July 26, 2026

Corrupted Trial #

Mark 14:54-59

Introduction

We are at the Jesus was in the garden praying, the band of soldiers came, and took him in the middle of the night. There was no crowds, just the disciples and Jesus. The disciples all fled, leaving Jesus alone to be carried away.

We now find Jesus before the chief priests.

I. Corrupt Council #

A. Leadership #

i. Chief priests, elders, and scribes (53) #

This group was drunk with pride and arrogance
They were so full of themselves, it caused them not to think straight.

ii. Intentions (55) #

“sought for a witness against Jesus to put him to death”
This was not about justice, this was about revenge
They were upset because they lost control of the narative.

B. Lying (56-60) #

i. Lying #

It was obvious their witness didn’t agree

Exodus 20:16 — Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

- The Word of God was not their primary concern
- Biggest difference with many religious institutions… the Word of God priority

ii. Innocence of Jesus #

- Written testimony of Jesus sinlessness from multiple sources!

Hebrews 4:15 — For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

1Jn 3:5 — And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
1 Peter 2:22 — Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
2 Cor 5:21 — For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

iii. Quietness of Christ (60-61a) #

II. Condemned Saviour #

A. Accusation #

They could not get any of the witnesses to agree, because they were lyers. pre
Finally, the only thing to accuse him of, “Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

B. Answer (62) #

i. Rejection of Jesus (63-64) #

They didn’t accept Jesus as the Christ!
This was the charges against him.

C. Abuse (65) #

This was a great mockery to Jesus
Wickedness was certainly prevailing at the moment!

III. Concerned Disciple #

Peter has been accused of cowardice in this passage, but I think that is a poor mischaracterization!

A. Following (54) #

Peter was following out of concern, Peter already tried to defend Jesus with a sword, and was told to put away the sword.
Peter could not stop what was taking place, but he wanted to see it.

B. First denial (66-68) #

i. Peter was with the servants (easy access) #

ii. Recognized by a servant maid #

We have a testimony, every where we go… people see us

iii. Peter denied – “I don’t know him, I don’t know what you are talking about” #

iv. Rooster crows (first warning) #

C. Second denial (69-70a) #

i. Same maid, is sure of who he was #

ii. Again denies it #

D. Final denial (70-72) #

i. Other’s surely heard & agreed. #

ii. Cursed and Swore (71) #

The wretched, foul fisherman came out of Peter, and the words he used were vulgarities
This was not frustration, perhaps fear, but a distinguishing feature between those disciples that followed Jesus, and those who didn’t, was the way they spoke!

Ephesians 4:29 — Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Mark 14:54 - Corrupt Trial