Saturday, March 3, 2018

Mark 14:1-42 Final hours of the Last Week


Mark 14:1-42  Final hours of the Last Week             March 3, 2018
 

The Plot to Kill Jesus – Let’s say we are right there with Jesus 

Mark 14:1  After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death. 

Jesus just told his disciples that he will die, but they did not understand, but the women did. 

*Matthew 26:2  "You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified." 

The Jewish leadership could have been as low as 13 people as some scholars have figure and they decided to kill Jesus. 

Mark 14:2 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar of the people." 

The plan was not to take him on the feast day, especially during Passover because of the great amount of people. Yet they did: why? Who determined the timing?  Jesus did and He is controlling the timing. 

Jesus Anointed at Bethany 

Mark 14:3  And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. 

*John 12:2-3 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. (3) Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.  

{Mary simply did it – knew Jesus was going to die} 

Lazarus to be assassinated, why 

*John 12:10-11 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, (11) because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. 

This incident, in the house of Simon the (healed) leper, is preparation for a funeral. 

Mark 14:4 Irritated, some who were there asked one another, "Why was the perfume wasted like this? 

Who was this person? 

*John 12:4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said 

Mark 14:5  For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they criticized her sharply.   {more than 1}
This was about a year’s earnings for a common worker. Is it possible to easy criticize those who show more love to Jesus than we do. We sometimes want to define a “fanatic” as someone who is more devoted to Jesus than we are. 
Mark 14:6  But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me.
Jesus just corrected Judas.  Did Jesus raised His voice?  Mary understood what the disciples did not - that Jesus was about to die, and she intended this gift as a preparation for his burial.
Mark 14:7 For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. 

Mark 14:8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.
She gets what will happen, the guys did not understand.  Notice, Mary carefully this planned beforehand.  She wanted to give some special honor to Jesus because  she believed that Jesus was going to be mocked, whipped, and crucified. 

Mark 14:9 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." 

Indeed: it is recorded in three of the four Gospels!  Are we not talking about it now, this act of loving devotion. 

Judas to Betray Jesus 

Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. 

Notice, Satan himself went into Judas, not one of the demons.  Judas left himself open to the spirit world. 

*Luke 22:3 But Satan went into Judas called Iscariot, who belonged to the circle of the Twelve. 

Mark 14:11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him. 

*Matthew 26:15 and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. 

30 pieces of silver, the price of a common slave (Ex 21:32; Zech 11:12, 13).  The religious leaders found an ally, a disciple to betray Jesus. 

The Passover with the Disciples 

Mark 14:12 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, "Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?" 

The Passover Lamb was selected on the 10th of Nisan—the day of the triumphal entry.  Jesus was slain four days later: the 14th, which is the first day of Passover. 

4 days prior to the 14th, on the 10th, all the lambs are selected and inspected by the Priests.  Also the day Jesus was riding the donkey into Jerusalem being inspected by the people. 

Mark 14:13 And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. 

What was unusual about a man carrying a pitcher of water, was because it was usually a woman job and stand out.  

*Luke 22:8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat." 

Mark 14:14 Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?" ' 

Some scholars suspect that this was the home of John Mark himself—a center for fellowship in Jerusalem. The man, distinctive for bearing a pitcher, may have been Mark’s father. 

*Acts 12:12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. 

Mark 14:15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us." 

Mark 14:16 So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover. 

Mark 14:17 In the evening He came with the twelve. 

*John 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him, 

*John 13:4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 

Foot Washing Service, Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet 

One of You Will Betray Me 

Mark 14:18 Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me." 

*Luke 22:21 But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. 

Jesus just told the disciples who it was, but they still did not get it. 

They had not planned to take Jesus during the holiday season; however, the “cat’s out of the bag”!  Jesus is saying to Judas, “Fish or cut bait!”  

So, Who’s controlling the timing?  Jesus is.  Judas cannot keep it a secret now, Jesus just announce that someone will betray Him.  

Suddenly, Judas is in a jam here.  He was planning on betraying Jesus, but not during the Passover season.  The word is out, either he has to skip it or do it now. 

Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is it I?" And another said, "Is it I?" 

Mark 14:20 He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish. 

The guy just sitting next to him. 

*John 13:26 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 

Jesus again just told everyone who it was. 

*John 13:30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night. 

Mark 14:21 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born." 

Confusion reigns. Especially in Judas’ heart.  The panic going on. The Pharisee was not prepared to do it now, had to go to Pilate for approval, that is why they were at Gethsemane so long. 

*Psalms 41:9 As for my best friend, the one in whom I trusted, the one who ate my bread, even he has insulted me! 

Judas was totally responsible for his actions, despite the fact a message it was predicted.  Just because God predicted it, we still have a choice, since God is outside of time, He knows what our choice it.  Free moral agency. 

In Hebrew hermeneutics, pattern is prophecy. 

Greek mind of prophecy: prediction and then fulfillment. 

In Hebrew mind: Jews see patterns, that is why Jewish can see patterns in the Life of the Messiah, and make a big thing in all the details. 

Institution of the Lord's Supper 

Mark 14:22 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 

Mark 14:23  Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

Mark 14:24  And He said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. 

Four Cups of Passover Seder Meal and comes from: 

1)     The cup of the Bringing Out
2)     The cup of the Delivery
3)     The cup of Redemption or Blessing – This cup Jesus used
4)     The cup of the Taking Out 

Exodus 6:6-7 Therefore, say to the Israelis, 'I am the LORD. –1-- I'll bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and –2-- I'll deliver you from their bondage. –3-- I'll redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. (7) –4-- I'll take you for my own people, and I'll be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 

Jesus used the cup of Redemption or Blessing for the Passover Service. 

*1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless is a sign of our sharing in the blood of the Messiah, isn't it? The bread that we break is a sign of our sharing in the body of the Messiah, isn't it? 

Why this is interesting, Jesus never finish the Passover meal of the Lord’s supper with the wine. 

Mark 14:25  Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." 

We take of the 3rd cup of blessings at the Passover service and at the future marriage supper, we will then take of the 4th cup, because our Lord has taken us out of this world.  (Ex 6:6,7)  we take of the 3rd cup at Passover  

*Revelation 19:9 Then the angel told me, "Write this: 'How blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the lamb!'" He also told me, "These are the true words of God."

Jesus has a heart to heart talk with the Disciples. 

Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial 

Mark 14:26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 

Mark 14:27 Then Jesus told them, "All of you will turn against me, because it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' 

Mark 14:28 However, after I have been raised, I will go to Galilee ahead of you." 

Again, Jesus just told them He will die and will be raised.

Jesus told the disciples He will see them in Galilee.   They remember it later.  

This shows that Jesus is already looking beyond the cross. He has His eyes fixed on the joy set before Him.
*Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Mark 14:29 But Peter told him, "Even if everyone else turns against you, I certainly won't." 

A little bit of pride for Peter. 

Mark 14:30 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." 

Mark 14:31 But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And they all said likewise.

Peter wasn’t paying attention to the lesson or the other disciples.  They all said the same thing.  Jesus knew Peter far better than Peter did, and in over-estimating himself, Peter was set up for a fall.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane 

Mark 14:32 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 

Mark 14:33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 

Gethsemane = oil press. Indeed. 

The 3 insiders were present
·      at the home of Jairus (Mk 5:37),
·      the Mount of Transfiguration (Mk 9:2),
·      and here. 

Why were they single out?  For their instruction and teach them something.  Jesus wants them to fully understand what is going on here. 

Mark 14:34 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch." 

Jesus knew what was coming.  When we have surgery, we know what is coming.  We really do not want to, but we do it anyway.  It is easier when we have someone helping us, our mates and Jesus had His friends. 

Mark 14:35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 

*Matthew 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." 

*Luke 22:41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 

Was it possible to save humanity any other way?  We notice: God did not answer Jesus prayer, because it was not possible any other way. 

It wasn’t the physical aspects: it was the realization that this would involve being forsaken by His Father.  

Mark 14:36 And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will." 

Think back, have we not been in this situation before.  In this moment of deep distress, Jesus didn’t feel far from God the Father. He felt so close to the Father that He used the name Abba, a child’s familiar name for “daddy.” 

Mark 14:37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 

If Peter was not sleeping and also praying, Peter might not have failed later.  I am still not sure the disciples realize that Jesus was going to die even though He has told them another of times. 

The disciples gave no support at all.  Jesus had to face the cross all alone. 

Notice, Jesus called Peter, Simon, not Peter, his new name. 

Mark 14:38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 

A lesson in spiritual warfare; the resulting setback that very evening will echo throughout eternity.  Peter will have it hanging over His head for a long time.  The spiritual battle is often won or last before the crisis comes. 

Mark 14:39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 

Mark 14:40  And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 

How often does Jesus “check on us” and find us asleep?

Through prayer and companionship, we must stand beside others in their time of need. 

Lessons of Gethsemane:

·      The need for dependent prayer.

·      Daily prayer.

·      A call to discipline. 

Mark 14:41 Then He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 

*Luke 22:43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 

He wanted the disciples to help Him and stand in prayer, not for His own sake, but for their own benefit.  The disciples would not stand with what is going to happen for not praying with Jesus. 

Mark 14:42 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand."

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