Jesus Knew & Jesus Knows

INTRO: Today we celebrate what is known in Christendom as Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, or Passion Week. This is the week memorialized in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ that climaxes with his crucifixion on Friday and culminates with his resurrection on Sunday.

So we’re taking a break from our exposition of the Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles to focus today on a text that took place during Holy Week. I decided that I’d like us to look into the Gospel according to Mark for a couple of reasons:

1. I have not taught much from Mark concerning Holy Week, and I enjoy preaching new texts so that I will be edified and challenged to grow. The section we look at today from Mark 14 has struck me in a unique way studying it this time through.

2. Mark’s Gospel is based upon the authority and testimony of the Apostle Peter, who communicated the words and deeds of Jesus to John Mark. We are in a section of Acts where Peter is again the lead character, and we will soon be introduced to how Peter comes to know a young man by the name of “John whose other name was Mark.” (Ac 12:12) He will also be another sometimes companion of Paul and of Barnabas. ***

Today in Mark 14:1-42 our goal will be for us to understand the detail with which Jesus knew exactly what he was walking into, so that you will know him and love him for what he did for you, responding in faith and worship to God. Secondly, I want us to see depth with which Jesus knows and cares for his own so that we can trust him to sustain us as we walk with him in Christian discipleship, especially in sacrificial service and suffering.

Mark 14 is an exceedingly long chapter of some 72 verses, but this first section of 42 verses I would call…

Preparation for Impending Suffering (Mark 14:1-42)

… after which immediately follows the betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection (to end the Gospel).

First…

The Religious Leaders Prepared to Arrest Jesus by Stealth (Mk 14:1-2)

Orienting the audience to the setting… so the audience knows the temporal and theological setting, and of the plot to arrest Jesus secretly. (foul plot afoot)

Mark 14:1–2 ESV

It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

The Jews used the terms Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread interchangeably to refer to the feast week that was commanded by God to commemorate how God brought them up out of slavery in Egypt. Together they formed an 8-day celebration that began with Passover followed by 7 days of Unleavened Bread.

Although the chief priests and scribes are desperate to be rid of Jesus, they fear his popularity with the people, so they evidently plan to not only find a way to arrest him by stealth but also to wait until after the feast week. (That timetable will change.)

Since Jesus has already predicted his death three times in Mark (Mk 8:31; 9:30–32; 10:32–34), even at times naming the perpetrators.

Mark 8:31 ESV

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.

It is quite clear…

Jesus knew that his enemies, who wrongly viewed themselves as God’s instruments, were seeking to kill him.

A foul plot is indeed afoot, but it does not catch Jesus unaware.

Jesus is not unaware of your suffering and trial. Indeed, he has taught us…

John 16:33 ESV

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

(To continue…) This clear knowledge their plans to kill him is only the beginning in the passage to demonstrate the depth with which Jesus understood what was coming and its purpose in God’s plan.

Therefore, next Mark places here the episode of…

A Worshipping Woman (Unknowingly) Prepared Jesus for Burial (Mk 14:3-9)

(while he is yet alive)

Mark 14:3–9 ESV

And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

From the Apostle John’s Gospel we learn that this was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who themselves were from the town of Bethany and were Jesus’ friends whom he sometimes (or often) stayed with when in the region of Jerusalem. If we remember Mary as the one who sat listening at the feet of Jesus while Martha complained that she was busy with the hosting, but Jesus commended Mary’s choice, we are less surprised by this act of lavish worship from such a one as Mary.

But the disciples are surprised, not by the anointing of a guest of honor (which wasn’t uncommon practice), but by the expense and excess of that which this woman used. Although others joined in, we learn from John that Judas was the instigator of this complaint (Jn 12:4-6), not out of concern for the poor but out of greed.

Instead of chastising her, Jesus commends this act as a beautiful thing done in love for him (again, undoubtedly a recognition of the intention of her heart). He isn’t saying that they shouldn’t give to the poor, but only that such is an opportunity they will always have (helping the poor), but his departure is imminent.

It is at this point in the section where we see…

Jesus knew the anointing kindness was in fact preparation for his impending burial.

v. 8

And isn’t it precisely as Jesus said, that with all four Gospels recording the event, her act of worship is told along with the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ? And to the whole world, really? Well, don’t we make efforts to translate the Bible into every language necessary to reach all people with the good news of Jesus, beginning with the Gospels?

(Before moving on… ) Jesus is worthy of your highest earthly cost, and your heavenly reward will far outweigh your greatest sacrifice for him in this life.

By contrast to Mary’s worship of Jesus…

Judas Prepared to Betray Jesus (Mk 14:10-11)

Mark 14:10–11 ESV

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

This also evidently changes their timetable because Judas knows enough about Jesus’ plans and where he can be found that they are able to arrest him at night in Gethsemane with only his closest followers around (the night of the Passover meal).

As Mark’s Gospel clearly presents Jesus’ universal call to discipleship, the author demonstrates that people accordingly divide themselves into either followers or opponents of Jesus. In spite of his proximity to the inner circle and ministry of Jesus, Judas missed the true worth of Jesus and saw him as a means to his own earthly end. Thus, he pitted himself against Jesus, colluding with his enemies, and so remained an enemy of God.

The same is true for Mark’s audience, the readers. Discipleship is essentially a relationship with Jesus, so we cannot be right with God and be against Jesus.

Now after these three ways that others are preparing, we still have 5 ways that Jesus is doing the preparation, so we’ll have to pick up the pace a bit.

Jesus Prepared for a Final Passover Meal With His Disciples (Mk 14:12-16)

Two Disciples Prepare a Final Passover Meal, but Jesus is clearly the one orchestrating everything.

Mark 14:12 ESV

And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”

Again, “the first day of Unleavened Bread” here would refer to the whole 8-day feast, meaning the day leading up to the night of the Passover seder. “Representatives from each family would have the priests slaughter a lamb for them in the temple, then return with it to feed the whole family that night.” -Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), Mk 14:12.

Here this ends up being taken care of by two of his disciples, Peter and John (Lk 22:8).

Mark 14:13–16 ESV

And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Here I simply have time to point out the continuing the theme of all that Jesus knew in this section of preparation for his impending suffering.

Jesus knew the specific details in preparation for eating a final passover with his disciples.

Notice that this same theme continues even as…

Jesus Prepared His Disciples for the Betrayal (Mk 14:17-21)

Mark 14:17–21 ESV

And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

I’m convinced that in this broader context it is insinuated that…

Jesus knew who and how he was being betrayed.

But what is insinuated here is made abundantly clear by John in Jn 13:26-30, where Jesus says to Judas directly, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Although the other disciples were less certain about why Jesus said this to him, Jesus knew precisely what was taking place. In fact, where we end today at v. 42, Jesus says to the disciples,

Mark 14:42 ESV

Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

But before we get there, earlier the same evening…

Jesus Prepared His Disciples for His Sacrifice and Future Departure (Mk 14:22-25)

Mark 14:22–25 ESV

And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

There are a couple of other things I’ll emphasize when we take the Lord’s Table together to close the service this morning, but here’s the first one to not miss.

Jesus knew we needed him to be our perfect and permanent passover lamb.

The gospel is the good news of the fulfillment of God’s promises through the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Son who came in human flesh to make provision (by his death, resurrection, and exaltation) for perfect and permanent restoration to God through faith in Him.

Jesus Prepared His Disciples for Their Failure and for His Resurrection (Mk 14:26-31)

Mark 14:26–31 ESV

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.

Jesus knew his disciple would scatter in fear.

(even the specifics of Peter denying to know him). Jesus knew that, until he had completed the work for which he had been sent, his followers were not yet prepared to be his representatives. (even the Apostles needed his completed work and the indwelling Holy Spirit)

Jesus knew he would be raised to life.

Acts 2:23–24 ESV

this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

Jesus Prepared Himself for Impending Suffering (Mk 14:32-42)

Mark 14:32–42 ESV

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

Jesus knew the cup of suffering he had to drink in order to atone for sin and secure our forgiveness.

Jesus knew the Father’s will is best.

Jesus knew his followers would need to learn this same dependence on God.

Conclusion: Jesus Knows Your Need

Jesus knows that you need him to be right with God, so he suffered to accomplish that… for you.

Again, the call today is to respond to Jesus in faith and worship.

Jesus alone can prepare us for eternity. He alone makes provision to restore us to right relationship to God.

Jesus knows your sin and inability, so he died and rose to save you. (Rom 5:6)

Romans 5:6 ESV

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Now is the time to repent, and believe the gospel. Mk 1:15

Mark 1:15 ESV

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

He lives to secure your redemption.

Jesus knows that, in order for you to follow through on his mission, especially through suffering, you must abide in him and follow his example of dependence.

Mark 10:45 ESV

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:43–44 ESV

But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.

How are we preparing for trials and suffering?

Abide

John 15:5 ESV

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Jesus knows and sympathizes with your weakness and your suffering. (Heb 4:14-16)

Hebrews 4:14–16 ESV

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

PRAY

COMMUNION:

Jesus knows we would need to regularly remember.

Jesus knows we need to regularly depend on him and abide in him. (sustenance and table fellowship)