Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen, the last week of our Lord was filled with specific prophetic events with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane experience. Today we move to the arrest and mock trial according to the gospel of Mark.

1. Jesus was betrayed and arrested! (Mark 14:43-46)

“And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. 45And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. 46And they laid their hands on him, and took him.”

A betrayal kiss by the traitor named Judas who the devil had entered became the sign to the others that Jesus would be the one to be arrested.

“And they all forsook him, and fled.” (Mark 14:50)

So much for the brave disciples… wonder how many would stand with Jesus today?

“And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: 52And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.” (Mark 14:51,52)

Many scholars believe that the young man that fled was the author of this gospel the Holy Spirit used named John Mark.

2. Jesus appeared before the different authorities and false witnesses! (Mark 14:53 -58)

“53And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.”

It seems evident that the religious crowd were the main ones who wanted to get rid of Jesus.

“55And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. 56For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. 57And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, 58We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.”

False witnesses lied. The devil will use anybody.

“And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.” (Mark 15:1)

Pilate was a compromiser. He caved into the crowd instead of doing what was right. However, it was all according to God’s plan.

Barabbas released:

“6Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. 7And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.” (Mark 15:6-7)

Barabbas was guilty. Jesus was innocent. But God’s redemptive plan was being fulfilled.

“And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? 13And they cried out again, Crucify him.” (Mark 15:12)

Pilate tried to wash his hands lily white but Jesus reminded him of his accountability to God. Tradition claims he committed suicide.