(written by Dr. Kip Wehrman 06/20/2023) .
Episode 23S19 Mark 14:17-31 (Part 34) Last Supper
Hello everyone. I’m Kip and I want to thank you for joining me today @ the PUNLA Coffee Table. Today we are continuing our study of the gospel according to Mark with Mark 14:17-31 (Part 34) Last Supper.
The last few chapters of Mark have been the triumphant entry on Palm Sunday, Jesus has cleansed the temple, then Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple and the we Just finished the Olivet Discourse.
Let’s read it again from the New American Standard version (NAS).
Let’s read Mark 14:17-31 (NAS) 17When it was evening He came with the twelve. 18And as they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” 19They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” 20But He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, the one who dips bread with Me in the bowl. 21For the Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” 22While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” 23And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many. 25Truly I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine again, until that day when I drink it, new, in the kingdom of God.” 26And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written: ‘I WILL STRIKE THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP WILL BE SCATTERED.’ 28But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 29But Peter said to Him, “Even if they all fall away, yet I will not!” 30And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” 31But Peter repeatedly said insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing as well.
Now let’s look at these verse closer, Mark 14:17-18 (NAS) 17When it was evening He came with the twelve. 18And as they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.”
So much for cheerful chitchat at the table. I can imagine the room got very quiet, eyes looking around the table at each other.
Mark 14:19-21 (NAS) 19They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” 20But He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, the one who dips bread with Me in the bowl. 21For the Son of Man is going away just as it is written about Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
I’m sure Jesus was intense to be around. I mean He’s God. But there is something different this night. I’m sure the disciples can sense it and in fact the other gospel give us more details on this evening than Mark does. We can assume from the other gospel’s that Judas has left the meal after this. And if you look at the other gospel accounts we can guess that they are coming to the end of their Passover meal.
Let’s continue with Mark 14:22 (NAS) . 22While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.”
This is not the first time Jesus has referred to His body as bread to eat. But I think the disciple can sense something is different this time.
Let’s continue with Mark 14:24-25 (NAS) 24And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many. 25Truly I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine again, until that day when I drink it, new, in the kingdom of God.”
Mark’s account is a fast summary of the last supper. The other gospel say Jesus told them to do this remembrance of Him.
Let’s continue with Mark 14:26 (NAS) 26And after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Now we know there are some other things that happened that every around the typical Passover meal. Then at the end of the meal they sing the Hallel (hah-lel). This is Psalms 113-118. So, I you want to you can look them up and see what Jesus probably singing with His disciples. Now they are back at the Mount of Olives, and we know they are in Gethsemane.
Let’s continue with Mark 14:27-28 (NAS) . 27And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written: ‘I WILL STRIKE THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP WILL BE SCATTERED.’ 28But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
I bet the disciples are confused. They go with Jesus everywhere. Why is Jesus saying they will all scatter and what does He mean after I am raised. Why is Jesus going ahead of us to Galilee.? Lots of questions.
Let’s continue with Mark 14:29-31 (NAS) 29But Peter said to Him, “Even if they all fall away, yet I will not!” 30And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” 31But Peter repeatedly said insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing as well.
I am so thankful for Peter. Peter always says what you know everyone wants to say but don’t. But this is not a voice of confidence in Peter from Jesus. I’m sure Peter protested.
Let me leave you with this today. Mark’s version of the last supper is pretty brief. I like the image of our savior singing with His friend when He knows He is just hours from going to the cross. Now I know this is Jesus, but it is quite an example. He knows what is about to happen and He’s giving them last minute instructions. But my savior sang some songs even though His heart was heavy. I’m sure they had laughs and rich conversation. Years later when the disciples would meet, I bet they spoke about this night with tears and laughter and joy and pain. All mixed together. When we have troubles and pain, and we see more coming our way, think about Jesus. Our situation is only going to last a short time, so take moments in the middle to have a few laughs and tears with the only one who can help, Jesus. Thank you for joining me for our study of the gospel of Mark. Please email me comments or feedback. And if you liked the message, please share the link with your friends. Until next time @ the PUNLA Coffee Table. God
