Church members partake of the sacrament to remember Jesus, his atoning sacrifice, and our covenant with him. The chapters in this week’s reading call us to be holy as we remember him.
“Anointing in Bethany in Mark 14:3-9,” by Julie M. Smith, from The Gospel According to Mark
The main theme of Mark 14 concerns Jesus’ identity. He is beloved Son and suffering Messiah. Significantly, each foray into that identity is literally surrounded by the idea of betraying Jesus.
The Lamb of God: Unique Aspects of the Passion Narrative in John, Eric D. Huntsman, from Behold the Lamb of God: An Easter Celebration, BYU Religious Studies Center
The Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and downplays his suffering. The thematic symbolism of John’s Passion narrative is that Jesus is the Lamb of God.
“The Sacrament: Building upon Christ’s Rock,” Monte S. Nyman, The Book of Mormon and the Message of the Four Gospels, BYU Religious Studies Center
The sacrament (partaking of bread and wine in remembrance of Christ) is practiced by many Christian churches. The Book of Mormon (3 Nephi) adds much to our understanding of the sacrament.
“The Lost Commandments: The Sacred Rites of Hospitality,” Peter J. Sorensen, BYU Studies 44, no. 1
John 13 preserves the scene of the Last Supper that is missing from the synoptic Gospels. At the Last Supper, Jesus is the host. Peter’s hesitation to let Jesus wash his feet stems not from a wanton ignorance of hospitality, but from his high regard for Jesus’ place and mission; once Peter realizes the ordinance has eternal or cosmic significance, he rushes headlong to be washed head to foot—a remarkably resonant comment about higher ordinances. In the ancient world, the command to be hospitable meant welcoming strangers as honored guests.
