Mark Chapter 14

Jesus Anointed at Bethany: 

(Read Mark 14: 1-31)
This chapter records Mary anointing of Jesus, the preparation for the Passover, and the institution of the Lord’s Supper.  Also, we read about Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, Jesus’ betrayal and his arrest. Mark records Jesus’ trial before the council and Peter’s denial of Jesus in this chapter. To know more read the note on Matthew 26:1-75.  Mary’s anointing of Jesus was significant.  It happened in the house of Simon the leper. The ointment costs three hundred Denarii which was a year’s wages. The disciples thought it was a waste and said to themselves, “Why was the ointment wasted like that?" They viewed this as an unnecessary extravagant act.  But Jesus said “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me”. Mary anointed Jesus out of her love and devotion to him. Worship is ascribing honor and worthiness to God who he is worthy of worship.  It is a descriptive and declarative act of praising God who he is and what he has done.  Jesus faithfully participated in the Passover. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover. In the Passover meal, Israel celebrated their great redemption from Egypt. Paul wrote “Indeed Christ, our Passover was sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). After celebrating the Passover, Jesus and the disciples sang and went to Mount Olive. Jesus predicts Peter’s denial. Peter said, “if I have to die with you, I will not deny you”.  His overconfidence preceded his failure.  In the Lord’s Supper we celebrate our redemption and forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).  By eating of the bread and drinking of the cup, believers remember the death of Christ for them. It also reminds us of our communion with Christ and one another. It also reminds us of Christ's return. It is important that believers should regularly celebrate the Lord’s Supper (Hebrews 10:24-25).  When Christians celebrate the Lord's Supper, they enjoy the presence of God. By eating the bread and drinking of the cup, they show the value of the blood Christ shed on the cross. Also, they proclaim the death of Christ and are spiritually nourished.
 
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane:
(Read: Mark 14:32-71)
The garden of Gethsemane is located on the Mount of Olive.  To know more read the note on Matthew 26:36-46.  Jesus prays in the garden of Gethsemane as he prepares to sacrifice his life for his people. This prayer shows the nature of his suffering for our sins. Jesus knew what it means to be forsaken by his Father.  Jesus was facing the cup of God’s wrath and knew that only the Father can deliver him from it. Jesus prayed repeatedly to remove this cup from him, yet he was willing to submit to Father’s will.  Jesus willingly endured God’s wrath on our behalf.  This was a critical moment in all human history.  On the cross sin was punished, sinners were forgiven, heaven was secured, and the lost relationship was restored.  Because of the cross, God’s wrath against sin has been turned away from us forever (Romans 8:1).  Jesus stood innocently before the council who accused him falsely. These are the accusations we ourselves rightly deserve. Jesus could rightly defend himself, yet he did not.  He stood condemned in our place as our substitute (2 Corinthians 5:21). Because of that we freely receive the gift of salvation by faith.  Before the gospel is good news for us, we have to realize the bad news that we are sinners who deserve nothing but God’s judgment. Peter denies Jesus because he was afraid of his life. Jesus graciously restored him.  Peter's restoration is an encouragement to others.  Peter repented of his sin and was made useful in the work of God's kingdom. If you have failed to be faithful to Christ, there is no need to despair, because you serve a forgiving and restoring Savior.  Our salvation by grace removes all human boasting. We are sinners and deserve nothing but God’s judgment. Though Peter made many mistakes, he repented, and he was mightily used by God for his glory. Pray that the forgiving love of Christ may motivate us to love and serve him faithfully. Have you received the forgiveness of sin by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ?