Bible Commentaries
Mark 14

Verses 1-72

THE BETRAYAL AND ARREST

This chapter corresponds with Matthew 26:0 , and contains:

The Plots of Jesus’ Enemies (Mark 14:1-2 ); · His Anointing at Bethany (Mark 14:3-9 ); · The Bargain of Judas (Mark 14:10-11 ); · The Last Passover and the Lord’s Supper (Mark 14:12-25 ); · Peter’s Denial Predicted (Mark 14:26-31 ); · The Agony in the Garden (Mark 14:32-42 ); · The Betrayal and Arrest (Mark 14:43-52 ); · The Hearing before the High Priest (Mark 14:53-65 ); · Peter’s Denial (Mark 14:66-72 ).

Mark’s talent for details is seen in his giving a specific money value to the ointment which Mary used, 300 pence, while we shall never cease to be grateful to him under God, for quoting Christ’s laconic commendation of her, “She hath done what she could” (Mark 14:3-9 ). How many sermons have these words preached, and what comfort have they brought to those whose limited ability has permitted only little ministries!

It is Mark who tells us that the Sanhedrin was “glad’ at the chance to bargain with Judas for the life of Jesus (Mark 14:10-11 ).

It is he who mentions the “two” disciples sent forth to make ready the Passover, and who indicates how the man was identified at whose house it was to be eaten. He also gives details of the conversation held with him (Mark 14:12-25 ).

Christ’s prediction of Peter’s denial (Mark 14:26-31 ) is made more graphic by the statement concerning the cock crowing “twice,” which is referred to again at the time of its fulfillment.

In the Gethsemane crisis, according to Mark, Christ prays that “the hour” might pass from him (Mark 14:32-42 ).

And an interesting detail is that of the young man who at the betrayal fled away naked, and whom tradition identifies as Mark himself (Mark 14:43-52 ).

In the hearing before the high-priest, note that significant touch, Peter “warmed himself”; and that other about the witnesses agreeing not together (Mark 14:53-65 ).

QUESTIONS

1. Give the facts of this chapter.

2. Indicate some of the interesting details it contains, peculiar to Mark.

3. How was the host of the Passover feast identified?

4. What item of Mark’s personal history is supposed to be found in this chapter?

5. How does he indicate the injustice of Jesus’ trial?