Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:31-38; John 13:36-38; John 14-17; Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-52; Luke 39-53; John 18:1-11; Matthew 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-72; Luke 22:54-71

Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him. When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”

Luke 22:63-71

It was unjust and unfair. The trials of Jesus were illegally held and illegally carried out. Because there was an evil agenda at work. Mockery, blasphemy and violence are the refuge of the unjust in their desire to harm the just. Jesus told them He is the Christ, the son of God and they called it blasphemy. Why? Because they all knew that claim was a claim to deity. If false it IS blasphemy and the penalty is death. They had all they needed to kill Him.

Each time we encounter Jesus’ ordeal of arrest, trial and crucifixion it is imperative that we never forget He is in complete control. By making a claim they could not accept, He knew they would kill Him. Events unfold precisely as He and the prophets foretold, even down to the minute details. The Good Shepherd willingly lays down His life for the sheep. I will be handed over to the Gentiles and crucified (and rise on the third day). The shepherd would be struck and the sheep would scatter. Like a sheep before its shearer He remained silent. Before the rooster crows, Peter will deny Me three times.

… Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Luke 22:54-62

It was “just” a glance, but it was so much more. All of the conflict welling up inside of Peter was set on fire with that look. If even this small thing that Jesus foretold is true then what about everything else? The man I saw calm the storm and raise the dead is powerful enough to overcome these weaklings, yet they strike Him … and He lets them. I told Him I would die for Him and I cannot even summon the courage to admit I follow Him or even know Him. Jesus looked at Peter. At a glance, they both knew.

It was “just” a glance, but it was so much more. The whole of Jesus’ mission came down to this. These men who mock and lie about Me are not worthy of Me, yet I will become their sins when they nail Me to their wicked cross. This has always been the plan, but I wanted so desperately to find another way. There is none. Even Peter was incapable of saving himself, so he needs a Savior even though he denies Me. At a glance, they both knew.

Who am I in this unfolding drama? I am everybody we see except the Christ. Like all those around whom the events swirl who are oblivious to their sin and guilt, Jesus will soon pay the price for everything I have done without intent or even full knowledge. Like the Jews who hold religion is high esteem, yet abuse the Lawgiver and the Law in self-righteousness and willful sin, Jesus will buy me back from death by dying in my place. Like the Romans who mocked Him, crucified Him and treated Him with cruel indifference, Jesus will contend for my soul and ask for my forgiveness. Like the impetuously valiant Peter, I want so desperately to be Jesus’ man and I fail. And with a glance, we both know.

Jesus willingly did this for me. So I, like Peter, weep … but mine are tears of joy.

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!