Mark 14: Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
For how long had religious leaders wanted to capture and kill Jesus? What had made that impossible?
Author’s Thoughts
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Author’s Paraphrase
Mark 14:1–2 Two days before Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the chief priests and teachers of the Law sought a means to covertly capture Jesus and put him to death. “We must not do it during the feast,” they said, “or we will cause a riot.”
King James
Mark 14:1–2 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
Who was Simon the leper? Why was Jesus at Simon’s house and not with Mary and Martha?
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Mark 14:3 At Bethany, Jesus was in the home of Simon the leper when a woman came with a jar made of fine gypsum filled with expensive perfume, broke the seal, and poured it on Jesus’ head as he sat at the table.
King James
Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
Why did the woman think the expensive perfume was not wasted?
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Author’s Paraphrase
Mark 14:3 At Bethany, Jesus was in the home of Simon the leper when a woman came with a jar made of fine gypsum filled with expensive perfume, broke the seal, and poured it on Jesus’ head as he sat at the table.
King James
Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
If people knew the Lord, why would some people think using the perfume was a waste? Why was the woman’s behavior a concern to them?
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Mark 14:4–6 Some of the people were upset when they saw what she had done. “Why this waste?” they said among themselves. “That perfume could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and given to the poor.” They rebuked her.
“Leave her alone,” Jesus said. “Why are you criticizing the woman for doing good for me?”
King James
Mark 14:4–6 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
If the woman’s actions were notable, why didn’t Mark tell who she was? Who was she?
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Mark 14:7–9 “You will always have the poor with you, so you can help them whenever you want, but you will not always have me. She has done what she could, anointing my body ahead of time for burial. I assure you, everywhere the good news is proclaimed throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and told.”
King James
Mark 14:7–9 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
Why were the priests so delighted to hear Judas’s offer?
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Mark 14:10–11 Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the chief priests with an offer to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted and promised to pay, so he looked for a good place and time when he could hand him over.
King James
Mark 14:10–11 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
What was unusual about Jesus’ instructions for Passover preparation?
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Mark 14:12–16 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lambs were killed, the disciples said to Jesus, “Where shall we prepare for you to eat the Passover meal?”
He gave two of his disciples specific instructions: “Go into the city. When you see a man carrying a pitcher of water, follow him. Say to the owner of the house that he enters, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the room where I shall eat the Passover meal with my disciples?”‘ He will show you a large upstairs room that is furnished and ready for our use. Make preparations there.”
The disciples went into the city, found everything exactly as Jesus had said, and prepared the meal.
King James
Mark 14:12–16 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us. And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
Why might every disciple think he might be the one to betray Jesus?
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Mark 14:17–20 In the evening, Jesus arrived with the twelve disciples. While they were at the table, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth. One of you eating with me will turn against me.”
Everyone was deeply grieved and said, “Sir, you are not talking about me, are you?”
“It is one of you who eats with me now.”
King James
Mark 14:17–20 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me. And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.
In betrayal was part of God’s plan, how could the betrayer be condemned for his action?
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Mark 14:21 “I, the Son of Man, must suffer according to the scriptures, but how terrible it will be for the man who betrays me. It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
King James
Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
How is the bread and wine associated with the body and blood of Jesus?
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Mark 14:22–24 While they ate, Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and passed it to the disciples. “Take this bread and eat. This is my body.” He held the cup, offered thanks, and passed it to the disciples. They all drank from it. “This is my blood of the new agreement between God and his people, to be poured out for many.”
King James
Mark 14:22–24 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
When did Jesus again drink wine with the disciples in the Kingdom of God?
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Mark 14:25 “I tell you, I will not drink wine again until I drink with you in the Kingdom of God.”
King James
Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
What kind of hymn do you think the disciples sang before leaving with Jesus for the Mount of Olives?
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Mark 14:26 After they had sung a hymn, they left for the Mount of Olives.
King James
Mark 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
Why did Jesus say the disciples would scatter when he was arrested? How did the disciples feel about that prediction?
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Mark 14:27–31 “Tonight,” Jesus said, “all of you will leave me, for the scripture says, Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. But after I have risen, I will reach Galilee before you do.”
Peter said, “Everyone else may abandon you, but I never will.”
“I guarantee,” Jesus said, “before the rooster crows twice tonight, you will deny me three times.”
“Even if I have to die,” Peter said, “I will not deny you.”
The rest of the disciples said the same thing.
King James
Mark 14:27–31 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
At Gethsemane, why did Jesus leave the disciples at one place but that three with him to pray?
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Mark 14:32 When they arrived at Gethsemane, Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
King James
Mark 14:32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
What was the reason for Jesus’ grief and distress?
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Mark 14:33–36 Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John. He became grieved and was filled with distress. “Stay here and watch with me,” he said. “My heart is overcome with sorrow to the point of death.”
He went a little farther, fell on his face, and prayed that if possible, he would escape this time of suffering. “Dearest Father, everything is possible for you. Let me escape this suffering. Nevertheless, I want your will, not mine.”
King James
Mark 14:33–36 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; and saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
Why couldn’t Peter stay awake and pray?
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Mark 14:37–38 He returned to his disciples and found them asleep. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “can’t you watch with me for an hour? Stay alert and pray so you do not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
King James
Mark 14:37–38 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
When Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak,” what was he referring to?
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Mark 14:38 “Stay alert and pray so you do not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
King James
Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
Why did Jesus repeat what he had prayed before?
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Mark 14:39 Again, Jesus left to pray the same words as before.
King James
Mark 14:39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.
When the disciples were found asleep for the second time, why didn’t they know what to say?
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Mark 14:40 Once more, he returned to find his disciples asleep. They could not keep their eyes open and did not know what to say.
King James
Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
What did the disciples see when they were awakened and told to look?
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Mark 14:41–43 When he returned for the third time, he said, “How can you be at ease, sleeping? You have slept long enough. Look! It is time for the Son of Man to be handed over to wicked men. “Get up. Let’s go! My betrayer is coming.”
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived with a mob carrying swords and clubs, men sent by the chief priests and Jewish leaders.
King James
Mark 14:41–43 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
How much time and effort was required to gather men with swords and clubs and find where Jesus was?
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Mark 14:43 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived with a mob carrying swords and clubs, men sent by the chief priests and Jewish leaders.
King James
Mark 14:43 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived with a mob carrying swords and clubs, men sent by the chief priests and Jewish leaders.
Why did Judas need a means to identify which person was Jesus?
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Mark 14:44 To identify Jesus, the traitor had arranged a signal, saying, “The man I kiss is the one you want. Seize him and take him away.”
King James
Mark 14:44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
Do you think Judas experienced any remorse at the time he approached Jesus and kissed him? Why?
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14:45–46 Paraphrase
Mark 14:45–46 Without hesitation, Judas approached Jesus. “Hello, Teacher.” After he gave Jesus the customary kiss of greeting, men grabbed Jesus and held him captive.
King James
Mark 14:45–46 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
Why didn’t Mark tell who the man was who cut off the high priest’s servant’s ear? How do we know whose side the high priest’s servant was on?
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Mark 14:47 One of the bystanders drew a sword and cut off the high priest’s servant’s ear.
John 18:10 Simon Peter drew a sword and cut off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant.
King James
Mark 14:47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
What was the difference between the mob’s preparation for conflict and the disciples’ preparation?
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Mark 14:48 Jesus looked at the mob surrounding him. “Am I a hardened criminal that you must capture me with swords and clubs?
14:50 All the disciples abandoned him and escaped.
King James
Mark 14:48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
14:50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
Why couldn’t Jesus be arrested in the Temple and still fulfill the scriptures?
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Mark 14:49 “Every day, I taught in the Temple. Why didn’t you arrest me there? It has happened this way to fulfill the scriptures.”
King James
Mark 14:49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
Who was the man wearing pajamas, who was almost caught but escaped, naked? Why was he there, dressed this way?
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Mark 14:51–52 A young man who had followed Jesus stood there, wearing only a linen sleeping garment. When the mob tried to grab him, they tore off his garment, and he ran away naked.
King James
Mark 14:51–52 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
How do you think Jesus was treated during the journey from Gethsemane to the high priest? Why?Write the question here
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Mark 14:53 The arresting guards took Jesus to the high priest and a gathering of chief priests, Jewish leaders, and teachers of the Law.
King James
Mark 14:53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
Why did Peter turn from the other disciple running away and choose to follow Jesus at a distance? Where was John during this time?
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Mark 14:54 Peter followed at a distance and entered the high priest’s palace courtyard where he sat with the guards and warmed himself by the fire.
King James
Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
How did Peter want to be perceived by the guards he was sitting with? What was his true interest in being there?
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Mark 14:54 Peter followed at a distance and entered the high priest’s palace courtyard where he sat with the guards and warmed himself by the fire.
King James
Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
Why did the effort fail in presenting false witnesses?
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Mark 14:55–59 The chief priests and Jewish council brought in witnesses who were to give false testimony about Jesus so they could sentence him to die. Their efforts failed. Although many false witnesses came, they could not get any two testimonies to agree. Finally, more men appeared before the council to give false testimony. “This man claimed he could destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days without any help.” Even in this testimony, their statements failed to agree.
King James
Mark 14:55–59 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together.
After the false testimonies failed to convict Jesus, how frustrated was the high priest? Why did he ask Jesus to answer for himself?
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Mark 14:60–61 The high priest stood and looked at Jesus. “Aren’t you going to answer? What do you have to say about the charges brought against you?”
Jesus said nothing.
“Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?”
King James
Mark 14:60–61 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
What kind of defense did Jesus give to the high priest?
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Mark 14:62–64 “Yes,” Jesus said, “I am. In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting on God’s right hand and arriving on the clouds of the sky.”
The high priest ripped his clothes. “Why do we need more witnesses? With your own ears you have heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”
“Guilty,” they said. “He should be put to death.”
King James
Mark 14:62–64 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
Why did the council say Jesus was guilty of a crime punishable by death?
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Mark 14:64 “With your own ears you have heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?”
“Guilty,” they said. “He should be put to death.”
King James
Mark 14:64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
How did the council’s judgment affect the persecution of Jesus?
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Mark 14:65 Some of them spat at him. Others blindfolded him and struck him with their fists. “Prophesy to us, Messiah,” they said. “Tell us who hit you.” The guards slapped him on the face.
King James
Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
Why did Peter deny knowing Jesus? What kept him from leaving the courtyard and the first exposure of his identity?
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Mark 14:66–72 In the courtyard outside, one of the high priest’s servant girls came to where Peter was. She looked closely at him as he warmed himself. “You are one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”
He denied having been with Jesus. “It was not me,” he said. “I do not know what you are talking about.”
As he left the courtyard and came near the entrance, a rooster crowed.
Another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing nearby, “This man is one of them.”
Again, he denied any knowledge of Jesus. Later, some of those who stood near Peter said, “You must be one of them. Your accent is clearly Galilean.”
With cursing and swearing, Peter denied any connection with Jesus. “I tell you, I do not know this man you are talking about.”
For the second time, a rooster crowed, and he remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
And he broke down crying.
King James
Mark 14:66–72 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
How did Peter feel after leaving the courtyard? How might his feelings have changed after his breakdown, crying?
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Author’s Paraphrase
Mark 14:72 For the second time, a rooster crowed, and he remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
And he broke down crying.
King James
Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.