JESUS WAS TRIED AND CONDEMNED IN OUR PLACE
Mark 14:53-15:15
Key Verses: 14:61b-62
1. Where was Jesus taken and who was there (53-55a)? What verdict did the Sanhedrin have in mind and how did they try to justify it (55b-59)? What does Jesus’ silence in response to the false charges reveal about him (60-61a; Isa 53:7)?
2. Read 14:61b-62. What motivated the high priest’s question? How did Jesus reveal his identity and prophetic judgment (12:36; Rev 1:7)? What hope can we find here (13:26-27)? How did the Sanhedrin respond (63-65)?
3. In contrast to Jesus, how did Peter respond to questioning (66-71)? Why did he deny being with Jesus? What happened when the rooster crowed twice (72)? What does Peter’s weeping teach us about him and about Jesus’ words (14:30)?
4. What plans did the Sanhedrin make and why were they necessary (15:1; Jn 18:31)? What does “king of the Jews” mean (2a)? Why did Jesus answer as he did (2b)? What amazed Pilate (3-5)? What does this show about Jesus?
5. What custom did Pilate try to use to release Jesus and why (6-10)? Why did Pilate fail to release Jesus (11-14)? What was Pilate’s decision (15)? What does Jesus’ trial and condemnation mean to us (1Pe 2:22-24; Ac 2:23-24; Ro 8:1)?