Mark chapter 14 is one of the longest and most emotionally intense chapters in the Gospel. It covers the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, including his anointing in Bethany, the Last Supper, his betrayal, and his arrest in Gethsemane. It is a chapter filled with deep sorrow, betrayal, and the unwavering obedience of Jesus to the will of the Father.
The chapter begins with the chief priests and scribes plotting to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. They fear doing so during the Passover festival because of the crowd. Meanwhile, Jesus is in Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper. As he sits at the table, a woman comes with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, breaks the jar, and pours it over his head. Some of those present are indignant, saying that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus rebukes them, saying that the woman has done a good work for him. "For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me." He declares that she has anointed his body beforehand for burial and that her act will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
Shortly after, Judas Iscariot goes to the chief priests and offers to betray Jesus. They are delighted and promise to give him money. From that moment, Judas looks for an opportunity to hand Jesus over.
On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, Jesus' disciples ask where they should prepare the meal. Jesus sends two of them into the city, telling them they will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. They are to follow him to a house and tell the owner that the Teacher asks for the guest room to eat the Passover with his disciples. Everything happens as Jesus says, and they prepare the meal.
That evening, as they recline at the table, Jesus makes a shocking statement: "Most certainly I tell you, one of you will betray me—he who eats with me." The disciples are sorrowful and ask one by one, "Surely not I?" Jesus responds, "It is one of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish." He declares that the Son of Man will go as it is written about him, but woe to the one who betrays him.
As they eat, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them, saying, "Take, eat. This is my body." Then he takes a cup, gives thanks, and gives it to them, saying, "This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many." He tells them he will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until he drinks it new in God’s Kingdom.
After singing a hymn, they go out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus tells them that they will all fall away, but Peter insists, "Although all will be offended, yet I will not." Jesus replies, "Most certainly I tell you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." Peter and the others declare they will never deny him.
They arrive at Gethsemane, and Jesus tells his disciples to sit while he prays. Taking Peter, James, and John, he begins to be greatly distressed. He tells them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch." Going a little farther, he falls to the ground and prays that, if possible, the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire." He returns to find his disciples sleeping and warns them to watch and pray. This happens three times. Then he says, "The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners."
Immediately, Judas arrives with a crowd armed with swords and clubs. He gives Jesus a kiss as a signal to the guards. They seize Jesus, and one of his disciples draws a sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus stops them, saying, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me." The disciples all flee.
Jesus is taken to the high priest, where the chief priests and council seek testimony against him. Many bear false witness, but their statements do not agree. Finally, the high priest asks, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus answers, "I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of the sky." The high priest tears his clothes, declares Jesus guilty of blasphemy, and they condemn him to death. They spit on him, blindfold him, beat him, and mock him.
Meanwhile, Peter follows at a distance and sits in the courtyard. A servant girl recognizes him, saying, "You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus!" But Peter denies it. Twice more he is accused, and each time he denies knowing Jesus. Then the rooster crows a second time, and Peter remembers Jesus’ words. He breaks down and weeps.
Mark chapter 14 is filled with betrayal, sorrow, and Jesus’ unwavering commitment to fulfill God’s will. The anointing at Bethany highlights the contrast between love and greed—one woman gives Jesus her most precious possession, while Judas sells him for money. The Last Supper establishes the new covenant through Jesus' body and blood. In Gethsemane, we see Jesus’ deep anguish and perfect submission to the Father. His arrest, trial, and Peter’s denial show the weakness of humanity. Through it all, Jesus remains steadfast, knowing that his suffering will bring salvation.