Mark 14:33
And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Mark emphasizes the sheer extremity of Jesus's human experience by using a word for amazement that's unique in the Gospels, suggesting an overwhelming shock beyond mere sadness. This isn't just sorrow; it's an active, visceral terror that took hold of Him. He intentionally brought Peter, James, and John to witness this raw vulnerability, revealing that even the closest disciples couldn't fully grasp the depths of His struggle.
Jesus has just shared the Passover meal with his disciples and predicted Peter's denial, then led them out to the Mount of Olives. He asks the inner circle of Peter, James, and John to stay awake and pray with him in the Garden of Gethsemane, but he withdraws further to begin his intense spiritual struggle. As the weight of the world's sin presses down, he experiences profound distress and anguish, the beginning of his suffering for humanity's redemption.
This passage captures Jesus' human struggle and profound sorrow as he faces the horrific reality of his impending crucifixion, choosing obedience to God's will despite immense personal anguish. It highlights the unique intimacy and testing of his closest disciples.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Final Passover Week
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, teaches in the Temple, and institutes the Lord's Supper with his disciples during the week leading up to his crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Jesus withdraws to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, taking Peter, James, and John with him, as he faces intense anguish over his impending suffering and death.
c. AD 30
Betrayal and Arrest
Judas Iscariot leads a group of soldiers and temple guards to Gethsemane, where Jesus is arrested.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Trial Before the Sanhedrin
Jesus is tried by the Jewish high council, facing accusations and condemnation.
This passage foreshadows the suffering Servant who would be 'crushed' and 'put to grief,' directly linking to Jesus's profound anguish and the purpose of his suffering as atonement.
Luke 22:41-44This passage describes Jesus praying in Gethsemane and his intense struggle, even to the point of sweating drops of blood, emphasizing the depth of his sorrow and spiritual agony.
Hebrews 5:7This verse speaks of Jesus offering 'up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears' to the one who was able to save him from death, highlighting the sincerity and intensity of his distress in the garden.
John 12:27Jesus himself speaks of his soul being troubled, saying 'Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour?' This reveals his inner turmoil and his recognition of the approaching hour of suffering.
pulpitMark 14:33: "And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;"
Verse 33. - It appears that our Lord separated himself from all the disciples except Peter and James and John, and then the bitter agony began. He began to be greatly amazed, and sore troubled (e)kqambei = sqai kai\ a)dhmonei = n). These two Greek verbs are as adequately expressed above as seems possible. The first implies "utter, extreme amazement;" if the second has for its ro…
vincentMark 14:33: "And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;"
To be sore amazed (ἐκθαμβεῖσθαι)A word peculiar to Mark. Compare Mark 9:15; Mark 16:5, Mark 16:6.
Mark emphasizes the sheer extremity of Jesus's human experience by using a word for amazement that's unique in the Gospels, suggesting an overwhelming shock beyond mere sadness. This isn't just sorrow; it's an active, visceral terror that took hold of Him. He intentionally brought Peter, James, and John to witness this raw vulnerability, revealing that even the closest disciples couldn't fully grasp the depths of His struggle.
Jesus has just shared the Passover meal with his disciples and predicted Peter's denial, then led them out to the Mount of Olives. He asks the inner circle of Peter, James, and John to stay awake and pray with him in the Garden of Gethsemane, but he withdraws further to begin his intense spiritual struggle. As the weight of the world's sin presses down, he experiences profound distress and anguish, the beginning of his suffering for humanity's redemption.
Jesus has just shared the Passover meal with his disciples and predicted Peter's denial, then led them out to the Mount of Olives. He asks the inner circle of Peter, James, and John to stay awake and pray with him in the Garden of Gethsemane, but he withdraws further to begin his intense spiritual struggle. As the weight of the world's sin presses down, he experiences profound distress and anguish, the beginning of his suffering for humanity's redemption.
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c. AD 30
Jesus' Trial Before Pilate
Jesus is brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who ultimately sentences him to crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion and Death
Jesus is crucified at Golgotha and dies, fulfilling prophecy and atoning for the sins of humanity.
c. AD 30
Resurrection
Three days after his death, Jesus is raised from the dead, demonstrating his victory over sin and death.
"And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled." — Mark emphasizes the sheer extremity of Jesus's human experience by using a word for amazement that's unique in the Gospels, suggesting an overwhelming shock beyond mere sadness. This isn't just sorro…
