Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures©
21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

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THE GOSPEL OF MARK

CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
PASSOVER, GARDEN PRAYERS, ARREST AND DENIAL

[“Are You the Christ?”]
Key word: Desertion

Mark 14:1-2 – Jews Seek to Kill Jesus

|| Matthew 26:2-5; 367 Luke 22:1, 2 368
367 Matthew 26:2-5: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
368 Luke 22:1, 2: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Luke.

MK14:1 Now two days later the Passover 369 festival (that is, of Unleavened Bread) was to begin. The chief priests and Bible Copyists were seeking how they might seize Jesus by stealth and then put him to death.
369 Passover: There are different opinions on the precise timing. The difficulty is caused by two things: a] the difference in the modern way of counting time – from midnight to midnight, while the Jews count from 6 PM to 6 PM; and, b] the differences between the Jews in Jesus’ day about the precise time of preparation and eating of the Passover meal. Some Jews will do it the following evening, while Jesus does it Thursday evening, Nisan 14. The date here would be about Nisan 11/12. Some Jews slaughtered the Passover Lamb on the afternoon of Nisan 13 – Nisan 14 beginning after sundown that same day.
MK14:2 However, they agreed: “Not on the Passover 370 itself, lest the people cause a riot.”
370 Not on the Passover: The whole feast was eight days. Passover itself could fall on any day of the week Nisan 14. At this time some Jews celebrated Passover on Nisan 15, Friday after 6 PM.

Mark 14:3-9 – A Woman Prepares Jesus

|| Matthew 26:6-13; 371 John 12:1-8 372
371 Matthew 26:6-13: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
372 John 12:1-8: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on John.

MK14:3 Now while Jesus was reclining at the meal table in the house of Simon the leper at Bethany, a woman approached him with an alabaster container of very expensive perfumed oil of genuine nard. 373 Breaking the container she began to pour the nard over Jesus’ head.
373 Nard: A perfumed oil from the Himalayan mountains and bottled in Alabastron, Egypt. It came in a sealed bottle to prevent adulteration.
MK14:4 However, some of those present 374 became indignant and said among themselves: “Why the waste of this perfumed oil?
374 Some of those present: John blames Judas for this.
MK14:5 It should have been sold for more than three-hundred pieces of silver 375 and the value given to the poor.” And so they grumbled about the woman.
375 Three-hundred pieces of silver: About a year’s salary of a common laborer.
MK14:6 Then Jesus told them: “Why trouble her? She has done an excellent deed to me! MK14:7 For you will always have poor among you and whenever you want to be of help you can. MK14:8 But, you will not always have me. She has done all she could – coming here beforehand to anoint my body for burial. MK14:9 I tell you this truth: Wherever this Good News is preached throughout the world of humanity what she has done shall be mentioned as a memorial of her.”

Mark 14:10-11 – Judas Leaves to Betray

|| Matthew 26:14-16; 376 Luke 22:3-6 377
376 Matthew 26:14-16: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
377 Luke 22:3-6: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Luke.

MK14:10 Now one of the Twelve, Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests in order to betray Jesus to them. MK14:11 So when they heard this they were quite happy and promised to pay him for it. After that Judas began to seek an opportune way to betray him.

Mark 14:12-16 – Passover Preparations

|| Matthew 26:17-19; 378 Luke 22:7-13 379
378 Matthew 26:17-19: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
379 Luke 22:7-13: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Luke.

MK14:12 On the first day of the [festival] of Unleavened Bread, 380 when the Jews slaughter the Passover [lamb], the disciples of Jesus asked him: “Where do you want us to go and make preparations 381 for you to eat Passover?”
380 The first day of the [festival] of Unleavened Bread: Possibly Thursday, Nisan 13 about 1-3 PM
381 Make preparations: This involved purchasing a lamb and slaughtering it. It also required Jewish women to remove any leaven or yeast from their households. This “preparation” began for some Jews on Nisan 13 [Thursday] in the afternoon as Nisan 14 [Friday] would begin at 6 PM, or sundown.
MK14:13 So Jesus sent two of his disciples and told them: “Go into the city and there you will meet a man carrying a water jar. 382
382 A man carrying a water jar: This would be a unique sign as men never carried water jars as that was the work of women.
MK14:14 Follow him wherever he goes and then say to the householder, ‘The Teacher asks, “Where is the guest room 383 where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’
383 Guest room: It is possible this was the home of the disciple Mark’s mother Mary. Here also the apostles met on Pentecost.
MK14:15 Now he will show you a large upper room all ready and prepared for us.” MK14:16 Then the disciples left and when they entered the city they found it just he told them. So they prepared for the Passover.

Mark 14:17-21 – One of You Will Betray Me

|| Matthew 26:20-25; 384 Luke 22:14, 21-23; 385 John 13:21-30 386
384 Matthew 26:20-25: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
385 Luke 22:14, 21-23: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Luke.
386 John 13:21-30: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on John.

MK14:17 Now in the evening 387 Jesus arrived with the Twelve [to the upper room].
387 Now in the evening: After sundown on Nisan 14, Friday. The full moon is now rising on the horizon.
MK14:18 As they reclined and ate the [Passover] meal, Jesus said: “I tell you this truth: One of you eating with me will betray me.” MK14:19 At this they were all shocked, and they each began to ask Jesus: “Is it me?” MK14:20 Jesus answered them: “It is one of you Twelve, the one who dips his bread in the dish with me. MK14:21 The Son of Humankind must certainly depart, just as it is written, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Humankind is betrayed. It would be better if that man had never been born.”

Mark 14:22-26 – My Body, My Blood

|| Matthew 26:26-29; 388 Luke 22:15-20 389
388 Matthew 26:26-29: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
389 Luke 22:15-20: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Luke.

MK14:22 Also as they continued eating [the Passover], Jesus took bread, blessed it, and broke it in pieces and then gave some to each of his disciples. He said: “All of you take this – this is my body.” 390
390 This is my body: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
MK14:23 Also, he took the cup, 391 and after he had given thanks, he passed it among them and they all drank from it.
391 Cup: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on 1 Corinthians 10:16.
MK14:24 Jesus told them: “This is my blood of the covenant [Exodus 24:8] which is to be poured out for many. 392
392 Many: The Greek is POLLON, and not PANTA [all] for this ‘blood of the covenant’ is for those in the New Covenant. See notes on Matthew and Hebrews.
MK14:25 I tell you this truth: I will not drink any more of the vine’s produce until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of the God.” MK14:26 Now after they had sung a hymn 393 they left for the Mount of Olives.
393 Hymn: According to Jewish tradition the Hallel Psalm 118. Others would have been sung during the actual Passover meal itself.

Mark 14:27-31 – You Will All Stumble

|| Matthew 26:30-35; 394 Luke 22:31-34; 395 John 13:36-38 396
394 Matthew 26:30-35: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
395 Luke 22:31-34: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Luke.
396 John 13:36-38: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on John.

MK14:27 Then Jesus said to them: “All of you will be stumbled because of me this very night. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.’ [Zechariah 13:7] MK14:28 But after I am raised up I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” MK14:29 However, Peter responded and said: “Even if all these stumble, I will not!” MK14:30 Then Jesus told him: “I tell you this truth: This day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” MK14:31 But Peter kept insisting repeatedly: “Even if I should die I will never deny you!”

Mark 14:32-42 – Troubled in the Garden

|| Matthew 26:36-46; 397 Luke 22:40-46 398
397 Matthew 26:36-46: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
398 Luke 22:40-46: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Luke.

MK14:32 Now they all arrived to the place called Gethsemane, and there he said to his disciples: “Sit down here while I go and pray.” MK14:33 Then he took with him Peter, James and John, and Jesus began to be stunned and deeply distressed. MK14:34 And Jesus said to them: “My soul is deeply grieved unto death. Wait here and remain alert.” MK14:35 Then Jesus went forward some distance and collapsed to the ground. He kept praying that if it were possible this moment might pass by him. MK14:36 So, Jesus said: “Abba! 399 Father! Anything is possible for You. Remove this cup 400 from me! Still, not what I wish, but as You will.”
399 Abba: This is the only occurrence of this warm and intimate word which somewhat corresponds to Papa. Compare notes on Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6.
400 Cup: That is a death as a reproachful criminal. Jesus must die on a “tree” to relieve the curse upon Jews. [Galatians 3:13]
MK14:37 Now Jesus returned and discovered his disciples asleep, so he said to Peter: “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not remain alert one hour? MK14:38 All of you keep on the watch and continue to pray that you do not become tempted. For sure the mind is eager though the flesh is weak.” 401
401 The mind is eager though the flesh is weak: Or, KJV: the spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak; ASV: the spirit is indeed willing; RIE: the spirits eager; PME: but human nature is weak. The Greek PNEUMA may mean the mind, or the mental inclination or disposition of the mind.
MK14:39 Then again Jesus went away and prayed the same words he had before. MK14:40 And when he returned he found them asleep again because their eyes were heavy, and they had no idea how to respond to him. MK14:41 Now Jesus returned a third time and said to them: “Go on, keep sleeping and rest! Enough! The hour is here! Behold, the Son of Humankind is to be betrayed into the hands of wicked men! 402 [Psalm 22:16]
402 Into the hands of wicked men: Possibly an echo or allusion to Psalm 22:16 where the Jewish Greek Septuagint has “Synagogue of Wicked Men.”
MK14:42 Get up and let us leave! For see, my betrayer is at hand!”

Mark 14:43-49 – Betrayal and Arrest

|| Matthew 26:47-56; 403 Luke 22:47-53; 404 John 18:2-11 405
403 Matthew 26:47-56: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
404 Luke 22:47-53: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Luke.
405 John 18:2-11: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on John.

MK14:43 Instantly, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas (one of the Twelve) arrived with a great mob armed with swords and rods sent by the chief priests, Bible Copyists and [Jewish] elders. MK14:44 Now the person who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying: “Whoever I kiss – that is the one! Arrest him and take him away safely.” MK14:45 So as soon as Judas got there he went straight up to Jesus and said: “Rabbi!” And then Judas kissed Jesus. MK14:46 So they seized Jesus and arrested him. MK14:47 But one of the disciples standing by drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant cutting off his ear. MK14:48 Now Jesus responded and said to all of them: “Have you come here as though I were a thief – with swords and rods? MK14:49 Every day I was with all of you in the Temple courtyard teaching, and you never tried to arrest me. But, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled …”

Mark 14:50-52 – Abandoned

MK14:50 Right then all the disciples deserted 406 Jesus and ran away.
406 Deserted: Or, forsook.
MK14:51 But a certain young man 407 followed Jesus though his nakedness was only clothed in a thin linen garment. [The mob] kept trying to seize him,
407 A certain young man: Many think this to be the disciple Mark. Though the Gospel is named after Mark, it is thought by some to really be the work of Peter and Mark served as his secretary or copyist.
MK14:52 but he left his garment behind and escaped.

Mark 14:53-59 – Before the Jewish Priest

|| Matthew 26:57-68; 408 Luke 22:54, 63-71; 409 John 18:15-18 410
408 Matthew 26:57-68: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
409 Luke 22:54, 63-71: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Luke.
410 John 18:15-18: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on John.

MK14:53 Now they led Jesus away to the high priest, and with him were gathered all the chief priests, the [Jewish] elders and the Bible Copyists. MK14:54 (Peter had followed from some distance right into the courtyard of the high priest, and now he sat with the servants warming himself by the fire.) MK14:55 The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin were seeking for evidence against Jesus to put him to death but found none. MK14:56 However, many others gave false evidence against Jesus, but their testimony did not agree. MK14:57 Now certain persons stood up and gave false testimony against Jesus, saying: MK14:58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple built by human hands, and within three days I will build another one not made with human hands.’” MK14:59 But their testimony did not agree either.

Mark 14:60-65 – Are You the Christ?

MK14:60 Now the high priest rose in the assembly and asked Jesus: “Do you have no answer? What about this evidence against you?” MK14:61 However, Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, saying to him: “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” MK14:62 Now Jesus answered: “I am! 411 And all of you will see the Son of Humankind sitting at the right hand of Power and coming in the clouds of heaven.” 412 [Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13]
411 I am: A direct answer [“Yes”] after the Roman manner and not after the Hebrew manner in the other accounts.
412 Coming in the clouds of heaven: Jesus combines [a conflate] two verses – Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1 – and suggested these priests and others would live to see the fulfillment of these. Compare notes on Acts 7:54-59.
MK14:63 Then the high priest tore his garment and said: “Do we need any more witnesses? MK14:64 You have heard his blasphemy? What is your verdict?” And now they all condemned Jesus, finding him guilty and deserving of death. MK14:65 Some spit on Jesus, while others covered his face 413 and beat him with their fists, asking him: “Prophesy!” Even the subordinate officials slapped Jesus with their open hands.
413 Covered his face: Likely with a garment.

Mark 14:66-72 – Peter’s Denial

|| Matthew 26:69-75; 414 Luke 22:55-62; 415 John 18:15-18, 25-27 416
414 Matthew 26:69-75: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.
415 Luke 22:55-62: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Luke.
416 John 18:15-18, 25-27: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on John.

MK14:66 Now Peter was down below in the courtyard and one of the servant girls of the high priest approached. MK14:67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she studied him and said: “You were also with Jesus the Nazarene!” MK14:68 But Peter denied it, saying: “I have no idea, nor do I understand, what you are saying!” And he went outside into the front court and right then a cock crowed. MK14:69 Then the servant girl saw him again and began saying to all those standing around: “This fellow is one of them!” MK14:70 But again Peter denied it. And then a bit later those standing by Peter said again: “For a certainty you are one of them! For you are a Galilean and your accent betrays you!” MK14:71 And yet again Peter began to curse himself and swear: “I do not know this man about whom you speak!” MK14:72 Now instantly for a second time the cock crowed, and Peter remembered the statement Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times!” When Peter thought about it he broke down and began to cry.

Review Questions on Chapter Fourteen

  • Describe some of the events in the days before Jesus’ arrest.
  • What did Jesus institute following Passover supper?
  • How did Jesus become distressed in the garden?
  • Describe the events of Jesus’ arrest?
  • Who was the young man that escaped?
  • How does Jesus answer the question whether he was the Messiah?
  • How does Peter deny Jesus three times?

Nazarene Commentary 2000©

Mark Heber Miller

©2000 All Rights Reserved