Mark 14:1-42 As the gospel of Mark continues, during the passion week, Jesus is rejected by the religious leaders, he is betrayed by Judas and is denied by Peter. Both the betrayal of Judas and denial of Peter are predicted beforehand. Jesus knew that he would be betrayed, he had already predicted it in Mark 9:12. Now seated with his disciples at the Passover celebration, he again states one would betray him. He also warns that all of his disciples would fall away, but that he would go before them into Galilee. Jesus endured the suffering of the cross, but he also endured the suffering of human failure and sin: rejection, betrayal and denial. Despite these failures, Jesus remained faithful and committed to the will, purpose and plan of the Father. Just as Jesus demonstrates faithful commitment to the Father, believers must be faithful and committed to the will and purpose of God for their lives.
The gospel of Mark focuses on the gospel of Jesus, who is the Son of God. Jesus is the Christ, the promised one from God. Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing his humanity and the Son of God which emphasizes his deity. The influence of Peter or the teaching of Peter is the foundation of the gospel of Mark. Mark writes to explain Jesus to unbelievers and to call believers to know him and live like him. Mark emphasizes Jesus as a servant, a quality believers should emulate. Mark also emphasizes the discipleship of Jesus. Jesus discipled his followers. Mark hopes to demonstrate the good news (gospel) of Jesus to the world, because he is the Son of God.
