ROUGH JUSTICE
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Opening Prayer
As I open my Bible today, Lord Jesus, challenge me with the things it says. Show me through your words and actions how to live in the light of the gospel’s truth.
Read MARK 14:53–65
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
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.
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?”
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.”
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.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How ready are you to speak truth, regardless of the circumstance?
This was a gathering outside of Jewish law. An ecclesiastical trial in front of the entire Sanhedrin was not permitted at night. Under cover of darkness, there is one motive behind the expedient bending of the rules: Jesus must be put to death because of the threat he offers to the Jewish establishment. A trail of witnesses, no more coordinated than the rabble that was sent to arrest him, fails to elicit any response from Jesus. There’s no need. The slapdash attempt to produce ‘evidence’ speaks for itself (v. 55).
The high priest himself is forced to intervene, eventually asking the crucial question: ‘Are you the Messiah … ?’ (v. 61b). We’ve arrived at the heart of the matter, the crisis point in this mockery of a trial. Jesus’ response, in the affirmative, condemns him by his own words. Caiaphas’ dramatic reaction (v. 63) seals the verdict. The Sanhedrin, acting in the shadows, foiled by lack of evidence, is successful. Why? Because Jesus speaks the clear, unvarnished truth. He can do no other. It’s in his nature.
It’s surprising to see the reaction that speaking the truth can provoke. To shine a light on injustice, abuse of power, perversion, and greed in our society can lead to a harsh response. Throughout our world, there are those who are imprisoned and denied basic human rights; some who have died because they have spoken the truth to power. For many, it’s because of their undeniable faith. For others, it’s because they’ve stood up for the values of the kingdom of God, whether overtly or because of their personal conviction. Jesus, like them, beaten, spat on and verbally abused (v. 65), receives the undeserved punishment. For him, this is the point of no return.
Apply
Read through today’s news headlines. Pray for those who are suffering for speaking truth to power.
Closing prayer
Jesus, forgive me for those times when I follow at a distance. Draw me closer to you, always ready to speak truth about you and give reason for the hope you give me.
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