Mark 14:53-65 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is Mark 14:53-65. With an open mind and a humble heart, read this passage and see what sticks out to you in this passage. Is there a verse, a phrase, or a lesson you think the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you in this passage? After you’ve thought about the passage yourself a bit, read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
Mark 14:53-59 (NIV)
53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together.
54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.
55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any.
56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.
57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him:
58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.'”
59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree.
On verses 53-59: As much as the chief priests and the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council) tried, they could not find any dirt on Jesus that would justify putting him to death.
Through and through Jesus is blameless and holy. We, on the other hand, are guilty of so much sin. As Psalm 130:3-4 says, “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.”
It is only because Jesus gave up His perfectly innocent life for imperfect sinners like us that we can be forgiven and reconciled to a holy God.
Mark 14:60-64 (NIV)
60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”
61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked.
64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death.
On verses 60-64: The one thing that the high priest and the Sanhedrin thought they could go after Jesus about was Jesus affirming that he is the Messiah (the Christ), the Son of God and the Son of Man (v61-62). The high priest considered this blasphemy, even though the evidence strongly suggests that Jesus was telling the truth.
What can we learn from this? Jesus goes on record to say that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and he would die for making that statement. So you need to ask yourself: was Jesus lying, crazy or telling the truth? Which one do you think Jesus was?
Mark 14:65 (NIV)
65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
On verse 65: Considering him a blasphemer, Jesus’ opponents had no problem spitting on him, blindfolding him, striking him with fists, mocking and beating him. How we see others determines how we will treat them. How you see Jesus determines how you will treat Him.
Jesus, You are the blameless and holy one, the Son of God, the Son of Man, Messiah and King. I worship You and thank You for going through such suffering for sinners like us. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
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