Opening Question

Why do we sometimes distrust the court system to act justly?

Introduction

Chapter 14 of Mark begins with Jewish leaders plotting to take Jesus out, and ends with Him in handcuffs and facing a court charade. But these scenes also set up the fulfillment of Jesus’ words to Peter about the denials. Jesus is mistreated but is also fulfilling the 3 predictions about His death in Chs. 8-10. Even in these difficult scenes, Jesus is only further showing His power.

Mark 14:1-2

The plot to kill Jesus again shows how fearful the leaders were of losing their power, and how precarious the ...