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Mark | 1 -7 | 8-12 | 13:1-13 | 13:14-27 | 13:28-37 | 14:1-9 | 14:10-21 | 14:22-31 | 14:32-52 | 14:53-72 | 15:1-20 | 15:21-41 | 15:42-47 | 16 | PDF | Test and Certificate |

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Mark 14:53-72 Bible Study – The Trials Begin and Peter’s Denial

Outline

I. Jesus before the Sanhedrin (53-65)
II. Peter denies Jesus three times (66-72)

I. Jesus before the Sanhedrin (53-65)

Discussion Questions

• What was the goal of the leaders in this “trial?”
• What do we learn about Peter in verse 54? How did he get in (see parallel passages)?
• What does verse 55 teach us about the people accusing Jesus?
• What is the job of a judge or jury?
• Why was it a problem that they could not find consistent testimony against Jesus?
• What was the Old Testament law on this point?
• Did Jesus say what they accused Him of in verse 58?
• How did Jesus react to all of these accusations? What do we learn from Jesus here? Why did He remain silent?
• How did Jesus answer the high priest’s key question? Why did He answer this instead of remaining silent?
• How did they label Jesus’ declaration? What was the punishment for this offense?
• What do you learn about these men in verse 65?

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 17:6 – On the basis of two or three witnesses a person could be put to death.

Leviticus 24:10-14, Numbers 15:30-31 – These passages detail the punishment for blasphemy.

Isaiah 53:7 – He was oppressed and afflicted but he did not open his mouth.

Parallel Passages

John 18:12-24 – The First Jewish Trial

Matthew 26:57-68 – Jesus’ second trial (before Caiaphas).

Luke 22:63-65 – They already started beating Jesus before His second Jewish trial.

Matthew 26:69-75 – Peter’s denial, more descriptive.

Luke 12:9 – He who denies Jesus before men will be denied by Him before the Father.

Romans 1:16 – Paul was not ashamed.

Acts 14:3 – They were speaking boldly with reliance on the Lord.

Timeline

• The Last Supper, Communion Instituted (the night before His death)
• The Lord’s prayer after dinner (the night before)
• The prayer in the garden (the night before, Matthew 26:36-46)
• The arrest (the night before)
• The first trial before Annas (the night before)
• Peter’s denial (night before)
• Jesus is beaten by the temple guards (This was the night before his death and recorded in Luke 22:63-65)
• Jesus’ second trial, before Caiaphas (This was the night before his death and recorded in Matthew 26:57-68)
• Jesus’ first Roman trial (This was the morning of His death and recorded in Matthew 27:1 and John 18:28.)

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. They led Jesus away to the high priest – The high priest was Caiaphas. This is actually the second of Jesus’ trials before the Jews. The first one he appeared before Annas (John 18:12-24), the father-in-law of Caiaphas. Here we see that the chief priests, elders, and scribes were also called together. It appears that this is the entire Sanhedrin.

2. Peter followed Jesus and entered the courtyard –

A more complete account is recorded by John.

John 18:15-18 – Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

In this passage, we see that Peter, along with probably John, followed Jesus all the way to the courtyard of the temple. Peter could be considered braver than the other ten disciples, who didn’t even follow Jesus this far. He seems to have been intermingling with the crowds in the courtyard and expecting that in the dark no one would recognize him.

At several points during this very important historical account of Jesus’ trials, the gospel writers interject Peter’s story right into the middle of it.

Reflect – Why is this story so important?

3. They kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus –

Mark 14:55 – Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none.

This phrase makes it clear that from the beginning, the “trial” was rigged. The rulers had a clear agenda. They wanted Jesus killed and desperately sought any reason to justify themselves in doing it. They wanted to appear to be righteous. Therefore, they attempted to use the law to justify their cold-blooded murder of Jesus.

This was a core problem the religious leaders had the whole time. When they should have been diligently seeking the truth, they were instead desperately pushing forward their own agenda. They wanted to protect their status and reputation.

If at any point during Jesus’ ministry, they collectively took a breath and said, “let’s consider this objectively and find out the truth,” they could have come to the conclusion that Jesus is true and therefore have followed Him. But they never did so.

Time after time, Jesus answered their questions, solved their problems, performed miracles, and defeated their logic and they never stopped to consider that He was right. Amazing miracles were ignored while they focused on ticky-tacky issues. The religious leaders were stubborn and unwilling to be open or teachable or even consider that they were wrong. This led them to instantly reject any evidence that didn’t support their own opinions.

Application – It is easy to fault the religious leaders for this stubborn attitude, but sometimes we have the same attitude as well.

When you disagree with someone, are you willing to listen with an open mind? Or are you thinking of your next argument the entire time they are talking? Are you willing to change your opinions or ideas and admit you are wrong or do you stick to your guns?

Proverbs 12:15 – The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 29:1 – He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

4. Their testimony was not consistent –

Mark 14:56 – For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree.

For the religious leaders who sought to have Jesus executed legally, this was a problem. The Old Testament law demanded that witnesses agree before putting someone to death.

Deuteronomy 17:6 – On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness.

One witness was not enough, and two witnesses who gave different accounts were not enough either. Both the brilliance of God’s law in the Old Testament and the weak, non-existent case they had against Jesus are highlighted here. If two people are both lying to condemn someone, it is likely that their lies will not be consistent.

Whereas if two people both tell the same story, it is likely to be true. God’s law in the Old Testament wisely helped prevent wrongful executions motivated by an agenda. The fact that witnesses could not agree proved they were lying and had a secret agenda.

Application – Getting multiple witnesses is a good principle for us to follow today. Parents, teachers, and all in authority would be wise to follow the Biblical principle.

Proverbs 18:17 – The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

5. Their accusation against Jesus –

Mark 14:57-59 – And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, “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.’” Yet even about this their testimony did not agree.

They were inconsistent in this accusation because this is not what Jesus said.

John 2:19 – Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Their first problem was that they ignored the figurative language of Jesus’ statement. Beyond that, they twisted Jesus’ words to say, “I will destroy this temple.” He never claimed that He would destroy it. In their zeal to condemn Jesus, they could not even agree on this statement, which Jesus had made publicly for all to hear.

One can almost picture Caiaphas and the other priests leaning forward in their chairs, rubbing their hands together with a glint in their eyes, waiting for the witnesses to condemn Jesus. Each time the witnesses’ story fell apart, you can envision them sighing with looks of disgust on their faces and growing more impatient by the second. Jesus was in their very grasp. They couldn’t let Him escape this time!

6. The high priest questions Jesus –

Mark 14:60 – 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?”

At this point, it seems that Caiaphas had had enough of this circus. He was ready to take control and end this. He certainly did not ask Jesus to defend Himself because He wanted the truth. Neither was he interested in Jesus’ version of events. Most likely, he was hoping that Jesus would somehow stumble and accidentally give them the ammunition they needed to condemn Him.

7. Jesus kept silent –

Mark 14:61 – But he remained silent and made no answer.

Reflect – What lesson can you learn from this?

A. Sometimes silence is the best choice. Many times, it is pointless to argue with fools. Nothing Jesus could say could convince them or change their minds. At best, they would ignore it and at worst, they would twist what He said. They had already made up their minds to kill Him.

Reflect – In what kind of situations is it better for us to be quiet?

B. This shows Jesus’ humility. A prideful person could not have kept quiet in this situation. Even if he knew that presenting his case would do no good, he would still desire to be heard.

C. This fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7, highlighting the fact that Jesus died as a sacrifice for sins like a lamb going to the slaughter.

D. Do not stoop down to the level of others. This whole “trial” was a sham. Jesus’ silence highlighted this. Just because a fool challenges you to do something (duels and dares anyone?) doesn’t mean you have to join in.

8. Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One? –

Mark 14:61 – Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

Here was a clear chance for Jesus to correct everyone’s misconception about what He had said. All He had to do was say one simple word, “No,” and all this would have likely gone away. They would have had no choice but to acquit Him. Meanwhile, Jesus would have cleared Himself and let everyone know that they misunderstood Him.

This was a very smart question by Caiaphas. A “No” answer and they could tell everyone that Jesus was just a normal man. Jesus’ following would have shrunk. But a “Yes” answer and they could proceed to execution and claim that Jesus blasphemed.

From Jesus’ perspective, He could have continued to be silent. Or He could have given a vague political non-answer. But we should keep in mind that Jesus was not trying to get out of death. His mission was to die on the cross as a sacrifice for us.

Therefore, Jesus answered with a very powerful affirmative.

Mark 14:62 – 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.”

This is a very important statement. Some have said that Jesus never made this claim and Paul and others later invented Christianity and made Jesus out to be something different than what He said. But Jesus made it clear in His own words that He is the Son of God and, in fact, would sit at the right hand of God and come to rule the earth on the clouds of heaven.

C.S. Lewis used these words in his famous argument that Jesus is either the Lord, a liar, or a lunatic. His own claim to be the Christ means He can’t simply be a good man or a great teacher.

9. Jesus was condemned to death –

Mark 14:63-64 – And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.

The high priest believed that this statement was worthy of death. Of course, he ignored all of the evidence that proved Jesus is who He said. They all condemned Him.

Exodus 23:2 – You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice.

Reflect – Why did no one speak out against this? In a group this size, did everyone want to kill Jesus? Why was there no dissenting voice?

Unfortunately, there was no dissenting voice. Public opinion and peer pressure can be like a wave. It often starts with a few very outspoken people. Soon, others agree with them because it is the popular thing to do. Then even those who disagree are afraid to say something because disagreeing is so unpopular.

Application – We should remember the verse in Exodus 23:2 and avoid following a crowd to do evil, no matter how much pressure they put on you to do so.

10. They hated Jesus –

Mark 14:65 – 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.

You can see their intense hatred of Jesus in this verse. Their hatred completely blinded them. An outside viewer can look at this and reasonably conclude that this behavior is Satanic and certainly not of God. Rage is driving them, not love.

II. Peter denies Jesus three times (66-72)

Discussion Questions

• What can we learn from Peter’s denials?
• Why do you think Peter denied Christ, though he was committed to Him?
• Why are things like this even mentioned in the Bible?

Cross-References

Matthew 26:69-75 – Peter’s denial, more descriptive.

Luke 12:9 – But the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

Acts 14:3 – So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Peter denies Jesus 3 times –

Peter here denies Jesus three times. Peter was one of only two disciples who even followed Jesus this far. In essence, he was the second bravest disciple. Yet he still vehemently denied his relationship to Christ. He was scared and didn’t want to face the fate that Jesus did.

2. Learning from Peter – These kinds of things are included in the Bible so that we can learn from the mistakes of others without experiencing them all firsthand. There is no doubt that Peter was committed. He truly meant it when he expressed willingness to die for Christ. But he was prideful and self-confident rather than God-confident. He had assured Jesus that he would die with him before betraying him. The problem was that he relied on himself and his own strength. The result was disastrous. It was not one, not two, but three serious denials of His relationship to Christ. This can happen to anyone. No one is immune.

1 Corinthians 10:12 – Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

If we are prideful and think we are immune, we will fall. We must be alert to Satan’s attacks all the time and continually rely on God and be confident in Him. This is really a sad event and Peter himself weeps bitterly over it. But learn from Peter’s mistake.

I’m sure if Peter were here now, he would tell us how sorrowful and full of grief he was and urge us to always humbly stand for Christ no matter what the consequences. Don’t experience this sadness for yourself.

Application –

3. The rooster crowed – The rooster was Jesus’ way to remind Peter about the prophecy. Even during this time, Jesus was still teaching Peter. Normally, after we sin comes the moment of recognition and guilt when we feel very sorry for what we did. Try to think of that moment ahead of time before doing the sin!

4. Peter’s repentance –

Judas and Peter were both sorrowful because of their sin (Matthew 27:3-5).

Luke 22:62 – And he went out and wept bitterly.

It’s fair to say that they both felt remorse, sorrow, and guilt. Make no mistake. Repentance is not possible without them. A person who feels no guilt has been completely hardened by sin. Someone who is not sorry cannot repent.

An English bishop named Stephen Gardiner died in 1555. His last words were, “Like Peter, I have erred; unlike Peter, I have not wept.”

Weeping was a good first step. But something more is necessary.

It’s interesting that if you want to study how Peter repented, you can’t really find it. The Bible doesn’t record any prayer Peter made to the Lord. It doesn’t record any specific apology that Peter said to Jesus. What it does record is Peter’s life after that point. We do know Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him and then commanded Peter to “feed my sheep.”

The exact words Peter may have said in his confession are not the main point. I believe the key ingredient of repentance is turning. And Jesus implied that when he predicted that Peter would fall away (and also predicted that he would turn back).

Luke 22:32 – But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Repentance = turning.

Jesus gave Peter an opportunity to demonstrate repentance by asking him to feed His sheep. Jesus did not abandon him. Peter was not cast out for his sin, serious though it was.

Peter turned back to the Lord. In the following days, he surrounded himself with believers. And eventually, tradition tells us that he gave his life as a martyr for Christ.

The fruit of Peter’s repentance was seen in his life after that devastating sin. It was also seen in his death. While Judas selfishly killed himself in a vain attempt to avoid his problems, Peter gave his life and died in service to Christ.

Peter’s story reminds us that actions speak louder than words. Repentance is evidenced by turning, by a changed life.

The Hebrew word in the Old Testament for “repent” is “Teshuvah” – תשובה.

It means to “return” or “turn back to God.”

Joel 2:12-13 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. (Has root word for turn שוב)

It is not just stopping down the road we are going. But it is turning back to the Lord. A ship that is not going anywhere will simply drift with the current. Scripture tells us there is a negative thing to avoid and a positive thing to go toward. We need to flee sin and pursue Christ (2 Timothy 2:22).

Repentance itself is an inward act. It is a change of our heart attitude toward sin and toward God. We need to be careful that we don’t confuse repentance with works.

On this, Oswald Chambers said, “The danger is to put the emphasis on the effect instead of on the cause. Is it my obedience that puts me right with God? Never! I am put right with God because prior to all else, Christ died.”

In simple terms, repentance happens when we turn to the Lord in our hearts.

Application – Is there any sin that you need to repent of? Is there any area of your life that you are going in the wrong direction? If so, take some time now and reflect. Acknowledge it before the Lord and turn back to Him.

5. Jesus’ Compassion –

Jesus also showed compassion to Peter.

He prayed for Peter (Luke 22:32 – But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.)

Just at the moment when Peter denied Jesus for the third time, Jesus turned at looked at him.

Luke 22:61-62 – And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

That look must have struck Peter. Jesus knew. And Peter knew that Jesus knew. In Jesus’ hour of need, Peter failed to back up his boastful words and denied his Savior, his Messiah, his friend. Why did Jesus look at him at this moment?

Was it a look of compassion? A look of love? A look of rebuke?

We don’t know. I tend to think it was a look of love, as that is consistent with Jesus’ character and the later interaction He would have with Peter after the resurrection. He would not hurt a bruised reed or put out a snuffing candle (Matthew 12:20).

What we do know is that Jesus did not reject Peter. He didn’t say, “I warned you. You blew it. No more chances.” The look itself helped spur Peter to repent. Jesus would welcome him back and restore him.

We also should be reminded that the Lord sees us all the time, even in the midst of our sin.

He gave Peter the opportunity to repent and be fully restored. (John 21:15-19)

Jesus’ love accepts us. He pardons us. He heals us. He cleanses us. All who come to Him, He will never cast away.

Sometimes it can be guilt and self-loathing that keep us from coming to the Lord. We wallow in our sins, feeling too unworthy to come to Him. We think that if perhaps we can better ourselves, if we can just be worthy of Him, then we will come to Him.

Remember the parable of the prodigal son. He was at the very lowest of lows when he decided to go back to his father. He did not need to pay his debts first. He did not need to get a promotion to be manager of the farm so that he could return with a title or respect. He did not need to take a shower or buy new clothes first.

There was nothing he could do to make himself worthy of the father he had treated so badly.

But he did not need to do anything. The only thing required was to turn away from the lifestyle he had pursued and turn to go back to his father. His father was waiting and ran to welcome him. The father accepted him, gave him better clothes, and threw him a party.

The Bible is filled with examples of the grace of God. Abraham, Isaac, David, Moses, Samson, Hezekiah, Jacob, and Peter all committed serious sins. In each case, God forgave them and continued to use them.

He poured out His grace on them even when they didn’t deserve it. This is good news for us! We are not better than them. We are often worse. And yet, God does not reject us just like He didn’t reject them. He loves us even when we don’t deserve it. Do not look down on others with a judgmental attitude. Instead, look at yourself and continuously thank the Lord that you haven’t been punished as you deserve.

Our God is a compassionate God. He wants to heal us. He wants to restore us. He wants to welcome us into His arms. What is required of us is to be like a little child, jump into His arms and simply say, “Daddy, I am sorry.”

When we have the right view of God, it encourages us to come to Him, to trust Him. Repentance happens when we realize that God is infinitely more desirable than what the world has to offer. When we view God as a priceless treasure, then, as Paul said, we can count the world as rubbish.

Application – Thank God for His gracious compassion. Without it, you wouldn’t even be alive.

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