Jesus has been reclining for a meal in Bethany, even having His head anointed. Two days later it’s no longer time for reclining – Passover MUST be celebrated tonight! (Mark 14:12-42)
The question is: WHERE? There is no need for Jesus to lead His disciples back into Jerusalem just for Passover but that is what He orders... “Go into the city...”
Why?...for His betrayal! Notice how absolutely certain Jesus is...
- “One of you... shall betray me...it is one of the twelve”
- “The Son of Man indeed goes...”
- “This my body....this is my blood”
- “After I am risen...” (always Jesus’ outlook!)
- “The sheep shall be scattered”
- “Before the cock crow twice, you (Peter) shall deny me three times”
Jesus is so like His friends in appearance and none of them seem to know who would betray Him: “Is it I?” Peter even proudly vows his allegiance, along with all the others.
Finally it’s time: “Get up, let’s go, the betrayer is here!”
This is the
decisive moment of testing for all - surely they will prove loyal? .
