Truth versus Blasphemy
Mark 14:55-65
55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.
57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree.
60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”
They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
What a mock trial: false witnesses, some didn’t get their story straight, the verdict of guilty was there before He was tried.
What mocking: they spat on Him, beat Him, slapped Him …
It is so hard to read and see this portrayed in movies about Jesus. God in flesh coming to save the world and yet these unbelievers and religious people are so stuck in their “belief and blindness” they do not want to believe something else.
Jesus’ response: “I will destroy this Temple made by human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.”
I want to live in Jesus’ temple and be a temple of His Spirit. I want people to see Jesus in me, loving them, praying for them and encouraging them.
Lord, help us all to be a better reflection of you. To stand for all you stand for, to love like you do, to speak like you do. Where I am blind show me. In your mighty name I pray. Amen.
Written by Ps. Sue Botta