Mark 14:17
And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.
Mark 14:17
Verse 17 marks the evening when Jesus arrives with the twelve. The gathering around a table in the Passover context is not just about ritual; it’s about fellowship, teaching, and the impending revelation of his passion. The shared meal becomes the setting for intimate teaching, prayer, and the way Jesus will soon redefine how his followers remember him. The order of the twelve emphasizes the fellowship in mission and the closeness of Jesus’ inner circle, even as betrayal looms on the horizon.
This verse foregrounds community in the Jesus movement. It highlights the imminence of the cross within a moment of intimate fellowship and teaching. The Last Supper’s framing, begun here, anchors the church’s sacramental life and the practice of communion as a continuing memory of Jesus’ redemptive work.
Today, embrace the practice of shared meals with spiritual intention. Gather with friends or family, read a brief Scripture passage, and reflect on Jesus’ work in your life. Use the setting to extend hospitality to others who may feel distant from faith.
Cross-References: Luke 22:14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 2:42; John 13:1-5