March 28, 2024

Scripture: Luke 22:66-70 – “66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.”  Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”  70 They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.”

What it means

It was daybreak on Jesus’ last day on earth, and Jesus was facing the chief priests and the rest of His accusers.  And then the questions and interrogations began: “Are you the Messiah?” Basically “prove it to us.” And Jesus pretty much told them “That would be a waste of time – you’re going to believe what you want to believe.” He doesn’t deny it – and then tells them “Yeah…I am.”  It was the beginning of the end.

What it means to me

Let’s flash back to Matthew, chapter 16, where Jesus asks His disciples first of all “Who do the people say that I am?” And then more pointedly, “What about you? Who do you say that I am?” And Peter gets it right – “You are the Christ, the Son of God.”  So, different contexts obviously, but it’s a question that we all need to be willing to answer – and not just ask Jesus to “prove it.”  He’s either The Messiah, the Son of God – or He’s not.  There’s not really anything in between.  We need to be all in or all out.  During this most precious and holy of weeks, Holy Week, let’s jump up like Peter and get it right – “Jesus, you are the Christ – and you are my Lord as well.”  Amen?

Love you guys, take care, see you at Pleasant Hill tomorrow evening at 6:30 and we’ll celebrate Maundy Thursday together with our neighbors across the field.  Good Friday service will be at Peck's, also at 6:30 on Friday, and again, with our brothers and sisters from Pleasant Hill.

In Christ,

Brian