Vs. 22  The guys were still eating and probably talking and enjoying themselves.  Then Jesus took some bread, gave thanks, and broke it, giving some to each one of them.  He said: “Take; this is my body.”  The whole tone of the supper changed in a moment.  I’m sure that all of a sudden you [...]

     Vs. 17-19   The Passover meal was in progress when Jesus proclaimed that one of his closest twelve, who were right there eating with him, would actually end up betraying him.  Each one reacted to the question, whether they might be the one (“is it I?”), only Judas and Jesus really knew the truth.  The rest of [...]

By Bart D. Ehrman (New York: Oxford Univ. Press, 2006, pgs. 198) This is probably destined to be the definitive book on the subject.  Written by the very able scholar from Chapel Hill.  One may disagree with his conclusions, but Dr. Ehrman is never to be ignored.  I plan to review his book in a ‘serial’ [...]

     Vs. 12-13  The disciples ask Jesus about preparations for the Passover meal.  This story is similar to the story of the donkey.  Jesus prophetically sends two of his disciples to find the provider of the upper room.  

The Chief priests were looking for a way to do away with Jesus without creating a riot.  Notice that it is Judas who comes to them, and they are glad.  They finally have their opportunity.  But why did Judas decide to betray Jesus?  This a question that has plagued Bible students from the beginning.  Mark does not [...]

Vs. 3  Jesus and his disciples had been staying in Bethany with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.  That night he was having dinner at the home of Simon the Leper, apparently known well enough by early Christians to be named.  The ‘A woman’ is identified in John 12:3 as Mary the sister of Martha and Lazarus.  Both [...]

Vs. 1-2  The chief priests and scribes have had enough of Jesus after several days with him teaching and disrupting business in the Temple.  They now plot how and when to kill him.  According to Mark, it was two days before Passover.  This was the busiest time of the year in Jerusalem and in the Temple.  [...]