Mark 14:1-52

A. The Servant’s anticipation of suffering 14:1-52

Several themes peak in this section. Here we have the clearest evidence that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God (cf. Mark 1:1; Mark 8:29). Here, too, Jesus’ conflict with the religious leaders, His foes, came to a head (cf. Mark 3:1; Mark 3:6; Mark 11:18; Mark 12:12). The ignorance and selfishness of Jesus’ disciples, His friends, also peaked (cf. Mark 3:19; Mark 6:1-6; Mark 8:31 to Mark 10:52). Finally, the Servant’s ministry climaxed in His giving His life as a ransom for many (cf. Mark 10:45). [Note: See J. P. Heil, "Mark 14, 1-52: Narrative Structure and Reader Response," Biblica 71:3 (1990):305-32.]