Word@Work Luke340 - Luke 22:69-71
Published: Thu, 04/21/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Luke 22:69-71 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)
Today's passage overlaps with yesterday's, because it shows two of Jesus' titles side by side. Jesus had often spoken of Himself as 'Son of Man' (78 times in the Gospels). It was a Messianic title from Daniel 7:13-14; and it also meant lowly humanity (and was God's name for the prophet Ezekiel, used 93 times).
His other title, 'Son of God' (used 22 times in the Gospels) was used cynically by Satan and demons; adoringly by disciples and gospel writers; accusingly by Jewish lawyers; and regretfully by the crucifying centurion. Although John records Jesus as describing Himself as the 'Son of the Father', it is only here that Jesus allows His full identity to be revealed. He confessed to being both fully human and fully God!
Jesus said that the Son of Man was to be exalted (Philippians 2:5-11). He was not only God's prophet, nor merely God's anointed servant; He had all the authority and power of the mighty God. So when He was asked if He was the Son of God, He agreed. The Jews understood this to mean that He was making Himself to be equal with God (John 5:18); although they accused Him of blasphemy it was true. Although they were bringing Him to court, He was sitting in judgement over them and one day would find them guilty.
What a Saviour! He is one who fully understands our humanity, and yet He was divinely sinless and able to bear the responsibility for all our wrongdoing and make us holy before God. John 20:31 says, "... these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." If He was not human He could not have died to take our punishment; if He was not God He could not have been raised to give us new life: that is why He claimed to be the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
What a Saviour! How can we respond? Worship Him, confess your sins to Him, receive forgiveness from Him, welcome Him into your heart to be your Lord, know He is interceding for you, serve Him wholeheartedly, look forward to His coming again; and tell others the good news ... so that they may believe that Jesus is both the promised One and the Son of God, and joyfully receive His new life.
Prayer: Almighty Lord. Thank You for this fresh look at my Saviour, the Son of Man and Son of God. Forgive me when I have ignored Jesus, despised Him or denied Him. Forgive me when I have not given myself fully to Jesus, failing to trust Him or disobeying Him. Help me to worship Jesus in my heart, in the church and in the way I live my life. Give me a renewed joy in Jesus, a fresh hope in Him and a love for Him which will overflow in service to others. May I be unashamed of Jesus, ready to speak of Him and prepared to suffer for Him because He has suffered for me. 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
Today's passage overlaps with yesterday's, because it shows two of Jesus' titles side by side. Jesus had often spoken of Himself as 'Son of Man' (78 times in the Gospels). It was a Messianic title from Daniel 7:13-14; and it also meant lowly humanity (and was God's name for the prophet Ezekiel, used 93 times).
His other title, 'Son of God' (used 22 times in the Gospels) was used cynically by Satan and demons; adoringly by disciples and gospel writers; accusingly by Jewish lawyers; and regretfully by the crucifying centurion. Although John records Jesus as describing Himself as the 'Son of the Father', it is only here that Jesus allows His full identity to be revealed. He confessed to being both fully human and fully God!
Jesus said that the Son of Man was to be exalted (Philippians 2:5-11). He was not only God's prophet, nor merely God's anointed servant; He had all the authority and power of the mighty God. So when He was asked if He was the Son of God, He agreed. The Jews understood this to mean that He was making Himself to be equal with God (John 5:18); although they accused Him of blasphemy it was true. Although they were bringing Him to court, He was sitting in judgement over them and one day would find them guilty.
What a Saviour! He is one who fully understands our humanity, and yet He was divinely sinless and able to bear the responsibility for all our wrongdoing and make us holy before God. John 20:31 says, "... these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." If He was not human He could not have died to take our punishment; if He was not God He could not have been raised to give us new life: that is why He claimed to be the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
What a Saviour! How can we respond? Worship Him, confess your sins to Him, receive forgiveness from Him, welcome Him into your heart to be your Lord, know He is interceding for you, serve Him wholeheartedly, look forward to His coming again; and tell others the good news ... so that they may believe that Jesus is both the promised One and the Son of God, and joyfully receive His new life.
Prayer: Almighty Lord. Thank You for this fresh look at my Saviour, the Son of Man and Son of God. Forgive me when I have ignored Jesus, despised Him or denied Him. Forgive me when I have not given myself fully to Jesus, failing to trust Him or disobeying Him. Help me to worship Jesus in my heart, in the church and in the way I live my life. Give me a renewed joy in Jesus, a fresh hope in Him and a love for Him which will overflow in service to others. May I be unashamed of Jesus, ready to speak of Him and prepared to suffer for Him because He has suffered for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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