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Mark 14

72 verses

TL;DR

Mark 14 narrates the final week of Jesus’ ministry, including the anointing at Bethany, the Last Supper, the anguishing prayer in Gethsemane, the betrayal by Judas, the arrest, Peter’s denial, and the first trial before the high priest.

Summary

Mark 14 opens with the preparations for Passover and the anointing of Jesus in Bethany, where a woman pours costly ointment on his head, sparking criticism that Jesus rebukes as a righteous act. The chapter then follows the Last Supper, during which Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper and predicts his betrayal. He moves to the Mount of Olives, where He prays in Gethsemane, experiencing profound sorrow and praying for the cup to pass, yet submitting to God’s will. Judas, acting on a plan with the chief priests, betrays Jesus with a kiss, leading to a dramatic arrest amid a crowd armed with swords and staves. Peter follows from afar, witnesses Jesus’ beatings, and later, during the first trial, denies knowing him three times as Jesus had prophesied. The narrative ends with the gathering of witnesses and the high priest’s questioning, setting the stage for the impending crucifixion.

Outline
  1. Preparation for Passover and the anointing at Bethany
  2. The Last Supper, Gethsemane prayer, betrayal, and arrest
  3. The first trial before the high priest and Peter’s denial
Themes
Betrayal and loyaltySacrificial worshipFulfillment of Scripture
Keywords
betrayaldenialPassoveranointingNew CovenantGethsemanehigh priestJudasPetersuffering
People
JesusJudas IscariotPeterJamesJohnSimon the leperthe chief prieststhe scribesthe eldersthe high priestthe maid of the high priestthe guardsthe woman with the ointment
Places
BethanyJerusalemMount of OlivesGethsemaneUpper RoomPalace of the High Priest
Things
alabaster jarspikenard ointmentpitcher of waterbreadcup of wineNew Covenant blood
Key Verses
  • Mark 14:37-38: Jesus’ profound prayer in Gethsemane illustrates human anguish and divine submission.
  • Mark 14:42-45: The betrayal scene highlights Judas’ treachery and the fulfillment of prophecy.
  • Mark 14:60-63: Peter’s denial is a dramatic moment of faith tested and repentance.
  • Mark 14:63-65: The high priest’s questioning and Peter’s denial underscore the tension of the trial.
Questions
  • What does the anointing reveal about the woman’s understanding of Jesus’ destiny?
  • How does Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane deepen our understanding of his humanity and divinity?
  • In what ways does Peter’s denial reflect broader themes of faith and doubt?
  • How do the actions of the chief priests and the scribes illustrate the conflict between the kingdom of God and earthly powers?
  • What significance does the fulfillment of Scripture have for the narrative’s credibility?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter oscillates between sorrowful tension and moments of prophetic fulfillment, reflecting the complex emotions of the final week.