Mark's Gospel: Chapter 14

Key words

• Discreetly: in a way that is careful not to cause embarrassment or attract too much attention, especially by keeping something secret

She very discreetly corrected him about his mistake.

• Betray: to not be loyal to your country or a person, often by doing something harmful such as helping their enemies

He was accused of betraying his country during the war.

• Stumble: to hit your foot against something while walking and almost fall, or to walk awkwardly as if you might fall

Running along the beach, she stumbled on a log and fell on the sand.

• Distressed: upset or worried

She was deeply distressed by the news of his death.

• Testify: to give evidence or provide proof

Ten witnesses are expected to testify at the trial today.

Read the article to find the answers

1. When did the priests plan to kill Jesus?
2. Who was secretly helping them to arrest Jesus discreetly?
3. What did Jesus say about the bread and wine at His last meal?
4. What did Jesus say about His arrest?

The priests plan to kill Jesus

It was about to be Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread when the religious leaders planned to arrest Jesus. They decided not to do it during the festival because they were worried about what His followers would do. Instead, one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, was secretly helping them to arrest Jesus discreetly.

Jesus has His last meal

As Jesus sat down with his twelve disciples to eat the Passover meal He told them that it was prophesied that one of them will betray Him, then He took some bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying:

"Take this and eat, this is my body."

Then He took a cup, gave thanks, passed it to them, and they all drank from it. He told them:

"This cup is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I tell you, I will not drink wine again until the day when I drink it in the Kingdom of God."

Jesus prays

Jesus said to His disciples:

"Tonight, all of you will stumble because of me. It is written that the shepherd will be struck, and the sheep will scatter. But after I am raised, I will go to Galilee."

Jesus told His disciples to wait while He went to pray, but He took Peter, James, and John with Him. He began to feel extremely distressed and said to them:

"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch."

When He went a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed:

"Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this suffering away from me."

Jesus is betrayed

"Get up. My betrayer is here."

While Jesus was still speaking, Judas arrived with a large group of chief priests armed with swords. He went directly to Jesus and kissed him. Then they arrested Jesus who said:

"Have you come with swords as if I were a criminal? I was with you every day in the temple, teaching, and you didn't arrest me. But all of this is happening to fulfill what is written in the Scriptures."

Then, all of His disciples stumbled, and ran away.

Jesus is found guilty of blasphemy

They took Jesus to the high priest, and tried to find witnesses to testify against Jesus, but they couldn't find any with true testimonies. Many people testified falsely against Him, but their stories didn't match.

The high priest then stood up and asked Jesus:

"Don't you have anything to say in response to what these witnesses are saying about you?"

Jesus remained silent, so the high priest asked:

"Are you the Christ?"

Jesus replied:

"I am, and you will see me coming in the clouds of heaven."

At this, the high priest tore his clothes and said:

"Why do we need any more witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What's your verdict?"

They all agreed that he deserved to be killed. Some of them began to beat Him, saying, "Prophesy!"

Discussion questions

• Do you have any questions about any of the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
• Do you know the Bible passage quoted at the top of this article?
• Do you know of any countries that kill people for blasphemy?
• What do you know about Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
• What do you think Jesus meant when He said: "you will see me coming in the clouds of heaven"?