Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 14:21

"For 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." — Mark 14:21 (ASV)

Behind Judas’s action a divine purpose was being carried out. What was about to happen to the Son of Man would not be a chance occurrence. In all this the Scriptures (undoubtedly Isa 53) were being fulfilled. The woe pronounced on the betrayer emphasizes the personal responsibility of Judas in his wicked deed.

The NT records four accounts of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26–30; Mark 14:22–26; 1 Corinthians 11:23–25). Matthew’s account closely follows Mark’s, while those of Luke and Paul have certain agreements. All four include the taking of the bread, the thanksgiving or blessing, the breaking of the bread, the saying “This is my body,” and the taking of the cup. Paul and Luke add Jesus’ command to continue to celebrate the Supper.