Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. In conjunction with what Old Testament feast did Jesus institute the Lord’s Supper? See Mark 14:12 (printed below)
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover meal? (Mark 14:12)
Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during the annual Old Testament feast of Passover. Jesus would take some of the elements of the Passover ceremony—the bread and the wine—and make them a part of the New Testament sacrament of Communion.
2. What startling announcement does Jesus make as He and His disciples are about to eat the Passover meal? See Mark 14:17-18 (printed below) Why do you suppose Jesus makes this announcement at this time?
When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. (18) As they were reclining at the table eating, Jesus said, I tell you the truth, One of you shall betray me—one who is eating with me. (Mark 14:17-18)
Jesus announces that one of the twelve disciples is going to betray Him. Jesus makes the announcement to assure His disciples that He is in control of all things, even the events that are now about to take place. Also, the announcement would alert the betrayer that he was known and would serve as one last effort to make him reconsider and repent.
3. How do the disciples react to the announcement that there is a traitor among them? See Mark 14:19 (printed below)
They became distressed, and one by one they asked him, Is it I? (Mark 14:19)
The disciples became distressed. This indicates that they were unsuspecting of Judas. The fact that each one asks, “Is it I?” shows that their confidence, not only in each other, but even in themselves, was shaken. This announcement was the beginning of the terrible agony of soul they would experience over the next few days—this would be part of sharing in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings (cp. Philippians 3:10).
4. What is significant about Jesus’ words recorded in Mark 14:21 (printed below?)
The Son of man will go just as it is written about him. But woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born. (Mark 14:21)
Judas’ act was foreknown and even foreordained (cp. Psalm 41:9). Nevertheless, Judas was responsible for his decisions. God’s sovereignty does not nullify human responsibility. On the contrary, God’s sovereignty causes man’s actions to be meaningful. Because God is sovereign, His actions are free and meaningful. Because man is created in the likeness of God, our actions also are meaningful.
5. What is significant about Jesus’ statement recorded in Mark 14:25 (printed below?) Also see Matthew 26:29 (printed below)
I tell you the truth, I shall no longer drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it fresh in the kingdom of God. (Mark 14:25)
I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom. (Matthew 26:29)
Jesus’ statement contains the promise of His resurrection and a restoration of personal fellowship between Himself and His disciples. In Matthew’s account are added the words, “that day when I drink it anew with you.” This fellowship will be fully enjoyed in the kingdom of God.
