March 8, 2026
Rejected and Righteous
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

Mark 14:53-72
And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 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. And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows. And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

I. The Rejected Son of Man
II. The Righteous Son of God
III. The Failing but Restorable Disciple

When pressure exposes our weakness, Jesus’ unshaken righteousness becomes our only hope.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I confess my distance from Jesus and commit to pursuing Him through healthy habits.
• I commit to carrying hope by living out my faith where I live, work, learn, and play.

Deep Dive

1. Read 1 Corinthians 10:12–13. What encouragement does Paul give about temptation?
2. What environments make you most spiritually vulnerable?
3. How can this group help you stand firm when pressure hits?

Springboards

1. Read Mark 15:1-20. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but still compromised. Where are believers today tempted to value approval over truth?
2. Read John 10:18. How does knowing Jesus willingly laid down His life change how you view the cross?
3. Why do you think violent strength appeals more to our culture than sacrificial love?