Mark 14:53-65

Bringing the sermon home:

One New York Senator is famous for having said, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” And yet, people are often unconcerned with whether their opinions are in accord with the facts. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in people’s opinions about Jesus.

We see this in the trial of Jesus before the Jewish high court. The light had come into the world, exposing the darkness of human hearts, but in response, these leaders hardened themselves against that light. Their minds were made up, and they could not be bothered with the facts. Does your understanding of who Jesus is accord with the facts?

When asked to answer the charges, Jesus remained silent. Why? Because although He was guiltless, He was standing trial for every guilty sinner who would ever put their trust in Him for the forgiveness of their sins, for He had come to die in their place. As we observe His silence, we must accept that He stood trial in our place.

Mark embedded his account of Jesus’ trial before the council in the middle of his account of Peter’s trial in the courtyard. This stark contrast calls us to reflect upon our own commission to bear witness to the facts about Jesus in the midst of a culture that has already made up its mind about Him. Do you more closely resemble the Peter who was ashamed of Jesus in that courtyard, or the Peter who went on to boldly bear witness to Christ, even to the point of death?

Outline:

1. “My mind is made up. Don’t confuse me with the facts.” (vv. 53-59)
2. We must accept that He stood trial in our place. (vv. 60-61a)
3. It is blasphemous to judge the Judge of all creation. (vv. 61b-65)