The Verdict

                But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 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.” 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.

(Mark 14:61-64 ESV)

As I discussed in the previous post Jesus was falsely accused yet he did not give a response when asked to defend himself. He does respond when asked about his deity. The high priest asked him outright if he was the Christ- that is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament. Not only did Jesus respond positively that he was indeed the Christ, but told of how he would one day be seen with power. They may appear to have power over Christ, abut he will ultimately have the last word when he returns to judge the world in its unrighteousness.

This was enough evidence for those looking to put him to death. He admitted to being their Christ, and they decide he deserves death for blasphemy. So in essence Jesus was condemned to death for being God. He was condemned to death because they refused to believe his claims about himself. God incarnate was condemned for being God!

Finally, we can rejoice in this passage for two reasons. First we know the end of the story. This was God’s plan all along. Jesus did not have his life taken from him; Jesus gave up his life for us. Secondly we can rejoice because we know that Jesus will keep his promises. He will return one day with power in the clouds. How glorious that day will be! How does this hope encourage you today?