The Concluding Hymn: Mark 14:26
“26) After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Mark 14:26
Both Matthew and Mark record that Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn at the end of the Passover meal. (See also Matthew 26:30) In both cases the statement is both a sentence and a complete paragraph. It was intended to stand alone as a complete thought. Though a very short paragraph, it is packed with meaning.
The record does not state which hymn they sang. Jewish tradition reveals that the Passover meal was concluded by singing the last portion of the Hallel. The Hallel is comprised of Psalms 113 through 118. It is a joyous celebration of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Why is this significant? By looking at these Psalms, we see that there were many references to the eventual salvation of the Lord’s people brought by the death and resurrection of Christ. This is especially true of Psalm 118, which served as the conclusion of the Passover meal. It is well worth the time to stop and read these six psalms while imagining Jesus singing portions of them with His disciples as they departed from the upper room.
Ephesians 5:18-21 and Colossians 3:16–17 both point to the importance of using psalms, hymns and spiritual songs for teaching and making disciples. Jesus was no exception. Putting the psalms to music was a common method of memorization.
But there is another important lesson in this short verse. At the conclusion on the Passover meal, Jesus was in the spirit of worship and in control of His emotions. He alone understood what the next several hours would bring, yet He was singing hymns of praise to His Father.
The inner battle was about to begin in the Garden of Gethsemane, but at this moment He was completely reconciled with His mission. He was the Living Word walking in harmony with the written Word.
Herein is a great secret to walking in the Spirit. Always harmonize yourself with the Word of God. (Compare to John 4:23-24) Walk in the spirit of worship. That is exactly what Jesus was doing as He departed the upper room with His disciples.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“26) After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Mark 14:26
Both Matthew and Mark record that Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn at the end of the Passover meal. (See also Matthew 26:30) In both cases the statement is both a sentence and a complete paragraph. It was intended to stand alone as a complete thought. Though a very short paragraph, it is packed with meaning.
The record does not state which hymn they sang. Jewish tradition reveals that the Passover meal was concluded by singing the last portion of the Hallel. The Hallel is comprised of Psalms 113 through 118. It is a joyous celebration of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Why is this significant? By looking at these Psalms, we see that there were many references to the eventual salvation of the Lord’s people brought by the death and resurrection of Christ. This is especially true of Psalm 118, which served as the conclusion of the Passover meal. It is well worth the time to stop and read these six psalms while imagining Jesus singing portions of them with His disciples as they departed from the upper room.
Ephesians 5:18-21 and Colossians 3:16–17 both point to the importance of using psalms, hymns and spiritual songs for teaching and making disciples. Jesus was no exception. Putting the psalms to music was a common method of memorization.
But there is another important lesson in this short verse. At the conclusion on the Passover meal, Jesus was in the spirit of worship and in control of His emotions. He alone understood what the next several hours would bring, yet He was singing hymns of praise to His Father.
The inner battle was about to begin in the Garden of Gethsemane, but at this moment He was completely reconciled with His mission. He was the Living Word walking in harmony with the written Word.
Herein is a great secret to walking in the Spirit. Always harmonize yourself with the Word of God. (Compare to John 4:23-24) Walk in the spirit of worship. That is exactly what Jesus was doing as He departed the upper room with His disciples.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
