Marcos 14
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Marcos 14
Wiersbe - Nothing that is given to Christ in faith and love is ever wasted. The fragrance of Mary's ointment faded from the scene centuries ago, but the significance of her worship has blessed Christians in every age and continues to do so. (Bible Exposition Commentary) Nard (3487)(nardos) a fragrant plant native to India (spike)nard and the aromatic oil extracted from its roots. Only in Jn 12:3 and Mk 14:3 ISBE - SPIKENARD - spik'-nard (nerd; nardos (Song 1:12; 4:14); neradhim; nardoi (Song 4:13), "spikenard plants"; nardos pistike (Mk 14:3; Jn 12:3), "pure nard," margin "liquid nard"; the English word is for "spiked nard," which comes from the Nardus spicatus of the Vulgate): Spikenard is the plant Nardostachys jatamansi (Natural Order, Valerianaceae); in Arabic the name Sunbul hind, "Indian spike," refers, like the English and Latin name, to the "snike"-like shape of the plant from which the perfume comes. The dried plant as sold consists of the "withered stalks and ribs of leaves cohering in a bundle of yellowish-brown capillary fibres and consisting of a spike about the size of a small finger" (Sir W. Jones, As. Res., II, 409); in appearance the whole plant is said to look like the tail of an ermine. It grows in the Himalayas. The extracted perfume is an oil, which was used by the Romans for anointing the head. Its great costliness is mentioned by Pliny. With regard to the exact meaning of the pistike, in the New Testament, there is much difference of opinion: "pure" and "liquid" are both given in margin, but it has also been suggested among other things that this was a local name, that it comes from the Latin spicita or from pisita, the Sanskrit name of the spikenard plant. The question is an open one: either "genuine" or "pure" is favored by most commentators.- E. W. G. Masterman See R K Harrison's in depth description of spikenard in his book Healing Herbs in the Bible, page 48 (BORROW). Wikipedia - Spikenard, also called nard, nardin, and muskroot, is a class of aromatic amber-colored essential oil derived from Nardostachys jatamansi, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India. The oil has been used over centuries as a perfume, a traditional medicine, or in religious ceremonies across a wide territory from India to Europe. Historically, the name nard has also referred to essential oils derived from other species including the closely related valerian genus, as well as Spanish lavender; these cheaper, more common plants have been used in perfume-making, and sometimes to adulterate true spikenard. Gilbrant - Classical Greek Nardos refers to a fragrant and very valuable oil used as a perfume and for the anointing of important guests and persons. It was extracted from the Nardostaychys Jatamansi plant which was found in the Himalayan mountains. In the classical Greek nardos is used in reference both to the plant and to the oil from the plant. The Septuagint uses the word in the sense of the oil or perfume only (Song of Solomon 1:12; 4:13,14). In the 4:14 passage it is mentioned in a list of some of the other most valued ancient aromatics. The two references in the New Testament (Mark 14:3 and John 12:3) refer also to the oil or perfume from the plant. In these passages great emphasis is given to the extreme value of the oil that was used to anoint Jesus. Obviously, it was of great value. The oil was so expensive because of the distance it had to be transported (from the Himalayan mountains), the difficulty of its transportation, the further difficulty of its preservation, and also because Jesus was anointed with the oil in its unadulterated form. According to R.K. Harrison, “The best spikenard was imported from India in scaled alabaster boxes, which were opened only on very special occasions” (“Nard,” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 3:490f.). (Complete Biblical Library) Poured over (2776)(katacheo from katá = down + chéō = to pour down or out. To pour out or pour down upon (Mt. 26:7; Mk 14:3 and 3x in Lxx - Gen. 39:21; Job 41:23; Ps. 89:45). Liddell-Scott - a bit of sleep is poured over the eyes. Pass. to be poured over the ground, lie in heaps, Gilbrant - Katacheō is a verb used in the Greek papyri to refer to liquid being “poured down, on, or over” people or objects. The recipient of the liquid normally is found in the genitive case (cf. Moulton-Milligan). Katacheō appears only 3 times in the Septuagint. In Genesis 39:21, after Joseph was wrongly imprisoned, the Lord “showed him mercy” in the sense of “holding out, extending.” A second type of use is found in Psalm 89:45 where God “covered” David with shame as a reproach. We find the word used in the New Testament with respect to the woman who entered the house of Simon the leper and poured an expensive jar of alabaster ointment on the head of Jesus while He was reclining at Simon’s table (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3). While the disciples were indignant over her alleged waste, the Lord commended the woman for anointing His body for its forthcoming burial. As in the papyri, the object of katacheō is in the genitive case in the New Testament (cf. Blass and DeBrunner, p.90). (Complete Biblical Library) COMPARISON OF JESUS' ANOINTING IN THREE GOSPELS John 12:1-8+ Mark 14:1-9+ Time Before Passover 6 days Jn 12:1+ None 2 days Mk 14:1+ Town Bethany Jn 12:1+ Bethany Bethany Mk 14:3+ Home no home mentioned Jn 12:1+ home of Simon the leper home of Simon the leper Mk 14:3+ Name of one anointing Mary Jn 12:3+ A woman A woman Mk 14:3+ Perfume Very Costly Pure Nard Jn 12:3+ Very Costly Very Costly Pure Nard Jn 14:3+ Container -- Alabaster Vial Alabaster Vial Broke Mk 14:3+ Amount Pound Jn 12:2+ -- -- Value 300 Denarii Jn 12:5+ High Price 300 Denarii Mk 14:5+ Proposed Purpose Sold...given to poor Jn 12:5+ Sold...given to poor Sold...given to poor Mk 14:5+ Conclusion -- Why this waste? Wasted Mk 14:4+ Persons Reacting Judas Iscariot Jn 12:4-6+ Disciples indignant: waste Some indignant: waste Mk 14:4+ Where Anointed Anointed feet Jn 12:3+ Poured on His Head Poured over His head Mk 14:3+ Jesus' Words Let her alone Jn 12:7+ Why bother the woman Let her alone. Why bother her Mk 14:6+ Rationale Poor you have with you always Jn 12:8+ Poor you have with you always have Poor you always have & can do them good Mk 14:6+ Woman's Purpose Preparation for burial Jn 12:7+ Prepared Me for burial Done a good deed to Jesus Mk 14:6+ Woman's Renown/ Reward -- Woman's act remembered wherever Gospel preached Woman's deed be memory wherever Gospel preached Mk 14:9+ Note that the similarities of the three accounts are highlighted in red. Even many of the differences can be explained. E.g., name of the one anointing named Mary and then referred to as woman is easily resolved. The location of the anointing in Simon the Leper would still fit John's description because he says Jesus went to Bethany but does not specifically say to which home He went. Grant Osborne adds "There are two issues related to this account that need to be addressed: (1) harmonizing the Gospel accounts and (2) the chronology of the event....The story in Mt 26:6-13 and Mk 14:3-9 has some interesting differences (the home of Simon the leper, an unnamed woman who breaks the jar and anoints Jesus’ head), but the similarities are far greater, and as the discussion below will show, the differences can be reasonably harmonized. These are the same account, so historically Jesus was anointed twice—first, the one in Luke and second the one reported in the other three Gospels....As to the second issue (CHRONOLOGY), the story in Matthew and Mark occurs after the Triumphal Entry, while the one here in John occurs before that event. However, this is only a problem if we demand that the Gospels follow a strictly chronological pattern. Actually, this is a modern development, and ancient historians did not do so. It has long been realized that the Gospel writers often arranged their material topically, especially the Synoptics (cf. Blomberg 1987). It is generally agreed that John probably has the correct order (he tends to have a more chronological arrangement, so Coakley 1988) and that Matthew and Mark place it where they do in order to contrast the woman’s worshipful act with Judas’s betrayal (cf. Carson, Blomberg 2001, Keener). (See The Gospel of John) THOSE IN FAVOR OF ONE ANOINTING DESCRIBED IN ALL THREE ACCOUNTS - John MacArthur, Grant Osborne, Edwin Blum (Bible Knowledge Commentary, Tom Constable, J C Ryle, A B Bruce, Rodney A Whitacre (IVP Commentary), Warren Wiersbe, William Cook (Focus on the Bible), NIV Study Bible, Reformation Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, J Vernon McGee, C L Blomberg, H. Ridderbos, William MacDonald (BORROW Believer's Bible Commentary), THOSE OPPOSED - Gotquestions.org, John Phillips NOTE: I AM SURE THERE ARE OTHERS, BUT IN MY CURSORY SURVEY OF THIS ISSUE, IT SEEMS THAT BY FAR MOST WRITERS FAVOR THE FACT THAT THE ANOINTINGS ARE PARALLEL IN JOHN, MATTHEW AND MARK. I will admit I was extremely surprised to find Charles Swindoll also included Luke's account as parallel with John, Matthew and Mark. He is in the minority on that unusual interpretation! See discussion of this interpretation. See discussion of this interpretation. Broken Things in the Bible Five broken things in the Bible and the results achieved by them: 1) Broken pitchers (Judges 7:18, 19) and the light shone out 2) A Broken Box (Mark 14:3) and the ointment was poured out 3) Broken Bread (Matt 14:10) and the hungry were fed 4) A Broken Body (1Cor 11:24KJV+) and the world was saved (Only in the KJV, not other modern versions) 5) A Broken will (Ps 51:17) and a life of fulfillment in Christ Source unknown I have been reflecting on the inestimable value of "broken things." Broken pitchers gave ample light for victory (Judges 7:19-21); broken bread was more than enough for all the hungry (Matthew 14:19-21); broken box gave fragrance to all the world (Mark 14:3, 9); and broken body is salvation to all who believe and' receive the Savior (Isaiah 53:5-6, 12; 1 Corinthians 11:24KJV). And what cannot the Broken One do with our broken plans, projects, and hearts? V. RAYMOND EDMAN When Mary of Bethany broke the box of precious ointment and poured it on Jesus’ head, it was an act for which no one else saw any occasion; the disciples said it was a waste. But Jesus commended Mary for her extravagant act of devotion, and said that wherever His gospel was preached “this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” Our Lord is carried beyond Himself with joy when He sees any of us doing what Mary did, not being set on this or that economy, but being abandoned to Him. God spilt the life of His Son that the world might be saved; are we prepared to spill out our lives for Him? “He that believeth in Me out of him shall flow rivers of living water” — hundreds of other lives will be continually refreshed. It is time now to break the life, to cease craving for satisfaction, and to spill the thing out. Our Lord is asking who of us will do it for Him? (Oswald Chambers) What Are You Looking For? A woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil. —Mark 14:3 Today's Scripture: Mark 14:1-9 “Stop! There’s a good pair of shoes! Slow down, you just passed a hammer! Look at that jacket in the ditch!” As the car was speeding down the highway at 70 miles an hour, these were the exclamations of a hitchhiker to the driver who had just picked him up. After several hours of similar comments, the driver reached two conclusions: 1. The hitchhiker’s life consisted mainly of things he found by the side of the road. 2. All of us see what we’re looking for. As we go through life, the focus of our eyes reveals the desire of our hearts. During the week before Jesus was crucified, the chief priests and scribes were looking for any excuse to arrest and kill Him (Mark 14:1). Judas was looking for a convenient way to betray Jesus (v.11). A woman whom we know to be Mary of Bethany was looking for a way to show her love to the Lord (John 12:1-3). And they all found the opportunities they were seeking. If you'd like to know the love of God the Father, Come to Him through Jesus Christ, His only Son; He'll forgive your sins and save your soul forever, And you'll love forevermore this faithful One. —Felten We can love Jesus too little, but we can never love Him too much. Listen and be blessed as you listen to Broken and Spilled out is a beautiful song by Steve Green One day a plain village woman Driven by love for her Lord Recklessly poured out a valuable essence Disregarding the scorn And once it was broken and spilled out A fragrance filled all the room Like a pris'ner released from his shackles Like a spirit set free from the tomb Broken and spilled out Just for love of you Jesus My most precious treasure Lavished on Thee Broken and spilled out And poured at Your feet In sweet abandon Let me be spilled out And used up for Thee Lord You were God's precious treasure His loved and His own perfect Son Sent here to show me The love of the Father Just for love it was done And though You were perfect and holy You gave up Yourself willingly You spared no expense for my pardon You were used up and wasted for me Broken and spilled out Just for love of me Jesus God's most precious treasure Lavished on me You were broken and spilled out And poured at my feet In sweet abandon Lord You were spilled out and used up for Me In sweet abandon, let me be spilled out And used up for Thee THOUGHT - HOW EXTRAVAGANT IS YOUR DEVOTION TO JESUS CHRIST? BROKEN AND SPILLED OUT? Mark 14:4 But some were indignantly remarking to one another, "Why has this perfume been wasted? NET Mark 14:4 But some who were present indignantly said to one another, "Why this waste of expensive ointment? NLT Mark 14:4 Some of those at the table were indignant. "Why waste such expensive perfume?" they asked. ESV Mark 14:4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, "Why was the ointment wasted like that? NIV Mark 14:4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? GNT Mark 14:4 ἦσαν δέ τινες ἀγανακτοῦντες πρὸς ἑαυτούς, Εἰς τί ἡ ἀπώλεια αὕτη τοῦ μύρου γέγονεν; KJV Mark 14:4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? YLT Mark 14:4 and there were certain much displeased within themselves, and saying, 'For what hath this waste of the ointment been made? ASV Mark 14:4 But there were some that had indignation among themselves, saying, To what purpose hath this waste of the ointment been made? CSB Mark 14:4 But some were expressing indignation to one another: "Why has this fragrant oil been wasted? Some: Ec 4:4 Mt 26:8,9 Joh 12:4,5 Why: Ec 5:4-8 Mal 1:12,13 Mark 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages Matthew 26:8 But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? John 12:4 But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” MARY'S ACT OF ADORATION PRECIPITATES RESPONSE OF ANGER But (de) marks a striking contrast is attitudes (and actions/words) between Mary and the disciples. some were indignantly (aganakteo) remarking to one another - They began to talk among themselves (apparently not overtly which is why Matthew 26:10 has "Jesus, aware of this."). Matthew tells us the some were the disciples! John identified Judas as the originator of the criticism (which should not surprise us). Were indignantly is aganakteo (aroused, angry, displeased) in the present tense picturing their continual indignation, anger and displeasure at Mary's seemingly wasteful actions. They were looking with temporal vision. Mary was looking with eternal vision. Oh, to be more and more like Mary! Amen. Brian Bell: Mary’s act of worship brought joy to the heart of Jesus & malice to the heart of Judas. (ED: as well as the other disciples). Daniel Akin - Led by Judas (John 12:4ff+) and in self-righteous pride they questioned both her motive and her action, Why has this perfume (muron) been wasted (apoleia)? - What a sad statement! Precious oil poured on the King of kings and viewed as wasted! Why asks what end it has served, implying that the act was unjustified. Perfume (ointment)(3464)(muron) is ointment, perfume, sweet-smelling substance made not from animal fats. Apart from a single reference in Revelation 18:13, muron occurs only in the four Gospels (13 times). The Synoptic Gospels record anointings of Jesus’ head by Mary of Bethany. Matthew and Mark clearly link this anointing to Jesus’ upcoming burial (Matthew 26:12; Mark 14:8).Gilbrant adds that "Muron is the juice-like aromatic extract from plants, or perfumed oil. As a cosmetic muron could be translated “perfume.” “Ointment” is perhaps a useful English translation, since muron was often medicinal and at times cultic in significance, being used for anointing (e.g., for burial). Another common use was in the embalming process (cf. Bauer)." NT uses - Matt. 26:7; Matt. 26:12; Mk. 14:3; Mk. 14:4; Mk. 14:5; Lk. 7:37; Lk. 7:38; Lk. 7:46; Lk. 23:56; Jn. 11:2; Jn. 12:3; Jn. 12:5; Rev. 18:13 CALCULATING VALUE - Efficiency is the relentless taskmaster that drives all our decisions, all our proposals, all parts of our life, said French philosopher and theologian Jacques Ellul. Efficiency (he called it by a special term, la technique), pervades the church as well as the corporation. Everything we do is justified by its calculated contribution to established goals. Thus the disciples were quite modern to protest the "waste" of valuable oil. Jesus alerts us that efficiency is an inadequate governor for at least one crucial encounter: people with God. In worship, let efficiency take its place, but not a primary place. In evangelism, use resources wisely but do not calculate cost-benefits as accountants are trained to do. What appears to be waste may well bring Jesus supreme enjoyment, and that matters most. (Life Application Bible Commentary) Mark 14:1-9 THE CRITICS And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? Mark 14:4 Sooner or later everyone travels the road of criticism. The greater the life, the nobler the endeavor, the more certain is this consequence. The apostle Paul was often unjustly condemned; the disciples were sinfully described as "drunk" at Pentecost; and men even accused our perfect Lord of being demon possessed. In the story related in Mark 14, a woman graciously lavished a very precious box of ointment upon the Savior; yet some were offended and found fault with her. Jesus, however, defended the action, saying, "Let her alone. Why trouble ye her? She bath wrought a good work on me!" Few people criticize in love, most are vindictive and cruel and act very superior. In fact, it is not very wide of the mark to say, "Criticism is frequently pride in action!" The acid test of Christian character is this: can you take it? can you labor without re-ward and receive unjust censure without bitterness? If so, God will be pleased, and will bless your life with His joy! To guarantee flawlessness in his publication, a printer hired two proofreaders. However, they did not get along, and were constantly criticizing each other's efforts. In the course of time, one came across some words in a manuscript which spoke of "Tabasco sauce." Never having heard of Tabasco, he supposed the author must have meant tobacco; so he changed the first word. When the second proofreader came to the same phrase and saw "tobacco sauce," he immediately reasoned that such was utterly unthinkable. He therefore proceeded to make a seemingly rational correction by changing the second word. Imagine the consternation of the author and the publisher when the story appeared referring to the use of "tobacco juice" on food—instead of "Tabasco sauce." It goes to show that we do not always know what the other fellow is thinking, and it behooves us not to be over-critical, lest we ourselves be misunderstood. I find it is a splendid thing, Just try it and you'll see, To keep from criticizing folks, Let each "I" look at "ME"! —Anon. Remember, you can't raise yourself by lowering somebody else! Mark 14:5 "For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor." And they were scolding her. NET Mark 14:5 It could have been sold for more than three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor!" So they spoke angrily to her. NLT Mark 14:5 "It could have been sold for a year's wages and the money given to the poor!" So they scolded her harshly. ESV Mark 14:5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they scolded her. NIV Mark 14:5 It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. GNT Mark 14:5 ἠδύνατο γὰρ τοῦτο τὸ μύρον πραθῆναι ἐπάνω δηναρίων τριακοσίων καὶ δοθῆναι τοῖς πτωχοῖς· καὶ ἐνεβριμῶντο αὐτῇ. KJV Mark 14:5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her. YLT Mark 14:5 for this could have been sold for more than three hundred denaries, and given to the poor;' and they were murmuring at her. ASV Mark 14:5 For this ointment might have been sold for above three hundred shillings, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her. CSB Mark 14:5 For this oil might have been sold for more than 300 denarii and given to the poor." And they began to scold her. denarii: Mt 18:28 Joh 6:7 been given: Joh 12:5,6 13:29 Eph 4:28 they: Ex 16:7,8 De 1:27 Ps 106:25 Mt 20:11 Lu 15:2 Joh 6:43 1Co 10:10 Php 2:14 Jude 1:16 Mark 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages Matthew 26:9 “For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” John 12:4+ But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” 6 Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it. JUSTIFICATION FOR THEIR STRONG DISAPPROVAL For (gar) - Term of explanation. This one is easy -- it explains their displeasure with Mary's actions. This perfume (muron) might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor (ptochos) - Here the disciples justify their indignation with their justification of its value which could be used for the poor. Concern for the poor, a mark of a pious Jew. John's account shows the pathetic hypocrisy of Judas who was hiding his avarice under the mask of charity. That his character could be so thoroughly flawed after walking with Jesus for three years is frightening! Jones remarks, “It is not the concern of the philanthropist you have here, but the rage of a disappointed thief, parading itself as the concern of a philanthropist.” Edwards: Their condemnation obviously demeans the woman and her gift. In asserting that there could be a better use for the money, however, they demean Jesus as well, whom they regard as unworthy of such extravagance. (The Gospel according to Mark Pillar NTC-Mark) Hiebert - It represented a whole year’s work for a common laborer (cf. 6:37). Such a sum used up in one short moment they could view only as a waste. The criticism viewed the act only from the monetary standpoint. Judas could readily evaluate its material worth, but he was unable to comprehend the love that prompted the act. (The Gospel of Mark: An Expositional Commentary) And they were scolding her - “They bristled with indignation against her." (Wuest) The idea is that they murmured against Mary and the verb scolding (embrimaomai) means they were very angry and sternly warned her in the imperfect tense (over and over - one can almost hear them "snorting" like horses [which was how this verb was used in the secular world] as the precious oil anoints Jesus!). It conveys the idea of anger, harshness, displeasure, and disgust. This same verb is used in another connection of the snorting of horses, not a bad picture of the reaction of these men who should have known better, for they knew He was the Messiah!
Marcos 14
Wiersbe summarizes this story of Mary's anointing Jesus... There were three consequences to her act of worship. First, the house was filled with the beautiful fragrance of the ointment (John 12:3; also note 2 Cor. 2:15–16). There is always a “spiritual fragrance” in that home where Jesus Christ is loved and worshiped. Second, the disciples, led by Judas, criticized Mary for wasting her money! It sounded so pious for Judas to talk about the poor, when in reality he wanted the money for himself! (John 12:4–6) Even in the Upper Room, six days later, the disciples still thought Judas was concerned about helping the poor (John 13:21–30). It is interesting that the word translated “waste” in Mark 14:4 is translated “perdition” in John 17:12 and applied to Judas! Judas criticized Mary for “wasting money,” but he wasted his entire life! Third, Jesus commended Mary and accepted her gracious gift. He knew the heart of Judas and understood why the other disciples followed his bad example. He also knew Mary’s heart and quickly defended her (Rom. 8:33–39). No matter what others may say about our worship and service, the most important thing is that we please the Lord. The fact that others misunderstand and criticize us should not keep us from showing our love to Christ. Our concern should be His approval alone. When Mary gave her best at the feet of Jesus, she started a “wave of blessing” that has been going on ever since. She was a blessing to Jesus as she shared her love, and she was a blessing to her home as the fragrance spread. Were it not for Mary, her village, Bethany, would probably have been forgotten. The account of her deed was a blessing to the early church that heard about it and, because of the records in three of the Gospels, Mary has been a blessing to the whole world—and still is! The Lord’s prediction has certainly been fulfilled. Mary gave her best in faith and love; Judas gave his worst in unbelief and hatred. He solved the problem of how the Jewish leaders could arrest Jesus without causing a riot during the feast. He sold his Master for the price of a slave (see Ex. 21:32), the basest act of treachery in history. (Bible Exposition Commentary) Henry Blackaby - Memorials of Faithfulness “I assure you: Wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.”—Mark 14:9 We may assume that our expressions of devotion to God are small and insignificant, but in God's eyes they may hold much meaning. Our love and dedication to Christ may even create memorials to God for future generations. This woman performed a profound act of love for Jesus. She did not do it to impress His disciples or to gain public attention or to gain praise from Jesus. She simply sought to express her love for Jesus. She did nothing spectacular; she performed no miracles; she preached no sermons. Yet Jesus was so moved by her selfless loyalty that He deemed it worthy of remembrance throughout the remainder of history. We do not know all that God finds most pleasing, nor do we know what acts of our love He may choose to honor through our children and future generations. Abraham could not have known that the day he demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice his only son would be memorialized and would bless many generations who heard of his obedience. David could not have known that his walk with God would please Him so much that David's example would bless generations who followed him. God can take your faithfulness and begin a spiritual legacy, making it a blessing to others for generations to come. You will never know until eternity all who received a blessing because of your righteous life. That is why it is so important that you daily express your love and devotion to Jesus. ETERNITY "Wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her" MARK 14:9 In Yorkshire, England, during the early 1800's, two sons were born to a family named Taylor. The older one set out to make a name for himself by entering Parliament and gaining public prestige. But the younger son chose to give his life to Christ. He later recalled, "Well do I remember, as in unreserved consecration I put myself, my life, my friends, my all, upon the altar. I felt I. was in the presence of God, entering into covenant with the Almighty" With that commitment, Hudson Taylor turned his face toward China and obscurity. As a result, he is known and honored on every continent as a faithful missionary and the founder of the China Inland Mission (now known as Overseas Missionary Fellowship). For the other son, however, there is no lasting monument. He became known simply as "the brother of Hudson Taylor." You may ask, "Is everyone who yields his life in devotion to the Lord revered like Hudson Taylor?" I'm afraid not. But regardless of any recognition here on earth, every dedicated believer will one day be rewarded by God Himself. That will he a remembrance without equal. —P R. V GOD'S HALL OF FAME IS FOR ETERNITY! Vance Havner - Do What You Can She hath done what she could. Mark 14:8. He had found a little box in the attic. With his crayons he had tried to make it more presentable. Inside he had placed a cut-out Santa Claus and a larger Santa of his own drawing. He had scrawled "Season's Greetings" for a touch of dignity. Then he had wrapped it in a manner all his own, with plenty of seals all over and a big yellow ribbon tied all around. It wouldn't bring much on sale, but no one could buy it from me, because it was the expression of a little boy's love and, oh, so welcome! He had done what he could. Which sets me thinking of the woman who anointed Jesus. "She hath done what she could." Do not let not being able to do it better keep you from doing what you can. Bring to the Saviour such as you have, the best you have, all you have. He will receive it. It may seem a poor little thing to others, but if it is the love gift of your heart, it will be precious in His sight. Do what you can. Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went off to the chief priests in order to betray Him to them. NET Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus into their hands. NLT Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. ESV Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. NIV Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. GNT Mark 14:10 Καὶ Ἰούδας Ἰσκαριὼθ ὁ εἷς τῶν δώδεκα ἀπῆλθεν πρὸς τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς ἵνα αὐτὸν παραδοῖ αὐτοῖς. KJV Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. YLT Mark 14:10 And Judas the Iscariot, one of the twelve, went away unto the chief priests that he might deliver him up to them, ASV Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, he that was one of the twelve, went away unto the chief priests, that he might deliver him unto them. CSB Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to hand Him over to them. NKJ Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. NRS Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. Judas: Mt 26:14-16 Lu 22:3-6 Joh 13:2,30 one: Ps 41:9 55:12-14 Mt 10:4 Joh 6:70 to betray: Joh 13:2 Mark 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Matthew 26:14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests Luke 22:3-4+ And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. 4 And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. John 13:26-26 Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel (into mixture of bitter herbs, vinegar, water, salt, crushed dates, figs, and raisins), He took and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. (Judas spurned Christ's final gesture of love!) After the morsel (unleavened bread symbolic of without sin!), Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly (cf Mt 26:50).” THE STRIKING CONTRAST JUDAS' BETRAYAL There could hardly be a much greater contrast - Mary's anointing of Jesus versus Judas' betrayal of Jesus! Mary's selflessness contrasted with Judas' selfishness! Edwards explains that "Judas was now totally disenchanted with the Lord's methods and decides to salvage what profit he can from his poor investment of the past three years. Judas makes the supremely tragic choice of silver over the Savior, as multitudes have offer him." The Gospel according to Mark Daniel Akin - Extravagant acts of love will stand in stark contrast to those of betrayal. Mk 14:10-11 Some people find Jesus useful because of what they think they can get from Him. Others find Jesus beautiful because they get Him. This woman found Jesus beautiful and gave all she had to Him. In contrast Judas found Jesus useful and sought to get all he could for Him. Grassmick points out that Mark 14:10-11 "complement verses 1–2 and heighten the contrast with verses 3–9." (See Bible Knowledge Commentary) Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve - Isn't it ironic that Judas means something like "praise," and yet you never hear of anyone naming their son Judas! Luke 22:3+ (cf Jn 13:26) gives us a crucial detail writing that "Satan (satanas) entered into Judas." Mark reminds us, “was one of the twelve” (v. 10). Not surprisingly, he is always last in all list of the apostles. He was so close to Jesus and yet he missed Him! Hiebert - literally, “the one of the twelve.” The use of the definite article with the phrase, found only here in the New Testament, is strange and has caused much discussion. Since “one of the twelve” is a common designation for Judas in the Gospels,22 the article here probably has a connotation of censure, “that notorious one of the twelve.” “His original honor is the special badge of his infamy.” (The Gospel of Mark: An Expositional Commentary) Of the twelve (all 4 Gospels = Lk 22:47, Mt 26:14, 47, Mk 14:10, 43, Jn 6:71) - The related phrase ("one of the twelve") is used of only one other disciple, Thomas, called Didymus (Jn 20:24). There were apparently more disciples of Jesus than the inner circle of 12 (cf "seventy other" in Lk 10:1+), so the fact that Judas was in this inner circle giving him close continual contact with Christ makes his treacherous betrayal all the more despicable, unimaginable and inconceivable! Since Judas was one "of the twelve," he clearly had exposure to light that only a few humans have had (really just the other 11 disciples). To sin against such light is all the more heinous. But even worse is that sin against such light results in a far greater degree of eternal punishment for Judas! (cf Chorazin, et al Lk 10:13-15+, Mt 11:21-24+). Indeed, Jesus declared "The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born." (Mt 26:24) Double woe! THOUGHT - The spiritual lesson for us from these verses is: Since it is possible to be religious and yet to be in league with Satan, we must guard against evil religion. Satan uses religion more than any other tool to keep men in his domain of darkness.
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Wiersbe - Peter's self-confident boasting is a warning to us that none of us really knows his own heart (Jer. 17:9) and that we can fail in the point of our greatest strength. Abraham's greatest strength was his faith, and yet his faith failed him when he went down to Egypt and lied about Sarah (Ge 12:10-13:4). Moses' strength was in his meekness (Nu 12:3), yet he lost his temper, spoke rashly with his lips, and was not allowed to enter Canaan (Nu 20). Peter was a brave man, but his courage failed him and he denied his Lord three times. "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor 10:12, NKJV). (Bible Exposition Commentary)
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Wiersbe asks "But why a Garden? Human history began in a Garden (Gen. 2:7-25) and so did human sin (Gen. 3). For the redeemed, the whole story will climax in a "garden city" where there will be no sin (Rev. 21:1-22:7). But between the Garden where man failed and the Garden where God reigns is Gethsemane, the Garden where Jesus accepted the cup from the Father's hand." (Bible Exposition Commentary) William Barclay on the Garden of Gethsemane - The space within Jerusalem was so limited that there was no room for gardens. Many well-to-do people, therefore, had private gardens out on the Mount of Olives. Some wealthy friend had given Jesus the privilege of using such a garden, and it was there that Jesus went to fight his lonely battle. And He said to His disciples (mathetes) - He is addressing Peter, James and John (the latter being the two sons of Zebedee) who accompanied Jesus into the actual olive grove. The other 8 disciples apparently remained at the entrance or gate leading into the garden. As
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Wiersbe - Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” MARK 14:34 Tour guides in Jerusalem may show you three different sites on the Mount of Olives where Jesus met with his disciples. Which one, if any, is the genuine one? That is not important. We are not interested in geography but theology. A better question is: What was Jesus doing there and what does it mean to the church today? Three images in the text help to answer those questions. The first image is that of a garden. Jesus was on his way to Calvary to die for the sins of the world, and sin first entered the human race in a garden (Gen. 3). God had provided our first parents with everything they needed for life and happiness; all they had to do was obey his will. But the first Adam disobeyed God and plunged the human race into sin and death, while the last Adam, Jesus Christ, was “obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:8; 1 Cor. 15:45). Jesus was buried in a tomb in a garden, not far from where he died (John 19:41–42). But the garden where he prayed was called “Gethsemane,” which means “olive press,” and that speaks of suffering. “My heart is breaking, it almost kills me,” reads the Charles B. Williams translation of Mark 14:34. Heaven is a “garden city,” but had Jesus not experienced Gethsemane and Calvary, we would have no access to heaven. This leads us to the second image—the cup. In Scripture, drinking from a cup means accepting what has been ordained for you. Sometimes it is a cup of blessing and other times a cup of sorrow or even judgment. The cup the Father prepared was for Jesus a cup of agony, but for those who have trusted him, a cup of salvation and blessing. Jesus prayed that, if it were possible, the Father would remove the cup from him, but he added “nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will” (Mark 14:36). No matter what was in the cup, it was mixed by the Father and Jesus willingly drank it. He knew that the prophet Isaiah had predicted the sorrows of his life and death: “He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3). Jesus did experience joy (Luke 10:21), but his life was predominantly one of pain and sorrow, especially during his arrest and his six hours on the cross. He not only experienced sorrows but he carried our sorrows to the cross. “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isa. 53:4). Any cup that we must drink he has already drunk, and can give us the grace we need to go from suffering to glory and from the cross to the crown. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We are those who are “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Cor. 6:10). The third image is sleep. Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him to the place of prayer, but instead of encouraging him in his trials, they went to sleep! Sleep in Scripture is one picture of spiritual lethargy. “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thess. 5:6). “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep” (Rom. 13:11). There is a desperate need for spiritual vigor and alertness in the church today. We lack the excitement and enablement of the early church; we need to be filled with the Spirit and to focus on “prayer and . . . the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). Jesus is interceding for us in heaven while we are sleeping here on earth. It’s one thing to have spiritual rest and quite something else to suffer from spiritual lethargy. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. (Bible Exposition Commentary) Mark 14:35 And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. and fell: Ge 17:3 De 9:18 1Ch 21:15,16 2Ch 7:3 Mt 26:39 Lu 17:15,16 Ac 10:25,26 Heb 5:7 Rev 4:10 5:14 Mark 14 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Matthew 26:39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” Luke 22:41-42+ And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43 Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. JESUS PRAYS FOR THE HOUR TO PASS And He went a little (mikros = small) beyond them - Luke 22:41+ says "about a stone’s throw" and even though it was dark, it is likely they would have been able to witness the agonizing prayers of Jesus, first falling on His knees and then His entire body falling prostrate and then offering "up both prayers and supplications with loud crying (krauge = cry out with a loud voice ) and tears to the One able to save Him from death" (Heb 5:7+). What is even more amazing is not only could they likely see Jesus in agony, they could hear Him crying loudly in agony and despite this these three fell asleep! Hiebert agrees that ". Hebrews 5:7+ records that His words of prayer were uttered with “strong crying and tears,” hence were entirely audible to the three....In facing His struggle, He separated Himself from the three, knowing He must tread the winepress alone (Isa. 63:3)." (The Gospel of Mark: An Expositional Commentary)v And fell to the ground - Luke 22:41+ says that first "He knelt down' and Matthew 26:39 adds that then He "fell on His face." Why is this detail significant? The most common position for praying in Jesus' day was the standing position, but the gravity in Gethsemane drove the Lord to His knees in Luke's account and eventually to His face on the ground in Matthew's account! Hiebert - Fell is imperfect tense, describing the prostration as a process. First He “kneeled down” (Luke 22:41+), then sank to the ground “on his face” (Matt. 26:39). The view of Wuest that Jesus “repeatedly” fell to the ground is improbable. (The Gospel of Mark: An Expositional Commentary) And began to pray - Mark records 2 other times Jesus went to pray alone (Mk 1:35+, Mk 6:46+) and this one is the third and last. He prayed this same prayer a second time (Mk 14:36) and Matthew records He prayed the same request a third time (Mt 26:44). Pray is proseuchomai the verb used for prayer to God and the imperfect tense signifies over and over, again and again. Or to say it another way, this tense of repetition suggests that the Scripture records only a portion of what Jesus actually prayed to His Heavenly Father. Even His very act of praying once again should His full humanity as He gives us a perfect example to imitate when we find ourselves in a "Gethsemane- like" moment.
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Wiersbe comments on watch and pray noting it is like saying "Pray with your eyes open"… The familiar phrase "watch and pray" goes back to when Nehemiah was leading the people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and restoring the gates. The enemy did not want the holy city to be rebuilt, so they used fear, deceit, and every kind of ruse to hinder the work. What was Nehemiah's defense? "Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them [the enemy] we set a watch against them day and night" (Neh. 4:9NKJV). Jesus (Mt 26:41; Mk 13:33), Paul (Col 4:2), and Peter (1Pe 4:7) commanded God's people to "watch and pray," to be on guard and pray with intelligence and alertness. We are soldiers in a battle and we dare not go to sleep while on duty. (Bible Exposition Commentary) J C