Week 40: Mark 14 – Jesus’ Last Week and Last Supper

Mark 14 – Jesus’ Last Week and Last Supper

As a family, read Mark 14 together. Afterwards, share the following discussion.

What happened?

Mark 14 gives us an account of the events leading up to the trials and death of Jesus on the cross. We’re going to focus on the Last Supper. Jesus and the disciples gathered in an upper room to celebrate the Passover. Jesus said something to them that was hard to imagine: “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me – one who is eating with me.” The disciples were deeply saddened and began to question who it could be. Jesus already knew that Judas Iscariot was the one looking for an opportunity to betray Him.

After that, Jesus tore apart a loaf of bread and passed it to His disciples. He told them, “This is my body.” Then He picked up a cup and said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” He was showing them that the bread and wine from the Passover represented the Lord Himself and the sacrifice He was about to make. His body would soon be sacrificed on a cross, and His blood would be shed for all humanity. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 that the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper is to be observed in remembrance of Christ’s death until He returns.

After they finished eating, Jesus told the disciples they would all “stumble … this night” because of Him. In disbelief, the disciples all said they would never disown Him – no one more passionately than Peter who denied Jesus three times before the night was over.

Why is this important to us today?

No matter how close we are to Christ, sin can still find a way to lure us away from what is right. All the disciples were going to stumble – the very ones closest to Christ! None of them could foresee a circumstance that would lead to their sinning against Him, but they all did.

It may be difficult to think that you or anyone in your family would go against God’s will, but we’re all human. Wrong thoughts, desires, and attitudes can catch us off guard if we’re not careful. As a family, it’s important to talk to each other about what’s happening in your individual lives. God designed our families to be a constant presence of loving support. Because of that, your family should be a constant source of accountability and encouragement to follow Jesus.

Spend a few minutes talking about what you just read by answering these questions together:

1. Why do you think Peter was confident that he would not betray Jesus? Why do you think he failed so soon after pledging his undying loyalty?

2. What influences either help or hinder you in taking a stand for Christ?

How can we better follow God this week?

As a family, try to come up with three “Family Watch” questions that can help keep everyone in check. Focus on attitudes that lead to wrong actions. Agree to hold one another accountable to God and His Word. Don’t be offended if someone in your family asks you about an activity or attitude that doesn’t line up with Scripture. Brainstorm ways you can help one another love and follow Jesus more this week.