Monday, 17 August 2026

Mark 14 (résumé): Jesus anointed at Bethany and the Lord's Supper

Mark 14 relates how in Bethany a woman poured lots of expensive perfume on Jesus' head much to the criticism of the disciples for "wasting money which could have gone to the poor". However Jesus halted the criticism saying she was in fact preparing him for his burial and her beautiful gesture would always be remembered. Then Judas Iscariot agreed betrayal terms for Jesus with the chief priests! Next Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with the disciples and Jesus predicted his betrayal by one of the 12. Then Jesus broke bread and said: "Take it, this is my body". He then shared the cup saying, "this is the blood of the covenant which is poured out for many". Then they sang a hymn and went to the Mount of Olives. Jesus predicted the falling away of all the disciples, but Peter swore allegiance which Jesus contradicted saying Peter would deny him three times before the cock crowed twice. Then they went to Gethsemane where Jesus went to pray having Peter, James and John near at hand. Jesus battled with the stress of his imminent death and prayed that "if possible the hour might pass from him". 3 times Jesus withdrew for agonizing prayer only to find the disciples sleeping on his return. Then Judas appeared with a motley crowd to arrest Jesus and Judas kissed Jesus as the sign to the mob that he was the one they wanted. They took Jesus before the Sanhedrin but the witnesses against him didn't agree. The High Priest asked if Jesus was the Christ and he said "I am". "They all condemned his as worthy of death". They spat on Jesus and punched him, and then the guards took him and beat him. Peter, meanwhile, was below in the courtyard and 3 times he was questioned as to his links with Jesus which he denied... then the cock crowed twice... and Peter broke down and wept. 

No comments:

Post a Comment