June 23, 2016
REVILED FOR OUR RANSOM, RETURNING AS KING
Mark 14:53–65
Kelly Rutherford
Central Truth
In His Jewish trial, Jesus remains silent under false accusations. When He finally speaks, He reveals His divine nature and foretells of His return as King. But first, He must fulfill His role as suffering servant.
Key Verse | Mark 14:61–62
Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" And Jesus said, "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:61b-62)
Mark 14:53–65
Jesus Before the Council
53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council 1 14:55 Greek Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 2 14:60 Or Have you no answer to what these men testify against you? 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 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.
Dive Deeper | Mark 14:53–65
Jesus is on trial in this passage, but not just any trial. This trial is unorthodox for many reasons. One issue in particular lies with the witnesses who rose up to bear false testimony against the true Messiah. Ironically, the only statement made in His deposition is prophecy. Jesus, as the divine "logos" can only speak the truth, and what He speaks is prophecy. Let's focus here on His response and what it means.
He said, "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62, emphasis added).
Jesus reveals in this statement that He is the Son of Man—in other words, divine. His response in this trial fulfills prophecy. Peter observes that "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:22-23)
Speaking of fulfilled prophecy, Jesus also fulfilled the role of the suffering servant as the prophet Isaiah foretold in chapter 53 of his book. But let's keep in mind that Jesus fulfilled this role in His first coming. When He comes the second time, He will fulfill other roles.
In His Second Coming, He will fulfill the role of Israel’s deliverer and King. The words Jesus speaks here at the trial foretell His return, "coming with the clouds of heaven" (verse 62b).
This simply means that Jesus will appear to all people as He comes to earth out of the heavens. He's faithful to the promises and prophecies in His Word. Like other prophecies about the end times, Jesus' promised return gives us encouragement (Titus 2:13), urging us to trust and obey.
How fantastic is that!? Jesus willingly paid the ransom we owed. Jesus bore the punishment we deserve. By His wounds we are healed! And get this. He's coming again, but this time in a glorious appearing!
Discussion Questions
1. In 1 Peter 2:24, Peter tells us that Christ bore our sins in His body on the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. How are you dying to sin? What steps are you taking to live to righteousness?
2. What has been healed in your life by the wounds of Christ? Encourage someone with your story this week.
3. The Second Coming is spoken of in greatest detail in Revelation 19:11-21. Read this passage and reflect on Jesus' return as King. Are you ready and eager for His return? Why or why not?