Trial of Christ (“Last Week of Jesus” Bible Study 1)

(This is supplement 1 to the “Last Week of Jesus” Bible study and chat taking place over 3 consecutive Sundays at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, 4:00 p.m. Pacific USA. Pastor Mike is teaching about the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ on March 6th, 13th and 20th. The chapters under consideration are Mark 14:1-72, 15:1-47 and 16:1-20. Join the class: click here.)

INTRODUCTION

This is Christ’s last week of life prior to His trial and crucifixion. He was born to die.

The Gospel of Mark can be outlined as follows: 1st 8 chapters ~ “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”; 2nd 8 chapters ~ “and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

Betrayal (spiritual warfare, too) is a huge theme in this chapter. The word “betray” (or form of it) appears seven times in Mark 14:1-72. Go through and circle them all in your Bible when you have time.

THE PLOT AND ANOINTING

Satan’s role begins here (though he isn’t explicitly mentioned). (Mark 14:1-2, 10-11) Jesus said: “‘You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth.’” (John 8:44) “When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)

Devotion to God is the antidote to a betraying spirit. (Mark 14:3-9) The disciples will abandon Jesus when He needs them most. (Mark 14:50) It’s because they have more of “Judas” in them than “Mary.” “[She poured] costly perfume [on Christ’s] head.” (Mark 14:3b)

PREPARATION FOR PASSOVER

Christ gives specific and right down to the finest detail instructions on how to find the place where they are to eat. (Mark 14:12-15) It is Peter and John who are sent. (Luke 22:8) Peter and John obey and it happens just as Jesus said. (Mark 14:16) (Peter passes this test.)

THE LAST SUPPER

Can you just imagine seeing Judas hearing these things? (Mark 14:17-21) Here he is. The plot has been laid. And he has the audacity to sit in his hypocrisy. It’s his level of wickedness. Satan will possess Judas. (John 13:27)

During the Last Supper, Jesus takes “two traditional parts of the Passover meal, the passing of the bread and the drinking of wine, and [gives] them new meaning as representations of his body and blood.” (NLT 1521)

The old covenant: Sins forgiven through the sacrifice of animals. This is a temporary covering. Requires continual sacrifices. The new covenant: Sins forgiven through faith in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. This is a permanent covering. No need for any more sacrifices.

MOUNT OF OLIVES / GETHSEMANE

“Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered.” (Zechariah 13:7b)

On their walk to Gethsemane, Peter becomes adamant that he will stand. (Mark 14:26b-31) Christ says he won’t. Peter should have said: “Help me, Jesus, not to fall,” but he couldn’t see his own weakness. (Read Luke’s record of Jesus and Peter’s conversation to highlight Satan’s role again: Luke 22:31-34.) We all have a breaking point.

Christ grapples with the will of God. (Mark 14:32-42) The real battle for the souls of men takes place here – in the Garden of Gethsemane.

In John 18:11, Jesus rebukes Peter and after he (Peter) cuts off the ear of the slave, Malchus, He (Jesus) says, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?” “‘[R]emove this cup.’” “‘Shall I not drink this cup?’”

Various interpretations of the “cup” (Wycliffe 1065):
(I don’t necessarily accept each of these)

1. The fear of death. (Jesus was born to die.)
2. The “suffering of death.”
3. The “possibility of death [happening prior to our Lord’s completing] the work on the cross.” Many died after the scourging alone. No cross, no salvation.
4. The “burden of the world’s sin” He’s to carry.
5. (Mine) Maybe it’s separation from God the Father that He’s talking about. (Mark 15:34b)

Bottom line, the “cup” of Christ ~ it’s something our Lord is going to have to face and endure and walk through and deal with. And it’s gonna be hard for Him to face and endure and walk through and deal with it.

Every believer has a “cup.” (What’s yours?) Or multiple “cups” from time to time confront every believer during his or her life.

Two more things about “cups”:

1. It is not necessarily a sin to desire or ask for one’s “cup” to be removed. (Paul sought to be delivered from his “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.)

2. We must not bale out on God’s will unless it’s God’s will we bale out. (Jesus prays, “‘Remove this cup,’” in Mark 14:36 and then He waits for God’s answer as He subjects His desire to the will of God.)

BETRAYAL AND ARREST

Interesting things happening: (1) Judas betrays Christ with a kiss. (Mark 14:44-45); (2) Peter cuts of Malchus’ ear. (Mark 14:47) (He was going for his head?) Jesus heals the ear. (Luke 22:51b); (3) Mark (the writer of this Gospel) escapes the scene naked. (Mark 14:51-52)

JESUS BEFORE HIS ACCUSERS

Note the fulfillment of prophecies here: (1) False witnesses. (Mark 14:56-58; Psalm 35:11); (2) Spitting and beating. (Mark 14:65; Isaiah 50:6; 53:5)

Jesus got what He didn’t deserve (spat upon, punched, slapped in the face) so we would get what we don’t deserve (righteousness, forgiveness, a relationship with God). (2 Corinthians 5:21)

PETER’S DENIAL

Was there a difference between Peter’s denial and Judas’ betrayal? (Mark 14:66-72)

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. The word “betray” (or form of it) appears seven times in Mark 14. (v. 10, 11, 18, 21, 41, 42. 44) Have you ever been betrayed (or know someone who has)? How did you (he or she) feel? (Luke 22:61)

2. When God tells a person to do something, it is very important to do it. (Mark 14:12-16) Tell of a time when God told you to do something and you did it.

3. As Jesus is being taken into custody, a young man escapes, but only after losing his clothes. (Mark 14:51-52) Would it be proper to use this story as a proof text for “streaking” (from the 1970s)? Why or why not?

4. Peter says he will never deny his Lord. (Mark 14:29, 31) Then he does. (Mark 14:66-72) Have you ever done something that you promised you wouldn’t do?

(Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss in the public domain: click here.)