I.e. a formal, extended teaching about important matters.
Caiaphas served as high priest A.D. 18 to 36. His father-in-law, Annas, served as high priest A.D. 6-15. Annas was removed from the position by Rome, but continued to be extremely influential and was regarded by the Jews as de facto high priest even though others (his sons and son-in-law) officially held the office. In about 1990, in an ancient burial cave outside Jerusalem, Israeli archeologists found twelve limestone ossuaries (bone boxes). One of them was uniquely elaborate and decorated with a rare and intricate pattern of rosettes. According to its inscription, this ossuary contained the bones of Caiaphas.
Most likely a man previously healed by Jesus. Otherwise he would not be able to have a home among others in the city.
John the Apostle identifies this woman as Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus (
Mark 14:3-9;
John 12:1-8). Jesus was anointed in a similar way by an unnamed woman when He was in Galilee dining at the home of Simon the Pharisee (
Luke 7:36-40).
This was a thick, scented oil (nard) obtained from the root of a flowering plant grown in the Himalayas of Tibet.
Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, spoke first denouncing this act of devotion (
John 12:4,
5).
Probably about a month’s wages for a laborer.
This remembrance lasted eight days. The Passover lambs were selected on the tenth of Nisan (March/April) and sacrificed on the fourteenth of Nisan (the first day of the feast). The Passover meal was eaten that same night (15 Nisan). This was immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread (15-21 Nisan). The terms “Passover” and “The Feast of Unleavened Bread” were used interchangeably.
Tradition identifies this man as Mark’s father.
In the ancient culture sharing a meal in this way was a confirmation of friendship and goodwill.
“You” is emphatic in the Greek text.
The customary blessing spoken over the bread in the Passover meal was, “Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.”
Giving thanks consisted of two benedictions, one over the wine (“Blessed are You, Lord our God, who has created the fruit of the vine!”) and one for the return of the Feast Day with all it implied, as well as being allowed once more to witness it.
By laying his hands on the head of the sacrifice the one offering the sacrifice identified himself with it and through its death it became an atonement or covering for his sin. Because the unblemished sacrifice “covered” his sin, it placed the one offering the sacrifice in a right relationship with God, just as later under the new covenant the perfection and sacrifice of Christ would cover (atone for) the imperfection and sin of those who identified with Him and accepted Him as Savior.
The Hallel psalms (113-118) were sung at Passover.
This beautiful garden filled with now ancient olive trees still exists.
Jesus’ request was heard (
Heb 5:7), and it is unlikely that He asked to avoid the cross. The object of His request cannot be known with certainty, but some think that He was asking for resurrection following His death. In that case, the “cup” would represent His body’s remaining in the grave, which would be contrary to the plan of salvation and prophecy regarding His resurrection (
Ps 16:10; cf
Acts 2:24-27). Others think that the request related to the time of separation from the Father, which He would have to endure in death (see 27:46). However, the sense of
Heb 5:7 could be that the Father listened to Him intently and comforted Him, while not sparing His Son the suffering which He had destined for Him.
Lit flesh.
The time had come for Jesus’ atoning sacrificial death which would provide the way of salvation for believers.
A kiss on either the hand or cheek was usually an act of homage and a common gesture of greeting and reverence given to a rabbi by his disciples, but done here to identify Jesus.
John identified this “one” as Peter.
A legion equaled 6,000 troops.
See note 26:3.
It was unlawful for a criminal court proceeding to be held at night. Further, although the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court) was granted substantial power to act by the Roman government, the Sanhedrin could not impose the death penalty on a criminal. Court cases requesting a death penalty to be imposed by the Roman government were to be held publicly in the temple. The officials of the Sanhedrin waited until morning to announce their verdict, perhaps in a token attempt to legalize their unlawful gathering.
Or servants.
This would amount to a capital offense.
The place of preeminence and authority.
Or
outer garments. This was a response required by Jewish law for judges who had heard blasphemy. However, OT law forbade the high priest to tear his clothing (
Lev 10:6;
21:10).
A statement expressing complete rejection of and contempt for the Messiah.
