The Gospel of Mark #24 – Study Questions

Kyle Bartholic   -   June 27, 2024

Betrayal, Arrest, and Trial

Mark 14:26-15:15 (CGS#24)

INTRODUCTION:  As we continue our study through the final chapters of Mark’s Gospel, we are in the final week of Jesus’ life. Here is the timeline of that week with key verse markers.

  1. 11:11 – Sunday – Triumphant Entry
  2. 11:12 – Monday – Back to Jerusalem
  3. 11:20 – Tuesday – The day of questions
  4. 14:1 – Wednesday – “Two days before the Passover.”
  5. 14:12 – Thursday – “First day of the Passover.”
  6. 15:1 – Friday – “Soon it was morning.” – Trial and crucifixion
  7. 16:1 – Sunday – “When the Sabbath was passed.” – Resurrection

“Mark 14 and 15 describe the betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, commonly known as the “passion” (from the Latin word for “suffer”). These chapters correspond more closely, particularly in sequence of events, to the passion narratives of Matthew and Luke, indicating that the passion narrative had been shaped into a structural unit before Mark received it. Nevertheless, the presence of three sandwich conventions in chap. 14 and one in chap. 15 are evidence that Mark is not simply transmitting tradition but also interpreting it for his purposes.

The general theme of chap. 14, the longest in the Gospel, is the abandonment of Jesus. The chapter opens with Jesus and the disciples in Jerusalem, where he is teaching and debating with the religious leaders. Everything, in other words, is as it has been in the Gospel so far. But following the Lord’s Supper a rapid and total defection follows, leaving Jesus alone and abandoned. Chapter 14 rehearses in sorry detail how the earlier opposition of the Pharisees (3:6; 11:18; 12:12) metastasizes among the ruling council of the Jews, the Roman rulers, and the populace. The dam breaks within the ranks of his disciples as well, and they all—from Judas to Peter—flee. At the cross Jesus dies utterly alone, condemned by Rome and abandoned by the nation, his people, his followers, and even the Father (15:34). The fate of Jesus poignantly fulfills what Isaiah said of the Servant of Yahweh, all “have gone astray.” Accused, assailed, scorned, Jesus suffers as silently “as a sheep before her shearers is dumb” (Isa 53:4–9).”[1]

When we look at the betrayal, arrest, and trial of Jesus, we are offered two sets of pictures. One set looks at us, humanity. The other set looks at Jesus. And, quite frankly, they couldn’t be more different. If we allow ourselves to be present to the text and the human characters, we will see ourselves in them. They are willing but weak, passionate but fickle, and hopeful but disbelieving. They know they are in need. They’re just not sure about the solution to that need. Then there is Jesus, abandoned and faithful. In him, we see someone who is willing and strong, compassionate and honest, and glorified and shamed. The good news of these pictures is that we don’t have to stay the same. Through Jesus, we are offered abundant and eternal life. But we will first need to see ourselves and him clearly so that we can take a step of faith and trust in him. That is a gift of the Bible. It routinely offers us honesty and hope.

 

 

GETTING STARTED – As a group, take time to answer this question. What was a time in your life when you learned the value of honesty?

 

IN THE WORD –   Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.

First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)

Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.

 

 

Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?

 

 

Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?

 

Note: Another way to approach your time together is to talk through the following questions.

  1. What moment in Mark 14 do you find most moving?
  2. When you look at the disciples, crowds, and religious leaders of the text, what do you see in them that you also see in yourself?
  3. When you look at Jesus in the text, what do you see in him that is aspirational, beautiful, and inspiring?
  4. What is the importance of honesty in spiritual growth? How have you experienced it in the past?
  5. Are you growing intentionally, stagnating, or complacent in your walk with God right now? What is your next intentional step of obedience for growth?

 

 

 

[1] James R. Edwards, The Gospel according to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos, 2002), 410.