The Gospel of Mark, rightly Divided
Mark 14:18-26 | Session 55 | Dr. Randy White
Mark 14:12-26 | The Last Supper
Mark 14:18-26 | The Supper
Verse 18 -
Jesus informs the participants—a group larger than just the twelve disciples—that one among them will betray Him. This statement is broad, addressing everyone present in the room.
How do we know there were more than 12 people in the room? Because in verse 20, Jesus specifies that it's one of the 12 who will betray him. This clarification wouldn't make sense if only the 12 disciples were present. It's logical to conclude that a larger group was in attendance.
Verse 19 -
The accusation of a betrayer prompted introspection among those present. Each person turned inward, questioning their own loyalty with a simple "Is it I?" The gravity of the situation was evident in their responses. No one tried to dismiss Jesus' words or suggest He was being overly cautious about their loyalty. They didn't attempt to reassure Him with claims of unwavering devotion.
We might wonder, "How could all of them think, 'I might be the one?'" We need to remember the tremendous weight of the moment. They knew that times were incredibly dangerous, that they were facing death just by being with Jesus, who was considered public enemy number one. It's easy to be confident in a safe setting. However, it's wise to be introspective about our own weaknesses when we're not.
Verse 20 -
This verse's interpretation is often misunderstood due to our foreknowledge of the crucifixion account. It's crucial to recognize that Jesus is not explicitly identifying Judas as the betrayer here. This fact is irrefutably proven by the events that unfold later that evening. After supper, when Judas departs to meet with the chief priests, not a single person in the room comprehends the reason for his exit (John 13:27-28). This clearly demonstrates that Jesus' statement in verse 20 was not a direct accusation against Judas, but rather a broader indication that the betrayer was among the twelve.
Furthermore, it would be highly unusual for Jesus to announce His betrayer, for no one to attempt to stop him, and for the evening to essentially continue as normal. We must dismiss any notion that Jesus is revealing His betrayer at this point.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus privately informs "the disciple whom Jesus loved" that Judas is the betrayer. This makes this disciple the only one aware of what's truly unfolding (John 13:23-26). But why wouldn't this disciple have attempted to stop the betrayer and protect Jesus, whom he loved? While it could have been mere weakness on this disciple's part, it's also possible that he did indeed try to stop Judas. Intriguingly, the Gospel of Mark might later give us a glimpse of that very attempt! Stay tuned for our commentary on Mark 14:51, where we'll explore this tantalizing possibility.
Verse 21 -
Jesus, again addressing the entire gathering, refers to Himself in the third person as "the Son of Man"—a Messianic title. He states that He "indeed goeth," clearly alluding to His impending crucifixion and likely His subsequent ascension. This interpretation of prophecy, though new to His listeners, was something Jesus had mentioned on several occasions and now reiterates. He then pronounces a solemn "woe" upon "that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed," declaring that it would have been better for this individual to have never been born.
Was the betrayer sovereignly ordained by God to betray the Lord? Many, particularly those influenced by Calvinism, contend that Judas was predestined to be the betrayer. They often cite passages such as Psalm 41:9 and Zechariah 11:12-13 as evidence. However, when examined closely, these passages provide prophetic foreknowledge of the betrayal without necessarily implying that Judas was preordained as the betrayer.
It's plausible that this foreknowledge was rooted in an understanding of human nature rather than a divine decree. In situations involving fame, money, or personal danger, it's highly likely that someone will succumb to pressure. Could the prophetic word about betrayal simply reflect this insight into human behavior?
Moreover, the Lord undoubtedly knew "the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11), and would have anticipated Satan's desire to secure a betrayer from among the twelve. He would have also recognized the likelihood that, under such circumstances, one of them would yield to temptation. This perspective allows for both foreknowledge of Satan’s schemes and Judas’ human free will, without necessitating predestination.
Beyond the issue of predestination, another question often arises: Was Judas "saved"? This topic frequently surfaces in discussions about "once saved, always saved." Jesus' words, "It would have been better for that man if he had never been born," seem to allude to His judgment of the betrayer. At first glance, one might conclude that Judas was not "saved." However, this question is fundamentally misguided. Salvation as we understand it today—by grace through faith—was not offered until the dispensation of grace, which was unknown at this point in time. Salvation under the Law was a future potential based on right standing with the Law. While our understanding of what that entailed is limited, it seems implausible that Judas' pre-death remorse would have placed him in good standing with the Law (compare, for example, Matthew 27:4 to Deuteronomy 27:25).
Verse 22 -
The passage proceeds with one of the most well-known and oft-repeated passages of all the Bible, concerning the blessing and distribution of the bread and the words, “this is my body.” I think it is essential to recognize that the Bible uses the wrod ἄρτος (artos) for bread. This particular Greek word is used 99 times in the New Testaent, and is always used for leavened bread. It would be preposterous to argue that it means unleavened bread in this instance (that word is ἄζυμα (azuma), used in Mark 14:1 and eight other times in the New Testament, always referring to unleavened bread).
Why, then, do theologians worldwide insist that unleavened bread was used when the Bible clearly and unequivocally mentions leavened bread? I believe it's because they've deeply embraced the concept that the Last Supper was the Passover meal (see commentary on Mark 4:12-18). This leads them to read "unleavened bread" into the text through eisegesis, even where the Bible plainly states "leavened bread." This is one of those occasions where we must affirm that every word of Scripture is God-breathed, inerrant, and profitable for doctrine.
The words "Take, eat: this is my body" have been misinterpreted by many, particularly in Roman Catholic theology, where they are taken literally. To demonstrate their symbolic nature, we can examine similar language in John 6:53-63. There, Jesus asked His followers to eat His flesh and drink His blood. He later clarified that His instruction was "spirit" and "life" (v. 63) and that "the flesh profits nothing" (v. 63). This clearly indicates that Jesus was speaking metaphorically, not literally instructing His followers to consume His physical body and blood.
Verses 23-24 -
Having given His body symbolically in the bread, Jesus now proceeds to give His shed blood, again symbolically, in the cup. He declares that His blood is "the blood of the new testament," referring to the new covenant of Jeremiah 31:31—a covenant promised but never fulfilled or sealed in blood. The Lord doesn't fulfill this covenant with His death, burial, and resurrection; rather, He seals it in His blood through His death. This sealing of a covenant ensures it is "safe and secure." Today, Jesus stands as the mediator of the New Covenant, positioned between the Old Covenant, which is no longer in effect, and the New, which is yet to be inaugurated.
Unfortunately, many theologians assert that we are currently living under the New Covenant. This idea has been repeated so frequently that it has become accepted as truth. However, when we compare the Biblical description of the New Covenant with the present state of the church, we find almost no similarities.
New Covenant Promises
Scriptural Basis (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 8:6-13)
Observed Condition in the Church Today
God will write His law in the hearts of Israel and Judah
Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10
Believers learn God’s Word progressively through study and teaching not demonstrating God’s law written in their hearts. Further, the church is not under the Law.
All will know the Lord without the need for teaching
Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:11
Knowledge of God varies, with reliance on preachers, teachers, and study materials.
Sin will be completely forgiven and remembered no more
Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:12
Believers still confess sins and seek forgiveness, implying remembrance of sin and the need for ongoing work toward righteous living.
Established with the house of Israel and Judah
Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8
The church today includes both Jews and Gentiles, not the house of Israel and Judah.
In conclusion, Jesus provided two symbolic elements: bread representing His body and wine symbolizing His blood. These symbols would later be established as a commemorative practice for believers, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. This passage instructs Christians to partake in the Lord's Supper as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a proclamation of His death until He returns.
Verse 25 -
After offering the cup, Jesus declared it would be His last until He drinks it anew in the kingdom of God. From His first miracle of turning water into wine (John 2:1-11), the “fruit of the vine" has symbolized the blessings of the Kingdom (see also Joel 3:18, "the mountains shall drop down new wine"). Jesus provided no specific timeline for the establishment of this Kingdom. The most straightforward interpretation would suggest its imminent arrival. However, as history has shown, the offered kingdom was rejected, resulting in a delay that has now lasted approximately 2,000 years.
Verse 26 -
The singing of a hymn has become a tradition associated with the observance of the Lord's Supper in many churches. How fascinating it would be to know the specific hymn, its lyrics, and melody that Jesus and His disciples sang on that momentous occasion!
