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?” 61 But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 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.” 63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 64 “You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. 65 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 14:60-65 (NKJV)

They sat in judgement of Jesus, trying to piece together a case, ready to take anything evidence they could find against him. When nothing was found, they invented their own evidence. They took what he said and instead of examining it, they took it as blasphemy They had reached a conclusion about Jesus a long time ago, the trial was just a mere formality. Once they had the verdict in hand they didn’t mind torturing him according to their whims. To them it was a game. They sat in authority.

These men were judging Jesus, but Jesus would judge them. He would come on the clouds. They would see him. They would feel and know the sins of their heart on that day… So here is the thing. Jesus suffered injustice at their hands, but he would offer them justice. We can say that he was wrongly condemned but those who are condemned on that day will have to admit that their condemnation is just and right.

Yet, here is the incredible thing. Jesus who suffers injustice and will come again on the clouds with justice… offers forgiveness for those who repent and turn to him in faith! He is just in that the sentence is declared and he justifies us by paying the penalty himself.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. We thank you for such a great salvation. We are amazed at your grace given to us. As we read this account of injustice, we are grateful for your grace and forgiveness. Give us discernment as we apply your word to our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.