Mark 14:53-72
Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.” And some began to spit on Him and to cover His face and to strike Him, saying to Him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received Him with blows. (v. 65) It was very troubling to me as I read this verse. I’m first wondering who is in the room. The Sanhedrin was composed of 70 chief priests, scribes and elders, and the high priest, Caiaphas. There were also temple officers and guards (and servants?). So who is spitting and striking the blows? Surely not the Jewish leaders. Wouldn’t that be beneath their dignity? I’d think that they would be more prone to throwing stones, not anything that involved a more personal connection. So I imagine the officers and guards (prompted by the Jewish leaders) who had arrested Jesus and were still standing by. And I’m also imagining Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea in the crowd, highly dispirited at seeing Jesus treated so harshly. Sad.
And Peter again. Also sad…
Slava Bohu!
Jesus was so calm, confident, bold. He answered I AM to the Messiah question. When I am confronted with the question of Are you a believer, follower of Christ, may I be like Christ. Peter wanted to, but as a human he failed then, but was given so much strength later. Time to speak up, fess up, and give up everything for our Lord.
Amen to that, Debbie!