Book of Mark - Chapter 14 - Verse 41
Meaning
After praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus returns to find his disciples asleep once again. In this verse, he tells them to "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." This statement signifies the moment when Jesus realizes that his betrayal and subsequent crucifixion are imminent. Despite his disciples' failure to stay awake and pray with him, Jesus shows compassion by allowing them to rest. He acknowledges that the time has come for him to be handed over to his enemies, who will ultimately lead him to his death on the cross. This verse serves as a turning point in the story of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity, highlighting the significance of his impending betrayal and the beginning of his journey to the cross.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples to sleep on and take their rest, indicating that their time for vigilance and prayer is coming to an end. The phrase "it is enough" can be interpreted as meaning that the time for preparation is complete, and now is the time for action. Jesus then acknowledges that the hour has come for him to be betrayed into the hands of sinners, foreshadowing his imminent arrest and crucifixion. The title "Son of Man" is a Messianic title used by Jesus to identify himself as the prophesied savior in the Old Testament. Betrayal by sinners emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus' death, serving as a reminder of the redemptive purpose of his suffering. This verse showcases Jesus' acceptance of his impending fate and his willingness to submit to the divine plan for the salvation of humanity.