The Third Station
The Sanhedrin Condemns Jesus
Bible Reading
The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none.... The high priest rose before the assembly and questioned Jesus saying, 'Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?' But he was silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him and said to him, 'Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed One?' Then Jesus answered, 'I am; and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.' At that the high priest tore his garments and said, 'What further need have we of witnesses?' Mark 14:55,60-63
Meditation
Envy and jealousy can be like cancerous diseases within us. They spread throughout our whole being, leading to uncharitable conversations, false accusations, and other destructive actions. We see all of this played out among the religious leaders of Jesus' time as they condemn Christ without basis. Our Lord offers a model for us: he did not defend himself, but remained silent before the false accusations. Jesus did, however, assert himself, speaking the truth regardless of the cost.
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