Mark 14:61
But Jesus remained silent and made no reply. Again the high priest questioned Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"
But Jesus remained silent
The silence of Jesus in this moment is profound and deeply significant. The Greek word for "silent" here is "σιωπάω" (siōpaō), which conveys a deliberate choice to refrain from speaking. This silence fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7, where the suffering servant is described as being oppressed and afflicted, yet not opening His mouth. Jesus' silence can be seen as an act of submission to the Father's will, demonstrating His strength and resolve in the face of false accusations. It also serves as a powerful contrast to the clamor and chaos of the trial, highlighting His innocence and the injustice of the proceedings.

and made no reply
The phrase "made no reply" emphasizes Jesus' restraint and self-control. In the Greek, "ἀπεκρίθη" (apekrithē) is used, which means to answer or respond. By choosing not to defend Himself, Jesus embodies the principle of turning the other cheek, as taught in Matthew 5:39. His lack of response can be seen as a fulfillment of His own teachings and a demonstration of His trust in God's ultimate justice. This moment invites believers to reflect on the power of silence and the importance of trusting God in the face of adversity.

Again the high priest questioned Him
The persistence of the high priest, Caiaphas, is notable here. The Greek word "πάλιν" (palin) means "again" or "once more," indicating the high priest's determination to extract a confession from Jesus. This relentless questioning underscores the high stakes of the trial and the desperation of the religious leaders to find grounds for condemning Jesus. Historically, this moment reflects the tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, who saw Him as a threat to their power and influence. It also highlights the fulfillment of Jesus' prediction that He would suffer at the hands of the chief priests and scribes (Mark 8:31).

Are You the Christ
The title "Christ" comes from the Greek "Χριστός" (Christos), meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." This question is central to the identity and mission of Jesus. By asking if He is the Christ, the high priest is probing whether Jesus claims to be the long-awaited deliverer of Israel. This moment is pivotal, as it directly addresses the messianic expectations of the Jewish people and the religious leaders' fears of a political uprising. For believers, Jesus' identity as the Christ is foundational to the Christian faith, affirming His role as Savior and King.

the Son of the Blessed One?
The phrase "Son of the Blessed One" is a reverent way of referring to God, avoiding the direct use of His name. In the Jewish context, "Blessed One" is a circumlocution for God, reflecting deep respect and reverence. By questioning Jesus about His divine sonship, the high priest is challenging Him to affirm or deny His unique relationship with God. This question goes to the heart of Jesus' divine identity and mission. For Christians, Jesus as the Son of God is a core tenet of faith, affirming His divinity and His role in the Trinity. This moment in the trial foreshadows the ultimate revelation of Jesus' identity through His death and resurrection, which confirms Him as the Son of God with power (Romans 1:4).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the New Testament, the Messiah, and Son of God. In this passage, He is on trial before the Sanhedrin.

2. High Priest
The religious leader of the Jewish people, who presides over the Sanhedrin. In this context, he is questioning Jesus to determine if He claims to be the Messiah.

3. Sanhedrin
The Jewish council and court responsible for religious and legal matters. They are conducting the trial of Jesus.

4. Christ
The Greek term "Christos" meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." The high priest is asking if Jesus claims this title.

5. Son of the Blessed One
A title referring to the divine nature of the Messiah, acknowledging God as the "Blessed One."
Teaching Points
The Silence of Jesus
Jesus' silence fulfills prophecy and demonstrates His submission to God's will. In moments of accusation or misunderstanding, we can learn from His example to remain composed and trust in God's plan.

The Identity of Christ
The question posed by the high priest is central to Christian faith: Is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God? Understanding and affirming Jesus' identity is foundational for believers.

Responding to Accusation
Jesus' response to the high priest shows wisdom in choosing when to speak and when to remain silent. In our lives, discernment in our responses can reflect Christ's wisdom.

Faith Under Pressure
Jesus' trial is a testament to His unwavering faith and commitment to His mission. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, even under pressure or persecution.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' actions and responses during His trial fulfill Old Testament prophecies, reinforcing the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' silence in Mark 14:61 reflect His understanding of His mission and identity?

2. In what ways can we apply Jesus' example of silence and composure in our own lives when facing false accusations or misunderstandings?

3. How does the high priest's question about Jesus being the "Christ, the Son of the Blessed One" challenge us to consider our own understanding of who Jesus is?

4. What other biblical instances demonstrate the importance of discerning when to speak and when to remain silent, and how can these inform our daily interactions?

5. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' trial strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture and God's promises?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 53:7
This passage prophesies the Messiah's silence before His accusers, which is fulfilled in Jesus' response during His trial.

Psalm 110:1
This verse is often associated with the Messiah's divine authority, which Jesus later affirms in His response to the high priest.

Matthew 26:63-64
A parallel account of the same event, providing additional context to Jesus' trial and His acknowledgment of His identity.

John 18:19-23
Offers another perspective on Jesus' trial, highlighting His composure and authority even when questioned.
Peter's FallR. Green Mark 14:27-31, 66-72
Heaven's Righteous King At Earth's Unrighteous Judgment-SeatR. Green Mark 14:53-65; 15:1-5
First Trial of JesusE. Johnson Mark 14:53-65
Jesus At the Bar of JudaismA.F. Muir Mark 14:53-65
The Denial by PeterJ.J. Given Mark 14:53-72
Peter Denying ChristA.F. Muir Mark 14:54, 66-72
Eloquent SilenceHomilistMark 14:61-62
People
James, Jesus, John, Judas, Peter, Simon
Places
Bethany, Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives
Topics
Anything, Blessed, Chief, Christ, Held, Holy, Keeping, Kept, Nothing, Peace, Priest, Questioned, Questioning, Quiet, Reply, Saying, Says, Silent, Stayed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 14:61

     2036   Christ, humility
     5547   speech, power of
     5932   response
     5950   silence
     8305   meekness
     8339   self-control

Mark 14:53-65

     5593   trial

Mark 14:55-61

     6126   condemnation, human

Mark 14:55-65

     2585   Christ, trial

Mark 14:55-72

     5879   humiliation

Mark 14:58-65

     7565   Sanhedrin

Mark 14:60-61

     2315   Christ, as Lamb

Mark 14:61-62

     2078   Christ, sonship of
     2218   Christ, Son of God
     8402   claims

Mark 14:61-63

     5188   tearing of clothes

Mark 14:61-64

     2206   Jesus, the Christ
     7378   high priest, NT

Mark 14:61-72

     8712   denial of Christ

Library
July 28 Evening
Let your requests be made known unto God.--PHIL. 4:6. Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.--There was given to me a thorn in the flesh. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 18 Evening
She hath done what she could.--MARK 14:8. This poor widow hath cast in more than they all.--Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.--If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.--If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 7 Evening
Jesus . . . was moved with compassion toward them.--MATT. 14:14. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.--We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.--Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.--He cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

'Is it I?'
'Is it I?'--Mark xiv. 19 The scene shows that Judas had not as yet drawn any suspicion on himself. Here the Apostles seem to be higher than their ordinary stature; for they do not take to questioning one another, or even to protest, 'No!' but to questioning Christ. I. The solemn prophecy. It seems strange at first sight that our Lord should have introduced such thoughts then, disturbing the sweet repose of that hallowed hour. But the terrible fact of the betrayal was naturally suggested by the emblems
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sleeping Apostle
'Simon, sleepest thou!'--Mark xiv. 37 It is a very old Christian tradition that this Gospel is in some sense the Apostle Peter's. There are not many features in the Gospel itself which can be relied on as confirming this idea. Perhaps one such may be found in this plaintive remonstrance, which is only preserved for us here. Matthew's Gospel, indeed, tells us that the rebuke was addressed to Peter, but blunts the sharp point of it as directed to him, by throwing it into the plural, as if spoken to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Secret Rendezvous
'And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the pastorer, His disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the passover? 13. And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with My disciples?
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The New Passover
'And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passover, the disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the Passover? 13. And He sendeth forth two of His disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. 14. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with My disciples?
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Strong Crying and Tears'
'And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and He saith to His disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. 33. And He taketh with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; 34. And saith onto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. 35. And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him
'And immediately, while He yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44. And he that betrayed Him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He; take Him, and lead Him away safely. 45. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to Him, and saith, Master, Master; and kissed Him. 46. And they laid their hands on Him, and took Him. 47. And one of them that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Condemnation which Condemns the Judges
'And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put Him to death; and found none. 56. For many bare false witness against Him, but their witness agreed not together. 57. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against Him, saying, 58. We heard Him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. 59. But neither so did their witness agree together. 60. And the high priest stood up in their
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Alabaster Box
'And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me.... 8. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint My body to the burying. 9. Verily I say unto you. Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.'--Mark xiv. 6-9. John's Gospel sets this incident in its due framework of time and place, and tells us the names of the actors. The time was within a week
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Questions About the Lord's Supper
THE paper which begins at this page requires a few words of prefatory explanation. It consists of fifty-one questions about the Lord's Supper, with special reference to points which are the subject of much dispute and controversy in the present day. It supplies fifty-one answers to these questions, chiefly drawn from the New Testament, and the Articles, Communion Service, and Catechism of the Church of England. It contains, in addition, some valuable extracts from the writings of standard English
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

That He who is About to Communicate with Christ Ought to Prepare Himself with Great Diligence
The Voice of the Beloved I am the Lover of purity, and Giver of sanctity. I seek a pure heart, and there is the place of My rest. Prepare for Me the larger upper room furnished, and I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.(1) If thou wilt that I come unto thee and abide with thee, purge out the old leaven,(2) and cleanse the habitation of thy heart. Shut out the whole world, and all the throng of sins; sit as a sparrow alone upon the house-top,(3) and think upon thy transgressions
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Twenty-Eighth Lesson. Father! not what I Will;'
Father! Not what I will;' Or, Christ the Sacrifice. And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; remove this cup from me: howbeit not what I will, but what Thou wilt.'--Mark xiv. 36. WHAT a contrast within the space of a few hours! What a transition from the quiet elevation of that, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, FATHER I WILL,' to that falling on the ground and crying in agony. My Father! Not what I will.' In the one we see the High Priest within the veil in His
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
"She hath done what she could."--MARK 14:8. MY DEAR SISTER, You doubtless feel a deep interest in the great benevolent enterprises of the present day. No one who possesses the spirit of our Master can be indifferent towards them. It is important, then, that you should know what you can do towards moving forward these enterprises. For, remember that your obligation is as extensive as your ability. Christ commended the woman, referred to in the passage above quoted for doing "what she could."
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

Mark.
Commentaries. George Petter (the largest Com. on M., London, 1661, 2 vols. fol.); C. Fr. A. Fritzsche (Evangelium Marci, Lips., 1830); A. Klostermann (Das Marcusevangelium nach seinem Quellenwerthe für die evang. Gesch., Göttingen, 1867); B. Weiss (Das Marcusevangelium und seine synopt. Parallelen, Berlin, 1872); Meyer (6th ed. by Weiss, Gött., 1878); Joseph A. Alexander (New York, 1858, and London, 1866); Harvey Goodwin (London, 1860); John H. Godwin (London, 1869); James Morison
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

"She Hath done what She Could. " Mark 14:8.
"She hath done what she could." Mark 14:8. 1 Bless, O bless, Almighty Father, Woman's mission with our race,-- Her fond strivings here to gather Fruits of thy redeeming grace. 2 Though her way be not where honor Wins the gazing world's acclaim, Yet we bless thee that upon her Rests the power of Jesus' name. 3 In that name, O Father, strengthen Her full heart and ready hands; May her efforts serve to lengthen Christian love's encircling bands. 4 Where the mourning and the needy And the suffering
J.G. Adams—Hymns for Christian Devotion

Jerusalem
For the history of the disciples after the death of Jesus we are dependent upon a single source, the Acts of the Apostles, which can, however, be controlled, and to some extent corrected, by the gospels and by the epistles of Paul. It is now generally recognised that if any one wishes to write a life of Christ he ought to base his work not on the gospels as we have them now, but rather on the information provided by the critical analysis of the gospels as to their sources. These sources, or at least
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity

Watch and Pray. --Mark. xiv. 38
Watch and Pray.--Mark. xiv. 38. Our Saviour's words are "Watch and Pray:" Lord, make us willing to obey; Lord, make us able to fulfil Thy counsel--give both power and will. The wisdom from above impart, To keep our hand, and tongue, and heart, In thought, word, deed,--that so we may Pray whilst we watch, watch while we pray. Lest while we watch, and fear no snare, We fall into neglect of prayer; Or, while we pray, and watch not, sin Creep like a subtil serpent in. When by an evil world beset,
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

As the Rind of a Pomegranate are Thy Cheeks, Besides that which is Hidden Within.
As the rind of the pomegranate is the least part of it, and includes all its excellence, so with this soul, its exterior appears of small account in comparison with what is concealed within. [42] The interior is filled with, the purest charity and the most advanced graces, but hidden under a very common exterior; for God takes pleasure in hiding away the souls He destines for Himself. Men are not worthy to know them, though the angels admire and respect them even under the humblest external form
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

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