

Mark 14:10-11 Commentary On Mark 14:10-11J.W. McGarvey The Agreement with Judas, Mark 14:10-11. (Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6) 10, 11. they were glad.— Mark brings out the fact, implied but not expressed in Matthew’s account, that the chief priests were glad when Judas proposed the betrayal. This was more than they could expect, for they must have supposed that the friends of Jesus would be true to him. For notes on the remainder of the paragraph, see the parallel in Matthew.

Mark 14:12-16

Mark 14:12-16 Commentary On Mark 14:12-16J.W. McGarvey The Passover Prepared, Mark 14:12-16. (Matthew 26:1-19; Luke 22:7-13) 12. first day of unleavened bread.— On the sense attached to the expression “first day of un leavened bread,” see the note on Matthew 26:17. The day is here still more closely identified by the modifying expression, “when they killed the passover.” This was done at the close of the fourteenth day of the month, the Passover week beginning at sunset the same evening, which was the dividing point between the fourteenth and the fifteenth days of the month. 13, 14. a man bearing a pitcher.— Matthew represents Jesus as saying to the disciples, “Go into the city to such a man.” This is evidently an indefinite abbreviation of the direction more accurately stated by Mark, the “such a man of Matthew being the man whom they would see bearing a pitcher of water. They were to follow him into whatever house he entered, and there deliver their message. 15. he will show you.— The most remarkable foreknowledge is here displayed. That the disciples would meet a man bearing a pitcher of water, and that he would carry it into some house, might be guessed with a good degree of probability; but that he would enter a house whose owner had an upper room, “a large” upper room, and a large upper room “furnished and prepared;” and that said owner would show the disciples this room and allow them the use of it, could be known only by means of divine foresight. We must admit this foresight, or deny the truthfulness of this record. For other remarks on the paragraph, see the parallel in Matthew 26:1-19.

Mark 14:17-21

Mark 14:17-21 Commentary On Mark 14:17-21J.W. McGarvey The Betrayal Predicted, Mark 14:17-21. (Matthew 26:20-25; Luke 22:21-23; John 13:21-30) John gives by far the most minute report of this conversation, Although he omits some details which are mentioned by Matthew. Matthew’s report includes all that is mentioned by Mark and Luke, and some additional particulars; I therefore refer the reader to the parallel in Matthew for my comments on the paragraph.

Mark 14:22-25

Mark 14:22-25 Commentary On Mark 14:22-25J.W. McGarvey The Lord’s Supper Instituted, Mark 14:22-25. (Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25) 23. they all drank.— Matthew quotes Jesus as saying of the cup, “Drink ye all of it;” while Mark, omitting these words of Jesus, states that “they all drank of it.” Thus again the one account incidentally supplements the other. 24. shed for many.— Mark omits, after this expression, the words “for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26), which declare to what end the blood of Jesus was “shed for many,” presuming on the information of his readers in regard to the design of Christ’s death. With the exception of the point of difference just noted, the paragraph is identical in thought and nearly so in verbiage with that of Matthew, where see the notes.

Mark 14:26-31

Mark 14:26-31 Commentary On Mark 14:26-31J.W. McGarvey Desertion and Denial Foretold, Mark 14:26-31. (Matthew 26:30-35; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:36-38) 30. crow twice.— Only in this expression is there any thing in Mark’s account so different from Matthew’s as to call for a remark. All the other historians report Jesus as saying, “before the cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice,” or, “the cock shall not crow” before thou shalt deny me thrice, while Mark has it, “before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.” This is no other than an instance in which Mark reports with more exactness a speech which the other historians report in terms less definite, but having in effect the same meaning. Doubtless, Mark quotes the exact words of Jesus; but the other writers, knowing that the object of the mention of cock-crowing was to indicate the time at which the denial would occur, and knowing that when one cock crows in the morning, he is always followed by others in rapid succession, saw fit to employ the less definite style to indicate the same time of night.

Mark 14:27-31

Mark 14:27-31 7. AND DENIAL Mar_14:27-31(Matthew 26:30-35; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:36-38) 27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended:–You will all stumble at my being taken, abused, and set at naught; you will be ashamed to own me as a teacher, and to acknowledge yourselves as my disciples. for it is written.–In Zechariah 13:7. The scripture quoted shows Jesus was familiar with the scriptures. It shows that a suffering Messiah was in accordance with the purposes of God.I will smite the shepherd,–This is the language of God the Father, Jesus is the Shepherd. It means that God will either smite Jesus himself, or give him up to be smitten. (Compare Exodus 4:2, Matthew 8:15, etc.) Both were done. God gave him up to the Jews and Romans, to be smitten for the sins of the world (Romans 8:32); and he himself left him to deep and awful sorrows, to bear the burden of the world’s atonement alone. and the sheep–Here “sheep” means the apostles.

It also refers sometimes to all the followers of Jesus, the friends of God. (John 10:16; Psalms 100:3.) shall be scattered abroad.–This refers to the apostles fleeing, and was fulfilled in that. 28 Howbeit, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.–Another future event foretold, thereby establishing his divinity. This promise was given the apostles to encourage and support them, and also to give them an indication where he could be found after his resurrection. 29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.–This confidence of Peter was entirely characteristic of him.

He was ardent, sincere, and really attached to Jesus. Yet this declaration was made evidently: 1. From true love of Jesus. 2. From too much reliance on his own strength. 3. From ignorance of himself and of the trials through which he was soon to pass. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou today, even this night,–This more definitely specifies the time. before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice,–The cock is accustomed to crow twice, once at midnight, and once in the morning, at break of day–about three o’clock. The latter was commonly called cockcrowing. (Mark 13:35.) Mark and Luke speak of the second crowing.

The denial would take place before the second crowing, or three o’clock in the morning. 31 But he spake exceeding vehemently, If I must die with thee, I will not deny thee.–He means that he would die with Jesus before he would deny him. Here Peter shows his strong self-will and self-confidence.

But this together with his denial shows how little man understands himself. Self-confidence and a presumptuous opinion of one’s own strength is a sin very incident to the holiest and best of men. This good man resolved honestly, no doubt, too much in his own strength. Little did he think what a feather he should be in the wind of temptation if once left to the power and prevalence of his own fears. And in like manner also said they all.–All the apostles. The other ten caught the spirit of Peter and took the position he did.

Judas had left them and hence did not join in the conversation. [As Jesus neared his end, he pressed more and more of his teachings into the days as they passed. This fourteenth day of April–the night on which he was betrayed –was replete with service and instruction.

This night the supper was instituted and eaten. At this supper, in the guestchamber, he spoke the sermon telling of the mansions in the father’s house (John 1:14);the comforter that he would send (John 14:31); the vine and the branches (John 15:1-12); Christ’s love for his friends, and the hatred of the world (John 15:13-27); persecution they would endure for his sake, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit (John 16:1-33); his intercessory prayer for the oneness of his apostles, and for all who should believe on him through their word (John 17). “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, himself and his disciples.” It is probable the greater part of his teaching was done while they were at the table in the guestchamber. Some think it was at the foot of the Mount of Olives.]

Mark 14:32-42

Mark 14:32-42 Commentary On Mark 14:32-42J.W. McGarvey The Agony in Gethsemane, Mark 14:32-42. (Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1) 33. sore amazed.— This very forcible expression is used by Mark, where Matthew employs the milder term “sorrowful.” “Sore amazed,” and “very heavy,” are expressions by which Mark vainly attempts to convey to us the immensity of the weight that just then overburdened the Savior’s heart. 35. the hour might pass.— Here the hour is put by metonymy for the suffering which was to fill up the hour, and Mark beautifully says, “he prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.” This is a general statement of what he prayed for, introductory to the more specific statement of the petition which he offered. (See Matthew 26:39; Matthew 26:42; Matthew 26:44.) 36. all things are possible.— In a general sense all things are possible with God, and in this sense the terms are here employed. (Comp. the expression “if it be possible,” in Mark 14:35.) The thought is not inconsistent with the words quoted by Matthew, “if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;” nor with that quoted by Luke, “if thou be willing, remove this cup from me.” It was physically possible, but. morally impossible, and therefore God was not willing to let the cup pass. 37. sleepest thou?— Note again the singular number used by Mark, and the plural used by Matthew, even when Matthew represents the remark as being addressed to a single person of the company. (Matthew 26:40; comp. the note on Mark 11:2.) 40. neither wist they.— Here we have the obsolete “wist,” for knew. The disciples were so ashamed at being caught asleep a second time that they knew not what to say in answer to his reproof. 41. it is enough.— After saying to the disciples, “Sleep on now, and take your rest,” there is a sudden transition in the words, “it is enough (ð÷åé), the hour is come,” etc. The meaning is, you have rested enough; that is, enough for the circumstances. The sudden transition is accounted for by the sudden appearance of Judas and his band just as Jesus said, “Sleep on now, and take your rest.” (See the note on Matthew 26:45-46.) Under the parallel in Matthew I have discussed much more fully the significance of this mournful conflict, reserving for the present place in Mark only those points in which Mark’s account is peculiar.

Mark 14:43-52

Mark 14:43-52 Commentary On Mark 14:43-52J.W. McGarvey The Arrest, Mark 14:43-52. (Matthew 26:47-56; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-14) Mark’s account of this incident is not so full as Matthew’s, but he adds one circumstance not mentioned by Matthew, and this alone demands additional comment here. 51, 52. a certain young man.— From this mode of designating the person, we infer that this young man was not one of the twelve; but who he was, and how he happened to be present, can be only a matter of conjecture. Among the many conjectures which have been advanced, the most plausible is that which supposes him to have been Mark himself. As the guards laid hold on none of the other disciples, it is probable that his loose dress, only “a linen cloth cast about his naked body,” attracted their attention, and that they seized hold of it only for mischief. When he slipped out of the cloth and ran away naked, it was line sport for them, though any thing else to him. Argument of Section 4This section exhibits, on the one hand, the evil purpose and wicked plottings of the enemies of Jesus, and on the other, the self-sacrifice with which he prepared himself for the fate which he foresaw, and to which he voluntarily submitted. It shows, by the counsel of the scribes and priests (Mark 14:1-2), by the agreement with Judas (Mark 14:10-11), by the remark concerning Judas at the supper-table (Mark 14:17-21), and by the manner of the arrest (Mark 14:44; Mark 14:48; Mark 14:59), that his death was sought for through malice and corruption. It shows, on the other hand, by the remarks of Jesus at the supper in Bethany (Mark 14:3-9), by his statement when instituting the Supper (Mark 14:22-25), and by his prayer in the garden (Mark 14:36), that he submitted voluntarily, though at the cost of unspeakable mental suffering, to a sacrificial death for the sins of the world. This last fact shown that he was impelled by a purpose which could originate in no human soul, and which no human being could under such circumstances maintain: for what mere human being, acquainted with the true God, could suppose that his own death would be an atonement for the sins of the world, and, having formed a purpose to die for this object, could maintain that purpose through such sufferings as Jesus endured? Here is an unmistakable mark of the divinity which dwelt in Jesus, giving direction to both his life and his death.

Mark 14:53-65

Mark 14:53-65 Commentary On Mark 14:53-65J.W. McGarvey The Trial and Sentence of Jesus, Mark 14:53 to Mark 15:15 Trial by the Sanhedrim, Mark 14:53-65. (Matthew 26:57-68; Luke 22:66-71; John 18:19-24) 53-65.— Mark has nothing in this paragraph demanding comment in addition to what we have already written under the parallel in Matthew.

Mark 14:66-72

Mark 14:66-72 Commentary On Mark 14:66-72J.W. McGarvey Peter’s Denial, Mark 14:66-72. (Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:55-62; John 18:15-18; John 18:25-27) This paragraph demands but few remarks in addition to those under the parallel in Matthew. Though Luke’s and John’s accounts vary considerably from Matthew’s, Mark’s contains but few variations, and these of but slight importance. 66. beneath in the palace.— Matthew says “without in the palace.” It was both— the open court in which Peter sat being outside of the building proper though surrounded by it, and being below the level of the room in which the trial of Jesus was conducted. one of the maids.— Matthew says indefinitely, “a damsel,” while Mark designates her as “one of the maids of the high priest.” It further appears from John’s account that she was the maid who kept the door. (John 18:16-17.) 67. Peter warming himself.— At the time of the Passover, which began with the first full moon after the vernal equinox, it was seldom cold enough for fire. It was the exposure of Peter and the guards to the night air, in which they were still standing without a roof over them, that made them feel the need of fire. It was a fire of charcoal. (John 18:18.) 68. and the cock crew.— True to his own report of the prediction (30), Mark here notes the fact that a cock was heard to crow immediately after the first denial. 72. the second time the cock crew.— Still following the details as predicted, Mark notes the second crowing of the cock as occurring after the third denial. (See the note on Mark 14:30.) Questions by E.M. Zerr For Mark Chapter Fourteen1. How long till the passover ? 2. The priests and scribes wish to do what? 3. Why not on the feast day? 4. Where do we find Jesus now? 5. State the act of the woman. 6. What accusation did some make of this? 7. For whom did they profess to be concerned ? 8. How did Jesus consider the work of the woman? For what occasion did she perform it? 10. 9. Whom will they always have with them? 11. Where will this deed be reported ? 12. With whom did Judas Iscariot confer? 13. On what subject? 14. Tell the consideration he was to receive. 15. What inquiry did the disciples make ? 16. On what day was this? 17. For whom did such date apply this year? 18. Tell where the disciples were to go. 19. There they would meet whom? 20. What inquiry was to be made? 21. Tell what should be shown them. 22. What were the disciples to prepare? 23. At what time of day did they sit down ? 24. While eating what did Jesus announce? 25. How were they affected ? 26. State their question. 27. And the answer. 28. What was written of the Son of man ? 29. On whom is the woe pronounced? 30. What would have been good for him? 31. While eating the passover what else did Jesus take? 32. Tell what it was to stand for. 33. What next did he take? 34. And what does it stand for? 35. For whom was it shed? 36. When was he to drink of this again? 37. How did they close the service ? 38. To what place did they then go ? 39. What further announcement did Jesus make? 40. Tell what he quoted. 41. When was he to go into Galilee ? 42. Who disputed his word ? 43. To this what did Jesus reply? 44. What strong statement did Peter then make? 45. Who joined him in this declaration? 46. To what place did they next come? 47. What did Jesus bid them do? 48. Tell what he wished to do. 49. Which of them did he take with him ? 50. State his condition at this time. 51. What did he bid the three do? 52. He then went where? 53. Tell what he prayed for. 54. On what condition did he make this prayer? 55. Returning, what were the three doing? 56. To which one did Jesus speak? 57. Why should they watch and pray? 58. State the difference between flesh and spirit. 59. How many times did these things happen ? 60. This brought them up to what hour? 61. Who was at hand ? 62. Who came with Judas? 63. What did they have? 64. From whom was all this sent? 65. What was the sign for the betrayal? 66. Give Judas’ precautionary statement. 67. With what words did Judas greet Jesus? 68. Tell what happened then. 69. What was done with the sword? 70. Did Jesus approve of this? 71. What did he ask them? 72. All this was to fulfill what? 73. Then what did they all do? 74. Was this desertion restricted to the disciples? 75. How did the young man show his fright? 76. To whom did they lead Jesus? 77. What assembly did he have with him ? 78. How did Peter follow Jesus here? 79. For what witnesses did the council seek? 80. What was their success? 81. Tell what was wrong with their witnesses. 82. What did they try to offer as testimony? 83. What brought forth question from the high priest 84. To this what did Jesus answer? 85. State the next question of the high priest. 86. And the answer. 87. What did Jesus also predict? 88. At this what did the high priest do? 89. What did he say? 90. Tell their reply. 91. What indignities did some heap upon him? 92. Tell what the servants did. 93. Who came to Peter about this time? 94. What claim did she make to him? 95. How did he reply? 96. What happened among the fowles then? 97. How many times did such conversation take place 98. In what way did he emphasize last time ? 99. Again what was heard? 100. What did Peter then do?Mark Chapter FourteenBy Ralph L. Starling The Scibes and Pharisees were still on His path, Making plans to kill Him, even by craft. But now was not the time to do more. Being a feast day, it would cause an uproar.

Mark and Matthew seem to be repetitious, But we know the power of 2 or 3 witnesses. So, Mark continues with the same stories. Even so, they are far from being boring.

Now about the woman anointing Christ’ s head. It made some so angry this is what they said: “ That ointment could be sold and given to the poor.” Jesus told them, “ She has don even more!”

Judas offers the Priests a plan to take Christ, If they were willing to pay him a price. They quickly agreed on thirty pieces of silver And Judas accepted the offer without a quiver.

Jesus told the disciples one would betray Him, And it would be one who would sup with Him. Peter spoke up, “ I won’ t do it. I’ d rather die.” Jesus said, “ Tonight you will deny me thrice.”

That evening they sat down together to eat. Jesus showed them His own special feast. The bread and wine to remember Him with Appropriate elements to remember His death.

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus began to pray. He told the disciples to keep prowlers away. When He returned He could not believe All of His disciples were sound asleep.

After this happened a third time, Jesus told them, “ Wake up! The betrayer is at hand.” Judas came to Jesus and gave Him a kiss. With that greeting the soldiers couldn’ t miss.

They led Him away treating Him with cruelty. Peter found himself a place of security. While the Priests were questioning Him some more, Peter denied Him 3 times before the cock crowed.