Bullet Point Bible

Plot Against Jesus and Anointing at Bethany

¹ Two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the chief priests and the experts in the law were trying to find a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.² For they said, "Not during the feast, so there won't be a riot among the people."³ Now while Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of costly aromatic oil from pure nard. After breaking open the jar, she poured it on his head.⁴ But some who were present indignantly said to one another, "Why this waste of expensive ointment?⁵ It could have been sold for more than 300 silver coins and the money given to the poor!" So they spoke angrily to her.⁶ But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why are you bothering her? She has done a good service for me.⁷ For you will always have the poor with you, and you can do good for them whenever you want. But you will not always have me!⁸ She did what she could. She anointed my body beforehand for burial.⁹ I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her."¹⁰ Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus into their hands.¹¹ When they heard this, they were delighted and promised to give him money. So Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray him.

The chapter opens with the religious leaders plotting Jesus' death, contrasting sharply with the woman's act of devotion.
The setting is Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread, a highly significant time recalling God's deliverance of Israel, ironically when Israel's leaders plot against God's Son.
Simon the leper was likely someone Jesus had healed, showing hospitality in return.
The perfume (pure nard) was extremely valuable, worth almost a year's wages (300 denarii), signifying the immense value the woman placed on Jesus.
The objection raised ("waste," "give to the poor") sounds pious but misses the unique significance of Jesus' presence and impending death. Compare with John 12:4-6 where Judas specifically raises the objection.
Jesus defends the woman, reframing her extravagant act as a prophetic preparation for his burial, showing his awareness of his coming death.
Jesus' statement "{{The poor you will always have with you}}" (Mark 14:7) echoes Deuteronomy 15:11, affirming ongoing responsibility but prioritizing this unique moment of honoring him before his death.
Jesus promises the woman's act will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached, highlighting its significance in God's plan.
Immediately following this act of devotion, Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, initiates his betrayal, driven by greed or possibly disillusionment. The contrast is stark.
The leaders' delight and promise of money confirm their corrupt motives, contrasting with the woman's selfless giving.

Preparation for the Passover

¹² Now on the first day of the feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, Jesus' disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"¹³ He sent two of his disciples and told them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him.¹⁴ Wherever he enters, tell the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"'¹⁵ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."¹⁶ So the disciples left, went into the city, and found things just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

The disciples initiate the Passover preparations, showing their adherence to Jewish custom and expectation to share this important meal with Jesus.
Jesus demonstrates supernatural knowledge or careful pre-arrangement in providing specific, unusual instructions for finding the location.
The sign of a man carrying a water jar was unusual, as this task was typically done by women, making him easy to identify. This may also suggest secrecy was needed.
Jesus refers to the room as "my guest room," indicating his authority and prior claim, possibly through divine arrangement or human agreement.
The "large upper room, furnished and ready" suggests a place of some means and highlights the provision made for this significant event. This location is traditionally associated with the Cenacle.
The disciples' obedience and the precise fulfillment of Jesus' instructions build confidence in his words and sovereignty over events.
Preparing the Passover involved securing the lamb, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, wine, and arranging the room according to tradition.

The Last Supper: Betrayal and Institution

¹⁷ Then, when it was evening, he came to the house with the twelve.¹⁸ While they were at the table eating, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me will betray me."¹⁹ They were distressed, and one by one said to him, "Surely not I?"²⁰ He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who dips his hand with me into the bowl.²¹ For the Son of Man will go as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had never been born."²² While they were eating, he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take it. This is my body."²³ And after taking the cup and giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.²⁴ He said to them, "This is my blood, the blood of the covenant, that is poured out for many.²⁵ I tell you the truth, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."²⁶ After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

The setting is the Passover meal, which Jesus reinterprets in light of his impending sacrifice.
Jesus reveals the presence of a betrayer among the intimate circle of the Twelve, causing distress and self-examination among the disciples.
The act of dipping bread together (Mark 14:20) emphasized shared fellowship and intimacy, making the betrayal even more heinous (cf. Psalm 41:9).
Jesus affirms both divine sovereignty ("{{just as it is written}}") and human responsibility ("{{woe to that man}}") regarding his betrayal.
Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper:
The phrase "{{poured out for many}}" likely draws on Isaiah 53:12, linking Jesus' death to the Suffering Servant who bears the sins of many.
Jesus' vow (Mark 14:25) points beyond his death to the future messianic banquet in the fully realized Kingdom of God, offering hope amidst the somber occasion.
Singing a hymn, likely the Hallel (Psalms 113-118) traditionally sung after Passover, concludes the meal before they depart for Gethsemane.

Prediction of Denial and Prayer in Gethsemane

²⁷ Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away, for it is written,²⁷ ' I will strike the shepherd,²⁷ and the sheep will be scattered .'³² Then they went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray."³³ He took Peter, James, and John with him, and became very troubled and distressed.³⁴ He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, even to the point of death. Remain here and stay alert."³⁵ Going a little farther, he threw himself to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour would pass from him.³⁶ He said, " Abba , Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."³⁷ Then he came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn't you stay awake for one hour?³⁸ Stay awake and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."³⁹ He went away again and prayed the same thing.⁴⁰ When he came again he found them sleeping; they could not keep their eyes open. And they did not know what to tell him.⁴¹ He came a third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough of that! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.⁴² Get up, let us go. Look! My betrayer is approaching!"

Jesus predicts the disciples' desertion, quoting Zechariah 13:7, showing that even their failure is within the scope of God's prophetic plan.
He immediately follows the prediction of scattering with the promise of resurrection and reunion in Galilee (Mark 14:28), offering hope beyond failure.
Peter's bold self-confidence leads him to contradict Jesus, highlighting human pride and inability to grasp the severity of the coming test.
Jesus gives Peter a specific, verifiable prophecy of his threefold denial before the rooster crows twice (a detail unique to Mark).
Gethsemane (meaning "oil press") becomes the place of Jesus' intense spiritual struggle. Mark emphasizes Jesus' profound human anguish ("{{deeply distressed and troubled}}", "{{sorrow to the point of death}}").
Jesus' prayer reveals his intimate relationship with God ("{{Abba, Father}}"), his desire to avoid the suffering ("{{Take this cup}}"), and his ultimate submission to the Father's will ("{{Yet not what I will, but what you will.}}"). The "cup" symbolizes the suffering and divine judgment he is about to endure.
The disciples' repeated failure to stay awake and pray underscores their human weakness and inability to share in Jesus' struggle, leaving him isolated.
Jesus' exhortation "{{Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation}}" (Mark 14:38) is a timeless warning about spiritual preparedness.
Jesus' final words ("{{Enough! The hour has come... Rise! Let us go!}}") indicate his resolution and readiness to face the betrayal and arrest.

Jesus' Arrest

⁴³ Right away, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived. With him came a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests and experts in the law and elders.⁴⁴ (Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him and lead him away under guard.")⁴⁵ When Judas arrived, he went up to Jesus immediately and said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him.⁴⁶ Then they took hold of him and arrested him.⁴⁷ One of the bystanders drew his sword and struck the high priest's slave, cutting off his ear.⁴⁸ Jesus said to them, "Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me like you would an outlaw?⁴⁹ Day after day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, yet you did not arrest me. But this has happened so that the scriptures would be fulfilled."⁵⁰ Then all the disciples left him and fled.⁵¹ A young man was following him, wearing only a linen cloth. They tried to arrest him,⁵² but he ran off naked, leaving his linen cloth behind.

The betrayal happens immediately, fulfilling Jesus' words from Mark 14:42. Judas leads an official delegation ("{{from the chief priests, the experts in the law, and the elders}}").
The use of a kiss, a sign of friendship and respect, as the signal for betrayal highlights the treachery involved.
Violence erupts briefly as a follower (identified as Peter in John 18:10) defends Jesus, but Jesus does not resist arrest.
Jesus challenges the manner of his arrest, contrasting their secretive, forceful night raid with his open, daily teaching in the temple. He points out their hypocrisy and cowardice.
Jesus again emphasizes the fulfillment of scripture (Mark 14:49) as the ultimate reason behind these events, showing divine purpose even in human evil.
The disciples' desertion (Mark 14:50) fulfills Jesus' earlier prediction (Mark 14:27), leaving him completely alone.
The unique incident of the young man fleeing naked (Mark 14:51-52) is often thought to be a personal reference by the author, John Mark. It graphically portrays the fear, chaos, and utter abandonment surrounding Jesus' arrest. The linen garment might suggest wealth or priestly connections.

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

⁵³ Then they led Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests and elders and experts in the law came together.⁵⁴ And Peter had followed him from a distance, up to the high priest's courtyard. He was sitting with the guards and warming himself by the fire.⁵⁵ The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find anything.⁵⁶ Many gave false testimony against him, but their testimony did not agree.⁵⁷ Some stood up and gave this false testimony against him:⁵⁸ "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands and in three days build another not made with hands.'"⁵⁹ Yet even on this point their testimony did not agree.⁶⁰ Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is this that they are testifying against you?"⁶¹ But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"⁶² "I am," said Jesus, "and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and comingwith the clouds of heaven ."⁶³ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "Why do we still need witnesses?⁶⁴ You have heard the blasphemy! What is your verdict?" They all condemned him as deserving death.⁶⁵ Then some began to spit on him, and to blindfold him, and to strike him with their fists, saying, "Prophesy!" The guards also took him and beat him.

Jesus is subjected to an irregular nighttime trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, presided over by the high priest (Caiaphas, though unnamed by Mark).
Peter's presence in the courtyard sets the stage for his denial, placing him physically close yet spiritually distant from Jesus' suffering.
The trial is marked by injustice: the judges actively seek incriminating evidence, and false witnesses are brought forward, but their testimonies are inconsistent (Mark 14:56, 59). This highlights the weakness of the case against Jesus according to legal standards (Deuteronomy 19:15).
The specific false testimony concerns Jesus' statement about the temple (cf. John 2:19), twisting his words about his resurrection into a threat against the physical temple.
Jesus remains silent before the false accusations (Mark 14:61), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7 ("He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth").
The high priest directly asks the crucial question: "{{Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?}}" (Mark 14:61). "The Blessed One" is a respectful Jewish way of referring to God.
Jesus gives a direct, unambiguous affirmation: "{{I am}}" (Mark 14:62). This echoes the divine name (Exodus 3:14) and constitutes his most explicit claim to messiahship and divinity in Mark's Gospel.
Jesus combines imagery from Psalm 110:1 ("{{sitting at the right hand of the Power}}") and Daniel 7:13 ("{{coming with the clouds of heaven}}"), claiming supreme authority and future vindication as the Son of Man.
The high priest interprets Jesus' claim as blasphemy, tearing his robes in a traditional sign of horror and indignation. This becomes the official charge leading to the death sentence.
The council unanimously condemns Jesus, and he is immediately subjected to mocking, spitting, and physical abuse, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 50:6.

Peter's Denial

⁶⁶ Now while Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the high priest's slave girls came by.⁶⁷ When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked directly at him and said, "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus."⁶⁸ But he denied it: "I don't even understand what you're talking about!" Then he went out to the gateway, and a rooster crowed.⁶⁹ When the slave girl saw him, she began again to say to the bystanders, "This man is one of them."⁷⁰ But he denied it again. A short time later the bystanders again said to Peter, "You must be one of them, because you are also a Galilean."⁷¹ Then he began to curse, and he swore with an oath, "I do not know this man you are talking about!"⁷² Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said to him: "Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and wept.

Peter's denial unfolds exactly as Jesus predicted (Mark 14:30), demonstrating Jesus' foresight even concerning his disciples' failures.
The setting is the high priest's courtyard, ironically placing Peter's denial in close proximity to Jesus' confession before the Sanhedrin.
The accusations against Peter escalate: first a servant girl's observation (Mark 14:67), then her repeated claim to bystanders (Mark 14:69), and finally the crowd's assertion based on his Galilean accent (Mark 14:70).
Peter's denials also escalate: from simple denial (Mark 14:68) to denial with oaths and curses (Mark 14:71), showing his increasing desperation.
The detail of the rooster crowing twice is unique to Mark's account and matches Jesus' specific prediction (Mark 14:30).
The second rooster crow serves as an immediate, sharp reminder of Jesus' words, triggering Peter's memory and repentance.
Peter's reaction ("{{he broke down and wept}}", Mark 14:72) signifies deep remorse and grief over his failure, contrasting with Judas' despair (Matthew 27:3-5).
This episode powerfully illustrates human weakness under pressure, even for a leading disciple, but also sets the stage for Peter's later restoration (John 21) and empowered ministry.

The Bullet Point Bible

Mark 14