Lenten Reader | Day 36

March 31st, 2026

They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.

The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.

Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’” Yet even then their testimony did not agree.

Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.

Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”

They all condemned him as worthy of death. Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Peter Disowns Jesus

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.

“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.

But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.

When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” Again he denied it.

After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”

He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”

Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

Mark 14:53-72

I Am

In Matthew 16:13, Jesus asks his disciples this question, “Who do you say that I the son of man am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ the son of the living God.” Jesus was pleased with the answer. We can find many I Am statements in Scripture pertaining to Jesus. After feeding the 5000, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Before healing the blind man, he said, “I am the light of the world.” I am the gate for the sheep,” “I am the resurrection and the life,” and “I am the true vine.”

I would like to focus on the I Am in Mark 14:62 prior to the crucifixion when Jesus answers the question from the high priest regarding whether he is the Christ, the son of the Blessed. Jesus answers the question with a firm I AM, and that sealed his fate. He had been quiet up to this point because he was being falsely accused.

Have you ever been in a situation when someone thought you said or did something, but it was not true? Our human response would probably be to state our innocence or even argue against the accusation. Jesus knew it would do no good. Their minds were made up, and this was his purpose. He was blind folded, spat on, and struck with their fists. I am trying to imagine what it would have been like to see our Savior, the I AM, being tortured. Would I have been sitting by the fire warming myself or three times denying I ever knew this man Jesus and continue to watch his suffering? Peter realized his deceit when the rooster crowed twice as was foretold by Jesus.

Do we consider our thoughts and actions daily to be sure we are confessing Christ as our Lord and not cowering under an umbrella of pride, selfishness, fear, hatred or envy? I would hope that our lives exemplify Christ, and if anyone need ask if we are a believer we can emphatically say, “I AM”.

Joyce Barbee