Are You the Christ?

GETTING STARTED

The story of Jesus brings us through so many questions: What does that mean, what’s going to happen, how can I do that, and, most importantly, who is Jesus really? There is ultimately a time for all of us when we need to address the question of, “Is Jesus who he says he is?”

  • Have you watched the story from afar, waiting to see what is to come, or have you believed in Jesus? How does your belief in Jesus (or your lack of belief) influence the way you live?

READ THE WORD: MARK 14:53-65 (ESV)

53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58  “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Many people tried to bring false testimony against Jesus, but Jesus only spoke once as the people and scribes yelled at him. What did he say (vs. 62)?
  2. What was the response to this by the High Priest? The guards?
  3. Why is it that Jesus declared that he would be “seated at the right hand of Power” in one moment, and yet allowed himself to be spit upon, mocked, and beaten in the next?
  4. How do you predominantly see Jesus, and what about your understanding of him needs to grow?

RESPOND TO GOD

Jesus declares for all to know that he is the Christ, the Chosen One, who will rule in power but who gave up those rights to die for the sins of the world. Jesus knows that we will see him again, not as a frail man who was subjected to beatings and mockery, but seated at the right hand of Power. This is our Savior, both awesome in power and obedient to God unto death.

  • Pray you would not have distance between you and God. 
  • Spend some reflective time praying that you would be as bold as Christ today.
  • Thank Jesus for what he did to love all of us. And then thank him again.