Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of Mark Chapter 14
Metaphysically Interpreting Mark 14:1-2
14:1Now after two days was the feast of the passover and the unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him with subtlety, and kill him: 14:2for they said, Not during the feast, lest haply there shall be a tumult of the people.
Metaphysically Interpreting Mark 14:3-9
14:3And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard very costly; and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head. 14:4But there were some that had indignation among themselves, saying, To what purpose hath this waste of the ointment been made? 14:5For this ointment might have been sold for above three hundred shillings, and given to the poor. And they murmured against her. 14:6But Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. 14:7For ye have the poor always with you, and whensoever ye will ye can do them good: but me ye have not always. 14:8She hath done what she could; she hath anointed my body beforehand for the burying. 14:9And verily I say unto you, Wheresoever the gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, that also which this woman hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.
August 12, 1923: Mark 14:3-9
What is the meaning of “Bethany”? “Bethany” means “fruitage.” It represents a place in consciousness where our thoughts become established, and through which we can return whenever we so desire, and find a welcome.
What is the meaning of Jesus' being in the house of Simon the leper? Leprosy is a disease of the body, the result of impure thoughts. Jesus was cleansing his consciousness of all impurity, and the woman with the alabaster cruse of ointment represents the activity of pure love.
Define Jesus' words: “Let her alone; why trouble ye her? ... she hath anointed my body beforehand for the burying.” We are transformed by the renewing of our minds. The old thoughts die and pass away, and the cells of the organism follow. When we have the inner communion with Spirit, and the love consciousness is gradually built up, there is an outflow of a fine love essence which acts as a preservative. The pure substance of the body is thus being daily restored and forms the foundation of a new organism. This was symbolically described as preparing “my body beforehand for the burying.”
What is the meaning of the suggestion that this valuable ointment should be sold and the proceeds given to the poor? The poor represent thoughts of need, lack, insufficiency. The external mind sees these conditions, and its thought is that the first use of every good thing would be to meet the needs of the outer man. But through spiritual wisdom, we should often conserve spiritual substance for the building up of the new body in Christ.
May 28 1933: Mark 14:1-9
What is the Passover? The Passover typifies the freeing of the spiritual man from the dominion of sense.
“And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him {Jesus} with subtlety, and kill him.” Explain. During such periods of transition the conservative ideas of the individual (the chief priests and scribes), actuated by fear of the Christ Spirit stirring in the heart, seek to suppress that Spirit, in order to keep the life unchanged and subject to its original allegiances.
What is the meaning of the Lord's sitting at meat in the house of Simon the leper? The house of Simon the leper represents a state of consciousness in which vital substance has been vitiated. Into this state the Lord of life (the higher life consciousness) comes to sit at meat. Restoration of this is thus indicated.
Explain the metaphysical meaning of the woman’s anointing Jesus' head with the precious ointment. When the mind has been freed from the dominion of the senses, the soul (the woman with the cruse of nard) pours out its precious store of love on the higher life consciousness.
Explain the nature of love. Love is God in action. Therefore nothing can stand before it. Its memorial is its own works, and these persist down the ages. Wherever the gospel has been preached, this story of consecration has been retold.
June 2, 1946: Mark 14:3-9
What forms of service is the soul of man capable of rendering? Service to the external man, such as Martha rendered, when she prepared a meal for Jesus, and service to the inner man, such as Mary rendered, when she sat at His feet and heard His word.
Why was Mary's ointment not wasted when it was used so lavishly? Because it was offered as an act of devotion, thus becoming a symbol of the precious healing balm of divine love rendered by the soul. Divine love is never wasted.
Metaphysically Interpreting Mark 14:10-11
14:10And Judas Iscariot, he that was one of the twelve, went away unto the chief priests, that he might deliver him unto them. 14:11And they, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently deliver him unto them.
June 5, 1938: Mark 14:3-11
What is the significance of the custom of anointing? To anoint a person with oil is to consecrate or set him apart for special honor. Kings were anointed in token of dedication to their office.
Why is the Christ called “The Anointed”? The meaning of the word Christ is “the Anointed.” Christhood denotes mastery of life through the dominance of the spiritual self. As oil prevents friction in machinery, so the Holy Spirit creates harmony in life and gives man power to express himself truly.
What does the “woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard” represent? She represents the soul in an ecstasy of devotion pouring out the precious healing balm of divine love on the understanding.
What fault does the personal man (“some that had indignation”) find with such expression? The personal consciousness causes man to wish to appropriate love for selfish ends. The Holy Spirit however cannot be so diverted from its rightful intent. Love bestowed on the understanding cannot be wasted.
Jesus silenced the woman's critics and justified her in what she had done. What meaning does this part of the lesson have for us? The spiritual self of man sees no evil but finds good in all that comes. “She hath wrought a good work on me.”
How did the anointing of Jesus affect Judas Iscariot? When Judas saw the precious ointment poured out he coveted the money its sale would realize. Judas represents appropriation in the personal man.
March 12, 1944: Mark 14:10-11
What does Judas represent? Judas here represents the generative function. The Judas function generates, appropriates, and conserves the life force or substance of the body.
Explain Judas' betrayal of Jesus. Judas (the generative function) is a disciple of Jesus (the I AM) . He is entrusted with the control and conservation of the life force or substance, under the direction of the I AM, or divine intelligence. But because he does not recognize or is unwilling to acknowledge the divinity of the I AM, he rebels and seeks to increase the expression of life in ways that are contrary to the divine law. In so doing he betrays the I AM, and the expression of life in the body is impaired or destroyed.
Metaphysically Interpreting Mark 14:12-21
14:12And on the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the passover, his disciples say unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and make ready that thou mayest eat the passover? 14:13And he sendeth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him; 14:14and wheresoever he shall enter in, say to the master of the house, The Teacher saith, Where is my guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 14:15And he will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready: and there make ready for us.14:16And the disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14:17And when it was evening he cometh with the twelve. 14:18And as they sat and were eating, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you shall betray me, even he that eateth with me. 14:19They began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? 14:20And he said unto them, It is one of the twelve, he that dippeth with me in the dish. 14:21For the Son of man goeth, even as it is written of him: but woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had not been born.
Metaphysically Interpreting Mark 14:22-25
14:22And as they were eating, he took bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take ye: this is my body. 14:23And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them: and they all drank of it. 14:24And he said unto them, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 14:25Verily I say unto you, I shall no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
June 3, 1928: Mark 14:17-25
What is the true meaning of the Lord's supper? The Lord's supper typifies God's covenant with mankind, through His perfect Idea, Christ Jesus. This [compact] was made valid through the breaking of the bread and the blessing of the cup.
What does the bread symbolize? The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus Christ, or spiritual substance.
What does the wine symbolize? The wine symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ, or spiritual life.
What is the final result of this communion? Through spiritually eating the body of Jesus Christ and spiritually drinking His blood, we appropriate in consciousness the imperishable substance, and we drink of the waters of eternal life. This process continued in mind will eventually raise the whole body out of death into life, and man will realize what Jesus meant when He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my word, he shall never see death.”
May 22, 1949: Mark 14:12-25
What is the meaning to us of the Passover? It is the “passing over” from sense consciousness to spiritual consciousness. This transition involves sacrifice. “They sacrificed the passover” on the first day of the feast.
What effect on the mind has spiritual consciousness? It clarifies the perceptive powers in that vision becomes an inner knowing rather than a seeing with the physical eyes.
To make the transition from sense to Spirit, what preparation is necessary? The faculties must be called into action, becoming obedient to the instruction of the Christ. Whatever makes the mind receptive to Truth prepares us to enter into spiritual consciousness.
Of what are the bread and wine symbols? Of our partaking spiritually of the life and substance that Christ externalized and raised to Spiritual consciousness. Bread represents the body of Christ, which is spiritual substance. The “cup” is one of the symbols of the life principle, the quickening element in creation, the “blood” of Christ.
To what purpose was the blood of Jesus Christ “poured out for many”? For remission of the world's sins, which is accomplished by the power of spiritual life to displace sin with a thirst for righteousness.
What faculty betrays the Christ in us? Appropriation (Judas), which in its highest aspect is expressed through prayer and praise but which, when inverted in human consciousness, becomes acquisitiveness or selfish appropriation.
How does appropriation or acquisitiveness bring about suffering and crucifixion? By the selfish attempt to personalize life and substance, both of which are of the universal and must be given up as personal possessions.
How is the fruit of the vine “drunk new in the kingdom of God”? Though the realization of eternal life in consciousness.
Metaphysically Interpreting Mark 14:26-31
14:26And when they had sung a hymn, they went out unto the mount of Olives. 14:27And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written,
I will smite the shepherd,
and the sheep shall be scattered abroad.14:28Howbeit, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee. 14:29But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. 14:30And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou to-day, even this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice. 14:31But he spake exceedingly vehemently, If I must die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner also said they all.
June 4, 1933: Mark 14:17-31
In our lesson today Jesus and His disciples are assembled at the feast of the Passover. What is the Passover of the Jews? This feast represents in symbol the passing from a lower to a higher consciousness.
Explain why, during the feast, thanksgiving and blessing are expressed, and psalms are sung. All these expressions aid in ushering in spiritual consciousness, inasmuch as they make the mind receptive to Truth.
Is Spirit always recognized and praised as the source of man's blessings today? No. The Christ way of gratitude and thanksgiving, of recognition of God as the source of all things, is sometimes despised and rejected of men even today, and credit for success is given to lesser sources: initiative, perseverance, business ability, or personality.
Does God invite all His children to His spiritual banquet? Yes. The Father not only invites us, but is our companion in the joys of the divine communion. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”
Give an explanation of the Judas faculty. Among our faculties, represented by the disciples of Jesus Christ, we have a Judas. In its highest office this faculty is Judah, spiritual appropriation through prayer and praise. Inverted in human consciousness, this faculty becomes Judas, acquisitiveness. In essence it is good, but in its personal sense and exercise, it brings about suffering and crucifixion.
How is the life faculty redeemed? First, man must let go of the idea that he possesses anything, even the life and substance of his own physical organism. This renunciation constitutes part of the “remission of sins.” When complete renunciation of all thus attained, there rushes into consciousness a new relation, and the fruit of the vine of infinite life is drunk anew in every faculty, in “the kingdom of God.”
What is the new covenant? The new covenant, or ultimate promise of God, is that of spiritual freedom through Christ. “The Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother.”
Sunday, January 27, 1935: Mark 14:27-31
When our faith is permeated with materialism and formal beliefs, how can we remain loyal to spiritual values? Only through the power of the I AM, constantly remembered and called into action, can we keep faith in spiritual things through such a test. “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.”
In the trial of faith, does one remain in full possession of one's faculties? In extreme trials the faculties are often scattered. Jesus' disciples “all left him, and fled.”
What relation exists between mind and body? Mind and body are in essence the same, and their action and interaction are constant.
In the betrayal and trial of Jesus, was faith really disloyal to the I AM? The faith of the disciples lapsed, but they were not really disloyal. Faith is stabilized by being founded in spiritual substance.
Can the faculties be forced to conform to the divine law? No, they can be led to keep the divine law only through a process of thought culture. We get rid of our fears and reinforce our hopes through studying to understand the law of good.
June 5, 1938: Mark 14:27-31
In what respect were the disciples to be “offended” by what was to come to Jesus? They were to fall away from Him because of their fear and spiritual immaturity: “I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad.”
Why was Peter vehement in his protestation of loyalty to Jesus? Peter here represents untried faith, which sometimes leads one into overconfidence through imperfect self-knowledge. All untried faculties are subject to the same defect: “In like manner also said they all.”
Metaphysically Interpreting Mark 14:32-42
14:32And they come unto a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith unto his disciples, Sit ye here, while I pray. 14:33And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly amazed, and sore troubled. 14:34And he saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death: abide ye here, and watch. 14:35And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 14:36And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what thou wilt. 14:37And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest thou not watch one hour? 14:38Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.14:39And again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words. 14:40And again he came, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they knew not what to answer him. 14:41And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough; the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 14:42Arise, let us be going: behold, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
December 7, 1919: Mark 14:32-42
What is the metaphysical meaning of Jesus and his disciples entering the garden of Gethsemane? Jesus, representing the spiritual I Am, and his disciples, the faculties of mind, entering Gethsemane (meaning wine press and oil; a farm), typify these mind powers entering into the state of consciousness where the I Am goes through the final preparation for the supreme test, the crucifixion on the cross.
What were Jesus' followers charged to do? Watch. While Jesus (the I AM) entered farther into the garden (deeper into spiritual consciousness), the disciples (faculties of mind) were bidden to watch in the “without” for the betrayer, Judas, the disciple with the consciousness adverse to the Truth.
What was Jesus' earnest prayer at this time? “Father, all things are possible unto thee; remove this cup from me: Howbeit not what I will, but what thou wilt.” In other words, Jesus was acknowledging God as the one and only Power, able to save from the coming experience, though it seemed inevitable; but in the face of it all, he prayed “not what I will, but what thou wilt.”
Why were the inner guards, Peter and John, unable to do as Jesus, the I AM, commanded? Because Judas, representing the Life faculty, no longer gave his support; consequently, they fell asleep.
Define Jesus’ words “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” The Spirit, that in man which sees and knows from the God viewpoint, is always willing and ready to carry out the edicts of the I Am, but the flesh man, the mortal part of us, which sees from the limited viewpoint, and is not awakened to the larger vision, falls down, does not measure up to the spiritual standard.
After Jesus returned the third time and found Peter and John sleeping, did he further admonish them? No. He said, “Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough; the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.”
What was the true meaning back of his words? The true meaning was that Jesus had found the greater light; he had found that inner strength, that sustaining power through which he would be able to carry out that Divine Plan, the Ideal Redemption of man, which he had been sent forth to accomplish, “to give his life a ransom for many,” or in other words, to plant in the heart of humanity the seed of Divine Purity and Life everlasting.
February 15, 1925: Mark 14:32-42
“And the came unto a place which was named Gethsemane.” What is the meaning of the word Gethsemane; and what does it represent in man's developing consciousness? Gethsemane means “wine or oil press.” It represents that place in consciousness where the finer essences of body consciousness are pressed forth and raised to higher planes of expression.
Why did Jesus' experience in Gethsemane trouble and amaze him? The transmutation of the finer essences of the body to a higher plane is attended by mysterious feelings and sensations that, not being fully understood, produce a degree of worry and anxiety.
What did Jesus mean by, “remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what thou wilt”? The cup represents the fullness of the agony that is felt in giving up the old crystallized life and substance. This giving up is accomplished by yielding the personal will to the divine will.
Why are the faculties faith (Peter), judgment (James), and love (John) represented as having fallen asleep? In the process of transmutation the whole consciousness is submerged in what might be termed a benumbing essence which temporarily deadens the faculties. In the allegory of creation the Lord God put Adam into a deep sleep and formed or transmuted Eve from his body.
In this lesson Jesus is shown as having prayed almost continually. What has prayer to do with transmutation? Through prayer man makes contact with Spirit and sets the currents of life flowing from the mortal to the immortal. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.”
According to the words of Jesus, as given in verse 41, the sleepy state prevailed and the Son of man was betrayed into the hands of sinners. Does this represent failure on the part of the overcomer? Our text today describes one of the steps in the elimination of carnal mind. In future lessons we shall be shown how this apparent victory of “the son of perdition” was the beginning of his end, the end occurring later on the cross. In the crucifixion it was the carnal mind that gave up the ghost, relinquished its final hold upon the body which was afterward resurrected by Christ, the spiritual self.
January 23, 1927: Mark 14:32-36
What is symbolized by Jesus' praying in Gethsemane? Gethsemane means “wine press and oil,” and is a symbol of giving up error and realizing Truth. Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane represents a prayer for deliverance from sense consciousness. Gethsemane is emblematic of trial, distress, and agony.
When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, he had with him Peter, James, and John. What powers of man do these disciples represent and why are they mentioned as falling asleep? Peter represents faith; James, judgment; John, love. When these spiritual powers are in process of development the soul of man is agonized because of their failure to measure up to the divine ideals, which Jesus Christ, the I AM, is seeking to manifest.
Why did Jesus pray to the Father that the hour of this struggle might pass away from him? Jesus was undergoing soul discipline, the discipline that must be endured by all who are seeking the perfection of the Son-of-God consciousness, the Christ consciousness. The suffering that one undergoes in giving up personal love is often acute; the soul cries out in its anguish and prays to God to be delivered from the pain. However, Spirit is doing its transforming work and the soul should submit to the ordeal, no matter how trying it may be. “Howbeit not what I will, but what thou wilt.”
June 3, 1928: Mark 14:32-36
“And they come unto a place which was named Gethsemane.” What is the meaning of the word Gethsemane, and what does it represent in man's developing consciousness? Gethsemane means “wine or oil press.” It represents the place in consciousness where the finer essences of body consciousness are pressed forth and raised to higher planes of expression.
Why did Jesus' experience in Gethsemane trouble and amaze Him? The transmutation of the finer essences of the body to a higher plane attended by mysterious feelings and sensations that, not being fully understood, produce a degree of worry and anxiety.
What did Jesus mean by His prayer to the Father: “Remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what thou wilt”? The cup represents the fullness of the agony that is felt in giving up the old crystallized life and substance. This giving up is accomplished by yielding the personal will to the divine will.
In this lesson Jesus is shown as having prayed almost continually. What has prayer to do with transmutation? Through prayer man makes contact with Spirit and sets the currents of life flowing from the mortal to the immortal. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.”
May 31, 1942: Mark 14:32-34
What is the meaning of the experience of Jesus in Gethsemane? Jesus brought His will into harmony with the divine will. He did this in order to prove that we can free our divine self from the hold of the lesser self with its imperfections.
What does the name Gethsemane mean? The name means “oil press,” and Gethsemane is a symbol of trial, distress, and agony. The limited, personal self causes one to suffer in letting go of personal thought and its attachments.
What part do faith (Peter), judgment or discrimination (James), and love (John) play in the test here described? When these faculties are thoroughly quickened to spiritual understanding and realization, they act as man's safeguards against negative influences. Unless they are developed and quickened, they are of little value to a man in time of testing.
When love is expressed through the medium of personality, what happens? Personality perverts love so that it leads us into danger instead of relating us to the divine. A kiss by Judas is a symbol of betrayal to what is worldly and material, not a sign of devotion and loyalty.
Metaphysically Interpreting Mark 14:43-52
14:43And straightway, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 14:44Now he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 14:45And when he was come, straightway he came to him, and saith, Rabbi; and kissed him. 14:46And they laid hands on him, and took him. 14:47But a certain one of them that stood by drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. 14:48And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a robber, with swords and staves to seize me? 14:49I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but this is done that the scriptures might be fulfilled. 14:50And they all left him, and fled.
14:51And a certain young man followed with him, having a linen cloth cast about him, over his naked body: and they lay hold on him; 14:52but he left the linen cloth, and fled naked.
June 12, 1938: Mark 14:32-46
What is the significance of the word Gethsemane in connection with the events related in this lesson? Gethsemane means “oil press,” and is an emblem of distress or agony. Whoever seeks to surrender the personality, so that the spiritual man may be manifested, undergoes a readjustment in consciousness that the personal man regards as suffering.
On reaching the garden Jesus placed eight of the disciples near the entrance and took Peter, James, and John inside with Him, where He left them on guard. What does this mean? Certain faculties remain inactive in the crises that man must meet, but he needs the support of faith, judgment, and love (Peter, James, and John) if he is to overcome them and attain Christhood.
Why does the prayer that Jesus offered in Gethsemane appear to be less confident than the other prayers recorded of Him? He knew that He must be crucified in order to demonstrate before men the eternal life of the body. It took the crucifixion of Jesus to prove to men the reality of the spiritual realm or kingdom of the heavens. Therefore the real self of Jesus accepted the crucifixion, whereas the human self shrank from the approaching ordeal.
Jesus found the three disciples asleep the third time after He had prayed the same words. Why was this? Metaphysically it means that faith, judgment, and love, already cognizant of the Truth, were quiescent while the human self was still struggling.
What did the coming of Judas with a multitude of armed men symbolize? The chief priests represent our natural religious tendencies; the scribes, our established religious thoughts. These desire to rule over the religious life by force, and to this end would destroy original truth as expressed in the Christ principle. Judas, representing appropriation, directs them to their selfish end.
Why did Judas identify Jesus with a kiss? This mark of greeting is also a token of love and allegiance. The Christ consciousness is the consciousness of divine love.
May 30, 1942: Mark 14:44-46
How is man redeemed from the acquisitive (Judas) consciousness? By willingly surrendering all that belongs to personality. One cannot be robbed of what one gives willingly. The acquisitive faculty is thus defeated.
Metaphysically Interpreting Mark 14:53-65
14:53And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. 14:54And Peter had followed him afar off, even within, into the court of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire. 14:55Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found it not. 14:56For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together. 14:57And there stood up certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, 14:58We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands. 14:59And not even so did their witness agree together. 14:60And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 14:61But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and saith unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 14:62And Jesus said, I am: and
ye shall see the Son of man
sitting at the right hand of Power,
and coming with the clouds of heaven.14:63And the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What further need have we of witnesses? 14:64Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be worthy of death. 14:65And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the officers received him with blows of their hands.
January 27, 1935: Mark 14:54
Is there a lesson for us in the statement that Peter followed Jesus “afar off” at the time of His arrest? We often find our faith far out-[stepped] by our efforts to live the abundant life. We need to keep our faith keyed to our present understanding, if we would avoid the stress and strain of fruitless striving.
March 11, 1944: Mark 14:53-54
Why did Peter follow Jesus into the court of the high priest? Peter represents faith, and faith follows its object, even though it may follow afar off when it is weakened by fear.
Metaphysically Interpreting Mark 14:66-72
14:66And as Peter was beneath in the court, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest; 14:67and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and saith, Thou also wast with the Nazarene, even Jesus. 14:68But he denied, saying, I neither know, nor understand what thou sayest: and he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. 14:69And the maid saw him, and began again to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. 14:70But he again denied it. And after a little while again they that stood by said to Peter, of a truth thou art one of them; for thou art a Galilaean. 14:71But he began to curse, and to swear, I know not this man of whom ye speak. 14:72And straightway the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word, how that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
May 1, 1927: Mark 14:53-54,66-71
In this lesson what does the high priest represent? The high priest represents each person's highest intellectual concept of religion.
Why was Jesus called before the high priest? Jesus (I AM) was being tested and tried in all points of human character to the end that he might overcome error and establish truth. Paul spoke of Jesus as “one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
What is the significance of Peter's following Jesus afar off? This, incident represents man's developing faith in the power of Spirit, but not yet convinced of the reality of this power.
What does the maid of the high priest represent? The maid represents spiritual intuition. She discerns that Peter (faith) belongs with Jesus and she proceeds to test him by saying, “Thou also wast with the Nazarene, even Jesus.” Even when our faith in Truth wavers we intuitively connect our identity with that of the spiritual I AM, Jesus.
What is the significance of Peter's denying that he understood what the maid said? When we are doubtful and uncertain in our adherence to Truth our finer perceptions are blunted and we do not clearly understand the urge of the intuitional faculty.
Why did Peter make his third denial of Jesus so emphatic, even going so far as to curse and to swear? Our minds work in a threefold manner. This trinity of thought action is metaphysically described as mind, idea, and manifestation. When we start thinking a wrong thought the natural tendency is to continue in the error state of consciousness, until the impetus of the thought is exhausted. When our faith begins to waver because of adverse conditions, we find that our thoughts recede from Truth; we are then likely to make a violent denunciation of Truth. We should beware and not allow our faith in Truth to waver at any time. We should, as Paul says, “Having done all ... stand.”
January 27, 1935: Mark 14:66-72
Account for the religious, governmental, and commercial systems of the world. These have all appeared by reason of man's copying the thoughts of his mind, and they persist by the consent and acceptance of the majority of men. External systems disappear when thought sustenance is withdrawn from them.
Can the I AM stand alone in defense of the freedom of Truth? It can, but when supported by the faculties, it is able to demonstrate complete freedom in an external sense as well as within the soul, whereas deserted by the faculties, it can defend the freedom of Truth only in the inner life.
March 11, 1944: Mark 14:66-72
What is required to recall faith to its allegiance? A word of Truth is sufficient. “Peter called to mind the word ... And when he thought thereon, he wept.”
What is signified by Peter's denial of Jesus? When faith in divine principle or the I AM (Jesus Christ) is not firmly grounded or is yet unstable, it may weaken under pressure of adverse circumstances. Peter's denial of the Nazarene symbolizes immature faith that wavers in the face of nagging human fears.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 01-26-2014
