Mark 14:34
Then He said to them, "My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch."
“My soul is consumed with sorrow”
In this phrase, Jesus expresses a profound depth of emotional anguish. The Greek word for "soul" is "psyche," which refers to the very essence of a person's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. This indicates that Jesus is experiencing sorrow at the deepest level of His humanity. The word "consumed" suggests an overwhelming, all-encompassing state, highlighting the intensity of His suffering. This sorrow is not just a fleeting feeling but a profound, consuming grief. Historically, this moment in the Garden of Gethsemane is pivotal, as it reveals Jesus' full identification with human suffering and His willingness to bear the weight of the world's sin.

“to the point of death”
This phrase underscores the extremity of Jesus' sorrow. The Greek word "thanatos" for "death" conveys the ultimate end of physical life, but here it also symbolizes the depth of spiritual and emotional agony. Jesus' sorrow is so intense that it feels as if it could lead to death itself. This expression of anguish is reminiscent of the Psalms, where the psalmists often cry out to God from the depths of despair. It emphasizes the gravity of the moment and foreshadows the impending crucifixion, where Jesus will indeed face death. This phrase serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption and the depth of Christ's love for humanity.

“Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
In this request, Jesus seeks the companionship and support of His disciples during His time of trial. The Greek word "gregoreite," translated as "keep watch," implies vigilance and alertness. It is a call to spiritual readiness and prayerful support. This moment reflects the communal aspect of faith, where believers are called to support one another in times of trial. Historically, this scene in Gethsemane is a poignant reminder of the human need for community and the importance of being spiritually awake. Jesus' request also highlights His vulnerability and His desire for His closest friends to share in His suffering, even as He prepares to face the cross alone.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, expressing deep sorrow and distress as He anticipates His impending crucifixion.

2. Disciples
Specifically, Peter, James, and John, whom Jesus takes with Him to Gethsemane to pray and keep watch.

3. Gethsemane
The garden where Jesus prays and experiences profound anguish before His arrest.

4. Sorrow
The intense emotional state Jesus experiences, highlighting His humanity and the weight of the coming sacrifice.

5. Watchfulness
The command Jesus gives to His disciples, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance.
Teaching Points
The Humanity of Christ
Jesus' expression of sorrow reveals His true humanity, allowing believers to relate to Him in their own times of distress.

The Weight of Sin
Jesus' sorrow is a reflection of the burden of sin He is about to bear, reminding us of the gravity of sin and the cost of redemption.

The Importance of Prayer
Jesus models the necessity of prayer in times of trial, encouraging believers to seek God's strength and guidance.

Spiritual Vigilance
The call to "keep watch" is a reminder of the need for constant spiritual alertness in the face of temptation and spiritual warfare.

Companionship in Suffering
Jesus' request for His disciples to stay with Him highlights the value of community and support during difficult times.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' expression of sorrow in Mark 14:34 deepen your understanding of His humanity and His role as our Savior?

2. In what ways can the disciples' failure to keep watch serve as a warning for us in our spiritual lives today?

3. How does the theme of watchfulness in Mark 14:34 connect with other scriptures that call for spiritual vigilance?

4. What practical steps can you take to follow Jesus' example of prayer and reliance on God during times of personal distress?

5. How can you support others in your community who are experiencing sorrow or suffering, following the example of Jesus' request for companionship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 26:38
This parallel account in Matthew provides additional context to Jesus' sorrow and the disciples' role in Gethsemane.

Hebrews 5:7-8
These verses reflect on Jesus' prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears, underscoring His obedience and suffering.

Psalm 42:5
This psalm echoes the theme of a soul in turmoil, offering a connection to the emotional depth of Jesus' experience.

Isaiah 53:3-4
The prophecy of the suffering servant, which foretells the sorrows and griefs borne by Jesus.

1 Peter 5:8
This verse calls believers to be sober-minded and watchful, resonating with Jesus' instruction to His disciples.
The Betrayal by JudasJ.J. Given Mark 14:1-11, 18-21, 43-50
BetrayalR. Green Mark 14:10, 11, 17-21, 43-52
The Agony in GethsemaneJ.J. Given Mark 14:26-42
Peter's FallR. Green Mark 14:27-31, 66-72
GethsemaneA. Rowland Mark 14:32-35
Blessings Through Christ's Soul AgonyH. Melvill, B. D.Mark 14:32-36
Christ in GethsemaneJ. H. Hitchens.Mark 14:32-36
Christ, Our Sin BearerJ. H. Evans, M. A.Mark 14:32-36
Christ's Agony of SoulH. Melvill, B. D.Mark 14:32-36
Christ's Sorrow and DesertionH. Melvill, B. D.Mark 14:32-36
Companionship in SorrowH. Clay Trumbull.Mark 14:32-36
Complete ResignationMark 14:32-36
GethsemaneThe Preacher's MonthlyMark 14:32-36
Instance of ResignationMark 14:32-36
Jesus in GethsemaneH. L. B. Speare.Mark 14:32-36
ResignationR. N. Cust.Mark 14:32-36
The Conflict in GethsemaneCharles Stanford, D. D.Mark 14:32-36
The Prayer in GethsemaneC. S. Robinson, D. D.Mark 14:32-36
The Sufferings of the GoodNorman Macleod.Mark 14:32-36
GethsemaneR. Green Mark 14:32-42
GethsemaneE. Johnson Mark 14:32-42
The Agony in the GardenA.F. Muir Mark 14:32-42
People
James, Jesus, John, Judas, Peter, Simon
Places
Bethany, Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives
Topics
Abide, Anguish, Awake, Death, Deeply, Exceeding, Exceedingly, Full, Grief, Grieved, Heart, Oppressed, Overwhelmed, Point, Sad, Says, Sorrow, Sorrowful, Soul, Stay, Tarry, Wait, Watch
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 14:34

     2033   Christ, humanity
     5567   suffering, emotional
     5970   unhappiness

Mark 14:32-39

     2570   Christ, suffering

Mark 14:32-40

     8613   prayer, persistence

Mark 14:32-41

     2360   Christ, prayers of

Mark 14:32-42

     5537   sleeplessness
     6252   temptation, and Christ

Mark 14:33-39

     5559   stress

Mark 14:34-36

     2054   Christ, mind of
     2354   Christ, mission

Mark 14:34-37

     5946   sensitivity

Library
July 28 Evening
Let 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
She hath done what she could.--MARK 14:8. This poor widow hath cast in more than they all.--Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.--If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.--If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 7 Evening
Jesus . . . was moved with compassion toward them.--MATT. 14:14. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.--We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.--Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.--He cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

'Is it I?'
'Is it I?'--Mark xiv. 19 The scene shows that Judas had not as yet drawn any suspicion on himself. Here the Apostles seem to be higher than their ordinary stature; for they do not take to questioning one another, or even to protest, 'No!' but to questioning Christ. I. The solemn prophecy. It seems strange at first sight that our Lord should have introduced such thoughts then, disturbing the sweet repose of that hallowed hour. But the terrible fact of the betrayal was naturally suggested by the emblems
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sleeping Apostle
'Simon, sleepest thou!'--Mark xiv. 37 It is a very old Christian tradition that this Gospel is in some sense the Apostle Peter's. There are not many features in the Gospel itself which can be relied on as confirming this idea. Perhaps one such may be found in this plaintive remonstrance, which is only preserved for us here. Matthew's Gospel, indeed, tells us that the rebuke was addressed to Peter, but blunts the sharp point of it as directed to him, by throwing it into the plural, as if spoken to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Secret Rendezvous
'And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the pastorer, His disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the passover? 13. And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples?
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The New Passover
'And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passover, the disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the Passover? 13. And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with My disciples?
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Strong Crying and Tears'
'And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and He saith to His disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33. And He taketh with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34. And saith onto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35. And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him
'And immediately, while He yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44. And he that betrayed Him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He; take Him, and lead Him away safely. 45. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to Him, and saith, Master, Master; and kissed Him. 46. And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him. 47. And one of them that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Condemnation which Condemns the Judges
'And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put Him to death; and found none. 56. For many bare false witness against Him, but their witness agreed not together. 57. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against Him, saying, 58. We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. 59. But neither so did their witness agree together. 60. And the high priest stood up in their
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Alabaster Box
'And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me.... 8. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint My body to the burying. 9. Verily I say unto you. Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.'--Mark xiv. 6-9. John's Gospel sets this incident in its due framework of time and place, and tells us the names of the actors. The time was within a week
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Questions About the Lord's Supper
THE paper which begins at this page requires a few words of prefatory explanation. It consists of fifty-one questions about the Lord's Supper, with special reference to points which are the subject of much dispute and controversy in the present day. It supplies fifty-one answers to these questions, chiefly drawn from the New Testament, and the Articles, Communion Service, and Catechism of the Church of England. It contains, in addition, some valuable extracts from the writings of standard English
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

That He who is About to Communicate with Christ Ought to Prepare Himself with Great Diligence
The Voice of the Beloved I am the Lover of purity, and Giver of sanctity. I seek a pure heart, and there is the place of My rest. Prepare for Me the larger upper room furnished, and I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.(1) If thou wilt that I come unto thee and abide with thee, purge out the old leaven,(2) and cleanse the habitation of thy heart. Shut out the whole world, and all the throng of sins; sit as a sparrow alone upon the house-top,(3) and think upon thy transgressions
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Twenty-Eighth Lesson. Father! not what I Will;'
Father! Not what I will;' Or, Christ the Sacrifice. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what Thou wilt.'--Mark xiv. 36. WHAT a contrast within the space of a few hours! What a transition from the quiet elevation of that, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, FATHER I WILL,' to that falling on the ground and crying in agony. My Father! Not what I will.' In the one we see the High Priest within the veil in His
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
"She hath done what she could."--MARK 14:8. MY DEAR SISTER, You doubtless feel a deep interest in the great benevolent enterprises of the present day. No one who possesses the spirit of our Master can be indifferent towards them. It is important, then, that you should know what you can do towards moving forward these enterprises. For, remember that your obligation is as extensive as your ability. Christ commended the woman, referred to in the passage above quoted for doing "what she could."
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

Mark.
Commentaries. George Petter (the largest Com. on M., London, 1661, 2 vols. fol.); C. Fr. A. Fritzsche (Evangelium Marci, Lips., 1830); A. Klostermann (Das Marcusevangelium nach seinem Quellenwerthe für die evang. Gesch., Göttingen, 1867); B. Weiss (Das Marcusevangelium und seine synopt. Parallelen, Berlin, 1872); Meyer (6th ed. by Weiss, Gött., 1878); Joseph A. Alexander (New York, 1858, and London, 1866); Harvey Goodwin (London, 1860); John H. Godwin (London, 1869); James Morison
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

"She Hath done what She Could. " Mark 14:8.
"She hath done what she could." Mark 14:8. 1 Bless, O bless, Almighty Father, Woman's mission with our race,-- Her fond strivings here to gather Fruits of thy redeeming grace. 2 Though her way be not where honor Wins the gazing world's acclaim, Yet we bless thee that upon her Rests the power of Jesus' name. 3 In that name, O Father, strengthen Her full heart and ready hands; May her efforts serve to lengthen Christian love's encircling bands. 4 Where the mourning and the needy And the suffering
J.G. Adams—Hymns for Christian Devotion

Jerusalem
For the history of the disciples after the death of Jesus we are dependent upon a single source, the Acts of the Apostles, which can, however, be controlled, and to some extent corrected, by the gospels and by the epistles of Paul. It is now generally recognised that if any one wishes to write a life of Christ he ought to base his work not on the gospels as we have them now, but rather on the information provided by the critical analysis of the gospels as to their sources. These sources, or at least
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity

Watch and Pray. --Mark. xiv. 38
Watch and Pray.--Mark. xiv. 38. Our Saviour's words are "Watch and Pray:" Lord, make us willing to obey; Lord, make us able to fulfil Thy counsel--give both power and will. The wisdom from above impart, To keep our hand, and tongue, and heart, In thought, word, deed,--that so we may Pray whilst we watch, watch while we pray. Lest while we watch, and fear no snare, We fall into neglect of prayer; Or, while we pray, and watch not, sin Creep like a subtil serpent in. When by an evil world beset,
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

As the Rind of a Pomegranate are Thy Cheeks, Besides that which is Hidden Within.
As the rind of the pomegranate is the least part of it, and includes all its excellence, so with this soul, its exterior appears of small account in comparison with what is concealed within. [42] The interior is filled with, the purest charity and the most advanced graces, but hidden under a very common exterior; for God takes pleasure in hiding away the souls He destines for Himself. Men are not worthy to know them, though the angels admire and respect them even under the humblest external form
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

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