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| 1 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. |
After two days – One of the two days before the Passover, beginning on Wednesday night, 13th Nisan. R4212:2*
The feast of the passover – Lasted a week, and was one of the most important celebrated under the Jewish arrangement. R3363:3
The chief priests – The great religious teachers felt themselves sponsors for the people. They perceived that their hold over the more ignorant Jews was being impaired by Jesus' teachings. R5540:6
By craft – It was merely a question of how they could accomplish the murder and deceive the people, so as not to provoke those who had begun to exercise faith in Jesus. R5541:1
Put him to death – They seem to have been unanimous in believing that his destruction would be for the good of the Lord's cause, as they misunderstood that cause. R5540:6
Not on the feast day – For he would be surrounded by the multitude, some of whom thought him to be a great prophet, others of whom considered him to be the Messiah. R5541:1
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| 2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. |
Lest there by an uproar – It was anticipated the friends of Jesus might arouse a commotion amongst the throng which might make the religious leaders of the Jews appear to be seditious. R3366:3
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| 3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. |
In Bethany – The honored guests of Lazarus, whom Jesus awakened. R5541:1, 3534:2, 2447:3
At the close of the Jewish Sabbath Day just preceding our Lord's crucifixion. R5540:3
Sunday night, 10th Nisan. R4212:2*
Possibly the sixth day previous to the Passover, the Sabbath. R2447:3, 3534:2
Simon the leper – Who probably was dead. R5541:1
Possibly the father of the family, or the late husband of Martha. R3534:2, 2447:3
At meat – A feast or banquet in our Lord's honor. R2448:1, 3534:3
Martha, Mary and Lazarus were the hostesses. R5541:2
A woman – Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. R3877:2
Alabaster box – Apparently a small vase. R5230:5, 2448:1
"Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead, but fill their lives with sweetness."--A Boston printer. R5541:5
Ointment of spikenard – Not oil, but very expensive perfume. R5230:5, 3535:1, 2448:1
A beautiful picture of love and devotion, illustrating the manner in which we can pour perfume on each other, by speaking graciously to each other and by seeking to see the best that there is in one another. R5231:4
Very precious – Equivalent to a year's wages of a working man. R3535:1, 5541:4, 2448:2
Considered in the light of the odor and blessing it has shed upon all of the Lord's people, Mary's alabaster jar of precious perfume, very costly, has proven to be extremely cheap. R3535:3
Brake the box – Opened the box's tyings and seals. R2448:2
Probably uncorked it. R5230:5
And poured it – The reverence which she felt for Jehovah, she sought to express toward his highest representative, Jesus, who had brought her brother back from the tomb. R5541:4
We can pour perfume on each other by speaking graciously to each other, and by seeking to see the best in one another. (Eph. 5:1, 2) R5231:4
We can anoint friends, brethren and others with kindly words, loving sympathies, tender expressions. R3878:1
As we do this, the Lord will allow some one to scatter some flowers also for us. R3878:2
"An offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor." (Eph. 5:2) R5231:4
While Jesus was still alive. A week later and it would have been too late. R3536:5
Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead. Flowers on the coffin cast no fragrance backward over the weary way. R3878:3*, 3536:6
On his head – According to another account, she subsequently poured a portion of the same perfume upon his feet. R5541:2
Manifesting her adoration, reverence and devotion to him as her Lord, the Messiah. R5230:5
Expressing the reverence which she felt for Jehovah she sought to express toward his highest representative, Jesus. R5541:4
The perfume of Mary's acts of love, kindness, and adoration have come down through the ages, filling the entire Church with the sweet odor. R3877:4, 2448:5
She pleased the Lord, and illustrated the noblest and truest qualities of the feminine heart. R3877:4
Although our Head has been glorified, we may anoint his "feet" who are still with us. R3878:5, 3536:2
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| 4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? |
There were some – John tells us that the leader of the murmurers was Judas. R5541:2
This waste – Such ointments were much more expensive at that time than now. R5230:5, 5541:4
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| 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. |
Might have been sold – Mary may have prepared the perfume herself, for Judas does not object to its having been purchased for a large sum, but that it might have been sold for 300 pence. R2744:1
Three hundred pence – Greek, denarius, silver penny, the average daily wage at that time. (Matt. 20:2) R2448:2, 5541:4, 3535:1, 2744:1
About six dollars, representing the labor of a year. R5541:4
About $48. R2744:1, 3877:2
The joy, the comfort, the blessing that came to the heart of our dear Master, and that strengthened him for the experiences of coming days, was worth far more than the 300 pence. R3878:3
Given to the poor – It is a mistake to suppose that time or money spent in the Lord's service or in the study of his plan means that much less for the poor. R3877:5
And they murmured – John tells us the leader in this was Judas. (John 12:14) R5541:2, 3535:3, 2448:3
Considered in the light of the odor and blessing and refreshment which it has shed upon all the Lord's people throughout this Gospel age, Mary's alabaster jar of perfume, very costly, has proven to be extremely cheap. R3535:3
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| 6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.
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Let her alone – A severe reproof to those whose sentiments of love had no other measure than that of money. Money is not the only thing of which people are sorely in need. R2448:3
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| 7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
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The poor – Generally they are the class most ready to receive the truth. R1104:3
Poverty has proven a blessing by developing sympathy, patience, love, goodness, helpfulness, toward those who need our care and assistance. R3535:6
With you always – Throughout this Gospel age. R3535:6, 4702:6
Have not always – A little while he would be glorified. R3536:1, 4702:6
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| 8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.
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She hath done – Though the Lord declined to recognize a woman as a teacher of religion, his special love for this Mary and her sister Martha is particularly recorded. R4702:3,5
She did what pleased the Lord; she illustrated the noblest and truest qualities of the feminine heart, love, devotion, fidelity, she spoke by actions rather than by words, and the perfume of her acts of love and kindness and adoration of her Lord have come down through the ages, filling the entire Church of Christ with the sweet odor of the perfume she poured upon his head and subsequently upon his feet. R3877:4
What she could – She has shown her devotion to the best of her ability. R3535:2
No one could have a higher tribute. She cannot do more, she has done all she could. R5230:6
This expression of Jesus should be of special comfort, particularly to the sisters in the Church. Not discouraged by her limitations, Mary was on the alert to improve all the opportunities that she had. R5230:2, 4702:3
Let us all make sure the Master can say of us as he said of her. R2512:6
The Lord accepts the little sacrifices as though they were greater ones. It is not the amount that God is seeking, but the character, the disposition of heart. R2717:4
To anoint my body – We may suppose these would seem very strange words. The disciples thought he would not die. R5230:6
The "feet" members of the Body of Christ are still with us; let us hasten to anoint them with the precious spikenard perfume. R3878:5
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| 9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
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A memorial of her – Not merely to honor her, but to inspire and encourage others of God's people to the obtaining and exercising of a love which delights in service, yea in costly sacrifice. R5541:4
What a sweet memorial of Mary! How we all love and reverence her true womanhood, and appreciate the fact that her intuitions in respect to this anointing of the Lord were superior to the reasonings of the twelve apostles on the subject--they were too cold and calculating, too business like. She made up for this deficiency in the warmth of her loving devotion. R3877:5
The Mary class is still with us. R3536:2
The person who is economical and penurious in his dealings with the Lord is sure to be the loser thereby. "The liberal soul shall be made fat." (Prov. 11:25) R3535:4
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| 10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. |
Judas Iscariot – What a sharp contrast between the love and generosity of Mary and the mean selfishness of Judas! R3878:4
Representing some who for earthly advantage for themselves are willing to deliver other members of the Lord's Body up to tribulation, adversity and reproach. R3366:6
There are some amongst the Lord's professed disciples who commit a similar crime, willing to sell the Lord for social position, honor, popularity, titles, by misrepresenting his character, plan and Word. R4907:4, 3366:6
To betray him – Perhaps surmising Jesus could deliver himself, possibly thinking to gain the money without our Lord being injured; but, in any event, showing a baseness of character and willingness to do evil for selfish reasons. R3366:6
Perhaps he reasoned that since all these things would happen to the Lord anyway, he might as well have the money. R3878:6
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| 11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him. |
To give him the money – Some today are willing to sell the truth for financial profit or social advantage, and others willing to sell the members of the Lord's Body. R3366:6
Conveniently betray him – Suggesting that he would be in touch with Jesus' movements and could inform them of the most suitable time, a time when the multitude would not be with him. R5541:1
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| 12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? |
The first day of – The 14th of Nisan, the Feast of Passover beginning on the 15th. R1800:2
Unleavened bread – A reminder of their haste in fleeing Egypt, not having time for bread to rise, and their suffering in Egypt, called the bread of affliction. (Deut. 16:3) R1800:2
Its chief significance was the putting away of sin. R1800:2
A type of the world's proper condition in the Millennial age--the putting away from them the leaven of sin. R1800:3
Killed the passover – Typified Jesus, the Lamb of God. R5542:3
The killing of the Passover lamb was always done on the 14th of Nisan; so also the sacrifice of Christ was accomplished on this same day, thus fulfilling the prediction of the type. R1800:3
"Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." (1 Cor. 5:7) R3749:3
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| 13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
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He sendeth forth – Thursday, daytime, 13th Nisan. R4212:2*
Evidently Jesus was at Bethany, at the home of Lazarus, when he sent this word. R5541:3
Two of his disciples – Peter and John. R5541:3
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| 14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
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The goodman – Probably a believer. R1800:3
It has been surmised by some that the house was that of Mark's mother, Mary, and that the upper room thus used was the same one in which the apostles subsequently met and where the Pentecostal blessing was poured out upon them. R3363:6
The guestchamber – During passover week hospitality was recognized as a duty in Jerusalem, hence the readiness with which the Lord's request for a room was granted. R1800:3
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| 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
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A large upper room – Supposed to be the same one in which the disciples were gathered on Pentecost. R5541:3
We do know that it was at the house of this Mary that many gathered to pray for the release of Peter from prison. It was "a large upper room" and was already prepared with a suitable dining couch of proper dimensions. R3363:6
The early Church meeting places were usually private dwellings or rented upper rooms. R984:2
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| 16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. |
They made ready – We may be sure everything was in exact conformity with the original requirements. Jesus and his apostles were bound by every feature of the Jewish Law as much as other Jews. R5541:6
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| 17 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. |
In the evening – Thursday, 14th Nisan. R4212:2*
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| 18 And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
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Which eateth with me – As my guest, a member of my family. R5542:1
Shall betray me – Said with a double object--to show his disciples he was aware of the betrayal and as a final reproof to Judas, to startle and to cause him to think. R5542:2
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| 19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? |
One by one – The import would be, It is not I whom you have meant! R5542:2
Even Judas joined in the general inquiry, "Is it I?" R5542:2, 3364:3
Not overconfident, but each seeming to fear his own stability. They had the spirit of self- examination. R1800:5
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| 20 And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.
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One of the twelve – Judas was probably present at the Passover Supper partly for the purpose of learning the direction which Jesus and the others would take after the supper. R3366:3
Despite the custom of the time, to be loyal and faithful to the one whose bread he ate. R3879:3
Dippeth with me – Unleavened bread, resembling thick pancakes, was sometimes used instead of a spoon to sop up the essence of the meat. R5542:1
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| 21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
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Woe to that man – Judas' intimate acquaintance with the Lord made him specially responsible. NS603:6
Judas had a sufficiency of light to condemn him so he would have no further opportunity and hope. R5453:1
Let us beware of the little things which, like a switch upon a railway, turn a train into an entirely different track, and may lead us off far from the goal we at first desired to reach. R3367:1
Had never been born – Evidently his was the sin unto death--the joys of his useless, wasted life did not overbalance its sorrows and anguish and his subsequent despair and suicide. R3879:4
Being unmoved by our Lord's words is strong evidence of the willful intention which Marked Judas' crime. R4906:6
Leaves no ray of hope for his restoration. R1800:6
One of the most detestable characters known to the pages of history. R4909:5
Every suicide by his act confesses his wish that he had never been born. R3364:3
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| 22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
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As they did eat – It is entirely probable that Judas was not present when Jesus, a little later, instituted the Memorial Supper which Christians now celebrate. R5542:2
Christ's death should not be celebrated monthly, quarterly or weekly, but, as the archtype of the Jewish Passover, should properly be celebrated annually. R5542:3
Jesus took bread – Some of the left-over unleavened bread. R3526:3
In the Passover a literal lamb was used to typify Jesus, but now the breaking of bread represented the death of Jesus. R5542:3
The unleavened bread memorializes the purity, the sinlessness, of him who gave himself to be the ransom-price for all. R4591:2, 2772:3
"I am the bread of life." (John 6:35) R2772:3
"For we being many are one bread, and one body." (1 Cor. 10:17) R5542:5
And brake it – Represented the death of Jesus. R5542:3
Represented the sacrifice of Christ's humanity for our redemption. R1800:6
It must be "broken" in order to be appropriated; it was also necessary that he be broken in death, sacrificed for our sins, ere we could appropriate his merit and enjoy everlasting life. R3526:4
When we break this Bread together as a Memorial, we not only symbolize our Lord's broken body, but also our own breaking or dying as members of the Church. R4591:5
Take, eat – Symbolically represents our partaking of the fleshly perfection of the man Jesus. R4591:3
The appropriation to ourselves, by faith, of justification to human life-right. R5871:1, 1800:6
The rights and privileges which Christ surrendered may be appropriated by all who accept him. R3879:6
This is my body – Not that the bread was turned into his actual body and the wine into his actual blood, for he still had his actual body and blood; but that they symbolically represented his body and blood. R5542:3, 3526:4
This represents me, the antitypical Lamb; it represents my flesh. F464; R5870:5
A figure of speech. He would not have meant as some believe that the bread turned into his actual flesh, for he still had his flesh. R3879:5, 5870:5
The broken bread represented the sacrifice of Christ's humanity for our redemption. R1800:6
To call their minds from the typical lamb to himself, the antitype, and to show them that it would be no longer proper to observe a feature of the Law which he was about to fulfill. R4839:4, 466:1
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| 23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. |
He took the cup – Symbolical and pointed forward to his own death. R4331:3
Representing crushing of the grapes, the blood of the grapes, the Master's blood, the life sacrificed, poured out, and their lives with him. R3880:3, 4591:5
We not only need nourishment to come back to God and his favor, but we need the precious blood to release us from the condemnation of justice. R3526:5
They all drank of it – Having the same significance of the broken bread. Partaking in it also meant the appropriation of the benefits of his sacrifice, thus securing our justification. R1800:6
It was Jesus' cup, of which he drank, that he gave to his disciples to finish. Thus, symbolically, we are invited to be partakers of the sufferings of Christ. (2 Cor. 1:5-7) R4475:1
All who would sit with him in his throne must drink of his cup of self-denial, self-sacrifice. R4591:5
All partook with him his cup of suffering and death. R3880:2
Meaning our appropriation of the benefits of his sacrifice, thus securing our justification. R1800:6
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| 24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
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This is my blood of – The blood prepared in advance of the covenant, wherewith to seal it and make it obligatory. R4331:3, 5542:5; E28
The new testament – A covenant of mercy. R2859:3
Before our Lord could become the Mediator he must seal the New Covenant with his own precious blood. E28
Jesus' death constituted the blood which seals, makes efficacious, the New Covenant. But the Church is blessed in advance of that New Covenant, and their blood is counted as part of the sacrifice which seals that covenant. R5542:5
The New Covenant will not become operative until the cup of the Lord's sufferings which is left behind has been drained in death by the last member of his Body. R5542:6, 4310:2,3
The New Law Covenant will be inaugurated by Messiah, its Mediator, at his second advent. R5542:5
Our Lord has not yet already sealed the New Covenant with his blood. Q179:4
Which is shed – "To give his life a ransom (the redemptive price) for many." (Matt. 20:28) R1336:1
Plainly presenting Christ's death as the means through which he gained ability to benefit many. R1335:6*
For many – The world in general. R111:2
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| 25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
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Drink no more – His work, his drinking of the cup, was finished the next day on Calvary. There he completed the drinking of the cup which the Father had poured for him. R5542:6
Fruit of the vine – If anybody prefers to think of it as being grape juice, I have no objection. Q486:4
Not literal wine, but the new thing typified by it. R3365:1
I drink it new – The new wine--the joys, rights and privileges of the divine nature--in that kingdom. R721:2
Having a new and blessed significance, being commemorative of the heroism of their faith under the most crucial tests, and a rejoicing together in the victory of that faith. R1801:1
All who would drink of the present cup of suffering, ignominy and death would also share in his cup of joy and blessing, glory and honor in the kingdom. R3880:3, 3365:1
Foretells the final triumph of Christ and the Church. R1801:1
The kingdom of God – At our Lord's second advent. R3880:3
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| 26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. |
They went out – Let us do the same. Let each go home with heart full, prolonging our communion and fellowship with the Master. R5195:2
The mount of Olives – A distance of perhaps a mile. R5550:2
There is a small enclosure now on the side of Mt. Olivet, about 150 feet square, which is reputed to be the place of our Lord's agonizing prayer. It contains eight very old and very gnarled olive trees, and whether the exact spot or not, it represents it sufficiently well. R2773:6
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| 27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
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Ye shall be offended – Discouraged, stumbled, amazed; the thing they were not expecting would occur. R5550:3
Sheep shall be scattered – Knowing how desolate, aimless and perplexed they would feel, it would be his chief concern in the 40 days between his resurrection and ascension to gather them again and re-establish their faith in him as the Messiah. B111
The Lord willed that severe testings should come to the sheep through the Master. R4488:2
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| 28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.
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| 29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. |
Yet will not I – Peter's courage, manifested on so many occasions, was really his weak point. R5563:1
He was trusting too much to his flesh, and not looking to God and prayerfully watching against temptation. R5550:3
Perhaps it was remembering these words that he drew his sword in the Lord's defense. (John 18:10) R2468:6
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| 30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
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Thou shalt deny me – Peter was trusting too much to his flesh, and not looking to God and prayerfully watching against temptation. R5550:3
As our Lord forewarned Peter of coming trials, so he has forewarned us of the great crucial test near at hand. R5550:6
Siftings are permitted, not because the Lord has no interest in us, but because only those who can stand siftings, trials and tests, are fit for places in the kingdom. R5563:6
Perhaps the Lord allowed this for our sakes, that we might realize we need to put our confidence in the Lord. CR307:5; R5550:3
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| 31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all. |
I will not deny thee – Peter realized no dread, no fear. Hence he did little watching and praying in comparison with what he should have done, and self-confidence led to his undoing for a time. R5563:1
Said they all – They declared themselves loyal and ready for death. How little they knew what severe trials would come upon them. R5550:3
The mistake many make is not realizing how severe the trials and temptations may become, in not realizing the necessity of heavenly assistance in every time of need. R5550:5
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| 32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
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Gethsemane – An olive orchard or garden. R5550:2
Signifying an oil-press place. Jews used olive oil for food and light. Jesus is the nourisher, as well as the enlightener, of the world. He almost crushed his soul in a garden used for the crushing of olives. R5550:2, 2773:3
Doubtless in the end of this age there will come Gethsemane experiences to the Church. R5550:5
To his disciples – Because he loved them, and knew that they loved him, he permitted them to watch and pray with him. R1801:2
Sit ye here – To watch, to be on guard against something that was to occur. R5550:6, 2773:6
I shall pray – That he might find grace to help in time of need. R1801:1
Having first comforted, counselled and prayed for and with his disciples. R1801:1
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| 33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; |
Peter and James and John – As a sort of outer guard--the three in whom he found the most active and consoling sympathy. R1801:2, 2773:6
The three most courageous, zealous and earnest of his disciples. R2774:1
To be sore amazed – As though the sorrow had come upon him unexpectedly. R2774:1
To be very heavy – Carrying the thought of loneliness, home-sickness, friendlessness. R5551:1
Because of the coming shame of trial, conviction, and execution as a blasphemer and seditionist. The perfect man must have suffered far more than would have been possible for a fallen one. R3885:3, 3367:2
Overwhelmed with the fear that in some manner he might have failed of perfection, and that his death might mean extinction. R3886:1, 5551:5
The Master's personal eternal life was in the balance. R5551:4
No one can thoughtfully read this lesson without feeling there is something thoroughly incorrect in the idea that Jesus was his own Heavenly Father. R2773:3
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| 34 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
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Exceeding sorrowful – The thought of extinguishment of life was an important factor in his sorrow. R4804:2
Death to him was very different from what it is to us who are nine-tenths dead, with benumbed sensibilities. R3885:6
An intense mental and nervous strain; an agony which would have worn him out shortly, which caused him to sweat great drops of blood. R1801:2, 3367:3
Fearful lest he might have violated the Law, made some mistake and not come up to the requirements of the Father. R5331:4, 5551:3, 3367:2
Unto death – I feel as if I would die now, without coming to that great crisis which is before me. R5551:1
The death of Jesus began at Jordan; it culminated and was finished at Calvary. R5104:2
Paul assures us that the Master's Gethsemane experiences were linked with fear--not fear of dying, but fear of remaining dead. (Heb. 5:7) R5551:5
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| 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. |
He went forward a little – To be alone in his communion with the Father. R5550:6
And prayed – "Unto him that was able to save him from (out of) death (by resurrection)." (Heb. 5:7) R5551:5, 3885:6, 3367:3
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| 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
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All things are possible – If it were possible for the divine plan to be otherwise worked out, he might be saved from the special tribulations of the hours just before him. R5551:4
The substance of all is that our Lord was exceeding fearful of himself--fearful lest he should make a misstep and thus spoil the entire plan of God, which he had so obediently undertaken and thus so loyally performed. R3886:2
Take away this cup – In the matter of his baptism into death, there was no hesitation. The ignominious death was the thing he prayed might pass. R5421:2,3,6, 5551:5, 3886:2, 3367:2
Jesus was to drink the cup which belonged to the sinner in order that he might redeem man. R5421:6
It was necessary he suffer the death of the cross in order he might redeem the Jew. R5421:6, 5126:4, 5047:4,5, 3901:4; E430
The same cup represented in the communion service. R5421:3
The shame and reproach of being executed as a blasphemer against God and an injurious person amongst men. R3367:2
Not that he might not die, for he had come into the world for that purpose; but that the Father might have some way of passing by the special ignominy of that hour. R5551:5
He comprehended, as others had not comprehended, what death really is. He appreciated, as others did not appreciate, the meaning and value of life. R5551:2
The question was, had he done the divine will fully, in a spirit pleasing to the Heavenly Father; and would he pass through the experience of the next few hours with proper obedience, or fail and lose his all in death? R5551:6, 5331:4
Had the Master failed, there was no one to make good for him. His failure meant everlasting death. R5551:4
Drinking of the cup by the Church represents, not only justification, but sanctification. R5421:5
How different with us who seek to walk in his steps, we have nothing to lose, for as a race we are all under the sentence of death. R5551:3
Not what I will – As a man. T54
But what thou wilt – As the Father--the divine. T54
He learned the Father's will for him, and he was content. R5421:2
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| 37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?
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And he cometh – Seeking human sympathy. R5550:6
Findeth them sleeping – It was midnight and they were accustomed to retiring early. R5550:6
The strain of the evening and the weighty lessons which the Master had imparted reacted in drowsiness. R5550:6
Well it had been expressed by the prophet, "Of the people there was none with me." (Isa. 63:3) He trod the winepress of grief alone. R5550:6
A great difference between the Master and his followers: the Master is with us, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee," and there is also a fellowship of spirit amongst the brethren of Christ. R5551:6
Sleepest thou – Not begotten of the holy Spirit, they could not therefore so fully watch with the Lord and pray with him as if they had been spiritually enlightened. R5331:1
Couldest not thou watch – Gently he reproved them. R4804:5, 2774:4
They were not without loyalty; it was not a matter of indifference to them, but they did not comprehend. R5331:1
One hour – Little did they realize that at that critical hour their own and the whole world's salvation hung upon the shoulders of their trembling, suffering Lord. It was the dark hour of the world's crisis. (John 12:31) R669:2
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| 38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
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Watch ye – Be watchful, active, alert, and co-labor with God and with the Lord Jesus Christ. R5332:1
Addressed, with much force, to the eleven; and more particularly to the three whom he had called apart to be a little nearer to him. R5331:1
Not merely on my account, you need to be in a watching attitude on your own account. An hour of severe trial is upon us all. R2774:4
Watch and be on guard against the encroachments of the world, flesh, and devil; watch for all the encouragements of the Lord's Word; watch for everything that will strengthen us in faith, loyalty, hope and love. R2775:5
Some will make light of the warning and expose themselves to danger; others will hearken, resulting in their preservation. R3761:4
There seems to be special need of this at the Passover season. R3178:3
And pray – For wisdom and grace. R5331:5
Our Lord watched and prayed, got a blessing and came off victor; they did not watch or pray, and as a result we find them scattered and bewildered. R2775:2
Some make the mistake of praying without watching; others make the mistake of watching without praying. R2775:5
Pray together as the Lord's people; pray in our homes, as families; pray in secret, in private; have the spirit of prayer in all that we say and do. R2775:5
In harmony with our intelligence--our knowledge of the divine plan. R5332:4
Lest ye enter – Lest they should fall in their temptations. R5331:5, 5312:5
Lest ye fall in this evil time. R2774:5
Those who neglect the Master's words will be sure to enter into temptation, and be tolerably sure to fall therein. R2775:5
They would have fallen into temptation the same, but they would not have entered into it. R5331:5
That we may be shielded from temptation that without his aid would be beyond our endurance, and that he will, in his own due time deliver us from evil and imperfection and grant us a place in his heavenly kingdom. R5835:5
The devil is seeking whom he any devour. He knows our weak points and is ready to take advantage of them. R3179:4
Into temptation – In this hour of trial which is upon us all. R2774:5
It was the most trying time for our Lord, for the apostles, and particularly for Judas and Peter. R3759:3
Now is the time for the Church to be specially on the alert against the wiles of the world, the flesh and the Adversary. R5331:6
We may not clearly discern in advance the character of the temptations, for if we knew all about them beforehand, they would be but slight temptations and easily overcome. R5332:4, 3179:1
A temptation resisted makes us so much the stronger to resist the next. R5331:5
The flesh is weak – Notice his kind consideration for the bewildered and weary disciples, and his loving excuse for them. R1801:6
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| 39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. |
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| 40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. |
When he returned – It was no sign of weakness that he thus craved human sympathy. R801:2
Asleep again – Instead of watching and praying, therefore the less prepared for the trial hour coming on. R3367:5
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| 41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
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Sleep on now – "Of the people there was none with me." (Isa. 63:3) He trod the winepress of grief alone. R5550:6
An angel appeared and strengthened him with the assurance that he had been faithful to that moment, and that divine blessing would be with him in the trial at hand. From that moment onward, all fear and agony were gone. R5551:6, 5331:4
It is enough – Assured of the Father's favor, he could pass through any experience; he had gotten the victory. R5331:4
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| 42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
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| 43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. |
Cometh Judas – The Judas class of today are those who receive temptation, enter into the spirit of the allurement, and are swallowed up by it. R3760:1
A great multitude – The high priests' servants, court followers, resembling the police of today. R3367:4
An impromptu sheriff's posse. R3887:2
Staves – Clubs. R3367:4
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| 44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. |
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| 45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. |
And kissed him – The Greek indicates he kissed him repeatedly. R3887:2
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| 46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him. |
And took him – The binding of our Lord seems to have been entirely unnecessary, except as the "band" might desire to make an exhibition of their prowess to those who had sent them. R2469:4
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| 47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. |
And one of them – Peter. (John 18:10) R3887:6, 3367:4
Drew a sword – They had the swords to demonstrate that our Lord was not taken contrary to his own will. R3367:4
To defend the Lord. R3886:6
The only sword which the Lord's people now may use is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. R3888:1
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| 48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
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Are ye come – The Lord seems to have remonstrated his binding. (John 18:12) R2469:4
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| 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
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| 50 And they all forsook him, and fled. |
All forsook him, and fled – Awakened, surprised, dismissed by the Lord. R3367:4
Our Lord, in surrendering himself, stipulated that his apostles were not included in the arrest. R3367:4
Our Lord had said, "let these go their way." (John 18:8) R3888:1
They were disconcerted by the Master's arrest and his evident willingness to be arrested. R4756:2
The temptation, the fear they could not resist. R3178:6
It is appropriate that the Body of Christ should, at the Memorial season, have special trials, peculiar difficulties, testings of faith, obedience and loyalty. R4756:2, 3178:3
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| 51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: |
A certain young man – There is some evidence that John Mark, the writer of this Gospel, was the lad, awakened by the commotion of Jesus' arrest, who came forth in his nightgown. R5550:3, 4707:2, 4347:2, 4169:1
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| 52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked. |
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| 53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. |
To the high priest – Caiaphas, evidently the ringleader in the conspiracy against Jesus. We may presume it was by his orders our Lord was taken first to Annas (John 18:13-24), his father-in-law. R2780:6
First to Annas (John 18:13), the rightful high priest according to the Law, the office being for life. His son-in-law, Caiaphas, was the acting high priest, appointed by the Romans. R1809:2
Were assembled – It was not lawful to try any man for a capital offense between sundown and sunrise. Hence this trial was an informal one. It must be ratified by the Sanhedrin after sunrise. R3367:5, 1809:3
All the chief priests – Carefully excluding, evidently, a few such men as Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and probably a few others known to be favorably inclined toward the new teacher. R1809:2
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| 54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. |
Into the palace – Peter and John went with the crowd into Pilate's court to see what would befall the Master. R3178:6
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| 55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. |
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| 56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. |
Bare false witness against him – Who would misrepresent him, his teachings, etc., either ignorantly through misunderstanding him or designedly with a view to gaining favor with the offices of the court. R3888:3
Witness agreed not together – Two witnesses who agreed were required by law. (Deut. 19:15) R1809:3
The Jewish Law required at least two witnesses in any such trial. R2781:2
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| 57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, |
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| 58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. |
Destroy this temple – Misunderstood or deliberately falsified--he had said that if they destroyed the Temple it would be reared again within three days (antitypical). R3370:5
The true Church. R3080:6, 3081:1; T70
Within three days – The last of the fifth, all of the sixth, and the early part of the seventh thousand-year day. R3375:2, 3080:6
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| 59 But neither so did their witness agree together. |
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| 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? |
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| 61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? |
He held his peace – Knowing that the truth was not desired and would avail nothing. R1809:5
Had the witnesses repeated his words exactly there was nothing in them upon which any law would condemn him. R3888:4
The High Priest, however, realized that he had utterly failed of getting any testimony against the Lord. R3888:4
And answered nothing – Knowing that the truth was not desired and would avail nothing with these men who so warmly cherished murder in their hearts. R1809:5
The Christ, the Son – The charge against our Lord was based upon his claim of being a Son of God--not the Father himself. R2781:5
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| 62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
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I am – The Messiah, the Son of God. R2781:3
He deliberately answered "I am," knowing that his reply would be like the signing of his death warrant. R1809:5
Right hand of power – This prophecy compassed the certainty of his death and resurrection. R1809:5
Signifying the chief place, the position of excellence or favor. He will be on the right hand when coming, and remain on the right hand forever. R532:1, 4:5
The power and glory of his kingdom, which he had previously affirmed was not to be of this world, or dispensation, but of the world to come, wherein dwelleth righteousness. R1809:5
"Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." (Psa. 110:1) A92; R531:6
And coming – Pointed to his return in the end of the Gospel age. R1809:5
In the clouds – A time of trouble. R5269:2, 153:1; B138
Represents confusion in general. R5269:5
Of heaven – The powers of spiritual control. A318
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| 63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? |
Rent his clothes – Whose very robes were symbolic of the blessed one in their midst. R1809:5
In token of astonishment and horror at such blasphemy. R1809:5
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| 64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. |
The blasphemy – "Blasphemy is to attribute to God that which is contrary to his nature, and does not belong to him--and to deny what does." B306
The word is applicable to any indignity offered to God. B306
The Sanhedrin preferred this charge for its effect upon the people. R1809:6
One of the few charges the penalty of which under the Law was death. R3367:5
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| 65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. |
And some – For two hours from 3 AM to 5 AM. R2470:5
To spit on him – "I hid not my face from shame and spitting." (Isa. 50:6) E52
And to buffet him – The rabble in the Court, hearing the commotion, felt at liberty to abuse the prisoner, as they had done others. R4711:5
"I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair." (Isa. 50:6) E52
And the servants – Low minds delight in the misfortunes of those whom they realize to be their superiors. R2470:5
Did strike him – Manifesting the same spirit as their masters. Their methods were ruder because they were more ignorant and coarse. R2470:5
"Consider him who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself." (Heb. 12:3) R2781:6
"He shall see (the fruits) of the travail of his soul (in the grand restitution of the redeemed race), and shall be satisfied." (Isa. 53:11) R1360:1; E441, E52
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| 66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: |
In the palace – John and Peter had now separated. R5563:4
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| 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. |
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| 68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch. |
But he denied – Mark's Gospel record is supposed to have been indited by Peter himself, Mark being in a large measure Peter's amanuensis. R2469:5
The writers of the New Testament were certainly very different from the majority of writers in that they told the absolute truth without modification or varnish. R5563:2
In terror. R4488:5
To see his Master apparently without friends in heaven, delivered over to his enemies and led from one tribunal to the other, has a paralyzing effect upon St. Peter. R5563:4
Stunned by the identification and wondering to what it might lead. R5563:4
The first instinct of nature, self-preservation overpowered him. He desired to avoid the troubles that had come upon Jesus. R3367:6
The Master knew the loyalty of Peter's heart, he knew he did it under stress. R5053:4
The Lord places himself, his brethren and his Word on a par. Those who deny his truth and his Word of prophecy are denying him. R3368:1
Men who freely tell of their failings must have been men of great courage, great sincerity, great love for the truth. R5563:3
Judas went down into the second death despised. Peter, after ups and downs of trial and discipline, passed to a reward of glory, honor and immortality. R5563:1
Into the porch – Where the shadows were deeper and the people fewer. R5568:4
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| 69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. |
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| 70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. |
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| 71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. |
Began to curse – This account of cursing, omitted by John, is supposed to have been indited by Peter himself, Mark being Peter's amanuensis. R2469:5
In terror. R4488:5
Peter's crime was nothing like that of Judas, he had merely sought to protect himself, he had not sought to even risk the injury of his Master. R5563:5
Foreshadowing the testing of the sanctuary class now. C188
I know not this man – This was prior to his being anointed by the holy Spirit. F223
This has been a blessing to the Lord's followers, knowing that they, too, were sometimes overtaken in a fault. R3368:1
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| 72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept. |
And Peter – His crime was nothing like that of Judas; he had merely sought to protect himself. R5563:5
He wept – Jesus lifted up his eyes and looked at Peter--a sympathetic glance, not an angered one--but it went straight to the heart. R5563:5
A great blessing to all the Lord's followers in their weaknesses and faults. They have learned from Peter to weep bitterly for these shortcomings. R3368:1
After he had it out with God in tears and prayers, he started again in the good way. R5331:6
The thoroughness of Peter's repentance is abundantly testified to by his subsequent loyalty, even unto death. R5563:5
Both Peter and Judas repented; the one who was merely entrapped was accepted back to divine favor. R3760:1
Tradition relates that ever after Peter arose at cock-crowing, made a fresh remembrance of his weakness and accepted divine forgiveness. R3368:1
Tradition has it that, remembering how he had denied the Master, felt it too great an honor to share the same form of death and, at his own request, was crucified head downward. R5563:5
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