Ever visited the Upper Room?
What was the Upper Room? A room or chamber on the flat roof of a Palestinian house. Sometimes it was no more than a tent (2 Sam. 16:22) or a booth (Neh. 8:16–17), but it might be built as a second story (Judg. 3:20; Jer. 22:13–14; Dan. 6:10). Such rooms were often used for guests (e.g., 1 Kgs. 17:19; 2 Kgs. 4:10).
It was in such an upper guest room in Jerusalem that Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his twelve disciples (Mark 14:15; Luke 22:12;Matt. 26:18 “at your house”); it was a chamber large enough for thirteen guests to enjoy the Passover meal, reclining on cushions or carpets. This room and house have been variously identified with the house where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection (Luke 24:33, 36; John 20:19, 26), the upper room where the twelve apostles and others gathered following Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:13; hyperṓon), and the home of Mary the mother of John Mark (12:12).
Two memorial meals were observed as they sat (lit. reclined) and ate.
First, they ate the regular Passover commemoration meal, during which time Jesus predicted His betrayal by one of the disciples. Second, after Judas had left (John 13:30), Jesus observed the Last Supper, which anticipated the imminent breaking of His body and shedding of His blood. The phrase one of you who eats with Me will betray Me recalls the messianic prophecy of Ps. 41:9.
Mark 14:19 In Greek, Is it I? is actually a negative question that implies a negative answer. The phrase means “It is not I, is it?”
Mark 14:20, 21 Matthew and John both identify the culprit as Judas, even though Mark does not (Matt. 26:25; John 13:26). The statement that it would have been good for Judas if he had never been born points to the awful judgment that awaits him. Judas was wholly responsible for his actions even though he acted in accordance with what had long been written of Christ.
Mark 14:22 Judas left the room after receiving the dipped portion of bread, prior to Jesus’ act of breaking additional bread and explaining its significance (John 13:30). The Lord’s Supper is for believers only and should be observed solely by those who are in right relationship with Christ. this is My body: Some view the broken bread as representing Jesus’ body, which would soon be broken for their sins. Others interpret this statement more literally.
Mark 14:24 Some interpret this is My blood metaphorically, meaning that the contents of this cup represented Jesus’ blood that would be shed for our sins. Others give the statement a more literal interpretation.
The sprinkling of blood was required to institute the Mosaic covenant in Ex. 29:12, 16, 20 (see Heb. 9:18–22). In the same way, Jesus’ blood shed on the cross initiated the new covenant: His blood was shed for many. He died on the cross in the place of many sinners from every nation. He paid the price for all of their sins. All those who believe in Him will receive eternal life.
Mark 14:25 Jesus came announcing the kingdom of God (1:14, 15), promised the disciples rulership in it (Matt. 19:28), and will receive and administer it with the saints (Dan. 7:13, 14, 27; 2 Tim. 2:11, 12; Rev. 20:4).
Mark 14:26 The hymn they sang was no doubt from the Psalms. Frequently Ps. 113–118 were used in connection with the Passover, including “I shall not die, but live, / And declare the works of the LORD” and “The stone which the builders rejected / Has become the chief cornerstone” (Ps. 118:17, 22). Leaving the Upper Room, they crossed the Kidron Valley to the base of the Mount of Olives. Gethsemane (v. 32) is direct across from the eastern gate (sometimes called the golden gate) of Jerusalem.
