Mark14:53-72

Let's start off with a couple questions from last week's study.

Ÿ We know according to scripture that all of the twelve disciples deserted Jesus.

Mark 14:50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.

Ÿ We also know that in the garden of Gethsemane Jesus left the disciples to keep watch and pray.

Ÿ As Jesus prayed and requested that this cup be removed for Him we find Him also giving in to his Father's requirements of what had to be accomplished.

Questions:

Ÿ Why was it necessary for Jesus to go through all of this? In a word; SALVATION!

Ÿ What actually occurred while He was suffering on the cross?

Ÿ Jesus took on himself ALL of the SIN of mankind.

Ÿ At this point Jesus cried out "Father, why have you forsaken me?"

Ÿ He knew full well why. SIN had separated Him from God his Father.

Ÿ He was being served with the penalty of sin. Separation from God! Death!

Ÿ His body, being human is now dieing in sin.

Ÿ But stay tuned; God had a plan!!

Review

Mark 14:43

[43] Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teacher s of the law, and the elders.

Ÿ Take note of the fact that Judas was accompanied by a mob! A mob sent by the leaders and teachers of the LAW. All were in jeopardy of loosing their jobs if Jesus wasn't stopped.Jesus had shown his fortitude and persistence and they were actually afraid of him. Remember, the people liked Jesus.

Mark 12:12

[12] Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

Ÿ NOW ON TO TODAYS SCRIPTURE

Mark 14:53-59

[53] They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the 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 temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.' ” [59] Yet even then their testimony did not agree.

Ÿ Talk about frustration!!!

Ÿ As bad as they wanted to get rid of Jesus, the false testimony of the witnesses didn't accomplish the task or get the results they were looking for.

Ÿ WHAT TO DO!!!!!!

Ÿ Remember the actual statement Jesus made.

John 2:18-19

18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this ?” [19] 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days .”

Ÿ He never said that HE would destroy the temple!

Ÿ It was obvious that the temple he was referring to was his body.

Mark 14:60-61

[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 Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One ?”

Ÿ Well, the testimony of the witnesses didn't get the job donne, SO.........

Ÿ He will trick him into giving him an answer to the question he already knew the answer to.

Ÿ This accusation was actually an admittance to the fact that Jesus is the SON OF GOD!

Note: The following answer is the key to this whole dramatic situation.

Mark 14:62

[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 .”

Ÿ This is very interesting.

Ÿ " YOU WILL SEE" holds great significance.

Ÿ Everyone, lost and saved will witness this occasion.

Ÿ Talk about a slap to the face of the high priest!!!

Mark 14:63-65

[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. [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.

Ÿ Well, I've made him admit that He /Jesus is the SON OF GOD.

Ÿ This is worth the death sentence.

Ÿ Then in a show of true hatred (at the high priests prompting) people began to show disdain and hate for Jesus.

NOTE: This is now the beginning of the payment for all of our (mankinds) sin.

Ÿ Our penalty is taking place.

Mark 14:66-72

[66] While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. [67] When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. [68] But he denied it. “I don't know or understand what you're talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. [69] When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” [70] Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” [71] He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don't know this man you're talking about.” [72] Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times .” And he broke down and wept.

Ÿ Peter, a friend, devoted follower, and faithful believer; loved by Jesus, has turned his back on him.

Ÿ This is a perfect example of the treatment / penalty that we all deserve.

Ÿ But Jesus took it on himself because he had to.

Ÿ But the story doesn't end here.

Ÿ THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF HOW MUCH GOD LOVES US.

Ÿ Stay tuned.

AN ENCOURAGING THOUGHT OF SCRIPTURE

Lamentations 3:22-24

[22] Because of the LORD ’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. [24] I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”