53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. 54 Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest, and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. 57 Some stood up and gave false testimony 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 But even on this point their testimony did not agree. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” 61 But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 Jesus said, “I am, and
‘you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power’
and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”
63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? 64 You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. 65 Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him and beat him.
Prayer Focus: We started to read the Gospel of Mark on January 1st and we have finally reached Holy Week with Jesus before the high priest after his arrest. They are looking for testimony to put Jesus to death, but they cannot find anything to stick because the false testimony did not agree. Finally the high priest asks Jesus directly, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One.” We have known the answer to this question is “yes” from the first verse of the Gospel. And finally Jesus claims this title for himself as he responds, “I am.” Do you have the courage to make that claim about Jesus? Is he the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One? Or does your testimony about Jesus conflict with your actions and the other words you speak?
#FortMillUnity #GodsStory #OurStories #GospelofMark #FortMillSC