The gospel, condensed
Saturday, Dec. 7
Mark Chapter 14 Click here to read
With Mark’s characteristic brevity, the events of Holy Week move quickly. His to-the-point, almost passionless language amplifies the action over the emotion.
Jesus is anointed with expensive perfume and matter-of-factly says it is preparation for his burial.
He then gathers with his disciples for the meal that still defines Christian worship, and predicts his betrayal and crucifixion, as well as Peter’s denial.
Even in the intensity of the prayer at Gethsemane, Jesus is quick to surrender his own wishes to God’s will.
His arrest and trial promptly follow, and Peter’s humiliating weakness is lived out.
All in one chapter of barely 1,500 words.
This is a passage we would usually read during Lent, not Advent, probably during Holy Week—maybe as a Maundy Thursday text.
But it captures the heart of the gospel, that life-giving gift of Bethlehem eagerly anticipated by the prophets, and the sin-defeating return we still look forward to.
Jesus is God. Jesus willingly and knowingly goes to his death in our place. Jesus shows us that forgiveness isn’t just for the worthy, but for the most unworthy: the one who betrays intentionally and also the one who betrays from fear and weakness.
The next time you wonder if God can really forgive your sin, read Chapter 14 of Mark again.
The writing is brief and clinical, but the words bring healing.