Mark 14:53-15:15

Study

What have we seen Jesus do so far? Highlight montage

How would you describe Jesus’ trial?
- Unfair and conspired against Jesus.
- Doesn’t follow required rules for a trial.
- A sham, the witnesses are false and their testimonies don’t agree.
- Jesus is alone, everyone speaks against him, and not one for him.
- The only way they can condemn Jesus is through lies.
- Truth is disregarded and the accusers are blinded by hatred.
What ironies are there?
- Jesus is condemned on the truth that he says. (see Dan. 7:13-14)
- He is accused of blasphemy, but the accusers are blaspheming, by denying who Jesus is.
- They stand in judgement over Jesus, but Jesus warns that one day he will judge them.
- They mock Jesus, telling him to prophesy, but Jesus’ prophecies are being fulfilled it that very moment.
Why does Jesus remain silent?
- Jesus goes willingly.
- Fulfils prophesy: Isa. 53:7.
Where do you see Jesus’ love?
- Doesn’t defend himself.
- Endures real physical pain.
- By his wounds we are healed.
[Maybe something about when are we tempted to judge over Jesus?]

What are the similarities and differences between this and the previous passage?
- Similar location, Peter is in the courtyard just outside.
- Both accused of something.
- Both fulfilment of prophesy.
- BUT!
- Peter instantly crumbles under basically amounts to almost no pressure at all.
- Peter is desperate do divorce himself from Jesus and defend himself.
- Peter betrays his closest friend, but Jesus suffers to save even those who hate him.

[Might combine this with previous question]

What makes this passage impactful?
- Peter been with Jesus for three years, they are close friends.
- Jesus has proven himself to be unlike any other.
- Jesus was perfect, never let Peter down.
- Peter is under no threat, literally a servant girl and random strangers.
- Peter promised to never fall away, with the most gusto, yet denies Jesus in the most repeated way, recorded in most detail.
- Shouldn’t be a surprise to Peter, Jesus has predicted his death three times and even this specific denial.
- Warned multiple times to be awake and alert, Peter wasn’t.
How could Peter do this?! Where else have we seen these motivations?
- Fears man rather than God: very common.
- Doesn’t want to be arrested like Jesus.
- Cares a little about Jesus to follow him, but not enough to share in his suffering.
When do you see these in yourself?
- More common to deny or miss out parts of Jesus and the gospel, rather than the whole thing. For example, giving slippery and vague answers to challenging questions, or watering down our need for a saviour.
- Ashamed of aspects of the gospel, like judgement, sexual ethics, the reality of sin, etc.
- When we want Christ without the consequences.
- Every time we sin, we reject Jesus.
Take some time (now or though the week) to reflect on Jesus’ love and kindness, and how little we can deny him for.

Why is “King of the Jews” repeated?
- People recognise Jesus to be important, maybe even a King, but nobody understands what kind of king.
- Jesus is not a “political messiah”, his kingdom is not Earthly but Heavenly.
- Accusations by the Jews revolve around religion: accuse Jesus as a blasphemer, now the accusations by the Romans are political: Jesus as King is a threat to their rule.
Why would the crowd choose Barabbas?
- Barabbas is a freedom fighter, someone who actually fought and killed the Roman oppressors.
- They don’t recognise Jesus’ innocence.
- The crowd is fickle, easily corrupted by the priests - they are meant to shepherd and lead the people, but instead stir up hate and violence to kill Jesus.
- We see the substitutionary atonement theme: the innocent is punished and the guilty goes free.
How do these passages grow your love for Jesus?