And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. (Mark 14:53)
Lord Jesus, even now the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church have got it turned around: they think it is their job to judge you and your word, when in fact you will come to be our judge. Have mercy on us, Lord!
But Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire. (Mark 14:54)
Jesus, so many of your people and leaders of your church follow you at a distance. Warm their hearts with the fire of your Holy Spirit.
Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but found none. (Mark 14:55)
Holy Spirit, have mercy on us and turn your church around.
For many bore false witness against him, but their testimonies did not agree. (Mark 14:56)
Father, many fear false witness against your son in our day, have mercy on us.
Then some rose up and bore false witness against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’” But not even then did their testimony agree. (Mark 14:57-59)
Holy Spirit, give to all of us the hope of Jesus’ resurrection and victory over sin and death.
And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do you answer nothing? What is it these men testify against you?” (Mark 14:60)
Holy Spirit, give us this same freedom that Jesus had — he did not need to answer his accusers.
But he kept silent and answered nothing. (Mark 14:61a)
Lord Jesus, please help us know when it is time to speak and when it is time to be silent. (See Ecclesiastes 3:1,7b)
Again the high priest asked him, saying to him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” (Mark 14:61b)
Jesus, thank you for Peter’s confession that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Though Peter is currently hiding in the courtyard to see what will happen, later he will be empowered by your Holy Spirit to give his testimony. Fill us anew with your Holy Spirit so that we can confess you as well.
Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62)
Father, restore to your people a true and lively faith that Jesus is the Christ and that we shall see him coming with power on that last day.
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” And they all condemned him to be deserving of death. (Mark 14:63-64)
Jesus, even now the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church condemn you because of your witness. Have mercy on your people and lead them into the truth.
Then some began to spit on him, and to blindfold him, and to beat him, and to say to him, “Prophesy!” And the officers struck him with the palms of their hands. (Mark 14:65)
Lord Jesus Christ, even now bring to repentance those who revile you and your faithful people. Thank you.
A word received: I AM your sure defense. Keep your eyes on me.
Monday: 25 * 9, 15; 2 Chron. 6:32-7:7 James 2:1-13 Mark 14:53-65
Tuesday: 26, 28 * 36, 39; 1 Kings 8:65-9:9 James 2:14-26 Mark 14:66-72
Albany Intercessor
