I tear my robe at you!

My life is too saturated with sin for me to be able to accuse Jesus the way these leaders do. And I am thankful for that. At least God has helped me see my immense need for him. Often when I am reading the Gospels, I identify with the sins of the pharisees as well as the disciples. At a time like this, as my Savior is being attacked falsely, I have a hard time tolerating the closed, hard hearts of these men.

They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.

The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.

Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.' " 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 Christ, 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. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took him and beat him. -Mark 14:53-65

I am thankful that Jesus is able to withstand the false accusations from people who are probably just making things up to get some money or favors from the teachers. And even more upsetting is the dramatic clothes-tearing. He was probably upset at Jesus' words, but also he was probably relieved to have found an accusation that would stick.

It's kind of reassuring that they find it impossible to find evidence of sin on Jesus' part. If Jesus had been framed with murder or something, then many of the people could be considered innocent of his blood, if the teachers had a believable case. But they do not have anything on Jesus that would stick, except his own words declaring who he is.

I started today by talking about identifying with sins. I pray Jesus that you continue to keep me strong enough that I would not disbelieve your clear words. I pray that you would give me strength that I would not undervalue your sacrifice. I pray that you would help me not only to avoid the wrong path, but that you would help me today to swiftly run on the path of your commands.


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