Read the Word:
Mark 14:53-65
Meditate on the Word:
When reading about those who gave false testimony about what Jesus had said, I find myself asking a simple question. How could the stories of these false witnesses not agree? Did they not rehearse them? There was no defense questioning, because Jesus remained silent. It seems wild that those so anxious to prosecute Jesus could fail so spectacularly. The high priest must have been incredibly frustrated, especially when Jesus would not defend Himself. After all, it seems that they would have expected Jesus to say something that they could use against Him. This is why, in frustration, the high priest finally asks Him, “Are the the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus’ reply of “I am” is an undeniable claim of divinity.
The objective of the Sanhedrin was clear. They were looking to put Jesus to death. If their objective had been to find the truth, they would have heard testimony that demonstrated that Jesus is Messiah. Then they would have bowed their knees in fear and worshiped Him. Instead, the high priest made a great show of tearing his garment in grief. He was not grieved. This was exactly what he wanted. Their kangaroo court had served its purpose. Jesus would be taken to be executed. But note that the false testimony was never enough to convict Him. It was the truth that sent Him to the cross. The false testimony of these unbelievers did not have any effect on the outcome.
Pray the Word:
Ask the Lord for wisdom to ignore the false things that people say about us.
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