Station three: Jesus is condemned

Bible reading

Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’” Yet even then their testimony did not agree.
Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 

Mark 14:57-64 (NIV)

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Pause

Just like Judas, the religious leaders had read all about a Messiah who was to come and restore their land. Like Judas, Jesus did not meet their expectations. The religious leaders did not like the Romans, who were in control of the land. They were hoping for a messiah who would over throw them, but in the mean time they had a good “live and let live” relationship with the authorities. They were concerned that Jesus was stirring up the crowds who were visiting the Temple for Passover. They had seen him ride into Jerusalem to a hero’s welcome. Jesus criticised the religious leaders and they were worried that the status quo would be affected if they allowed him to continue. So they arrested him and brought him to trial. Christians believe that when other people say bad things about you, Jesus knows the truth.

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Ponder

• Have you ever said that someone did something that they didn’t?
• How did it make you feel?
• What would you do if you heard someone else making things up about a friend?