Mark 14:1-2,17-21, “Crucified As It Is Written”

In the first two verses of Mark 14 we see that the narrative is resuming after Jesus’ lengthy response to His disciples’ wonder at the beauty of the temple area.  We also see, in those two verses, the fundamental truth of the entire story of the Incarnation.  The Lord is sovereign.  He is directing the entire matter.  The religions leaders, the powerful men of the nation, sought to kill Jesus but not during the feast, lest they cause a riot among the people.  The Lord intended to sacrifice His Son for the sins of the world, and He fully intended to do it during the feast. 

There is another truth woven throughout the stories of the Incarnation that demonstrates God’s plan being worked out.  Lest you have any unwise thought that Satan is in charge as we come to the sufferings and the cross of Christ, Jesus clearly states, “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him” (14:21).  He said these words in the context of predicting His betrayal by Judas, one of the Twelve.  Every step of the way, even during the final days leading to the cross, the OT had anticipated, predicted, prophesied every one of Jesus’ steps.  And mind you, Jesus knew His Bible, even from His childhood (Luke 2:41-50).  While this was not an easy time for Jesus (14:33-34), we see Him committed to the path His Father had laid out for Him.  As Paul said of us, so the Father had a path of good works designed for His Son, that He should walk in them (Eph. 2:10).  He is our forerunner (Hb. 6:20), giving us One on whom we set our gaze, the “author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2).

So, you might wonder, did the OT prophesy the actions of the “chief priests and scribes” who set out to kill Jesus?  Without question, YES! They are the wicked lawmakers who decree unrighteous decrees of Isa. 10:1-2.  They are the “workers of iniquity” referred to in the OT (e.g. Ps. 94:16).  They are the evil doers who shed innocent blood (Ps. 94:20-21).  In Ps. 22, the Psalm of the Suffering Savior, they are the “bulls” (v12) and “dogs” (v16) that surround Jesus. 

We have called attention to the Psalms of David and his frequent issues with enemies.  What we see is that David is not only speaking of himself as he cries to the LORD for help.  His words become the words of the Messiah.  Everyone sees it in places such as Ps. 22:1 (“My God, My God, why have You forsaken me”).  But the same can be said of any of the Psalms.  Take Ps. 35 for example.  It is not considered “Messianic” but is “imprecatory.”  David begins, Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me.  Throughout the Psalm David pleads for help against those who unjustly attack him, who seek his life.  But as you read this, you can hear the same prayer from Jesus, the same entrusting of Himself to His Father who judges righteously (1 Pt. 2:23), the faithful Creator (4:19).  Both David and his great Son had these enemies and gave it to their God.