Passage
Mark 14:43-72 (ESV)
Dedication of the Temple
2 Chronicles 5:2-14
Key Verse: 5:13
Jesus' Arrest and First Trial
Date: Apr. 1, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 14:62
First, Jesus was arrested (43-52). Judas, though one of the Twelve apostles (3:19), betrayed Jesus to the chief priests (10). He came with an armed mob from the Jewish leaders and betrayed Jesus with a false kiss. A disciple swung a sword, cutting off a servant's ear. Jesus was not a rebel, but a teacher and shepherd of his people. But all this was to fulfill God's will written in Scripture (49).
Second, Jesus' trial before the Jewish leaders (53-65). They took Jesus to the high priest and sought charges to put Jesus to death, but their false testimony did not agree. Jesus would not answer the high priest. Then the high priest asked: "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" See Jesus' reply (62). Jesus knew a "yes" would condemn him, but he testified to the truth. They condemned Jesus to die, spat on him and beat him.
Third, Peter's denials (66-72). Peter followed the trial secretly (54). Three times Peter was identified as a follower of Jesus, but he denied it. A rooster's crow fulfilled Jesus' words (30). Peter wept.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you confessed to the truth. I am weak, but strengthen me to testify to the truth about you.
One Word: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God
