The Trial of Jesus - Mark 14:53-65
The Trial of Jesus - Mark 14:53-65
By Pastor Lee Hemen
March 20, 2011 AM
If we are lucky in life we will have the opportunity to meet someone who exemplifies what true heroism means. In a day and age where heroism is often defined by what one suffers through rather than the sacrifice of one’s life for another, we need to take a fresh look. The English word for hero was first used in 1387 and comes from the Greek meaning “protector” or “defender.” Originally, Hero was a priestess of Aphrodite at Sestos a town on Hellespont. She loved a young man named Leander, who lived at Abydos, a town on the Asian side of the channel. They could not marry because Hero was bound by a vow of chastity, and so every night Leander swam from Asia to Europe, guided by a lamp in Hero's tower. One stormy night a wind extinguished the light, and Leander drown. His body was washed ashore beneath Hero's tower; in her grief, she threw herself into the sea. Not exactly what we think of as a heroic tale.
The Canadian Free Press writes that “A series of unpredictable strong earthquakes, including a super-size earthquake and subsequent tsunami, have thrown some of Japan’s nuclear energy plants into a crisis: pumping seawater, venting steam, keeping a lid on a disaster.” Fox News relates that in the midst of this disaster are some brave men. “They are known as the 'Fukushima 50,' the workers who stayed behind at the crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in order to prevent a meltdown in Japan." They are unidentified plant engineers who continue to work in dangerous conditions, as hundreds of thousands have evacuated the area, fearing a meltdown. Two of the workers are missing after an explosion and fire at the Unit 4 reactor. Heroes. Here in Mark’s gospel we are shown what true heroism is all about as well. It is found in the trial of Jesus. Let’s see what we can discover for ourselves…
READ: Mark 14:53-65
In a world where we face the high unemployment, large numbers of defaulting mortgages, and seemingly huge natural disasters it may seem as if everything is falling apart at the seams. Some Chicken Little doomsayers are already predicting even more dire consequences because of “super moons” or Aztec calendars. Yet, as we face these trials of life, I am reminded of another trial and the one who went through it all alone. I am reminded of his heroic example. The trial of Jesus teaches us…
I. How to be strong when everything is falling apart around us! (Vv. 53-54)
1. While others run and hide, a hero remains! A hero stays the course he knows he has to in order to fulfill his objective. Jesus does just that. Peter first runs away and then in almost morbid curiosity he stays just within eyesight and hearing of what is occurring. We learn, from John’s account he is allowed to do so because Peter stays with John. There are always those who want to be a hero or who think they could be a hero when the need arises, but when put to the test of finding out if they are made of the same metal heroes are forged from, they retreat. As they take “Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law… 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.” While Peter skulks and warms himself, Jesus goes quietly, not knowing what exactly will happen to him, he stays the course set out for him. How many of us could say we would do the same in his situation? We are more like Peter than we would want to admit. We watch warming ourselves on the sidelines as others are coldly betrayed, falsely accused, and convicted. Are we cowardly Peters? Interestingly, while Paul would often write about his own past denial of Jesus, Peter never even alludes to it. Only John writes about how Peter is restored. Later, we will learn that in the midst of Peter’s defiance, “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” How sad. I would like to think that perhaps, Jesus remembered the comforting words of the Psalmist which states, “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” (Psalms 61:2-3 NIV) Jesus knew he was in his Father’s hands. Later, while dying on the cross he would cry out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) No one could snatch him from them! That is what true heroes do. They remain strong in God when everyone and everything else does not. It is how God’s hero is to respond! Jesus teaches us how to be strong when everything is falling apart around us.
EXAMPLE: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations” (Ps. 46:10). These words from a song sung long ago at the temple in Jerusalem remind us of what we should do during a personal trial—be still and know God! Knowing God is often found in our willingness to simply be quiet and allow God to speak to us. In that moment when Jesus is being falsely accused he could have ranted, raved, and gotten angry. He could have pointed to all the good things he had done in their midst and in spite of their unbelief. He could have reminded them of his miraculous birth, how he raised the dead, caused the blind to see, and feed thousands with a few fish and loaves of bread. Instead we find Jesus quiet and calm. He is still. He is knowing God even in the midst of his final moments of life here on this earth. Jesus teaches us how to be strong when everything is falling apart around us.
Some people simply cannot seem to simply shut up. Often, rather than face the music there are those who think they have to justify themselves. Why is that? We live in a society that lives by the false assumption that everyone needs to be heard. It is not true! The sad truth is not everyone has something worthwhile to say! In fact, we discover that the trial of Jesus teaches us…
II. How to be like Jesus when we are falsely accused! (Vv. 55-59)
1. He declares himself guilty who justifies himself before accusation! We all like to be liked, but that is unrealistic in life. Not everyone will like you. A hero does not cater to guilt. We may have experienced or we will experience others treating us unfairly. Injustice in life happens! How would you feel if you were illegally drug into court and all those who testify about you, falsely accuse you under oath? We find that “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.” Sadly, those who hated Jesus did so for no reason! Oh they thought they had good reason and justified it by telling one another, “Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” (John 11:47-48) They were only concerned for their position and power! We find that, “Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.” Under Jewish law they needed several witnesses to agree precisely about what they actually saw or heard. When that did not happen, “Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: “We heard him say” is their justification. When folks cannot find something to hang him with, they do what many deceitful people do: They twist the truth! Some of them had probably been present when Jesus’ accusers had demanded a miracle from him. Jesus told them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” (John 2:19) Of course they deliberately twist Jesus' words because “the temple he had spoken of was his body.” (John 2:21) They deceitfully declare, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man!’” While their accusations were not completely false, they were not completely true either. Lies are like that. God hates liars. In fact, God equates it with false worship of one’s self. Proverbs reminds us, “What matters most is loyalty. It's better to be poor than to be a liar.” (Proverbs 19:22 CEV) Liars are like idol worshippers because they love their lie more than they love God! In fact, we are reminded that one who worships idols, “feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, ‘Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?’” (Isaiah 44:20 NIV) We all like to be liked, and some of us will lie in order to be liked! Jesus had taught that “everyone who lives by the truth will come to the light, because they want others to know that God is really the one doing what they do.” (John 3:21) Mark’s account teaches us how to be like Jesus when we are falsely accused! It is how God’s hero responds! He lets the truth speak for him.
EXAMPLE: In 1931, the city of Hayward, California, built its first permanent city hall building. Costing $100,000 at the time, the structure with its square Corinthian columns and Roman arch entry was considered a marvel. There was only one problem—it was built on the Hayward Fault and is gradually splitting in two. In 1989, an earthquake forced its closure, and it became off limits to occupants. Sadly, far too many Christians have fault lines too! They blame everyone else for their problems! When Christians are unwilling to recognize their own faults, they sin! Their lives in Christ are soon split apart because you cannot serve two masters; you will hate the one and love the other! However, if we live in the truth, we have nothing to fear. Mark’s account teaches us how to be like Jesus when we are falsely accused!
Far too often adults act like children when confronted with the truth of their cover up. I have found it interesting to listen to how many ways politicians, movie stars, or those simply caught lying can justify their behavior: “I misspoke.” “I was in a different place then.” “I have since made self-adjustments that will better induce a more positive response in the future.” Wow. During Jesus’ trial we discover what heroism is all about and how it answers unfair accusers. The trial of Jesus teaches us…
III. How we are to respond to injustice! (Vv. 60-65)
1. Stand up, speak up, shut up, and sit down! When a lie is exposed for what it truly is, a lie, the liar usually responds only in one way: They get angry. And their anger is usually directed at the person who has exposed their lie. A hero always speaks the truth. When Jesus allows the truth of his life and the treachery of his accusers made public, the High Priest cannot take it anymore. He “stood up in the council and asked Jesus, ‘Why don't you say something in your own defense? Don't you hear the charges they are making against you?’” In the Greek his question expects an answer: “You are going to answer your accusers, aren’t you?” The second question expected an explanation: “What is the meaning of the charges these witnesses are making against you?” However, one thing we need to understand throughout Mark’s account is how Jesus responded to the injustice being done to him: “Jesus kept quiet and did not say a word.” Isaiah reminds us that, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7 NIV) The truth needs no explanation. It always exposes the lie. Infuriated, and I believe prompted by the Chief Liar himself, the Devil, “The high priest asked him another question: ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the glorious God?’” Jesus remained silent until that point. Jesus answers the only way he can. “Yes, I am!” He is the great “I AM!” He is God in human flesh! While others testified with lies, Jesus gives testimony to the truth. He continues by prophesying to the ultimate destruction of Israel and the establishment of his eternal kingdom: “Soon you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right side of God All-Powerful, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” The High Priest is confronted by the real High Priest. He finally begins to comprehend what Jesus is saying and yet he does not understand, for if he did he would not have immediately “ripped his robe apart and shouted, ‘Why do we need more witnesses? You heard him claim to be God! What is your decision?” And like the Satan’s own minions, “They all agreed that he should be put to death.” How wonderful to see and hear Jesus in the midst of this unholy tumult. Jesus remains quiet until the truth needs to be spoken and only then does he answer his accusers. His words are brief, succinct, and to the heart of the issue. He did not embellish nor justify his actions. That’s how God’s hero responds! Jesus’ example is how we are to respond to injustice.
EXAMPLE: I would not want to be an umpire, especially for some of the softball games I have been to. I heard the true story of one umpire at a girl’s softball game. Throughout several innings he had quietly stood behind home plate. He had heard a player’s mother start chanting: “We want a new ump! We want a new ump!” Soon, other parents took up the chant. It grew louder and louder. The ump smiled, remained quiet until he finally turned toward the crowd and hollered, “I want new parents! I want new parents!” The heckling slowly died away and the ump turned back and called the rest of the game without incident. We find Jesus showing us the same kind of example of how we are to respond to injustice.
Conclusion:
The trial of Jesus teaches us several truths: How to be strong when everything is falling apart around us! How to be like Jesus when we are falsely accused! And, how we are to respond to injustice! Now, when you are faced with a trial in life, how will you respond?
----
Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 25 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2011 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.
By Pastor Lee Hemen
March 20, 2011 AM
If we are lucky in life we will have the opportunity to meet someone who exemplifies what true heroism means. In a day and age where heroism is often defined by what one suffers through rather than the sacrifice of one’s life for another, we need to take a fresh look. The English word for hero was first used in 1387 and comes from the Greek meaning “protector” or “defender.” Originally, Hero was a priestess of Aphrodite at Sestos a town on Hellespont. She loved a young man named Leander, who lived at Abydos, a town on the Asian side of the channel. They could not marry because Hero was bound by a vow of chastity, and so every night Leander swam from Asia to Europe, guided by a lamp in Hero's tower. One stormy night a wind extinguished the light, and Leander drown. His body was washed ashore beneath Hero's tower; in her grief, she threw herself into the sea. Not exactly what we think of as a heroic tale.
The Canadian Free Press writes that “A series of unpredictable strong earthquakes, including a super-size earthquake and subsequent tsunami, have thrown some of Japan’s nuclear energy plants into a crisis: pumping seawater, venting steam, keeping a lid on a disaster.” Fox News relates that in the midst of this disaster are some brave men. “They are known as the 'Fukushima 50,' the workers who stayed behind at the crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in order to prevent a meltdown in Japan." They are unidentified plant engineers who continue to work in dangerous conditions, as hundreds of thousands have evacuated the area, fearing a meltdown. Two of the workers are missing after an explosion and fire at the Unit 4 reactor. Heroes. Here in Mark’s gospel we are shown what true heroism is all about as well. It is found in the trial of Jesus. Let’s see what we can discover for ourselves…
READ: Mark 14:53-65
In a world where we face the high unemployment, large numbers of defaulting mortgages, and seemingly huge natural disasters it may seem as if everything is falling apart at the seams. Some Chicken Little doomsayers are already predicting even more dire consequences because of “super moons” or Aztec calendars. Yet, as we face these trials of life, I am reminded of another trial and the one who went through it all alone. I am reminded of his heroic example. The trial of Jesus teaches us…
I. How to be strong when everything is falling apart around us! (Vv. 53-54)
1. While others run and hide, a hero remains! A hero stays the course he knows he has to in order to fulfill his objective. Jesus does just that. Peter first runs away and then in almost morbid curiosity he stays just within eyesight and hearing of what is occurring. We learn, from John’s account he is allowed to do so because Peter stays with John. There are always those who want to be a hero or who think they could be a hero when the need arises, but when put to the test of finding out if they are made of the same metal heroes are forged from, they retreat. As they take “Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law… 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.” While Peter skulks and warms himself, Jesus goes quietly, not knowing what exactly will happen to him, he stays the course set out for him. How many of us could say we would do the same in his situation? We are more like Peter than we would want to admit. We watch warming ourselves on the sidelines as others are coldly betrayed, falsely accused, and convicted. Are we cowardly Peters? Interestingly, while Paul would often write about his own past denial of Jesus, Peter never even alludes to it. Only John writes about how Peter is restored. Later, we will learn that in the midst of Peter’s defiance, “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” How sad. I would like to think that perhaps, Jesus remembered the comforting words of the Psalmist which states, “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” (Psalms 61:2-3 NIV) Jesus knew he was in his Father’s hands. Later, while dying on the cross he would cry out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) No one could snatch him from them! That is what true heroes do. They remain strong in God when everyone and everything else does not. It is how God’s hero is to respond! Jesus teaches us how to be strong when everything is falling apart around us.
EXAMPLE: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations” (Ps. 46:10). These words from a song sung long ago at the temple in Jerusalem remind us of what we should do during a personal trial—be still and know God! Knowing God is often found in our willingness to simply be quiet and allow God to speak to us. In that moment when Jesus is being falsely accused he could have ranted, raved, and gotten angry. He could have pointed to all the good things he had done in their midst and in spite of their unbelief. He could have reminded them of his miraculous birth, how he raised the dead, caused the blind to see, and feed thousands with a few fish and loaves of bread. Instead we find Jesus quiet and calm. He is still. He is knowing God even in the midst of his final moments of life here on this earth. Jesus teaches us how to be strong when everything is falling apart around us.
Some people simply cannot seem to simply shut up. Often, rather than face the music there are those who think they have to justify themselves. Why is that? We live in a society that lives by the false assumption that everyone needs to be heard. It is not true! The sad truth is not everyone has something worthwhile to say! In fact, we discover that the trial of Jesus teaches us…
II. How to be like Jesus when we are falsely accused! (Vv. 55-59)
1. He declares himself guilty who justifies himself before accusation! We all like to be liked, but that is unrealistic in life. Not everyone will like you. A hero does not cater to guilt. We may have experienced or we will experience others treating us unfairly. Injustice in life happens! How would you feel if you were illegally drug into court and all those who testify about you, falsely accuse you under oath? We find that “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.” Sadly, those who hated Jesus did so for no reason! Oh they thought they had good reason and justified it by telling one another, “Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” (John 11:47-48) They were only concerned for their position and power! We find that, “Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.” Under Jewish law they needed several witnesses to agree precisely about what they actually saw or heard. When that did not happen, “Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: “We heard him say” is their justification. When folks cannot find something to hang him with, they do what many deceitful people do: They twist the truth! Some of them had probably been present when Jesus’ accusers had demanded a miracle from him. Jesus told them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” (John 2:19) Of course they deliberately twist Jesus' words because “the temple he had spoken of was his body.” (John 2:21) They deceitfully declare, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man!’” While their accusations were not completely false, they were not completely true either. Lies are like that. God hates liars. In fact, God equates it with false worship of one’s self. Proverbs reminds us, “What matters most is loyalty. It's better to be poor than to be a liar.” (Proverbs 19:22 CEV) Liars are like idol worshippers because they love their lie more than they love God! In fact, we are reminded that one who worships idols, “feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, ‘Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?’” (Isaiah 44:20 NIV) We all like to be liked, and some of us will lie in order to be liked! Jesus had taught that “everyone who lives by the truth will come to the light, because they want others to know that God is really the one doing what they do.” (John 3:21) Mark’s account teaches us how to be like Jesus when we are falsely accused! It is how God’s hero responds! He lets the truth speak for him.
EXAMPLE: In 1931, the city of Hayward, California, built its first permanent city hall building. Costing $100,000 at the time, the structure with its square Corinthian columns and Roman arch entry was considered a marvel. There was only one problem—it was built on the Hayward Fault and is gradually splitting in two. In 1989, an earthquake forced its closure, and it became off limits to occupants. Sadly, far too many Christians have fault lines too! They blame everyone else for their problems! When Christians are unwilling to recognize their own faults, they sin! Their lives in Christ are soon split apart because you cannot serve two masters; you will hate the one and love the other! However, if we live in the truth, we have nothing to fear. Mark’s account teaches us how to be like Jesus when we are falsely accused!
Far too often adults act like children when confronted with the truth of their cover up. I have found it interesting to listen to how many ways politicians, movie stars, or those simply caught lying can justify their behavior: “I misspoke.” “I was in a different place then.” “I have since made self-adjustments that will better induce a more positive response in the future.” Wow. During Jesus’ trial we discover what heroism is all about and how it answers unfair accusers. The trial of Jesus teaches us…
III. How we are to respond to injustice! (Vv. 60-65)
1. Stand up, speak up, shut up, and sit down! When a lie is exposed for what it truly is, a lie, the liar usually responds only in one way: They get angry. And their anger is usually directed at the person who has exposed their lie. A hero always speaks the truth. When Jesus allows the truth of his life and the treachery of his accusers made public, the High Priest cannot take it anymore. He “stood up in the council and asked Jesus, ‘Why don't you say something in your own defense? Don't you hear the charges they are making against you?’” In the Greek his question expects an answer: “You are going to answer your accusers, aren’t you?” The second question expected an explanation: “What is the meaning of the charges these witnesses are making against you?” However, one thing we need to understand throughout Mark’s account is how Jesus responded to the injustice being done to him: “Jesus kept quiet and did not say a word.” Isaiah reminds us that, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7 NIV) The truth needs no explanation. It always exposes the lie. Infuriated, and I believe prompted by the Chief Liar himself, the Devil, “The high priest asked him another question: ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the glorious God?’” Jesus remained silent until that point. Jesus answers the only way he can. “Yes, I am!” He is the great “I AM!” He is God in human flesh! While others testified with lies, Jesus gives testimony to the truth. He continues by prophesying to the ultimate destruction of Israel and the establishment of his eternal kingdom: “Soon you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right side of God All-Powerful, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” The High Priest is confronted by the real High Priest. He finally begins to comprehend what Jesus is saying and yet he does not understand, for if he did he would not have immediately “ripped his robe apart and shouted, ‘Why do we need more witnesses? You heard him claim to be God! What is your decision?” And like the Satan’s own minions, “They all agreed that he should be put to death.” How wonderful to see and hear Jesus in the midst of this unholy tumult. Jesus remains quiet until the truth needs to be spoken and only then does he answer his accusers. His words are brief, succinct, and to the heart of the issue. He did not embellish nor justify his actions. That’s how God’s hero responds! Jesus’ example is how we are to respond to injustice.
EXAMPLE: I would not want to be an umpire, especially for some of the softball games I have been to. I heard the true story of one umpire at a girl’s softball game. Throughout several innings he had quietly stood behind home plate. He had heard a player’s mother start chanting: “We want a new ump! We want a new ump!” Soon, other parents took up the chant. It grew louder and louder. The ump smiled, remained quiet until he finally turned toward the crowd and hollered, “I want new parents! I want new parents!” The heckling slowly died away and the ump turned back and called the rest of the game without incident. We find Jesus showing us the same kind of example of how we are to respond to injustice.
Conclusion:
The trial of Jesus teaches us several truths: How to be strong when everything is falling apart around us! How to be like Jesus when we are falsely accused! And, how we are to respond to injustice! Now, when you are faced with a trial in life, how will you respond?
----
Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 25 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2011 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.
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