Mark 14b Commentary
Peter, James, and John; the Transfiguration disciples. The scene is different. There is neither blinding radiance nor heavenly glory. Instead, the Servant of Isaiah 53 must face piercing and crushing.
The movie is ending badly! Who wouldn’t be confused by the scenes here when compared with to Transfiguration? Right up to this point, the ministry of Jesus has been nothing but power and the demonstration of God’s sovereignty. How do we compare the two scenes? Impossible events to process!
The disciples hear part of Jesus’ prayer, and it isn’t great. Not for the hopes and aspirations of His disciples! The situation isn’t helped by the fact that Jesus wants the cup of suffering to be taken away. It should be the first time that they have seen the Master this way.
Even today, we struggle to reconcile the facts of God’s sovereignty and Isaiah 53. This confusion reaches its climax in this chapter. This is never the Jesus Peter knows. What version of Jesus do you know? How Jesus wanted them to see this side of His mission!
What manner of humility is this? Jesus allows mortal men to hit and insult Him! Who can understand all these things? Have you obeyed God’s word to the point of looking foolish? Has the world tagged you ‘stupid’ or a failure for the sake of Jesus? What a blessing!
Many stand up and testify falsely against Jesus but they fail. The LORD Jesus is quiet. He won’t answer useless questions. Finally, the high priest has an important question. Is Jesus the Messiah, Son of the Blessed One? “I am.” The answer is straight and no more evidence is required to a death sentence. And it makes sense! The Son of the Blessed One must die…they have seen the Son, and they plot to kill the Son. Remember the parable of the Tenants!
They who hide under this Name know that no amount of accusation works against them. Their Master covers them. It should never be a false accusation that you are a son or a daughter of the Blessed One!
Peter denies knowing Jesus three times. What happened? It wasn’t due to a lack of resolve! Following Jesus isn’t a matter of newyear resolutions.
“Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” Verse 31. Who says saints must use their willpower to stay afloat? He died so that we could be alive again through Him. The ‘I’ from Peter’s resolve is replaced by Jesus who alone can do what we cannot do.
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