17 And evening having come, he cometh with the twelve, 18 and as they are reclining, and eating, Jesus said, 'Verily I say to you—one of you, who is eating with me—shall deliver me up.' 19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to him, one by one, 'Is it I?' and another, 'Is it I?' 20 And he answering said to them, 'One of the twelve who is dipping with me in the dish; 21 the Son of Man doth indeed go, as it hath been written concerning him, but wo to that man through whom the Son of Man is delivered up; good were it to him if that man had not been born.' 22 And as they are eating, Jesus having taken bread, having blessed, brake, and gave to them, and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.' 23 And having taken the cup, having given thanks, he gave to them, and they drank of it—all; 24 and he said to them, 'This is my blood of the new covenant, which for many is being poured out; 25 verily I say to you, that no more may I drink of the produce of the vine till that day when I may drink it new in the reign of God.'
26 And having sung an hymn, they went forth to the mount of the 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.