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COWARDICE AND INJUSTICE
THURSDAY, MARCH 17
Mark 14:53-72

Acts 2:22,23

 

“…I know not this man

of whom ye speak.”

 

COWARDICE AND INJUSTICE
 
We have seen how when Jesus was arrested, all His disciples fled. However, Peter returned and followed the crowd from a distance. He managed to gain entrance into the palace of the high priest where the trial took place. It was a chilly night, and Peter joined the servants and officers around the fire. Here we find Peter denying the Lord three times. In his third denial, Peter even cursed and swore that he knew not Jesus (Mark 14:71). When the cock crew, the Lord turned His face to look at Peter. Peter then remembered the Lord’s prediction of his denials. I believe the Lord’s look upon Peter was one of love and not anger. It was the love of Jesus, I believe, that moved Peter to tears—Peter “wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62). Peter realised how greatly he had failed and wronged his Master. This once proud and boastful disciple was humbled to the dust. Peter from henceforth was cured of his cockiness, and ready for moulding and use by God.
 
Jesus was tried in a kangaroo court. There is no question that Israel’s crooked leaders had already decided before the trial that Jesus was guilty and had to be put to death. The sentence was already passed before any inquiry began or evidence produced. They had absolutely no case against Jesus. They had to trump up charges against Him in order to accomplish their evil plan. They brought in false witnesses whose testimonies did not even agree.
 
Finally, the high priest sought to make Jesus incriminate Himself. He questioned Jesus, “Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” (Mark 14:61). The high priest and those with him knew full well that Jesus was Who He claimed to be—the promised Messiah. For 3½ years, the words and works of Jesus had proven without a shadow of doubt that He was the Christ the Son of the living God, and they would not believe (cf. Acts 2:22,23). Despite their unbelief, Jesus graciously revealed His identity to them, affirming that He was indeed Jehovah—the “I am” (Mark 14:62).
 
THOUGHT: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

PRAYER: (Have you denied the Lord in any way? Confess your sins now.)

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