Day 59: Jesus is condemned by the religious leaders
When Peter first recognized that Jesus really was the Messiah, Jesus predicted He would be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the TOTL (Mark 8:31). In our passage today, we see that happening.
Who was Jesus taken to in verse 53, and who else was there (vv. 53–54)?
Who followed Jesus at a distance, and what did he do (v. 54)?
The Sanhedrin was the Jewish ruling council or high court. It consisted of seventy-one men and was led by the high priest. The Romans gave the Sanhedrin limited authority to judge, but not to sentence anyone to death. They could only make that recommendation to the Roman authorities.
What were the chief priests and the Sanhedrin looking for (v. 55)?
Did they find any evidence that would justify putting Jesus to death (v. 55)?
What was the problem with the false testimony against Jesus (v. 56)?
What false testimony did some people come up with in verse 58?
In John’s gospel, when Jesus is asked to prove His authority, He replies, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” John clarifies that the temple Jesus was speaking of was His body (John 2:19–21). And Jesus’ accusers in Mark claim that Jesus said He would destroy the temple, which isn’t what Jesus said.
What did the high priest ask Jesus (v. 60)?
What answer did Jesus give (v. 61)?
What did the high priest ask Jesus next (v. 61)?
How does Jesus respond to the high priest’s question (v. 62)?
As we saw on Day 48, when Moses asks God for His name, God replies, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). In John’s gospel, Jesus makes multiple “I AM” statements—for example, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58). This is one way Jesus claims to be God. Here in Mark, when Jesus answers the high priest’s question as to whether He is the Messiah, Jesus responds, “I am!”
Read Mark 13:26. How is what Jesus said to His disciples similar to what He says to the high priest now (v. 62)?
What does the high priest do when he hears Jesus say this (v. 63)?
Why does the high priest think Jesus is blaspheming (i.e., insulting) God?
What does the Sanhedrin agree (v. 64)?
What do some of them do to Jesus (v. 65)?
Thank God that Jesus was willing to face an unjust trial and that He understands when people say things about us that aren’t true. Pray that God would help you believe that Jesus really is God’s King, who will one day come again on the clouds of heaven!