Today’s Picture: Christ before the High Priest by Gerrit van Honthorst
Jesus is Attacked: by Chief Priests
Although the Jews expected a Messiah;
they seem to have imagined that it couldn’t possibly be here and now,
it couldn’t possibly be Jesus.
Are we always blind to seeing the divine in those around us,
or imagining that God can work in the here and now with people we know?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling, then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire.
Suggestion: That I may be open to see goodness even where I don’t expect it.
Setting: Who are you in Sanhedrin, a person watching on, a chief priest, Peter or the other disciple watching from outside? Be aware of the atmosphere.
Mark 14:55-65 HCSB
The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus
to put Him to death, but they could find none.
For many were giving false testimony against Him, but the testimonies did not agree.
Some stood up and were giving false testimony against Him, stating,
“We heard Him say, ‘I will demolish this sanctuary made by human hands,
and in three days I will build another not made by hands.’
” Yet their testimony did not agree even on this.
Then the high priest stood up before them all and questioned Jesus,
“Don’t You have an answer to what these men are testifying against You?”
But He kept silent and did not answer anything.
Again the high priest questioned Him,
“Are You the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”
“I am,” said Jesus,
“and all of you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses?
You have heard the blasphemy!
What is your decision?”
And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.
Then some began to spit on Him, to blindfold Him,
and to beat Him, saying, “Prophesy!”
The temple police also took Him and slapped Him.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus, how do you imagine he might reply to you?
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Today’s Music: My Song is Love Unknown, sung by the St Martin’s Singers
Click for versions of My Song is Love Unknown
Your Next Move
As we near to the end of our retreat you may be looking for something to follow it up. We have a few suggestions for you – just click the button below.
Donation
We are happy to provide this retreat for free. But we do have expenses, so if you appreciate it, we would be grateful for a donation of whatever size you can afford.