ScriptureDepth's study of Mark 14
“He said to them, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many.”
Mark 14:24
Jesus speaks to his disciples at the Last Supper, asserting that his blood represents the new covenant, which is crucial for understanding the significance of his sacrificial act.
What Mark 14 is about
The chief priests and scribes planned to seize Jesus and kill him, but decided against it during the feast to avoid a riot (vv. 1-2). At Bethany, a woman anointed Jesus with costly ointment. Some disciples were angry at the perceived waste (vv. 3-5). Jesus defended the woman, saying she prepared his body for burial (vv. 6-9). Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus (vv. 10-11). Disciples asked where to prepare the Passover. Jesus directed two disciples to a man in the city (vv. 12-13). They prepared the Passover in the upper room. At the meal, Jesus foretold his betrayal (vv. 17-21). He instituted the Lord's Supper, saying the bread was his body and the cup was his blood of the new covenant (vv. 22-25). After predictions of Peter's denial (vv. 27-31), Jesus prayed in Gethsemane (vv. 32-42). Judas betrayed him with a kiss (vv. 43-46). Peter denied Jesus three times (vv. 66-72).
Jesus warns that betrayal will lead to sorrow, and Peter's denial highlights the weakness of the flesh.
Mark 14 at a glance
- Mark 14:1–2Plot Against Jesus
- Mark 14:3–9Anointing at Bethany
- Mark 14:10–11Judas's Betrayal
- Mark 14:12–26The Last Supper
- Mark 14:27–31Predicting Peter's Denial
- Mark 14:32–72Gethsemane and Arrest
Key verse: Mark 14:24
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Mark 14 (WEB)
Plot Against Jesus Mark 14:1–2
1Verse 1. It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize him by deception, and kill him. 2Verse 2. For they said, “Not during the feast, because there might be a riot among the people.”
Anointing at Bethany Mark 14:3–9
3Verse 3. While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard—very costly. She broke the jar, and poured it over his head. 4Verse 4. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, “Why has this ointment been wasted? 5Verse 5. For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor.” They grumbled against her. 6Verse 6. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me. 7Verse 7. 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.
8Verse 8. She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying. 9Verse 9. Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of her.”
Judas's Betrayal Mark 14:10–11
10Verse 10. Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that he might deliver him to them. 11Verse 11. They, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. He sought how he might conveniently deliver him.
The Last Supper Mark 14:12–26
12Verse 12. On the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the Passover, his disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare that you may eat the Passover?” 13Verse 13. He sent two of his disciples, and said to them, “Go into the city, and there you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him, 14Verse 14. and wherever he enters in, tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 15Verse 15. He will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Get ready for us there.”
16Verse 16. His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found things as he had said to them, and they prepared the Passover. 17Verse 17. When it was evening he came with the twelve. 18Verse 18. As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, one of you will betray me—he who eats with me.” 19Verse 19. They began to be sorrowful, and to ask him one by one, “Surely not I?” And another said, “Surely not I?” 20Verse 20. He answered them, “It is one of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish. 21Verse 21. For the Son of Man goes, even as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”
22Verse 22. As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed, he broke it, and gave to them, and said, “Take, eat. This is my body.” 23Verse 23. He took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them. They all drank of it. 24Verse 24. He said to them, “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. 25Verse 25. Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it anew in God’s Kingdom.” 26Verse 26. When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Predicting Peter's Denial Mark 14:27–31
27Verse 27. Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28Verse 28. However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.” 29Verse 29. But Peter said to him, “Although all will be offended, yet I will not.” 30Verse 30. Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you, that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31Verse 31. But he spoke all the more, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” They all said the same thing.
Gethsemane and Arrest Mark 14:32–72
32Verse 32. They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I pray.” 33Verse 33. He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed. 34Verse 34. He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch.” 35Verse 35. He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 36Verse 36. He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.”
37Verse 37. He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you watch one hour? 38Verse 38. Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39Verse 39. Again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words. 40Verse 40. Again he returned, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they didn’t know what to answer him. 41Verse 41. He came the third time, and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42Verse 42. Arise, let us be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.” 43Verse 43. Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came—and with him a multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44Verse 44. Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I will kiss, that is he. Seize him, and lead him away safely.” 45Verse 45. When he had come, immediately he came to him, and said, “Rabbi! Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46Verse 46. They laid their hands on him, and seized him. 47Verse 47. But a certain one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
48Verse 48. Jesus answered them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? 49Verse 49. I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me. But this is so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.” 50Verse 50. They all left him, and fled. 51Verse 51. A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself over his naked body. The young men grabbed him, 52Verse 52. but he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked. 53Verse 53. They led Jesus away to the high priest. All the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes came together with him.
54Verse 54. Peter had followed him from a distance, until he came into the court of the high priest. He was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire. 55Verse 55. Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none. 56Verse 56. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony didn’t agree with each other. 57Verse 57. Some stood up, and gave false testimony against him, saying, 58Verse 58. “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’”
59Verse 59. Even so, their testimony did not agree. 60Verse 60. The high priest stood up in the middle, and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it which these testify against you?” 61Verse 61. But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62Verse 62. Jesus said, “I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky.” 63Verse 63. The high priest tore his clothes, and said, “What further need have we of witnesses? 64Verse 64. You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” They all condemned him to be worthy of death.
65Verse 65. Some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with fists, and to tell him, “Prophesy!” The officers struck him with the palms of their hands. 66Verse 66. As Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the maids of the high priest came, 67Verse 67. and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him, and said, “You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus!” 68Verse 68. But he denied it, saying, “I neither know, nor understand what you are saying.” He went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed. 69Verse 69. The maid saw him, and began again to tell those who stood by, “This is one of them.”
70Verse 70. But he again denied it. After a little while again those who stood by said to Peter, “You truly are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” 71Verse 71. But he began to curse, and to swear, “I don’t know this man of whom you speak!” 72Verse 72. The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the word, how that Jesus said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that, he wept.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Mark 14
betrayal
Betrayal becomes evident as Judas Iscariot approaches the chief priests in verses 10-11. One of the twelve disciples, Judas seeks to betray Jesus for money, indicating his complicity in the plot against Jesus. His actions lead directly to the arrest of Jesus, revealing the depths of his betrayal as he looks for a way to 'conveniently deliver' Jesus to the authorities.
sacrifice
Sacrifice is central in the account of the Last Supper found in vv. 22-24. Jesus takes bread, breaks it, and says, 'This is my body', indicating his impending sacrifice. He then speaks of the cup, saying, 'This is my blood of the new covenant', which foreshadows his sacrificial death for many, linking the meal to the greater theme of atonement.
fulfillment of prophecy
Fulfillment of prophecy surfaces in Jesus' foretelling of his betrayal in verses 18-21. He indicates that the Son of Man goes as it is written about him, acknowledging that his betrayal was foretold. This theme persists as the chapter unfolds with Jesus' arrest, aligning with the prophetic writings concerning the suffering servant and the events leading to his death.
faithfulness
Faithfulness is evident in Jesus' actions in Gethsemane, particularly in verses 36-38. Despite experiencing deep distress, he submits to the Father's will with the words, 'not what I desire, but what you desire.' This submission stands in stark contrast to the disciples' inability to remain awake and watch, highlighting Jesus' unwavering commitment to his mission amid betrayal and imminent suffering.
Chapter outline
How Mark 14 unfolds
Mark 14:1–2 Plot Against Jesus
The chief priests and scribes meet to plan how to capture Jesus without inciting a riot during the Passover feast (vv. 1-2). They are intent on killing him.
Mark 14:3–9 Anointing at Bethany
A woman anoints Jesus with costly ointment, provoking indignation from some disciples who see it as wasteful (vv. 3-5). Jesus defends her act as a preparation for his burial (v. 8).
Mark 14:10–11 Judas's Betrayal
Judas Iscariot seeks to betray Jesus to the chief priests, who are pleased and promise him money (vv. 10-11). Judas plans the betrayal in secret.
Mark 14:12–26 The Last Supper
Jesus instructs his disciples to prepare for the Passover meal, providing details about finding a room (vv. 12-15). He institutes the Last Supper, symbolically linking bread and wine to his body and blood (vv. 22-24).
Mark 14:27–31 Predicting Peter's Denial
Jesus predicts that all his disciples will abandon him that night, but Peter insists he will remain loyal (vv. 27-29). Jesus foretells Peter's denial before the rooster crows twice (v. 30).
Mark 14:32–72 Gethsemane and Arrest
In Gethsemane, Jesus experiences deep anguish and prays for strength, while his disciples struggle to stay awake (vv. 32-41). Judas arrives to betray Jesus, leading to his arrest and Peter's denial (vv. 43-72).
Key verses
Mark 14:24Jesus speaks to his disciples at the Last Supper, asserting that his blood represents the new covenant, which is crucial for understanding the significance of his sacrificial act.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Mark 14
- observeIn v6, why does Jesus defend the woman's act of anointing?
- observeWhat does Jesus say about His body and blood in vv. 22-24?
- interpretJudas's betrayal in vv. 10-11: what motivates him to seek out the chief priests?
- interpretJesus' prayer in v36: what does His request to remove the cup imply about His feelings?
- applyWhen have you struggled to stay awake during a difficult time, like the disciples in v37?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Mark 14
- Matthew 26Mark 14:38 and Matthew 26:41Both watch and pray: Mark 14:38 says, 'Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation,' while Matthew 26:41 mirrors this with the same instruction.
- Luke 22Mark 14:36 and Luke 22:42Both not what I desire: Mark 14:36 recounts, 'not what I desire, but what you desire,' while Luke 22:42 reflects, 'not my will, but yours, be done.'
- Proverbs 4Mark 14:38 and Proverbs 4:23Both keep your heart: Mark 14:38 advises, 'Watch and pray,' while Proverbs 4:23 advises to 'Keep your heart with all diligence.'
- John 18Mark 14:47 and John 18:10Both struck the servant: Mark 14:47 recounts, 'struck the servant of the high priest,' while John 18:10 identifies the servant as Malchus.
- John 12Mark 14:3 and John 12:3Both anointed Jesus: Mark 14:3 mentions, 'poured it over his head,' while John 12:3 describes Mary anointing Jesus' feet.
- John 13Mark 14:30 and John 13:38Both deny me three times: Mark 14:30 predicts, 'before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me,' while John 13:38 states the same.
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