Jesus came to earth in mortal form in order to serve as the ultimate Sacrificial Lamb, dying for the sins of all humanity. His mortal life spanned 33 years, the last three of which were spent spreading the gospel, first to God’s chosen people, the Jews, then to other races. When it came time for his trial and crucifixion, it was because of their status as chosen that the Jews unknowingly were required to play what appears to be an evil role. But, again God was honoring and choosing them to set in motion the culminating act in his plan of salvation. Read Mark 14:53-64.

“And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes” (verse 53). Only the high priest had the authority to offer the Lamb Sacrifice for the nation of Israel. But the priest didn’t realize that that was what he was doing. He felt that this wandering preacher Jesus was a threat to his power, and he was looking for an excuse to destroy Him.

The high priest couldn’t get away with executing an innocent man, but he was having trouble finding witnesses. The only witness he could find against Jesus declared: ‘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” (verse 58).

The high priest didn’t understand that Jesus was referring to himself, the true Temple. “And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?” (verse 60).

But, Jesus wouldn’t defend himself. He knew that a guilty verdict would lead to the Cross, where his death would purchase salvation for all of mankind. “Again the high priest asked him, and said unto Him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed” (verse 61). “And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (verse 62).

Believing that Jesus had blasphemed, the priest expressed his distress in the traditional way: “Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?” (Mark 14:63).