Word@Work Luke339 - Luke 22:66-71
Published: Wed, 04/20/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
TRUTH AND FAITH
Luke 22:66-71 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us." Jesus answered, "If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am." Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips." (NIV)
Jesus was under arrest and the trial process had begun. But where was the evidence? The religious rulers were hoping Jesus would condemn Himself to death, but on what charge? (Under Roman law the death sentence could not be passed for religious offences, only those which threatened civil order or the stability of the empire.) However, the religious council could only deal with matters of the Jewish law, not Roman law.
In asking Jesus if He was the Christ (Messiah), Jesus was evasive. There was certainly enough evidence in the miracles alone, although if His religious accusers admitted that, they would be compelled to follow Him. But if He claimed to be the Messiah, then He could be accused of treason - a potential rebel freedom fighter. Instead, Jesus simply said that Father God had given Him authority over everything. To Jewish ears, that was the ultimate blasphemy. He was making Himself equal with God.
Sometimes people ask, "When did Jesus claim to be God?" This passage is a good place to start. The Old Testament Scriptures had prophesied who He was, many people believed in Him and the miracles demonstrated His Divine authority. The problem at Jesus' trial was that they had already decided that He must die, believing the lie that their best interests would be served by getting Jesus out of the way. They were not interested in truth. It is the same today. Despite studying the Bible, some theologians cannot see who Jesus is: despite miraculous answers to prayer, many people will still not submit to Him. Truth does not depend on what we think or believe: it stands true even if nobody accepts it. And refusing to agree with the truth does not alter the fact that Jesus is who He says He is! So when friends and colleagues ask about your faith in Jesus, take them to the Bible and let God's Word speak for itself and let the real Jesus be seen!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that people's opinions of You cannot alter who You are. Thank You that Jesus only spoke the truth and that the Bible's record is trustworthy. Please have mercy on all those who are resisting the authority of Jesus in their lives and help me to help them as I show them Your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Jesus was under arrest and the trial process had begun. But where was the evidence? The religious rulers were hoping Jesus would condemn Himself to death, but on what charge? (Under Roman law the death sentence could not be passed for religious offences, only those which threatened civil order or the stability of the empire.) However, the religious council could only deal with matters of the Jewish law, not Roman law.
In asking Jesus if He was the Christ (Messiah), Jesus was evasive. There was certainly enough evidence in the miracles alone, although if His religious accusers admitted that, they would be compelled to follow Him. But if He claimed to be the Messiah, then He could be accused of treason - a potential rebel freedom fighter. Instead, Jesus simply said that Father God had given Him authority over everything. To Jewish ears, that was the ultimate blasphemy. He was making Himself equal with God.
Sometimes people ask, "When did Jesus claim to be God?" This passage is a good place to start. The Old Testament Scriptures had prophesied who He was, many people believed in Him and the miracles demonstrated His Divine authority. The problem at Jesus' trial was that they had already decided that He must die, believing the lie that their best interests would be served by getting Jesus out of the way. They were not interested in truth. It is the same today. Despite studying the Bible, some theologians cannot see who Jesus is: despite miraculous answers to prayer, many people will still not submit to Him. Truth does not depend on what we think or believe: it stands true even if nobody accepts it. And refusing to agree with the truth does not alter the fact that Jesus is who He says He is! So when friends and colleagues ask about your faith in Jesus, take them to the Bible and let God's Word speak for itself and let the real Jesus be seen!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that people's opinions of You cannot alter who You are. Thank You that Jesus only spoke the truth and that the Bible's record is trustworthy. Please have mercy on all those who are resisting the authority of Jesus in their lives and help me to help them as I show them Your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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