The lion of St Mark

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

The Supper: Mk 14,12-25

We have seen how this section has three parts: the preparations for the meal (14,12-16) then Jesus' announcement of his betrayer (14,17-21) and then the Jesus' words over the bread and the wine (14,22-25).

Preparations for the Meal: 14,12-16

What is the setting for this meal, emphasised in these verses? Why is this important - see Exodus 12,1-28.

Time has moved on from verse 1. What does the evangelist say in verse 12 happens on this day? Note John 19,14, why is John's Gospel different to the others?
Who is taking the initiative here in verse 12?

Verses 13-15 can be compared with 11,1-6. Why would a man with a water jar stand out? Note the description of the room in verses 14 and 15
What is Jesus' attitude in these verses as made clear in verse 16?

Now look at my response.

Betrayal at the Meal: 14,17-21

Who gather for the meal in verse 17? (Compare with Jn 13,1-5).

What is the significance of the evening in verse 17? Where will Jesus be by the following evening?

Note the formal statement of verse 18. Note what Mark adds but not Matthew (Mt 26,21). How are they seated in contrast to Ex 12,11?
For the OT background, we can look at Psalms 41,10 and 55,12-13.

What sort of answer is expected from verse 19? How does Jesus reply in verse 20? Compare this reply with Mt 26,23-25. What do we the readers know that the Twelve do not (see 3,19)?

Verse 21 then takes this further. Jesus could be referring to Ps 41,9 or Zechariah 13,7 or Isaiah 53,11. For woes, see, for example, Amos 5,18. What is their purpose?

Now look at my response.

The Lord's Gift: 14,22-25

How does verse 22 begin? What does Jesus do?
We have seen that bread has been an important theme in this Gospel. Look back to the final bread episode, 8,14-21 and what Jesus is saying there.
We can note how Jesus' actions here at the Supper are similar to 6,41 and 8,6. The full significance of "this is my body" will become clearer with Jesus' words about the blood in verse 24. How can we understand these words at this stage - and how must we not understand them? What does Jesus not say in this Gospel, see Lk 22,19.
Note the different words spoken over the bread and the cup.

In verse 24, we need to remember the importance of blood in the Old Testament. See Gen 9,4; Deut 12,23; Lev 17,11. The expression "blood of the covenant" recalls Exodus 24,6-8. "Shed for many recalls" 10,45 and also Is 53,11-12. How are we to understand "many"?

Verse 25 then has another solemn saying introduced with "Amen". How does this saying give a context to the preceeding verses?

Now look at my response.

The Sunday Gospel (Corpus Christi)

The first and last part of this reading, Mk 14,12-16.22-26, is read on Corpus Christi in year B. (This feast is usually celebrated on Sunday if the traditional Thursday is not a holyday of obligation.)

The middle verses 14,17-21, are omitted from the reading. Consider what would be the effect of including them.

In view of the feast, all three readings (Exodus 24,3-8 and Hebrews 9,11-15) and the psalm (Ps 115) have been selected with a specific theme in mind. Reflect upon this theme.

Then see my response.

We can now continue our reading as Jesus and his disciples leave for the Mount of Olvies and the Garden of Gethsemane, 14,26-52.