Mark 14:23
   The cup was shared. We cannot really get around that. It seems quite obvious from the wording here. However, so was the bread. Just as the bread was divided in order to be shared, the cup likely was as well. As long as we understand the symbolism, that we are all drinking from the same source, that is the main thing. It is not absolutely necessary to all drink from the same physical cup.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious blood of Christ shed for us. We can never praise you enough for the forgiveness we may have in Him. You are truly gracious, and your love is clear. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:22
   We need to keep in mind that this is being done during the Passover feast. There is a lot of significance in that meal, and it is only fitting since the Communion meal is also very significant. Jesus basically replaces the Passover observation with the Communion. However, we should be careful never to forget the connection here. Often we fail to take Communion as seriously as we should.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Lord Jesus and the Communion we can partake of in celebration of him. It is so amazing to think of our fellowship with you. Our relationship with one another is so sweet too. We praise you for this! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:21
   This is one of those things in Scripture that we seem to want to gloss over. We try to ‘tone down’ the meaning to ease people’s conscience. But, these blunt words are really that blunt. But why would Jesus say this?
   Well, we have to have a good understanding of the Word of God to get it right here. We have to be careful and rightly divide. Jesus has a bird’s eye view of history. He could see Judas’ beginning, and he knew his end. The fact is that when we consider a final destiny of hell and then the lake of fire after that, we could say this about many people. But why would God make someone only to turn around and condemn them to such a fate?
   Many have wrestled with this question. Many have fallen victim to doubts as a result of it. It would be far easier to ignore it and forget it. But we just can’t, and it is that simple. It will crop up again, over and over. So what is the solution?
   Faith. We trust God’s ways. We know he is good, absolutely good. But, he made Lucifer. He allows evil  to transpire every day. He is not powerless. He can stop it. But he doesn’t, not yet. The best way I can say it is like this, once it all comes out in the wash, nobody will look back and question his methods. All will say he has done all things well. We may not see it or understand it now, but we will then.
   God made Judas, and God knew what Judas would do. And God knew it would be better for Judas to never be born. But it isn’t better for God’s plan, or for the good of his creation as a whole. He alone has the wisdom to know exactly what should be done and how to do it. We know he knows best, and we trust in Him.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your might power and infinite wisdom. I will praise you forever for your plan for us. You know the best and you do what is best. Give us the grace to understand and the faith to trust. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:20
   Traditionally it was just Jesus and the Twelve in the upper room. However, Jesus’ words here would indicate otherwise. So, as we have already seen, there may have been a much larger group there present. It is amazing to think that, in all of this it was still missed that Judas was the traitor. Indeed, Jesus plainly tells them which one it would be. It must be said, though, that he may not have said this to all of them, but only those closest to him.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your care, your love, your amazing grace! You know exactly what we need, and you give us the tools to make it day to day. You will not leave us comfortless. You always have a plan. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:19
   Of course, they did not realize that the traitor had already laid his plans. So they ask if it is themselves that will be guilty of this. Judas played along.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your love for us in spite of our sin. We know there will be those that shall not be saved. But it is a wonder what you have made available to mankind. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:18
   What a commentary on the evil of this sinful world! Here is the Lord himself, and yet someone would choose to betray him. There seems to be no limit to what sin can do to a person. To betray the very Lamb of God! What an evil! Yet, but for the grace of God, their might be many of us who would do the same. Indeed, we have done no less in that we all began as enemies to him.
   Notice how Jesus says this. He says eating with me, not eating with us. What is he saying? Is he just self-centered? Well, understand that the Lord is completely selfless. There is nothing proud or presumptuous about him. But he is jealous. What I am explaining here is the completely good self-understanding of Almighty God, not an easy concept to grasp. The Lord is entitled to his glory, and that is not selfish because it is totally appropriate. He cannot be guilty of pride becuase he is in actuality absolutely perfect. Pride is a mis-understanding of one’s actual entitlement. God has no such problem.
   So, Jesus was emphasizing that fact that even though they were all sitting there having Passover with Emmanuel, God in the flesh, one would still betray him.

Heavenly Father, it is such a blessing to think of all that you have done for us. You give us your Word, your Spirit, and your Son. How can we ever thank you enough? We will praise you all of our days! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:17
   We know that the Twelve were his close group. However, Jesus had other disciples besides them. We don’t really know for sure how many there may have been at this time. So, why did he have the Twelve? He selected them. It is that simple. He chose a special group out of all the rest.

Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to be your disciples. We are blessed to be a part of the Great Commission. It is important for us to keep Christ at the center of our lives. He is our focus. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:16
   The Passover was, of course, a very important time for the Jewish people. The disciples would have learned at a young age how to prepare for the Passover meal. The Lord wanted them to be involved in the process, not having others do it for them. This was appropriate, and foreshadowed the Communion meal we have today.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your truth. Your grace is amazing! Your justice is perfect! Your holiness is awesome! We cannot stop singing your praises! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:15
   This room was already furnished and ready for their preparations. This would be a second story room, which would only be found in upper-scale homes. It would be the idea place for him to meet with his disciples.

Heavenly Father, thank you for always knowing the perfect fit. You are so wise! Your Word is full of the things that we need, all the answers we seek. May we always look to you for guidance! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 14:14
   The goodman of the house would be the owner, or the steward. This suggests once again that Jesus had prearranged this with this man. However, we cannot be certain of this. Certainly, anyone who knew and believed in Christ would have been willing to have him. But, the man seems to have been unknown to the disciples, otherwise Jesus would have told them a name.

Heavenly Father, you know so much more than we ever could! Your infinite knowledge tells us that you cannot be fooled. You know exactly how to control this world with all of its evils. And you will bring evil to an end. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.