Mark 14:1-52

SUMMARY 14:1-52

This section exhibits, on the one hand, the evil purpose and wicked plottings of the enemies of Jesus, and on the other, the self-sacrifice with which he prepared himself for the fate which he foresaw, and to which he voluntarily submitted. It shows, by the counsel of the scribes and priests (Mark 14:1-2), by the agreement with Judas (Mark 14:10-11), by the remark concerning Judas at the supper-table (Mark 14:17-21), and by the manner of the arrest (Mark 14:44; Mark 14:48-49), that his death was sought for through malice and corruption. It shows, on the other hand, by the remarks of Jesus at the supper in Bethany (Mark 14:3-9), by his statement when instituting the Supper (Mark 14:22-25), and by his prayer in the garden (Mark 14:36), that he submitted voluntarily, though at the cost of unspeakable mental suffering, to a sacrificial death for the sins of the world. This last fact shows that he was impelled by a purpose which could originate in no human soul, and which no human being could under such circumstances maintain: for what mere human being, acquainted with the true God, could suppose that his own death would be an atonement for the sins of the world, and, having formed a purpose to die for this object, could maintain that purpose through such sufferings as Jesus endured? Here is an unmistakable mark of the divinity which dwelt in Jesus, giving direction to both his life and his death. (J. W. McGarvey)