Mark 14:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 14:27
27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
Chapter Context
Mark 14 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, prayer, creation. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-72: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 14:27
27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
Analysis
All ye shall be offended because of me this night—Jesus predicts universal desertion using σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō), meaning to cause to stumble or fall away. This wasn't speculation but prophetic certainty. For it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered quotes Zechariah 13:7, but with crucial modification: in Zechariah, God commands "smite the shepherd"; Jesus applies this to Himself, identifying as the shepherd whom God will strike.
The passive construction "shall be scattered" (διασκορπισθήσονται, diaskorpisthēsontai) indicates divine sovereignty—the disciples' flight wasn't merely human weakness but part of God's redemptive plan. Yet this prophecy also contains hope: scattered sheep can be regathered, which Jesus promises in verse 28. Peter's confident denial (v. 29) shows how little we understand our capacity for failure apart from grace.
Historical Context
Zechariah 13:7-9 prophesies a messianic refining through judgment. First-century rabbis debated whether Messiah would suffer; Jesus resolves this by applying suffering-servant texts to Himself. The disciples' desertion fulfilled prophecy while also demonstrating the humanity of those who would later become Spirit-empowered apostles.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' use of Zechariah 13:7 demonstrate that His death was God's plan, not human accident?
- What comfort does verse 28's promise provide when you experience spiritual failure?
- Why does God sometimes allow His people to experience failure before empowering them for ministry?
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Matthew 26:31
- Parallel theme: Zechariah 13:7, John 16:32