Today’s Sermon: Mark 14:53-72: “Jesus Tried By The Chief Priests, Elders And Scribes / Peter’s Denials Of Christ” by Pastor Jim Bomkamp

Outline of last week’s msg: 1. Jesus began to enter into the depth of suffering for our sins as we saw Him suffering in the garden of Gethsemane. 2. We considered what Jesus’ suffering consisted of, why He suffered, and what was most difficult for Him. 3. We discussed what caused the disciples to flee from Jesus. 4. We discussed Who it was that was really in control on that evening.

Outline of today’s msg: 1. We will look at Jesus’ first trial. 2. We will look at the three denials of Jesus by Peter.

Background: 1. Nothing was legal about this trial. 2. Nothing is more clear than the fact that Jesus was put to death because He declared Himself to be the Messiah. 3. The problem that the religious authorities had in being able to immediately put Jesus to death. 4. On this night, Jesus was first brought to Annas who was the father-in-law of the high priest Caiaphas, but still considered as high priest. Annas interrogates Jesus and then he sends Him to Caiaphas for interrogation.

Mark 14:53-56: Jesus was led to the house of the high priest and the Sanhedrin was there / Peter warmed himself at the fire in the courtyard

History of Roman rulers & Jewish priests

The events of this night…

We can see fulfillment of Psalm 2 occurring on this night.

The mistakes of Peter on this night: 1. He hadn’t heeded the Lord’s warning about denying Him (see 1 Corinthians 10:12 ). 2. Peter fell because of his strengths. 3. He was warming himself at the enemy’s fires.

Mark 14:57-62: False witnesses contradict each other, meanwhile Jesus remains silent, then the high priest ask Him if He is the Messiah

Jesus quotes Messianic Psalm 110:1, and also Daniel 7:13 which speak of Him when He shall return: ‘you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven’, as He

Mark 14:62-64: The high priest tears his clothes and then gets a consensus vote about Jesus

Mark 14:65: Some spit at Jesus, then they blind fold Him and hit Him and tell Him to prophesy

Mark 14:66-68: First denial by Peter

Mark 14:69-70a: The second denial by Peter

Mark 14:70b-72: The third denial by Peter and his subsequent brokenness

Jesus’ restoration of Jesus to Himself (His appearance to Peter in Luke 24:34, and calling of Peter in John 21:15-22)

CONCLUSIONS: 1. Take heed to Jesus’ words so you won’t stumble. 2. Beware of your strengths as well as your weaknesses. 3. Beware of warming yourself at the enemy’s fires.

Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name: x2 #1: You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek. Seeking you as a precious jewel, Lord to give up I’d be a fool. #2: Taking my sin my cross my shame, rising again I bless Your name When I fall down You pick me up, when I am dry you fill my cup… You are my all in all