17 And when it was evening he came with the twelve. 18 And while they were seated taking food, Jesus said, Truly I say to you, One of you will be false to me, one who is taking food with me. 19 They were sad, and said to him one by one, Is it I? 20 And he said to them, It is one of the twelve, one who is putting his bread with me into the same plate. 21 The Son of man goes, even as the Writings say of him: but cursed is that man through whom the Son of man is given up! It would have been well for that man if he had never been given birth. 22 And while they were taking food, he took bread, and after blessing it, he gave the broken bread to them, and said, Take it: this is my body. 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given praise, he gave it to them: and they all had a drink from it. 24 And he said to them, This is my blood of the testament, which is given for men. 25 Truly I say to you, I will take no more of the fruit of the vine till the day when I take it new in the kingdom of God.
26 And after a song of praise to God they went out to the Mountain of Olives.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 14:17-26
Commentary on Mark 14:12-21
(Read Mark 14:12-21)
Nothing could be less the result of human foresight than the events here related. But our Lord knows all things about us before they come to pass. If we admit him, he will dwell in our hearts. The Son of man goes, as it is written of him, as a lamb to the slaughter; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed! God's permitting the sins of men, and bringing glory to himself out of them, does not oblige them to sin; nor will this be any excuse for their guilt, or lessen their punishment.
Commentary on Mark 14:22-31
(Read Mark 14:22-31)
The Lord's supper is food for the soul, therefore a very little of that which is for the body, as much as will serve for a sign, is enough. It was instituted by the example and the practice of our Master, to remain in force till his second coming. It was instituted with blessing and giving of thanks, to be a memorial of Christ's death. Frequent mention is made of his precious blood, as the price of our redemption. How comfortable is this to poor repenting sinners, that the blood of Christ is shed for many! If for many, why not for me? It was a sign of the conveyance of the benefits purchased for us by his death. Apply the doctrine of Christ crucified to yourselves; let it be meat and drink to your souls, strengthening and refreshing your spiritual life. It was to be an earnest and foretaste of the happiness of heaven, and thereby to put us out of taste for the pleasures and delights of sense. Every one that has tasted spiritual delights, straightway desires eternal ones. Though the great Shepherd passed through his sufferings without one false step, yet his followers often have been scattered by the small measure of sufferings allotted to them. How very apt we are to think well of ourselves, and to trust our own hearts! It was ill done of Peter thus to answer his Master, and not with fear and trembling. Lord, give me grace to keep me from denying thee.