1. Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin (43-65)

With Judas' kiss, the armed crowd arrested Jesus and took him to the illegal night court. The Jews had an agenda to kill Jesus. Many testified falsely against him but he remained silent. When the high priest asked him, 'Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?' Jesus affirmed, 'I am.' As the true witness, Jesus identified himself clearly as the Messiah and God's Son. He also testified what he would do. Jesus' true testimony should have struck terror into the leaders. Instead, it was taken as blasphemy. The irony is that the true Son of God was condemned for blasphemy. Jesus was condemned for our blasphemy and sin, not for his.

2. Peter's trial at the courtyard (66-72)

Peter was warming himself at the courtyard, perhaps shivering noticeably. He was braver than other disciples, but he denied Jesus three times. No doubt, Peter's spirit was willing, but his flesh was weak. At the rooster's crow, however, he remembered Jesus' words and repented. Peter's denial is the reminder like the rooster's crow that we must pray humbly and repent when we fail.


Application: Lord, you were tried for our blasphemies and sins. Help us be true witnesses of Jesus.
One Word: Truth demands spirit and courage