About Jesus: In reporting the trial of Jesus, Mark will eventually record Peter's night-time denial in the courtyard of the high priest. Mark precedes Jesus' appearance before the Jewish authorities with the note that Peter had followed the entourage right inside the precincts.
John's Gospel also mentions another disciple "known to the high priest" (John 18:15), probably John himself. Mark will later mention Joseph of Arimathea "a respected member of the Council, who was also waiting patiently for the kingdom of God, who went boldly ..." to Pilate requesting to bury the body of Jesus" (Mark 15:43). Luke adds, "Joseph, though a member of the Council, had not agreed with their plan and action" (Luke 23:51). So precise information on what occurred was not wanting, in spite of the illegality of judicial proceedings taking place during night hours (note Mark 15:1).
Under the limited jurisdiction given the Jewish Sanhedrin to control their own religious and civil affairs, they could not execute Jesus themselves. They could only make recommendations to the Roman Governor Pilate, who himself would authorise a Roman style execution by crucifixion. The approaching Sabbath forced haste upon them. And haste forced the sacrifice of legality and order, sobriety and restraint, evidence and reason, and ultimately the sacrifice of Christ himself.
53 They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. 54 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. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. 56 For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. 57 Somestood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, 58 "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.'" 59 But even on this point their testimony did not agree. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?" 61 But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" 62 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.' " 63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "Why do we still need witnesses? 64 You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?" All of them condemned him as deserving death. 65 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.
Comment: A RUSH TO INJUSTICE
MARK SHOWS that the testimony against Jesus was flawed. The Sanhedrin is intent on eliminating him (14:55a), not on giving him a just trial. But they are unable to obtain testimony to substantiate the verdict they want (55b). Because the testimony given is false, it does not agree; which Mark states first here (56) and again after the second round of witnesses (59).
The second round of testimony is partly true, that the temple would fall. But Jesus had never said "I will destroy this temple." He expected it to fall by the weight of its own corruption.
The trial now comes to the ultimate issue, around which Mark's whole Gospel has revolved. Caiaphas puts the issue of issues in an unequivocal manner; the two phrases "Messiah" and "Son of the Blessed One" having synonymous meanings. The answer of Jesus is equally unequivocal. The plain-spoken admission "I am" is reinforced by the most powerful Old Testament quotations possible - Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13 which describe the enthronement and parousia of the Son of Man. No clearer claim could be made in terms of Jewish expectations.
The reaction of the high priest and "all of them" (14:64) shows they clearly understood the gravity of these claims. Their fatal flaw is the kneejerk rejection, without considering the evidence; evidence Mark has been painstakingly setting before his readers throughout this Gospel. And the contagion of hate engulfs others, including the guards, whose scorn and violence is released by the condoning and contempt of those they obeyed. "They took him over and beat him."
Discipleship Today: The sub-plot of Mark's account is now before you. Step by step Mark has set forth evidence about Jesus and discipleship that demands a verdict. There are plenty of wrong options momentarily shown here, including ignorance, rash intent, a rushed inquiry, party politics and contagious emotion.
No decision about Jesus should ever be forced or ill-considered, for it is the hinge of personal destiny. But neither can it be avoided.
Mark's story has reached the point of consequence to those who accept Christ and those who reject him. The verdict permits no middle ground. To be sure the disciples' courage wavered. But at least the disciples had worked out to whom they should be loyal, and to whom they should belong. And so too must you!
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