Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away,Passover commemorated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt through the blood of the lamb, while the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread recalled the hurried exodus and called God’s people to remove leaven from their homes. Jerusalem filled with pilgrims for these sacred observances. The approaching feast provided the setting for Jesus’ death, for He would offer Himself as the true Passover Lamb, whose blood brings redemption from sin. Exo 12:1-20 Now the LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt,… and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. Israel’s leading religious authorities had rejected the One to whom the Law and Prophets pointed. They feared the crowds, who recognized Jesus as a prophet and had welcomed Him publicly into Jerusalem. Their secret plan revealed both their hostility toward His authority and God’s sovereign purpose, for the rejected Messiah would bear the sins of His people according to the Scriptures.. Luk 22:1-2 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover… Persons / Places / Events 1. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened BreadThese are significant Jewish festivals commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. Passover marks the night when the angel of death "passed over" the homes of the Israelites, while the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts seven days, during which no leavened bread is eaten. 2. Chief Priests and Scribes These were the religious leaders of the Jewish community. The chief priests were responsible for temple rituals, and the scribes were experts in the Law. They were influential figures who felt threatened by Jesus' teachings and sought to eliminate Him. 3. Jesus Central to the account, Jesus is the Messiah whose teachings and actions have drawn the ire of the religious leaders. His impending arrest and crucifixion are pivotal events in the Christian faith. 4. Arrest and Plot to Kill The religious leaders were plotting to arrest Jesus secretly to avoid public uproar, as He was popular among the people. 5. Jerusalem The city where these events are unfolding, Jerusalem is the spiritual and cultural center of Jewish life, especially during the Passover festival. Teaching Points Understanding the Significance of PassoverRecognize the deep historical and spiritual significance of Passover and how it foreshadows Christ's sacrificial death. The Danger of Religious Hypocrisy Reflect on the actions of the chief priests and scribes, who, despite their religious knowledge, were blinded by jealousy and fear. This serves as a warning against allowing religious practices to overshadow genuine faith and righteousness. God's Sovereign Plan Despite human schemes, God's plan for salvation through Jesus was unfolding. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire. The Cost of Discipleship Jesus' path to the cross was marked by opposition and sacrifice. As His followers, we are called to take up our cross and follow Him, understanding that true discipleship may involve suffering and sacrifice. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the timing of these events during Passover enhance our understanding of Jesus' role as the Lamb of God?2. In what ways can we guard against the kind of hypocrisy demonstrated by the chief priests and scribes in our own religious practices? 3. How does the plot against Jesus illustrate the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty? 4. What are some modern-day examples of "taking up your cross" in the context of following Jesus? 5. How can understanding the historical and cultural context of the Passover deepen our appreciation for the Lord's Supper (Communion) in Christian worship? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 12Provides the background for the Passover, detailing the original event and its significance for the Israelites. Matthew 26:1-5 Offers a parallel account of the plot against Jesus, emphasizing the leaders' fear of public reaction. John 11:45-53 Describes the council's decision to put Jesus to death, highlighting the political and religious motivations behind their actions. 1 Corinthians 5:7 Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a theological connection between Jesus' sacrifice and the Passover. People James, Jesus, John, Judas, Peter, SimonPlaces Bethany, Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Mount of OlivesTopics Arrest, Bent, Bread, Chief, Craft, Death, Deceit, Deception, Designs, Feast, Finding, Guile, Hold, Kill, Law, Passover, Priests, Scribes, Seeking, Seize, Sly, Sought, Stealth, Stratagem, Subtlety, Teachers, UnleavenedDictionary of Bible Themes Mark 14:1 2530 Christ, death of 2545 Christ, opposition to Library July 28 EveningLet your requests be made known unto God.--PHIL. 4:6. Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.--There was given to me a thorn in the flesh. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path July 18 Evening February 7 Evening 'Is it I?' The Sleeping Apostle A Secret Rendezvous The New Passover 'Strong Crying and Tears' The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him The Condemnation which Condemns the Judges The Alabaster Box Questions About the Lord's Supper That He who is About to Communicate with Christ Ought to Prepare Himself with Great Diligence Twenty-Eighth Lesson. Father! not what I Will;' Letter xiii. Christian Activity. Mark. "She Hath done what She Could. " Mark 14:8. Jerusalem Watch and Pray. --Mark. xiv. 38 As the Rind of a Pomegranate are Thy Cheeks, Besides that which is Hidden Within. Links Mark 14:1 NIVMark 14:1 NLT Mark 14:1 ESV Mark 14:1 NASB Mark 14:1 KJV Mark 14:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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