WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: ‘He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth’ (Isaiah 53:7, NIV). Why not? Unlawful trial I picture secretive, dark-cloaked figures hurrying to the courthouse; their minds dwell on the danger of getting this matter wrong. They must secure the maximum penalty. Mark blames Jesus’ unlawful execution on the religious leaders. The ‘trial’ broke many rules, a sign of how prejudiced they had become (v 55). Leading questions First, they couldn’t find witnesses who agreed, and even when some of them spoke together, their testimonies conflicted. A change of tactic was required to secure their desired verdict. The High Priest posed leading questions (vs 60,61) aimed at making Jesus utter blasphemous words with which to condemn him (v 55). He answered carefully, avoiding any reference to the holy name, and instead used ‘Son of Man’ to link him to the suffering servant of Isaiah (v 62). Convicted That was enough! There and then the sentence of death was pronounced and confirmed (vs 63,64). Again, this was against the law, which required that the sentence be confirmed the following day. They wanted to be rid of this national nuisance so badly that they violated their own laws! The violence towards Jesus and mockery of him as a false prophet began the execution process (v 65). Respond: As you reflect on these readings you will see that Jesus had many opportunities to avoid this moment. Yet he willingly stepped towards his destiny with a higher purpose in mind. What should you be bravely stepping towards? http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-03-31