163. Religious Fury – Mark 14:65
The High Priest Caiaphas has just asked Jesus directly if he is the Messiah, the Son of God, and for the first time, Jesus has responded. In his response, he has gone way beyond identifying himself as the Messiah. In using the name, “I Am,” Jesus has unequivocally identified himself as being Jehovah God. Not only that, but Jesus has identified himself as the divine Son of Man who defeats his enemies and brings about the Kingdom of God in the prophecies of Daniel. Plain truth is often met by pure anger, and that is precisely what happens next.
162. I Am – Mark 14:61–64
During his trial before the High Priest Caiaphas, Jesus refuses to answer the many accusations made against him. An infuriated High Priest has just stood up and demanded that Jesus answer the charges. And still, Jesus says not a word. Caiaphas, who is used to being in charge, seems to have completely lost control of the situation. So, now Caiaphas intervenes again. And this time, Jesus will respond.
161. The Silence of Jesus – Mark 14:60–61
As a skilled politician, the High Priest Caiaphas knew how to manipulate a situation. During Jesus’ trial, he held back and remained silent. The accusations had all been heard, focusing on Jesus’ statements about the temple. Through it all, Jesus had remained in silent dignity. The High Priest now decides to dramatically intervene.
160. The Temple Rebuilt in Three Days – Mark 14:57–59
During Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin, many witnesses have testified against him, but as is always the case, evil can never agree even within itself, and the witnesses all contradicted each other. Eventually, his enemies brought out their key accusation against Jesus. 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. – Mark 14:57–59
Jacob’s Well
Jacob’s Well holds a kind of sacred aura around it. And what’s really important is that this is the most authentic Bible site associated with Jesus anywhere in the Holy Land. It’s about 1 ½ hours north of Jerusalem in the area that was called Samaria in Bible times. Here on one of the main streets of the town of Nablus is the 4th century Greek Orthodox Church, St Photini that was built over the site of Jacob’s Well during the Byzantine period. It’s a truly beautiful church surrounded by gardens, and to get to Jacob’s well, we go down into the crypt of the church. We are now standing beside the same well where Jesus met the woman of Samaria.
159. False Testimony – Mark 14:55-56
Jesus is now on trial for his life before the High Priest and the Sanhedrin. Christ’s enemies have found many witnesses against him, and the Sanhedrin listen to what they had to say. 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. – Mark 14:55-56
158. Warming Himself By the Fire – Mark 14:53–54
After Jesus was arrested, he was taken by the mob back down the Kidron Valley, and then up into the house of Caiaphas, the High Priest. All of Jesus’ disciples had abandoned him. But one of them decided to follow the mob at a distance. They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. – Mark 14:53–54
157. The Young Man Who Fled Naked – Mark 14:51–52
In Gethsemane, the disciples are all fleeing, abandoning Jesus to his fate. And now we find one of the oddest episodes in the Gospel of Mark. A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. – Mark 14:51–52
156. Everyone Deserted Him – Mark 14:50
Jesus has just been arrested in Gethsemane. Peter has made a futile gesture of defiance by attacking the servant of the high priest with his sword. However, instead of supporting Peter, Jesus makes it clear that he isn’t going to resist. How will the disciples react now? Then everyone deserted him and fled. – Mark 14:50
155. Scripture Must Be Fulfilled – Mark 14:48–49
In Gethsemane, Peter has just taken out his sword and attacked the servant of the high priest. And as blood flows, there is uproar. As usual, it’s Jesus who takes control. “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” – Mark 14:48–49
