Mark 15:1-5 The Lord Jesus before Pilate

Mark 15:1-5
1 Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. 2 Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.” 3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. 4 Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!” 5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.

Devotional
With the high priests Annas’ and Caiaphas’ “inquiries” complete. The chief priests hold a **consultation with the elders, scribes and the whole council; that is the Sanhedrin council, early in the morning. The verdict having been already reached, their consultation then is only how to present a case against Jesus to Pilate the Roman governor, so that he would put Jesus to death (Matt. 27:1). Therefore having come to agreement, they bound Jesus as a condemned criminal, lead Him away, and deliver Him to Pilate the Roman governor. Now Pilate’s complete inquiry of Jesus is recorded in John gospel (See 18:28-19:16). While Pilate’s abbreviated inquiry of Jesus here in Mark focuses on one just point: “Are You the King of the Jews?” vs. 2 for it is on that point Jesus Christ will be crucified. Jesus’ response though to Pilate’s inquiry is not to declare Himself King of the Jews; rather just to reply to his questioning him about this by saying, “It is as you say.” vs. 3

Now that is what Jesus also did during His orchestrated trial; when He was being accused by false witnesses before the high priest earlier on (Matt. 26:59-68). So when Jesus did not respond to their accusations, the high priest in frustration put Jesus under oath demanding that Jesus declare Himself to be the Christ the Son of the Living God in their presence (Matt. 26:63). Instead though Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matt. 26:64 And with Jesus’ declaration the high priest unjustly charges Jesus with blasphemy, so that they could condemn Him under the Law of Moses (Matt. 26:65-68).

Therefore Jesus while never denying His Person before any of them, does not self incriminate Himself either, as they would have desired. Nor does He respond to any of their accusations, to which Pilate marveled (Mark 15:5); so that His purpose in coming forth, to bear witness to the truth, is not lost through any of them (John 18:37). Instead Jesus simply affirms that Pilate’s question to Him about His Person and Position is indeed a correct assertion of who He is. Yet Jesus is far more than just the King of Jews; as Jesus Himself by His Word's, Works, and all the Scriptures declare Him to be (Matt. 2:2; 2:6; 21:5; 22:1-14; 25:31-46). He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matt. 16:15-20) and therefore His Kingship is by no means limited to just the Jews (1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15; Rev. 15:3; 17:14; 19:16).

Now in regards to Jesus accepting the title “King of Jews” i.e. the Messiah (John 1:40-42; 4:25; 6:69; Luke 4:40-41), yet he did not use it Himself during His ministry. He even forbid His disciples from openly declaring Him to be the Christ when that revelation of Himself was given by God to the Apostle Peter (Mark 8:29-30). Since it was a charged statement; both amongst the Jews and the Romans. To the average Jew it meant the Messiah had come to deliver them from the Romans which would inevitably lead to some sort of insurgency. Something Jesus as the Prince of Peace did not come to usher in (John 6:14). While to Romans it meant that someone other than Caesar was seeking to rule in the empire. And thus there was a threat to empire that needed to be quelled. However to the Jewish ruling classes, especially the priestly classes (Luke 20:9-19), it would mean an end to their tenure’s and the privileges that they enjoyed under Roman rule (John 11:45-54).
And thus Jesus was to them the greatest threat to the "status quo." Since Jesus did not come to affirm it as it then was. But rather He was going to radically transform it as His Right and Heir of all things entitled Him to. Therefore Jesus was inevitably viewed as a threat by all the ruling classes regardless of their theological stripe, which made their uniting against Him not only possible, but inevitable.

No clearer, and horrific example of this can be seen then at Jesus’ birth which troubled both Herod and those of Jerusalem, the epicenter of Jewish religious rule and authority. For when news reached him that the King of the Jews had been born, Herod after first ascertaining where the Christ was to be born from the chief priests; but failing to deceive the wise men into revealing the Christ child to him. Will then put to death all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its districts in an attempt to destroy the Christ, whom he saw as the key revival to his own tenure. And thus in so doing he fulfills the Scriptures (Matt. 2:1-18); just as the chief priests and Jewish elders with Pilate are doing here regarding Jesus Christ’s Person by their serving their own evil designs and self preserving ends. If then Rome epitomizes the ruthlessness of secular rule and power apart from God; than the Sanhedrin, the chief priests and Jewish elder’s who are orchestrating Jesus crucifixion, represent the worst of the religious (John 8:42-47).

Therefore Jesus though affirming Pilate’s question, that He is indeed the King of the Jews will go on to say to him that His Kingdom is not of this world. For if it were as the Lord Jesus said, His servants would fight (See John 18:36-37). That is why Jesus rebuked the Apostle Peter for striking the high priests servant with the sword and cutting of his ear when they came to arrest Him. Since Jesus Christ did not come to establish an earthly Kingdom by force of arms (Matt. 26:52). Nor did He come as a political savvy leader who by intrigue and manipulation will bring about His desired end. The things the “power brokers” of this world are skillful at and engage in, our Lord and Savior did not do. For His calling, as is ours, is not exaltation by our own designs, but humiliation, so that ultimately God may be glorified in our redemption (Consider Luke 14:7-11; John 3:30; Rom. 3:24-26). Sadly then Jesus Christ’s Person and calling is who Israel missed during His first visitation to them. For the Messiah they sought and longed for was not the One God sent to them. For God’s Messiah Jesus, is Lord and the Savior of all nations, (Acts 10:34-43). For Jesus Christ is first God’s foretold Suffering Servant sent to bear our sins and transgressions on the cross (Isaiah 53) of both Jews and Gentile’s (Rom. 1:16-17). That is who Jesus Christ is, God’s Son and Sacrificial Lamb whose shed blood provides the atonement for every sinners sins when we believe in Him. Then He is God's exalted King and Ruler of all nations which will be ushered in when God puts all His enemies under His feet (Mark 12:35-37). Jesus Christ as God's conquering and Ruling Messiah then is yet to be fulfilled (Rev. 19:11-16).

Therefore Jesus’ Mission (as is ours) is first to bear witness to the truth so that all who hear and believe, might be saved from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10). Yet that declaration of Jesus’ Person that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God by which salvation comes to the individual and which the church is built upon (Matt. 16:15-20). Was not to be publicly rendered by Jesus Christ’s disciples until Christ had died for our sins on the cross then He rose from dead on the third day. Therefore until the Scriptures were fulfilled the Lord Jesus Christ uses the Title, either the Son of Man or the Son of God. And so it will be Jesus’ declaration of His being the Son of God to Pilate while Pilate is questioning Him will cause Pilate to fear putting Jesus to death, and initially try to bring about Jesus’ release. For having examined Jesus repeatedly, Pilate finds no fault in Him. (John 19:1-6). Only when the chief priests threaten Pilate with Roman law repercussions, does Pilate acquiesce to their desires to crucify Jesus (John 19:7-16).
In between though is Pilate’s frustration and growing trepidation at Jesus’ silence in the face of the chief priest’s lethal accusations. So that even when prompted by Pilate to reply to their testifying against Him, Jesus would not, causing Pilate to marvel greatly (vs. 5). For Pilate assumed he had power to crucify Jesus or power to release Him. Nonetheless we know that it was the will of God for these things to occur so that through Jesus’ death on the cross we might all have life through in Him. Therefore Pilate though under Roman auspices only had power to do what was within God’s designs for Jesus, to save us from our sins (See John 19:10-11). And that is the Divine paradox which brings forth the Divine Redemption, by allowing evil and ruthless men do their will to His Son; God would be able to open the doors of heaven to us all who believe. The Lord Jesus’ silence here then is simply obedience to that will. And so it is only because of Jesus’ ongoing and continuous obedience to God the Father’s will that we now have salvation brought to us.

The question then is have you believed what God has done through His Son to save you? For you can’t be good enough to earn it; “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” Rom. 3:23 Nor you can you have been bad enough to be disqualified from it. For Jesus Christ's crucifixion on our behalf qualifies everyone. Therefore you can have what God created you for. And that is everlasting life with Himself through His Son. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16


If you’d like to have that relationship with God. Why not invite Jesus Christ His Son into your heart and life. By praying a simple prayer in faith you can! Simply pray something that reflects your desire to do so:
Dear Loving Father, it’s been a long and lonely time on the outside, but now I want to be on the inside, Your side. For I believe that You sent Your Son Jesus Christ to suffer and die for me on the cross so that You might be able to forgive me all my sins and give me everlasting life. Therefore I now invite you Lord Jesus Christ into my heart and life to be my Lord and Savior. In your Precious Name Jesus, amen.

Having then believed and thus received what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us all. We as Jesus Christ's disciples are to daily walk with Jesus, bearing our own “crosses” and live lives of self denial for the Kingdom of heaven’s sake (Luke 9:23-27; 14:27). Yet God is not asking us to build His Kingdom on earth by the strength or skill of our own hands. He is rather commanding us all to look to His Son Jesus Christ crucified, so that we might all enter into what He is building, the church, His Body of Believers from every tongue, tribe and nation. Indwelt by His Son through the Spirit of God and thus united in Spirit, focus and purpose in the declaring and building of the Kingdom of God on earth by keeping the Lord Jesus Christ’s commandments. Since that is what discipleship is, and what it achieves, the manifestation of the Kingdom of God on earth. For as the Lord Jesus Christ brought forth and displayed the Kingdom of God on earth to all by both His Word's and His Works, so must we by ours (John 14:12). Therefore first we enter into the Lord Jesus Christ's commanded rest from trying to earn salvation for ourselves (Rom. 4:4-5; Heb. 4). Then we; having received what Jesus has done to save us by trusting in His crucifixion death then resurrection from the dead, and thus being saved by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8-9); we enter into His service with the Spirit gifts and talents He gives to us. But more than just service, as if that were the point of discipleship, since serving God and others is not an end in of itself. Rather the point is the growth and edification of the whole body of Believers in love. That is the point of our serving God and each other with whatever gifts and talents God has endowed and entrusted to us (Gal. 5:13; Eph. 4:21-22). For anything less inevitably leads to a self directed ministry which inevitably focuses on multiplying itself, and or its own works, for its own gain. Therefore “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” Eph. 2:20 we all are to keep Jesus Christ’s New Commandment to love one another as He loves us, for that epitomizes the New Covenant ministry entrusted to us all (John 13:34-35).

Scripture Quotations:
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Word Studies
** sumboulion under sumbouleuo G.K. 5205, page 543 NIDNTT

Mark 14:66-72 Peter's Denial's

Mark 14:66-72
66 Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, “This is one of them.” 70 But he denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” 71 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!” 72 A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.

Devotional
It is now during the time when Jesus is being beaten and mocked by those in attendance at the high priests inquiry. That the scene moves back to the Apostle Peter out in courtyard; who unaware of what is taking place inside; is warming himself along with some servants by a fire. Now it is while there that one of servant girls of the high priest comes. And seeing Peter warming himself there, *she looks intently at him, and recognizing Peter she says to him before them all: “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed. Vs. 67-68 One can almost see Peter’s awkwardness as he tries to deny knowing Jesus, while looking into the faces of the people, looking at him. And so having denied Jesus, (and likely feeling the guilt of it) Peter moves away from them (Matt. 26:70; Luke 22:57). Immediately then Peter goes out onto the porch (i.e. the gated area) and it is there that a rooster crows. It is then an awakening moment for the Apostle Peter who said he would never do just that (Mark 14:29-30). How Peter felt at that moment we can only speculate. Yet it is a dark and empty feeling when one has knowingly lied to others, to save one’s own skin. For one can slip away from others to escape facing their sin, but where does one go to hide from themselves? Notice as well that the servant girl refers to Jesus, as Jesus of Nazareth the Name used when they arrested Him. Not the Divine Appellation Jesus Christ as Peter so boldly asserted when he was given that revelation of Jesus’ Person by God (Matt. 16:13-20). Nonetheless it will be the Name Jesus of Nazareth that the early church while extol very high since that is the Name Jesus Christ will be crucified under and God will empower many of their Holy Spirit works and witness through (John 19:19; Acts 2:22; 3:6; 4:10; 6:14; 10:38; 22:8; 26:9). Though that maybe a digression, still I thought I’d mention it.

The passage then immediately picks up with Peter out on the porch (i.e. the *** forecourt, the gated area). And likely still reeling from his first denial, Peter will again be recognized by another servant girl. Notice that it is servant girls; not the strong Temple guards to whom the Apostle Peter is now faltering before. And she seeing him and recognizing him, immediately she says to those who stood by “This is one of them.” Vs. 69 Now this servants girls indentifying Peter as being with Jesus is even more direct and indicting. And with her assertion Peter again immediately responds by denying Jesus (vs. 70). In Matthew’s parallel account it is even more emphatic saying Peter this time denies knowing Jesus with an oath (Matt. 26:72). Now the word Peter uses to deny Jesus with an oath is a word used to solemnly swear to something. In ancient times it originally meant “the staff that was grasped and raised in swearing.”**

And thus indicates the vehemence that Peter uses in denying Jesus to those there. Now this is also the same word that the Lord Jesus uses in commanding us not to swear oath’s at all (Matt. 5:33-37). And now we know why, since they add no validity to ones claim. Indeed when one is under duress as the Apostle Peter was here, there is nothing that an oath does but make one give ground to the enemy by swearing falsely. And so Peter, likely again fearing for himself, openly denies Jesus, this time though with an oath. Notice then the unfolding pattern that as the risk of exposure increases, so does the intensity and fervency of Peter’s denials. Now in thinking about these things, they are happening pre-Pentecost. Yet I don’t think that should be over stressed. For Holy Spirit rebirth though changing one's essential nature and bringing us into union with Jesus Christ does not guarantee our obedience or faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Therefore it will be through Peter’s failures here that the Lord Jesus foretold and having shown Peter his own frailty here, will through his failures restore him, and make him stronger through it. For though no one who believes in the Lord Jesus sets out to fail Him, our failures will become a part of His refining us, and making us fit for the Kingdom of heaven. So there are no surprises here. For Jesus had already told Peter and all the Apostles that these things would occur; though Peter was very sincere and adamant when he said that he would never deny Jesus (Mark 14:27-31). Yet ultimately the Lord Jesus Christ must make us all to see that we are all incapable of “standing on our own feet” by our own resiliency, resolve and or strength of person & character, so that our dependency on Him becomes sure, and we grow in both spirit and truth.

For the mighty in spirit are not said blessed, and heirs of the Kingdom of heaven, rather the poor are (Matt. 5:3). And that is where Jesus is leading Peter, and ultimately all His disciples too. For the Kingdom of heaven is not built on the successes of men and women’s lives, but on their failures. For it is there that God’s grace shines brightest; when men and women having done their best in their own efforts, yet fail, in humble repentance and confession turn or return to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as Jesus said to the disciples; before they all said they would never deny Him; after He is raised He would go before them. And so it is today. For our own resources and resolve will run out. That is how God has designed it, so that Jesus Christ will have the Preeminence in everything we do and are.

And so it is that Peter, though earlier this night vehemently declaring he would never deny Jesus, even if that meant death, has denied Jesus for the second time. This time with an oath; which affords Peter some liberty for a time from their scrutiny; since swearing by an oath in ancient times was considered weighty indeed. Nonetheless the Scripture says that some time having passed (Luke says that roughly an hour passed, Luke 22:59) that Peter will again find himself confronted about his involvement with Jesus, as those who stood by will say to Peter: “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” Vs. 71

If the other two times Peter felt endangered when confronted about his involvement with Jesus. Now he is really feeling it! For the previous assertions that Peter was with Jesus were based on the testimony of a couple of servant girls (nothing against woman or servants) but in ancient times their testimony against a man’s was not as weighty as if a man would’ve made the same public assertion. (Though it should've been). Therefore Peter was able to rebuff them, first with a denial, then by a denial with an oath. Now though Peter is confronted by several people (Matt. 26:73) who all say to him: “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” Vs. 71

Now Peter cannot escape the clear fact that his Galilean accent indicates that he is also a disciple of Jesus. Since Jesus came out of the region of Galilee and all His Apostle’s were also from that region (the northern most region of Israelite territory). So here in southernmost territory of Israel in the land of Judea; Peter’s accent would be undeniable to the residents there. The Apostle Peter then almost as immediately as they call him to account, reverts back to his “rapid fire” denial business to try to save himself. This time though the anti being raised, Peter asserts this with all the fervency he can muster by calling down curses on himself and swearing to them all: “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!” Vs. 71 Therefore Peter’s third denial will be his most emphatic and with it the Scripture than says a rooster crowed for the second time. Now with its crowing “…Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.” Vs. 72

Notice not until Peter reflects on what has occurred is he broken by his sin. Therefore the Apostle Peter’s brokenness, for denying Jesus Christ, is what encapsulates the message that I want you to take with you. For it is only when we come to recognize and acknowledge our own sins and failures, that we can see God extending His hand of grace to us. “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Cor. 7:10

Have you then come to that place? Of seeing yourself and your sins in the light of God’s Word which so truthfully exposes our sins to us, so that we might seek the Lord Jesus Christ, so that He might extend God’s healing grace to us. As the Scripture says:
6 Seek the LORD while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the LORD,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7

For that is how one receives God’s mercy by receiving what Jesus Christ has already done in being crucified in our place to save us from whatever sins and blasphemies against God or others that we have committed or uttered. For it is only by the grace of God which we receive by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead that we are redeemed from our sins and reconciled back to God. Therefore if you believe in Jesus Christ and have not yet received His salvation for you simply pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I know that I am a sinner, for in many different ways and at many different times I too have denied You in both words and deeds, just as the Apostle Peter has. Therefore I come to You acknowledging my sins to You, asking You to forgive me and ultimately change me by Your coming to live inside Me by the Holy Spirit. Therefore I now invite You into my heart and life to be my Lord and my Savior, my friend and King, for now and eternity, amen.

If you have prayed that prayer in faith then know this that it is just the beginning of a whole new life and purpose for your new life in Christ. Now what you have to do is get connected in a community of faith. In a Bible believing church where faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is upheld and taught as the sole means of salvation for every repentant sinner. For it will be there you can both learn about your new life In Christ and also build new relationships around Him and grow. For in doing so you will find God's purposes for your life, and your place within His family, by being an active member of Christ's Body, His church which encompasses every language and culture. It is an exciting time! It is new birth and thus new life! and thus it is the kairos, the right time to begin your life anew, no longer under the bondage of sin or enslavement to your past and failures, but you are now under the dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ as a citizen of the Kingdom of heaven. With unlimited possibilities a head of you, you need to take what has been given to you and go forth in faith, step by step, day by day, and Jesus who has already gone before you will guide your way as you seek to obey him and heed His Voice through His Word spoken to you in the Bible. Go forward then in the grace of God and the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and become what God intends for you to be.

In Christ's Love
Tom


Scripture Quotations:
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Word Studies
*emblepo STR 1689 an intensified form of blepo (Strong’s) I look, see. I.e. to gaze upon (Mark 14:67, looked)
**horkos, STR 3727 an oath; under omnuo GK 3923 pages 407-408 NIDNTT Quote also taken from same article. (Word found in Matt. 26:72)
***proaulion, STR 4259 (Mark 14:68, porch)

curses; vs. 71: anathematizo, STR 332; GK 354, In its strongest sense it is to place something under the “ban”, that is, it is devoted to destruction like the Old Covenant burnt offering that could not be redeemed. Execrate, lay a curse on; NIDNTT, page 44 under anathema

swear, vs. 71 omnuo STR 3660; GK 3922 & 3923; it was an act of swearing to the validity of one’s statement or oath.

NIDNTT: New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology; Abridged Edition; Verlyn D. Verbrugge, Editor; Zondervan Publishing.

Mark 14:53-65 Jesus before the high priest

Mark 14:53-65

53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. 54 But Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. 56 For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. 57 Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying, 58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’ ” 59 But not even then did their testimony agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 61 But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 64 “You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. 65 Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands.

Devotional (Back drop)

The Lord Jesus having allowed Himself to be arrested in Gethsemane; and the disciples having fled; He is now taken to Annas the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest (John 18:12-14). Here a brief preliminary examination will take place by Annas (John 18:19-24) before Jesus will be sent to Caiaphas the presiding high priest, and the Sanhedrin counsel, which then governed Israel’s religious affairs under Rome’s patronage. Now if you read the parallel gospel accounts, both Annas and Caiaphas are referred to as high priest, since both shared the duties at the time of John the Baptist (Luke 3:2). But it was Annas’ son–in-law Caiaphas who was the officiating high priest at the time of Jesus’ arrest. Since Annas had been officially disposed by the then ruling procurator of Judea, and Caiaphas installed in his place. *Apparently this occurred since Annas was imposing and executing capital sentences without Rome’s official sanction. Nonetheless Annas retained the title, as well as his substantial influence over the dynasty, and the Sanhedrin counsel, throughout his life (Consider Acts 4:5-7). In evidence of this all of Annas’ five sons would officially succeed him as high priest as well as one grandson, but it was Caiaphas his son-in-law who again officially held the position at the time of Jesus’ arrest. Thus the Lord Jesus is first brought to Annas for a preliminary examination before being sent on to Caiaphas. And it is only Annas that Jesus however briefly, and seemingly annoyed with, actually responds to in questioning. Therefore Annas was defacto the high priest; or at the very least he was sharing in exercising the offices authority unofficially with his son son-in-law. Therefore even though he was deposed, Annas was a powerful man whose decision would warrant under normal circumstances whether a person was to be “officially” taken to the high priest; and the Sanhedrin counsel assembled for a trial. Nonetheless the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ arrest; i.e. Judas agreeing to betray Jesus to the chief priests for money, along with their collaborating with all of the religious and political factions in Israel, meant Jesus’ fate had been already decided (See John 11:47-53). As John’s gospel declares, “Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.” John 18:14 Therefore these preliminary judicial reviews are merely formalities until that end is reached.

Now it will be when Jesus is brought before Annas and then Caiaphas. That the Apostle Peter and another unnamed Apostle; likely the Apostle John, will follow Jesus into the courtyard. Here the Apostle John gains entry, being known to the high priest, while the Apostle Peter is temporarily detained at the gate until John procures his entry onto the grounds (John 18:15-18). It is at this point that Peter denies knowing Jesus to the high priests’ servant girl who kept the gate (John 18:17). This is Peter’s first denial. Peter then having gained entry, waits in the center courtyard with the servants and Temple guards who had built a fire to warm themselves (John 18:18). And it is here that Peter’s two other denials will take place. Now the Apostle John records for us the brief inquiry of the Lord Jesus by Annas and Jesus Words to him, before Jesus is sent bound to Caiaphas (See John 18:19-24). For that is where the chief priests, elders and scribes had already assembled with him (Mark 14:53-54). Which may have been within the same building structure but on an upper level (Mark 14:66). And that is where Mark’s gospel picks up the text and we now start. So beginning in verse fifty five of Marks gospel it states “Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none.” Vs. 55

Notice they all sought testimony to put Jesus to death. Since Annas himself had (nor found) no legal grounds for condemning Jesus or His doctrine. It is then a gravely dark scene where Israel's assembled leaders (both religious and secular) are seeking testimony to execute God’s Son under the guise of upholding the Law. Matthew’s gospel is even more explicit saying that they sought false testimony to put Jesus to death (Matt. 26:59). Which under the Law of Moses would warrant the punishment or death of not only the false witnesses, but also those who sought it (Deut. 19:16-21). Yet it is the chief priests and the council members who are seeking to use God's Law to execute Jesus through it, by securing false witnesses to testify against Him. They will not be last who will use either God's Law, or mans, to forward the wrongful and unjust execution of those who will follow after Christ (consider John 15:20; Rom 8:36-39).
Verse fifty six then says of their “witnesses” testimonies: “For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree.” That many bore false witness against Jesus indicates that these witnesses had already been assembled beforehand for that expressed purpose, to forward and justify their condemning Jesus to death. But as the passage says their testimonies did not agree. Which should’ve immediately ended the preceding. Yet those bearing false witness do not come under any sort of scrutiny. By either the chief priests or the members of the Sanhedrin counsel. Instead having failed to bring forth a uniform testimony against Jesus they are set aside, and others sought. Having then failed to condemn Jesus in their first attempt, Marks gospel beginning at verse fifty seven says: 57 Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying, 58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’ ” 59 But not even then did their testimony agree. Vs. 57-59

Now these next witness who arise will try to cite the Lord Jesus’ Words as evidence against Him, but as they do, they pull them out of there context and the intent in which they were given (See John 2:13-22 for there context) and so their testimonies do not agree. And thus they again fail to bring forth a uniform witness against Jesus. And so they fail in their second attempt to condemn Jesus. And even if they would’ve succeeded in bringing forth a uniform testimony, there is absolutely nothing in Jesus Words’ that deserves death. Indeed Jesus’ quoted Words by them are just His foretelling His own death at their hands! At this point there seems to be great confusion amongst the council members as Jesus has remained silent throughout their proceedings; both as a gesture against their unjust act, surely, but also as a fulfillment of Scripture (see Isaiah 53:7). And with that the high priest being greatly agitated by Jesus' silence and their failing to uniformly testify against Jesus stands up in the midst of them all and asks Jesus saying: …“Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 61 But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Jesus, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Vs. 60-62

Notice the Lord Jesus did not respond to their false witnesses, or even the high priests agitation at Jesus not doing so. Instead Jesus remains silent. Only after they fail to bring charges to justly condemn Jesus, and the high priest in great frustration makes a direct inquiry of Jesus, saying “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Does the Lord Jesus reply by saying, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” Vs. 62

Therefore it will not be the testimony of false witnesses that will be the grounds for Jesus' being condemned by the high priest and Sanhedrin counsel. Rather and this is critically important it will be Jesus’ own testimony of His Person in response to their question “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” that will be the sole grounds for their condemning Him. Nothing other than Jesus declaring to them that He is the Promised Christ, (the Messiah foretold in the Scriptures) the Son of God, the Son of Man of the gospels; who in His Person encompasses full Deity and Humanity. For Jesus having previously told the Jews in the Temple the truth of His Person when He declared Himself "I AM" (See John 8:30-59, vs. 58 to understand) will now declare His victory over them. That is the earthly powers who have united and assembled themselves together and are seeking to crucify Him (Ps. 2:1-2; Acts 4:24-31), will one day see Jesus the Son of Man at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven. Therefore the very powers and persons who took, or now take Jesus, for being just a Man, will indeed one day see the Son of Man sitting at God’s Right Hand when He comes again to judge world! (Rev 19:11-21). Now with the Lord Jesus’ declaration of His Person and Power to them the Scripture says: 63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 64 “You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. 65 Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands. Vs. 63-65

The high priests tearing his clothes as a gesture of being aghast at Jesus’ Words calling them blasphemy is truly the only blasphemy! Yet with Jesus’ honest declaration of His Person and Power, the high priest is swift to condemn Jesus. For that is what they wanted to do. And with that those in attendance begin to mock and abuse and beat Jesus. It is a ghastly sight as Jesus Christ, God's Son who came to redeem not just God's chosen people (but all people; anyone, anywhere, regardless of their background or circumstances, whoever is willingly to listen to Him (John 8:42-27) and receive Him by faith, will indeed be saved by Him (John 1:12; Rom 10:9-10, 13; Rev 3:20). "For God is my King from of old working salvation in the midst of the earth." P2. 74:12  Yet now Jesus is being mocked and beaten by lawless and unjust men. But that is what the wicked do. True to their nature they mock, abuse and ultimately seek to destroy the ones God sends to them (Mark 12:1-12).

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Additional Resources:

Gleaned from Wikipedia article titled Annas, quote num. 3

Mark 14:43-52 Jesus' Betrayal and Arrest

43 And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.” 45 As soon as He had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him. 47 And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 48 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? 49 “I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then they all forsook Him and fled. 51 Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, 52 and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.


Devotional
On this Friday, well into the night on the Mount of Olives in a small olive groove, (or garden) Jesus has brought His disciples. And there He commands them to watch while He Himself will go about a stone’s throw away from them so that He might pray. Not just ordinarily pray, as one might assume if unfamiliar with what was unfolding. But pray with all of His being to submit to the Father’s Will. So that He might willingly bear the judgment of all of humanities sins on Calvary’s cross. From Adam and Eve’s first transgression to every sin since, preceding Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, to every sin committed since. Jesus Christ crucified for our redemption from sin and death is the Christian message that saves all who believe from an eternity in hell. For all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will never see death; that is what Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead guarantees, life everlasting (John 3:16; 11:25-26). Now the horrific struggle that was born by the Lord Jesus Christ in that serine place is known only to Him. We are only told that so intense was it that Jesus’ sweat fell to ground as drops of blood, while an angel was sent from heaven to strengthen Him in that moment. Beyond that we can only speculate. Yet we ourselves cannot fathom what went on in Jesus' Person that night. At best our capability of comprehending the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice for us is only mirrored by the disciples sleeping. For truly only Divinity could possibly comprehend what was at stake on that night.

Jesus then having commanded the disciples to watch then goes to pray. And three times during the night Jesus pleads with the Father, saying: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Mark 14:36 The cup being the cup of His suffering, His shed blood for the remission of our sins which Jesus must now "drink" to fufill the Will of God and usher in the New Covenant by which humanity can find redemption, something He declared earlier this evening, when He ate the Passover with the twelve Apostles. And so Jesus having gone to prayer three times, will return to the disciples three times, only to find them sleeping, unable to keep watch because their eyes were heavy. Yet it was for them, His closest mortal friends, that Jesus is now seeking the strength to lay down His life (John 15:13). The disciples then failing to watch with Jesus three times in His greatest hour of need, is only equaled by the Apostle Peter’s denying Jesus three times after Jesus will be taken by lawless hands. Nonetheless Jesus having overcome all His trepidations as the Son of Man, knowing that His destiny is with the cross. Now returns to them, having resolved to take the cross and all that it would entail. And with that Jesus says to them: “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” Mark 14:41-42

Now the Scripture that we are looking at picks up right there and says: “And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.” Vs. 43 Notice the immediacy of Jesus Words fulfillment. Something Matthew, Mark and Luke all emphasize. When Jesus surrendered to the Father's Will and than declared to His disciples He was being betrayed into the hands of sinners the event begin immediately (Matt. 26:47; Mark 14:43; Luke 22:47). Notice also Jesus' great boldness or conviction to go forward in faith and trust His Father. For Jesus having surrendered to His Father’s Will, will not turn back, nor will He be turned back. For He has surrendered all on this night. All Right to use His Power and Authority as the Son of God to either resist them, or even appeal to God the Father to stop them. Previously the Lord Jesus would escape their murderous plots as He willed (Consider Luke 4:28-30; John 7:30; 8:20; 8:58-59; 10:34-39). But now He will not do so. Only in regards to Jesus’ initial demonstration of His Person in John’s gospel is there any semblance of resistance; though it is not resistance. It is again a demonstration of His Person. That this is no ordinary Man they have come to arrest (See John 18:4-9). And with that the powers of darkness who want to crucify Jesus also will not tarry. For having assembled their own, and being guided by Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:47) whom Satan has entered (Luke 22:3; John 13:27), who from the beginning of Jesus manifestation, and defeat by Jesus in the wilderness, has waited for this night (Luke 4:13). And so the enemies of the Lord come on mass without hesitation to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. Again being guided by Judas Iscariot, Christ's betrayer who knew of the place, since Jesus often met there with His disciples (John 18:2). And so Judas having already agreed to betray Jesus for money; to shed innocent blood for self gain; to the chief priests and Pharisees, who plotted how this evil deed would be done; has received a detachment of Roman troops and their captain, along with Temple officers from them. And so they come there under the guise of lawful authority with lanterns, torches, and weapons to arrest Jesus (John 18:3). And so it will be these and their captain; a chilarch (a Roman commander) along with his garrison of 600 soldiers and the Temple officers who will arrest Jesus and bound Him (John 18:12). For all the Jewish authorities in Israel having rejected the Lord Jesus Christ, have united themselves together on this night. The chief priests, the scribes, the Pharisees, the elders. For it is Satan, the enemy of God, and his own who hate God’s Son Jesus Christ; the Rightful Heir and Ruler of the nation and all of God’s creation, whom they have come to take by force. As the Lord Jesus Christ says in Luke’s gospel to the chief priests, captains of the Temple. and Israel’s elders who had come there when they seize Him. “When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Luke 22:23

So then picking up the gospel again in Marks text, in verses forty four and five, it states: 44 Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.” 45 As soon as He had come, immediately he went up to Him and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Mark 14:44-45 Now Matthew also records Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss (Matt. 26:48). While Luke picks up on the moment Judas draws near to Jesus to do this. At which point Jesus says to him: “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48

Now in the synoptic gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke. It is the immediacy of Jesus’ betrayal that takes center stage, especially in Mark’s fast moving narrative, which focuses in on the key points of it. Yet Jesus' arrest did not occur immediately as we would understand that in English. Even though the word translated immediately in Mark is accurately rendered as such in verse forty five. Rather the word (in this context) is emphasizing “at the right moment” Judas went up to Jesus and kissed Him to betray Him as an immediate action. And thus we must turn to John’s gospel which gives us some more information as to how Jesus’ betrayal and arrest unfolded. There it says that the Lord Jesus “knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward to the assembled multitude and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” John 18:4 Now Jesus’ knowing is not just knowing in some sort of intuitive sense. Rather Jesus knowing all things as God’s Son, fully understands the moment, the people, even their motives that He is now faced with (Consider Matt. 9:4; John 21:17). That is what the original word as applied to the Lord Jesus Christ is indicating here. Just as Jesus knew the exact moment Judas betrayed Him (John 13:27), so He knew the exact moment His betrayal was unfolding (Mark 14:41-42). Therefore Jesus’ asking them: “Whom are you seeking?” is not something He does not already know. It is meant to generate a response from them. To which when they respond, “Jesus of Nazareth”, and with that Jesus clearly say’s to them “I am He.” **Yet with that they are only deaf to Jesus Christ's own Proclamation of His Person to them. Indicating both a spiritual darkness as well as a literal one that keeps them from both seeing and hearing Jesus.
Now John’s gospel says that as this occurred Judas stood with the multitude. Whether Judas at this point approached Jesus and kissed Him to betray Him is unclear, since John’s gospel does not mention it. Instead John true to form always emphasizes the Lord, rather than His betrayal. Therefore even though Judas has assembled the multitude under the chief priest’s authority to arrest Jesus. Judas was likely at this point an observer, waiting for the “right moment” when he would move forward to kiss Jesus to betray Him (John 18:5). Now when they came Jesus boldly approached them and He asked them “Whom are you seeking” and they replied: “Jesus of Nazareth.” Then Jesus said: “I am He.” In so doing Jesus is identifying Himself as the "I AM" of Scripture***. The Name of God that He Himself used to reveal Himself to Moses (Ex. 3:14). Then to those Jews who likewise refused to believe in His Person (John 8:24, 28, 59). But now to the arresting throng who with the Lord Jesus Christ's declaration of His Person drew back and fall to ground (John 18:6). Indicating that Jesus is no less Powerful on this night, even though the chief priests refuse to acknowledge Him as the Christ, rather just as *Jesus of Nazareth. Something they will continue to do, even when Jesus Christ is crucified (John 19:21). Nonetheless neither God the Father, nor Jesus Christ the Son are made any less Sovereign or Powerful when men or women refuse to acknowledge their Person. Therefore the Son of God this night will not be taken by lawless hands until He Himself wills it be done (John 18:6). And that not before His Person is hallowed and acknowledged. For Jesus Christ was not some helpless man who was quickly overtaken by the arresting throng. He is the Son of Man who will fulfill His destiny at the right moment! So again Jesus asks them whom they are seeking, and to their reply “Jesus of Nazareth”; Jesus then answers, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” John 18:8-9 Therefore this night none of Jesus' disciples will be taken. For it’s not their fleeing that saves them from the arresting mob when Jesus permits Himself to be taken. It is Jesus’ Word. For God’s Word is never thwarted by wicked men and women. Instead they just become apart of fulfilling it.

Jesus then having first supernaturally caused the multitude to draw back and fall down before Him now requests that the disciples be let go. And so it being night and likely their being unable to identify Jesus by sight from the rest of the Apostles. Judas having told them the one he kisses is the One they are to arrest. Judas comes forward and kisses Jesus; this would be the immediacy that Matthew Mark and Luke mention Jesus being betrayed by Judas with a kiss (Matt. 26:48-49; Mark 14:44-45; Luke 22:47-48). At this point Jesus has a brief and poignant exchange with Judas, as Judas approaches Jesus and addresses Him as Rabbi and kisses Him. This is the meekness of the Lamb of God as Jesus submits to Judas' treacherous deed (Matt. 26:49-50; Luke 22:48). The disciples then perceiving that Jesus is about to be taken request to fight (Luke 22:49-50), while at the same time some try to lay hands on Jesus to take Him. And with that Simon Peter strikes Malchus’ the high priest’s servant cutting off his right ear (John 18:7-10). To which Jesus responds by saying: “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” Matt. 26:52-54 Or as the Apostle John emphasizes Jesus saying: “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” John 18:11
Both of which were spoken by the Lord Jesus just that each disciple emphasized one aspect of His statement in that hour (gr. hora). Now previously Jesus prayed three times to His Father in Gethsemane to take His cup away. That is the cup of His suffering. But now Jesus is insisting His disciples not resist those who have come to take Him. Therefore Jesus having healed Malchus, which Luke the physician emphasizes (Luke 22:51). The Lord Jesus gives a final statement to the crowd as they collectively move to seize Him: 48 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then they all forsook Him and fled. Mark 14:48-50

Now Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record Jesus' Words here (Matt. 26:55). While the gospel of Luke gives Jesus’ finial address specifically to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to arrest Him, with Jesus saying to them: “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Luke 22:52-53

And with that the disciples forsake Jesus and flee (Mark 14:50; Matt. 26:56; John 18:12). Luke’s gospel does not record the moment the disciples flee but rather moves immediately onto Jesus’ arrest and being taken to Caiaphas the high priest with the Apostle Peter following at a distance (Luke 22:54). Mark though records a unique event for us concerning Jesus' arrest, saying: “Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, 52 and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.” Mark 14:51-52

Now Mark recalling this event for us is important since it gives credence to the Apostle’s fleeing in haste. For when Jesus rebuked the disciples for wanting to resist His being arrested (their courage likely being born from Jesus' own demonstration of His Person when He made the multitude fall back). Yet now with Jesus allowing Himself to be taken, great fear must have overtaken them all. Since Jesus was not going to fight they knew in no way could they withstand such a multitude themselves, and fearing lest they be taken as well, they all forsook Him and fled. Now leaving this study on that note would be thoroughly incomplete if we did not know the rest of the gospel. For though the disciples had all wanted to obey and follow Jesus, all this night have failed Him. Nonetheless the gospel does not end with the defeat of them, and certainly not the Lord Jesus Christ. For Jesus Christ after His crucifixion death will rise from the dead on the third day. And with His resurrection Jesus has dawned a new day for us all to be restored to God for having all failed Him in our own lives as well. For Jesus Christ crucified pays completely for all our sins, but it is the Lord Jesus' resurrection from the dead that brings us back to life again, united again to God and Himself by faith in His Person. That is the beginning of knowing God. For it is Jesus Christ's ascension back to God the Father in heaven as our victorious Sovereign King and Priest which brings in us His everlasting Life and Righteousness by His Holy Spirit poured out into us. Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ is fully able to quell everyone or thing who would dare seek to condemn us (Please read Romans chapter eight for Scriptural encouragement). And that is exceedingly Good News for every sinner under the burdensome weight and judgment of their failures and sins. For by repentance and faith anyone can have a whole new beginning. Indeed not just a new beginning ruled by their old sin nature, but a new beginning, in the new creation of both their person and status with God. Experiencing the everlasting and transforming Life and Power of God within their person's.

That is what Jesus came to do for us all. To make us God's Temple so that He might dwell in us and us in Him forever. All that awaits is your decision to forsake your old sinful life and receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, so that God's Holy, Righteous and Everlasting Life might be brought into you. If you would like to receive this Life, the Life of Jesus Christ in you and have your sins washed away in the cleansing blood of Christ, which atones for them all. Why not do that right now. For the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is not something that tarries. But demands a decision and is right now for everyone who believes. For the grace of God is freely given to all who believe. Please then invite the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and life accept all that He has done to save you; and trust all that He will do to change you. Simply pray something like this:
Dear Lord Jesus Christ I know that I'm a sinner and need Your forgiveness and life changing power in my life to change me. Therefore I accept all You have done to save me and release me from all my sins; by Your crucifixion death and resurrection from the dead then ascension back to God the Father You have a made a way for me to love and obey You. Therefore I accept Your Person and Life completely and unreservedly, into my life asking You to be my Lord and Savior, both now and forever amen.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Word Studies:
NINDTT
kairos 2789 Page 282-283 (eutheos 2311)
oida 3857 Page 402

Enhanced Strongs
speira GK. 5061; STR 4686 (600 men)

Additional Notes:

* ** *** Gleaned from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on John 18:2-12

Mark 14:32-42 Jesus' Prayer in Gethseme

32 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” 35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” 37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

Devotional (cont.)
Having left Bethel, after keeping the Passover and instituting the New Covenant; Jesus and the disciples now come to the Mount of Olives. To a place called Gethsemane. Though not mentioned previously in the gospel it will soon become one of the most infamous places on the planet. Not for the location itself. The place by all accounts was simply a small peaceful grove or “garden” if you prefer. But rather for the dastardly deed which is about to be hatched there, as Jesus will be betrayed by one of His one. And so it is as they arrive at Gethsemane, Jesus says to His disciples “Sit here while I pray.” Vs. 32 And having asked them to wait. Jesus then takes with Him Peter, James, and John. His three closest disciples and with that the passage says that Jesus begins to be “troubled and deeply distressed” (vs. 33).

Now the word translated troubled in verse thirty three has two distinct shades of meaning, generally given as “to throw into terror or amazement.” With the fear element “to be struck by or with terror” (Enhanced Strong’s) or “Sudden fear or terror” (New Strong’s) maybe best indicating the Lord’s "troubled state" in that moment, as He anticipates what He is about to go through. Interestingly only Marks gospel uses this strengthened verb to describe Jesus’ state at that moment. Matthew not being a close up eye witness to the Lord, as Peter was, emphasizes Jesus Words which declare His deep sorrow. As does Mark’s gospel as the passage goes on. Which is important to note since the word that follows troubled, and is translated deeply distressed in the NKJ is, according to Enhanced Strong’s the strongest word used for depression in the N.T. (See STR 85, 916, 3076). And knowing that is important since there is a link between fear and depression. Therefore Jesus realizing the cross is imminent enters into the heights of fear then the depths of human despair. Here in the NKJ described as being “troubled” or “distressed” as the NINDTT gives it. Troubled though is the rendering given by NKJ, with “very distressed and troubled” or “greatly distressed and troubled” or “deeply distressed and troubled” word order coming by the NAS, ESV and NIV respectively; while the NLT paraphrases this as “filled with horror”.

In many ways then what is being described is Jesus’ Humanity being fully expressed and experienced. Yet the silent intensity of the moment that we are privy too because of the disciple’s witness, does not allows us to experience it. But only imagine it. If ever so imperfectly, Jesus’ heightened awareness of what was soon to unfold, which then brings Him into a deep and seemingly overwhelming depression. And so the Scripture gives us a taste of Jesus’ inner struggle through His Words as He says to Peter, James and John, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” And with those Words Jesus moves a little farther away from them; a stone’s throw as Luke records it. And falling to the ground Jesus prays that if it is at all possible, the hour might pass from Him (vs. 35). In His moment of deepest despair Jesus seeks His Father. Yet in some ways not wanting His friends to be far removed from Him, as Matthew records Jesus saying for them to watch with Him, before He moves from them to seek the Father (Matt. 26:38). Yet to simplify this moment as something like Jesus is seeking the Father would be untrue to what was at stake. For in that dreadful moment Jesus is wrestling with His Human desire to save Himself from the horrific suffering ahead of Him, and His Heavenly desire to save His closest friends. Indeed save innumerable lives yet unknown to them. And so Jesus gives His closest friends the exhortation to watch. For already Jesus is experiencing the precursor effects of what the cross would entail. Jesus’ suffering then did not begin on the cross, it began right then, the moment when He had to face in His own heart and mind what was now to happen to Him. And so as the moment is upon Him, Jesus finds Himself first troubled then deeply distressed. For He has a way out, He is the Son of God. And if Jesus in that inner struggle yields to His fears and wills it to end, His Father would’ve ended it. And so Marks gospel tells us Jesus passionately prays: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Vs. 36
The Lord Jesus’ Words are almost startling if not for the intensity of the backdrop that surrounds them. For it was that cup that Jesus pronounced the New Covenant as coming through His blood. Yet now in His darkest hour He requests its remittal. For God can fulfill the Scriptures in any way. As Jesus says: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You…” vs. 36 Yet in requesting His cup be removed from Him. Jesus having never failed to submit to the Father’s will. Again concedes to its Perfect Wisdom by saying: “…nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Vs. 36
Now Luke’s gospel says when Jesus was praying that an angel appeared to Him from heaven strengthening Him. Then being in agony the Scriptures says that Jesus’ sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22:42-44). For Jesus to do the Father’s Will on this night would be the ultimate act of trust. Not only to bear the sins of humanity. A suffering which none of us could even begin to imagine (Isaiah 53). But something far more distressing would be His separation from the Father; for that is what the cross would entail; something that had never occurred, and something that never again will. Marks’s gospel then says that Jesus having prayed once now returns to the disciples. And coming to them Jesus finds them sleeping, and doing so Jesus says to Peter: “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Vs. 37-38

Jesus Words here might be a rebuke of Peter’s earlier assertion of following Jesus to death if not for Jesus’ exhortation: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus Words to Peter then on this night should not be lost on any of us as every believer can attest to the struggle of our spirit and our flesh. Yet it is the victory that Jesus Christ effects on our behalf on the cross that makes not only our redemption possible. But also our victory over sin and death possible, by His later resurrection from the dead (Please read Rom. 6-8).

Now in His command for the three to watch, here for the second time, Jesus uses a word that that always indicates being alert; watchful. It is the antithesis of causally watching something occur or unfold. But rather indicates all vigilance (Col. 4:2; 1 Peter 5:8). The Lord Jesus uses this Word in several key passages warning us all to be prepared for His Second Coming and not be caught unaware (Matthew 24:42-43, 25:13; Mark 13:34-36; Luke 12:37-39; Rev. 3:2-3; 16:15). Likewise the Apostle Paul uses the same word to warn us not to become complacent in watching for the Lord’s coming and or watching out for sin in our own lives as we do (1 Thess. 5:6).

So returning to Mark’s gospel at verse thirty nine, it states that Jesus went away and prayed the same words. And having done so Jesus returned again to the disciples, “And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” Vs. 41-42
Jesus then having three times found the disciple sleeping now declares to the disciples that the hour has come, that the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Notice that the all disciples had failed to watch as Jesus commanded them, even after He exhorted them to do so. I mention this not as a critique of them. But rather so that the Apostle Peter’s later failings are not look down upon as an act unique to himself. All the Apostle’s failed Jesus, just as surely as you and I will. For nobody, no matter how zealous for the Lord stands either by their own resolve, goodness, good works, prayers, or anything else. For if the Apostle’s failed Jesus Christ, so will you. The question then is what do we do about it when we do? Will we try to conceal them from God and others like Adam did in the garden? Or will we play the hypocrite and act like we are have always been perfectly pious and pure and without sin or fault before God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ? I certainly hope not! For Jesus' suffering here and later completed on the cross was not so that we would do that. But rather that we would bring our sins and failures to Him, as the Book of Hebrews says: 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:14-16

Have you then come to the throne of grace and received God’s mercy and salvation so that you might be forgiven and set free from your sins and given new and everlasting life the moment you believe. It all begins by acknowledging ones is a sinner to God then receiving the Lord Jesus Christ into ones heart and life. For God commands everyone to repent and look to Jesus Christ crucified and trust what He suffered to satisfy all of God’s just and holy wrath against all of our sins. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Now Jesus being crucified to death for us did not remain in the grave. But three days later Jesus rose from the dead. And after spending forty days with the Apostle’s and instructing them on the Kingdom of Heaven. The Lord Jesus then ascended back to God the Father in their presence waiting until all His enemies are made His footstool. But also He did so that He might pour out the Holy Spirit on everyone who believes in Him, beginning at Pentecost even to this day; so that all who believe in Him might be partakers of the Divine Nature and be sanctified for eternity by His Presence within us. For the Lord Jesus Christ came first to pay for all of our sins, then to be the Person who would transform our lives, by His very Person living inside us. Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ’s cross is where the repentant sinner who looks to Him in faith finds not only the mercies of God, but also the everlasting life of God dwelling inside them. If you have not yet received the grace of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ why not do that? Why not want invite the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and life to be your Lord and Savior? If you would like to do that please pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I know that I am a sinner and I need your forgiveness. I believe you were crucified in My place to pay for my sins and rose from dead so that I might have everlasting life with You. I now invite You into my heart and life to be my Lord and Savior, In Jesus' Name, amen.


Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Mark 14:27-31 Jesus Fortells Peter’s Denial

27 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.’
28 “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.” 30 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” 31 But he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all said likewise.

Devotional
Jesus and the disciples having celebrated the Passover where Jesus ushered in the New Covenant, and gave within its inauguration the decree for us who believe in Him to keep the Lord’s Supper. As a remembrance of what He was about to do, and has done for us all, symbolized by His breaking the bread as His body broken for our sins and transgressions. Then His pouring out the wine, symbolizing His own blood poured out as the atoning blood for all our sins. Now as they are journeying to the Mount of Olives. Jesus warns the disciples that this night they will all be made to stumble as a consequence of Jesus being stricken.

That is Jesus will be taken by force by lawless hands, and then be horribly flogged, before being crucified to death. The striking of the Shepherd is Jesus’ declaring the fulfillment of the Scripture from Zechariah 13:7. In which the Old Testament prophet foresaw these events unfolding. Now in both Zechariah’s prophecy, and in Jesus’ own Words, it is clear that God the Father in His immutable and eternal counsels willed this be done. So that through the mortal ruling powers and authorities established by God, these would be the agents in fulfilling His Word and Will. And so with Jesus Words to the disciples that they will all be made to stumble this night because of Him, they all will, and not just the Apostle Peter. Who because of his zealous and passionate declaration of following Jesus to death, often bears a burden in the eyes of some for denying Jesus three times as Jesus said He would. Nonetheless on this night of terrible darkness, every disciple’s heart and courage will fail, for it is the will of God.
For if the Shepherd must be struck according to the Word and Will of God so must the sheep who follow Him be made to stumble. Therefore when God strikes the Shepherd, the sheep will all be scattered. Even though there is a heartfelt passion and desire to remain loyal to the Lord Jesus Christ. Even unto death as the Apostle Peter clearly says here. Nonetheless without the Shepherd upholding all the disciples they will fall just as we would all likewise fail. Make no mistakes about it. The determined will of man or woman does not keep them in the faith as the Apostle Peter so clearly exemplifies. But rather it is the Shepherd Himself. Who both guides; protects; corrects and ultimately preserves His own who believe in Him. For even when we stumble as Jesus foretells that Peter is about to do. It is the Shepherd alone who both preserves and ultimately restores us when we do fall. Even when we are seemingly broken in our faith lives. It is the Lord Jesus alone who still saves us, restores us, and reconciles us back to God forever. So that we; as Jesus tells the Apostle Peter to do in Luke’s gospel’s parallel passage, can likewise strengthen our brethren in their time of need: “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:32  For it is through our own falls and failures that we often become greater agents of God’s grace, truth and love. Therefore please consider what the Lord Jesus says of those who fall and what our attitude should be towards them when they do: 10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. 12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 “And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 “Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matt. 18:10-14

The Contemporary English Version renders it this way: “Don’t be cruel to any of these little ones! I promise you that their angels are always with my Father in heaven.” Now the word that is translated despise in NKJ and cruel in CEV is kataphroneo, pronounced: kat-af-ron-eh’-o. It is made up of made up of two words. A preposition kata: against, down, and phroneo; fron-eh-o, the mind, the thought. Now compound words in Greek don’t always carry into them the meaning of the words that they are made up from. But here this is clearly the case. And thus you have probably already reasoned that the word entails thinking against someone (Strongs); often with the resultant attitudes, words and actions which are invariably linked to what we think of someone whether good or bad. And thus this not only affects our own behavior towards someone but often others as well. Now Strong’s and NIDNTT collectively define the word as: To despise, disesteem, disparage etc. In essence “show contempt or disregard for someone or something.” NIDNTT Therefore I would not be too hard on the Apostle Peter, or any of the other Apostle’s this night; and certainly not any believer, nor anyone who is seeking the Lord and yet stumbles in their faith walk. For at some point in our own faith lives, we too will be shown our own mortal weaknesses and failings towards Christ and God. In this consider Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the sinner: 9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 ‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 “And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
Now the Word that Jesus uses in that parable translated despise has even stronger connotations. Enhanced Strong’s gives its meaning as: “to make of no account, despise utterly”. While the NIDNTT gives it simply as: “reject with contempt”. This is the same word that Luke later uses to describe Herod and his men rejecting and mocking Jesus before sending Him to Pilate (Luke 23:11). There is a reason then why the Holy Spirit moved Luke to use this word in both Jesus’ parable and of the Lord Himself. As Jesus’ concludes His parable by justifying the repentant sinner rather than the Pharisee who was blameless in his own eyes, yet despised the repentant sinner. For the Lord Jesus did not come to call the righteous (that is those who think they are in of themselves right before God), but rather sinners to repentance (Matt. 9:13). How about me and you? Do we think our own righteousness, or obedience, or good works and deeds; whether through the Law of God or man is what justifies us before God? If we do, as Jesus' parable reveals, we are out of step with Himself, the gospel, and His salvation which is by God’s grace through faith in Christ alone. For the Scripture declares: “If righteousness comes through the Law then Christ died in vain.” Gal. 2:21

Now in saying these things I don’t want to lesson anyone’s steadfastness or resolve in pursuing moral excellence through obedience to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s commandments. Since that is one of the things we are commanded to do as recipients of the grace of God through Jesus Christ’s Person pursue righteousness in every aspect of our lives (2 Tim. 2:22). Rather my point is to make it abundantly clear that as we strive to excel in those excellent moral virtues that are from God that make us better image bearers of Him, that we don’t forget where we came from; or how we got to God’s grace in the first place (Eph. 2:8-9). “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” Ecc. 7:20 Therefore let us all be generous with our assessments of others. For who knows when we too will need a generous assessment of our own failings in being Jesus Christ's disciples.


Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Additional Resources
James Strong, New Strong’s dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1996.

Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995; Abbreviated Str.

New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Abridged Edition; Verlyn D. Verbrugge; Editor. Abbreviated NIDNTT

Word Studies
Kataphroneo, STR 2706; GK 2969, pages 296-297 NIDNTT
Exoutheneo; STR 1848; GK 2024, page 191 NIDNTT

Mark 14:22-26 The Lord's Supper Instituted

22 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 23 Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. 25 “Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Devotional
This section of the gospel is one of the most poignant for believers. Since it is here, in this section of the gospel, that the Lord Jesus Christ ushers in the New Covenant. A Covenant unlike the Old Covenant, in that it puts all of the ominous on our being made right with God, on the Son of God. Therefore all that is about to unfold as Jesus will be arrested in Gethsemane's garden, and then taken to be tried, mocked, and finally crucified by lawless hands, is because Jesus the Son and God the Father wanted it to be done. So that through Jesus' Crucifixion death, then Resurrection from the dead, God 's salvation could be brought to as many as believe in  Him (John 3:16). Therefore Jesus’ giving thanks to God the Father for the bread, before He distributes it to the disciples, is not a mere formality,  but is far deeper. For with Jesus' thanksgiving to God the Father before offering up the bread, He is declaring His own desire to offer up His own body as a sacrifice for us all. Therefore Jesus having broken the bread, and having given thanks for it, He then distributes it to the disciples. Indicating that what He is about to do, He is doing for us all. Therefore having offered it up to the Father in prayer, Jesus says to disciples “Take, eat; this is My body.”

If you remember, Jesus in John’s gospel said we must all eat His flesh and drink His blood (Please Read John 6). Not as a literal act as some there misunderstood His Words there and walked away from Him and thus eternal life when He said that. But as an act of faith we must “eat” and “drink” Jesus Christ’s entire Person into our lives, by opening our hearts unconditionally to Him. For to be Jesus Christ’s disciple means to accept all of Him as He is revealed in the Scriptures. For we cannot take what we like of Jesus' Words, or even His gracious Works, and build our faith on only those things that appeal to us. For you can't accept Jesus Christ's offer of God's grace (which I hope and pray that you do; John 1:17) but then turn around and deny His call for all people everywhere to repent and believe (Mark 1:15). For to reject any part of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Words, or His Works in the gospel, is ultimately to reject all of Him (John 5:24; 8:31, 32, 37, 43-47, 14:23-24).
Nor do we (and this is specific to the context of the passage we are looking at) build our faith on our own works and righteousness, plus the Lord’s. As if redemption comes by what we do, or have done. Therefore we don’t hope in our keeping Communion as if keeping the ritual that Jesus instituted for us to observe somehow justifies us before God the Father. The ritual must be kept, but not for it's own sake, but rather for the reality it points too (1 Cor 11:26). The Lord Jesus Christ's broken body and shed blood by which our redemption from sin and death has been purchased. Therefore we don't hope in being good enough, or obedient enough, or even righteous enough, to have or to find the mercies of God, since ultimately that only leads to self-righteousness, not God's Righteousness (consider Luke 18:9-14). We only hope, and trust, and fully believe in the Lord Jesus Christ who alone is without sin and fault before God the Father. Who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Who by His crucifixion death first atones for all of our sins, then by His resurrection from the dead paves the way for everlasting life to be brought into us by the Holy Spirit, which He pours into each and every one of us when we believe in Him. Thus we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, through the grace and work of God alone (Rom. 3:19-28; Eph. 2:8-9; Gal. 2:20-21). Therefore whatever things we once thought would approve us to God. We now count as rubbish! And place all of our hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead, to save us from all that could ever separate us from God again (Acts 13:39; Phil 3:7-9). For apart from the Lord Jesus Christ’s Righteousness imputed to us the moment we believe in His Person we would have all been condemned. For the Scripture does not justify mankind either individually, or collectively, it justifies God. Who then justifies us when we put our faith/trust in His Son Jesus Christ to saves us (Rom. 5:1). “for all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23 Therefore as recipients of the love and grace of God we reject all notions of “self-redemption”. For the bread of God that Jesus freely distributes to us all, is His Person crucified in our place. All that God requires of us is that we in repentance and faith accept His gracious offer to freely forgive all that we have done wrong, by all that He has done right.

And so with repentant hearts we turn away from our sin, rebellion, or disobedience to God, and turn/return to God by faith in Jesus Christ's Person. For repentance is not trying to be good enough to get God to love us, or accept us; that's only works, not grace (Eph. 2:8-9). Repentance is often first admitting that we are not good enough, and we are incapable of ever being good enough, to be accepted by God. Therefore it starts with a change of mind about ourselves, and/or the things we have done wrong. That we are not "all right" or "fine" in of ourselves, but we are not only born into sin, but we have indeed sinned against God and thus are guilty before Him. Whether with knowledge of His Law or not it makes no difference, God still holds us all accountable for the things we have done, or not done (Rom. 2:12). And thus we all are in need of God's redemption and grace which only comes to us through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Who willingly heals and makes whole every repentant sinner (Matt 9:10-13). For God did not send His Son Jesus Christ into the world to condemn the world, but rather through the Lord Jesus Christ's Person and Work He could first save from sin and death and eternal destruction then transform into Christ's likeness each and every one of us who believe in Him as declared in the Scriptures (John 3:16-17); who receive the truth from Him (John 1:12; John 5:24; 8:31-32; 14:23); as opposed to those who do not (John 5:47; 8:43; 12:47-48; 14:24; 2 Thess. 2:12). Therefore repentance again often first begins with a changing of our mind about ourselves, and or about our sins and the horrific effects it has reaped on ourselves and others. But also our own misguided notions about God, who takes no pleasure in the death of anyone (Ezek. 18:32; 33:11). But rather He freely forgives and loves each and every repentant sinner (Luke 15:11-32). That is why we preach the gospel, to turn people back from their sins to God through Jesus Christ the Lord who then saves and sanctifies us all who believe.
Therefore returning to the passage Jesus having broken the bread which is both prophetic and symbolic of His own body being broken for us all (1 Cor. 11:24). He now takes up the cup. And having given thanks to God the Father for it. Jesus then hands it to the disciples. And when they have drank from the cup Jesus than says: “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. 25 “Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Vs. 24-25
And with those Words the Lord Jesus ratifies the New Covenant. That is by Jesus’ blood, symbolized by the wine in the cup, God has ushered in the New Covenant to be enacted by the Crucifixion death of Jesus Christ His Son (Please read Heb. 9:11-28). And so Jesus having shared the communion cup with the disciples says: “Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Vs. 25

New in the Kingdom of God, for with the Lord Jesus' crucifixion death, then resurrection from the dead, Jesus must also first ascend back to the Father, until all His enemies are made His footstool. And thus having done so, the Holy Spirit’s outpouring will usher in the Kingdom of God into the hearts and lives of everyone who believes in Jesus. And thus the Kingdom's manifestation is now committed to believers with Jesus Christ working in and through our lives to reach others; until the fullness of times; which await Jesus Christ’s Second Coming for His bride the church, before His judgment and war on a unrepentant and unbelieving world. For that will proceed the Kingdom of God's literal manifestation, in a new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 2:13). Then Jesus will drink of the vine new with us all. In the Kingdom of God where all of this world’s plagues and evils because of sin, Satan and death will be vanquished forever (Rev. 21:4). No more poverty, injustice, oppression or persecution. No more pollution, alienation, or hostility towards one another, or from the rest of God’s creation. No more hate and no more war. For sin and Satan and all of its effects and all that he did to alienate us from God and each other, and even creation itself, will be no more. And not only that, in the Kingdom of God we will have no more sin natures in our bodies to resist or struggle with. For we will all be in resurrected and glorified bodies with no traces of sin or desires or inclinations towards it. Fully capable then of experiencing a holy relationship with God and each other, apart from sin and death. And thus no more susceptibility to the horrific effects and fallout from it all. No more diseases, infirmities, weaknesses, bodily imperfections, nor even old age; forever young, vibrant and beautiful. We shall have no more failing hands, bodies and minds. For we shall all be like the Lord Jesus Christ in His resurrected Glorified body and we shall all fully reach and experience all of the unlimited potential that God created us for and placed in us all.

And all in a place where God’s Perfect love and peace are experienced as an everlasting and uninterrupted reality. Forever enjoyed by us all who received the love of the truth and believed. If you haven’t done that, that is come to believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ please do so now.
Invite the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and life, to be your Lord and Savior, before God the Father shuts the door forever and this world’s judgment comes, or your own life ends. For who can say when either will be? For who knows the day of their own death? Or who even knows the day of the Lord’s return? Only the Father in heaven knows these things. Therefore it is incumbent upon us all to be prepared this day, and everyday, for that day. For it is clear by all the of worldwide upheaval and cataclysmic events and phenomena going on, with signs both in heavens and on earth, as Jesus said there would be. And as the Book of Revelations bowl judgments is bringing forth, that we are in a stage of history that cannot be simply explained as “global warming.” For even the scientists seem to be astonished by what is now happening. It maybe that we are in the precursor cataclysmic events before Jesus Christ’s return! It may very well be that as Jesus warned when you see these signs, it is now, at the very doors! Therefore the only security that anyone will have on that day will not be found in stock markets, commodities, or in bullion. It will not be found in friends and relatives and loved ones. And it certainly will not be found in living in, and for owns own pleasures. But only in the Lord Jesus Christ under whose wings we like the Old Testament Ruth have come for refuge (Ruth 2:12). The only question then is, have you? Have you come to place of repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Who is fully willing to save you from the wrath to come.
And so Marks’ gospel passage concludes by stating “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Vs. 26  For that is where the garden of Gethsemane is, on the Mount of Olives. And that is where Jesus will be betrayed by Judas Iscariot this night according to the predetermined Will of God for our salvation. The disciples then singing a hymn with the Lord is a beautiful scene; not only in of itself, for the gentleness of spirit within it. But also for what it is foreshadowing, the drinking of the cup with the Lord Jesus Christ new in the Kingdom of God for sure, but also are more immediate until then the countless souls that will be saved after the dreaded and dark night has served its purposes for that end. And so we as recipients of God's glorious Grace and Work in all hope and joy eagerly wait for the fullness of the resurrection dawn, where the new heavens and new earth and Jesus Christ's righteous reign will be forever.

Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
 
Additional Resources
Nelson's New Illustrated Bible dictionary; article on repentance