JESUS’ BLOOD OF THE COVENANT, Ron Ward
BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN
Passage: Mark 14:53~65  
Key verse: 62
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin(A)(B)
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.(C) There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.(D)
55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin(E) 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,(F) not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree.
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.(G)
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”(H)
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.”(I)
63 The high priest tore his clothes.(J) “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.(K) 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.(L)
Cross references
- Mark 14:53 : 14:53-65pp — Mt 26:57-68; Jn 18:12, 13, 19-24
- Mark 14:53 : 14:61-63pp — Lk 22:67-71
- Mark 14:54 : S Mt 26:3
- Mark 14:54 : Jn 18:18
- Mark 14:55 : S Mt 5:22
- Mark 14:58 : S Jn 2:19
- Mark 14:61 : Isa 53:7; Mt 27:12, 14; Mk 15:5; Lk 23:9; Jn 19:9
- Mark 14:61 : Mt 16:16; Jn 4:25, 26
- Mark 14:62 : S Rev 1:7
- Mark 14:63 : Lev 10:6; 21:10; Nu 14:6; Ac 14:14
- Mark 14:64 : Lev 24:16
- Mark 14:65 : S Mt 16:21
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Peter followed at a distance (53-54)
Peter followed, but with no clear decision of faith and no spiritual preparation. He still looked for small physical comforts.
2. Testimonies against Jesus (55-59)
The testimonies against Jesus consisted of lies and distorted statements. Jesus had once predicted that if they destroyed the temple of his body he would raise it again in three days (Jn 2:19-21).
3. Jesus' faith (60-65)
Jesus did not answer the false charges made against him. He was like a lamb, silent before its shearers (Isa 53:7). When the high priest asked him, 'Are you the Christ, the Son of God?' Jesus said, 'I am.' Then he spoke about his triumphant Second Coming. By faith, he claimed the final victory. His enemies could not defeat him--they could only curse and beat him.
Prayer: Lord, give me the faith and vision of Jesus, so that I may not be discouraged by small defeats and rejections.
One Word: Jesus will come again in triumph