Religion & Spirituality
The betrayal takes place, as predicted by Jesus, and he's arrested.--He remains quiet during his preliminary hearing by the Sanhedrin...until it was time to speak. He makes this shocking announcement- he is the Christ, the Son of God, and they'll soon see the fallout from his exaltation to God's right hand.--The imagery he uses-coming in the clouds in power-is a picture of heavenly exaltation of Jesus to his position as equal and as one with God Almighty. All they'd experience within a few short years is the sound of approaching Roman forces as they carry out their God-ordained mission to smash Jerusalem to bits.--Today though, the judge of all mankind is physically and verbally abused. The only truly sinless person in the room has been found guilty by everyone else---Downstairs in the coutrtyard, Peter experiences his own trial. He's accused of being a follower of -the Nazarene-. The difference with his -trial- is they were right- Peter denies it, of course, fulfilling Jesus's prediction.--There are lessons here for everyone. Sinful men and women should fear the coming judgement. Believers. though, should identify with Jesus, not observe the battle from a safe distance. They should take courage from Jesus's example and throw themselves in with all prayer.