Gridlock, Week 6: What Does the Messiah Do?
Mark 14:53-65 (NIV)
They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 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.
55 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. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.
57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree.
60 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?” 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
62 “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.”
63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”
They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 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.
Discussion Questions
The sermon opened with our love of courtroom dramas — stories where truth wins and the innocent are vindicated. What is it about that kind of story that resonates so deeply with us, and why do you think injustice feels so personally offensive?
The Sanhedrin broke their own laws in their rush to condemn Jesus. Have you ever witnessed a situation — in an institution, a workplace, or even a family — where the people responsible for fairness were the ones acting unjustly? How did that affect you?
Jesus stayed completely silent before his accusers, even though a simple defense might have saved his life. What do you think his silence was communicating — and what does it say to you personally?
The sermon used "we" language intentionally — saying it was our sin, not just theirs, that put Jesus on the cross. How does it sit with you to own that personally rather than treating the crucifixion as something that happened to Jesus by someone else?
The image of a heavenly courtroom was introduced — with Satan as the Accuser and Jesus as our Advocate. If you sat with that image honestly, what do you think the Accuser's case against you would look like? How does it feel to know the defense has already been prepared?
The sermon said that our good intentions and positive contributions to the world still wouldn't be enough to outweigh our guilt. Do you find that idea troubling, relieving, or somewhere in between — and why?
Charles Wesley's poem described the crucifixion in intensely personal terms — "the immortal God hath died for me." Is it easy or difficult for you to receive the gospel that personally? What gets in the way of making it feel real rather than abstract?
Romans 8 declares "there is therefore now no condemnation" for those in Christ. Is there an area of your life where you still live as though you are condemned — carrying guilt or shame that grace has already covered?
The sermon closed by saying our Defender's only request is that we pay his mercy forward — becoming "billboards of grace" to the lost and hopeless. Who in your life right now might need to hear that they are loved, forgiven, and free?
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