BELIEVING JESUS COMPLETELY
MARK 14:53-65
Are you a believer? If you are what difference is it making in your life? A man who was an avowed atheist was enjoying a swim in the ocean when out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of a dorsal fin, headed right for him. He began to swim wildly toward the beach but the fin drew closer and closer. Finally in desperation he cried out, “Dear God in Heaven Help Me!” All of the sudden a bright light shown down from heaven, it was as if time was standing still, and a the voice of God spoke, “I thought you we an atheist and didn’t believe in me yet you want me to help you?” Well the atheist did some quick thinking and replied, “You are right God I don’t believe in you and so I’m not really asking help for myself I’m just asking that you will make that shark that is chasing me a Christian.”
God responded, “Your petition is granted.” At which point the shark rose up out of the waters, folded his fins and prayed, “I thank thee O Lord for this meal I am about to receive.”
Well I don’t imagine we have any atheist here this morning, but among those of you who are here I would imagine there is a wide range when it comes to your belief. Some of you may have a seeking faith, others of you a struggling faith, still others a kind of apathetic faith, and for some your faith if rock solid. Wherever you are at the events surrounding the trial of Jesus before he was crucified give us pause for examining our own faith. I want to read just a portion of what went on from Mark 14:53-65.
The religious leaders of the day were faced with a dilemma, what were they going to do with Jesus? We read of their decision. The reality is that you and I are faced with the same decision, what are you going to do with Jesus? The biblical account of Jesus trial suggest some choices we have.
I. PUT JESUS ON TRIAL (53-65)
It is OK to do this to honestly seek the truth about Jesus, to want
proof. A couple of things to watch out for...
A. The danger of preconception. Jesus condemned before trial.
1. 55,56 They couldn’t find evidence but it didn’t stop their
plan to have Jesus put to death.
2. Preconception...Jesus is Love how could he condemn anyone
How could he heal some and not others? How could he let
this happen to me? Jesus is Judge. I can’t measure up.
B. The dilemma of unfairness.
1. The trial was not Legal according to the Sanhedrin’s own
rules. (A council of 71 leaders, Chief priests, elders, experts
In the law) 3 things wrong..
a. Held at night, Jewish law said trials must be held in daytime
b. Met in the wrong place, Sanhedrin was to meet only in the
Hall set aside for that purpose, held at house of high priest
c.Prohibited by law from rendering verdict on same day that
the trial was held.
2.Some of you have heard of Lew Wallace, the famous governor, general, and literary genius. Wallace agreed to write a book that would forever explain the "myth" of Christianity. For two years, Mr. Wallace studied the leading libraries of Europe and America, seeking information that would enable him to destroy Christianity. While writing the second chapter of his book, he suddenly found himself on his knees, crying out, "My Lord, and my God." He could no longer deny that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Later, Lew Wallace wrote Ben-Hur, probably the greatest novel that has been written concerning the time of Christ.
II. SELL OUT JESUS (43-45)
A. The Sin of Judas
1. Betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver
2. His character was one of greed, see John 12:4-6
3. Sin of betrayal brought on by deeper problem of greed, the
worship of money.
B. The struggle you and I face.
1. We too can be drawn to worship things, money, possession
rather than Jesus.
2. Matthew 6:24...which master do you serve?
III. FORSAKE JESUS BECAUSE OF FEAR (66-72)
A. Peter denied Jesus in an antagonistic atmosphere.
1. Few hours before he had be confident, when they came for
Jesus, he had been ready to go to battle(vs 47) but in the
Enemy territory He denied Jesus...
2. Do you have antagonistic atmospheres in your life?
B. Beware of circumstances determining faith commitment
1. I Peter 3:14,15
2. We prepare right now for the difficult circumstances, those
times when it becomes hard to live out our faith.
IV. FORSAKE JESUS BECAUSE OF THE CROWD
Mark 15:1-15
A. Look at the Crowd–The need to belong is strong!
1. They cried crucify Him., They cried louder...that crowd
mentality can take over.
2. vs 15 “wanting to satisfy the crowd” Pilate turned Jesus over
to be crucified...Who is it that you are concerned with
satisfying?
B. Consider the Choice. The struggle to decide is real.
1. Jesus or Barrabas. A man who did only good or a criminal?
2. Let me ask you a pointed question? Have you come to the
place in your life where you have made a decision to choose Christ?
Is there a time where you can say...this is when I chose to follow Jesus? If so when, if not why not?
V. BELIEVE IN JESUS.
A. Believe in Jesus’ Deity.
1. Jesus left equality with God in heaven, came to this earth and
took on human flesh. He lived a perfect sinless life and was
crucified on the cross, the perfect sacrifice for our sin. He
arose ascended to heaven where he awaits those who place
their faith in Him.
2. Jesus was not just a great teacher or prophet, He is God the
Son. Do you believe?
B. Believe in Jesus power to save.
1. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. He paid the total price for your
And my sin. We are powerless to save ourselves no matter
How hard we try and how good we become we fall short.
Romans 6:23...Have you accepted the gift?
2. Call on him for salvation...turn from life of sin, admit you can’t
save yourself, Confess Jesus is Savior and Lord, Surrender
Your life to him in Christian Baptism. That baptism represents
A burial of the sinful life and a resurrection to a new life in
Christ.
C. Believe Jesus is Coming Again...
1. vs 62 Jesus said he would come back
2. Are you ready?
CONCLUSION
Bertrand Russell made what I think is a deeply profound and true assessment. He is quoted as saying, “Nothing is so exhausting as indecision and nothing so futile.”
You will never know true contentment and peace until you decide for Jesus.
Three elements of personality are involved in making a decision to become a Christian, or in making any significant decision for that matter. They are the emotions, the intellect, and the will.
For example, a young man meets a young woman. They are immediately attracted to one another. They both say to themselves, "Now there is someone I’d like to marry." At that point, if the emotions had their way, there would be a wedding. But the intellect intervenes, questioning the impulsive emotional response. Would we be compatible? What is she really like? Can I afford to support her? Both conclude it would be better to take some more time and answer a few questions before they proceed. So the two begin spending more time with each other. He eventually concludes that she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Now his intellect has sided with the emotions on the idea of marriage.
But the final and heaviest vote remains to be cast -- that of the will. It stops the march toward the altar with the questions, "Am I willing to give up this lifestyle for another? What about my freedom -- is it worth the trade? Am I willing to assume the added responsibility?" The marriage will occur only when the will finally agrees with the emotions and the intellect. And so it is in coming to Christ.
Jim Peterson, Living Proof,
