Mark 14:28

KJV

But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} after {G3326} that I {G3165} am risen {G1453}, I will go before {G4254} you {G5209} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you into the Galil."

Berean Standard Bible

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

American Standard Version

Howbeit, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:28 presents Jesus' profound and hopeful promise to His disciples, delivered in the somber hours of the Last Supper, just before His betrayal and crucifixion. Despite His immediate prediction of their scattering and abandonment, Jesus assures them of His impending resurrection and a pre-arranged reunion in Galilee, thereby offering a powerful message of divine faithfulness, restoration, and continued leadership even in the face of human failure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after Jesus' stark prophecy of the disciples' desertion and Peter's denial in [Mark 14:27](/mark/14-27 "Mark 14:27 - Jesus Predicts Desertion"). Jesus explicitly quotes [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Strike the Shepherd"), foretelling that the shepherd will be struck, and the sheep will be scattered. This dire prediction sets a tone of impending crisis and failure for the disciples. In this atmosphere of anticipated despair and scattering, Jesus' promise of resurrection and re-gathering in Galilee serves as a crucial counterpoint, a beacon of hope that transcends their immediate failure and points to His ultimate victory and continued commitment to them. It foreshadows the post-resurrection appearances that will solidify their faith and re-commission their mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Last Supper, a Passover meal, which was a deeply significant Jewish ritual commemorating liberation from slavery. This meal, taking place in Jerusalem, was fraught with tension as Jewish leaders sought to arrest Jesus. Galilee, by contrast, was Jesus' primary base of operations for His public ministry, a region often considered less religiously orthodox by Jerusalem's elite but fertile ground for His teachings and miracles. The promise to meet in Galilee signifies a return to the roots of their calling, away from the hostile environment of Jerusalem, and a new beginning for their mission. The disciples, mostly Galileans themselves, would have understood the practical and symbolic significance of this location for a post-resurrection reunion.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:28 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark. Foremost is the **Certainty of Resurrection**, a foundational truth of Christian faith, declared unequivocally by Jesus Himself. This promise undergirds the entire narrative of Mark, culminating in the angel's instruction at the tomb in [Mark 16:7](/mark/16-7 "Mark 16:7 - Angel's Message at the Tomb") and Jesus' own post-resurrection appearances. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Restoration and Grace**. Despite the disciples' impending failure and scattering, Jesus' initiative to re-gather them demonstrates His boundless grace and commitment to His followers, offering a path to restoration even after their deepest failures. This theme is further developed as Jesus restores Peter in [John 21](/john/21 "John 21 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples by the Sea"). Finally, the promise underscores **Jesus' Continued Leadership and Initiative**. He does not wait for them to find Him but actively "goes before" them, signifying His ongoing role as their guide and pioneer, leading them into their future ministry, as seen in the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:16-20](/matthew/28-16-20 "Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **risen (Greek, _egeírō'_):** From G1453, meaning to waken, rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence). In this context, it specifically refers to Jesus' resurrection from the dead, emphasizing a divine act of God raising Him to life, rather than a self-generated return.
* **go before (Greek, _proágō'_):** From G4254, meaning to lead forward or to precede. This word denotes Jesus' active initiative and leadership. He is not merely waiting for them but is actively taking the lead, going ahead of them to prepare the way and guide them into their next phase of ministry.
* **Galilee (Greek, _Galilaía'_):** From G1056, of Hebrew origin (גָּלִיל), referring to a region of Palestine, "the heathen circle." Symbolically, Galilee represents the humble beginnings of Jesus' ministry and the calling of many of His disciples. It signifies a fresh start, a return to familiar ground for a new commission, away from the hostile religious center of Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But after that I am risen":** This clause serves as a direct and unequivocal declaration of Jesus' impending resurrection. The use of "but" (G235, _allá_) creates a strong contrast with the preceding prediction of the disciples' scattering, highlighting that His resurrection will fundamentally alter the situation and overcome the despair. The passive voice of "am risen" (G1453, _egeírō_) implicitly points to the divine power of God the Father in raising Jesus from the dead, emphasizing that this is not merely a human act but a supernatural intervention. This promise is the bedrock of Christian hope, ensuring victory over death and the fulfillment of God's plan.
* **"I will go before you into Galilee":** This second clause outlines Jesus' post-resurrection plan for His disciples. "I will go before you" (G4254, _proágō_) signifies Jesus' active leadership and initiative; He will lead the way, not just meet them. It implies a restoration of their relationship and a re-establishment of His guidance over them, despite their coming failure. The destination, "into Galilee" (G1519, _eis_ G1056, _Galilaía_), is highly significant. Galilee was the primary setting for Jesus' public ministry and the calling of most of His disciples. This instruction anticipates a new beginning, a return to the familiar territory where their journey with Him began, symbolizing a fresh start for their faith and mission, away from the scene of His crucifixion and their scattering in Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:28 powerfully employs **Foreshadowing** and **Symbolism**. The entire verse serves as a crucial piece of **Foreshadowing**, directly predicting Jesus' resurrection and His subsequent reunion with the disciples. This prophecy, delivered in a moment of extreme tension and impending despair, provides a vital anchor of hope and assurance, setting the stage for the triumphant events of [Mark 16](/mark/16 "Mark 16 - The Resurrection"). The choice of **Galilee** as the meeting place is rich in **Symbolism**. It represents a return to the roots of their calling, a place of new beginnings away from the hostile environment of Jerusalem. It symbolizes a fresh start for the disciples' mission and faith, emphasizing restoration and recommissioning rather than condemnation for their failures. This geographical detail underscores the theme of divine grace and the enduring nature of Jesus' covenant with His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:28 is a profound testament to the certainty of Christ's resurrection and His unwavering faithfulness to His disciples. Theologically, it underscores that God's redemptive plan cannot be thwarted by human weakness or failure. Even in the face of the disciples' predicted scattering and Peter's denial, Jesus' promise of a post-resurrection reunion in Galilee demonstrates His sovereign control over events and His commitment to restoring and re-commissioning His followers. This verse highlights the theme of divine initiative in reconciliation and the transformative power of the resurrection, which not only conquers death but also provides the foundation for new life and renewed purpose for those who follow Him. It assures believers that even in their deepest moments of failure, Christ's grace is sufficient to bring about restoration and lead them forward.

* [Matthew 28:7](/matthew/28-7 "Matthew 28:7 - Angel's Message at the Tomb")
* [Mark 16:7](/mark/16-7 "Mark 16:7 - Angel's Instruction to Disciples")
* [John 21:1-19](/john/21-1-19 "John 21:1-19 - Jesus Appears to Disciples by the Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:28 offers immense comfort and profound lessons for believers today. In a world where we often experience personal failures, betrayals, and moments of despair, this verse reminds us that Jesus' faithfulness transcends our weaknesses. Just as the disciples were about to scatter and fail Him, Jesus provided a promise of future reunion and restoration. This speaks volumes about His boundless grace: He anticipates our failures and already has a plan for our recovery and re-engagement. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate shortcomings and fears to the ultimate hope found in Christ's victory over death and His ongoing leadership in our lives. We are reminded that even when we stumble, our Lord is committed to meeting us, restoring us, and leading us forward into His purposes. This promise empowers us to confess our sins, trust in His forgiveness, and embrace the fresh starts He continually offers, knowing that His resurrection power is at work to bring us back into fellowship and fruitful service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' promise in Mark 14:28 challenge your understanding of grace in the face of personal failure or betrayal?**
* **In what "Galilee" might Jesus be calling you to a new beginning or a renewed sense of purpose after a period of difficulty or spiritual wandering?**
* **How does the certainty of Jesus' resurrection, as declared in this verse, strengthen your hope and resolve in the midst of present challenges?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus choose Galilee as the meeting place, rather than Jerusalem?**

Answer: Jesus chose Galilee for several significant reasons. First, it was the primary region of His public ministry, where He called most of His disciples and performed many miracles. Meeting there symbolized a return to the roots of their calling and a fresh start. Second, Jerusalem was the center of religious and political opposition where Jesus was crucified; Galilee offered a safer, more familiar, and less hostile environment for the disciples to process the resurrection and receive their new commission. It allowed them to gather away from the immediate pressures and dangers of the capital, fostering a sense of renewal and preparation for their future mission, as seen in [Matthew 28:16-20](/matthew/28-16-20 "Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission").

**Did the disciples understand or remember this promise when Jesus was arrested?**

Answer: It is highly probable that the disciples did not fully grasp or remember the significance of this promise in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. The Gospels describe their fear, scattering, and despair ([Mark 14:50](/mark/14-50 "Mark 14:50 - Disciples Desert Jesus")). Their understanding of Jesus' resurrection was incomplete until it actually occurred. However, the angel at the tomb explicitly reminded the women of this very promise, instructing them to tell the disciples that Jesus "is going ahead of you into Galilee" ([Mark 16:7](/mark/16-7 "Mark 16:7 - Angel's Instruction to Disciples")), which suggests that the promise, though initially forgotten or misunderstood, was crucial for their post-resurrection re-gathering and belief.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:28 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the reality of Jesus' resurrection and His ongoing role as the Head of the Church. This promise is not merely a logistical arrangement for a post-resurrection meeting but a profound declaration of Christ's victory over sin and death, which is central to the Gospel. His "going before" them into Galilee foreshadows His ascension and His continued leadership from heaven, where He intercedes for His people ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes")) and prepares a place for them ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). The reunion in Galilee, where the disciples were re-commissioned, points to the Great Commission given by the risen Christ ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")), establishing the church's mission to make disciples of all nations, empowered by His presence "always, to the very end of the age." Thus, Mark 14:28 is a promise of restoration, not just for the initial disciples, but for all believers who, through faith in the risen Lord, are gathered and led by Him into their divine purpose.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 16:7

But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

Matthew 28:16

¶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

Matthew 28:7

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Matthew 28:10

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Matthew 26:32

But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

Matthew 16:21

¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

John 21:1

¶ After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he [himself].