What Jesus Did! 'Liars for Rent' — Mark 14:55-56

Thursday, November 14, 2024

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Inside [the high priest's home], the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find evidence against Jesus, so they could put him to death. But they couldn't find any. Many false witnesses spoke against him, but they contradicted each other.
— Mark 14:55-56 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' opponents found liars they could "rent" for the duration of Jesus' trial. [1] This behavior reminds us once again of two terrible realities:
  1. Religious people can do the most despicable things when they are more concerned with self-preservation than they are about the truth of God. This realization should always make us pause and ask for God's guidance and intervention. We should never let our particular understanding of truth interfere with God's will and his people.
  2. Jesus was about to undergo a gruesome, horribly unfair ordeal, which should drive us to our knees in humility, knowing all that the Lord Jesus has unfairly endured because of his love for us.
[1] Matthew 26:59-60.

Today's Prayer

O God Almighty, you are the one who directs the paths of history and, in your time of choosing, bring kingdoms to nothing when they interfere with your work in the world. Please help me and those with whom I fellowship to never interfere with your will. Please never let me be guilty of wanting to preserve my religious understanding at the expense of your Kingdom, your people, and your will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 2:1-12
  • John 11:45-50
  • John 8:24

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 14:55-56 NLT — Many false witnesses spoke against him, but they contradicted each other.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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