Jesus Before the Council

Here is your revised devotional reading, focused specifically on Christ and suitable for a Maundy Thursday service:

Maundy Thursday Devotional Reading:

Reading: Mark 14:53–65 (ESV)

(Reader clearly and slowly reads the Scripture passage.)

53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

Reflection:

On this Maundy Thursday evening, we pause to contemplate Jesus standing silently before His accusers. Quiet….. He endures false testimonies, insults, and abuse. His silence reveals His unwavering resolve and steadfast obedience to His Father's will.

Though falsely accused, He does not defend Himself. Only when asked directly, "Are you the Christ?" does He speak, affirming His divine identity clearly and boldly: "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power."

Jesus being seated at the right hand of God is elevated to the seat of cosmic authority where all authority in heaven and earth is given into his hands, and he receives the title Adonai that had formerly been exclusively restricted to God the Father.

R. C. Sproul

What does it mean to sit at God’s right hand? In the ancient world, to sit at a person’s right hand was to occupy a place of honor; a seat at the right hand of the host would be a place of honor at a dinner. To sit at a king’s right hand was more than mere honor; it was to share in his rule. It signified participation in the royal dignity and power.

James Montgomery Boice

With these words, He willingly moves toward the cross, fully aware that His declaration seals His fate.

Tonight, we fix our eyes upon Jesus—innocent yet condemned, silent yet resolute, suffering yet sovereign. In silence and suffering, He accomplishes the divine purpose of redemption.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, tonight we remember Your silent suffering and steadfast obedience. Thank You for willingly facing injustice and pain for the redemption of Your people. Amen.