Summary: “Facing Trials” [Journey to the Cross, Gospel of Mark, part 4] Text: Mark 14:53-65; 15:1-15 March 16/17, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate.” (Mark 15:1) Level 1: The Superficial Situation of Jesus’ Trials Urgency of Its Timing (14:53-54; 15:1) Jesus’ Apparent helplessness (14:61; 15:5) Jesus’ Solitary Vulnerability (14:64-65; 15:1) Level 2: A Look at Jesus’ Accusers The Jewish Authorities (14:53-55) The Surrounding Crowds (14:56-59; 15:8-13) The High Priest (14:60-64) Pontius Pilate (15:1-2, 15) Level 3: A Deeper View of Jesus The Messiah The King Courageous Confident Discussion Questions: When was a time when you felt that you were undergoing trials in your life? What happened and how did you react? This week we are looking at Jesus’ trials before the Jewish and Roman authorities in Mark 14:53-65 and 15:1-15. Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Then read these verses aloud. It is important to understand that in Jesus’ day the Jewish religious authorities did not have permission to execute prisoners; only the Romans could do that. Because of this, Jesus’ trial before the Jewish authorities has a prearranged verdict; what is it (see verse 55)? What charges are laid against Jesus in this passage? What is the final charge that leads to a unified response from the High Priest and others? Look at Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1 and describe what you think Jesus was really saying about Himself with His response in verse 62. The Jewish trial concludes with Jesus being blindfolded and beaten. When was a time that you felt like you were blindly suffering and how did you respond? When Jesus is taken to Pilate for trial by the Roman authorities, what do you notice about how Jesus responds to the situation? How would you describe the Jewish authorities and the Roman authorities’ attitude toward Jesus in these sections of Scripture? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together.
