In the previous segment, Jesus' comments about the end of time stressed the need for watchfulness. The disciples were to watch and pray. And surely they thought they would, but the challenging events of the final days would lead to treachery and betrayal.
14:1-9 The feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread was two days away. Many Jews journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate, and were swept up in emotional, nationalistic feelings. The Romans were ever alert for signs of trouble.
And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might arrest Jesus and put him to death. Unwittingly, they're plotting to murder the Messiah at the same time they're commemorating the feasts that celebrate God's saving acts. The irony is stark. But they ruled out doing anything during the feast day, fearing an uproar of the people.
