Summary
Mark 14:1–2 – Plot to Kill Jesus
What happens:
The chief priests and teachers of the law meet in the palace of the high priest Caiaphas. They plot to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him after the Passover to avoid a riot.
What it means:
Religious leaders reject Jesus and conspire against him out of fear and self-preservation. God’s plan advances even through the betrayal of those entrusted with truth.
Mark 14:3–9 – Anointing at Bethany
What happens:
While Jesus is in the home of Simon the leper, a woman pours expensive perfume on his head. Some present criticize her waste, but Jesus defends her, saying she has anointed him in preparation for his burial and that her act will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
What it means:
Extravagant worship honors Jesus’ impending sacrifice. Acts of costly devotion testify to his worth and foreshadow his death and resurrection.
Mark 14:10–11 – Judas Agrees to Betray
What happens:
Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, goes to the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus in exchange for money. They are delighted and promise to give him silver.
What it means:
Even close followers can turn away for personal gain. Jesus’ path to the cross includes betrayal from within his inner circle.
Mark 14:12–26 – The Last Supper
What happens:
On the first day of Unleavened Bread, Jesus shares the Passover meal with his disciples. He breaks bread and says it is his body. He shares the cup and says it is his blood of the covenant, poured out for many. They sing a hymn and go out to the Mount of Olives.
What it means:
Jesus transforms the Passover into a new covenant meal. His body and blood signify the sacrifice that brings forgiveness and unity for all who believe.
Mark 14:27–31 – Prediction of Peter’s Denial
What happens:
Jesus tells his disciples that they will all fall away because of him, quoting Zechariah that the shepherd will be struck and the sheep scattered. Peter insists he would never fall away, but Jesus predicts Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows twice.
What it means:
Even devoted disciples can fail under pressure. Jesus knows our weaknesses and offers grace beyond our failures.
Mark 14:32–42 – Prayer in Gethsemane
What happens:
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a garden called Gethsemane. He is deeply distressed and prays that if possible, the hour might pass from him, yet submits to the Father’s will. He finds his disciples sleeping three times and urges them to stay awake and pray.
What it means:
Jesus models honest prayer and surrender to God’s plan, even in extreme anguish. Vigilance and prayer guard against spiritual weakness.
Mark 14:43–52 – Arrest of Jesus
What happens:
Judas arrives with a crowd armed with swords and clubs. He betrays Jesus with a kiss. Jesus is arrested after a brief attempt to resist, during which one disciple cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. The disciples all flee, leaving Jesus alone.
What it means:
Jesus accepts betrayal and arrest without resistance, fulfilling scripture. His willingness to surrender underscores his commitment to redeem humanity.
Mark 14:53–65 – Trial Before the Sanhedrin
What happens:
Jesus is brought to the high priest’s house. False witnesses accuse him but their testimonies conflict. The high priest asks if he is the Messiah. Jesus affirms he is and that they will see him enthroned. The council condemns him for blasphemy and spits on him.
What it means:
Jesus boldly declares his identity and authority. Religious leaders reject him and misuse their power, setting the stage for his crucifixion.
Mark 14:66–72 – Peter Denies Jesus
What happens:
A servant girl recognizes Peter in the courtyard and he denies knowing Jesus. He denies him two more times. Immediately after his third denial, a rooster crows twice. Peter remembers Jesus’ words, weeps bitterly, and is overcome with remorse.
What it means:
Peter’s denial reveals human frailty under fear. His bitter weeping shows the pain of recognizing personal failure and the beginning of repentance.
Application
- Trust Jesus’ knowledge of our weaknesses and rely on his grace when we fail
- Embrace the example of Jesus’ surrender to fulfill God’s redemptive plan
- Honor Jesus with wholehearted devotion, recognizing his sacrificial worth
- Stay vigilant in prayer to resist spiritual exhaustion and temptation
- Remember that acts of worship and sacrifice point us to Jesus’ death and resurrection
