MPV Commentary

The Conspiracy of the Jewish Authorities to Put Jesus to Death (Mr 14:1-11)

The events described in this section took place on the fourth day of Jesus' Last Week.

Conspiracy of the Jewish Authorities to Put Jesus to Death (Mr 14:1, 2)

1. After two days was the feast of the Passover and of unleavened bread. The chief priests and scribes sought how they might take Jesus by craft and put him to death. This plan was likely motivated by their desire to avoid a public uproar among the people, who had come from all over for the festival.

2. But they said, "Not on the feast day; lest there be an uproar of the people." They were concerned about the large crowd that would be present during the Passover celebration and wanted to avoid any potential violence or disturbance.

The Supper and the Anointing at Bethany Six Days before the Passover (Mr 14:3-9)

This event occurred four days before the conspiracy described above. It is likely that this scene was included here because it provided a context for Judas' betrayal, which had already been decided upon by the Jewish authorities.

3. While Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster box of ointment made from spikenard, a very precious and costly aromatic substance. She broke open the box and poured the ointment on his head.

4. Some people present were indignant about this waste of expensive perfume, but Jesus defended the woman's actions, saying that she had done what she could to show her love for him.

5. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, was among those who criticized the woman's actions. He was motivated by his own greed and dishonesty, as he had been entrusted with managing the group's finances but had been stealing from them.

6. Jesus rebuked Judas for his criticism, saying, "Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me." He pointed out that the poor would always be present and could be helped at any time, but he himself would not always be available to receive their care.

7. The woman had done what she could to anoint Jesus' body for burial, which was a significant act of love and devotion.

8. Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them, offering to deliver him in exchange for thirty pieces of silver, a sum equivalent to about four or five pounds sterling. This amount was likely chosen because it was the fine paid for accidentally killing someone (Ex 21:32).

9. The Jewish authorities were pleased with Judas' proposal and promised to give him the money. They also agreed that he should wait until Jesus could be betrayed in a way that would avoid causing an uproar among the people.

10. Judas sought opportunities to betray Jesus, likely looking for ways to do so without drawing attention to himself or causing a public disturbance.

11. Satan had entered into Judas, motivating him to commit this treacherous act against Jesus.