They Bound Jesus                                    [return to devotional list]

"... the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate"

(Mark 15:1)

The chief priests consulted one another to bind our Lord. The ultimate goal of a religious spirit is to bind Jesus and His ministry on earth.

The spirit will not recognize the identity of Christ. They asked our Lord, "Are you the Christ?" and He said, "I am" (14:61-62). They asked and He answered. But they tore their clothes and condemned Him to death.

We live a pluralist culture where many religions are not only tolerated but also celebrated. Do not be deceived! The spirits that operate in these religions have one goal in mind - to supplant and dethrone Jesus Christ from the heart of God's people. These same people will deny the identity (or deity) of Christ. You can tell them all you want but they will still ignore the facts and oppose you.

The spirit will not recognize your identity in Christ. The same spirit that operates in other religions to deny, reject and destroy the ministry of Jesus on earth is vibrant and operative in the church too.

Jesus performed many miracles. He spoke many words of wisdom. He demonstrated the character of God. The chief priests had more than enough reasons to believe in His ministry. But they still could not see it.

Jesus answered His oppressors once. He did not repeat Himself. Before the chief priests and then before Pilate, he answered their questions once. And then "Jesus answered nothing" (15:5).

You cannot make people see Christ. And you cannot make people see who you are in Christ. Answer your critics once. And be who Christ called you to be.

- Pastor Kevin Slack

Did you like this devotion? Send it to a friend.