Kangaroo Court!

For Thursday, March 21, 2024:

Mark 14:60-61a NLT: “Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, ‘Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?’ But Jesus was silent and made no reply.”

Imagine being arrested in the middle of the night, and immediate going to trial. No one present would testify on Jesus’ behalf. He had no lawyer and no defense strategy. In fact, everyone in the place was against him.

His accusers presented false testimony; lies! Jesus didn’t answer the charges. If everything being said is a lie, how can you possibly respond to untruths?

Tradition tells us that those against Jesus would have sat in a half circle, facing him. Then the high priest stood, perhaps to be more imposing, more threatening, which tells us that up to that point, Jesus was still considered innocent. Those opposing Jesus hadn’t yet made their case. But someone standing, taking a step forward and yelling appears much more menacing! That’s what the high priest had been reduced to: Putting on a show to support deception; using threats to justify all the lies. I’m glad he’s not my priest!

The conspirators had stacked the deck against Jesus. But it’s not over yet. Remember there are actually six trials, three before Temple leaders and three before Roman leaders. Our place in this is to acknowledge Jesus as the heaven-sent Messiah, God’s Son and our redeemer. Jesus told us he would rise in three days, and we have faith in his words!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship