Bible Commentaries
Mark 14

Brown's Commentary on the New TestamentBrown's Commentary

Introduction

  1. Introduction
    1. READ: Rev 5:11-14 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
      1. Today, we are going to look at worship and the worthiness of Jesus! Rev 5 tells us that all of heaven will cry out in a loud voice that He IS Worthy!
      2. What my prayer is for you today is that, by the end of the study, you see His worthiness!
      3. We have, as an introduction in chapter 14, these verses…Mar 14:1-2 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. 2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
      4. The religious leaders want to kill Jesus and are looking for a way to trap Him… and so, Mark now thinks back a few days earlier to an event that will precipitate Jesus’ death…

Verses 1-3

  1. True Worship
    1. Love and Devotion
      Mar 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
      1. The setting is Bethany – a few miles from Jerusalem. They are in the house of Simon the leper (whom we assume Jesus healed because he wouldn’t be having a dinner party otherwise), John’s gospel (chapter 12) tells us that it is 6 days before the passover and that Mary, Martha and Lazarus are there with Him in addition to His disciples.
      2. (v. 3) tells us that a “woman” – John tells us it is Mary – this is the same Mary of Mary & Martha fame where Martha complains to Jesus in the gospel of Luke…
        1. Luk 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
      3. …and she pours precious spikenard on his head (John tells us also His feet – drying them with her hair)!
      4. Mary has just poured her entire future out in devotion to Jesus. This ointment was worth a year’s wages (so to us, present day, it’s worth $30-$40k!) Women would often have one of these boxes (really more of a vial) of ointment and keep it for their dowry so they could be married – Mary poured out all of her future hopes right here…on Jesus!
      5. This is true, pure worship!
      6. True Worship comes from a heart of adoration, love and devotion…
      7. We see another woman doing a similar thing in Luke 7…the very sinful woman who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears…Jesus said, “Whom is forgiven much, loves much!”
      8. We love Him because He first loved us! 1Jn 4:10, 19 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 19 We love him, because he first loved us.
      9. David worshipped God throughout his entire life: Psa 8:1-9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, 7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
      10. Joh 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
    2. Sacrifice and Praise
      1. ​​​​​​​True Worship doesn’t just mean worshipping based upon our emotions…our “Worship” will be based upon the truth of the Word – which means it will be sacrificial as well!
      2. Mary poured out her future on Jesus!
      3. Heb 13:15a By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
      4. 2Sa 24:24b (David said) I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing."
      5. ​​​​​​​In fact, God desires your whole life, your whole body and all that you are:
        1. ​​​​​​​Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
      6. 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
    3. Submission
      1. ​​​​​​​We also worship our Lord through submission to His will… Mar 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
      2. David said, (in Psalm 40:8) I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”
      3. And Jesus said Joh 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

Verses 4-9

  1. Carnal Worship
    1. Indignation
      Mar 14:4-5 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
      1. The one who said this was Judas Iscariot: Joh 12:4-6 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
      2. We get indignant when we follow our opinions and not God’s!
      3. When we walk in our selfishness, pride, arrogance – the only thing we can do when we come to God is worship carnally.
      4. We will worship carnally when we are not living in an abiding relationship with Jesus: seeking Him in His Word, praying and serving others.
    2. Caring
      1. God’s Heart is always about the people: Mar 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
      2. Jesus’ heart is always about people FIRST…then everything else.
      3. Look at (v. 6-8): Mar 14:6-8 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. 8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
      4. Mary was worshipping Jesus in the way that she could! …and Jesus honored that!
      5. See, too, that Jesus gives us our priorities: we are to care for the poor…but worship of God always take the first priority; then serving others!
  2. Conclusion
    1. ​​​​​​​Jesus’ last words concerning this issue are very telling: Mar 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
    2. Our worship of Him is important to Him!
    3. Remember:
      1. ​​​​​​​1Pe 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
      2. 1Pe 2:21-25 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
      3. How will you worship the Lamb?

Verses 10-21

  1. Introduction
    1. READ: Mar 14:12-21
    2. Where are we? The chapter started 2 days earlier discussing a plot to kill Jesus – Mar 14:1-2 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. 2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
    3. Now today…we find them planning to eat the passover…and I want to look at two aspects of this section of Mark 14 – Judas and the meaning of this passover sacrifice (Jesus).
  2. Betrayal
    Mark 14:17-19 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. 18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. 19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
    1. We remember: Mar 14:3-5 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. 4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
      1. Joh 12:4-6 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
    2. Mar 14:10-11 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. 11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
    3. We will look at 3 points about Judas that we can apply to our lives…
      1. A privileged position doesn’t necessarily mean a genuine faith.
        1. Mat 13:10-11 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
        2. Mat 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
      2. Outward profession and religious activity may not necessarily indicate an inward reality of faith.
        1. ​​​​​​​When Jesus announced that one would betray Him, we don’t read of anyone saying, “I’ll bet it is Judas!”
        2. Mat 13:24-30 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
        3. 2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
      3. The Love of Money is Destructive
        1. ​​​​​​​1Ti 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
        2. Mar 8:34-37 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
        3. Look at Jesus’ final statement about His betrayer: Mark 14:21b woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

Verses 22-26

  1. The Lord's Supper
    Mar 14:22-25 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. 23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. 24 And he said unto them, this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
    1. Jesus, of course, is speaking metaphorically about the break becoming His body and the wine being His blood –
    2. Paul tells us it is for a remembrance of what Jesus did for us!
      1. 1Co 11:23-25 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
    3. Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
      1. His Broken Body
        1. ​​​​​​​His body broken…Isaiah 53 tells us about it:
          1. Isa 53:5, 10-11 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
        2. Peter echoes this in 1Pe 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
      2. His Shed Blood
        1. ​​​​​​​His blood redeems us. 1Pe 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”
        2. His blood brings us into fellowship with God.
          1. ​​​​​​​Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
          2. Without the blood of Christ, man is a long way from God.
        3. His blood makes peace with God. Man, by nature, is at war with God; and we can only come to God on His peace terms—the blood atonement.
          1. ​​​​​​​Col 1:19-21 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
        4. His blood cleanses.
          1. ​​​​​​​1Jn 1:5-7, 9 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  2. Conclusion
    1. ​​​​​​​Mar 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
    2. Psa 118:1-4 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
    3. His mercy can take you from being a Judas to a true child of God – you simply need to turn your lifestyle towards God and believe that Jesus took your punishment; pouring out His blood for your forgiveness…and, understanding He is fully God, believe that He rose up from the dead 3 days after dying to justify us and bring us Hope.
    4. >> Won’t you believe? <<

Verses 27-31

  1. Introduction
    1. READ: Mar 14:12-21
    2. Where are we?
      1. Jesus and the disciples have just eaten the passover,
      2. Jesus has told the disciples that He would be betrayed and
      3. Jesus has introduced to them the New Covenant based upon His broken body and His shed blood.
      4. We ended with v26 last time – “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”
  2. Emotions vs. The WORD
    1. The Word
      1. Mar 14:27-28 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. 28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
        1. Zec 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
        2. Jesus quotes from Zechariah and then says, “tonight’s the night, guys!”
        3. But, remember, that just a little earlier in the evening He spoke of His broken body and His shed blood and …
          1. ​​​​​​​Mar 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
        4. ​​​​​​​He even told them here in v. 28 that “AFTER I am risen…I’ll be in Galilee” –
        5. They didn’t get it…they didn’t understand the significance of this night – that it was the beginning of the end,
        6. It was the fulfillment of His life on earth, the completion of His ministry and that His death was very near!
    2. Running on Emotions
      1. ​​​​​​​Mar 14:29-31 (But, then, Peter pledges his allegiance to Jesus in verse 29…) But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. 31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
        1. Think about this…here’s Peter, he hears that they will be scattered and he’s like, “Not me, Lord – I’m loyal! I’ll die for you!”
        2. But he’s saying that he will contradict scripture to fulfill his emotional needs – he’s declaring his desires above scripture!
        3. Sure, he may not even know this scripture…he was a simple fisherman – but, here is a principle we need to address:
        4. Emotion never trumps scripture ! Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away!”
        5. How do we put emotion above scripture? Num 1:20 gives us the principle that that those who were to go to war should be male and 20 or older…what if you’re an 18 yo female and think it’s just fine to go to war.
        6. What if you friends are wonderful but gay and you think that they can’t help it – they were born that way (because that’s what they say) and yet we read:
        7. Rom 1:24-27 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
        8. How about female leadership in the church…women are spiritual, they are smart and very capable – they love Jesus and we are all one in Christ…yet Paul writes,
        9. 1Ti 2:12a And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man,
        10. God’s Exhortation to us:
          1. Pro 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
          2. Isa 55:8-9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
        11. ​​​​​​​We can not lean on OUR understanding…God’s ways are much higher than our ways, therefore: OUR Emotions NEVER EVER supercede the WORD of GOD!

Verses 32-41

  1. Will You Watch and Pray?
    1. Mar 14:32-33 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane (which means oil press): and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John (His inner circle – the same ones He took to the Mount of Transfiguration), and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy (which means He was very burdened…He had given them the cup of salvation at passover – His body and His blood to be the propitiation for their sins…and in turn, He is going to take the cup of the Father’s wrath for the sins of the world);
      1. Jer 25:15 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
      2. Psa 75:8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.
    2. Mar 14:34-36 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, Abba (means: “daddy” or “papa”), Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
      1. ​​​​​​​Heb 5:7-9 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
      2. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Our example is JESUS: in the face of all that His flesh did not want to do, He said, “Not what I will, but what YOU want oh Father in Heaven”!
    3. ​​​​​​​Mar 14:37-41a And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. 40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest:
      1. There are two exhortations that Jesus is giving to the Peter, James & John: (1) Watch, & (2) Pray.
        1. ​​​​​​​Watch: Jesus is telling them to take heed lest some destructive calamity suddenly overtake you
        2. 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant (or “watch”); because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
        3. Act 20:29-31 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
        4. 1Co 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
        5. Col 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
        6. 1Th 5:6-10 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
      2. ​​​​​​​Pray (lest you enter into temptation -- Jesus tells us that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak)
        1. ​​​​​​​(The Lord’s Prayer) Luk 11:2-4 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
        2. 1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
  2. Conclusion
    1. ​​​​​​​Eph 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Verses 42-52

  1. Introduction
    READ: Mar 14:38-41 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. 39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. 40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

    Where are we?
    1. Jesus and the disciples have just eaten the passover,
    2. Jesus has told the disciples that He would be betrayed and
    3. Jesus has introduced to them the New Covenant based upon His broken body and His shed blood.
    4. Jesus has been praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and Peter, James and John couldn’t stay awake and watch and pray with Him…
    5. We stopped in v.41 at the colon – the colon here means that an undeterminate amount of time elaspes between it and the next sentence so we pick up at “it is enough”…
  2. Jesus’ Betrayal
    1. The Betrayer
      Mar 14:42-45 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. 43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
      1. Mat 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
      2. Mat 5:44-45 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
      3. Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
      4. 1Jn 4:20-21 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
    2. The Healer
      Mar 14:46-47 And they laid their hands on him, and took him. 47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
      1. Spiritually, we can be like Peter and use our Sword – the sword of the Spirit, to lop off people’s ear and hack them up. We are given the Word for truth but are to use it with grace: Eph 6:17b the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
      2. Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
        Jesus can heal our mistakes and us!
      3. ​​​​​​​Luk 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
      4. 1Pe 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
    3. Prophecy Fulfilled
      Mar 14:48-52 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. 50 And they all forsook him, and fled. 51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: 52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
      1. Zec 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Verses 53-72

  1. Jesus’ Trial
    1. His Questioning
      Mar 14:53-59 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. 54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. 55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. 56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. 57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, 58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. 59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
      1. The OT tells us that a person couldn’t be convicted of a capital offense without the testimony of 2 or 3 witnesses.
      2. It’s interesting that the religious leaders had to bring in false witnesses to try to convict Jesus…meaning they were breaking the law they sought to uphold by coming against Jesus!
        1. ​​​​​​​Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
    2. His Confession
      Mar 14:60-65 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? 64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. 65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
      1. “I AM” -- Jesus is saying He is God…the eternally existant One.
      2. He is tying this back to the burning bush in Exodus when Moses asked God Whom he should say sent him:
      3. Exo 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
      4. Of course…this was blasphemy to a Jew that anyone would claim to be God thus He was found guilty!
    3. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Peter’s Denial

      Remind by reading…
      1. ​​​​​​​Mar 14:29-31 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. 31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
      2. Mar 14:66-72 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. 68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. 69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. 70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. 71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. 72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
        1. What do we say here? Peter got scared and denied his LORD.
        2. Why? He was afraid (fearful)…
        3. Mat 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
        4. Psa 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
        5. Mat 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
        6. Knowing: 2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
        7. And yet… Rom 5:20-21 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
        8. Tit 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
  2. Conclusion
    1. ​​​​​​​There is always forgiveness…
Bibliographical Information
Brown, Jim. "Commentary on Mark 14". "Brown's Commentary on the New Testament". https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnc/mark-14.html. 2017.