A simple defense of the Divinity of Christ

Mark 14:60-64 reads

"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."

It is important to understand the High Priest's reaction... he's a man who knows the Old Testament very, very well. He would have to be, in order to be the High Priest.

So when he tears his robes (which is a violation of the law of Moses for the High Priest to do) he is emphasizing the horror of what Jesus has just said.

What has Jesus just said?

He begins with "I am," which is what God spoke to Moses from the burning bush. He's quoting from Exodus 3. Then he quotes from Daniel 7, when he says "You shall see the son of man seated at the right hand of the power" and also from Daniel 7 "and coming with the clouds of heaven."

Why are these significant? Because who sits at the King's right hand? His son. His son sits there so he can learn from his father how to be king, but also because HE IS EQUAL to his father... or, at least, he will someday be.

In Daniel 7, we read

"and behold, with the clouds of heaven

there came one like a son of man,

and he came to the Ancient of Days

and was presented before him.

And to him was given dominion

and glory and a kingdom,

that all peoples, nations, and languages

should serve him;

his dominion is an everlasting dominion,

which shall not pass away,

and his kingdom one

that shall not be destroyed."

Notice the elements of this one: The "Son of Man" phrase, and him coming on the "clouds of heaven." But then notice what happens to the Son of Man.... to Him is given dominion and glory over ALL PEOPLES and nations and languages FOREVER.

To whom do all peoples, languages, and nations owe allegiance forever? To God alone, right?

The High Priest FULLY understands what Jesus is saying here, and this is why he tears his robe. THIS is the blasphemy he declares, and THIS is why Jesus is crucified. Not for claiming to be Messiah... there were other men who claimed that title, that wasn't blasphemy... but for claiming to be GOD HIMSELF.