J2 T 1-. Two days before the Passover. U -1,2. Conspiracy of the Rulers. V 3-9. The 2nd Supper, and the 2nd Anointing. U 10,11. Conspiracy of Judas. T 12-25. One day before the Passover.
April 1st, 29 A.D.
1 Now after two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: (Cp. Matt. 26:2. Chronology of the week of Passover
and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might get hold of Him by craft, and put Him to death. (Out of step for a holy day!)
2 But they said, "Not during the feast day, lest there be an tumult of the People."
V W 3-. The Feast. X -3. The woman. Y s 4. Indignation. Some. t 5. Reason. Y s 6. Reprehension. The Lord. t 7. Reason. X 8. The woman. W 9. The Prophecy.
3 And being in Bethany (parallel with Matt. 26:6-13) in the house of Simon the leper (not therefore the 1st supper [John 12:1, &c.], as that was in the house of Lazarus, 6 days before the Passover. Simon still retained the same description of what he had once been), as He sat at meal,
there came a woman (not Mary; the 2nd occasion being quite different. Symbolic of God's elect, she knew what she was doing) having an alabaster flask of ointment of pure spikenard (= pure nard, liquid, because it was poured) of great price; and she broke the flash (alabaster being brittle it was easily done. A Divine supplement, here), and poured it on His head. (Cp. Matt. 26:7)
4 And there were some (at the 1st anointing it was only one, Judas [John 12:4) that had indignation within themselves, and said, "Why is this waste of the ointment come to pass? (Disciples saying this, they didn't know)
5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence (about $48), and have been given to the poor." And they deeply moved against her. (See 1::43; 9:30; and John 11:33,38. They were fixed on the flesh)
6 And Jesus (Gr. Iesous is the same as Heb. Yehoshua, or the abbreviated form Yeshua, and means Salvation of Yehovah, or Yehovah the Savior) said, "Let her alone; why do you trouble her? she has wrought a good work on Me. (In John 12:7 [on the former occasion] it was to be reserved for the burial. He had told them He was going to be crucified. This was the only time it could be done.)
7 For you have the poor in company with you always, and whensoever you wish (a Divine supplement, here) you can do them good: but Me you have not always. (Transubstantiation is incompatible with this)
8 What she had [to do] she did (a Divine supplement, here): she is come before others have an opportunity (= to take in advance. She knew, she listened) to anoint My body for the embalming. (See Matt. 26:12)
9 Truly I say to you, Wheresoever this glad tidings shall be proclaimed throughout the whole world, this also that she has done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her." (This is of true value.)
10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went off (smarting of the rebukes of vv.6-9) the chief priests, to the end that he may deliver up Him to them.
11 And when they heard it, they rejoiced, and promised to give him money. And he kept seeking (i.e. busied himself continuously) how he might conveniently deliver Him up. (Avoiding notoriety)
T Z1 12-16. Preparation. Z2 17-21. Prediction. Z3 22-25. Celebrating.
Z1 u 12. Preparation. Inquiry. v 13-15. Directions. Given. v 16-. Directions. Carried out. u -16. Preparation effected.
12 And the first day of unleavened bread (this was the 1st day of the feast, the next day was the "high day": the great sabbath. Moreover, "the preparation" had not yet been made. See Matt. 27:16), when they were wanting killed the passover (the lamb, it was this that was killed and eaten), His disciples said to Him, "Where will You that we go and prepare that You may eat the passover?"
13 And He sends forth two of His disciples, and said to them, "Go you into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. (Most unusual for women carry pitchers, and men carry skin bottles. East to spot action behind the scene.)
14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say you to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, 'Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples?' '
15 And he himself will shew you a large upper room furnished (spread with couches and other necessaries) and prepared: there make ready for us." (How would that man know? Our Heavenly Father is in control! See Gal. 6)
16 And His disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found just as He had said to them:
and they made ready the passover.
Z2 w 17,18. Betrayal. The 1st Prediction. x 19. Question of the Disciples. x 20. Answer of the Lord. w 21. Betrayal. The 2nd Prediction.
17 And the evening have come He comes with the twelve.
18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, One from among you which eats with Me shall betray me."
19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is it I?" and another said, "Is it I?"
20 And He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, that dips with Me into the dish.
21 The Son of man indeed goes, as it stands written concerning Him: but woe to that man by means of whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born." (Assuming the condition as an actual fact.)
22 And as they were eating (all that happened before and at this 3rd supper is not given in Mark), Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave to them, and said, "Take, eat: this represent My body."
23 And he took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
24 And He said to them, "This represents My blood (no covenant could be made without blood. See Matt. 26:28) of the new testament, which is shed for many.
25 Truly I say to you, that I will drink not in any way more of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it fresh in the kingdom of God."
C A1 26-31. The Mount of Olives. A2 32-42. Gethsemane.
A1 y 26-28. The stumbling of all. z 29. Peter's disclaimer. y 30. The denial of one. z 31. Peter's vehement disclaimer.
26 And when they had sung an hymn (Ps. 22. See Matt. 26:30), they went out into the mount of Olives.
27 And Jesus said to them, "All you will stumble at Me in this night: because it stands written, 'I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.' (Quoted from Zech. 13:7. Guarantee, giving perfect assurance.)
28 But after that My being raised, I will go before you into Galilee. (Cp. Matt. 26:32)
29 But Peter said to Him, "Even if all shall be offended (throwing no doubt on the hypothesis), yet will not I."
30 And Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, That this day, even in this night, before a cock crow twice (a Divine supplement, here), you will deny me three times."
31 But he kept saying the more of excess, "If It were needful for me to die with you (the condition being uncertain, and the result remaining to be seen), I will not deny you in any way." Likewise said they all also. (i.e. as well as Peter)
A2 a 32-. Departure. b -32-34. Purpose stated. b 35-41. Purpose effected. a 42. Departure
32 And they come to a place which was named Gethsemane: (= an oil-press. See Matt. 26:36)
and He said to His disciples, "Sit you here, while I shall pray."
33 And He take with Himself Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly amazed (a Divine supplement, here), and to be deeply weighted down;
34 And said even to them, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry you here, and keep awake."
b c1 35-38. The 1st Prayer. c2 39,40. The 2nd Payer. c3 41. The 3rd Prayer.
35 And He went forward a little, and fell upon the ground, and was praying that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from Him.
36 And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee; take away this cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what You will."
37 And He comes, and finds them sleeping (see 1 Thess. 4:14; 5:6), and said to Peter, "Simon (a Divine supplement, here), you sleep? were you not able to watch one hour?
38 Watch you and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak."
39 And again He went away, and prayed, and spoke the same words. (a Divine supplement, here)
40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) and they knew not what to answer Him.
41 And He comes the third time, and said to them, "Sleep on the remaining time, and take your rest: he is receiving the money (see Matt. 6:2,5,16. Cp. Luke 6:24. Phil. 4:18. Philem. v.15. The Lord knew at that moment Judas has received the promised money, and that the moment had come; just as He knew that Judas was near at hand [v.42]), the hour is come (see John 7:6); behold, the Son of man is [on the point of being] delivered up into the hands of the sinners.
42 Rise up, let us go; behold, he that betrays me is drawn near."
B B1 14:43-15:39. Death. B2 15:40-16:8. Burial. B3 16:9-13. Resurrection.
B1 C 14:43. The Arrival of Judas. D E G J 14:44-52. Conspiracy. (Judas.) K 14:53. The Lord led to Caiaphas. H 14:54. Peter. Following. F L 14:55-64. The Lord before Caiaphas. M 14:65. Personal abuse. D E H 14:66-72. Peter. Denial. G J 15:1-. Conspiracy. (Rulers.) K 15:-1. The Lord led to Pilate. F L 15:2-15. The Lord before Pilate. M 15:16-23. Personal abuse. C 15:24-39. The Crucifixion of the Lord.
J N P 44-46. Betrayal. By one. Q 47. The zeal of one. Peter defending. O 48. The Lord. Appeal to the multitude. O 49. The Lord Reason of the Appeal. N P 50. Declaration. By all. Q 51,52. The zeal of one. Lazarus following.
43 And immediately, while He yet spoke, comes Judas, being one of the twelve (see Matt. 26:47), and with him a great crowd with swords and staves (or clubs), from beside the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
44 And he that was delivering Him up had given them a concerted sign, saying, "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He; seize Him, and lead Him away secured assuredly." (Cp. Acts 2:36; 16:23)
45 And as soon as he was come, he goes immediately to Him, and said, "Rabbi, Rabbi (= great Rabbi. Note that Judas never spoke of or to Him as "Lord". Cp. 1 Cor. 12:3); and effusively kissed Him. (See Matt. 26:49.)
46 And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him.
47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword (cp. Luke 22:35-38), and smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. (This was peter [not named in Matthew, Mark, or Luke, but only in John])
48 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Are you come out, as upon a robber (see Matt. 26:55), with swords and with staves to take Me?
49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you took Me not: but [this is done] to the end the scriptures must be fulfilled." (Luke 22:37; 24:44. Cp. Zech. 13:7. Isa. 53:7, &c.)
50 And they all leaving Him, and fled.
51 And there was following Him one particular young man (this is a Divine supplement, peculiar to Mark's Gospel. That this might be Lazarus, is probable:  because the Lord had returned to Bethany each preceding night of that week;  because Lazarus would be looking out;  because of the linen robe, betokening his social position;  and especially because he was wanted: "The chief priest consulted that they might put Lazarus to death" [John 12:10]. None of the apostles was arrested. Peter [though suspected] and another [John 18:15] were unmolested;  his name is not given here by Divine guidance, because Lazarus was probably still alive, and therefore in danger.), having a linen cloak having clothed upon his naked body (without waiting to put on all his robes); and the young men laid hold on Him: (i.e. the soldiers: as in 2 Sam. 2:14. Gen. 14:24)
52 And he left leaving behind the linen cloak, and fled from them naked.
53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and to him (by his order) were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
54 And Peter followed him from afar, as far as within into the court of the high priest: and he was sitting, and continued to sit with the officers, and was warming himself at the fire. (Fire, because it was the light that led to his recognition [v.66])
L R 55-59. Witness sought. S 60-62. Examination. R 63. Witnesses superseded. S 64. Condemnation.
55 And the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking for witness against Jesus to put Him to death (this was contrary to their rule: "In judgments against the life of any man, they begin first to transact about quitting the party who is tried, and they began not with those things which make for his condemnation".); and did not find [any].
56 For many were bearing false testimonies against Him, but their witness were not alike . (A Divine supplement, here)
57 And there arose divers men, and bare false witness against Him, saying that,
58 "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.' " (A Divine supplement, her)
59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
S d 60. Question of High Priest. e 61-. The Lord. Silent. d -61. Adjuration of High Priest. e 62. The Lord. Assent
60 And the high priest stood up [and came down] into the midst (showing that this was not a formal judicial trial, but only to get sufficient evidence to send the Lord to Pilate [15:1]), and further asked Jesus, saying, "Answer You nothing? what is it which these witness against You?
61 But He held His peace, and answered nothing.
Again the high priest asked Him, and said to Him, "Are You the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed?" (Used by the Jews instead of the name, Yehovah)
62 And Jesus said, "I am [He] (see John 4:26; 8:28,58; each time followed by extraordinary effects. See John 18:6): and you shall see the Son of man (the last occ. of this title) sitting at the right hand of power (Gr. dunamis, from were our word dynamite comes from. Fig. of speech put for Yehovah Who exercises it, and that in judgment), and coming amid the clouds of the heaven."
63 Then the high priest tore his clothes (this was strictly forbidden. See Lev. 10:6; 21:10), and said, "What need we any further witnesses?
64 You have heard the blasphemy: what think you?" And they all condemned Him to be liable of death.
65 And some began to spit on Him, and to cover His face, and to cuff Him (see Matt. 26:67), and to say to Him, "Prophesy:" and the servants kept striking Him with the palms of their hands. (See John 18:22; 19:3)
H f1 66-68-. Peter. Denial. g1 -68. A cock crowing. f2 69-71. Peter. Denials. g2 72-. A cock crowing. f3 72-, Peter. Repentance.
66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there comes one of the maids of the high priest:
67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, "And you also were with Jesus of Nazareth."
68 But he denied, saying, "I know not, neither understand I what you say." And he went out into the vestibule (the vestibule leading from the outer gate to the court); and a cock crew.
69 And the maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, "This is one of them."
70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, "Surely you are one of them: for you are a Galilaean, and your speech agrees thereto."
71 But he began cursing and to swearing, saying, "I know not this Man of whom you speak."
72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the saying that Jesus said to him, "That before the cock crow twice, you will deny Me thrice." And when he thought thereon, he wept.