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| MARK |
| Explanatory Footnotes - page 3 |
| 14:22 The Origin of the Lord's Supper Virtually all Christian churches celebrate the practice of Communion (Mass, Eucharist, or Lord's Supper) in some form. Matthew, Mark, and Luke each record the original Passover meal when Jesus instituted the practice. 14:51 The Anonymous Author? Many scholars believe the young man in this verse was none other than Mark himself, author of this Gospel. Often, in ancient days, an author wouldn't use his name, but would plant a clue such as this (see John 21:24). 15:1 Appeal for a Death Penalty Roman law granted the Jews many freedoms, including the right to their Jewish court system, the Sanhedrin. However, this Sanhedrin had no authority to order the death penalty. Seeking that sentence, Jesus' opposition sent him to Pilate, the Roman governor. 16:1 A Late Anointing Jewish rules forbade handling dead bodies during the Sabbath. Because Jesus died during the Sabbath celebration, his friends and relatives couldn't properly embalm and prepare his body. They returned to the tomb later for this purpose, only to find the greatest surprise of their lives. 16:7 . . . and Peter The messenger who informed the women about Jesus' resurrection pointedly asked them to tell "his disciples and Peter," singling out the disciple who had vehemently denied Jesus. John 21 records a further, moving scene in which Jesus specifically reinstated Peter. |