Reflecting on Luke 22:66-71“From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of God.” (Luke 22:69)
For Jews, ‘Son of God’ meant a God-pleasing human, like Adam (Luke 3:38). And ‘Son of Man’ meant the promised messiah (see Daniel 7:13-14). This Son of Man would stand receive God’s authority, glory and power. Jesus saw Himself as Son of God (faithful Adam) and Son of Man (promised Messiah). This is what provoked the anger of the Jewish leaders, and led to His death. Jesus knows He will die, but He also knows this will only confirm His identity. “From now on” suggests from this point on, even when He suffers and dies. His suffering and death do not dethrone Him, but confirm His identity. Jesus has been crowned with all authority over all creation. Adam is back in charge, God’s creation kingdom is re-established. With Jesus, we are also reigning with God, victorious over Satan, sin and death. Even though we suffer and die, “from now on” we are victorious with Christ. This can give us confidence and strength as we face our own suffering and death. We persevere in the way of Jesus, in living, loving and leading like Him. Like Jesus, my secure position and purpose keep me going “from now on”.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, despite all that seems to say the opposite, help me stand with You. With God, I can know that I am secure, and that nothing can separate me from God’s love "from now on!"
Every time I fall into sin I say to myself that I will not do it again. A new beginning. From now on. The Bible is full of new beginnings – from now on. It is only trough Jesus I can go on serving Him – today and frommy now ons. I am weak but He is strong and lifts me up for my next from now on.