Trials and Betrayals

For our C.I.A. Meeting this morning we continued our journey through the book of Mark. We talked about Mark 14:32-72. Shortly after the last supper Jesus and his discplies arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane. While there, Jesus took Peter, James, and John and had them keep watch while he went further and prayed. He begged God to take the cup for him but ultimately asked that God's will would be done not his. After praying for an hour he found his 3 disciples sound asleep. He did this three times. After the third time a crowed being led by Judas arrived.

Leading the group was Judas, one of his disciples. Judas betrayed him, turning him over to the guards. After a short scuffle, the disciples ran off. Jesus was taken to the Sanhedrian, with Peter following closely behind. The trial took place in the night but no two witnesses agreed with each other. Finally, frustrated, the high priest asked Jesus point blank if he was the Messiah, the Son of God.

Jesus responded by telling them he was. They convicted him of blasphemy and gave him a sentence of death. Afterward they spit on him, blindfolded him, and hit him with their fists. During this Peter, who had been told he would deny Jesus 3 times was standing outside. He was confronted on three occasions by people asking him if he was part of this Jesus' followers. Three times he denied it.

During our application time we talked about denying Jesus. We can deny Him with our words, but also with our actions. Maybe you have denied Jesus, but it is never to late to start living and speaking in ways that show that we are part of His followers.

I give this morning: B-

Favorite moment of the morning: Peter's southern accent