1. The soldiers' mockery (63-65)

Jesus did not say anything to the soldiers who beat him and mocked his prophetic office. He was like a lamb led to the slaughter, a sheep silent before her shearers (Isa 53:7).

2. Jesus' testimony (66-71)

But Jesus was not silent before the Council. Most men would have trembled before them. But when they asked Jesus if he were the Christ, he rebuked them for their lack of interest in truth. He could speak boldly because his hope was in the kingdom of heaven. He was confident of victory. When they asked if he were the Son of God, he hid nothing, but freely confessed, '...I am.' Jesus is the Christ. He is the Son of Man and the Son of God. He suffered shame and pain and death at the hands of sinful men. But he triumphed because his faith was in the kingdom of God.

Application: Lord, help me to have sure and unshakable faith in the kingdom of God, so that I may have your peace in my heart.
One Word: The Christ reigns