53 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.
55 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.
57 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.
60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”
They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.
68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.[g]
69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”
71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”
72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.[h] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice[i] you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
Confession and Denial
Mark intentionally intertwines the tale of Jesus’ confession with the tale of Peter’s denial. Whilst one character rises to the moment, the other falls away. It is a contrast between the blustering leader who can’t follow through his protestations of loyalty, and the quiet power of the true king. There is an irony, too. As the accusers are mocking Jesus for not being able to prophesy and tell them who hit him, outside at that very moment a prophesy that he has foretold is coming true. The cock crows in warning and then the cock crows its completion. It is possible that Peter does not call down curses on himself, but passionately calls down curses on Jesus. He is like a cornered dog who turns and bites his master.
What exactly does Jesus confess? He takes two passages and brings them together to compose the statement that he issues. In so doing he states that he is the Messiah and he will be vindicated. In effect he says that he will come in judgment upon the Jewish leaders and he is their superior. In their eyes no-one is their superior except God and it is blasphemy to use the Bible to speak untruth in this way. He claims to be Messiah and should be killed as a rebel by Rome; He is a false Messiah and needs to be extinguished by his own people. Jesus fulfills his own prophesy in laying down his life. He had told his disciples these events would occur. One prophesy outside and one prophesy within, both fulfilled as they shout, “Prophesy!”
Prayer
You laid down your life with such courage. You knew how it would be and you wouldn’t let the frenzied accusations lead you away from your path. I see you in my mind’s eye and you are resolute. You speak the words that will condemn you. I can follow you as far as the strength you give me will carry me. I think of myself more like Peter, but you even gave him renewed strength so that far after this event he could walk resolute to his death.
I feel like the world is in a dark time. Whatever may come, let us set our faces and walk toward the light.
Questions
- How was Jesus treated?
- What does Peter’s parallel story teach us?
- How would the story of Jesus’ trial help those in the Roman Empire undergoing similar trials?
- How can you find Jesus’ strength in times of trial?
- How grateful are you that Jesus endured the trial and made his confession?
Plymothian 
Jesus was treated like a criminal and a blasphemous false prophet. In Peter’s story we see the brokenness and cowardice inherent in humanity. At least Peter followed Jesus as far as he did, unlike most of the other disciples who flat out deserted Jesus in terror. But his courage went only so far. When push came to shove Peter was not willing to lay himself down for the sake of his master…how often we lash out in our desperate disobedience as well.
This story illustrates the contrast between courage and faithfulness in the Lord and the shame of denying the Lord. The hearers of this story could take courage that their Lord suffered so much in His obedience. When I face trials, remembering the pain and agony which Jesus suffered (a suffering I deserved!) so that I could be a child of God and live with Him eternally–this and my personal relationship due His strength in suffering help bear me up through trials.
Sometimes I almost tear up thinking about Jesus’ tremendous act of love for His Father, for the world, and for me…His strength and confession have brought me meaning, life, and love…I am so grateful and know that I am not nearly grateful enough.
How was Jesus treated?
Jesus was treated unfairly. The people were looking for any reason to condemn Him, and could not even get the testimonies given to line up. He was degraded by being spit on, blindfolded, and punched. He was betrayed by His closest friend, Peter. As I reflect on this, I realize how much Jesus understands our pain and how little we understand the pain He went through for us. Not just physically and spiritually, but also emotionally. If the end of my life and ministry ended this way, I would consider myself a failure. It shows how my measure of success is still influenced by the world’s standards.
What does Peter’s parallel story teach us?
Peter’s parallel story teaches us that Jesus is who He says He is. Jesus is able to validate all of His claims. The world will continue to not understand it, and even lie about it. But the truth is not in them.
How would the story of Jesus’ trial help those in the Roman Empire undergoing similar trials?
It would serve as a reminder that we will be falsely accused and we will be unfairly treated as believers, but it is not the measure of success. It calls for a different perspective. Our reward is in heaven. Our treasure is Him.
How can you find Jesus’ strength in times of trial?
When I compare my life to what Jesus went through, I can not help but shake my head at myself. What I go through is so minute compared to His trials. Through this perspective, I feel more able to seek God’s strength. Although my trials will never measure up, I still need His intervention in my life. I will gladly surrender myself to be able to walk with Him.
How grateful are you that Jesus endured the trial and made his confession?
I’m not sure if I’d be able to articulate the appreciation I have for what Jesus has done. I’m not even sure if my mind comprehends the full extent of what took place. However, Jesus’ trial and confession strengthens me to live the life He has called me to. I am able to know that no matter how much I give up to follow Him, I will have never made a sacrifice. Praise the Lord!