On Trial in Our Hearts

Introduction

Where do we find ourselves in Mark’s Gospel?

Jesus has been arrested (v. 43-52)

Judas’ betrayal has been played out from v. 10-11

The disciples ate the Last Supper v. 12-6

Jesus predicts Peter’s denial v. 27-31

Jesus led the disciples to Gethsemane v. 32-41

Jesus in on trial

Who in the world is the Sanhedrin?

Jewish ruling council made up of Jewish authorities - prominent people from the various ruling traditions; mostly Sadducees and Pharisees

71 members in the Sanhedrin; a quorum of 23 was needed to make any significant decisions

What kind of trial is this?

No doubt this trial is informal. The Jewish ruling council - under the rulership itself of Rome - did not have the power to execute; this had to come later

Held in the Chief Priest’s estate (identified by Matthew as Caiaphas), presumably large, spacious

False Accusations