Thursday 27th March
Read Mark 14:65
“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.”
Having condemned Jesus to death, their restraint is released and they begin the long torture of the Son of God. We should recall though that this narrative describes both Jesus’ faithfulness unto death and Peter’s betrayal together – sandwiched as a single story. Consider the prediction of Jesus earlier that same evening.
“‘You will all fall away,’ Jesus told them, ‘for it is written:
‘“I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.”
28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.’
29 Peter declared, ‘Even if all fall away, I will not.’
30 ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘today – yes, tonight – before the cock crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.’
31 But Peter insisted emphatically, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the others said the same.” (Mark 14:27-31) (NIVUK)
In fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus predicts that the shepherd will be struck and all will fall away. Peter emphatically declares that he will not.
The art of the gospel writers is on full display here. It is ominous indeed when condemned to death, Jesus the good shepherd is commanded to ‘Prophesy’ and is then ‘struck’ repeatedly by leaders and then guards… Mark is signalling that the moment of trial for Peter has arrived. The narrative duly moves on to describe Peter’s response to the test (v66-72).
What could easily be read as a simple description of the triumphant leaders beginning the punishment of the condemned ‘Messiah’, with mocking and beatings, is also intimately tied to the challenge Peter faced that night – a challenge we all face – to stand with Jesus or deny Him. To fail the test is to be no better than those who mocked and beat Him all those years ago. The passion narratives are not simply historical records of the condemnation and crucifixion of a religious wannabe two thousand years ago. The passion narratives are written to challenge us to decide – who is Jesus?
