*Mark 14:26-52
Jesus predicts his disciples will abandon him and Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows.
- Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial:
- After the Last Supper, Jesus and the disciples head to the Mount of Olives.
- He predicts that all His disciples will desert Him, but He will rise again and go ahead to Galilee.
- Peter insists he will not deny Jesus, but Jesus foretells that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows twice. Peter and the others vow loyalty, despite Jesus’ prediction.
- Gethsemane: Jesus Prays:
- Jesus and His disciples arrive at Gethsemane, where He takes Peter, James, and John further with Him.
- He expresses deep sorrow and urges them to stay awake and keep watch while He prays.
- In His anguish, He prays to the Father, asking if it’s possible to avoid the coming suffering but ultimately submits to God’s will.
- Three times, Jesus finds the disciples asleep and gently rebukes them, warning of their spiritual weakness.
- He finally awakens them as His betrayer arrives.
- Jesus Arrested:
- Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples, arrives with a mob sent by the chief priests, scribes, and elders.
- He identifies Jesus with a kiss, prompting the crowd to seize Him.
- One of the disciples strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear, but Jesus does not resist arrest and comments on the absurdity of arresting Him violently when He was always teaching publicly.
- All the disciples abandon Jesus and flee.
- The Young Man Flees:
- A young man, wearing only a linen cloth, tries to follow Jesus but is seized by the mob.
- He escapes, leaving behind the linen cloth, and flees naked into the night.
Mark 14:26-52 teaches us about staying faithful to God, even when we feel weak or afraid. Jesus knew He was about to suffer, yet He still prayed and trusted God’s plan. Meanwhile, His disciples struggled—they fell asleep instead of praying and later ran away in fear. We can apply this by turning to God in prayer when we face struggles instead of relying only on ourselves. Even when we feel afraid or uncertain, we should trust that God is in control. Instead of giving up or running away from challenges, we can find strength in staying close to Him.
Mark 14:26-52 (WEB)
14:26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.27 Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”29 But Peter said to him, “Although all will be offended, yet I will not.”30 Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”31 But he spoke all the more, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” They all said the same thing.32 They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed. 34 He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”35 He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 36 He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.”37 He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”39 Again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 Again he returned and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they didn’t know what to answer him. 41 He came the third time and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Arise! Let’s get going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.”43 Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came—and with him a multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. 44 Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I will kiss, that is he. Seize him, and lead him away safely.” 45 When he had come, immediately he came to him and said, “Rabbi! Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 They laid their hands on him and seized him. 47 But a certain one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.48 Jesus answered them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me. But this is so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.”50 They all left him, and fled. 51 A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself over his naked body. The young men grabbed him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked.