Mark 14:55-59

Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” Yet even about this their testimony did not agree.

How often are we faced with a task or request that we just don’t want to do? It may not even be a difficult job; we just don’t want to be bothered. We are selfish. After all, the task may not benefit us. Do we even then sometimes give in to lies to “defend” ourselves, to make excuses that might sound good on the outside? And if this “story” ever involves a group of people, then they had better be sure to have their story straight. Conflicting words will cause it to fall flat!

Not only can lies be told to prevent action; they can also be told in order to make something happen. This was the case with Jesus’ arrest. The chief priests twisted words to bring about charges against Jesus. Jesus had done no wrong, but there had to be some reason to cause His crucifixion.
Ultimately, that reason was us!! Praise God that Jesus did not come up with any excuses!! He took our punishment on as His own. 1 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Jesus, we are humbled by Your obedience that brought Your death and our life. You looked for no excuse. You cast no blame. By Your death on the cross, we have forgiveness and life eternal with You. Thank You. Amen.

Contributed by Cindy Sippy