The Gospel of Mark: Before the Council

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “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.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and

‘you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power,’
and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him. ~ Mark 14:53-65


When I preached about this text on Maundy Thursday, I mentioned how illegal this trial was of Jesus.

Everything about this was a set up.

But today I noticed something else. Something I absolutely missed until I read it this time.

I always pictured the guards spitting at him and striking him.

But it isn't just the guards, is it? It is the very leaders themselves who have illegally condemned Jesus.

It is those whose job it is to uphold the law.

Priests, politicians, and law enforcement here are mistreating and abusing a man that they have labeled a criminal without giving him a fair trial. 

The very ones set to protect and to lead and to teach are the ones who are breaking the law themselves because they are so convinced of their own rightness.

As if their perceived "rightness" gives them leave to abuse.

I think you know where I am going with this...

The next time someone we view as a criminal is abused, beaten, or killed by those who are meant to uphold the law, what might it be like if we see Jesus in that person?


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen

 

Engagement Questions:


Think of all the recent stories of black men or women killed by police. How often have you seen their alleged crime used as a justification of their killing?

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