Mark 14:27-31

Jesus Warns His Disciples of Their Coming Failure (14:27-31).

With His heart full of tender love for them Jesus, aware of what the Scriptures have said, and knowing their inner weaknesses, warns the disciples of betrayal. But they all assure Him that He has nothing to worry about. They will not fail.

Analysis.

· And Jesus says to them, “You will all be caused to fail, for it is written, ‘I will smite the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered abroad.' However, after I am raised up I will go before you into Galilee” (Mark 14:27).

· But Peter said to Him, “Although all will desert you in fear (‘be caused to stumble') yet I will not” (Mark 14:29).

· And Jesus says to Him, “Truly I say to you that you today, even this night, before the cock crows twice will three times deny me” (Mark 14:30).

· But he spoke exceedingly vehemently, “If I must die with you I will not deny you” (Mark 14:31 a).

· And in a similar manner they all said the same thing (Mark 14:31 b).

Note that in ‘a' all will fail Him and in the parallel all deny it. In ‘b' Peter declares that he will be faithful, and in the parallel says that he will not deny Him even if it cost him his life. Centrally in ‘c' Jesus confirms that he will deny Him three times.