We often read about lynch mobs and the results that have happened even in this country’s history. It’s not pretty because “the human heart is more deceitful, “wicked” than anything else, and incurable – who can understand it.” (Jeremiah 17:9) Please read Mark 14:53-65 and keep in mind that Jesus told his disciples three times that he was going to be rejected by the elders, chief priest and scribes and killed, and rise after three days. (Mark 8:31; 9:30-32; 10:32-34) As Jesus faced the Sanhedrin during a nighttime trial, Peter will undergo his own trial that evening as well. Jesus stood before the high priest, chief priest, elders and scribes and listened to many false witnesses that evening and his response was one of silence. The chief priest follows the Law’s requirement of having two valid witnesses as given in Numbers 35:30 and in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15. These passages teach us that no one is to be put to death on the testimony of one witness. The testimony of both witnesses must agree so that the person can be charged with the crime. The chief priest and the Sanhedrin have a problem because they cannot get two testimonies to agree concerning Jesus. The high priest asked Jesus two questions. “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?” Jesus remained silent. The next question the high priest asked Jesus, he must answer. 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 seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:60-62) The high priest didn’t believe Jesus and charged him with blasphemy and the mob mentality took over. There are a couple of observations that I want to share with you. First the silence of Jesus doesn’t mean the absence of God in your life’s situation. You may be asking the Lord the wrong question, the wrong prayer request. If the Lord seems silent in your life, be still and start examining your heart and ask the Lord Jesus to search your heart as well. You could have sin in your heart and that will cause you not to hear what the Lord is saying. Secondly, we must remember that Jesus is prayed up as he faces this trial. There is no reason for him to panic. He knows that his Father is in control and he knows that he will rise again. He surrendered to the Father’s plan for his life. He doesn’t fight it. Have you surrendered to the Lord’s plan for your life or are you still doing your own thing?
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