Day 2
Reading: Mark 14:53–72
SOAP: Mark 14:61–62
But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest questioned him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Who is Jesus? Mark posed this question several times at the end of his Gospel. The religious leaders had been trying to find solid ground to silence Jesus, and they finally had it. Jesus claimed to be the Christ, the Son of God. They did not believe Him, calling His words blasphemy and sentencing Him to death.
Meanwhile, Peter, who had already proclaimed Jesus as the Christ, stood nearby. Afraid he too might be arrested and killed, Peter denied knowing Christ. Though convinced Jesus was the Christ, Peter’s faith was misplaced in that moment. He trusted his reputation more than the One who could save Him.
Jesus is the Christ. No matter if we deny Him, try to destroy Him, or ignore Him, He is the Christ. His kingdom is eternal. He is before all things, and all things hold together in Him. When we are faced with Mark’s question, “Who is Jesus?” how will we answer? May our hearts and minds be so convinced of who He is that we unflinchingly identify as His.
Lord, forgive me for trusting myself rather than You. I admit I am not always quick to identify as Yours. Help me place my faith in You and only You in all circumstances. I believe You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. Amen.