In some orthodox churches the day we know as Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is called the Thursday of Mysteries. What could be more mysterious than the language Jesus used at the Last Supper?
Mark 14:22-26 (NRSV)
While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
This has to be a really odd meal for the disciples. Everyone's nerves have to be on edge. It's been an exhilarating but scary ride on which Jesus keeps poking the sore spots of the Jewish leaders at every opportunity. Now, in the seemingly safe zone of the upper room, Jesus states that he will be betrayed by one of them. He offers a really strange narration during the meal that nobody understands and tops it off by telling them that they will all scatter like sheep when the other shoe falls. Peter, known for opening mouth and inserting foot, does it again. But, for the record, let it be known that they all piped up with the same "We're here for you Jesus!"
They all go out to a nice garden and this same bunch of cheerleaders is unable to stay awake. Jesus obviously is agonizing over the path set before him and just wants someone to look like they care. Nothing doing. Honestly who knew that this was the end of the road? We're all guilty of being asleep at the wheel.
Mark 14:43-52 (NRSV)
Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” All of them deserted him and fled.
A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.
Three things I enjoy about this passage:
1. A guy gets his ear cut off. Kinda cool somebody did something other than sleep. I feel bad though for the slave. This would have been better if it was the high priest left holding the ear he didn't bother using when Jesus was teaching all last week.
2. They all deserted and fled. That didn't take long.
3. He left the linen cloth and ran off naked. Way to write yourself into the story, Mark. (Who am I kidding? I would have too, it's an awesome story.)
Jesus ends up before the Sanhedrin (read kangaroo court) and all the false witnesses take a shot at making him look bad. The high priest finally asks Jesus straight up:
Mark 14:61b-62 (NRSV)
“Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,’ and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”
At this the high priest has a conniption fit and things start to get very physical. Peter, whose been hanging about the courtyard, does what we all do at some point. He denies Christ to avoid an association that might not be good for him. Then Peter does the same thing we do when we realize the truth about ourselves. He breaks down and cries.
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