Mark 14:53–65

The False Witnesses

Peter heard it all and said nothing -> Peter was not earnestly contending for the faith!

Peter idly stood by while His Lord was being falsely accused and blasphemed against -> we must have greater courage and zeal! (Jude 3-5)

Jesus also said nothing (for a much more honorable reason), thus fulfilling prophecy (Is. 53:7)

A holy God endured false witness against Himself -> we could never comprehend the magnitude of suffering this brought on Christ

These false accusations were predicated on blatant misinterpretations of what Jesus said -> a common tactic still used today!

Although common and effective, they are easy to guard against, as the word of God gives us a diligent guideline

These false witnesses did not agree, thus telling us they were false -> the bible is very transparent as to how Jesus was condemned to die despite being innocent

The Law required two or three witnesses to put Him to death, which they never had -> Jesus was innocent, even by the standard of the Law

This outrage led to the High Priest ripping his garment, which was a violation of the Law

The judge was guilty and the condemned was innocent!

The Sufferings of Christ

We are well acquainted with the crucifixion and scourging we will read of in the coming chapters, but there was more suffering than this

Rightly did the scriptures call Jesus a “Man of Sorrows” (Is. 53:3-4) -> the shame and humiliation of His final hours are unimaginable

Consider the humiliation of being spit on, especially in the Jewish culture (the Law was very clean)

Don’t forget the humiliation of being mocked -> this is not the same as you and I being mocked, as we deserve mocking

The God who is only due worship was given hatred instead -> this was a far-cry from what we see in Rev. 4:8-11!

This mocking is not just rude, it’s blasphemy and heresy in the presence of God Himself

We cannot miss the pain and fear of being beaten by a mob -> Jesus was human, and this is terrifying to consider

The panic would have clearly rose up in Christ, and He would have to push on despite having the full power of heaven at His disposal

The character of Christ is miraculous considering the attitude Christ had towards these men -> He came to save them and desired their forgiveness

If God came to save these, He certainly came to save you!