Mark 14:1-26

Theme: Jesus is worshipped and anointed, contrasting with the disciples’ attitude, particularly Judas’ who plans to betray him, beginning Jesus’ abandonment as he heads to the cross.

Aim: Jesus is worthy of all praise and worship, even with great cost, because he gives himself for his people.

Study

Recap

Briefly review what responses we have seen to Jesus.

A Sandwich of Values

[Intro question]

What things are valued by people in this passage?
- Praise of men v2.
- Power and influence v2.
- Money v10-11.
- Jesus v3.
- Personal reputation v4-5.

Plot

Why do the cheif priests and teachers of the law want to kill Jesus, and what stops them?
- Throughout Mark, Jesus has exposed their hypocrisy and their hard hearts. Their positions of authority are being challenged. Rather than repent, their hearts are hard and they want to kill Jesus instead.
- They don’t kill Jesus yet because they fear the people. They are enslaved by the fear of man. Their security and identity comes from their power and control over the people. They will take drastic action to keep it. (Further explaining the above).
- The people greatly admire Jesus - arresting and killing him now will upset them, so soon after his triumphal entry to Jerusalem.
- They want to hide their actions, because they know they are wrong.
What do Judas’ actions tell us about his attetude towards Jesus?
- Betrays Jesus for money - greedy. See also John 12 :6.
- Enslaved to money, the things of the world.
- Potentially found his security in wealth? Indicating a lack of trust in Jesus - he wasn’t the only poor one (10:28-31).
- Notice Judas approaches them - an active desire to betray, not coerced.
What kinds of things are you tempted to value above Jesus?
- Money.
- Positions like leadership, job, etc.
- Reputation.
- Comfort. <- big one!

Preparation

What is the significance of the woman’s actions at this point in Jesus’ ministry?
- Anointing in preparation for his death and burial v8.
- Another prediction of Jesus’ death.
- Act of selfless worship, gives everything she has. Similarities to widow in 12:41-44.
Why do people’s responses to Jesus matter?
- Jesus is unique, there was no-one else like him. The claims he made demand a response.
- To diminish Jesus, and the cross is to diminish sin.
- Saying “I don’t need Jesus”, or that he doesn’t matter, is to say you think you can save yourself, or don’t need saving.
- There is no Christian without the cross, 8:34-38.

Passover

What are the signs of God’s sovereignty? or Why is it important that Jesus predicts his betrayal?
- v13-16 are very similar to 11:1-6.
- God remains in control the entire time.
- Jesus is not surprised by his betrayal, denial and death.
- Reassures the disciples (and us) that the following events are not a messianic train wreck, but God’s all-wise, predestined plan.
- All prophecies are fulfilled - yet another sign of Jesus’ divinity.
Read Jer. 31:31-34; Compare and contrast the Passover with the new covenant, instantiated by Jesus here.
- Can only be saved by shedding of blood - first the lambs’ and now Jesus’ v24.
- Both involve participation.
- Consequences are life and death.
- Either passed over or not, no in between - Either saved or not, no in between.
- Old covenant required priests and so on, but through Jesus, we each can know God ourselves - He is the ultimate high priest.
- Given the undeserving - all ate and drank, including Peter (who denied Jesus), and even Judas (who betrayed him).
- The old covenant was broken, but in the new covenant we will be made perfect.
What is the significance of (and hope in) verse 25?
- Jesus promises a new kingdom.
- His coming death will not prevent the coming Kingdom of God.
- Didn’t drink wine on the cross - even in the hardest moment, he retained faithfulness and self-control. He triumphed over temptation.
- We know that Jesus is alive, right now, seated in heaven, and still hasn’t drunk wine.