Ascend Bible Church

Mark 14:53-65

In this message from Mark 14:53–65, we step into one of the most intense moments in the Gospel of Mark—the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin. Jesus has been arrested. The cross is now only hours away. But what unfolds in the house of the high priest is not a fair trial seeking truth. The verdict has already been decided. The religious leaders are not trying to determine whether Jesus is guilty—they are trying to find a charge that will justify killing Him. In this passage we see: • A court searching for a verdict rather than truth • False witnesses whose testimony cannot agree • The silence of Jesus fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53 • The clearest declaration of Jesus’ identity in the Gospel of Mark • The Son of Man who will one day return in glory When the high priest asks, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus answers with unmistakable clarity: “I am.” The One standing trial in that room would one day sit as the Judge of the world. This passage forces every one of us to wrestle with the same question: Who is Jesus?

Mark 14:27-31 ; 66-72

We are hours from the Cross. The table has been set. The hymn has been sung. They walk into the night. Before the nails. Before Pilate. Before the crowd. Mark slows down and shows us Peter. In this sermon from Mark 14:27–31 and 66–72, we walk through Peter’s bold self-confidence, his painful denial, and the surprising hope Jesus speaks even before Peter fails. Peter says, “Even if they all fall away, I will not.” But before the rooster crows twice, he denies Jesus three times. This passage forces a question: What will happen with your faith under pressure? In this message, we explore: • The danger of spiritual self-confidence • How quickly we can collapse under pressure • And the powerful promise of restoration spoken before our failure ever happens The good news? Our failure doesn’t surprise Jesus — and it doesn’t have to define us. If you are confident in yourself, Peter’s story is a warning. If you are crushed by failure, Peter’s story is comfort. The answer isn’t “try harder.” The answer is trust the promises of Jesus. In Christ there is: • Forgiveness for real denial • Strength for real weakness • Courage that grows out of humility Join us as we look honestly at failure — and even more honestly at the restoring grace of Jesus.

What Series is Next

In this week’s episode, Pastor Mitch and Pastor Jon sit down to talk through the 2026 preaching calendar at Ascend. With our journey through Mark coming to a close, we look ahead at what’s next, why these series matter for our church family, and how they will shape us in the year ahead. If you’ve ever wondered how we plan preaching, how themes connect, or what’s coming after Mark, this conversation will give you a helpful behind-the-scenes look. Listen in and start praying with us for what God will do in 2026.

Mark 14:12-26

We are now hours from the Cross. Mark slows everything down. Every conversation matters. Every movement matters. Every word matters. In Mark 14:12–26, Jesus gathers with His disciples in the Upper Room for what looks like a traditional Passover meal. But this is not just a meal. This is a moment. And if we don’t understand what’s happening at this table, we won’t understand what’s happening on the Cross. In this sermon, we walk through three movements in the text: • The Preparation – Jesus intentionally sets the table. He is not scrambling. He is not hiding. He is orchestrating. The Lamb is not being hunted — the Lamb is presenting Himself. • The Revelation – “One of you will betray Me.” Proximity to Jesus is not the same as surrender. Before we rush to the table, we ask the right question: “Lord, is it I?” • The Institution – Jesus redefines Passover around Himself. “This is My body.” “This is My blood.” The greater Exodus is happening. Not freedom from Pharaoh, but freedom from sin. Judgment passes over us not because of our performance, but because of His sacrifice. Communion looks backward and forward — from the Upper Room to the eternal wedding feast to come. The Table has been set. The Lamb has been provided. The covenant has been sealed. Take. Eat. Drink. Remember. If this message encouraged you, consider sharing it and subscribing to follow along as we continue walking through the Gospel of Mark together.

What Do We Do With Our Burdens?

Everyone carries something. Stress. Anxiety. Leadership weight. Parenting pressure. Financial strain. Hidden sin. Health concerns. The question isn’t if we will have burdens — the question is what we do with them. In this episode, we walk through what the Bible actually says about handling the weight we carry. Scripture doesn’t tell us to numb it, ignore it, grind harder, or give up. Instead, it gives us a better way: Cast your burdens on the Lord (Psalm 55:22) Come to Jesus and find rest (Matthew 11:28–30) Bear one another’s burdens in community (Galatians 6:2) Endure without quitting (James 1:2–4) Most importantly, we look to the One who ultimately carried our greatest burden — Jesus Himself (Isaiah 53:4). If you’re feeling heavy, overwhelmed, or worn down, this conversation is for you.