The Cross and the Crown – Week 4 Mark 14:53-72 “On Trial: The King Condemned”
Big Idea:
Jesus stood firm in truth while Peter crumbled in fear. His faithfulness in the face of injustice is our hope when we fail, and we will inevitably fail and fall short (Romans 3:23).
Context:
Jesus is taken to the high priest, where a corrupt trial unfolds. Lies are told, false witnesses are gathered, and the religious leaders seek to destroy Him. Meanwhile, Peter—who once swore he’d never abandon Jesus—stands in the courtyard and denies Him three times.
Jesus will be mocked three times between now and the crucifixion. Each time revealing more and more of His divinity and identity.
I. Mockery of Jesus as a Prophet (14:65)
II. Mockery of Jesus as the King of the Jews (15:16-20)
III. Mockery of Jesus as Savior, Messiah and King of Israel (15:29-32a)
For the first time in Mark’s Gospel, “the Son of God” title (cf. 1:1) appears on the lips of a human character in the story. Only demons (3:11; 5:7) and the voice from the cloud (1:11; 9:7) have uttered it until now.
Also for the first time in the Gospel (see 1:34; 3:11–12; 8:30; 9:9, 30–31), Jesus publicly accepts that he is the Messiah, with his reply: “I am.”
Teaching Structure:
I. The Corrupt Trial (v53-60) – False witnesses fail to condemn Jesus.
II. The Bold Confession (v61-65) – Jesus declares His divine identity boldly.
III. The Fearful Denial (v66-72) – Peter denies Jesus and weeps bitterly.
