What Do You Think?
Opening Prayer
Lord, let the light of Your Word penetrate my heart. I want to hear You, trust You and obey You. You are the one I love.
Read Matthew 26:57-68
[57] Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. [58] But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. [59] The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. [60] But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward [61] and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'” [62] Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” [63] But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” [64] “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” [65] Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. [66] What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. [67] Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him [68] and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
"What do you think?" (66).Caiaphas the high priest takes charge here, and the accusations are leveled against Jesus. None of them seem to amount to much until the question is asked under oath, “Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God” (63). Jesus answers that they are right, and goes on to call himself “the Son of Man” (64). In this short section Jesus claims three titles for himself. He claims to be the Messiah who would deliver God’s people; he claims to be the Son of God–God come down to earth in human form; and he claims to be the Son of Man. This title had a very specific meaning that Jesus’ hearers would have understood. Daniel 7:13,14 describes the “son of man” as a divine being who has authority, glory and sovereign power (see also Rev. 1:13). There is no doubt here as to who Jesus is claiming to be–none less than God himself.
Apply
What do you do with Jesus’ claim? Is it evident to all who encounter you?
Closing prayer
You are the Son of God. You are God, the Son. Messiah, You are worthy. You are good.
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