ACC ~ Mark 14 v13

THE SIGN OF WATER

TERTULLIAN: Nor will it be incongruous to interpret figuratively the fact that, when the Lord was about to celebrate the last Passover, he told the disciples who were sent to make preparation that they would meet a man bearing water. [1] He thus points out the place for celebrating the Passover by the sign of water. ON BAPTISM 19. [2]

THE TRAITOR MARK 14:17-21

[1] Cf. Mk 14:13; Lk 22:10.

[2] Cetedoc 0008, 19.2; ANF 3:678*; cf. AEG 5:201-2. In this way baptism is figuratively embedded already in the passion story.

OVERVIEW:

Jesus is portrayed as exceedingly patient in the face of his betrayer (CYPRIAN). Judas was cursed by his own freely willed choice. God did not make a mistake in giving Judas life but brought to judgment the evil that Judas’s own will had acquired by his own choice (ORIGEN, JOHN OF DAMASCUS). Origen noted that Jesus’ way of confronting his betrayer was subtle, by quoting a psalm on duplicity. The “woe” is addressed also to the devil and to all who with Judas betray Christ. Having been taught to be self-critical, each disciple questioned his own conscience about whether he could have betrayed the Lord. It was for the disciples’ own good that Jesus tested their consciences by not pointing out the betrayer directly (ORIGEN).